bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanoscale Imaging of Interstitial‐Dependent Optical Confinement through Near‐Field Scanning Optical Microscopy
Authors: Kamal Hossain Mohammad
Published: May 2022

Exploitation of optical confinement in nanoscale unveils a wealth of information about the structure, optical, electronic, and chemical properties of the materials. However, realizing such confinement by optical microscopy and spectroscopic techniques have remained challenging due to fundamental formulation that is related to the diffraction theory of light. A state‐of‐art technique, known as near‐field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM) has the ability to break such diffraction limitation, as the spatial resolution depends on the near‐field probe diameter and the distance between the probe and the surface. A home‐built apertured NSOM (a‐NSOM) developed in the beginning of NSOM discovery facilitated to investigate N‐particles nano‐assemblies, where N is two or more. Through surface‐sensitive spectroscopy such as surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and surface‐enhanced two‐photon‐induced photoluminescence (TPI‐PL), a correlated optometrology was revealed by taking snapshots of shear‐force topography, SERS and TPI‐PL simultaneously in single‐channel and multi‐channel detection system. Here in this “Personal Account” we have decorated near‐field optical confinement observed by a‐NSOM in three constructs; archetype dimer, nano‐assembly of few nanoparticles and long‐range two‐dimensional (2D) nano‐assembly. In the case of dimer, optical confinement was localized and interstitial‐dependent whereas coalescence of nearby confinements was reported in few particles nanoaggregate. In the case of 2D nano‐assembly, optical confinements were more complex because a nanoparticle was surrounded by six or more adjacent nanoparticles. FDTD simulation were carried out to support and validate the experimental observations. Such observations in nanoscale taking snapshots of nanometric topography and surface‐sensitive spectroscopic signal not only inspire us to understand optical confinements in near‐field, but also implement the concept in designing miniaturized and efficient system.
Numerical method for steady ideal 2‐D flows of finite vorticity with applications to vertical‐axis wind turbine aerodynamics
Authors: Nikiforov Ilia , Rahman Ziaur
Published: May 2022

This paper presents a new method for approximately modeling 2‐D ideal steady fluid flows with finite vorticity induced by actuator curves of arbitrary shape. An actuator curve is an infinitesimally thin region containing a body force density acting on the flow, while the rest of the flow is force‐free. The approach can be used for any flow satisfying this description, but, like other actuator methods, it is naturally suited for modeling turbines or propellers. We derive a weak formulation of the governing equations in the Lagrange streamfunction
and solve it using finite elements. Compared to related methods such as the actuator cylinder (AC) approach, our formulation is uniquely suited for computations involving wake–wake or wake–turbine interactions. We validate the method by computing the flow through a single Darrieus vertical‐axis wind turbine (VAWT) and comparing with previous work. To demonstrate the ability to simulate interacting actuators of arbitrary configuration, we simulate a three‐VAWT array. The turbines are modeled in a freestream, and the loading is chosen to represent ideal airfoils. The standard VAWT results are consistent with previous work, validating the method. The three‐VAWT array demonstrates a higher efficiency than the single VAWT (0.56 vs. 0.52), with differing optmal tip speed ratios for the upwind and downwind turbines (upwind: 3.9, downwind: 3.1. The optimum for a single turbine is 3.6). The flow field of the three‐VAWT array shows expected features such as an acceleration of flow between the two counter‐rotating upwind turbines.
Embracing Well-Being in Diverse Contexts: The Third Wave of Positive Psychology and African Imprint
Authors: Wissing Marié P. , Schutte Lusilda , Liversage Christelle
Published: May 2022

For a long time, well-being research had been driven from a Western perspective with a neglect of cultural and contextual variables. In this chapter we argue with reference to well-being research as manifested in positive psychology (PP) as a discipline, that contextual, metatheoretical and metadisciplinary perspectives need to be taken into account. Developments in PP over time are described, illustrating the importance of contexts and assumptions in understanding well-being, and how new assumptions in the third wave of PP resonate with old African wisdoms about interconnectedness as a core value in human lives. The first wave of PP focused on advocating for the positive in human functioning, many facets of well-being were differentiated in theory and empirical studies, while assuming a naturalist worldview and that findings from the West are globally applicable. The second wave showed that PP needs to take context, culture and negative facets of human life into account for understanding the nature and dynamics of well-being. The emerging third wave of PP is characterized by the acceptance of a strong relational ontology and trends towards contextualization, interconnectedness and post-disciplinarity. Harmonizing Western and African perspectives are indicated, and specifically also the understanding of well-being as harmony and harmonization. The third wave suggests a move to “well-being studies”, instead of the disciplinary bound “positive psychology studies”—a butterfly leaving its cocoon.
Increasing Perceived Weight and Resistance by Applying Vibration to Tendons During Active Arm Movements
Authors: Ushiyama Keigo , Takahashi Akifumi , Kajimoto Hiroyuki
Published: May 2022

