bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regularized SUPER‐CAIPIRINHA: Accelerating 3D variable flip‐angle T1 mapping with accurate and efficient reconstruction
Authors: Yang Fan , Zhang Jian , Li Guobin , Zhu Jiayu , Tang Xin , Hu Chenxi
Published: May 2023

Purpose

To propose an acceleration method for 3D variable flip‐angle (VFA) T1 mapping based on a technique called shift undersampling improves parametric mapping efficiency and resolution (SUPER).

Methods

The proposed method incorporates strategies of SUPER, controlled aliasing in volumetric parallel imaging (CAIPIRINHA), and total variation‐based regularization to accelerate 3D VFA T1 mapping. The k‐space sampling grid of CAIPIRINHA is internally undersampled with SUPER along the contrast dimension. A proximal algorithm was developed to preserve the computational efficiency of SUPER in the presence of regularization. The regularized SUPER‐CAIPIRINHA (rSUPER‐CAIPIRINHA) was compared with low rank plus sparsity (L + S), reconstruction of principal component coefficient maps (REPCOM), and other SUPER‐based methods via simulations and in vivo brain T1 mapping. The results were assessed quantitatively with NRMSE and structural similarity index measure (SSIM), and qualitatively by two experienced reviewers.

Results

rSUPER‐CAIPIRINHA achieved a lower NRMSE and higher SSIM than L + S (0.11 ± 0.01 vs. 0.19 ± 0.03, p < 0.001; 0.66 ± 0.05 vs. 0.37 ± 0.03, p < 0.001) and REPCOM (0.16 ± 0.02, p < 0.001; 0.46 ± 0.04, p < 0.001). The reconstruction time of rSUPER‐CAIPIRINHA was 6% of L + S and 2% of REPCOM. For the qualitative comparison, rSUPER‐CAIPIRINHA showed improvement of overall image quality and reductions of artifacts and blurring, although with a lower apparent SNR. Compared with 2D SUPER‐SENSE, rSUPER‐CAIPIRINHA significantly reduced NRMSE (0.11 ± 0.01 vs. 0.23 ± 0.04, p < 0.001) and generated less noisy reconstructions.

Conclusion

By incorporating SUPER, CAIPIRINHA, and regularization, rSUPER‐CAIPIRINHA mitigated noise amplification, reduced artifacts and blurring, and achieved faster reconstructions compared with L + S and REPCOM. These advantages render 3D rSUPER‐CAIPIRINHA VFA T1 mapping potentially useful for clinical applications.
Effect of the shape and the distribution of cells on the effective thermal conductivity of polyurethane foam
Authors: Hermama C. , Bensiali B. , Lahbabi S. , El Maliki A.
Published: May 2023

To design foams with specific properties, it is important to be able to predict their effective properties. The objective of this study is to compare and quantify the effect of the geometrical parameters on the thermal properties. Then the study uses both analytical and numerical homogenization methods to connect micro‐scale parameters to the macro‐scale thermal behavior. Several statistical studies of the morphology have been used to model the different categories of PU foams. The foam is modeled by a periodic structure of open, closed, or mixed cells. For each type of cell, different idealized shapes of a single cell are used, while keeping a constant porosity for each category. In the case of mixed cells, the effect of the relative positioning of cells is investigated. The results show that the effective thermal conductivity is considerably impacted by the cell shape. Moreover, the geometrical modeling of the struts, in the heuristic modeling, has also an important effect. Furthermore, the relative position of gas cavities, in the spherical representation, influences the effective thermal conductivity. However, the distribution of open and closed cells, in the case of mixed cell foam, has a limited effect.
Large‐scale blending in an hourly 4D‐Var framework for a numerical weather prediction model
Authors: Milan Marco , Clayton Adam , Lorenc Andrew , Macpherson Bruce , Tubbs Robert , Dow Gareth
Published: May 2023

The Met Office limited‐area model (LAM) data assimilation (DA) system is based on an hourly 4D‐Var method with lateral boundary conditions (LBCs) provided by the Met Office global model (GM). This set‐up was introduced operationally in summer 2017. The work presented here improved the representation of large‐scale dynamics in the LAM DA, which is now integrated on an extended domain and therefore also needs to represent larger scales than were present in 2017. To improve the representation of the large‐scale motions in the convective‐scale system, we choose to take advantage of the better estimation of these scales from the host model. The method presented here is called large‐scale blending (LSB), a spectral nudging solution which is applied to the Met Office LAM (UKV). Spectral nudging allows the LAM evolution to be constrained by a host model with a better representation of the larger scales while preserving the smaller scales predicted by the LAM. In this article, we investigate different options for the implementation of LSB, such as cut‐off wavelength and update frequency. The LAM forecast is typically improved for various variables over a forecast range from about to by the introduction of LSB. We also see a reduction in the internal gravity‐wave activity generated when new lateral boundary conditions are introduced to the LAM from the latest GM forecast. This research proves the benefits of a better representation of large‐scale motions for LAM forecasts.
Flow‐dependent wind extraction in strong‐constraint 4D‐Var
Authors: Zaplotnik Žiga , Žagar Nedjeljka , Semane Noureddine
Published: May 2023

