bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low complexity but near optimal hybrid beamforming design in tera‐hertz communication systems: principles and opportunities
Authors: Yue Qingdong , Hu Jie , Yang Kun
Published: June 2023

Next generation communication systems go to tetra‐hertz (THz) frequency bands. In this article, low‐complexity but near‐optimal hybrid beamforming design is investigated in THz by considering its unique channel characteristics and discuss potential research opportunities. Specifically, the THz channel characteristics are explored from its propagation feature, angular orthogonality and bandwidth. The authors clarify the differences between the THz multiple‐input‐multiple‐output (MIMO) and its low‐frequency counterparts (e.g. mmWave MIMO). Low complexity but near‐optimal hybrid beamforming design in THz are summarised in the following typical scenarios, namely the single‐user and multi‐user downlink system, integrated data and energy transfer system and the intelligent reflecting surface aided system. Simulation results demonstrate the near‐optimality of our hybrid beamforming design. Some critical open issues in the THz communication system are discussed for future research interest.
Dual source novel nine level inverter (DSN2LI) design with minimum active devices and inherent polarity generation
Authors: Vijayakumar Arun , Stonier Albert Alexander , Peter Geno , Ganji Vivekananda
Published: June 2023

This article presents a dual‐source novel nine‐level inverter (DSN2LI) featuring minimal devices. Utilizing eight switches, which include 2 bidirectional switching devices and 2 uneven dc links, the proposed DSN2LI generates nine levels. The DSN2LI employs the utilization of trinary geometric DC links. Compared to certain other sequences, it produces the highest voltage level with the fewest DC links and devices. Further, without additional circuits like an H‐bridge, this design produces a negative level, so switches endure less voltage stress. For each operating mode, only 3 switches conduct, resulting in fewer switching shifts, lower switching and conduction losses, and higher efficiency compared to a traditional H‐Bridge setup. Comparisons are made with certain other recently published designs for power devices, controllers, and dc‐link voltage sources. The proposed DSN92LI design employs fewer switches, controller circuits, and DC links than previously reported designs. Switching pulses for DSN92LI are generated with level‐shifted pulse width modulation techniques. The DSN92LI architecture was comprehensively modeled utilizing MATLAB/SIMULINK, and also its feasibility was demonstrated experimentally.
Approach development to the pipeline networks design an integrated heat and cold supply system on the example of Yakutsk city
Authors: Vasilev Semen , Barakhtenko Evgeniy , Pavlov Nikita , Sokolov Dmitriy
Published: June 2023

The pipeline networks design approach for integrated heat and cold supply systems based on absorption chillers has been developed. Within the framework of the approach, following tasks are solved: modeling consumers demand for cooling; hydraulic calculations of district cooling pipeline systems; technical and economic calculations to choose the optimal layout of pipeline systems; heat supply and cold supply systems repair and commissioning works compatibility assessment, and modeling of thermal interaction between permafrost massif and cold supply pipeline. The study of integrated heat and cold supply systems was carried out on the example of a Yakutsk city quarter using the developed approach to determine optimal variant of the system. The simulation results showed that district cooling pipelines can be laid underground with the implementation of measures to ensure preservation of permafrost soil temperature regime.
Criteria of quality and efficiency of water supply systems functioning
Authors: Dyadun Sergey
Published: June 2023

The system of main criteria of quality and efficiency characterizing the operation of water supply systems (WSS) on the time interval [0,T] is considered. The article introduces a number of new criteria for assessing the quality and efficiency of the functioning of water supply systems. In general, this system of criteria for the quality and efficiency of the functioning of WSS was effectively used both in simulation modeling and in the implementation of developments at real facilities. It is advisable to use it in the development and operation of systems for the operational control of technological processes of the functioning of WSS, in the simulation of decisions made on the operational control of the modes of operation of WSS, in the simulation of designed and reconstructed WSS, in the analysis of a specific situation on the network at a given point in time.
Séquence pédagogique sur les apports du calcul formel Open Source dans l’enseignement : exemple des impédances complexes en électricité
Authors: Alicalapa Frédéric , Nagels Adline
Published: June 2023

La partie calculatoire et la temporalité de l’analyse physique d’une étude de cas ou d’un exercice en électricité, sont des challenges pour les étudiant.es de notre licence SPI (Sciences Pour l’Ingénieur) en mode projet. Pour répondre à ces challenges et accompagner l’étudiant.e vers de nouvelles compétences, nous pouvons miser sur une approche complémentaire par l’utilisation numérique du calcul formel ou symbolique, pour enrichir l’approche classique. Dans ce contexte, cet article présente une approche pédagogique mise en place pour introduire le logiciel libre et Open Source Maxima CAS, afin de présenter aux étudiants les outils de traitement symbolique. L’exemple des nombres complexes a été retenu pour faire le lien entre les régimes temporels variables de l’électricité et la notion d’impédances complexes. La méthodologie proposée et la pratique s’orientent également, en termes d’ouverture, vers la compétence de rédaction de rapports d’étude de cas (pour améliorer chez l’étudiant.e, la méthode de conceptualisation de cet enseignement) et l’utilisation de l’outil dans d’autres unités d’enseignements de la formation.
Seltene Demenzerkrankungen: Frontotemporale Demenz
Authors: Diehl-Schmid Janine
Published: June 2023

