bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of resting-state functional connectivity in the lumbar spinal cord with 3T MRI
Authors: Combes Anna , Narisetti Lipika , Sengupta Anirban , Rogers Baxter P. , Sweeney Grace , Prock Logan , Houston Delaney , McKnight Colin D. , Gore John C. , Smith Seth A. , O’Grady Kristin P.
Published: October 2023

Functional MRI (fMRI) of the spinal cord is an expanding area of research with potential to investigate neuronal activity in the central nervous system. We aimed to characterize the functional connectivity features of the human lumbar spinal cord using resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI) at 3T, using region-based and data-driven analysis approaches. A 3D multi-shot gradient echo resting-state blood oxygenation level dependent-sensitive rs-fMRI protocol was implemented in 26 healthy participants. Average temporal signal-to-noise ratio in the gray matter was 16.35 ± 4.79 after denoising. Evidence of synchronous signal fluctuations in the ventral and dorsal horns with their contralateral counterparts was observed in representative participants using interactive, exploratory seed-based correlations. Group-wise average in-slice Pearson’s correlations were 0.43 ± 0.17 between ventral horns, and 0.48 ± 0.16 between dorsal horns. Group spatial independent component analysis (ICA) was used to identify areas of coherent activity¸ and revealed components within the gray matter corresponding to anatomical regions. Lower-dimensionality ICA revealed bilateral components corresponding to ventral and dorsal networks. Additional separate ICAs were run on two subsets of the participant group, yielding two sets of components that showed visual consistency and moderate spatial overlap. This work shows feasibility of rs-fMRI to probe the functional features and organization of the lumbar spinal cord.
Reconfigurable absorptive and polarization conversion metasurface consistent for wide angles of incidence
Authors: Hassan Ahsaan Gul , Sumaid Muhammad , Ahmed Fahad , Shoaib Nosherwan , Abbasi Qammer H. , Nikolaou Symeon
Published: October 2023

In this paper, a single-layer reconfigurable reflective metasurface is presented. The proposed metasurface operates at 5.4 GHz and can achieve either absorption or cross-polarization conversion corresponding at two different diode biasing states. The reflective metasurface acts as an absorber for an incident wave when the diodes are forward-biased. Similarly, it changes the polarization state of the reflected wave for a linearly polarized incident wave when the diodes are reverse-biased. The proposed structure maintains the aforementioned performance characteristics for oblique incidence, up to 60° compared to the perpendicular incidence. The proposed metasurface can achieve linear to linear polarization conversion with polarization conversion ratio (PCR) > 95% and absorption, with absorption ratio (AR) > 80% in the same frequency band just by reconfiguring the state of the PIN diodes.
UV spectrophotometric methods for simultaneous determination of ketorolac tromethamine and olopatadine hydrochloride: Application of multiple standard addition for assay of ophthalmic solution
Authors: Hammad Sherin F. , Rady Mona M. , El-Malla Samah F.
Published: October 2023

Ophthalmic preparations that contain ketorolac tromethamine (KET) and olopatadine HCl (OLO) are used to relieve seasonal allergies and allergic conjunctivitis. Simultaneous quantification of KET and OLO was held by validated and simple spectrophotometric methods. KET was determined directly from the fundamental UV absorption spectra (at 323 nm), while OLO was determined after performing either dual wavelength or ratio derivative methods. The first method was based on measuring the absorbance difference (ΔA) between 243 and 291 nm, while the second depended on generating first derivative ratio spectra using 3.0 µg/mL KET as a divisor and measuring OLO responses at 234 nm (minima). Multiple standard addition method was applied to enable the determination of OLO which is considered as the weakly absorbing species as well as the minor component in a challenging dosage form ratio (4:1). The linearity ranges of the developed methods were 3–12 μg/mL and 4–40 μg/mL for KET and OLO, respectively. Simultaneous determination of both drugs was successfully implemented to lab prepared eye drops that contain KET, OLO and benzalkonium chloride as an inactive ingredient. Greenness assessment indicates minimal impact on environment. The developed methods determined the cited drugs with % recovery ± SD of 99.63 ± 0.01 for KET, 100.90 ± 0.02 and 100.31 ± 0.01 for OLO using dual wavelength and first derivative ratio methods, respectively. Using F-test and t-test at confidence level %95 to compare between the results of the presented methods and a reported method show no significant difference which allows precise, accurate, rapid, and simple quantification of quality control samples that contain KET and OLO.
Phage activity against Staphylococcus aureus is impaired in plasma and synovial fluid
Authors: Mutti Michele , Moreno David Sáez , Restrepo-Córdoba Marcela , Visram Zehra , Resch Grégory , Corsini Lorenzo
Published: October 2023

S. aureus is a pathogen that frequently causes severe morbidity and phage therapy is being discussed as an alternative to antibiotics for the treatment of S. aureus infections. In this in vitro and animal study, we demonstrated that the activity of anti-staphylococcal phages is severely impaired in 0.5% plasma or synovial fluid. Despite phage replication in these matrices, lysis of the bacteria was slower than phage propagation, and no reduction of the bacterial population was observed. The inhibition of the phages associated with a reduction in phage adsorption, quantified to 99% at 10% plasma. S. aureus is known to bind multiple coagulation factors, resulting in the formation of aggregates and blood clots that might protect the bacterium from the phages. Here, we show that purified fibrinogen at a sub-physiological concentration of 0.4 mg/ml is sufficient to impair phage activity. In contrast, dissolution of the clots by tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) partially restored phage activity. Consistent with these in vitro findings, phage treatment did not reduce bacterial burdens in a neutropenic mouse S. aureus thigh infection model. In summary, phage treatment of S. aureus infections inside the body may be fundamentally challenging, and more investigation is needed prior to proceeding to in-human trials.
Associations between tri-ponderal mass index, body mass index, and high blood pressure among children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kuciene Renata , Dulskiene Virginija
Published: October 2023

