bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular prevalence, genetic characterization and patterns ofToxoplasma gondiiinfection in domestic small mammals from Cotonou, Benin
Authors: Etougbétché Jonas R. , Hamidović Azra , Dossou Henri-Joël , Coan-Grosso Maeva , Roques Roxane , Plault Nicolas , Houéménou Gualbert , Badou Sylvestre , Missihoun Antoine A. , Abdou Karim Issaka Youssao , Galal Lokman , Diagne Christophe , Dardé Marie-Laure , Dobigny Gauthier , Mercier Aurélien
Published: December 2022

Toxoplasmosis, one of the most prevalent parasitic infections in humans and animals, is caused by the intracellular protozoan parasiteToxoplasma gondii. Small mammals play a key role as intermediate reservoir hosts in the maintenance of theT. gondiilife cycle. In this study, we estimated the molecular prevalence and provide genetic diversity data forT. gondiiin 632 small mammals sampled in four areas of Cotonou city, Benin. Both the brain and heart of each individual were screened throughT. gondii-targeting qPCR, and positive samples were then genotyped using a set of 15T. gondii-specific microsatellites. Prevalence data were statistically analyzed in order to assess the relative impact of individual host characteristics, spatial distribution, composition of small mammal community, and urban landscape features. An overallT. gondiimolecular prevalence of 15.2% was found and seven genotypes, all belonging to theAfrica 1lineage, could be retrieved from the invasive black ratRattus rattusand the native African giant shrewCrocidura olivieri. Statistical analyses did not suggest any significant influence of the environmental parameters used in this study. Rather, depending on the local context,T. gondiiprevalence appeared to be associated either with black rat, shrew, or mouse abundance or with the trapping period. Overall, our results highlight the intricate relationships between biotic and abiotic factors involved inT. gondiiepidemiology and suggest thatR. rattusandC. olivieriare two competent reservoirs for theAfrica 1lineage, a widespread lineage in tropical Africa and the predominant lineage in Benin.
Acetabular revision using trabecular titanium (Delta TT) revision cups: A retrospective case series
Authors: El Ghazawy Ahmed K. , Bassiony Ayman Abdelaziz , Abdelazim Haytham , Gameel Saleh
Published: December 2022

Background: The annual rate of primary THA has been increasing with new designs promoting THA in the younger population, therefore increasing rates and complexity of hip revision surgeries. Different types of acetabular defects in hip revisions, usually make the use of primary cementless cups quite difficult. In complex defects, using cages with cemented cups or combining cementless cups with metal augments, are possible reconstruction solutions. The Delta TT acetabular revision system provides a solution to complex defects combining the advantages of both cage construct and primary implants, with modularity that helps restore anatomical hip centre and biomechanics. The aim of this study is to evaluate the short-term results of the use of the Delta TT revision system in acetabular revision surgeries. Type of the study: A retrospective case series. Methods: 24 patients underwent acetabular revision using (Delta TT) revision system, from 2018 to 2021. The mean follow-up was 20.75 months. Clinical and functional outcomes were assessed using Harris Hip Score. Results: The use of the Delta TT revision system in acetabular revision surgery provided adequate pain relief, and early patient mobilization. The preoperative HHS mean of 29.88 improved to a mean of 85.21, at the last, follow-up. None of the patients developed periprosthetic infection or loosening or nerve palsy during the follow-up period. Conclusion: Short-term clinical outcomes for the use of the Delta TT revision cup system in acetabular revision are encouraging with good functional outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Speicheldrüsenkarzinome – Monozentrische Erfahrung zu Subtypen und deren Inzidenz über 42 Jahre
Authors: Krauss Christian , Wagner Steffen , Klußmann Jens-Peter , Pons-Kühnemann Jörn , Arens Christoph , Langer Christine , Wittekindt Claus
Published: December 2022

Hintergrund Speicheldrüsenkarzinome sind selten und heterogen. Über 20 Subtypen sind anerkannt und Risikofaktoren sind vielfältig. Ziel dieser Arbeit war die Bewertung des Subtyps und weiterer Risikofaktoren bei einem monozentrischen Kollektiv aus über vier Jahrzehnten.

Material und Methoden 205 Fälle (Diagnosezeitraum 1972–2014) wurden retrospektiv erhoben und hinsichtlich der Verteilung von Risikofaktoren und deren Einfluss auf die Gesamtüberlebenszeit (overall survival, OS) statistisch ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse 19/24 (79,2%) der in der WHO-Klassifikation gelisteten Subtypen kamen in der Kohorte selten vor (< 5%). Davon wurden 10/24 (41,7%) Subtypen nie diagnostiziert. Das Plattenepithelkarzinom (PEC), Adenokarzinom (AdenoCa), Azinuszellkarzinom (AzinusCa), Mukoepidermoidkarzinom (MEC) und adenoidzystische Karzinom (ACC) sind mit zusammen 145/205 (70,7%) die mit Abstand häufigsten Subtypen. Risikofaktoren sind in diesen Gruppen signifikant unterschiedlich vertreten (z.B. lymphogene Metastasierung und Differenzierungsgrad beim AdenoCa und Alter, T- und UICC-Stadium beim PEC). Das 5-Jahres Gesamtüberleben aller Patienten war 66,9% und unterscheidet sich signifikant innerhalb der häufigsten Subtypen. Ein unabhängiger Einfluss auf das Gesamtüberleben war in der multivariaten Analyse feststellbar für das Alter der Patienten (p<0,001), sowie das T- (p=0,003) und N-Stadium (p=0,046).

