bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review of frequently used Kampo prescriptions part 1. Daikenchuto
Authors: Namiki Takao , Hoshino Takayuki , Egashira Nobuaki , Kogure Toshiaki , Endo Mari , Homma Masato
Published: September 2022

Background

The original formula name for daikenchuto (DKT) was written in ‘Jin Gui Yao Lue (Kinkiyōryaku in Japanese)’. DKT as used in Japan consists of four types of crude drug.

Key findings

Although there are few examples of its use in Chinese classical records, it has begun to be used extensively in modern Japan for intestinal obstruction after laparotomy. Furthermore, to prove its usefulness, many clinical trials on DKT for intestinal obstruction have been conducted since the 1990s. Although the efficacy of DKT in preventing or improving intestinal obstruction was controversial, a meta‐analysis of nine studies reported in recent years showed that DKT significantly reduced the incidence of intestinal obstruction after gastrointestinal cancer surgery, suggesting its effectiveness. Related knowledge of irritable bowel syndrome has also been accumulated through case reports. DKT has been shown to be involved in the promotion of gastrointestinal motility, inhibition of excessive gastrointestinal motility, secretion of gastrointestinal hormones, and improvement of gastrointestinal blood flow, and to have anti‐inflammatory effects. In addition to drug rash, serious adverse events include hepatic dysfunction and interstitial pneumonia, but there have been relatively few reports.

Conclusion

DKT has been used in many cases in Japan, but it is often used without considering the ‘pattern (shō)’. Since it was originally formulated for the treatment of chills (hie), it would be more effective if its target (pattern) were taken into consideration. Overall, DKT is a safe prescription with a wide range of applications.
Unblocking the rate‐limiting step of the municipal sludge anaerobic digestion
Authors: Wang Jiefu , Sun Yuepeng , Zhang Dian , Broderick Tom , Strawn Mary , Santha Hari , Pallansch Karen , Deines Allison , Wang Zhi‐Wu
Published: September 2022

Anaerobic digestion stabilizes municipal sludge through total solids reduction and biogas production. It is generally accepted that hydrolysis accounts for the rate‐limiting step of municipal sludge anaerobic digestion, impacting the overall rates of solids reduction and methane production. Technically, the sludge hydrolysis rate can be enhanced by the application of thermal hydrolysis pretreatment (THP) and is also affected by the total solids concentration, temperature, and solids retention time used in the anaerobic digestion. This study systematically analyzed and compared ways to take these four factors into the consideration of modern anaerobic digestion system for achieving the maximum solid reduction. Results showed that thermophilic anaerobic digestion was superior to mesophilic anaerobic digestion in terms of solids reduction but vice versa in terms of the methane production when integrated with THP. This difference has to do with the intermediate product accumulation and inhibition when hydrolysis outpaced methanogenesis in THP‐enhanced thermophilic anaerobic digestion, which can be mitigated by adjusting the solids retention time.

Practitioner points

THP followed by TAD offers the greatest solids reduction rate.

THP followed by MAD offered the greatest methane production rate.

FAN inhibition appears to be an ultimate limiting factor constraining the methane production rate.

In situ ammonia removal technique should be developed to further unblock the rate‐limiting step.
A composite material based on nano‐metal‐organic framework MIL‐53(Fe) for adsorbing dyes from water
Authors: Li Yuqian , Shen Luting , Si Panpan , Xie Minghui , Jin Xiaoxiong , Dong Yubing , Lin Wenxin
Published: September 2022

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) had been widely used in adsorption, but nanoscale MOFs always caused secondary pollution which attributed to the difficultly of removing from water completely. To solve the problem, nanoscale metal‐organic framework MIL‐53(Fe) was uniformly grown onto carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) fiber to obtain MIL‐53(Fe)/CE fiber, and the loading content of MIL‐53(Fe) reached to 60.6 wt %. The MIL‐53(Fe)/CE fiber exhibited excellent adsorption capacity for congo red (CR) and medium orange 1 (MO1), which the removal was 99.4 % and 96.8 %. In addition, the composite could release nearly all adsorbed dyes after 1 h, which had the potential of recycling. The adsorption content of pure MIL‐53(Fe) for MO1 was about 68.4 % after 4 cycles, and the composite reached to 82.4 % after 9 cycles, implying the desirable reusability of composite. The MIL‐53(Fe)/CE fiber displayed potential application prospects in dye adsorption because of its ideal separation property, fast dye releasing and good recyclability.
Lill’s Method and the Beloch Fold
Authors: Ben-Ari Mordechai
Published: September 2022

Construct a path consisting of four line segments {a3 = 1, a2 = 6, a1 = 11, a0 = 6}, starting from the origin along the positive direction of the x-axis and turning 90◦ counterclockwise between segments.
Sensitivity to new physics in final states with multiple gauge and Higgs bosons
Authors: Cappati A. , Covarelli R. , Torrielli P. , Zaro M.
Published: September 2022

