bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication and evaluation of chitosan modified filter paper for chlorpyrifos detection in wheat by surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Aheto Joshua Harrington , Huang Xingyi , Wang Chengquan , Tian Xiaoyu , Yi Ren , Yuena Wang
Published: June 2022

Background

Chlorpyrifos is a commonly used organophosphorus pesticide in agriculture. However, its neurotoxicity poses a huge threat to human health. In the present study, a chitosan‐modified filter paper‐based surface enhanced Raman scattering active substrate (Ch/AgNPs/paper) was fabricated and used to detect trace amounts of chlorpyrifos in 120 treated wheat samples.

Results

Results showed that the Ch/AgNPs/paper substrate could be used to enhance the chlorpyrifos spectral fingerprint only up to a concentration of 0.000558 mg L−1. Following Raman spectra acquisition, three pre‐processing methods, including Savitzky–Golay (Savitsky–Golay filter with a second order polynomial) smoothing with first derivative and second derivative and normalization, were used to reduce baseline variation and increase resolutions of spectral peak features of the original spectra dataset. Then, prediction models based on partial least squares were established for detecting chlorpyrifos pesticide residue in wheat. The partial least squares model with normalization yielded optimal result, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9764, root mean square error of prediction of 1.22 mg L−1 in the prediction, and relative analysis deviation of 4.12. Five unknown samples were prepared to verify the accuracy of the prediction model. The predicted recoveries were calculated to be between 97.25% and 119.38% with an absolute t value of 0.598. The value of a t‐test shows that the prediction model is accurate and reliable.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates that the proposed method can achieve rapid detection of chlorpyrifos in wheat. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Assessment of Epoxy Functionalized Poly(dimethylsiloxane) Vitrimers Catalyzed with Covalently Attached Amines as Reversible Adhesives
Authors: Wanghofer Florian , Wolfberger Archim , Oreski Gernot , Schlögl Sandra
Published: June 2022

In this work, vitrimeric elastomers based on functionalized poly(dimethylsiloxane) are realized. By exploiting reactions of epoxide functional groups with carboxylic acids in the presence of a covalently bonded amine catalyst, dynamic networks are formed to establish their potential in reversible adhesives. The dynamic nature of the networks is characterized thermo‐mechanically, and in tensile tests 85% of the stress at break can be recovered after reprocessing. The covalent adaptable networks are further subjected to damp heat tests, temperature cycling tests, and high temperature storage with the aim to establish the potential and boundaries of the dynamic character of the network after application in harsh environments. The influence of the ageing tests on the reprocessability and mechanical properties is evaluated via infrared spectroscopy and lap‐shear tests. While the damp heat tests (85 °C, 85% relative humidity, and 2000 h duration) lead to hydrolytic bond cleavage of the ester bonds and storage at 120 °C for 930 h oxidizes the hydroxy groups, temperature cycling tests (−40 to 85 °C, 50 cycles) does not degrade the mechanical properties and the dynamic nature of the networks and rejoined lap‐shear specimen exhibit a remaining bond strength of more than 70%.
A generalised distributed‐order Maxwell model
Authors: Ferrás Luís L. , Morgado M. Luísa , Rebelo Magda
Published: June 2022

In this work, we present a generalised viscoelastic model using distributed‐order derivatives. The model consists of two distributed‐order elements (distributed springpots) connected in series, as in the Maxwell model. The new model generalises the fractional viscoelastic model presented by Schiessel and Blumen and allows for a more broad and accurate description of complex fluids when a proper weighting function of the order of the derivatives is chosen. We discuss the connection between classical, fractional and viscoelastic models of distributed order and highlight the fundamental concepts that support these constitutive equations. We also derive the relaxation modulus, the storage and loss modulus and the creep compliance for specific weighting functions.
Retention in treatment and therapeutic adherence: How are these associated with therapeutic success? An analysis using real‐world data
Authors: Dacosta‐Sánchez Daniel , González‐Ponce Bella M. , Fernández‐Calderón Fermín , Sánchez‐García Manuel , Lozano Oscar M.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Treatment retention and adherence are used as outcomes in numerous randomized clinical trials and observational studies conducted in the addiction field. Although usual criteria are 3/6 months of treatment retention or number of sessions attended, there is not a methodological support for conclusions using these criteria. This study analyzed the usefulness of retention and adherence to predict therapeutic success.

Methods

Retrospective observational study using real‐world data from electronic health records of 11,907 patients in treatment diagnosed with cocaine, alcohol, cannabis and opiate use disorders or harmful use.

Results

Moderate effect size relations were found between the different type of clinical discharge and months in retention (η2 = 0.12) and proportion of attendance (η2 = 0.10). No relationship was found with the number of sessions attended. Using cut‐off points (i.e., 3 or 6 months in treatment or attending 6 therapy sessions) worsens the ability to predict the type of discharge.

