bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is augmented femoral lateral plating with helically shaped medial plates biomechanically advantageous over straight medial plates?
Authors: Pastor Torsten , Zderic Ivan , Drenchev Ludmil , Skulev Hristo K. , Berk Till , Beeres Frank J. P. , Link Björn‐Christian , Gueorguiev Boyko , Stoffel Karl , Knobe Matthias
Published: November 2023

Dual plating of comminuted distal femoral fractures allows for early patient mobilization. An additional helically shaped medial plate avoids the medial vital structures of the thigh. The aim of this study is to investigate the biomechanical competence of an augmented lateral locking compression plate distal femur (LCP‐DF) using an additional straight versus a helically shaped medial LCP of the same length. Ten pairs of human cadaveric femora were instrumented with a lateral anatomical 15‐hole LCP‐DF. Following, they were pairwise instrumented with either an additional medial straight 14‐hole LCP (group 1) or a 90°‐helical shape LCP (group 2). All specimens were biomechanically tested under quasi‐static and progressively increasing combined cyclic axial and torsional loading until failure. Initial interfragmentary axial displacement and flexion under static compression were significantly smaller in group 1 (0.11 ± 0.12 mm and 0.21 ± 0.10°) versus group 2 (0.31 ± 0.14 mm and 0.68 ± 0.16°), p ≤ 0.007. Initial varus deformation under static compression remained not significantly different between group 1 (0.57 ± 0.23°) and group 2 (0.75 ± 0.34°), p = 0.085. Flexion movements during dynamic loading were significantly bigger in group 2 (2.51 ± 0.54°) versus group 1 (1.63 ± 1.28°), p = 0.015; however, no significant differences were observed in terms of varus, internal rotation, and axial and shear displacements between the groups, p ≥ 0.204. Cycles to failure and load at failure were higher in group 2 (25,172 ± 6376 and 3017 ± 638 N) compared to group 1 (22,277 ± 4576 and 2728 ± 458 N) with no significant differences between them, p = 0.195. From a biomechanical perspective, helical double plating may be considered a useful alternative to straight double plating, demonstrating ameliorated damping capacities during flexion deformation and safer application as the medial neurovascular structures of the thigh are avoided.
The influence of implant design and limb alignment on in vivo wear rates of fixed‐bearing and rotating‐platform knee implant retrievals
Authors: Dreyer Michael J. , Weisse Bernhard , Contreras Raggio José Ignacio , Zboray Robert , Taylor William R. , Preiss Stefan , Horn Nils
Published: November 2023

Analysis of polyethylene (PE) wear in knee implants is crucial for understanding the factors leading to revision in total knee arthroplasty. Importantly, current experimental and computational methods for predicting insert wear can only be validated against true in vivo measurements from retrievals. This study quantitatively investigated in vivo PE wear rates in fixed‐bearing (FB) (n = 21) and rotating‐platform (n = 53) implant retrievals. 3D surface geometry of the retrievals was measured using a structured light scanner. Then, a reference surface that included the deformation, but not the wear that the retrievals had experienced in vivo, was constructed using a fully automatic surface reconstruction algorithm. Finally, wear volume was calculated from the deviation between the worn and reconstructed surfaces. The measurement and analysis techniques were validated and the algorithm was found to produce errors of only 0.2% relative to the component volumes. In addition to quantifying cohort‐level wear rates, the effect of mechanical axis limb alignment on mediolateral wear distribution was examined for a subset of the retrievals (n = 14 + 26). Our results show that FB implants produce significantly (p = 0.04) higher topside wear rates (24.6 ± 10.1 mm3/year) than rotating‐platform implants (15.3 ± 8.0 mm3/year). This effect was larger than that of limb alignment, which had a smaller and nonsignificant influence on overall wear rates (+4.5 ± 11.6 mm3/year, p = 0.43). However, increased varus alignment was associated significantly with greater medial compartment wear in both the FB and rotating‐platform designs (+1.7 ± 1.3%/° and +1.8 ± 1.6%/°). Our findings emphasize the importance of implant design and limb alignment on wear outcomes, providing reference data for improving implant performance and longevity.
Impact of degeneration and material pairings on cartilage friction: Cartilage versus glass
Authors: de Roy Luisa , Schlickenrieder Klaus , Rüger Matthias , Faschingbauer Martin , Ignatius Anita , Seitz Andreas M.
Published: November 2023

