bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Powers of Hamiltonian cycles in randomly augmented Dirac graphs—The complete collection
Authors: Antoniuk Sylwia , Dudek Andrzej , Ruciński Andrzej
Published: July 2023

We study the powers of Hamiltonian cycles in randomly augmented Dirac graphs, that is, ‐vertex graphs with minimum degree at least to which some random edges are added. For any Dirac graph and every integer , we accurately estimate the threshold probability for the event that the random augmentation contains the ‐th power of a Hamiltonian cycle.
On asymptotic packing of convex geometric and ordered graphs
Authors: Nie Jiaxi , Surya Erlang , Zeng Ji
Published: July 2023

A convex geometric graph is said to be packable if there exist edge‐disjoint copies of in the complete convex geometric graph covering all but edges. We prove that every convex geometric graph with cyclic chromatic number at most 4 is packable. With a similar definition of packability for ordered graphs, we prove that every ordered graph with interval chromatic number at most 3 is packable. Arguments based on the average length of edges imply these results are the best possible. We also identify a class of convex geometric graphs that are packable due to having many “long” edges.
Large cycles in generalized Johnson graphs
Authors: Kozhevnikov Vladislav , Zhukovskii Maksim
Published: July 2023

We count cycles of an unbounded length in generalized Johnson graphs. Asymptotics of the number of such cycles is obtained for certain growth rates of the cycle length.
Resting‐State fMRI: Emerging Concepts for Future Clinical Application
Authors: Amemiya Shiori , Takao Hidemasa , Abe Osamu
Published: July 2023

Resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) has been developed as a method of investigating spontaneous neural activity. Based on its low‐frequency signal synchronization, rsfMRI has made it possible to identify multiple macroscopic structures termed resting‐state networks (RSNs) on a single scan of less than 10 minutes. It is easy to implement even in clinical practice, in which assigning tasks to patients can be challenging. These advantages have accelerated the adoption and growth of rsfMRI. Recently, studies on the global rsfMRI signal have attracted increasing attention. Because it primarily arises from physiological events, less attention has hitherto been paid to the global signal than to the local network (i.e., RSN) component. However, the global signal is not a mere nuisance or a subsidiary component. On the contrary, it is quantitatively the dominant component that accounts for most of the variance in the rsfMRI signal throughout the brain and provides rich information on local hemodynamics that can serve as an individual‐level diagnostic biomarker. Moreover, spatiotemporal analyses of the global signal have revealed that it is closely and fundamentally associated with the organization of RSNs, thus challenging the basic assumptions made in conventional rsfMRI analyses and views on RSNs. This review introduces new concepts emerging from rsfMRI spatiotemporal analyses focusing on the global signal and discusses how they may contribute to future clinical medicine.

Evidence Level

5

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Is liquid nitrogen recycled bone and vascular fibula combination the biological reconstruction of choice in lower extremity long bone tumor‐related defects?
Authors: Özger Harzem , Alpan Bugra , Eralp Levent , Valiyev Natig , Sungur Mustafa , Aycan Osman Emre , Salduz Ahmet
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Combination techniques, which encompass the combined use of vascularized bone grafts with massive allografts or autografts (recycled bone grafts), are especially important in the biological reconstruction of tumor‐related lower extremity long bone defects. Liquid nitrogen recycled bone (frozen autograft) and free vascular fibula graft (FVFG) combination, which was coined as the “frozen hotdog (FH)” method by the authors, has not been as widely used nor its outcomes reported for significantly sized patient groups. This study aims to provide an answer to whether FH is a safe and effective reconstructive tool for limb salvage in malignant tumors of the lower extremity regarding radiological, functional, and oncological outcomes.

Patients and Methods

Sixty‐six (male/female: 33/33) patients, who underwent FH reconstruction for tumor‐related massive defects of lower extremity long bones between 2006 and 2020, were retrospectively analyzed. The mean age was 15.8 (3.8–46.7) years. The most common tumor localizations were distal femur (42.4%) and proximal tibia (21.2%) while classic osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma were the most common pathologies (60.6% and 22.7%, respectively). Mean resection and FVFG lengths were 160 (90–320) mm and 192 (125–350) mm, respectively. The mean follow‐up was 73.9 (24–192) months.

Results

The mean MSTS score was 25.4 (15–30) and the mean ISOLS radiographic score was 22.6 (13–24). Mean time to full weight bearing without any assistive devices was 15.4 (6–40) months and the median time was 12 months. MSTS score negatively correlated with resected segment length and vascular fibula length (p < 0.001; p = 0.006). Although full contact apposition of the FH segment correlated with earlier full weight bearing compared to partial apposition (mean 13.7 vs. 17.9 months) (p = 0.042), the quality of reduction did not affect the ISOLS radiographic score at LFU. Overall limb survival rate was 96.3% at 5 and 10 years while FH survival rate was 91.0% and 88.1% at 5 and 10 years. Local recurrence‐free survival rates were 88.8% and 85.9%, and overall survival was 89.9% and 86.1% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Limb length discrepancy was the most common complication with 34 (51.5%) patients while shell nonunion was seen in 21 (31.8%) patients and graft fracture in 6 (9.1%).

