bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanic–electric–circuit coupling analysis of BAW filter based on FDTD method
Authors: Chen Shitao , Li Zheng , Yin Qiupeng , Hong Sicheng , Bao Huaguang , Chen Ming , Wang Wei , Ding Dazhi , Yu Ming
Published: September 2023

In this paper, mechanic–electric–circuit coupling algorithm based on the finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) method is proposed to analyze a one‐order microwave bulk acoustic wave (BAW) filter. FDTD method is used to solve the coupled mechanic–electric–circuit system equations to obtain the voltage and current at port position of the BAW filter in the time domain. Then S parameters of the BAW filter in the frequency domain are calculated using the Fourier transform. In our work, a one‐order BAW filter consists of two film bulk acoustic resonators (FBARs) by means of series and parallel. These two FBARs in the BAW filter are coupled together through an equivalent electrical connection. Similarly, multiphysical mechanic–electric–circuit analysis of the BAW filter is implemented in the commercial software COMSOL, which is realized by the time‐domain finite element method. The accuracy of the proposed method is verified by comparison with simulation results in COMSOL. In addition, the computational time and memory of the proposed method have obvious advantages over those of COMSOL.
Range shift verification in spot scanning proton therapy using gamma electron vertex imaging
Authors: Kim Sung Hun , Jeong Jong Hwi , Ku Youngmo , Lee Se Byeong , Shin Dongho , Lim Young Kyung , Kim Haksoo , Kim Chan Hyeong
Published: September 2023

Background

In proton therapy, a highly steep distal dose penumbra can be utilized for dose conformity, given the Bragg peak characteristic of protons. However, the location of the Bragg peak in patients (i.e., the beam range) is very sensitive to range uncertainty. Even a small shift of beam range can produce a significant variation of delivered dose to tumor and normal tissues, thus degrading treatment quality and threatening patient safety. This range uncertainty issue, therefore, is one of the important aspects to be managed in proton therapy.

Purpose

For better management of range uncertainty, range verification has been widely studied, and prompt gamma imaging (PGI) is considered one of the promising methods in that effort. In this context, a PGI system named the gamma electron vertex imaging (GEVI) system was developed and recently upgraded for application to pencil‐beam scanning (PBS) proton therapy. Here, we report the first experimental results using the therapeutic spot scanning proton beams.

Methods

A homogeneous slab phantom and an anthropomorphic phantom were employed. Spherical and cubic planning target volumes (PTVs) were defined. Various range shift scenarios were introduced. Prompt gamma (PG) measurement was synchronized with beam irradiation. The measured PG distributions were aggregated to improve the PG statistics. The range shift was estimated based on the relative change of the centroid in the measured PG distribution. The estimated range shifts were analyzed by range shift mapping, confidence interval (CI) estimation, and statistical hypothesis testing.

Results

The range shift mapping results showed an obvious measured range shift tendency following the true shift values. However, some fluctuations were found for spots that had still‐low PG statistics after spot aggregation. The 99% CI distributions showed clearly distributed range shift measurement data. The overall accuracy and precision for all investigated scenarios were 0.36 and 0.20 mm, respectively. The results of one‐sample t‐tests confirmed that every shift scenario could be observed up to 1 mm of shift. The ANOVA results proved that the measured range shift data could be discriminated from one another, except for 16 (of 138) comparison cases having 1–2 mm shift differences.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the feasibility of the GEVI system for measurement of range shift in spot scanning proton therapy. Our experimental results showed that the proton beam can be measured up to 1 mm of range shift with high accuracy and precision. We believe that the GEVI system is one of the most promising PGI systems for in vivo range verification. Further research for application to more various cases and patient treatments is planned.
Modeling BMI z score lability during childhood as a function of child temperament and genetic risk for obesity
Authors: Liu Chang , Neiderhiser Jenae M. , Ram Nilam , Leve Leslie D. , Shaw Daniel S. , Natsuaki Misaki N. , Reiss David , Ganiban Jody M.
Published: September 2023

Objective

This study aimed to examine whether child genetic risk for obesity and temperament (i.e., negative affectivity, effortful control) accounted for stability versus lability in children's weight status (BMI z score) over time.

Methods

A total of 561 adopted children (42% female; 56% Caucasian, 13% African American, 11% Latino, and 20% other) and their birth and adoptive parents were followed from birth to age 9 years. The multilevel location‐scale model was used to examine whether child genetic risk for obesity and temperament were related to differences in level and lability in child BMI z scores over time.

Results

For the full sample, higher levels of child negative affectivity were associated with greater BMI z score lability, whereas higher levels of effortful control and children's mean‐level BMI z scores were related to less lability across childhood. Additional analyses examined associations within groups of children with healthy versus overweight/obesity weight statuses. Within the healthy weight status group only, better effortful control was associated with more stable BMI z scores, whereas genetic risk for higher BMI was associated with more labile BMI z scores.

