bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New discussion on optimal feedback control for Caputo fractional neutral evolution systems governed by hemivariational inequalities
Authors: Vivek S. , Vijayakumar V.
Published: November 2023

The main focus of this article is to investigate the existence of feedback optimal control for the neutral fractional evolution systems in Hilbert spaces in the sense of the Caputo fractional derivatives. In order to establish the necessary conditions for the proposed problem, we apply the semigroup property, the fixed point theorem of multivalued maps, and the properties of generalized Clarke's subdifferentials. Then, by using the Filippov theorem and the Cesari property, a set of sufficient conditions is formulated to ensure the existence of a feasible pair for the feedback control systems. Finally, we apply our main results to obtain the optimal feedback control pair. In the end, an example is given to illustrate our theory.
Phase‐space analysis of the anisotropies in Weyl integrable spacetime: Kantowski–Sachs cosmology
Authors: Paliathanasis Andronikos
Published: November 2023

We consider anisotropic Kantowski–Sachs cosmology in Weyl integrable spacetime with an ideal gas. We perform a detailed analysis of the dynamics by investigating the stationary points and reconstruct the cosmological history. This analysis gives important information for the initial value problem in Weyl integrable spacetime. We study three cases, in which the scalar field mass depends only on the density of the ideal gas, with or without cosmological constant term, and when there exists an exponential scalar field potential. We conclude that the existence of the nonzero potential function is essential in order that a spatially flat FLRW universe which can describe inflation can be a future attractor.
Comparison of electrodiagnostic findings in acute traumatic versus chronic non‐traumatic ulnar neuropathy at the elbow
Authors: Robinson Lawrence R. , Broadhurst Peter , Wasserman Alex
Published: November 2023

Introduction/Aims

A common concept is that traumatic nerve injuries are more likely axonal, and that compressive neuropathies are more likely demyelinating. The purpose of this study was to compare traumatic versus non‐traumatic ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) to look for electrodiagnostic differences between the two groups.

Methods

A retrospective 3 year review of UNE patients at two academic health science centers was conducted. Patients were grouped into acute traumatic UNE versus chronic non‐traumatic UNE based on clinical history. Electrodiagnostic measurements were compared between the two groups.

Results

There were 50 subjects with acute traumatic UNE and 41 with chronic non‐traumatic UNE. Mean age and sex distribution were similar but those with traumatic UNE had a 7 month duration of symptoms, while those with chronic UNE had 29 month duration (p < .001). All electrodiagnostic measurements were similar between the two groups including compound muscle action potential amplitudes, motor conduction velocities, frequency of conduction block, sensory nerve studies, and needle electromyography.

Discussion

We did not find a difference between the two groups. One should not make inferences regarding acuity or etiology based on electrodiagnostic features alone.
Comparison of three magnetic resonance imaging measures of brain iron in healthy and cocaine use disorder participants
Authors: Voltin Joshua , Nunn Lisa M. , Watson Zoe , Brasher Zoe E. , Adisetiyo Vitria , Hanlon Colleen A. , Nietert Paul J. , McRae‐Clark Aimee L. , Jensen Jens H.
Published: November 2023

Several magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures for quantifying endogenous nonheme brain iron have been proposed. These correspond to distinct physical properties with varying sensitivities and specificities to iron. Moreover, they may depend not only on tissue iron concentration, but also on the intravoxel spatial pattern of iron deposition, which is complex in many brain regions. Here, the three MRI brain iron measures of
, magnetic field correlation (MFC), and magnetic susceptibility are compared in several deep gray matter regions for both healthy participants (HPs) and individuals with cocaine use disorder (CUD). Their concordance is assessed from their correlations with each other and their relative dependencies on age. In addition, associations between the iron measures and microstructure in adjacent white matter regions are investigated by calculating their correlations with diffusion MRI measures from the internal capsule, and associations with cognition are determined by using results from a battery of standardized tests relevant to CUD. It is found that all three iron measures are strongly correlated with each other for the considered gray matter regions, but with correlation coefficients substantially less than one indicating important differences. The age dependencies of all three measures are qualitatively similar in most regions, except for the red nucleus, where the susceptibility has a significantly stronger correlation with age than
. Weak to moderate correlations are seen for the iron measures with several of the diffusion and cognitive measures, with the strongest correlations being obtained for
. The iron measures differ little between the HP and CUD groups, although susceptibility is significantly lower in the red nucleus for the CUD group. For the comparisons made, the iron measures behave similarly in most respects, but with notable quantitative differences. It is suggested that these differences may be, in part, attributable to a higher sensitivity to the spatial pattern of iron deposition for
and MFC than for susceptibility. This is supported most strongly by a sharp contrast between the values of the iron measures in the globus pallidus relative to those in the red nucleus. The observed correlations of the iron measures with diffusion and cognitive scores point to possible connections between gray matter iron, white matter microstructure, and cognition.
Robust finite element methods and solvers for the Biot–Brinkman equations in vorticity form
Authors: Caraballo Ruben , In Chansophea Wathanak , Martín Alberto F. , Ruiz‐Baier Ricardo
Published: November 2023

