bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shear Behaviour of Novel U‐connector in CFS Truss‐to‐Column Connection
Authors: Lukačević Lazar , Krolo Paulina , Bakran Antonio , Palijan Ivan
Published: September 2023

This research investigates the behaviour of the novel U‐connector used in cold‐formed steel (CFS) truss‐to‐column connection. The novelty is reflected in the specially designed connector geometry and the connection method within the cross‐section of the thin‐walled C‐profile. The U‐connector installed inside the truss‐to‐column connection can be exposed to tensile, compressive and shearing action. The shear behaviour of the U‐connector is thoroughly investigated using laboratory tests. Three different loading scenarios are carried out to evaluate the shear strength of the U‐connector within the C‐profile connection. The detailed analysis is carried out using Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique for measuring the displacement. The failure modes observed during the experiments are described and analysed. DIC technology is used to accurately identify the failure initiation of each component in the connection. In addition, two different methods for calculating the bearing resistance of the U‐connector and the C‐profile connection are proposed according to recommendations given in the standard EN 1993‐1‐3. These methods aim to provide accurate estimates of the connection's bearing capacity.
Lateral trusses between I‐girders introducing torsional stiffness to a composite bridge in Guatemala
Authors: Vestman Victor , García F. Javier Jordán , Caballero Guillermo Santamaría , Collin Peter
Published: September 2023

The ways of designing and building steel girder bridges with a composite concrete deck vary much between different parts of the world. A bridge system with twin steel I‐girders or a concept with multiple (more than two) girders can be used. The design and use of details and secondary systems also vary a lot. In order to give horizontal stabilization and distribute horizontal loads, bracing between the I‐girders bracings are often used. Although not so common, the bracing can also be used to distribute vertical loads between the main girders. To describe and to analyze the possible impact from using a lateral bracing, this paper describes the design of a curved bridge in Guatemala City and its challenges. The new Bridge over the Pinula River is designed as a steel‐concrete composite bridge with multiple steel girders with a concrete deck on top and has lateral bracing between the girders. The bridge is used as a case study to analyze the impact from a lateral bracing system on the vertical load distribution between the longitudinal girders. The bridge was designed with lateral bracing between the top flanges along the whole bridge and with bracing between the lower flanges near the supports. The case study shows that the distribution of eccentric vertical loads between the longitudinal girders can be improved by using lateral bracing between the lower flanges for multiple girders. In some cases, it may not be beneficial to use lateral bracings along the whole bridge length, like for example this bridge. In this case due to the governing design cases in the construction stages where these bracings influenced the torsional stiffness of the bridge in such way that an unfavorable distribution of the support reactions between the six girders at some supports was achieved.
Shape Memory Alloy‐Based Seismic Retrofit of an existing URM Building
Authors: Ntina Maria I. , Efthymiou Evangelos
Published: September 2023

Masonry buildings constitute a considerable part of the existing building stock and are often related to significant architectural and cultural value. Empirical construction, accumulated damage, material heterogeneity and anisotropic behavior deteriorate their structural and seismic capacity, increasing thus the risk of undergoing severe damage and even collapse. To enhance these buildings' performance, various retrofit schemes have been developed and have been included in current codes and standards, mostly utilizing conventional materials and improvement of their intervention techniques. Recently, research efforts are oriented to the application of emerging metal materials with advanced properties endowed with re‐centering abilities that conventional materials lack, aiming to achieve vibration control and mitigate potential structural damage.

This work investigates the use of shape memory alloys (SMAs) for the seismic protection of masonry buildings focusing on the exploitation of their superelastic effect, namely the ability to revert to their original shape after being subjected to large deformations. The research adopts a case study approach, developing an SMA based retrofit scheme to be applied to an existing listed unreinforced masonry building in Thessaloniki. For the purposes of the study, finite element modeling is performed, while response spectrum analysis is carried out to assess the effectiveness of the introduced retrofit strategy.
Fire‐Induced Collapse of Automated Rack‐Supported Warehouses
Authors: Mei Alessandro , Orlando Maurizio , Salvatori Luca , Thiele Klaus
Published: September 2023

Automated self‐supporting rack warehouses are becoming increasingly common in the international logistics sector. Their static and seismic design has been studied in the literature; however, the fire design still needs to be improved. Some Standards, such as the Eurocodes or Italian Fire Code, accept the collapse of rack warehouses during fires but require avoiding a progressive collapse or obtaining an implosive collapse regardless of any other active or passive fire protection systems. A hierarchy that guides the kinematics of collapse needs to be defined appropriately but without any Code going into further details. Moreover, the scientific literature focuses more on optimizing fire protection systems for racks, such as sprinklers, rather than preventing fire‐induced progressive collapse. Here, a case study is presented, which, using finite element modelling, provide a first robustness evaluation and highlights some possible aspects to be considered in the structural design to avoid a progressive collapse in the event of a fire. The analyses are performed using the LOCAFI method for localized fires and nonlinear dynamic finite element simulations.
Reliability assessment of steel‐framed industrial buildings
Authors: da Silva Luís Simões , Ljubinković Filip , Janković Milena , Silva Catarina , Gervásio Helena , Conde Jorge , Tankova Trayana
Published: September 2023