Conclusions

These findings provide insights into factors that can be harnessed to redirect unhealthy trajectories as well as factors that may challenge redirection or maintain a healthy trajectory.
Risk factors for metabolic syndrome in self‐identified and questioning sexual minority women
Authors: Choi Young Mee , Pilkerton Courtney S. , Xiang Jun , Ashcraft Amie M. , Seymour Keri A. , Szoka Nova
Published: September 2023

Objective

Studies have shown sexual minority women (SMW) have a higher incidence of obesity, but the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in SMW is unclear. We examined the association between sexual orientation and MetS and its components.

Methods

Data were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2001 to 2016 examining women aged 20 to 59 years. Participants were divided into three categories: heterosexual, self‐identified SMW, and questioning SMW. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between sexual orientation and MetS.

Results

Of 12,755 women, 708 (5.6%) were self‐identified SMW, and 365 (2.9%) were questioning SMW. The incidence of MetS was not significantly different across the groups. Logistic regression demonstrated that self‐identified SMW had significantly higher odds of large waist circumference (odds ratio [OR] 1.39; 95% CI: 1.14–1.71) and obesity (OR 1.53; 95% CI: 1.24–1.90), while questioning SMW had significantly higher odds of low levels of high‐density lipoprotein (OR 1.5; 95% CI: 1.13–1.98) compared with heterosexual women.

Conclusions

Self‐identified and questioning SMW did not have an increased incidence of MetS compared with heterosexual women, but they had higher odds of large waist circumference and low high‐density lipoprotein, respectively. Further studies are needed to identify the gaps in social determinants of health in SMW.
Home access to a weight scale in the Hispanic/Latino population attending a community‐based free clinic
Authors: Fujioka Ken , Fujioka Jacob , Mafong Kaley , Wetherhold Nicole , Kim Sally , Rasul Amin , Lopez Alyssa , Cummins Kevin
Published: September 2023

Background

Daily weighing has been shown to help with weight management. In primary care, the majority of virtual visits will ask patients about their weight. However, little is known about whether patients, especially those in the Hispanic/Latino population, have access to a weight scale. Our aim was to determine scale access and perceived height and weight in the Hispanic/Latino population attending a volunteer, no cost, community clinic.

Methods

Questionnaires were issued to patients attending the community clinic and a comparator group attending a medically insured primary care practice.

Results

Only 52% of the Hispanic/Latino patients attending the community clinic had access to a scale compared with 85% of patients in the primary care office. Patients underreported weight and overreported height leading to underreporting body mass index by 0.6 ± 3.2 kg/m2.

Conclusions

Healthcare providers who care for uninsured Hispanic/Latino patients in community clinics may need to be aware that patients may not have access to a scale.
A constitutive model for describing decoupled material behavior in thickness and in‐plane directions
Authors: Boes Birte , Simon Jaan‐Willem , Holthusen Hagen
Published: September 2023

An increasing demand for paper and paperboard in engineering applications has emerged throughout the years. This leads to a growing interest in simulation tools to predict the material behavior, which is challenging due to the anisotropic structure of the material. It can be divided into in‐plane and out‐of‐plane behavior, which is mostly independent of each other resulting from the microstructure. Thus, a constitutive material model that captures in‐plane and out‐of‐plane behavior in a consistent manner is desired to simulate complex deformation states. The decoupling will be incorporated by a decomposition of the kinematics and the energy formulation into in‐plane and out‐of‐plane terms by use of structural tensors. This approach is flexible and can easily be extended to inelastic material behavior. In this work, the introduction of the decoupling into a constitutive material model for inelastic behavior is described. Visco‐elasticity is included through inelastic potentials. Three different potential formulations are given where focus is on the third, novel formulation, which defines inelastic strain evolution only in out‐of‐plane directions. The capabilities of this formulation are compared to the remaining potentials by simulations of a pinched cylinder that is loaded in the out‐of‐plane direction.
Continuous self‐adversarial training of recurrent neural network–based constitutive description
Authors: Khedkar Abhinav Anil , Stöcker Julien Philipp , Zschocke Selina , Kaliske Michael
Published: September 2023

Data‐driven methods yield advantages in computational homogenization approaches due to the ability to capture complex material behaviour without the necessity to assume specific constitutive models. Neural network–based constitutive descriptions are one of the most widely used data‐driven approaches in the context of computational mechanics. The accuracy of this method strongly depends on the available data. Additionally, when considering inelastic materials, whose constitutive responses depend on the loading history, the accuracy and robustness of the approximation are influenced by the training algorithm. The applied recurrent neural networks exhibit reduced robustness in the presence of errors in the input. When capturing the history dependency using previously predicted material responses, occurrences of prediction errors accumulate over several time steps. An approach for achieving enhanced robustness of the predictions is based on extending the initial training dataset by iteratively generating adversarial examples, subjected to perturbations, based on the current prediction errors. In this contribution, a continuous self‐adversarial training approach yielding robust recurrent neural network constitutive descriptions for inelastic materials is presented. Compared to the iterative method it is based on, it exhibits significantly improved training efficiency. In order to demonstrate the capabilities of the proposed methods, numerical examples with datasets obtained by numerical material tests on representative volume elements are carried out. Validation of the results is performed using both test load cases from the numerical dataset, as well as application as a constitutive model in the finite element method.
Interrelationships between process parameters, cross‐sectional geometry, fracture behavior, and mechanical properties in material extrusion additive manufacturing
Authors: Adisa Ahmed O. , Colon Austin R. , Kazmer David O. , Peterson Amy M.
Published: September 2023