In this article, we propose a new formulation and a suitable finite element method for the steady coupling of viscous flow in deformable porous media using divergence‐conforming filtration fluxes. The proposed method is based on the use of parameter‐weighted spaces, which allows for a more accurate and robust analysis of the continuous and discrete problems. Furthermore, we conduct a solvability analysis of the proposed method and derive optimal error estimates in appropriate norms. These error estimates are shown to be robust in a variety of regimes, including the case of large Lamé parameters and small permeability and storativity coefficients. To illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, we provide a few representative numerical examples, including convergence verification and testing of robustness of block‐diagonal preconditioners with respect to model parameters.
Fabricating of poly(vinyl alcohol)/halloysite nanotubes/gelatin composite sponges with enhanced mechanical properties and rapid water absorption speed
Authors: Wu Wentao , Chen Tianxiang , Feng Wenliang , Lin Tengfei , Gao Min , Zhao Chunlin , Wu Xiao , Lin Cong , Wu Weihang , Wang Yu
Published: November 2023

In the biomedical field, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponge has been widely used. In particular, it is considered a potential implant material for repairing soft tissues. However, its insufficient water absorption and mechanical properties limit its application. In this work, a novel PVA/halloysite nanotubes (HNTs)/gelatin ternary composite sponge was prepared by water solution mixing and casting techniques. HNTs and gelatin/PVA solution were mixed at different weight ratios. The structure of the ternary composite sponges was characterized by using scanning electron microscopy. The physical properties of the ternary composite sponges were characterized. The maximum water absorption reached 1783.5% with a rapid water absorption speed at a weight ratio of HNTs/gelatin of 1:8. Owing to its interconnected macroporous structure and good interfacial interaction, its highest compression strength and tensile strength reached 8.22, 1.51 MPa, respectively. In addition, its thermal stability was enhanced as well, which demonstrated that the prepared composite sponge had better performance than the pure PVA sponge by constructing a ternary system. Therefore, the results suggest that the PVA/HNTs/gelatin ternary composite sponge shows a wider application value as a potential material for repairing soft tissue.

Highlights

A composite PVA sponge with promising applications in tissue engineering.

Simple preparation method, water solution mixing and casting techniques.

Pioneering a PVA/HNTs/gelatin ternary system sponge.

Improved water absorption ability and mechanical properties.
Transparent and highly organosoluble aromatic polyimides with twisted backbone and bulky side substituents for flexible substrate materials
Authors: She Yang‐Kai , Wang Shu‐Xiao , Liao Qing , Lin Mei‐Jin
Published: November 2023

In this study, four novel aromatic polyimides (PIs) with twisted backbone and bulky side substituents were prepared via chemical imidization reaction and two‐step condensation polymerization at reduced reaction temperature. The number‐average and weight‐average molecular weights of the resulting PIs are in the range of 1.98 × 104–4.10 × 104 and 2.66 × 104–5.32 × 104 g mol−1, respectively, while maintaining polydispersity indices consistently below 2.0. In addition, the obtained PIs showed excellent solubility in most common solvents, even in low‐boiling solvents, such as chloroform, dichloromethane, and tetrahydrofuran. The films casted from these PIs also displayed optical transparency with a cutoff wavelength in the range of 335–360 nm. Among the PIs, PAPOT‐OPDA, derived from 3,3′‐Diisopropyl‐4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl‐3″‐phenoxybenzylmethane (PAPOT) and 3,3′,4,4′‐diphenylethertetracarboxylic dianhydride (OPDA), exhibited the highest transparency of T450 = 81% and T500 = 85%, and the best solubility without compromising its thermal properties.
Effects of virtual exercise on cardio‐pulmonary performance and depression in cardiac rehabilitation phase I: A randomized control trial
Authors: Yuenyongchaiwat Kornanong , Boonkawee Tunchanok , Pipatsart Phansaporn , Tavonudomgit Wararat , Sermsinsaithong Natsinee , Songsorn Preyaphorn , Charususin Noppawan , Harnmanop Somrudee , Namdaeng Phuwarin , Kulchanarat Chitima , Thanawattano Chusak
Published: November 2023

Background

Cardiac rehabilitation is recommended for patients undergoing open‐heart surgery (OHS). During the hospital admission, these patients suffer from reduced cardiopulmonary performance and decreased psychological health, leading to poor physical function, depression, and morbidity. To prevent post‐operative pulmonary complications, a pre and post‐operative physical therapy intervention is recommended for patients undergoing heart surgery. Virtual reality (VR) promotes the health status of healthy individuals and those with health conditions. However, few studies have reported the beneficial effects of VR exercise programs on the pulmonary performance and mental health status of patients undergoing OHS.

Objectives

To determine whether by using training enhanced by VR, patients who have undergone OHS can more effectively attain cardiopulmonary performance and improve depression than through conventional physical therapy.

Method

60 participants were randomly assigned to a conventional physical therapy and VR exercise program. Each session was conducted once daily until discharge from the hospital. Cardiorespiratory performance and depression were evaluated before surgery and at the time of discharge from the hospital. A two‐way mixed ANOVA was performed to compare within (i.e., pre and post‐operation) and between (i.e., VR and conventional physical therapy) groups.