The association of knee joint osteoarthritis and altered frictional properties of the degenerated cartilage remains ambiguous, because previous in vitro studies did not consider the characteristic loads and velocities during gait. Therefore, the aim of this study was to quantify the friction behavior of degenerated human cartilage under characteristic stance and swing phase conditions. A dynamic pin‐on‐plate tribometer was used to test the tribological systems of cartilage against cartilage and cartilage against glass, both with synthetic synovial fluid as lubricant. Using the International Cartilage Repair Society classification, the cartilage samples were assigned to a mildly or a severely degenerated group before testing. Friction coefficients were calculated under stance and swing phase conditions at the beginning of the test and after 600 s of testing. The most important finding of this study is that cartilage against glass couplings displayed significantly higher friction for the severely degenerated samples compared to the mildly degenerated ones, whereas cartilage against cartilage couplings only indicated slight tendencies under the observed test conditions. Consequently, care should be taken when transferring in vitro findings from cartilage against cartilage couplings to predict the friction behavior in vivo. Therefore, we recommend in vitro tribological testing methods which account for gait‐like loading conditions and to replicate physiological material pairings, particularly in preclinical medical device validation studies.
Influence of tissue desiccation on critical temperature for thermal damage during Er:YAG laser skin treatments
Authors: Lukač Matjaž , Košir Jure , Žel Tilen , Kažič Marko , Šavli Dominik , Jezeršek Matija
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Erbium lasers have become an accepted tool for performing both ablative and non‐ablative medical procedures, especially when minimal invasiveness is desired. Hard‐tissue desiccation during Er:YAG laser procedures is a well‐known phenomenon in dentistry, the effect of which is to a certain degree being addressed by the accompanying cooling water spray. The desiccation of soft tissue has attracted much less attention due to the soft tissue's high‐water content, resulting in a smaller effect on the ablation process.

Materials and methods

In this study, the characteristics of skin temperature decay following irradiations with Er:YAG laser pulses were measured using a fast thermal camera.

Results

The measurements revealed a substantial increase in temperature decay times and resulting thermal exposure times following irradiations with Er:YAG pulses with fluences below the laser ablation threshold. Based on an analytical model where the skin surface cooling time is calculated from the estimated thickness of the heated superficial layer of the stratum corneum (SC), the observed phenomena is attributed to the accelerated evaporation of water from the SC's surface. By using an Arrhenius damage integral‐based variable heat shock model to describe the dependence of the critical temperature on the duration of thermal exposure, it is shown that contrary to what an inexperienced practitioner might expect, the low‐to‐medium level fluences may result in a larger thermal damage in comparison to treatments where higher fluences are used. This effect may be alleviated by hydrating the skin before Er:YAG treatments.

Conclusion

Our study indicates that tissue desiccation may play a more important role than expected for soft‐tissue procedures. It is proposed that its effect may be alleviated by hydrating the skin before Er:YAG treatments.
Evaluation of pH variation in cathodic protection conditions by FEM simulation
Authors: Attarchi Mehdi , Ormellese Marco , Brenna Andrea
Published: November 2023

Cathodic protection is an electrochemical technique used to control the corrosion of metals. It does this by sending a proper amount of current equal to the current required by the cathodic processes at the protection potential. One of the chemical effects of cathodic protection is a local pH increase at the surface, which is an important factor in the reduction of corrosion rate, as carbon steel may work in a passive condition. In the present study, a tertiary current distribution finite element method model is introduced. A dynamic boundary condition is considered, by defining a Fe anodic Tafel slope as a pH function, and oxygen reduction reaction limiting current density as a function of available oxygen at the cathode surface. The model has been validated by direct pH measurement during a short‐term polarization test, and subsequently used to predict the pH and the available oxygen at the cathode surface for long‐term condition.
Material extrusion additive manufacturing of dual material composite thermoset silicone components
Authors: Peeke Lachlan M. , Liu Wenbo , Periyasamy Mookkan , Campbell Ronald R. , Sassano Elizabeth , Hajduczek Wojciech J. , Hickner Michael A.
Published: November 2023

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a disruptive manufacturing process that gives designers freedom to create highly complex shapes through free‐form fabrication. The majority of polymers used in extrusion AM are thermoplastics because they are easy to process in affordable machines. While there are a number of moderate modulus thermoplastics in regular use in AM, thermoplastics are known to weaken with increases in temperature or exposure to solvents and many commodity thermoplastics used in AM are brittle. On the other hand, there are few elastomers, and even fewer elastomer reinforcement schemes, that are accessible using standard AM technologies. In this work, we report a novel dual extrusion process that integrates elastomeric silicone with reinforcing thermoplastic. By developing and demonstrating a dual extrusion 3D printer that can process common thermoplastics with commercially available thermosetting silicones, new types of composite elastomers are reported with good mechanical performance. The 0°/20°/−20° grid pattern thermoplastic reinforced samples achieved 2.5 MPa tensile strength in low extension region (0.5 strain), which improves the initial stiffness of the composite component. Desired mechanical responses of composite structures can be realized by tuning the reinforcement volume ratio and infill percentages, and applying various types of reinforcement mesh patterns and thermoplastics.

Highlights

A dual extrusion process integrates fus filament fabrication and direct ink writing technologies.

Thermoplastic reinforced silicone composite with stiff/soft properties.