Additive manufacturing offers reduced lead time between design and manufacturing. Fused filament fabrication, the most common form of material extrusion additive manufacturing, enables the production of custom‐made parts with complex geometry. Despite the numerous advantages of additive manufacturing, reliability, reproducibility, and achievement of isotropic bulk properties in part remains challenging. We investigated the tensile behavior of a model polycarbonate system to explore what leads to different tensile properties, including sources of ductile versus brittle fracture. We utilized a one factor at a time (OFAT) design of experiments (DOE), printed single road‐width boxes, and performed tensile tests on specimens from these boxes. Additionally, we characterized the cross‐sections of parts printed under different conditions and their subsequent fracture behavior. The results demonstrate that isotropic bulk properties are achievable by printing at high speeds, and provide mechanisms to explain why.

Highlights

Printing at high speeds leads to improved mechanical properties.

Printed samples undergo a mix of ductile and brittle failure.

Jagged fracture path is associated with superior adhesion.

High layer times lead to worse interfacial bonding.
Most of the world's largest flowers (genus Rafflesia) are now on the brink of extinction
Authors: Malabrigo Pastor , Tobias Adriane B. , Witono Joko , Mursidawati Sofi , Susatya Agus , Siti‐Munirah Mat Yunoh , Wicaksono Adhityo , Raihandhany Reza , Edwards Sarah , Thorogood Chris J.
Published: September 2023

Societal Impact Statement

Rafflesia is the genus that contains the world's largest flowers. Despite their global appeal, most of the 42 known species are now at risk of extinction. Urgent action is needed to protect these remarkable flowers. A combined approach to conservation is recommended, including a greater level of habitat protection and support for local community action groups. Rafflesia is a suitable new icon for conservation in the Asian tropics.

The genus Rafflesia, which includes the world's largest flowers, has aroused curiosity among scientists for centuries and features prominently in local culture across Southeast Asia. The plant has long been used in ethnobotanical medicine and, more recently, as a source of revenue from ecotourism. But despite its acclaim, Rafflesia remains poorly understood in many respects. Taxonomy is disputed, new species are described each year, and the plant has proven recalcitrant to cultivation. This has hindered conservation, and most of the 42 known species are now severely threatened, yet only one is listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). We estimate that 60% of Rafflesia species face a severe risk of extinction (equivalent to Critically Endangered [CR]). Moreover, we predict that at least 67% of known habitats fall outside protected areas, exacerbating their vulnerability. Alarmingly, recent observations suggest taxa are still being eradicated before they are even known to science. We present recent scientific discoveries and probable extinctions and highlight case studies of conservation success, with a focus on the role of local people. We propose a multi‐pronged conservation approach combining strengthened taxonomy, ex situ propagation, ecotourism, and an extension of protected areas. We suggest action devolved to local communities and awareness campaigns linked to social media networks will be crucial outside of protected jurisdictions. Finally, we propose to establish Rafflesia as a new icon for plant conservation in the Asian tropics. A combined approach might just save some of the world's most remarkable flowers, most of which are now on the brink of being lost.
Population pharmacokinetics of apixaban in a real‐life hospitalized population from the OptimAT study
Authors: Gaspar Frédéric , Terrier Jean , Favre Samantha , Gosselin Pauline , Fontana Pierre , Daali Youssef , Lenoir Camille , Samer Caroline Flora , Rollason Victoria , Reny Jean‐Luc , Csajka Chantal , Guidi Monia
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to characterize apixaban pharmacokinetics (PKs) and its variability in a real‐world clinical setting of hospitalized patients using a population PK (PopPK) approach. Model‐based simulations helped to identify factors that affect apixaban exposure and their clinical significance. A classic stepwise strategy was applied to determine the best PopPK model for describing typical apixaban PKs in hospitalized patients from the OptimAT study (n = 100) and evaluating the associated variability and influencing factors. Apixaban exposure under specific conditions was assessed using the final model. A two‐compartment model with first‐order absorption and elimination best described the data. The developed PopPK model revealed a major role of renal function and a minor role of P‐glycoprotein phenotypic (P‐gp) activity in explaining apixaban variability. The final model indicated that a patient with stage 4 chronic kidney disease (creatinine clearance [CLcr] = 15–29 mL/min) would have a 45% higher drug exposure than a patient with normal renal function (CLcr >90 mL/min), with a further 12% increase if the patient was also a poor metabolizer of P‐gp. A high interindividual variability in apixaban PKs was observed in a real‐life setting, which was partially explained by renal function and by P‐gp phenotypic activity. Target apixaban concentrations are reached under standard dosage regimens, but overexposure can rapidly occur in the presence of cumulative factors warranting the development of a predictive tool for tailoring apixaban exposure and its clinical utility in at‐risk patients.
Combination of rescue balloon pulmonary angioplasty and riociguat therapy for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension with nonsustained polymorphic ventricular tachycardia: A case report
Authors: Fukuda Yoshitake , Shimokawahara Hiroto , Chikama Shunsuke , Watanabe Atsuyuki , Matsubara Hiromi
Published: September 2023

