bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pushing Plus Buttons
Authors: Kvalnes Øyvind
Published: May 2023

In a well-functioning communication climate, people are generous in pushing each other’s plus buttons. Meaning, they regularly acknowledge and praise each other’s efforts and initiatives. Pushing plus buttons is the fifth and final quality I will draw attention to as being inherent in the best communication climates. The concept comes from the Finnish philosopher Esa Saarinen, who uses it to describe how people can energise colleagues and collaborators at work by taking time to appreciate truly and explicitly what they do. The opportunity to push a colleague’s plus button can appear in an instant and it can be a critical quality moment.
Equivariant K-theory of the semi-infinite flag manifold as a nil-DAHA module
Authors: Orr Daniel
Published: May 2023

The equivariant K-theory of the semi-infinite flag manifold, as developed recently by Kato, Naito, and Sagaki, carries commuting actions of the nil-double affine Hecke algebra (nil-DAHA) and a q-Heisenberg algebra. The action of the latter generates a free submodule of rank |W|, where W is the (finite) Weyl group. We show that this submodule is stable under the nil-DAHA, which enables one to express the nil-DAHA action in terms of $$|W|\times |W|$$

|
W
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×
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W
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matrices over the q-Heisenberg algebra. Our main result gives an explicit algebraic construction of these matrices as a limit from the (non-nil) DAHA in simply-laced type. This construction reveals that multiplication by equivariant scalars, when expressed in terms of the Heisenberg algebra, is given by the nonsymmetric q-Toda system introduced by Cherednik and the author.
Analysis of heat transfer enhancement due to helical static mixing elements inside cooling channels in machine tools
Authors: Anders Denis , Reinicke Ulf , Baum Markus
Published: May 2023

In this contribution, the effectiveness of helical static mixers in different arrangements and flow configurations/regimes is explored. By means of a thorough numerical analysis, the application limits of helical static mixers for the heat transfer enhancement inside cooling channels of machine tools are provided. The numerical simulations were processed with the commercial finite volume Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) code, ANSYS Fluent 2020 R2. This study shows that there exists an optimal range of application for static mixers as heat exchange intensifier depending on the flow speed, the transmitted heat flow and the thermal conductivity of the tool. The investigations of this contribution are restricted to single-phase flow in circular cross-sections and straight channel geometries. As a representative application example for a machine tooling, the cooling of a simple injection mold is investigated. The research carried out reveals that the application of static mixing elements for enhancement of heat transfer is very effective, particularly for fluid flow with low to medium Reynolds numbers, close-contour cooling, high values of heat fluxes, and high thermal conductivity of the tooling material.
Sarcopenia and body fat change as risk factors for radiologic incisional hernia following robotic nephrectomy
Authors: Hajian Simin , Ghoreifi Alireza , Cen Steven Yong , Varghese Bino , Lei Xiaomeng , Hwang Darryl , Tran Khoa , Tejura Tapas , Whang Gilbert , Djaladat Hooman , Duddalwar Vinay
Published: May 2023

Objective

To assess the effect of body muscle and fat metrics on the development of radiologic incisional hernia (IH) following robotic nephrectomy.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who underwent robotic nephrectomy for kidney tumors between 2011 and 2017. All pre- and postoperative CTs were re-reviewed by experienced radiologists for detection of radiologic IH and calculation of the following metrics using Synapse 3D software: cross-sectional psoas muscle mass at the level of L3 and L4 as well as subcutaneous and visceral fat areas. Sarcopenia was defined as psoas muscle index below the lowest quartile. Cox proportional hazard model was constructed to examine the association between muscle and fat metrics and the risk of developing radiologic IH.

Results

A total of 236 patients with a median (IQR) age of 64 (54–70) years were included in this study. In a median (IQR) follow-up of 23 (14–38) months, 62 (26%) patients developed radiologic IH. On Cox proportional hazard model, we were unable to detect an association between sarcopenia and risk of IH development. In terms of subcutaneous fat change from pre-op, both lower and higher values were associated with IH development (HR (95% CI) 2.1 (1.2–3.4), p = 0.01 and 2.4 (1.4–4.1), p < 0.01 for < Q1 and ≥ Q3, respectively). Similar trend was found for visceral fat area changes from pre-op with a HR of 2.8 for < Q1 and 1.8 for ≥ Q3.

Conclusion

Both excessive body fat gain and loss are associated with development of radiologic IH in patients undergoing robotic nephrectomy.
Application of isotopic labels optimised for large scale plot experiments
Authors: Tenspolde Arne , Kleineidam Kristina , Müller Christoph , Wrage-Mönnig Nicole
Published: May 2023