Frontotemporal dementias (FTD) are among the rare dementias. Their symptomatology is
- compared to the common Alzheimer’s disease - atypical, so that in many
cases it takes a long time until a correct diagnosis is made. The following article
gives an overview of the clinical symptoms, genetic and neuropathological basis,
diagnostics and differential diagnostics and therapy.
The Perioperative Application of Tranexamic Acid
Authors: Perka Carsten , von Heymann Christian , Lier Heiko , Kaufner Lutz , Treskatsch Sascha
Published: June 2023

Der Einsatz von Tranexamsäure (TXA) hat in den letzten Jahren bei der Durchführung endoprothetischer Operationen stark zugenommen. Die Möglichkeit, den Blutverlust zu reduzieren, die Zahl
der Transfusionen zu vermindern und meist auf Drainagen zu verzichten, lassen den Einsatz von TXA immer mehr als „Standard“ erscheinen. Andererseits besteht keine Zulassung von TXA für den
Einsatz bei endoprothetischen Eingriffen. Aus diesem Grund sollte unbedingt immer einen Nutzen-Risiko-Analyse erfolgen. Eine prophylaktische TXA-Gabe ohne Aufklärung ist daher
gerechtfertigt, wenn eine fibrinolysebedingte Blutung zu erwarten ist und keine Kontraindikationen oder Risikofaktoren für thromboembolische Komplikationen vorliegen. Eine Aufklärung ist
auch nicht erforderlich, wenn im Rahmen einer fibrinolysebedingten Blutung eine therapeutische TXA-Gabe erfolgt. Der nach gegenwärtigem Kenntnisstand optimale Zeitpunkt, die möglichen
Applikationswege und die Dosierungsempfehlungen werden in der vorliegenden Handlungsempfehlung dargestellt.
Click-Chemistry-Assisted Alteration of Glycosaminoglycans for Biological Applications
Authors: Bera Smritilekha , Mondal Dhananjoy
Published: June 2023

This short review describes the assistance of click chemistry in the chemical modification of glycosaminoglycans. Through an alkyne-azide 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction, the chemically and physiologically stable triazole unit connects glycosaminoglycans with other labelled or attached functionalities. The synthesized glycosaminoglycan (GAG) conjugates act as drug carriers, forming hydrogels or nanohydrogels for localized drug delivery or injectable GAGs and so on. These are used in research on antithrombotic agents, protein binding, and hepatocyte growth factors, as well as in mechanistic studies of glycosaminoglycans biosynthesis and wound healing.

1 Introduction

2 Synthetic Modification of GAGS

3 Click Chemistry

4 Modification of GAGS Applying Click Chemistry

5 Conclusions

6 Abbreviations
Anesthesia Considerations for Placenta Accreta Spectrum
Authors: Warrick Christine M. , Sutton Caitlin D. , Farber Michaela M. , Hess Philip E. , Butwick Alexander , Markley John C.
Published: June 2023

Anesthesiologists are critical members of the multidisciplinary team managing patients with suspected placenta accreta spectrum (PAS). Preoperatively, anesthesiologists provide predelivery consultation for patients with suspected PAS where anesthetic modality and invasive monitor placement is discussed. Additionally, anesthesiologists carefully assess patient and surgical risk factors to choose an anesthetic plan and to prepare for massive intraoperative hemorrhage. Postoperatively, the obstetric anesthesiologist hold unique skills to assist with postoperative pain management for cesarean hysterectomy. We review the unique aspects of peripartum care for patients with PAS who undergo cesarean hysterectomy and explain why these responsibilities are critical for achieving successful outcomes for patients with PAS.

Key Points
Mucormycosis of the Middle Ear—A Report of a Rare Case
Authors: Madhu Megha , Kamath P Shrinath D. , Bhat Vadisha , Srinivas Teerthanath
Published: June 2023

Mucormycosis is an opportunistic fungal infection that often affects the nose and paranasal sinuses. The disease prevalence was very high in India during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, thereby raising public awareness about this disease. The general practitioners were updated about the disease characteristics and the requirement for emergency management. Yet, in some instances, the treatment was inadequate due to delayed presentation and low affordability for treatment. The mucormycosis of the ear, on the other hand, is a rare occurrence that demands meticulous study for early diagnosis and management. Here, we discuss the case of a patient with mucormycosis of the middle ear.
Effect of Prolonging the Duration of Stenting on Urethral Stricture in Proximal Hypospadias with Severe Curvature Repair: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zhou Guanglun , Jiang Man , Liu Xiaodong , Yin Jianchun , yang Zhilin , Li Shouln , Chen Jinjun
Published: June 2023

Introduction The aim of this study was to evaluate whether prolonged stenting reduces the risk of urethral stricture after proximal hypospadias (PH) with severe curvature (SC) repair.

Materials and Methods We prospectively studied a cohort of patients with PH with SC repair who underwent urethral plate transection and urethroplasty between January 2010 and December 2020. According to the duration of stenting, the patients were divided into 2-, 4-, and 6-week groups. Postoperative complications and time of urethral stricture occurrence were analyzed.

