bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental and numerical investigation of impact behavior of reinforced concrete slab with different support conditions
Authors: Yılmaz Tolga , Kıraç Nevzat , Anıl Özgür , Erdem Recep Tuğrul , Hoşkal Volkan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractReinforced concrete (RC) slabs may be subjected to impulsive dynamic loads such as blast and impact during their service period. Many studies related to the impact behavior of RC slabs have been presented. However, comprehensive studies where the effect of the support conditions on the impact behavior of RC slabs has been investigated are still limited. Thus, this study has focused on the effects of the support types and the support layouts on the dynamic responses and the failure modes of RC slabs subjected to impact loads. In the first part of the study, 9 two‐way RC slabs with various support layouts composed of fixed and hinged supports were tested under impact load via the drop‐weight test setup. Two different input impact energies were transmitted to RC slabs during impact loading. The time histories of the accelerations and displacements occurred in RC slabs, and the impact loads acting on RC slabs were recorded. The crack patterns due to the impact load were observed. The dynamic responses obtained by experiments have been interpreted in detail. In the second part, a detailed finite element procedure in which explicit dynamic analysis is performed has been introduced for verification of the experimental results. Good agreement between the experimental and the numerical results has been demonstrated. It has been concluded that proposed finite element procedures can be used for evaluation of the dynamic responses and failure modes of RC slabs under low‐velocity impact load.
Advances in Doped ZnO Nanostructures for Gas Sensor
Authors: Wang Chao‐Nan , Li Yu‐Liang , Gong Fei‐Long , Zhang Yong‐Hui , Fang Shao‐Ming , Zhang Hao‐Li 
Published: October 2020

AbstractGas sensors based on metal oxides semiconductor (MOS) have attracted extensive attention from both academic and industry. ZnO, as a typical MOS, exhibits potential applications in toxic gas detection, owning to its wide band gap, n‐type transport characteristic and excellent electrical performance. Meanwhile, doping is an effective way to improve the sensing performance of ZnO materials. In this review, the effects of different types of doping on morphology, crystal structure, band gap and depletion layer of ZnO materials are comprehensively discussed. Theoretical analysis on the strategies for enhancing the sensing properties of ZnO is also provided. This review puts forward the reasonable insight for designing efficient n‐type ZnO‐based semiconductor oxide sensing materials.
Sequential haematological and serum biochemical changes in Black Bengal goats infected with a local isolate of peste des petits ruminants virus from Bangladesh
Authors: Begum Shahana , Nooruzzaman Mohammed , Hasnat Azmary , Islam Mohammad Rafiqul , Chowdhury Emdadul Haque 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundKnowledge of sequential changes in haematobiochemical parameters of infected animals helps in the formulation of appropriate supportive therapy.ObjectiveWe investigated the sequential haematological and biochemical changes in peste des petits ruminants (PPR)‐infected Black Bengal goats.MethodsGoats were either infected with PPR virus (PPRV; n = 8) or sham infected with sterile phosphate‐buffered saline (n = 4) via the intranasal route. Blood and sera were collected from both groups at different days post‐infection (dpi) and analysed. Goats were sacrificed at different dpi and the amount of PPRV RNA in different tissues was quantified by real‐time RT‐PCR.ResultsThe PPRV‐infected goats showed mild depression and scanty nasal secretions starting at 4 dpi which became severe with high fever (106°F), dyspnoea, stomatitis, profuse orinasal discharge and diarrhoea at 9–13 dpi. PPRV RNA was detected in different tissues of infected goats. Severe lymphocytic leukopenia (at 18 dpi) was observed in infected goats. Total protein and albumin decreased in infected goats starting at 10 dpi. An elevated level of enzymes (alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase) and metabolites (blood urea nitrogen and urea B) were found in infected goats starting at 7–10 dpi, suggesting damages in the liver and kidneys. PPR‐infected goats showed elevated sodium and chloride ions starting at 7 dpi. The majority of infected goats were seroconverted by 14 dpi.ConclusionsAnti‐diarrheal agents, aqua solutions and other medicine to support liver and kidney functions could be considered as supportive therapy against PPRV infection.
Tumoren der Mundhöhle
Authors: Rotzinger R. , Bachtiary B. , Pica A. , Weber D. C. , Ahlhelm F. 
Published: October 2020

