bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultra-compact and -broadband integrated plasmonic waveplates with high efficiency
Authors: Pezeshki Hamed 
Published: October 2022

AbstractUltra-compact and -broadband integrated gold plasmonic half-wave and quarter-wave plates (HWP and QWP) based on the mode interference mechanism are proposed with applications in magneto-photonics, mode- and polarization-division multiplexing. The numerical simulations based on a finite element method reveals that the proposed HWP offers a maximum polarization conversion efficiency of 99.6$$\%$$%at a wavelength of$$\lambda _0$$λ0= 1.55$$\mu$$μm with a 1 dB bandwidth of 140 nm ($$\lambda _0$$λ0= 1.47–1.61$$\mu$$μm), covering 82$$\%$$%of the S to L telecommunication bands. In this wavelength range, HWP has an insertion loss below 2.3 dB and an extinction ratio between 9 and 24 dB, respectively. The presented QWP functions over the C telecommunication band ($$\lambda _0$$λ0= 1.53–1.565$$\mu$$μm), where the transmission contrast between its transverse magnetic and electric modes is 0±0.04. Moreover, QWP offers a polarization rotation angle in the range of 45±5$$^\circ$$∘over the same wavelength range. Finally, this paper illustrates that the proposed waveplates have a robust tolerance to fabrication errors.
Motor, cognitive and behavioural profiles of C9orf72 expansion-related amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Colombo Eleonora , Poletti Barbara , Maranzano Alessio , Peverelli Silvia , Solca Federica , Colombrita Claudia , Torre Silvia , Tiloca Cinzia , Verde Federico , Bonetti Ruggero , Carelli Laura , Morelli Claudia , Ratti Antonia , Silani Vincenzo , Ticozzi Nicola 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Introduction
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) individuals carrying the hexanucleotide repeat expansion (HRE) in the C9orf72 gene (C9Pos) have been described as presenting distinct features compared to the general ALS population (C9Neg). We aim to identify the phenotypic traits more closely associated with the HRE and analyse the role of the repeat length as a modifier factor.

Methods
We studied a cohort of 960 ALS patients (101 familial and 859 sporadic cases). Motor phenotype was determined using the MRC scale, the lower motor neuron score (LMNS) and the Penn upper motor neuron score (PUMNS). Neuropsychological profile was studied using the Italian version of the Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioral ALS Screen (ECAS), the Frontal Behavioral Inventory (FBI), the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). A two-step PCR protocol and Southern blotting were performed to determine the presence and the size of C9orf72 HRE, respectively.

Results
C9orf72 HRE was detected in 55/960 ALS patients. C9Pos patients showed a younger onset, higher odds of bulbar onset, increased burden of UMN signs, reduced survival and higher frequency of concurrent dementia. We found an inverse correlation between the HRE length and the performance at ECAS ALS-specific tasks (P = 0.031). Patients also showed higher burden of behavioural disinhibition (P = 1.6 × 10–4), lower degrees of depression (P = 0.015) and anxiety (P = 0.008) compared to C9Neg cases.

Conclusions
Our study provides an extensive characterization of motor, cognitive and behavioural features of C9orf72-related ALS, indicating that the C9orf72 HRE size may represent a modifier of the cognitive phenotype.
Comparison of 2 modern swept-source optical biometers—IOLMaster 700 and Anterion
Authors: Langenbucher Achim , Szentmáry Nóra , Cayless Alan , Wendelstein Jascha , Hoffmann Peter 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Purpose
To compare biometric measures from 2 modern swept-source OCT biometers (IOLMaster700 (Z, Carl-Zeiss-Meditec) and Anterion (H, Heidelberg Engineering)) and evaluate the effect of measurement differences on the resulting lens power (IOLP).

Methods
Biometric measurements were made on a large study population with both instruments. We compared axial length (AL), central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT) and corneal front and back surface curvature measurements. Corneal curvature was converted to power vectors and total power derived using the Gullstrand formula. A paraxial lens power calculation formula and a prediction for the IOL axial position according to the Castrop formula were used to estimate differences in IOLP targeting for emmetropia.