We encountered a case of frequent nonsustained polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (NSPVT) due to hemodynamically unstable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). A 78‐year‐old woman was taking anticoagulants for CTEPH. She had refused specific treatment for CTEPH, including pulmonary vasodilators, because she was then asymptomatic. She fell and sustained a femoral neck fracture, and she was referred to our hospital in anticipation of a surgical repair. Her condition on admission was complicated by respiratory failure, and electrocardiogram monitoring showed frequent NSPVT. A right heart catheterization revealed high mean pulmonary artery pressure with severely reduced cardiac output. Pulmonary angiography showed bilateral stenosis and multiple obstructions. Because NSPVT was attributed to low cardiac output syndrome caused by CTEPH, rescue balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) was performed, and riociguat treatment was initiated. Afterward, the NSPVT resolved. This case suggests that the combination of rescue BPA with riociguat therapy might be an immediate and effective treatment for patients with inoperable CTEPH and severe hemodynamic instability.
Respiratory and intestinal trichobezoar in a female: An unusual case report and literature review
Authors: Abedi Siavash , Aliyali Masoud , Bordbari Amir‐Hassan , Soleymani Mostafa , Zakariaei Zakaria , Fakhar Mahdi
Published: September 2023

Trichobezoars are hairballs in the gastrointestinal tract that usually develop due to the consumption of hair after pulling it. However, some rare case reports suggest that trichobezoar can also occur in the respiratory system. In this context, we present an unusual case of a 25‐year‐old woman who experienced dyspnea, productive cough, and leukocytosis. The patient was found to have a trichobezoar in her respiratory tract, accompanied by the presence of hair in her digestive tract.
Reckoning flood frequency and susceptibility area in the lower Brahmaputra floodplain using geospatial and hydrological approach
Authors: Dutta Pranab , Deka Sujit
Published: September 2023

Climate change has remarkably intensified the occurrence of floods around the globe. Flooding causes loss of life and property. Flood frequency analysis (FFA) is an important investigation and plays a key role in flood‐related studies. Geographically, the study area is confined in the lower Brahmaputra floodplains, flat slope, and rivers are braided in nature. Because of Heavy rainfall, major rivers in the area carry huge influxes of surged water during the summer period. Hence, disastrous flooding can be seen every year in the study region. The present study aims to model flood frequency using the hydrological data to understand the effects within the area. FFA approaches like Gumbel, Log Pearson type 3 (LP‐3), and Log‐Normal (LN) were used, and comparative analyses were done using water level data for the Manas, Aie, and Brahmaputra Rivers. Moreover, remote sensing and the geographic information system (GIS) environment were used to generate FFA‐based flood predictive inundation map at 5, 10, 50, 100, and 200 years of return periods. Here, Gumbel's distribution has found the best fit for all the rivers among the three. The distribution reveals that at a 200‐year return period, the highest water level would be increased by 1.45, 2.41, and 4 m for the Manas, Aie, and Brahmaputra Rivers, respectively. The study shows that almost 493.54 and 673.72 km2 of areas are expected to be submerged at 5 and 200‐year return periods according to Gumbel's distribution; LP‐3 distribution predicted 493.01 and 555.66 km2, and the log‐normal distribution method predicted 432.51 and 555.74 km2 of flood‐sensitive areas at 5 and 200‐year return periods, respectively. The FFA highlighted spatio‐temporal effects on the expansion of submerged areas. We hope that the findings of the present study will aid in the different flood hazard management strategies for future endeavors.
The Classroom‐Research‐Mentoring Framework: A lens for understanding science practice‐based instruction
Authors: Cooper Alexandra C. , Bolger Molly S.
Published: September 2023

Reformed science curricula provide opportunities for students to engage with authentic science practices. However, teacher implementation of such curricula requires teachers to consider their role in the classroom, including realigning instructional decisions with the epistemic aims of science. Guiding newcomers in science can take place in settings ranging from the classroom to the undergraduate research laboratory. We suggest thinking about the potential intersections of guiding students across these contexts is important. We describe the Classroom‐Research‐Mentoring (CRM) Framework as a novel lens for examining science practice‐based instruction. We present a comparative case study of two teachers as they instruct undergraduate students in a model‐based inquiry laboratory. We analyzed stimulated‐recall episodes uncovering how these teachers interacted with their students and the rationale behind their instructional choices. Through the application of the CRM Framework, we revealed ways teachers can have instructional goals that align with those of a research mentor. For example, our teachers had the goals of “creating an inclusive environment open to student ideas,” “acknowledging students as scientists,” and “focusing students on skills and ideas needed to solve biological problems.” We suggest three functions of research mentoring that translate across the classroom and research laboratory settings: (1) build a shared understanding of epistemic aims, (2) support learners in the productive use of science practices, and (3) motivate learner engagement in science practices.
How does day‐to‐day stress appraisal relate to coping among office workers in academia? An ecological momentary assessment study
Authors: Hulin Stephanie , Bolliger Larissa , Lukan Junoš , Caluwaerts Anneleen , De Neve Rosalie , Luštrek Mitja , De Bacquer Dirk , Clays Els
Published: September 2023