The classical reliability problem seeking an estimation of the probability of failure is usually undefined due to: i) its scale (size of the design problems), and ii) deficient characterization of the randomness (lack of statistical characterization of the basic random variables). A common challenge in current approaches for the assessment of structural reliability adopted in EN 1990 is the lack of data examples that could support additional research, simulation, and experiments. As the failure probability in Eurocode is about 10‐4, millions of simulations are required, which limits the accuracy of commonly used Monte Carlo simulations (MCS). Nowadays, there are different intelligent data management approaches to augment existing data points by creating synthetic examples that can then be further used in specific behavior prediction. One such intelligent approach is the recently developed Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN), which has found its use mainly in image augmentation, but also in other applications where finding new data examples is challenging, e.g., credit card fraud detection, defect detection, etc. In this paper, a reliability assessment of steel‐framed industrial buildings is presented. For that purpose, a set of portal frames is first selected as a case study and designed using the actual design codes, whereby the critical structural members and failure modes are identified. Subsequently, based on these representative case studies, the database is expanded using GAN, and the current state of reliability for the selected type of buildings is assessed, aiming to provide a statement of the current safety of industrial sheds using the Eurocodes.
Optimized fire design for steel industrial sheds
Authors: Ljubinković Filip , Laím Luís , Martins João Pedro , Santiago Aldina , da Silva Luís Simões , Cândido Nuno , Cordeiro Luís
Published: September 2023

This paper showcases some of the main contributions from the research project Switch2Steel, in which a web application is developed for the calculation and optimization of the cost of steel industrial sheds. Unprotected steel structures, compared to other construction materials, possess relatively low fire resistance. To enhance their fire performance, adequate fire protection is required. Simplified fire design, without considering the real influence of the main parameters on the development and propagation of natural fires, often leads to excessive amounts of costly protective material. On the other hand, the use of advanced software tools may be impractical because of iterative time‐consuming computational processes such as structural optimization. Hence, this work presents a simple user‐friendly calculation tool that allows users to define the characteristics of the sheds to be built and based on a set of metrics, weights, and advanced algorithms, to minimize their cost by reducing the consumption of steel and fire protection material. To illustrate the use of the tool, a reference case of a steel industrial shed is selected and the results obtained by the tool are compared with those obtained by FEM tools. The tool gives more optimized results than the use of prescriptive rules, and the results are obtained considerably faster than by advanced expensive computational tools.
Load bearing behavior of concrete encased composite columns with high‐performance materials
Authors: Bogdan T. , Ergun O. , Schurgacz P. , Anwaar O. M. , Rich M. , Schäfer M. , Knobloch M. , Kurz W.
Published: September 2023

The use of steel‐concrete composite columns, such as concrete‐encased steel columns have increased in the construction of high‐rise buildings and longspan structures. In particular, the use of high‐performance materials in composite columns is expanding, enabling optimisation of the column dimensions, theultimate load capacity, improve economic design and resource efficiency. However, high‐strength concrete shows a more brittle behaviour compared to normal concrete compression strength classes that may limit the development of plastic strains in the encased steel section. In addition concrete spalling is a serious issue that may become decisive for the determination of the ultimate resistance. Therefore, to extend the design methods for composite columns using high‐performance materials, the ideitified knowledge gaps need to be filled. For this reason an experimental campaign has been performed consisting of nine concrete‐encased steel composite column test specimens; five specimens with circular and four with rectangular cross‐sections. The testing campaign was carried out in a 20 MN servo‐hydraulic universal testing machine at the Ruhr‐Universität Bochum.

Abaqus® FEM software has been used to develop numerical models able to reproduce the behavior of the tested specimens. The comparisons of the experimental and numerical results show a very good correlation. The numerical analysis enable more detailed understanding of the tests results and behavior of the columns.
Lateral performance of cold‐formed steel OSB‐sheathed stud wall panels
Authors: Mojtabaei Seyed Mohammad , Yilmaz Fatih , Becque Jurgen , Hajirasouliha Iman
Published: September 2023

Oriented Strand Boards (OSB) are currently one the most widely used cladding options in cold‐formed steel (CFS) stud wall panels. The sheathing generates significant resistance to lateral loads owing to its diaphragm stiffness, which is however typically not fully exploited in design. This paper aims to investigate the lateral inplane behaviour of CFS OSB‐sheathed stud wall panels and provide insight into their failure mechanisms and seismic characteristics. Detailed finite element (FE) models of CFS OSB‐sheathed wall panels were developed, featuring material nonlinearity, detailed connection behaviour and geometric imperfections, and their accuracy was validated against previously conducted experiments. The validated FE models were then employed in a parametric study to investigate the effects of key design variables, including the OSB and CFS element thicknesses and the board configuration, on the structural performance parameters and seismic characteristics of the walls. The results demonstrate that using thinner OSB sheathing resulted in lower lateral strength, initial stiffness and energy dissipation, but increased the ductility and ultimate displacement by up to 40%. It was also shown that the presence of horizontal/vertical seams significantly reduces the lateral load capacity and initial stiffness.
Load introduction for concrete‐encased steel composite columns using high‐performance materials
Authors: Bogdan T. , Rich M. , Ergun O. , Anwaar O. M. , Schurgacz P. , Kurz W. , Schäfer M. , Knobloch M.
Published: September 2023

Due to the increasing demand for high‐rise buildings and resource‐efficient construction, the demand for innovative construction technologies and materials is growing. High‐performance materials provide resource‐optimized structural solutions providing an important load‐bearing resistance.

