bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LEAP-ASIA-2019 Simulation Exercise: Comparison of the Type-B and Type-C Numerical Simulations with Centrifuge Test Results
Authors: Ueda Kyohei , Tanaka Yoshikazu , Sahare Anurag , Elgamal Ahmed , Qiu Zhijian , Wang Rui , Zhu Tong , Zhou Chuang , Zhang Jian-Min , Parra Andres Reyes , Barrero Andres , Taiebat Mahdi , Yuyama Waka , Iai Susumu , Hyodo Junichi , Ichii Koji , Elbadawy Mohamed A. , Zhou Yan-Guo , Fasano Gianluca , Chiaradonna Anna , Bilotta Emilio , Arduino Pedro , Zeghal Mourad , Manzari Majid , Tobita Tetsuo
Published: February 2024

This chapter presents a summary of Type-B and Type-C numerical simulations submitted by nine numerical simulation teams that participated in the LEAP-ASIA-2019 prediction campaign, with the results of a selected set of centrifuge model tests on the seismic behavior of a uniform-density, 20-m-long, and 5-degree sandy slope. Time histories of response accelerations, excess pore water pressures, and lateral displacements at the ground surface are compared to the experimental results. A majority of Type-B and Type-C numerical simulations were capable of simulating well the experimental trends observed in the centrifuge tests; in particular, Type-C simulations were found to capture the measured responses more accurately by adjusting the model parameters. Although it is quite challenging to perfectly capture all measured responses (e.g., accelerations, pore pressures, and displacements), the simulation exercises demonstrate that the numerical simulations can be further improved by accumulating high-quality experimental results as a database.
LEAP-ASIA-2019 Centrifuge Test at University of California, Davis
Authors: Stone Nicholas S. , Carey Trevor J. , Santana Anthony , Kutter Bruce L.
Published: February 2024

For the LEAP-ASIA-2018 exercise, a centrifuge test was conducted in parallel at ten centrifuge facilities, including the University of California, Davis (UCD). The experiment consisted of a submerged clean sand profile oriented with a 5-degree slope subjected to 1 Hz ramped sine wave motions applied at the base of a rigid container. This paper explains several details of the experiment at UCD, including experiment results, implementation of high-speed cameras and GeoPIV software to measure slope deformation, and the presence of vertical accelerations due to the Coriolis effect and how the accelerations might affect model performance. In addition, this paper presents data and comparison for both conventional (Type A) and generalized (Type B) centrifuge scaling laws.
Quark-lepton mass relations from modular flavor symmetry
Authors: Chen Mu-Chun , King Stephen F. , Medina Omar , Valle José W. F.
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The so-called Golden Mass Relation provides a testable correlation between charged-lepton and down-type quark masses, that arises in certain flavor models that do not rely on Grand Unification. Such models typically involve broken family symmetries. In this work, we demonstrate that realistic fermion mass relations can emerge naturally in modular invariant models, without relying on ad hoc flavon alignments. We provide a model-independent derivation of a class of mass relations that are experimentally testable. These relations are determined by both the Clebsch-Gordan coefficients of the specific finite modular group and the expansion coefficients of its modular forms, thus offering potential probes of modular invariant models. As a detailed example, we present a set of viable mass relations based on the Γ4 ≅ S4 symmetry, which have calculable deviations from the usual Golden Mass Relation.
Superconformal indices of $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 Chern-Simons matter theories
Authors: Li Bohan , Xie Dan , Yan Wenbin
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Gaiotto and Witten found that one can construct 3d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 Chern-Simons matter theories by using $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SCFT whose momentum map of global symmetries satisfy special condition. Usually, one uses free hypermultiplet and twisted hypermultiplet, and more recently it was found that strongly coupled theory such as 3d version of TN theory and Argyres-Douglas matter can also be used. In this paper, we compute the superconformal index of these $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 theories and derive the Coulomb/Higgs limit. Our results determine the moduli space of vacua, which is used to check various interesting mirror symmetry involving CSM theory and usual $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 gauge theory.
Künstliche Intelligenz und akute Nierenschädigung
Authors: Perschinka Fabian , Peer Andreas , Joannidis Michael
Published: February 2024

