bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Excellence in Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery: Examples from the Published Literature
Authors: Snow Grace E. , Byrne Patrick , Stewart C. Matthew , Eisele David W. , Wright Scott M. , Akst Lee M.
Published: March 2021

Objective/Hypothesis

To apply the domains of clinical excellence, as published by the Miller‐Coulson Academy of Clinical Excellence, to the field of otolaryngology‐head and neck surgery (OHNS) as a framework for evaluating and improving clinical excellence.

Methods

A search of PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) databases was performed and 229 publications were reviewed.

Results

Case reports and other articles were selected that exemplify each of the distinct domains of clinical excellence within our specialty.

Conclusions

The Miller‐Coulson Academy's domains of clinical excellence are relevant to OHNS and can provide a framework for fostering clinical excellence in otolaryngologists. The many examples of excellent care by otolaryngologists found in the published literature can inspire otolaryngologists to provide outstanding care to all patients consistently and to advance our specialty.

Level of Evidence

N/A Laryngoscope, 131:E2153–E2158, 2021
A Superhydrophobic and Oleophobic Silicone Sponge with Hierarchical Structures
Authors: Cao Jinfeng , Wang Dengxu , Wang Lili , Feng Shengyu
Published: March 2021

The fabrication of amphiphobic materials requires a precise and complicated design, especially for 3D porous materials, and amphiphobic sponges have rarely been investigated. This paper describes the synthesis of a superhydrophobic and oleophobic silicone sponge (SS‐F) by simply building hierarchical structures, that is, introducing a secondary structure on the pore walls of a hydrophobic and oleophilic silicone sponge. This simple and efficient synthesis method is based on the thiol–ene click reaction. The uniform structure, composition, and hierarchical structures of SS‐F are confirmed. The results of the analyses show that the secondary microstructure improves liquid repellency, while the rough and porous surface design ensures durability. Thus, SS‐F exhibits good stability, and the amphiphobicity of the surface could withstand scalpel cutting, cyclic compression, extreme temperatures of 250 and −196 °C for 5 h, and long‐term storage in an ambient environment. Both its outer and inner surfaces show superhydrophobicity and oleophobicity, which restrict the ability of the adsorption of liquids, enabling its use in oil and water. The introduction of hierarchical structures paves a way for preparing other 3D porous materials.
Existence of global weak solutions to 3D incompressible heat‐conducting motions with large flux
Authors: Zadrzyńska Ewa , Zaja̧czkowski Wojciech M.
Published: March 2021

Global existence of weak solutions to the Navier–Stokes equations coupled with the heat equation by the external force dependent on temperature is proved. The problem is considered in a cylindrical domain under boundary slip conditions and with inflow and outflow. Moreover, the Neumann boundary condition for the temperature is assumed on the lateral surface of the cylinder, while on the remaining part of the boundary, the Dirichlet condition is supposed. We derive such an estimate that inflow and outflow need not vanish as t → ∞.
Near‐infrared responsive targeted drug delivery system that offer chemo‐photothermal therapy against bacterial infection
Authors: Patel Unnati , Rathnayake Kavini , Jani Hemang , Jayawardana Kalana W. , Dhakal Rijan , Duan Lingze , Jayawardena Surangi N.
Published: March 2021

To combat the rise of antibiotic resistant bacteria, it is essential to look upon other therapeutic solutions that do not solely depend upon conventional antibiotics. Here, we have designed a combinational therapeutic approach that kills bacteria with the conjunction of photothermal (PT) and antibiotic therapy. A near‐infrared (NIR) laser activated targeted drug delivery nano‐assembly delivers antibiotic as well as offer PT therapy (PTT). The synergistic application of both therapies increases the efficacy of treatment. The protected delivery of antibiotic and its release in the proximity of the bacteria surface reduces off‐target toxicity and reduce the efficacious dosage. Core of the nano‐assembly is composed of NIR active gold nanorods (GNRs) coated with a mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSNP), which serves as a carrier for an anti‐tuberculosis drug bedaquiline (BDQ). The assembly was wrapped within a thermo‐sensitive liposome (TSL) conjugated to mycobacteria‐targeting peptide: NZX, GNR@MSNP@BDQ@TSL@NZX. NZX mediates adhesion of final nano‐assembly on mycobacteria surface. Upon NIR laser irradiation GNRs convert photo energy of the laser to localized heat, which melts TSL triggering release of BDQ. Antibacterial activity of final nano‐assembly against Mycobacterium smegmatis (Msmeg) was 20 folds more efficacious than the free drug equivalent. The final nano‐assembly could also successfully inhibit the growth of intracellular mycobacteria residing in lung cells.
Nitrogen and oxygen co‐doped carbon microspheres with partially graphitic structures: Integrated high volumetric capacitance, mass loadings and rate capability for supercapacitors
Authors: Ge Zhongsheng , Zhang Yunqiang , Fu Danni , He Lirong , Li Mei
Published: March 2021