However, questions arise about the ductility of structural members using e.g., high‐strength concrete that is particularly important for the shear connectors of composite structures. This paper evaluates the load‐bearing capacity of the headed stud shear connectors arranged in the load introduction zone of encased composite columns using concrete compression strength classes C50/60, C80/95, and C100/115. An experimental study consisting of 32 specific push‐tests for circular and square cross‐sections with an embedded structural steel profile HE 160 B has been investigated. The loading procedure defined in EN1994‐1‐1:2004 Annex B was applied. Eight specimens were initially preloaded for six to twelve months to investigate the impact of the long‐term behavior of the concrete.

Numerical simulations performed in FE code Abaqus® supported the investigation, using a simplified definition of the bond. The results correlated well with the outcomes of the extremital campaign.

The research project thus provides the first approaches to be able to include high‐strength materials in the composite construction regulations for columns in the future.
Development of pinching‐free tension‐only CBFs based on the application of metal foam dampers
Authors: Sato Atsushi , Latour Massimo , Rizzano Gianvittorio
Published: September 2023

Metal foam is a relatively new and potentially revolutionary material due to its properties such as the low weight‐to‐stiffness ratio, high damping and energy dissipation capacity. Even if this material is widely used in mechanical, aerospace and automotive industries, it is still not frequently used in civil engineering applications. The large energy dissipation capacity that metal foams possess could be exploited to control the seismic performance of structures, but only few research investigations have been focused on this matter. Within this context, the present paper investigates a possible solution to realize dissipative aluminium foam dampers to be applied in X‐braced steel structures for concentrically braced steel frames (CBFs). The bracing system consists of a steel rod or tube linked to an aluminium foam damper. The damper device is constituted by aluminium foam that provides the structure with dissipation capacity when activated under compression. The permanent deformations of the aluminium foam are absorbed by a wedge device, avoiding a pinching behaviour in the global response. Analytical equations governing the global behaviour of the bracing system are herein presented. An X‐braced steel frame complying with Eurocode 8 provisions is designed and considered as case‐study. The structure is subsequently upgraded by introducing the dissipative device into the bracings. The results of preliminary experimental and numerical tests on the components of the device are herein presented, showing the potentiality of the solution.
Structural Performance of Demountable Hybrid Floor Systems Under Monotonic and Cyclic Loading
Authors: Kavoura Florentia , Zhang Yufei , Veljkovic Milan
Published: September 2023

The building sector is actively researching and reviewing technical solutions for de‐construction, driven by the increasing importance of sustainability requirements, as outlined in the EU Commission's ‘Green Deal,‘ which aims to achieve net‐zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Two key research areas in efficient structural design strategies are the performance of hybrid structures, which combine mechanical properties and architectural appearance of different materials, and the techniques and mechanical properties of connections between structural components that enable deconstruction and reuse. However, there is a scarcity of studies and methods focused on demountable and hybrid structural systems, limiting the understanding of their overall structural performance at a real‐structure floor level. In this paper, a finite element model is presented to conduct a comparative study between the traditional floor system with welded stud connections and the demountable floor system with coupler‐embedded bolted connectors. The numerical results showed that the serviceability loading capacity of the demountable floor system was 8% lower, and the difference in ultimate resistance was further enlarged. Reusing a demountable floor system, analysed in the case study, had little effect on the ultimate resistance, but it is difficult to exclude local plastic deformation after the first life cycles.
Seeded bermudagrass establishment as affected by nitrogen source, rate, and application frequency
Authors: Powlen Jada S. , Bigelow Cale A.
Published: September 2023

Seeded bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) cultivars are a popular choice for many athletic fields and golf course areas throughout the transition zone and southern United States, but the nitrogen (N) needs to optimize turf coverage are not well defined, and N is likely often applied in excess of actual plant needs. A field study was conducted to compare a controlled release versus readily soluble N‐source, total N‐rate, and application frequency for seeded bermudagrass establishment on a native soil in the northern transition zone. ‘Rio’ bermudagrass was seeded in June 2020 and 2021 to evaluate eight granular N‐fertilizer programs using either ammonium sulfate or polymer‐coated urea (PCU). Total N ranged from 0.0 to 6.0 lb N 1,000 ft−2 among three application frequencies, including applications only at planting (PCU only), or applications at planting with repeat applications every 7 or 14 days following bermudagrass germination. Time to 50% green coverage ranged from 20 to 24 and 23 to 30 days in Year 1 and 2, respectively, and varied by N‐program. Applying PCU at planting, 2 lb N 1,000 ft−2, resulted in similar number of days to 90% green coverage compared with other fertilization programs in both study years but with less overall N and fewer applications. These results indicate that applying more than 3 lb N 1,000 ft−2 over the first 60 days of establishment provided no measurable benefit in terms of time to maximum turf coverage.
Leaf micromorphology affects the particulate matter retention in herbaceous plants: An in situ interspecies comparison
Authors: Kong Weihan , Wang Tong , Li Haimei , Wang Lifan , Guo Qing , Guo Xiao
Published: September 2023