ZusammenfassungKlinisches/methodisches ProblemMundhöhlenmalignome stellen weltweit die häufigsten Tumoren im Bereich der Hals-Nasen-Ohrenheilkunde bzw. Otorhinolaryngologie dar. Es handelt sich um eine heterogene Gruppe an Tumoren, deren Kenntnis erforderlich ist, um den unterschiedlichen Anforderungen an Diagnostik und Therapie gerecht zu werden.Radiologische StandardverfahrenComputertomographie (CT), Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT), Sonographie, nuklearmedizinische Verfahren (NUK).LeistungsfähigkeitDie o. g. Diagnostika werden komplementär eingesetzt.BewertungEine frühzeitigere Diagnose des Tumors verbessert das Staging und somit die Therapie und Prognose des Patienten.SchlussfolgerungDem Radiologen kommt bei der interdisziplinären Behandlung von Malignomen der Mundhöhle eine bedeutende Rolle zu. Trotz großer Fortschritte in der Radiotherapie, Onkologie und Immuntherapie spielt die Chirurgie weiterhin eine wichtige Rolle in der Behandlung maligner Erkrankungen der Mundhöhle.
Study of polyphenols, antioxidant capacity and minerals for the valorisation of ancient apple cultivars from Northeast Italy
Authors: Preti Raffaella , Tarola Anna Maria 
Published: October 2020

AbstractNutritional properties and quality of apple fruits can be related to presence of secondary metabolite contents such as phytochemicals and mineral elements. In this paper, eight polyphenols, four major minerals (Na, K, Mg, Ca), total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity were determined in fourteen ancient apple cultivars grown in Friuli Venezia Giulia (Northeast Italy) to highlight their nutraceutical properties. Both apple peel and pulp were examined separately and results were compared to those of six widespread commercial cultivars using principal component analysis. Ancient apples had much higher content in healthful compounds with respect to commercial varieties, particularly in the peel. Ancient cultivars showed a superior antioxidant capacity in peel (3- to 9- fold) and in pulp (2- to 5-fold) compared to commercial cultivars, with a good correlation with total phenolic content (R = 0.83 in peel and 0.69 in pulp). The polyphenols that mostly characterized the ancient apples pulp were catechins and flavonols. Regarding macro elements, K and Mg content were higher in ancient cultivars, while Na and Ca showed no significant differences. In the perspective of a sustainable economic and social development of local agricultural realities, these results contribute to the valorisation of ancient local apple cultivars as invaluable reservoir of genetic biodiversity to be promoted as functional food or exploited in breeding novel apple hybrids with high nutraceutical properties and better resistance to parasites.
Role of computed tomography texture analysis using dual-energy-based bone marrow imaging for multiple myeloma characterization: comparison with histology and established serologic parameters
Authors: Reinert Christian Philipp , Krieg Eva , Esser Michael , Nikolaou Konstantin , Bösmüller Hans , Horger Marius 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Objective
To identify textural features on dual-energy CT (DECT)–based bone marrow images in myeloma which correlate with serum markers of myeloma activity and the degree of medullary involvement.

Methods
A total of 110 patients (63.0 ± 11.0 years, 51 female) who underwent unenhanced whole-body DECT between September 2015 and February 2019 were retrospectively included, which was approved by our institutional ethics committee with a waiver of the informed consent requirement. All patients had current hematologic laboratory tests. Using DECT post-processing, non-calcium bone marrow images were reconstructed. The vertebral bodies T10–L5 were segmented for quantification of textural features, which were compared with serologic parameters and myeloma stages by the Mann-Whitney U test. In a subgroup of 56/110 patients with current bone marrow biopsies, textural features were correlated with the degree of bone marrow infiltration.

Results
First-order features were higher in patients with advanced stage of myeloma (p < .02), whereas the 2nd-order “gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) cluster prominence” was lower (p < .04). In patients with elevated serum-free light chains (SFLC) or kappa/lambda SFLC ratio above 1.56, the “entropy” and 2nd-order GLCM features were lower (p < .03). The degree of bone marrow infiltration correlated with 1st-order features (e.g., “uniformity”; rP = 0.49; p < .0001), whereas “entropy” and 2nd-order GLCM features were negatively correlated (e.g., “difference entropy”; rP = − 0.54; p < .0001).