We proposed to use kinesthetic illusion to achieve wearable/portable haptic devices for kinesthetic feedback in VR experiences. The kinesthetic illusion is the illusion of limb movement typically induced by vibratory stimulation. We investigated how the kinesthetic illusion affected the perceived weight and resistance of the handheld object. We designed vibration patterns that simulate constant gravity and velocity-related resistance. Two experiments were conducted to measure changes in perceiving weight and resistance when wielding cylindrical weights and hand fans. The results of the experiments indicated that the designed kinesthetic illusions enhanced these sensations; the real weight was perceived heavier, and the real resistance was perceived larger. However, we could not find the explicit difference between the two stimulation patterns, and the resistance sensation induced by the illusion differed from the actual sensation of using the hand fans.
Experiencing Touch by Technology
Authors: Weda Judith , Kolesnyk Dasha , Mader Angelika , van Erp Jan
Published: May 2022

Touch technology can mediate social touch in situations when people cannot be physically close. Recent social touch technologies use haptic actuators capable of displaying pressure touch. We studied experience in two set-ups which use such actuators: a motorized ribbon and a McKibben sleeve. We investigated whether there is an inherent emotional and sensory experience attached to sensations produced by those set-ups. Participants were presented with pressure touches varying in rate of force change, peak force and contact area. Participants rated the sensory and emotional experience of each stimulus variation with a check-all-that-apply measure of 79 items in two sections and the Emojigrid. We found that force has a major effect on the experience of a passive pressure touch. Speed and width also played a role, but to a lesser extent and only in one of the set-ups. The results inform the design of mediated social touch applications in making the technology more congruent with the context.
Effect of Focus Direction and Agency on Tactile Perceptibility
Authors: Zook Zane A. , O’Malley Marcia K.
Published: May 2022

Prior research has shown that the direction of a user’s focus affects the perception of tactile cues. Additionally, user agency over touch stimulation has been shown to affect tactile perception. With the development of more complicated haptic and multi-sensory devices, simple tactile cues are rarely used in isolation and the effect of focus direction and of user agency on the perception of a sequence of tactile cues is unknown. In this study, we investigate the effect of both of these variables, focus direction and agency, on the perception of a cue sequence. We found that the direction of user focus and user sense of agency over tactile stimulation both had a significant effect on the accurate perception of a cue sequence. These results are presented in consideration for developing better haptic devices that account for users’ focus on and control over these devices.
Sound Pressure Field Reconstruction for Ultrasound Phased Array by Linear Synthesis Scheme Optimization
Authors: Chen Jianyu , Suzuki Shun , Morisaki Tao , Toide Yutaro , Fujiwara Masahiro , Makino Yasutoshi , Shinoda Hiroyuki
Published: May 2022

Ultrasound phased array is a device that is usually used to provide mid air tactile sensations like three-dimensional shape haptics images by generating various specific sound fields. Forming foci for the ultrasound phased array using the linear synthesis scheme (LSS) is a straightforward technique to induce tactile feeling. The matching phase set for each focal point is calculated separately in LSS, and then they are linearly superimposed to generate multiple focal points. Due to the fact that adding an arbitrary offset to the entire phase pattern has no effect on the generated focus patterns, adjusting the offset in linear summation may result in a superior sound field. In our study, we propose that optimize the offset before linear superposition. These offsets are determined based on the number of focal points, which means it will not cause an explosive increase in computing cost with the increase of transducers. To optimize the offset of each focus pressure generated by LSS, we used a greedy algorithm with a brute-force search optimization method. The computing cost of our proposed method is dictated by the number of foci after calculating the phase sets of LSS once. We demonstrate the proposed method’s optimum performance in varied numbers of foci and transducers in this study.
Expanding Dynamic Range of Electrical Stimulation Using Anesthetic Cream
Authors: Hamazaki Takumi , Saito Taiga , Kaneko Seitaro , Kajimoto Hiroyuki
Published: May 2022

Electrical stimulation is one of the methods to stimulate skin sensation, and can provide sensations such as vibration and pressure by changing the polarity of the stimulus. These stimuli can be combined to design a variety of tactile sensations. However, there is a major problem with electrical stimulation: As the amount of electric current is increased, itching or pain sensation is elicited. This study aims to suppress the itching and pain caused by electrical stimulation, and to present strong, clear, and stable, pressure and vibration sensations. We applied an anesthetic cream containing lidocaine, which is one of the most used local anesthetics, to reduce the induced pain and itching. Therefore, we specifically examine the applicability of lidocaine toward a desirable situation, in which pain thresholds are increased and tactile thresholds are not significantly affected. The results showed a significant relationship between the application of the cream and the dynamic range of stimulating current, and subsequently the quality of experience by human participants.
Estimation of Frictional Force Using the Thermal Images of Target Surface During Stroking
Authors: Shimomura Mitsuhiko , Fujiwara Masahiro , Makino Yasutoshi , Shinoda Hiroyuki
Published: May 2022

We propose a method for estimating the frictional force between a contacted surface and the human touch using thermal video images captured using an infrared thermographic camera. Because this method can estimate force remotely, its application to various situations, in which the measurement is difficult to obtain using conventional contact-based methods, is expected. Furthermore, thermal images have the advantage of measuring physical quantities directly related to frictional force. As a result of machine learning using the measured data from multiple subjects and materials, we succeeded in estimating the frictional force with a high accuracy from the information of the temperature change on the surface. In addition, we account for both the frictional and direct heat transferred between the finger and object affecting the temperature change; therefore, we attempted to improve the accuracy by extracting only frictional heat. Consequently, our method succeeded in improving the accuracy.
Spatial Resolution of Mesoscopic Shapes Presented by Airborne Ultrasound
Authors: Somei Zen , Morisaki Tao , Toide Yutaro , Fujiwara Masahiro , Makino Yasutoshi , Shinoda Hiroyuki
Published: May 2022