High blood pressure (HBP) and obesity are major public health issues globally. The aim of the study was to evaluate the associations between tri-ponderal mass index (TMI) and body mass index (BMI) and HBP and to determine which anthropometric parameters may best predict HBP among Lithuanian children and adolescents aged 7–18 years. This cross-sectional study included 3710 Lithuanian children and adolescents aged 7–18 (52.7% boys and 47.3% girls). Each subject’s height, weight, and other anthropometric parameters, as well as blood pressure were measured according to standardized protocols; subsequently, TMI and BMI were calculated. The prevalence of HBP was 27% (the prevalence of elevated BP and hypertension was 13.7% and 13.3%, respectively), significantly higher for boys than for girls. The Pearson correlation coefficients between the BMI z-score and BP were higher than those between the TMI z-score and BP. In both sexes combined, the adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for HBP were increased significantly with increasing quartiles of TMI and BMI as compared to the first quartile (Q1) (Q2: aOR = 1.37 and aOR = 1.69; Q3: aOR = 2.10 and aOR = 2.27; Q4: aOR = 3.95 and aOR = 4.91, respectively). Significant associations also were observed between overweight and obesity (defined according to two methods: age- and sex-specific TMI percentiles and IOTF criteria) among boys and girls separately. BMI presented a higher area under the curve value than TMI for predicting HBP in children and adolescents. The findings of the study suggest that BMI and TMI are significantly associated with HBP. However, BMI is a better predictor for HBP than TMI among Lithuanian children and adolescents aged 7–18 years.
Clarifying and extending our understanding of problematic pornography use through descriptions of the lived experience
Authors: Ince Campbell , Fontenelle Leonardo F. , Carter Adrian , Albertella Lucy , Tiego Jeggan , Chamberlain Samuel R. , Rotaru Kristian
Published: October 2023

Problematic pornography use (PPU) is a complex and growing area of research. However, knowledge of the PPU lived experience is limited. To address this gap, we conducted an online qualitative study with 67 individuals who self-identified as having problematic pornography use (76% male; Mage = 24.70 years, SD = 8.54). Results indicated several dimensions that have not been fully explored in the literature. These included various mental and physical complaints following periods of heavy pornography use, sexual functioning deficits with real partners, and a subjectively altered state of sexual arousal while using pornography. Moreover, we expanded on current knowledge regarding the inner conflict associated with PPU and clarified the ways that users can progress to increasingly intensified patterns of pornography use, such as tolerance/escalation and pornographic binges. Our study highlights the complex and nuanced nature of PPU and provides suggestions for future research and clinical practice.
Image based prognosis in head and neck cancer using convolutional neural networks: a case study in reproducibility and optimization
Authors: Mateus Pedro , Volmer Leroy , Wee Leonard , Aerts Hugo J. W. L. , Hoebers Frank , Dekker Andre , Bermejo Inigo
Published: October 2023

In the past decade, there has been a sharp increase in publications describing applications of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) in medical image analysis. However, recent reviews have warned of the lack of reproducibility of most such studies, which has impeded closer examination of the models and, in turn, their implementation in healthcare. On the other hand, the performance of these models is highly dependent on decisions on architecture and image pre-processing. In this work, we assess the reproducibility of three studies that use CNNs for head and neck cancer outcome prediction by attempting to reproduce the published results. In addition, we propose a new network structure and assess the impact of image pre-processing and model selection criteria on performance. We used two publicly available datasets: one with 298 patients for training and validation and another with 137 patients from a different institute for testing. All three studies failed to report elements required to reproduce their results thoroughly, mainly the image pre-processing steps and the random seed. Our model either outperforms or achieves similar performance to the existing models with considerably fewer parameters. We also observed that the pre-processing efforts significantly impact the model’s performance and that some model selection criteria may lead to suboptimal models. Although there have been improvements in the reproducibility of deep learning models, our work suggests that wider implementation of reporting standards is required to avoid a reproducibility crisis.
Interannual variation in the East Asian summer monsoon-tropical Atlantic SST relationship modulated by the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation
Authors: Wang Hao , Li Ziguang , Li Jianping , Lin Xiaopei , Zheng Xiao-Tong , Fan Lei , Zhang Yu
Published: October 2023

Tropical Atlantic (TA) SST variability can impact the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM). Here, we find that the interannual EASM–TA relationship exhibits an evident interdecadal variation modulated by the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO). The EASM–TA interannual relationship is strong during the positive phase of the IPO (pIPO) but weak during the negative phase of the IPO (nIPO). The pIPO (nIPO)-related warm (cold) SST anomalies in the central tropical Pacific (CTP) intensify (weaken) the convection over the CTP. Therefore, a Matsuno–Gill response of the TA-induced CTP SST change is strong (weak) during the pIPO (nIPO) period. The strong Matsuno–Gill response excites an anomalous anticyclone over the western North Pacific (WNPAC), leading to a significantly positive EASM–TA relationship. However, the WNPAC is absent in the nIPO periods due to the weak Mastono–Gill response, suggesting an insignificant EASM–TA relationship. Understanding the IPO-modulated EASM–TA relationship helps better forecast EASM variability.
Genomic signatures of convergent shifts to plunge-diving behavior in birds
Authors: Eliason Chad M. , Mellenthin Lauren E. , Hains Taylor , McCullough Jenna M. , Pirro Stacy , Andersen Michael J. , Hackett Shannon J.
Published: October 2023