Results
There were no systematic differences between measurements of AL (− 0.0146 ± 0.0286 mm) and LT (0.0383 ± 0.0595 mm), whereas CCT yielded lower (7.8 ± 6.6 µm) and ACD higher (0.1200 ± 0.0531 mm) values with H. With H, CCT was lower for thicker corneas. The mean corneal front surface radius did not differ (− 0.4 ± 41.6 µm), but the corneal back surface yielded a steeper radius (− 397.0 ± 74.6 µm) with H, giving lower mean total power (− 0.3469 ± 0.2689 dpt). The astigmatic vector components in 0°/90° and 45°/135° were the same between both instruments for the front/back surface or total power.

Conclusion
The biometric measures used in standard formulae (AL, corneal front surface curvature/power) are consistent between instruments. However, modern formulae involving ACD, CCT or corneal back surface curvature may yield differences in IOLP, and therefore, formula constant optimisation customised to the biometer type is required.
In vivo ligamentogenesis in embroidered poly(lactic-co-ε-caprolactone) / polylactic acid scaffolds functionalized by fluorination and hexamethylene diisocyanate cross-linked collagen foams
Authors: Kokozidou Maria , Gögele Clemens , Pirrung Felix , Hammer Niels , Werner Christian , Kohl Benjamin , Hahn Judith , Breier Annette , Schröpfer Michaela , Meyer Michael , Schulze-Tanzil Gundula 
Published: October 2022

AbstractAlthough autografts represent the gold standard for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, tissue-engineered ACLs provide a prospect to minimize donor site morbidity and limited graft availability. This study characterizes the ligamentogenesis in embroidered poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (P(LA-CL)) / polylactic acid (PLA) constructs using a dynamic nude mice xenograft model. (P(LA-CL))/PLA scaffolds remained either untreated (co) or were functionalized by gas fluorination (F), collagen foam cross-linked with hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI) (coll), or F combined with the foam (F + coll). Cell-free constructs or those seeded for 1 week with lapine ACL ligamentocytes were implanted into nude mice for 12 weeks. Following explantation, cell vitality and content, histo(patho)logy of scaffolds (including organs: liver, kidney, spleen), sulphated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) contents and biomechanical properties were assessed.Scaffolds did not affect mice weight development and organs, indicating no organ toxicity. Moreover, scaffolds maintained their size and shape and reflected a high cell viability prior to and following implantation. Coll or F + coll scaffolds seeded with cells yielded superior macroscopic properties compared to the controls. Mild signs of inflammation (foreign-body giant cells and hyperemia) were limited to scaffolds without collagen. Microscopical score values and sGAG content did not differ significantly. Although remaining stable after explantation, elastic modulus, maximum force, tensile strength and strain at Fmax were significantly lower in explanted scaffolds compared to those before implantation, with no significant differences between scaffold subtypes, except for a higher maximum force in F + coll compared with F samples (in vivo). Scaffold functionalization with fluorinated collagen foam provides a promising approach for ACL tissue engineering.
Graphical abstract
a Lapine anterior cruciate ligament (LACL): red arrow, posterior cruciate ligament: yellow arrow. Medial anterior meniscotibial ligament: black arrow. b Explant culture to isolate LACL fibroblasts. c Scaffold variants: co: controls; F: functionalization by gas-phase fluorination; coll: collagen foam cross-linked with hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI). c1-2 Embroidery pattern of the scaffolds. d Scaffolds were seeded with LACL fibroblasts using a dynamical culturing approach as depicted. e Scaffolds were implanted subnuchally into nude mice, fixed at the nuchal ligament and sacrospinal muscle tendons. f Two weeks after implantation. g Summary of analyses performed. Scale bars 1 cm (b, d), 0.5 cm (c). (sketches drawn by G.S.-T. using Krita 4.1.7 [Krita foundation, The Netherlands]).
Object-based visual working memory: an object benefit for equidistant memory items presented within simple contours
Authors: Balta Gülşen , Kandemir Güven , Akyürek Elkan G. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractPrevious research has shown that more information can be stored in visual working memory (VWM) when multiple items belong to the same object. Here, in four experiments, we investigated the object effect on memory for spatially equidistant features by manipulating simple, task-irrelevant contours that combined these features. In Experiments 1, 3, and, 4, three grating orientations, and in Experiment 2, one color and two orientations, were presented simultaneously to be memorized. Mixture modeling was applied to estimate both the precision and the guess rates of recall errors. Overall results showed that two target features were remembered more accurately when both were part of the same object. Further analysis showed that the probability of recall increased in particular when both features were extracted from the same object. In Experiment 2, we found that the object effect was greater for features from orthogonal dimensions, but this came at the cost of lower memory precision. In Experiment 3, when we kept the locations of the features perfectly consistent over trials so that the participants could attend to these locations rather than the contour, we still found object benefits. Finally, in Experiment 4 when we manipulated the temporal order of the object and the memory features presentations, it was confirmed that the object benefit is unlikely to stem from the strategical usage of object information. These results suggested that the object benefit arises automatically, likely at an early perceptual level.
Oral and dental late effects in long-term survivors of childhood embryonal brain tumors
Authors: Tanem Kristine Eidal , Stensvold Einar , Wilberg Petter , Skaare Anne B. , Brandal Petter , Herlofson Bente Brokstad 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Purpose
To investigate oral and dental late effects in survivors of childhood brain tumors medulloblastoma (MB) and central nervous system supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumor (CNS-PNET).

