bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovative polygon trend analysis of monthly precipitation (1952–2015) in the Hindukush‐Karakoram‐Himalaya river basins of Pakistan
Authors: Ahmed Naveed , Lu Haishen , Booij Martijn J. , Wang Genxu , Marhaento Hero , Bhat Mohd Sultan , Adnan Shahzada
Published: September 2022

The Hindukush‐Karakoram‐Himalayas (HKH) mountainous range supplies water to 10 river basins serving eight countries. The present study focuses on the river basins located within the HKH region in Pakistan. The modified Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT+) was used to split the research region into 13 sub‐basins. The Mann–Kendall, Sen's slope, innovative polygon trend analysis (IPTA), and innovative trend analysis (ITA) methods were used for the monthly precipitation time series. The Shyok sub‐basin (central Karakoram) experienced rising trends for all seasons, while the southwestern Karakoram (Hunza) showed a rising trend only for the winter. The Hindukush Mountain Range feeds five sub‐basins (Gilgit, Chitral, Swat, Kabul, and Kurram). The Gilgit and Kurram sub‐basins observed an upward trend for all seasons. A falling trend in spring and transition from spring (falling) to summer (rising) was observed for the Swat and Kabul sub‐basins. The Chitral sub‐basin received rising precipitation in spring, summer, and autumn, whereas no trend was observed during winter. In the southern Himalayas (Kanshi and Jhelum), no trend was observed in winter and autumn and a falling trend in spring and summer. The Kunhar sub‐basin (southern Himalaya) showed rising trends in winter, spring, and autumn. In contrast, the Soan sub‐basin (eastern Himalaya) has no trend in spring, and other seasons show rising trends. The sub‐basin Upper Indus experienced a rising trend for autumn, winter, and summer, while a downward trend was observed in spring. The IPTA and ITA approaches are much more sensitive than the Mann–Kendall method in detecting trends. Although the innovative methods are mostly compatible with each other (90%), the IPTA presents additional information about trend transitions between successive parts of the time series. The results presented in this study are an advancement in the investigations made so far in this region and will help to understand the climate and hydrology of this region.
Comparison of the GLIM criteria with specific screening tool for diagnosing malnutrition in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis: A descriptive cross‐sectional study
Authors: Yang Wanting , Guo Gaoyue , Mao Lihong , Hui Yangyang , Wang Xiaoyu , Yu Zihan , Sun Mingyu , Li Yifan , Fan Xiaofei , Cui Binxin , Jiang Kui , Sun Chao
Published: September 2022

Background

The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) has been built to diagnose malnutrition; however, its validity among patients with cirrhosis remains enigmatic. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of malnutrition according to GLIM criteria and compare the differences by using a specific screening tool.

Methods

We conducted a descriptive cross‐sectional study analyzing hospitalized patients. The Royal Free Hospital‐Nutritional Prioritizing Tool (RFH‐NPT) was chosen as the screening tool. Estimated prevalence was shown with and without the initial screening process. Diverse combinations of phenotypic and etiologic criteria and distinct body mass index (BMI) cutoffs were applied to detect frequency of malnourished patients with cirrhosis.

Results

Overall, 363 patients were recruited (median age, 64 years; 51.2% female). The prevalence of malnutrition according to GLIM criteria with and without RFH‐NPT screening was 33.3% and 36.4%, respectively. Low BMI and inflammation represented the most prevalent combination resulting in a malnutrition diagnosis (42.4%), followed by low BMI and reduced food intake (39.4%). By contrast, the least prevalence was found when combining reduced muscle mass with inflammation to diagnose malnutrition. Furthermore, the frequency of malnourished and well‐nourished participants was not statistically different when using divergent BMI reference values across the study population.

Conclusions

GLIM criteria may serve a specific proxy to diagnose malnutrition, along with RFH‐NPT screening. Relevant investigation is required to report on the applied combination of phenotypic/etiologic criteria, taking into consideration the marked impact of different models. More attempts are warranted to delineate the prognostic role of GLIM criteria in the context of cirrhosis.
Palatal Coupling Maneuvers Do Not Predict Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator Treatment Efficacy
Authors: Renslo Bryan , Hobelmann Kealan , Sagalow Emily S. , Ananth Ashwin , Boon Maurits , Huntley Colin
Published: September 2022

Objective(s)

Maneuvers during drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE), for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), have been used as predictors for success with oral appliances. Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) promotes opening at the velum through palatoglossus coupling. In this study, we evaluate maneuvers during DISE as predictors for HGNS treatment efficacy.

Methods

We evaluated patients undergoing HGNS between November, 2014 and February, 2021. We assessed maneuvers including jaw thrust and chin lift during preoperative DISE. The impact of tongue base and palatal opening during these maneuvers were rated from 1 to 4 (1: no improvement, 2: mild improvement, 3: moderate improvement, 4: significant improvement). Patients were grouped by a score of 1–2 (weak response) or 3–4 (strong response). Apnea hypopnea index (AHI) change was calculated from the difference between preoperative and postoperative sleep study.

Results

One hundred and seventy one patients were included. With jaw thrust, there was no significant difference in AHI change between patients with weak or strong response at the palate (n = 68 vs. 94, 9.5 vs. 13.6, p = 0.21) or tongue base (n = 24 vs. 138, 16.6 vs. 11.3, p = 0.24). On chin lift, there was no significant difference at the palate (n = 82 vs. 18, 13.9 vs. 11.4, p = 0.63) or tongue base (n = 92 vs. 72, 10.8 vs. 14.6, p = 0.24). On multiple linear regression analysis, lower body mass index, higher preoperative AHI, and higher preoperative oxygen nadir were associated with a larger AHI change.