Understanding the genetic basis of convergence at broad phylogenetic scales remains a key challenge in biology. Kingfishers (Aves: Alcedinidae) are a cosmopolitan avian radiation with diverse colors, diets, and feeding behaviors—including the archetypal plunge-dive into water. Given the sensory and locomotor challenges associated with air-water transitions, kingfishers offer a powerful opportunity to explore the effects of convergent behaviors on the evolution of genomes and phenotypes, as well as direct comparisons between continental and island lineages. Here, we use whole-genome sequencing of 30 diverse kingfisher species to identify the genomic signatures associated with convergent feeding behaviors. We show that species with smaller ranges (i.e., on islands) have experienced stronger demographic fluctuations than those on continents, and that these differences have influenced the dynamics of molecular evolution. Comparative genomic analyses reveal positive selection and genomic convergence in brain and dietary genes in plunge-divers. These findings enhance our understanding of the connections between genotype and phenotype in a diverse avian radiation.
Direct numerical evidence of the Phillips initial stage and its antecedent during wind-wave generation
Authors: Li Tianyi , Shen Lian
Published: October 2023

How wind generates ocean surface waves is a classic fluid mechanics problem, and it is commonly believed that the resonance mechanism between wind and surface waves, first proposed by Phillips in 1957, is responsible for the early stages of wind-wave generation. However, there has not been any conclusive study to fully validate this theory. We present the results of a combined theoretical and computational study of the initial response of a calm water surface to turbulent wind and an analysis in terms of the Phillips theory on wind-wave generation. We address a nascent stage of wind-wave generation after the sudden impact of a turbulent wind on a calm water surface but before the initial stage described by Phillips. We show that in such nascent stage, the wave energy grows over time following a quartic law. We provide direct numerical evidence of the resonance mechanism during the initial stage and clarify its role in the formation of the heterogeneous wave energy distribution in the spectral space.
Commitment to honesty oaths decreases dishonesty, but commitment to another individual does not affect dishonesty
Authors: Zickfeld Janis H. , Ścigała Karolina Aleksandra , Weiss Alexa , Michael John , Mitkidis Panagiotis
Published: October 2023

Social commitment influences our behavior in various ways. Recent studies suggest that social commitment to other individuals or groups can increase dishonest behavior while feeling commitment to moral norms might decrease it. Here we show in a pre-registered series of 7 studies investigating the influence of social commitment on dishonest behavior by sampling 7566 participants across three countries (the UK, the US, and Mexico) that commitment to moral norms via honesty oaths might decrease dishonesty (OR = 0.79 [0.72, 0.88]). To the contrary, we found no credible evidence that social commitment to other individuals increases dishonesty (OR = 1.08 [0.97, 1.20]). Finally, we observed that commitment to moral norms was less effective if participants were committed to another individual at the same time (OR = 0.95 [0.86, 1.06]). Our findings point at the potential effectiveness of honesty oaths, while the observed effect sizes were small compared to previous studies.
B-substituted group 1 phosphides: synthesis and reactivity
Authors: Aman Michal , Dostál Libor , Růžička Aleš , Růžičková Zdenka , Jambor Roman
Published: October 2023

B-substituted group 1 phosphides were prepared. They showed interesting reactivity with elemental chalcogens E (E = O, S, Se), organic substrates and organometallic halides.
Enhanced photoelectrochemical performance of NiS-modified TiO2 nanorods with a surface charge accumulation facet
Authors: Yang Suyi , Wang Baoyuan , Zhao Rui , Wei Liting , Su Jinzhan
Published: October 2023

Schematic diagram of TiO2/NiS nanorod arrays for photoelectrochemical three-electrode system.
Understanding the mechanism by which Gd(iii) coiled coils achieve magnetic resonance relaxivity – a study into the water coordination chemistry
Authors: Newton S. L. , Franke A. , Zahl A. , Molinaro G. , Kenwright A. , Smith D. J. , Ivanovic-Burmazovic I. , Britton M. M. , Peacock A. F. A.
Published: October 2023

The mechanism by which a new class of Gd coiled coils alter the relaxation time of bulk water.
Using spatiotemporal prediction models to quantify PM2.5 exposure due to daily movement
Authors: Jain Sakshi , Presto Albert A. , Zimmerman Naomi
Published: October 2023

This study estimates exposure differences when considering spatiotemporal variations in PM2.5 concentration that a population may experience, using daily average land use regression estimates for 2017 in Pittsburgh, PA.
Acid-derived bacterial cellulose nanocrystals as organic filler for the generation of high-oxygen barrier bio-nanocomposite coatings
Authors: Carullo Daniele , Rovera Cesare , Bellesia Tommaso , Büyüktaş Duygu , Ghaani Masoud , Santo Nadia , Romano Diego , Farris Stefano
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the effect of the hydrolysis process on bacterial cellulose (BC) to obtain bacterial cellulose nanocrystals (BCNCs) used to create high oxygen barrier nanocomposite coatings for food packaging applications.
Machine learning-based q-RASPR predictions of detonation heat for nitrogen-containing compounds
Authors: Pandey Shubham Kumar , Banerjee Arkaprava , Roy Kunal
Published: October 2023

The study aims to predict the detonation heat of different classes of nitrogen-containing compounds by utilizing various in silico approaches such as QSPR, Read-across, q-RASPR, and ML.
Highly conductive three-dimensional metal organic frameworks from small in situ generated ligands
Authors: Hazarika Uddit Narayan , Borah Jhorna , Kakoti Arobinda , Brahma Rinki , Sarmah Kangkan , Guha Ankur Kanti , Khakhlary Prithiviraj
Published: October 2023