Conclusion

The “FH” method is a safe, effective, and extremely cost‐efficient reconstructive tool for tumor‐related lower extremity long bone defects. Patient compliance to protracted weight‐bearing, ensuring the vitality of the FVFG, and achieving an oncologically safe resection are key factors for a successful outcome.
Kinetics of the tautomerization of thioimidic acids R−C(SH)NH → R−C(S)NH2: For R = H, F, HO, CN, NC, H2N, HC(O), HC(S), HC≡ C, CH3, CF3, H2C=CH, HOCH2, H2NCH2,CH3C(O), C2H5, (CH3)2CH, C6H5
Authors: Würmel Judith , Simmie John M.
Published: July 2023

The kinetics of the tautomerization of thio‐imidic acids RC(SH)NH were determined at low (50–300 K) and high (500–1500 K) temperatures as R was varied to encompass mono‐ and diatomic species H, F, HO, NC, CN through H2N, HC(O), HC(S), HC≡ C, H3C, F3C, HOCH2, H2C=CH, CH3C(O), H2NCH2 and including ethyl, isopropyl and phenyl groups. The presence of a labile H‐atom on the R‐group can give rise to an alternative reaction, as in, H3CC(SH)NH → CH2=C(SH)NH2 but these encounter much higher barriers. At the lowest temperatures there is over a million‐fold difference in the rate constants for the fastest, R = H2N, and slowest, R = F, reaction with quantum mechanical tunneling playing a dominant role which is dealt with by canonical transition state and small curvature tunneling theory. The tautomerization of similar imidic acids proceeds at much slower rates due to higher energy barriers to reaction. Additionally basic thermochemical data such as formation enthalpy, entropy, isobaric heat capacity and an enthalpy function are provided for all the species which may be useful training sets for machine‐learning/AI purposes.
The relative importance of environmental heterogeneity and dispersal limitation on spatial patterns of phytoplankton communities varies across seasons
Authors: Ge Feiyang , Chen Bin , Wang Shaopeng , Zhou Qianqian , Ma Zhiyuan , Chen Guangcheng , Yu Weiwei , Han Wenxuan , Tang Senming , Su Shangke , Zhang Dian , Zhang Wanting , Lu Xiaoqian , An Shenqun
Published: July 2023

Environmental heterogeneity and dispersal limitation structure community assembly, but there is limited knowledge on how their effects vary on temporal scale. This study compiled a series of data, including phytoplankton, seawater depth and chemistry from 104 sites, to explore the spatial patterns and their drivers of phytoplankton communities in the Beibu Gulf and adjacent waters, located in the northwestern South China Sea. Our results showed that (1) the beta diversity values ranged from 0.2 to 0.84 (0.5 average), and turnover dominated. (2) The relative contributions of environmental heterogeneity and dispersal limitation to beta diversity varied seasonally, wherein former dominated in summer and winter, latter dominated in spring and autumn. (3) Hydrologic distance, pH, alkalinity, and total nitrogen were the crucial factors shaping the beta diversity pattern. This study detailed the temporal variation of the relative roles of environmental heterogeneity and dispersal limitation in shaping the patterns of phytoplankton communities, which may reflect the dynamical nature of ocean, characterized by seasonal variation in wind and hydrology. It also clarified the intrinsic linkage between these two processes in the ocean, which provides a novel insight to understanding the ocean biogeography and informs decision making for area‐based marine biodiversity conservation.
Weighted local Hardy spaces with variable exponents
Authors: Izuki Mitsuo , Nogayama Toru , Noi Takahiro , Sawano Yoshihiro
Published: July 2023

This paper defines local weighted Hardy spaces with variable exponents. Local Hardy spaces permit atomic decomposition, which is one of the main themes in this paper. A consequence is that the atomic decomposition is obtained for the functions in the Lebesgue spaces with exponentially decaying exponent. As applications, we obtain the boundedness of singular integral operators, the Littlewood–Paley characterization, and wavelet decomposition.
Competition between postal and bank branches for household savings: Empirical evidence from India
Authors: Fernandez Cledwyn
Published: July 2023

Postal financial services have been the beacon on financial inclusion globally. However, with the impact of digitalization, the physical network of post offices no longer remains the core competency. This article analyzes the various factors contributing to household savings across both banks and post offices. It examines the effect of competition at the network level between banks and post offices. The main finding is that the extensive physical network of post offices does not significantly impact postal deposits. There is competition between post offices and private and public banks at the rural population class level. However, at the urban population class level, competition exists only at two levels: between private banks and India Post and between nationalized banks and India Post.
The heart‐lung machine in major limb replantation: Report of two cases
Authors: Wan Ismail Wan Faisham Numan B. , Bin Wan Sulaiman Wan Azman , Saad Arman Zaharil Bin Mat , Mokthar Ariffin Marzuki Bin , Paiman Mohammad Bin , Jusoh Mohd Hanifah Bin , Mamat Ahmad Zuhdi Bin , Eu Chong Soon
Published: July 2023