Abstract

We analyse the sensitivity to beyond-the-Standard-Model effects of hadron-collider processes involving the interaction of two electroweak and two Higgs bosons, VVHH, with V being either a W or a Z boson. We examine current experimental results by the CMS collaboration in the context of a dimension-8 extension of the Standard Model in an effective-field-theory formalism. We show that constraints from vector-boson-fusion Higgs-pair production on operators that modify the Standard Model VVHH interactions are already comparable with or more stringent than those quoted in the analysis of vector-boson-scattering final states. We study the modifications of such constraints when introducing unitarity bounds, and investigate the potential of new experimental final states, such as ZHH associated production. Finally, we show perspectives for the high-luminosity phase of the LHC.
Chaotic instability in the BFSS matrix model
Authors: Fukushima Osamu , Yoshida Kentaroh
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Chaotic scattering is a manifestation of transient chaos realized by the scattering with non-integrable potential. When the initial position is taken in the potential, a particle initially exhibits chaotic motion, but escapes outside after a certain period of time. The time to stay inside the potential can be seen as lifetime and this escape process may be regarded as a kind of instability. The process of this type exists in the Banks-Fischler-Shenker-Susskind (BFSS) matrix model in which the potential has flat directions. We discuss this chaotic instability by reducing the system with an ansatz to a simple dynamical system and present the associated fractal structure. We also show the singular behavior of the time delay function and compute the fractal dimension. This chaotic instability is the basic mechanism by which membranes are unstable, which is also common to supermembranes at quantum level.
More on topological hydrodynamic modes
Authors: Pan Wen-Bin , Sun Ya-Wen
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Based on previous work that topologically nontrivial gapless modes in relativistic hydrodynamics could be found by weakly breaking the energy momentum conservation, in this paper, we study the holographic system which produces the same hydrodynamic modes. In the hydrodynamic system, one possibility to obtain the energy momentum non-conservation is to couple the system to external gravitational fields, i.e. to observe the system in a special non-inertial frame. Similar to what happens in the hydrodynamic system, a non-inertial frame version of holography indeed produces the same topologically nontrivial gapless hydrodynamic modes. We also generalize the study of topological modes in relativistic hydrodynamics to the case with one extra U(1) current and find that more complicated topological phase diagrams could exist when we consider more possibilities of the mass terms. We also discuss the possible underlying mechanism for this topological change in the spectrum when being observed in a non-inertial reference frame.
On odd number of fermion zero modes on solitons in quantum field theory and string/M theory
Authors: Sato Yotaro , Tachikawa Yuji , Watari Taizan
Published: September 2022

Abstract

We argue that having an odd number of Majorana fermion zero modes on a dynamical point-like soliton signifies an inconsistency in a theory with 3+1 and higher dimensions. We check this statement in a couple of examples in field theory and in string/M theory.
Near-zone symmetries of Kerr black holes
Authors: Hui Lam , Joyce Austin , Penco Riccardo , Santoni Luca , Solomon Adam R.
Published: September 2022

Abstract

We study the near-zone symmetries of a massless scalar field on four-dimensional black hole backgrounds. We provide a geometric understanding that unifies various recently discovered symmetries as part of an SO(4, 2) group. Of these, a subset are exact symmetries of the static sector and give rise to the ladder symmetries responsible for the vanishing of Love numbers. In the Kerr case, we compare different near-zone approximations in the literature, and focus on the implementation that retains the symmetries of the static limit. We also describe the relation to spin-1 and 2 perturbations.
Correction to: The word problem for one-relation monoids: a survey
Authors: Nyberg-Brodda Carl-Fredrik
Published: September 2022

A Correction to this paper has been published: 10.1007/s00233-021-10216-8
Predicting success of intrauterine insemination using a clinically based scoring system
Authors: Zippl Anna Lena , Wachter Alfons , Rockenschaub Patrick , Toth Bettina , Seeber Beata
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To develop a predictive score for the success of intrauterine insemination (IUI) based on clinical parameters.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study evaluating the homologous IUI cycles performed at a single university-based reproductive medical center between 2009 and 2017. The primary outcome measure was pregnancy, defined as positive serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) 12–14 days after IUI. Predictive factors for pregnancy after IUI were identified, and a predictive score was developed using a multivariable continuation ratio model.

Results

Overall, 1437 IUI cycles in 758 couples were evaluated. We found a per cycle pregnancy rate of 10.9% and a cumulative pregnancy rate of 19.4%. In a multivariable analysis, the probability of pregnancy was negatively associated with female age ≥ 35 years (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.41–0.97, p = 0.034), endometriosis, unilateral tubal factor, or anatomical alteration (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.33–0.89, p = 0.016), anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) < 1 ng/ml (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.29–0.87, p = 0.014), and total progressive motile sperm count (TPMSC) < 5 mil (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.19–0.72, p = 0.004). We developed a predictive clinical score ranging from 0 to 5. Following 3 cycles, couples in our cohort with a score of 5 had a cumulative probability of achieving pregnancy of nearly 45%. In contrast, couples with a score of 0 had a cumulative probability of only 5%.

