bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microvascular free tissue transfer for reconstruction of complex lower extremity trauma: Predictors of complications and flap failure
Authors: Othman Sammy , Stranix John T. , Piwnica‐Worms William , Bauder Andrew , Azoury Saïd C. , Elfanagely Omar , Klifto Kevin M. , Levin L. Scott , Kovach Stephen J.
Published: July 2021

Background

Despite advanced wound care techniques, open fractures in the setting of lower extremity trauma remain a challenging pathology, particularly when free tissue transfer is required for coverage. We aimed to evaluate factors associated with flap failure in this setting using a large, heterogeneous patient population.

Methods

Retrospective review of patients who underwent traumatic lower extremity free flap reconstruction (2002–2019). Demographics wound/vessel injury characteristics, pre and perioperative factors, and flap outcomes were analyzed.

Results

One hundred eighty‐eight free flaps met inclusion criteria, with 23 partial (12.2%) and 13 total (6.9%) flap failures. Angiography was performed in 87 patients, with arterial injury suffered in 43.1% of those evaluated. Time to flap coverage varied within 3 days (4.5%), 10 days (17.3%), or 30 days of injury (42.7%). In all, 41 (21.8%) subjects suffered from major flap complications, including failure and takebacks. Multivariate regression demonstrated the presence of posterior tibial (PT) artery injury predictive of both flap‐failure (Odds ratio [OR] = 11.4, p < .015) and major flap complications (OR = 12.1, p < .012). Immunocompromised status was also predictive of flap failure (OR = 12.6, p < .004) and major complications (OR = 11.6, p < .007), while achieving flap coverage within 30 days was protective against flap complications (OR = 0.413, p < .049). Defect size, infection, and injury location were not associated with failure.

Conclusions

When examining a large, heterogeneous patient cohort, free flap outcomes in the setting of lower extremity open fractures can be influenced by multiple factors. This presence of PT artery injury, flap coverage beyond 30 days of injury, and immunocompromised status appear predictive of flap complications in this context.
A numerical solution of an inverse diffusion problem based on operational matrices of orthonormal polynomials
Authors: Rashedi Kamal
Published: July 2021

The inverse problem of identifying the diffusion coefficient in the one‐dimensional parabolic heat equation is studied. We assume that the information of Dirichlet boundary conditions along with an integral overdetermination condition is available. By applying the given assumptions, the problem is reformulated as a nonclassical parabolic equation along with the initial and boundary conditions. Then we employ the direct technique based on the operational matrices for integration, differentiation, and the product of the orthonormal polynomials together with the Ritz–Galerkin technique to reduce the main problem to the solution of a system of nonlinear algebraic equations. Numerical simulations are presented to show the applicability of the proposed method.
Fixed point results for Suzuki‐type Σ‐contractions via simulation functions in modular b‐metric spaces
Authors: Öztürk Mahpeyker , Büyükkaya Abdurrahman
Published: July 2021

This study aims to introduce Suzuki‐type Σ‐contraction mappings with simulation functions in the framework of modular b‐metric spaces. Some coincidence and common fixed point results are obtained for four mappings with the weak compatibility property. Outcomes are the extensions and improvements of the existing literature. Finally, we also present two applications on graph theory and homotopy theory, which show the applicability and validity of our results.
Time‐domain analysis of parameters in the fitting of multiport frequency‐dependent system through matrix pencil method
Authors: Zhang Yin , Liao Cheng , Shang Yuping , Du Wei
Published: July 2021

In this letter, in this process of using matrix pencil method (MPM) to perform the equivalent of the multiport frequency‐dependent system, a modified MPM is proposed to realize the solutions of common poles and residue matrix in time domain. In this technique, the frequency domain data of all ports are transformed into the time domain matrix vectors by IFFT. Then, the time domain matrix vectors are superimposed into a single vector, which is analyzed by the MPM to generate a common set of poles. The residue matrix is obtained by using the least square method to solve the equation consisting of the common poles and the time domain matrix vectors. The fast evaluation of the frequency domain data of the multiport frequency‐dependent system can be thus completed by the common poles and residue matrix. Finally, the correctness of the proposed method is verified by a three‐conductor transmission lines system.
Indirect boundary element method for modelling 2‐D poroelastic wave diffraction by cavities and cracks in half space
Authors: Sun Shuaijie , Liu Zhongxian , Cheng Alexander H.D.
Published: July 2021

An indirect boundary element method (IBEM) is developed to solve two‐dimensional (2‐D) wave diffraction by cavities and cracks in a fluid‐saturated poroelastic half space. The dynamic Green's functions of forces and fluid source in a poroelastic full‐space, rather than their half‐space counterparts, are utilized, because of their closed‐form expressions. The diffracted wave field is constructed by distributing forces and sources in fictitious densities over the boundaries, based on the single‐layer potential theory. The densities are determined by matching the approximate solution with the boundary conditions. The nonuniqueness of integral equation caused by the degenerated geometry of a crack is treated by a zoned approach. The numerical accuracy and stability of the IBEM are verified by comparing with available results in the literature. Problems of wave scattering by cavity and flat crack in saturated half plane are solved. The displacement amplification effect on the free surface is investigated. The numerical solutions show that the response is strongly dependent on factors such as wave frequency, incident angle, the length and depth of the crack, and material properties.
Adaptive topology optimization under suitably graded THB‐spline refinement and coarsening
Authors: Xie Xianda , Yang Aodi , Jiang Ning , Zhao Wei , Liang Zhaoshun , Wang Shuting
Published: July 2021