Discussions/Conclusion

Treatment retention and adherence are indicators moderately related to therapeutic success. Research using these indicators to assess the effectiveness of therapies should complement their results with other clinical indicators and quality of life measures.
Molecular subtype classification of low‐grade gliomas using magnetic resonance imaging‐based radiomics and machine learning
Authors: Lam Luu Ho Thanh , Do Duyen Thi , Diep Doan Thi Ngoc , Nguyet Dang Le Nhu , Truong Quang Dinh , Tri Tran Thanh , Thanh Huynh Ngoc , Le Nguyen Quoc Khanh
Published: June 2022

In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) updated the glioma classification by incorporating molecular biology parameters, including low‐grade glioma (LGG). In the new scheme, LGGs have three molecular subtypes: isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)‐mutated 1p/19q‐codeleted, IDH‐mutated 1p/19q‐noncodeleted, and IDH‐wild type 1p/19q‐noncodeleted entities. This work proposes a model prediction of LGG molecular subtypes using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MR images were segmented and converted into radiomics features, thereby providing predictive information about the brain tumor classification. With 726 raw features obtained from the feature extraction procedure, we developed a hybrid machine learning‐based radiomics by incorporating a genetic algorithm and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) classifier, to ascertain 12 optimal features for tumor classification. To resolve imbalanced data, the synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE) was applied in our study. The XGBoost algorithm outperformed the other algorithms on the training dataset by an accuracy value of 0.885. We continued evaluating the XGBoost model, then achieved an overall accuracy of 0.6905 for the three‐subtype classification of LGGs on an external validation dataset. Our model is among just a few to have resolved the three‐subtype LGG classification challenge with high accuracy compared with previous studies performing similar work.
Post‐COVID‐19 functional limitations in hospitalized patients and associated risk factors: A 3‐month follow‐up study
Authors: Bayat Masumeh , Raeissadat Seyed Ahmad , Lashgari Shervin , Bolandnazar Najmeh Sadat , Taheri Seyed Nima , Soleimani Mohammad
Published: June 2022

Background and Purpose

Many patients experience post‐COVID‐19 functional limitations. This study aimed to monitor the functional improvement of patients over 3 months of follow‐up and determine the risk factors.

Methods

This prospective cohort study evaluated 100 hospitalized patients who recovered from COVID‐19 infection. The mean age was 53.2 ± 13.1 years. Fifty‐nine had at least one comorbid condition. The mean lengths of the hospital and ICU stays were 7.8 ± 3.3 and 5.3 ± 2.5 days, respectively. The functional status of the patients was evaluated using functional independence measure (FIM) and post‐COVID‐19 functional status (PCFS) questionnaires at four time‐points of discharge, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after discharge.

Results

Mean FIM score was 107.2 ± 17.4 at the time of discharge, 113.3 ± 14.9 at 1 week, 120.3 ± 10.2 at 1 month, and 124.3 ± 6.4 at 3 months after discharge (p < 0.001). The PCFS score was 2.71 ± 1.25 at discharge, 2.09 ± 1.3 at 1 week, 1.14 ± 1.1 at 1 month, and 0.64 ± 0.59 at 3 months after discharge (p < 0.001). Female sex, older age, and the lengths of hospital and ICU stays were negatively correlated with the functional status score.

Discussion

Post‐COVID‐19 functional limitations are observed in hospitalized patients and improve over 3 months after discharge. Female sex, older age, longer hospital, and ICU stays are risk factors that negatively impact functional status.
Polysaccharides of Brassica rapa L. attenuate tumor growth via shifting macrophages to M1‐like phenotype
Authors: Guo Weiwei , Liu Xiujun , Guo Junting , Gao Ruijuan , Xiang Xiaodong , An Xiqiang , Bai Liping
Published: June 2022

Macrophages are the major tumor‐infiltrating leukocytes, and tumor‐associated macrophages (TAM) play a critical role in cancer‐related inflammation since they show alternative polarization to M1 (tumor‐inhibited macrophages) or M2 (tumor‐promoted macrophages) phenotype. Brassica rapa L. (B. rapa) has been clinically proven to have anti‐tumor and immunity‐enhancing activity, and the polysaccharides of B. rapa (BRP) have been reported to have an immunoregulatory effect on macrophages. In this study, we focus on macrophage polarization to investigate the mechanism of anti‐tumor response of BRP in vivo and in vitro. We found that BRP improved the expression of M1 markers, including iNOS, COX‐2, HLA‐DR, CD11b and M1‐related cytokines. The expression of M2 markers Arg‐1, CD206 and CD163 induced by IL‐4 were inhibited by BRP treatment, resulting in the inhibition of tumor growth both in vivo and in co‐culture experiments in vitro. The activation of STAT signaling pathway were significantly regulated by BRP, which are important signals in TAM polarization. Overall, the results indicated that BRP has anti‐tumor effect through mediating macrophage polarization.
Controlling the Properties of Starch from Rice Brokens by Crosslinking with Citric Acid and Sodium Trimetaphosphate
Authors: Kumar Yogesh , Singh Sukhcharn , Saxena D. C.
Published: June 2022