Results In total, 665 patients were included in the analysis. The overall incidence of complications was 26.6% (n = 177), including 42 cases of urethral strictures: 27 (64.3%) cases of urethral stricture occurred between 4 and 6 weeks after urethroplasty, 7 cases occurred between 7 weeks and 6 months after urethroplasty, 7 cases occurred more than 6 months after urethroplasty, and 1 case occurred at 3 weeks after urethroplasty. The incidence of urethral stricture in the 6-week group (1.8%) was significantly lower than that in the 4- (5.8%) and 2-week groups (10.9%) (p < 0.05).

Conclusion Prolonged stenting reduces the risk of urethral stricture in PH with SC repair. Four to six weeks after PH with SC repair may be the key period for the formation of early urethral strictures.
Clinical Experience with Noninvasive Prenatal Testing in Twin Pregnancy Samples at a Single Center in Germany
Authors: Eiben Bernd , Glaubitz Ralf , Winkler Thomas , Teubert Anna , Borth Heike
Published: June 2023

In this study we wanted to determine the performance of a paired-end sequencing-based noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) assay in the detection of common fetal trisomies in twin pregnancy samples. Samples from patients with a twin pregnancy were collected from at least 10 weeks of gestation and analyzed at a single prenatal center in Germany. Results of Anomaly Detected (i.e., high risk) or No Anomaly Detected (i.e., low risk) for trisomy 21, trisomy 18, or trisomy 13 were reported. Follow-up confirmatory outcomes were requested for all cases. A total of 1,658 patients with twin pregnancies submitted samples during the study period; only two of these samples failed resulting in a low failure rate of 0.12%. Of the remaining 1,656 cases, there were 1,625 (98.1%) low-risk and 31 (1.9%) high-risk NIPT samples in our cohort. Of these, follow-up information was available for 301 (18.5%) of the low-risk samples and 19 (61.3%) of the high-risk samples. All of the low-risk cases with follow-up were determined to be true negatives giving an estimated negative predictive value of 100%. Seventeen of the 19 high-risk samples with follow-up were true positives, resulting in an overall positive predictive value of 89.5%. Sensitivities of > 99.9% were noted for both trisomy 21 and trisomy 18, with high specificities of ≥ 99.7% observed for all three trisomies. In conclusion, our study showed strong performance of the NIPT assay in the detection of common fetal trisomies in twin pregnancy samples, with high sensitivities, specificities, and positive predictive values observed based on known clinical outcomes along with a low failure rate.
Risk of Bleeding in Liver Cirrhosis Receiving Direct Oral Anticoagulants: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Li Zhe , Xu Wentao , Wang Le , Chai Lu , Ageno Walter , Romeiro Fernando Gomes , Li Hongyu , Qi Xingshun
Published: June 2023

Background Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are effective for the management of thromboembolic disorders. However, bleeding remains a major concern in cirrhotic patients receiving DOACs.

Methods PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. The incidence of bleeding episodes in cirrhotic patients receiving DOACs was pooled. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated to compare the incidence of bleeding episodes in cirrhotic patients who received DOACs versus those who received conventional anticoagulants and did not receive anticoagulants.

Results Twenty-nine studies were included. All bleeding, major bleeding, fatal bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, and intracranial hemorrhage episodes were observed in 310/2,469, 100/1,388, 2/611, 166/1,886, and 5/1,147 cirrhotic patients receiving DOACs, respectively. Their pooled incidences were 13, 6, 0, 8, and 0%, respectively. They became higher in subgroup analyses of studies with advanced age, a longer treatment duration, and Child–Turcotte–Pugh class C. Compared with conventional anticoagulants, DOACs were associated with lower incidences of all bleeding (OR = 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.52–0.98) and major bleeding (OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.37–0.83) in cirrhotic patients, but not those of fatal bleeding (OR = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.04–1.28), gastrointestinal bleeding (OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.52–1.17), or intracranial hemorrhage (OR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.12–1.12). The incidences of all bleeding (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.22–4.79) and major bleeding (OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.26–3.61) did not significantly differ between cirrhotic patients with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) who received DOACs and those who did not receive anticoagulants.

Conclusion DOACs carry a low risk of bleeding in liver cirrhosis. Age, treatment duration, and Child–Turcotte–Pugh class may be associated with bleeding in cirrhotic patients receiving DOACs. The risk of bleeding is not increased by DOACs in cirrhotic patients with PVT.
Prior-β grain refinement of additive-manufactured Ti–6Al–4 V alloys via trace Si addition
Authors: Gou Jian , Gao Ju , Feng Yuxuan , Bai Xuedong , Zhang Dong , Wang Yubo , Liu Zhengjun
Published: June 2023

Although Ti–6Al–4 V alloys have unique properties, their fabrication and treatment processes should be improved further to enhance their quality. Therefore, a novel method has been developed and applied to study the potential prior-β grain refinement of additive-manufactured Ti–6Al–4 V thin-wall components via trace Si addition. The microstructure and mechanical properties were analysed, and the results revealed that adding trace Si facilitates heterogeneous nucleation, contributing to the columnar-to-equiaxed transition of prior-β grains. The anisotropic percentages significantly decreased from 5.82% to 1.15% after trace Si addition. All the trace Si-added specimens exhibited dimples that are indicative of the ductile failure mode. Additionally, the possible phase-change process for the trace Si addition specimens was explored over several thermal cycles during the solidification process.
Radon transform on algebraic Cormack α-curves inversion formula
Authors: Truong T T
Published: June 2023