This study determined the spatial resolution of the virtual surface profile created by ultrasound haptic stimulation. We assumed the case where a finger moves along the surface of a virtual object. This object was produced by low-frequency lateral modulation that creates a pseudo static force. We defined the spatial resolution as the minimum distance required to discriminate between two virtual bumps. Several sensory channels are combined when a human feels the geometric features of a surface. This paper focuses on mesoscopic shapes, whose representative length ranges from a few millimeters to fingertip size. We considered two strategies to present mesoscopic shapes: changing either the contact position or the force strength. We measured the spatial resolutions in mesoscopic shapes created by each method, and discussed which factor is more effective to perceive mesoscopic features.
Vibrotactile Similarity Perception in Crowdsourced and Lab Studies
Authors: Abou Chahine Ramzi , Kwon Dongjae , Lim Chungman , Park Gunhyuk , Seifi Hasti
Published: May 2022

Crowdsourcing can enable rapid data collection for haptics research, yet little is known about its validity in comparison to controlled lab experiments. Furthermore, no data exists on how different smartphone platforms impact the crowdsourcing results. To answer these questions, we conducted four vibrotactile (VT) similarity perception studies on iOS and Android smartphones in the lab and through Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk). Participants rated the pairwise similarities of 14 rhythmic VT patterns on their smartphones or a lab device. The similarity ratings from the lab and MTurk experiments suggested a very strong correlation for iOS devices ($$r_s= 0.9$$rs=0.9) and a lower but still strong correlation for Android phones ($$r_s= 0.68$$rs=0.68). In addition, we found a stronger correlation between the crowdsourced iOS and Android ratings ($$r_s=0.78$$rs=0.78) compared to the correlation between the iOS and Android data in the lab ($$r_s= 0.65$$rs=0.65). We provide further insights into these correlations using the perceptual spaces obtained from the four datasets. Our results provide preliminary evidence for the validity of crowdsourced VT similarity studies, especially on iOS devices.
Influence of Prior Visual Information on Exploratory Movement Direction in Texture Perception
Authors: Jeschke Michaela , Zöller Aaron C. , Drewing Knut
Published: May 2022

When humans explore objects haptically, they seem to use prior as well as sensory information to adapt their exploratory behavior [1]. For texture discrimination, it was shown that participants adapted the direction of their exploratory movement to be orthogonal to the orientation of textures with a defined direction [2]. That is, they adapted the exploratory direction based on the sensory information gathered over the course of an exploration, and this behavior improved their perceptual precision. In the present study we examined if prior visual information that indicates a texture orientation produces a similar adjustment of exploratory movement direction. We expected an increase of orthogonal initial exploration movements with higher qualities of prior information. In each trial, participants explored two grating textures with equal amplitude, only differing in their spatial period. They had to report the stimulus with the higher spatial frequency. Grating stimuli were given in six different orientations relative to the observer. Prior visual information on grating orientation was given in five different qualities: 50% (excellent information), 35%, 25%, 15% and 0% (no information). We analyzed movement directions of the first, middle and last strokes over the textures of each trial. The results show an increase in the amount of initial orthogonal strokes and a decrease in variability of movement directions with higher qualities of prior visual information.
Pilot Study on Presenting Pulling Sensation by Electro-Tactile Stimulation
Authors: Nakayama Shota , Manabe Mitsuki , Ushiyama Keigo , Miyakami Masahiro , Takahashi Akifumi , Kajimoto Hiroyuki
Published: May 2022

When an object that is grasped with a finger is pulled by an external force, the traction force is perceived by cutaneous receptors and proprioception in the finger. Several attempts have been made to simulate the pulling sensation by using wearable devices, including mechanical asymmetric vibration and tightening by belt. In this study, we developed a new method that uses electrical simulation to generate an illusory force sensation by simulating the activity pattern of the cutaneous receptors. We validated our method through two experiments, one based on force direction judgment and the other on force magnitude adjustment.
Introduction
Authors: Georgiades Stavros
Published: May 2022

“I suppose a good director is like a teacher. I think that someone like David Cronenberg was very much like a teacher, because there’s an openness, but a certain set of rules of behavior, and a certain conduct expected. But there’s an atmosphere that’s relaxed and conducive to exploration, and that is created by someone like Cronenberg”.
Literature Review
Authors: Georgiades Stavros
Published: May 2022

Coordinating creative group work remains a major organizational challenge, especially in teams with specialists representing distinct knowledge domains. The author defines coordination as the process through which people arrange actions in ways that they believe will enable them to accomplish their goals. An increase of complex tasks, specialization and interdependencies among specialists make the question of how coordination occurs in teams of diverse experts particularly relevant to the study of organizations.
Methodology
Authors: Georgiades Stavros
Published: May 2022