Conclusion

Palatal coupling maneuvers during DISE are not predictive of AHI change with HGNS. Findings using these maneuvers should not preclude HGNS candidacy.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:431–436, 2023
Differential effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on three salt‐tolerant grasses under cadmium and salt stress
Authors: Jia Bingbing , Diao Fengwei , Ding Shengli , Shi Zhongqi , Xu Jing , Hao Lijun , Li Frank Yonghong , Guo Wei
Published: September 2022

Salt‐tolerant plants generally grow in salty conditions, and some of them are also tolerant to heavy metal stress. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can help plants withstand abiotic stresses. However, few studies have focused on the effects of AMF on the growth of salt‐tolerant plants in cadmium (Cd)‐contaminated saline soils. In this study, a greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of AMF (Funneliformis mosseae) on growth, ion uptake, and Na+ and Cd translocation in three salt‐tolerant grasses (Leymus chinensis, Puccinellia distans, and Astragalus adsurgens) in a Cd‐contaminated saline soil. The regulation of genes by AMF in A. adsurgens was also explored by transcriptome analysis. The results showed that AMF increased the biomass of A. adsurgens but not that of L. chinensis and P. distans. AMF promoted phosphorus (P) uptake from soil and improved shoot K+: Na+ ratio, but it decreased shoot Na+ and Cd concentrations and their translocation rates in A. adsurgens. Transcriptome analysis showed that AMF upregulated the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) encoding cytokinins, which may be linked to the increase in shoot biomass in inoculated A. adsurgens, but downregulated the DEGs related to light harvest, suggesting avoidance of photodamage. AMF downregulated the DEGs in the pathways of the cell wall and those associated with antioxidant enzymes. These results suggest that AMF symbiosis in A. adsurgens effectively alleviates the Na+ and Cd toxicity of shoots. This study implies the potential to use salt‐tolerant grasses in association with AMF to rehabilitate the heavy metal‐contaminated saline ecosystems.
A Haar wavelets based approximation for nonlinear inverse problems influenced by unknown heat source
Authors: Ahsan Muhammad , Shams‐ul Haq Khawaja , Liu Xuan , Ahmad Lone Showkat , Nisar Muhammad
Published: September 2022

In this discussion, a new numerical algorithm focused on the Haar wavelet is used to solve linear and nonlinear inverse problems with unknown heat source. The heat source is dependent on time and space variables. These types of inverse problems are ill‐posed and are challenging to solve accurately. The linearization technique converted the nonlinear problem into simple nonhomogeneous partial differential equation. In this Haar wavelet collocation method (HWCM), the time part is discretized by using finite difference approximation, and space variables are handled by Haar series approximation. The main contribution of the proposed method is transforming this ill‐posed problem into well‐conditioned algebraic equation with the help of Haar functions, and hence, there is no need to implement any sort of regularization technique. The results of numerical method are efficient and stable for this ill‐posed problems containing different noisy levels. We have utilized the proposed method on several numerical examples and have valuable efficiency and accuracy.
Cosine and sine families on time scales and abstract second order dynamic equations on time scales
Authors: Mesquita Jaqueline G. , Pereira Aldo , Ponce Rodrigo
Published: September 2022

Abstract cosine and sine functions defined on a Banach space are useful tools in the study of wide classes of abstract evolution equations. In this paper, we introduce a definition of cosine and sine functions on time scales, which unify the continuous, discrete and the cases “in between.” Our definition includes several types of time scales such as real numbers set, integers numbers set, quantum scales, among others. We investigate the relationship between the cosine function on time scales and its infinitesimal generator, proving several properties concerning it. Also, we investigate the sine functions on time scales, presenting their main properties. Finally, we apply our theory to study the homogeneous and inhomogeneous abstract Cauchy problem on time scales in Banach spaces.
SARU: A self‐attention ResUNet to generate synthetic CT images for MR‐only BNCT treatment planning
Authors: Zhao Sheng , Geng Changran , Guo Chang , Tian Feng , Tang Xiaobin
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Despite the significant physical differences between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT), the high entropy of MRI data indicates the existence of a surjective transformation from MRI to CT image. However, there is no specific optimization of the network itself in previous MRI/CT translation works, resulting in mistakes in details such as the skull margin and cavity edge. These errors might have moderate effect on conventional radiotherapy, but for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), the skin dose will be a critical part of the dose composition. Thus, the purpose of this work is to create a self‐attention network that could directly transfer MRI to synthetical computerized tomography (sCT) images with lower inaccuracy at the skin edge and examine the viability of magnetic resonance (MR)‐guided BNCT.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was undertaken on 104 patients with brain malignancies who had both CT and MRI as part of their radiation treatment plan. The CT images were deformably registered to the MRI. In the U‐shaped generation network, we introduced spatial and channel attention modules, as well as a versatile “Attentional ResBlock,” which reduce the parameters while maintaining high performance. We employed five‐fold cross‐validation to test all patients, compared the proposed network to those used in earlier studies, and used Monte Carlo software to simulate the BNCT process for dosimetric evaluation in test set.