Synthesis of porous carbon electrodes with high volumetric capacitance and excellent rate capability, especially for a higher mass loading of 10 mg cm–2, remains a challenge and is important for wide applications of the new generation supercapacitors. We report unprecedented volumetric capacitance of 942.9 F cm–3 in 2 M H2SO4 for partially graphitized carbon microspheres co‐doped with N and O prepared by simple hydrothermal route followed by direct cobalt catalytic pyrolysis, which is comparable to the expensive metal oxide and MnO2‐based pseudo‐capacitors. The resulted carbon also shows excellent rate capability (65.4% and 52.2% capacitance retention as the current density increases from 1 to 20 A g–1 in 2 M H2SO4 and 6 M KOH, respectively) and cyclic stability with a higher mass loading of 9.84 mg cm–2 in acidic/basic electrolytes. More importantly, the high volumetric energy density (22.39 Wh L–1) of the assembled symmetrical supercapacitors in 6 M KOH makes it possible to compete with even some Ni metal hydride batteries. This work offers a way to develop advanced porous carbon materials with ultrahigh volumetric capacitance/mass loadings and fast charge rates for supercapacitors.
Recent progress and challenges of co‐based compound for aqueous Zn battery
Authors: Gao Xingyuan , Zhang Jinmiao , Yin Wei , Lu Xihong
Published: March 2021

Aqueous Zn battery turns to be a rational approach for next‐generation energy storage devices due to the high abundance, admirable theoretical capacity and excellent safety. As an emerging candidate of the ideal cathode material for Zn battery, Co‐based compounds have drawn increasing attentions because of the high output voltage, remarkable theoretical capacity and excellent redox property. In this review, a summary of recent developments of Co‐based cathodes in aqueous Zn batteries is presented, including Co3O4, Co(OH)2, NiCo2O4 and other Co‐based compounds. In addition to charge storage mechanisms, smart strategies including structural modulation, composition regulation, and defect engineering are systematically introduced, and their structure‐performance relationships are discussed in depth. Finally, limitations and proposed future work are demonstrated.
Impact of mixed precision and storage layout on additive Schwarz smoothers
Authors: Schneck Jakob , Weiser Martin , Wende Florian
Published: March 2021

The growing discrepancy between CPU computing power and memory bandwidth drives more and more numerical algorithms into a bandwidth‐bound regime. One example is the overlapping Schwarz smoother, a highly effective building block for iterative multigrid solution of elliptic equations with higher order finite elements. Two options of reducing the required memory bandwidth are sparsity exploiting storage layouts and representing matrix entries with reduced precision in floating point or fixed point format. We investigate the impact of several options on storage demand and contraction rate, both analytically in the context of subspace correction methods and numerically at an example of solid mechanics. Both perspectives agree on the favourite scheme: fixed point representation of Cholesky factors in nested dissection storage.
Metal Sulfide Nanoparticle Synthesis with Ionic Liquids – State of the Art and Future Perspectives
Authors: Balischewski Christian , Choi Hyung‐Seok , Behrens Karsten , Beqiraj Alkit , Körzdörfer Thomas , Geßner André , Wedel Armin , Taubert Andreas
Published: March 2021

Metal sulfides are among the most promising materials for a wide variety of technologically relevant applications ranging from energy to environment and beyond. Incidentally, ionic liquids (ILs) have been among the top research subjects for the same applications and also for inorganic materials synthesis. As a result, the exploitation of the peculiar properties of ILs for metal sulfide synthesis could provide attractive new avenues for the generation of new, highly specific metal sulfides for numerous applications. This article therefore describes current developments in metal sulfide nanoparticle synthesis as exemplified by a number of highlight examples. Moreover, the article demonstrates how ILs have been used in metal sulfide synthesis and discusses the benefits of using ILs over more traditional approaches. Finally, the article demonstrates some technological challenges and how ILs could be used to further advance the production and specific property engineering of metal sulfide nanomaterials, again based on a number of selected examples.
Artificial neural network for bifurcating phenomena modelled by nonlinear parametrized PDEs
Authors: Pichi Federico , Ballarin Francesco , Rozza Gianluigi , Hesthaven Jan S.
Published: March 2021

The aim of this work [1] is to show the applicability of the Reduced Basis (RB) model reduction and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) dealing with parametrized Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) in nonlinear systems undergoing bifurcations.

Bifurcation analysis, i.e., following the different bifurcating branches due to the non‐uniqueness of the solution, as well as determining the bifurcation points themselves, are complex computational tasks. Reduced Order Models (ROM) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques can potentially reduce the computational burden by several orders of magnitude.

Models describing bifurcating phenomena arising in several fields with interesting applications, from continuum to quantum mechanics passing through fluid dynamics [2–4].

Following the approach in [5], we analyzed different bifurcating test cases where both physical and geometrical parameters were considered. In particular, we studied the Navier‐Stokes equations for a viscous, steady and incompressible flow in a planar straight channel with a narrow inlet. We reconstructed the branching solutions and explored a new empirical strategy in order to employ the RB and ANN for an efficient detection of the critical points.

