bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation of linear elastic structural elements using the Petrov–Galerkin finite element method
Authors: Zähringer Felix , Betsch Peter
Published: September 2023

In this contribution, it is demonstrated that the mesh sensitivity of linear elastic Reissner–Mindlin finite‐element plate formulations can be significantly reduced by using a Petrov–Galerkin‐based approach. In contrast to the usual Bubnov–Galerkin method, Petrov–Galerkin methods are generally characterized by the fact that the test function and the trial function are approximated using different shape functions. To provide an overview, established Petrov–Galerkin methods for 2D solid elements, which have been shown to reduce mesh sensitivity, are reviewed first. It is then investigated whether a suitable Petrov– Galerkin plate formulation can be developed. In this context, it is demonstrated that a full Petrov–Galerkin method leads to problems in the treatment of transverse shear locking. However, the proposed partial Petrov–Galerkin method shows the desired mesh‐insensitive behavior.
Hydrodynamic forces acting on mechanical systems in linear and nonlinear ocean waves
Authors: Hollm Marten , Seifried Robert
Published: September 2023

The hydrodynamic forces acting on prescribed free‐floating mechanical systems are studied. Regular and irregular sea states are considered using Stokes wave theory of first and second order. It is analyzed how much the magnitude and temporal behavior of the forces can differ using nonlinear theories of different orders instead of the linear wave theory. The corresponding effects on the mechanical dynamics of the system are investigated. Therefore, the fluid–structure interaction and hydrodynamic forces are computed, solving the corresponding partial differential equations of the linear and nonlinear wave theory. In this way, the nonlinear interactions of the different wave components in irregular seas and the disturbances of the sea due to the presence of the mechanical system are captured.
Titanium dioxide modified by waste polyethylene terephthalate depolymerization monomer improves the dielectric properties and energy storage efficiency of epoxy resin
Authors: Shen Yue , He Hui , Li Anqin , Li Qunyang , Guan Fangrong , Ai Yuxuan
Published: September 2023

In order to meet the development needs of electronic technology and equipment devices, and more efficient recycling of waste resources, it is urgent to develop a polymer dielectric material that recycles waste resources and has superb energy storage efficiency as well as dielectric properties. The incompatibility between the polymer matrix and the dielectric filler can lead to problems such as low fluidity and packing agglomeration. The sol–gel method was adopted for the modified filler rTPA@TiO2 and then compounded with epoxy resin is to prepare epoxy composites with outstanding dielectric properties and energy storage efficiency. At a 102 Hz frequency, the composite's dielectric constant rises by 75% and the energy storage density is 4.30 × 10−2 J/cm3 (increased by 43.3%). Meanwhile, the composite's mechanical properties are also largely improved.

Highlights

This article introduces a preparation method of TiO2 modified by monomer rTPA.

Monomer rTPA improves the compatibility between the epoxy resin and TiO2.

The dielectric and energy storage properties of composites have been improved.
Oktoberfest: Open‐source spectral library generation and rescoring pipeline based on Prosit
Authors: Picciani Mario , Gabriel Wassim , Giurcoiu Victor‐George , Shouman Omar , Hamood Firas , Lautenbacher Ludwig , Jensen Cecilia Bang , Müller Julian , Kalhor Mostafa , Soleymaniniya Armin , Kuster Bernhard , The Matthew , Wilhelm Mathias
Published: September 2023

Machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) models for peptide property prediction such as Prosit have enabled the creation of high quality in silico reference libraries. These libraries are used in various applications, ranging from data‐independent acquisition (DIA) data analysis to data‐driven rescoring of search engine results. Here, we present Oktoberfest, an open source Python package of our spectral library generation and rescoring pipeline originally only available online via ProteomicsDB. Oktoberfest is largely search engine agnostic and provides access to online peptide property predictions, promoting the adoption of state‐of‐the‐art ML/DL models in proteomics analysis pipelines. We demonstrate its ability to reproduce and even improve our results from previously published rescoring analyses on two distinct use cases. Oktoberfest is freely available on GitHub (https://github.com/wilhelm‐lab/oktoberfest) and can easily be installed locally through the cross‐platform PyPI Python package.
Talking population geographies and a ‘love letter’ to the journal
Authors: Botterill Kate , Philo Chris
Published: September 2023

Various significant anniversaries for population geography as a recognisable subdiscipline fall round about now, in 2023, serving as fitting prompts for reflecting upon its character, history and possible futures. This paper offers such a reflection, taking an interview transcript between the two authors as its basis, the format here offering a directness of address not always possible in standard academic papers. Arguments are advanced about widening the focus of the subdiscipline, centring on the complexity of what is taken to constitute a ‘population’ and its ‘demographics’—asking about who and what is being counted, how and why—and considering the many ways in which matters of geography, space and place enter into the ‘biopolitics’ of life and death, nurturance and eradication, survival and abandonment, inclusion and exclusion. Concurrently, claims are made about the value of being outward‐looking, drawing on diverse philosophies, theories, literatures and insights only fleetingly represented in the subdiscipline to date. More specifically, the paper is rooted in one author's intensive use of the present journal, Population, Space and Place, for undergraduate teaching, with commentary and scholarly endnotes (cross‐referencing past contributions to the journal) demonstrating the journal generative role in the past, present and future of population geography.
An Analytical Tooth Model Based on Surface Plasmon Resonance Chips Coated with Hydroxyapatite Used for Investigation of the Acquired Dental Pellicle
Authors: Vornicescu Doru , Penta Virgil , Keusgen Michael
Published: September 2023