Replantation of amputated limbs after long ischemic hours almost always comes with reperfusion syndrome and poor outcomes. An ischemic time of greater than 6 h is often considered unsuitable for major limb replantation. However, usage of extracorporeal perfusion has been shown to prolong the viability of major limbs in animal studies. The aim of this report is to show that extracorporeal perfusion with cardiopulmonary bypass machine (CPBM) is a safe and reliable technique in improving limb survival as illustrated by our cases. We report two cases of successful major limb replantation with late presentation. One case involved a 31‐year‐old man with shoulder disarticulation and the other involved a 30‐year‐old man sustained proximal transtibial amputation. Both patients, who were generally fit, were involved in major road traffic accidents. The amputated segments were connected to a CPBM to expedite reperfusion and to flush away anaerobic metabolic products. The major vessels were cannulated and connected to a bypass machine that was initially primed with heparinized saline and perfused with packed cells at 100% oxygen concentration. The perfusion was carried out at 35°C with low pressure to prevent edema and low flow to reduce reperfusion injury. Venous blood was drained completely before replantation. Total ischemia times were 7 h 40 min and 9 h, respectively. No evidences of perioperative reperfusion syndrome were seen. Both of the replanted limbs survived and patients had regained better‐than‐expected limb functional outcomes at 5‐year and 2‐year follow‐up, respectively. CPBM may be safely used in major replantation surgery to enhance limb survival and therefore warrants further research.
Extension Region Domain of Soybean 7S Globulin Contributes to Serum Triglyceride‐Lowering Effect via Modulation of Bile Acids Homeostasis
Authors: Han Kaining , Feng Guangxin , Li Tanghao , Wan Zhili , Zhao Wenjing , Yang Xiaoquan
Published: July 2023

Scope

Soybean 7S globulin (β‐conglycinin), a major soybean storage protein, has been demonstrated to exert remarkable triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol‐lowering effects, yet the underlying mechanism remains controversial.

Methods and results

A comparative investigation is performed to assess the contribution of different structural domains of soybean 7S globulin, including core region (CR) and extension region (ER) domains, to biological effects of soybean 7S globulin using a high‐fat diet rat model. The results show that ER domain mainly contributes to the serum TG‐lowering effect of soybean 7S globulin, but not for CR domain. Metabolomics analysis reveals that oral administration of ER peptides obviously influences the metabolic profiling of serum bile acids (BAs), as well as significantly increased the fecal excretion of total BAs. Meanwhile, ER peptides supplementation reshapes the composition of gut microbiota and impacts the gut microbiota‐dependent biotransformation of BAs which indicate by a significantly increased secondary BAs concentration in fecal samples. These results highlight that TG‐lowering effects of ER peptides mainly stem from their modulation of BAs homeostasis.

Conclusion

Oral administration of ER peptides can effectively lower serum TG level by regulating BAs metabolism. ER peptides have potential to be used as a candidate pharmaceutical for the intervention of dyslipidemia.
Photoperiod‐Dependent Effects of Grape‐Seed Proanthocyanidins on Adipose Tissue Metabolic Markers in Healthy Rats
Authors: Navarro‐Masip Èlia , Manocchio Francesca , Rodríguez Romina M. , Bravo Francisca Isabel , Torres‐Fuentes Cristina , Muguerza Begoña , Aragonès Gerard
Published: July 2023

Scope

Variations in photoperiod patterns drive metabolic adaptations in mammals, involving important changes in body weight and adiposity. Moreover, (poly)phenols can help heterotrophs adopt metabolic adaptations to face the upcoming environmental conditions. Particularly, proanthocyanidins from grape‐seeds show photoperiod‐dependent effects on different metabolic parameters. The present study aims to explore whether grape‐seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) consumption differently affects the expression of metabolic markers in WAT (subcutaneous and visceral depots) and BAT in a photoperiod‐dependent manner.

Methods and results

GSPE (25 mg kg−1 day−1) is orally administrated for 4 weeks to healthy rats exposed to three photoperiods (L6, L12, and L18). In WAT, GSPE consumption significantly upregulates the expression of lipolytic genes in all photoperiods, being accompanied by increased serum concentrations of glycerol and corticosterone only under the L6 photoperiod. Moreover, adiponectin mRNA levels are significantly upregulated in response to GSPE regardless of the photoperiod, whereas Tnfα and Il6 expression are only downregulated in L6 and L18 photoperiods but not in L12. In BAT, GSPE upregulates Pgc1α expression in all groups, whereas the expression of Pparα is only increased in L18.

Conclusions

The results indicate that GSPE modulates the expression of important metabolic markers of WAT and BAT in a photoperiod‐dependent manner.
Scientific Evidence for the Beneficial Effects of Dietary Blueberries on Gut Health: A Systematic Review
Authors: Della Lucia Ceres Mattos , Oliveira Livya Alves , Dias Kelly Aparecida , Pereira Stephanie Michelin Santana , da Conceição Aline Rosignoli , Anandh Babu Pon Velayutham
Published: July 2023

Emerging evidence indicates the association between an unhealthy gut and chronic diseases. A healthy gut comprises an intact gut epithelium and balanced gut microbes. Diet is one of the critical factors that modulate gut health by positively or negatively affecting the intestinal barrier and gut microbes. Blueberries are an excellent source of health‐promoting bioactive components, and this systematic review is conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary blueberries on gut health. A literature search is conducted on PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases to review relevant studies published between 2011 and 2022 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The Systematic Review Center for Laboratory Animal Experimentation Risk of Bias (SYRCLE‐RoB) tool is used for methodological quality assessments. Sixteen studies included from four countries are reviewed and the results are synthesized narratively. This data analysis indicates that blueberry supplementation improves gut health by improving intestinal morphology, reducing gut permeability, suppressing oxidative stress, ameliorating gut inflammation, and modulating the composition and function of gut microbes. However, there are significant knowledge gaps in this field. These findings indicate that further studies are needed to establish the beneficial effects of blueberries on gut health.
A comparative study of cognitive and behavioral profiles between sporadic and type 8 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: de Alcântara Cássia , Cruzeiro Marcelo Maroco , França Marcondes Cavalcante , Alencar Mariana Asmar , Jaeger Antônio , de Araújo Caroline Martins , da Gama Natália Araújo Sundfeld , Camargos Sarah Teixeira , de Souza Leonardo Cruz
Published: July 2023

Introduction/Aims

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) type 8 (ALS8) is caused by VAPB gene mutations. The differences between neuropsychological and behavioral profiles of patients with sporadic ALS (sALS) and those with ALS8 are unclear. We aimed to compare cognitive performance and behavioral aspects between sALS and ALS8 patients.