Garden plants can absorb and retain atmospheric particles and are important for remediating environmental pollution. As an important biological constituent of urban landscape, herbaceous plants can provide ecosystem service such as particulate matter (PM) retention. However, the evaluation of this ecosystem service for herbaceous plants has been seldom made. The present study compared the PM retention capacity of four herbaceous plants commonly used for urban greening in North China—Liriope spicata (Thunb.) Lour., Lolium perenne L., Festuca elata Keng ex E.B.Alexeev, and Poa pratensis L. and explored the correlation between leaf micromorphological traits and PM retention using an in situ experiment. PM with different particle sizes, including PM>10 (10–100 µm), PM10 (2.5–10 µm), and PM2.5 (<2.5 µm), were separately evaluated. We found that L. spicata had the greatest PM retention capacity for all particle sizes among the four species. Electron microscopy revealed that leaves with higher groove proportion, larger stomatal size and greater densities of stomata and trichome generally had higher PM retention capacity. The study showed the correlation between leaf micromorphology and PM absorption, providing a scientific basis for further quantitative studies on the ecosystem service of PM absorption provided by herbaceous plants.
Insights into parent and adolescent patient understanding of genomic sequencing
Authors: Howard Sharp Katianne M. , Nichols Kim E.
Published: September 2023

In a rapidly evolving genomics landscape, parents of children with cancer are asked to consider complex genetic concepts in order to make decisions about sequencing and comprehend the implications of results, all while facing a challenging diagnosis. To optimize parent and patient understanding, it is critical that the clinicians offering sequencing and disclosing results are aware of patient and family expectations and sufficiently educate them about the processes, procedures, and potential outcomes of paired tumor–germline sequencing.
The reignition of the Cancer Moonshot: An opportunity missed?
Authors: Sindhu Kunal K. , Adashi Eli Y.
Published: September 2023

In relaunching the Cancer Moonshot in 2022, the Biden Administration is seeking to reduce the mortality rate from cancer by at least 50% over the next 25 years. In this Commentary, the authors discuss the history of the federal government’s efforts to reduce the morbidity and mortality of cancer, review the ontogeny of the President’s Cancer Moonshot initiative, and identify the challenges it faces in achieving its goals.
Online versus in‐person delivery of cognitive behaviour therapy for obsessive compulsive disorder: An examination of effectiveness
Authors: Lisi Diana M. , Hawley Lance L. , McCabe Randi E. , Rowa Karen , Cameron Duncan H. , Richter Margaret A. , Rector Neil A.
Published: September 2023

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) including exposure and response prevention is the first‐line psychological treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Given changes in the clinical landscape, there are increasing efforts to evaluate its effectiveness in online contexts. Mirroring the traditional in‐person delivery, few studies have assessed the role of therapist‐guided, manual‐based CBT for OCD delivered in real‐time via videoconferencing methods. The present study sought to fill this gap by comparing in‐person and online delivery of group‐based CBT for the treatment of OCD. A convenience sample of participants with moderate to severe OCD (n = 144) were recruited from a naturalistic database from two large OCD specialty assessment and treatment centres. Patients received group‐based CBT that was provided in‐person (pre‐COVID‐19 pandemic; March 2018 to March 2020) or online via videoconferencing (during the COVID‐19 pandemic; March 2020 to April 2021). In both delivery methods, treatment consisted of 2‐h weekly sessions led by trained clinicians. Analyses revealed that, regardless of treatment modality, both in‐person and online groups demonstrated significant, reliable, and statistically equivalent improvements in OCD symptoms post‐treatment. Videoconferenced, clinician‐led CBT may be a promising alternative to in‐person delivery for those with moderate to severe OCD symptoms.
Population Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Pegozafermin in Patients with Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Tseng Chih‐Ming Leo , Balic Kemal , Charlton R. Will , Margalit Maya , Mansbach Hank , Savic Rada M.
Published: September 2023