In the present work, we propose an adaptive topology optimization (TO) method under suitably graded truncated hierarchical B‐spline refinement and coarsening (SGTHB‐TO). A series of algorithms have been devised to implement admissible adaptivity of SGTHB‐TO by resorting to the definitions of suitably graded isogeometric hierarchical meshes. We apply the proposed SGTHB‐TO method to two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional TO problems of compliance and compliant mechanism. According to the numerical results, SGTHB‐TOs with or without admissible restriction share similar optimization processes, except that numerical artifact, such as edge blurring and islanding gray regions occurring in SGTHB‐TO without admissible restriction, can be eliminated by SGTHB‐TO with admissible parameter equaling to 2. Besides, the convergence rate can be largely accelerated by imposing an admissible constraint on SGTHB‐TO for TO problems with geometric nonlinearity existing in the design domain, which is attributed to the improved numerical accuracy by the admissible adaptive discretization scheme of isogeometric analysis (IGA). Therefore, the SGTHB‐TO method with the admissible parameter equaling to 2 is a more effective adaptive TO method than SGTHB‐TO without considering admissible restriction, in terms of both numerical stability and convergence rate.
Artemisia scoparia promotes adipogenesis in the absence of adipogenic effectors
Authors: Harvey Innocence , Stephens Jacqueline M.
Published: July 2021

Objective

Extracts of Artemisia scoparia (SCO) have antidiabetic properties in mice and enhance adipogenesis in vitro, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Thiazolidinediones, including rosiglitazone (ROSI), are pharmacological activators of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma that also promote adipogenesis. The aim of this study was to examine adipogenic pathways responsible for SCO‐mediated adipogenesis and identify potential differences between SCO and ROSI in the ability to promote adipocyte development.

Methods

The ability of SCO or ROSI to promote adipogenesis in 3T3‐L1 cells following systematic omission of the common triad of adipogenic effectors dexamethasone, 1‐methyl‐3‐isobutylxanthine (MIX), and insulin was examined. Adipogenesis was assessed by both neutral lipid quantitation and adipocyte marker gene expression.

Results

The results demonstrate that SCO and ROSI promote adipogenesis and increase the expression of several peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma target genes involved in lipid accumulation in the absence of MIX. However, ROSI can enhance adipogenesis in the absence of MIX and insulin and differentially regulates adipogenic and lipid metabolism genes as compared with SCO.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate the adipogenic capabilities of SCO are similar but not identical to ROSI, thereby warranting further research into SCO as a promising source of therapeutic compounds in the treatment of metabolic disease states.
‘We did everything we could’– a qualitative study exploring the acceptability of maternal‐fetal surgery for spina bifida to parents
Authors: Crombag Neeltje , Sacco Adalina , Stocks Bernadette , De Vloo Philippe , van der Merwe Johannes , Gallagher Katie , David Anna , Marlow Neil , Deprest Jan
Published: July 2021

Objective

To explore the concepts and strategies parents employ when considering maternal‐fetal surgery (MFS) as an option for the management of spina bifida (SB) in their fetus, and how this determines the acceptability of the intervention.

Methods

A two‐centre interview study enrolling parents whose fetuses with SB were eligible for MFS. To assess differences in acceptability, parents opting for MFS (n = 24) were interviewed at three different moments in time: prior to the intervention, directly after the intervention and 3‐6 months after birth. Parents opting for termination of pregnancy (n = 5) were interviewed only once. Themes were identified and organised in line with the framework of acceptability.

Results

To parents opting for MFS, the intervention was perceived as an opportunity that needed to be taken. Feelings of parental responsibility drove them to do anything in their power to improve their future child’s situation. Expectations seemed to be realistic yet were driven by hope for the best outcome. None expressed decisional regret at any stage, despite substantial impact and, at times, disappointing outcomes. For the small group of participants, who decided to opt for termination of pregnancy (TOP), MFS was not perceived as an intervention that substantially could improve the quality of their future child’s life.

Conclusion

Prospective parents opting for MFS were driven by their feelings of parental responsibility. They recognise the fetus as their future child and value information and care focusing on optimising the child’s future health. In the small group of parents opting for TOP, MFS was felt to offer insufficient certainty of substantial improvement in quality of life and the perceived severe impact of SB drove their decision to end the pregnancy.
Mindfulness interventions for physical and psychological outcomes in cancer patients and caregivers: Non‐English literature may be lost in translation due to language bias
Authors: Nnate Daniel A. , Igwe Sylvester E. , Abaraogu Ukachukwu O.
Published: July 2021

Key points

Although mindfulness practices have originated in East Asia, including non‐English literature in systematic reviews of mindfulness interventions for cancer care will enable researchers to explore its application in various cultural contexts.

