bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forming-based geometric correction methods for thin-walled metallic components: a selective review
Authors: Zhou Xianyan , Ma Jun , Zhou Wenbin , Welo Torgeir
Published: July 2023

Geometric correction processes contribute to zero-defect manufacturing for improved product quality. Thin-walled metallic components are widely used in numerous applications such as electric vehicles and aircraft due to the lightweight feature, facilitating to achieve zero-emission goals. However, many components suffer geometric imperfections and inaccuracies such as undesired curvatures and twists, seriously affecting subsequent manufacturing operations, for example, automatic welding and assembly. Geometric correction techniques have been established to address these issues, but they have drawn little attention in the scientific community despite their wide applications and urgent demands in the industry. Due to the strict geometric tolerances demanded in high-volume automated production, it is urgent to increase the knowledge needed to develop new techniques to address future industrial challenges. This review paper presents an overview of typical geometric defects in thin-walled components and clarifies the associated underlying generation mechanisms. Attempts have also been made to discuss and categorize geometric correction techniques based on different forming mechanisms. The challenges in correcting complex thin-walled products are discussed. This review paper also provides researchers and engineers with directions to find and select appropriate geometric correction methods to achieve high geometric accuracy for thin-walled metallic components.
Confocal micro X-ray fluorescence analysis for the non-destructive investigation of structured and inhomogeneous samples
Authors: Heimler Korbinian , Gottschalk Christine , Vogt Carla
Published: July 2023

Confocal micro X-ray fluorescence (CMXRF) spectroscopy is a non-destructive, depth-resolved, and element-specific technique that is used to analyze the elemental composition of a sample. For this, a focused beam of mono- or polychromatic X-rays is applied to excite the atoms in the sample, causing them to emit fluorescence radiation which is detected with focusing capillary optics. The confocal design of the instrument allows for depth-resolved analysis, in most cases with a resolution in the lower micrometer dimension after collecting X-rays from a predefined volume within the sample. The element-specific nature of the technique allows information to be obtained about the presence and concentration of specific elements in this volume. This makes CMXRF spectroscopy a valuable tool for a wide range of applications, especially when samples with an inhomogeneous distribution of elements and a relatively light matrix have to be analyzed, which are typical examples in materials science, geology, and biology. The technique is also commonly used in the art and archaeology fields to analyze the elemental composition of historical artifacts and works of art, helping to provide valuable insights into their provenance, composition, and making. Recent technical developments to increase sensitivity and efforts to improve quantification in three-dimensional samples will encourage wider use of this method across a multitude of fields of application in the near future.

Graphical abstract

Confocal micro X-ray fluorescence (CMXRF) is based on the confocal overlap of two polycapillary lens foci, creating a depth-sensitive and non-destructive probing volume. Three-dimensional resolved element distribution images can be obtained by measuring the fluorescence intensity as function of the three-dimensional position.
Open Field Exercise Testing in Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease Patients: A Subsumption of Cardiovascular Parameters
Authors: Rückert J. , Michaelis A. , Markel F. , Kalden P. , Löffelbein F. , Klehs S. , Dähnert I. , Schöffl I. , Rottermann K. , Paech C.
Published: July 2023

Heart failure is a common phenomenon in congenital heart disease patients. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing is used for a reliable assessment of heart failure but is still challenging, especially for young children. Implementing mobile cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) can close that diagnostic gap. While average values for healthy children have already been published, this study aims to describe typical ranges of cardiovascular performance parameters of young children with congenital heart disease performing an 8-min running cardiopulmonary exercise test. Children aged 4–8 years with common congenital heart defects after corrective surgery (Tetralogy of Fallot; transposition of the great arteries and univentricular hearts after palliation) were included. The outdoor running protocol consisted of slow walking, slow jogging, fast jogging, and maximum speed running. Each exercise was performed for 2 min, except the last, in which children were instructed to keep up maximal speed as long as possible. A total of 78 children (45 male/33 female, mean age 6,24) with congenital heart disease participated in the study, of which 97% completed the CPET successfully. A detailed description of participating patients, including data on cardiac function and subjective fitness levels, is given to help physicians use this method to classify their patients. This study presents a typical range for cardiovascular performance parameters in a population of 4–8-year-old children with congenital heart disease tested in a newly developed outdoor running protocol for CPET.
Comparison of Four-Dimensional Flow MRI, Two-Dimensional Phase-Contrast MRI and Echocardiography in Transposition of the Great Arteries
Authors: Warmerdam Evangeline G. , Westenberg Jos J. M. , Voskuil Michiel , Rijnberg Friso M. , Roest Arno A. W. , Lamb Hildo J. , van Wijk Bram , Sieswerda Gertjan T. , Doevendans Pieter A. , ter Heide Henriette , Krings Gregor J. , Leiner Tim , Grotenhuis Heynric B.
Published: July 2023