Formate based MOFs exhibit conductivity owing to charge flow along the pores and electron flow through the M–O bond. The conductivity further increases upon removal of the DMA cation owing to the formation of a highly mobile hydronium ion.
Exploring 2D hexagonal WO3/COK-12 nanostructures for efficient humidity detection
Authors: Rohilla Bhavna , Boora Aryan , Goyat M. S. , Duhan Surender
Published: October 2023

This research reports a pioneering approach to humidity sensing by leveraging the unique properties of 2D hexagonal mesoporous COK-12 (Centrum voor Oppervlaktechemie & Katalyse-12/Center for Surface Chemistry & Catalysis – 12).
Bimetallic copper palladium nanorods: plasmonic properties and palladium content effects
Authors: Ten Andrey , West Claire A. , Jeong Soojin , Hopper Elizabeth R. , Wang Yi , Zhu Baixu , Ramasse Quentin M. , Ye Xingchen , Ringe Emilie
Published: October 2023

Cu is an inexpensive alternative plasmonic metal with optical behaviour comparable to Au. Alloying with Pd imparts a catalytic surface, improves environmental stability, and retains plasmonic properties.
Twisted organic TADF triads based on a diindolocarbazole donor for efficient photoisomerization of stilbene and photo-arylation of heteroarenes
Authors: Sharma Sushil , Sengupta Sanchita
Published: October 2023

Twisted D–A TADF triads DI-PF and DI-PI based on a diindolocarbazole donor and dibenzo[a,c]phenazine (PF) and phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazole (PI) acceptors were utilized for E–Z photoisomerization of stilbene and C–H arylation of heteroarenes.
Enantioselective construction of quaternary stereocenters via organocatalytic arylation of isoxazolin-5-ones with o-quinone diimides
Authors: Torán Ricardo , Portillo Eduardo , Sanz-Marco Amparo , Vila Carlos , Blay Gonzalo
Published: October 2023

A bifunctional squaramide catalyzes the enantioselective arylation of isoxazolin-5-ones with o-quinone diimides (o-QDIs) to give isoxazolin-5-ones featuring an arylated quaternary stereocenter in high yields and excellent enantioselectivities.
Stereochemistry-dependent thermotropic liquid crystalline phases of monosaccharide-based amphiphiles
Authors: Mattsson Ida , Majoinen Johanna , Lahtinen Manu , Sandberg Thomas , Fogde Anna , Saloranta-Simell Tiina , Rojas Orlando J. , Ikkala Olli , Leino Reko
Published: October 2023

Stereochemistry of glyco-based high-χ block molecules should not be neglected in their assemblies in materials design, especially at the interfaces between the nanophase segregated domains, to master the structural complexity.
Composition and temperature effects on the solution structure of SDS/octanol/brine by SANS, NMR and microscopy
Authors: Donina Liva , Porcar Lionel , Cabral João T.
Published: October 2023

We investigate the solution structures of model sodium dodecyl sulfate/octanol/brine ternary mixtures across the lamellar (Lα), vesicle (L4) and micellar (L1) phases employing small angle neutron scattering (SANS), optical microscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).
Research progress of transition-metal dichalcogenides for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Deng Qibo , Li Zhiwei , Huang Rui , Li Pengfei , Gomaa Hassanien , Wu Shuai , An Cuihua , Hu Ning
Published: October 2023

In this review, five common preparation methods of TMDs are summarized, and then the mechanisms of five regulatory strategies are analyzed from the perspective of density functional theory, suggesting the potential of TMDs as HER electrocatalysts.
Atomically precise copper nanoclusters as a potential catalyst for the electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Saini Vishal , Krishankant  , Choudhary Shweta , Gaur Ashish , Banerjee Swastika , Bagchi Vivek , Venkatesh V.
Published: October 2023

4-Mercaptopyridine capped copper nanoclusters (CuNCs@4MP) are designed as a catalyst for OER. This study paves the way for developing easily scalable and economically viable metal nanoclusters-based catalysts for electrochemical reactions.
Material selection and performance optimization strategies for a wearable friction nanogenerator (W-TENG)
Authors: Zhang Haohao , Gong Xiaoran , Li Xue
Published: October 2023

This review summarizes the research progress of wearable friction nanogenerators (W-TENG). Its perspective comprehensively covers the friction layer, the electrodes, and strategies for improving the triboelectric output of the W-TENG.
Metal–organic framework-derived CuO catalysts for the efficient hydrogenolysis of hardwood lignin into phenolic monomers
Authors: Xu Qian , Wang Qiang , Xiao Ling-Ping , Li Xiao-Ying , Xiao Xi , Li Meng-Xin , Lin Meng-Ran , Zhao Yu-Man , Sun Run-Cang
Published: October 2023

The synergistic effects of the fabricated CuO/c-UiO-66 catalyst and hydrogen lead to the efficient scission of C–O bonds of the methoxylated β-O-4′ intermediates, transforming hardwood lignins into monophenols.
Ostwald ripening mechanism-derived MnOOH induces lattice oxygen escape for efficient aqueous MnO2–Zn batteries
Authors: Zheng Junjie , Qin Chenchen , Chen Chi , Zhang Chuankun , Shi Pei , Chen Xin , Gan Yi , Li Jingying , Yao Jia , Liu Xin , Cheng Junyan , Sun Dan , Wan Houzhao , Wang Hao
Published: October 2023

Preparation of β-MnO2 materials rich in oxygen defects for efficient aqueous zinc-ion batteries.
An integrated-milliampere-level hydroelectric generator utilizing chemical-doped P-type and N-type graphites
Authors: He Dunren , Nie Wanyi , Huang Huihui
Published: October 2023