Methods

Our study included 29 symptomatic ALS8 patients (17 men; median age 49 years), 20 sALS patients (12 men; median age 55 years), and 30 healthy controls (16 men; median age 50 years), matched for sex, age, and education. Participants underwent neuropsychological assessments focused on executive functions, visual memory, and facial emotion recognition. Behavioral and psychiatric symptoms were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Cambridge Behavioral Inventory.

Results

Clinical groups (sALS and ALS8) exhibited lower global cognitive efficiency and impaired cognitive flexibility, processing speed, and inhibitory control compared with controls. ALS8 and sALS showed similar performance in most executive tests, except for poorer verbal (lexical) fluency in those with sALS. Apathy, anxiety, and stereotypical behaviors were frequent in both clinical groups.

Discussion

sALS and ALS8 patients demonstrated similar deficits in most cognitive domains and had comparable behavioral profiles. These findings should be considered in the care of patients.
DEM multi‐scale insights on the pre‐failure behavior of mature structured sands: Influence of bond type, amount, breakage pattern and heterogeneity
Authors: Reddy Nallala S. C. , He Huan , Senetakis Kostas
Published: July 2023

A new approach in the calibration process of DEM samples of structured sand is presented. Micromechanical‐based experimental data are interpreted to develop a failure model and a range of input parameters in the DEM analyses are incorporated considering strong and a weak bonds in the simulated samples. Subsequently, the numerical samples correspond to analog mature structured soil/sandstone in terms of both compositional and textural maturity, and the study focused on the small‐to‐medium strain shear modulus and on providing multi‐scale insights of the simulated materials. The heterogeneity of the structured sand is incorporated based on Gaussian and Weibull distributions of the contact properties and four major parameters are examined including bonding amount/content, bonding strength, heterogeneity, and confining pressure. The numerical results showed, at the macroscopic level, agreement with respect to a number of element‐size experiments on sandstones which were re‐analyzed in the present work, in terms of stiffness—pressure relationship, stiffness reduction, and occurrence of the yield point associated with the initiation of bond breakage. It was shown that even though the bond strength and amount of bonds are important influencing factors on the macroscopic behavior of the structured sand, the incorporation of heterogeneity can significantly alter the interpretations of the microscopic involved mechanisms. This unveils that the implementation of “average” input parameters cannot capture well the contributing mechanisms which influence the deformation characteristics of structured soils and sandstones.
Electrohydrodynamic devices for ionic wind generation and airborne positive‐strand RNA viruses inactivation by nonthermal atmospheric plasma
Authors: Ruiz‐Trujillo Sonia , Vega‐Martínez Patricia , Esparza Iris , Usera Fernando , Sánchez‐Soriano Pilar , van Raaij Mark J. , Lantada Andrés Díaz
Published: July 2023

Adaptable technologies capable of reducing contaminants in enclosed spaces are needed. The SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic has highlighted the vulnerability of current systems forcing the adoption of extreme measures, causing a significant socioeconomic impact. Electrohydrodynamic devices are proposed as a competitive solution that allows obtaining a high degree of viral inactivation with a very low generation of chemical compounds and low power consumption, together with the production of an airflow, which makes its implementation in real environments easy. In this study, airborne positive‐strand RNA viruses are treated with nonthermal atmospheric plasma, achieving >3.4‐logR for HCoV‐229E and Bacteriophage‐MS2 and >2.4‐log SARS‐CoV‐2 at 4W, in a single pass, at O3 and NO2 concentrations ≤0.70 ppm. Electrical, fluid‐dynamic, and chemical characterization provides the design rules.
Rational design of highly stabilized and selective adrenomedullin analogs
Authors: Jülke Eva‐Maria , Fischer Jan‐Patrick , Els‐Heindl Sylvia , Bierer Donald , Flamme Ingo , Köbberling Johannes , Riedl Bernd , Beck‐Sickinger Annette G.
Published: July 2023