All the simulations were performed within the open source software FEniCS and RBniCS for the ROM, while we chose PyTorch to construct the neural network.
Complexity index in sarcoma and genomic grade index gene signatures in rhabdomyosarcoma of pediatric and adult ages
Authors: Ferrari Andrea , Iannó Maria Federica , Carenzo Andrea , Fortunato Orazio , Casanova Michela , Chiaravalli Stefano , Bergamaschi Luca , Bertulli Rossella , Cattaneo Francesca , Collini Paola , Trama Annalisa , Sozzi Gabriella , Massimino Maura , De Cecco Loris , Gasparini Patrizia
Published: March 2021

Background

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), the most frequent soft‐tissue sarcoma in childhood, shows extensive heterogeneity in histology, site and age of onset, clinical course, and prognosis. Adolescents and young adults (AYA) with RMS form a subgroup of patients whose survival lacks behind that of children while diagnosed with histologically similar tumors.

Procedures

A 67‐gene prognostic signature related to chromosome integrity, mitotic control, and genome complexity in sarcomas (CINSARC) is considered a powerful tool for identifying tumors with a highly metastatic potential. With this study, we investigated the prognostic value of CINSARC signature on a cohort of 48 pediatric (PEDs) and AYAs‐RMS.

Results

CINSARC resulted not significantly correlated with age, suggesting other determinants to be responsible for that difference in survival. It remained a significant prognostic variable in both the groups of PEDs and AYAs. Also, genomic grade index signature was tested on the same cohort and showed very similar results with CINSARC.

Conclusions

Our study showed that CINSARC correlated with outcome in RMS patients and may be potentially considered a tool to predict outcome, and so stratify RMS patients.
Effect of fiber surface treatment on the structure and properties of rigid bagasse fibers/polyurethane composite foams
Authors: Qiu Qunlei , Yang Xin , Zhang Penghao , Wang Danyu , Lu Miao , Wang Zhongqiang , Guo Gaiping , Yu Jianxiang , Tian Huafeng , Li Jian
Published: March 2021

Bagasse fibers reinforced rigid polyurethane foams were successfully prepared by one‐step method. In order to improve the interfacial bonding strength between the filler and matrix, the bagasse fiber was modified by alkali treatment before incorporation into the foams. The surface roughness of the fiber increased after treatment and chemical bonding formed between the ‐OH groups on the fibers and the excess ‐NCO groups, which improved the interfacial interactions between the filler and matrix. With the increase of fiber content, the close cell ratio decreased, however, the thermal conductivity of rigid polyurethane foams almost unchanged. The mechanical performance decreased with the increase of fiber content, but the specific strength and modulus exhibited different changing trends for the reinforcing effect of the fibers on the matrix. The dimensional stability of the foams was greatly enhanced with incorporation of bagasse fibers. When the bagasse fiber content reached 40 wt%, the dimensional stability was best, and the dimensional change rates in the three directions of length, width, and height were less than 1%. These composite foams with improved performance were in line with the current trend of green environmental protection and would possess wide applications in sound/heat insulation, industrial manufacturing, packaging industry, and hence forth.
Antibacterial efficacy of poly (vinyl alcohol) nanocomposites reinforced with graphene oxide and silver nanoparticles for packaging applications
Authors: Gautam Sanjeev , Sharma Shreya , Sharma Bhasha , Jain Purnima
Published: March 2021

Antibiotic resistance is a major threat to public health and food security. Attributable to the heightening occurrence and proliferation of antibiotic‐resistant pathogenic microorganisms, the development of antimicrobial packaging has emerged as a promising technology. Poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA), a water‐soluble synthetic polymer is contemplated as a promising biocompatible, biodegradable, and low cytotoxic material for various medical, industrial, and commercial applications. To stretch its applications, the polymer material was doped with graphene oxide (GO) decorated with silver nanoparticles (Ag). In this study, an eco‐friendly, facile, one‐step chemical reduction route was employed for the synthesis of nanocomposites by an Ag nanoparticle anchored on GO nanoparticle. The polymer nanocomposite thin film was prepared by solution casting technique. Homogeneity of dispersion and surface morphology was examined by scanning electron microscope investigation. The inclusion of GO‐Ag nanocomposite in the polymer matrix increases the roughness of the film confirmed by atomic force microscopy analysis. The increment in properties was attributable to excellent H bonding between PVA and GO wherein molecules are strongly intercalated with each other. The tensile strength, as well as thermal stability of the PVA/GO/Ag thin films, was significantly enhanced on the incorporation of GO/Ag nanoparticles confirmed by TGA analysis. PVA/GO/Ag nanocomposites exhibited effective antibacterial activity against gram‐positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and gram‐negative bacteria Escherichia coli. In contrast, no inhibition around pristine PVA was observed. The prepared films proffered an effective antibacterial activity against contagious microorganisms that qualify them for food packaging and different biomedical applications.
Stepwise optimizing photovoltaic performance of dye‐sensitized cells made under 50‐lux dim light
Authors: Lu Man Ning , Su Tzu‐Sen , Pylnev Mikhail , Long Yean‐San , Wu Teng‐Chun , Tsai Min‐An , Wei Tzu‐Chien
Published: March 2021

Dye‐sensitized cells (DSCs) are promising photovoltaic technology that converts photon energy to electric energy efficiently in direct sunlight and ambient indoor light. While most papers address this triumph by utilizing novel materials such as new sensitizers, new redox couples, or new architecture, herein, we report a different approach, which progressively improves a dim light‐illuminated DSC's performance based on commercially mature materials. Specifically, the thickness of the mesoscopic TiO2 film, the preferred facet of TiO2 nanoparticles, the quality of compact layer, and iodine/iodide concentration are stepwisely optimized based on the consideration of dim light condition. Finally, the conversion efficiency of a DSC under extreme dim of 50‐lux fluorescent light is improved from 2.43% to 14.86%, accordingly.
Structural and stochastic transitions of poverty using household panel data in India
Authors: Dutta Swati
Published: March 2021