Schlussfolgerungen Die meisten Subtypen traten auch innerhalb von Jahrzehnten ausgesprochen selten oder gar nicht auf. Die häufigsten Diagnosen unterscheiden sich bezüglich der Risikofaktoren als auch hinsichtlich des OS, so dass 3 Risikogruppen gebildet werden können. Schlussfolgernd ist die Betrachtung von TNM alleine für die Prognoseabschätzung beim Speicheldrüsenkarzinom unzureichend.
Ascending Aortic Aneurysms <4.5 cm for Nonsyndromic Adults: Very Slow Growth and Low Risk
Authors: Hiratzka Loren F. , Hanlon Tiffany , Vorpe Katherine
Published: December 2022

Background Current practice guidelines for patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) recommend 6 to 12-month intervals for surveillance imaging based on growth estimates of 0.10 to 0.42 cm/y gleaned from limited studies which included patients with thoracoabdominal aneurysms, known acute or chronic aortic dissection, and other syndromic and nonsyndromic high-risk conditions (TAA-HRC) associated with high-risk for adverse aortic events and death. Our objective was to determine TAA growth and event-free survival rates for patients with aortic root or midascending diameters <5.0 cm, and without thoracoabdominal aneurysms, acute or chronic aortic dissection or higher risk syndromic or nonsyndromic conditions (TAA-NoHRC).

Methods A retrospective review of patient records and imaging studies were done. Aortic diameter measurements were all performed by the lead author.

Results For 197 TAA-NoHRC found incidentally during chest imaging, with 616 chest imaging studies over 868 patient-years, the mean aortic root and midascending aortic growth rates were 0.018 and 0.022 cm/y, respectively. The growth rate was significantly lower for aneurysms initially measured at <4.5 cm versus ≥ 4.5 cm at both the aortic root (0.011 vs. 0.068 cm/y) and midascending aorta (0.013 vs. 0.043 cm/y). Survival free from adverse aortic events (dissection, rupture, and surgery) or death at 5 years was 99.5%.

Conclusion Adult TAA-NoHRC patients with initial aortic root and/or ascending aortic diameters <5.0 cm, and particularly <4.5 cm, have very low aortic growth, and adverse event rates which may permit longer intervals between surveillance imaging, up to 3 to 5 years, after initial (6–12 months) stability is documented.
Indication of Pd–C or Cu–C Intermediates in Bimetallic Nanoclusters During Pd/Au-PVP- or Cu/Au-PVP-Catalyzed Oxidations of endo-4-Oxatricyclo[5.2.1.02,6]-8-decene and Tetrahydro-γ-carbolines
Authors: Hua Duy H. , Morita Shunya , Ren Zhaoyang , Gorla Lingaraju , Tong Zongbo , Edouarzin Edruce , Averkiev Boris , Day Victor W.
Published: December 2022

Catalytic oxidation of tricyclic endo-norbornene-fused tetrahydrofuran with the bimetallic nanocluster Cu/Au-PVP in the presence of H2O2 or t-BuOOH as the oxidant leads to C–H bond oxidation adjacent to the ether function to give 4-oxa-tricyclo[5.2.1.0]-8,9-exo-epoxydecane, however, oxidation with Pd/Au-PVP takes place at the C=C double bond to give the same epoxide and the oxidative three-bond forming dimeric product, dodecahydro-1,4:6,9-dimethanodibenzofurano[2,3-b:7,8-b′]bisoxolane. Formation of the latter product suggests the involvement of a reactive Pd–C intermediate. Similarly, oxidative C–C bond-forming reactions are observed in cycloaddition reactions of N2-Boc-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-γ-carbolines and 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid with Cu/Au-PVP (2–5 mol%) and H2O2 at 25 °C, providing two-bond-forming [4+2] cycloadducts. Under similar reaction conditions, Pd/Au-PVP did not produce the corresponding cycloadduct, indicating a need for complexation between Cu and the carboxylic acid group of 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid and the allylic amine function of the γ-carbolines during the cyclization reaction. The reported intermolecular coupling reactions using Pd/Au-PVP or Cu/Au-PVP nanocluster catalysts under oxidative conditions at 25 °C are unprecedented.
Rh(III)-Catalyzed Stereoselective C–H Homoallylation of Indolines with 4-Vinyl-1,3-dioxan-2-ones
Authors: Wan Jie-Ping , Sun Meng , Zhang Zhou , Yi Jun-Jie , Aslam Muhammad
Published: December 2022

An efficient and robust Rh(III)-catalyzed C–H homoallylation of indolines has been developed. Using 4-vinyl-1,3-dioxan-2-one as coupling partner, a range of homoallylic alcohols were prepared in excellent stereoselectivities. The current strategy features high efficiency, good yields, and exceptional functional group tolerance.
Stakeholders’ Consensus to Guide the Minimum Impairment Criteria in Wheelchair Basketball
Authors: Hutchinson Michael , Mason Barry , Goosey-Tolfrey Victoria
Published: December 2022