Isotopic tracer methods using 15N or other isotopes provide insights into the sources and underlying N transformations leading to N2O emissions from agricultural soils. However, homogeneous labelling of naturally structured soil in the field is challenging since macropore flow must be avoided while the application must be performed in a limited timeframe. Therefore, we tested the infiltration pattern of several application methods and consequently developed drip application (DA) for larger scales using individual dropper bottles. We performed a proof of concept test, followed by an evaluation experiment in-situ with a manual sprinkler as control at an undisturbed grassland site using 15NH415NO3 (80 kg N ha-1, 10 at.%, 15 mm precipitation equiv.). 15N-NH4+ and 15N-NO3- recovery rates and corresponding correlation coefficients were calculated to examine horizontal and vertical homogeneity. The proof of concept test showed the negative effect of very dry topsoil on homogeneous infiltration. DA achieved significantly larger 15N recovery rates than sprinkler application and led to a more homogeneous horizontal label distribution. For DA, coefficients of variation of 15N recovery rates were smaller than with sprinklers for most depths, yet for both methods 15N recovery rates especially of 15N-NH4+ decreased vertically. Besides optimised label distribution, the DA method offers high flexibility in application patterns while offering reproducibility, feasibility and a reasonable application speed also at undisturbed sites at the plot scale. Moreover, DA causes no change in soil structure or soil diffusivity. Thus, the drip application method was found suitable for tracer application to field sites.
The long-term course and relationship with survival of multidimensional fatigue in patients with brain metastases after Gamma Knife radiosurgery
Authors: Verhaak Eline , Schimmel Wietske C. M. , Sitskoorn Margriet M. , Hanssens Patrick E. J. , Butterbrod Elke , Gehring Karin
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The aims of this study were to evaluate long-term multidimensional fatigue in patients with brain metastases (BM) up to 21 months after Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) and (change in) fatigue as predictor of survival.

Methods

Patients with 1 to 10 BM, expected survival > 3 months, and Karnofsky Performance Status ≥ 70, and Dutch non-cancer controls were included. Fatigue was measured with the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory. Levels of fatigue between patients and controls were compared using independent-samples t-tests. Linear mixed models were used to evaluate fatigue within the patient group up to 21 months after GKRS. Pre-GKRS fatigue and minimal clinically important (MCI) changes in fatigue in the first three months (defined as a 2-point difference) after GKRS were evaluated as predictors of survival time.

Results

Prior to GKRS, patients with BM (n = 92) experienced significantly higher fatigue on all subscales than controls (n = 104). Over 21 months, physical fatigue increased, and mental fatigue decreased significantly. More specifically, general, and physical fatigue increased significantly between pre-GKRS and 3 months, followed by stable scores between 3 (n = 67) and 6 (n = 53), 6 and 12 (n = 34) and 12 and 21 (n = 21) months. An MCI increase in general or physical fatigue over the first 3 months after GKRS was a significant predictor of shorter survival time.

Conclusion

Except for mental fatigue, all aspects of fatigue remained elevated or further increased up to 21 months after treatment. Furthermore, an increase in general or physical fatigue within three months after GKRS may be a prognostic indicator for poorer survival.

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier

NCT02953756, November 3, 2016.
Survival benefit of radiotherapy and nomogram for patients with primary tracheal malignant tumors: a propensity score-matched SEER database analysis
Authors: Zheng Zhen , Du Zhennan , Fang Zhongjie , Shi Yunbin , Chen Xue , Jin Ming , Liu Kaitai
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to conduct a matched-pair analysis to assess the impact of radiotherapy (RT) on patients with malignant tracheal tumors using the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results database. Additionally, a predictive nomogram was developed for patients with malignant tracheal tumors.

Methods

Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to minimize bias between the RT and no-RT groups. We utilized both univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses to identify independent prognostic factors for patients and subgroups. We developed a novel nomogram and evaluated its results using the C-index.

Results

A total of 648 patients between 1975 and 2019 were included, and 160 patients in RT were 1:1 propensity score-matched with no-RT. The independent prognostic factors for patients with tracheal malignant tumors were surgery, marital status, disease extension, pathology, and age. The independent risk factors for patients without surgery included RT and disease extension. The C-index confirmed that the nomogram accurately predicted the prognosis of patients with tracheal malignant tumors.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that RT may provide a survival benefit for tracheal cancer patients who did not undergo surgery. The nomogram can be a useful tool for predicting prognosis in patients with tracheal malignant tumors.
Simultaneous fluorescence imaging of bowel perfusion and ureter delineation using methylene blue: a demonstration in a porcine model
Authors: Heuvelings Danique J. I. , Al-Difaie Zaid , Scheepers Max H. M. C. , Okamoto Nariaki , Diana Michele , Stassen Laurents P. S. , Bouvy Nicole D. , Al-Taher Mahdi
Published: May 2023

Background

Intraoperative near-infrared fluorescence imaging (NIRF) with preoperative optical dye administration is a promising technique for quick and easy intraoperative visualization of the ureter and for an improved, real-time assessment of intestinal perfusion. During colorectal surgery, there is a need for simultaneous non-invasive ureteral imaging and bowel perfusion assessment, using one single camera system. The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility of simultaneous intestinal perfusion and ureteral imaging using a single commercially available NIRF imaging system.

Methods

Six Landrace pigs underwent laparotomy under general anesthesia in this experiment. An intravenous (IV) dose of 0.2 mg/kg indocyanine green (ICG) was given to assess bowel perfusion. Two pairs received a methylene blue (MB) iv injection of 0.75, 0.50 or 0.25 mg/kg respectively to investigate ureteral visualization. Quest Spectrum Fluorescence Camera (Quest Medical Imaging, Middenmeer, The Netherlands) was used for NIRF imaging.

