bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of a Fluid-Structure Interaction Model for the Characterization of Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair Devices
Authors: Ott Robert , Öner Alper Ö , Bellé Paul Hermann , Borowski Finja , Schmitz Klaus-Peter , Stiehm Michael 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Mitral regurgitation (MR) is the second most frequent indication for heart valve surgery and catheter interventions. According to European and US-American guidelines, transcatheter mitral valve repair in general and transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) in particular may be considered as a treatment option for selected high-risk patients. However, the biomechanical impact of TEERdevices on the mitral valve (MV) has not yet been fully understood. To address this problem, a 3D-Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) framework utilizing non-linear Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for the MV apparatus and Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) for the pulsatile fluid flow was developed and validated against in vitro data. An artificial MV-model (MVM) with a prolapse in the A2-P2 region and a custom-made TEER device implanted in the A2-P2 region were used for the in vitro investigations. In accordance with ISO 5910, projected mitral orifice areas (PMOA), flow rates as well as atrial and ventricular pressures were measured under pulsatile flow conditions before and after TEER device implantation. For the FSI-model, the MVM geometry was reconstructed by means of microcomputed tomography in a quasi-stress-free configuration. Quasi-static tensile test data was utilized for the development of linear- and hyperelastic material models of the chordae tendineae and leaflets, respectively. The fluid flow was modelled assuming an incompressible, homogenous Newtonian behaviour. Time-varying in vitro transmitral pressure loading was applied as a boundary condition. In vitro investigations show that TEER device implantation in the A2-P2 region effectively reduces the regurgitation fraction (RF) from 55 % to 13 %. Moreover, the comparison of experimental and numerical data yields a deviation of 2.09 % for the RF and a deviation of 0.40 % and 6.47 % for the maximum and minimum PMOA, respectively. The developed FSI-framework is in good agreement with in vitro data and is therefore applicable for the characterization of the biomechanical impact of different TEER devices under pulsatile flow conditions.
Influence of sterilization on the drug release behaviour of drug coated silicone
Authors: Wulf Katharina , Raggl Stefan , Eickner Thomas , Paasche Gerrit , Grabow Niels 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Sterilization processes ensure sterility of drug delivery systems, but may negatively affect the properties of biomaterials and incorporated drugs by changing their physical, chemical, mechanical properties and drug release behaviour. Therefore, it is important to investigate their influence. In this study, the influence of ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization on the drug loading and release behaviour of incorporated Diclofenac (DCF) in a Poly-L-lactide (PLLA) coating and Dexamethasone (DMS) in the silicone carrier is presented. Silicone samples containing DMS were coated with PLLA containing DCF varying in layer thickness (5, 10, and 20 μm). Half of the samples underwent EtO sterilization, the other half was not sterilized. All un-/sterilized sample surfaces were in view of the morphology and hydrophilicity examined. Furthermore, in vitro release studies of DMS and DCF were conducted. The sterilized sample surfaces showed no morphological and hydrophilicity changes. The DCF and DMS loadings were similar for the sterile and untreated samples. This also applied to the in vitro DMS release profiles apart from the end of the studies where slight differences were evident. The results indicate that both drugs loaded in the polymer coating and the silicone were not impaired by the sterilization process. Thus, EtO sterilization appears suitable for DMS containing silicone and DCF incorporated PLLA coatings as a dual drug delivery system.
Femtosecond laser structuring of permeable and resorbable biomaterial
Authors: Grossmann Swen , Illner Sabine , Ott Robert , Rhinow Grit , Tautorat Carsten , Bohne Eric , Schmidt Wolfram , Grabow Niels , Schmitz Klaus-Peter , Siewert Stefan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Bioresorbable nanofiber nonwovens with their fascinating properties provide a wide range of potential biomedical applications. Modification of the material enables the adjustment of mechanical and biological characteristics depending on the desired application. Due to the nanosized fiber network, post-production structuring is very challenging. Within this study, we use femtosecond laser technology for structuring permeable and resorbable electrospun poly-L-lactide (PLLA) membranes. We show that this post-production process can be used without disturbing the fiber network near the structured areas. Furthermore, the modification of the water permeability and mechanical characteristics due to the laser structuring was investigated. The results prove femtosecond laser technology to be a promising method for the adjustment of the membrane properties and which in consequence can help to optimize cell adhesion, enable revascularization and open up applications of nanofiber membranes in personalized medicine.