Die Digitalisierung hält zunehmend Einzug auf den Intensivstationen und mit ihr die künstliche Intelligenz (KI) bei kritisch kranken Patient*innen. Ein vielversprechendes Gebiet für den Einsatz von KI liegt im Bereich der akuten Nierenschädigung (AKI). Hierbei beschäftigt sich KI derzeit noch vorwiegend mit der Prädiktion von AKI und vereinzelt mit der Klassifizierung bestehender AKI in verschiedene Phänotypen. In der Prädiktion kommen unterschiedliche KI-Modelle zum Einsatz. Die hiermit erreichten „Area-under-the-receiver-operating-characteristic-curve“-Werte (AUROC-WERTE) divergieren stark und werden von diversen Faktoren, wie dem Vorhersagezeitraum und der AKI Definition, beeinflusst. Die meisten Modelle weisen eine AUROC zwischen 0,650 und 0,900 auf, wobei bei Vorhersagen weiter in die Zukunft und dem Anwenden der „Acute-kidney-injury-network“-Kriterien (AKIN-Kriterien) niedrigere Werte vorliegen. Der Phänotypisierung gelingt es zwar bereits, Patient*innen in Gruppen mit unterschiedlichem Risiko für erhöhte Sterblichkeit oder Bedarf einer Nierenersatztherapie (RRT) einzuteilen, jedoch fehlen noch daraus abgeleitete Ätiologien und therapeutische Konsequenzen. All den unterschiedlichen Modellen liegen allerdings KI-spezifische Schwächen zugrunde. Der Einsatz von großen Datenbanken ermöglicht es nicht, zeitnah rezente Veränderungen in der Therapie und die Implementierung neuer Biomarker in einem aussagekräftigen Anteil zu enthalten. Aus diesem Grund dominieren Serumkreatinin und Harnzeitvolumen die aktuellen KI-Modelle und führen mit den bekannten Limitationen zu einer Begrenzung der Performance der derzeitigen Modelle. Die immer komplexer werdenden Modelle ermöglichen es den Ärzt*innen nicht mehr nachzuvollziehen, auf welcher Grundlage die Warnung eines bevorstehenden AKI errechnet wird und nachfolgend eine Therapieinitiierung stattfinden soll. Der erfolgreiche Einsatz von KI in der klinischen Routine wird maßgeblich vom Vertrauen der behandelnden Ärzt*innen in die Systeme und dem Überwinden der bereits genannten Schwächen geprägt sein. Als entscheidende Instanz wird der Kliniker/die Klinikerin bei kritisch kranken Patient*innen durch das Vereinen von messbaren mit nichtmessbaren Parametern allerdings unersetzlich bleiben.
Freedom, AI and God: why being dominated by a friendly super-AI might not be so bad
Authors: Luck Morgan
Published: February 2024

One response to the existential threat posed by a super-intelligent AI is to design it to be friendly to us. Some have argued that even if this were possible, the resulting AI would treat us as we do our pets. Sparrow (AI & Soc. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00146-023-01698-x, 2023) argues that this would be a bad outcome, for such an AI would dominate us—resulting in our freedom being diminished (Pettit in Just freedom: A moral compass for a complex world. WW Norton & Company, 2014). In this paper, I consider whether this would be such a bad outcome.
One-Step Replica Symmetry Breaking of Random Regular NAE-SAT II
Authors: Nam Danny , Sly Allan , Sohn Youngtak
Published: February 2024

Continuing our earlier work in Nam et al. (One-step replica symmetry breaking of random regular NAE-SAT I, arXiv:2011.14270, 2020), we study the random regular k-nae-sat model in the condensation regime. In Nam et al. (2020), the (1rsb) properties of the model were established with positive probability. In this paper, we improve the result to probability arbitrarily close to one. To do so, we introduce a new framework which is the synthesis of two approaches: the small subgraph conditioning and a variance decomposition technique using Doob martingales and discrete Fourier analysis. The main challenge is a delicate integration of the two methods to overcome the difficulty arising from applying the moment method to an unbounded state space.
Virasoro constraints for moduli of sheaves and vertex algebras
Authors: Bojko Arkadij , Lim Woonam , Moreira Miguel
Published: February 2024

In enumerative geometry, Virasoro constraints were first conjectured in Gromov-Witten theory with many new recent developments in the sheaf theoretic context. In this paper, we rephrase the sheaf theoretic Virasoro constraints in terms of primary states coming from a natural conformal vector in Joyce’s vertex algebra. This shows that Virasoro constraints are preserved under wall-crossing. As an application, we prove the conjectural Virasoro constraints for moduli spaces of torsion-free sheaves on any curve and on surfaces with only $(p,p)$
(
p
,
p
)
cohomology classes by reducing the statements to the rank 1 case.
An M cell-targeting recombinant L. lactis vaccine against four H. pylori adhesins
Authors: Zhang Furui , Shi Tianyi , Zhang Zhen , Wang Shue , Liu Jing , Li Yonghong , Wang Xuequan , Liu Kunmei , Guo Le
Published: February 2024

The acidic environment and enzyme degradation lead to oral vaccines often having little immune effect. Therefore, it is an attractive strategy to study an effective and safe oral vaccine delivery system that can promote gastrointestinal mucosal immune responses and inhibit antigen degradation. Moreover, the antigens uptake by microfold cells (M cells) is the determining step in initiating efficient immune responses. Therefore, M cell-targeting is one promising approach for enhancing oral vaccine potency. In the present study, an M cell-targeting L. lactis surface display system (plSAM) was built to favor the multivalent epitope vaccine antigen (FAdE) to achieve effective gastrointestinal mucosal immunity against Helicobacter pylori. Therefore, a recombinant Lactococcus lactic acid vaccine (LL-plSAM-FAdE) was successfully prepared, and its immunological properties and protective efficacy were analyzed. The results showed that LL-plSAM-FAdE can secretively express the recombinant proteins SAM-FAdE and display the SAM-FAdE on the bacterial cell surface. More importantly, LL-plSAM-FAdE effectively promoted the phagocytosis and transport of vaccine antigen by M cells in the gastrointestinal tract of mice, and simulated high levels of cellular and humoral immune responses against four key H. pylori adhesins (Urease, CagL, HpaA, and Lpp20) in the gastrointestinal tract, thus enabling effective prevention of H. pylori infection and to some extent eliminating H. pylori already present in the gastrointestinal tract.