Conclusion

IUI success rates vary widely depending on couples’ characteristics. A simple to use score could be used to estimate a couple’s chance of achieving pregnancy via IUI, facilitating individualized counseling and decision-making.
Minerals limit the deep soil respiration response to warming in a tropical Andisol
Authors: McGrath Casey R. , Hicks Pries Caitlin E. , Nguyen Nhu , Glazer Brian , Lio Stanley , Crow Susan E.
Published: September 2022

Tropical regions hold one third of the world’s soil organic carbon, but few experiments have warmed tropical soils in situ. The vulnerability of these soils to climate change-induced losses is uncertain with many hypothesizing these soils would be less sensitive to climate change because already-high temperatures in tropical systems might limit microbial sensitivity or due to increased mineral protection of organic carbon in highly weathered tropical soils. Here we present the results of a deep soil (0–100 cm) warming experiment in a tropical Andisol. Andisols can store large, persistent pools of soil carbon that are protected from decomposition by poorly and non-crystalline minerals (PNCM). In 20 cm depth intervals, we measured key soil properties including carbon, nitrogen, pH, PNCM, bacterial and fungal richness along with temperature, moisture, and CO2 production. Over a year of soil warming, CO2 production significantly increased by 50–300% per degree of warming, but only in the top 40 cm of the soil profile in contrast to the results of other deep soil warming experiments. Multimodal analysis supported our hypothesis that high concentrations of PNCM was the primary driver of the lack of CO2 response, followed by high relative soil moisture and low bacterial richness, which may be a proxy for organic carbon availability. The lack of elevated CO2 production in response to warming suggests a limited positive feedback to climate change in Andisols driven by their strong mineral protection of organic matter. Therefore, Andisols should be considered high priority restoration or protection areas when considering the management of soil carbon stocks as part of climate action.
Clinical Ethics Consultation in Chronic Illness: Challenging Epistemic Injustice Through Epistemic Modesty
Authors: Weidmann-Hügle Tatjana , Monteverde Settimio
Published: September 2022

Leading paradigms of clinical ethics consultation closely follow a biomedical model of care. In this paper, we present a theoretical reflection on the underlying biomedical model of disease, how it shaped clinical practices and patterns of ethical deliberation within these practices, and the repercussions it has on clinical ethics consultations for patients with chronic illness. We contend that this model, despite its important contribution to capturing the ethical issues of day-to-day clinical ethics deliberation, might not be sufficient for patients presenting with chronic illnesses and navigating as “lay experts” of their medical condition(s) through the health care system. Not fully considering the sources of personal knowledge and expertise may lead to epistemic injustice within an ethical deliberation logic narrowly relying on a biomedical model of disease. In caring “for” and collaboratively “with” this patient population, we answer the threat of epistemic injustice with epistemic modesty and humility. We will propose ideas about how clinical ethics could contribute to an expansion of the biomedical model of care, so that important aspects of chronic illness experience would flow into clinical-ethical decision-making.
Child-to-Parent Violence: Examining Cumulative Associations with Corporal Punishment and Physical Abuse
Authors: Harries Travis , Curtis Ashlee , Valpied Olivia , Baldwin Ryan , Hyder Shannon , Miller Peter
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Corporal punishment (CP) and physical abuse (PA) in childhood are associated with increased risk of child-to-parent violence (CPV). Without context of discipline (i.e., the intention of behavior change, and use of reasonable force), both CP and PA represent the use of physical force against a child. It is still unclear if their associations with CPV are similar when they co-occur, or when they occur in isolation. The current study examined the differential and cumulative association of different types of physical force in childhood with rates of CPV.

Method

The sample consisted of 1,132 participants, between 18 to 87-years-old (M = 50.95, SD = 14.24) and included 59.5% female and 39.2% male participants who completed an online survey measuring CP, PA and CPV. Participants formed three groups: low CP or PA (group low), high CP only (group HCP), or high PA and CP (group PA + CP).

Results

Two one-way ANOVAs with planned contrasts were conducted separately for CPV against mothers and fathers. The group HCP reported significantly higher CPV against both the mother and the father than group low and there was no significant difference between group HCP and group PA + CP.

Conclusions

Higher rates of CP are associated with higher rates of CPV; however, this rate does not increase further when there is concurrent PA. This suggests that there may be a low sensitivity for retaliation from a young person, or coercive training (through high parent–child conflict), in environments where there is physical force from a parent.
Granular Gas of Inelastic and Rough Maxwell Particles
Authors: Kremer Gilberto M. , Santos Andrés
Published: September 2022

The most widely used model for granular gases is perhaps the inelastic hard-sphere model (IHSM), where the grains are assumed to be perfectly smooth spheres colliding with a constant coefficient of normal restitution. A much more tractable model is the inelastic Maxwell model (IMM), in which the velocity-dependent collision rate is replaced by an effective mean-field constant. This simplification has been taken advantage of by many researchers to find a number of exact results within the IMM. On the other hand, both the IHSM and IMM neglect the impact of roughness—generally present in real grains—on the dynamic properties of a granular gas. This is remedied by the inelastic rough hard-sphere model (IRHSM), where, apart from the coefficient of normal restitution, a constant coefficient of tangential restitution is introduced. In parallel to the simplification carried out when going from the IHSM to the IMM, we propose in this paper an inelastic rough Maxwell model (IRMM) as a simplification of the IRHSM. The tractability of the proposed model is illustrated by the exact evaluation of the collisional moments of first and second degree, and the most relevant ones of third and fourth degree. The results are applied to the evaluation of the rotational-to-translational temperature ratio and the velocity cumulants in the homogeneous cooling state.
Augmented reality with algorithm animation and their effect on students’ emotions
Authors: Paredes-Velasco Maximiliano , Velázquez-Iturbide J. Ángel , Gómez-Ríos Mónica
Published: September 2022