Analysis of Preterm Pregnancies using Empirical Mode Decomposition based Fractal Features
Authors: Padmanabhan Vardhini , Namadurai Punitha , Swaminathan Ramakrishnan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Preterm birth (gestational age < 37 weeks) is a serious pregnancy related complication that could lead to fetal morbidity and mortality. Monitoring the activity of uterus is considered to be crucial for the early diagnosis of preterm birth. Uterine Electromyography (uEMG) is a non-invasive technique that provides a quantitative measure of uterine activity from the abdominal surface. In this work, an attempt has been made to characterize preterm uEMG signals using Empirical Mode Decomposition based Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (EMD-DFA). Preterm signals with varied gestational ages are considered from an online database. EMD-DFA is applied on these signals to compute the fluctuation function. The double-logarithmic plot of fluctuation function versus scale is evaluated and Chi-square analysis is performed for identifying linear scaling regions. Five features namely shortterm exponent (Hs), long-term exponent (Hl), inflection point, short-term fractal angle (αHs) and long-term fractal angle (αHl) are extracted and analyzed. Further, Coefficient of Variation (CV) is computed to examine the variations of these features among different subjects. Results show that EMD-DFA is able to characterize the fluctuations of preterm signals. From the double-logarithmic plot, a slow variation of fluctuation function is observed with respect to scale when the time to delivery is more. This indicates the presence of rapid signal fluctuations in the early stages of pregnancy. Based on the feature values, it is observed that the signal fluctuations are more correlated and smoother as the time to delivery approaches. Among the extracted features, CV values of Hs, Hl, αHs and αHl are observed to be low indicating that these features have least inter-subject variations in preterm signals. The EMD-DFA based fractal features show the ability to detect the subtle variations in uEMG signals. As early diagnosis of preterm delivery is imperative for timely medical intervention and treatment, it appears that the proposed approach could aid in determining the changes in uterine contractions in preterm condition.
Design of ultra-wideband antenna for the localization of pulmonary lesions during thoracoscopic surgery
Authors: Battistel Alberto , Pott Peter Paul , Roessner Eric Dominic , Moeller Knut 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Biopsies or surgical excisions for diagnosis should be taken for pulmonary lesions which show evidence of growth or are larger than 8 mm. This is usually performed by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. To improve the intraoperative localization of these lesions, we propose to add an ultra-wideband antenna directly on a thoracoscopic tool and locate the lesion through microwave imaging. Here the design of an antenna for such a goal is undertaken. Numerical simulations are used to quantify the influence of a fictional lung lesion on the signal recorded by a bowtie antenna of different lengths (2 to 6 cm) and widths (0.5 to 1.5 cm). It is found that the most important design parameter is the total length of the antenna. The width of the antenna, instead, affects only marginally the signals, but it has a limited effect for deeper lesions
Artefacts in continuous overnight blood pressure assessment based on pulse transit time
Authors: Krefting Dagmar , Kesztyüs Tibor , Dathe Henning 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Continuous non-invasive blood pressure measurements bear a high potential. Particular in Somnology they allow to derive comfortably the systolic and diastolic blood pressure from an electrocardiogram and a synchronous photoplethysmogram without sleep disruption. In this short article some possible problems of this method are discussed along overnight recordings with a SOMNOtouch NIBP device.