Results

Ureter visualization and bowel perfusion under NIRF imaging was achieved in all animals. All ureters were visible after five to ten minutes and remained clearly visible until the end of every experiment (120–420 min). A mixed model analysis did not show any significant differences neither between the three groups nor over time. Importantly, we demonstrated that bowel perfusion could be visualized with methylene blue (MB) as well. We observed no interference between ICG and MB and a faster washout of MB.

Conclusion

We successfully demonstrated simultaneous fluorescence angiography with ICG and ureteral imaging with MB in the same surgical procedure, with the same commercially available NIRF imaging equipment. More importantly, we showed that the use MB is adequate for bowel perfusion assessment and ureter visualization with this NIRF imaging system. Besides, MB showed an earlier washout time, which can be clinical beneficial as a repeated dye injection may be necessary during a surgical procedure.
Master equation model for solute transport in river basins: part I channel fluvial scale
Authors: Rizzello Stefano , Vitolo Raffaele , Napoli Gaetano , De Bartolo Samuele
Published: May 2023

Normal and anomalous diffusion are ubiquitous in many physical complex systems. Here we define a system of diffusion equations generalized in time and space, using the conservation principles of mass and momentum at channel scale by a master equation. A numerical model for describing the steady one-dimensional advection-dispersion equation for solute transport in streams and channels imposed with point-loading is presented. We find the numerical model parameter as the solution of this system by estimating the transition probability that characterizes the physical phenomenon in the diffusion regime. The results presented (Part I) refer to the channel scale and represent the first part of a research project that has been extended to the basin scale.
Preferable PMSM rotor geometry for reduced axial flux components in the stator core
Authors: Blanken Norman , Ponick Bernd
Published: May 2023

This paper describes various rotor geometries for the axial end region of permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs) with the aim of reducing the axial magnetic stator flux component. This is achieved by considering the degrees of freedom for the three-dimensional geometry provided by state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies. The comparison of various approaches against conventional arrangements is discussed based on the effects on the axial magnetic stator flux in the end region and on the magnetic flux within the air-gap.
Normal vibration distribution search-based differential evolution algorithm for multimodal biomedical image registration
Authors: Gui Peng , He Fazhi , Ling Bingo Wing-Kuen , Zhang Dengyi , Ge Zongyuan
Published: May 2023

In linear registration, a floating image is spatially aligned with a reference image after performing a series of linear metric transformations. Additionally, linear registration is mainly considered a preprocessing version of nonrigid registration. To better accomplish the task of finding the optimal transformation in pairwise intensity-based medical image registration, in this work, we present an optimization algorithm called the normal vibration distribution search-based differential evolution algorithm (NVSA), which is modified from the Bernstein search-based differential evolution (BSD) algorithm. We redesign the search pattern of the BSD algorithm and import several control parameters as part of the fine-tuning process to reduce the difficulty of the algorithm. In this study, 23 classic optimization functions and 16 real-world patients (resulting in 41 multimodal registration scenarios) are used in experiments performed to statistically investigate the problem solving ability of the NVSA. Nine metaheuristic algorithms are used in the conducted experiments. When compared to the commonly utilized registration methods, such as ANTS, Elastix, and FSL, our method achieves better registration performance on the RIRE dataset. Moreover, we prove that our method can perform well with or without its initial spatial transformation in terms of different evaluation indicators, demonstrating its versatility and robustness for various clinical needs and applications. This study establishes the idea that metaheuristic-based methods can better accomplish linear registration tasks than the frequently used approaches; the proposed method demonstrates promise that it can solve real-world clinical and service problems encountered during nonrigid registration as a preprocessing approach.The source code of the NVSA is publicly available at https://github.com/PengGui-N/NVSA.
Injection of autologous conditioned plasma combined with a collagen scaffold may improve the clinical outcome in shoulder impingement syndrome: a prospective study
Authors: Halm-Pozniak Agnieszka , Lohmann Christoph H. , Awiszus Friedemann , Rudolf Margit , Bertrand Jessica , Berth Alexander
Published: May 2023

Background

Shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) is one of the most common diseases of the shoulder and can be addressed with various therapeutic concepts. Orthobiological agents such as platelet rich plasma with a low side effect rate gain importance in the conservative treatment of SIS. Currently, the knowledge about success rate influencing factors, such as the growth factors (GF) concentration or acromion type, is limited. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical outcome in the therapy of external SIS using autologous conditioned plasma combined with recombinant human collagen scaffold (ACP/STR) injection in comparison with a corticosteroid-local anesthetic (CSA) injection. Additionally, the influence of potential limiting factors such as GF concentration, age and acromial morphology was proved.

Materials and methods

This prospective pseudo-randomized trial recruited 58 patients with external SIS who received an ultrasound-guided subacromial injection either an ACP/STR or a CSA followed by physical therapy. Follow-up (FU) was performed at 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months. The outcome was assessed with Constant–Murley score, disability of arm, shoulder and hand score and simple shoulder test. The concentration of GF was measured using ELISA.