A systematic analysis of online bibliographic databases: AMED, Embase, CINHAL, LILACS, MEDLINE, ProQuest Central, PsycINFO, PsycArticles, and WoS revealed that non‐English literature accounted for 2.72% of original research papers on mindfulness where no language restriction was applied.

This suggests that the exclusion of non‐English literature in systematic reviews on mindfulness interventions for cancer care may not lead to a biased effect size if a search is restricted to articles indexed in an English language‐specific database.

In comparison, an exploratory analysis of the China National Knowledge Infrastructure database revealed a higher percentage, up to 19.2% of indexed non‐English language literature.

The authors caution that results of systematic reviews of mindfulness interventions that exclude non‐English databases may still constitute a biased generalizability because most literature published in non‐English journals are not indexed in major research databases.
Choosing HIPS over PRD: It is more than risk reduction
Authors: Summers Angela E.
Published: July 2021

High integrity protective systems (HIPS) are often introduced into the process design package during late‐stage engineering for a new process or integrated with installed equipment in an existing process unit. The decision to use HIPS in addition to, or as an alternative to, a pressure relief device for a particular hazard scenario is generally based on a combination of factors, including technical, regulatory, and capital costs. This paper discusses functional, design, engineering, operation, and maintenance considerations that should be factored into the decision process when choosing HIPS to protect against overpressure scenarios.
Assessment of management practices, awareness on safe use of pesticides and perception on integrated management of pests and diseases of chilli and tomato grown by small‐scale farmers in selected districts of Sri Lanka
Authors: De Costa Devika M , De Costa Janendra M , Weerathunga Manasee T , Prasannath Kandeeparoopan , Bulathsinhalage Virajinee ND
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

In this study, we surveyed through a structured and pilot‐tested questionnaire, the practices of pesticide usage by small‐scale (< 1.25 ha) chilli and tomato farmers from four districts of Sri Lanka and their perceptions on the effectiveness of pesticides and willingness to adopt integrated pest management (IPM).

RESULTS

We found significant (P < 0.05) variation among districts in farmer responses to 37 out of 59 survey questions. A majority of farmers were dependent on pesticides with only a minority practicing IPM. A majority perceived that their current pesticide usage was increasing, but was not excessive. A majority were aware of the negative impacts of pesticides on human health and environment. Farmer perception on the effectiveness of pesticides increased with age, but was not influenced by education level. Farmers having a higher opinion of pesticides made a greater number of applications during a cropping cycle. They also maintained a longer preharvest interval and did not use pesticide mixtures. A majority expressed willingness to initiate IPM, but identified lack of knowledge and technical knowhow on specific IPM practices for their crops as barriers to adoption and requested external support. Farmer willingness to adopt IPM is higher among older, more educated farmers and among full‐time farmers who are currently totally‐dependent on pesticides and whose major income source was farming.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that a significant extension effort in terms of farmer education on IPM and external assistance to develop the technological knowhow, which is tailor‐made to specific districts, is needed to facilitate adoption of IPM among these farmers.
Machine learning models as an alternative to determine productivity losses caused by weeds
Authors: de Freitas Souza Matheus , Monteiro Alex Lima , Silva Daniel Valadão , Silva Tatiane Severo , de Melo Stefeson Bezerra , Barros Júnior Aurélio Paes , Fernandes Bruno Caio Chaves , Mendonça Vander
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Weed control can be economically viable if implemented at the necessary time to minimize interference. Empirical mathematical models have been used to determine when to start the weed control in many crops. Furthermore, empirical models have a low generalization capacity to understand different scenarios. However, computational development facilitated the implementation of supervised machine learning models, as artificial neural networks (ANNs), capable of understanding complex relationships. The objectives of our work were to evaluate the ability of ANNs to estimate yield losses in onion (model crop) due to weed interference and compare with multiple linear regression (MLR) and empirical models.

RESULTS

MLR constructed from non‐destructive and destructive methods show R2 and root mean square error (RMSE) values varying between 0.75% and 0.82%, 13.0% and 19.0%, respectively, during testing step. The ANNs has higher R2 (higher than 0.95) and lower RMSE (less than 6.95%) compared to MLR and empirical models for training and testing steps. ANNs considering only the coexistence period and system have similar performance to MLR models. However, the insertion of variables related to weed density (non‐destructive ANN) or fresh matter (destructive ANN) increases the predictive capacity of the networks to values close to 99% correct.

CONCLUSION

The best performing ANNs can indicate the beginning of weed control since they can accurately estimate losses due to competition. These results encourage future studies implementing ANNs based on computer vision to extract information about the weed community.
A sufficient negative‐definiteness condition for cubic functions and application to time‐delay systems
Authors: Long Fei , Zhang Chuan‐Ke , He Yong , Wang Qing‐Guo , Wu Min
Published: July 2021

This article studies the delay‐dependent stability of systems with a time‐varying delay. To get a stability criterion described as linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) from a positive definite Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional (LKF), the negative‐definiteness condition, guaranteeing the negative definiteness of the derivative of the LKF, is necessary. This article proposes a negative‐definiteness lemma for the cubic function with respect to the time‐varying delay, which achieves the negative‐definiteness requirement without introducing any decision variable and extending the size of the LMIs contained in a stability criterion. Then benefiting from this lemma, an LKF with more delay information is constructed and applied to the stability analysis. After that, a delay‐dependent stability criterion is derived based on the LKF and the negative‐definiteness lemma. Finally, the contribution of the proposed lemma and the stability criterion is demonstrated with two examples.
Power grid frequency prediction using spatiotemporal modeling
Authors: Lenzi Amanda , Bessac Julie , Anitescu Mihai
Published: July 2021

