bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An observational study of the demographic and treatment changes in a tertiary colorectal cancer center during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Raj Kumar Barath , Pandey Diwakar , Rohila Jitender , deSouza Ashwin , Saklani Avanish
Published: September 2020

Background and Objectives

The COVID‐19 pandemic has wreaked havoc in the healthcare infrastructure. While we change our surgical practice, cancer care will take a toll on unprecedented long‐term outcomes. We elucidate our experience that has unfolded during this period.

Methods

This study included retrospective data of patients being treated for colorectal cancer and peritoneal surface malignancy between January and May 2020. We compared the treatment changes before and after the national emergency was declared.

Results

There was a 65% decrease in outpatients with a 90% drop in endoscopy procedures. Treatment protocols were changed with a 200% increase in short course radiation in rectal cancer. Colon cancer and anal melanoma were triaged to undergo ‘essential’ surgery. No robotic or exenteration procedures were performed in April and May. Patients with a low peritoneal cancer index underwent surgery alone. The relative number of emergency surgeries were unchanged.

Conclusion

There is no standard approach to deliver cancer care during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Treatment decisions were made based on the state of affairs that COVID‐19 had created during that cross‐section of time and protocols were redrawn to strike a balance between the risk of death from colorectal cancer and the risk of death from COVID‐19 infection.
Novel nomograms based on immune and stromal scores for predicting the disease‐free and overall survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing radical surgery
Authors: Jiang Shitao , Zhang Junwei , Bian Jin , Zhang Lei , Xu Yiyao , Zhao Haitao , Sang Xinting , Lu Xin
Published: September 2020

Background

Stromal and immune cells play important roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development and progression. However, tools for predicting the prognosis of patients with HCC based on stromal and immune scores are not well established. We aimed to develop nomograms that predicted the disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients after radical surgery.

Methods

Basic information of 251 patients were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Multivariate Cox analyses identified variables predicting the prognosis of patients. DFS and OS nomograms were constructed based on the stromal and immune scores of the training group and verified in the well‐matched test group.

Results

An intermediate stromal score (hazards ratio [HR] = 3.177; P < .001] was an independent risk factor for DFS. An intermediate immune score independently predicted a longer DFS (HR = 0.323; P = .002) and OS (HR = 0.305; P = .021); a high immune score predicted a longer DFS (HR = 0.289; P = .002). The concordance index (C‐index) of nomograms was 0.729 for DFS and 0.696 for OS in the test group.

Conclusion

Nomograms based on the stromal and immune scores favorably predicted the DFS and OS of patients with HCC after radical surgery.
Improving on the Do‐It‐Yourself Ultrasound‐Guided Fine‐Needle Aspiration Simulation Phantom
Authors: Hakimi Amir A. , Armstrong William B.
Published: September 2020

The increasing use of ultrasound (US) for the diagnostic workup of thyroid lesions has subsequently been met with an increasing demand for effective US and US‐guided fine‐needle aspiration models. Although numerous do‐it‐yourself phantoms have been previously described, to our knowledge, this is the first to describe a more realistic US thyroid model using inexpensive consumer‐grade materials. A simple phantom was developed and successfully used to obtain US images that realistically mimic thyroid anatomy and echogenicity. The phantom was constructed for a total cost of $6.69. It served as an inexpensive and anatomically realistic means to simulate thyroid US and US‐guided fine‐needle aspiration.
Synthesis of contoured beam multifeed reflector antenna for optimum coverage
Authors: Aryanian Iman , Amini Mohammad Hossein
Published: September 2020

A synthesis procedure for realizing contoured beams in multifeed reflector antenna is proposed. The proposed procedure solves the synthesis problem so that the maximum gain and low ripple together with low cross polarization are achieved. To this end, first, the relation between the physical parameters of the antenna and the gain loss over the contour is investigated. Then, the maximum achievable gain is approximated, which is needed to study the next issue, that is the optimization procedure. A new optimization procedure is presented, through which the desired contoured beam is achieved. The synthesis procedure employs physical optic (PO) method, which is time‐consuming. To reduce the computational time, which is another focus of the analysis, we introduce an efficient method for computing the PO integral. Through this method, the 3D PO integral is mapped to a 2D integral. The procedure is applied to Brazil coverage. Results show that the cross‐polarization is below −20 dB and the gain deviation is less than 1 dB over the contour, which is suitable for satellite communications.
Relationship between the metabolic and lipid profile in follicular fluid of women undergoing in vitro fertilization
Authors: Luti Simone , Fiaschi Tania , Magherini Francesca , Modesti Pietro A. , Piomboni Paola , Governini Laura , Luddi Alice , Amoresano Angela , Illiano Anna , Pinto Gabriella , Modesti Alessandra , Gamberi Tania
Published: September 2020