Radon transforms (RTs) in

R

2

, defined on simple integration manifolds such as straight lines or circles, have attracted extensive interest since they provide the reconstruction of physical density functions in various applicative inverse problems, via a closed form inversion formula. In an attempt to see whether RT on more involved integration manifolds would still admit closed form inversion formulas, A M Cormack has sought to invert RT defined on a class of non-trivial curves in the plane, called α-curves. They are generated by application of a specially conceived geometric transform on straight lines, so that the RT inversion process remains as close as possible to that of the RT on the lines. It was hoped that the inversion of RT on lines would show the way to invert the RT on α-curves. However Cormack could only establish a closed form inversion formula for RT on

1

m

′

—curves, with

m

′

=
1
,
2
,

…

. In this paper, we generalize his formula to RT on algebraic α-curves, i.e. for

α
=

m

m

′

with

(
m
,

m

′

)

, a pair of positive relatively prime integers and thereby give support to his initial conjecture.
Nucleation and manipulation of skyrmions by spin currents mediated by an antiferromagnetic layer
Authors: Ren Ruizhi , Liu Yan
Published: June 2023

Magnetic skyrmions can be used as information carriers in advanced memories, logic gates and computing devices in the future. How to generate skyrmions rapidly in zero field becomes an urgent problem. The application of spin currents will play a major role in promoting the applications of skyrmions in spintronic devices. In this paper, we propose a mechanism based on spin currents to generate skyrmions. A multilayer structure (Pt/Cr2O3/Co/Pt) is designed, where an antiferromagnetic layer (Cr2O3) is inserted into the traditional trilayer structure (Pt/Co/Pt). A spin current generated on the heavy metal layer makes the magnetizations of the antiferromagnetic layer oscillate, and then the magnetizations in the ferromagnetic layer are driven to oscillate through the interlayer exchange interaction, and magnetic skyrmions can finally be nucleated in the Co layer. Through this unique combination of spin currents and antiferromagnetic layers, we effectively reduce the current density and increase operability, and this application provides more possibilities for future information transmission.
Automatic ECG-based detection of left ventricular hypertrophy and its predictive value in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Letz Theresa , Hörandtner Carina , Braunisch Matthias C , Gundel Peter , Matschkal Julia , Bachler Martin , Lorenz Georg , Körner Andreas , Schaller Carolin , Lattermann Moritz , Holzinger Andreas , Heemann Uwe , Wassertheurer Siegfried , Schmaderer Christoph , Mayer Christopher C
Published: June 2023

Objective. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is one of the most severe risk factors in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) regarding all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. It contributes to the risk of sudden cardiac death which accounts for approximately 25% of deaths in ESKD patients. Electrocardiography (ECG) is the least expensive way to assess whether a patient has LVH, but manual annotation is cumbersome. Thus, an automated approach has been developed to derive ECG-based LVH parameters. The aim of the current study is to compare automatic to manual measurements and to investigate their predictive value for cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Approach. From the 12-lead 24 h ECG measurements of 301 ESKD patients undergoing haemodialysis, three different LVH parameters were calculated. Peguero-Lo Presti voltage, Cornell voltage, and Sokolow–Lyon voltage were automatically derived and compared to the manual annotations. To determine the agreement between manual and automatic measurements and their predictive value, Bland–Altman plots were created and Cox regression analysis for cardiovascular and all-cause mortality was performed. Main results. The median values for the automatic assessment were: Peguero-Lo Presti voltage 1.76 mV (IQR 1.29–2.55), Cornell voltage 1.14 mV (IQR 0.721–1.66), and Sokolow–Lyon voltage 1.66 mV (IQR 1.08–2.23). The mean differences when compared to the manual measurements were −0.027 mV (0.21 SD), 0.027 mV (0.13 SD) and −0.025 mV (0.24 SD) for Peguero-Lo Presti, Cornell, and Sokolow–Lyon voltage, respectively. The categorial LVH detection based on pre-defined thresholds differed in only 13 cases for all indices between manual and automatic assessment. Proportional hazard ratios only differed slightly in categorial LVH detection between manually and automatically determined LVH parameters; no differences could be found for continuous parameters. Significance. This study provides evidence that automatic algorithms can be as reliable in LVH parameter assessment and risk prediction as manual measurements in ESKD patients undergoing haemodialysis.
A unified framework for multi-lead ECG characterization using Laplacian Eigenmaps
Authors: Villa Amalia , Ingelaere Sebastian , Jacobs Ben , Vandenberk Bert , Van Huffel Sabine , Willems Rik , Varon Carolina
Published: June 2023