Tunable volume ratio, infill percentage, mesh pattern, and material option.
Visible Mie resonances in dielectric hollow spheres: Principle, regulation, and applications
Authors: Yao Xiaxi , Hong Xuekun , Liu Yiding
Published: November 2023

Dielectric nanostructures have recently been frequently employed as building blocks for photonic structures due to their advantages, including low energy dissipation, good chemical stability, and distinct resonant properties compared to plasmonic nanostructures. One of the most important principles that governs the optical property of dielectric nanoparticles is Mie resonance, which highly depends on dielectric property, size, morphology, and assembly structures of the nanoparticles as well as the surrounding environment. Among diverse types of Mie‐resonant nanoparticles, hollow spheres are particularly attractive as they can reduce multiple scattering and elongates the mean free path of the light passing through, which results in enhanced Mie resonance compared to solid particles and benefits a broad range of applications including structural color and beyond. This article aims at reviewing the recent development of Mie‐resonant hollow spheres from aspects starting from a brief theoretical introduction of Mie resonance in hollow spheres, principles for regulation of the resonances, followed by common strategies for synthesis, and recent advances in applications of Mie‐resonant hollow spheres. Remarks on the challenges and future opportunities in this area will also be presented.
End Group Engineering for Constructing A−D−A Fused‐Ring Photosensitizers with Balanced Phototheranostics Performance
Authors: Lu Bing , Xia Jiachen , Quan Hui , Huang Yuying , Zhang Zhecheng , Zhan Xiaowei
Published: November 2023

Phototheranostics continues to flourish in cancer treatment. Due to the competitive relationships between these photophysical processes of fluorescence emission, photothermal conversion, and photodynamic action, it is critical to balance them through subtle photosensitizer designs. Herein, it is provided a useful guideline for constructing A−D−A photosensitizers with superior phototheranostics performance. Various cyanoacetate group‐modified end groups containing ester side chains of different length are designed to construct a series of A−D−A photosensitizers (F8CA1 ∼ F8CA4) to study the structure‐property relationships. It is surprising to find that the photophysical properties of A−D−A photosensitizers can be precisely regulated by these tiny structural changes. The results reveal that the increase in the steric hindrance of ester side chains has positive impacts on their photothermal conversion capabilities, but adverse impacts on the fluorescence emission and photodynamic activities. Notably, these tiny structural changes lead to their different aggregation behavior. The molecule mechanisms are detailedly explained by theoretical calculations. Finally, F8CA2 nanoparticles with more balanced photophysical properties perform well in fluorescence imaging‐guided photothermal and type I&II photodynamic synergistic cancer therapy, even under hypoxic conditions. Therefore, this work provides a novel practicable construction strategy for desired A−D−A photosensitizers.
Ampere‐Level Current Density CO2 Reduction with High C2+ Selectivity on La(OH)3‐Modified Cu Catalysts
Authors: Hu Shuqi , Chen Yumo , Zhang Zhiyuan , Li Shaohai , Liu Heming , Kang Xin , Liu Jiarong , Ge Shiyu , Wang Jingwei , Lv Wei , Zeng Zhiyuan , Zou Xiaolong , Yu Qiangmin , Liu Bilu
Published: November 2023

The carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) driven by electricity can transform CO2 into high‐value multi‐carbon (C2+) products. Copper (Cu)‐based catalysts are efficient but suffer from low C2+ selectivity at high current densities. Here La(OH)3 in Cu catalyst is introduced to modify its electronic structure towards efficient CO2RR to C2+ products at ampere‐level current densities. The La(OH)3/Cu catalyst has a remarkable C2+ Faradaic efficiency (FEC2+) of 71.2% which is 2.2 times that of the pure Cu catalyst at a current density of 1,000 mA cm−2 and keeps stable for 8 h. In situ spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations both show that La(OH)3 modifies the electronic structure of Cu. This modification favors *CO adsorption, subsequent hydrogenation, *CO─*COH coupling, and consequently increases C2+ selectivity. This work provides a guidance on facilitating C2+ product formation, and suppressing hydrogen evolution by La(OH)3 modification, enabling efficient CO2RR at ampere‐level current densities.
Creating Sustainable Products
Authors: Ries Lena , Wartzack Sandro , Zipse Oliver
Published: November 2023

On the Road to Net Zero, products must not only become CO2-neutral in the consumption phase, but the environmental impact needs to be mitigated from the extraction of the raw materials to their end-of-life disposal. The consideration of the entire life cycle—cradle to cradle—as well as rising consumer demand for sustainable products—requires a new paradigm in product design: Design for circularity. Circular design focuses on developing design strategies that enable circularity, such as material selection, design for disassembly, product lifetime extension strategies, and the design of closed-loop systems. Thus, the first section after the introduction of this chapter (Sect. 5.2) provides an overview of the research field of design for circularity. After reviewing the concept of the circular economy (CE), different frameworks for operationalizing the CE are outlined. Based on this review and discussion, we derive three implications for circular design: a change in product design, a change in service design, and a change in user behavior. Finally, we address the implementation challenges that manufacturing companies face when transitioning to a CE. In the subsequent expert discussion (Sect. 5.3) between Oliver Zipse and Prof.-Ing. Sandro Wartzack, these issues are reflected upon from a practitioner’s perspective. In the final section of this chapter (Sect. 5.4), future avenues of research are presented, and the challenges and opportunities of circular design strategies are discussed.
Sustainability in Manufacturing Transforming
Authors: Hanenkamp Nico , Zipse Oliver
Published: November 2023