Pegozafermin is a long‐acting glycoPEGylated analog of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in development for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and severe hypertriglyceridemia. In a phase Ib/IIa placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, multiple ascending dose study in patients with NASH (NCT04048135), administration of pegozafermin resulted in clinically meaningful reductions in hepatic fat fraction (HFF), with a favorable safety and tolerability profile. We aimed to characterize the relationship between pegozafermin dosing, exposure and effects on HFF reduction. We used pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) modeling of data from the phase Ib/IIa study to identify model parameters and covariates affecting the exposure–response relationship. Clinical simulations were performed to help support dose selection for larger studies. Pegozafermin exposure was adequately described by a one compartment PK model, with one additional transit absorption compartment. PK/PD modeling demonstrated that HFF reduction was significantly related to pegozafermin exposure. HFF outcomes were correlated with average pegozafermin concentrations regardless of weekly dosing (q.w.) or dosing every 2 weeks (q2w). The significant PK/PD model covariates included baseline body weight, alanine aminotransferase level, and liver volume. Simulations showed that the 30 mg q.w. dose approximated the full PD effect; almost all patients would benefit from a greater than or equal to 30% HFF reduction, suggesting fibrosis regression. Furthermore, 44 mg q2w dosing (~22 mg q.w.) appeared to be an effective regimen for HFF reduction. Our modeling supports the feasibility of q.w. and q2w dosing for achieving favorable treatment outcomes in patients with NASH, and provides the rationale for dose selection for the phase IIb ENLIVEN study (NCT04929483).
Ligating Catalytically Active Peptides onto Microporous Polymers: A General Route Toward Specifically‐Functional High Surface Area Platforms
Authors: Busche Steffen A. , Traxler Michael , Thomas Arne , Börner Hans G.
Published: September 2023

A versatile post‐synthetic modification strategy to functionalize a high surface area microporous network (MPN‐OH) by bio‐orthogonal inverse electron‐demand Diels‐Alder (IEDDA) ligation is presented. While the polymer matrix is modified with a readily accessible norbornene isocyanate (Nor‐NCO), a series of functional units presenting the robust asymmetric 1,2,4,5‐tetrazine (Tz) allows easy functionalization of the MPN by chemoselective Nor/Tz ligation. A generic route is demonstrated, modulating the internal interfaces by introducing carboxylates, amides or amino acids as well as an oligopeptide d‐Pro‐Pro‐Glu organocatalyst. The MPN‐Pz‐Peptide construct largely retains the catalytic activity and selectivity in an enantioselective enamine catalysis, demonstrates remarkable availability in different solvents, offers heterogeneous organocatalysis in bulk and shows stability in recycling settings.
Characterization of p53/p63/p73 and Myc expressions during embryogenesis of the sea urchin
Authors: Grant Blaine , Sundaram Buitrago Paola Alejandra , Mercado Beatriz C. , Yajima Mamiko
Published: September 2023

Background

Some marine invertebrate organisms are considered not to develop tumors due to unknown mechanisms. To gain an initial insight into how tumor‐related genes may be expressed and function during marine invertebrate development, we here leverage sea urchin embryos as a model system and characterize the expressions of Myc and p53/p63/p73 which are reported to function synergistically in mammalian models as an oncogene and tumor suppressor, respectively.

Results

During sea urchin embryogenesis, a combo gene of p53/p63/p73 is found to be maternally loaded and decrease after fertilization both in transcript and protein, while Myc transcript and protein are zygotically expressed. p53/p63/p73 and Myc proteins are observed in the cytoplasm and nucleus of every blastomere, respectively, throughout embryogenesis. Both p53/p63/p73 and Myc overexpression results in compromised development with increased DNA damage after the blastula stage. p53/p63/p73 increases the expression of parp1, a DNA repair/cell death marker gene, and suppresses endomesoderm gene expressions. In contrast, Myc does not alter the expression of specification genes or oncogenes yet induces disorganized morphology.

Conclusions

p53/p63/p73 appears to be important for controlling cell differentiation, while Myc induces disorganized morphology yet not through conventional oncogene regulations or apoptotic pathways during embryogenesis of the sea urchin.
Latitudinal and elevational variation in the reproductive biology of house wrens, Troglodytes aedon
Authors: Levin Rachel N. , Correa Stephanie M. , Freund Kate A. , Fuxjager Matthew J.
Published: September 2023

While cross‐species comparisons of birds suggest that as latitude decreases or elevation increases, clutch size decreases and the duration of developmental stages and parental attentiveness increases, studies comparing populations of the same species are rare. We studied populations of house wrens, Troglodytes aedon, at high and low elevations in California and Costa Rica, collecting data on clutch size, the duration of incubation and nestling periods, parental attentiveness, nestling growth rate, and nesting success. Our data support results from cross‐species comparisons, but also revealed unanticipated results from low elevation temperate zone house wrens in the southwest. This population had prolonged incubation and nestling periods similar to those found in the tropics. We also found that temperate zone females, especially those at our higher elevation site, spent more of their day incubating than did tropical females. Nest temperature at our high elevation temperate zone site was higher than that at all other tropical sites. Age at fledging did not differ between sites. Total feeding rates per chick and male feedings per chick did not vary between sites. Nest success rates showed the predicted effect of latitude, but not the predicted effects of elevation. Our results extend low elevation house wren research into the southwestern US and contribute the first intraspecific elevational comparison in the Neotropics. Data from our low elevation southwestern site present a unique suite of life history traits that align more with tropical house wrens, although with a larger clutch size, and point to food limitation and/or high predation pressure as being possible drivers of some of these differences. These results highlight the need for additional studies of house wrens and other broadly distributed species at a more diverse array of sites to better understand which forces drive the evolution of different life history strategies across major biogeographical gradients.
Impact of interbasin transfer hydroelectric project on downstream aquatic habitat
Authors: Devi Dipsikha , Sarma Arup Kumar
Published: September 2023