Background. The analysis of multi-lead electrocardiographic (ECG) signals requires integrating the information derived from each lead to reach clinically relevant conclusions. This analysis could benefit from data-driven methods compacting the information in those leads into lower-dimensional representations (i.e. 2 or 3 dimensions instead of 12). Objective. We propose Laplacian Eigenmaps (LE) to create a unified framework where ECGs from different subjects can be compared and their abnormalities are enhanced. Approach. We conceive a normal reference ECG space based on LE, calculated using signals of healthy subjects in sinus rhythm. Signals from new subjects can be mapped onto this reference space creating a loop per heartbeat that captures ECG abnormalities. A set of parameters, based on distance metrics and on the shape of loops, are proposed to quantify the differences between subjects. Main results. This methodology was applied to find structural and arrhythmogenic changes in the ECG. The LE framework consistently captured the characteristics of healthy ECGs, confirming that normal signals behaved similarly in the LE space. Significant differences between normal signals, and those from patients with ischemic heart disease or dilated cardiomyopathy were detected. In contrast, LE biomarkers did not identify differences between patients with cardiomyopathy and a history of ventricular arrhythmia and their matched controls. Significance. This LE unified framework offers a new representation of multi-lead signals, reducing dimensionality while enhancing imperceptible abnormalities and enabling the comparison of signals of different subjects.
Actuation performances and microscopic mechanism of a stimuli-responsive artificial muscle based on the chelation of sodium alginate with CaI2·4H2O
Authors: Yang Junjie , Jiang Zhen , Wang Siyong , Yao Jintong , Yu Tao , Wei Kang , Fang Mingjian
Published: June 2023

With the popularization of energy conservation and environmental protection, a stimuli-responsive artificial muscle (SRAM) prepared by green process of the chelation of sodium alginate (SA) with calcium iodide tetrahydrate (CaI2·4H2O), provides new ideas and prospects for the development and application of smart artificial muscles. In this paper, actuation performances including force density (Fρ
, mN/g), working life (τ, s), rise time (τ
r, s) and response speed (V
F, mN/g·s) of the SRAM with different concentrations of CaI2·4H2O was researched through the test platform of electrically bending force. Furthermore, the microscopic mechanism on mechanical and electrochemical characteristics of the SRAM was analyzed and verified comprehensively by microstructure, energy dispersive spectroscopy, ion channel, infrared spectroscopy and diffraction of x-rays. The experimental results were demonstrated that when the concentration of CaI2·4H2O was within the range of 1.5 g l−1–2.0 g l−1, the SRAM achieved optimal modification, where at 1.5 g l−1 CaI2·4H2O, its specific capacitance and τ were both the maximum values of 93.7 mF g−1 and 1080 s, but internal resistance was the minimum of 3.09 Ω; at 2.0 g l−1 CaI2·4H2O, the Fρ, V
F, elastic modulus, yield strength and ion channel of the SRAM reached the largest values of 22.807 mN g−1, 0.1046 mN g−1·s, 20 MPa, 0.18091 MPa and 60.2%, respectively, but τ
r obtained the lest of 98 s. Because after being chelated by CaI2·4H2O, the α-L-guluronic blocks in SA molecular chains coagulated with Ca2+ ions, making the synergy between molecular chains of the SRAM stronger, thus forming a three-dimensional ‘egg box’ network structure of polymeric hydrogel.
Effects of aberrations on isoSTED microscopy
Authors: Lee Jeongjae , Lee Dong-Ryoung
Published: June 2023

Aberrations are inevitable in optical microscopes and affect the image quality. In STED microscopy, the optical resolution is especially dominated by the performance of depletion pattern. To quench fluorescence only in the periphery of the excitation focus, the depletion focus ideally has a zero-intensity point that is surrounded by a high-intensity crest. Otherwise, distortion of the depletion beam causes unwanted fluorescence inhibition. The influence of aberrations on isoSTED microscopy differs from that on STED microscopy because isoSTED microscopy generates a more complicated shape of the depletion focal spot with two opposing objectives which have different focusing properties. We present analysis that elucidates the effects on the shape, the central minimum intensity, and the peak intensity of the isoSTED pattern regarding primary aberrations such as astigmatism, coma, and spherical aberration when those aberrations are added in the shared beam path and each beam path in the 4Pi-cavity. The simulation results demonstrate significant resolution degradation (>160%; defined as the focal volume) for the aberrations with root mean square wavefront errors of 0.5 rad.
Dipole anisotropy in gravitational wave source distribution
Authors: Kashyap Gopal , Singh Naveen K. , Phukon Khun Sang , Caudill Sarah , Jain Pankaj
Published: June 2023

Our local motion with respect to the cosmic frame of rest is believed to be dominantly responsible for the observed dipole anisotropy in the Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation (CMBR). We study the effect of this motion on the sky distribution of gravitational
wave (GW) sources. We determine the resulting dipole anisotropy in GW source number counts, mass weighted number counts, which we refer to as mass intensity,
and mean mass per source. The mass M dependence of the number density n(M) distribution of BBH is taken directly from the data. We also test the anisotropy in the observable mean mass per source along the direction of the CMB dipole. The current data sample is relatively small and consistent with isotropy. The number of sources required for this test is likely to become available in near future.
Development of a plasma-based 3D printing system for enhancing the biocompatibility of 3D scaffold
Authors: Kim Seung Hyeon , Lee Jae Seo , Lee Sang Jin , Nah Haram , Min Sung Jun , Moon Ho Jin , Bang Jae Beum , Kim Han-Jun , Kim Won Jong , Kwon Il Keun , Heo Dong Nyoung
Published: June 2023