One of the main targets in modern dentistry is the prevention of caries. Not only daily nutrition plays an important role, but also the so‐called “pellicle” on the outer surface of teeth, which is mainly formed by saliva proteins. Moreover, numerous bacteria are part of this pellicle, which might cause caries by acidic metabolites. In the here‐presented study, a method for electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanoparticles on gold surfaces, suitable for surface plasmon resonance (SPR) measurements, is developed. An “artificial tooth” is created and loaded by natural saliva in different concentrations (to form a natural pellicle), while the influence of an environment with different pH values has been studied. It could be demonstrated that even slight acid solutions damage the pellicle significantly within seconds, exposing the HAP to acidic degradation, which would lead to caries in the human oral cavities. This model allows to study pellicle formation as well as degradation in real time. As a practical example, the influence of beverages on the pellicle could be demonstrated.
Patient‐specific cranioplasty, by direct and indirect additive manufacturing of biopolymers and implantable materials
Authors: Flora Barbara , Scerrati Alba , Trovalusci Federica , Vesco Silvia
Published: September 2023

Background

Autologous bones are traditionally used in surgical reconstruction of skullcap. Since patients’ bones are often unavailable or cause of infections, implantable synthetic materials emerged as promising alternative. These can be shaped by different technologies, while 3D printing offers remarkable chances in terms of flexibility, accuracy, cost‐saving and customizability.

Methods

This study aims to evaluate strengths and limitations of the three main strategies that imply additive manufacturing for the implementation of cranial prosthesis: (i) direct printing of PLA (polylactic acid) skullcaps, mould casting of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) prosthesis using (ii) silicone mould manufactured from a 3D printed master, (iii) 3Dprinted TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) mould.

Results

All solutions achieved good geometric accuracy and excellent mechanical resistance. Direct printing of the PLA resulted in the fastest strategy, followed by PMMA casting in a silicone mould.

Conclusions

The use of silicone was overall more advantageous, due to lower costs and the possibility of sterilization by using autoclaving.
Development of a lumbar puncture virtual simulator for medical students training: A preliminary evaluation
Authors: Ríos‐Hernández Monserrat , Jacinto‐Villegas Juan Manuel , Zemiti Nabil , Vilchis‐González Adriana Herlinda , Padilla‐Castañeda Miguel Angel , Debien Blaise
Published: September 2023

Background

Lumbar puncture is an essential medical procedure whose objective is to obtain cerebrospinal fluid. Lumbar puncture is considered a complex procedure, mainly for novice residents who suffer from stress and low confidence, which may result in harm to the patient.

Methods

The LPVirSim, has been developed in four stages: i) requirements analysis through user‐centred design; ii) prototyping of the virtual environment and the haptic component; iii) preliminary tests with Ph.D. students and physicians using two haptic devices (Omega.7 and Sigma.7); iv) a user study where physicians evaluated the usability and user experience.

Results

The LPVirSim integrates non‐technical skills and the possibility of representing different patients for training. Usability increased from 61.76 to 68.75 in the preliminary tests to 71.43 in the user study.

Conclusions

All the results showed good usability and demonstrated that the simulator arouses interest and realistically represents a Lumbar puncture, through the force and visual feedback.
Distributed cooperative reinforcement learning for multi‐agent system with collision avoidance
Authors: Lan Xuejing , Yan Jiapei , He Shude , Zhao Zhijia , Zou Tao
Published: September 2023

In this work, we present an optimal cooperative control scheme for a multi‐agent system in an unknown dynamic obstacle environment, based on an improved distributed cooperative reinforcement learning (RL) strategy with a three‐layer collaborative mechanism. The three collaborative layers are collaborative perception layer, collaborative control layer, and collaborative evaluation layer. The incorporation of collaborative perception expands the perception range of a single agent, and improves the early warning ability of the agents for the obstacles. Neural networks (NNs) are employed to approximate the cost function and the optimal controller of each agent, where the NN weight matrices are collaboratively optimized to achieve global optimal performance. The distinction of the proposed control strategy is that cooperation of the agents is embodied not only in the input of NNs (in a collaborative perception layer) but also in their weight updating procedure (in the collaborative evaluation and collaborative control layers). Comparative simulations are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness and performance of the proposed RL‐based cooperative control scheme.
A randomized controlled trial comparing the effects of self‐reflective writing focused on successful and unsuccessful coping experiences on resilience
Authors: Bucknell Kirsten J. , Kangas Maria , Karin Eyal , Crane Monique F.
Published: September 2023