Pulmonary artery (PA) stenosis is a common complication after the arterial switch operation (ASO) for transposition of the great arteries (TGA). Four-dimensional flow (4D flow) CMR provides the ability to quantify flow within an entire volume instead of a single plane. The aim of this study was to compare PA maximum velocities and stroke volumes between 4D flow CMR, two-dimensional phase-contrast (2D PCMR) and echocardiography. A prospective study including TGA patients after ASO was performed between December 2018 and October 2020. All patients underwent echocardiography and CMR, including 2D PCMR and 4D flow CMR. Maximum velocities and stroke volumes were measured in the main, right, and left PA (MPA, LPA, and RPA, respectively). A total of 39 patients aged 20 ± 8 years were included. Maximum velocities in the MPA, LPA, and RPA measured by 4D flow CMR were significantly higher compared to 2D PCMR (p < 0.001 for all). PA assessment by echocardiography was not possible in the majority of patients. 4D flow CMR maximum velocity measurements were consistently higher than those by 2D PCMR with a mean difference of 65 cm/s for the MPA, and 77 cm/s for both the RPA and LPA. Stroke volumes showed good agreement between 4D flow CMR and 2D PCMR. Maximum velocities in the PAs after ASO for TGA are consistently lower by 2D PCMR, while echocardiography only allows for PA assessment in a minority of cases. Stroke volumes showed good agreement between 4D flow CMR and 2D PCMR.
“Sandwich” protocol based on modified SMILE regimen for children with newly extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type: a single-arm, single-center clinical study
Authors: Shen Cheng-qi , He Guo-qian , Wan Zhi , Lin Chao , Yang Xue , Lu Xiao-xi , Zhu Yi-ping , Gao Ju , Guo Xia
Published: July 2023

Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL), which is a rare form of mature T/NK cell lymphoma in children, currently lacks a standardized first-line treatment approach. However, a treatment protocol known as the “sandwich” regimen has been used in children newly diagnosed with ENKTL. This protocol combines the administration of methotrexate, ifosfamide, etoposide, pegaspargase, and dexamethasone (referred to as SMILE) with the addition of radiotherapy (RT). From September 2017 to December 2020, a total of five patients were included in the study, consisting of three males and two females. The median age of onset was 10.6 years (range, 9.8 to 14.0 years). Among the patients, four had nasal/nasopharyngeal disease at stage II, while one patient had extra nasal disease involving the skin at stage IV. The median EBV-DNA level in plasma was 1.68 × 103 copies/ml (range, 0.44 to 21.1 × 103copies/ml). All the patients had good overall response after 2 cycles of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, including 4 of the patients who had a complete response and 1 of the patients with partial remission. The patient with stage IV received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation after the EBV-DNA level was elevated again during treatment. One patient in the low-risk group experienced grade 4 oral mucositis, while no other severe complications or treatment-related deaths were observed. The median follow-up period was 22 months (range, 5 to 57 months). All five patients successfully completed their treatment, with four patients achieving event-free survival, and one patient was lost to follow-up. The median OS time and EFS time was 33 months (range: 18–57 months) and 20 months (range: 5–47 months), respectively. The sandwich protocol has demonstrated a high response rate, good tolerance to chemotherapy, and no treatment-related fatalities. However, further confirmation is necessary through additional clinical studies involving larger sample sizes. Clinical trial registration number: Due to modified SMILE regimens with sandwiched radiotherapy yielded promising outcomes in children ENKTL, we have carried out a phase II multicenter clinical trial (ChiCTR220005954) for children ENKTL in China to further verify the efficacy and safety.
Vector Field Models for Nematic Disclinations
Authors: Acharya Amit , Fonseca Irene , Ganedi Likhit , Stinson Kerrek
Published: July 2023

In this paper, a model for defects in nematic liquid crystals that was introduced in Zhang et al. (Physica D Nonlinear Phenom 417:132828, 2021) is studied. In the literature, the setting of many models for defects is the function space SBV (special functions of bounded variation). However, the model considered herein regularizes the director field to be in a Sobolev space by introducing a second vector field tracking the defect. A relaxation result in the case of fixed parameters is proved along with some partial compactness results as the defect width vanishes.
Integrative proteomics highlight presynaptic alterations and c-Jun misactivation as convergent pathomechanisms in ALS
Authors: Aly Amr , Laszlo Zsofia I. , Rajkumar Sandeep , Demir Tugba , Hindley Nicole , Lamont Douglas J. , Lehmann Johannes , Seidel Mira , Sommer Daniel , Franz-Wachtel Mirita , Barletta Francesca , Heumos Simon , Czemmel Stefan , Kabashi Edor , Ludolph Albert , Boeckers Tobias M. , Henstridge Christopher M. , Catanese Alberto
Published: July 2023