Results

No significant cardiopulmonary performance gains were detected in patients receiving the VR exercise program when compared with those who participated in conventional physical therapy prior to post‐operative OHS (p > 0.05). However, the conventional physical therapy group showed significantly higher depression scores than the VR group (∆4.00 ± 0.98 vs. ∆1.68 ± 0.92). However, cardiopulmonary performance did not differ in both VR exercise and conventional physical therapy.
Nezha‐IV: A hybrid aerial underwater vehicle in real ocean environments
Authors: Jin Yufei , Bi Yuanbo , Lyu Chenxin , Bai Yulin , Zeng Zheng , Lian Lian
Published: November 2023

Hybrid aerial underwater vehicles (HAUVs) that are capable of autonomously operating in both the aerial and underwater environments with repeated rapid transitions have received great interest in recent years. Current HAUV prototypes cannot fully cope with the unstructured, harsh, and hazardous ocean environments considering the high‐pressure and the strong hydrodynamic perturbations. This work reports on the HAUV, Nezha‐IV, with all basic functions validated in a real ocean environment. Nezha‐IV has four aerial propellers and eight underwater thrusters. It is not only capable of maneuvering delicately during flight and underwater but can also perform dynamic transitions under rough sea conditions. We present the design, construction, control, and oceanic testing of Nezha‐IV and demonstrate reliability and robustness, especially during the transition phases. Performance estimation and results gathered from tests in the South China Sea show that Nezha‐IV can operate at various depths ranging from 0 to 50 m at a velocity of 1 kt for 22 min and hover in the air for 15 min or cruise at a velocity of 10 m/s for 7.2 km in 12 min. This project contributes to the field of HAUV with (i) a HAUV capable of dynamic locomotion with high stability in both media and during transitions; (ii) identification of challenges during water–air transition in harsh sea conditions, and a reliable transition strategy that helps the development of fully autonomous HAUVs; (iii) a modular, foldable, and impact‐resistant HAUV structure; (iv) vehicle's capability proved by extensive tests in dynamic ocean environment.
Designing individually randomized group treatment trials with repeated outcome measurements using generalized estimating equations
Authors: Wang Xueqi , Turner Elizabeth L. , Li Fan
Published: November 2023

Individually randomized group treatment (IRGT) trials, in which the clustering of outcome is induced by group‐based treatment delivery, are increasingly popular in public health research. IRGT trials frequently incorporate longitudinal measurements, of which the proper sample size calculations should account for correlation structures reflecting both the treatment‐induced clustering and repeated outcome measurements. Given the relatively sparse literature on designing longitudinal IRGT trials, we propose sample size procedures for continuous and binary outcomes based on the generalized estimating equations approach, employing the block exchangeable correlation structures with different correlation parameters for the treatment arm and for the control arm, and surveying five marginal mean models with different assumptions of time effect: no‐time constant treatment effect, linear‐time constant treatment effect, categorical‐time constant treatment effect, linear time by treatment interaction, and categorical time by treatment interaction. Closed‐form sample size formulas are derived for continuous outcomes, which depends on the eigenvalues of the correlation matrices; detailed numerical sample size procedures are proposed for binary outcomes. Through simulations, we demonstrate that the empirical power agrees well with the predicted power, for as few as eight groups formed in the treatment arm, when data are analyzed using the matrix‐adjusted estimating equations for the correlation parameters with a bias‐corrected sandwich variance estimator.
Weak Dispersion of Exciton Landé Factor with Band Gap Energy in Lead Halide Perovskites: Approximate Compensation of the Electron and Hole Dependences
Authors: Kopteva Natalia E. , Yakovlev Dmitri R. , Kirstein Erik , Zhukov Evgeny A. , Kudlacik Dennis , Kalitukha Ina V. , Sapega Victor F. , Hordiichuk Oleh , Dirin Dmitry N. , Kovalenko Maksym V. , Baumann Andreas , Höcker Julian , Dyakonov Vladimir , Crooker Scott A. , Bayer Manfred
Published: November 2023

The optical properties of lead halide perovskite semiconductors in vicinity of the bandgap are controlled by excitons, so that investigation of their fundamental properties is of critical importance. The exciton Landé or g‐factor gX is the key parameter, determining the exciton Zeeman spin splitting in magnetic fields. The exciton, electron, and hole carrier g‐factors provide information on the band structure, including its anisotropy, and the parameters contributing to the electron and hole effective masses. Here, gX is measured by reflectivity in magnetic fields up to 60 T for lead halide perovskite crystals. The materials band gap energies at a liquid helium temperature vary widely across the visible spectral range from 1.520 up to 3.213 eV in hybrid organic–inorganic and fully inorganic perovskites with different cations and halogens: FA0.9Cs0.1PbI2.8Br0.2, MAPbI3, FAPbBr3, CsPbBr3, and MAPb(Br0.05Cl0.95)3. The exciton g‐factors are found to be nearly constant, ranging from +2.3 to +2.7. Thus, the strong dependences of the electron and hole g‐factors on the bandgap roughly compensate each other when combining to the exciton g‐factor. The same is true for the anisotropies of the carrier g‐factors, resulting in a nearly isotropic exciton g‐factor. The experimental data are compared favorably with model calculation results.
Rational Design of High‐Performance Electrodes Based on Ferric Oxide Nanosheets Deposited on Reduced Graphene Oxide for Advanced Hybrid Supercapacitors
Authors: Ji Zhenyuan , Chen Lizhi , Tang Guanxiang , Zhong Jiali , Yuan Aihua , Zhu Guoxing , Shen Xiaoping
Published: November 2023