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is a three-dimensional (3D) printing technology typically used in tissue engineering. However, 3D-printed row scaffolds manufactured using material extrusion techniques have low cell affinity on the surface and an insufficient biocompatible environment for desirable tissue regeneration. Thus, in this study, plasma treatment was used to render surface modification for enhancing the biocompatibility of 3D-printed scaffolds. We designed a plasma-based 3D printing system with dual heads comprising a plasma device and a regular 3D FDM printer head for a layer-by-layer nitrogen plasma treatment. Accordingly, the wettability, roughness, and protein adsorption capability of the 3D-printed scaffold significantly increased with the plasma treatment time. Hence, the layer-by-layer plasma-treated (LBLT) scaffold exhibited significantly enhanced cell adhesion and proliferation in an in vitro assay. Furthermore, the LBLT scaffold demonstrated a higher tissue infiltration and lower collagen encapsulation than those demonstrated by a non-plasma-treated scaffold in an in vivo assay. Our approach has great potential for various tissue-engineering applications via the adjustment of gas or precursor levels. In particular, this system can fabricate scaffolds capable of holding a biocompatible surface on an entire 3D-printed strut. Thus, our one-step 3D printing approach is a promising platform to overcome the limitations of current biocompatible 3D scaffold engineering.
Individualism-Collectivism: A Review of Conceptualization and Measurement
Authors: Chen Chao C. , Unal Ali F.
Published: June 2023

The concept of individualism-collectivism (I-C) has been a prominent construct in philosophy, political science, sociology, psychology, and organization and management. Its meaning may vary greatly in scope, content, and levels of analysis, depending on the fields of inquiry and the phenomenon of interest. We focus on I-C as it relates to values, identities, motives, and behaviors in the context of organization and management. At its core, I-C is about self-collective relationships and the impact they have on the relational dynamics and outcomes at various levels of analysis. Theory and research have identified patterns of contrasts between individualism and collectivism. While the individualist orientation emphasizes individual self-identity, personal agency, and values that tend to prioritize individuals over collectives, the collectivist orientation emphasizes individuals’ collective identity, collective agency, and values that tend to prioritize collectives over individuals.

Various I-C conceptions have been critically evaluated with the focus on basic assumptions regarding the nature of individualism and collectivism as unidimensional, bidimensional, or multidimensional constructs, and whether or not individualism and collectivism are conceived as inherently oppositional or complementary to form a high-order construct. Specifically, previous reviews of culture and value studies in general, and of I-C studies in particular, acknowledge the possibility that individualist and collectivist orientations may coexist within a diverse society, organization, or group, and that those orientations may change over time or evolve to tackle emergent survival challenges. However, most previous reviews continue to focus on the unitary construct of I-C composed of two entities as polar opposites of each other, the high of one meaning the low of the other. Over time, instead of or in addition to the initial unidimensional conception of I-C, research has adopted the bidimensional or multidimensional conceptions. Furthermore, more of bi- or multidimensional conceptions have adopted the unipolar approach. That is, maintaining I-C as a high-order construct, individualism and collectivism are conceived as independent dimensions of I-C, each varies on a separate continuum, making it possible that individuals, groups and societies may be categorized on the various combinations of individualism and collectivism.

The advantages of the multidimensional approach have been emphasized, but issues of conceptual muddiness have also been raised, together with the challenges of theory-based research. It is recommended that I-C researchers be mindful of conceptual equivalence in developing I-C constructs and measurements and consider the optimal distinctiveness theory and the dialectic perspective as two potential overarching perspectives for comparative research on I-C. Finally, areas of future research have been identified as fertile fields for generating knowledge and understanding of I-C.
Atlanta
Authors: Levy Jessica Ann
Published: June 2023

The city of Atlanta sits on land once occupied by Creek and Cherokee Indians, whose forced removal during the late 18th and early 19th centuries as part of white settler colonialism preceded and helped to set the stage for Atlanta’s founding in 1837 as the terminus for the Western & Atlantic railroad. Henceforth, Atlanta’s rise has been shaped by various, and sometimes competing, events occurring at the local, state, national, and international level, including slavery, the Civil War, Reconstruction, Jim Crow, the New Deal, World War II, the civil rights and Black Power movements, the LGBTQ rights struggle, and multiple transportation and communications technology revolutions. Throughout its history, Atlanta’s role as a center of trade and commerce has attracted migrants from across the region, country, and, more recently, the globe, contributing to the city’s incredible diversity. Such diversity, coupled with a history of radical organizing, has lent credence to Atlanta’s reputation as a bastion of progressive politics, hailed as both a Black and LGBTQ mecca. Yet, make no mistake, Atlanta has long been a city deeply divided along lines of race, class, gender, sexuality, nationality, and religion. As the 2021 attack on several Asian-owned massage parlors and the continuous flood of visitors to Stone Mountain each summer, delighting in a popular light show set against a Confederate monument suggest, the city still has a long way to go to live up to its claim as the capital of the New South.
Media Interactions with Muslims
Authors: Hernandez Vilchis Nofret Berenice
Published: June 2023

The so-called “Global War on Terror” shows the tense relationships between mainstream media and Muslims around the world. Islam and Arab culture serve as a contrasting otherness in the construction of Western identity. Orientalism allowed first Europe and then the United States to carry on their civilizing missions and expand their culture through the Arab and Muslim world. Since the 19th century, an Orientalist narrative was built to describe an “oriental other” that justifies domination. This tense relationship can be seen in the way mainstream media reproduces an Orientalist narrative that has “migrated” from the global North to the global South. Here, “mainstream media” refers to the most prominent European and American media, including newspapers, TV broadcasting, and news agencies with global reach such as: The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Independent, The Guardian, Le Monde, Figaro, CNN, the BBC, France 24, DW, the Associated Press (AP), Reuters, and Agence France Press (AFP).