Evidence supports the effectiveness of self‐reflective training approaches for the development of resilience. Building this work, the objective of this study was to investigate the impact of the focus of coping self‐reflective activities on resilience by applying a self‐reflection approach to a sample of 254 Australian ministry workers. This randomized controlled trial included three attention‐matched conditions: (1) self‐reflective writing focused on successful coping, (2) self‐reflective writing focused on unsuccessful coping or (3) written descriptions of stressor events alone. Participants were assessed across four time points: prior to, immediately post, 3‐months, and 6‐months after the intervention. Results demonstrated that self‐reflective writing was more effective in enhancing perceived resilience than descriptive writing. Analyses also showed greater maintenance of beneficial effects in the successful self‐reflection condition, compared to the unsuccessful condition. These findings support the use of self‐reflection training to strengthen individuals' psychological resilience, particularly when focused on successful coping situations for those who initially experience more ruminative thought.
A Keggin Al13‐Montmorillonite Modified Separator Retards the Polysulfide Shuttling and Accelerates Li‐Ion Transfer in Li‐S Batteries
Authors: Wang Yong , Wu Yiyu , Mao Peiyuan , Fan Yunmiao , Wang Xi , Xiang Hongyu , Li Zhongfeng , Li Kai , Hu Chaoquan
Published: September 2023

The commercialization of Li‐S batteries as a promising energy system is terribly impeded by the issues of the shuttle effect and Li dendrite. Keggin Al13‐pillared montmorillonite (AlMMT), used as the modified film of the separator together with super‐P and poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), has a good chemical affinity to lithium polysulfide (LiPS) to retard the polysulfide shuttling, excellent electrolyte wettability, and a stable structure, which can improve the rate capability and cycling stability of Li‐S batteries. Density function theory (DFT) calculations reveal the strong adsorption ability of AlMMT for LiPS. Consequently, the modified film allows Li‐S batteries to reach 902 mAh g−1 at 0.2C after 200 cycles and 625 mAh g−1 at 1C after 1000 cycles. More importantly, a high reversible areal capacity of 4.04 mAh cm−2 can be realized under a high sulfur loading of 6.10 mg cm−2. Combining the merits of rich resources of montmorillonite, prominent performance, simple operation and cost‐effectiveness together, this work exploits a new route for viable Li‐S batteries for applications.
Accelerated Capacity and Cycling Performance via Facile Instantaneous Precipitation Induced Amorphization for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yang Weijia , Huang Jun , Zhang Yun , Saito Nagahiro , Zhang Zhengxi , Yang Li
Published: September 2023

Conversion‐alloying anodes have garnered escalating attention with high theoretical capacity, however, they are seriously hindered by large volume distortion and capacity fading. To counter, structural modification needs more exploration. Herein, advantageous structure and high‐performance are realized in new amorphous PbSb2O6 (PSO‐a) nanosphere via facile instantaneous precipitation induced amorphization; conversion‐alloying mechanism endows it with prominent lithium‐storage capability; nanostructure can shorten ion‐transfer distance and accommodate volume change outside the bulk of PSO‐a; and loosely‐stacked isotropic amorphous structure can enhance kinetics both at electrode/electrolyte interfaces and in the bulk. Volume change is synergistically stabilized from within to outside the bulk, leading to accelerated capacity and cycling. As expected, when employed in half‐cells with 1 m LiPF6 in ethylene carbonate/diethyl carbonate/dimethyl carbonate/fluoroethylene carbonate (3:3:3:1 by mass) as electrolyte, glass microfiber filter as separator, and pure lithium foil as counter electrode, it realizes eminent performance with high specific capacity of 1512.6 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 and 755.1 mA h g−1 after 1000 cycles at 3 A g−1. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first time PbSb2O6 is utilized as high‐performance anode for lithium‐ion batteries. Furthermore, this facile strategy provides a promising direction for high‐performance amorphous anode material.
Assembling Ti3C2MXene on a S‐Scheme Heterojunction with Oxidative Covalent Organic Frameworks for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: He Huan , Chen Shuling , Bi Weilin , Wen Xinghua , Sun Shaolong , Zhang Peng , Shen Rongchen , Li Xin
Published: September 2023

Photocatalytic evolution of hydrogen is a very promising and sustainable technology. However, studying multiple composite systems that include oxidized covalent organic frameworks (COFs) for the purpose of photocatalytic hydrogen production poses a significant challenge. This challenge arises from the rapid charge recombination introduced by individual photocatalysts, as well as the limited availability of oxidative COFs. Herein, ZnIn2S4(ZIS)–COF (TPN‐COF) S‐scheme heterojunction loaded with Ti3C2MXene (MX) is rationally designed for efficient photocatalytic H2evolution. The best‐performing sample, MX/TPN‐COF@ZIS (with a ZIS:TPN‐COF mass ratio of 3:2, with 2% MX), reaches an H2production rate of 4.01 mmol g−1 h−1under visible light irradiation. Experimental and theoretical investigation reveals that the formation of S‐scheme heterojunctions between ZIS and COF can achieve the transfer of the electrons from COF to ZIS driven via the in‐built electric field while allowing the migration of electrons from ZIS to MX. Furthermore, multiple in‐built electric fields not only stimulate effective separation and migration of charges, but also inhibit recombination of carriers in a single semiconductor. This triple‐coupled photocatalytic system serves as a practical guideline for promoting the development of hydrogen.
Quantum Dot Bridges Enabling Highly Efficient Carbon‐Based Hole Transport Material‐Free Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Yang Yuanbo , Wang Shuo , Li Simiao , Li Tiantian , Chen Peng , Zhao Qian , Li Guoran
Published: September 2023