The International Paralympic Committee athlete classification code mandates sports to have defined minimum impairment criteria, describing the minimum level of an eligible impairment an athlete must possess, to be able to participate in that sport. The aim of this study was to establish stakeholders’ consensus for the minimum impairment criteria in wheelchair basketball. From a pool of 48 expert stakeholders (identified via an international medical and scientific working group), 39 completed a 4-round Delphi survey. Questions were answered on the method of assessing each eligible impairment, and the level of impairment that should constitute the minimum impairment criteria. This study indicated where stakeholder consensus existed and noted that consensus was developed for impaired muscle power, impaired passive range of motion, leg length difference, hypertonia and ataxia. No consensus was found for limb deficiency and athetosis. Participants raised concerns with using subjective measurement scales for assessing certain impairments, whilst also calling for more quantitative research to be conducted into the level of impairment that should constitute the minimum impairment criteria. For these research findings to form practical minimum impairment criteria that are part of a wheelchair basketball classification system, it is required to examine their feasibility by conducting further research.
Retroperitoneal Compared to Transperitoneal Approach for Open Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair Is Associated with Reduced Systemic Inflammation and Postoperative Morbidity
Authors: Bailey Damian M. , Rose George A. , O'Donovan Daniel , Locker Dafydd , Appadurai Ian R. , Davies Richard G. , Whiston Richard J. , Bashir Mohamad , Lewis Michael H. , Williams Ian M.
Published: December 2022

Background In the United Kingdom, the most common surgical approach for repair of open abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) is transperitoneal (TP). However, retroperitoneal (RP) approach is favored in those with more complex vascular anatomy often requiring a cross-clamp on the aorta superior to the renal arteries. This study compared these approaches in patients matched on all major demographic, comorbid, anatomic, and physiological variables.

Methods Fifty-seven patients (TP: n = 24; RP: n = 33) unsuitable for endovascular aneurysm repair underwent preoperative cardiopulmonary exercise testing prior to open AAA repair. The surgical approach undertaken was dictated by individual surgeon preference. Postoperative mortality, complications, and length of hospital stay (LoS) were recorded. Patients were further stratified according to infrarenal (IR) or suprarenal/supraceliac (SR/SC) surgical clamping. Systemic inflammation (C-reactive protein) and renal function (serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate) were recorded.

Results Twenty-three (96%) of TP patients only required an IR clamp compared with 12 (36%) in the RP group. Postoperative systemic inflammation was lower in RP patients (p = 0.002 vs. TP) and fewer reported pulmonary/gastrointestinal complications whereas renal impairment was more marked in those receiving SR/SC clamps (p < 0.001 vs. IR clamp). RP patients were defined by lower LoS (p = 0.001), while mid-/long-term mortality was low/comparable with TP, resulting in considerable cost savings.

Conclusion Despite the demands of more complicated vascular anatomy, the clinical and economic benefits highlighted by these findings justify the more routine adoption of the RP approach for complex AAA repair.
Intraoperative Finding of Anomalous Circumflex Artery Origin in the Dissected Right Coronary Ostium
Authors: Mori Makoto , Amabile Andrea , Vallabhajosyula Prashanth
Published: December 2022

Anomalous origin of the left circumflex artery is a rare anatomical variant that may present a unique challenge in emergent aortic surgery.
Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling of Chlorosilanes
Authors: Shu Xing-Zhong , Yang Ying-Hui , Pang Xiaobo
Published: December 2022

Chlorosilanes are the most accessible feedstock chemical in the organosilicon world. Cross-coupling involving chlorosilanes by transition metal catalysis offers a promising way for the production of organosilanes, which play essential roles in many important research areas, including agriculture, medicinal chemistry, and material science. This chemistry is firstly realized by coupling chlorosilanes with organometallic species and then extended to the silyl-Heck reaction with alkenes. Very recently, the cross-electrophile coupling of chlorosilanes has also been established. In this review, we summarize the progress of this chemistry.

1 Introduction

2 Cross-Coupling of Chlorosilanes with Organometallic Reagents

3 The Silyl-Heck Reaction of Chlorosilanes and Alkenes

4 Reductive Cross-Coupling of Chlorosilanes with Electrophiles

5 Summary and Outlook
C–C Bond Activations of Minimally Activated Cyclopropanes
Authors: Bower John F. , Sokolova Olga O. , Dalling Andrew G.
Published: December 2022

Catalytic processes involving oxidative addition of a C–C bond to a transition metal allow the atom economical assembly of complex scaffolds. The focus of this Account is on C–C bond activation-based methodologies that employ minimally activated cyclopropanes.
Autoimmune Encephalitis with Autoantibodies to NMDAR1 following Herpes Encephalitis in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Quade Annegret , Rostasy Kevin , Wickström Ronny , Aydin Ömer Faruk , Sartori Stefano , Nosadini Margherita , Knierim Ellen , Kluger Gerhard , Korinthenberg Rudolf , Stüve Burkhard , Waltz Stephan , Leiz Steffen , Häusler Martin
Published: December 2022

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 is a frequent pathogen causing infectious encephalitis (HSVE). Early treatment with intravenous acyclovir has led to a significant decrease in mortality. However, especially in children, deterioration during or after HSVE may occur without any evidence of HSV reactivation or improvement following repeated antiviral therapy. Here, we report 15 patients (age range 3 months to 15 years) who suffered from autoimmune encephalitis with autoantibodies to NMDAR1 following Herpes encephalitis, presenting with movement abnormalities (young children) or neuropsychiatric symptoms (older children) as major complaints, respectively. The diagnosis was based on positive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and/or serum anti-NMDAR-antibodies with two children showing only positive CSF antibody findings. The time lag between first symptoms and diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis was significantly longer than between first symptoms and diagnosis of HSVE (p <0.01). All patients improved during immunosuppressive treatment, during which plasmapheresis or rituximab treatments were applied in 11 patients, irrespective of their age. Despite immunotherapy, no patients relapsed with HSVE. Early diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune encephalitis after HSVE may be associated with a better outcome so that high clinical awareness and routine testing for anti-NMDAR-antibodies after HSVE seems advisable. If autoimmune encephalitis is suspected, antibody testing should also be performed on CSF if negative in serum.
Outcomes Post-Nick's Aortic Root Enlargement Technique: Single-Center Experience
Authors: Ashry Amr , Iddawela Sashini , Mishra Vaibhav , Wang William , Mohammed Heba M. , Harky Amer , Mostafa Mohammed M.
Published: December 2022