Results

During the FU, the improvement of outcome measures was observed with no differences between both groups. Shoulder force was significantly increased in the ACP/STR group (p < 0.01). We found no correlation between the amount of GF and age or gender in the ACP/STR patients. An acromion Bigliani type III predisposes for therapy failure (p < 0.001, OR = 56) in both treatment groups.

Conclusions

Patients with SIS benefit regarding to PROMs after both ACP/STR and CSA injection and physical therapy. Patients who received ACP/STR obtained superior improvement in force. The quantity of GF did not vary depending on the age, so that ACP/STR can be a treatment option for SIS in elderly patients with multimorbidity. The presence of an acromion type III seems to be a predictive factor for limited effectivity of injections in the clinical management of SIS.
Entwicklung von innovativen Faserverbundantriebswellen in Hybridbauweise – Funktionsintegration und Leichtbau über neuartige Materialkombinationen
Authors: Rayer Moritz , Wilkowski Moritz , Schiffers Reinhard , Stephan Jens
Published: May 2023

In diesem Beitrag wird Einblick in die Produktentwicklung einer neuartigen Faserverbundantriebswelle in Leichtbauweise gegeben. Durch eine hybride Bauweise aus Faserverbundkunststoffen und technischen Elastomeren wird die Spannungsführung in den lasttragenden Faserverbundbereichen optimiert. Über die bauartbedingte Funktionsintegration von Verlagerungskapazitäten sowie einer hohen Torsionselastizität, bildet die Antriebswelle zudem integrativ Eigenschaften elastischer Kupplungen ab. Dies ermöglicht die Reduktion des Bauraums, der Komponentenanzahl und der Masse des gesamten Antriebsstrangsystems. Der Einsatz der neuartigen Hybridmaterialarchitektur stellt die Produktentwicklung jedoch vor neue Herausforderungen. Insbesondere das Stabilitäts- und Langzeitverhalten wurde bislang nicht umfassend erforscht. Dieser Beitrag stellt die Technologieentwicklung auf Basis von anwendungsgerechten Simulations- und Prüfmethoden vor. Der Fokus liegt auf der experimentellen Konzeptvalidierung, welche durch den Einsatz von optischer Deformationsmesstechnik unterstützt wurde. An Funktionsprototypen wurden Torsionssteifigkeiten und das Stabilitätsverhalten unter hohen Lasten gemessen und Simulationsergebnissen gegenübergestellt. Weiterhin wurde das Langzeit- und Ermüdungsverhalten untersucht, um die Material- und Bauteileigenschaften unter hohen statischen und zyklischen Lasten zu charakterisieren. Aus den Versuchsergebnissen wurden Potenziale in der Produktentwicklung sowie in der Prüftechnik identifiziert.
Engineering-geological modeling for supporting local seismic response studies: insights from the 3D model of the subsoil of Rieti (Italy)
Authors: Antonielli Benedetta , Iannucci Roberto , Ciampi Paolo , Martino Salvatore , Marchetti Domenico , Giudici Federico , Scarascia Mugnozza Gabriele , Bozzano Francesca
Published: May 2023

A high-resolution 3D engineering-geological model of the subsoil can be derived by integrating stratigraphic and geophysical data in order to represent reliably the geological setting, and therefore support several geological studies such as local seismic response analyses. In this study, we show how an accurate 3D engineering-geological model suggests the proper seismic response modeling approach (1D or 2D) in a peculiar and complex geological context, such as the historical city center of Rieti (Italy), selected as test site, and characterized by important lateral heterogeneities between stiff travertine and alluvial soft deposits. The proposed methodology involves three steps: (i) conceptual geological modelling, obtained from data and maps of literature; (ii) engineering-geological modeling, validated through geophysical data; and (iii) a 3D model restitution achieved by a geodatabase (built basing on the previous steps), that collects, stores, reliably represents, and integrates properly the geospatial data. The analysis of seismic ambient noise measurements specifically available for the study area allowed to infer the shear wave velocity value for each lithotecnical unit and to retrieve some additional stratigraphies. These synthetic log stratigraphies allowed to improve the detail of the geodatabase and therefore a more accurate 3D geological model. Such a reliable engineering-geological model of the subsoil is required to perform a site-specific seismic response characterization which is a fundamental tool in the framework of seismic risk management.
Optimisation of drawdowns by generalised reinsurance in the classical risk model
Authors: Brinker Leonie Violetta , Schmidli Hanspeter
Published: May 2023

We consider a Cramér–Lundberg model representing the surplus of an insurance company under a general reinsurance control process. We aim to minimise the expected time during which the surplus is bounded away from its own running maximum by at least$$d>0$$d>0(discounted at a preference rate$$\delta >0$$δ>0) by choosing a reinsurance strategy. By analysing the drawdown process (i.e. the absolute distance of the controlled surplus model to its maximum) directly, we prove that the value function fulfils the corresponding Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation and show how one can calculate the value function and the optimal strategy. If the initial drawdown is critically large, the problem corresponds to the maximisation of the Laplace transform of a passage time. We show that a constant retention level is optimal. If the drawdown is smaller thand, the problem can be expressed as an element of a set of Gerber–Shiu optimisation problems. We show how these problems can be solved and that the optimal strategy is of feedback form. We illustrate the theory by examples of the cases of light and heavy tailed claims.
Solving a maritime inventory routing problem under uncertainty using optimization and simulation
Authors: Nikolaisen Jørgen Bjaarstad , Vågen Sofie Smith , Schütz Peter
Published: May 2023