Being interested in elaborating theory on coordination in creative group work, the author conducted an inductive qualitative study using grounded theory approaches. Inductive qualitative research is appropriate when the research question focuses on developing theory, especially theory about process. The author thus conducted two case studies, allowing for an in-depth qualitative investigation of the coordination process.
Findings
Authors: Georgiades Stavros
Published: May 2022

The shooting of a film involves coordination of crew members within emerging sub-teams. The author will first describe the scene shooting process, including the rehearsal process taking place just before the actual shooting, highlighting the way crew members coordinate through formal structures. The author will next discuss how a creative team subsequently turns into uncoordinated methods—in the form of informal practices—and more specifically the way an initial sub-team is formed and then develops into a revised sub-team with a different member formation and new roles and responsibilities for existing members, in order to manage job interdependencies and emerging issues, explaining how the dynamic interplay between formal coordination structures and informal coordination practices evolves and the team developmental process unfolds, before finally describing how the revised sub-team dismantles in order for the same process to develop during the shooting of the scenes to follow, emphasizing a cyclical team coordination process.
The hidden side of scalar-triplet models with spontaneous CP violation
Authors: Ferreira P. M. , Gonçalves B. L. , Joaquim F. R.
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Scalar triplet extensions of the Standard Model provide an interesting playground for the explanation of neutrino mass suppression through the type-II seesaw mechanism. Propelled by the possible connections with leptonic CP violation, we explore under which conditions spontaneous CP violation can arise in models with extra scalar triplets. The minimal model satisfying such conditions requires adding two such triplets to the SM field content. For this model, the scalar mass spectrum in both the CP-conserving and spontaneous CP-violating scenarios is studied. In the former case, a decoupling limit for the new scalars can be achieved, while this is not the case when CP is spontaneously broken. In particular, we show that the existence of two light neutral scalars with masses below a few tenths of GeVs is unavoidable in the CP-violating case. Using matrix theory theorems, we derive upper bounds for the masses of those light scalars and briefly examine whether they can still be experimentally viable. Other interesting features of the scalar mass spectrum are discussed as, e.g., the existence of relations among the charged and neutral scalar masses.
Four-point functions with multi-cycle fields in symmetric orbifolds and the D1-D5 CFT
Authors: Lima Andre Alves , Sotkov G. M. , Stanishkov M.
Published: May 2022

Abstract

We study SN-invariant four-point functions with two generic multi-cycle fields and two twist-2 fields, at the free orbifold point of the D1-D5 CFT. We derive the explicit factorization of these functions following from the action of the symmetric group on the composite multi-cycle fields. Apart from non-trivial symmetry factors that we compute, the function with multi-cycle operators is reduced to a sum of connected correlators in which the composite fields have, at most, two cycles. The correlators with two double-cycle and two single-cycle fields give the leading order contribution in the large-N limit. We derive explicit formulas for these functions, encompassing a large class of choices for the single- and the double-cycle fields, including generic Ramond ground states, NS chiral fields and the marginal deformation operator. We are thus able to extract important dynamical information from the short-distance OPEs: conformal dimensions, R-charges and structure constants of families of BPS and non-BPS fields present in the corresponding light-light and heavy-light channels. We also discuss properties of generic multi-cycle Q-point functions in MN/SN orbifolds, using a technology due to Pakman, Rastelli and Razamat.
The $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 2 supersymmetric w1+∞ symmetry in the two-dimensional SYK models
Authors: Ahn Changhyun
Published: May 2022

Abstract

We identify the rank (qsyk + 1) of the interaction of the two-dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (2, 2) SYK model with the deformation parameter λ in the Bergshoeff, de Wit and Vasiliev (in 1991)’s linear W∞[λ] algebra via $$ \lambda =\frac{1}{2\left({q}_{\mathrm{syk}}+1\right)} $$
λ
=

1

2

q
syk

+
1

by using a matrix generalization. At the vanishing λ (or the infinity limit of qsyk), the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 supersymmetric linear $$ {W}_{\infty}^{N,N} $$

W
∞

N
,
N

[λ = 0] algebra contains the matrix version of known $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 W∞ algebra, as a subalgebra, by realizing that the N-chiral multiplets and the N-Fermi multiplets in the above SYK models play the role of the same number of βγ and bc ghost systems in the linear $$ {W}_{\infty}^{N,N} $$

W
∞

N
,
N

[λ = 0] algebra. For the nonzero λ, we determine the complete $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 supersymmetric linear $$ {W}_{\infty}^{N,N} $$

W
∞

N
,
N

[λ] algebra where the structure constants are given by the linear combinations of two different generalized hypergeometric functions having the λ dependence. The weight-1,$$ \frac{1}{2} $$

1
2

currents occur in the right hand sides of this algebra and their structure constants have the λ factors. We also describe the λ = $$ \frac{1}{4} $$

1
4

(or qsyk = 1) case in the truncated subalgebras by calculating the vanishing structure constants.
The Derived Sequence of a Pre-Jaffard Family
Authors: Spirito Dario
Published: May 2022