Since the beginning of the 21st century the Orientalist narrative in mainstream media changed from being discriminatory speech into hate speech or Islamophobia. Peripheral media sources reproduce this narrative, as is the case with Mexico’s leading newspapers El Universal, Reforma, and La Jornada. Analysis of the treatment that these newspapers have offered of specific events such as the Second Intifada, 9/11, and the American invasion of Iraq illustrates how the Orientalist-Islamophobic narrative from mainstream media is reproduced to a large degree in the global South. Findings from a current postdoctoral research study involving interviews of Arabs and Muslims living in Mexico make it possible to establish how and to what extent the Orientalist-Islamophobic narrative spread by the mainstream media from the global North affects Arabs and Muslims in the global South.
“Sufficient for the day is its own trouble”: Medicalizing Risk and the Way of Jesus
Authors: Curlin Farr
Published: June 2023

It is common wisdom that today’s medicine focuses too much on treating those who are sick and too little on preventing the sickness in the first place. This essay proposes that Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount challenges that assumption and the preventive medicine to which it has given rise. In light of Jesus’ teaching, the essay identifies four apparent problems with much of preventive medicine. It then offers four heuristics that might form a basic Christian logic for medicalizing risk—for discerning when and why it would be fitting, wise, and faithful for Christians to make use of medicine to avoid future illness and death.
Classifying hypertension mediated left ventricular hypertrophy phenotypes from the 12-lead electrocardiogram using machine learning
Authors: Naderi H , Ramirez J , Van Duijvenboden S , Ruiz Pujadas E , Aung N , Wang L , Chahal C A A , Lekadir K , Petersen S E , Munroe P B
Published: June 2023

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): British Heart Foundation Pat Merriman Clinical Research Training Fellowship

Background

Hypertension is the commonest cause of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), an established independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Four distinct LVH phenotypes with varying prognostic implications have been reported using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) LV mass to volume ratio: normal LV, LV remodelling, eccentric LVH and concentric LVH. Current electrocardiogram (ECG) criteria can detect LVH but their ability to differentiate between hypertension mediated LVH phenotypes is unknown.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to classify hypertension mediated LVH phenotypes using 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and clinical data for cost-effective patient stratification.

Methods

24,535 hypertensive participants from UK Biobank imaging study were categorised into the CMR-defined LVH phenotypes. ECG biomarkers with a physiological association with LVH (including QRS biomarkers, Sokolow-Lyon and Cornell voltage) were extracted from the 12-lead ECG of each participant using in-house algorithms. Vascular risk factors known to be associated with LVH were also ascertained from the clinical data of each participant. Classification models integrating ECG biomarkers and clinical data were built using logistic regression, support vector machine (SVM) and random forest (RF). The dataset was split into 80% train and 20% test sets for performance measurement. Ten-fold cross validation was applied and the training set was downsampled to the minority class.

Results

Among the participants (mean age ± standard deviation 65.3 ± 7.4 years), 23,312 (95.0%) had normal LV, 900 (3.7%) LV remodelling, 220 (0.8%) eccentric LVH and 103 (0.4%) concentric LVH. R wave amplitude V5, S wave amplitude V3 and QT duration V6 (P<0.001) were the top ECG biomarkers and systolic blood pressure (p<0.001) the top clinical predictor of LVH phenotypes (Figure 1). Classification with logistic regression had an accuracy of 77% (sensitivity 55%, specificity 85%, Area under the receiver operator curve [AUC] 0.76), SVM 80% accuracy (sensitivity 61%, specificity 87%, AUC 0.75) and RF 75% accuracy (sensitivity 49%, specificity 83%, AUC 0.75). ECG biomarkers enhanced model performance of all classifiers, compared to using clinical data alone.

Conclusion

A combination of automatically extracted ECG biomarkers and clinical data were able to discriminate the hypertension mediated LVH phenotypes. An advanced classification approach improves selection of hypertensive patients with LVH, thereby adding prognostic value to traditional risk models. We are currently validating our findings in an external population and using deep learning for comparison.
False lumen flow dynamics and partial thrombosis in patients with chronic aortic dissection of the descending aorta: a 4D flow CMR study
Authors: Ruiz Munoz A , Guala A , Dux-Santoy L , Teixido-Tura G , Galian-Gay L , Garrido-Oliver J , Carrasco-Poves A , Morales A , Valente F , Cuellar-Calabria H , Johnson K , Wieben O , Evangelista A , Ferreira-Gonzalez I , Rodriguez-Palomares J F
Published: June 2023

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities

Background

Partial thrombosis of the false lumen (FL) in patients with chronic aortic dissection (AD) of the descending aorta has recently been associated with poor outcomes (1). However, four-dimensional phase-contrast cardiovascular magnetic resonance (4D flow CMR) studies analyzing flow dynamics and biomechanics in the FL and their relationship with partial thrombosis are lacking.

Purpose

This study aimed to compare FL flow dynamics and biomechanics between patients with non- and partially-thrombosed FL.