Algorithm animations are a resource that assists in learning algorithms by visually displaying the behavior of an algorithm at a higher level of abstraction than source code. On the other hand, augmented reality is a technology that allows extending visible reality in a mobile device, which can result in greater emotional well-being for the student. However, it is not clear how to integrate algorithm animations with augmented reality. The article makes two contributions to this concern. On the one hand, we describe an architecture that allows generating interactive algorithm animations, integrating them appropriately in the context of immersive augmented reality. This way the user can watch the source code of the algorithm, augmented with textual explanations, visualizations and animations of its behavior. We illustrate the use of the architecture by instantiating it to the well-known Dijkstra’s algorithm, resulting in an augmented reality tool that generates text, 2D and 3D visualizations. On the other hand, the influence of the tool on the user’s emotions has been studied by conducting an experience with face-to-face and online students. The results show that, with the joint use of augmented reality and visualizations, the students: experienced significantly more positive than negative emotions, experienced more agitation and stimulation than inactivity or calm, enjoyed as much as they expected, and their feeling of boredom decreased during the experience. However, students felt anxiety from the beginning and it increased with the use of augmented reality. The study also found that the face-to-face or online learning model influences emotions and learning outcomes with augmented reality.
Time domain homogenisation of elastic and viscoelastic metamaterials
Authors: Abuzayed Ismail H. A. , Ozdemir Zuhal , Askes Harm
Published: September 2022

The mechanical behaviour of metamaterials typically depends on their microstructural configuration and composition, in addition to their relative density. The design of these materials requires extensive experiments or complex finite element models which tend to be numerically demanding. In order to understand, control and optimise the macroscopic mechanical behaviour, in this paper numerical homogenisation is applied to a simple square unit cell with a single inclusion using a combination of elastic and viscoelastic responses on the micro level. Through a systematic analysis of unit cell behaviour with increasingly complex microstructural configurations, it is shown how certain macroscale constitutive laws can be obtained in a controlled and controllable manner.
Predicting impact scenarios of a rimless wheel: a geometrical approach
Authors: Barjau Ana , Batlle Joaquim A.
Published: September 2022

The 2D motion of a rigid rimless wheel on an inclined plane has been widely studied as a first simple case of passive walker. Usually, it is modelled as a hybrid dynamical system alternating continuous smooth phases and discrete impact ones. As in other bipedal walkers, the related research is often devoted to the analysis of cyclic motions and assumes that the spoke-ground collision is a single-point one. This work focuses exclusively on the impact problem and explores the possibility of different transitions within the impact interval (single-point to double-point collisions, dynamic jamb, stick-slide transitions and sliding reversal) as a function of the spokes angular aperture, the wheel inertia, the wheel-ground friction coefficient, and the initial conditions. This analysis is done through an innovative geometrical approach based on the Percussion Centre.
Genotypes exhibit no variation in precision foraging in mycorrhizal Norway spruce seedlings
Authors: Velmala Sannakajsa M. , Salmela Matti J. , Chan Tommy , Hölttä Teemu , Hamberg Leena , Sievänen Risto , Pennanen Taina
Published: September 2022

Aims

Fine roots, that comprise the adjustable part of the root system, are important in spatially heterogeneous boreal forest soils. We investigated the soil exploring patterns of Norway spruce (Picea abies) seedlings of equal height belonging to families representing two contrasting growth phenotypes that have shown fast and slow growth rates in long-term experiments. We hypothesised that seedlings of the fast-growing phenotype would show a more explorative root growth strategy, intense branching, and root proliferation in response to the nutrient patch, and that slow-growing phenotypes would be more tolerant to drought stress.

Methods

Seedlings were grown in flat Perspex microcosms with a clod of humus placed in the mid-bottom part of each microcosm for eight months. The order-based and functional classification, branching topology, and size of seedling root systems were studied with WinRHIZO™ image-analysis software and root exploration patterns with LIGNUM-model simulations. In addition, transpiration, stomatal conductance, net assimilation rate responses were measured.

Results

No differences were found in the early foraging of roots for the humus clod nor net assimilation rate and transpiration between the phenotype groups. Seedlings were favouring exploitation over exploration in the early phases of development regardless of growth phenotype group. However, in fast-growing phenotypes, the main roots were longer, and the lateral root pool favoured long and bifurcated laterals that formed larger absorptive root area.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that in nutrient-poor conditions, better growth of lateral roots precedes future differences in the aboveground growth rate of Norway spruce.
Quantifying DDS-cerberus network control overhead
Authors: Park Andrew T. , Peck Nathaniel , Dill Richard , Hodson Douglas D. , Grimaila Michael R. , Henry Wayne C.
Published: September 2022