Key points

• M-cell-targeting L. lactis surface display system LL- plSAM was designed

• This system displays H. pylori vaccine-promoted phagocytosis and transport of M cell

• A promising vaccine candidate for controlling H. pylori infection was verified
MR diagnosis of SCC arising within ovarian cystic teratomas: analysis of mural nodule characteristics
Authors: Fukuzawa Takuya , Ohya Ayumi , Tanaka Mika , Shimizu Marika , Kobayashi Kentaro , Matsushita Tomohito , Watanabe Tomofumi , Kobara Hisanori , Fujinaga Yasunari
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate and identify magnetic resonance (MR) findings of mural nodules to detect squamous cell carcinoma arising from ovarian mature cystic teratoma (SCC-MCT).

Methods

This retrospective study examined 135 patients (SCC-MCTs, n = 12; and benign MCTs, n = 123) with confirmed diagnoses across five different institutions between January 2010 and June 2022. Preoperative MR images for each patient were independently assessed by two experienced radiologists and analyzed following previously reported findings (PRFs): age, tumor size, presence of mural nodules, size of mural nodule, and the angle between mural nodule and cyst wall (acute or obtuse). Furthermore, this study evaluated four mural nodule features—diffusion restriction, fat intensity, Palm tree appearance, and calcification—and the presence of transmural extension.

Results

There were significant differences between the SCC-MCT and benign MCT groups in terms of all PRFs and all mural nodule findings (p < 0.01). Among the PRFs, “tumor size” demonstrated the highest diagnostic performance, with a sensitivity of 83.3% and a specificity of 88.6%. A combination of the aforementioned four mural nodule findings showed a sensitivity and specificity of 83.3% and 97.6%, respectively, for the diagnosis of SCC-MCT. Regarding diagnosis based on a combination of four mural nodule findings, the specificity was significantly higher than the diagnosis based on tumor size (p = 0.021). Based on these mural nodule findings, three SCC-MCT patients without transmural invasion could be diagnosed.

Conclusion

Mural nodule MR findings had a higher diagnostic performance than PRFs for SCC-MCT and can potentially allow early detection of SCC-MCTs.

Graphical abstract
How do AI markings on screening mammograms correspond to cancer location? An informed review of 270 breast cancer cases in BreastScreen Norway
Authors: Koch Henrik Wethe , Larsen Marthe , Bartsch Hauke , Martiniussen Marit Almenning , Styr Bodil Margrethe , Fagerheim Siri , Haldorsen Ingfrid Helene Salvesen , Hofvind Solveig
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To compare the location of AI markings on screening mammograms with cancer location on diagnostic mammograms, and to classify interval cancers with high AI score as false negative, minimal sign, or true negative.

Methods

In a retrospective study from 2022, we compared the performance of an AI system with independent double reading according to cancer detection. We found 93% (880/949) of the screen-detected cancers, and 40% (122/305) of the interval cancers to have the highest AI risk score (AI score of 10). In this study, four breast radiologists reviewed mammograms from 126 randomly selected screen-detected cancers and all 120 interval cancers with an AI score of 10. The location of the AI marking was stated as correct/not correct in craniocaudal and mediolateral oblique view. Interval cancers with an AI score of 10 were classified as false negative, minimal sign significant/non-specific, or true negative.

Results

All screen-detected cancers and 78% (93/120) of the interval cancers with an AI score of 10 were correctly located by the AI system. The AI markings matched in both views for 79% (100/126) of the screen-detected cancers and 22% (26/120) of the interval cancers. For interval cancers with an AI score of 10, 11% (13/120) were correctly located and classified as false negative, 10% (12/120) as minimal sign significant, 26% (31/120) as minimal sign non-specific, and 31% (37/120) as true negative.

Conclusion

AI markings corresponded to cancer location for all screen-detected cancers and 78% of the interval cancers with high AI score, indicating a potential for reducing the number of interval cancers. However, it is uncertain whether interval cancers with subtle findings in only one view are actionable for recall in a true screening setting.

Clinical relevance statement

In this study, AI markings corresponded to the location of the cancer in a high percentage of cases, indicating that the AI system accurately identifies the cancer location in mammograms with a high AI score.

Key Points

• All screen-detected and 78% of the interval cancers with high AI risk score (AI score of 10) had AI markings in one or two views corresponding to the location of the cancer on diagnostic images.

• Among all 120 interval cancers with an AI score of 10, 21% (25/120) were classified as a false negative or minimal sign significant and had AI markings matching the cancer location, suggesting they may be visible on prior screening.

• Most of the correctly located interval cancers matched only in one view, and the majority were classified as either true negative or minimal sign non-specific, indicating low potential for being detected earlier in a real screening setting.
Fullerenol as a novel therapeutic agent for sepsis-induced cardiomyocytes damage
Authors: Zhang Tingjun , Chen Ling , Ding Xuefeng , He Rendong , Wang Hao , Guo Junsong , Niu Shaowei , Wang Guixia , Liu Fengjun , Hu Houxiang
Published: February 2024

Sepsis-induced myocardial damage (SIMD) is a serious complication of sepsis that affects cardiac function and prognosis. However, effective methods for the prevention and treatment of SIMD are presently lacking. This study reports the crucial function of fullerenols in protecting cardiomyocytes from septic injury. First, we applied the as-prepared fullerenols as an effective free radical scavenger and broad-spectrum anti-oxidant to protect against LPS-induced cardiomyocyte injury. Next, we verified their ability to downregulate IL-6, TNF-α, and ROS-dependent pyroptosis in AC16 induced by LPS. Finally, we observed that the protective mechanism of fullerenol against SIMD involves the regulation of the NFκB/iNOS/COX-2 pathway. This study presents a timely and essential investigation of the prevention and treatment of SIMD, providing new insights into the applications of fullerenols for therapeutic strategies.
Low-wind climatology (1979–2018) over Europe from ERA5 reanalysis
Authors: Gutiérrez Claudia , Molina María , Ortega María , López-Franca Noelia , Sánchez Enrique
Published: February 2024