Methods

Patients with a chronic (>3 months after the acute event), non-thrombosed or partially-thrombosed FL in the descending aorta after an AD underwent an imaging follow-up including a magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and a 4D flow CMR study. FL thrombosis was quantified as the ratio of thrombus volume and FL volume on MRA. Forward systolic and diastolic flow, and wall shear stress (WSS) were calculated at 8 equidistant planes covering the FL descending aorta from the pulmonary bifurcation to the diaphragmatic level, and averaged values were used (1,2). Maximum kinetic energy (KE), maximum acceleration and flow stasis were quantified in a volume covering the same region of the descending aorta (1). Aortic stiffness in the FL was assessed in terms of pulse wave velocity (PWV), which was calculated from the third supraortic trunk to the diaphragmatic level (3).

Results

Sixty-five patients with a complete imaging protocol were included in the study. The FL was non thrombosed in 34 patients and partially thrombosed in 31 patients, which presented with the 21 ± 13 % of the FL volume occupied by thrombus. Demographics and clinical data, and flow dynamic and biomechanical parameters of these patients are shown in Table 1. Partial thrombosis of the false lumen was associated with a reduction in the amount and energy of flow in the FL (reduced forward systolic flow, KE and acceleration (Figure 1B-D, respectively)), and a more stagnated flow in the FL (increased flow stasis (Figure 1E)). Axial WSS showed a tendency to be lower in the partial-thrombosis group compared to the no-thrombosis group (Figure 1F), while PWV were similar in both of them.

Conclusion

In patients with chronic AD of the descending aorta, false lumen axial wall shear stress, kinetic energy, and flow acceleration and stasis proved to be the main discriminators between no and partial thrombosis of the false lumen.
Changes in left ventricular strain and cardiac biomarkers in a six-year prospective follow-up after breast cancer radiotherapy
Authors: Vaarpu M , Moisander M , Lehmonen L , Kivisto S , Skytta T , Kellokumpu-Lehtinen P L , Virtanen V , Huhtala H , Raatikainen P , Tuohinen S
Published: June 2023

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Finnish public grant

Aims

Breast cancer radiotherapy (RT) can lead to slowly developing cardiac dysfunction and increased incidence of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). In fact, the risk for HFpEF is shown to be 16-fold after chest radiotherapy. We aimed to study the changes in left ventricular strain six years after radiotherapy as well as changes in cardiac biomarkers during the follow-up.

Methods

Early left-sided breast cancer patients (n=31) were prospectively followed-up for six years after RT. Left ventricular strain analysis and pro-brain natriuretic peptide (proBNP) tests were performed at baseline, after RT and at three-year and six-year controls. In addition, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) was performed at the six-year follow-up. The results were compared with cardiac RT doses.

Results

Global longitudinal strain (GLS) declined only modestly from baseline 17.9±4.1% to 17.6±2.7% at six-year control (p = 0.731) while apical regions showed significant decline from baseline 24.6±6.6% to 19.8±3.5% at six-year control (p<0.001). ProBNP increased from baseline 63.0 [37.0, 124.0] ng/l to 98.0 [50.0, 215.0] ng/l at six-year follow-up (p = 0.022). Patients with (n=14) and without (n=16) worsening of apical strain and increase in proBNP had maximal left ventricular radiation doses 46.9±4.8 Gy versus 40.1±12.9 Gy (p = 0.049), respectively. Lower values in CMR strain were concentrated in the apical regions with an association with regional RT doses. Each 1 Gy of regional radiation dose decreased local regional strain value in CMR by 0.356 % [95%CI; 0.244, 0.468] (p<0.001).

Conclusions

A significant increase in proBNP and a significant decrease in apical strain were observed after RT in six-year follow-up. A higher left ventricular maximal radiation dose was significantly associated with worsening in apical strain and proBNP. In addition, a worse regional strain values in CMR had a dose-dependent association with corresponding RT doses. These results indicate that even contemporary breast cancer RT induces progressive cardiac changes.
Left atrial strain predicts outcome in cardiovascular diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rizzetto F , Maffeis C , Mandurino-Mirizzi A , De Silvestri A , Ghio S , Rossi A
Published: June 2023

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Aims

The prognostic role of left atrial volume is well established in a variety of cardiovascular conditions but left atrial enlargement may occur at a relatively advanced stage of disease. Left atrial function measured by atrial strain could represent an early marker of disease. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the predictive value of left atrial strain (LAS) for major cardiovascular events in patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Methods and results

We systematically searched PUBMED, COCHRANE Central Register of Controlled Trials and WEB OF SCIENCE (WoS) up to May 2021 to identify studies including the relationship between LAS measured by speckle-tracking echocardiography and cardiovascular outcome (mortality and hospitalization for heart failure). A meta-analysis following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework was conducted. Nine reports including 6021 patients were eligible. The meta-analysis revealed that LAS predicted outcome in a population with a variety of cardiovascular conditions, that is heart failure, valvular heart disease, ischemic heart disease and left ventricular hypertrophy (HR 0.95; 95% CI 0.91–0.98). The result was confirmed in patients with heart failure (HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.55–1) or valvular heart disease (HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.90-.97).

Conclusions

LAS represents a powerful predictor of major cardiovascular events in patients with different cardiovascular diseases. Patients having lower values of LAS are at increased risk of mortality and hospitalizations for HF.