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease mainly affecting upper and lower motoneurons. Several functionally heterogeneous genes have been associated with the familial form of this disorder (fALS), depicting an extremely complex pathogenic landscape. This heterogeneity has limited the identification of an effective therapy, and this bleak prognosis will only improve with a greater understanding of convergent disease mechanisms. Recent evidence from human post-mortem material and diverse model systems has highlighted the synapse as a crucial structure actively involved in disease progression, suggesting that synaptic aberrations might represent a shared pathological feature across the ALS spectrum. To test this hypothesis, we performed the first comprehensive analysis of the synaptic proteome from post-mortem spinal cord and human iPSC-derived motoneurons carrying mutations in the major ALS genes. This integrated approach highlighted perturbations in the molecular machinery controlling vesicle release as a shared pathomechanism in ALS. Mechanistically, phosphoproteomic analysis linked the presynaptic vesicular phenotype to an accumulation of cytotoxic protein aggregates and to the pro-apoptotic activation of the transcription factor c-Jun, providing detailed insights into the shared pathobiochemistry in ALS. Notably, sub-chronic treatment of our iPSC-derived motoneurons with the fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid exerted a neuroprotective effect by efficiently rescuing the alterations revealed by our multidisciplinary approach. Together, this study provides strong evidence for the central and convergent role played by the synaptic microenvironment within the ALS spinal cord and highlights a potential therapeutic target that counteracts degeneration in a heterogeneous cohort of human motoneuron cultures.
Hero and the tradition of the circle segment
Authors: Mendell Henry
Published: July 2023

In his Metrica, Hero provides four procedures for finding the area of a circular segment (with b the base of the segment and h its height): an Ancient method for when the segment is smaller than a semicircle, $$(b + h)/2 \, \cdot \, h$$

(
b
+
h
)
/
2

·

h

; a Revision, $$(b + h)/2 \, \cdot \, h + (b/2)^{2} /14$$

(
b
+
h
)

/
2

·

h
+

(
b
/
2
)

2

/
14

; a quasi-Archimedean method (said to be inspired by the quadrature of the parabola) for cases where b is more than triple h, $${\raise0.5ex\hbox{$\scriptstyle 4$} \kern-0.1em/\kern-0.15em \lower0.25ex\hbox{$\scriptstyle 3$}}(h \, \cdot \, b/2)$$

4

/

3

(
h

·

b
/
2
)

; and a method of Subtraction using the Revised method, for when it is larger than a semicircle. He gives superficial arguments that the Ancient method presumes $$\pi = 3$$

π
=
3

and the Revision, $$\pi = {\raise0.5ex\hbox{$\scriptstyle {22}$} \kern-0.1em/\kern-0.15em \lower0.25ex\hbox{$\scriptstyle 7$}}$$

π
=

22

/

7

. We are left with many questions. How ancient is the Ancient? Why did anyone think it worked? Why would anyone revise it in just this way? In addition, why did Hero think the Revised method did not work when $$b > 3\;h$$

b
>
3

h

? I show that a fifth century BCE Uruk tablet employs the Ancient method, but possibly with very strange consequences, and that a Ptolemaic Egyptian papyrus that checks this method by comparing the area of a circle calculated from the sum of a regular inscribed polygon and the areas of the segments on its sides as determined by the Ancient method with the area of the circle as calculated from its diameter correctly sees that the calculations do not quite gel in the case of a triangle but do in the case of a square. Both traditions probably could also calculate the area of a segment on an inscribed regular polygon by subtracting the area of the polygon from the area of the circle and dividing by the number of sides of the polygon. I then derive two theorems about pairs of segments, that the reviser of the Ancient method should have known, that explain each method, why they work when they do and do not when they do not, and which lead to a curious generalization of the Revised method. Hero’s comment is right, but not for the reasons he gives. I conclude with an exploration of Hero’s restrictions of the Revised method and Hero’s two alternative methods.
Clinical exome sequencing elucidates underlying cause of death in sudden unexpected death of infants: two case reports
Authors: Heathfield Laura Jane , Martin Lorna Jean , van der Heyde Yolande , Molefe Itumeleng , Ramesar Raj
Published: July 2023