In the process of data assimilation for numerical weather prediction, biases in the model and observations can induce spurious analysis increments, which degrade the quality of the analyses. For this reason, the feedback of atmospheric composition (e.g., ozone and aerosols) observations on winds through dynamical adjustment is typically disabled in operational 4D‐Var assimilation. This study investigates whether an increasing number of tracer observations could be exploited to constrain winds better in 4D‐Var. For an idealized case study using analytical strong‐constraint 4D‐Var with the 1D advection model of Allen et al. and accurate background tracer field, it is shown that coupled wind–tracer assimilation always improves the tracer analysis. It also improves the wind analysis, but only if the magnitude of the error associated with unrepresented or misrepresented tracer physical forcings is smaller than the magnitude of the difference between the nature‐run advection and the background‐tracer advection. In other words, the model needs to be a good approximation of the truth for successful wind extraction. Based on this criterion, a method for flow‐dependent 4D‐Var wind extraction is developed, which selectively activates the coupling between winds and tracers locally and temporally by altering the tangent‐linear tracer equation and the adjoint wind equation. The new method is implemented in the intermediate‐complexity incremental 4D‐Var model Moist Atmosphere Dynamics Data Assimilation Model (MADDAM) of Zaplotnik et al. Numerical experiments with MADDAM show that the new approach diminishes the occurrence of spurious wind‐analysis increments and can improve the accuracy of wind analyses.
Simultaneous moving horizon estimation and control for nonlinear systems subject to bounded disturbances
Authors: Deniz Nestor , Sanchez Guido , Murillo Marina , Giovanini Leonardo
Published: May 2023

In this work, we address the output–feedback control problem for nonlinear systems under bounded disturbances using a moving horizon approach. The controller is posed as an optimisation‐based problem that simultaneously estimates the state trajectory and computes future control inputs. It minimizes a criterion that involves finite backward and forward horizons with respect to the unknown initial state, measurement noises and control input variables. The main novelty of this work relies on linking the lengths of the forward and backward windows with the closed‐loop stability, assuming detectability and decoding sufficient conditions to assure system stabilizability. It leads to a formulation that does not require to be a Control Lyapunov Function for the terminal cost of the controller. Simulation examples are carried out to compare the performance of solving simultaneously and independently the estimation and control problems. Furthermore, the examples show how the controller influences the length of the estimation window through its gain.
Beliefs about stress moderate the association between COVID‐19‐related work demands and burnout symptoms in physicians
Authors: Wekenborg Magdalena Katharina , von Dawans Bernadette , Gienger Nora Theresa , Wierick Ann , Weitz Jürgen , Dobroschke Jakob Christian
Published: May 2023

The present study set out to investigate the role of different stress beliefs (positive and negative beliefs about stress, as well as perceived control) on the association between central COVID‐19‐related work demands and burnout symptoms in physicians during the second lockdown of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic. N = 154 practicing physicians (mean [SD] age = 37.21 [9.43] years]; 57.14% female) participated in our cross‐sectional German‐wide online survey and answered questions about sociodemographic factors, their current work situation, their stress beliefs, and their current burnout symptoms. Moderation analyses revealed significant interaction effects between stress beliefs and specific COVID‐19‐related work demands on the prediction of burnout symptoms, most consistent with respect to perceived control. Positive believes about stress and its controllability were cross‐sectional associated with reduced, negative believes about stress however with enhanced associations between COVID‐19‐related work demands and burnout symptoms. This finding indicates, if confirmed by longitudinal research, the potential of the usage of stress beliefs in prevention programs for physicians in order to mitigating negative effects of chronic stress.
Ultrasound Manipulation and Extrusion of Active Nanorods
Authors: Rubio Leonardo Dominguez , Collins Matthew , Sen Ayusman , Aranson Igor S.
Published: May 2023

Synthetic self‐propelled nano and microparticles have a growing appeal for targeted drug delivery, collective functionality, and manipulation at the nanoscale. However, it is challenging to control their positions and orientations under confinement, e.g., in microchannels, nozzles, and microcapillaries. This study reports on the synergistic effect of acoustic and flow‐induced focusing in microfluidic nozzles. In a microchannel with a nozzle, the balance between the acoustophoretic forces and the fluid drag due to streaming flows generated by the acoustic field controls the microparticle's dynamics. This study manipulates the positions and orientations of dispersed particles and dense clusters inside the channel at a fixed frequency by tuning the acoustic intensity. The main findings are: first, this study successfully manipulates the positions and orientations of individual particles and dense clusters inside the channel at a fixed frequency by tuning the acoustic intensity. Second, when an external flow is applied, the acoustic field separates and selectively extrudes shape‐anisotropic passive particles and self‐propelled active nanorods. Finally, the observed phenomena are explained by multiphysics finite‐element modeling. The results shed light on the control and extrusion of active particles in confined geometries and enable applications for acoustic cargo (e.g., drug) delivery, particle injection, and additive manufacturing via printed self‐propelled active particles.
Highly Durable Bidirectional Rotary Triboelectric Nanogenerator with a Self‐Lubricating Texture and Self‐Adapting Contact Synergy for Wearable Applications
Authors: Zhang Xin , Liu Mengjiao , Zhang Zhiying , Min Hui , Wang Ci , Hu Guangkai , Yang Tonghui , Luo Shimin , Yu Bin , Huang Tao , Zhu Meifang , Yu Hao
Published: May 2023