Hydrovoltaic technology is a promising approach for clean and renewable energy generation, owing to its unique ability to generate electricity from the interactions between nanomaterials and abundant water.
A pH-responsive supramolecular hydrogel encapsulating a CuMnS nanoenzyme catalyst for synergistic photothermal–photodynamic–chemodynamic therapy of tumours
Authors: Dong Anqin , Huang Shiwei , Qian Zhiyi , Xu Sicheng , Yuan Weizhong , Wang Bing
Published: October 2023

A pH-responsive supramolecular hydrogel encapsulating a CuMnS nanoenzyme catalyst was fabricated for synergistic photothermal–photodynamic–chemotherapy of tumours.
Exploring the antimicrobial potential of isoniazid loaded Cu-based metal–organic frameworks as a novel strategy for effective killing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Kumar Pawan , Behera Ananyaashree , Tiwari Pranav , Karthik Sibi , Biswas Mainak , Sonawane Avinash , Mobin Shaikh M.
Published: October 2023

Synthesis of IITI-3, INH encapsulation within IITI-3, their drug release, anti-mycobacterial activity and the mycobacterial biofilm inhibition phenomenon of INH@IITI-3.
Robot Ground Media Classification Based on Hilbert–Huang Transform and Attention‐Based Spatiotemporal Coupled Network
Authors: Niu Jixiang , Li Han , Liu Zhenxiong , Liu Wei , Xu Hejun
Published: October 2023

With the development of technology, mobile robots are increasingly deployed in real‐world environments. To enable robots to work safely in a variety of terrain environments, we proposed a ground‐type detection method based on the Hilbert–Huang transform (HHT) and attention‐based spatiotemporal coupled network. Taking a dataset containing multiple sets of robot signals from a Kaggle competition as an example; we use the proposed method to classify the signals and thus achieve a terrain classification of the robot’s location. Firstly, the signal data were processed using the discrete wavelet transform for noise reduction, and all channels in the dataset were ranked by importance using the permutation importance method. Next, the instantaneous frequencies of the two most important channels were extracted using the HHT and added to the original dataset to expand the feature dimension. Then the features in the expanded dataset were extracted by the convolutional neural network, long short‐term memory, and attention module. Afterward, the fully extracted features were passed into the fully connected layer for classification, and an average classification accuracy of 83.14% was obtained. The effectiveness of each part in our method was demonstrated using ablation experiments. Finally, we compared our method with some common methods in the field and found that our method obtained the highest classification accuracy, proving the superiority of the proposed method.
Detecting Floating‐Point Expression Errors Based Improved PSO Algorithm
Authors: Yang Hongru , Xu Jinchen , Hao Jiangwei , Zhang Zuoyan , Zhou Bei
Published: October 2023

The use of floating‐point numbers inevitably leads to inaccurate results and, in certain cases, significant program failures. Detecting floating‐point errors is critical to ensuring that floating‐point programs outputs are proper. However, due to the sparsity of floating‐point errors, only a limited number of inputs can cause significant floating‐point errors, and determining how to detect these inputs and to selecting the appropriate search technique is critical to detecting significant errors. This paper proposes characteristic particle swarm optimization (CPSO) algorithm based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. The floating‐point expression error detection tool PSOED is implemented, which can detect significant errors in floating‐point arithmetic expressions and provide corresponding input. The method presented in this paper is based on two insights: (1) treating floating‐point error detection as a search problem and selecting reliable heuristic search strategies to solve the problem; (2) fully utilizing the error distribution laws of expressions and the distribution characteristics of floating‐point numbers to guide the search space generation and improve the search efficiency. This paper selects 28 expressions from the FPBench standard set as test cases, uses PSOED to detect the maximum error of the expressions, and compares them to the current dynamic error detection tools S3FP and Herbie. PSOED detects the maximum error 100% better than S3FP, 68% better than Herbie, and 14% equivalent to Herbie. The results of the experiments indicate that PSOED can detect significant floating‐point expression errors.
Design of Low‐Cost Full W‐Band 8th Harmonic Mixers for Frequency Extension of Spectrum Analyzer
Authors: Guo Jian , Zang Kaiyi , Zhang Zihan , Zhao Liang , Xu Jie , Xu Zhengbin
Published: October 2023

High‐order harmonic mixer is popular for frequency extension of spectrum analyzer (SA) from microwave to millimeter‐wave or even terahertz band. The manufactures of SA usually offer expensive harmonic mixers where frequency extension is needed. In this work, low‐cost designs of 2‐port and 3‐port W‐band 8th harmonic mixers covering 75–110 GHz are proposed, and design method of two port mixer without frequency diplexer to separate local oscillator (LO) and intermediate frequency (IF) signals are first presented. These two kinds of mixers are compatible with almost all the current SAs with frequency extension options, which provides LO for the external harmonic mixer. The mixers are designed with planar microstrip lines and antiparallel Schottky diodes. The circuit of 2‐port mixer includes the input broadband bandpass filter, diodes, output lowpass filter, and matching circuits. As for 3‐port mixer, only an extra diplexer is needed to separate the IF signal and LO signal. The diplexer is composed of a planar semi‐lumped lowpass and a highpass filter. The planar circuits are easily fabricated with low‐cost print circuit board process on polytetrafluoroethylene substrate. The measured conversion loss of 2‐port 8th harmonic mixer is from 20 to 26 dB, and 23 to 28 dB for 3‐port mixer at full W‐band. The good measured results indicate the proposed mixers are simple and effective.
Convective characteristics of Fe I lines across the solar disc
Authors: Ellwarth M. , Ehmann B. , Schäfer S. , Reiners A.
Published: October 2023

Context. Solar convection is visible as a net blueshift of absorption lines, which becomes apparent when observing quiet Sun granulation. This blueshift exhibits variations from the disc centre to the solar limb due to differing projection angles onto the solar atmosphere.