The paper examines whether the poverty transition or poverty persistency in India, as well as in Indian rural states, is due to state dependence or unobserved heterogeneity. Using panel data from the India Human Development Survey for 2005 and 2012, the study found that structural chronic poverty is high in Bihar, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh. Furthermore, general caste and scheduled tribe households have achieved upward mobility due to structural reasons whereas other backward class households have made a stochastic transition and come out of poverty. The bivariate Probit model suggests that there exists a state dependence of the probability of being poor; meaning that past poverty experience does matter in determining the present poverty status of a given household in India. The findings also indicate that female education is one of the important indicators for moving out of poverty. Hence, a crucial policy decision is needed for reducing poverty in a more sustainable way, which will include a targeted social safety net program along with improving the skill level of the household.
Phytochemistry, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics of a classic Chinese herbal formula Danggui Beimu Kushen Wan: A review
Authors: Li Hong , Hung Andrew , Li Mingdi , Lu Leyao , Yang Angela Wei Hong
Published: March 2021

Danggui Beimu Kushen Wan (DBKW) is a classic herbal formula for difficult urination and has been widely used for urinary‐related disorders and cancers in current clinical practice. This study aimed to comprehensively review the phytochemistry, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics of DBKW in experimental studies. We searched 21 databases to identify experimental studies of DBKW. We also searched 11 databases to identify and summarize compounds from DBKW's ingredients. A total of 423 studies of DBKW were identified and 15 studies were included. For Angelicae Sinensis Radix (ASR) and Sophorae Flavescentis Radix (SFR), 2,425 and 2,843 studies were identified, and 42 and 33 studies were included, respectively. Eight compounds were found in the whole formula, 408 compounds from ASR, and 277 compounds from SFR. DBKW may have anticancer effects (inhibiting the growth of tumors, regulating cell proliferation, inducing tumor cell apoptosis, suppressing invasion and metastasis of cancer, enhancing the therapeutic effects of chemotherapy, and relieving toxicity of chemotherapy) and have benefits on chronic prostatitis (reducing inflammation, inhibiting oxidation, regulating sex hormone, and stimulating immune system). The pharmacokinetics of the seven primary compounds from DBKW were also summarized. DBKW contains multiple compounds that may act on more than one pathway of the conditions simultaneously.
On correct expression of variance of double progressive mean statistic for monitoring Poisson observations
Authors: Abbas Zameer , Nazir Hafiz Zafar , Riaz Muhammad
Published: March 2021

Control charts play a vital role in tracing unfavorable changes in the ongoing process parameters to enhance the quality of the output. Attribute charting schemes are commonly utilized for tracing shifts in fraction nonconforming and number of nonconformities per unit in any production process. A double progressive mean charting structure for monitoring Poisson observations (PDPM) is recently proposed by Alevizakos and Koukouvinos1 for efficient monitoring of the average number of nonconformities in the production unit. Unfortunately, the variance expression used in the charting statistic of the said article needs correction. The focus of this study is to provide correct derivation and expression of the variance of the PDPM statistic.
Novel pulmonary perfusion imaging using chest digital dynamic radiography for pulmonary artery sarcoma
Authors: Yamamoto Shota , Sakamaki Fumio , Takahashi Genki , Yuji Ryotaro , Matsumoto Tomohiro , Hasebe Terumitsu
Published: March 2021

Key message

Chest digital dynamic radiography (DDR) is a novel method for evaluating pulmonary perfusion and ventilation. It could depict ventilation–perfusion mismatch in a pulmonary artery sarcoma with severe stenosis in the right pulmonary artery. This report is the first demonstration of ventilation–perfusion mismatch in a malignant neoplasm using DDR.
Abnormal anastomosis of peripheral pulmonary arteries, initially suspected to be an arteriovenous fistula, in an adult with Williams syndrome
Authors: Oyamatsu Hironori , Watanabe Kenichi , Kiriyama Ryota , Okagawa Takehiko , Niimi Seijirou
Published: March 2021

Key message

Abnormal anastomosis of peripheral pulmonary arteries is rare and resembles a pulmonary arteriovenous fistula; thus, when the inflow or outflow route cannot be clearly identified in a suspected pulmonary arteriovenous fistula, the possibility of peripheral pulmonary artery anastomosis should be considered. However, the final diagnosis requires a catheterization study.
Crystalline Multi‐Metallic Compounds as Host Materials in Cathode for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Jiang Yi‐Cheng , Arshad Hafiz Muhammad Umair , Li Hao‐Jie , Liu Sheng , Li Guo‐Ran , Gao Xue‐Ping
Published: March 2021