Securing distributed device communication is critical because the private industry and the military depend on these resources. One area that adversaries target is the middleware, which is the medium that connects different systems. This paper evaluates a novel security layer, DDS-Cerberus (DDS-C), that protects in-transit data and improves communication efficiency on data-first distribution systems. This research contributes a distributed robotics operating system testbed and designs a multifactorial performance-based experiment to evaluate DDS-C efficiency and security by assessing total packet traffic generated in a robotics network. The performance experiment follows a 2:1 publisher to subscriber node ratio, varying the number of subscribers and publisher nodes from three to eighteen. By categorizing the network traffic from these nodes into either data message, security, or discovery+ with Quality of Service (QoS) best effort and reliable, the mean security traffic from DDS-C has minimal impact to Data Distribution Service (DDS) operations compared to other network traffic. The results reveal that applying DDS-C to a representative distributed network robotics operating system network does not impact performance.
Molecular study on recombinant cold-adapted, detergent- and alkali stable esterase (EstRag) from Lysinibacillus sp.: a member of family VI
Authors: Matrawy Amira A. , Khalil Ahmed I. , Embaby Amira M.
Published: September 2022

Cold-adapted esterases have potential industrial applications. To fulfil the global continuous demand for these enzymes, a cold-adapted esterase member of family VI from Lysinibacillus sp. YS11 was cloned on pET-28b (+) vector and expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3) Rosetta cells for the first time. The open reading frame (654 bp: GenBank MT120818.1) encodes a polypeptide (designated EstRag: 217 amino acid residues). EstRag amino acid sequence has conserved esterase signature motifs: pentapeptide (GFSQG) and catalytic triad Ser110-Asp163-His194. EstRag 3D predicted model, built with LOMETS3 program, showed closest structural similarity to PDB 1AUO_A (esterase: Pseudomonas fluorescens); TM-align score program inferences. Purified EstRag to 9.28-fold, using Ni2+affinity agarose matrix, showed a single protein band (25 kDa) on SDS-PAGE, Km (0.031 mM) and Kcat/Km (657.7 s−1 mM−1) on p-NP-C2. Temperature and pH optima of EstRag were 35 °C and 8.0, respectively. EstRag was fully stable at 5–30 °C for 120 min and at pH(s) 8.0–10.0 after 24 h. EstRag activity (391.46 ± 0.009%) was impressively enhanced after 30 min preincubation with 5 mM Cu2+. EstRag retained full stability after 30 min pre-incubation with 0.1%(v/v) SDS, Triton X-100, and Tween-80. EstRag promising characteristics motivate performing guided evolution and industrial applications prospective studies.
Hybrid Beamforming in 5G NR Networks Using Multi User Massive MIMO at FR2 Frequency Bands
Authors: Dilli Ravilla
Published: September 2022

The current Sub 6 GHz band is highly occupied and unable to meet the demands of future wireless data traffic. As the millimeter wave technology is a promising way of enhancing the performance of next-generation wireless networks, it is essential to explore FR2 frequency bands. Massive Multiple-Input Multiple Output (mMIMO) technology has been introduced to improve the capacity and coverage of 5G wireless networks. Hybrid beamforming (HB) is an efficient technique to improve the channel gain and minimize the interference at reasonable complexity. The aim of HB in mMIMO systems is to maximize the sum rate that can approach the fully-digital beamforming system performance. Combination of mMIMO systems, mmWave, and HB techniques achieve higher data rates and cell coverage in 5G wireless networks. It mitigates the hardware complexity, energy consumption, and cost as number of required radio-frequency chains at base station gets minimized. In this paper, we have investigated the performance of a multi user-mMIMO HB system at 28, 39 GHz of FR2 frequency bands as well as at 66 GHz by analyzing the effect of changing variables that include the number of users, transmitting and receiving antennas, and the type of modulation. Simulation results include RMS values of error vector magnitude (EVM) that gives quantitative analysis and receive constellation of the equalized symbols that shows qualitative analysis. EVM is computed for different scenarios and it is used as an indicator of performance to assess the suitable design configuration of mMIMO system.
Temperature Gradient Determination with Thermography and Image Correlation in Curved Surfaces with Application to Additively Manufactured Components
Authors: Hartmann S. , Müller-Lohse L. , Tröger J.-A.
Published: September 2022

Background

Thermographic images provide two-dimensional information of the surface temperatures on specific selected component regions. If these components have curved surfaces, there is the question of calculating the surface temperature assigned to the material points concerned on the one hand and determining the associated temperature gradient on the other. Apart from general objects, special problems might occur with additively manufactured components as the surfaces are often rough and rippled.

Objectives

In this paper, the image information from 2D-thermography as well as 3D-digital image correlation data are combined to determine both the temperature at the material points as well as the temperature gradients concerned. Thus, on the one hand, the basic theoretical equations of the transformations are provided and, on the other hand, the required steps in the experiment are discussed.

Methods

Since both discrete data sets of thermography and digital image correlation have to be interpolated, radial basis functions are drawn on. In this context, both a consistent presentation of the underlying equations as well as the error propagation of the occurring uncertainties are addressed as well. First, this is demonstrated at a pure verification example to estimate the expected accuracies. Second, the concept is investigated at real samples made of 3D-printed polymer as well as a wire-arc additively manufactured steel specimen.

Results

It turns out that (a) edge effects can lead to more uncertain data at the boundaries of the evaluated region, and (b) a required oblique tripod attached to the specimen are essential uncertainty factors. However, the uncertainty of the temperature determination due to the projection scheme is in the order of general temperature dispersions.