The problem studied in this paper is inspired by one of the world’s largest producers of aluminium. The company produces alumina in South America that needs to be transported to aluminium production plants along the west coast of Norway. The problem is to determine the optimal shipping plan that satisfies the production plants’ alumina demand at minimum cost while satisfying requirements on inventory levels. Both departure time from the loading ports and sailing times are subject to uncertainty. We present a combined optimization and simulation framework for solving this maritime inventory routing problem under uncertainty. We solve the problem heuristically with an iterative solution approach that combines optimization with simulation: In phase 1 of our approach we solve a deterministic optimization model to generate a candidate solution. The performance of this solution is then evaluated in phase 2 by a simulation over a set of realizations of the uncertain parameters, resulting in an expected cost of uncertainty for this solution. The expected cost of uncertainty is then included in the phase 1 model and associated with the simulated solution, before the model is solved again. This process is repeated until no new solution is found. We apply this approach to a case based on real-world data. The results show that our approach finds solutions that perform considerably better under uncertainty than solutions resulting from a purely deterministic planning approach.
Optimization of mixture models on time series networks encoded by visibility graphs: an analysis of the US electricity market
Authors: Mari Carlo , Baldassari Cristiano
Published: May 2023

We propose a fully unsupervised network-based methodology for estimating Gaussian Mixture Models on financial time series by maximum likelihood using the Expectation-Maximization algorithm. Visibility graph-structured information of observed data is used to initialize the algorithm. The proposed methodology is applied to the US wholesale electricity market. We will demonstrate that encoding time series through Visibility Graphs allows us to capture the behavior of the time series and the nonlinear interactions between observations well. The results reveal that the proposed methodology outperforms more established approaches.
Perishable inventories with random input: a unifying survey with extensions
Authors: Boxma Onno , Perry David , Stadje Wolfgang
Published: May 2023

This paper is devoted to the theory of perishable inventory systems. In such systems items arrive and stay ‘on the shelf’ until they are either taken by a demand or become outdated. Our aim is to survey, extend and enrich the probabilistic analysis of a large class of such systems. A unifying principle is to consider the so-called virtual outdating process $$\textbf{V}$$
V
, where V(t) is the time that would pass from t until the next outdating if no new demands arrived after t. The steady-state density of $$\textbf{V}$$
V
is determined for a wide range of perishable inventory systems. Key performance measures like the rate of outdatings, the rate of unsatisfied demands and the distribution of the number of items on the shelf are subsequently expressed in that density. Some of the main ingredients of our analysis are level crossing theory and the observation that the $$\textbf{V}$$
V
process can be interpreted as the workload process of a specific single server queueing system.
A novel way for vibration control of FGM fluid-conveying pipes via NiTiNOL-steel wire rope
Authors: Zang Jian , Xiao Ronghuan , Zhang Yewei , Chen Liqun
Published: May 2023

In this study, a coupling model of fluid-conveying pipes made of functionally graded materials (FGMs) with NiTiNOL-steel (NiTi-ST) for vibration absorption is investigated. The vibration responses of the FGM fluid-conveying pipe with NiTi-ST are studied by the Galerkin truncation method (GTM) and harmonic balance method (HBM). The harmonic balance solutions and the numerical results are consistent. Also, the linearized stability of the structure is determined. The effects of the structure parameters on the absorption performance are also studied. The results show that the NiTi-ST is an effective means of vibration absorption. Furthermore, in studying the effect of the NiTi-ST, a closed detached response (CDR) is first observed. It is noteworthy that the CDR may dramatically change the vibration amplitude and that the parameters of the NiTi-ST may determine the emergence or disappearance of the CDR. This vibration absorption device can be extended to offer more general vibration control in engineering applications.
Prognostic implications of left ventricular inward displacement assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in patients with myocardial infarction
Authors: Nabeta Takeru , Meucci Maria Chiara , Westenberg Jos J.M. , Reiber Johan HC , Knuuti Juhani , van der Bijl Pieter , Marsan Nina Ajmone , Bax Jeroen J.
Published: May 2023