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) battery is one of the most promising next‐generation rechargeable batteries. Lots of fundamental research has been done for the problems during cycling like capacity fading and columbic efficiency reducing owing to severe diffusion and migration of polysulfide intermediates. In the early stage, a wide variety of carbon materials are used as host materials for sulfur to enhance electrical conductivity and adsorb soluble polysulfides. Beyond carbon materials, metal based polar compounds are introduced as host materials for sulfur because of their strong catalytic activity and adsorption ability to suppress the shuttle effect. In addition, relatively high density of metal compounds is helpful for increasing volumetric energy density of Li–S batteries. This review focuses on crystalline multi‐metal compounds as host materials in sulfur cathodes. The multi‐metal compounds involve not only transition metal composite oxides with specific crystalline structures, binary metal chalcogenides, double or complex salts, but also the metal compounds doped or partially substituted by other metal ions. Generally, for the multi‐metal compounds, microstructure and morphologies in micro–nano scale are very significant for mass transfer in electrodes; moreover, adsorption and catalytic ability for polysulfides make fast kinetics in the electrode processes.
Pathway‐Dependent Co‐Assembly of Elastin‐Like Polypeptides
Authors: Pille Jan , Aloi Antonio , Le Duc H. T. , Vialshin Ilia , van de Laar Nathalie , Kevenaar Kirsten , Merkx Maarten , Voets Ilja K. , van Hest Jan C. M.
Published: March 2021

In natural systems, temperature‐induced assembly of biomolecules can lead to the formation of distinct assembly states, created out of the same set of starting compounds, based on the heating trajectory followed. Until now it has been difficult to achieve similar behavior in synthetic polymer mixtures. Here, a novel pathway‐dependent assembly based on stimulus‐responsive polymers is shown. When a mixture of mono‐ and diblock copolymers, based on elastin‐like polypeptides, is heated with a critical heating rate co‐assembled particles are created that are monodisperse, stable, and have tunable hydrodynamic radii between 20 and 120 nm. Below this critical heating rate, the constituents separately form polymer assemblies. This process is kinetically driven and reversible in thermodynamically closed systems. Using the co‐assembly pathway, fluorescent proteins and bioluminescent enzymes are encapsulated with high efficiency. Encapsulated cargo shows unperturbed function even after delivery into cells. The pathway‐dependent co‐assembly of elastin‐like polypeptides is not only of fundamental interest from a materials science perspective, allowing the formation of multiple distinct assemblies from the same starting compounds, which can be interconverted by going back to the molecularly dissolved states. It also enables a versatile way for constructing highly effective vehicles for the cellular delivery of biomolecular cargo.
Tubular Carbon Nitride with Hierarchical Network: Localized Charge Carrier Generation and Reduced Charge Recombination for High‐Performance Photocatalysis of H2 and H2O2 Production
Authors: Yu Xue , Hu Chengwei , Hao Danni , Liu Gen , Xu Rui , Zhu Xiaodong , Yu Xi , Ma Yanqing , Ma Lei
Published: March 2021

Polymeric carbon nitride (PCN), as an appealing metal‐free and low‐cost photocatalyst for solar‐to‐fuel conversion, is still suffering from insufficient light‐harvesting efficiency and short excited state lifetime of electron–hole pairs. Herein, a 3D hierarchical network of carbon nitride tubes (NCNT) with intercrossing few‐layer tubes of uniform diameter, synthesized by a synergistic strategy of tailoring the chemical and hydrogen bond, is reported. This hollow network structure facilitates the internal light reflection, thus promoting the light‐induced electron–hole pair generation. Moreover, the few‐layer NCNT with nitrogen defects effectively decreases the undesired electron–hole recombination. These advantages are disclosed by experimental spectra and finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Impressively, the optimized NCNT exhibits almost 32 times the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution ability (8.6 mmol h−1 g−1) and 4 times (485.7 μmol h−1 g−1) the hydrogen peroxide production of those of bulk PCN, respectively. This work provides a new strategy to construct a hierarchical nanostructure of a high‐performance carbon nitride photocatalyst through enhancing the solar‐light capture and conversion.
Tribulus terrestris fruit extract inhibits autophagic flux to diminish cell proliferation and metastatic characteristics of oral cancer cells
Authors: Shu Chih‐Wen , Weng Jing‐Ru , Chang Hsueh‐Wei , Liu Pei‐Feng , Chen Jih‐Jung , Peng Chien‐Chi , Huang Jia‐Wen , Lin Wei‐Yu , Yen Ching‐Yu
Published: March 2021

Elevated autophagy is highly associated with cancer development and progression. Fruit extracts of several plants inhibit activity of autophagy‐related protease ATG4B and autophagy activity in colorectal cancer cells. However, the effects of these plant extracts in oral cancer cells remain unclear. In this study, we found that the extracted Tribulus terrestris fruit (TT‐(fr)) and Xanthium strumarium fruit had inhibitory effects on autophagy inhibition in both SAS and TW2.6 oral cancer cells. Moreover, the fruit extracts had differential effects on cell proliferation of oral cancer cells. In addition, the fruit extracts hampered cell migration and invasion of oral cancer cells, particularly in TT‐(fr) extracts. Our results indicated that TT‐(fr) extracts consistently inhibited autophagic flux, cell growth and metastatic characteristics of oral cancer cells, suggesting TT‐(fr) might contain function ingredient to suppress oral cancer cells.
Consider added value of a comprehensive learner record
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: March 2021