Methods
This cross-sectional study assessed oral and dental late effects in MB/CNS-PNET survivors treated before 20 years of age, and with a minimum of 2 years since treatment. Participants went through an oral and radiographic examination. We assessed oral status using the decayed-missing-filled index (DMFT), oral dryness, maximum mouth opening (MMO), fungal infection, and registration of dental developmental disturbances (DDD) in the form of hypodontia, microdontia, and enamel hypoplasia.

Results
The 46 participants’ mean age at enrolment was 27 ± 12.8 years and at treatment 8.5 ± 5.2 years, and the mean time since treatment was 18.9 ± 12 years. Over a third (35%) of survivors had reduced mouth opening (mean 29.3 ± 5.6 mm (range 16–35)). A significantly lower MMO was found in individuals treated ≤ 5 years compared to survivors treated > 5 years (p = 0.021). One or more DDD were registered in 30.4% of the survivors, with a significantly higher prevalence in individuals treated ≤ 5 years (p < 0.001). Hypodontia was the most prevalent type of DDD. There was no difference in DMFT score in relation to age at treatment. Oral dryness was not frequently reported or observed in these survivors.

Conclusion
Survivors of childhood MB/CNS-PNET are at risk of oral and dental late effects including reduced mouth opening and DDD. The risk is highest in survivors treated before the age of 5.
Afebrile chemotherapy-induced neutropenia: an international survey spots oncologists’ routine clinical practice versus the standard of care and the impact of COVID-19
Authors: Saad Ereny Samwel Poles , Oualla Karima , Talibova Narmin , Gening Snezhanna , YousefYousef Shady Gayed 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Introduction
Afebrile chemotherapy-induced neutropenia represents a frequent clinical situation where chemotherapy protocol, patient’s comorbidities, and disease status determine the risk of infection hence the management plan. Internationally distributed, this questionnaire aims to evaluate the routine practice and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on afebrile chemotherapy-induced neutropenia management.

Material and methods
Coordinators from Egypt, Morocco, Azerbaijan, and Russia developed a 12-item questionnaire using Google forms to explore how oncologists deal with afebrile chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. The link to the survey was available internationally through social media and to their local societies over the period from July to September 2021.

Results
We received 151 responses from 4 world regions: 58.9, 9.9, 11.3, and 15.2% from the Mena area, Russia, Europe, and Asia. The responses deviated from the guideline-driven practice as G-CSF was the most chosen option for intermediate risk that was statistically different based on the academic background of the treating physician. Half of the responders ignored patients and disease risk factors in the intermediate-risk cases that trend was statistically different based on the geographical distribution. The steroid was a valid option for intermediate and low-risk as per oncologists practicing in Russia. COVID-19 pandemic positively affected the rate of prescription of G-CSF as expected.