Results

Compared with UNet, Pix2Pix, and ResNet, the mean absolute error (MAE) of self‐attention ResUNet (SARU) is reduced by 12.91, 17.48, and 9.50 HU, respectively. The “two one‐sided tests” show no significant difference in dose‐volume histogram (DVH) results. And for all tested cases, the average 2%/2 mm gamma index of UNet, ResNet, Pix2Pix, and SARU were 0.96 ± 0.03, 0.96 ± 0.03, 0.95 ± 0.03, and 0.98 ± 0.01, respectively. The error of skin dose from SARU is much less than the results from other methods.

Conclusions

We have developed a residual U‐shape network with an attention mechanism to generate sCT images from MRI for BNCT treatment planning with lower MAE in six organs. There is no significant difference between the dose distribution calculated by sCT and real CT. This solution may greatly simplify the BNCT treatment planning process, lower the BNCT treatment dose, and minimize image feature mismatch.
Real‐time trajectory guide tracking for intraoperative MRI‐guided neurosurgery
Authors: Olsen Miles E. , Brodsky Ethan K. , Oler Jonathan A. , Riedel Marissa K. , Mueller Sascha A. L. , Vermilyea Scott C. , Metzger Jeanette M. , Tao Yunlong , Brunner Kevin G. , Ahmed Azam S. , Zhang Su‐Chun , Emborg Marina E. , Kalin Ned H. , Block Walter F.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

In current intraoperative MRI (IMRI) methods, an iterative approach is used to aim trajectory guides at intracerebral targets: image MR‐visible features, determine current aim by fitting model to image, manipulate device, repeat. Infrequent updates are produced by such methods, compared to rapid optically tracked stereotaxy used in the operating room. Our goal was to develop a real‐time interactive IMRI method for aiming.

Methods

The current trajectory was computed from two points along the guide's central axis, rather than by imaging the entire device. These points were determined by correlating one‐dimensional spokes from a radial sequence with the known cross‐sectional projection of the guide. The real‐time platform RTHawk was utilized to control MR sequences and data acquisition. On‐screen updates were viewed by the operator while simultaneously manipulating the guide to align it with the planned trajectory. Accuracy was quantitated in a phantom, and in vivo validation was demonstrated in nonhuman primates undergoing preclinical gene () and cell () delivery surgeries.

Results

Updates were produced at 5 Hz In 10 phantom experiments at a depth of 48 mm, the cannula tip was placed with radial error of (min, mean, max) = (0.16, 0.29, 0.68) mm. Successful in vivo delivery of payloads to all 14 targets was demonstrated across nine surgeries with depths of (min, mean, max) = (33.3, 37.9, 42.5) mm.

Conclusion

A real‐time interactive update rate was achieved, reducing operator fatigue without compromising accuracy. Qualitative interpretation of images during aiming was rendered unnecessary by objectively computing device alignment.
An asynchronous variational integrator for the phase field approach to dynamic fracture
Authors: Niu Zongwu , Ziaei‐Rad Vahid , Wu Zongyuan , Shen Yongxing
Published: September 2022

The phase field approach is widely used to model fracture behaviors due to the absence of the need to track the crack topology and the ability to predict crack nucleation and branching. In this work, the asynchronous variational integrator (AVI) is adapted for the phase field approach of dynamic brittle fracture. The AVI is derived from Hamilton's principle and allows each element in the mesh to have its own local time step that may be different from others'. While the displacement field is explicitly updated, the phase field is implicitly solved, with upper and lower bounds strictly and conveniently enforced. In particular, two important variants of the phase field approach, the AT1 and AT2 models, are equally easily implemented. Several benchmark problems are used to study the performances of both the AT1 and AT2 models, and the results show that the AVI for the phase field approach significantly speeds up the computational efficiency and successfully captures the complicated dynamic fracture behavior.
Promote diversity, access, equity, inclusion at your institution
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: September 2022

Increasing diversity, access, equity, and inclusion on campus requires total commitment, said Cassandra Moore, Director of Admissions and Enrollment Development at Anne Arundel Community College. “This is hard work,” she added, speaking at the Chesapeake and Potomac Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers annual conference, held virtually.
Clearing your plate for more purpose‐driven work
Authors: Freebairn‐Smith Laura
Published: September 2022

I want to pivot away from the larger identity questions that come with leading and provide you with a practical tool that many of my clients have found helpful. This tool helps manage the barrage of demands on your time, on your organization, and on your staff — demands that often come without adequate resources. This tool can help create space for the projects that matter, in a non‐aggressive way, of course.
The road toward imaging a black hole: A personal perspective
Authors: Falcke Heino
Published: September 2022

The images of the supermassive black holes Sgr A* and M87* by the Event Horizon Telescope collaboration mark a special milestone in the history of the subject. For the first time, we are able to see the shadow of black holes, testing basic predictions of the theory of general relativity. We are also now learning more about the fundamental astrophysical processes close to the event horizon that help to shape entire galaxies and even parts of our cosmos. The ultimate result was only possible due to a large collaborative effort of scientists and institutions around the world. The road toward these images was the result of a long sociological and scientific process. It started with early pathfinder experiments and a few simple ideas that were remarkably successful in predicting the basic observational signatures to look for. This was based on the premise that black holes are inherently simple objects. Here, I describe this journey and some lessons learned from a personal perspective.
Biofabrication of a flexible and conductive 3D polymeric scaffold for neural tissue engineering applications; physical, chemical, mechanical, and biological evaluations
Authors: Talebi Alireza , Labbaf Sheyda , Rahmati Saba
Published: September 2022