Background Different techniques for aortic root enlargement (ARE) have been reported in the literature. Each technique comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. We report our outcomes of Nick's technique for ARE.

Methods A single-center retrospective data analysis of 31 patients was performed. Patients were operated between May 2015 and November 2017 at Assuit University Heart Hospital, Assuit, Egypt.

Results The median cardiopulmonary bypass time was 125 minutes (range: 90.0–160.0 minutes), with 90 minutes of cross-clamp (range: 60.0–110.0 minutes). Altogether 59% of the patients had mixed aortic valve diseases. Median intensive care unit and total hospital stay were 2 and 5 days, respectively. Patient-prosthesis mismatch was reported in one patient only (3.25%). Two patients died within 30 days. Median pressure gradient across the aortic valve was 20 mm Hg at 3 years of follow-up.

Conclusion The benefits of Nick's technique for ARE can be demonstrated in populations with younger patients and complicated pathology. Further research is required in larger patient populations.
Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor of Foot in a Patient with Radioiodine-Refractory Thyroid Cancer: Imaging Findings on FDG-PET/CT, MRI, and Radioiodine Scan
Authors: Loharkar Sarvesh , Basu Sandip
Published: December 2022

We herein illustrate a case of benign tenosynovial giant cell tumor, which was incidentally detected as FDG-avid lesion on PET/CT in a patient with radioiodine refractory thyroid cancer, with predominantly non-iodine concentrating disease. The lesion was followed up clinically and with local MRI annually for subsequent 3 years. The utility of hybrid PET-CT imaging, the non-iodine concentration of the tumor along with clinical knowledge, and findings on other imaging and pathological modalities in answering and diagnosing incidental benign musculoskeletal tumors in a patient with known thyroid malignancy are presented here.
Effect of COVID-19 on Serum Activity of Liver Enzymes: Is This Associated with Severity and Mortality Rate?
Authors: Alavian Seyed Ehsan , Mofidi Mohammad , Shahabipour Fahimeh
Published: December 2022

Introduction Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral infection caused by a novel coronavirus known as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease raises an enormous public health challenge for the international community. Liver enzymes have been reported to be frequently elevated in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 disease.

Materials and Methods This article is a narrative review of abnormal liver tests and liver injury as a manifestation of progression to severe pneumonia. We collected data from the PubMed database (National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, United States). We used the search term “abnormal liver test” and relevant records were measured. The review article was organized thematically.

Results This narrative review aims to summarize the available clinical data on abnormal liver enzymes in coronavirus infection and its association with the risk of mortality, severer pneumonia, and systemic inflammation. Some clinical studies refer to abnormal liver tests and liver injury as a manifestation of progression to severe pneumonia. Recent research verified the relationship between hepatic liver enzyme activities and liver damage in patients with COVID-19, which suggested that it might reflect the infection severity and the mortality risk. Thus, this review investigated the correlation between liver serum enzymes level and the severity of COVID-19 patients, by reviewing investigating the relationship between the illness severity in COVID-19 patients with abnormal liver tests, liver pathology, and markers of inflammation.

Conclusion In the current pandemic of SARS-CoV-2, abnormalities of liver enzyme tests were commonly observed in patients with COVID-19. However, because of multiorgan damages that observed in COVID-19 patients, various issues should be considered such as the pathology and pathophysiology of the liver tissue, especially on the activation process of the immune response and cytokine storm to prevent the severity of the disease.
Coupled spherical-cavities
Authors: Kreps Stanislav , Shuvayev Vladimir , Douvidzon Mark , Bathish Baheej , Abudi Tom Lenkiewicz , Ghaznavi Amirreza , Xu Jie , Lin Yang , Deych Lev , Carmon Tal
Published: December 2022

In this work, we study theoretically and experimentally optical modes of photonic molecules—clusters of optically coupled spherical resonators. Unlike previous studies, we do not use stems to hold spheres in their positions relying, instead, on optical tweezers to maintain desired structures. The modes of the coupled resonators are excited using a tapered fiber and are observed as resonances with a quality factor as high as 107. Using the fluorescent mapping technique, we observe families of coupled modes with similar spatial and spectral shapes repeating every free spectral range (a spectral separation between adjacent resonances of individual spheres). Experimental results are compared with the results of numerical simulations based on a multi-sphere Mie theory. This work opens the door for developing large arrays of coupled high-Q spherical resonators.
Defect detection of large wind turbine blades based on image stitching and improved Unet network
Authors: Li Wanrun , Pan Zihong , Hong Na , Du Yongfeng
Published: December 2022