Starch from broken rice of an Indian variety (PR114) is crosslinked by citric acid (CA, 12–60%) and sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP, 6–30%) to study structural, morphological, functional, rheological, and thermal properties. The formation of new peak of C═O stretching vibration at 1730 cm–1 by CA and the reduction of ─OH stretching at 3260 cm–1 by STMP starches in the FTIR spectra confirm crosslinking reaction. The XRD pattern reveals reduction in crystallinity of crosslinked starches; however, characteristic peaks disappear with increasing concentration of CA. SEM micrographs show STMP granules are comparable with polygonal shaped and smooth surfaced native granules. However, CA starches show irregular shape, rough surfaces, and growing agglomerates. The effect of crosslinking on pasting properties is detrimental due to reduction in swelling index and solubility. The significant reduction in peak viscosity and flattening of viscosity curve confirms the higher degree of crosslinking (85.60–99.37%). However, crosslinked gels become more flowable, show shear thinning behavior for STMP, and behave differently for CA starches. The dynamic rheology reveals that only native and STMP (6–18%) starches form a solid like paste. In addition, the STMP starches have higher gelatinization temperature, lower enthalpy, and better thermal stability than native starch.
Long‐term post‐crack performance of high‐strength fiber‐reinforced concrete for structural applications
Authors: Bernard Erik Stefan
Published: June 2022

The post‐crack flexural‐tensile performance of fiber‐reinforced concrete (FRC) is a critical property of this material and is often the main justification for inclusion of fibers within a concrete mixture. Given the structural importance of this property, it is critical that performance demonstrated in pre‐qualification trials, and in quality control testing, is sustained throughout the design life of a structure reliant on post‐crack flexural‐tensile resistance. Previous research has indicated that an increase in compressive strength or paste hardness in maturing concrete can promote a change in fiber behavior at cracks from one of pull‐out to rupture. This can lead to a substantial fall in flexural‐tensile strength as the concrete ages. This behavior primarily affects low‐ to medium‐strength steel fibers in high‐strength concrete. It has been reported that use of very high tensile strength steel can preclude this transition, leading to sustained flexural‐tensile performance in late‐age high‐strength concrete. The current investigation has examined the evolution of flexural‐tensile behavior in high‐strength fiber‐reinforced concrete mixtures used in structural applications, to determine whether commercially available fibers made with high‐strength steel wire can resist rupture when the concrete compressive strength exceeds 80 MPa at over 5 years of age.
Correlation-Based Anomaly Detection for the CAN Bus
Authors: Gazdag András , Lupták György , Buttyán Levente
Published: June 2022

Previous attacks have shown that in-vehicle networks have vulnerabilities and a successful attack could lead to significant financial loss and danger to life. In this paper, we propose a Pearson correlation based anomaly detection algorithm to detect CAN message modification attacks. The algorithm does not need a priori information about the communication: it identifies signals based on statistical properties, finds the important correlation coefficients for the correlating signals, and detects attacks as deviations from a previously learned normal state.
Secure Authentication for Everyone! Enabling 2nd-Factor Authentication Under Real-World Constraints
Authors: Fietkau Julian , Zahra Syeda Mehak , Hartung Markus
Published: June 2022

Millions of user accounts have been exposed by data breaches within the last years. The leaked credentials pose a huge threat to many because they can be used for credential stuffing and brute-force attacks across all online services. The best solution for this problem seems to be the use of 2nd-factor authentication, like hardware tokens or one-time passwords. While these are great solutions, they cause many problems for users because they are too expensive, difficult to manage, or just not user-friendly. In this paper, we will present the results of a study that shows that users need and want secure authentication, as long as it is quick, easy, and free of charge. Hence, we investigate how recent advancements in smartphone security and authentications standards can be used to build a mobile authenticator that is easy to use, free of charge, and as secure as a hardware token. Therefore we leverage the Trusted Execution Environment of the Android platform to implement a FIDO compliant authentication mechanism on the smartphone. Furthermore, we integrate this mobile authenticator into a password manager app, to reduce user interaction, simplify the setup and provide an encompassing solution for the user.
Update Alpha-1-Antitrypsin-Mangel
Authors: Katzer D. , Briem-Richter A. , Weigert A. , Lainka E. , Dammann S. , Pfister E. D. , Wirth S. , Kardorff R. , Ganschow R.
Published: June 2022

Der Alpha-1-Antitrypsin-Mangel (AATM) ist mit einer Prävalenz bis zu 1:2000 eine der häufigsten monogenetischen Ursachen für eine Lebertransplantation im Kindesalter. Pulmonal manifestiert sich der AATM erst im Erwachsenenalter. Er wird oft zu spät oder überhaupt nicht diagnostiziert. Die initiale Diagnostik ist mit einer Serumspiegelbestimmung einfach und günstig durchführbar. Bei Werten unter 1,1 g/l sollte eine Genotypisierung erfolgen, die im Alpha-1-Antitrypsin-Zentrum Marburg kostenfrei angeboten wird. Aufgrund des sehr heterogenen Verlaufs sollte die weiterführende Betreuung von Patienten mit AATM jedoch Spezialisten mit ausreichender Erfahrung vorbehalten bleiben. Hierfür eignen sich insbesondere die pädiatrischen Alpha-1-Center. Einen hohen Stellenwert haben die Aufklärung sowie die Aufrechterhaltung einer guten Compliance mit regelmäßigen ärztlichen Verlaufskontrollen, um eine Progredienz der Lebererkrankung zu erfassen. Neben Anamnese und körperlicher Untersuchung sind regelmäßige Blutentnahmen und Ultraschalluntersuchungen (inkl. Leberelastographie) notwendig. Therapeutisch stehen neben einer kurativen Lebertransplantation derzeit lediglich supportive Therapien zur Wahl. Sollte eine Lebertransplantation indiziert sein, ist das Langzeit-Outcome erfreulicherweise sehr gut.
Cell-line screening and process development for a fusogenic oncolytic virus in small-scale suspension cultures
Authors: Göbel Sven , Kortum Fabian , Chavez Karim Jaén , Jordan Ingo , Sandig Volker , Reichl Udo , Altomonte Jennifer , Genzel Yvonne
Published: June 2022