While consensus often exists regarding the principles of sustainability, their implementation on the shop floor is a challenge for every manufacturing company. The three dimensions of sustainable production—social, ecological, and economic—must be considered equally when planning investments or improving operational efficiency. In doing so, the implementation reveals additional efficiency potential because the three dimensions interact positively. For example, improved working conditions address the social aspect of sustainability, but they also have a positive impact on motivation and productivity. However, sustainability in operations depends strongly on innovation and research. First, electrification technologies to generate, store, and transport electrical energy will play major roles in the factory of the future. Second, circular processes that close loops in material and energy use will increase efficiency and positively impact sustainability. Finally, innovative manufacturing and digitalization technologies provide further improvements in sustainability. Successful companies on the path to sustainability do not interpret sustainability principles as an end in themselves. These companies have a clear vision of the factory of the future in mind, characterized by sustainable manufacturing processes on the shop floor, a high degree of digitalization and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to generate data compatible with accepted sustainability standards, and the coupling of different systems and processes.
Lightweight System Design with Integration of Passive Functions
Authors: Wiedemann Martin
Published: November 2023

Passive functions are not used for load transfer alone, as in classic lightweight design, but fulfil other requirements for the overall product, such as minimising aerodynamic drag, providing electrical conductivity and thermal or acoustic insulation.
Introduction
Authors: Yu Zhen , Feng Jie , Tang Shiyang , Liu Zeyu , Yan Yiran , Luo Na
Published: November 2023

In recent years, various natural disasters have been occurring frequently and showing an increasing trend. Disasters such as typhoons, heavy rainfall, geological earthquakes, snow and ice storms, and others have caused significant losses to the power grid, severely impacting the safe and stable operation of the grid and the normal production and operation of companies.
Network Awareness and Emergency Command Fundamentals
Authors: Yu Zhen , Feng Jie , Tang Shiyang , Liu Zeyu , Yan Yiran , Luo Na
Published: November 2023

Public safety refers to the secure state of individuals, property, and social systems, without any form of destruction.
Multiple Information Collection Technology of Power Network Disaster Loss
Authors: Yu Zhen , Feng Jie , Tang Shiyang , Liu Zeyu , Yan Yiran , Luo Na
Published: November 2023

In the field of wireless sensor network in the application and research and development, foreign countries such as the United States, Europe, Japan, South Korea and other countries started earlier, and their overall strength is strong. The United States “smart grid”, “smart Earth”, the European “Internet of Things Action Plan” and the “U Society” strategy based on the Internet of Things in Japan and South Korea have been implemented, and the Internet of Things has become an important means to seize the “post-crisis” era to enhance the comprehensive competitiveness of countries. In China, wireless sensor networks began to develop after the concept of intelligent dust was put forward, and with the deepening of research on it, it has gradually expanded from the application of national defense and military fields to environmental monitoring, medical health, seabed exploration, forest fire fighting and other fields, and it is included in the future emerging technology development plan, and focus on the application of biotechnology, chemistry and other aspects. After that, the scientific community focused its research on secure and scalable networks, sensor systems and other networks, which prompted scholars from all walks of life to gradually participate in the research and development process of wireless sensor networks.
A hybrid type I + III inverse seesaw mechanism in U(1)R−L-symmetric MSSM
Authors: Ayber Cem Murat , Ipek Seyda
Published: November 2023

Abstract

We show that, in a U(1)R−L-symmetric supersymmetric model, the pseudo-Dirac bino and wino can give rise to three light neutrino masses through effective operators, generated at the messenger scale between a SUSY breaking hidden sector and the visible sector. The neutrino-bino/wino mixing follows a hybrid type I+III inverse seesaw pattern. The light neutrino masses are governed by the ratio of the U(1)R−L-breaking gravitino mass, m3/2, and the messenger scale ΛM. The charged component of the SU(2)L-triplet, here the lightest charginos, mix with the charged leptons and generate flavor-changing neutral currents at tree level. We find that resulting lepton flavor violating observables yield a lower bound on the messenger scale, ΛM ≳ (500 − 1000) TeV for a simplified hybrid mixing scenario. We identify interesting mixing structures for certain U(1)R−L-breaking singlino/tripletino Majorana masses. For example, in some parameter regimes, bino or wino has no mixing with the electron neutrino. We also describe the rich collider phenomenology expected in this neutrino-mass generation mechanism.
Unified and accurate simulation for large elastic strain responses of rubberlike soft materials under multiple modes of loading
Authors: Kang Jia , Tan Long-Xu , Liu Quan-Pu , Wang Si-Yu , Bruhns Otto T. , Xiao Heng
Published: November 2023