Conclusions
CT textural features applied on non-calcium bone marrow images correlate well with myeloma-related serologic parameters and histology showing a more uniform tissue structure and higher attenuation with increasing medullary infiltration and could therefore be used as additional imaging biomarkers for non-invasive assessment of medullary involvement.

Key Points
• Texture analysis applied on dual-energy reconstructed non-calcium bone marrow images provides information about marrow structure and attenuation.
• Myeloma-related serologic parameters and the degree of myeloma cell infiltration correlate with 1st- and 2nd-order features which could be useful as additional imaging biomarkers for non-invasive assessment of medullary involvement.
Robotische Assistenz bei den Aktivitäten des täglichen Lebens am Beispiel der Nahrungsaufnahme
Authors: Klein Barbara , Baumeister Annalies 
Published: October 2020

ZusammenfassungDie Ausübung der Aktivitäten des täglichen Lebens (ADL, auch Basisaktivitäten) ist bei Funktionseinschränkungen und -verlusten, die mit dem Altern, mit Krankheiten oder Behinderung einhergehen, eingeschränkt bzw. nicht mehr möglich. Dafür gibt es heute schon eine Reihe von Hilfsmitteln und sogar robotische Produkte. Ziel dieses Beitrages ist es, exemplarisch für die Basisaktivität Nahrungsaufnahme einen Überblick über die vorhandenen Produkte für Menschen mit einer Tetraplegie aufgrund eines Unfalls oder neurologischer Erkrankungen wie multipler Sklerose oder amyotrophischer Lateralsklerose zu geben. Die Verbreitung dieser Systeme ist heute noch sehr überschaubar. Dazu werden hemmende und fördernde Faktoren für deren Verbreitung und Nutzung aufgezeigt.
Recent progress in maintenance treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
Authors: Holmøy Trygve , Høglund Rune Alexander , Illes Zsolt , Myhr Kjell-Morten , Torkildsen Øivind 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundTreatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) has so far been based on retrospective case series. The results of six randomized clinical trials including five different monoclonal antibodies targeting four molecules and three distinct pathophysiological pathways have recently been published.MethodsLiterature search on clinical trials and case studies in NMOSD up to July 10. 2020.ResultsWe review mechanism of action, efficacy and side effects, and consequences for reproductive health from traditional immunosuppressants and monoclonal antibodies including rituximab, inebilizumab, eculizumab, tocilizumab and satralizumab.ConclusionIn NMOSD patients with antibodies against aquaporin 4, monoclonal antibodies that deplete B cells (rituximab and inebilizumab) or interfere with interleukin 6 signaling (tocilizumab and satralizumab) or complement activation (eculizumab) have superior efficacy compared to placebo. Tocilizumab and rituximab were also superior to azathioprine in head-to-head studies. Rituximab, tocilizumab and to some extent eculizumab have well-known safety profiles for other inflammatory diseases, and rituximab and azathioprine may be safe during pregnancy.
Seizures associated with antibodies against cell surface antigens are acute symptomatic and not indicative of epilepsy: insights from long-term data
Authors: Rada Anna , Birnbacher Robert , Gobbi Claudio , Kurthen Martin , Ludolph Albert , Naumann Markus , Neirich Ulrike , von Oertzen Tim J. , Ransmayr Gerhard , Riepe Matthias , Schimmel Mareike , Schwartz Oliver , Surges Rainer , Bien Christian G. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Clinicians have questioned whether any disorder involving seizures and neural antibodies should be called “(auto)immune epilepsy.” The concept of “acute symptomatic seizures” may be more applicable in cases with antibodies against neural cell surface antigens. We aimed at determining the probability of achieving seizure-freedom, the use of anti-seizure medication (ASM), and immunotherapy in patients with either constellation. As a potential pathophysiological correlate, we analyzed antibody titer courses.

Methods
Retrospective cohort study of 39 patients with seizures and neural antibodies, follow-up ≥ 3 years.