Aims. Our goal is to investigate convective Doppler velocities based on observations from the disc centre to the solar limb. Consequently, we aim to improve our understanding of atmospheric hydrodynamics and contribute to the improvement of solar and stellar atmospheric models.

Methods. We used resolved quiet-Sun spectra to investigate the convective velocity shifts of more than 1000 Fe I lines across multiple centre-to-limb positions on the solar disc. We determined the Doppler velocities with respect to the line depth. Additionally, we calculated the formation temperature and investigated its correlation with Doppler velocities.

Results. The general behaviour of convective line shifts shows a decreasing blueshift as the lines become deeper for all observing positions from the centre to limb. For spectra obtained at the solar limb, even deeper lines exhibit redshifts. We observe a velocity trend for the different observation angles, with a less pronounced convective blueshift towards the solar limb. Convective velocities show a wavelength dependence for each observing angle when analysing on the basis of line depths. We observe a decreasing convective blueshift as the formation temperatures of the lines decrease. The velocity change over temperature ranges proceeds slower towards the solar limb. When investigating Doppler velocities with respect to formation temperature, the disc centre does not exhibit the strongest blueshift.
TOI-1736 and TOI-2141: Two systems including sub-Neptunes around solar analogs revealed by TESS and SOPHIE
Authors: Martioli E. , Hébrard G. , de Almeida L. , Heidari N. , Lorenzo-Oliveira D. , Kiefer F. , Almenara J. M. , Bieryla A. , Boisse I. , Bonfils X. , Briceño C. , Collins K. A. , Cortés-Zuleta P. , Dalal S. , Deleuil M. , Delfosse X. , Demangeon O. , Eastman J. D. , Forveille T. , Furlan E. , Howell S. B. , Hoyer S. , Jenkins J. M. , Latham D. W. , Law N. , Mann A. W. , Moutou C. , Santos N. C. , Sousa S. G. , Stassun K. G. , Stockdale C. , Torres G. , Twicken J. D. , Winn J. N. , Ziegler C.
Published: October 2023

Planetary systems around solar analogs inform us about how planets form and evolve in Solar System-like environments. We report the detection and characterization of two planetary systems around the solar analogs TOI-1736 and TOI-2141 using TESS photometry data and spectroscopic data obtained with the SOPHIE instrument on the 1.93 m telescope at the Observatoire de Haute-Provence (OHP). We performed a detailed spectroscopic analysis of these systems to obtain the precise radial velocities (RV) and physical properties of their host stars. TOI-1736 and TOI-2141 each host a transiting sub-Neptune with radii of 2.44 ± 0.18 R⊕ and 3.05 ± 0.23 R⊕, orbital periods of 7.073088(7) days and 18.26157(6) days, and masses of 12.8 ± 1.8 M⊕ and 24 ± 4 M⊕, respectively. TOI-1736 shows long-term RV variations that are consistent with a two-planet solution plus a linear trend of −0.177 m s−1 day−1. We measured an RV semi-amplitude of 201.1 ± 0.7 m s−1 for the outer companion, TOI-1736 c, implying aprojected mass of mcsin i = 8.09 ± 0.20 MJup. From the Gaia DR3 astrometric excess noise, we constrained the mass of TOI-1736 c at 8.7−0.6+1.5 MJup. This planet is in an orbit of 570.2 ± 0.6 days with an eccentricity of 0.362 ± 0.003 and a semi-major axis of 1.381 ± 0.017 au, where it receives a flux of 0.71 ± 0.08 times the bolometric flux incident on Earth, making it an interesting case of a supergiant planet that has settled into an eccentric orbit in the habitable zone of a solar analog. Our analysis of the mass-radius relation for the transiting sub-Neptunes shows that both TOI-1736 b and TOI-2141 b likely have an Earth-like dense rocky core and a water-rich envelope.
Dirichlet problem for noncoercive nonlinear elliptic equations with singular drift term in unbounded domains
Authors: Di Gironimo Patrizia , Monsurrò Sara , Zecca Gabriella
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we study a Dirichlet problem for noncoercive nonlinear elliptic equations with first order term in an unbounded domain. We obtain Stampacchia type existence, regularity and uniqueness results, when the singular drift term is controlled through a function in a suitable functional space, strictly containing Lebesgue one. The main tools are a weak maximum principle together with some a priori estimates proved by contradiction.
Komplikationsmanagement im Rahmen von Zementaugmentation an der Wirbelsäule
Authors: Schömig Friederike , Müllner Maximilian , Pumberger Matthias
Published: October 2023

Die Herausforderungen durch Osteoporose-assoziierte spinale Pathologien nehmen insbesondere aufgrund der steigenden Zahl betroffener Patient:innen zu. Der Einsatz von Knochenzement ist inzwischen essenzieller Bestandteil in der Versorgung dieses herausfordernden Patientenkollektivs und wird in der Behandlung sowohl von pathologischen sowie traumatischen Frakturen als auch vereinzelt bei degenerativen Erkrankungen eingesetzt. Nichtsdestotrotz ist er bis heute mit einem hohen Komplikationsrisiko assoziiert: neben den häufig asymptomatischen, jedoch teilweise auch lebensbedrohlichen Zementleckagen führt die Zementaugmentation zu biomechanischen Veränderungen der Wirbelsäule, welche den behandelnden Operateur:innen in der präoperativen Planung und intraoperativen Umsetzung zwingend bewusst sein müssen. Gleichzeitig ist die Anwendung spezifischer Strategien zur Vermeidung dieser Komplikationen essenziell.
Limitierte Zementierung bei langstreckiger dorsaler Versorgung
Authors: Spiegl Ulrich Josef Albert
Published: October 2023