The realization of improved charge transport with suppressed recombination at the interface of perovskite and carbon electrode is the main key for remarkably increasing the power conversion efficiency of carbon‐based hole transport material (HTM)‐free perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, a strategy that builds a perovskite quantum dot (PQD) interlayer is demonstrated, for the first time, to bridge the perovskite absorber and carbon electrode for solving the interface issue in HTM‐free PSCs. It is found that the introduced PQD interlayer concurrently functions as a morphology changer, a defect passivator, and a photogenerated hole extractor. Compared with the pristine perovskite film, the PQD‐modified perovskite absorber shows increased contact area and high compatibility with carbon electrode, prolonged carrier lifetime, deduced defect density as well as suppressed recombination. These positive effects, combined with a heterostructure created by perovskite bulks and PQDs facilitating hole transport at the interface, enable an improvement in device efficiency from 16.71% to 17.93%.
Nonflammable Liquid Electrolytes for Safe Lithium Batteries
Authors: Mu Xiaowei , Ding Hongliang , Wu Yudong , Hu Haibo , Yu Bin
Published: September 2023

Lithium‐based batteries (lithium‐ion batteries, lithium‐metal batteries, and lithium–sulfur batteries, etc.) have become one of the most irreplaceable energy‐storage devices and shown huge application potential. However, the traditional liquid electrolytes used in lithium‐based batteries are flammable and exhibit poor electrochemical stability, which will significantly limit the further development of high energy density and high safety lithium‐based batteries. Thus, it is crucial to develop nonflammable electrolytes. In this work, the reasons why traditional liquid electrolyte is unsafe and the recent progress of nonflammable liquid electrolytes including flame‐retardant‐based electrolytes, highly concentrated electrolytes, localized high concentrated electrolytes, and ionic liquids–based electrolytes are summarized. The challenges and future perspectives toward how to decrease the fire hazard of lithium‐based batteries through liquid electrolyte design are also put forward.
Investigation of Physicochemical Properties of Tapioca Starch–Methyl Myristate Complexes
Authors: Anisa Santi , Woortman Albert J. J. , Loos Katja , Rachmawati Rachmawati
Published: September 2023

Complexation can be utilized to modify starch properties. In this study, tapioca starch–methyl myristate (SM) complexes are prepared by mixing tapioca starch and methyl myristate (MM) in water at 90 °C. The MM amount is varied at 1%–10% w/w to study its effects on the complexes’ physicochemical properties, which are characterized using spectroscopic, thermal, crystallinity, particle size, and microscopic analyses. The complexes are stable crystalline materials, as iodine cannot replace complexed MM. In water, these complexes aggregate to form two different sizes of 29.5–162.7 nm (23%–58% population) and 711.2–7086.7 nm (42%–77% population), which melt at 90–95 °C. Solid complexes form porous morphologies, which start degrading at 260.3–263.4 °C, indicating high thermal stability. An in vitro digestibility study using α‐amylase shows that the higher the MM amount is, the slower the starch degradation. At 120 min digestion time, the complexes produce 11%–16% lower reducing sugar than native starch (S). This shows that starch complexation with MM complexes can produce starch materials with slower digestibility. For the kinetic analysis, the Weibull model fits better than the exponential model for analyzing the digestion kinetics of SM complexes by the α‐amylase enzyme.
Comparison of treatment effect between phase 2 and phase 3 trials in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Wils Pauline , Jairath Vipul , Sands Bruce E. , Magro Fernando , Reinisch Walter , Rubin David , Danese Silvio , Baumann Cédric , Peyrin‐Biroulet Laurent
Published: September 2023

Background and Aims

The accumulation of multiple randomized controlled trials in the field of inflammatory bowel diseases provides an opportunity to compare treatment effects between phase 2 and 3 trials. We aimed to determine whether treatment effects observed in phase 3 investigating biologics and small molecule drugs differed from those in their preceding phase 2 trial.

Methods

We first performed a review of phase 2 and phase 3 trials enrolling ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD) patients. We compared the percent overall success for key endpoints between phases (several phase 3 could be matched to a single phase 2 trial). Then, we compared the percent overall success in the matched phase 2 and 3 trials (ratio 1:1), and performed sensitivity analysis.

Results

We identified 14 phase 2 (8 CD; 6 UC) and 24 phase 3 (13 CD; 11 UC) trials. In CD, the different analyses suggest that the percentage of overall success of clinical remission and clinical response was significantly higher in phase 2 than in phase 3 trials. In UC, the analyses suggest collectively that the percent of treatment effect seemed similar for clinical remission, clinical response and histologic outcomes between phases but with a lower percentage of overall success in phase 2 than in phase 3 trials for endoscopic endpoints.

Conclusions

In UC, we observed a similar percentage of treatment effect for clinical and histologic outcomes between phase 2 and 3 trials but not for endoscopic outcomes. Whereas in CD, we showed a failure to reproduce similar results between phases. These results may help sponsors in the design of future drug development programs.
Carbon tax ethics
Authors: Mintz‐Woo Kian
Published: September 2023

Ideal carbon tax policy is internationally coordinated, fully internalizes externalities, redistributes revenues to those harmed, and is politically acceptable, generating predictable market signals. Since nonideal circumstances rarely allow all these conditions to be met, moral issues arise. This paper surveys some of the work in moral philosophy responding to several of these issues. First, it discusses the moral drivers for estimates of the social cost of carbon. Second, it explains how national self‐interest can block climate action and suggests international policies—carbon border tax adjustments and carbon clubs—that can help address these concerns. Third, it introduces some of the social science literature about the political acceptability of carbon taxes before addressing a couple common public concerns about carbon taxes. Finally, it introduces four carbon revenue usage options, arguing that redistributive and climate compensation measures are most morally justified.

