bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influences of Various Parameters on the Microstructure and Their Effects on the Structural Fatigue of Shape Memory Systems
Authors: Dültgen Peter , Theiß Ralf , Krieg Romina , Hoffmann Fabian , Zwinscher Yannic 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Due to numerous advantages, including high energy density, in addition to the small, required volume, low weight, and high biocompatibility, NiTi shape memory actuators offer the possibility of replacing conventional actuators. Besides the few mass production examples of pseudoplastic shape memory elements in medical technology and even fewer mass produced shape memory actuators, they are currently rarely used in large series, since the cost of a durability test in the development process is very high due to the low switch-off dynamics and the associated cooling times. To perform a complete durability test cycle, several months are necessary. On the other hand, a test of electromagnets of the same service life and performance class would only take three to five days. Therefore, shape memory technology is often not considered to be applicable in actuator development despite its tremendous advantages.
A particular obstacle in the development process is structural fatigue, which cannot be reliably estimated today. The shape memory effect and its change over the lifetime of the component depend significantly on the material composition, the heat treatment as well as the operating parameters, such as the applied load, the ambient temperature or the type of activation and there is still little information available on the extent to which these parameters influence the lifetime of the shape memory elements.
Further knowledge in the field of damage mechanisms would simplify and thus accelerate the development of shape memory actuators. For this purpose, two different series of experiments are carried out for this publication, comparing whether and how damage caused by changing mechanical stresses differs compared to changing current levels for activation on a metallographic level.
The main objective of this study is to reduce development time. As a first step an improved understanding of the relationships between the critical material-dependent parameters and the resulting damage to the NiTi shape memory elements will be established.
For this purpose, a test rig was constructed which is capable of reproducible and thus comparable tests in order to subsequently examine the stressed samples metallographically and assess the microstructure. The aim of the test environment was to create standardized, uniform test conditions by developing a standardized test method including measuring equipment adapted to the technical test conditions for smart memory actuator systems.
Based on various test series, analyses were carried out using conventional light microscopy and REM methods in order to investigate the differences between various stress levels within a test series as well as differences between the various test series, i.e., the influences of the changes in various parameters on the microstructure of the shape memory elements.
Performance Comparison of Capacitive Silicone-Based Curvature Sensors With Planar and Interdigitated Electrodes
Authors: Agostini Lorenzo , Caselli Marco , Avallone Giulia , Fontana Marco , Fassi Irene , Molinari Tosatti Lorenzo , Vertechy Rocco 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
This paper presents a class of fully elastomeric capacitive sensors that can be employed to measure the bending angle of flexible structures.
Two possible sensing architectures are proposed here, which are obtained by similar manufacturing processes. The first solution is based on a parallel plate deformable capacitor featuring two compliant electrodes separated by a dielectric silicone membrane. The second design is based on interdigitated electrodes placed on the same side of a silicone membrane. Both types of sensors are intended to be coupled with a bending structure that, during its deformation, induces a capacitance change correlated with the value of the bending angle.
The operating principle is presented and a possible simplified modeling approach is identified for both the architectures. Additionally, a simple and repeatable manufacturing process is implemented. This made it possible to realize multiple specimens of the two sensor topologies that have been tested through an experimental campaign conducted on a dedicated testbench for bending angle measurement. The results of these tests are reported and elaborated, and the two sensing strategies are compared and discussed.
Haemoglobin and red blood cell reference intervals during infancy
Authors: Larsson Sara Marie , Hellström-Westas Lena , Hillarp Andreas , Åkeson Pia Karlsland , Domellöf Magnus , Askelöf Ulrica , Götherström Cecilia , Andersson Ola 
Published: October 2021

ObjectivesThere is a need for updated haematological reference data in infancy. This study aimed to define intervals for haemoglobin and red blood cell biomarkers based on data from a large cohort of longitudinally followed Swedish infants.DesignLongitudinal cohort study.SettingTwo Swedish study centres.ParticipantsThree community-based populations including 442 presumably healthy infants born at term and with umbilical cord clamping delayed to 30 s or more after birth.MethodsBlood samples were collected from umbilical cord blood (a), at 48–118 hours (b), at 4 months (c) and at 12 months (d). Reference intervals as the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles were calculated in coherence with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines.ResultsReference intervals for haemoglobin (g/L) were: (a) 116–189, (b) 147–218, (c) 99–130, (d) 104–134, and for mean cell volume (fL): (a) 97–118, (b) 91–107, (c) 71–85, (d) 70–83. Reference intervals for erythrocyte counts, reticulocyte counts, reticulocyte haemoglobin, mean cell haemoglobin and mean cell haemoglobin concentration were also estimated. According to the WHO definition of anaemia, a haemoglobin value less than 110 g/L, 16% of this presumably healthy cohort could be classified as anaemic at 12 months.ConclusionWe found mainly narrower reference intervals compared with previously published studies. The reference intervals for each parameter varied according to the infants’ age, demonstrating the necessity of age definitions when presenting infant reference intervals. The discrepancy with the WHO classification for anaemia at 12 months, despite favourable conditions in infancy, needs future investigation.
Surgical Problems Presenting at Sea during 100 British Polaris Submarine Patrols
Authors: Glover S. D. , Taylor E. W. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractSurgical problems presenting at sea during 100 British Polaris submarine patrols have been reviewed. In 106 patients the medical officer of the submarine made a diagnosis of surgical illness sufficiently serious that in normal practice referral to hospital might be considered necessary. The emergency “operating theatre” has been used on only one occasion. One patrol was broken because of surgical illness but this did not break the continuous deterrent threat. There has been no death at sea and as far as we are aware no maior morbidity has arisen as a result of delayed definitive treatment. The policy of conservative management of surgical problems presenting at sea in submarines is considered fully justified.
Training in Occupational Medicine in the Royal Navy—A personal view
Authors: Wright D. S. 
Published: October 2021