Risk stratification of patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) still depends mainly on the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). LV inward displacement (InD) is a novel parameter of LV systolic function, derived from feature tracking cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. We aimed to investigate the prognostic impact of InD in patients with IHD and prior myocardial infarction. A total of 111 patients (mean age 57 ± 10, 86% male) with a history of myocardial infarction who underwent CMR were included. LV InD was quantified by measuring the displacement of endocardially tracked points towards the centreline of the LV during systole with feature tracking CMR. The endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality, heart failure hospitalization and arrhythmic events. During a median follow-up of 142 (IQR 107–159) months, 31 (27.9%) combined events occurred. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that patients with LV InD below the study population median value (23.0%) had a significantly lower event-free survival (P < 0.001). LV InD remained independently associated with outcomes (HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.84–0.98, P = 0.010) on multivariate Cox regression analysis. InD also provided incremental prognostic value to LVEF, LV global radial strain and CMR scar burden. LV InD, measured with feature tracking CMR, was independently associated with outcomes in patients with IHD and prior myocardial infarction. LV InD also provided incremental prognostic value, in addition to LVEF and LV global radial strain. LV InD holds promise as a pragmatic imaging biomarker for post-infarct risk stratification.
Multi-view carotid ultrasound is stronger associated with cardiovascular risk factors than presence of plaque or single carotid intima media thickness measurements in subclinical atherosclerosis
Authors: Bengtsson Anna , Nyman Emma , Grönlund Christer , Wester Per , Näslund Ulf , Fhärm Eva , Norberg Margareta
Published: May 2023

We aimed to explore the prevalence of atherosclerosis by using multi-view ultrasound examination of the carotid arteries and its association with clinical risk factors in a middle-aged population at low to intermediate risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Carotid vascular ultrasound was performed in 3532 participants in the VIPVIZA trial. Mean and maximal carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) at prespecified angles and plaque presence were examined on the left and right side. Associations between CVD risk factors and ultrasound variables were quantified by partial least squares (PLS) regression. A combined ultrasound variable was computed using weights of the first PLS component. Associations between CVD risk factors and the combined multi-view ultrasound variable, single cIMT and plaque measurements, respectively, were determined using linear regression modelling. The participants’ mean age was 55.7 years and 52.9% were women. Plaque prevalence was 51.1% in men and 39.0% in women. cIMT was higher in men than in women and in the left compared with the right carotid artery. The strongest association of CVD risk factors was observed with the combined multi-view ultrasound variable (R2 = 24%), compared with single cIMT variables (R2 = 14–18%) and plaque presence (R2 = 15%). The pattern was similar in both sexes. The association with CVD risk factors and the combined ultrasound variable was stronger in 40-year olds (R2 = 22%) compared with 50- or 60-year olds (R = 12%). CVD risk factors are stronger associated with a combined ultrasound variable than plaque presence or single cIMT measures suggesting that carotid multi-view ultrasonography better captures the focality of early atherosclerosis.

Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01849575. May 8, 2013.
Spatio-temporal distribution of water and phosphorus determine growth of sorghum genotypes with contrasting nodal root angle
Authors: van der Bom Frederik , Williams Alwyn , Raymond Nelly , Sulman Richard , McLean Greg , Bell Michael
Published: May 2023

Aims

Increased subsoil water extraction through breeding of ‘designer’ root system architecture (RSA) may improve crop performance and resilience in the face of climate change (i.e. changing seasonal rainfall patterns). However, in many dryland environments, root systems face both water and nutrient scarcity (e.g. phosphorus (P)), with both resources often heterogeneously distributed in space and time. Under these conditions, interactions among RSA, nutrient distribution and soil water will determine crop performance, but remain poorly understood.

Methods

We grew two sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) genotypes defined by contrasting RSA (narrow or wide nodal root angle) in prepared soil cores with heterogeneous distributions of P and water along the soil profile. Plant growth and water use, shoot biomass, P uptake and root distribution were quantified in response to the different water × P combinations.

Results

Soil P placement and soil water distribution interactively determined plant growth and development in a genotype-dependent manner. The two sorghum genotypes shared common responses to P and water availability though varied for root and shoot traits and their relative responses to combined P and water stress.

Conclusions

Plant responses to the different water × P combinations were illustrative of the occurrence of spatio-temporal trade-offs between root architecture and efficient soil resource capture. The results suggest that the relative ability of crop root systems to effectively exploit soil profiles with greater resource availability will not necessarily be important for crop productivity in heterogeneous soil systems. Local environmental constraints should be considered when deploying genotypes with selected root architectural traits.
Using Motivational Interviewing to Increase HIV PrEP Initiation and Adherence: a Scoping Review
Authors: Dangerfield Derek T. , Davis Gerrin , Pandian Vinciya , Anderson Janeane N.
Published: May 2023

Despite evidence that pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) reduces HIV risk, initiation and adherence remain low among vulnerable communities. Motivational interviewing (MI) can improve HIV prevention behaviors. However, limited research identifies how MI impacts PrEP uptake and adherence. This scoping review examines essential components of MI-based interventions that aimed to improve PrEP use, including the number and duration of sessions, counselor characteristics, and interview content. We searched four databases, PubMed, CINAHL Plus, Embase, and Web of Science, and reviewed 379 articles. Studies were considered if they (a) were published between 2012 and 2023, (b) used MI independently or part of a multi-component intervention strategy, and (c) focused on improving PrEP initiation or adherence. Seven articles met inclusion criteria. Regarding intervention components, the number of MI sessions varied and duration ranged between 15 and 60 min. MI counselors varied in credentialing and demographic characteristics. MI content included PrEP education, identifying initiation and adherence barriers, and strategizing ways to overcome barriers. MI is an important component of interventions that aim to improve PrEP initiation and adherence. However, the variability and limited details across studies hinder our ability to assess MI efficacy on PrEP initiation and adherence or replicate these approaches in future interventions.
Global responses to the COVID-19 pandemic by recreational anglers: considerations for developing more resilient and sustainable fisheries
Authors: Britton J. Robert , Pinder Adrian C. , Alós Josep , Arlinghaus Robert , Danylchuk Andy J. , Edwards Wendy , Freire Kátia M. F. , Gundelund Casper , Hyder Kieran , Jarić Ivan , Lennox Robert , Lewin Wolf-Christian , Lynch Abigail J. , Midway Stephen R. , Potts Warren M. , Ryan Karina L. , Skov Christian , Strehlow Harry V. , Tracey Sean R. , Tsuboi Jun-ichi , Venturelli Paul A. , Weir Jessica L. , Weltersbach Marc Simon , Cooke Steven J.
Published: May 2023