Existing literature indicates that academic staff experience increasing levels of work stress. This study investigated associations between day‐to‐day threat and challenge appraisal and day‐to‐day problem‐focused coping, emotion‐focused coping, and seeking social support among academic office workers. This study is based on an Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) design with a 15‐working day data collection period utilising our self‐developed STRAW smartphone application. A total of 55 office workers from academic institutions in Belgium (n = 29) and Slovenia (n = 26) were included and 3665 item measurements were analysed. Participants were asked approximately every 90 min about their appraisal of stressful events (experienced during the working day) and their coping styles. For data analysis, we used an unstructured covariance matrix in our linear mixed models. Challenge appraisal predicted problem‐focused coping and threat appraisal predicted emotion‐focused coping. Our findings suggest an association between threat appraisal as well as challenge appraisal and seeking social support. Younger and female workers chose social support more often as a coping style. While working from home, participants were less likely to seek social support. The findings of our EMA study confirm previous research on the relationship between stress appraisal and coping with stress. Participants reported seeking social support less while working from home compared to working at the office, making the work location an aspect that deserves further research.
Synthesis of Electrical Conductive Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Electrochemical Applications
Authors: Shoaib Ahmad Shah Syed , Altaf Nazir Muhammad , Mahmood Azhar , Sohail Manzar , ur Rehman Aziz , Khurram Tufail Muhammad , Najam Tayyaba , Sufyan Javed Muhammad , Eldin Sayed M. , Rezaur Rahman Md , Rahman Mohammed M.
Published: September 2023

Electrical conductivity is very important property of nanomaterials for using wide range of applications especially energy applications. Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are notorious for their low electrical conductivity and less considered for usage in pristine forms. However, the advantages of high surface area, porosity and confined catalytic active sites motivated researchers to improve the conductivity of MOFs. Therefore, 2D electrical conductive MOFs (ECMOF) have been widely synthesized by developing the effective synthetic strategies. In this article, we have summarized the recent trends in developing the 2D ECMOFs, following the summary of potential applications in the various fields with future perspectives.
Prospective diagnostic test accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound posterior approach for uterosacral ligament and torus uterinus deep endometriosis
Authors: Freger S. M. , Turnbull V. , McGowan K. , Leonardi M.
Published: September 2023

Objective

To determine the diagnostic test accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) using a standardized technique for the diagnosis of deep endometriosis (DE) of the uterosacral ligaments (USLs) and adjacent torus uterinus (TU).

Methods

This was a prospective diagnostic test accuracy study conducted at the McMaster University Medical Center Tertiary Endometriosis Clinic, Hamilton, ON, Canada. Consecutive participants were enrolled if they successfully underwent TVS and surgery by our team from 10 August 2020 to 31 October 2021. The index test was TVS using a standardized posterior approach performed and interpreted by an expert sonologist. The reference standard included direct surgical visualization on laparoscopy by the same person who performed and interpreted the ultrasound scans. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) and positive and negative likelihood ratios were calculated for the TVS posterior approach for each location using the reference standard.

Results

There were 54 consecutive participants included upon completion of laparoscopy and histological assessment. The prevalence of DE for the left USL, right USL and TU was 42.6%, 22.2% and 14.8%, respectively. Based on surgical visualization as the reference standard, TVS demonstrated an accuracy of 92.6% (95% CI, 82.1–97.9%), sensitivity of 82.6% (95% CI, 61.2–95.1%), specificity of 100% (95% CI, 88.8–100%), PPV of 100% and NPV of 88.6% (95% CI, 76.1–95.0%) for diagnosing DE in the left USL. For DE of the right USL, TVS demonstrated an accuracy of 94.4% (95% CI, 84.6–98.8%), sensitivity of 75.0% (95% CI, 42.8–94.5%), specificity of 100% (95% CI, 91.6–100%), PPV of 100% and NPV of 93.3% (95% CI, 84.0–97.4%). For DE of the TU, TVS demonstrated an accuracy of 100% (95% CI, 93.4–100%), sensitivity of 100% (95% CI, 63.1–100%), specificity of 100% (95% CI, 92.3–100%), PPV of 100% and NPV of 100%.