Tissue engineering approach aims to overcome the transplant drawbacks and facilitate tissue repair and regeneration. Here, a new conductive, highly porous, and flexible polycaprolactone/gelatin/polypyrrole/graphene 3D scaffolds for nerve tissue repair is presented. A simple and efficient porogen leaching fabrication method is applied to create a 3D network with a pore radius of 3.8 ± 0.7 to 4.2 ± 0.8 μm with an exceptional uniform circular porous structure. The conductivity of the polymeric scaffold without graphene, in wet conditions, was found to be 0.78 ± 0.1 S.m−1 and it increased to 3.3 ± 0.2 S.m−1 for the optimized sample containing 3wt% graphene (G3). Tensile strength was measured at 163 KPa for the base sample (without graphene) and improved to 526 KPa for G3 sample. Following 42 days of incubation in PBS, 32.5% degradation for the base sample (without graphene) was observed. The cell study demonstrated a non‐cytotoxic nature of all scaffolds tested and the cells had mostly stretched and covered the surface. Overall, the sum of results presented in this study demonstrate a simple fabrication platform with extraordinary aspects that can be utilized to mimic the native conductive tissue properties, and also because of its flexibility it can easily be rolled into a nerve conduit to fill gaps in nerve tissue regeneration.
Renal function in abdominal neuroblastoma patients undergoing proton radiotherapy
Authors: Chevli Neil , Grosshans David R. , McAleer Mary Frances , Foster Jennifer H , Harrison Douglas , McGovern Susan L. , Paulino Arnold C.
Published: September 2022

Background

The purpose of this study is to analyze renal function outcomes in abdominal neuroblastoma patients undergoing proton therapy (PT).

Procedure

From 2011 to 2019, two single‐institution Institutional Review Board‐approved protocols prospectively enrolled neuroblastoma patients for data collection. To assess renal function, serum creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine clearance (CrCl) before proton therapy (pre‐PT) were compared with the values at last follow‐up.

Results

A total of 30 children with abdominal neuroblastoma with median age 3.5 years (range, 0.9–9.1) at time of PT were included in this study. All patients underwent chemotherapy and resection of primary tumor prior to PT. Two patients required radical nephrectomy. Median follow‐up after PT was 35 months. Mean dose to ipsilateral and contralateral kidney was 13.9 and 5.4 Gy, respectively. No patients developed hypertension or renal dysfunction during follow‐up. There was no statistically significant change in serum BUN (p = .508), CrCl (p = .280), or eGFR (p = .246) between pre‐PT and last follow‐up.

Conclusion

At a median follow‐up of almost 3 years, renal toxicity was uncommon after PT. Longer follow‐up and larger patient cohort data are needed to further assess impact of PT on renal function in this population.
Assessing the utility of routine viral surveillance performed in children undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation at a single centre
Authors: Foley David A. , Wong Jessica Win See , Keane Aoife , Ramachandran Shanti , Blyth Christopher C. , Yeoh Daniel K.
Published: September 2022

We assessed the utility of routine viral surveillance for cytomegalovirus, Epstein–Barr virus and human adenovirus in children <16 years, undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) at a single centre over a 10‐year period. A total of 85 ASCT were performed in 65 patients. Routine viral surveillance resulted in a high number of tests performed (median 20 tests per ASCT), without any clinically significant viral detections. These data support the limited clinical utility of routine viral surveillance in children undergoing ASCT. Adopting a clinically driven approach for viral testing is likely to be both cost‐effective and safe.
Porous nickel–zinc ferrite/polyaniline/polyimide composite based on improved impedance matching for electromagnetic microwave absorption
Authors: Lv Qingtao , Sun Xin , Zhang Chunhong , Liu Yanjian , Wang Qiang , Liu Lijia , Wang Chao , Wei Hao , Liang Xiaohui
Published: September 2022

Excellent impedance matching plays a crucial role in the design of absorbers to tackle the growing problem of electromagnetism pollution. Here, a porous nickel–zinc ferrite/polyaniline/polyimide (NiZnFe3O4/PANI/PI) composite was prepared by in‐situ polymerization and thermally assisted non‐solvent‐induced phase separation (TNIPS). The impedance matching of porous NiZnFe3O4/PANI/PI composite can be improved by controlling the composition ratio of NiZnFe3O4/PANI absorbing filler. When the absorbing filler satisfied a molar ratio of 8:2 for Ni to Zn and a mass ratio of 2:8 for PANI to NiZnFe3O4, the porous NiZnFe3O4/PANI/PI composite with 20% absorbing filler content displayed the minimum reflection loss of −30.01 dB, effective absorption bandwidth of 4.05 GHz (6.91–10.96 GHz), and the impedance matching (Z) value almost equal to 1 at 9.36 GHz. In addition, the initial thermal decomposition temperature (T5%) of porous NiZnFe3O4/PANI/PI composite beyond 544°C in nitrogen, demonstrates superior thermal stability properties. The porous NiZnFe3O4/PANI/PI composite in this research has great application potential in electromagnetic wave absorption at high‐temperature environment.
Young carers in Japan: Reliability and validity testing of the BBC/University of Nottingham young carers survey questionnaire and prevalence estimation in 5000 adolescents
Authors: Kanehara Akiko , Morishima Ryo , Takahashi Yusuke , Koike Haruna , Usui Kaori , Sato Shun‐ichi , Uno Akito , Sawai Yutaka , Kumakura Yousuke , Yagishita Sho , Usami Satoshi , Morita Masaya , Morita Kentaro , Kanata Sho , Okada Naohiro , Yamasaki Syudo , Nishida Atsushi , Ando Shuntaro , Koike Shinsuke , Shibuya Tomoko , Joseph Stephen , Kasai Kiyoto
Published: September 2022

Aim

Young carers (YCs) refer to children under the age of 18 who assume responsibilities that would normally be assumed by adults, such as caring for family members in need of care. In recent years, the concept of YCs has been expanding in Japan, and the government has been rapidly implementing strategies to support them. There is a need for a survey scale for YCs that uses standardized methods that can be compared internationally.