Sliding‐freestanding triboelectric nanogenerators (SF‐TENGs) are desirable for application in wearable power sources; however, improving their durability is the primary challenge. Meanwhile, few studies focus on enhancing the service life of tribo‐materials, especially from an anti‐friction perspective during dry operation. Herein, for the first time, a surface‐textured film with self‐lubricating property is introduced into the SF‐TENG as a tribo‐material, which is obtained by the self‐assembly of hollow SiO2 microspheres (HSMs) close to a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surface under vacuum conditions. The PDMS/HSMs film with micro‐bump topography simultaneously reduces the dynamic coefficient of friction from 1.403 to 0.195 and increases the electrical output of SF‐TENG by an order of magnitude. Subsequently, a textured film and self‐adapting contact synergized bidirectional rotary TENG (TAB‐TENG) is developed, and the superiorities of the soft flat rotator with bidirectional reciprocating rotation are systematically investigated. The obtained TAB‐TENG exhibits a remarkable output stability and an outstanding mechanical durability over 350 000 cycles. Furthermore, a smart foot system for stepping energy harvesting and wireless walking states monitoring is realized. This study proposes a pioneering strategy for extending the lifetime of SF‐TENGs and advances it toward practical wearable applications.
Ultrathin Crystalline Silicon Nano and Micro Membranes with High Areal Density for Low‐Cost Flexible Electronics
Authors: Lee Ju Young , Shin Jongwoon , Kim Kyubeen , Ju Jeong Eun , Dutta Ankan , Kim Tae Soo , Cho Young Uk , Kim Taemin , Hu Luhing , Min Won Kyung , Jung Hyun‐Suh , Park Young Sun , Won Sang Min , Yeo Woon‐Hong , Moon Jooho , Khang Dahl‐Young , Kim Hyun Jae , Ahn Jong‐Hyun , Cheng Huanyu , Yu Ki Jun , Rogers John A.
Published: May 2023

Ultrathin crystalline silicon is widely used as an active material for high‐performance, flexible, and stretchable electronics, from simple passive and active components to complex integrated circuits, due to its excellent electrical and mechanical properties. However, in contrast to conventional silicon wafer‐based devices, ultrathin crystalline silicon‐based electronics require an expensive and rather complicated fabrication process. Although silicon‐on‐insulator (SOI) wafers are commonly used to obtain a single layer of crystalline silicon, they are costly and difficult to process. Therefore, as an alternative to SOI wafers‐based thin layers, here, a simple transfer method is proposed for printing ultrathin multiple crystalline silicon sheets with thicknesses between 300 nm to 13 µm and high areal density (>90%) from a single mother wafer. Theoretically, the silicon nano/micro membrane can be generated until the mother wafer is completely consumed. In addition, the electronic applications of silicon membranes are successfully demonstrated through the fabrication of a flexible solar cell and flexible NMOS transistor arrays.
Quenching Detrimental Reactions and Boosting Hole Extraction via Multifunctional NiOx/Perovskite Interface Passivation for Efficient and Stable Inverted Solar Cells
Authors: Jiang Zhengyan , Wang Deng , Sun Jiayun , Hu Bihua , Zhang Luozheng , Zhou Xianyong , Wu Jiawen , Hu Hang , Zhang Jiyao , Choy Wallace C. H. , Xu Baomin
Published: May 2023

Nickel oxide (NiOx) is one of the most promising hole transport materials for inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, its application is severely restrained due to unfavorable interfacial reactions and insufficient charge carrier extraction. Herein, a multifunctional modification at the NiOx/perovskite interface is developed via introducing fluorinated ammonium salt ligand to synthetically solve the obstacles. Specifically, the interface modification can chemically convert detrimental Ni≥3+ to lower oxidation state, resulting in the elimination of interfacial redox reactions. Meanwhile, interfacial dipole is incorporated simultaneously to tune the work function of NiOx and optimize energy level alignment, which effectively promotes the charge carrier extraction. Therefore, the modified NiOx‐based inverted PSCs achieve a remarkable power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 22.93%. Moreover, the unencapsulated devices obtain a significantly enhanced long‐term stability, maintaining over 85% and 80% of the initial PCEs after storage in ambient air with a high relative humidity of 50–60% for 1000 h and continuous operation at maximum power point under one‐sun illumination for 700 h, respectively.
Measuring Spatially‐Resolved Potential Drops at Semiconductor Hetero‐Interfaces Using 4D‐STEM
Authors: Chejarla Varun Shankar , Ahmed Shamail , Belz Jürgen , Scheunert Jonas , Beyer Andreas , Volz Kerstin
Published: May 2023