The core strategy for constructing ultra‐high‐performance hybrid supercapacitors is the design of reasonable and effective electrode materials. Herein, a facile solvothermal‐calcination strategy is developed to deposit the phosphate‐functionalized Fe2O3 (P‐Fe2O3) nanosheets on the reduced graphene oxide (rGO) framework. Benefiting from the superior conductivity of rGO and the high conductivity and fast charge storage dynamics of phosphate ions, the synthesized P‐Fe2O3/rGO anode exhibits remarkable electrochemical performance with a high capacitance of 586.6 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and only 4.0% capacitance loss within 10 000 cycles. In addition, the FeMoO4/Fe2O3/rGO nanosheets are fabricated by utilizing Fe2O3/rGO as the precursor. The introduction of molybdates successfully constructs open ion channels between rGO layers and provides abundant active sites, enabling the excellent electrochemical features of FeMoO4/Fe2O3/rGO cathode with a splendid capacity of 475.4 C g−1 at 1 A g−1. By matching P‐Fe2O3/rGO with FeMoO4/Fe2O3/rGO, the constructed hybrid supercapacitor presents an admirable energy density of 82.0 Wh kg−1 and an extremely long working life of 95.0% after 20 000 cycles. Furthermore, the continuous operation of the red light‐emitting diode for up to 30 min demonstrates the excellent energy storage properties of FeMoO4/Fe2O3/rGO//P‐Fe2O3/rGO, which provides multiple possibilities for the follow‐up energy storage applications of the iron‐based composites.
Nanostructurally Engineering Covalent Organic Frameworks for Boosting CO2 Photoreduction
Authors: Zheng Tianyu , Ding Xu , Sun Tingting , Yang Xiya , Wang Xinxin , Zhou Xin , Zhang Pianpian , Yu Baoqiu , Wang Yuhui , Xu Qingmei , Xu Lianbin , Wang Dingsheng , Jiang Jianzhuang
Published: November 2023

Herein, a series of imine‐linked covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are developed with advanced ordered mesoporous hollow spherical nanomorphology and ultra‐large mesopores (4.6 nm in size), named OMHS‐COF‐M (M = H, Co, and Ni). The ordered mesoporous hollow spherical nanomorphology is revealed to be formed via an Ostwald ripening mechanism based on a one‐step self‐templated strategy. Encouraged by its unique structural features and outstanding photoelectrical property, the OMHS‐COF‐Co material is applied as the photocatalyst for CO2‐to‐CO reduction. Remarkably, it delivers an impressive CO production rate as high as 15 874 µmol g−1 h−1, a large selectivity of 92.4%, and a preeminent cycling stability. From in/ex situ experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the excellent CO2 photoreduction performance is ascribed to the desirable cooperation of unique ordered mesoporous hollow spherical host and abundant isolated Co active sites, enhancing CO2 activation, and improving electron transfer kinetics as well as reducing the energy barriers for intermediates *COOH generation and CO desorption.
Ammonia‐Induced FCC Ru Nanocrystals for Efficient Alkaline Hydrogen Electrocatalysis
Authors: He Shunyi , Tu Yuanhua , Zhang Jiaxi , Zhang Longhai , Ke Jun , Wang Liming , Du Li , Cui Zhiming , Song Huiyu
Published: November 2023

The urgent development of effective electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution and hydrogen oxidation reaction (HER/HOR) is needed due to the sluggish alkaline hydrogen electrocatalysis. Here, an unusual face‐centered cubic (fcc) Ru nanocrystal with favorable HER/HOR performance is offered. Guided by the lower calculated surface energy of fcc Ru than that of hcp Ru in NH3, the carbon‐supported fcc Ru electrocatalyst is facilely synthesized in the NH3 reducing atmosphere. The specific HOR kinetic current density of fcc Ru can reach 23.4 mA cmPGM−2, which is around 20 and 21 times greater than that of hexagonal close‐packed (hcp) Ru and Pt/C, respectively. Additionally, the HER specific activity is enhanced more than six times in fcc Ru electrocatalyst when compared to Pt/C. Experimental and theoretical analysis indicate that the phase transition from hcp Ru to fcc Ru can negatively shift the d band center, weaken the interaction between catalysts and key intermediates and therefore enhances the HER/HOR kinetics.
Phosphorous‐Based Heterostructure for the Effective Catalysis of Polysulfide Reactions with Phase Changes in High‐Sulfur‐Loading Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Zhao Yun , Zhang Huanyu , Ye Hualin , Zhao Dan , Lee Jim Yang , Huang Limin
Published: November 2023

High sulfur loading and long cycle life are the design targets of commercializable lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. The sulfur electrochemical reactions from Li2S4 to Li2S, which account for 75% of the battery's theoretical capacity, involve liquid‐to‐solid and solid‐to‐solid phase changes in all Li–S battery electrolytes in use today. These are kinetically hindered processes that are exacerbated by a high sulfur loading. In this study, it is observed that an in situ grown bimetallic phosphide/black phosphorus (NiCoP/BP) heterostructure can effectively catalyze the Li2S4 to Li2S reactions to increase the sulfur utilization at high sulfur loadings. The NiCoP/BP heterostructure is a good polysulfide adsorber, and the electric field prevailing at the Mott−Schottky junction of the heterostructure can facilitate charge transfer in the Li2S4 to Li2S2 liquid‐to‐solid reaction and Li+ diffusion in the Li2S2 to Li2S solid‐state reaction. Consequently, a sulfur cathode with the NiCoP/BP catalyst can deliver a specific capacity of 830 mAh g−1 at the sulfur loading of 6 mg cm−2 for 500 cycles at the 0.5 C rate. High sulfur utilization is also possible at a higher sulfur loading of 8 mg cm−2 for 440 cycles at the 1 C rate.
Bipartite Consensus Problems of Directed Cooperative and Antagonistic Networks with Communication Time‐Varying Delays
Authors: Wang Zhaoxia , Du Mingjun
Published: November 2023