Conclusions

Thus, an additional cheap and reliable experimental device in form of a oblique tripod is required which both camera systems have to detect. Then, the evaluation tool can map the 2D-data onto the curvilinear surface. Moreover, the temperature gradient calculation is possible.
Artificial intelligence based image quality enhancement in liver MRI: a quantitative and qualitative evaluation
Authors: Zerunian Marta , Pucciarelli Francesco , Caruso Damiano , Polici Michela , Masci Benedetta , Guido Gisella , De Santis Domenico , Polverari Daniele , Principessa Daniele , Benvenga Antonella , Iannicelli Elsa , Laghi Andrea
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To compare liver MRI with AIR Recon Deep Learning™(ARDL) algorithm applied and turned-off (NON-DL) with conventional high-resolution acquisition (NAÏVE) sequences, in terms of quantitative and qualitative image analysis and scanning time.

Material and methods

This prospective study included fifty consecutive volunteers (31 female, mean age 55.5 ± 20 years) from September to November 2021. 1.5 T MRI was performed and included three sets of images: axial single-shot fast spin-echo (SSFSE) T2 images, diffusion-weighted images(DWI) and apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC) maps acquired with both ARDL and NAÏVE protocol; the NON-DL images, were also assessed. Two radiologists in consensus drew fixed regions of interest in liver parenchyma to calculate signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) and contrast to-noise-ratio (CNR). Subjective image quality was assessed by two other radiologists independently with a five-point Likert scale. Acquisition time was recorded.

Results

SSFSE T2 objective analysis showed higher SNR and CNR for ARDL vs NAÏVE, ARDL vs NON-DL(all P < 0.013). Regarding DWI, no differences were found for SNR with ARDL vs NAÏVE and, ARDL vs NON-DL (all P > 0.2517).CNR was higher for ARDL vs NON-DL(P = 0.0170), whereas no differences were found between ARDL and NAÏVE(P = 1). No differences were observed for all three comparisons, in terms of SNR and CNR, for ADC maps (all P > 0.32).

Qualitative analysis for all sequences showed better overall image quality for ARDL with lower truncation artifacts, higher sharpness and contrast (all P < 0.0070) with excellent inter-rater agreement (k ≥ 0.8143). Acquisition time was lower in ARDL sequences compared to NAÏVE (SSFSE T2 = 19.08 ± 2.5 s vs. 24.1 ± 2 s and DWI = 207.3 ± 54 s vs. 513.6 ± 98.6 s, all P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

ARDL applied on upper abdomen showed overall better image quality and reduced scanning time compared with NAÏVE protocol.
Comparisons between artificial intelligence computer-aided detection synthesized mammograms and digital mammograms when used alone and in combination with tomosynthesis images in a virtual screening setting
Authors: Uematsu Takayoshi , Nakashima Kazuaki , Harada Taiyo Leopoldo , Nasu Hatsuko , Igarashi Tatsuya
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To compare the reader performance of artificial intelligence computer-aided detection synthesized mammograms (AI CAD SM) with that of digital mammograms (DM) when used alone or in combination with digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) images.

Materials and methods

This retrospective multireader (n = 4) study compared the reader performances in 388 cases (84 cancer, 83 benign, and 221 normal or benign cases). The overall accuracy of the breast-based assessment was determined by four radiologists using two sequential reading modes: DM followed by DM + DBT; and AI CAD SM followed by AI CAD SM + DBT. Each breast was rated by each reader using five-category ratings, where 3 or higher was considered positive. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) and reading time were evaluated.

Results

The mean AUC values for DM, AI CAD SM, DM + DBT, and AI CAD SM + DBT were 0.863, 0.895, 0.886, and 0.902, respectively. The mean AUC of AI CAD SM was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) than that of DM. The mean AUC of AI CAD SM + DBT was higher than that of DM + DBT (P = 0.094). A significant reduction in the reading time was observed after using AI CAD SM + DBT when compared with that after using DM + DBT (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

AI CAD SM + DBT might prove more effective than DM + DBT in a screening setting because of its lower radiation dose, noninferiority, and shorter reading time compared to DM + DBT.
Agency in Contraceptive Decision-Making in Patient Care: a Psychometric Measure
Authors: Harper Cynthia C. , Rao Lavanya , Muñoz Isabel , Stern Lisa , Kerns Jennifer L. , Parra Miriam , Chambers Brittany D. , Rocca Corinne H.
Published: September 2022

Background

Patient agency in contraceptive decision-making is an essential component of reproductive autonomy.

Objective

We aimed to develop a psychometrically robust measure of patient contraceptive agency in the clinic visit, as a measure does not yet exist.

Design

For scale development, we generated and field tested 54 questionnaire items, grounded in qualitative research. We used item response theory–based methods to select and evaluate scale items for psychometric performance. We iteratively examined model fit, dimensionality, internal consistency, internal structure validity, and differential item functioning to arrive at a final scale.

Participants

A racially/ethnically diverse sample of 338 individuals, aged 15–34 years, receiving contraceptive care across nine California clinics in 2019–2020.

Main Measures

Contraceptive Agency Scale (CAS) of patient agency in preventive care.