Results
Patients had surface antibodies against the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR, n = 6), leucine-rich glioma inactivated protein 1 (LGI1, n = 11), contactin-associated protein-2 (CASPR2, n = 8), or antibodies against the intracellular antigens glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 kDa (GAD65, n = 13) or Ma2 (n = 1). Patients with surface antibodies reached first seizure-freedom (88% vs. 7%, P < 0.001) and terminal seizure-freedom (80% vs. 7%, P < 0.001) more frequently. The time to first and terminal seizure-freedom and the time to freedom from ASM were shorter in the surface antibody group (Kaplan–Meier curves: P < 0.0001 for first seizure-freedom; P < 0.0001 for terminal seizure-freedom; P = 0.0042 for terminal ASM-freedom). Maximum ASM defined daily doses were higher in the groups with intracellular antibodies. Seizure-freedom was achieved after additional immunotherapy, not always accompanied by increased ASM doses. Titers of surface antibodies but not intracellular antibodies decreased over time.

Conclusion
Seizures with surface antibodies should mostly be considered acute symptomatic and transient and not indicative of epilepsy. This has consequences for ASM prescription and social restrictions. Antibody titers correlate with clinical courses.
Cross-links in posterior pedicle screw-rod instrumentation of the spine: a systematic review on mechanical, biomechanical, numerical and clinical studies
Authors: Cornaz Frédéric , Widmer Jonas , Snedeker Jess Gerrit , Spirig José Miguel , Farshad Mazda 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Purpose
Dorsal screw-rod instrumentations are used for a variety of spinal disorders. Cross-links (CL) can be added to such constructs, however, no clear recommendations exist. This study aims to provide an overview of the available evidence on the effectiveness of CL, potentially allowing to formulate recommendations on their use.

Methods
A systematic literature review was performed on PubMed and 37 original articles were included and grouped into mechanical, biomechanical, finite element and clinical studies. The change in range of motion (ROM) was analyzed in mechanical and biomechanical studies, ROM, stiffness and stress distribution were evaluated in finite element studies and clinical outcome parameters were analyzed in clinical studies.

Results
A relative consistent reduction in ROM in axial rotation with CL-augmentation was reported, while minor and less consistent effects were observed in flexion–extension and lateral bending. The use of CLs was clinical beneficial in C1/2 fusion, while the limited clinical studies on other anatomic regions show no significant benefit for CL-augmentation.

Conclusion
While CL provides some additional axial rotation stability in most situations, lateral bending and flexion–extension are less affected. Based on clinical data, CL-augmentation can only be recommended for C1/2 instrumentations, while for other cases, further clinical studies are needed to allow for evidence-based recommendations.
Cranioplasty following ventriculoperitoneal shunting: lessons learned
Authors: Hirschmann Dorian , Kranawetter Beate , Kirchschlager Constanze , Tomschik Matthias , Wais Jonathan , Winter Fabian , Millesi Matthias , Herta Johannes , Roessler Karl , Dorfer Christian 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Objective
Cranioplasty (CP) is considered as a straightforward and technically unchallenging operation; however, complication rates are high reaching up to 56%. Presence of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) and timing of CP are reported risk factors for complications. Pressure gradients and scarring at the site of the cranial defect seem to be critical in this context. The authors present their experiences and lessons learned.

Methods
A consecutive series of all patients who underwent CP at the authors’ institution between 2002 and 2017 were included in this retrospective analysis. Complications were defined as all events that required reoperation. Logistic regression analysis and chi-squared test were conducted to evaluate the complication rates according to suspected risk factors.

Results
A total of 302 patients underwent cranioplasty between 2002 and 2017. The overall complication rate was 17.5%. Complications included epi-/subdural fluid collection (7.3%) including hemorrhage (4.6%) and hygroma (2.6%), bone graft resorption (5.3%), bone graft infection (2.0%), and hydrocephalus (5.7%). Overall, 57 patients (18.9%) had undergone shunt implantation prior to CP. The incidence of epi-/subdural fluid collection was 19.3% in patients with VPS and 4.5% in patients without VPS, OR 5.1 (95% CI 2.1–12.4). Incidence of hygroma was higher in patients who underwent early CP. Patients with temporary shunt ligation for CP did not suffer from complications.