Characterizing long‐range electric fields and built‐in potentials in functional materials at nano to micrometer scales is of supreme importance for optimizing devices, e.g., the functionality of semiconductor hetero‐structures or battery materials is determined by the electric fields established at interfaces which can also vary spatially. In this study, momentum‐resolved four‐dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D‐STEM) is proposed for the quantification of these potentials and the optimization steps required to reach quantitative agreement with simulations for the GaAs/AlAs hetero‐junction model system are shown. Using STEM the differences in the mean inner potentials (∆MIP) of two materials forming an interface and resulting dynamic diffraction effects have to be considered. This study shows that the measurement quality is significantly improved by precession, energy filtering and a off‐zone‐axis alignment of the specimen. Complementary simulations yielding a ∆MIP of 1.3 V confirm that the potential drop due to charge transfer at the intrinsic interface is ≈0.1 V, in agreement with experimental and theoretical values found in literture. These results show the feasibility of accurately measuring built‐in potentials across hetero‐interfaces of real device structures and its promising application for more complex interfaces of other polycrystalline materials on the nanometer scale.
Rebuttal to “(2786) Proposal to change the conserved type of Ipomoea, nom. cons. (Convolvulaceae)”
Authors: Muñoz‐Rodríguez Pablo , Wood John R.I. , Wells Tom , Carruthers Tom , Sumadijaya Alex , Scotland Robert W.
Published: May 2023

A rebuttal to the proposal to change the conserved type of Ipomoea is presented. We argue the proposal is unnecessary and has no basis in evidence or precedent that justifies its approval.
A unique complication: Iatrogenic renal pelvis perforation following accidental urinary catheterisation of an intramural ectopic ureter in a dog
Authors: Woods Glynn , Earley Naomi , Munro Elizabeth , Accino Jorge Perez
Published: May 2023

A 5‐month‐old, female, entire golden retriever presented for investigation of urinary incontinence and recent urinary tract infection. While under general anaesthesia, a urinary catheter was placed to fill the bladder, aid accurate visualisation of the ureteral vesicular junction and facilitate a retrograde contrast study. The preliminary computed tomography was deemed unremarkable, and a computed tomography intravenous urethrogram was performed, followed by retrograde of contrast in an attempted vaginourethrogram. The post‐contrast retrograde study highlighted an unusually straight distal right ureter and contrast escaping into the right retroperitoneal space. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography supported haemorrhage into the perirenal space, and on retrospective analysis of preliminary pre‐contrast computed tomography sequences, the urinary catheter was identified in the right renal pelvis. Accidental catheterisation of the right intramural ectopic ureter and iatrogenic renal perforation was ultimately concluded. The dog made a full recovery with conservative management and to date has no chronic repercussions of the injury.
A time adaptive multirate Dirichlet–Neumann waveform relaxation method for heterogeneous coupled heat equations
Authors: Meisrimel Peter , Monge Azahar , Birken Philipp
Published: May 2023

We consider partitioned time integration for heterogeneous coupled heat equations. First and second order multirate, as well as time‐adaptive Dirichlet‐Neumann Waveform relaxation (DNWR) methods are derived. In 1D and for implicit Euler time integration, we analytically determine optimal relaxation parameters for the fully discrete scheme.

We test the robustness of the relaxation parameters on the second order multirate method in 2D. DNWR is shown to be very robust and consistently yielding fast convergence rates, whereas the closely related Neumann‐Neumann Waveform relaxtion (NNWR) method is slower or even diverges.

The waveform approach naturally allows for different timesteps in the subproblems. In a performance comparison for DNWR, the time‐adaptive method dominates the multirate method due to automatically finding suitable stepsize ratios. Overall, we obtain a fast, robust, multirate and time adaptive partitioned solver for unsteady conjugate heat transfer.
cPNN: Continuous Progressive Neural Networks for Evolving Streaming Time Series
Authors: Giannini Federico , Ziffer Giacomo , Della Valle Emanuele
Published: May 2023

Dealing with an unbounded data stream involves overcoming the assumption that data is identically distributed and independent. A data stream can, in fact, exhibit temporal dependencies (i.e., be a time series), and data can change distribution over time (concept drift). The two problems are deeply discussed, and existing solutions address them separately: a joint solution is absent. In addition, learning multiple concepts implies remembering the past (a.k.a. avoiding catastrophic forgetting in Neural Networks’ terminology). This work proposes Continuous Progressive Neural Networks (cPNN), a solution that tames concept drifts, handles temporal dependencies, and bypasses catastrophic forgetting. cPNN is a continuous version of Progressive Neural Networks, a methodology for remembering old concepts and transferring past knowledge to fit the new concepts quickly. We base our method on Recurrent Neural Networks and exploit the Stochastic Gradient Descent applied to data streams with temporal dependencies. Results of an ablation study show a quick adaptation of cPNN to new concepts and robustness to drifts.
New Risk Assessments Due to Climate Change in Metropolitan Peripheral Areas. The Water Shortage Case in the Region IV of the State of México
Authors: Bevilacqua Carmelina , Cepeda Guedea Armando
Published: May 2023

A National Risk Assessment is a policy tool encouraged by the OECD since the 2010’s decade to identify and analyse a range of events that can cause a shock in a country and to have adequate preparedness and response measures. As disaster risks are an always-changing phenomenon, especially since the climate change emergency has been acknowledged, it requires systematic monitoring and analysis to adapt the risk management policies to the changing situation. The paper adjusts the National Risk Assessment into a micro-regional scale to present the case of the water shortage emergency due to climate change in a peripherical urban area of Mexico City. In the paper, it is explained why it should be included as a Risk Assessment by local and regional authorities with the objective to create more resilient peripherical urban territories. Eventually, the research can serve as a base to create a National Risk Assessment for water shortage in metropolitan areas on a national scale. The paper presents the current situation of the water shortage in the case study, explains why it should be considered a risk, and analyses water shortage in urban areas within the Risk Assessment rationale, using the Region IV of the State of Mexico as the case study.
CLLD, Urban Agenda and Borderland. Governance and Innovation for the Sustainable Development of the Eurocity of Guadiana (Portugal-Spain)
Authors: Felicidades-García J. , Pazos-García F. J.
Published: May 2023