The peptide hormone adrenomedullin (ADM) consists of 52 amino acids with a disulfide bond and an amidated C‐terminus. Due to the vasodilatory and cardioprotective effects, the agonistic activity of the peptide on the adrenomedullin 1 receptor (AM1R) is of high pharmacological interest. However, the wild‐type peptide shows low metabolic stability leading to rapid degradation in the cardiovascular system. Previous work by our group has identified proteolytic cleavage sites and demonstrated stabilization of ADM by lipidation, cyclization, and N‐methylation. Nevertheless, these ADM analogs showed reduced activity and subtype selectivity toward the closely related calcitonin gene‐related peptide receptor (CGRPR). Here, we report on the rational development of ADM derivatives with increased proteolytic stability and high receptor selectivity. Stabilizing motifs, including lactamization and lipidation, were evaluated regarding AM1R and CGRPR activation. Furthermore, the central DKDK motif of the peptide was replaced by oligoethylene glycol linkers. The modified peptides were synthesized by Fmoc/t‐Bu solid‐phase peptide synthesis and receptor activation of AM1R and CGRPR was measured by cAMP reporter gene assay. Peptide stability was tested in human blood plasma and porcine liver homogenate and analyzed by RP‐HPLC and MALDI‐ToF mass spectrometry. Combination of the favorable lactam, lipidation, ethylene glycol linker, and previously described disulfide mimetic resulted in highly stabilized analogs with a plasma half‐life of more than 144 h. The compounds display excellent AM1R activity and wild‐type‐like selectivity toward CGRPR. Additionally, dose‐dependent vasodilatory effects of the ADM derivatives lasted for several hours in rodents. Thus, we successfully developed an ADM analog with long‐term in vivo activity.
Simple Thermal Annealing‐Assisted Direct Synthesis and Optical Property Study of CuO Nanoparticles Incorporated Polyvinyl Alcohol Films
Authors: Singh Ram Sevak , Patidar Ram Dayal , Singh Arun Kumar , Deshmukh Kalim , Thakur Kiran , Gautam Anurag
Published: July 2023

This article reports a simple thermal annealing‐assisted direct synthesis method to prepare copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles incorporated in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films and a systematic study of their optical properties. CuO‐PVA nanocomposite films are prepared with a different weight percentage of CuO in the PVA matrix. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), UV‐visible spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy are employed to study the prepared films. XRD confirms the formation of crystalline CuO nanoparticles in PVA, while the SEM analysis shows uniformly distributed spherical nanoparticles in PVA. The findings show that thermal annealing at a mild temperature plays a crucial role in improving the crystallinity and optical properties of the nanocomposite film. In comparison to PVA, CuO‐PVA nanocomposite exhibits improved absorption with a new absorption band in the lower wavelength region. The nanocomposite samples excited with 300 nm show intense photoluminescence (PL) at 365 nm and an increase of PL intensity with CuO concentration in the PVA matrix. In contrast, samples excited with 425 nm show green emission at 550 nm in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The PL in CuO‐PVA nanocomposites can be originated due to the transitions associated with acceptor and donor defects in the material. The study opens up a new route to fabricate CuO‐PVA nanocomposites with superior optical properties.
Finite‐time consensus for multi‐agent systems with directed dynamically changing topologies
Authors: Yang Haopeng , Li Zhi
Published: July 2023

Due to the complexity of communication topologies, only a few works addressed the issues of finite‐time convergence for multi‐agent systems with directed switching topologies, whose analyses might be unclear and some assumptions seem to be a bit strong. In this study, finite‐time consensus of continuous‐time nonconvex‐constrained multi‐agent systems with directed dynamically changing topologies is addressed. Firstly, a distributed finite‐time consensus algorithm is introduced for continuous‐time multi‐agent systems. It is proved that agents will achieve consensus in finite time as long as the graphs have a joint spanning tree. Subsequently, we consider a constrained system whose control inputs are subjected to nonconvex sets and give a distributed nonsmooth finite‐time consensus algorithm. It is proved that consensus can be achieved in finite time while keeping agents' control inputs staying in the constraint sets. Furthermore, the distributed consensus algorithm is extended to the case with disturbances and the sufficient conditions are given to guarantee the achievement of consensus in finite time. Finally, numerical examples are included to demonstrate the effectiveness of theoretical conclusions.
Food waste interventions: Barriers on the way to sustainable food systems
Authors: Marouli Christina
Published: July 2023

Food waste is an important concern of modern societies, and the European Union has committed to significantly reducing it, especially at the consumption level. This comparative case study analysis examines the barriers that actual interventions in the EU have experienced and explores the mechanisms and dynamics behind them using meta‐ethnographic approaches. Barriers relating to culture, politics and policies, administration, the economy, and the spatial and temporal organization of life were identified. It is concluded that food waste reduction is a bundle of interrelated practices, and it is best understood with a sociological approach that focuses on social practices rather than individuals. Concepts that emerged as important include risk and the spatial and temporal organization of everyday life. This study proposes that a focus on the nexus of food waste generation–risk–household dynamics–spatial/temporal organization of urban life, as well as the use of interventions (rather than individuals) as units of analysis are fruitful directions for future research and action.
Fear of COVID‐19, workplace phobia, workplace deviance and perceived organizational support: A moderated mediation model
Authors: Alagarsamy Subburaj , Mehrolia Sangeeta , Mathew Jain
Published: July 2023

This paper aims to test a moderated‐mediation model examining therelationships between Fear of COVID‐19, workplace phobia, work deviance behaviourand perceived organizational support among hotel employees. An online questionnaire was administered to collect data, to which 481 responded. Data was collected from full‐time frontline employees working in the Maldivian hospitality industry. The moderated‐mediation model explained 44% of the variance in workplace deviance behaviourscan be predicted bythe fear of COVID‐19, perceived organisational support and workplace phobia. The findingsshowthat perceived organizational support reduces the negative impact of COVID‐19 fear on workplace phobia and deviance. Results suggest that to reduce the negative effect of the pandemic, organisations should adopt support measures across different managerial levels at different scales rather than providing one‐size‐fits‐all solutions.
Synthesis of CsPbBr3 in Micro Total Reaction System: Fast Operation Space Mapping and Subsecond Growth Process Monitoring
Authors: Geng Yuhao , Hu Haoyang , Jia Yongqi , Huang Xintong , Yang Tian , Liang Runzhe , Chen Zhuo , Yuan Zhihong , Xu Jianhong
Published: July 2023

Lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (LHP NCs) have the characteristics of fast reaction kinetics and crystal instability due to the intrinsically highly ionic bonding between the respective ions, which bring challenges for revealing the growth kinetics and practical applications. Compared with conventional batch synthesis methods, the single‐function microreactor can achieve precise and stable control of the NCs synthesis process, but it still has the shortcoming of not being able to obtain information about the growth process. In this study, a micro Total Reaction System (μTRS) with remote control, online detection, and rapid data analysis functions is designed. μTRS can sample the photoluminescence information of CsPbBr3 NCs growth in ligand‐assisted reprecipitation method. CsPbBr3 NCs with an emission range of 435–492 nm are successfully detected, which breaks the record of the smallest size of CsPbBr3 NCs synthesized directly from precursors. The real‐time feature of μTRS enables the construction of an automated close‐loop synthesis system. Besides, the rapid acquisition and timely processing of product information enable the rapid mapping of the operation space for CsPbBr3 NCs preparation, which provides a reliable and learnable data set for designing a fully autonomous microreaction system capable of synthesizing NCs.
Flexo‐Pyrophotronic Effect Modulated Giant Near Infrared Photoresponse from VO2‐Based Heterojunction for Optical Communication
Authors: Kumar Mohit , Kim Dukhwan , Seo Hyungtak
Published: July 2023

The flexoelectric phenomenon, which occurs when materials undergo mechanical deformation and cause strain gradients and a related spontaneous electric polarization field, can result in wide variety of energy‐ and cost‐saving mechano‐opto‐electronics, such as night vision, communication, and security. However, accurate sensing of weak intensities under self‐powered conditions with stable photocurrent and rapid temporal response remains essential despite the challenges related to having suitable band alignment and high junction quality. Taking use of the flexoelectric phenomena, it is shown that a centrosymmetric VO2‐based heterojunction exhibits a self‐powered (i.e., 0 V), infrared (λ = 940 nm) photoresponse. Specifically, the device shows giant current modulation (103%), good responsivity of >2.4 mA W−1, reasonable specific detectivity of ≈1010 Jones, and a fast response speed of 0.5 ms, even at the nanoscale modulation. Through manipulation of the applied inhomogeneous force, the sensitivity of the infrared response is enhanced (> 640%). Ultrafast night optical communication like Morse code distress (SOS) signal sensing and high‐performing obstacle sensors with potential impact alarms are created as proof‐of‐concept applications. These findings validate the potential of emerging mechanoelectrical coupling for a wide variety of novel applications, including mechanoptical switches, photovoltaics, sensors, and autonomous vehicles, which require tunable optoelectronic performance.
ACE2 PET in healthy and diseased conditions
Authors: Li Rou , Xu Aijing , Cheng Chao , Chen Jian , Wang Mingxin , Luo Xiu , Liang Siyu , Hou Wenli , Cui Bin , Feng Yu , Zuo Changjing , Li Xiao
Published: July 2023

Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) played a critical role in regulating renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAAS). In this research, 68Ga‐cyc‐DX600 was synthesized as PET tracer of ACE2 imaging. ACE2 positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance (PET/MR) was preliminary administered on twelve healthy volunteers, and the images were normalized and registered to establish the standard model of ACE2 PET. In diseased conditions, 68Ga‐cyc‐DX600 PET and 18F‐FDG PET were compared for COVID‐19 (one in acute phase and three in post‐COVID), anemia (n = 1) and malignancies (n = 2) to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency. 68Ga‐cyc‐DX600 PET was of a definite ACE2 dependence. For the tracer uptake of ACE2 PET/MR of female and male, differences existed in salivary glands, upper respiratory tract and kidneys, meanwhile, age, and body mass index (BMI) were also the confounding factors. RAAS‐related tissue and organs were of the relatively higher tracer uptake, such as SUVmean of cardiac chamber (3.786 ± 1.495), liver (5.342 ± 2.267), spleen (4.465 ± 2.508), and kidney (4.906 ± 1.619 for female and 8.431 ± 5.179 for male). For COVID‐19, ACE2 PET revealed ACE2 fluctuations, particularly in the susceptible organs, including liver, spleen and testis. In the case of anemia, the activated local RAS in the bone marrow was of diffuse high tracer uptake. ACE2 PET of malignancies added supplementary information to FDG PET. 68Ga‐cyc‐DX600‐based ACE2 PET models were established for visually monitoring of whole‐body ACE2 expression. The feasibility of ACE2 PET in supervising disease was primarily proved in COVID‐19, anemia and malignancies as providing a comprehensive view on the disease process and functional recovery.
An Integrated Approach for Hand Motion Segmentation and Robot Skills Representation
Authors: Lu Shuang , Berger Julia , Schilp Johannes
Published: July 2023