This article is categorized under:

Climate, Nature, and Ethics > Ethics and Climate Change

Climate, Nature, and Ethics > Climate Change and Global Justice

Climate and Development > Social Justice and the Politics of Development
Wastewater purification from Rhodamine B and Gemifeloxacine by graphene oxide/pectin/ferrite nanocomposite: A novel molecular dynamics simulation for experimental contaminants removing
Authors: Nazarizadeh Pegah , Akbarzadeh Ali Reza , Pazouki Mohamad
Published: September 2023

In this study, the synthesized nanocomposite was evaluated novel graphene oxide/pectin/ferrite (GOPF) adsorbent to the adsorption of Rhodamine B (RhB) and Gemifloxacin (GEM) from wastewater. Theoretical studies were carried out using quantum simulation via the Forcite module in Material Studio 2017. The simulation results demonstrated RhB and GEM adsorption over other dyes and drugs. The synthesized nanocomposite was identified by BET, TGA, FT‐IR, FE‐SEM, XRD, VSM, and EDS. The nanocomposite's ability to effectively take RhB and GEM from an aqueous solution was checked by performing a series of experiments based on the effect of adsorbent dose, initial condensation, contact time, pH, and temperature. The nanocomposite kinetics follow a PSO. The Freundlich isotherm model was applied for maximum adsorption capacity of GEM (124.37 mg/g) and RhB (86.60 mg/g) on GOPF nanocomposite. According to the antibacterial activity test, the synthesized nanocomposite can kill bacteria 5 mm in diameter. Also, the anti‐cancer test of nanocomposite was done with 75% viability in high concentrations of nanocomposite. Thus, GOPF application results are not only suitable for dyes but only satisfying for drugs.

Practitioner Points

GOPF nanocomposite was fabricated for adsorption dye and drug and characterized.

The effect of different process parameters, pH, catalyst dosage, contact time, and temperature effect was surveyed.

The MD simulation were investigated to adsorb various dyes and drugs.

The equilibrium isotherm and adsorption kinetic follow from Freundlich and pseudo‐second‐order kinetics; GOPF nanocomposite was used for about six cycles.

The antibacterial activity and anticancer test of GOPF nanocomposite were investigated by satisfying results.
Multiple solutions and stability analysis in MHD non‐Newtonian nanofluid slip flow with convective and passive boundary condition: Heat transfer optimization using RSM‐CCD
Authors: Rana Puneet , Sharma Pramod Kumar , Kumar Sanjay , Makkar Vinita , Mahanthesh B.
Published: September 2023

This study explores the effect of Williamson nanofluid in the presence of radiation and chemical reaction caused by stretching or shrinking a surface with convective boundary conditions. After implementing two‐component model and Lie group theory, the transformed ODEs are solved using the Runge–Kutta Dormand–Prince (RKDP) shooting approach technique. The dual solutions are predicted for certain range of physical nanofluid parameters, such as Williamson parameter (), stretching/shrinking parameter (), and suction parameter () with different slip and magnetic M parameters. Contour plots are generated for the stable branch of the Nusselt number () for different combinations, providing insights into the heat transfer characteristics. The eigenvalue problem is solved in order to predict flow stability. The optimization of heat transfer in nanoliquid is conducted by RSM‐CCD. The resulting quadratic correlation enables the prediction of the optimal Nusselt number for , , and . This investigation is motivated by various applications including manufacturing processes, thermal management systems, energy conversion devices, and other engineering systems where efficient heat transfer is crucial.
Chaos and the reparametrization mode on the AdS2 string
Authors: Giombi Simone , Komatsu Shota , Offertaler Bendeguz
Published: September 2023

Abstract

We study the holographic correlators corresponding to scattering of fluctuations of an open string worldsheet with AdS2 geometry. In the out-of-time-order configuration, the correlators display a Lyapunov growth that saturates the chaos bound. We show that in a double-scaling limit interpolating between the Lyapunov regime and the late time exponential decay, the out-of-time-order correlator (OTOC) can be obtained exactly, and it has the same functional form found in the analogous calculation in JT gravity. The result can be understood as coming from high energy scattering near the horizon of a AdS2 black hole, and is essentially controlled by the flat space worldsheet S-matrix. While previous works on the AdS2 string employed mainly a static gauge approach, here we focus on conformal gauge and clarify the role of boundary reparametrizations in the calculation of the correlators. We find that the reparametrization mode is governed by a non-local action which is distinct from the Schwarzian action arising in JT gravity, and in particular leads to SL(2, ℝ) invariant boundary correlators. The OTOC in the double-scaling limit, however, has the same functional form as that obtained from the Schwarzian, and it can be computed using the reparametrization action and resumming a subset of diagrams that are expected to dominate in the limit. One application of our results is to the defect CFT defined by the half-BPS Wilson loop in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SYM. In this context, we show that the exact result for the OTOC in the double-scaling limit is in precise agreement with a recent analytic bootstrap prediction to three-loop order at strong coupling.
Predicting tensile strength of material extrusion parts during the pre-process using neural networks
Authors: Schmidt Carsten , Berchtold Florian , Griesbaum Rainer , Sehrt Jan T. , Finsterwalder Florian
Published: September 2023