Method

The BBC/University of Nottingham Survey for estimating the prevalence of YCs and caring activities of United Kingdom adolescents was translated into Japanese, and its reliability and validity were tested with 313 adolescents. Moreover, the prevalence of YCs was estimated in a school‐based survey among 5000 adolescents.

Results

The Young Carers Scale Japanese version (YCS‐J) was acceptably reliable and valid. The original six‐factor model for caring activity in the Multidimensional Assessment of Caring Activities Checklist for Young Carers (MACA‐YC18) was supported by confirmatory factor analysis. The prevalence of YCs among 5000 adolescents in the Tokyo metropolitan area was estimated to be 7.4%, comparable to that reported in Western countries and in recent surveys in Japan using nonstandardized methods. YCs exhibited significantly higher scores for prosocial behavior and emotional symptoms than non‐YCs.

Conclusions

The YCS‐J, as an internationally comparable instrument, will be useful for understanding the actual situation of YCs in Japan, and to disseminate and implement support through cooperation among education, welfare, and healthcare sectors.
Optimal subsampling for parametric accelerated failure time models with massive survival data
Authors: Yang Zehan , Wang HaiYing , Yan Jun
Published: September 2022

With increasing availability of massive survival data, researchers need valid statistical inferences for survival modeling whose computation is not limited by computer memories. Existing works focus on relative risk models using the online updating and divide‐and‐conquer strategies. The subsampling strategy has not been available due to challenges in developing the asymptotic properties of the estimator under semiparametric models with censored data. This article tackles optimal subsampling algorithms to fast approximate the maximum likelihood estimator for parametric accelerate failure time models with massive survival data. We derive the asymptotic distributions of the subsampling estimator and the optimal sampling probabilities that minimize the asymptotic mean squared error of the estimator. A feasible two‐step algorithm is proposed where the optimal sampling probabilities in the second step are estimated based on a pilot sample in the first step. The asymptotic properties of the two‐step estimator are established. The performance of the estimator is validated in a simulation study. A real data analysis illustrates the usefulness of the methods.
Stress‐Regulation Design of Mesoporous Carbon Spheres Anodes with Radial Pore Channels Toward Ultrastable Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Dou Shuming , Tian Qiang , Liu Tao , Xu Jie , Jing Lingyan , Zeng Cuihua , Yuan Qunhui , Xu Yunhua , Jia Zheng , Cai Qiong , Liu Wei-Di , Silva S. Ravi P. , Chen Yanan , Liu Jian
Published: September 2022

Electrochemical energy storage (EES) devices are expected to play a critical role in achieving the global target of “carbon neutrality” within the next two decades. Potassium‐ion batteries (KIBs), with the advantages of low cost and high operating voltage, and they could become a major component of the required energy‐material ecosystems. Carbon‐based materials have shown promising properties as anode materials for KIBs. However, the key limitation of carbon anodes lies in the dramatic mechanical stress originating from large volume fluctuation during the (de)potassiation processes, which further results in electrode pulverization and rapid fading of cycling performance. Here, a controllable self‐assembly strategy to synthesize uniform dual‐heteroatom doped mesoporous carbon sphere (DMCS) anodes with unique radial pore channels is reported. This approach features a modified Stöber method combined with the single‐micelle template from the molecule‐level precursor design. The DMCS anodes demonstrate exceptional rate capability and ultrahigh cycling stability with no obvious degradation over 12 000 cycles at 2 A g−1, which is one of the most stable anodes. Furthermore, finite element simulations quantitatively verify the stress‐buffering effect of the DMCS anodes. This work provides a strategy from the perspective of stress evolution regulation for buffering mechanical stress originating from large volume fluctuations in advanced KIBs electrodes.
Chemical Vapor Deposition of 4 Inch Wafer‐Scale Monolayer MoSe2
Authors: Li Jiawei , Wang Shuopei , Li Lu , Wei Zheng , Wang Qinqin , Sun Huacong , Tian Jinpeng , Guo Yutuo , Liu Jieying , Yu Hua , Li Na , Long Gen , Bai Xuedong , Yang Wei , Yang Rong , Shi Dongxia , Zhang Guangyu
Published: September 2022