Key Results

Participants were 20.5 mean years, with 36% identifying as Latinx, 26% White, 20% Black, 10% Asian/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander. Scale items covered the domains of freedom from coercion, non-judgmental care, and active decision-making, and loaded on to a single factor, with a Cronbach’s α of 0.80. Item responses fit a unidimensional partial credit item response model (weighted mean square statistic within 0.75-1.33 for each item), met criteria for internal structure validity, and showed no meaningful differential item functioning. Most participants expressed high agency in their contraceptive visit (mean score 9.6 out of 14). One-fifth, however, experienced low agency or coercion, with the provider wanting them to use a specific method or to make decisions for them. Agency scores were lowest among Asian/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander participants (adjusted coefficient: -1.5 [-2.9, -0.1] vs. White) and among those whose mothers had less than a high school education (adjusted coefficient; -2.1 [-3.3, -0.8] vs. college degree or more).

Conclusions

The Contraceptive Agency Scale can be used in research and clinical care to reinforce non-coercive service provision as a standard of care.
Prevalent vertebral fractures among urban-dwelling Chinese postmenopausal women: a population-based, randomized-sampling, cross-sectional study
Authors: Xia Weibo , Liu Qiang , Lv Jinhan , Zhang Zhenlin , Wu Wen , Xie Zhongjian , Chen Jianting , He Liang , Dong Jian , Hu Zhenming , Lin Qiang , Yu Wei , Wei Fang , Wang Jue
Published: September 2022

In this population-based, cross-sectional study, we investigated vertebral fracture (VF) prevalence among Chinese postmenopausal women. We found 14.7% of population had VFs, which increased with age. Age ≥ 65 years, hip fracture, and densitometric osteoporosis were significantly associated with VFs. The prevalence of osteoporosis was remarkably high.

Purpose

To investigate VF prevalence among Chinese postmenopausal women in this population-based, randomized-sampling, cross-sectional study.

Methods

The investigator obtained lists of women from communities. Randomization was performed using SAS programming based on age group in each region. Postmenopausal women aged ≥ 50 years in the urban community were included. The investigator interviewed subjects to collect self-reported data and measured BMD. Spine radiographs were adjudicated by Genant’s semi-quantitative method. VFs were defined as fractures of at least one vertebra classified by Genant’s score 1–3 and were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results

A total of 31,205 women listed for randomized sampling from 10 Tier-3 hospitals at 5 regions. Of 2634 women in the full analysis set, 14.7% (388/2634, 95% CI: 13.4, 17.1) had prevalent VFs. VF prevalence increased with age (Cochran–Armitage test p < 0.0001) and was significantly higher in women aged ≥ 65. VF prevalence did not differ between North (14.4%, 95% CI: 12.5, 16.4) and South China (15.1%, 95% CI: 13.3, 17.1). In women with no prior VFs, prevalent VFs were 12.4% (95% CI: 11.2, 13.7). Age ≥ 65 years (OR: 2.57, 95% CI: 1.91, 3.48), hip fracture (OR: 2.28, 95% CI: 1.09, 4.76), and densitometric osteoporosis (OR: 2.52, 95% CI: 1.96, 3.22) were significantly associated with prevalent VFs. Prevalence of osteoporosis was 32.9% measured by BMD and 40.8% using NOF/IOF clinical diagnosis criteria.

Conclusion

VFs are prevalent among Chinese postmenopausal women who were ≥ 50 years and community-dwelled. Osteoporosis prevalence is remarkable when fragile fractures were part of clinical diagnosis.
Safety and Efficacy of Trocar Port-Site Closure Using a Biological Plug Closure in Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery: a Prospective Study
Authors: Andraos Youssef
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Port-site trocar closure is a challenging procedure in laparoscopic surgeries, especially in morbidly obese patients, and complications (herniation, bleeding, pain, and nerve trapping) have potentially severe consequences. This paper provides an overview of existing techniques of suturing and closure in intra-abdominal laparoscopic surgery, outlines the complications associated with port-site closure, and presents a novel technique designed to address those problems by using a sterile absorbable gelatin sponge with strong hemostatic properties (Cutanplast® Plug).

Materials and Methods

In this prospective study, 83 successive obese patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery (sleeve gastrectomy, sleeve plication, gastric bypass), using a standardized skin incision for trocar insertion, had port-site closure using the Cutanplast plug procedure (n = 42) or conventional suturing techniques (n = 41).

Results

The incidence of early complications was lower in the Cutanplast group; no patients had infections compared with 9.8% of Controls (p = 0.055) and no bleeding, ecchymosis, erythema, or redness occurred. Late complications during 2 years of follow-up were significantly lower in the Cutanplast group (0 vs. 7 hernias, p = 0.005). Most patients in the Cutanplast group required only 1–2 procedures (78.6% vs. 58.5%, p = 0.049), whereas 41.5% of controls required 3 procedures. In total, 82 trocars were used in the Cutanplast group versus 99 in controls. The single-step Cutanplast plug technique reduced operating times compared with two-step suturing techniques.

Conclusion

Closure of port-site trocar incisions using Cutanplast plug is fast, efficient, with potential to reduce operating times and decrease bleeding and herniation from port-site trocars insertion, particularly in obese patients.