Quantitative quality characteristics of additive manufactured parts are influenced by parameters selected in the preparation process (pre-process), especially in the material extrusion process. As a result, a prediction of the tensile strength of manufactured parts is hardly possible, which significantly reduces the usability of the process. In this paper a neural network approach is used to predict the tensile strength during the pre-process. The parameters investigated are print speed, number of shells, layer thickness, nozzle temperature and infill density. A prediction with a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 2.54% could be achieved for randomly generated process parameters using a training data set of 243 samples. This exceeds the best prediction accuracies of the current literature which is between 2.56 and 3.34%. However, this research is particularly different in that, unlike the existing literature, the developed prediction models were tested with untrained random parameter values in a properly conducted test. With a data reduction to a data volume of 32 samples the used approach achieved already a MAPE of 4.15%. The neural network approach outperformed a multiple linear regression even at low training data volume. This publication differs from previously published research activities due to the achieved prediction accuracies on random parameter sets, the number of investigated parameters and the sample size. Users are provided with an algorithm and its procedure to predict the tensile strength which can be adapted to the respective application with the help of company data.
Quality of life and sexual function after tension-free vaginal tape and polyacrylamide hydrogel injection for primary stress urinary incontinence: 3-year follow-up from a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Itkonen Freitas Anna-Maija , Isaksson Camilla , Rahkola-Soisalo Päivi , Mentula Maarit , Mikkola Tomi S.
Published: September 2023

Introduction and hypothesis

To assess quality of life (QoL) and sexual function outcomes at 3 years after tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) and polyacrylamide hydrogel injection (PAHG) for stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Methods

In this randomized trial comparing TVT (n = 104) and PAHG (n = 108), we assessed changes in QoL and sexuality using the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, Short Form (IIQ-7), Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) and RAND-36 Item Health Survey (RAND-36) at baseline and at 3 years. This is a secondary analysis of a randomized, noninferiority trial comparing patient satisfaction after TVT and PAHG.

Results

In both groups, incontinence-related QoL improved from the baseline (p < 0.00), except for difficulty emptying the bladder and pain/discomfort. Total scores of UDI-6 and IIIQ-7 were lower for TVT compared to PAHG (p < 0.00) indicating better QoL at 3 years. Urinary incontinence with sexual activity or fear of incontinence restricting sexual activity improved in both groups (p < 0.00), with higher scores for physical section subscale in PISQ-12 (p = 0.02) for TVT. Physical and social functioning (RAND-36) improved from the baseline in both groups (p < 0.01) with a better outcome in the TVT group for physical functioning (p = 0.00).

Conclusions

Both TVT and PAHG improve QoL and sexual function in primary SUI with better incontinence and health-related QoL scores in the TVT group compared to the PAHG group at 3 years.
Optimizing the Yield of Abnormal Preoperative Chest Radiographs in Elective Non‐cardiothoracic Surgery: Development of a Risk Prediction Score and External Validation
Authors: Seangleulur Alisa , Thakkinstian Ammarin , Supaopaspan Witchaya , Kwankua Amolchaya , Sukkasem Warawut , Kunawudhi Arpakorn , Soonthornkes Neranchala , Limpavitayaporn Palin , Sirisreetreerux Pokket , Saiphoklang Narongkorn , Attia John , McKay Gareth , Phongkitkarun Sith , Okascharoen Chusak
Published: September 2023

Background

Guideline recommendations for preoperative chest radiographs vary to the extent that individual patient benefit is unclear. We developed and validated a prediction score for abnormal preoperative chest radiographs in adult patients undergoing elective non‐cardiothoracic surgery.

Methods

Our prospective observational study recruited 703 adult patients who underwent elective non‐cardiothoracic surgery at Ramathibodi Hospital. We developed a risk prediction score for abnormal preoperative chest radiographs with external validation using data from 411 patients recruited from Thammasat University Hospital. The discriminative performance was assessed by receiver operating curve analysis. In addition, we assessed the contribution of abnormal chest radiographs to perioperative management.

Results

Abnormal preoperative chest radiographs were found in 19.5% of the 703 patients. Age, pulmonary disease, cardiac disease, and diabetes were significant factors. The model showed good performance with a C‐statistics of 0.739 (95% CI, 0.691–0.786). We classified patients into four groups based on risk scores. The posttest probabilities in the intermediate‐, intermediate‐high‐, and high‐risk groups were 33.2%, 59.8%, and 75.7%, respectively. The model fitted well with the external validation data with a C statistic of 0.731 (95% CI, 0.674–0.789). One (0.4%) abnormal chest radiograph from the low‐risk group and three (2.4%) abnormal chest radiographs from the intermediate‐to‐high‐risk group had a major impact on perioperative management.