Analysis of uterine electromyography signals using time-frequency based topological features for detection of preterm birth
Authors: Selvaraju Vinothini , Pa Karthick , Swaminathan Ramakrishnan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Detection of preterm birth (gestational week < 37) is a global priority as it causes major health problems to neonates. Assessment of uterine contractions (burst) is required to detect and prevent the threat of preterm birth. Uterine electromyography (uEMG) is widely preferred to measure the uterine contractions noninvasively. These signals are nonstationary in nature. It can be handled by topological data analysis (TDA) effectively. Therefore, TDA can be used to explore the characteristics of uEMG burst signals. In this study, an attempt has been made to distinguish term (gestational week ≥ 37) and preterm conditions using timefrequency based topological features in uEMG burst signals. These signals are obtained from the publicly available online dataset. The annotated burst signals are segmented and subjected to a short time Fourier transform. The transformed real and imaginary Fourier coefficients are plotted in the complex plane and the envelope of the data points are computed using the alpha-shape technique. Four topological features such as, area, perimeter, circularity and ellipse variance are extracted. These features are statistically analyzed. The coefficient of variation (CoV) is calculated to measure the inter-subject variations. The results show that the proposed method is able to discriminate between term and preterm conditions. The extracted features namely, area and perimeter exhibit significant difference (p < 0.05) between these two conditions. The CoV of the perimeter is observed to be low, implying that this feature can handle inter-subject variations in burst signals. The extracted topological features are useful to analyze the characteristics of term and preterm pregnancies
Comparison of Deep Learning Algorithms for Semantic Segmentation of Ultrasound Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Gomes Ataide Elmer Jeto , Agrawal Shubham , Jauhari Aishwarya , Boese Axel , Illanes Alfredol , Schenke Simone , Kreissl Michael C. , Friebe Michael 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Ultrasound (US) imaging is used as a preliminary diagnostic tool for the detection, risk-stratification and classification of thyroid nodules. In order to perform the risk stratification of nodules in US images physicians first need to effectively detect the nodules. This process is affected due to the presence of inter-observer and intra-observer variability and subjectivity. Computer Aided Diagnostic tools prove to be a step in the right direction towards reducing the issue of subjectivity and observer variability. Several segmentation techniques have been proposed, from these Deep Learning techniques have yielded promising results. This work presents a comparison between four state of the art (SOTA) Deep Learning segmentation algorithms (UNet, SUMNet, ResUNet and Attention UNet). Each network was trained on the same dataset and the results are compared using performance metrics such as accuracy, dice coefficient and Intersection over Union (IoU) to determine the most effective in terms of thyroid nodule segmentation in US images. It was found that ResUNet performed the best with an accuracy, dice coefficient and IoU of 89.2%, 0.857, 0.767. The aim is to use the trained algorithm in the development of a Computer Aided Diagnostic system for the detection, riskstratification and classification of thyroid nodules using US images to reduce subjectivity and observer variability
Quantitative structure–activity relationship study on prolonged anticonvulsant activity of terpene derivatives in pentylenetetrazole test
Authors: Nesterkina Mariia , Muratov Viacheslav , Ognichenko Luidmyla , Kravchenko Iryna , Kuz’min Victor 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) study has been conducted on 36 terpene derivatives with anticonvulsant activity in timed pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) infusion test. QSAR models for anticonvulsant activity prediction of hydrazones and esters of some monocyclic/bicyclic terpenoids were developed using simplex representation of molecular structure (SiRMS; informational field [IF]) approach based on the SiRMS and the IF of molecule. Four 2D partial least squares QSAR consensus models were developed with the coefficient of determination for test sets

R

test

2

>
0.62

{R}_{\text{test}}^{2}\gt 0.62

. Based on the established QSAR models, we found that carvone and verbenone cores possess the most significant contribution to antiseizure action examined on the model of PTZ-induced convulsions at 3 and 24 h after oral administration of terpene derivatives. Moreover, carbonyl and hydroxy group substitution in terpenoid molecules followed by hydrazones and esters formation leads to enhancement and prolongation of antiseizure action due to the contribution of additional molecular fragments. The presented QSAR models might be utilized to predict anticonvulsant effect among terpene derivatives for their oral administration against onset seizures.