SummaryThis paper is based on a presentation to the Naval Occupational Medicine Conference in October 1984. While the paper was addressed primarily to members of the occupational medicine specialty, it covers the historical development of the specialty and discusses training in occupational medicine, community medicine and administration for all those outside the hospitals. It concludes that acceptance of the specialty by the profession is dependent on the implementation of a clearly identified training programme.
Outbreak of Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a Royal Naval hospital
Authors: Atherton M. E. 
Published: October 2021

SummaryThe paper describes a ten week outbreak of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in a Royal Naval Hospital. The organism was isolated from four female patients, nursed on a multi-disciplinary ward, all of whom had undergone surgery. One patient was a confused resident of a local nursing home, admitted with a fractured femur and pressure sores. The lesson from the survey is that a colonised bed-sore may be just as important a source of methicillin resistant Staph. aureus as a purulent discharging wound in a post-operative patient.
Craniodiaphyseal dysplasia: Partial suppression of osteoblastic activity in the severe progressive form with calcitonin therapy
Authors: McKeating J. B. , Kershaw C. R. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractA small number of cases have been described of Craniodiaphyseal Dysplasia including early “leontiasis ossea” with progressive bony encroachment of skull foramina leading to severe neurological impairment in the first decade. Total thyroidectomy to remove a suspected source of excessive calcitonin was carried out in the only previous case where therapy was attempted. We report the case of the daughter of a Chief Petty Officer who presented with choanal stenosis at birth and who died at age 7 years with massive hyperostosis and sclerosis especially involving the skull and facial bones. Partial responsiveness of this condition to therapy with synthetic human calcitonin was suggested by a fall in the velocity of increase in her head circumference and changes in serum total and bone isoenzyme alkaline phosphatase. Management of the metabolic, neurological and social aspects of this condition is discussed.
Microbial identification by gas chromatography
Authors: White M. A. , Simmons M. D. , Bishop A. , Chandler H. A. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractGas chromatography is rapidly being accepted as a valuable technique for the identification of microrganisms, as the speed of identification can be significantly greater than current biochemical techniques. The Health Department of the Institute of Naval Medicine has recently installed a fully automated gas chromatograph dedicated to rapid bacterial analysis particularly in the area of clinical microbiology. This paper describes the preparative and anlytical methods employed by the system and the results of preliminary studies.
Prevalence of methylphenidate use by Master of Medicine students at a South African university
Authors: Louw Willem Andries Nienaber , Davids Ryan Alroy 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundMethylphenidate is mainly used for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactive-disorder (ADHD). Its effect of increased attentiveness leads to the potential of off-label use by students for academic enhancement—previously demonstrated in undergraduate students. No publication exists on postgraduate student use of methylphenidate.ObjectivesTo provide a summary of the self-reported prevalence and correlates of methylphenidate use in Masters of Medicine (MMed) students registered at the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences of a South African university.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were collected via a self-administered anonymous online questionnaire distributed by email to 505 registered MMed students.ResultsOf the 253 responses (response rate 50.1%) received 71 (28.1%) have used methylphenidate. Only 2.4% have been diagnosed with ADHD. The majority (73.2%) obtained it without a formal medical consultation. Self-prescription (26.8%) and prescription by a colleague without consultation (23.9%) contributed significantly. Academic performance enhancement was the primary motivation for use in 71.8% and 42.3% of users started using methylphenidate while registered as an MMed student. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of gender (p=0.151), age (p=0.288) or year of study (p=0.149).ConclusionsOff-label use of methylphenidate is prevalent in MMed students registered at this South African university. The prevalence is significantly higher than in undergraduate medical students. The non-conventional means of access is of great concern. Efforts should be made to discourage self-prescription, educate students on the dangers of methylphenidate use, promote better access regulation and enhance psychological support.
Hyperelliptic curves with many automorphisms
Authors: Müller Nicolas , Pink Richard 
Published: October 2021