Governance, innovation and spatial planning are recognised as dimensions of the territorial development process in the European Regional Policy. This paper explores the joint possibilities of Community-led Local Development (CLLD), as an approach that encourages the participation of local actors in sustainable urban development, and the EU Urban Agenda, as a strategic spatial planning instrument, applied in the cross-border area of the Eurocity of Guadiana. It draws on existing literature and the empirical development of the INTERREG EuroGuadiana 2020 project to define the objectives of the process and the key components of the territorial governance scheme. It shows that the urban governance formula for cross-border cities, based on the combination of European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC), CLLD and Urban Agenda, represents an opportunity both to strengthen the organisational capacities of partnerships and to implement inclusive and participatory action plans. It is concluded that the Eurocity of Guadiana must overcome limiting factors such as community resistance to change, as well as the paradox of planning across borders and the demands of cross-border governance.
Monitoring Urban Planning Actions for Reducing Crime Risk Vulnerability
Authors: Grimaldi Michele , Coppola Francesca , Fasolino Isidoro
Published: May 2023

The topic of urban security has become highly relevant in the urban agendas of cities and metropolitan areas. One of the main requirements for well-functioning cities and their sustainability is that they have secure streets and public spaces as confirmed by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda, in particular SDG 11 [1]. The proposed research addresses the issue through a quantitative model of crime risk mapping. More precisely, crime risk is linked to three risk factor-maps: crime hazard (Hc), crime vulnerability (Vc), crime exposure (Ec) and described through a spatially explicit composite crime risk index, IRc [2, 3]. In this work the attention is focused on crime vulnerability risk factor and on the possibility to reduce its critical levels by defining and monitoring of specific urban planning actions, to be introduced in the municipal urban Plan.
Renewable Energy Communities: Enabling Technologies and Regenerative Models for the Green and Digital Transition in the Inner Areas
Authors: Mangano Giuseppe
Published: May 2023

This contribution addresses issues of research in Architectural Technology conducted with the laboratory ABITAlab of dArTe-Unirc, with reference to the design of devices for regenerative models based on the tool of “Renewable Energy Communities” in territories subject to marginalization and depopulation phenomena, such as the inner areas of Grecanica Area in Reggio Calabria. The aim is to envisage a transformative path of sustainable development, which can implement “mechanisms of just and equitable transition” at the local level, placing itself within the lines of support and public investment for climate neutrality, such as the Next Generation EU and the National Plan for Recovery and Resilience in Italy. We investigate the key issues of advanced sustainable project, for the design of devices and integrated innovative tools based on solar technologies (PV) for the production, storage and distribution and sharing of energy by communities settled in the inner areas (prosumers), helping to obtain economic and environmental benefits, towards the “climate neutrality”. The model of Energy Communities, using processes of Advanced Regenerative Design, which increase the performance of the system, thanks to the integration of hybrid “zero impact” technologies, become the tool through which to trigger processes of regeneration and new quality of space and life in the inner territories, where there is a greater presence of natural resources (air, water, sun, biomass, etc.) to be used as renewable sources for energy production, but also the possibility to monitor and more easily account for the impacts of a settlement model based on “carbon free” energy production chains, with the reference community settled.
Transformative Urban Regeneration: Two Paradigmatic Examples in Boston and Paris
Authors: Bevilacqua Carmelina , Sferrazza Miriam
Published: May 2023

Cities play a fundamental role in the global challenge of climate change, but in most cases financial obstacles and lack of skilled human resources restrain the development of transformative actions. The recovery from Covid-19 pandemics brings a new stimulus for urban sustainable transitions, allocating a large amount of monetary resources for urban regeneration initiatives connected with the SDGs and the Green Deals objectives. Indeed urban regeneration emerges as a key mechanism to address both post-pandemics recovery and climate challenges, facilitating the implementation of urban mitigation and adaptation measures. District-scale projects can become enablers of city-wide sustainable transition, allowing the experimentation of innovative technical solutions to activate multi-systemic transformations. A large literature has been produced over the last 20 years over the topics of Urban Resilience and Sustainable Transition. Nevertheless a multi-sectoral approach to district-scale transformations is just emerging and needs to be integrated through evidences from best practices. This paper aims to identify a portfolio of measures able to transform existing neighborhoods into zero-carbon and climate-resilient systems. With this purpose, two case studies have been explored as paradigmatic examples of sustainable district redevelopment, and namely the Clichy-Batignolles eco-district (Paris) and the Talbot-Norfolk Triangle Eco-Innovation District (Boston).
The importance of flavor in SMEFT Electroweak Precision Fits
Authors: Bellafronte Luigi , Dawson Sally , Giardino Pier Paolo
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Effective field theory tools are essential for exploring non-Standard Model physics at the LHC in the absence of the discovery of new light particles. Predictions for observables are typically made at the lowest order in the QCD and electroweak expansions in the Standard Model effective field theory (SMEFT) and often ignore the effects of flavor. Here, we present results for electroweak precision observables (EWPOs) at the next-to-leading order QCD and electroweak expansions (NLO) of the SMEFT with an arbitrary flavor structure for the fermion operators. Numerical NLO SMEFT fits to EWPOs have a strong dependence on the assumed flavor structures and we demonstrate this using various popular assumptions for flavor symmetries.
Scattering in black hole backgrounds and higher-spin amplitudes. Part II
Authors: Bautista Yilber Fabian , Guevara Alfredo , Kavanagh Chris , Vines Justin
Published: May 2023