Maintaining students’ academic records is one of the most important roles of the registrar. But sometimes the traditional transcript doesn't give students the tools to articulate what they have learned. And employers can't always determine applicant's skills from looking at the record of courses students have taken.
Keep reaching out to remote learners
Authors: Enos Gary A.
Published: March 2021

At a university where distance learning dominates and in‐person consultation is not the norm, a proactive and coordinated approach to student services becomes essential. As Registrar at Aspen University, Katie Brown has prioritized an effort to offer students a holistic picture of the support services the school has to offer.
At Ground Zero—Emergency Units in Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries Building Resilience for Climate Change and Human Health
Authors: Rublee Caitlin , Bills Corey , Sorensen Cecilia , Lemery Jay , Calvello Hynes Emilie
Published: March 2021

Climate change is harming human health with disproportionate impacts on vulnerable populations. As extreme weather events are projected to increase, acute care services—the primary access point for patients during a disaster—will be increasingly stressed. The authors seek to assess current efforts to build resilience against climate‐related events in emergency units in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). A systematic review was done using Ovid Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and Global Health (CABI), combining LMICs, climate change, emergency care, and resilience terms. LMIC emergency units serve as a ground zero during times of disaster, yet countries have a myriad of emergency care systems, with varied stages of development and a limited capacity for surges in demand. There was little evidence and a paucity of standardization methods for building healthcare facility/system resilience. This study provides policy recommendations for strengthening LMIC emergency care systems to protect lives and advance health equity.
A Fluorescent Probe of Nitrite Based on Eu3+ Functionalized Metal‐Organic Frameworks
Authors: Li Yanping , Zhao Yajun , Zhang Wei , Shao Kai , Zhou Huizhong
Published: March 2021

NO2− sensing is closely associated with human health, and we adopted lanthanide Eu3+ post‐modified MOF as NO2− fluorescent probes. Typical stable MOF with uncoordinated carboxylic groups in the framework were chosen to encapsulate Eu3+. NO2− could generate an obvious quenching response to the fluorescence intensity. This Eu3+ functionalized MOF exhibited excellent fluorescence performances and obvious quenching response to NO2− based on the energy transfer between Eu3+ and NO2−. This MOF based NO2− fluorescent probe showed a highly splendid detection selectivity and sensitivity with a very low detection limit of 0.69 μM, which was significantly below the maximal level limits of NO2− in drinking water set by the WHO.
Practicability and Diagnostic Yield of One-Stop Stroke CT with Delayed-Phase Cardiac CT in Detecting Major Cardioembolic Sources of Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Austein Friederike , Eden Matthias , Engel Jakob , Lebenatus Annett , Larsen Naomi , Both Marcus , Piesch Tim-Christian , Salehi Ravesh Mona , Meyne Johannes , Jansen Olav , Langguth Patrick
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Recurrent stroke is considered to increase the incidence of severe disability and death. For correct risk assessment and patient management it is essential to identify the origin of stroke at an early stage. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is the initial standard of care for evaluating patients in whom a cardioembolic source of stroke (CES) is suspected but its diagnostic capability is limited. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is considered as gold standard; however, this approach is time consuming, semi-invasive and not always feasible. We hypothesized that adding a delayed-phase cardiac computed tomography (cCT) to initial multimodal CT might represent a valid alternative to routine clinical echocardiographic work-up.

Material and Methods

Patients with suspected acute cardioembolic stroke verified by initial multimodal CT and subsequently examined with cCT were included. The cCT was evaluated for presence of major CES and compared to routine clinical echocardiographic work-up.

Results

In all, 102 patients with suspected acute CES underwent cCT. Among them 60 patients underwent routine work-up with echocardiography (50 TTE and only 10 TEE). By cCT 10/60 (16.7%) major CES were detected but only 4 (6.7%) were identified by echocardiography. All CES observed by echocardiography were also detected by cCT. In 8 of 36 patients in whom echocardiography was not performed cCT also revealed a major CES.

Conclusion

These preliminary results show the potential diagnostic yield of delayed-phase cCT to detect major CES and therefore could accelerate decision-making to prevent recurrence stroke. To confirm these results larger studies with TEE as the reference standard and also compared to TTE would be necessary.
Vergiftungsanfragen aus Berlin und Brandenburg 1999–2018: Ein Stadt-Land-Vergleich
Authors: Thal Franziska , Reinhold Thomas
Published: March 2021

Hintergrund und Ziel

Der Berliner Giftnotruf ist seit 1963 die zentrale Anlaufstelle beim Thema „Vergiftungen“ für die Berliner und Brandenburger Bevölkerung. Ferner nimmt die Einrichtung eine wichtige Funktion im Bereich der Vergiftungsprävention wahr. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, die Entwicklung des Beratungsaufkommens und der Inhalte von 1999 bis 2018 zu beschreiben. Unterschiede bei städtischer und ländlicher Herkunft der Anrufenden sowie bei privatem oder beruflichem Hintergrund der Anfragen werden betrachtet. Die Ergebnisse sollen der Verbesserung der Präventionsarbeit dienen.