Oncolytic viruses (OVs) represent a novel class of immunotherapeutics under development for the treatment of cancers. OVs that express a cognate or transgenic fusion protein is particularly promising as their enhanced intratumoral spread via syncytia formation can be a potent mechanism for tumor lysis and induction of antitumor immune responses. Rapid and efficient fusion of infected cells results in cell death before high titers are reached. Although this is an attractive safety feature, it also presents unique challenges for large-scale clinical-grade manufacture of OVs. Here we evaluate the use of four different suspension cell lines for the production of a novel fusogenic hybrid of vesicular stomatitis virus and Newcastle disease virus (rVSV-NDV). The candidate cell lines were screened for growth, metabolism, and virus productivity. Permissivity was evaluated based on extracellular infectious virus titers and cell-specific virus yields (CSVYs). For additional process optimizations, virus adaptation and multiplicity of infection (MOI) screenings were performed and confirmed in a 1 L bioreactor. BHK-21 and HEK293SF cells infected at concentrations of 2 × 106cells/mL were identified as promising candidates for rVSV-NDV production, leading to infectious titers of 3.0 × 108TCID50/mL and 7.5 × 107TCID50/mL, and CSVYs of 153 and 9, respectively. Compared to the AGE1.CR.pIX reference produced in adherent cultures, oncolytic potency was not affected by production in suspension cultures and possibly even increased in cultures of HEK293SF and AGE1.CR.pIX. Our study describes promising suspension cell-based processes for efficient large-scale manufacturing of rVSV-NDV.

Key points

•Cell contact-dependent oncolytic virus (OV) replicates in suspension cells.

•Oncolytic potency is not encompassed during suspension cultivation.

•Media composition, cell line, and MOI are critical process parameters for OV production.

•The designed process is scalable and shows great promise for manufacturing clinical-grade material.
Accuracy of pelvic measurements on virtual radiographic projections based on computed tomography scans compared to conventional radiographs pre- and postoperatively
Authors: Kaiser Dominik , Hoch Armando , Stern Christoph , Sommer Stefan , Sutter Reto , Zingg Patrick O.
Published: June 2022

Background

The anteroposterior (ap) radiograph of the pelvis is decisive in the diagnosis of different pathologies of the hip joint. Technical advantages have reduced the radiation dose of pelvic CT to levels comparable to radiographs. The purpose of this study was to validate if standard radiographic parameters (lateral center edge angle, medial center edge angle, acetabular index, acetabular arc, extrusion index, crossover sign and posterior wall sign) can accurately be determined on radiograph-like projections reconstructed from the CT dataset pre- and postoperatively.

Methods

A consecutive series of patient with symptomatic dysplasia of the hip and a full radiologic workup (radiographs and CT scan pre- and postoperatively) who underwent periacetabular osteotomy were included. Standard radiographic parameters were compared between radiographs and radiograph-like projections by two authors pre- and postoperatively.

Results

A total of 16 hips (32 radiographs/32 radiograph-like projections) were included in the study. No significant difference was found between the radiographs and radiograph-like images for all parameter for both examiners. ICC between radiograph and radiograph-like projections for all investigated parameters showed good to excellent reliability (0.78–0.99) pre- and postoperatively.

Conclusion

Radiograph-like projections show comparable results to radiographs with regard to the important investigated parameters (lateral center edge angle, medial center edge angle, acetabular index, acetabular arc, extrusion index, crossover sign and posterior wall sign). Thus, ultra-low-dose CT scans may reduce the need for conventional radiographs in pre- and postoperative analyses of 3-dimensional hip pathologies in the future, as the advantages increasingly outweigh the disadvantages.
Optimising the management of children with concomitant bladder dysfunction and behavioural disorders
Authors: Eliezer Dilharan D. , Lam Christopher , Smith Angela , Coomarasamy John Mithran , Samnakay Naeem , Starkey Malcolm R. , Deshpande Aniruddh V.
Published: June 2022