This paper concerns the bipartite consensus problems of directed cooperative and antagonistic networks (CANs) with time‐varying communication delays. A distributed control protocol is proposed based on the nearest neighbor rule. In order to derive the convergence analysis of the proposed protocol, a model transformation is introduced, based on which the consensus can be equivalently transformed into the asymptotic stability of a reduced‐order system. Besides, the sufficient conditions are provided to ensure the bipartite consensus (respectively, state stability) of CANs whose topologies are structurally balanced (respectively, unbalanced). In addition, numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of our developed results. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
CircVMP1 promotes glycolysis and disease progression by upregulating HKDC1 in colorectal cancer
Authors: Chen Hong‐Yu , Li Xiang‐Nan , Yang Lei , Ye Chun‐Xiang , Chen Zhi‐Lei , Wang Zhen‐Jun
Published: November 2023

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported to play important roles in cancers. Here, we characterized circVMP1 (hsa_circ_0006508), an important circRNA which promoted glycolysis and disease progression in colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, we aimed to explore the mechanism by which circVMP1 regulated tumor glycolysis and its related pathways in promoting CRC cell proliferation and metastasis.

Methods

The expression level of circVMP1 in CRC tissues and adjacent normal tissues was detected using quantitative PCR. In vitro and in vivo functional experiments were used to evaluate the effects of circVMP1 in the regulation of CRC cell proliferation and migration. Mitochondrial stress tests and glycolysis stress tests were conducted to detect the effect of circVMP1 on oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis. Dual‐luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays were used to evaluate the interaction between circVMP1, miR‐3167, and HKDC1.

Results

We demonstrated that the level of circVMP1 was significantly upregulated in CRC tissues compared with normal tissues. In HCT116 and SW480 cells, overexpression of circVMP1 promoted proliferation, metastasis, and glycolysis. In vivo analysis indicated that circVMP1 accelerated the proliferation of xenograft tumors. As for the mechanism, overexpression of circVMP1 increased the levels of hexokinase domain component 1 (HKDC1) through competitive binding with miR‐3167.

Conclusion

Our study reported that circVMP1 was one of the tumor driver genes that promoted CRC malignant progression and glycolysis by upregulating HKDC1. CircVMP1/miR‐3167/HKDC1 was a signaling axis that might be a target for CRC therapy.
Multimodale Ultraschalltechniken zur Differenzialdiagnose von Milzherden – eine diagnostische Herausforderung
Authors: Stock Konrad Friedrich , Slotta-Huspenina Julia , Findeisen Hajo , Görg Christian
Published: November 2023

Hintergrund

Milztumoren sind selten und können gerade als bildgebender Zufallsbefund eine differenzialdiagnostische Herausforderung darstellen. Aufgrund fehlender großangelegter Biopsiestudien ist die zur Verfügung stehende Literatur hinsichtlich eindeutiger bildgebender Dignitätskriterien begrenzt.

Ziel der Arbeit/Fragestellung

Die vorliegende Arbeit soll die Chancen einer gezielten ärztlichen Anamneseerhebung sowie die Möglichkeiten und Limitationen der multimodalen Sonographie aufzeigen, um mit einfachen und schonenden Methoden zur richtigen Diagnose bei einem Milzherd zu kommen.

Material und Methoden

Selektive Literaturrecherche und klinische Kasuistiken.

Ergebnisse

Bei der Differenzialdiagnostik fokaler Milzläsionen ist die Information über bestehende hämatoonkologische bzw. inflammatorisch-rheumatologische Vorerkrankungen essenziell, um gerade auch Zufallsbefunde korrekt einzuordnen. Neben B‑Bild-Ultraschall (B-US) und farbkodierter Dopplersonographie (FKDS) liefert vor allem die kontrastverstärkte Sonographie (CEUS) differenzialdiagnostisch entscheidende Hinweise. Während im B‑US echoreiche oder arteriell hypervaskularisierte Milzherde in der FKDS/CEUS meist benigne sind, müssen echoarme und arteriell hypoperfundierte Herde weiter abgeklärt werden. Die ultraschallgesteuerte Milzbiopsie hat zwar ein höheres Blutungsrisiko als die Leberbiopsie, ist aber dennoch die schonendste und effektivste Methode, um bei richtiger Indikationsstellung die histologische Klärung von Milzherden zu erreichen.