Among the follicular fluid (FF) components promoting the development of the oocyte are included glycoproteins, several fatty acids, and steroid hormones synthesized by the dominant follicle. For this, the analysis of the metabolites present in FF can determine the quality of the oocyte. FF composition is in part determined by local follicular metabolic processes and in part a plasma transudate. Since the causes of impaired fertility may be due to a metabolic imbalance, metabolomics is useful to identify low molecular weight metabolites. Oxidative stress is involved in human infertility and the use of metabolomics can be crucial to identify which other metabolites besides reactive oxygen species are involved in oxidative stress correlated to infertility. To obtain new information on the study of signaling molecules in FF, the knowledge of the lipid content will be important to improve information on the understanding of follicular development. The objective of this study is to identify (a) a metabolic profile and a lipid profile of FF in women undergoing in vitro fertilization and (b) to correlate the previous information obtained regarding adiponectin and oxidative stress with the metabolic and lipid profile obtained in the present study. As result, we found an increase in oxidative stress due to both an increase of androgens and an accumulation of lipids in the follicular environment and we suggest that this might be one of the causes of reduced fertility.
An aid to the identification of fish bones from southeast Arabia: The influence of reference collections on taxonomic diversity
Authors: Yeomans Lisa , Beech Mark Jonathan
Published: September 2020

Identification of fish bones from archaeological sites in southeast Arabia is challenging because of high taxonomic diversity, comparatively few reference collections with a wide range of species, as well as access to these resources. This paper provides illustrations of bones from many common taxonomic groups of fish from the southeast Arabia including several species of fish identified in very few assemblages, probably because of the lack of comparative reference material. This is a guide to aid other analysts in the identification process. We also consider the effect of reference collection size on the taxonomic diversity of analysed fish bone assemblages and conclude that research would benefit by the publication of further identification guides. Ideally these should include differences between closely related species, as this has a significant impact on the taxonomic diversity of archaeo‐ichthyological assemblages. Although many papers are devoted to the influence of sample size, recovery method or recording protocols on the taxonomic diversity of faunal assemblages, a similar discussion on the effect of the reference collection used is often overlooked.
Convalescent plasma for pediatric patients with SARS‐CoV‐2‐associated acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Diorio Caroline , Anderson Elizabeth M. , McNerney Kevin O. , Goodwin Eileen C. , Chase Julie C. , Bolton Marcus J. , Arevalo Claudia P. , Weirick Madison E. , Gouma Sigrid , Vella Laura A. , Henrickson Sarah E. , Chiotos Kathleen , Fitzgerald Julie C. , Kilbaugh Todd J. , John Audrey R. Odom , Blatz Allison M. , Lambert Michele P. , Sullivan Kathleen E. , Tartaglione Margaret R. , Zambrano Danielle , Martin Meghan , Lee Jessica H. , Young Pampee , Friedman David , Sesok‐Pizzini Deborah A. , Hensley Scott E. , Behrens Edward M. , Bassiri Hamid , Teachey David T.
Published: September 2020

There are no proven safe and effective therapies for children who develop life‐threatening complications of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Convalescent plasma (CP) has demonstrated potential benefit in adults with SARS‐CoV‐2, but has theoretical risks.We present the first report of CP in children with life‐threatening coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), providing data on four pediatric patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. We measured donor antibody levels and recipient antibody response prior to and following CP infusion. Infusion of CP was not associated with antibody‐dependent enhancement (ADE) and did not suppress endogenous antibody response. We found CP was safe and possibly efficacious. Randomized pediatric trials are needed.
Synthesis of 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide derivative grafted polyethylene films for improving the flame retardant and anti‐dripping properties
Authors: Xie Cong , Leng Fan , Dong Zhen , Xu Weilin , Zhu Mengjiao , Xie Kangjun , Du Jifu , Zhao Long
Published: September 2020

Two novel flame retardant and anti‐dripping PE films were successfully synthesized in three steps. PE‐g‐GMA film was first prepared by simultaneous electron beam irradiation to graft glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) onto PE film. 4,4′‐[1,4‐phenyl‐bis(9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐yl)dimethyneimino)]diphenol (DOPO‐t) and 4,4′‐[1,3‐phenyl‐bis (9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐yl)dimethyneimino)]diphenol (DOPO‐m) were then fabricated via a one‐pot method. Finally, two DOPO derivative functionalized PE films were obtained through the ring opening reactions of PE‐g‐GMA film with DOPO‐t and DOPO‐m, respectively. Combustion properties, flame retardancy, thermal performance, and thermal shrinkage of these films were evaluated. Compared with pure PE film, the burning rate of anti‐dripping DOPO‐t/DOPO‐m functionalized PE films was reduced by 13.2% and 50.0%, and the limiting oxygen index value climbed to 18.5 and 19.5, respectively. The residual chars from DOPO‐t/DOPO‐m functionalized PE films at 700°C were increased, and the shrinkage ratio decreased remarkably, which could effectively prevent the spread of fire. We also discussed the effect of structural difference between DOPO‐t and DOPO‐m on the above properties and the flame retardant mechanism of two DOPO derivative functionalized PE films preliminarily. This work provides a method for introducing DOPO derivatives into PE molecules to improve their flame retardancy and anti‐dripping properties.
Altered stomatal patterning accompanies a trichome dimorphism in a natural population of Arabidopsis
Authors: Simon Noriane M. L. , Sugisaka Jiro , Honjo Mie N. , Tunstad Sverre Aarseth , Tunna George , Kudoh Hiroshi , Dodd Antony N.
Published: September 2020