Aiming at the problem that the existing computer vision detection technology is difficult to comprehensively and carefully detect the damage status of large wind turbine blades due to the limitation of the field of view, this paper proposes a refined and multi-scale detection method for large-scale wind turbine blades by combining an image stitching algorithm and a deep learning network. First of all, combining the image stitching algorithm with image weighted fusion, images of large wind turbine blades shot in close range are stitched together, so as to realize the clear restoration of the full size and defects of the blades. On this basis, an improved Unet network VGG16Unet is proposed. Combined with transfer learning, the classification and detection of various defects on wind turbine blades under the condition of small dataset training are realized. Finally, by the aid of the combination of the image stitching algorithm and the semantic segmentation network, the refined damage detection of the overall structure of large wind turbine blades is implemented. The research shows that the mean pixel accuracy and the mean intersection over union of the VGG16Unet model are 95.33% and 85.20%, respectively, which is better than the classical semantic segmentation models, fully convolutional neural network model and Unet model. The combination of the VGG16Unet model and the image stitching algorithm not only realizes the global detection of the entire structure but also ensures the detailed detection of each local area, which makes the detection of large wind turbine blades more comprehensive and refined.
Design, modeling, and testing of a one degree of freedom manipulator with three-stage amplification mechanism
Authors: Guo Z. Y. , Zhang W. C. , Tian Y. L. , Zhang Z. Q. , Cao Y. R. , Lu X. C. , Zhang T. G.
Published: December 2022

The one degree of freedom (1-DOF) manipulator with nano-resolution is a significant component in the micro-/nano-manipulation. In order to simultaneously achieve a large stroke and high precision, a piezo-driven 1-DOF flexure-based manipulator consisting of an enhanced double Scott-Russell mechanism (EDSRM), a lever type mechanism, and a Z-shaped mechanism is proposed in this paper. Analytical models are developed to examine the kinetostatic and dynamic properties of the manipulator. A finite element analysis is further performed to evaluate the characteristics of the EDSRM and the complete manipulator. The prototype is fabricated on monolithic AL7075, and various experimental tests have been carried out to investigate the correctness of the modeling. The experimental results show that the proposed manipulator has a satisfactory amplification ratio, static stability, and dynamic performance.
Nucleation and cavitation inception in high Reynolds number shear layers
Authors: Allan E. S. C. , Barbaca L. , Venning J. A. , Russell P. S. , Pearce B. W. , Brandner P. A.
Published: December 2022

The influence of nucleation on cavitation inception in a high Reynolds number shear layer in the wake of a backward-facing step was experimentally investigated in a water tunnel. The flow was investigated for two nuclei populations: the one naturally occurring in the water and for the water artificially seeded with monodisperse nuclei. Incipient events were observed to form in stretched quasi-streamwise vortices. The collapse of an incipient cavity resulted in a microbubble cloud dispersed into the shear layer and the step re-circulation zone. These microbubbles, generally larger than those naturally occurring in the water, act as preferential sites for re-nucleation, triggering the formation of developed cavitation. This phenomenon rendered statistical characterization of cavitation inception impractical for the natural nuclei population. The re-nucleation issue was addressed by seeding the flow with a population of large monodisperse nuclei, with a critical pressure higher than that of cavitation products. Spatial distribution of the nuclei within the seeded plume was characterized using a volumetric measurement based on Mie-scattering imaging. The ability to discern individual incipient events enabled examination of the effect of cavitation number and the nuclei injection rate on the inception event rate. The event rate was found to follow a power law with cavitation number and vary linearly with the injection rate. Mapping of spatial distribution of cavitation susceptibility was obtained by combining the spatial distributions of incipient events and nuclei concentration. The current work provides a valuable dataset for the development of computational tools for modeling of cavitation inception in nucleated flows.
Use and cost of Medicare Benefits Schedule and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme services following inpatient rehabilitation for acquired disability in Australia
Authors: Borg Samantha J. , Borg David N. , Foster Michele M. , Bell Ryan , Bowley Jessica , Geraghty Timothy
Published: December 2022

Objectives This study explored publicly funded health system and patient expenditure in the post-acute phase following discharge from inpatient acquired brain injury (ABI) or spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation. The secondary aim was to explore sociodemographic and injury characteristics associated with high costs. Methods This was a prospective cohort study. 153 patients (ABI: n = 85; SCI: n = 68) who consented to the use of their Medicare data were recruited between March 2017 and March 2018, at the point of discharge from ABI or SCI specialist rehabilitation units. The main outcome measure involved linkage of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) data for the 12 months following discharge from rehabilitation. Bayesian penalised regression was used to determine characteristics associated with high costs. Results The median number of MBS items used in the 12 months after discharge was 33 (IQR: 21–52). General practitioners and allied health services were accessed by 100% and 41% of the cohort, respectively. The median MBS system cost (in Australian dollars) was $2006 (IQR: $162–$3090). Almost half (46%) of the participants had no MBS patient expenditure. The median PBS system cost was $541 (IQR: $62–$1574). For people with ABI, having a traumatic injury or one comorbidity was associated with lower PBS system costs by on average $119 and $134, respectively. We also found that hospitalisation in ABI was associated with higher PBS system costs, by on average $669. Conclusion There was evidence of high and variable MBS and PBS costs, raising concerns about financial hardship. Future research should focus on identifying any unmet service and prescription needs in the post-acute rehabilitation phase for these populations.
Plasmonic properties of composition graded spherical nanoparticles in quasi-static approximation
Authors: Galiautdinov Andrei , Zhao Yiping
Published: December 2022