A new and explicit form of the multi-axial elastic potential for elastic soft materials is constructed by means of two invariants of the Hencky strain. The new elasticity model with this form can bypass coupling complexities and uncertainties usually involved in parameter identification. Namely, exact closed-form solutions of decoupled nature are obtainable for stress responses under multiple benchmark modes. Unlike usual solutions with numerous coupled parameters, such new solutions are independent of one another and, as such, data sets for multiple benchmark modes can be separately matched with mutually independent single-variable functions. A comparative study is presented between a few well-known models and the new model. Results show that predictions from the former agree well with uniaxial and biaxial data, as known in the literature, but would be at variance with data for the constrained stress response in the plane-strain extension. In contrast, predictions from the new model agree accurately with all data sets. Furthermore, exact solutions for the Poynting effect of freely twisted elastic thin-walled tube are obtained from the new model.
Constitutional alignment predicts medial ligament balancing in mechanically aligned total knee arthroplasty for varus knees
Authors: Ho Jade Pei Yuik , Cho Joon Hee , Nam Hee Seung , Park Seong Yun , Lee Yong Seuk
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study was to identify if constitutional alignment and preoperative radiologic parameters determined whether medial gap balancing was required in mechanically aligned total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

Two hundred and sixty three patients with 394 consecutive knees who underwent primary TKAs were retrospectively analysed in this study. Selective sequential multiple needle puncturing (MNP) was performed for medial ligament balancing when required. Constitutional alignment, which was determined using the Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee (CPAK) classification, as well as preoperative and postoperative radiologic parameters was evaluated to identify factors which predicted the need for MNP.

Results

One hundred and fifty eight (40.1%) knees required medial ligament balancing with MNP. Patients who required MNP during surgery had significantly more constitutional varus, more varus preoperative mechanical Hip–Knee–Ankle angle (mHKA), smaller preoperative medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) and a larger change in mHKA and MPTA after surgery than those who did not. Patients with constitutional varus also had a higher incidence of having had MNP to both anterior and posterior superficial medial collateral ligament (sMCL) fibres. There was no significant difference in preoperative lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA), posterior tibial slope (PTS) and varus–valgus difference (VVD) between groups.

Conclusion

Ligament balancing using MNP was determined by constitutional alignment rather than medial soft tissue contracture. Patients with constitutional varus who had a larger medio‐lateral gap difference in extension also had a higher incidence of having had MNP to both anterior and posterior sMCL fibres.

Level of evidence

Retrospective comparative study, level IV.
T-type multilevel inverter-fed interior PM machine drives based on the voltage regulation feedback and the model predictive control
Authors: Mohamed Essam E. M. , Saeed Mahmoud S. R.
Published: November 2023

The tracking of optimal current trajectories in an interior permanent magnet (IPM) synchronous machine is traditionally realized by a complex online tracking, inaccurate analytical equations, or tiresome offline calibration methods. This paper proposes a modified hybrid feed-forward/feedback flux-weakening algorithm for IPM synchronous machines. In this paper, the utilized power converter is a standard T-type multilevel inverter, and hence, the voltage and current harmonics contents of the conventional two-level inverter are improved. The control algorithm utilizes the optimal current profile for maximum torque per ampere (MTPA) operation and a voltage regulation (VR) feedback control for efficient flux-weakening operation. For infinite-speed IPM machine drives, the d-q current components are limited to follow the maximum torque per voltage (MTPV) trajectory. A low-complexity model predictive control (MPC) is employed to minimize the conflict that arises from using cascaded PI control loops for current and speed control. The performance of the drive is investigated based on the Prius 2004 IPM parameters. Extensive simulation scenarios were performed using the MATLAB/SIMULINK which validates the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. Real-time simulations based on the dSPACE DS 1103 platform are conducted to confirm the system validity for real hardware implementation. The proposed IPM drive system proves simple structure, fast response, and low harmonic contents.
Impact of real-life use of artificial intelligence as support for human reading in a population-based breast cancer screening program with mammography and tomosynthesis
Authors: Elías-Cabot Esperanza , Romero-Martín Sara , Raya-Povedano José Luis , Brehl A.-K. , Álvarez-Benito Marina
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of using an artificial intelligence (AI) system as support for human double reading in a real-life scenario of a breast cancer screening program with digital mammography (DM) or digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT).

Material and methods

We analyzed the performance of double reading screening with mammography and tomosynthesis after implementarion of AI as decision support. The study group consisted of a consecutive cohort of 1 year screening between March 2021 and March 2022 where double reading was performed with concurrent AI support that automatically detects and highlights lesions suspicious of breast cancer in mammography and tomosynthesis. Screening performance was measured as cancer detection rate (CDR), recall rate (RR), and positive predictive value (PPV) of recalls. Performance in the study group was compared using a McNemar test to a control group that included a screening cohort of the same size, recorded just prior to the implementation of AI.

Results

A total of 11,998 women (mean age 57.59 years ± 5.8 [sd]) were included in the study group (5049 DM and 6949 DBT). Comparing global results (including DM and DBT) of double reading with vs. without AI support, we observed an increase in CDR, PPV, and RR by 3.2/‰ (5.8 vs. 9; p < 0.001), 4% (10.6 vs. 14.6; p < 0.001), and 0.7% (5.4 vs. 6.1; p < 0.001) respectively.