The global COVID-19 pandemic resulted in many jurisdictions implementing orders restricting the movements of people to inhibit virus transmission, with recreational angling often either not permitted or access to fisheries and/or related infrastructure being prevented. Following the lifting of restrictions, initial angler surveys and licence sales suggested increased participation and effort, and altered angler demographics, but with evidence remaining limited. Here, we overcome this evidence gap by identifying temporal changes in angling interest, licence sales, and angling effort in world regions by comparing data in the ‘pre-pandemic’ (up to and including 2019); ‘acute pandemic’ (2020) and ‘COVID-acclimated’ (2021) periods. We then identified how changes can inform the development of more resilient and sustainable recreational fisheries. Interest in angling (measured here as angling-related internet search term volumes) increased substantially in all regions during 2020. Patterns in licence sales revealed marked increases in some countries during 2020 but not in others. Where licence sales increased, this was rarely sustained in 2021; where there were declines, these related to fewer tourist anglers due to movement restrictions. Data from most countries indicated a younger demographic of people who participated in angling in 2020, including in urban areas, but this was not sustained in 2021. These short-lived changes in recreational angling indicate efforts to retain younger anglers could increase overall participation levels, where efforts can target education in appropriate angling practices and create more urban angling opportunities. These efforts would then provide recreational fisheries with greater resilience to cope with future global crises, including facilitating the ability of people to access angling opportunities during periods of high societal stress.
Vulnerabilities in Mental Health due to Covid-19 Pandemic: The Response of the Italian Physicians
Authors: De Rose Alessandra , Arezzo Maria Felice , Amore Mario , Cuomo Alessandro , De Filippis Sergio , La Pia Silvestro , Pasqualini Marta , Pirani Alessandro , Torta Riccardo , Fagiolini Andrea
Published: May 2023

COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the pre-existing vulnerabilities and inequalities in societies. In this paper we analyse the categories that have suffered more than others from the pandemic and the restrictions on social life in terms of mental health. We rely on the Serendipity project based on a survey administered between November 2021 and February 2022 to a sample of Italian physicians (n = 1281). The survey aimed to assess the perception of general practitioners, paediatricians, geriatricians, and mental health specialists (psychiatrists, neurologists, child neuropsychiatrists), about changes in the mental health of the population as an effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown. The strategies implemented by the doctors interviewed in terms of the intensity of the prevention, emergence, and treatment of mental health interventions, and their association with physicians’ characteristics and their opinions on patient vulnerability have been illustrated by means of a multiple correspondence analysis. An overall result of the survey is the consensus of doctors on the worsening of mental health in general population, especially among their patients, due to the pandemic and on the onset of new discomforts. The most exposed individuals to the risk of onset or worsening of mental disorders include women, young people, and patients with psychiatric comorbidity. The paper also illustrates the interventions put in place by the physicians and deemed necessary from a public heath response perspective, that include providing psychoeducation to the general population, improving telehealth services, and increasing financial and human resources for community-based care.
Forecasting Heliospheric CME Solar-Wind Parameters Using the UCSD Time-Dependent Tomography and ISEE Interplanetary Scintillation Data: The 10 March 2022 CME
Authors: Jackson Bernard V. , Tokumaru Munetoshi , Iwai Kazumasa , Bracamontes Matthew T. , Buffington Andrew , Fujiki Ken’ichi , Murakami Go , Heyner Daniel , Sanchez-Cano Beatriz , Rojo Mathias , Aizawa Sae , Andre Nicolas , Barthe Alain , Penou Emmanuel , Fedorov Andrei , Sauvaud Jean-Andre , Yokota Shoichiro , Saito Yoshifumi
Published: May 2023