During the operation of a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) sensor made in the form of a core–shell nanoparticle with the shell acting as a sensing layer, the target molecules penetrate into the shell due to intrinsic diffusion or reaction mechanisms. As a result, these molecules or various reactants are nonuniformly distributed in the shell layer. Such sensing particles are termed composition graded plasmonic particles, and their LSPR characteristics may be quite different from those of the uniform core–shell particles. Here, under the quasi-static assumption, a perturbation theory is developed to predict the LSPR properties of composition graded plasmonic particles. The effects of the composition gradient on the LSPR properties due to a metal hydride, a dielectric, and an effective medium are either numerically calculated or analytically derived. Our results show that various configurations of the composition gradient can tune the location and the amplitude of the LSPR peak. The results are important for understanding the sensing performance of composition graded plasmonic particles, and the perturbative treatment presented here can also be used for other composition graded structures.
Superconductivity in the cobalt-doped V3Si A15 intermetallic compound
Authors: Zeng Lingyong , Zhou Huawei , Du Hong , Zhong Ruidan , Guo Ruixin , Guo Shu , Su Wanzhen , Li Kuan , Zhang Chao , Yu Peifeng , Luo Huixia
Published: December 2022

The A15 structure of superconductors is a prototypical type-II superconductor that has generated considerable interest since the early history of superconducting materials. This paper discusses the superconducting properties of previously unreported V3−x
Co
x
Si (0 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.30) alloys. It is found that the lattice parameter decreases with increasing cobalt-doped content and leads to an decreased residual resistivity ratio value of the V3−x
Co
x
Si system. Meanwhile, the superconducting transition temperature (Tc
) also decreases with increasing cobalt-doped content. Furthermore, the fitted data show that the increase of cobalt-doped content also reduces the lower/upper critical fields of the V3−x
Co
x
Si system. Type-II superconductivity is demonstrated in all V3−x
Co
x
Si samples. With higher Co-doped content, V3−x
Co
x
Si (0.15 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.30) alloys may have superconducting and structural phase transitions in low-temperature regions. As the electron/atom ratio increases, the Tc
variation trend of V3Si is as pronounced as in crystalline alloys and monotonically follows the trend observed for amorphous superconductors.
A comparison of main bearings load of two-cylinder “V” and boxer motorcycle engines
Authors: Nikolić N , Crnogorac N , Dorić J , Feher D , Galamboš S
Published: December 2022

The paper deals with determining the load of the crankshaft main bearings in two-cylinder motorcycle engines. Two cylinder arrangements, used in two-cylinder motorcycle engines, are considered - the boxer-engine and V-engine. The aim of the research is to determine the influence of cylinder arrangement on the magnitude and circumferential distribution of the bearing load of the engines considered. For this purpose, models of a two-cylinder boxer engine and a corresponding V-engine crankshaft drives were developed using multibody dynamics simulation software. Previously, by using a one-dimensional gas analysis software the engine cycles were simulated in order to determine the cylinder pressure required to simulate piston dynamics. As a result of the dynamics simulations, bearing load diagrams of the boxer- and V-engine were obtained, which were then compared and analyzed.
In-vehicle comfort assessment during fore-and-aft random vibrations based on artificial neural networks (ANN)
Authors: Mačužić Saveljić S , Arsić B , Saveljić I , Lukić J
Published: December 2022

Driving comfort is one of the important factors for vehicle users. There is a lot of research related to comfort or discomfort in a vehicle but there is still no well-defined way to assess it accurately. In this paper, an assessment of vehicle comfort during fore-and-aft random vibrations was made based on measured and predicted r.m.s. acceleration values. Measured values of r.m.s. accelerations were obtained by laboratory testing while the predicted values of r.m.s. accelerations obtained based on the ANN (Artifical Neural Network) model. 20 male subjects participated in the study. Their different anthropometric characteristics of the body were taken into account. Based on the measured r.m.s. values of acceleration formed ANN model which has ability to predict r.m.s. acceleration values based on measured values. The obtained results showed high accuracy of the model.
Regenerative braking on electric vehicles: working principles and benefits of application
Authors: Vasiljević S , Aleksandrović B , Glišović J , Maslać M
Published: December 2022

The application of electric vehicles leads to a change in the principle of operation and functioning of some systems in the vehicle, which also lead to a change in the concept of the vehicle itself. One of those systems that has a new concept, which differs from vehicles powered by IC engines, is the braking system. The previous function of the braking system was to stop the vehicle, i.e. to reduce the speed of the vehicle in a safe way. In the case of electric vehicles, the friction brakes were retained, with the addition of a regenerative braking system that has the role of replenishing the vehicle's batteries. The regenerative braking system has the role of converting the vehicle's kinetic energy into electrical energy that recharges the batteries. This system is already used today on full electric and hybrid vehicles, i.e. on vehicles powered by an electric motor. The benefits of regenerative braking are reflected on the fact that the vehicle batteries are recharged during braking, vehicle maintenance costs are reduced, the service life of discs and drum brakes on the vehicle is extended, brake non-exhaust emission is reduced, and heat energy emission is reduced, too.
Numerical simulation of an electromechanical brake concerning associated difficulties
Authors: Poznić A , Stojić B
Published: December 2022