2D semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are considered promising building blocks for emergent electronic and optoelectronic devices. As one of the representatives of 2D semiconductors, monolayer MoSe2 has excellent electrical and optical properties and has attracted a lot of research interest recently. To realize various device applications, large‐scale synthesis of monolayer MoSe2 with high crystal quality is critical, yet remains challenging. Herein, the growth of monolayer MoSe2 at a 4 inch wafer‐scale by chemical vapor deposition is demonstrated. Based on a multisource design and vertical placement of substrates, wafer‐scale continuity and uniformity of layer thickness, e.g., the monolayer, are achieved. This growth technique is also applicable to the wafer‐scale growth of other 2D semiconductors such as WS2 and MoS2.
Pathological changes and viral antigen distribution in tissues of Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis) naturally infected with the emerging recombinant myxoma virus (ha‐MYXV)
Authors: Agulló‐Ros Irene , Jiménez‐Martín Débora , Camacho‐Sillero Leonor , Gortázar Christian , Capucci Lorenzo , Cano‐Terriza David , Zorrilla Irene , Gómez‐Guillamón Félix , García‐Bocanegra Ignacio , Risalde María A.
Published: September 2022

Background

A cross‐species jump was confirmed in 2018, when a novel recombinant myxoma virus (MYXV) (ha‐MYXV) caused high mortality in Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis) in the Iberian Peninsula.

Method

The aim of this study was to evaluate the main lesions, tissular distribution and target cells of ha‐MYXV in Iberian hare. Gross postmortem examinations and histological and immunohistochemical studies to detect ha‐MYXV were carried out in 28 animals that were confirmed as ha‐MYXV positive by PCR.

Results

The main macroscopic lesions were bilateral blepharoconjunctivitis, epistaxis, intense congestion and oedema in several organs and some internal haemorrhages. Visible myxomas were not found. Histopathological examination revealed hyperplastic epidermis with predominant hyperkeratosis and myxoid matrix in the dermis. ha‐MYXV‐positive keratinocytes showed hydropic degeneration and cytoplasmic inclusion bodies. Alveolar oedema, interstitial pneumonia, dramatic lymphoid depletion in the spleen and necrosis in the liver and testis were observed. ha‐MYXV was mainly detected in epithelial and myxoma cells in the skin, and also in macrophages, lymphocytes, fibroblasts and endothelial cells in several organs, as well as in hepatocytes and Leydig cells.

Limitations

A non‐homogeneous number of samples were included in all the animals. Future experimental studies with controlled variables are necessary.

Conclusion

These findings correspond to an unusual form of myxomatosis, characterised by an acute or hyperacute presentation.
Introduction
Authors: Grandjean Vincent
Published: September 2022

In this introduction, my aim is threefold. First, I situate the present book in the vast landscape of the philosophy of time. Against powerful traditions of thought, I argue that a perspicuous philosophical account of time can only be obtained through the reconciliation of the manifest image of the world and contemporary science. Second, I introduce the book’s primary objective, namely to account for the intuitive asymmetry between the ‘open future’ and the ‘fixed past’, and contrast it with some current forms of skepticism brought by science. Third, I outline the three-phase structure of the book – characterization, modeling, reconciliation – and expose the main expected results.
How Is the Asymmetry Between the Open Future and the Fixed Past to Be Characterized?
Authors: Grandjean Vincent
Published: September 2022

A basic intuition we have regarding the nature of time is that the future is open whereas the past is fixed. However, although this intuition is largely shared, it is not a straightforward matter to determine the nature of the asymmetry it reflects. So, in this chapter, I survey the various philosophical ways of characterizing the asymmetry in openness between the future and the past in order to account for our intuition. In particular, I wonder whether the asymmetry is to be characterized in semantic, epistemic, anthropocentric, physical, modal, metaphysical or ontological terms. I conclude that an ontological characterization of the asymmetry is to be preferred, since it is superior to the alternatives in explanatory power, intelligibility, and in how it coheres with interesting senses of openness.
Conclusion
Authors: Grandjean Vincent
Published: September 2022

In this conclusion, I first briefly recall the theoretical framework within which the present book was undertaken: an attempt at reconciliation of the manifest image with contemporary science. Second, I recapitulate the main obtained results; I especially insist on the fact that an ontological characterization of the intuitive asymmetry between the ‘open future’ and the ‘fixed past’ (Chap. 2), as it can be accommodated by a specific version of GBT (Chap. 3), might find some support in nascent approaches to quantum gravity (Chap. 4). Finally, I consider some new directions that could be pursued. In particular, I consider some practical significance that GBT may have with respect to moral and emotional concerns.
Calculating Datastructures
Authors: Hinze Ralf , Swierstra Wouter
Published: September 2022

Where do datastructures come from? This paper explores how to systematically derive implementations ofone-sided flexible arraysfrom a simple reference implementation. Using the dependently typed programming language Agda, each calculation constructs an isomorphic—yet more efficient—datastructure using only a handful of laws relating types and arithmetic. Although these calculations do not generally produce novel datastructures they do give insight into how certain datastructures arise and how different implementations are related.
A Unifying Approach for Control-Flow-Based Loop Abstraction
Authors: Beyer Dirk , Lingsch Rosenfeld Marian , Spiessl Martin
Published: September 2022

Loop abstraction is a central technique for program analysis, because loops can cause large state-space representations if they are unfolded. In many cases, simple tricks can accelerate the program analysis significantly. There are several successful techniques for loop abstraction, but they are hard-wired into different tools and therefore difficult to compare and experiment with. We present a framework that allows us to implement different loop abstractions in one common environment, where each technique can be freely switched on and off on-the-fly during the analysis. We treat loops as part of the abstract model of the program, and use counterexample-guided abstraction refinement to increase the precision of the analysis by dynamically activating particular techniques for loop abstraction. The framework is independent from the underlying abstract domain of the program analysis, and can therefore be used for several different program analyses. Furthermore, our framework offers a sound transformation of the input program to a modified, more abstract output program, which is unsafe if the input program is unsafe. This allows loop abstraction to be used by other verifiers and our improvements are not ‘locked in’ to our verifier. We implemented several existing approaches and evaluate their effects on the program analysis.
Fazit und Ausblick
Authors: Diekmann Isabell
Published: September 2022