The recent surge of anthropogenic activities like damming is causing a severe threat to the aquatic ecosystem. A scope of minimizing the degradation of biota exists by modifying the dam operation policy. This can be achieved by releasing a minimum environmental flow (EF), which further requires more scientific investigations. The present study investigated the impact of an interbasin transfer hydropower dam on the downstream habitat of an endangered fish species, Tor putitora, using an adaptive modelling framework. The framework consists of coupling a reservoir operation and a hydrodynamic model. This study analyses the scope of releasing different EFs from a hydropower dam to meet the environmental flow requirement (EFR) at downstream with satisfactory power production efficiency. The EFR was estimated using flow duration curve and Tennant's method. A lean period inflow hydrograph was incorporated into the model with a series of alternate EFs. Two scenarios were explored, with 4 and 6 h of peaking hours, along with the three cases of different initial reservoir storage. The total usable area over the river reach of the mentioned fish species was evaluated from the flow parameters simulated by the hydrodynamic component of the model. The power production efficiencies and area utilization rates were assessed in all these cases to prepare an easy‐to‐use decision support tool in a tabular form depicting the possible states of EF. The generalized methodology adopted in this analysis will help the decision‐makers quantify EF to be released from the dam within an acceptable power generation efficiency.
Incidental versus symptomatic nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas: Are they different?
Authors: Guerreiro Vanessa , Mendonça Fernando , Urbano Ferreira Helena , Freitas Paula , Pereira Josué , Bernardes Irene , Pinheiro Jorge , Guimarães Tiago , Carvalho Davide
Published: September 2023

Background

Nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) constitute one of the most common tumours in the sellar region and are often discovered only when associated with compressive symptoms. With the frequent use of brain imaging, there has been an increase in the prevalence of incidentally discovered NFPAs.

Aim

We aim to determine the prevalence of incidental diagnosis with NPAs observed over a decade and compare the analytical, clinical and treatment differences between those who were diagnosed either incidentally or symptomatically. We also intend to evaluate the pathology differences between both groups.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed patients aged ≥18 years with an apparent NFPA, defined as a pituitary lesion compatible with pituitary adenoma which is not associated with the clinical or biochemical evidence of a hormone‐secreting tumour. Inclusion criteria included normal prolactin level for lesions <9 mm or a prolactin level <100 ng/mL for lesions ≥10 mm in maximal tumour diameter.

Results

We included 119 patients [53.8% males; mean age: 56.8 years (SD = 16.7)]. Diagnosis was incidental in 47.1% of patients, and many patients had unappreciated signs and symptoms of pituitary disease. In the symptomatic and incidental groups, 66.7% and 41.1% of patients had hypopituitarism, respectively (p = .005). Only 20.4% of patients incidentally diagnosed had microadenoma (p = .060). Hypopituitarism was present in 18.8% of those patients with microadenomas. Most tumours were macroadenomas (87.4%). Half of those patients diagnosed incidentally were submitted to surgery, compared with 75.8% of those who were diagnosed symptomatically (p = .004).

Conclusions

Nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas are commonly diagnosed incidentally, with many manifesting symptoms on examination. NFPAs incidentally diagnosed are more commonly macroadenomas and less frequently associated with hypopituitarism than symptomatic. Accordingly, if there was a greater level of knowledge and more suspicion about these pathologies, it might be possible to discover them earlier.
A feasibility study of several 3D printing methods for applications in epilepsy surgery
Authors: Subei Mhd Omar , Kumar Ishaan , Kapuria Abhi , Ayvaz Bilal , Vestal Matthew , Bobbert Chip , Zafar Muhammad Shahzad
Published: September 2023

Objective

To describe the process of three‐dimensional printing in epilepsy surgery using three different methods: low‐force stereolithography (SLA), filament deposition modeling (FDM), and Polyjet Stratasys, while comparing them in terms of printing efficiency, cost, and clinical utility. MRI and CT images of patient anatomy have been limited to review in the two‐dimensional plane, which provides only partial representation of intricate intracranial structures. There has been growing interest in 3D printing of physical models of this complex anatomy to be used as an educational tool and for surgical visualization. One specific application is in epilepsy surgery where there are challenges in visualizing complex intracranial anatomy in relation to implanted surgical tools.

Methods

MRI and CT data from patients with refractory epilepsy from a single center that underwent surgery are converted into 3D volumes, or stereolithography files. These were then printed using three popular 3D printing methods: SLA, FDM, and Polyjet. Faculty were surveyed on the impact of 3D modeling on the surgical planning process.