Research on wind speed characteristics is of interest for many disciplines from renewable energy to ecology. Whereas mean values and trends are commonly studied, less attentions is paid to the evaluation of other features such as low-wind conditions. However, there is no clear definition of “low-wind” on the literature. Here we propose the Beaufort scale to characterize low-wind values over Europe through a fixed threshold of 3.3 m/s (“light breeze" category). Climatological (1979–2018) assessment is performed using ERA5 reanalysis hourly data. The limited amount of observational stations indicate a 40-year averaged amount of around 3500 low-wind hours/year, comparable to the corresponding ERA5 reanalysis cells, which shows severe limitations over mountainous areas. The European domain features a strong north–south low-wind hours gradient. Remarkable patterns are obtained over coasts and complex orography regions. Seasonal low-wind variability range around 20–25% for most of the regions, and interannual coefficient of variability from 0.05 to 0.17. Oceanic regions present smaller low-wind values than land areas, with Atlantic and Mediterranean regions behaving differently. The largest annual spells (consecutive) hourly low-wind episodes are within the range from 5 to 10 days, (from 120 to 240 h) over many land areas. Annual mean hourly wind spells typically extend from 15 to 25 h, with more than 200 episodes.
Anomalies of the right hepatic artery in periampullary cancer treatment: are pathological and clinical outcomes different? A single tertiary referral center retrospective analysis
Authors: De Sio Davide , Lucinato Chiara , Panza Edoardo , Quero Giuseppe , Laterza Vito , Schena Carlo Alberto , Fiorillo Claudio , Taglioni Flavia , Menghi Roberta , Longo Fabio , Rosa Fausto , Tortorelli Antonio Pio , Tondolo Vincenzo , Alfieri Sergio
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Anomalies of the right hepatic artery (RHA) may represent an additional challenge in pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). The aim of this study is to assess the potential impact of variations in hepatic arterial anatomy on perioperative outcomes.

Methods

PDs performed for periampullary malignancies between 2017 and 2022 were retrospectively enrolled and subdivided in two groups: modal pattern of vascularization (MPV) and anomalous pattern of vascularization (APV). A propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was conducted to homogenize the two study populations. The two groups were then compared in terms of perioperative outcomes and pathological findings.

Results

Thirty-eight patients (16.3%) out of 232 presented a vascular anomaly: an accessory RHA in 7 cases (3%), a replaced RHA in 26 cases (11.2%), and a replaced HA in 5 cases (2.1%). After PSM, 76 MPV patients were compared to the 38 APV patients. The incidence rate of postoperative complications was comparable between the two study populations (p=0.2). Similarly, no difference was detected in terms of histopathological data, including margin status. No difference was noted in terms of intraoperative hemorrhage and vascular resection.

Conclusion

When PDs are performed in high-volume centers, the presence of an APV of the RHA does not relate to a significant impact on perioperative complications. Moreover, no influence was noted on histopathological findings.
Enhanced Identification of Fracture Smectites and Other Alteration Minerals Via Short-Wave Infrared Reflectance at Two Finnish Crystalline Sites, Olkiluoto and Hyrkkölä
Authors: Reijonen H. M. , Elminen T. , Heikkilä P. , Kuva J. , Jolis E. M.
Published: February 2024

Fracture filling minerals and the smectite-group clay minerals in particular play a significant role in the geotechnical stability of the fractured rock mass. Smectites have multiple uses as geomaterials in waste management solutions, of which the most technically demanding is the geological disposal of radioactive waste. Here, the stability and occurrence of smectites as fracture filling minerals were studied with two main objectives: 1) to test the capability of short-wave infrared spectroscopy as a tool to streamline the site assessment where clay mineralogy needs to be characterised in detail, and 2) to provide a first assessment of naturally occurring smectites in various sample types collected from two Finnish sites (Olkiluoto and Hyrkkölä) and their potential as natural analogues of smectite stability for bentonite used in the engineered barrier systems of geological disposal repositories. The short-wave infrared (SWIR) method has been validated to be a useful tool in fracture mineral characterisation, specifically due to its fast acquisition and interpretation time compared to the conventional methods. The study confirms the in situ occurrence of smectites at both sites studied showing that, especially in Hyrkkölä, the smectite-group member is close to montmorillonite, the main constituent of bentonite. At Olkiluoto, the smectites studied show more interstratified features. The differences in the mode of occurrence are related to the history of their formation, especially hydrothermal alteration, and parent rock composition.
Clinical characteristics and dynamics of disability progression in a cohort of patients with multiple sclerosis in Latvians
Authors: Kalnina Jolanta , Trapina Ilva , Sjakste Nikolajs , Paramonova Natalia
Published: February 2024