Graphical Abstract
Russlands Griff nach der Weltmacht
Authors: Simon G.
Published: September 2022

Mit der Invasion in die Ukraine hat Russland die Regeln der Völkergemeinschaft des 21. Jahrhunderts verlassen. Völkerrechtliche Verträge und das Gewaltverbot der UN gelten nicht mehr. An ihre Stelle sind Krieg, die Macht des Stärkeren und der Vernichtungswille getreten. Grund und Motivation zur Unterwerfung der Ukraine ist Russlands Entschlossenheit, seinen Status als Weltmacht wiederherzustellen. Sollte die Zerschlagung der Ukraine gelingen, ist Europa schutzlos weiteren russischen Aggressionen ausgesetzt. Nur eine militärische Niederlage bietet Russland die Chance zu einem postimperialen Neubeginn.
Selective Hydrogenolysis of Biodiesel Waste Bioglycerol Over Titanium Phosphate (TiP) Catalysts: The Effect of Pt & WO3 Loadings
Authors: Ponnala Bhanuchander , Balla Putrakumar , Hussain S. K. , Ginjupalli Srinivasa Rao , Koppadi Kumaraswamy , Nekkala Nagaraju , Perupogu Vijayanand , Lassi Ulla , Seelam Prem Kumar
Published: September 2022

Glycerol is an important by-product (biowaste) from biodiesel production. Transformation of glycerol into value-added compounds is critical in improving the overall efficiency of the biodiesel production. In this work, a sustainable and cleaner production of 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) by vapor phase hydrogenolysis of glycerol was performed over titanium phosphate (TiP) supported catalysts by varying the Pt and WO3 loadings (5–20 wt.%). The WO3 promoted Pt modified TiP catalysts were prepared by a simple wet impregnation method and characterized by various analytical techniques in determining the key properties. Furthermore, the catalyst activity and stability were studied under different reaction conditions. The synergistic effects of Pt and WO3 loadings on the final performance of the catalyst has been significant in improving the hydrogen transfer rate. Both Pt and WO3 promotional effects is envisaged the enhanced catalytic properties in conjunction with TiP support acidity. WO3 incorporation increased Brønsted acidity and formed strong interactions with Pt over TiP support. Both Lewis and Brønsted acid sites presented but BAS played a key role in enhancing the 1,3-PDO selectivity in a bifunctional dehydration-hydrogenation reaction mechanism of glycerol. The effect of reaction temperature, contact times and the weight hour space velocity were evaluated. Overall, under optimized reaction conditions, 2 wt.% Pt-10 wt.% WO3/TiP catalyst displayed superior activity with a maximum glycerol conversion of ~ 85% and ~ 51% of 1,3-PDO selectivity achieved at time on stream of 4 h.

Graphical Abstract
Are Mentalizing Systems Necessary? An Alternative Through Self–other Distinction
Authors: Watanabe Masayuki
Published: September 2022

Recent studies have identified two important findings on infants’ capability of taking others’ perspectives and the difficulty of ignoring perspectives irrelevant to the acquired perspective. Unfortunately, there is insufficient consensus on the interpretation of these phenomena. Two important features of perspective-taking, embodiment and aging, should be considered to reach a more appropriate hypothesis. In this paper, the mechanism of perspective-taking can be redefined through the well-known process of self–other distinction, which is inherent to humans, without resorting to either the assumption of controversial systems or an excessive reduction to executive functions. Therefore, it is hypothesized that the implicit mentalizing observed in infancy comes from the loosening phenomenon and lasts lifelong and that the self-representation separated from one’s own body by the detachment function is sent to other perspectives for explicit perspective-taking. This hypothesis can not only explain both the robustness of perspective-taking in the older adults and the appearance of egocentric/altercentric bias in adults but also is consistent with the findings in brain science and neuropathology. Finally, some issues to be considered are presented to improve the validity of this hypothesis.
Low thermal conductivity and anisotropic thermal expansion of ferroelastic (Gd1−xYx)TaO4 ceramics
Authors: Qu Chenkai , Chen Lin , Lv Liang , Wang Yuncheng , Ji Xiaolan , Yun Haitao , Su Chaoqun , Feng Jing
Published: September 2022

In this paper, (Gd1−xYx)TaO4 ceramics had been fabricated by solid-phase synthesis reaction. Each sample was found to crystallize in a monoclinic phase by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The properties of (Gd1−xYx)TaO4 were optimized by adjusting the ratio of Gd/Y. (Gd1−xYx)TaO4 had a low high-temperature thermal conductivity (1.37–2.05 W·m−1·K−1), which was regulated by lattice imperfections. The phase transition temperature of the (Gd1−xYx)TaO4 ceramics was higher than 1500 °C. Moreover, the linear thermal expansion coefficients (TECs) were 10.5×10−6 K−1 (1200 °C), which was not inferior to yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) (11×10−6 K−1, 1200 °C). (Gd1−xYx)TaO4 had anisotropic thermal expansion. Therefore, controlling preferred orientation could minimize the TEC mismatch when (Gd1−xYx)TaO4 coatings were deposited on different substrates as thermal barrier coatings (TBCs). Based on their excellent properties, it is believed that the (Gd1−xYx)TaO4 ceramics will become the next generation of high-temperature thermal protective coatings.