The biggest challenge in developing any type of brake (or any other actuator) is overcoming its inherent disadvantages. Brakes that use materials whose rheological properties change under the influence of an external magnetic field are called magnetorheological brakes. In addition to the mechanical issues, magnetorheological brakes are troubled with cooling, sealing, settling, fluids' gap size, etc. Furthermore, there are issues with brake’s magnetic field density distribution and propagation. The poor distribution of the magnetic field density through the body of the magnetorheological brake is one of these inherent disadvantages. Magnetorheological’s brake magnetic circuit modeling forms the basis for further development. This paper is part of ongoing research into the feasibility of using magnetorheological brakes in automotive applications. Certain points of the numerical simulation process are addressed. The research uses part of the results from previous numerical simulations, carried out using commercial finite element method software - COMSOL Multiphysics, AC/DC module, and results from the previous experiments.
Vehicle Suspension System with Integrated Inerter - Extended Analysis
Authors: Nešić Nikola , Simonović Julijana , Blagojević Milan , Milojević Saša , Jović Srđan
Published: December 2022

Inerter devices are used in Formula 1 vehicles for a decade to reduce vertical and rolling displacement at the corner of the sharp racing curves and provide higher tire grip on racing challenges. To improve dynamics Formula SAE Car, several topological designs for suspension system are already proposed and published [1]. Based on our passive suspension system for quarter-car model, we carried out analysis for different parameters and under the impact from the road disturbance and demonstrated when integrated inerter device can increase ride comfort and decrease vertical displacement. Proposed solution system with integrated inerter mechanism can improve vehicle suspension systems development and have effects on dynamics and stability of a vehicle.
Effects of pyrocarbon interphase on microstructure and properties of C/SiBCN composites
Authors: Jia Yan , Cheng Haifeng , Chen Si’an
Published: December 2022

C/SiBCN composites are expected to be widely used in aerospace applications because of their excellent high-temperature stability. However, the interfacial reactions have significantly limited their practical application. A pyrocarbon (PyC) interphase can improve the interfacial reactions of C/SiBCN composites. In this study, PyC interphases of different thicknesses (0.1 μm, 0.25 μm, and 0.5 μm) were introduced via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. The interface bonding of C/SiBCN composites with 0.1 μm and 0.25 μm thick interphases was relatively weak and the composites with 0.5 μm interphase exhibited strong interface bonding. After heat treatment at 1600 °C, the mechanical properties of the C/SiBCN composites with the 0.5 μm thick interphase was maintained at 131 MPa, and it was maintained at 105 MPa even after heat treatment at 1900 °C, indicating their excellent high-temperature mechanical properties. In short, 0.5 μm thick PyC interphase can effectively improve the interfacial reaction of the C/SiBCN composites, facilitating their application in high-temperature environments.
Meaningful local signalling in sinoatrial node identified by random matrix theory and PCA
Authors: Norris Chloe F , Maltsev Anna V
Published: December 2022

The sinoatrial node (SAN) is the pacemaker of the heart. Recently calcium signals, believed to be crucially important in rhythm generation, have been imaged in intact SAN and shown to be heterogeneous in various regions of the SAN with a lot of analysis relying on visual inspection rather than mathematical tools. Here we apply methods of random matrix theory (RMT) developed for financial data and various biological data sets including β-cell collectives and electroencephalograms (EEG) to analyse correlations in SAN calcium signals using eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the correlation matrix. We use principal component analysis to locate signalling modules corresponding to localization properties the eigenvectors corresponding to high eigenvalues. We find that the top eigenvector captures the global behaviour of the SAN i.e. action potential (AP) induced calcium transient. In some cases, the eigenvector corresponding to the second highest eigenvalue yields a pacemaker region whose calcium signals predict the AP. Furthermore, using new analytic methods, we study the relationship between covariance coefficients and distance, and find that even inside the central zone, there are non-trivial long range correlations, indicating intercellular interactions in most cases. Lastly, we perform an analysis of nearest-neighbour eigenvalue distances and find that it coincides with universal Wigner surmise under all available experimental conditions, while the number variance, which captures eigenvalue correlations, is sensitive to experimental conditions. Thus RMT application to SAN allows to remove noise and the global effects of the AP-induced calcium transient and thereby isolate the local and meaningful correlations in calcium signalling.
Kurepa trees and the failure of the Galvin property
Authors: Benhamou Tom , Garti Shimon , Shelah Saharon
Published: December 2022

We force the existence of a non-trivial

κ
\kappa

-complete ultrafilter over

κ
\kappa

which fails to satisfy the Galvin property. This answers a question asked by Benhamou and Gitik [Ann. Pure Appl. Logic 173 (2022), Paper No. 103107].
2-Selmer groups of even hyperelliptic curves over function fields
Authors: Thinh Dao
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we are going to compute the average size of 2-Selmer groups of families of even hyperelliptic curves over function fields. The result will be obtained by a geometric method which is based on a Vinberg’s representation of the group

G
=
PSO
(
2
n
+
2
)

G=\text {PSO}(2n+2)

and a Hitchin fibration. Consistent with the result over

Q

\mathbb {Q}

of Arul Shankar and Xiaoheng Wang [Compos. Math. 154 (2018), pp. 188–222], we provide an upper bound and a lower bound of the average. However, if we restrict to the family of transversal hyperelliptic curves, we obtain precisely average number 6.
PTMint database of experimentally verified PTM regulation on protein–protein interaction
Authors: Hong Xiaokun , Li Ningshan , Lv Jiyang , Zhang Yan , Li Jing , Zhang Jian , Chen Hai-Feng
Published: December 2022

Motivation

Post-translational modification (PTM) is an important biochemical process. which includes six most well-studied types: phosphorylation, acetylation, methylation, sumoylation, ubiquitylation and glycosylation. PTM is involved in various cell signaling pathways and biological processes. Abnormal PTM status is closely associated with severe diseases (such as cancer and neurologic diseases) by regulating protein functions, such as protein–protein interactions (PPIs). A set of databases was constructed separately for PTM sites and PPI; however, the resource of regulation for PTM on PPI is still unsolved.