Conclusion
The disparities in the routine practice of oncologists based on their geographical and academic backgrounds highlight the need to analyze the underlying obstacles that hinder guideline-based practice like workload or lack of the proper knowledge.
Novel synthetic procedures for C2 substituted imidazoquinolines as ligands for the α/β-interface of the GABAA-receptor
Authors: Draskovits Markus , Catorci Daniele , Wimmer Laurin , Rehman Sabah , Siebert David Chan Bodin , Ernst Margot , Schnürch Michael , Mihovilovic Marko D. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractA series of substituted imidazoquinolines, a structurally related chemotype to pyrazoloquinolinones, a well-known class of GABAA ligands, was prepared via two synthetic procedures and the efficiency of these procedures were compared. One method relies on classical heterocyclic synthesis, the other one aims at late-stage decoration of a truncated scaffold via direct C–H functionalization. A pharmacological evaluation disclosed that one of the synthesized derivatives showed interesting activity on a α1β3 containing receptor subtype.
Graphical abstract
Men with Crohn’s disease may have an increased risk for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma — a nationwide register study
Authors: Harjunen Anni , Puolakkainen Enna , Laine Hanna K. , Rautava Jaana 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Objective
Our goal was to study inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients’ risk of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), compared to general population.

Materials and methods
We performed a retrospective nationwide register-based study of Finnish individuals diagnosed with IBD between the years 1995 and 2015. The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of HNSCC was calculated by comparing the cohort’s complementary age-year-sex-person-year incidence to that of the whole Finnish population.

Results
About 70,567 patients were diagnosed with IBD (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis). Later, 89 of them were diagnosed with HNSCC with mean time of 6.82 years. The incidence of HNSCC was increased in IBD patients compared to the Finnish population expectation (SIR 1.3, 95% CI 1.065–1.614, P = 0.062). When calculating Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis separately as well as men and women separately, the incidence was particularly increased for men with Crohn’s disease (SIR 1.951, 95% CI 1.216–2.935, P = 0.025).

Conclusion
An increased risk for HNSCC was found in men with Crohn’s disease compared to the Finnish population expectations.

Clinical relevance
This study provides information that would improve follow-up protocols and treatment guidelines of IBD.
Impact of easing COVID-19 safety measures on trauma computed tomography imaging volumes
Authors: Rao Sriram , Glavis-Bloom Justin , Kakish David , Tran-Harding Karen , Chow Daniel S. , Nguyentat Michael , Yeates Eric O. , Nahmias Jeffry , Houshyar Roozbeh 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Purpose
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to substantial disruptions in healthcare staffing and operations. Stay-at-home (SAH) orders and limitations in social gathering implemented in spring 2020 were followed by initial decreases in healthcare and imaging utilization. This study aims to evaluate the impact of subsequent easing of SAH on trauma volumes, demand for, and turnaround times for trauma computed tomography (CT) exams, hypothesizing that after initial decreases, trauma volumes have increased as COVID safety measures have been reduced.

Methods
Patient characteristics, CT imaging volumes, and turnaround time were analyzed for all adult activated emergency department trauma patients requiring CT imaging at a single Level-I trauma center (1/2018–2/2022) located in the sixth most populous county in the USA. Based on COVID safety measures in place in the state of California, three time periods were compared: baseline (PRE, 1/1/2018–3/19/2020), COVID safety measures (COVID, 3/20/2020–1/25/2021), and POST (1/26/2021–2/28/2022).

Results
There were 16,984 trauma patients across the study (PRE = 8289, COVID = 3139, POST = 5556). The average daily trauma patient volumes increased significantly in the POST period compared to the PRE and COVID periods (13.9 vs. 10.3 vs. 10.1, p < 0.001), with increases in both blunt (p < 0.001) and penetrating (p = 0.002) trauma. The average daily number of trauma CT examinations performed increased significantly in the POST period compared to the PRE and COVID periods (56.7 vs. 48.3 vs. 47.6, p < 0.001), with significant increases in average turnaround time (47 min vs. 31 and 37, p < 0.001).