Understanding power system dynamics is essential for interarea oscillation analysis and the detection of grid instabilities. The FNET/GridEye is a GPS‐synchronized wide‐area frequency measurement network that provides an accurate picture of the normal real‐time operational condition of the power system dynamics, giving rise to new and intricate spatiotemporal patterns of power loads. We propose to model FNET/GridEye grid frequency data from the U.S. Eastern Interconnection with a spatiotemporal statistical model. We predict the frequency data at locations without observations, a critical need during disruption events where measurement data are inaccessible. Spatial information is accounted for either as neighboring measurements in the form of covariates or with a spatiotemporal correlation model captured by a latent Gaussian field. The proposed method is useful in estimating power system dynamic response from limited phasor measurements and holds promise for predicting instability that may lead to undesirable effects such as cascading outages.
Stabilizing Zinc Electrodeposition in a Battery Anode by Controlling Crystal Growth
Authors: Jin Shuo , Zhang Duhan , Sharma Arpita , Zhao Qing , Shao Yiqi , Chen Pengyu , Zheng Jingxu , Yin Jiefu , Deng Yue , Biswal Prayag , Archer Lynden A.
Published: July 2021

Reversible electrodeposition of metals at liquid‐solid interfaces is a requirement for long cycle life in rechargeable batteries that utilize metals as anodes. The process has been studied extensively from the perspective of the electrochemical transformations that impact reversibility, however, the fundamental challenges associated with maintaining morphological control when a intrinsically crystalline solid metal phase emerges from an electrolyte solution have been less studied, but provide important opportunities for progress. A crystal growth stabilization method to reshape the initial growth and orientation of crystalline metal electrodeposits is proposed here. The method takes advantage of polymer‐salt complexes (PEG‐Zn2+‐aX−) (a = 1,2,3) formed spontaneously in aqueous electrolytes containing zinc (Zn2+) and halide (X−) ions to regulate electro‐crystallization of Zn. It is shown that when X = Iodine (I), the complexes facilitate electrodeposition of Zn in a hexagonal closest packed morphology with preferential orientation of the (002) plane parallel to the electrode surface. This facilitates exceptional morphological control of Zn electrodeposition at planar substrates and leads to high anode reversibility and unprecedented cycle life. Preliminary studies of the practical benefits of the approach are demonstrated in Zn‐I2 full battery cells, designed in both coin cell and single‐flow battery cell configurations.
Toxicity of thioacetamide and protective effects of quercetin in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae
Authors: Wang Kexin , Deng Yunyun , Zhang June , Cheng Bo , Huang Yong , Meng Yunlong , Zhong Keyuan , Xiong Guanghua , Guo Jing , Liu Yi , Lu Huiqiang
Published: July 2021

Quercetin is a flavonoid compound with a variety of biological properties that is widely distributed throughout the plant kingdom. Studies have found that quercetin has anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and liver‐protective effects, while thioacetamide (TAA) can cause inflammation and liver damage in zebrafish larvae. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether quercetin can prevent TAA‐induced inflammation and liver damage in zebrafish larvae and to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved. Zebrafish Tg transgenic lines were used as the experimental animals. Behavioral, oxidative stress level, proliferative antigen chromogenic antibody, and western blot analyses were carried out on zebrafish larvae in the control group and groups treated with TAA and 12 μM quercetin. The results indicated that quercetin promoted the development of zebrafish larvae damaged by TAA, exhibited antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties, and promoted cell proliferation. Quercetin reduced the expression of p53 protein in zebrafish larvae injured by TAA, resulting in decreased levels of Bax and increased levels of Bcl‐2. The findings suggested quercetin has antiapoptotic action. Quercetin reduced the expression of DKK1 and DKK2 genes related to the Wnt signaling pathway in zebrafish larvae damaged by TAA and increased the expression of Lef1 and wnt2bb. Quercetin may regulate the development of zebrafish larvae damaged by TAA through the Wnt signaling pathway. This study provides the scientific basis for the development and utilization of quercetin and the development of new related drugs.
Early diarrhoea under sorafenib as a marker to consider the early migration to second‐line drugs
Authors: Díaz‐González Álvaro , Sapena Víctor , Boix Loreto , Torres Ferrán , Sanduzzi‐Zamparelli Marco , Da Fonseca Leonardo G. , LLarch Neus , Iserte Gemma , Guedes Cassia , Muñoz‐Martínez Sergio , Darnell Anna , Belmonte Ernest , Rimola Jordi , Forner Alejandro , Ayuso Carmen , Bruix Jordi , Reig María
Published: July 2021

Background

Despite atezolizumab and bevacizumab (A + B) is currently the first‐line treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, some patients will not be adequate for this combination. In the setting of sorafenib some adverse events have been proposed as prognostic factors.