Trichomes are large epidermal cells on the surface of leaves that are thought to deter herbivores, yet the presence of trichomes can also negatively impact plant growth and reproduction. Stomatal guard cells and trichomes have shared developmental origins, and experimental manipulation of trichome formation can lead to changes in stomatal density. The influence of trichome formation upon stomatal development in natural populations of plants is currently unknown. Here, we show that a natural population of Arabidopsis halleri that includes hairy (trichome‐bearing) and glabrous (no trichomes) morphs has differences in stomatal density that are associated with this trichome dimorphism. We found that glabrous morphs had significantly greater stomatal density and stomatal index than hairy morphs. One interpretation is that this arises from a trade‐off between the proportions of cells that have trichome and guard cell fates during leaf development. The differences in stomatal density between the two morphs might have impacts upon environmental adaptation, in addition to herbivory deterrence caused by trichome development.
Microbial decontamination of chicken using atmospheric plasma bubbles
Authors: Mai‐Prochnow Anne , Alam David , Zhou Renwu , Zhang Tianqi , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken) , Cullen Patrick J.
Published: September 2020

In this study, we demonstrate that atmospheric air plasma bubbles are an effective, energy‐efficient, residue‐free alternative to current decontamination techniques. Five to fifteen minutes of plasma‐bubble treatments of inoculated chicken skin led to a significant reduction in colony‐forming units (CFUs). We show that the activation efficiency is dependent on the plasma discharge frequency, with a higher one (2,000 Hz) leading to a higher CFU reduction (1.4 log) as compared with a lower (0.3 log) reduction at 1,000 Hz. Scanning electron microscopy pictures of treated bacteria reveal damage to the cells. An evaluation of the physicochemical properties of the generated plasma‐activated water revealed an increase in conductivity and in ozone, nitrite, nitrate, hydroxyl, and peroxide concentrations with higher frequencies, all contributing to the observed antimicrobial effect.
Symmetry breaking and structural polymorphism in a bacterial microcompartment shell protein for choline utilization
Authors: Ochoa Jessica M. , Nguyen Vy N. , Nie Mengxiao , Sawaya Michael R. , Bobik Thomas A. , Yeates Todd O.
Published: September 2020

Bacterial microcompartments are protein‐based organelles that carry out specialized metabolic functions in diverse bacteria. Their outer shells are built from several thousand protein subunits. Some of the architectural principles of bacterial microcompartments have been articulated, with lateral packing of flat hexameric BMC proteins providing the basic foundation for assembly. Nonetheless, a complete understanding has been elusive, partly owing to polymorphic mechanisms of assembly exhibited by most microcompartment types. An earlier study of one homologous BMC shell protein subfamily, EutS/PduU, revealed a profoundly bent, rather than flat, hexameric structure. The possibility of a specialized architectural role was hypothesized, but artifactual effects of crystallization could not be ruled out. Here we report a series of crystal structures of an orthologous protein, CutR, from a glycyl‐radical type choline‐utilizing microcompartment from the bacterium Streptococcus intermedius. Depending on crystal form, expression construct, and minor mutations, a range of novel quaternary architectures was observed, including two spiral hexagonal assemblies. A new graphical approach helps illuminate the variations in BMC hexameric structure, with results substantiating the idea that the EutS/PduU/CutR subfamily of BMC proteins may endow microcompartment shells with flexible modes of assembly.
Incorporation of thermal explosion scenarios into the multilevel risk analysis procedure
Authors: Masin Jindrich , Ferjencik Milos
Published: September 2020

The work's starting point is the multilevel risk analysis procedure (MLRAP), the difficulty of which sits comfortably between the easiest qualitative risk studies and the most complicated quantitative analysis. MLRAP was originally developed for use in explosive‐handling plants. During the application of MLRAP, a gap in the procedure was found. The approach was not easily applicable to functional nodes with possible exothermic reactions. This article aims to the identification of a reasonable number of layer of protection analysis thermal explosion scenarios for such functional nodes. Two tools are utilized for this purpose: the Stoessel's concept of criticality classes and the use of adiabatic calorimetry results to classify functional nodes with the possibility of an exothermic reaction. The article modifies the original MLRAP so that for functional nodes where an exothermic reaction is possible, it identifies initiating events and scenarios depending on the criticality class and the type of reactor. A detailed flow chart complements the modification of MLRAP. The application of the modified MLRAP for the identification of thermal runaway scenarios not only in the explosive‐handling processes is illustrated by two examples.
Direct Imaging of High‐Frequency Multimode Spin Wave Propagation in Cobalt‐Iron Waveguides Using X‐Ray Microscopy beyond 10 GHz
Authors: Träger Nick , Gruszecki Paweł , Lisiecki Filip , Förster Johannes , Weigand Markus , Wintz Sebastian , Stoll Hermann , Głowiński Hubert , Kuświk Piotr , Krawczyk Maciej , Gräfe Joachim
Published: September 2020