Conclusions

We observed high diagnostic test accuracy of the evaluated standardized TVS technique for assessing DE of the USLs and TU. Further studies evaluating this technique should be performed, particularly with less experienced observers, before considering this technique as the standard approach. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Smart Sensor Arrays
Authors: Terasa Maik-Ivo , Siebert Leonard , Holtz Pia , Kaps Sören , Lupan Oleg , Carstensen Jürgen , Faupel Franz , Vahl Alexander , Adelung Rainer
Published: September 2023

Sensors play a crucial role in our everyday life and will become more and more demanded with the transition towards smart cities and the “Internet of Things” with the result of an ever-increasing energy demand. Thus, the research of improving the energy efficiency of sensor systems has started to move towards edge computing and neuromorphic engineering while at the same time additive manufacturing has gained increasing attention as a means for a rapid, scalable fabrication of functional devices yet with huge design freedom and quick iteration cycles during the development phase. In this chapter the junction of pre-designed components with self-organizing material systems for the facile fabrication of sensor devices via direct ink writing is demonstrated. As examples 3D-printed CuO/Cu2O/Cu- and CuO/Fe2O3 acetone gas sensors are shown, as well as how the decoration of metal-oxide semiconducting sensor materials with noble metallic nanoparticles can enhance the sensor properties with respect to sensitivity, selectivity and stability. Finally, the assembly of conductive bridges between electrodes stimulated by voltage pulses is introduced as an approach towards facilitating the self-organization of neuromorphic circuits.
MemFlash—Floating Gate Transistors as Memristors
Authors: Winterfeld Henning , Kohlstedt Hermann , Ziegler Martin
Published: September 2023

The idea of resistive switching devices is originally based on the fact that the application of electric fields changes the atomic structure locally and thus also the electronic structure of the material. This leads globally to a sustained change in the resistance of the material layer, which is generally referred to as resistive switching. In resistive switching devices, these atomic reconfigurations are reversible and allow the state to be maintained for a long time, which is why the devices are referred to as memristive devices (also named Memristor). Memristive devices can be realized as two terminal devices in a metal-insulator-metal structure. In the MemFlash cell, there is no atomic rearrangement in the device and therefore is a purely electronic based switching device. The basic components of the MemFlash cell are floating gate transistors, which are reduced from a three-terminal to a two-terminal device by means of a diode-like wiring scheme and thus exhibit memristive switching behavior. In this book chapter, the MemFlash cell is introduced.
Critical Discussion of Ex situ and In situ TEM Measurements on Memristive Devices
Authors: Gronenberg Ole , Haberfehlner Georg , Zahari Finn , Marquardt Richard , Kübel Christian , Kothleitner Gerald , Kienle Lorenz
Published: September 2023

Memristors are promising candidates for new memory technologies and are capable to mimic synapses in artificial neural networks. The switching in memristive devices occurs typically in few nanometer thin dielectric layers. The direct observation of the switching mechanism is crucial for better comprehension and improvements of memristors. Therefore, in situ experiments are conducted in a transmission electron microscope (TEM). However, sample preparation processes and electron beam irradiation can lead to a chemical and structural modification of the active layers. Moreover, devices may show significant device-to-device variability due to the details of processing parameters. Thus, it is essential to characterize the identical device electrically before microstructural analysis.
Mixed-state entanglement for AdS Born-Infeld theory
Authors: Liu Peng , Yang Zhe , Niu Chao , Zhang Cheng-Yong , Wu Jian-Pin
Published: September 2023

Abstract

We study the mixed-state entanglement for AdS Born-Infeld (BI) theory. We calculate the mixed-state entanglement and investigate the relationship between it and the system parameters. We find that the holographic entanglement entropy (HEE) and mutual information (MI) exhibit monotonically increasing and decreasing behavior with BI factor b. However, the entanglement wedge cross-section (EWCS) exhibits a very rich set of phenomena about system parameters. EWCS always increases with b when b is small and then monotonically decreases with b. These behaviors suggest that increasing the BI factor, which is essentially enhancing the coupling between the background geometry and the transport properties can always enhance the EWCS. The coupling between the entanglement and the transport behaviors has also been studied in condensed matter theories and is important to construct a stable quantum circuit. We also provide analytical understanding of the above phenomenon. Furthermore, we have tested two additional BI-like models and find the universality of these results, suggesting the crucial role of the BI term in governing the interplay between nonlinear electromagnetic effects and entanglement.
Identifying the severity of diabetic retinopathy by visual function measures using both traditional statistical methods and interpretable machine learning: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wright David M. , Chakravarthy Usha , Das Radha , Graham Katie W. , Naskas Timos T. , Perais Jennifer , Kee Frank , Peto Tunde , Hogg Ruth E.
Published: September 2023

Aims/hypothesis

To determine the extent to which diabetic retinopathy severity stage may be classified using machine learning (ML) and commonly used clinical measures of visual function together with age and sex.

Methods

We measured the visual function of 1901 eyes from 1032 participants in the Northern Ireland Sensory Ageing Study, deriving 12 variables from nine visual function tests. Missing values were imputed using chained equations. Participants were divided into four groups using clinical measures and grading of ophthalmic images: no diabetes mellitus (no DM), diabetes but no diabetic retinopathy (DM no DR), diabetic retinopathy without diabetic macular oedema (DR no DMO) and diabetic retinopathy with DMO (DR with DMO). Ensemble ML models were fitted to classify group membership for three tasks, distinguishing (A) the DM no DR group from the no DM group; (B) the DR no DMO group from the DM no DR group; and (C) the DR with DMO group from the DR no DMO group. More conventional multiple logistic regression models were also fitted for comparison. An interpretable ML technique was used to rank the contribution of visual function variables to predictions and to disentangle associations between diabetic eye disease and visual function from artefacts of the data collection process.