In this work, an approach for robot skill learning from voice command and hand movement sequences is proposed. The motion is recorded by a 3D camera. The proposed framework consists of three elements. Firstly, a hand detector is applied on each frame to extract key points, which are represented by 21 landmarks. The trajectories of index finger tip are then taken as hand motion for further processing. Secondly, the trajectories are divided into five segments by voice command and finger moving velocities. These five segments are: reach, grasp, move, position and release, which are considered as skills in this work. The required voice commands are grasp and release, as they have short duration and can be viewed as discrete events. In the end, dynamic movement primitives are learned to represent reach, move and position. In order to show the result of the approach, a human demonstration of a pick-and-place task is recorded and evaluated.
Empirically Adapted Model for the Handling of Variable Geometries with Vacuum-Based Granulate Grippers
Authors: Wacker Christian , Dierks Niklas , Joana Illgen , Kwade Arno , Dröder Klaus
Published: July 2023

Current industrial trends show an increasing demand for individualized products, which require highly flexible yet automated production systems. Universal handling systems offer an efficient solution for the flexible and safe handling of differing component geometries and shapes. An innovative gripper for form-flexible handling combining vacuum systems with the flexibility of granulate grippers was established in previous research and has continued to prove its flexibility by gripping wide varieties of object geometries. The current challenge of modelling and predicting gripping forces for this new gripper is addressed in this research. Multiple object geometries are selected and examined, with the parameters affecting the air permeability being the most important influence for the gripping forces. Along with an overview of influencing factors and parameters, a framework for a linear model enabling the prediction of gripping forces for different object shapes is developed. The basis for automated prediction of gripping strengths for different types of objects is established with this research and could be adapted with other, non-analytical models such as machine learning in the future.
Automated Stack Singulation for Technical Textiles Using Sensor Supervised Low Pressure Suction Grippers
Authors: Wirth Benjamin , Schwind Tizian , Friedmann Marco , Fleischer Jürgen
Published: July 2023

Automated handling of technical textiles poses major challenges on modern handling systems. Previous research has shown that using suction grippers is feasible for handling processes involving textiles. However, separating individual sheets of air-permeable materials from a stack using such grippers is a nontrivial task. This paper details an automated stack singulation process using low pressure suction grippers leveraging online data from differential pressure sensors to control the singulation process. Subsystems are analyzed to derive a governing model representation of the process. This model is deployed on a robotic test rig validating the process in experimental analysis. Using this approach, a controlled singulation process for stacked carbon fiber mats has been achieved with a success rate exceeding 99% showing the practicality of controlling the internal suction pressure for advanced handling processes using low pressure suction grippers. Further improvement could be achievable by incorporating and fusing multiple sensor principles.
Insight into Indentation Processes of Ni-Graphene Nanocomposites by Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Vardanyan V. H. , Urbassek H. M.
Published: July 2023

Molecular dynamics simulations provide insight into the processes underlying material plasticity and hard-ness. We demonstrate its uses here for the special case of a metal-matrix nanocomposite, viz. Ni-graphene. A series of increasingly more complex simulation scenarios is established, starting from a single-crystalline matrix over bi-crystal samples to fully polycrystalline arrangements. We find that the nanocomposite is weaker than the single-crystalline metal, since the graphene flakes are opaque to dislocation transmission and thus constrain the size of the dislocation network produced by the indenter. However, the flakes increase the hardness of a polycrystalline metal matrix. This is caused by dislocation pile-up in front of the flakes as well as dislocation absorption (annihilation) by the graphene flakes.
A G-Equivariant String-Net Construction
Authors: DeLazzer Meunier Adrien , Schweigert Christoph , Traube Matthias
Published: July 2023

We develop a string-net construction for the (2,1)-dimensional part of a G-equivariant three-dimensional topological field theory based on a G-graded spherical fusion category. In this construction, a G-equivariant generalization of the Ptolemy groupoid enters. We compute the associated cylinder categories and show that, as expected, the model is closely related to the G-equivariant Turaev–Viro theory.
Magnetic resonance imaging of anal cancer: tumor characteristics and early prediction of treatment outcome
Authors: Hanekamp Bettina A. , Viktil Ellen , Slørdahl Kathinka S. , Dormagen Johann Baptist , Kløw Nils E. , Malinen Eirik , Brunborg Cathrine , Guren Marianne G. , Schulz Anselm
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To analyze tumor characteristics derived from pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA) before and during chemoradiotherapy (CRT), and to compare the changes in these characteristics between scans of responders vs. nonresponders to CRT.

Methods

We included 52 patients with a pelvic 3T MRI scan prior to CRT (baseline scan); 39 of these patients received an additional scan during week 2 of CRT (second scan). Volume, diameter, extramural tumor depth (EMTD), and external anal sphincter infiltration (EASI) of the tumor were assessed. Mean, kurtosis, skewness, standard deviation (SD), and entropy values were extracted from apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) histograms. The main outcome was locoregional treatment failure. Correlations were evaluated with Wilcoxon’s signed rank-sum test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient, quantile regression, univariate logistic regression, and area under the ROC curve (AUC) analyses.

Results

In isolated analyses of the baseline and second MRI scans, none of the characteristics were associated with outcome. Comparison between the scans showed significant changes in several characteristics: volume, diameter, EMTD, and ADC skewness decreased in the second scan, although the mean ADC increased. Small decreases in volume and diameter were associated with treatment failure, and these variables had the highest AUC values (0.73 and 0.76, respectively) among the analyzed characteristics.