Bladder dysfunction and behavioural disorders in children are commonly concomitant; hence, it is difficult to treat each in isolation. Pharmacotherapy is common treatment for behavioural disorders, and these medications may have intended or unintended positive or negative bladder sequelae. This review identifies the literature regarding the effects of behavioural pharmacotherapy on bladder functioning and possible bladder management strategies in children with concomitant behaviour and bladder disorders to enable clinicians to better manage both conditions. A PROSPERO registered PRISMA-guided review of three major databases was performed. After an initial scoping study revealed significant heterogeneity, a narrative approach was undertaken to discuss the results of all relevant cases relating to children being treated with pharmacotherapy for behaviour disorders and outcomes related to bladder function. Studies were screened to identify those that described effects of commonly prescribed medications in children with behavioural disorders such as stimulants, alpha 2 agonists, tricyclic antidepressants (TCA), serotonin and noradrenergic reuptake inhibitors (SNRI), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and antipsychotics, and the findings and implications were summarised. The review identified 46 studies relevant to behavioural pharmacotherapy and bladder function (stimulants (n = 9), alpha 2 agonists (n = 2), TCAs (n = 7), SNRIs (n = 8), SSRIs (n = 8) and antipsychotics (n = 6). Six studies focused specifically on bladder management in children with behavioural disorders with concurrent behavioural pharmacotherapy. This review identifies useful factors that may assist clinicians with predicting unintended bladder effects following initiation of behavioural pharmacotherapy to facilitate the best approach to the treatment of bladder dysfunction in children with behavioural disorders. With this evidence, we have provided a useful decision-making algorithm to aide clinicians in the management of these dual pathologies.
Adaptive data-driven models to best predict the likelihood of live birth as the IVF cycle moves on and for each embryo transfer
Authors: Grzegorczyk-Martin Véronika , Roset Julie , Di Pizio Pierre , Fréour Thomas , Barrière Paul , Pouly Jean Luc , Grynberg Michael , Parneix Isabelle , Avril Catherine , Pacheco Joe , Grzegorczyk Tomasz M.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To dynamically assess the evolution of live birth predictive factors’ impact throughout the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process, for each fresh and subsequent frozen embryo transfers.

Methods

In this multicentric study, data from 13,574 fresh IVF cycles and 6,770 subsequent frozen embryo transfers were retrospectively analyzed. Fifty-seven descriptive parameters were included and split into four categories: (1) demographic (couple’s baseline characteristics), (2) ovarian stimulation, (3) laboratory data, and (4) embryo transfer (fresh and frozen). All these parameters were used to develop four successive predictive models with the outcome being a live birth event.

Results

Eight parameters were predictive of live birth in the first step after the first consultation, 9 in the second step after the stimulation, 11 in the third step with laboratory data, and 13 in the 4th step at the transfer stage. The predictive performance of the models increased at each step. Certain parameters remained predictive in all 4 models while others were predictive only in the first models and no longer in the subsequent ones when including new parameters. Moreover, some parameters were predictive in fresh transfers but not in frozen transfers.

Conclusion

This work evaluates the chances of live birth for each embryo transfer individually and not the cumulative outcome after multiple IVF attempts. The different predictive models allow to determine which parameters should be taken into account or not at each step of an IVF cycle, and especially at the time of each embryo transfer, fresh or frozen.
Monstrous Content and the Bounds of Discourse
Authors: Ferguson Thomas Macaulay
Published: June 2022

Bounds consequence provides an interpretation of a multiple-conclusion consequence relation in which the derivability of a sequent "Image missing"is understood as the claim that it is conversationally out-of-bounds to take a position in which each member of Γ is asserted while each member of Δ is denied. Two of the foremost champions of bounds consequence—Greg Restall and David Ripley—have independently indicated that the shape of the bounds in question is determined by conversational practice. In this paper, I suggest that the standard treatments of bounds consequence have focused heavily on the matter of veridicality at the expense of ignoring other features by which conversational bounds are set, prime among them being the matter of content or subject-matter. Furthermore, I argue that the semantic behavior of propositions containing “monstrous” content—content whose introduction is inappropriate to a context independently of veridical considerations—leads to a weak Kleene account of bounds consequence.
Stochastic response determination of U-OWC energy harvesters: a statistical linearization solution treatment accounting for intermittent wave excitation
Authors: Scialò Andrea , Malara Giovanni , Kougioumtzoglou Ioannis A. , Arena Felice
Published: June 2022

A novel statistical linearization technique is developed for determining approximately the response statistics and the power output of U-Oscillating Water Column (U-OWC) energy harvesting systems. In this regard, first, the governing equations are derived by employing the unsteady Bernoulli equation. Note that the intermittent, i.e., non-stationary, nature of the wave excitation, occurring in severe sea states due to uncovering of the U-OWC inlet, is explicitly accounted for in the herein proposed model. This is done by multiplying the excitation process with a Heaviside function dependent on the instantaneous free surface displacement. Next, the resulting coupled system of nonlinear integro-differential stochastic equations is solved approximately by relying on a statistical linearization technique. Specifically, the original system of nonlinear equations is replaced by an equivalent linear one, whose parameters and response first- and second-order statistics are obtained by minimizing the mean square error between the two systems. A significant novel aspect of the technique relates to the fact that the Heaviside function is replaced in the equivalent linear system by an “equivalent excitation” coefficient to be determined as part of the statistical linearization solution scheme. Further, compared with other relevant solution schemes adopted in earlier research efforts in the literature, it is shown that the developed technique can be construed as a direct generalization that exhibits an enhanced accuracy degree. The U-OWC installed in the Civitavecchia harbor (Rome, Italy) is considered as an illustrative numerical example, where the reliability of the approximate technique is demonstrated by comparisons with pertinent Monte Carlo simulation data.
Investigation on Post-Deformation Recrystallization Behavior of 22MnB5 Steel based on Stress Relaxation
Authors: Xu Yakun , Birnbaum Peter , Pilz Stefan , Zhuang Xincun , Zhao Zhen , Kräusel Verena
Published: June 2022