Objective

To characterize the early diarrhoea development as prognostic factor in 344 HCC patients.

Methods

The development of early diarrhoea in sorafenib treatment defined as patients who developed diarrhoea and needed dose modification within the first 60 days of treatment (e‐diarrhoea) and 3‐grouping variables were analysed: Patients with e‐diarrhoea, patients who developed diarrhoea after the first 60 days of treatment (L‐diarrhoea) and patients that never developed diarrhoea (never diarrhoea).

Results

The median overall survival in sorafenib treated patients was significantly different across groups (6.8 months for e‐diarrhoea, 26.7 months for L‐diarrhoea and 13.3 months for never‐diarrhoea). The emergence of e‐diarrhoea was associated with poor outcomes (hazard ratio [HR] 1.84 [95%CI 1.15–2.95]), while there was no increased/decreased risk of dismal evolution in patients with L‐diarrhoea (HR 0.66 [95%CI 0.42–1.03]).

Conclusion

The emergence of e‐diarrhoea in HCC patients treated with sorafenib is an early predictor of dismal evolution under this therapy. Thus, prompt identification of these non‐responders may be useful for an early switch to second‐line therapies.
Cutaneous melanocytoma associated with vitiligo and leukotrichia in a mixed‐breed pig
Authors: Burroughs Dylan , Diaz Sandra , Lorch Gwendolen , Yang Ching , Lakritz Jeffrey
Published: July 2021

A 7‐month‐old, male castrated mixed‐breed pig presented for evaluation of a 3‐month history of cutaneous pigmented nodular lesions, multifocal leukoderma and leukotrichia. Skin biopsies were performed from pigmented nodules and depigmented skin for histopathology. Additional skin biopsies were collected aseptically for bacterial and fungal tissue cultures. Histopathologic diagnosis was a benign melanocytic neoplasm (melanocytoma) and marked vitiligo. Spontaneous regression of melanocytomas did not occur after 1 year of age as previously reported to occur in several swine breeds. Topical imidazoquinoline amine cream was applied to one melanocytoma three times a week for a month. No clinical improvement in either the melanocytoma or vitiligo occurred. In humans, vitiligo is associated with both neoplastic and benign melanocytic neoplasms; this case illustrates the presence of melanoma‐associated leukoderma in a domestic mixed‐breed pig and emphasises the importance of meticulous skin examination in swine patients with the development of vitiligo.
Separability in consistent truncations
Authors: Pilch Krzysztof , Walker Robert , Warner Nicholas P.
Published: July 2021

Abstract

The separability of the Hamilton-Jacobi equation has a well-known connection to the existence of Killing vectors and rank-two Killing tensors. This paper combines this connection with the detailed knowledge of the compactification metrics of consistent truncations on spheres. The fact that both the inverse metric of such compactifications, as well as the rank-two Killing tensors can be written in terms of bilinears of Killing vectors on the underlying “round metric,” enables us to perform a detailed analyses of the separability of the Hamilton-Jacobi equation for consistent truncations. We introduce the idea of aseparating isometryand show that when a consistent truncation, without reduction gauge vectors, has such an isometry, then the Hamilton-Jacobi equation isalwaysseparable. When gauge vectors are present, the gauge group is required to be an abelian subgroup of the separating isometry to not impede separability. We classify the separating isometries for consistent truncations on spheres,Sn, forn= 2,…,7, and exhibit all the corresponding Killing tensors. These results may be of practical use in both identifying when supergravity solutions belong to consistent truncations and generating separable solutions amenable to scalar probe calculations. Finally, while our primary focus is the Hamilton-Jacobi equation, we also make some remarks about separability of the wave equation.
Non-perturbative tests of duality cascades in three dimensional supersymmetric gauge theories
Authors: Honda Masazumi , Kubo Naotaka
Published: July 2021

Abstract

It has been conjectured that duality cascade occurs in the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 3 supersymmetric Yang-Mills Chern-Simons theory with the gauge group U(N)k × U(N + M)−k coupled to two bi-fundamental hypermultiplets. The brane picture suggests that this duality cascade can be generalized to a class of 3d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 3 supersymmetric quiver gauge theories coming from so-called Hanany-Witten type brane configurations. In this paper we perform non-perturbative tests of the duality cascades using supersymmetry localization. We focus on S3 partition functions and prove predictions from the duality cascades. We also discuss that our result can be applied to generate new dualities for more general theories which include less supersymmetric theories and theories without brane constructions.
Capacity of entanglement in local operators
Authors: Nandy Pratik
Published: July 2021

Abstract

We study the time evolution of the excess value of capacity of entanglement between a locally excited state and ground state in free, massless fermionic theory and free Yang-Mills theory in four spacetime dimensions. Capacity has non-trivial time evolution and is sensitive to the partial entanglement structure, and shows a universal peak at early times. We define a quantity, the normalized “Page time”, which measures the timescale when capacity reaches its peak. This quantity turns out to be a characteristic property of the inserted operator. This firmly establishes capacity as a valuable measure of entanglement structure of an operator, especially at early times similar in spirit to the Rényi entropies at late times. Interestingly, the time evolution of capacity closely resembles its evolution in microcanonical and canonical ensemble of the replica wormhole model in the context of the black hole information paradox.
The Regge limit of AdS3 holographic correlators with heavy states: towards the black hole regime
Authors: Čeplak Nejc , Hughes Marcel R. R.
Published: July 2021