Conclusion
CP in patients with a VPS remains a high-risk procedure. Any effort to understand the pressure dynamics and to reduce factors that may trigger the formation of a large epidural space must be undertaken.
Resident CD34-positive cells contribute to peri-endothelial cells and vascular morphogenesis in salivary gland after irradiation
Authors: I Takashi , Ueda Yuichiro , Wörsdörfer Philipp , Sumita Yoshinori , Asahina Izumi , Ergün Süleyman 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSalivary gland (SG) hypofunction is a common post-radiotherapy complication. Besides the parenchymal damage after irradiation (IR), there are also effects on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) which were shown to contribute to regeneration and repair of damaged tissues by differentiating into stromal cell types or releasing vesicles and soluble factors supporting the healing processes. However, there are no adequate reports about their roles during SG damage and regeneration so far. Using an irradiated SG mouse model, we performed certain immunostainings on tissue sections of submandibular glands at different time points after IR. Immunostaining for CD31 revealed that already one day after IR, vascular impairment was induced at the level of capillaries. In addition, the expression of CD44—a marker of acinar cells—diminished gradually after IR and, by 20 weeks, almost disappeared. In contrast, the number of CD34-positive cells significantly increased 4 weeks after IR and some of the CD34-positive cells were found to reside within the adventitia of arteries and veins. Laser confocal microscopic analyses revealed an accumulation of CD34-positive cells within the area of damaged capillaries where they were in close contact to the CD31-positive endothelial cells. At 4 weeks after IR, a fraction of the CD34-positive cells underwent differentiation into α-SMA-positive cells, which suggests that they may contribute to regeneration of smooth muscle cells and/or pericytes covering the small vessels from the outside. In conclusion, SG-resident CD34-positive cells represent a population of progenitors that could contribute to new vessel formation and/or remodeling of the pre-existing vessels after IR and thus, might be an important player during SG tissue healing.
Randomized controlled trials—a critical re-appraisal
Authors: Mielke Dorothee , Rohde Veit 
Published: October 2020

AbstractRandomized controlled trials (RCTs) are considered to represent the gold standard of scientific studies and paved the way for evidence-based medicine (EBM). Besides the initial aim to improve the quality of patient care, EBM is used in the meanwhile for political and economic decision-making and legal issues as well. A review of the literature was performed, followed by a search using links and references of the detected articles. Additionally, homepages for German institutions of public health were screened. Substantial limitations of RCTs and EBM health care could be identified. Based on the selected literature, 80% of the medical treatments have low evidence. RCTs are expensive and are mainly performed by the industry nowadays. A publication bias for positive results exists. Some RCTs are of low external validity. Many studies have a low fragility index. Nonetheless, negative RCTs could be of benefit for the patients. The results of RCTs, gained in a distinct patient population, are partially generalized. RCTs should be analyzed critically before adopting the results to daily clinical routine. It is not really justified to use RCTs and EBM for political and economic decision-making and legal issues as seen today.
BMP6/TAZ-Hippo signaling modulates angiogenesis and endothelial cell response to VEGF
Authors: Pulkkinen H. H. , Kiema M. , Lappalainen J. P. , Toropainen A. , Beter M. , Tirronen A. , Holappa L. , Niskanen H. , Kaikkonen M. U. , Ylä-Herttuala S. , Laakkonen Johanna P. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe BMP/TGFβ-Smad, Notch and VEGF signaling guides formation of endothelial tip and stalk cells. However, the crosstalk of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) signaling has remained largely unknown. We demonstrate that BMP family members regulate VEGFR2 and Notch signaling, and act via TAZ-Hippo signaling pathway. BMPs were found to be regulated after VEGF gene transfer in C57/Bl6 mice and in a porcine myocardial ischemia model. BMPs 2/4/6 were identified as endothelium-specific targets of VEGF. BMP2 modulated VEGF-mediated endothelial sprouting via Delta like Canonical Notch Ligand 4 (DLL4). BMP6 modulated VEGF signaling by regulating VEGFR2 expression and acted via Hippo signaling effector TAZ, known to regulate cell survival/proliferation, and to be dysregulated in cancer. In a matrigel plug assay in nude mice BMP6 was further demonstrated to induce angiogenesis. BMP6 is the first member of BMP family found to directly regulate both Hippo signaling and neovessel formation. It may thus serve as a target in pro/anti-angiogenic therapies.