There is wide variation in the time from the onset to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) and some controversy regarding the clinical characteristics of the courses (phenotypes) of MS. The present study aimed to characterize demographic and clinical factors that potentially influence long-term disability progression in the cohort of Latvian MS patients. A descriptive longitudinal incidence study was conducted using a cohort of 288 MS patients beginning in 2011 (disease duration from 1 to 51 years). Socio-demographic and clinical information from the first visit to 15/20 years was analysed in groups stratified by gender and visits at five-time points (the first visit; after a year or 2; after 5 ± 1 year; after 10 ± 2 years; after 15–20 years). Our study was dominated by patients from urban areas and non-smokers. The female/male ratio was 2.4:1; the distribution of clinical courses at the first visit was consistent with most European studies. The most common symptom at presentation in our study was optic manifestations, followed by sensory disturbances and motor deficits. In the Latvian study, gender was not a significant influencing factor on the rate of disease progression; however, patient age was statistically significantly associated with EDSS (Expanded Disability Status Scale) value at the first visit. Early clinical features of MS are important in predicting the disability accumulation of patients. Despite the small differences regarding the first MS symptoms, the disability outcomes in the cohort of Latvian patients are similar to other regions of the world.
Diagnostic utility of whole-body computed tomography/pan-scan in trauma: a systematic review and meta-analysis study
Authors: Fathi Mobina , Mirjafari Arshia , Yaghoobpoor Shirin , Ghanikolahloo Milad , Sadeghi Zohre , Bahrami Ashkan , Myers Lee , Gholamrezanezhad Ali
Published: February 2024

Trauma is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity. It is crucial to diagnose trauma patients quickly to provide effective treatment interventions in such conditions. Whole-body computed tomography (WBCT)/pan-scan is an imaging technique that enables a faster and more efficient diagnosis for polytrauma patients. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy of WBCT in diagnosing injuries in polytrauma patients. We will also assess its impact on the mortality rate and length of hospital stay among trauma centers between patients who underwent WBCT and those who did not (non-WBCT). Twenty-seven studies meeting our inclusion criteria were selected among PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The criteria were centered on the significance of WBCT/pan-scan application in trauma patients. Stata version 15 was used to perform statistical analysis on the data. The authors have also used I2 statistics to evaluate heterogeneity. Egger and Begg’s tests were performed to rule out any publication bias. Total of twenty-seven studies including 68,838 trauma patients with a mean age of 45.0 ± 24.7 years were selected. Motor vehicle collisions were the most common cause of blunt injuries (80.0%). Head, neck, and face injuries were diagnosed in 44% (95% CI, 0.28–0.60; I2 = 99.8%), 6% (95% CI, 0.02–0.09; I2 = 97.2%), and 9% (95% CI, 0.05–0.13; I2 = 97.1%), respectively. Chest injuries were diagnosed by WBCT in 39% (95% CI, 0.28–0.51; I2 = 99.8%), abdominal injuries in 23% (95% CI, 0.03–0.43; I2 = 99.9%) of cases, spinal injuries 19% (95% CI, 0.11–0.27; I2 = 99.4%), extremity injuries 33% (95% CI, 0.23–0.43; I2 = 99.2%), and pelvic injuries 11% (95% CI, 0.04–0.18; I2 = 97.4%). A mortality odd ratio of 0.94 (95% CI, 0.83–1.06; I2 = 40.1%) was calculated while comparing WBCT and non-WBCT groups. This systematic review and meta-analysis provide insight into the possible safety, efficacy, and efficiency of WBCT/pan-scan as a diagnostic tool for trauma patients with serious injuries, regardless of their hemodynamic status. In patients with serious injuries from trauma, whether or not there are indicators of hemodynamic instability, our recommended approach is to, wherever possible, perform a WBCT without stopping the hemostatic resuscitation. By using this technology, the optimal surgical strategy for these patients can be decided upon without causing any delays in their final care or greatly raising their radiation dose.
The Wolff hull of a compact holomorphic self-map on an infinite dimensional ball
Authors: Mackey M. , Mellon P.
Published: February 2024

For large classes of (finite and) infinite dimensional complex Banach spaces Z, B its open unit ball and $$f:B\rightarrow B$$

f
:
B
→
B

a compact holomorphic fixed-point free map, we introduce and define the Wolff hull, W(f), of f in $$\partial B$$

∂
B

and prove that W(f) is proximal to the images of all subsequential limits of the sequences of iterates $$(f^n)_n$$

(

f
n

)

n

of f. The Wolff hull generalises the concept of a Wolff point, where such a point can no longer be uniquely determined, and coincides with the Wolff point if Z is a Hilbert space. Recall that $$(f^n)_n$$

(

f
n

)

n

does not generally converge even in finite dimensions, compactness of f (i.e. f(B) is relatively compact) is necessary for convergence in the infinite dimensional Hilbert ball and all accumulation points $$\Gamma (f)$$

Γ
(
f
)

of $$(f^n)_n$$

(

f
n

)

n

map B into $$\partial B$$

∂
B

(for any topology finer than the topology of pointwise convergence on B). The target set of f is $$\begin{aligned} T(f)=\bigcup _{g \in \Gamma (f)} g(B). \end{aligned}$$

T

(
f
)

=

⋃

g
∈
Γ
(
f
)

g

(
B
)

.