We introduce the concept of pre-Jaffard family, a generalization of Jaffard families obtained by substituting the locally finite hypothesis with a much weaker compactness hypothesis. From any such family, we construct a sequence of overrings of the starting domain that allows to decompose stable semistar operations and singular length functions in more cases than what is allowed by Jaffard families. We also apply the concept to one-dimensional domains, unifying the treatment of sharp and dull degree of a Prüfer domain.
Randomizing without randomness
Authors: Ghirardato Paolo , Pennesi Daniele
Published: May 2022

We provide a methodology for eliciting utility midpoints from preferences, assuming that payoffs are consumption plans and that preferences satisfy a minimal form of additive separability. The methodology does not require any subjective or objective uncertainty. Thus, this construction of utility midpoints allows us to define mixtures of acts in a purely subjective fashion, without making any assumptions as to the decision maker’s reaction to the uncertainty that may be present. This approach makes it possible to provide a simple and fully subjective characterization of the second-order subjective expected utility model, allowing a clear distinction of such model from subjective expected utility.
LY450139 Inhibited Ti-Particle-Induced Bone Dissolution via Suppressing Notch and NF-κB Signaling Pathways
Authors: Gao Jijian , Wu Peng , Chi Yingjun , Xu Hongyu , Zhao Yong , Song Nanyan , Mao Yuanqing
Published: May 2022

Aseptic loosening of the prosthesis caused by wear-particle-induced osteolysis is a long-term complication and one of the most common reasons for the failure of joint implants. The primary cause of aseptic loosening of the prosthesis is overactive bone resorption caused by wear-particle-activated osteoclasts in both direct and indirect ways. Therefore, drugs that can inhibit differentiation and bone resorption of osteoclasts need investigation as a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent and treat peri-prosthetic osteolysis and thereby prolong the service life of the prosthesis. This study has verified the potential inhibitory effect of LY450139 on inflammatory osteolysis induced by titanium particles in a mice skull model. In addition, we found that LY450139 inhibited receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis, bone resorption, and podosomal actin belt formation in a dose-dependent manner without evidence of cytotoxicity in vitro. In addition, LY450139 significantly decreased the expression of osteoclast-specific markers, including TRAP, CTSK, V-ATPase d2, CTR, DC-STAMP, NFATc1, and the downstream target gene Hes1 in Notch signaling pathway. Further investigation of the molecular mechanism demonstrated that LY450139 inhibited the formation of osteoclasts via inhibition of the NF-κB and Notch signaling pathways. In summary, LY450139 inhibited the formation of RANKL-mediated osteoclasts via NF-κB and Notch signaling and inhibited Ti particle-induced inflammatory osteolysis in vivo. LY450139 is a potential targeted drug for the treatment of peri-prosthetic osteolysis and other osteolytic disease associated with overactive osteoclasts.
Characterisation of carapace composition in developing and adult ostracods (Skogsbergia lerneri) and its potential for biomaterials
Authors: Rumney Benjamin M. , Morgan Siân R. , Mosselmans J. Frederick W. , Malik F. Tegwen , Holden Simon J. , Parker Andrew R. , White Nick , Lewis Philip N. , Albon Julie , Meek Keith M.
Published: May 2022

The protective carapace of Skogsbergia lerneri, a marine ostracod, is scratch-resistant and transparent. The compositional and structural organisation of the carapace that underlies these properties is unknown. In this study, we aimed to quantify and determine the distribution of chemical elements and chitin within the carapace of adult ostracods, as well as at different stages of ostracod development, to gain insight into its composition. Elemental analyses included X-ray absorption near-edge structure, X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction. Nonlinear microscopy and spectral imaging were performed to determine chitin distribution within the carapace. High levels of calcium (20.3%) and substantial levels of magnesium (1.89%) were identified throughout development. Amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) was detected in carapaces of all developmental stages, with the polymorph, aragonite, identified in A-1 and adult carapaces. Novel chitin-derived second harmonic generation signals (430/5 nm) were detected. Quantification of relative chitin content within the developing and adult carapaces identified negligible differences in chitin content between developmental stages and adult carapaces, except for the lower chitin contribution in A-2 (66.8 ± 7.6%) compared to A-5 (85.5 ± 10%) (p = 0.03). Skogsbergia lerneri carapace calcium carbonate composition was distinct to other myodocopid ostracods. These calcium polymorphs and ACC are described in other biological transparent materials, and with the consistent chitin distribution throughout S. lerneri development, may imply a biological adaptation to preserve carapace physical properties. Realisation of S. lerneri carapace synthesis and structural organisation will enable exploitation to manufacture biomaterials and biomimetics with huge potential in industrial and military applications.
Decoding the dopamine transporter imaging for the differential diagnosis of parkinsonism using deep learning
Authors: Zhao Yu , Wu Ping , Wu Jianjun , Brendel Matthias , Lu Jiaying , Ge Jingjie , Tang Chunmeng , Hong Jimin , Xu Qian , Liu Fengtao , Sun Yimin , Ju Zizhao , Lin Huamei , Guan Yihui , Bassetti Claudio , Schwaiger Markus , Huang Sung-Cheng , Rominger Axel , Wang Jian , Zuo Chuantao , Shi Kuangyu
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This work attempts to decode the discriminative information in dopamine transporter (DAT) imaging using deep learning for the differential diagnosis of parkinsonism.