Diskussion/Schlussfolgerung

Durch die Kombination aus Anamnese und multimodalen Ultraschallmethoden, ggf. ergänzt durch die sonographisch gesteuerte Biopsie, lassen sich fokale Milzläsionen in den meisten Fällen erfolgreich einteilen mit direkten Auswirkungen auf das weitere klinische Vorgehen.
Cardiovascular Comorbidities Do Not Impact Prostate Artery Embolisation (PAE) Outcomes: Retrospective Analysis of the National UK-ROPE Registry
Authors: Vigneswaran Ganesh , Maclean Drew , Doshi Neel , Harris Mark , Bryant Timothy J. C. , Hacking Nigel C. , Somani Bhaskar , Modi Sachin
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Prostate artery embolisation (PAE) is a key treatment for the management of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Common cardiovascular risk factors might be associated with suboptimal outcomes and thus influence patient treatment selection. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether cardiovascular comorbidities affect PAE outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective subset analysis of the UK Registry of Prostate Artery Embolisation (UK-ROPE) database was performed with patients who had a full documented past medical histories including hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease (CAD), diabetes and smoking status as well as international prostate symptom score (IPSS) at baseline and at 12 months. Multiple regression was performed to assess for any significant predictors.

Results

Comorbidity data were available for 100/216 patients (mean age 65.8 ± 6.4 years), baseline IPSS 20.9 ± 7.0). Regression analysis revealed that the presence of hypertension (53.7% IPSS reduction vs. absence 51.4%, p = 0.94), diabetes (52.6% vs. absence 52.1%, p = 0.6), CAD (59.2% vs. absence 51.4%, p = 0.95), no comorbidities (49.8% vs. any comorbidity present 55.3%, p = 0.66), smoking status (non-smoker, 52.6%, current smoker, 61.5%, ex-smoker, 49.8%, p > 0.05), age (p = 0.52) and baseline Qmax (p = 0.41) did not significantly impact IPSS reduction at 12 months post-PAE. Baseline prostate volume significantly influenced IPSS reduction (≥ 80 cc prostates, 58.9% vs. < 80 cc prostates 43.2%, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The presence of cardiovascular comorbidities/smoking history does not appear to significantly impact PAE symptom score outcomes at 12 months post procedure. Our findings suggest that if the prostatic artery can be accessed, then clinical success is comparable to those without cardiovascular comorbidities.

Graphical Abstract
The effects of length and width of the stem on proximal humerus stress shielding in uncemented primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty
Authors: Kramer Manuel , Olach Martin , Zdravkovic Vilijam , Manser Melanie , Raiss Patric , Jost Bernhard , Spross Christian
Published: November 2023

Introduction

To preserve humeral bone during RTSA, stems have been made shorter and cement avoided whenever possible. However, with the increased use of uncemented RTSA, a phenomenon comparable to the stress shielding of the hip has been described for the proximal humerus. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of stem length and width on proximal humeral bone resorption after primary uncemented RTSA.

Materials and methods

The prospective shoulder arthroplasty database of our institution was reviewed for all primary uncemented RTSAs from 2017 to 2020 in osteoarthritis and cuff tear arthropathy cases with > 2-year follow-up. We compared the clinical and the radiographic 2-year outcome of the short and standard length stems of the same prosthesis design. This allowed us to assess the effects of stem length and width with regard to stress shielding. Furthermore, we defined a cut-off value for the filling ratios to prevent stress shielding.

Results

Fifty patients were included in the analysis, nineteen were in the short stem group (SHORT) and thirty-one in the standard stem group (STANDARD). After 2 years, SHORT showed a relative Constant Score of 91.8% and STANDARD of 98.3% (p = 0.256). Stress shielding was found in 4 patients (21%) in SHORT and in 16 patients (52%) in STANDARD (p = 0.03); it occurred more frequently in patients with higher humeral filling ratios (p < 0.05). The calculated cut-off to prevent stress shielding was 0.7 (± 0.03) for the metaphyseal and distal filling ratio.

Conclusion

While short and standard stems for RTSA have good results after 2 years, we found a significant negative effect of higher length and width of the stem with regard to stress shielding. Even though the clinical effects of stress shielding have to be assessed, short stems should be chosen with a filling ratio at the metaphyseal and distal position below 0.7.

Level of evidence (a retrospective case–control study)

III.
Working towards risk stratification for ascending aortic dilatation in pediatric Turner syndrome patients: results of a longitudinal echocardiographical observation
Authors: Heno J. , Michel-Behnke I. , Pees C.
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to longitudinally evaluate aortic root dimensions and elasticity in pediatric Turner syndrome (TS) in relation to known cardiac implications such as coarctation of the aorta (CoA) and bicuspid aortic valves (BAV) in order to create an improved risk profile for the presumed underlying vessel pathology in childhood. We report on the longitudinal findings of our pediatric TS outpatient clinic over a period of up to 7.6 years. Forty-nine TS patients (median age at baseline 9.7 ± 5.9 years, range 0–19.8) were followed-up for on average 2.9 ± 1.1 examinations and a median time of 3.4 ± 1.6 years. Aortic root (AoR) diameters and corresponding Z-scores were determined echocardiographically, and elasticity parameters as well as annual progression rates were calculated. At baseline, 16.3% of patients showed Z-scores > 2 at one or more levels of the AoR (35.7% of patients with BAV, odds ratio of 4.2). There was net progression to be noted at all measuring levels, leading to 28.6% of patients (50% of patients with BAV) exhibiting aortic dilatation at the end of follow-up. Progression correlated with the presence of BAV, non-mosaic monosomy, and age. A levelling-off of progression was seen with the onset of adolescence.

Conclusions: Marked progression of aortic diameters leading to the development of dilatation can be observed in TS patients during childhood and stresses the importance of close surveillance during childhood. Main risk factors are BAV and complete monosomy 45X0. A beneficial influence of estrogen substitution can be suspected but needs further investigation.