To locate T(f), we use a concept of closed convex holomorphic hull, $${\text {Ch}}(x) \subset \partial B$$

Ch
(
x
)
⊂
∂
B

for each $$x \in \partial B$$

x
∈
∂
B

and define a distinguished Wolff hull W(f). We show that the Wolff hull intersects all hulls from T(f), namely $$\begin{aligned} W(f) \cap {\text {Ch}}(x)\ne \emptyset \ \ \hbox {for all}\ \ x \in T(f). \end{aligned}$$

W
(
f
)
∩
Ch
(
x
)
≠
∅

for all

x
∈
T
(
f
)
.

If B is the Hilbert ball, W(f) is the Wolff point, and this is the usual Denjoy–Wolff result. Our results are for all reflexive Banach spaces having a homogeneous ball (or equivalently, for all finite rank $$JB^*$$

J

B
∗

-triples). These include many well-known operator spaces, for example, L(H, K), where either H or K is finite dimensional.
A new Bayesian discrepancy measure
Authors: Bertolino Francesco , Manca Mara , Musio Monica , Racugno Walter , Ventura Laura
Published: February 2024

The aim of this article is to make a contribution to the Bayesian procedure of testing precise hypotheses for parametric models. For this purpose, we define the Bayesian Discrepancy Measure that allows one to evaluate the suitability of a given hypothesis with respect to the available information (prior law and data). To summarise this information, the posterior median is employed, allowing a simple assessment of the discrepancy with a fixed hypothesis. The Bayesian Discrepancy Measure assesses the compatibility of a single hypothesis with the observed data, as opposed to the more common comparative approach where a hypothesis is rejected in favour of a competing hypothesis. The proposed measure of evidence has properties of consistency and invariance. After presenting the definition of the measure for a parameter of interest, both in the absence and in the presence of nuisance parameters, we illustrate some examples showing its conceptual and interpretative simplicity. Finally, we compare a test procedure based on the Bayesian Discrepancy Measure, with the Full Bayesian Significance Test, a well-known Bayesian testing procedure for sharp hypotheses.
Impact of truncating diffusion MRI scans on diffusional kurtosis imaging
Authors: Fouto Ana R. , Henriques Rafael N. , Golub Marc , Freitas Andreia C. , Ruiz-Tagle Amparo , Esteves Inês , Gil-Gouveia Raquel , Silva Nuno A. , Vilela Pedro , Figueiredo Patrícia , Nunes Rita G.
Published: February 2024

Objective

Diffusional kurtosis imaging (DKI) extends diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), characterizing non-Gaussian diffusion effects but requires longer acquisition times. To ensure the robustness of DKI parameters, data acquisition ordering should be optimized allowing for scan interruptions or shortening. Three methodologies were used to examine how reduced diffusion MRI scans impact DKI histogram-metrics: 1) the electrostatic repulsion model (OptEEM); 2) spherical codes (OptSC); 3) random (RandomTRUNC).

Materials and methods

Pre-acquired diffusion multi-shell data from 14 female healthy volunteers (29±5 years) were used to generate reordered data. For each strategy, subsets containing different amounts of the full dataset were generated. The subsampling effects were assessed on histogram-based DKI metrics from tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) skeletonized maps. To evaluate each subsampling method on simulated data at different SNRs and the influence of subsampling on in vivo data, we used a 3-way and 2-way repeated measures ANOVA, respectively.

Results

Simulations showed that subsampling had different effects depending on DKI parameter, with fractional anisotropy the most stable (up to 5% error) and radial kurtosis the least stable (up to 26% error). RandomTRUNC performed the worst while the others showed comparable results. Furthermore, the impact of subsampling varied across distinct histogram characteristics, the peak value the least affected (OptEEM: up to 5% error; OptSC: up to 7% error) and peak height (OptEEM: up to 8% error; OptSC: up to 11% error) the most affected.

Conclusion

The impact of truncation depends on specific histogram-based DKI metrics. The use of a strategy for optimizing the acquisition order is advisable to improve DKI robustness to exam interruptions.
Vector bosons in the rotating frame of negative curvature wormholes
Authors: Guvendi Abdullah , Dogan Semra Gurtas
Published: February 2024

In this study, we investigate the relativistic dynamics of vector bosons within the context of rotating frames of negative curvature wormholes. We seek exact solutions for the fully-covariant vector boson equation, derived as an excited state of zitterbewegung. This equation encompasses a symmetric rank-two spinor, enabling the derivation of a non-perturbative second-order wave equation for the system under consideration. Our findings present exact results in two distinct scenarios. Notably, we demonstrate the adaptability of our results to massless vector bosons without compromising generality. The evolution of this system is shown to correlate with the angular frequency of the uniformly rotating reference frame and the curvature radius of the wormholes. Moreover, our results highlight that the interplay between the spin of the vector boson and the angular frequency of the rotating frame can give rise to real oscillation modes, particularly evident in excited states for massless vector bosons. Intriguingly, we note that the energy spectra obtained remain the same whether the wormhole is of hyperbolic or elliptic nature.
The Comprehension of Grammatical Structures in a Pediatric Population with ASD and Epilepsy: A Comparative Study
Authors: Villagrasa Alejandro Cano , Gozalbo Nadia Porcar , González Beatriz Valles , López-Zamora Miguel
Published: February 2024