Methods

This study involved 1017 subjects who underwent DAT PET imaging ([11C]CFT) including 43 healthy subjects and 974 parkinsonian patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (IPD), multiple system atrophy (MSA) or progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). We developed a 3D deep convolutional neural network to learn distinguishable DAT features for the differential diagnosis of parkinsonism. A full-gradient saliency map approach was employed to investigate the functional basis related to the decision mechanism of the network. Furthermore, deep-learning-guided radiomics features and quantitative analysis were compared with their conventional counterparts to further interpret the performance of deep learning.

Results

The proposed network achieved area under the curve of 0.953 (sensitivity 87.7%, specificity 93.2%), 0.948 (sensitivity 93.7%, specificity 97.5%), and 0.900 (sensitivity 81.5%, specificity 93.7%) in the cross-validation, together with sensitivity of 90.7%, 84.1%, 78.6% and specificity of 88.4%, 97.5% 93.3% in the blind test for the differential diagnosis of IPD, MSA and PSP, respectively. The saliency map demonstrated the most contributed areas determining the diagnosis located at parkinsonism-related regions, e.g., putamen, caudate and midbrain. The deep-learning-guided binding ratios showed significant differences among IPD, MSA and PSP groups (P < 0.001), while the conventional putamen and caudate binding ratios had no significant difference between IPD and MSA (P = 0.24 and P = 0.30). Furthermore, compared to conventional radiomics features, there existed average above 78.1% more deep-learning-guided radiomics features that had significant differences among IPD, MSA and PSP.

Conclusion

This study suggested the developed deep neural network can decode in-depth information from DAT and showed potential to assist the differential diagnosis of parkinsonism. The functional regions supporting the diagnosis decision were generally consistent with known parkinsonian pathology but provided more specific guidance for feature selection and quantitative analysis.
Analysis of malingered psychological symptoms in a clinical sample for early detection in initial interviews
Authors: Barbosa-Torres Carlos , Bueso-Izquierdo Natalia , Cubo-Delgado Sixto
Published: May 2022

Malingering consists of the production of false physical or psychological symptoms motivated by external incentives that are normally reproduced in pathologies that are not related to organic origin or there are no laboratory tests for their diagnosis, as is the case of mixed anxiety–depressive disorder and fibromyalgia syndrome. The objective of this research consisted of comparing the profile of simulative patients with fibromyalgia and mixed anxiety–depressive disorder to obtain a profile and facilitate its detection in initial interviews. The research was carried out with 78 patients (42 patients with fibromyalgia and 36 patients with mixed anxiety–depressive disorder) who were administered the professional's structured clinical judgment, the Beck Depression Inventory, the State-Trait Anxiety Questionnaire, and the Structured Symptom Simulation Inventory. The main obtained results show that the simulation classification proposed by the questionnaire is in the range of 66.67–80% with regard to coinciding with the judgment of experts, and people with suspicion of simulation of both groups of patients present similar characteristics. The simulators thus present incongruous responses in relation to the questionnaires, and high levels of trait anxiety, state, and depression predict the simulation of symptoms.
Patient-Reported Outcomes After Swallowing (SWOARs)-Sparing IMRT in Head and Neck Cancers: Primary Results from a Prospective Study Endorsed by the Head and Neck Study Group (HNSG) of the Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology (AIRO)
Authors: Ursino Stefano , Calistri Elisa , De Felice Francesca , Bonomo Pierluigi , Desideri Isacco , Franco Pierfrancesco , Arcadipane Francesca , Colosimo Caterina , Mazzola Rosario , Maddalo Marta , Gonnelli Alessandra , Malfatti Giulia , Morganti Riccardo , Musio Daniela , Paiar Fabiola
Published: May 2022

Objectives

To prospectively investigate changes in M.D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) scores in patients affected by naso- and oropharynx cancer after definitive radiochemotherapy (ChemoRT) using swallowing organs at risk (SWOARs)-sparing IMRT.

Methods

MDADI questionnaires were collected at baseline and at 6 and 12 months after treatment. MDADI scores were categorized as follows: ≥ 80 “optimal,” 80–60 “adequate,” < 60 “poor” deglutition-related quality of life (QoL) group, and dichotomized as “optimal” vs “adequate/poor” for the analysis. A mean MDADI composite (MDADI-C) change of 10 points was considered as minimal clinically important difference (MCID).

Results

Sixty-three patients were enrolled of which 47 were considered for the analysis. At baseline, 26 (55%) were “optimal” and 21 (45%) were “adequate/poor.” The mean baseline MDADI-C score was 93.6 dropping to 81 at 6 months (p = 0.013) and slightly rising to 85.5 at 12 months (p = 0.321) for the “optimal” group. Indeed, the mean baseline MDADI-C score was 64.3 rising to 77.5 at 6 months (p = 0.006) and stabilizing at 76 at 12 months (p = 0.999) for the “adequate/poor” group. A statistically significant but not clinically relevant worsening of the MDADI-C score was reported for the “optimal” group, whereas both a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement of the MDADI-C score were reported for the “adequate/poor” group from before to post-treatment.