Not only in fundamental wave physics but also in technical areas such as radar and communication systems, high‐frequency magnonics is increasingly attracting attention. Here, time‐resolved scanning transmission X‐ray microscopy is used to directly image high‐frequency spin wave propagation in cobalt‐iron waveguides at excitation frequencies above 10 GHz. In addition, an excitation technique is presented, which allows for versatile pump–probe experiments with radio frequency currents up to 30 GHz. With this approach, a global sinusoidal magnetic field excitation is applied to induce spin waves from the waveguide edges. Amplitude, relative phase, and k‐space information as a function of excitation frequencies and static external fields are observed, matching the theoretical predictions for confined waveguide structures. In doing so, the foundation for high‐frequency multimode spin wave excitation and propagation at the nanoscale is laid, which can be a prospective path in radar and communication systems.
Relative information in excited‐state orbital‐free density functional theory
Authors: Nagy Ágnes
Published: September 2020

Euler equations of the orbital‐free excited‐state density functional theory of Coulomb systems are derived for specific relative information. Derivation via variational extremization of the relative Fisher information is also presented. Relationships between the Fisher and Shannon information, the local wave vector, and the relative information are displayed.
Protein stable isotope probing with H218O differentiated cold stress response at permissive temperatures from general growth at optimal conditions in Escherichia coli K12
Authors: Starke Robert , Schäpe Stephanie Serena , Jehmlich Nico , von Bergen Martin
Published: September 2020

Rationale

Tracing isotopically labeled water into proteins allows for the detection of species‐specific metabolic activity in complex communities. However, a stress response may alter the newly synthesized proteins.

Methods

We traced 18‐oxygen from heavy water into proteins of Escherichia coli K12 grown from permissive to retardant temperatures. All samples were analyzed using UPLC/Orbitrap Q‐Exactive‐MS/MS operating in positive electrospray ionization mode.

Results

We found that warmer temperatures resulted in significantly (P‐value < 0.05) higher incorporation of 18‐oxygen as seen by both substrate utilization as relative isotope abundance (RIA) and growth as labeling ratio (LR). However, the absolute number of peptides with incorporation of 18‐oxygen showed no significant correlation to temperature, potentially caused by the synthesis of different proteins at low temperatures, namely, proteins related to cold stress response.

Conclusions

Our results unveil the species‐specific cold stress response of E. coli K12 that could be misinterpreted as general growth; this is why the quantity as RIA and LR but also the quality as absolute number of peptides with incorporation (relative abundance, RA) and their function must be considered to fully understand the activity of microbial communities.
Adaptive practical leader‐following formation control of multiple nonholonomic wheeled mobile robots
Authors: Yan Lixia , Ma Baoli
Published: September 2020

This article investigates the leader‐following formation control of multiple uncertain nonholonomic wheeled mobile robots. The leader trajectory can be any sufficiently smooth signal, either feasible or nonfeasible. This includes but not limited to a fixed point, a trimming trajectory, and the one that does not satisfy the nonholonomic constraint as robots in question do. To compensate for the effects that only a subset of follower robots has connected to the leader, we develop a distributed observer to estimate the leader's position and velocities. Using leader's estimated states, we convert formation errors into an augmented system with external oscillator states, which introduce an additional control variable and overcome the difficulties caused by underactuation. Subsequently, an adaptive tracking control law dealing with model uncertainties and stabilizing the augmented system is proposed, ensuring that formation errors are globally uniformly ultimately convergent to arbitrarily small balls near the origin. Simulation results are performed to validate the proposed control design.
A Confluence of Complexity: Intersections Among Reading Theory, Neuroscience, and Observations of Young Readers
Authors: Compton‐Lilly Catherine F. , Mitra Ayan , Guay Mary , Spence Lucy K.
Published: September 2020

In this position article, the authors explore a confluence of evidence that supports the understanding that multiple factors, various processes, and multiple sources of information inform reading. The authors open by briefly describing concerns related to how some scholars and media reporters have characterized the simple view of reading and narrowly applied that model to teaching young readers. The authors then explore a confluence of complexity across (a) theoretical models of reading based on empirical research, (b) emerging information related to the brain and reading, and (c) research findings based on close observations of young learners. Finally, the authors argue that reductive and singular models of reading fail to not only honor the individuality of young readers but also to recognize the systemic changes needed in schools and communities to equitably serve all students.
Mode interaction in cold‐formed steel members: state‐of‐art report
Authors: Camotim Dinar , Martins André Dias , Dinis Pedro Borges , Young Ben , Chen Man‐Tai , Landesmann Alexandre
Published: September 2020