With the aim of analyzing the post-deformation Recrystallization (PDRX) of 22MnB5 steel and the grain size evolution after hot forming of the sheet and using the BAEHR 805 A/D thermo-mechanical simulator, several isothermal stress relaxation tests were performed in a temperature range of 800 to 950 °C, a predeformation range of 0.4 to 0.8 and a strain rate range of 0.01 to 0.8 s−1. As a result of isothermal stress relaxation after deformation, PDRX kinetics can be described based on an Avrami equation as a function of temperature, degree of predeformation and strain rate. As the temperature increases, the recrystallization kinetics accelerates. The strain rate also has a positive influence on the fast PDRX. Predeformation has the opposite effect, as the consumption of stored energy occurred in predeformation process of relaxation tests. Furthermore, the microstructure evolution is described as a function of the predeformation parameters. The investigation of the microstructure after isothermal stress relaxation tests showed that the PDRX kinetics corresponds to the calculations. Furthermore, EBSD analysis helped to analyze the effects of certain stress relaxation conditions on the martensite morphology. The results indicate that a lower temperature and higher strain rate lead to fine martensite packages. In contrast, the martensite block width increases when applying higher strain rates.
The price of private dental services: results from a national representative survey of Ireland
Authors: Smith Samantha , Jiang Jing Jing , Normand Charles , O’Neill Ciaran
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Dental services in Ireland are delivered in a mixed public–private system but the majority of dental care is paid for out-of-pocket by individuals. Ireland is not unusual in the global context where public subsidisation for oral healthcare is limited in many countries. This is despite the fact that oral health plays an important role in well-being and despite international evidence on the negative impact of user fees on utilisation of beneficial healthcare. However, there has been little up-to-date assessment of the prices faced by individuals for a range of non-acute care services in Ireland, including dental care. This paper presents an up-to-date assessment of private dental prices in Ireland for a range of preventive, primary, and complex services based on a nationally representative survey.

Methods

The total sample size for the desk-based survey was 103, accounting for 6% of private dentists in Ireland, weighted to reflect the geographic distribution of dentists. Dentists were selected at random from the publicly available list of dentists participating in the Dental Treatment Benefit Scheme. The adult price of 10 different services covering core preventive, primary, and complex procedures were identified from public websites for the selected dental practices.

Results

Results showed that in addition to there being an uneven supply of dentists across the country, dental prices also vary with some notable variations by region and type of service. In particular, dental practices located in border counties, and those in rural areas typically show lower mean prices relative to non-border counties and urban areas. These factors need to be considered when planning how to reduce inequalities in access to oral health services in Ireland.
Source apportionment of ambient concentration and population exposure to elemental carbon in South Korea using a three-dimensional air quality model
Authors: Son Kyuwon , Kim Byeong-Uk , Kim Hyun Cheol , Kim Soontae
Published: June 2022

We quantified the foreign and domestic contributions to annual mean elemental carbon (EC) concentration over South Korea in 2016 using the Primary Carbon Appointment tool in the community multiscale air quality model. The individual domestic contributions were further examined by emission source category (area, mobile, and point) in each sub-region (i.e., Seoul Metropolitan Area (SMA), Gangwon, Chungcheong, Youngnam, and Honam). EC contribution and population-weighted exposure contribution (PWEC) for each emission source were calculated. Two indicators were compared and adjusted considering uncertainties of emissions from sub-regions. Based on the results of this analysis, the primary EC emission sources that need to be managed to alleviate the concentrations and PWECs were classified, and the cost-effectiveness was compared with contribution rates for EC and PWEC. The modeled annual mean EC concentration in South Korea was 0.6 µg/m3, of which 54% was contributed by foreign sources (0.3 µg/m3). However, the quarterly foreign contribution differed by up to five times depending on the monsoon, while the domestic contribution did not. Simultaneously, spatial variations of the annual mean EC contributions are smaller than those of the foreign contributions. Regardless of the uncertainty of emissions, domestic PWEC was 20% higher than the domestic concentration as domestic EC emissions were concentrated in densely populated areas. It implies that EC emission control has more significant meaning not only to improve concentration but also to improve population exposure. In addition, the contribution rate showed greater variation between sub-regions than the EC emission source categories within a region. Considering this, if the cost used to reduce a unit EC emission is the same, the cost effect can be expected when EC emissions are reduced in the sub-regions with a large contribution rate regardless of EC emission source category.
SARS-CoV-2 infection and liver involvement
Authors: Luo Mingjia , Ballester Maria Pilar , Soffientini Ugo , Jalan Rajiv , Mehta Gautam
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic is the largest public health challenge in living memory. Patients with underlying liver disease have been disproportionately affected, experiencing high morbidity and mortality. In addition, elevated liver enzymes appear to be a risk factor for disease progression, even in the absence of underlying liver disease. Nevertheless, the mechanism of liver injury in SARS-CoV-2 infection remains largely unknown. This review aims to provide an overview of the mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 induces liver injury, and the impact of COVID-19 on cirrhosis, alcohol-related liver disease, autoimmune liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatitis B and C virus infection, liver-transplant recipients and patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Finally, emerging data on vaccination in liver diseases is discussed, to help inform public health policy.
SPCS: a spatial pyramid convolutional shuffle module for YOLO to detect occluded object
Authors: Li Xiang , He Miao , Liu Yan , Luo Haibo , Ju Moran
Published: June 2022