Conclusions

Four predictors including age, pulmonary disease, cardiac disease, and diabetes were associated with abnormal preoperative chest radiographs. Our risk score demonstrated good performance and may help identify patients at higher risk of chest abnormalities.
Regulation Transcriptional of Antibiotic Resistance Genes (ARGs) in Bacteria Isolated from WWTP
Authors: Díaz-Palafox Grethel , Tamayo-Ordoñez Yahaira de Jesús , Bello-López Juan Manuel , Ayil-Gutiérrez Benjamin Abraham , RodrÍguez-Garza Mónica Margarita , Antonio Rodríguez-de la Garza José , Sosa-Santillán Gerardo de Jesús , Acosta-Cruz Erika , Ruiz-Marín Alejandro , Córdova-Quiroz Atl Victor , Pérez-Reda Luis Jorge , Tamayo-Ordoñez Francisco Alberto , Tamayo-Ordoñez Maria Concepción
Published: September 2023

The incidence of antibiotics and transcriptional regulation of ARGs in isolated bacteria from wastewater needs to be explored. By HPLC, in samples of untreated wastewater, ampicillin (49.74 ± 5.70 µg/mL), chloramphenicol (0.60 ± 0.03 µg/mL), tylosin (72.95 ± 2.03 µg/mL), and oxytetracycline (0.22 ± 0.01 µg/mL) was determined. Through metagenomic analysis identified 58 bacterial species belonging to 9 phyla and at least 14 species have shown resistance to a variety of antibiotics. Twenty-two bacterial isolates were proved to be resistant to fifteen antibiotics of new generation and used in medical research to combat infectious diseases. Fourteen strains were shown to harbor plasmids in size ranges of 2–5 Kb, 6–10 Kb and plasmids with size greater than 10 Kb. By quantitative PCR it was possible to identify genes sul, qnr, cat1, aadA1, and sat-1 gene were shown to be present in gDNA samples from treated and untreated samples of wastewater and by relative expression analysis, differential expression of cat1, ermB, act, and tetA genes was demonstrated in strains that showed identity with Escherichia coli, Bacteroides fragilis, and Salmonella thyphi, and that were stressed with different concentrations of antibiotics. The presence of ARGs in untreated water samples, as well as in bacterial isolates, was indicative that in these habitats there are microorganisms that can resist β-lactams, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, sulfonamides, and quinolones.
Platelets as a prognostic factor for patients with adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction
Authors: Feka Joy , Jomrich Gerd , Winkler Daniel , Ilhan-Mutlu Ayseguel , Kristo Ivan , Paireder Matthias , Rieder Erwin , Bologheanu Milena , Asari Reza , Schoppmann Sebastian F.
Published: September 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic role of plasma platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), and the combined COP-MPV score in patients with resectable adenocarcinomas of the gastroesophageal junction.

Background

Platelet activation, quantified by PLT and elevated MPV, plays an essential part in the biological process of carcinogenesis and metastasis. An increased preoperative COP-MPV is associated with poor survival in various tumor entities.

Methods

Data of 265 patients undergoing surgical resection for adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction were abstracted. COP-MPV score was defined for each patient. Utilizing univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses, survival was determined.

Results

In univariate analysis, elevated PLT (HR 3.58, 95% CI 2.61–4.80, p<0.001) and increased COP-MPV (HR 0.27, 95% CI 0.17–0.42, p<0.001 and HR 0.42, 95% CI 0.29–0.60, p<0.001) significantly correlated with shorter patients’ overall and disease-free survival, for all 256 patients, as well as in the subgroups of neoadjuvantly treated (p<0.001) and primarily resected patients (p<0.001). COP-MPV remained a significant prognostic factor in multivariate analysis for OS. However, PLT alone showed significant diminished OS and DFS in all subgroups (p<0.001) in univariate and multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

PLT is a potent independent prognostic biomarker for survival in a large prospective cohort of patients with resectable adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction. Additionally, we confirm that the COP-MPV score is significantly associated with worse outcome in these patients, but has no benefit in comparison to PLT.
Development and external validation of the multichannel deep learning model based on unenhanced CT for differentiating fat-poor angiomyolipoma from renal cell carcinoma: a two-center retrospective study
Authors: Yao Haohua , Tian Li , Liu Xi , Li Shurong , Chen Yuhang , Cao Jiazheng , Zhang Zhiling , Chen Zhenhua , Feng Zihao , Xu Quanhui , Zhu Jiangquan , Wang Yinghan , Guo Yan , Chen Wei , Li Caixia , Li Peixing , Wang Huanjun , Luo Junhang
Published: September 2023

Purpose

There are undetectable levels of fat in fat-poor angiomyolipoma. Thus, it is often misdiagnosed as renal cell carcinoma. We aimed to develop and evaluate a multichannel deep learning model for differentiating fat-poor angiomyolipoma (fp-AML) from renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Methods

This two-center retrospective study included 320 patients from the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University (FAHSYSU) and 132 patients from the Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center (SYSUCC). Data from patients at FAHSYSU were divided into a development dataset (n = 267) and a hold-out dataset (n = 53). The development dataset was used to obtain the optimal combination of CT modality and input channel. The hold-out dataset and SYSUCC dataset were used for independent internal and external validation, respectively.