What is known:• Patients with Turner syndrome are at an increased risk for aortic dilatation and dissection.• The presence of BAV and complete monosomy 45X are additional risk factors.

What is new:• Aortic dilatation can be detected in pediatric patients with Turner syndrome.• Relevant progression in childhood is possible in at-risk individuals and warrants close surveillance.
The rise and fall of excess winter mortality in New Zealand from 1876 to 2020
Authors: Telfar-Barnard Lucy , Baker Michael G. , Wilson Nick , Howden-Chapman Philippa
Published: November 2023

Excess winter mortality (EWM) has been used as a measure of how well populations and policy moderate the health effects of cold weather. We aimed to investigate long-term changes in the EWM of Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ), and potential drivers of change, and to test for structural breaks in trends. We calculated NZ EWM indices from 1876 (4,698 deaths) to 2020 (33,310 deaths), total and by age-group and sex, comparing deaths from June to September (the coldest months) to deaths from February to May and October to January. The mean age and sex-standardised EWM Index (EWMI) for the full study period, excluding 1918, was 1.22. However, mean EWMI increased from 1.20 for 1886 to 1917, to 1.34 for the 1920s, then reduced over time to 1.14 in the 2010s, with excess winter deaths averaging 4.5% of annual deaths (1,450 deaths per year) in the 2010s, compared to 7.9% in the 1920s. Children under 5 years transitioned from a summer to winter excess between 1886 and 1911. Otherwise, the EWMI age-distribution was J-shaped in all time periods. Structural break testing showed the 1918 influenza pandemic strain had a significant impact on trends in winter and non-winter mortality and winter excess for subsequent decades. It was not possible to attribute the post-1918 reduction in EWM to any single factor among improved living standards, reduced severe respiratory infections, or climate change.
Blood DNA methylation and liver cancer in American Indians: evidence from the Strong Heart Study
Authors: Slowly Monique , Domingo-Relloso Arce , Santella Regina M. , Haack Karin , Fallin Daniele M. , Terry Mary Beth , Rhoades Dorothy A. , Herreros-Martinez Miguel , Garcia-Esquinas Esther , Cole Shelley A. , Tellez-Plaza Maria , Navas-Acien Ana , Wu Hui-Chen
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Liver cancer incidence among American Indians/Alaska Natives has risen over the past 20 years. Peripheral blood DNA methylation may be associated with liver cancer and could be used as a biomarker for cancer risk. We evaluated the association of blood DNA methylation with risk of liver cancer.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study in 2324 American Indians, between age 45 and 75 years, from Arizona, Oklahoma, North Dakota and South Dakota who participated in the Strong Heart Study between 1989 and 1991. Liver cancer deaths (n = 21) were ascertained using death certificates obtained through 2017. The mean follow-up duration (SD) for non-cases was 25.1 (5.6) years and for cases, 11.0 (8.8) years. DNA methylation was assessed from blood samples collected at baseline using MethylationEPIC BeadChip 850 K arrays. We used Cox regression models adjusted for age, sex, center, body mass index, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, smoking, alcohol consumption, and immune cell proportions to examine the associations.

Results

We identified 9 CpG sites associated with liver cancer. cg16057201 annotated toMRFAP1) was hypermethylated among cases vs. non-cases (hazard ratio (HR) for one standard deviation increase in methylation was 1.25 (95% CI 1.14, 1.37). The other eight CpGs were hypomethylated and the corresponding HRs (95% CI) ranged from 0.58 (0.44, 0.75) for cg04967787 (annotated toPPRC1) to 0.77 (0.67, 0.88) for cg08550308. We also assessed 7 differentially methylated CpG sites associated with liver cancer in previous studies. The adjusted HR for cg15079934 (annotated toLPS1) was 1.93 (95% CI 1.10, 3.39).

Conclusions

Blood DNA methylation may be associated with liver cancer mortality and may be altered during the development of liver cancer.
Characterization of spray dried cellulose nanofibrils produced by a disk refining process at different fineness levels
Authors: Hwang Sungjun , Walker Colleen C. , Ozcan Soydan , Tekinalp Halil , Han Yousoo , Gardner Douglas J.
Published: November 2023

Three types of wood pulp feedstocks including bleached softwood kraft, unbleached softwood kraft and old corrugated containers were disk refined to produce cellulose nanofibrils at different fineness levels ranging from 50 to 100%, and the resulting aqueous suspensions of cellulose nanofibrils were spray dried. The spray drying experiments were carried out to examine different processing conditions for the different CNF feedstock types and fines level at various suspension concentrations to produce dry samples with free-flowing powder morphologies. The fineness levels and solids contents of CNF suspensions were set to 80% or more and 1.8% or less, respectively. If the solids content of the CNF solutions was high and the fibrillation level was low, plugging was experienced in the spray head because of the high viscosity of the suspensions, resulting in production of poor-quality powders. In terms of reduction in processing energy, even if the CNF suspension solids content was increased to 1.5 wt.%, the powder quality and the production yields were excellent. It was confirmed that high-quality powder under 20 µm were produced at a 90% fibrillation level of all CNF feedstocks. The resulting dry CNF powders were characterized to determine particle size distributions and morphological properties via a scanning electron microscope and a laser diffraction particle size analyzer. The particle sizes were smaller at higher fibrillation levels and lower solids content of the CNF suspensions. The CNF suspension derived from bleached kraft pulp, the average particle size decreased by 43% and 33% with the lowered solids contents from 1.8 to 1%, and the increased fineness levels from 80 to 100%, respectively.
Applications of seaweed extracts in agriculture: An Australian perspective
Authors: Arioli Tony , Mattner Scott W. , Islam Md Tohidul , Tran Thi Linh Chi , Weisser Marianne , Winberg Pia , Cahill David M.
Published: November 2023