Conclusion

AI used as support for human double reading in a real-life breast cancer screening program with DM and DBT increases CDR and PPV of the recalled women.

Clinical relevance statement

Artificial intelligence as support for human double reading improves accuracy in a real-life breast cancer screening program both in digital mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis.

Key Points

• AI systems based on deep learning technology offer potential for improving breast cancer screening programs.

• Using artificial intelligence as support for reading improves radiologists’ performance in breast cancer screening programs with mammography or tomosynthesis.

• Artificial intelligence used concurrently with human reading in clinical screening practice increases breast cancer detection rate and positive predictive value of the recalled women.
Computational study of a microwave plasma reactor based on the TM112 mode for diamond deposition
Authors: Orozco E. A. , Tsygankov P. , Barragan Y. F. , Hernández J. A. , Martinez-Amariz A. , Parada F. F.
Published: November 2023

One of the main features of microwave plasma reactors is the electric field structure in the resonant cavity, which must be both intense and uniform in front of the substrate. For this reason, transverse magnetic modes are often used, especially axisymmetric modes because they produce an axisymmetric plasma. Microwave plasma reactors can be differentiated according to the chosen mode, because this has a direct influence on the diamond film growth process, among other features such as the coupling technique and the used quartz window. Another attractive characteristic of said reactors is obtaining large activation areas of the plasma. In this paper, we propose a microwave plasma reactor based on the TM112 cylindrical mode, which is subject to a computational study. Unlike axisymmetric modes, which activate the plasma on the cavity axis, the TM112 cylindrical mode presents two activation plasma areas. The reactor was designed following the methodology described by Silva et al., and using the Plasma, Radiofrequency (RF), and Heat transfer modules of the software COMSOL Multiphysics. The obtained results are presented in two stages. The first one is related to the initial electric field distribution of the TM112 mode. Next, the generation of the hydrogen plasma was simulated from the interaction of H2 gas with the TM112 microwave field. The plasma activation process is described in detail from graphics of the time evolution of the electron density, hydrogen density, and their respective temperatures until a steady state is reached. Additionally, the influence of the pressure on the concentration and the temperature of both electrons and gas in a steady state is analyzed. The presented results can be useful for the design of plasma reactors for diamond deposition.
Hemodynamic changes in the temporalis and masseter muscles during acute stress in healthy humans
Authors: Rashid Anas , Roatta Silvestro
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Autonomic control of orofacial areas is an integral part of the stress response, controlling functions such as pupil dilatation, salivation, and skin blood flow. However, the specific control of blood flow in head muscles during stress is unknown. This study aims to investigate the hemodynamic response of temporalis and masseter muscles in response to five different stressors.

Methods

Sixteen healthy individuals were subjected to a randomized series of stressors, including cold pressor test, mental arithmetic test, apnea, isometric handgrip, and post-handgrip muscle ischemia, while in the sitting posture. Finger-pulse photoplethysmography was used to measure arterial blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac output. Near-infrared spectroscopy was used to measure changes in tissue oxygenation and hemoglobin indices from the temporalis and masseter muscles.

Results

All stressors effectively and significantly increased arterial blood pressure. Tissue oxygenation index significantly increased in both investigated head muscles during mental arithmetic test (temporalis: 4.22 ± 3.52%; masseter: 3.43 ± 3.63%) and isometric handgrip (temporalis: 3.45 ± 3.09%; masseter: 3.26 ± 3.07%), suggesting increased muscle blood flow. Neither the masseter nor the temporalis muscles evidenced a vasoconstrictive response to any of the stressors tested.

Conclusion

In the different conditions, temporalis and masseter muscles exhibited similar hemodynamic patterns of response, which do not include the marked vasoconstriction generally observed in limb muscles. The peculiar sympathetic control of head muscles is possibly related to the involvement of these muscles in aggressive/defensive reactions and/or to their unfavorable position with regard to hydrostatic blood levels.
Predictors of cancer patients' utilization of psychooncological support: Examining patient´s attitude and physician´s recommendation
Authors: Goerling Ute , Albus Christian , Bergelt Corinna , Erim Yesim , Faller Hermann , Geiser Franziska , Hönig Klaus , Hornemann Beate , Maatouk Imad , Stein Barbara , Teufel Martin , Wickert Martin , Weis Joachim
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Patients with cancer suffer from a wide range of psychological distress. Nevertheless, in the literature low utilization rates of psychooncological services are reported. Various factors may influence the utilization of professional support during inpatient care. Up to now it is unclear to what extent patients’ attitude towards psychooncological support and physicians’ recommendation for psychooncological care may influence the utilization.

Methods

In a multicenter longitudinal observational study in Comprehensive Cancer Centers Germany, 1398 patients with mixed cancer diagnoses were assessed at baseline during their hospital stay with respect to psychooncological distress and the need for and use of psychooncological services.