Methoden

Die Falldaten des Giftnotrufs (1999–2018) wurden aufbereitet und einer explorativen Datenanalyse unterzogen. Über Verfahren der deskriptiven Statistik wurden die Daten ausgewertet und analysiert. Zusammenhänge zwischen der „Herkunft des Anrufs“ (Stadt oder Land), dem „Hintergrund“ (privat oder beruflich) und der jeweiligen „Noxenkategorie“ wurden mittels Pearsons Chi-Quadrat-Test analysiert.

Ergebnisse

Das jährliche Beratungsvolumen stieg tendenziell an. Insbesondere Anfragen zu Expositionen von Erwachsenen und Senioren nahmen zu. Häufigste Themen waren Vergiftungen mit Medikamenten und Publikumsmitteln. Anfragen zu illegalen Drogen nahmen am stärksten zu (durchschnittliche jährliche Wachstumsrate 6,3 %). Anfragenden Privatpersonen kann in den meisten Fällen direkt geholfen werden (86,8 %), sodass nur selten eine medizinische Behandlung empfohlen wird. Privatpersonen rufen häufiger aus der Stadt an, auf dem Land überwiegen Anrufe von medizinischem Personal. Im ländlichen Raum wurden Anfragen zu Schädlingsbekämpfungsmitteln, Pilzen, Tieren und Pflanzen häufiger gestellt. Anrufe zu Lebensmitteln, Fremdkörpern, Genussmitteln oder illegalen Drogen gingen hingegen vermehrt aus dem städtischen Raum ein.
Spectrum of Fontan-associated liver disease assessed by MRI and US in young adolescents
Authors: Thrane Karl Julius , Müller Lil Sofie Ording , Suther Kathrine Rydén , Thomassen Kristian Stien , Holmström Henrik , Thaulow Erik , Almaas Runar , Möller Thomas , de Lange Charlotte
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Patients with Fontan circulation are at risk of developing hepatic fibrosis/cirrhosis. The mechanisms and disease development are unclear and early secondary liver cancer is a concern. This study will describe hepatic imaging findings in a national cohort of adolescents with Fontan circulation.

Methods

The patients prospectively underwent abdominal contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including diffusion-weighted imaging. Images were assessed for criteria of fibrosis/cirrhosis including characterization of hepatic nodules. These nodules were in addition, assessed by ultrasonography (US). Nodules ≥ 1 cm were investigated and monitored to evaluate malignant transformation. Clinical and hepatic serological data were recorded.

Results

Forty-six patients, median age of 16.5 years (15.4–17.9 years) were enrolled. All patients underwent US examination and MRI was performed in 35/46 patients. On MRI, 60% had hepatomegaly and 37% had signs of fibrosis/cirrhosis. Seven patients had together 13 nodules ≥ 1 cm in diameter. Only 4/13 (17%) where seen on US. Nodules had variable MRI signal characteristics including hepatobiliary contrast enhancement and two nodules revealed portal venous phase ‘wash-out’ on the first examination. No further imaging signs of malignancy were revealed during the follow-up period of median 24.4 (7–42) months.

Conclusion

The majority of adolescents with Fontan circulation had imaging findings of fibrosis/cirrhosis of varying severity. US had low detection rate of hepatic nodules compared to MRI. The imaging work-up before transition to adult cardiology care did not reveal findings suggestive of malignancy. However, the high prevalence of Fontan-associated liver disease calls for surveillance strategies even in childhood.
Correction to: Incorporating radiomics into clinical trials: expert consensus endorsed by the European Society of Radiology on considerations for data-driven compared to biologically driven quantitative biomarkers
Authors: Fournier Laure , Costaridou Lena , Bidaut Luc , Michoux Nicolas , Lecouvet Frederic E. , de Geus-Oei Lioe-Fee , Boellaard Ronald , Oprea-Lager Daniela E. , Obuchowski Nancy A , Caroli Anna , Kunz Wolfgang G. , Oei Edwin H. , O’Connor James P. B. , Mayerhoefer Marius E. , Franca Manuela , Alberich-Bayarri Angel , Deroose Christophe M. , Loewe Christian , Manniesing Rashindra , Caramella Caroline , Lopci Egesta , Lassau Nathalie , Persson Anders , Achten Rik , Rosendahl Karen , Clement Olivier , Kotter Elmar , Golay Xavier , Smits Marion , Dewey Marc , Sullivan Daniel C. , van der Lugt Aad , deSouza Nandita M. ,   European Society of Radiology
Published: March 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: 10.1007/s00330-021-07721-3
Mechanical Analysis and Strength Checking of Current Collector Failure in the Winding Process of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Tao Ran , Liang Zhibo , Zhu Shengxin , Yang Le , Ma Lianhua , Song Wei-li , Chen Haosen
Published: March 2021

The current collector fracture failure of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) occurs during its winding production process frequently, and the consequent damages are usually large, but little research has been conducted on this phenomenon. This work stems from the difficulty and obstacles in the winding process of actual production of LIBs. The fracture failure of the current collectors is easily caused by the evolution and mutation of the mechanical behavior during the winding process, resulting in safety hazards and poor efficiency. The purpose of this work is to reveal the evolution and distribution mechanism of circumferential strain of the current collectors on the fracture failure under the constraint of winding process. Experimental tests, finite element calculations and theoretical model are used to study the evolution and distribution of circumferential strain. The dynamic evolution process of circumferential strain is tested accurately, and the mechanism of fracture failure of current collectors is revealed. The criterion for current collector strength is proposed based on the results of strain analysis and SEM observation.
Anarchy’s Neighborhoods: the Formation of a Quadriplex Urban Ecology
Authors: Katz Jack
Published: March 2021