Remotely sensed interplanetary scintillation (IPS) data from the Institute for Space-Earth Environmental Research (ISEE), Japan, allows a determination of solar-wind parameters throughout the inner heliosphere. We show the 3D analysis technique developed for these data sets that forecast plasma velocity, density, and component magnetic fields at Earth, as well at the other inner heliospheric planets and spacecraft. One excellent coronal mass ejection (CME) example that occurred on the 10 March 2022 was viewed not only in the ISEE IPS analyses, but also by the spacecraft near Earth that measured the CME arrival at one AU. Solar Orbiter, that was nearly aligned along the Earth radial at 0.45 AU, also measured the CME in plasma density, velocity, and magnetic field. BepiColombo at 0.42 AU was also aligned with the STEREO A spacecraft, and viewed this CME. The instruments used here from BepiColombo include: 1) the European-Space-Agency Mercury-Planetary-Orbiter magnetic field measurements; 2) the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Mio spacecraft Solar Particle Monitor that viewed the CME Forbush decrease, and the Mercury Plasma Experiment/Mercury Electron Analyzer instruments that measured particles and solar-wind density from below the spacecraft protective sunshield covering. This article summarizes the analysis using ISEE, Japan real-time data for these forecasts: it provides a synopsis of the results and confirmation of the CME event morphology after its arrival, and discusses how future IPS analyses can augment these results.
Active carbon-based waste packaging materials for uranium sorption from aqueous solution
Authors: Elzoghby Amir , Fahmy Hager , Taha Mohamed , Ibrahim Saber
Published: May 2023

Waste (packaging plastic and industrial water) accumulation is one of the great global challenges over the world. Combining waste recycling science and water treatment knowledge are fascinating as applied sciences add value to the safe disposal of waste plastic packaging materials and wastewater. Active carbons (ACs) are prepared from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) at two pyrolysis temperatures (i.e. 450 and 500 °C) and compressed in well-defined designed molds to form cylinder shapes as applied in industry. Particle size (817 and 1074 nm), zeta potential (− 7.17 and − 25.6 mV), surface area (544 and 632 m2/g), and topography of prepared ACs were investigated and discussed. Zeta potential exhibited nice dispersion in accordance to charge value and surficial SEM images prove space hole filling with adsorbed materials after treatment. The prepared activated carbon sorbents have been applied for the removal of radioactive elements from wastewater. The displayed data declare that both sorbents have the same sorption performance, whereas the uranium sorption process using both sorbents is obeyed to pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm model. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that the prepared AC at a pyrolysis temperature of 500 °C exhibits higher sorption capacity (38.9 mg g−1) than that prepared at lower temperature, i.e., 450 °C (36.2 mg g−1) which indicates that the increase in pyrolysis temperature improves the sorption characteristics of the yield-activated carbon.
Effective bioremediation of clarithromycin and diclofenac in wastewater by microbes and Arundo donax L
Authors: Ercoli Laura , Rossetto Rudy , Di Giorgi Sabrina , Raffaelli Andrea , Nuti Marco , Pellegrino Elisa
Published: May 2023

Bioremediation
of pharmaceuticals has gained large research efforts, but there is still a need to improve the performance of bioremediation systems by selecting effective organisms. In this study, we characterized the capability to remove clarithromycin (CLA) and diclofenac (DCF) by the bacterium Streptomyces rochei, and the fungi Phanerochaete chrysosporium and Trametes versicolor. The macrolide antibiotic CLA and the non-steroid anti-inflammatory DCF were selected because these are two of the most frequently detected drugs in water bodies. Growth and content of the PhCs and a DCF metabolite (MET) by the energy crop Arundo donax L. were also evaluated under hydroponic conditions. The removal rate (RR) by S. rochei increased from 24 to 40% at 10 and 100 µg CLA L−1, respectively, averaged over incubation times. At 144 h, the RR by P. chrysosporium was 84%, while by T. versicolor was 70 and 45% at 10 and 100 CLA µg L−1. The RR by S. rochei did not exceed 30% at 1 mg DCF L−1 and reached 60% at 10 mg DCF L−1, whereas approached 95% and 63% by P. chrysosporium and T. versicolor, respectively, at both doses. Root biomass and length of A. donax were strongly affected at 100 µg CLA L−1. CLA concentration in roots and shoots increased with the increase of the dose and translocation factor (TF) was about 1. DCF severely affected both shoot fresh weight and root length at the highest dose and concentration in roots and shoots increased with the increase of the dose. DCF concentrations were 16–19 times higher in roots than in shoots, and TF was about 0.1. MET was detected only in roots and its proportion over the parent compound decreased with the increase of the DCF dose. This study highlights the potential contribution of A. donax and the tested microbial inoculants for improving the effectiveness of bioremediation systems for CLA and DCF removal.
Modelling hydrogen production from biomass pyrolysis for energy systems using machine learning techniques
Authors: García-Nieto Paulino José , García-Gonzalo Esperanza , Paredes-Sánchez Beatriz María , Paredes-Sánchez José Pablo
Published: May 2023

In the context of Industry 4.0, hydrogen gas is becoming more significant to energy feedstocks in the world. The current work researches a novel artificial smart model for characterising hydrogen gas production (HGP) from biomass composition and the pyrolysis process based on an intriguing approach that uses support vector machines (SVMs) in conjunction with the artificial bee colony (ABC) optimiser. The main results are the significance of each physico-chemical parameter on the hydrogen gas production through innovative modelling and the foretelling of the HGP. Additionally, when this novel technique was employed on the observed dataset, a coefficient of determination and correlation coefficient equal to 0.9464 and 0.9751 were reached for the HGP estimate, respectively. The correspondence between observed data and the ABC/SVM-relied approximation showed the suitable effectiveness of this procedure.