Results

The performance of the ensemble ML models was good across all three classification tasks, with accuracies of 0.92, 1.00 and 0.84, respectively, for tasks A–C, substantially exceeding the accuracies for logistic regression (0.84, 0.61 and 0.80, respectively). Reading index was highly ranked for tasks A and B, whereas near visual acuity and Moorfields chart acuity were important for task C. Microperimetry variables ranked highly for all three tasks, but this was partly due to a data artefact (a large proportion of missing values).

Conclusions/interpretation

Ensemble ML models predicted status of diabetic eye disease with high accuracy using just age, sex and measures of visual function. Interpretable ML methods enabled us to identify profiles of visual function associated with different stages of diabetic eye disease, and to disentangle associations from artefacts of the data collection process. Together, these two techniques have great potential for developing prediction models using untidy real-world clinical data.

Graphical Abstract
Use of Targeted Orographic Smoothing in Very High Resolution Simulations of a Downslope Windstorm and Rotor in a Sub-tropical Highland Location
Authors: Sheridan Peter , Xu Anlun , Li Jian , Furtado Kalli
Published: September 2023

Nested simulations of a downslope windstorm over Cangshan mountain, Yunnan, China, have been used to demonstrate a method of topographic smoothing that preserves a relatively large amount of terrain detail compared to typical smoothing procedures required for models with terrain-following grids to run stably. The simulations were carried out using the Met Office Unified Model (MetUM) to investigate downslope winds. The smoothing method seamlessly blends two terrain datasets to which uniform smoothing has been applied–one with a minimum of smoothing, the other smoothed more heavily to remove gradients that would cause model instabilities. The latter dataset dominates the blend where the steepest slopes exist, but this is localised and recedes outside these areas. As a result, increased detail is starkly apparent in depictions of flow simulated using the blend, compared to one using the default approach. This includes qualitative flow details that were absent in the latter, such as narrow shooting flows emerging from roughly 1–2 km wide leeside channels. Flow separation is more common due to steeper lee slopes. The use of targeted smoothing also results in increased lee side temporal variability at a given point during the windstorm, including over flat areas. Low-/high-pass filtering of the wind perturbation field reveals that relative spatial variability above 30 km in scale (reflecting the background flow) is similar whether or not targeting is used. Beneath this scale, when smoothing is targeted, relative flow variability decreases at the larger scales, and increases at lower scales. This seems linked to fast smaller scale flows disturbing more coherent flows (notably an along-valley current over Erhai Lake). Spatial variability of winds in the model is unsurprisingly weaker at key times than is observed across a local network sampling mesoscale variation, but results are compromised due to relatively few observation locations sampling the windstorm. Only when targeted smoothing is applied does the model capture the downslope windstorm’s extension over the city of Dali at the mountain’s foot, and the peak mean absolute wind.
Unveiling pseudo-pulseless electrical activity (pseudo-PEA) in ultrasound-integrated infant resuscitation
Authors: Chan Belinda , Sieg Susan , Singh Yogen
Published: September 2023

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) holds immense potential to manage critically deteriorating infants within the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and is increasingly used in neonatal clinical practice worldwide. Recent ultrasound-based protocols such as the Sonographic Assessment of liFe-threatening Emergencies-Revised (SAFE-R) and Crashing Neonate Protocol (CNP) offer step-by-step guidance for diagnosing and addressing reversible causes of cardiorespiratory collapse. Traditionally, pulseless electrical activity (PEA) has been diagnosed solely based on absent pulses on clinical examination, disregarding myocardial activity. However, integrating POCUS into resuscitation unveils the concept of pseudo-PEA, where cardiac motion activity is observed visually on the ultrasound but fails to generate a detectable pulse due to inadequate cardiac output. Paradoxically, existing neonatal resuscitation protocols lack directives for identifying and effectively leveraging pseudo-PEA insights in infants, limiting their potential to enhance outcomes. Pseudo-PEA is extensively described in adult literature owing to routine POCUS use in resuscitation. This review article comprehensively evaluates the adult pseudo-PEA literature to glean insights adaptable to neonatal care. Additionally, we propose a simple strategy to integrate POCUS during neonatal resuscitation, especially in infants who do not respond to routine measures.

Conclusion: Pseudo-PDA is a newly recognized diagnosis in infants with the use of POCUS during resuscitation. This article highlights the importance of cross-disciplinary learning in tackling emerging challenges within neonatal medicine.

What is known:• Point-of-Care ultrasound (POCUS) benefits adult cardiac arrest management, particularly in distinguishing true Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA) from pseudo-PEA.• Pseudo-PEA is when myocardial motion can be seen on ultrasound but fails to generate palpable pulses or sustain circulation despite evident cardiac electrical activity.