Abstract

We continue to investigate correspondences between, on the one hand, scattering amplitudes for massive higher-spin particles and gravitons in appropriate quantum-to-classical limits, and on the other hand, classical gravitational interactions of spinning black holes according to general relativity. We first construct an ansatz for a gravitational Compton amplitude, at tree level, constrained only by locality, crossing symmetry, unitarity and consistency with the linearized-Kerr 3-point amplitude, to all orders in the black hole’s spin. We then explore the extent to which a unique classical Compton amplitude can be identified by comparing with the results of the classical process of scattering long-wavelength gravitational waves off an exact Kerr black hole, determined by appropriate solutions of the Teukolsky equation. Up to fourth order in spin, we find complete agreement with a previously conjectured exponential form of the tree-level Compton amplitude. At higher orders, we extract tree-level contributions from the Teukolsky amplitude by an analytic continuation from a physical (a/GM < 1) to a particle-like (a/GM > 1) regime. Up to the sixth order in spin, we identify a unique conservative part of the amplitude which is insensitive both to the choice of boundary conditions at the black hole horizon and to branch choices in the analytic continuation. The remainder of the amplitude is determined modulo an overall sign from a branch choice, with the sign flipping under exchanging purely ingoing and purely outgoing boundary conditions at the horizon. Along the way, we make contact with novel applications of massive spinor-helicity variables pertaining to their relation to EFT operators and (spinning) partial amplitudes.
The Quantization of Proca Fields on Globally Hyperbolic Spacetimes: Hadamard States and Møller Operators
Authors: Moretti Valter , Murro Simone , Volpe Daniele
Published: May 2023

This paper deals with several issues concerning the algebraic quantization of the real Proca field in a globally hyperbolic spacetime and the definition and existence of Hadamard states for that field. In particular, extending previous work, we construct the so-called Møller$$*$$∗-isomorphism between the algebras of Proca observables on paracausally related spacetimes, proving that the pullback of these isomorphisms preserves the Hadamard property of corresponding quasifree states defined on the two spacetimes. Then, we pull back a natural Hadamard state constructed on ultrastatic spacetimes of bounded geometry, along this$$*$$∗-isomorphism, to obtain an Hadamard state on a general globally hyperbolic spacetime. We conclude the paper, by comparing the definition of an Hadamard state, here given in terms of wavefront set, with the one proposed by Fewster and Pfenning, which makes use of a supplementary Klein–Gordon Hadamard form. We establish an (almost) complete equivalence of the two definitions.
A Novel bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) targeting CD22 and CD3 has both in vitro and in vivo activity and synergizes with blinatumomab in an acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) tumor model
Authors: Meckler Joshua F. , Levis Daniel J. , Vang Daniel P. , Tuscano Joseph M.
Published: May 2023

Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer therapy. Two recently FDA-approved immunotherapies for B-cell malignancies target CD19, in the form of a Bispecific T-Cell Engager (BiTE) antibody construct or chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells. Blinatumomab, an FDA-approved BiTE, binds to CD19 on B cells and to CD3 on T cells, mediating effector-target cell contact and T-cell activation that results in effective elimination of target B cells. Although CD19 is expressed by essentially all B-cell malignancies at clinical presentation, relapses with loss or reduction in CD19 surface expression are increasingly recognized as a cause of treatment failure. Therefore, there is a clear need to develop therapeutics for alternate targets. We have developed a novel BiTE consisting of humanized anti-CD22 and anti-CD3 single chain variable fragments. Target binding of the anti-CD22 and anti-CD3 moieties was confirmed by flow cytometry. CD22-BiTE promoted in vitro cell-mediated cytotoxicity in a dose and effector: target (E:T)-dependent fashion. Additionally, in an established acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) xenograft mouse model, CD22-BiTE demonstrated tumor growth inhibition, comparable to blinatumomab. Further, the combination of blinatumomab and CD22-BiTE yielded increased efficacy in vivo when compared to the single agents. In conclusion, we report here the development of a new BiTE with cytotoxic activity against CD22+ cells which could represent an alternate or complementary therapeutic option for B-cell malignancies.
Efficacy, safety, and prognostic factors of PD-1 inhibitors combined with lenvatinib and Gemox chemotherapy as first-line treatment in advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a multicenter real-world study
Authors: Zhu Chengpei , Li Hu , Yang Xiaobo , Wang Shanshan , Wang Yunchao , Zhang Nan , Wang Yanyu , Xue Jingnan , Zhang Longhao , Ning Cong , Yang Xu , Xun Ziyu , Chao Jiashuo , Long Junyu , Sang Xinting , Zhu Zhenyu , Zhao Haitao
Published: May 2023

Background

A programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) inhibitor combined with lenvatinib and Gemox chemotherapy as first-line therapy demonstrated high anti-tumor activity against biliary tract cancer in phase II clinical trials. Herein, we aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety for advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) in a multicenter real-world study.