Results

In the development phase, models trained on unenhanced CT images performed significantly better than those trained on enhanced CT images based on the fivefold cross-validation. The best patient-level performance, with an average area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.951 ± 0.026 (mean ± SD), was achieved using the “unenhanced CT and 7-channel” model, which was finally selected as the optimal model. In the independent internal and external validation, AUCs of 0.966 (95% CI 0.919–1.000) and 0.898 (95% CI 0.824–0.972), respectively, were obtained using the optimal model. In addition, the performance of this model was better on large tumors (≥ 40 mm) in both internal and external validation.

Conclusion

The promising results suggest that our multichannel deep learning classifier based on unenhanced whole-tumor CT images is a highly useful tool for differentiating fp-AML from RCC.
No evidence for fixation of mesh in laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) inguinal hernia repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Riemenschneider K. A. , Lund H. , Pommergaard H. C.
Published: September 2023

Objective

To investigate the differences in hernia recurrence and chronic postoperative inguinal pain (CPIP) in randomized, controlled trials comparing fixation and non-fixation of the mesh in laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) inguinal hernia repair.

Methods

A multi-database systematic search was conducted for randomized, controlled trials comparing fixation versus non-fixation of the mesh in TAPP inguinal hernia repair. All eligible papers were assessed for risk of bias using the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2.0). Quality of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE system. Meta-analyses were performed regarding recurrence and CPIP using RevMan.

Results

Seven prospective, randomized controlled trials were included. Laparoscopic TAPP inguinal hernia repair was performed in 1732 patients with 737 procedures performed without fixation and 995 procedures with fixation of the mesh. Despite all trials being RCTs, the trials were limited by substantial bias and the quality of evidence was low regarding hernia recurrence and very low regarding CPIP. Pooled estimates from meta-analyses were an OR of 2.80 (95% CI 0.61–12.77) for hernia recurrence and a mean difference in visual analogue scale (VAS) of 0.17 (95% CI 0.90–1.24) for CPIP, respectively.

Conclusion

The current evidence is very uncertain and mesh fixation may have little to no effect regarding hernia recurrence and chronic postoperative inguinal pain in patients operated with TAPP inguinal hernia repair.
Headline-Driven Classification and Local Interpretation for Market Outperformance and Low-Risk Stock Prediction
Authors: Karzanov Daniil
Published: September 2023

Financial news is one of the most influential sources for making long-term investment decisions. The goal of this paper is to learn whether it is possible, based on texts from news headlines, to select stocks with low forecasted volatility which outrun the market represented by the Standard and Poor’s 500 Index. We solve several binary classification problems using a range of machine learning and deep learning principles. The best classifiers are interpreted with a model-agnostic technique, LIME, to extract key words having the greatest impact on the probabilities of market outrun and low volatility.
Viability and Filippov-type Lemma for Stieltjes Differential Inclusions
Authors: Satco Bianca , Smyrlis George
Published: September 2023

We prove a viability result for differential inclusions involving the Stieltjes derivative with respect to a left-continuous non-decreasing function with time dependent state constraints. A tangential condition using a generalized notion of the contingent derivative is imposed. Classical viability results (for usual differential inclusions) are thus generalized and, at the same time, the gate to new viability results for difference inclusions, impulsive differential inclusions or dynamic inclusions on time scales is open. As a consequence, in the particular case where the state constraint is a tube, a Filippov-type lemma is obtained for this very general setting, of differential problems driven by Stieltjes derivatives.
Moving ego versus moving time: investigating the shared source of future-bias and near-bias
Authors: Baron Sam , Everett Brigitte C. , Latham Andrew J. , Miller Kristie , Tierney Hannah , Oh Jordan Veng Thang
Published: September 2023

It has been hypothesized that our believing that, or its seeming to us as though, the world is in some way dynamical partially explains (and perhaps rationalizes) future-bias. Recent work has, in turn, found a correlation between future-bias and near-bias, suggesting that there is a common explanation for both. Call the claim that what partially explains our being both future- and near-biased is our believing/it seeming to us as though the world is dynamical, the dynamical explanation. We empirically test two versions of the dynamical explanation. The first is the moving ego explanation—according to which it is our belief that the ego moves, or our phenomenology as of the ego moving, that jointly (partially) explains future- and near-bias. The second is the moving time explanation—according to which it is our belief that time robustly passes, or our phenomenology as of robust passage, which jointly (partially) explain future- and near-bias. We found no evidence in favour of either explanation.
Brittle virtue or bust: a new challenge to virtue-as-skill theories
Authors: Kilov Daniel
Published: September 2023

Buoyed by research in philosophy and moral psychology, virtue ethics has become increasingly influential in the literature. This renewed attention has also led to the development of the situationist challenge: empirical studies undermine the idea that we possess character traits that allow us to act virtuously across contexts. A promising reply to the situationist challenge is that we should not conceive of virtues as traits. Instead, we should conceive of them as expert skills. Here, I raise a new challenge for those who go in for the (s)kill against situationism. Expert skills are brittle, rather than flexible or robust. They typically develop in narrow ways and can falter in novel situations. Experts also sometimes perform worse than novices in novel situations. Such findings present a problem for the virtue-as-skill thesis. Someone who will help others only in narrow contexts or who causes more harm than good does not exemplify virtue. The brittleness of expert skills means that virtue theorists must either (a) abandon the idea that virtues explain behaviour across contexts or (b) abandon the idea that virtues are expert skills. It’s brittle virtue or bust – you can’t teach an old dogma new skills.