Die Zementaugmentation von Pedikelschrauben kann den Schraubenhalt im osteoporotischen
Knochen relevant und signifikant verbessern. Die Zementaugmentation ist jedoch mit
Zementaustritten und relevanten Komplikationen verbunden. Ziel muss es daher sein, die
Zementaugmentation so effizient wie möglich einzusetzen. So ist es bei einer langstreckigen
dorsalen Versorgung ausreichend, nur die biomechanisch am stärksten belasteten kranialen und
kaudalen Pedikelschraubenpaare zu augmentieren. Dies geht in biomechanischen Tests ohne
Stabilitätsverlust einher. Zudem konnte bisher keine höhere klinische Misserfolgsrate im
Vergleich zur Versorgung mit Zementaugmentation aller Pedikelschrauben nachgewiesen werden.
Die limitierte Zementaugmentation bietet somit eine gute Versorgungsalternative mit Reduktion
der Zementmenge und damit geringerem Komplikationsrisiko bei gleicher Stabilität. Ziel dieses
Übersichtsartikels ist es, die Hintergründe der limitierten Zementierung aufzuzeigen und zu
beschreiben.
Prophylaktische Zementaugmentation zur Frakturprophylaxe und Vermeidung von Anschlusskyphosen – Sinn oder Unsinn?
Authors: Scheyerer Max J. , Jacobs Cornelius
Published: October 2023

Osteoporotische Wirbelkörperfrakturen werden trotz ihrer Häufigkeit meist unterschätzt mit teils gravierenden Folgen für den Patienten. Im Sinne der Aufrechterhaltung der Lebensqualität, Mobilität und zur Vermeidung eines komplikationsträchtigen Verlaufes ist eine suffiziente Behandlung essenziell. Fester Bestandteil ist dabei heutzutage die Zementaugmentierung des betroffenen Wirbelkörpers. Allerdings zeigt sich unabhängig von der Behandlungsmodalität ein drei- bis fünffach erhöhtes Risiko für Anschlussfrakturen mit konsekutiver Kyphosierung im Segment. Ursächlich hierfür sind behandlungsbedingte Veränderungen der Biomechanik, welche mit einer Mehrbelastung der angrenzenden Grund- und Deckplatten einhergehen. Zur Reduktion der Frakturrate ist der Nutzen einer prophylaktischen Augmentierung der angrenzenden Wirbelkörper weiterhin Gegenstand der Diskussion.
Inchaço crescente indolor na palma da mão de um menino de 4 anos: Tumor maligno da bainha do nervo periférico
Authors: Öztürk Recep , Kösemehmetoğlu Kemal , Yükrük Fisun Ardıç , Güngör Bedii Şafak
Published: October 2023

Neste estudo, apresentamos um paciente do sexo masculino de 4 anos com uma massa indolor de crescimento lento na palma da mão esquerda há 2 anos. Embora os tumores musculoesqueléticos sejam raros, os tumores localizados nas mãos são ainda mais raros em pacientes pediátricos. O fato de pouquíssimos (menos de um em cada dez) tumores serem malignos e existirem dezenas de subtipos, cada um com tratamento diferente, mostra a importância do manejo dessas lesões. O diagnóstico e manejo apropriados de massas de tecidos moles, especialmente tumores malignos insidiosos, são vitais. Devido à raridade dos tumores de tecidos moles, as diretrizes adequadas para seu manejo são limitadas. O objetivo deste relato é apresentar um exemplo de abordagem de um dos tumores de partes moles.
Outcomes of decompressive craniectomy for malignant middle cerebral artery stroke in an academic hospital in Brazil
Authors: Rodrigues de Oliveira Luiz Fernando , Camilo Millene Rodrigues , Franciscatto Luisa , Podolsky-Gondim Guilherme Gozzoli , Alves Frederico Fernandes Alessio , Filho Rui Kleber do Vale Martins , Dias Francisco Antunes , Tanaka Koji , Colli Benedicto Oscar , Pontes-Neto Octávio Marques
Published: October 2023

Background Ischemic stroke is an important cause of death in the world. The malignant middle cerebral artery infarction (MMCAI) has mortality as high as 80% when clinically treated. In this setting, decompressive craniectomy is a life-saving measure, in spite of high morbidity among survivors.

Objective To evaluate the outcomes of patients with MMCAI treated with decompressive craniectomy in a Brazilian academic tertiary stroke center.

Methods A prospective stroke database was retrospectively evaluated, and all patients treated with decompressive craniectomy for MMCAI between January 2014 and December 2017 were included. The demographics and clinical characteristics were evaluated. The functional outcome, measured by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), was assessed at hospital discharge, after 3-months and 1-year of follow-up.

Results We included 53 patients on the final analysis. The mean age was 54.6 ± 11.6 years and 64.2% were males. The median time from symptoms to admission was 4.8 (3–9.7) hours and the mean time from symptoms to surgery was 36 ± 17 hours. The left hemisphere was the affected in 39.6%. The median NIHSS at admission was 20 (16–24). The in-hospital mortality was 30.2%. After a median of 337 [157–393] days, 47.1% of patients had achieved favorable outcome (mRS ≤ 4) and 39.6% had died.