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and epilepsy represent a comorbidity that negatively influences the proper development of linguistic competencies, particularly in receptive language, in the pediatric population. This group displays impairments in the auditory comprehension of both simple and complex grammatical structures, significantly limiting their performance in language-related activities, hampering their integration into social contexts, and affecting their quality of life. The main objective of this study was to assess auditory comprehension of grammatical structures in individuals with ASD and epilepsy and compare the results among the three groups. A non-experimental cross-sectional study was designed, including a total of 170 participants aged between 7 and 9 years, divided into three groups: a group with ASD, a group with epilepsy, and a comorbid group with both ASD and epilepsy (ASDEP). The comprehension of grammatical structures was assessed using the CEG and CELF-5 instruments. Statistical analyses included MANOVA and ANOVA to compare scores between groups to verify associations between study variables. The results indicate that the group with ASD and epilepsy performed worse compared to the ASD and epilepsy-only groups, respectively. Additionally, a significant and directly proportional association was observed among all variables within the measures of grammatical structure comprehension. The neurological damage caused by epilepsy in the pediatric population with ASD leads to difficulties in understanding oral language. This level of functioning significantly limits the linguistic performance of these children, negatively impacting their quality of life and the development of core language skills.
Passenger Air Taxi Services: An Assessment of the Current European Union Rules on Consumer Protection for Passengers
Authors: Scott Benjamyn I.
Published: February 2024

The Paris Olympics and Paralympics are scheduled to take place between 26 July and 8 September 2024, whereby electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft are anticipated to take to the skies to offer a new mobility solution to spectators of the Games. This will allow paying members of the public to move between different points within the Paris region akin to an on-demand taxi service, but through the air; passenger air taxi services (PATS). These passengers, as consumers, will have certain rights and duties under European Union law. To determine the level of protection afforded to these air passengers, a full assessment of Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 is required. As the revision of the Regulation is currently on the European Commission’s agenda, it is also important to consider its revision in light of PATS, whereby new technology, emerging business practices, changing customer behaviour and societal expectations for the level of legal protection of PATS users must be considered. This article will, therefore, assess the current version of the Regulation, in light of the interpretation from the European Court, to see whether it applies to PATS and, if so, whether it is suitable or if specific amendments need to be added to the planned revised Regulation.
Photoluminescence enhancement of chemical vapor-deposited MoSe2 monolayers
Authors: Kopar A. S. , Coşkun A. , Çağlar M. A. , Ertuğrul M. , Turgut Güven
Published: February 2024

The transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) materials have attracted a great interest owing to their superior features. The chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is very feasible to synthesis of TMDC materials. The thermal expansion coefficient difference between TMDC materials and substrate in the CVD synthesis can cause a strain, resulting in non-radiative recombination and PL decrement for these materials. Therefore, in this work, we studied acetone and isopropanol (IPA) treatment on the photoluminescence (PL) properties of CVD-grown MoSe2 monolayers. Firstly, monolayer MoSe2 flakes on SiO2/Si substrates were synthesized via the CVD method by optimizing synthesis parameters. The Raman and PL measurements were taken after acetone and IPA treatments were applied to grown samples. The results indicated an important PL enhancement was seen for acetone treatment. For IPA treatment, there was a PL peak position shifting with decreasing intensity due to its possible structural damage. The acetone, IPA, and transfer processes caused the releasing strain on MoSe2 by breaking the strong interaction between MoSe2 and substrate. For the whole treatment, PL peaks shift to blue with about 80 meV. As a result of the present study, acetone treatment was found as an easy and quick way to enhance radiative emission of CVD-grown MoSe2.
Thermodynamics of complex formation of silver(I) with substituted pyridines and cyclic amines in non-aqueous solvents
Authors: Sanadar Martina , Kovačević Anđela , Cracchiolo Maria , Melchior Andrea , Tolazzi Marilena
Published: February 2024

The understanding of the thermodynamic stability and speciation of metal complexes in solution requires access to their enthalpy and entropy of formation. In this work, we specifically focus our investigation on the complexation process of silver(I) ion in acetonitrile (AN) with substituted mono pyridines and cyclic monoamines. The aim of this study is to provide reliable thermodynamic data to obtain insights on metal complex formation, focusing on ligands donor properties and solvation effects. Carefully designed potentiometric and calorimetric experiments allowed to define the species present at different ligand/metal ratios and to obtain the complex formation constants and enthalpies. In general, the enthalpy terms associated with the complex formation are highly exothermic, while the entropy values are always unfavorable. The formation constants of AgLj species for the ligands investigated in AN are compared with those previously obtained in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and water. The trends in stability constants and enthalpy values are discussed in relation to the pKa data available in the different solvents. Higher pKa values correspond to greater ligand basicity and result in more stable and more enthalpy stabilized complexes.
The influence of Gd content on the solidification and microstructure of AlSi7Mg0.3 casting alloy
Authors: Gursoy Ozen , Timelli Giulio
Published: February 2024

The effects of Gd content on the solidification path and microstructure of an AlSi7Mg0.3 alloy have been studied. Two different Gd levels, 0.1 and 0.5 mass%, respectively, have been investigated while the material has been solidified at low (0.2 °C s−1) and high (1.3 °C s−1) cooling rates. Computer-aided thermal analysis and metallographic techniques have been used to study the solidification and microstructural evolution of the alloy at different Gd contents and cooling rates. The results show how Gd has no effect on the grain refinement at both cooling rates. The eutectic structure is unaffected at Gd level of 0.1 mass%. A concentration of 0.5 mass% Gd promotes the precipitation of the gadolinium phosphide (GdP) phase instead of aluminium phosphide (AlP) compounds, thus suppressing the eutectic plateau during the solidification and serving as nucleant for the GdAl2Si2 phase. The eutectic Si crystals solidified at low cooling rate are refined at 0.5 mass% Gd content, while the morphology of Si crystals is only partially modified at high cooling rate.
Farmers’ adoption of multiple climate-smart agricultural technologies in Ghana: determinants and impacts on maize yields and net farm income
Authors: Asante Bright O. , Ma Wanglin , Prah Stephen , Temoso Omphile
Published: February 2024