Conclusion

Our results suggest a doubly clinical benefit of dose optimization to SWOARs to minimize the RT sequalae in patients with a baseline “optimal” deglutition-related QoL and to recover from cancer dysphagia in those with a baseline “adequate/poor” deglutition-related QoL.
Geochemistry of granitoids from the Austroalpine Seckau Complex: a key for revealing the pre-Alpine evolution of the Eastern Alps
Authors: Mandl Magdalena , Kurz Walter , Hauzenberger Christoph , Fritz Harald , Pfingstl Stefan
Published: May 2022

Recent studies revealed that the calc-alkaline metagranitoids of the Seckau Complex comprise both (1) a Late Cambrian to Early Ordovician and (2) a Late Devonian to Early Carboniferous (early Variscan) intrusive complex. The older rocks of the Hochreichart Plutonic Suite reflect I to S-type affinity and are peraluminous and characterized by a general decrease in TiO2, Al2O3, MgO, CaO, P2O5, FeOt and MnO with increasing SiO2. Chondrite-normalized rare earth element (REE) plots display a slight enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREE) relative to heavy rare earth elements (HREE) as well as negative Eu anomalies ((Eu/Eu*)N = 0.15- 0.77). The whole-rock initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios calculated back to the time of emplacement (~ 496 Ma) vary between 0.7056 to 0.7061. The early Variscan rocks of the Hintertal Plutonic Suite can be subdivided into (a) the meta- to peraluminous granodioritic suite of the Pletzen Pluton and (b) the peraluminous granitic suite of the Griessstein Pluton. The Pletzen Pluton shows typical magmatic fractionation trends for most of the major oxides and trace elements plotted against SiO2. On a chondrite-normalized diagram, metagranitoids are strongly enriched in LREE and show no significant negative Eu anomaly. Metagranitoids of the Griessstein Pluton have a more peraluminous character and similar major and trace element fractionation trends compared to the Pletzen Pluton. However, the contents in SiO2, major and trace elements clearly point towards a more evolved melt with generally lower TiO2, Al2O3, MgO and CaO values and higher K2O content. Metagranitoids of the Griessstein Pluton are additionally characterized by a slight negative Eu anomaly of about 0.81 on a chondrite-normalized REE plot. Initial 87Sr/86Sr values calculated back to the time of emplacement (~ 353 Ma) of the Pletzen Pluton and the Griessstein Pluton vary between 0.7051—0.7061 and 0.7054—0.7063, respectively, and suggest the same magmatic source for both units. Application of rhyolite-MELTS modelling to the Hintertal Plutonic Suite revealed that the Griessstein Pluton formed by fractional crystallization (~ 30%) from the more primitive Pletzen Pluton. Our geochemical data from the Hochreichart Suite granitoids suggest the existence of a Late Cambrian to Early Ordovician active margin with its remnants now exposed in the Seckau Complex. The early Variscan grainitoids of the Seckau Complex are inferred as part of a magmatic arc along the southern Bohemian active continental margin that was related to the subduction of differently termed oceanic domains (Galicia-Moldanubian Ocean or Paleotethys), prior to the final collision of Gondwana and Laurussia. The general paleogeographic position of the Seckau Complex during the Variscan orogeny is considered to be south to southeast of the Bohemian Massif, adjacent to the eastern Hohe Tauern, the Schladming Tauern, and the Western Carpathians.
A systematic literature review of requirements engineering education
Authors: Daun Marian , Grubb Alicia M. , Stenkova Viktoria , Tenbergen Bastian
Published: May 2022

Requirements engineering (RE) has established itself as a core software engineering discipline. It is well acknowledged that good RE leads to higher quality software and considerably reduces the risk of failure or budget-overspending of software development projects. It is of vital importance to train future software engineers in RE and educate future requirements engineers to adequately manage requirements in various projects. To this date, there exists no central concept of what RE education shall comprise. To lay a foundation, we report on a systematic literature review of the field and provide a systematic map describing the current state of RE education. Doing so allows us to describe how the educational landscape has changed over the last decade. Results show that only a few established author collaborations exist and that RE education research is predominantly published in venues other than the top RE research venues (i.e., in venues other than the RE conference and journal). Key trends in RE instruction of the past decade include involvement of real or realistic stakeholders, teaching predominantly elicitation as an RE activity, and increasing student factors such as motivation or communication skills. Finally, we discuss open opportunities in RE education, such as training for security requirements and supply chain risk management, as well as developing a pedagogical foundation grounded in evidence of effective instructional approaches.
Measurement Invariance of the Satisfaction with Life Scale by Sexual Orientation
Authors: Checa Irene , Di Marco Donatella , Bohórquez M. Rocío
Published: May 2022