Methods

Patients with advanced ICC who received PD-1 inhibitor combined with lenvatinib and Gemox chemotherapy were retrospectively screened at two medical centers. The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), whereas the secondary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and safety. Prognostic factors for survival were analyzed.

Results

Fifty-three patients with advanced ICC were included in this study. The median follow-up time was 13.7 (95% confidence interval (CI): 12.9–17.2) months. The median OS and PFS were 14.3 (95% CI: 11.3–NR) and 8.63 (95% CI: 7.17–11.6) months, respectively. The ORR, DCR, and clinical benefit rate were 52.8, 94.3, and 75.5%, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, the tumor burden score (TBS), tumor-node metastasis classification (TNM) stage, and PD-L1 expression were independent prognostic factors for OS and PFS. All patients experienced adverse events (AEs), 41.5% (22/53) experienced grade 3 or 4 AEs, including fatigue (8/53, 15.1%) and myelosuppression (7/53, 13.2%). No grade 5 AEs were reported.

Conclusion

PD-1 inhibitors combined with lenvatinib and Gemox chemotherapy represent an effective and tolerable regimen for advanced ICC in a multicenter retrospective real-world study. TBS, TNM stage, and PD-L1 expression can be used as potential prognostic factors for OS and PFS.
Postoperative Analgesics Score as a Predictor of Chronic Postoperative Inguinal Pain After Inguinal Hernia Repair: Lessons Learned From a Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Widder A. , Reese L. , Lock J. F. , Wiegering A. , Germer C.‐T. , Kindl G.‐K. , Rittner H. L. , Dietz U. , Doerfer J. , Schlegel N. , Meir M.
Published: May 2023

Background

Chronic postoperative inguinal pain (CPIP) is a common complication after inguinal hernia surgery and occurs in up to 10–14% of cases. CPIP has a significant impact on daily life, work ability and thus compromises quality of life. The aim of this retrospective study was an in‐depth analysis of patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair to further refine the prediction of the onset of CPIP reliably.

Methods

A single center retrospective analysis of patients with who underwent open or minimally invasive inguinal hernia repair from 2016 to 2021 was carried out. Complication rates, detailed analysis of postoperative pain medication and quality of life using the EuraHS Quality of Life questionnaire were assessed.

Results

Out of 596 consecutive procedures, 344 patients were included in detailed analyses. While patient cohorts were different in terms of age and co‐morbidities, and the prevalence of CPIP was 12.2% without differences between the surgical procedures (Lichtenstein: 12.8%; TEP 10.9%; TAPP 13.5%). Postoperative pain was evaluated using a newly developed analgesic score. Patients who developed CPIP later had a significant higher consumption of analgesics at discharge (p = 0.016). As additional risk factors for CPIP younger patient age and postoperative complications were identified.

Conclusion

The prospective use of the analgesic score established here could be helpful to identify patients that are at risk to develop CPIP. These patients could benefit from a structured follow‐up to allow early therapeutic intervention to prevent chronification and restore the quality of life.
The epidemiology of homicide among older adults: retrospective analysis using data from the Victorian Homicide Register
Authors: Kennedy Briohny , Ibrahim Joseph , Koppel Sjaan , Bugeja Lyndal
Published: May 2023

Older adult homicide is unique and under-researched, requiring immediate attention due to the rapidly ageing population. The current study aims to contribute to the description of homicide at the individual, interpersonal, incident and community levels. This research comprised a whole of state jurisdiction population-based retrospective analysis of homicide deaths of older adults aged 65 years and older reported to the Coroner between 2001 and 2015. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted to compare older adult homicides by sex and the deceased-offender relationship. There were 59 homicide incidents involving 23 female and 36 male deceased (median age=72 years) and 16 female and 41 male offenders (median age=41 years). Individual factors included the following: Deceased frequently had a recorded physical illness (66%), and over one-third were born overseas (37%) or had recent contact with general practitioners and human services (36%). Offenders frequently had a history of illicit drug or alcohol use (63%), diagnosed mental illness (63%) and historical exposure to violence (61%). Interpersonal factors included the following: The deceased-offender relationship tended to be intimate or familial (63%). Incidents factors included the following: incident predominantly occurred in the victim’s home (73%), involving the use of a sharp object (36%), bodily force (31%) or blunt force (20%). The older adult homicide is characterised by poor health in the victim, mental illness, substance abuse or a history of conflict in the either the victim or the offender, familial deceased-offender relationship and the home as the incident location. The results identify future prevention opportunities in clinical and human services settings.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation during maximal voluntary contraction: a Delphi survey with expert consensus
Authors: Osborne J. O. , Tallent J. , Girard O. , Marshall P. W. , Kidgell D. , Buhmann R.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The use of electrical stimulation to assess voluntary activation of muscle/s is a popular method employed in numerous exercise science and health research settings. This Delphi study aimed to collate expert opinion and provide recommendations for best practice when using electrical stimulation during maximal voluntary contractions.