Intensifier-Verb Collocations in Academic English by Chinese Learners Compared to Native-Speaker Students
Authors: Wu Junyu , Tissari Heli 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
It is difficult for L2 English learners in general, and especially Chinese learners of English, to form idiomatic collocations. This article presents a comparison of the use of intensifier-verb collocations in English by native speaker students and Chinese ESL learners, paying particular attention to verbs which collocate with intensifiers. The data consisted of written production from three corpora: two of these are native English corpora: the British Academic Written English (BAWE) Corpus and Michigan Corpus of Upper-Level Student Papers (MICUSP). The third one is a recently created Chinese Learner English corpus, Ten-thousand English Compositions of Chinese Learners (TECCL). Findings suggest that Chinese learners of English produce significantly more intensifier-verb collocations than native speaker students, but that their English attests a smaller variety of intensifier-verb collocations compared with the native speakers. Moreover, Chinese learners of English use the intensifier-verb collocation types just-verb, only-verb and really-verb very frequently compared with native speaker students. As regards verb collocates, the intensifiers hardly, clearly, well, strongly and deeply collocate with semantically different verbs in native and Chinese learner English. Compared with the patterns in Chinese learner English, the intensifiers in native speaker English collocate with a more stable and restricted set of verb collocates.
Comparing the Effects of Different Post-Listening Output Tasks on Second Language Incidental Vocabulary Acquisition: Revisiting the Involvement Load Hypothesis
Authors: Chang Le , Ding Yumeng 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Based on the Involvement Load Hypothesis, the present study investigated the differential effects of three post-listening output tasks (gap-filling, translation, and sentence-making) on immediate acquisition and retention of such vocabulary dimensions as productive knowledge of orthography, receptive recall of meaning and form, and productive knowledge of grammatical functions. Ninety second-year English majors were divided into three groups to finish listening plus one of the post-listening tasks. The results showed that the post-listening output tasks had positive effects on immediate acquisition of productive vocabulary knowledge, partially in agreement with the Involvement Load Hypothesis. However, the effects on vocabulary knowledge retention were found to be largely inconsistent with the Involvement Load Hypothesis. The finding thus challenges this hypothesis in that involvement load is not the only determining factor and suggests that the theoretical construct of involvement load should be constructed with more caution.
On L2 English Learners’ Formulaic Language Use and Spoken English Fluency
Authors: Xuan Junlei , Yang Huifang , Shim Jaewoo 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This study explored the distribution of three types of English formulaic language, which involves four categories in L1 Chinese L2 English learners’ speaking performance. In addition, it investigated the relationship between the English learners’ use of formulaic language and their spoken English fluency. A CCA (canonical correlation analysis) was conducted to examine the correlations between two sets of fluency variables (dependent variables) and linguistic variables of English formulaic language use (independent variables). The fluency variable set consists of: (1) temporal indices such as SR (speech rate), AR (articulation rate), MLR (mean length of run), and PTR (phonation time ratio); (2) linguistic variables of English formulaic language like F2R (two-word formulaic sequences/run ratio, B3R (three-word lexical bundles/run ratio), and B4R (four-word lexical bundles/run ratio). These are calculated according to the frequency of the English formulaic language in the speech samples of the participants (n = 86) across three academic levels. The results indicate that the learners’ spoken English fluency is highly related to their use of English formulaic language. Its limitations and future research directions are also discussed.
Neonatal cervical lymphatic malformation involving the fetal airway the setting of emergency caesarean section
Authors: Francis Christopher John , Mills Katie , Kucera Jennifer Neville 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Lymphatic malformations are benign vascular anomalies comprised of lymphatic elements and most commonly occur in the neck. They may be diagnosed prenatally on ultrasound, and, in addition to confirming the diagnosis, fetal MRI can delineate the presence and extent of airway involvement. A variety of therapies are available for the treatment of lymphatic malformations including medical management, sclerotherapy, and surgery.