Results

All three methods generated physical models with an increasing degree of resolution, transparency, and clinical utility directly related to cost of production and accurate representation of anatomy. Polyjet models were the most transparent and clearly represented intricate implanted electrodes but had the highest associated cost. FDM produced relatively inexpensive models that, however, were nearly completely opaque, limiting clinical utility. SLA produced economical and highly transparent models but was limited by single material capacity.

Significance

Three‐dimensional printing of patient‐specific anatomy is feasible with a variety of printing methods. The clinical utility of lower‐cost methods is limited by model transparency and lack of multi‐material overlay respectively. Polyjet successfully generated transparent models with high resolution of internal structures but is cost‐prohibitive. Further research needs to be done to explore cost‐saving methods of modeling.
Asymmetric evolution of river mouth bifurcation under angled river‐tide interaction, a case study at river mouths of Lingding Bay, Pearl River estuary
Authors: Deng Junjie , Chen Congrui , Yu Hongze
Published: September 2023

A thorough understanding of the evolutionary trends of river bifurcation channels is crucial for effective estuarine management in China's Greater Bay Area due to significant morphological changes observed in river mouth channels. At this tide‐influenced river mouth, where suspended sediment transport is dominant, how river mouth bifurcated channels that have different angles to the major axis of the incoming tidal flow in the receiving basin evolve on decadal scales remains unclear. Based on a comparative analysis of historical bathymetric data and numerical experiments using a validated morphodynamic model, we developed a conceptual model to illustrate the two end members of the morphological evolution of river mouth channels: a low‐angle (<45°) main channel and a high‐angle (>45°) secondary channel relative to the major axis of tidal flow in the receiving basin. If the mouth outflow also has a low angle with the main channel, the incoming tidal discharge fluxes have first‐order control over changes in the evolutionary trend of the bifurcated channels by changing the partition of residual sediment discharges between the two bifurcated channels. For example, a high incoming tidal discharge that varies around the mean flow increases the partitioning of residual sediment discharges from the upstream channel to the low‐angle channel, facilitating tide‐induced erosion in the low‐angle channel. By contrast, a low incoming tidal discharge decreases the partitioning of residual sediment discharges from the upstream channel to the low‐angle channel, which facilitates fluvial‐induced erosion in the high‐angle channel. Thus, high tidal discharges usually coincide with the river mouth adopting a single channel, and low tidal discharges facilitate the formation of fluvial‐induced bifurcation. The historical evolution of the river mouth and modern velocity measurements corroborated results derived from model experiments. The conceptual model applies to river mouths where suspended sediment transport is dominant and influenced by angled incoming tides.
A module lattice based construction of post quantum secure blockchain architecture
Authors: Chaudhary Dharminder , Durgarao M. S. P. , Mishra Dheerendra , Kumari Saru
Published: September 2023

The Fiat–Shamir with Aborts paradigm of Lyubashevsky introduced efficient lattice based signatures. A lattice‐based signature is used to design post quantum secure blockchain architecture. But, a blockchain is always consisting of multiple nodes, and then we need an efficient aggregate signature to verify nodes in one‐step. We have designed a blockchain using module lattices. Blockchain security relies upon two assumptions, (1) module learning with errors and (2) module short integer solution. The proposed design ensures security against quantum attacks. The design is simulated in ns‐3 to capture latency and throughput, respectively.
Evaluating depth of invasion across oral cavity subsites as part of the AJCC 8th edition T staging criteria for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Gilja Shivee , Barlow Joshua , Kumar Arvind , Berger Michael H. , Khan Mohemmed N. , Kirke Diana N. , Roof Scott A.
Published: September 2023

Background

The prognostic impact of depth of invasion (DOI) in American Joint Committee on Cancer 8th edition TNM staging for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCCa) across oral cavity subsites is unknown.

Methods

Overall survival of patients with pT1‐4a OCSCCa in the National Cancer Database (2010–2017), stratified by tumor size and DOI across eight oral cavity subsites, was evaluated using multivariable‐adjusted Cox proportional hazards modeling.

Results

When stratified by tumor size ≤2 cm and >2 cm, DOI >5 mm and DOI >10 mm were only associated with worse overall survival, respectively, for tumors of the oral tongue (Tumor size ≤2 cm, DOI >5 mm v DOI ≤5 mm: HR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.12–1.53, p < 0.001; Tumor size >2 cm, DOI >10 mm v DOI ≤10 mm: HR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.01–1.30, p = 0.03). DOI >5 mm and DOI >10 mm was not prognostic for any other tumor location.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the current staging schema for DOI in OCSCCa may not be prognostic across all oral cavity subsites.
Prognostic utility of neutrophil‐to‐albumin ratio in surgically treated oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yu Ya‐Yun , Lin Yu‐Tsai , Chuang Hui‐Ching , Chien Chih‐Yen , Huang Tai‐Lin , Fang Fu‐Min , Tsai Yao‐Te , Lu Hui , Tsai Ming‐Hsien
Published: September 2023

Background

We aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of preoperative neutrophil‐to‐albumin ratio (NAR) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Methods

A total of 622 patients with surgically treated OSCC were enrolled. NAR was defined as the absolute neutrophil count divided by the serum albumin level in peripheral blood before the radical surgery. Cox proportional hazards model were used to discover survival outcome‐associated factors.