The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) has shown strong evidence of reliability, validity, and gender invariance, and there is some evidence of invariance across age, culture, and educational levels. So far, invariance across sexual orientation has not been studied, despite the number of works that relate well-being to sexual orientation. The SWLS should be invariant across sexual orientation to be able to compare group means. This study aimed to explore the invariance of the SWLS across sexual orientation. A non-probabilistic sample with 553 Spanish adults (208 males, 345 females; 212 heterosexuals, 182 gays, and 138 bisexuals among other sexual orientations) participated in a survey. We tested a one-factor model using confirmatory factor analysis. We tested the configural, metric, and scalar invariance of the factorial structure of the SWLS across sexual orientation with heterosexual, lesbian/gay, and bisexual groups. According to our results, the Spanish version of the SWLS shows scalar invariance across sexual orientations, allowing a valid comparison between sexual minority and heterosexual people. Moreover, in our sample, lesbian/gay and bisexual participants obtained lower scores in life satisfaction than heterosexual participants. Bisexual people obtained the lowest score in well-being compared with the other groups. Implications related to the importance of checking instrument invariance before comparing mean differences between groups are discussed.
Limiting systemic endocrine overtreatment in postmenopausal breast cancer patients with an ultralow classification of the 70-gene signature
Authors: Opdam M. , van der Noort V. , Kleijn M. , Glas A. , Mandjes I. , Kleiterp S. , Hilbers F. S. , Kruger D. T. , Bins A. D. , de Jong P. C. , Schiphorst P. P. J. B. M. , van Dalen T. , Flameling B. , Rietbroek R. C. , Beeker A. , van den Heiligenberg S. M. , Bakker S. D. , Wymenga A. N. M. , Oving I. M. , Bijlsma R. M. , van Diest P. J. , Vermorken J. B. , van Tinteren H. , Linn S. C.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Guidelines recommend endocrine treatment for estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancers for up to 10 years. Earlier data suggest that the 70-gene signature (MammaPrint) has potential to select patients that have an excellent survival without chemotherapy and limited or no tamoxifen treatment. The aim was to validate the 70-gene signature ultralow-risk classification for endocrine therapy decision making.

Methods

In the IKA trial, postmenopausal patients with non-metastatic breast cancer had been randomized between no or limited adjuvant tamoxifen treatment without receiving chemotherapy. For this secondary analysis, FFPE tumor material was obtained of ER+HER2− patients with 0–3 positive lymph nodes and tested for the 70-gene signature. Distant recurrence-free interval (DRFI) long-term follow-up data were collected. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to estimate DRFI, stratified by lymph node status, for the three predefined 70-gene signature risk groups.

Results

A reliable 70-gene signature could be obtained for 135 patients. Of the node-negative and node-positive patients, respectively, 20% and 13% had an ultralow-risk classification. No DRFI events were observed for node-negative patients with an ultralow-risk score in the first 10 years. The 10-year DRFI was 90% and 66% in the low-risk (but not ultralow) and high-risk classified node-negative patients, respectively.

Conclusion

These survival analyses indicate that the postmenopausal node-negative ER+HER2− patients with an ultralow-risk 70-gene signature score have an excellent 10-year DRFI after surgery with a median of 1 year of endocrine treatment. This is in line with published results of the STO-3-randomized clinical trial and supports the concept that it is possible to reduce the duration of endocrine treatment in selected patients.
Effectiveness of a Community-Based Crisis Resolution Team for Patients with Severe Mental Illness in Greece: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Koureta Aikaterini , Papageorgiou Charalabos , Asimopoulos Charis , Bismbiki Elisavet , Grigoriadou Maria , Xidia Stavroula , Papazafiri Theodora , I. Vlachos Ilias , Margariti Maria
Published: May 2022

This prospective observational study evaluated the effectiveness of a crisis resolution team (CRT) for outpatient treatment of psychiatric patients experiencing an acute episode of severe mental disorder. The effectiveness of the CRT (n = 65) was assessed against the care-as-usual [CAU group (n = 65)]. Patients’ clinical state, overall functioning, quality of life and satisfaction were respectively evaluated at baseline, post intervention and three-month post-intervention.

CRT patients compared to the CAU group, had significantly improved outcomes concerning clinical state and patient satisfaction at post intervention phase. Statistically significant improvement was also recorded for the dimensions of environment, physical and psychological health related to quality of life. No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding overall functioning.

On the basis of these results, reforming of existing crisis-management services, in Greece, using the CRT model may improve substantially the services offered to psychiatric patients.
Size matters: contextual factors in local policy translations of National School Digitalisation Policy
Authors: Gustafsson Ulrika
Published: May 2022

National policies on school digitalisation take shape in their local contexts. Consequently, to understand the outcome of national policy, the local translations must be set within a contextual perspective. This article explores how four contextually different municipalities in Sweden translate national school digitalisation policy. It draws on a comparative cross-case study with data gathered from interviews, and over 150 local documents dating from 2018 to 2020. The results show how contextual aspects affects responses to national policy, and that municipalities approach school digitalisation in two distinct ways. The first, general approach, emphasises competitiveness and the creation of an enabling environment for the teachers. This is manifested in the development of special support organisations, and generous access to digital technology. The second, specific approach, emphasises local consensus in policy translations along with unity in policy adherence. Here, critique of national policy is explicit. The two approaches exemplify how translational power may be distributed differently, the former prioritising individual translational precedency for teachers over a unifying policy translation controlled through local governance. The paper suggests that contextual factors matters in the choice of approaches, one in which size matters. The paper concludes that policy makers need to acknowledge contextual dimensions within governance by weighing translational power in relation to translational coherence.