Results

Psychooncological support was used by almost 28.4% of patients up to this time. A positive attitude towards psychooncological support was reported by 41.6%. A recommendation of psychooncological support by a physician was received by 16.2%. These patients reported a significant higher level of distress compared to patients who did not received a recommendation. Multivariable logistic regression detected that the utilization rate was 3.79 times higher among patients with positive attitude towards psychooncological support (OR, 3.79; 95% CI 2.51–5.73, p < 0.001). Utilization was 4.21 times more likely among patients who received a physician´s recommendation (OR, 4.21; 95% CI 2.98–5.95, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The results of the study provide evidence of the relevance of giving more attention to psychooncological distress and attitudes towards psychooncological care. To reduce reservations, patients need low-threshold information about the psychooncological services offered.
Simulating phenomena with exponentiated trigonometric distributions: a comparative study of estimation methods and real-world applications
Authors: Hassanein W. A. , Elhaddad T. A.
Published: November 2023

Recent research has highlighted the statistical significance and usefulness of trigonometric distribution models for simulating a variety of phenomena. A new set of distributions generated by exponentiated cosine and tangent functions has been introduced. Consequently, two families of distributions called the exponentiated cosine and tan Stacy distributions are derived. Some vital statistical and reliability characteristics are studied. The finite sample characteristics of parameter estimations are compared to the exponentiated cosine and tan distribution generated by four estimation methods: maximum likelihood, ordinary least squares, weighted least squares, and Cramer–von Mises. The methodologies are evaluated using simulation studies. Finally, the practical applications of the proposed trigonometric versions of the Stacy model are examined and applied on two lifetime reliability engineering datasets and another lifetime medical dataset concerning bladder cancer data. These real applications serve to highlight the effectiveness and adaptability of this innovative families within the respective fields compared with other lifetime well-known distribution models.
AutoML in heavily constrained applications
Authors: Neutatz Felix , Lindauer Marius , Abedjan Ziawasch
Published: November 2023

Optimizing a machine learning pipeline for a task at hand requires careful configuration of various hyperparameters, typically supported by an AutoML system that optimizes the hyperparameters for the given training dataset. Yet, depending on the AutoML system’s own second-order meta-configuration, the performance of the AutoML process can vary significantly. Current AutoML systems cannot automatically adapt their own configuration to a specific use case. Further, they cannot compile user-defined application constraints on the effectiveness and efficiency of the pipeline and its generation. In this paper, we proposeCaml, which uses meta-learning to automatically adapt its own AutoML parameters, such as the search strategy, the validation strategy, and the search space, for a task at hand. The dynamic AutoML strategy ofCamltakes user-defined constraints into account and obtains constraint-satisfying pipelines with high predictive performance.
Optimal reinsurance via BSDEs in a partially observable model with jump clusters
Authors: Brachetta Matteo , Callegaro Giorgia , Ceci Claudia , Sgarra Carlo
Published: November 2023

We investigate an optimal reinsurance problem when the loss process exhibits jump clustering features and the insurance company has restricted information about the loss process. We maximise expected exponential utility of terminal wealth and show that an optimal strategy exists. By exploiting both the Kushner–Stratonovich and Zakai approaches, we provide the equation governing the dynamics of the (infinite-dimensional) filter and characterise the solution of the stochastic optimisation problem in terms of a BSDE, for which we prove existence and uniqueness of a solution. After discussing the optimal strategy for a general reinsurance premium, we provide more explicit results in some relevant cases.
Correlates and trajectories of relapses in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Young Carolyn A. , Rog David J. , Sharrack Basil , Tanasescu Radu , Kalra Seema , Harrower Timothy , Tennant Alan , Mills Roger J. ,   on behalf of the Trajectories of Outcome in Neurological Conditions-MS Study Group, Young Carolyn , Rog David , Sharrack Basil , Constantinescu Cris , Kalra Seema , Majeed Tahir , Santander Helen , Harrower Tim , Leach Oliver , Nicholas Richard , Ford Helen , Woolmore John , Kipps Chris , Johnston Clare , Thorpe John , Paling David , Falah Yasser , Ellis Cathy , Pinto Ashwin , Hanemann C. Oliver , Chandran Siddharthan , Malaspina Andrea , Kitley Jo , Palace Jacqueline , Fuller Tracy , Mottram Pat , Terrett Helen , Scalfari Antonio
Published: November 2023

Background and aims

In people with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (pwRRMS), data from studies on non-pharmacological factors which may influence relapse risk, other than age, are inconsistent. There is a reduced risk of relapses with increasing age, but little is known about other trajectories in real-world MS care.

Methods

We studied longitudinal questionnaire data from 3885 pwRRMS, covering smoking, comorbidities, disease-modifying therapy (DMT), and patient-reported outcome measures, as well as relapses during the past year. We undertook Rasch analysis, group-based trajectory modelling, and multilevel negative binomial regression.

Results

The regression cohort of 6285 data sets from pwRRMS over time showed that being a current smoker was associated with 43.9% greater relapse risk; having 3 or more comorbidities increased risk and increasing age reduced risk. Those diagnosed within the last 2 years showed two distinct trajectories, both reducing in relapse frequency but 25.8% started with a higher rate and took 4 years to reduce to the rate of the second group. In the cohort with at least three data points completed, there were three groups: 73.7% followed a low stable relapse rate, 21.6% started from a higher rate and decreased, and 4.7% had an increasing then decreasing pattern. These different trajectory groups showed significant differences in fatigue, neuropathic pain, disability, health status, quality of life, self-efficacy, and DMT use.