A complex algebraic curve is said to have many automorphisms if it cannot be deformed nontrivially together with its automorphism group. Oort asked whether the jacobian of any such curve has complex multiplication. We answer this question completely when the curve is hyperelliptic. For this, we first classify all hyperelliptic curves with many automorphisms, finding 3 infinite sequences and 15 separate isomorphism classes. Of these, all members of the infinite sequences and 5 of the isolated curves have a jacobian with complex multiplication, but the remaining 10 curves do not. The methods used include a criterion of Wolfart, a representation theoretic criterion of streit and the non-integrality of the j-invariants of certain quotient curves of genus 1. For the hardest cases, we use an ad hoc developed computational criterion depending on the splitting fields of the characteristic polynomials of Frobenius acting on the Tate module of the Jacobian.
CircSOD2: A Novel Regulator for Smooth Muscle Proliferation and Neointima Formation
Authors: Mei Xiaohan , Cui Xiao-Bing , Li Yiran , Chen Shi-You 
Published: October 2021

Objective:
Vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation contributes to neointima formation following vascular injury. Circular RNA—a novel type of noncoding RNA with closed-loop structure—exhibits cell- and tissue-specific expression patterns. However, the role of circular RNA in SMC proliferation and neointima formation is largely unknown. The objective of this study is to investigate the role and mechanism of circSOD2 in SMC proliferation and neointima formation.

Approach and Results:
Circular RNA profiling of human aortic SMCs revealed that PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor)-BB up- and downregulated numerous circular RNAs. Among them, circSOD2, derived from back-splicing event of SOD2 (superoxide dismutase 2), was significantly enriched. Knockdown of circSOD2 by short hairpin RNA blocked PDGF-BB–induced SMC proliferation. Inversely, circSOD2 ectopic expression promoted SMC proliferation. Mechanistically, circSOD2 acted as a sponge for miR-206, leading to upregulation of NOTCH3 (notch receptor 3) and NOTCH3 signaling, which regulates cyclin D1 and CDK (cyclin-dependent kinase) 4/6. In vivo studies showed that circSOD2 was induced in neointima SMCs in balloon-injured rat carotid arteries. Importantly, knockdown of circSOD2 attenuated injury-induced neointima formation along with decreased neointimal SMC proliferation.

Conclusions:
CircSOD2 is a novel regulator mediating SMC proliferation and neointima formation following vascular injury. Therefore, circSOD2 could be a potential therapeutic target for inhibiting the development of proliferative vascular diseases.
Optimal Tissue Reperfusion Estimation by Computed Tomography Perfusion Post-Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Tan Zefeng , Parsons Mark , Bivard Andrew , Sharma Gagan , Mitchell Peter , Dowling Richard , Bush Steven , Xu Anding , Yan Bernard 
Published: October 2021

Background and Purpose:
Modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score (mTICI) ≥2b is defined as successful reperfusion. However, mTICI has rarely been correlated with dynamic perfusion imaging postendovascular therapy for acute stroke. We aimed to study the proportion of tissue optimal reperfusion (TOR) postendovascular therapy across different grades of mTICI.

Methods:
We conducted a single-center retrospective analysis of patients with acute ischemic strokes who had endovascular therapy between 2018 and 2019. Computer tomography perfusion or magnetic resonance perfusion was performed before and after endovascular therapy. Tmax+6 volume reduction of >90% was defined as TOR. Comparisons of proportions of TOR in different grades of mTICI were performed. In the present study, the requirement for informed consents was waived.

Results:

Eighty-two patients were included. The difference in the proportion of TOR for TICI categories was statistically significant (mTICI score 0, 0%, mTICI score 2A, 0%, mTICI score 2b, 50.0%, mTICI score 2c, 80.0%, mTICI score 3, 81.3%, χ
2
=14.035,
P
=0.003). Multivariable logistic regression showed that lower age (odds ratio, 0.932,
P
=0.017), onset-to-tissue-type plasminogen activator time (odds ratio, 0.980,
P
=0.005) and TOR (odds ratio, 8.764,
P
=0.031) were associated with favorable functional outcome.