Sudden unexpected death in infants (SUDI) is a traumatic event for families, and unfortunately its occurrence remains high in many parts of the world. Whilst cause of death is resolved for most cases, others remain undetermined following postmortem investigations. There has been a recognition of the role of genetic testing in unexplained cases, where previous studies have demonstrated the resolution of cases through DNA analyses. Here we present two case reports of SUDI cases admitted to Salt River Mortuary, South Africa, and show that underlying causes of death were determined for both infants using clinical exome sequencing. The first infant was heterozygous for a variant (rs148175795) in COL6A3, which suggested a bronchopulmonary dysplasia phenotype. This hypothesis led to finding of a second candidate variant in DMP1 (rs142880465), which may contribute towards a digenic/polygenic mechanism of a more severe phenotype. Histological analysis of retained tissue sections showed an asphyxial mechanism of death, where bronchiolar muscle weakness from an underlying bronchopulmonary dysplasia may have contributed to the asphyxia by affecting respiration. In the second infant, a homozygous variant (rs201340753) was identified in MASP1, which was heterozygous in each parent, highlighting the value of including parental DNA in genetic studies. Whilst mannose-binding lectin deficiency could not be assessed, it is plausible that this variant may have acted in combination with other risk factors within the triple-risk model to result in sudden death. These results may have genetic implications for family members, and represent possible new candidate variants for molecular autopsies.
Contrasting intra-individual variation in size-based trophic and habitat shifts for two coastal Arctic fish species
Authors: Pettitt-Wade Harri , Hussey Nigel E. , Gallagher Colin P. , Lea Ellen V. , Orrell Danielle L. , Loseto Lisa L.
Published: July 2023

Within and among species variation in trophic and habitat shifts with body size can indicate the potential adaptive capacity of species to ecosystem change. In Arctic coastal ecosystems, which experience dramatic seasonal shifts and are undergoing rapid change, quantifying the trophic flexibility of coastal fishes with different migratory tactics has received limited attention. We examined the relationships among body length and condition (Fulton’s K, phase angle from Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis) with trophic and habitat shifts (differences in δ15N and δ13C between blood tissues with different turnover rates) of two abundant and culturally important species, anadromous Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus, n = 38) and sedentary Greenland cod (Gadus ogac, n = 65) during summer in coastal marine waters near Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories, Canada. Habitat shifts (δ13C) increased with length (i.e., pelagic to benthic-littoral) and crossed-equilibrium (zero) at mid-sizes for both species. Seasonal trophic shifts (δ15N) were generally positive (i.e., increasing trophic level) for Arctic char and negative for Greenland cod. As hypothesised, intra-individual variation in size-based trophic shifts (δ15N-length residuals) increased with length for Arctic char. However, there were no trends with length in Greenland cod. Our findings highlight the importance of flexibility through ontogeny and mobility for Arctic char, whereas Greenland cod were generalist to localized prey and habitat across all sizes. The significant effect of body condition (phase angle) on size-based trophic shifts in Arctic char, and size-based habitat shifts in Greenland cod, highlight the potential trade-offs of contrasting life history strategies and capacity for ontogenetic niche plasticity.
Feasibility of on-demand robotics in colorectal surgery: first cases
Authors: Hahnloser Dieter , Rrupa Djana , Grass Fabian
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The key benefits of robotics are improved precision and control, thanks to fully articulated robotic instruments and enhanced, stable endoscope control. However, colorectal procedures also require large movements such as medialization of the colon where a robotic platform is not always needed. We present the world’s first experience in colorectal surgery with a new open platform of on-demand robotics.

Methods and procedures

Standard laparoscopic 3-D camera, insufflator, trocars and energy devices, available in all hospitals performing laparoscopic surgery, are used in combination with the Dexter System™ from Distalmotion SA, which includes two robotic instrument arms, one robotic endoscope arm and a sterile surgeon console. We present the first 12 colorectal cases of robotic assisted ventral mesh rectopexy (n = 2), oncologic right colectomies (n = 8), transverse colectomy (n = 1) and ileocecal resection (n = 1) using the Dexter System.

Results

The two ventral mesh rectopexies were fully robotic, requiring no switching from standard laparoscopy to robotic assistance. The robotic platform was used for central vascular ligation (CVL) in all 8 oncologic colectomies, whereas medialization of the colon and transection was performed with standard laparoscopy. The switch from laparoscopy to robotics and back was performed in 15–30 s. Intracorporal anastomosis was performed in 4 patients (stapling by standard laparoscopy and suturing of the defect with robotic assistance). Conversion or permanent switch to standard laparoscopy was required in two patients due to visceral obesity. No robotic platform-related intraoperative adverse event occurred. No major morbidity occurred at 60 days.