Conclusion

Changes in tumor volume and diameter in an early scan during CRT could represent easily assessable imaging-based biomarkers to eliminate the need for analysis of more complex MRI characteristics.
Räumlich-zeitliche Psychopathologie – deutsche Version der Scale for Space and Time Experience in Psychosis (STEP)
Authors: Hirjak Dusan , Daub Jonas , Brandt Geva A. , Krayem Maria , Kubera Katharina M. , Northoff Georg
Published: July 2023

Historische Autoren (u. a. Ludwig Binswanger und Eugène Minkowski) postulierten, dass das Erleben von Patient*innen mit psychotischen Störungen durch „Zeitfragmentierung“ charakterisiert ist. Aus klinischer Praxis ist bekannt, dass Patient*innen mit psychotischen Störungen auch unter Schwierigkeiten der räumlichen Wahrnehmung (z. B. Anomalien im Erleben zwischenmenschlicher Distanz und räumlicher Orientierung) leiden. Obwohl diese Veränderungen zu einer Art Abkopplung von der Realität, zu erheblichem Leidensdruck der Betroffenen und Schwierigkeiten im therapeutischen Prozess führen können, wurde das abnorme Erleben von Raum und Zeit bei psychotischen Störungen bisher nicht ausreichend untersucht. Eine mögliche Ursache ist das Fehlen geeigneter und standardisierter Instrumente, die das Erleben von Raum und Zeit bei Patient*innen mit psychotischen Störungen quantifizieren. Auf Basis eines innovativen Konzepts, der sog. „Räumlich-zeitlichen Psychopathologie“ („spatiotemporal psychopathology“, STPP), wurde erstmalig eine Skala zur systematisch-quantitativen Erfassung des räumlichen und zeitlichen Erlebens bei Patient*innen mit psychotischen Störungen entwickelt. In dieser Arbeit wird nun die deutsche Version der Scale for Space and Time Experience in Psychosis (STEP) vorgestellt. Die englische Originalversion der STEP erfasst in 25 Items verschiedene räumliche (14 items) und zeitliche (11 items) Erlebensphänomene. Die STEP zeigt sowohl eine hohe interne Konsistenz (Cronbach’s α = 0,94) als auch einen signifikanten Zusammenhang mit der Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS; p < 0,001). Zusammenfassend stellt die hier vorgelegte deutsche Version der STEP-Skala ein wichtiges Messinstrument im deutschsprachigen Raum zur Erfassung des räumlichen und zeitlichen Erlebens bei psychotischen Störungen dar.
The effect of environmental change, planned and unplanned life events on the long-term outcome of common mental disorders
Authors: Tyrer Peter , Duggan Conor , Yang Min , Tyrer Helen
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To examine the nature of positive and negative environmental change on clinical outcome in 210 patients presenting with anxiety and depression and followed up over 30 years.

Methods

In addition to clinical assessments, major environmental changes, particularly after 12 and 30 years, were recorded in all patients by a combination of self-report and taped interviews. Environmental changes were separated into two major groups, positive or negative, determined by patient opinion.

Results

In all analyses positive changes were found to be associated with better outcome at 12 years with respect to accommodation (P = 0.009), relationships (P = 007), and substance misuse (P = 0.003), with fewer psychiatric admissions (P = 0.011) and fewer social work contacts at 30 years (P = 0.043). Using a consolidated outcome measure positive changes were more likely than negative ones to be associated with a good outcome at 12 and 30 years (39% v 3.6% and 30.2% v 9.1%, respectively). Those with personality disorder at baseline had fewer positive changes (P = 0.018) than others at 12 years and fewer positive occupational changes at 30 years (P = 0.041). Service use was greatly reduced in those with positive events with 50–80% more time free of all psychotropic drug treatment (P < 0.001). Instrumental positive change had greater effects than imposed changes.

Conclusions

Positive environmental change has a favourable impact on clinical outcome in common mental disorders. Although studied naturalistically in this study the findings suggest that if harnessed as a therapeutic intervention, as in nidotherapy and social prescribing, it would yield therapeutic dividends.
Dyspareunia and pelvic pain: comparison of mid-urethral sling methods 10 years after insertion
Authors: Lundmark Drca Anna , Alexandridis Vasileios , Andrada Hamer Maria , Teleman Pia , Söderberg Marie Westergren , Ek Marion
Published: July 2023

Introduction and hypothesis

The mid-urethral sling (MUS) has been used for more than 30 years to cure stress urinary incontinence. The objective of this study was to assess whether surgical technique affects the outcome after more than ten years, regarding dyspareunia and pelvic pain.

Methods

In this longitudinal cohort study we used the Swedish National Quality Register of Gynecological Surgery to identify women who underwent MUS surgery in the period 2006–2010. Out of 4348 eligible women, 2555 (59%) responded to the questionnaire sent out in 2020–2021. The two main surgical techniques, the retropubic and the obturatoric approach, were represented by 1562 and 859 women respectively. The Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6) and the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12), as well as general questions concerning the MUS surgery, were sent out to the study population. Dyspareunia and pelvic pain were defined as primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes included PISQ-12, general satisfaction, and self-reported problems due to sling insertion.

Results

A total of 2421 women were included in the analysis. Among these, 71% responded to questions regarding dyspareunia and 77% responded to questions regarding pelvic pain. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis of the primary outcomes, we found no difference in reported dyspareunia (15% vs 17%, odds ratio (OR) 1.1, 95% CI 0.8–1.5) or in reported pelvic pain (17% vs 18%, OR 1.0, 95% CI 0.8–1.3) between the retropubic and obturatoric techniques among study responders.

Conclusion

Dyspareunia and pelvic pain 10–14 years after insertion of a MUS do not differ with respect to surgical technique.