Conclusion
After initial decreases in trauma radiology volumes following stay-at-home orders, subsequent easing of safety measures has coincided with increases in trauma imaging volumes above pre-pandemic levels and longer exam turnaround times.
Experimental Characterization of Upper Trailing Edge Flaps for Transonic Buffet Control
Authors: D’Aguanno Alessandro , Schrijer Ferdinand F. J. , van Oudheusden Bas W. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThis experimental study investigates the possibility of controlling transonic buffet by means of a trailing edge flap with an upward deflection (referred to as “upper trailing edge flap”, or: UTEF). Different geometries (straight and serrated) and dimensions of UTEFs (with heights ranging between 1 and 2% of the chord) have been studied with respect to their impact on the buffet behavior. The effectiveness of the UTEFs has been investigated with schlieren and particle image velocimetry (PIV) in the transonic-supersonic wind tunnel of TU Delft at Ma = 0.70, α = 3.5°. The schlieren results demonstrated the efficacy of the use of UTEFs for reducing the range of the buffet oscillations when the height of the UTEF was equal to at least 1.5%c. This result was corroborated by a flow characterization with PIV data and which highlighted that, in presence of a control system, not only the shock oscillation range is reduced but also the intensity of the separated area pulsation. The use of serrated UTEFs, despite having an effect on the local flow field, was found to be ineffective in alleviating buffet oscillations. The adoption of the best behaving UTEF configuration (straight 2%c UTEF) proved to only slightly alter the circulation value compared to the clean configuration, while it also proved to be effective in an off-buffet condition (Ma = 0.74 and α = 2.5°).
Novel Assay for Attached Filamentous Algae Productivity and Nutrient Removal
Authors: Hariz Harizah B. , Lawton Rebecca J. , Craggs Rupert J. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractFilamentous algae nutrient scrubbers (FANS) have demonstrated potential for cost-effective and sustainable nutrient bioremediation of a wide range of wastewaters. Typically, FANS are seeded with a mixed assemblage of algae species, however, growing a monoculture of one species on FANS could facilitate biomass use by providing a more consistent and high-quality substrate for end-product applications. To date, a standardised bioassay to assess the productivity and nutrient removal of filamentous algae attached to a bottom substrate (that could help identify promising species for FANS monoculture) has not been developed. Therefore, we developed a microscale filamentous algae nutrient scrubber (µFANS) and a protocol to establish monocultures of freshwater filamentous algae to compare performance in terms of attachment capability, nutrient removal and biomass production. Four common filamentous algae species (Cladophora sp., Oedogonium sp., Rhizoclonium sp. and Spirogyra sp.) were seeded by evenly distributing and rubbing the biomass onto µFANS textured liner to “hook” algal filaments, providing initial physical attachment. Within 14 days, a “lawn” of the seeded algae had established and the “hooked” biomass had attached biologically. Depending on species, biological attachment resulted from either holdfast development from filaments that grew from settled zoospores, growth of rhizoids or adhesion of filament fragments to mucilage. Biomass productivity of each species ranged from 2.2 to 5.3 g DW m−2 day−1 while nutrient removal rates ranged from 8.8 to 28.4 mg NO3 g−1 DW day−1 and 2.2 to 8.1 mg PO4 g−1 DW day−1. Oedogonium sp. was the best performing species overall, with the strongest holdfast attachment, high biomass productivity (mean 4.2 g DW m−2 day−1) and high nutrient removal rates (mean 21.8 mg NO3 g−1 DW day−1; 5.6 mg PO4 g−1 DW day−1).
Representative endowments and uniform Gini orderings of multi-attribute welfare
Authors: Mosler Karl 
Published: October 2022

AbstractFor the comparison of inequality and welfare in multiple attributes the use of generalized Gini indices is proposed. Individual endowment vectors are summarized by using attribute weights and aggregated in a spectral social evaluation function. Such functions are based on classes of spectral functions, ordered by their aversion to inequality. Given a spectrum and a set P of attribute weights, a multivariate Gini dominance ordering, being uniform in weights, is defined. If the endowment vectors are comonotonic, the dominance is determined by their marginal distributions; if not, the dependence structure of the endowment distribution has to be taken into account. For this, a set-valued representative endowment is introduced that characterizes the welfare of a d-dimensioned distribution. It consists of all points above the lower border of a convex compact in $$\mathbb {R}^{d}$$

R

d

, while the set ordering of representative endowments corresponds to uniform Gini dominance. An application is given to the welfare of 28 European countries. Properties of P-uniform Gini dominance are derived, including relations to other orderings of d-variate distributions such as convex and dependence orderings. The multi-dimensioned representative endowment can be efficiently calculated from data. In a sampling context, it consistently estimates its population version.
Stability of the Classical Catenoid and Darboux–Pöschl–Teller Potentials
Authors: Hoppe Jens , Moosavi Per 
Published: October 2022

AbstractWe revisit the stability (instability) of the outer (inner) catenoid connecting two concentric circular rings and give an explicit new construction of the unstable mode of the inner catenoid by studying the spectrum of an exactly solvable one-dimensional Schrödinger operator with an asymmetric Darboux–Pöschl–Teller potential.