Results

Here, we firstly constructed a public accessible database of PTMint (PTMs that are associated with PPIs) (https://ptmint.sjtu.edu.cn/) that contains manually curated complete experimental evidence of the PTM regulation on PPIs in multiple organisms, including Homo sapiens, Arabidopsis thaliana, Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Currently, the first version of PTMint encompassed 2477 non-redundant PTM sites in 1169 proteins affecting 2371 protein–protein pairs involving 357 diseases. Various annotations were systematically integrated, such as protein sequence, structure properties and protein complex analysis. PTMint database can help to insight into disease mechanism, disease diagnosis and drug discovery associated with PTM and PPI.

Availability and implementation

PTMint is freely available at: https://ptmint.sjtu.edu.cn/.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Therapeutic effect of Shaoyao-Gancao Decoction on TLR9-mediated NETosis in MRL/lpr mice
Authors: Qian Suhai , Jin Yibo , Xiang Shate , Wang Yao , Ding Zhishan , Ding Xinghong
Published: December 2022

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, devastating autoimmune disorder associated with severe organ damage. The roles of Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) and NETosis in SLE have been described, suggesting the involvement of NETosis signaling in the development of SLE. Shaoyao-Gancao Decoction (SGT) is a potential medication for the treatment of SLE; however, its potential therapeutic mechanism remains unexplored. To determine the function of SGT in SLE, we treated MRL/lpr female mice with SGT, the main components of which were paeoniflorin (56.949 μg·mL−1) and glycyrrhizin (459.393 μg·mL−1). We found that SGT treatment relieved lymphadenectasis and splenomegaly, reduced urine protein and anti-dsDNA antibody concentrations, and relieved kidney pathology in MRL/lpr mice. SGT could also effectively regulate the oxidation/antioxidant balance, significantly reduce malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) contents and significantly increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities in MRL/lpr mice. The neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) content of MRL/lpr mice also decreased to a certain extent after SGT treatment. All these results suggested that SGT might improve the inflammatory damage to tissues caused by oxygen free radicals, thereby regulating the NETosis process mediated by TLR9 and exerting a good therapeutic effect on SLE.
Fractional flow reserve versus angiography-guided strategy in acute myocardial infarction with multivessel disease: a randomized trial
Authors: Lee Joo Myung , Kim Hyun Kuk , Park Keun Ho , Choo Eun Ho , Kim Chan Joon , Lee Seung Hun , Kim Min Chul , Hong Young Joon , Ahn Sung Gyun , Doh Joon-Hyung , Lee Sang Yeub , Park Sang Don , Lee Hyun-Jong , Kang Min Gyu , Koh Jin-Sin , Cho Yun-Kyeong , Nam Chang-Wook , Koo Bon-Kwon , Lee Bong-Ki , Yun Kyeong Ho , Hong David , Joh Hyun Sung , Choi Ki Hong , Park Taek Kyu , Yang Jeong Hoon , Song Young Bin , Choi Seung-Hyuk , Gwon Hyeon-Cheol , Hahn Joo-Yong ,   The FRAME-AMI Investigators
Published: December 2022

Aims

In patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) and multivessel coronary artery disease, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of non-infarct-related artery reduces death or MI. However, whether selective PCI guided by fractional flow reserve (FFR) is superior to routine PCI guided by angiography alone is unclear. The current trial sought to compare FFR-guided PCI with angiography-guided PCI for non-infarct-related artery lesions among patients with acute MI and multivessel disease.

Methods and results

Patients with acute MI and multivessel coronary artery disease who had undergone successful PCI of the infarct-related artery were randomly assigned to either FFR-guided PCI (FFR ≤0.80) or angiography-guided PCI (diameter stenosis of >50%) for non-infarct-related artery lesions. The primary end point was a composite of time to death, MI, or repeat revascularization. A total of 562 patients underwent randomization. Among them, 60.0% underwent immediate PCI for non-infarct-related artery lesions and 40.0% were treated by a staged procedure during the same hospitalization. PCI was performed for non-infarct-related artery in 64.1% in the FFR-guided PCI group and 97.1% in the angiography-guided PCI group, and resulted in significantly fewer stent used in the FFR-guided PCI group (2.2 ± 1.1 vs. 2.5 ± 0.9, P < 0.001). At a median follow-up of 3.5 years (interquartile range: 2.7–4.1 years), the primary end point occurred in 18 patients of 284 patients in the FFR-guided PCI group and in 40 of 278 patients in the angiography-guided PCI group (7.4% vs. 19.7%; hazard ratio, 0.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.25–0.75; P = 0.003). The death occurred in five patients (2.1%) in the FFR-guided PCI group and in 16 patients (8.5%) in the angiography-guided PCI group; MI in seven (2.5%) and 21 (8.9%), respectively; and unplanned revascularization in 10 (4.3%) and 16 (9.0%), respectively.

Conclusion

In patients with acute MI and multivessel coronary artery disease, a strategy of selective PCI using FFR-guided decision-making was superior to a strategy of routine PCI based on angiographic diameter stenosis for treatment of non-infarct-related artery lesions regarding the risk of death, MI, or repeat revascularization.