Conclusions:
The proportion of TOR achieved by mTICI score of 2b was significantly lower than mTICI score of 2c and mTICI score of 3. TOR was associated with favorable functional outcome, and the degree of reperfusion was more strongly correlated with outcomes than the mTICI scores.
From Citizen Science to Citizen Management: Suggestions for a pervasive fine-grained and operational approach to biodiversity conservation
Authors: Battisti Corrado , Cerfolli Fulvio 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Citizen Science involves people as part of a scientific enquiry. However, in an age of great environmental changes, citizens are faced with degradation that affects ecosystem structure and function. Their role as drivers of change can be also relevant for biodiversity conservation. As in Citizen Science, where the citizens, properly trained, can initiate a widespread and fine-grained knowledge process, it is also possible to start a Citizen Management process, where citizens, adequately trained in problem solving, can change the state of an environmental system, with positive effects on the latter and on themselves. To prepare citizens for the acquisition of a problem solving and management paradigms, a quick meeting carried out with citizens by a senior manager as facilitator can be an opportunity to explain some basic steps: introducing them to the concept of ‘problem’, the definition of a project team and SMART objectives, the use of creativity during brainstorming, choosing an approach to the decision-making process and defining a strategy (actions, times, roles, resources, monitoring, and adaptation). According to the Hill and Westbrook’s SWOT approach, we suggest a list of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that characterize the Citizen Management approach.
Cloud-Resolving-Model Simulations of Nocturnal Precipitation over the Himalayan Slopes and Foothills
Authors: Sugimoto Shiori , Ueno Kenichi , Fujinami Hatsuki , Nasuno Tomoe , Sato Tomonori , Takahashi Hiroshi G. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
A numerical experiment with a 2-km resolution was conducted using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model to investigate physical processes driving nocturnal precipitation over the Himalayas during the mature monsoon seasons between 2003 and 2010. The WRF Model simulations of increases in precipitation twice a day, one in the afternoon and another around midnight, over the Himalayan slopes, and of the single nocturnal peak over the Himalayan foothills were reasonably accurate. To understand the synoptic-scale moisture transport and its local-scale convergence generating the nocturnal precipitation, composite analyses were conducted using the reanalysis dataset and model outputs. In the synoptic scale, moisture transport associated with the westward propagation of low pressure systems was found when nocturnal precipitation dominated over the Himalayan slopes. In contrast, moisture was directly provided from the synoptic-scale monsoon westerlies for nocturnal precipitation over the foothills. The model outputs suggested that precipitation occurred on the mountain ridges in the Himalayas during the afternoon and expanded horizontally toward lower-elevation areas through the night. During the nighttime, the downslope wind was caused by radiative cooling at the surface and was intensified by evaporative cooling by hydrometeors in the near-surface layer. As a result, convergence between the downslope wind and the synoptic-scale flow promoted nocturnal precipitation over the Himalayas and to the south, as well as the moisture convergence by orography and/or synoptic-scale circulation patterns. The nocturnal precipitation over the Himalayas was not simulated well when we used the coarse topographic resolution and the smaller number of vertical layers.
Graft Survivorship After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Based on Tibial Slope
Authors: Gwinner Clemens , Janosec Milan , Wierer Guido , Wagner Michael , Weiler Andreas 
Published: October 2021

Background: Increased tibial slope (TS) is believed to be a risk factor for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. Increased TS may also promote graft insufficiency after ACL reconstruction. Purpose: To delineate the relationship between TS and single as well as multiple graft insufficiencies after ACL reconstruction. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence 3. Methods: We retrospectively identified 519 patients who had sustained ACL graft insufficiency after primary or revision ACL reconstruction (1 graft insufficiency, group A; 2 graft insufficiencies, group B; and ≥3 graft insufficiencies, group C). In addition, a subgroup analysis was conducted in 63 patients who received all surgical interventions by 2 specialized high-volume, single-center ACL surgeons. TS was measured by an observer with >10 years of training using lateral knee radiographs, and intrarater reliability was performed. Multiple logistic and univariate Cox regression was used to assess the contribution of covariates (TS, age, sex, and bilateral ACL injury) on repeated graft insufficiency and graft survival. Results: The study included 347 patients, 119 female and 228 male, who were 24 ± 9 years of age at their first surgery (group A, n = 260; group B, n = 62; group C, n = 25). Mean TS was 9.8°± 2.7° (range, 3°-18°). TS produced the highest adjusted odds ratio (1.73) of all covariates for repeated graft insufficiency. A significant correlation was found between TS and the number of graft insufficiencies ( r = 0.48; P < .0001). TS was significantly lower in group A (9.0°± 2.3°) compared with group B (12.1°± 2.5°; P < .0001) and group C (12.0°± 2.6°; P < .0001). A significant correlation was seen between the TS and age at index ACL tear ( r = −0.12; P = .02) as well as time to graft insufficiency ( r = −0.12; P = .02). A TS ≥12° had an odds ratio of 11.6 for repeated ACL graft insufficiency. Conclusion: The current results indicate that patients with a markedly increased TS were at risk of early and repeated graft insufficiency after ACL reconstruction. Because the TS is rarely accounted for in primary and revision ACLR, isolated soft tissue procedures only incompletely address recurrent graft insufficiency in this subset of patients.