In crowded scenes, one of the most important issues is that heavily overlapped objects are hardly distinguished from each other since most of their pixels are shared and the visible pixels of the occluded objects, which are used to represent their features, are limited. In this paper, a spatial pyramid convolutional shuffle (SPCS) module is proposed to extract refined information from the limited visible pixels of the occluded objects and generate distinguishable representations for the heavily overlapped objects. We adopt four convolutional kernels with different sizes and dilation rates at each location in the pyramid features and adjacently recombine their fused outputs spatially using a pixel shuffle module. In this way, four distinguishable instance predictions corresponding different convolutional kernels can be produced for each location in the pyramid feature. In addition, multiple convolutional operations with different kernel sizes and dilation rates at the same location can generate refined information for the corresponding regions, which is helpful to extract features for the occluded objects from their limited visible pixels. Extensive experimental results demonstrate that SPCS module can effectively boost the performance in crowded human detection. YOLO detector with SPCS module achieves 94.11% AP, 41.75% MR, 97.75% Recall on CrowdHuman, 93.04% AP, and 98.45% Recall on WiderPerson, which are the best compared with previous state-of-the-art models.
Mixer-phaser Ansätze for quantum optimization with hard constraints
Authors: LaRose Ryan , Rieffel Eleanor , Venturelli Davide
Published: June 2022

We introduce multiple parametrized circuit ansätze and present the results of a numerical study comparing their performance with a standard Quantum Alternating Operator Ansatz approach. The ansätze are inspired by mixing and phase separation in the QAOA, and also motivated by compilation considerations with the aim of running on near-term superconducting quantum processors. The methods are tested on random instances of a quadratic binary constrained optimization problem that is fully connected for which the space of feasible solutions has constant Hamming weight.

For the parameter setting strategies and evaluation metric used, the average performance achieved by the QAOA is effectively matched by the one obtained by a ”mixer-phaser” ansatz that can be compiled in less than half-depth of standard QAOA on most superconducting qubit processors.
Regulation of plant responses to biotic and abiotic stress by receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases
Authors: Liang Xiangxiu , Zhang Jie
Published: June 2022

As sessile organisms, plants have to cope with environmental change and numerous biotic and abiotic stress. Upon perceiving environmental cues and stress signals using different types of receptors, plant cells initiate immediate and complicated signaling to regulate cellular processes and respond to stress. Receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases (RLCKs) transduce signals from receptors to cellular components and play roles in diverse biological processes. Recent studies have revealed the hubbing roles of RLCKs in plant responses to biotic stress. Emerging evidence indicates the important regulatory roles of RLCKs in plant responses to abiotic stress, growth, and development. As a pivot of cellular signaling, the activity and stability of RLCKs are dynamically and tightly controlled. Here, we summarize the current understanding of how RLCKs regulate plant responses to biotic and abiotic stress.
Redox-induced transformation of potentially toxic elements with organic carbon in soil
Authors: Xu Zibo , Tsang Daniel C.W.
Published: June 2022

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is a crucial component that significantly affects the soil fertility, soil remediation, and carbon sequestration. Here, we review the redox-induced transformation of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) through the abiotic impact of SOC. The complex composition of SOC includes humus, pyrogenic carbon (e.g., biochar), dissolved organic matter, and anthropogenic carbon (e.g., compost), with varying concentrations and properties. The primary redox moieties on organic carbon are surface functionalities (e.g., phenol, quinone, and N/S-containing functional groups), environmentally persistent free radicals, and graphitic structures, and their contents are highly variable. Owing to these rich redox moieties, organic carbon can directly affect the reduction and oxidation of PTEs in the soil, such as Cr(VI) reduction and As(III) oxidation. In addition, the interactions between organic carbon and soil redox moieties (i.e., O2, Fe, and Mn minerals) cause the transformation of PTEs. The formation of reactive oxygen species, Fe(II), and Mn(III)/Mn(II) is the main contributor to the redox-induced transformation of PTEs, including Cr(VI) reduction and As(III)/Cr(III)/Tl(I) oxidation. We articulated both the positive and negative effects of organic carbon on the redox-induced transformation of PTEs, which could guide soil remediation efforts. Further scientific studies are necessary to better understand the potential transformations of PTEs by SOC, considering the complicated soil moieties, variable organic carbon composition, and both biotic and abiotic transformations of PTEs in the environment.

Graphical Abstract
Oxygen Consumption and Blood Pressure Are Not Influenced by Use of a Backpack Hip Strap
Authors: Del Vecchio Angelica R. , Matthews Evan L. , Sullivan William , Hosick Peter A.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Several studies have explored the effect of backpack carriage on physiologic responses while walking, but few have focused specifically on the influence of the use of a hip strap on these responses. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a backpack hip strap on physiologic responses when walking at a moderate intensity while carrying a backpack with a standardized relative load of 30% of the wearer’s body mass.