Extended keynote paper of Eurosteel 2021

This is Part 2 of a two‐part paper providing a state‐of‐art report of the most recent findings concerning the behaviour, strength and Direct Strength Method (DSM) design of cold‐formed steel (CFS) columns and beams affected by mode coupling phenomena not adequately covered by the current specifications for CFS members. This second paper covers interactions involving global buckling modes, namely local‐distortional‐global (L‐D‐G), distortional‐global (D‐G) and global‐global (flexural‐torsional/flexural – FT‐F) interaction – note that local‐global (L‐G) interaction, already well mastered by the technical/scientific community, is not dealt with. Like Part 1 [1], this paper also addresses experimental tests, numerical simulations and DSM‐based design approaches, intended to i) acquire in‐depth knowledge on the non‐linear behaviour (elastic and elastic‐plastic), load‐carrying capacity and failure mode nature of the members under consideration, and ii) make use of the above knowledge to develop, propose and assess the merits of efficient DSM‐based design approaches to estimate their failure loads/moments. Taking into account the fundamental concepts and DSM design curves presented in Part 1 [1], the paper addresses separately each mode coupling phenomenon dealt with, for columns, and only D‐G interaction for beams – recall that L‐D interaction (columns and beams) was covered in Part 1 [1]. For columns undergoing L‐D‐G interaction and angle columns susceptible to FT‐F interaction, the work reported includes experimental studies, numerical simulations and DSM‐based design considerations and/or guidelines. For columns and beams experiencing D‐G interaction and channel columns prone to FT‐F coupling, only numerical results are reported – they reveal surprising behavioural features that will be very useful in planning future test campaigns and achieving efficient design approaches. Finally, the two‐part paper closes with a few concluding remarks and a perspective about future developments in this field.
Investigations on mechanical and thermal properties of concrete with different proportions of insulation aggregates
Authors: Ch Naga Satish Kumar , A Parvathidevi
Published: September 2020

Investigation of mechanical properties and thermal behavior of expanded polystyrene concrete (EPS) and exfoliated vermiculite (EV) concrete has been accomplished in this research. It includes how EPS concrete is prepared by substituting the coarse aggregate with 0, 10, 15, and 20% with EPS aggregates. Similarly, EV concrete is prepared by replacing the fine aggregates with 0, 15, 45, and 60% with EV aggregates. The influence of EPS and EV proportion on mechanical and thermal properties was detected. Thermal properties were studied with an adiabatic box technique. Clear improvement in thermal behavior was observed in comparison with normal concrete and reduction in compressive strength was observed for an appreciable increase in the amount of EPS and EV. Also, the properties like split tensile strength, load–deflection curves, and durability properties of the EPS and EV concretes were experimented.
Resolving the relationships of the enigmatic Sapotaceae genera Beauvisagea and Boerlagella, and the position of Planchonella suboppositifolia
Authors: Swenson Ulf , Lowry Porter P. , Cronholm Bodil , Nylinder Stephan
Published: September 2020

The pantropical plant family Sapotaceae currently includes 65–70 genera. Two genera, Beauvisagea and Boerlagella, were described in 1890s using incomplete material from West New Guinea (Bird's Head Peninsula) and Sumatra, neither of which has been collected since. Their systematic position has long been regarded doubtful and Boerlagella was once placed in its own family, Boerlagellaceae. We show here how useful and important it can be to obtain small leaf fragments from type specimens that are up to 150 years old for molecular analysis aiming to determine their phylogenetic position and clarify their taxonomic status. We used nuclear ribosomal DNA (ETS, ITS) and the nuclear gene RPB2 from 170 terminals to estimate phylogenetic relationships in a Bayesian framework using BEAST. The old type material yielded full length sequences of ETS and ITS from both genera (less successful with RPB2), revealing that both are firmly placed in Planchonella. Boerlagella is placed in synonymy with Planchonella and its type is accepted as Planchonella spectabilis, a species from Sumatra that possibly has gone extinct due to deforestation. Beauvisagea from the Bird's Head Peninsula of western New Guinea is likewise regarded as a synonym of Planchonella and its type, accepted as P. pomifera, is conspecific with Pouteria doonsaf (currently circumscribed to include material of at least two different species), not Planchonella maclayana as earlier believed. Our study also included Planchonella suboppositifolia, an odd species with a character combination in conflict with the current definition of the genus. Our results show that it is sister to a lineage comprising several genera, including Planchonella, and that it represents a distinct lineage constituting a monotypic genus that will be described in a subsequent paper. The most recent classification of subfamily Chrysophylloideae and the character combinations used to distinguish its constituent genera are supported, and our results confirm that taxa can reliably be assigned to a genus based on morphology alone.
Context Matters: The Effect of Textual Tone on the Evaluation of Mediated Social Touch
Authors: Askari Sima Ipakchian , Haans Antal , Bos Pieter , Eggink Maureen , Lu Emily Mengfei , Kwong Fenella , IJsselsteijn Wijnand
Published: September 2020