Abstract

We examine the Regge limit of holographic 4-point correlation functions in AdS3× S3 involving two heavy and two light operators. In this kinematic regime such correlators can be reconstructed from the bulk phase shift accumulated by the light probe as it traverses the geometry dual to the heavy operator. We work perturbatively — but to arbitrary orders — in the ratio of the heavy operator’s conformal dimension to the dual CFT2’s central charge, thus going beyond the low order results of [1] and [2]. In doing so, we derive all-order relations between the bulk phase shift and the Regge limit OPE data of a class of heavy-light multi-trace operators exchanged in the cross-channel. Furthermore, we analyse two examples for which the relevant 4-point correlators are known explicitly to all orders: firstly the case of heavy operators dual to AdS3 conical defect geometries and secondly the case of non-trivial smooth geometries representing microstates of the two-charge D1-D5 black hole.
Islands and mixed states in closed universes
Authors: Fallows Seamus , Ross Simon F.
Published: July 2021

Abstract

We investigate the appearance of islands when a closed universe with gravity is entangled with a non-gravitating quantum system. We use braneworlds in three-dimensional multiboundary wormhole geometries as a model to explore what happens when the non-gravitating system has several components. The braneworld can be either completely contained in the entanglement wedge of one of the non-gravitating systems or split between them. In the former case, entanglement with the other system leads to a mixed state in the closed universe, unlike in simpler setups with a single quantum system, where the closed universe was necessarily in a pure state. We show that the entropy of this mixed state is bounded by half of the coarse-grained entropy of the effective theory on the braneworld.
Correction to: Rectal gas‑induced susceptibility artefacts on prostate diffusion‑weighted MRI with epi read‑out at 3.0 T: does a preparatory micro‑enema improve image quality?
Authors: Plodeck Verena , Radosa Christoph Georg , Hubner Hans‑Martin , Baldus Christian , Borkowetz Angelika , Thomas Christian , Kuhn Jens‑Peter , Laniado Michael , Hoffmann Ralf‑Thorsten , Platzek Ivan
Published: July 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-021-03157-x
Patient beliefs and perceptions play a crucial role in the decision-making process when managing a meniscal tear. A qualitative systematic review of the literature
Authors: Ahmed Imran , Dhaif Fatima , Abram Simon G. F. , Parsons Nick , Hutchinson Charles , Price Andrew , Staniszewska Sophie , Metcalfe Andrew
Published: July 2021

Introduction

There has been an increase in research on the effectiveness of treatment options for the management of meniscal tears. However, there is very little evidence about the patient experiences of meniscal tears.

Aim

To summarise the available qualitative evidence on patients’ experiences and expectations of meniscal tears.

Method

A search of EMBASE, Medline, Sociofile and Web of Science up to November 2020 was performed to identify studies reporting patient experiences of meniscal tears. Studies were critically appraised using the CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Program) checklist, and a meta-synthesis was performed to generate third-order constructs (new themes).

Results

Two studies reporting semi-structured interviews from 34 participants (24 male; 10 female) were included. The mean interview length ranged from 16 to 45 min. Five themes were generated: (1) the imaging (MRI) results are a key driver in the decision-making process, (2) surgery is perceived to be the definitive and quicker approach, (3) physiotherapy and exercise is a slower approach which brought success over time, (4) patient perceptions and preferences are important in the clinical decision-making process and, (5) the impact on patient lives is a huge driver in seeking care and treatment decisions.

Conclusion

This is the first study to summarise the qualitative evidence on patient experiences with meniscal tears. The themes generated demonstrate the importance of patient perceptions of MRI findings and timing of treatment success as important factors in the decision-making process. This study demonstrates the need to strengthen our understanding of patients’ experiences of meniscal tears.
Micro-mechanical modeling of the paper compaction process
Authors: Ceccato Chiara , Brandberg August , Kulachenko Artem , Barbier Christophe
Published: July 2021

Double-roll compaction is a process to create extensible paper and paperboard suitable for replacing plastic in 3D forming applications. Understanding the macro- and micro-mechanisms governing the compaction process allows increasing the stretch potential while maintaining sufficient strength and bending stiffness. In this work, we approach the compaction process of paperboard with micro-mechanical methods featuring the unprecedented level of details otherwise inaccessible with currently available experimental tools. The loading scheme is based on experiments and continuum level simulations. The different levels of compaction and their continuous impact on the fibers’ geometry, void closures, and irreversible deformation of the fibers are thoroughly characterized. We find that the structural changes are concentrated in the fibers oriented within 30 degrees of the direction of compaction. The deformation accumulates primarily in the wall of the fibers in the form of irreversible strains. The spring-back effect beyond the compaction is negligible. For the first time, the role of normal and frictional fiber-to-fiber interactions in the compaction process is investigated and quantified. The frictional interaction between the fibers has a surprisingly low impact on the outcome of the compaction process, and the normal interaction between the fibers has a dominant response. The consequence of this finding is potentially limited impact of the surface modifications targeting the friction.
Scuffing load capacity calculation of worm gears
Authors: Roth Philipp , Hein Michael , Stahl Karsten
Published: July 2021