Ausgangspunkt dieser Studie war die Problematisierung der entlang zahlreicher Beispiele aus der sozialwissenschaftlichen Forschungspraxis herausgearbeiteten Gleichsetzung von Islamfeindlichkeit, verstanden als feindliche Einstellungen gegenüber der Religion des Islams, und Muslim*innenfeindlichkeit, verstanden als feindliche Einstellungen gegenüber Menschen muslimischen Glaubens. In Ermangelung umfangreicher und tiefergehender Studien zur Differenzierung der Adressat*innen feindlicher Einstellungen verfolgt diese Studie das Ziel, die potentielle Notwendigkeit einer Unterscheidung von Islam- und Muslim*innenfeindlichkeit empirisch zu untersuchen. Theoretisch schließt das Vorhaben dabei an soziologische und sozialpsychologische Überlegungen zu Intergruppenkonflikten und Vorurteilsreduzierungsstrategien an.
On Topologies Generated by Lower Porosity
Authors: Kowalczyk Stanisław , Turowska Małgorzata
Published: September 2022

In the paper we study properties of a lower porosity of a set in a normed space $$(X,\Vert \;\Vert )$$

(
X
,
‖

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. Two topologies $${\underline{p}}(X,\Vert \;\Vert )$$

p
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(
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and $${\underline{s}}(X,\Vert \;\Vert )$$

s
̲

(
X
,
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)

on X generated by the lower porosity are defined. Relationships between these topologies and, previously defined by V. Kelar and L. Zajíček, topologies $$p(X,\Vert \;\Vert )$$

p
(
X
,
‖

‖
)

and $$s(X,\Vert \;\Vert )$$

s
(
X
,
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are studied. Applying topologies $${\underline{p}}(X,\Vert \;\Vert )$$

p
̲

(
X
,
‖

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)

and $${\underline{s}}(X,\Vert \;\Vert )$$

s
̲

(
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we characterize maximal additive class of lower porouscontinuous functions. Some relevant properties of defined topologies are considered.
Anatomical basis of retrograde thoracic veins flow and its implications in complex thoracic wall reconstructive surgery
Authors: Buffoli Barbara , Verzeletti Vincenzo , Gabusi Vittoria , Giugno Lorena , Hirtler Lena , Faini Gianpaolo
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Internal thoracic veins are increasingly used as recipient’s vessels in chest wall reconstructive surgery due to their predictable anatomy and to the possibility to make a double venous anastomosis, exploiting the retrograde flow within them. Over the years, retrograde flow had been explained by the absence of valves in internal thoracic veins, which have been found recently instead. Therefore, our aim is to analyze the retrograde flow and its relationship with valves in the internal thoracic veins.

Methods

We evaluated 32 internal thoracic veins of 16 fresh-frozen specimens with undamaged thoracic cages by dynamic analysis focused on retrograde flow assessment through a partial external circulation system obtained cannulating the subclavian veins. Gross anatomical and morphological evaluations about the presence of valves and their pattern were then made.

Results

Efficient, partial, and absent retrograde flow was, respectively, found in 17/30, 8/30 and ITVs and 5/30 internal thoracic veins. Following Arnez’s classification, 20/32 Type I and 12/32 Type II internal thoracic veins were identified. Valves were observed in 10/16 specimens (62.50%) corresponding to 36.67% of examined veins (11/30). Three valves were found between the 2nd intercostal space and 12 valves in the 3rd intercostal space. 13/15 valves were bicuspid, 2/15 tricuspid. A significant correlation (p < 0.001) between the retrograde flow and the presence of valves in internal thoracic veins was observed.

Conclusion

Our study suggests a possible influence of the presence and the number of valves in the efficient retrograde flow of the internal thoracic veins, suggesting that, especially for more complex cases, a preoperative or intraoperative evaluation of the chest wall drainage should be recommended.
Modulation of radiosensitivity of DU145 prostate carcinoma cells by simvastatin
Authors: Korte Verena , Gademann Guenther , Gawish Ahmed , Ochel Hans-Joachim
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To investigate antiproliferative effects of simvastatin in combination with ionizing radiation on DU145 prostate cancer cells and its influence on cellular HMG-CoA-reductase levels.

Methods

Proliferative responses of DU145 cells were estimated by means of a clonogenic assay or the crystal violet procedure. HMG-CoA-reductase levels were measured by western blot analysis.

Results

The antiproliferative effects of simvastatin and radiation are dependent on simvastatin dose, radiation dose and treatment time. In vitro treatment of DU145 cells with simvastatin induced HMG-CoA-reductase levels.