Mediated Social Touch (MST) promises interpersonal touch over a distance through haptic or tactile displays. Tests of the efficacy of MST often involve attempts to demonstrate that effects of social touch (e.g., on affective responses or helping behavior) can be replicated with MST. Results, however, have been mixed. One possible explanation is that contextual factors have not sufficiently been taken into account in these experiments. A touch act is accompanied by other verbal and non-verbal expressions, and whom we touch, when, and in what manner is regulated through social and personal norms. Previous research demonstrated, amongst others, effects of gender and the facial expression of the toucher on the recipients’ touch experience. People can use expressions of the toucher’s emotions as a cue to anticipate the meaning of the ensuing social touch. This current study examines whether emotions expressed in text (i.e., textual tone) affects the meaning and experience of MST. As expected we found textual tone to affect both the comfortableness of the touch as well as its perceived meaning. Limitations and implications are discussed.
Visuo-Haptic Display by Embedding Imperceptible Spatial Haptic Information into Projected Images
Authors: Miyatake Yamato , Hiraki Takefumi , Maeda Tomosuke , Iwai Daisuke , Sato Kosuke
Published: September 2020

Visuo-haptic augmented reality (AR) systems that represent visual and haptic sensations in a spatially and temporally consistent manner are used to improve the reality in AR applications. However, existing visual displays either cover the user’s field-of-view or are limited to flat panels. In the present paper, we propose a novel projection-based AR system that can present consistent visuo-haptic sensations on a non-planar physical surface without inserting any visual display devices between a user and the surface. The core technical contribution is controlling wearable haptic displays using a pixel-level visible light communication projector. The projection system can embed spatial haptic information into each pixel, and the haptic displays vibrate according to the detected pixel information. We confirm that the proposed system can display visuo-haptic information with pixel-precise alignment with a delay of 85 ms. We can also employ the proposed system as a novel experimental platform to clarify the spatio-temporal perceptual characteristics of visual and haptic sensations. As a result of the conducted user studies, we revealed that the noticeable thresholds of visual-haptic asynchrony were about 100 ms (temporal) and 10 mm (spatial), respectively.
Manipulating the Perceived Directions of Wind by Visuo-Audio-Haptic Cross-Modal Effects
Authors: Ito Kenichi , Ban Yuki , Warisawa Shin’ichi
Published: September 2020

Wind displays, which simulate the sensation of wind, have been known to enhance the immersion of virtual reality content. However, certain wind displays require an excessive number of wind sources to simulate wind from various directions. To realize wind displays with fewer wind sources, a method to manipulate the perceived directions of wind by audio-haptic cross-modal effects was proposed in our previous study. As the visuo-haptic cross-modal effect on perceived wind directions has not yet been quantitatively investigated, this study focuses on the effect of visual stimuli on the perception of wind direction. We present virtual images of flowing particles and three-dimensional sounds of wind as information to indicate wind directions and induce cross-modal effects in users. The user study has demonstrated that adding visual stimuli effectively improved the result corresponding to certain virtual wind directions. Our results suggest that perceived wind directions can be manipulated by both visuo-haptic and audio-haptic cross-modal effects.
KATIB: Haptic-Visual Guidance for Handwriting
Authors: Korres Georgios , Eid Mohamad
Published: September 2020

Haptic-visual guidance is shown to improve handwriting. This work presents a platform named KATIB (writer in Arabic) to support multi-stroke handwriting using haptic-visual guidance. A rotating neodymium magnet mounted onto a 2 DoF parallel robot underneath the writing surface is proposed to improve the fidelity of haptic guidance and mechanically decouple the stylus. The stylus utilizes stackable magnets to intensify magnetic forces. Full and partial haptic guidance methods are developed and evaluated. The current implementation demonstrates sufficient workspace of 80 mm $$\times $$
×
 60 mm and a perceivable (tangential) guidance force of 0.4 N. Magnetostatic analysis is conducted to study the effects of friction and tilting on the rendered force.
Midair Haptic Presentation Using Concave Reflector
Authors: Ariga Kentaro , Fujiwara Masahiro , Makino Yasutoshi , Shinoda Hiroyuki
Published: September 2020

An airborne ultrasound tactile display (AUTD) can focus on an arbitrary position by controlling the phase shift and amplitude of each transducer, and provide a tactile stimulus on the human body without direct contact. However, beyond a distance from the phased array, it cannot secure a focal size comparable to the wavelength and the displayed pressure pattern blurs. In this study, we propose a method with a concave reflector to focus at a farther position and present a tactile sensation without enlarging the array. By appropriately designing the focal length of the concave reflector, the focal point can be formed at a distant position using a mirror formula while keeping the focus size non-extended. We conducted two experiments, the results of which show that the proposed method is valid and that a workspace of several square centimeters can be achieved.
Confinement of Vibrotactile Stimuli in Periodically Supported Plates
Authors: Ben Dhiab Ayoub , Hudin Charles
Published: September 2020

For multitouch and multiuser interactions on a touch surface, providing a local vibrotactile feedback is essential. Usually, vibration propagation impedes this localization. Previous work showed that narrow strip-shaped plates could allow the confinement of vibrotactile stimuli to the actuated area. Adding to this principle, periodically supported plates also provide a non-propagative effect at low frequencies. Using both geometrical properties, we provide a device allowing a multitouch interaction through an array of piezoelectric actuator. Experimental validation show that vibrations are well confined on top of actuated areas with vibration amplitude over 2 $$\upmu $$
μ
m.
A Proposal and Investigation of Displaying Method by Passive Touch with Electrostatic Tactile Display
Authors: Tomita Hirobumi , Saga Satoshi , Takahashi Shin , Kajimoto Hiroyuki
Published: September 2020