This study investigates the factors affecting maize farmers’ decisions to adopt climate-smart agricultural (CSA) technologies and estimates the impacts of CSA technology adoption on maize yields and net farm income. Unlike most previous studies that analyze a single technology, we consider different combinations of three CSA technologies (zero tillage, row planting, and drought-resistant seed). A multinomial endogenous switching regression model addresses selection bias issues arising from observed and unobserved factors and analyses data collected from 3197 smallholder farmers in three Ghana regions (Brong-Ahafo, Northern, and Ashanti). The findings show that smallholder farmers’ decisions to adopt multiple CSA technologies are influenced by farmer-based organization membership, education, resource constraints such as lack of land, access to markets, and production shocks such as perceived pest and disease stress and drought. We also find that adopting all three CSA technologies together has the largest impact on maize yields, while adopting row planting and zero tillage as a combination has the largest impact on net farm income. Governments should collaborate with farmer-based groups and extension officers to improve farmers’ awareness and understanding of the benefits associated with CSA technologies and help them adopt multiple technologies that generate higher benefits.
A Dynamic Adaptive and Resource-Allocated Selection Method Based on TOPSIS and VIKOR in Federated Learning
Authors: Li Lin , Shi Wei , Chen Shuyu , Liu Jun , Huang Jiangping , Liu Pengcheng
Published: February 2024

Federated learning (FL) is a decentralized and privacy-preserving machine learning technique that protects data privacy by learning models locally and not sharing datasets. However, due to limited computing resources on devices and highly heterogeneous data in practical situations, the training efficiency and resource utilization of federated learning is low. In order to resolve these challenges, we introduce a blockchain-assisted dynamic adaptive and personalized federated learning framework (TV-FedAvg) in the presence of restricted computing power resources and data heterogeneity. After each round of local training, we utilize an improved scoring model based on VIKOR and TOPSIS to comprehensively score the devices. The scores are then utilized to choose devices for participation in global aggregation and to carry out model aggregation through blockchain consensus. Furthermore, resources are reallocated for the next round to enhance resource efficiency, model fairness, and performance. Finally, we demonstrate through experimentation that TV-FedAvg outperforms other models such as pFedMe, FedAvg, Per-FedAvg, and TOPSIS in terms of both efficiency and performance.
New combined absorption/1H NMR method for qualitative and quantitative analysis of PET degradation products
Authors: Kornberger David , Paatsch Tanja , Schmidt Magnus , Salat Ulrike
Published: February 2024

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is a very valuable and beneficial material for industrial purposes, with various different applications. Due to the high annual production volume of over 50 million tons worldwide and the indiscriminate disposal by consumers, the polymers accumulate in the environment, causing negative effects on various ecosystems. Biodegradation via suitable enzymes represents a promising approach to combat the plastic waste issue so validated methods are required to measure the efficiency and efficacy of these enzymes. PETase and MHETase from Ideonella sakaiensis are suitable enzymes needed in combination to completely degrade PET into its environmentally friendly monomers. In this project, we compare and combine a previously described bulk absorbance measurement method with a newly established 1H NMR analysis method of the PET degradation products mono(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalic acid, bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalic acid and terephthalic acid. Both were optimized regarding different solvents, pH values and drying processes. The accuracy of the measurements can be confirmed with sensitivity limits of 2.5–5 µM for the absorption method and 5–10 µM for the 1H NMR analysis. The combination of the described methods therefore allows a quantitative analysis by using bulk absorption coupled with a qualitative analysis through 1H NMR. The methods established in our work can potentially contribute to the development of suitable recycling strategies of PET using recombinant enzymes.
Magnetic data modelling of salt domes in Eastern Mediterranean, offshore Egypt
Authors: Abbas Mahmoud Ahmed , Speranza Luca , Fedi Maurizio , Garcea Bruno , Bianco Luigi
Published: February 2024

We analyzed magnetic data of a deep-water area in the Eastern Mediterranean, offshore Egypt where there are numerous salt domes. Regional-residual separation of the reduced to pole (RTP) magnetic anomalies was performed with the discrete wavelet transform, and the residual magnetic anomalies were interpreted as mainly due to the susceptibility contrast between sediments and salt bodies. A multiscale boundary analysis of the anomalies yielded meaningful lineaments at both large and short scales. Salt bodies lineaments are very well defined in the short-scale map. Then, we inverted the data by a nonlinear and non-iterative 3D inversion technique, to delineate the salt bodies and estimate their magnetization contrast. We used the depths obtained from the Euler deconvolution to form a set of maxima and minima constraints in the inversion. Our procedure yielded an interesting map of the top of salt in the deep-water region, entirely based on the magnetic data, which agrees well with the seismic top of salt. This is a somewhat surprising result, in some respects not obvious, demonstrating that magnetic prospecting can be an important and low-cost tool for the exploration of salt diapirs, especially when seismic data are partially or completely inaccessible or of poor quality.