Methods

A two-round Delphi study was undertaken with 30 experts who completed a 62-item questionnaire (Round 1) comprising of open- and closed-ended questions. Consensus was assumed if ≥ 70% of experts selected the same response; such questions were removed from the subsequent Round 2 questionnaire. Responses were also removed if they failed to meet a 15% threshold. Open-ended questions were analysed and converted into closed-ended questions for Round 2. It was assumed there was no clear consensus if a question failed to achieve a ≥ 70% response in Round 2.

Results

A total of 16 out of 62 (25.8%) items reached consensus. Experts agreed that electrical stimulation provides a valid assessment of voluntary activation in specific circumstances, such as during maximal contraction, and this stimulation can be applied at either the muscle or the nerve. Experts recommended using doublet stimuli, self-adhesive electrodes, a familiarisation session, real-time visual or verbal feedback during the contraction, a minimum current increase of + 20% to ensure supramaximal stimulation, and manually triggering stimuli.

Conclusion

The results of this Delphi consensus study can help researchers make informed decisions when considering technical parameters when designing studies involving electrical stimulation for the assessment of voluntary activation.
Peripheral blood-based cell signature indicates response to interstitial brachytherapy in primary liver cancer
Authors: Kästle Sophia , Stechele Matthias R. , Richter Lisa , Schinner Regina , Öcal Elif , Alunni-Fabbroni Marianna , De Toni Enrico , Corradini Stefanie , Seidensticker Max , Goldberg S. Nahum , Ricke Jens , Wildgruber Moritz , Kimm Melanie A.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Biomarkers are essential to implement personalized therapies in cancer treatment options. As primary liver tumors are increasing and treatment is coupled to liver function and activation of systemic cells of the immune system, we investigated blood-based cells for their ability to predict response to local ablative therapy.

Methods

We analyzed peripheral blood cells in 20 patients with primary liver cancer at baseline and following brachytherapy. In addition to platelets, leukocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils and most common ratios PLR, LMR, NMR and NLR, we investigated T cell and NKT cell populations of 11 responders and 9 non-responders using flow cytometry.

Results

We have found a peripheral blood cell signature that differed significantly between responders and non-responders treated with interstitial brachytherapy (IBT). At baseline, non-responders featured higher numbers of platelets, monocytes and neutrophils, a higher platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and an increase in the NKT cell population with a concurrent reduction in CD16 + NKT cells. Simultaneously, a lower percentage of CD4 + T cells was present in non-responders, as also reflected in a lower CD4/8 ratio. CD45RO + memory cells were lower in both, CD4 + and CD8 + T cell populations whereas PD-1 + T cells were only present in the CD4 + T cell population.

Conclusion

Baseline blood-based cell signature may function as a biomarker to predict response following brachytherapy in primary liver cancer.
Using existing cold stores as thermal energy storage
Authors: Svane Kristian , Enevoldsen Peter , Xydis George
Published: May 2023

The industrial cold stores can act as thermal energy stores that can store the energy as passive thermal energy. The cold stores have intentions to contribute with flexible consumption but need some knowledge about the potential. By cooling the cold stores and the goods further down when the energy is cheaper, there is a potential of an attractive business case, especially if the elspot price can be predicted further into the future. The cold stores can provide flexibility by load shifting to the energy grid by moving their extensive energy use to off-peak hours. To fulfill the potential, it is necessary to measure some data in the cold stores to be able to control them and ensure food safety. A case study was tested and revealed that by cooling further in periods of low-cost electricity could results in 30% savings. With proper elspot price forecasting this percentage could reach up to 40%. Theoretically, by utilizing the full capacity of cold stores in Denmark for thermal energy storage, it is possible to use 2% of the average wind electricity production.
Vortex-Induced Vibration Response Features of A Submarine Multi-Span Pipeline via Towing Tank Experimental Tests
Authors: Xu Wan-hai , Jia Kun , Ma Ye-xuan , Song Zhi-you
Published: May 2023

In offshore engineering, the phenomenon of free span often occurs, and the pipeline may have multiple free spans adjacent to each other, forming a multi-span pipeline. The interaction of different spans makes the structural vibration characteristics more complex, which may change the fatigue characteristics of the pipeline and affect the safety of the structure. In this paper, model tests were designed to explore the vortex-induced vibration (VIV) characteristics of multi-span pipelines and investigate the multi-span interaction mechanism. The experimental study mainly focused on the dynamic response of double-span pipelines, and further extended to triple-span pipelines, hoping that the results can be applied to more complex environment. The effects of span-length ratio, buried depth and axial force on VIV of the pipeline were investigated and discussed. The dynamic response of the pipeline varied with the span length. There was obvious interaction between different spans of multi-span pipelines, and the pipe-sediment interaction obviously affected the vibration characteristics of pipeline. The differences of pipeline burial depth and axial force changed the structural stiffness. With the increase of buried depth, the response amplitude presented a downward trend. The spanwise evolutions were asymmetric caused by the pipe-sediment interaction and multi-span interaction. The results can help to identify multi-span pipelines in engineering, and realize the prevention and control of free spans.