Conclusion

Ionizing radiation more profoundly reduces proliferation as compared to simvastatin exposure, while the combined application of both modalities is synergistic. The inhibition of CoA-reductase may contribute to these effects.
A robust medical image steganography approach based on particle swarm optimization algorithm and quantum walks
Authors: Abd-El-Atty Bassem
Published: September 2022

Medical information plays an essential task in our everyday lives, in which medical data privacy and security constitute an important issue. The confidentiality of medical data can be achieved by applying one or more encryption and data hiding methods. Amidst the development of quantum computers, most medical data confidentiality techniques may be hacked because their construction is based on mathematical models. Most medical data have a long lifetime exceeding 25 years. Therefore, it is an important issue to design a new medical data hiding technique that has the capability to withstand the probable attacks from the side of quantum or digital devices. In this article, we aim to present a novel medical image steganography strategy based on quantum walks, chaotic systems, and particle swarm optimization algorithm. A 3-D chaotic system and quantum walks are utilized for operating particle swarm optimization algorithm, in which the generated velocity sequence is utilized for substituting the confidential data, and the position sequence is utilized for selecting which position in the hosting image will be employed to host the substituted confidential data. The payload capacity of the suggested mechanism is 2 bits per 1 byte, and the average value for PSNR is 44.1, which is big enough for the naked eye to not differentiate the difference between the carrier image and its stego one.
Natural convection in a fluid saturating an anisotropic porous medium in LTNE: effect of depth-dependent viscosity
Authors: Capone Florinda , Gianfrani Jacopo A.
Published: September 2022

Thermal convection in a fluid saturating an anisotropic porous medium in local thermal nonequilibrium (LTNE) is investigated, with specific attention to the effect of variable viscosity on the onset of convection. Many fluids show a remarkable dependence of viscosity on temperature that cannot be neglected. For this reason, we take into account a fluid whose viscosity decreases exponentially with depth, according to Straughan (Acta Mech. 61:59–72, 1986), Torrance and Turcotte (J. Fluid Mech. 47(1):113–125, 1971). The novelty of this paper is to highlight how variable viscosity coupled with the LTNE assumption affects the onset of convection. A numerical procedure shows the destabilising effect of depth-dependent viscosity. Moreover, it comes out that the LTNE hypothesis makes the influence of viscosity more intense. Linear instability analysis of the conduction solution is carried out by means of the Chebyshev-tau method coupled to the QZ algorithm, which provides the critical Rayleigh number for the onset of convection in a straightforward way. The energy method is employed in order to study the nonlinear stability. The optimal result of coincidence between the linear instability threshold and the global nonlinear stability threshold is obtained. The influence of anisotropic permeability and conductivity, weighted conductivity ratio, and interaction coefficient on the onset of convection is highlighted.
High-multiplicity N-fold IP via configuration LP
Authors: Knop Dušan , Koutecký Martin , Levin Asaf , Mnich Matthias , Onn Shmuel
Published: September 2022

N-fold integer programs (IPs) form an important class of block-structured IPs for which increasingly fast algorithms have recently been developed and successfully applied. We study high-multiplicityN-fold IPs, which encode IPs succinctly by presenting a description of each block type and a vector of block multiplicities. Our goal is to design algorithms which solve N-fold IPs in time polynomial in the size of the succinct encoding, which may be significantly smaller than the size of the explicit (non-succinct) instance. We present the first fixed-parameter algorithm for high-multiplicity N-fold IPs, which even works for convex objectives. Our key contribution is a novel proximity theorem which relates fractional and integer optima of the Configuration LP, a fundamental notion by Gilmore and Gomory [Oper. Res., 1961] which we generalize. Our algorithm for N-fold IP is faster than previous algorithms whenever the number of blocks is much larger than the number of block types, such as in N-fold IP models for various scheduling problems.
Weather-Related Home Damage and Subjective Well-Being
Authors: Gunby Nicholas , Coupé Tom
Published: September 2022

Climate change is causing weather-related natural disasters to become both more frequent and more severe. We contribute to the literature on the economic impact of these disasters by using Australian data for the period 2009 to 2019 to estimate the effect of experiencing weather-related home damage on three measures of subjective well-being. Overall, we find little evidence of a statistically significant or sizable negative effect, on average, of weather-related home damage on subjective well-being.
Soy and mustard effectively mobilize phosphorus from inorganic and organic sources
Authors: Schwerdtner Ulrike , Lacher Ulrike , Spohn Marie
Published: September 2022

We aimed to investigate phosphorus (P) mobilization by different plant species from organic and inorganic sources in relation to different P mobilization mechanisms. Knowledge about P mobilization is important for producing crops on P sources other than phosphate rock-derived fertilizers. We conducted a greenhouse experiment with four plant species (maize, soy, lupin, mustard) and three P sources (FePO4, phytate, struvite). We determined pH and phosphomonoesterase activity in the rhizosphere using pH imaging and soil zymography. At harvest, root exudates were analyzed for phosphomonoesterase activity, pH, organic acids, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Plants were analyzed for biomass, root length, and P content. Struvite was more plant-available than phytate and FePO4 as indicated by higher plant P contents. Soy had the highest biomass and P content, irrespective of P source. Soy exuded up to 12.5 times more organic acids and up to 4.2 times more DOC than the other plant species. Lupin had a 122.9 times higher phosphomonoesterase activity than the other plant species with phytate. The pH in the exudate solution of mustard was on average 0.8 pH units higher than of the other plant species. P uptake by mustard and soy seemed to have also benefited from large root lengths. Taken together, our study indicates that soy has a particularly high potential to mobilize P from struvite and phytate, while mustard has a high potential to mobilize P from FePO4. Therefore, soy and mustard seem to be good options for agricultural production that relies less on phosphate rock-derived fertilizers.