Results

The optimal cut‐off of NAR to predict overall survival (OS) was determined to be 0.1. In Cox model, high NAR was identified as an independent negative prognosticator of OS, cancer‐specific survival, and recurrence‐free survival (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.503, 1.958, and 1.727, respectively; all p < 0.05). The NAR‐based nomogram accurately predicted OS (concordance index: 0.750).

Conclusion

Our study suggests that preoperative NAR is a convenient and effective prognostic marker for OSCC and NAR‐based nomogram can be a promising prognostic tool in clinical setting.
Does D&O insurance mislead creditors' lending decisions? Evidence from corporate debt maturity structure
Authors: Ruan Qingsong , Jin Yuetian , Lv Dayong , Wei Xiaokun
Published: September 2023

This study investigates whether directors' and officers' liability insurance (D&O insurance) misleads creditors' lending decisions by examining its effect on corporate debt maturity structure. We find that purchasing D&O insurance leads to increased corporate debt maturity, and this effect is more pronounced for firms with weaker corporate governance. These results suggest that creditors may view D&O insurance as an external monitoring tool that helps improve corporate governance. However, D&O insurance induces higher firm risk, but cannot help decrease agency costs or improve firm performance, that is, it results in more severe managerial opportunism. Our findings suggest that D&O insurance, to some extent, misguides creditors' lending decisions.
Which social media platforms matter and for whom? Examining moderators of links between adolescents' social media use and depressive symptoms
Authors: Gentzler Amy L. , Hughes Jeffrey L. , Johnston Matty , Alderson Jacob E.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Despite extensive research on social media and risks for mental health, not enough is known about individual differences in these risks.

Methods

The present study, with data collected from 2018 to 2020, investigated the association between social media use (total and for specific platforms) and depressive symptoms in a sample of 237 American adolescents (Mage = 15.10; SD = 0.49; 51.1% girls and 48.5% boys). We investigated several moderators: gender, self‐esteem, personality, and negative reactions to social media. Covariates were gender, timing of the follow‐up (pre vs. during the pandemic), and depressive symptoms a year earlier.

Results

Results indicated that greater total time spent on social media was associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms. This effect held for Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube (but not Snapchat, Facebook, or Twitter). Several moderated effects were found. Twitter was associated with more depressive symptoms for girls but not boys. More frequent Instagram use was linked to more depressive symptoms for less or average‐level extraverted teens but not for more extraverted teens, suggesting extraversion may be protective. More frequent TikTok use was associated with more depressive symptoms, particularly for teens who said they have more or average‐level negative reactions to social media a year earlier.

Conclusions

This study suggests that certain adolescents may be at increased risk for serious mental health challenges, like elevated depressive symptoms, when using TikTok, Instagram, or Twitter more frequently, underscoring the importance of examining individual differences and particular social media platforms.
Racial and ethnic differences in perceptions of germline or somatic DNA sequencing among patients with advanced prostate, urothelial, or kidney cancer
Authors: Bergerot Cristiane Decat , Philip Errol J. , Malhotra Jasnoor , Bergerot Paulo Gustavo , Castro Daniela V. , Govindarajan Ameish , Salgia Sabrina , Salgia Meghan , Salgia Nicholas , Hsu JoAnn , Meza Luis , Zengin Zeynep B. , Liu Sandy , Chehrazi‐Raffle Alex , Tripathi Abhishek , Dorff Tanya , Pal Sumanta
Published: September 2023

We sought to determine racial and ethnic differences in perceptions (quality of communication, expectations, and concerns) of germline or somatic DNA sequencing (genomic profiling). Patients with prostate, urothelial, or kidney cancer were surveyed using a questionnaire that assessed previous experience, beliefs, expectations, and concerns regarding genomic profiling. Descriptive statistics and chi‐square tests were used to identify factors associated with patients' perceptions of genomic profiling. A total of 150 consecutive patients were enrolled. The majority were male (74%) with a mean age of 68 years old. Most patients underwent somatic testing (54%), 24% undertook germline testing, and 21% undertook both tests. Significant differences were found across racial and/or ethnicity concerning factors that could have influenced patients' decision to pursue genomic profiling, including ability to guide the type of treatment (White: 54.1% vs. other ethnic groups: 43.9%, p = 0.04) and potential to improve treatment response (White: 10.1% vs. other ethnic groups: 22.0%, p = 0.04). Other ethnic group of patients were more concerned about learning that the cancer was less treatable or aggressive (43.8% vs. 27.7%, p = 0.01) and anxious about what would be learnt from genomic profiling (34.4% vs. 21.3, p = 0.01) as compared to White patients. Our findings reinforce the importance of developing culturally tailored education to help patients participate actively in decisions about genomic profiling.