What is new:• Discuss recognition and management of pseudo-PEA in infants.• A proposed algorithm to integrate POCUS into active neonatal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) procedures.
Exploration of plasma adiponectin, leptin, and COMT genotype on blood pressure among women who are post-menopause
Authors: Green Lauren , Byham-Gray Laura , Kurzer Mindy , Samavat Hamed
Published: September 2023

Research suggests that adiponectin, leptin, and genetic polymorphisms such as catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) genotype may play an integral role in blood pressure status and thereby cardiovascular health. This is an area especially important for women who are post-menopause; however, the current literature investigating these associations is limited. This study was a cross-sectional secondary analysis of baseline data (N 237) from the Minnesota Green Tea Trial (MGTT). The current study explored the relationships between plasma adiponectin, leptin, and COMT genotype on blood pressure measures. Plasma adiponectin and leptin were obtained after an overnight fast of at least 10 h and were measured by the radioimmunoassay method. The relationships were analysed using multiple linear regression after adjusting for potential confounders. Effect modifications by age, body mass index (BMI) category, blood pressure category, antihypertensive medication use, and COMT genotype were also investigated. The majority of participants were non-Hispanic (97⋅9 %) and Caucasian (94⋅9 %). Mean (sd) age and BMI were 60⋅7 (5⋅0) years and 28⋅2 (2⋅9) kg/m2, respectively. After adjustment for confounding variables, neither plasma adiponectin, plasma leptin nor COMT genotype was associated with systolic or diastolic blood pressure measures. The results of stratified analyses also did not reveal any significant interactions or associations. Based on the findings of this study, which utilised more rigorous statistical methods than previous research, neither adiponectin, leptin nor COMT genotype play a role in blood pressure measures in women who are post-menopause.
Metamorphosis of an intellectual: Gaetano Salvemini, exile in Europe and the United States
Authors: Camurri Renato
Published: September 2023

Long neglected, Gaetano Salvemini's years of exile (1925–1949) now constitute a crucial period for reconsidering his intellectual and political profile. This article intends first to propose an overall interpretation of Salvemini's exile that considers the years 1919 to 1925 as the culmination of a profound turning point in his life. The central part of the essay is devoted to reconstructing the genesis of Salvemini's relationship with the United States and dwells on the reflections written after his first trip overseas in 1927. In them it is possible to find a clear analysis of the impact of Fascist propaganda on American soil and a definition of the tasks that exiles were called upon to perform in their host countries. Building on these premises, the study rereads Salvemini's years of American exile by focusing on three aspects. Firstly, his great ability to adapt to the American academic world. Secondly, his commitment to the field of research, with works dedicated to the study of Fascism, some centred on a reinterpretation of the concept of democracy and others on the methodology of history. Thirdly, his prodigious activity carried out in the antifascist struggle.
Watching birds: observation, photography and the ‘ethological eye’
Authors: Nixon Sean
Published: September 2023

The article reflects upon the observational practices and methods developed by the early exponents of ethology committed to naturalistic field study and explores how their approaches and techniques influenced a wider field of popular natural-history filmmaking and photography. In doing so, my focus is upon three aspects of ethological field studies: the socio-technical devices used by ethologists to bring birds closer to them, the distinctive observational and representational practices which they forged, and the analogies they used to codify behaviour. This assemblage of elements included hides or screens from which to watch wild birds without disturbing them, optics to extend human vision, pens and paper to sketch and fix patterns of behaviour, watches to record timings, photography to capture action and freeze movement, and illustration and photographs to visualize behaviour. Carried through natural-history networks, the practices, methods and theories of ethologists like Huxley and Tinbergen influenced popular natural-history filmmaking and photography more broadly from the 1940s, driving a behavioural turn in these cultural practices. This popularization of the ‘ethological eye’ was further facilitated by the convergence of socio-technical devices, forms of observation and dramatization in the work of the early exponents of naturalistic field studies of birds and the popular filmmakers.
PLATO, SOPHIST 259C7–D7: CONTRARY PREDICATION AND GENUINE REFUTATION
Authors: Proios John D.
Published: September 2023

This paper defends an interpretation of Plato, Soph. 259c7–d7, which describes a distinction between genuine and pretender forms of ‘examination’ or ‘refutation’ (ἔλεγχος). The passage speaks to a need, throughout the dialogue, to differentiate the truly philosophical method from the merely eristic method. But its contribution has been obscured by the appearance of a textual problem at 259c7–8. As a result, scholars have largely not recognized that the Eleatic Stranger recommends accepting contrary predication as a condition of genuine refutation. After reviewing various proposals to change the text, the paper defends this reading. Finally, the paper turns to the methodological significance of accepting contrary predication. The dialogue depicts contrary predication as an instance of a class of statements that compel the soul's disbelief. Soph. 259c7–d7 suggests that these kinds of statements are a crossroad: one can either reject them and turn to eristic discourse or accept them and practise genuine refutation. The paper reflects on what this indicates about Plato's meditations on contradiction and philosophy.