Conclusion Decompressive craniectomy is a life-saving measure in the setting of MMCAI, and its effects remains important in the scenario of a middle-income country in real-world situations.
Brazilian version of the CHOP INTEND scale: cross-cultural adaptation and validation
Authors: Alves Renalli Manuella Rodrigues , Calado Alessandra Paula de Melo , Van Der Linden Vanessa , Bello Maria Aparecida Ferreira Chaves , Andrade Lívia Barboza de
Published: October 2023

Background Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare genetic disease that causes progressive muscle weakness and impacts motor function. The type I is the most severe presentation and affects infants before 6 months old. In addition, the instruments available for assessing motor function have limitations when applied to infants with neuromuscular diseases and significant muscle weakness.

Objective To translate, cross-culturally adapt, and validate the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders (CHOP INTEND) to Brazilian Portuguese.

Methods The present study comprised the translation, synthesis of translations, backtranslation, consolidation by a committee of experts, and test of the final version of the CHOP INTEND in 13 patients with SMA type I. We also assessed the content validity and reliability of the translated version.

Results The scale was translated considering semantic, structural, idiomatic, and cultural aspects. All agreement rates were > 0.8, the overall content validity index of the instrument was 0.98, and inter-rater reliability using the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.998.

Conclusion The Brazilian version of the CHOP INTEND met semantic and technical equivalence criteria with the original version and was valid and reliable for patients with SMA type I.
Millimetric spatial resolution time-expanded ϕ-OTDR
Authors: Soriano-Amat Miguel , Guay Philippe , Martins Hugo F. , Martin-Lopez Sonia , Gonzalez-Herraez Miguel , Fernández-Ruiz María R. , Genest Jerome
Published: October 2023

Time-expanded phase-sensitive optical time-domain reflectometry is a distributed optical fiber sensing technology based on dual-frequency combs that allows for dynamic and high spatial resolution measurements while maintaining reduced detection requirements. Since the formalization of the technique, different experimental schemes have been satisfactorily tested, with a general performance of cm-scale spatial resolution over hundreds of meters. In this article, we present an optimized scheme with enhanced energy and spectral efficiencies that allows reaching 5 mm spatial resolution. As compared to previous experimental approaches, the presented architecture is based on a free-running dual comb setup generated through pure electro-optical phase modulation. Besides, the introduction of an optical hybrid in the detection stage allows for doubling the spatial resolution while keeping the refresh rate and the sensing range unchanged.
Visible light photoacoustic ophthalmoscopy and near-infrared-II optical coherence tomography in the mouse eye
Authors: Haindl R. , Bellemo V. , Rajendran P. , Tan B. , Liu M. , Lee B. S. , Zhou Q. , Leitgeb R. A. , Drexler W. , Schmetterer L. , Pramanik M.
Published: October 2023

Non-invasive imaging plays a crucial role in diagnosing and studying eye diseases. However, existing photoacoustic ophthalmoscopy (PAOM) techniques in mice have limitations due to handling restrictions, suboptimal optical properties, limited availability of light sources, and permissible light fluence at the retina. This study introduces an innovative approach that utilizes Rose Bengal, a contrast agent, to enhance PAOM contrast. This enables visualization of deeper structures, such as the choroidal vasculature and sclera in the mouse eye, using visible light. The integration of near-infrared-II (NIR-II) optical coherence tomography provides additional tissue contrast and insights into potential NIR-II PAOM capabilities. To optimize imaging, we developed a cost-effective 3D printable mouse eye phantom and a fully 3D printable tip/tilt mouse platform. This solution elevates PAOM to a user-friendly technology, which can be used to address pressing research questions concerning several ocular diseases, such as myopia, glaucoma, and/or age-related macular degeneration in the future.
Resonant sandwich-structured piezoelectric cantilever for volatile alcohol level monitoring
Authors: Ju Shuai , Naghdi Masoud , Aslam Muhammad , Desai Mitali Hardik , Sreedharan Sreejith , Zhang Haifeng
Published: October 2023

The demand for accurate and real-time liquid level monitoring of storage tanks has increased dramatically in recent decades, particularly in industries such as chemical processing and petroleum refining. However, challenges can arise when liquid levels drop due to volatilization. To address this issue, we propose a resonant Sandwich-structured piezoelectric transducers-cantilever system for volatile alcohol level monitoring. We conducted a COMSOL numerical simulation to determine the frequency shift caused by volatilization at different alcohol levels. Experimental results confirmed the simulation and showed a linear trend within a certain range. This system has potential applications in micro-scale level monitoring systems for various industries.
Frequency dependence of the speed of sound in metallic rods
Authors: Marques A , Rodrigues M S
Published: October 2023

The speed of sound waves in rods depends on the relationship between wavelength and rod dimensions. It differs from the speeds readily available in tables, and from what is often learned during most introductory courses on solid-state physics. Metallic rods with diameters in the centimetre range excited with sound waves of tens of kHz will behave as dispersive media. Here, the speed of sound in metallic titanium rods of different lengths is measured using two different methodologies: (1) from the time of flight and (2) from the wavelength and frequency of standing waves that form in the rod. The latter allows analyzing the results in light of Pochhammer-Cree dispersion. The reflection coefficient is also determined both from time and from frequency response. Two off-the-shelf piezoelectric transducers, a function generator, an oscilloscope, and a lock-in amplifier were used. We have used a low-frequency square wave (of tens of Hz) in the first case and a sine wave with frequencies that range from audible to ultrasound in the second case. Experimental results show that the speed of sound decreases as the wavelength decreases. The Pochhammer-Chree dispersion equation was numerically solved to fit the experimental data that can be used to estimate both the Young modulus and the Poisson ratio. A practical empirical formula that allows data analysis without explicitly solving the Pochhammer-Chree equation is suggested.