In each of four nearby city areas, residents orient to local centers of collective activity in different geographic patterns. In a “perimeter” neighborhood, residents and outsiders are drawn to religious and retail organizations located on streets that form a rectangle. In an “intersection” neighborhood, residents are most visible to each other at an agglomeration of stores and services located where two high traffic streets cross. Residents of an “in-between” area travel to socio-economically and culturally different neighborhoods centered in all directions elsewhere. In a “contested” geography, rival organizations disagree over who, living where, for what purposes, has the right to define the neighborhood’s boundaries and social identity. These different social ecologies took shape without coordination yet became an interdependent, quadriplex set. After 1965, a series of retreats in government control of local social life created unprecedented opportunities for intermediaries who reshaped the social landscape with new businesses, cultural institutions, and interpretations of neighborhood identity. This case study revives the “collective action” explanations of the “Chicago School” by showing how urban social ecology was transformed in the late twentieth century as people of different generations and in different geographic areas interacted indirectly, creating durable neighborhood patterns without centralized, top-down leadership from business or government, in response to locally recognized affordances of anarchy.
Divine Gütigkeit, Divine Güte: Kant on an Ancient Query
Authors: Kravitz Amit
Published: March 2021

In his essay on theodicy, Kant explicitly claims that while the disproportion between crime and punishment poses a theodicean challenge concerning God’s justice, the suffering of the righteous is compatible with God’s justice [Gerechtigkeit], goodness [Gütigkeit], and holiness [Heiligkeit]. In light of this, Kant’s reason for addressing the book of Job in this context is puzzling. However, the location of Job’s story in the text reveals that Job’s suffering is rendered relevant only concerning the relation between two of God’s moral attributes: goodness as subordinated to holiness, i.e., God’s benevolence [Güte]. Implications concern the difference between ‘authentic’ and ‘doctrinal’ theodicy.
Emergency evacuation simulation of commercial aircraft
Authors: Gobbin Andreas , Khosravi Raman , Bardenhagen Andreas
Published: March 2021

In order to receive certification approval for new products, aircraft manufacturers have to comply with the specifications regarding cabin evacuation. In case of real evacuation trials, agent-based simulation can be deployed, as they are a less cost-intensive mean of analysing passenger behaviour during the evacuation of commercial aircraft. This paper aims at examining the suitability of agent-based simulation software to reproduce passenger behaviour during evacuation processes. For this purpose, the algorithms and methods of the software PATHFINDER are introduced. Besides, the cabin of a single aisle aircraft is reconstructed in a high-density configuration using software-specific tools. A representative passenger distribution is implemented according to EASA regulations. Evacuation simulations for a single-aisle aircraft are conducted taking EASA standards into account. The effect of vital parameters such as walking speed, body dimension, conflict behaviour, collision response, acceleration time and exit allocation on evacuation times are examined. Results are discussed and examined for plausibility in order to determine whether evacuation simulations of commercial aircraft are possible using agent-based simulation software.
Facial expression recognition on a quantum computer
Authors: Mengoni Riccardo , Incudini Massimiliano , Di Pierro Alessandra
Published: March 2021

We address the problem of facial expression recognition and show a possible solution using a quantum machine learning approach. In order to define an efficient classifier for a given dataset, our approach substantially exploits quantum interference. By representing face expressions via graphs, we define a classifier as a quantum circuit that manipulates the graphs adjacency matrices encoded into the amplitudes of some appropriately defined quantum states. We discuss the accuracy of the quantum classifier evaluated on the quantum simulator available on the IBM Quantum Experience cloud platform, and compare it with the accuracy of one of the best classical classifier.
Quantum Divide and Compute: Exploring the Effect of Different Noise Sources
Authors: Ayral Thomas , Régent François-Marie Le , Saleem Zain , Alexeev Yuri , Suchara Martin
Published: March 2021

Our recent work (Ayral et al. in Proceedings of IEEE computer society annual symposium on VLSI, ISVLSI, pp 138–140, 2020. 10.1109/ISVLSI49217.2020.00034) showed the first implementation of the Quantum Divide and Compute (QDC) method, which allows to break quantum circuits into smaller fragments with fewer qubits and shallower depth. This accommodates the limited number of qubits and short coherence times of quantum processors. This article investigates the impact of different noise sources—readout error, gate error and decoherence—on the success probability of the QDC procedure. We perform detailed noise modeling on the Atos Quantum Learning Machine, allowing us to understand tradeoffs and formulate recommendations about which hardware noise sources should be preferentially optimized. We also describe in detail the noise models we used to reproduce experimental runs on IBM’s Johannesburg processor. This article also includes a detailed derivation of the equations used in the QDC procedure to compute the output distribution of the original quantum circuit from the output distribution of its fragments. Finally, we analyze the computational complexity of the QDC method for the circuit under study via tensor-network considerations, and elaborate on the relation the QDC method with tensor-network simulation methods.