Methods

Twenty-three healthy, active participants carrying backpacks walked on a treadmill at a speed and grade that elicited 40-50% of their heart rate reserve. Participants completed 2 counterbalanced 30-min trials, one with the hip strap in the strapped condition and one with the hip strap unfastened. Metabolic, heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) responses were recorded during both trials. For each variable, 5-min intervals were averaged at baseline, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 min. A repeated measures ANOVA test was used to evaluate the differences between the conditions at each time point. Data reported are the values from the final 5-min interval (30 min) and are reported as mean±SD.

Results

No differences were found between strapped and unstrapped trials for oxygen consumption (strapped 21.9±4.2 mL·kg-1·min-1; unstrapped 22.0±4.4 mL·kg-1·min-1, P=0.842), Δmean arterial pressure (strapped +5±17 Δmm Hg; unstrapped +12±14 Δmm Hg, P=0.128) or muscle oxygen saturation of the quadriceps (strapped 86±15%; unstrapped 90±12%, P=0.359) and calf (strapped 73±19%; unstrapped 81±12%, P=0.888).

Conclusions

These results suggest that wearing a hip strap does not influence physiologic responses up to 30 min of moderate intensity walking while carrying 30% of the wearer’s mass.
Scalable algorithms for physics-informed neural and graph networks
Authors: Shukla Khemraj , Xu Mengjia , Trask Nathaniel , Karniadakis George E.
Published: June 2022

Physics-informed machine learning (PIML) has emerged as a promising new approach for simulating complex physical and biological systems that are governed by complex multiscale processes for which some data are also available. In some instances, the objective is to discover part of the hidden physics from the available data, and PIML has been shown to be particularly effective for such problems for which conventional methods may fail. Unlike commercial machine learning where training of deep neural networks requires big data, in PIML big data are not available. Instead, we can train such networks from additional information obtained by employing the physical laws and evaluating them at random points in the space–time domain. Such PIML integrates multimodality and multifidelity data with mathematical models, and implements them using neural networks or graph networks. Here, we review some of the prevailing trends in embedding physics into machine learning, using physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) based primarily on feed-forward neural networks and automatic differentiation. For more complex systems or systems of systems and unstructured data, graph neural networks (GNNs) present some distinct advantages, and here we review how physics-informed learning can be accomplished with GNNs based on graph exterior calculus to construct differential operators; we refer to these architectures as physics-informed graph networks (PIGNs). We present representative examples for both forward and inverse problems and discuss what advances are needed to scale up PINNs, PIGNs and more broadly GNNs for large-scale engineering problems.
The Rules-Based Order, International Law and the British Indian Ocean Territory: Do as I Say, Not as I Do
Authors: Bashfield Samuel , Katselli Proukaki Elena
Published: June 2022

Perpetuating Britain’s controversial administration of the Chagos Archipelago (BIOT – British Indian Ocean Territory) raises questions about the UK’s commitment to the rules-based order and international law. This interdisciplinary article examines British administration of the Chagos Archipelago by taking a legal-international relations perspective. It provides an overview to the rules-based order concept and its relation with international law, briefly examines the Territory’s history, and outlines how BIOT violates the principles enshrined in the rules-based order concept, specifically promotion of self-determination, prohibition of forced displacement and respect for international institutions. This study is significant due to its timing – set in a period of increased international pressure on the United Kingdom to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius – and also significant in a period of increased rules-based order strain throughout the Indo-Pacific. This article argues that, despite Britain’s assertion that it is a champion of the rules-based order, of which international law is a component, continued British administration of the Chagos Archipelago is in contravention of both. In an era of rules-based order strain, British BIOT policy provides fertile ground to criticisms of its foreign policy and international law selectivity and double standards.
Effects of pore scale and conjugate heat transfer on thermal convection in porous media
Authors: Korba David , Li Like
Published: June 2022

The study of thermal convection in porous media is of both fundamental and practical interest. Typically, numerical studies have relied on the volume-averaged Darcy–Oberbeck–Boussinesq (DOB) equations, where convection dynamics are assumed to be controlled solely by the Rayleigh number (Ra). Nusselt numbers (Nu) from these models predict Nu–Ra scaling exponents of 0.9–0.95. However, experiments and direct numerical simulations (DNS) have suggested scaling exponents as low as 0.319. Recent findings for solutal convection between DNS and DOB models have demonstrated that the ‘pore-scale parameters’ not captured by the DOB equations greatly influence convection. Thermal convection also has the additional complication of different thermal transport properties (e.g. solid-to-fluid thermal conductivity ratio ks/kf and heat capacity ratio σ) in different phases. Thus, in this work we compare results for thermal convection from the DNS and DOB equations. On the effects of pore size, DNS results show that Nu increases as pore size decreases. Mega-plumes are also found to be more frequent and smaller for reduced pore sizes. On the effects of conjugate heat transfer, two groups of cases (Group 1 with varying ks/kf at σ = 1 and Group 2 with varying σ at ks/kf = 1) are examined to compare the Nu–Ra relations at different porosity (ϕ) and ks/kf and σ values. Furthermore, we report that the boundary layer thickness is determined by the pore size in DNS results, while by both the Rayleigh number and the effective heat capacity ratio,

$\bar{\phi } = \phi + (1 - \phi )\sigma$

, in the DOB model.