In the field of tactile displays, electrostatic force displays have been developed for presenting tactile stimulation on a screen. However, with the conventional electrostatic force displays, the user cannot feel the stimulation without rubbing on the display. In this paper, to solve this problem, we propose a new method to present a tactile sensation without moving a finger by creating a small space between an electrode and an insulating surface. Moreover, we evaluate the perceived threshold of the proposed display through the experiment.
Surface Roughness Judgment During Finger Exploration Is Changeable by Visual Oscillations
Authors: Ota Yusuke , Ujitoko Yusuke , Ban Yuki , Sakurai Sho , Hirota Koichi
Published: September 2020

Previously, we proposed a pseudo-haptic method of changing the perceived roughness of virtual textured surfaces represented by vibrational feedback during pen-surface interaction. This study extends the method to finger-surface interactions in order to change the roughness judgment of real surface. Users watched computer-generated visual oscillations of the contact point while exploring the texture using bare fingers. The user study showed that our method could modify roughness judgment of real textured surfaces.
Sensing Ultrasonic Mid-Air Haptics with a Biomimetic Tactile Fingertip
Authors: Alakhawand Noor , Frier William , Freud Kipp McAdam , Georgiou Orestis , Lepora Nathan F.
Published: September 2020

Ultrasonic phased arrays are used to generate mid-air haptic feedback, allowing users to feel sensations in mid-air. In this work, we present a method for testing mid-air haptics with a biomimetic tactile sensor that is inspired by the human fingertip. Our experiments with point, line, and circular test stimuli provide insights on how the acoustic radiation pressure produced by the ultrasonic array deforms the skin-like material of the sensor. This allows us to produce detailed visualizations of the sensations in two-dimensional and three-dimensional space. This approach provides a detailed quantification of mid-air haptic stimuli of use as an investigative tool for improving the performance of haptic displays and for understanding the transduction of mid-air haptics by the human sense of touch.
Wearable Vibrotactile Interface Using Phantom Tactile Sensation for Human-Robot Interaction
Authors: Seiler Julian , Schäfer Niklas , Latsch Bastian , Chadda Romol , Hessinger Markus , Beckerle Philipp , Kupnik Mario
Published: September 2020

We present a wearable vibrotactile feedback device consisting of four linear resonant actuators (LRAs) that are able to generate virtual stimuli, known as phantom tactile sensation, for human-robot interaction. Using an energy model, we can control the location and intensity of the virtual stimuli independently. The device consists of mostly 3D-printed rigid and flexible components and uses commercially available haptic drivers for actuation. The actuators have a rated frequency of 175 Hz which is close to the highest skin sensitivity regarding vibrations (150 to 300 Hz). Our experiment was conducted with a prototype consisting of two bracelets applied to the forearm and upper arm of six participants. Eight possible circumferential angles were stimulated, of which four originated from real actuators and four were generated by virtual stimuli. The responses given by the participants showed a nearly linear relationship within $$\pm {10}{^\circ }$$

±
10

∘

for the responded angle against the presented stimulus angle. These results show that phantom tactile sensation allows for an increase of spatial resolution to design vibrotactile interfaces for human-robot interaction with fewer actuators.
Perceptually Compressive Communication of Interactive Telehaptic Signal
Authors: Kakade Suhas , Chaudhuri Subhasis
Published: September 2020

During telehaptic applications over a shared communication medium, Weber’s law of perception based adaptive sampling scheme can be applied to reduce the data rate without degrading the perceptual quality of the haptic signal. However, the perceptual threshold (JND) is often unknown for a user. An experimental design involving bidirectional communication of haptic data over the Internet between the operator and teleoperator is carried out in this paper, which provides a real-time estimate of the Weber threshold for the telehaptic backward channel force signal. Using the proposed data-driven experimental protocol, we are able to reduce the packet rate significantly. We provide a subjective evaluation of the proposed technique to substantiate its usefulness.
Sound-Image Icon with Aerial Haptic Feedback
Authors: Rim Seunggoo , Suzuki Shun , Toide Yutaro , Fujiwara Masahiro , Makino Yasutoshi , Shinoda Hiroyuki
Published: September 2020