Society depends on food production. However, agricultural productivity is greatly challenged by extreme climate events and volatility. Seaweed extracts (SWE) have a key role in food production and their use is central to improving agricultural productivity by increasing crop tolerance to stress, improving the efficiency of plant nutrient use, and by contributing to sustainable farm practices. The benefits of SWE to crops have previously been reviewed in the context of the northern hemisphere, but not since 2015 in Australia – specific to its crops and unique stressors. This review is focused on the scientific progress since 2015 and insights from Australian research related to: (i) SWE-stimulated plant responses, (ii) field research on SWE, (iii) optimising the use of SWE in agriculture. The review considers the effects of SWE (made from Durvillaea potatorum and Ascophyllum nodosum) in the field, across crops, seasons, regions, and farming systems in Australia, and research conducted in the laboratory under controlled conditions on model and crop plants at the molecular, cellular, and physiological levels. The results from the review highlight the role of SWE in plant priming responses in laboratory experiments and its association with improved plant tolerance in the field. The review discusses the field effects related to production and fruit quality. The uniqueness of the Australian research is the inclusion of the same SWE in laboratory and field research, and the characterisation of plant responses under challenged and un-challenged conditions. This information provides deeper insights into the actions of SWE and enables growers and agronomists to optimize their field application in Australian agriculture.
A Bis(terpyridine)nickel(II)-Based Coordination Nanosheet: A Redox-Active Material with Flexibility and Transparency
Authors: Takada Kenji , Maeda Hiroaki , Nishihara Hiroshi
Published: November 2023

We report a novel functional bis(terpyridine)metal(II) complex coordination nanosheet (CONASH) comprising a three-armed terpyridine ligand and Ni2+ ion. The colourless Ni-terpyridine CONASH was synthesized by the method of interfacial coordination reaction at an interface of two immiscible liquids. The synthesized CONASH was characterized with various microscopic observations such as TEM, SEM, and AFM, and spectroscopic measurements such as XPS, IR, SEM/EDS, and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The bis(terpyridine)nickel(II) complex nanosheet demonstrated redox-activity stemming from terpyridine complexes without distinctive colour change. Thus, the bis(terpyridine)nickel(II) coordination nanosheet is a potential redox-active material with colourlessness and flexibility, necessary for future transparent electronics.
The Implicative Conditional
Authors: Raidl Eric , Gomes Gilberto
Published: November 2023

This paper investigates the implicative conditional, a connective intended to describe the logical behavior of an empirically defined class of natural language conditionals, also namedimplicative conditionals, which excludes concessive and some other conditionals. The implicative conditional strengthens the strict conditional with the possibility of the antecedent and of the contradictory of the consequent.$${p\Rightarrow q}$$p⇒qis thus defined as$${\lnot } \Diamond {(p \wedge \lnot q) \wedge } \Diamond {p \wedge } \Diamond {\lnot q}$$¬◊(p∧¬q)∧◊p∧◊¬q. We explore the logical properties of this conditional in a reflexive normal Kripke semantics, provide an axiomatic system and prove it to be sound and complete for our semantics. The implicative conditional validates transitivity and contraposition, which we take to be integral parts of reasoning and communication. But it only validates restricted versions of strengthening the antecedent, right weakening, simplification, and rational monotonicity. Apparent counterexamples to some of these properties are explained as due to contextual factors. Finally, the implicative conditional avoids the paradoxes of material and strict implication, and validates some connexive principles such as Aristotle’s theses and weak Boethius’ thesis, as well as some highly entrenched principles of conditionals, such as conjunction of consequents, disjunction of antecedents, modus ponens, cautious monotonicity and cut.
Safe and compliant control of redundant robots using superimposition of passive task-space controllers
Authors: Tiseo Carlo , Merkt Wolfgang , Wolfslag Wouter , Vijayakumar Sethu , Mistry Michael
Published: November 2023

Animals are capable of robust and reliable control in unstructured environments, where they effortlessly overcome the uncertainty of interaction and are capable of exploiting singularities. These conditions are a well-known challenge for robots due to the limitations of projected dynamics, which requires accurate modelling and is susceptible to singularities. This work proposes a compliant passive control method for redundant manipulators based on a superimposition of multiple passive task-space controllers in a hierarchy without requiring any knowledge of the robot dynamics. The proposed control framework of passive controllers is inherently stable, numerically well-conditioned (as no matrix inversions are required), and computationally inexpensive (as no optimisation is used). This method leverages and introduces a novel stiffness profile for a recently proposed passive controller with smooth transitions between the divergence and convergence phases making it particularly suitable when multiple passive controllers are combined through superimposition. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves sub-centimetre tracking performance during demanding dynamic tasks with fast-changing references, while remaining safe to interact with and robust to singularities. The data further show that the robot can fully take advantage of the redundancy to maintain the primary task accuracy while compensating for unknown environmental interactions, which is not possible from current frameworks that require accurate contact information.