Worm gears with wheels of harder materials, such as cast iron or steel, are often prone to the damage type scuffing, which can cause a sudden and rapid failure of the gear box. Contact temperature is a suitable criterion to determine the scuffing safety for other types of gears. However, for worm gears, a scuffing load capacity calculation is not available at the moment. This paper presents a numerical temperature simulation for worm gears that considers transient multidimensional heat transfer and local frictional loading due to the contact. Based on the results of this simulation, this paper derives a simplified calculation of worm gear contact temperatures. The calculation only contains input parameters that are already part of current standards. Its result, the contact temperature of worm gears, can be used to rate the scuffing load capacity.
Entwicklungen des Insektizid-Einsatzes in Winterraps (Brassica napus L.) infolge des Anwendungsverbotes neonicotinoider Beizen
Authors: Andert Sabine , Ziesemer Andrea
Published: July 2021

Der Anbau von Winterraps (Brassica napus L.) wird durch das Auftreten tierischer Schaderreger begleitet, wodurch ein intensiver Insektizid-Einsatz nötig ist. Insbesondere das Anwendungsverbot neonicotinoider Beizen in Winterraps schränkt jedoch die Möglichkeiten der Insektenbekämpfung für landwirtschaftliche Betriebe in der Europäischen Union (EU) ein. Die vorliegende Studie untersucht den Insektizid-Einsatz landwirtschaftlicher Praxisbetriebe, um die Auswirkungen des Anwendungsverbotes neonicotinoider Beizen in Deutschland zu identifizieren. Die feldspezifischen Anbau- und Insektizid-Daten der Referenzbetriebe Mecklenburg-Vorpommern ermöglichen eine detaillierte Analyse des Insektizid-Einsatzes und einen Vergleich der Anwendungsmuster von Insektiziden im Zeitraum der Zulassung neonicotinoider Beizen (2012–2014) und dem darauffolgenden Zeitraum seit dem Anwendungsverbot (2015–2019). Als Maßzahlen für die Insektizid-Intensität werden der Behandlungsindex (BI) und die Anzahl der Überfahrten mit Insektiziden ausgewertet. Die Ergebnisse belegen einen signifikanten Anstieg des Insektizid-Einsatzes in Winterraps im Zeitverlauf 2012–2019. Die mittlere Insektizid-Intensität der Flächenapplikationen ist infolge des Anwendungsverbotes neonicotinoider Beizen um 22,5 % angestiegen. Die Anzahl der Überfahrten mit Insektiziden ist um 1,1 erhöht, dies entspricht einer zusätzlichen Überfahrt mit Insektiziden mit der maximal zugelassenen Aufwandmenge. In der Auflaufphase und den frühen Entwicklungsstadien der Pflanzen (Herbst) hat sich die Insektizid-Intensität vervierfacht. Saattermine und Saatstärken variieren zwischen den Erhebungsjahren, zeitliche Verschiebungen des Saattermins oder eine Anpassung der Saatstärke infolge des Anwendungsverbots neonicotinoider Beizen wurden jedoch nicht identifiziert. 41 % der Referenzbetriebe Mecklenburg-Vorpommern setzten die insektizide Beize Lumiposa 625 FS (Wirkstoff Chlorantraniliprole) im Betrachtungszeitraum 2017–2019 ein. Der Einsatz der Beize ist von 2017–2019 angestiegen und variiert zwischen den Betrieben. Die aktuelle Zulassung der insektiziden Beize Lumiposa 625 FS in Deutschland wird vermutlich zum stärkeren Einsatz führen.
Exponentiation conversion circuit capable of changing the power exponent to any value
Authors: Arai Masahiro , Sano Yuji
Published: July 2021

We proposed an exponentiation conversion circuit which can change its power exponent to any value to compensate the nonlinearity of electronic devices. The proposed circuit is a small scale circuit utilizing the exponential characteristic in the subthreshold operation of MOSFET. In the proposed circuit, the new exponential conversion circuit converts signal multiplied logarithmically transformed input signal by the power exponent value, thereby obtaining the exponential power raised power function characteristic. The proposed circuit is suitable to integrate on a microcomputer chip used for IoT. The performance of the circuit was evaluated by a prototype IC made by 0.6 μm CMOS process. In measured results, the exponential conversion characteristics as set were obtained, the exponent value was set to 0.50, 1.00 and 2.00. By using the cascode exponential conversion circuit, the signal dynamic range was expanded by 5.2 dB when the exponent value was set to 2.00.
On the correspondence between abstract dialectical frameworks and nonmonotonic conditional logics
Authors: Heyninck Jesse , Kern-Isberner Gabriele , Thimm Matthias , Skiba Kenneth
Published: July 2021