Case presentation
We report a case of a 28 year-old pregnant female diagnosed with a fetal neck mass by ultrasound at 21 weeks gestation. A fetal MRI was performed which demonstrated a multiseptated cystic neck mass most suggestive of a lymphatic malformation. The mass was noted to be intimately associated with the fetal airway. Follow up ultrasounds showed continued growth of the lesion throughout pregnancy. The baby was born by EXIT procedure and the lymphatic malformation was ultimately treated by a combination of medical treatment, sclerotherapy, and surgery.

Conclusions
Cervical lymphatic malformations have a classic imaging appearance and can enlarge throughout gestation as well as after delivery. The treatment plan typically involves a multidisciplinary approach.
“Riffraff” On the Waterfront: A Critical Analysis of Labor Imagery on the Imagined Docks of the Hollywood Dream Factory, 1934–1937
Authors: Judd Jonathan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
At the height of the Great Depression, the American Labor Movement was ascendant as union strongholds and the belief in the power of collective action and labor solidarity were re-asserted. The energy and activism along the west-coast waterfront fomented the resurgent movement. With the revitalization of the International Longshoremen’s Union in 1933 came a succession of events that captured the American populace’s attention, including mass demonstrations and coast-wide general strikes. With this surge of events on the west-coast waterfront, from 1934 to 1937, there was a corresponding flurry of imagery disseminated to the American populace using the west-coast waterfront as a constant backdrop. Thus, an examination of the issues posed and the reality suppressed by this imagery is a crucial part of understanding how collective action and union organization exist in American visual culture. A critical evaluation of the specific ways that these Hollywood portrayals do damage to the image and perception of organized labor will allow for a confrontation with the structures of power upheld and held in tension through the dissemination of these films. This study will involve a close analysis of the following films: Fog over Frisco, Wharf Angel, Waterfront Lady, Barbary Coast, Frisco Kid, San Francisco and Mannequin.
Mendelssohn und Kant über den ontologischen Gottesbeweis
Authors: Lang Stefan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This essay develops a new interpretation of Moses Mendelssohn’s ontological argument in the Morning Hours: Lectures on God’s Existence. At the beginning, Immanuel Kant’s famous criticism of the ontological proof of God’s existence in the Critique of Pure Reason is presented. Then I offer an in-depth analysis of Mendelssohn’s original ontological argument in the Morning Hours. It is shown that with Mendelssohn’s new proof of God, Kant’s objections are answered. Finally, it is explained why Mendelssohn does not succeed in completely refuting Kant’s objections.
Birds of a feather?
Authors: Batisti Roberto 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The Latin bird-name columba ‘pigeon, dove’ has often invited comparison with Proto-Slavic *gȍlǫbь ‘id.’, as well as with Greek κόλυμβος ‘grebe, diving bird’. However, the first comparison is formally problematic, while the second one is semantically difficult. The first section of the present paper discusses the etymology and derivational history of Lat. columba, concluding in favor of an IE formation probably parallel to, but not cognate with, the one reflected by Slavic. In the second section, Gk. κόλυμβος is discussed together with the verb κολυμβάω ‘to dive’, showing that the commonly assumed derivation of the latter from the former is unlikely. A new etymology is then proposed for this word-family, arguing that both κόλυμβος < *ḱolum‑gʷ(h₂)‑o‑ and the unattested *κολυμβᾱ‑ < *ḱolum‑gʷ(h₂)‑eh₂‑ inferrable from κολυμβάω arose from the univerbation of a syntagm *ḱolum gʷeh₂- ‘to go covered, to submerge oneself’. These forms would then be coradical of Gk. καλύπτω ‘to cover, hide’, ultimately reflecting the univerbation of a different periphrasis with the same noun *ḱol-u-/*ḱel-u- ‘cover’. The proposed derivation is supported by morphosyntactic parallels across IE and by phraseological collocations of κολυμβάω and καλύπτω in Greek itself.