In this study, we attempt to define a novel invisible mid-air three-dimensional (3D) object, which informs users of its existence and location via sound and haptic feedback. The correlation between the senses of hearing and touch creates the feeling of touching a sound source, which the user recognizes as a virtual object: sound-image icon. The sound from the icon instantaneously notifies the user about its position without requiring vision. In addition, aerial tactile sensation enables users to freely interact with and manipulate these icons with no need to wear any devices. Therefore, this approach exhibits enormous potential in various situations, such as surgical operations, works in factories, driving cars, and button/switch operations in daily life. In this study, we prototyped the sound-image icon and experimentally examined their feasibility. We confirmed that users could estimate the location of the icons and measured the time required to access these icons. The results indicate that the sound-image icon is feasible as a novel 3D interface.
Interest Arousal by Haptic Feedback During a Storytelling for Kindergarten Children
Authors: Shibasaki Mina , Kamiyama Youichi , Czech Elaine , Obata Koichi , Wakamoto Yusuke , Kishi Keisuke , Hasegawa Takayuki , Tsuchiya Shinkuro , Matsuda Soichiro , Minamizawa Kouta
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we introduce “Kinder BURU BURU cushion” a vibrotactile cushion that is used during storytelling time to grab the attention of children to help them to focus on the story. We conducted field tests using our system, which confirmed that children were more interested in a story when using our system compared to normal storytelling. For this research, we collaborated with a printing company and a picture book company, designed our system based on user studies at a kid’s space, and conducted empirical field experiments.
Correction to: Coupled Self-Organized Hydrodynamics and Stokes Models for Suspensions of Active Particles
Authors: Degond Pierre , Merino-Aceituno Sara , Vergnet Fabien , Yu Hui
Published: September 2020

This note provides a list of errata and their correction for Reference [1].
The psychosocial impact of flu influenza pandemics on healthcare workers and lessons learnt for the COVID-19 emergency: a rapid review
Authors: Barello Serena , Falcó-Pegueroles Anna , Rosa Debora , Tolotti Angela , Graffigna Guendalina , Bonetti Loris
Published: September 2020

Objectives

During a pandemic, healthcare workers (HCWs) are essential to the health system response. Based on our knowledge, little information is available regarding the psychosocial impact on HCWs or interventions for supporting them during pandemics. Therefore, the study aimed to assess available literature on perceived stress and psychological responses to influenza pandemics in HCWs and identify implications for healthcare practice and future research.

Methods

This is a rapid review of the literature. The review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Results

Across all the studies—both qualitative and quantitative—HCWs working during the epidemic reported frequent concerns regarding their own health and the fear of infecting their families, friends and colleagues. Moreover, social isolation, uncertainty, fears of stigmatization and reluctance to work or considering absenteeism were frequently reported. Moreover, many studies highlighted a high prevalence of high levels of stress, anxiety and depression symptoms, which could have long-term psychological implications in HCWs.

Conclusions

This rapid review offers an overview of the major concerns regarding HCWs’ psychosocial well-being and possible preventive strategies, which could be useful for the current COVID-19 outbreak and similar future pandemics. Studies suggested to invest on preventive psychological, social, family and physical support and to guaranteeing reasonable work conditions and others in order to protect HCWs from the long-lasting psychological effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Generalized ballistic-conductive heat transport laws in three-dimensional isotropic materials
Authors: Famà A. , Restuccia L. , Ván P.
Published: September 2020

General constitutive equations of heat transport with second sound and ballistic propagation in isotropic materials are given using non-equilibrium thermodynamics with internal variables. The consequences of Onsager reciprocity relations between thermodynamic fluxes and forces and positive definiteness of the entropy production are considered. The relation to theories of Extended Thermodynamics is discussed in detail. We provide an explicit expression for all the components of the matrices of the transport coefficients. The expressions are cumbersome but are expected to be useful for computer programming for simulations of the corresponding physical effects.
Erratum zu: Histopathologische Befunde bei therapierter und nichttherapierter SARS-CoV-2-Infektion – Bericht über 3 Autopsien
Authors: Dettmeyer R. , Lasczkowski G. , Weber A. , Wolter T. , Kernbach-Wighton G.
Published: September 2020

Leider wurden durch ein technisches Versehen die Legenden der Abb. 8 und 9 vertauscht. Wir bitten Sie die korrigierten Abbildungen zu beachten und den Fehler zu …
An integrodifference model for vegetation patterns in semi-arid environments with seasonality
Authors: Eigentler Lukas , Sherratt Jonathan A.
Published: September 2020

Vegetation patterns are a characteristic feature of semi-deserts occurring on all continents except Antarctica. In some semi-arid regions, the climate is characterised by seasonality, which yields a synchronisation of seed dispersal with the dry season or the beginning of the wet season. We reformulate the Klausmeier model, a reaction–advection–diffusion system that describes the plant–water dynamics in semi-arid environments, as an integrodifference model to account for the temporal separation of plant growth processes during the wet season and seed dispersal processes during the dry season. The model further accounts for nonlocal processes involved in the dispersal of seeds. Our analysis focusses on the onset of spatial patterns. The Klausmeier partial differential equations (PDE) model is linked to the integrodifference model in an appropriate limit, which yields a control parameter for the temporal separation of seed dispersal events. We find that the conditions for pattern onset in the integrodifference model are equivalent to those for the continuous PDE model and hence independent of the time between seed dispersal events. We thus conclude that in the context of seed dispersal, a PDE model provides a sufficiently accurate description, even if the environment is seasonal. This emphasises the validity of results that have previously been obtained for the PDE model. Further, we numerically investigate the effects of changes to seed dispersal behaviour on the onset of patterns. We find that long-range seed dispersal inhibits the formation of spatial patterns and that the seed dispersal kernel’s decay at infinity is a significant regulator of patterning.