Conclusions

These results provide additional evidence for supporting pwRRMS to stop smoking and underline the importance of timely DMT decisions and treatment initiation soon after diagnosis with RRMS.
Olympus: a GDPR compliant blockchain system
Authors: Gonçalves Ricardo Martins , da Silva Miguel Mira , da Cunha Paulo Rupino
Published: November 2023

Blockchain has been gaining significant interest in several domains. However, this technology also raises relevant challenges, namely in terms of data protection. After the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has been published by the European Union, companies worldwide changed the way they process personal data. This project provides a model and implementation of a blockchain system to store personal data complying with GDPR. We examine the advantages and challenges and evaluate the system. We use Hyperledger Fabric as blockchain, Interplanetary File System to store personal data off-chain, and a Django REST API to interact with both the blockchain and the distributed file system. Olympus has three possible types of users: Data Subjects, Data Processors and Data Controllers and a fourth participant, Supervisor Authority, that, despite not being an explicit role, can perform all verifications that GDPR mandates. We conclude that it is possible to create a system that overcomes the major challenges of storing personal data in a blockchain (Right to be Forgotten and Right to Rectification), while maintaining its desirable characteristics (auditability, verifiability, tamper resistance, distributed—remove single points of failure) and complying with GDPR.
Simulating glacier lake outburst floods (GLOFs) with a two-phase/layer debris flow model considering fluid-solid flow transitions
Authors: Meyrat G. , Munch J. , Cicoira A. , McArdell B. , Müller C. R. , Frey H. , Bartelt P.
Published: November 2023

Glacier lake outburst floods (GLOFs) initiate with the rapid outburst of a glacier lake, endangering downstream populations, land, and infrastructure. The flow initiates as a mud flow; however, with the entrainment of additional solid material, the flood will often transform into a debris flow. As the run-out slope flattens, the coarse solid material deposits and the flow de-waters. The flow transforms back into a muddy, hyperconcentrated flow of fine sediments in suspension. These flow transitions change the flow composition dramatically and influence both the overall mass balance and flow rheology of the event. In this paper, we apply a two-phase/layer model to simulate flow transitions, solid–fluid phase separations, entrainment, and run-out distances of glacier lake outburst floods. A key feature of the model is the calculation of dilatant actions in the solid–fluid mixture which control flow transitions and phase separations. Given their high initial amount of fluid within the flow, GLOFs are sensitive to slope changes inducing flow transitions, which also implies changes in the flow rheology. The changes in the rheology are computed as a function of the flow composition and do not need any adaptation by ad-hoc selection of friction coefficients. This procedure allows the application of constant rheological input parameters from initiation to run-out. Our goal is to increase the prediction reliability of debris flow modeling. We highlight the problems associated with initial and boundary (entrainment) conditions. We test the new model against the well-known Lake 513 (Peru, 2010), Lake Palcacocha (Peru, 1941), and Lake Uchitel in the Aksay Valley (Kyrgyzstan) GLOF events. We show that flow transition modeling is essential when studying areas that have significant variations in slope.
Shake table testing of a half-scale stone masonry building aggregate
Authors: Tomić I. , Penna A. , DeJong M. , Butenweg C. , Correia A. A. , Candeias P. X. , Senaldi I. , Guerrini G. , Malomo D. , Beyer K.
Published: November 2023

Masonry aggregates have developed throughout city centres of Europe due to a centuries-long densification process that generally lacked consistent planning or engineering. Adjacent units are connected either through interlocking stones or a layer of mortar. Without interlocking stones, the connection between the units is weak, and an out of-phase response of the units can lead to separation and pounding. Modelling guidelines and code instructions are missing for modelling the interaction of such adjacent units because of scarce experimental data. Therefore, in this study an unreinforced stone masonry aggregate was tested on the bidirectional shake table with an incremental seismic protocol as a part of the SERA AIMS—Adjacent Interacting Masonry Structures project. The aggregate was constructed at half-scale with double-leaf undressed stone masonry without interlocking between the units. Floors were built with timber beams and one layer of planks, with different beam span orientation for each unit. After significant damage, one of the units was retrofitted by anchoring the timber beams to the walls to prevent out-of-plane failure and testing was continued. Significant interaction between the units was observed with specific damage mechanisms. Cracking and separation were observed at the interface in both longitudinal and transverse direction, starting at lower intensity runs and progressively increasing. Bidirectional seismic excitation affected the unit separation, with friction forces seemingly playing a role in the transverse direction. Signs of pounding at the interface were observed during higher intensity runs, together with the formation of a soft storey mechanism at the upper storey of the higher unit. The mechanism involved an out-of-plane response of the shared wall, with a horizontal crack at the height of the interaction. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the seismic behaviour of masonry aggregates.