The exact relationship between formal argumentation and nonmonotonic logics is a research topic that keeps on eluding researchers despite recent intensified efforts. We contribute to a deeper understanding of this relation by investigating characterizations of abstract dialectical frameworks in conditional logics for nonmonotonic reasoning. We first show that in general, there is a gap between argumentation and conditional semantics when applying several intuitive translations, but then prove that this gap can be closed when focusing on specific classes of translations.
Correction to: Factors associated with late risks of breast cancer‑specific mortality in the SEER registry
Authors: Leone José P. , Vallejo Carlos T. , Hassett Michael J. , Leone Julieta , Graham Noah , Tayob Nabihah , Freedman Rachel A. , Tolaney Sara M. , Leone Bernardo A. , Winer Eric P. , Lin Nancy U.
Published: July 2021

The article “Factors associated with late risks of breast cancer‑specific mortality in the SEER registry”, written by José P. Leone, Carlos T. Vallejo, Michael J. Hassett, Julieta Leone, Noah Graham, Nabihah Tayob, Rachel A. Freedman, Sara M. Tolaney, Bernardo A. Leone, Eric P. Winer and Nancy U. Lin, was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal on April 24, 2021 without open access. With the author(s)’ decision to opt for Open Choice the copyright of the article changed on May 11, 2021 to © The Author(s) 2021 and the article is forthwith distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article’s Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article’s Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0.
An open-source surface barrier discharge plasma pretreatment for reduced cracking of outdoor wood coatings
Authors: Dahle Sebastian , Pilko Megi , Žigon Jure , Zaplotnik Rok , Petrič Marko , Pavlič Matjaž
Published: July 2021

The development of a simple surface barrier discharge plasma device is presented to enable more widespread access to and utilization of plasma technology. The application of the plasma device was demonstrated for pretreatment of wood prior to application of protective coatings for outdoor usage. The coatings' overall performance was increased, showing a reduction or absence of cracking due to weathering on plasma-pretreated specimens. Moreover, after ten months of outdoor weathering, the plasma-pretreated specimens showed fewer infections with biotic factors and improved adhesion performance in cross-cut tests, while the surface gloss performed independently from plasma pretreatment. In contrast to that, plasma-pretreated specimens were slightly more prone to discoloration due to outdoor weathering, whereas the plasma pretreatment did not impact the initial color after coating application.

Graphic abstract
A corpus of Schlieren photography of speech production: potential methodology to study aerodynamics of labial, nasal and vocalic processes
Authors: Tomaschek Fabian , Arnold Denis , Sering Konstantin , Strauss Friedolin
Published: July 2021

This report presents a corpus of articulations recorded with Schlieren photography, a recording technique to visualize aeroflow dynamics for two purposes. First, as a means to investigate aerodynamic processes during speech production without any obstruction of the lips and the nose. Second, to provide material for lecturers of phonetics to illustrates these aerodynamic processes. Speech production was recorded with 10 kHz frame rate for statistical video analyses. Downsampled videos (500 Hz) were uplodad to a youtube channel for illustrative purposes. Preliminary analyses demonstrate potential in applying Schlieren photography in research.
Artificial intelligent system for multimedia services in smart home environments
Authors: Rego Albert , Ramírez Pedro Luis González , Jimenez Jose M. , Lloret Jaime
Published: July 2021

Internet of Things (IoT) has introduced new applications and environments. Smart Home provides new ways of communication and service consumption. In addition, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and deep learning have improved different services and tasks by automatizing them. In this field, reinforcement learning (RL) provides an unsupervised way to learn from the environment. In this paper, a new intelligent system based on RL and deep learning is proposed for Smart Home environments to guarantee good levels of QoE, focused on multimedia services. This system is aimed to reduce the impact on user experience when the classifying system achieves a low accuracy. The experiments performed show that the deep learning model proposed achieves better accuracy than the KNN algorithm and that the RL system increases the QoE of the user up to 3.8 on a scale of 10.
Locally Recoverable Codes correcting many erasures over small fields
Authors: Ballico E.
Published: July 2021

We define linear codes which ares-Locally Recoverable Codes (ors-LRC), i.e. codes which are LRC insways, the case$$s=1$$s=1roughly corresponding to the classical case of LRC codes. We use them to describe codes which correct many erasures, although they have small minimum distance. Any letter of a received word may be corrected usingsdifferent local codes. We use the Segre embedding ofslocal codes and then a linear projection.
Time-dependent scour processes on granular beds at large scale
Authors: Palermo Michele , Bombardelli Fabián A. , Pagliara Stefano , Kuroiwa Julio
Published: July 2021

A theoretical framework, based on the phenomenological theory of turbulence applied to scour-related processes due to plunging jets on cohesionless beds, is considered in this paper. More specifically, its predictive capability is assessed herein for large-scale domains, after it was developed for small scales elsewhere. The analysis focuses on both the time-evolution process and the equilibrium configuration for a wide range of hydraulic structures. After revisiting the theory for the temporal evolution of the scour processes, the scour for large-scale tests is investigated using unpublished experiments performed at Colorado State University by the last author. These tests confirm the existence of two stages in the scour hole development, namely the developing and developed phases. Thus, the scour dynamics at large scales is shown to be consistent with that at smaller scales. Then, the theory recently introduced by the first three authors is used to predict the time evolution of scour, corroborating that the very same equations, together with the same coefficients, provide successful predictions, regardless of scale and granulometric distribution. Finally, the theory is again verified against laboratory data on PK weirs obtained at the University of Pisa. Overall, the work described in the paper offers a tool with general validity.