Conclusions

On-demand robotics is feasible and combines the best of two worlds: Robotics where precision and enhanced dexterity are required and standard laparoscopy where it is at its best. The surgeon remains scrubbed-in at all times, allowing a switch between robotics and laparoscopy within seconds.
Positive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on depression and anxiety in Chinese adolescents
Authors: Yang Xinhua , Lawrence Andrew J. , Harrison Phillippa , Liu Yanlong , Chen Liangliang , Wang Chenglei , Yan Chao , Zahn Roland
Published: July 2023

The potential impact on mental health of home schooling and social isolation due to COVID-19 lockdowns has led to widespread concern, particularly for adolescents. However, studies including pre-pandemic data from longitudinal cohorts with an assessment of the longer-term impact of the Covid-19 pandemic beyond the first months of 2020 are scarce. This longitudinal study of 1534 adolescents attending a secondary school in Hunan province investigated self-reported symptoms of anxiety and depression using two validated scales (Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders, Child Mood and Feelings Questionnaire) at six time points before, during, and after the 2020 national lockdown restrictions in China. Perceived COVID-related stress was assessed by an author-developed scale at two timepoints during the lockdown. We investigated trends in symptoms over time with a fixed effects model and multiple imputations of missing data. Counter to our expectations, depressive and anxiety symptoms were reduced during the 2020 lockdown relative to pre-lockdown (depression: b = − 3.37, SE = 0.345, Cohen’s d = − 0.25, p < 0.0001; anxiety: b = − 4.55, SE = 0.382, Cohen’s d = − 0.30, p < 0.0001). Symptoms remained significantly reduced even after lockdown restrictions eased. Higher symptom levels during lockdown were associated with greater self-reported COVID-related stress (depression: b = 0.11, SE = 0.026, p < 0.0001; anxiety: b = 0.11, SE = 0.036, p < 0.0001). Although COVID-related stresses correlated with higher levels of anxiety and depression, the lockdown period was associated with improved symptom levels in the adolescents taking part in our study. School closures may have improved the mental health of adolescents in China. We speculate this beneficial effect of lockdown can be explained by the adverse effects of attending school itself such as exposure to bullying and achievement pressures.
Different gastric tubes in esophageal reconstruction during esophagectomy
Authors: Sun Shaowu , Wang Zhulin , Huang Chunyao , Li Kaiyuan , Liu Xu , Fan Wenbo , Zhang Guoqing , Li Xiangnan
Published: July 2023

Esophagectomy is currently the mainstay of treatment for resectable esophageal carcinoma. Gastric grafts are the first substitutes in esophageal reconstruction. According to the different tailoring methods applied to the stomach, gastric grafts can be classified as whole stomach, subtotal stomach and gastric tube. Gastric-tube placement has been proven to be the preferred method, with advantages in terms of postoperative complications and long-term survival. In recent years, several novel methods involving special-shaped gastric tubes have been proposed, which have further decreased the incidence of perioperative complications. This article will review the progress and clinical application status of different types of gastric grafts from the perspectives of preparation methods, studies of anatomy and perioperative outcomes, existing problems and future outlook.
Effectiveness of structural walls in improving the serviceability of a seismically-retrofitted RC building
Authors: Şimşek Ahmet , Yurdakul Özgür , Duran Burak , Tunaboyu Onur , Yıldırım Suat , Avşar Özgür
Published: July 2023

A moderate earthquake with a magnitude Mw of 6.8 hit the Elazig Province of Turkey on January 24th, 2020, causing fatalities and structural damage/failure. Following the earthquake, a field reconnaissance was conducted at the Administration and Operation Campus of Karakaya Dam, which is 19 km from the earthquake epicenter. The exhibited performances in two side-by-side nominally identical reinforced concrete (RC) buildings with the same material properties and soil conditions differed significantly. The main reason lies in the preventive action taken before the earthquake in one of the buildings. The building retrofitted with additional structural walls had a slight/no damage level. However, the non-retrofitted building suffered severe damage due to large cracks in numerous infill walls, some of which were exposed to partial collapse. That makes the non-retrofitted building unserviceable, requiring evacuation after the earthquake. The field-observed building damage was compared with the seismic performances acquired from their refined numerical models for the recorded ground motions. The photographic documentation exposing the entire performance and damage level in non-retrofitted and retrofitted buildings was quantified by static pushover and nonlinear response history analyses. The post-earthquake performance of nonstructural members in retrofitted and non-retrofitted buildings was simulated with reasonable accuracy.
A Deep Learning based Scalable and Adaptive Feature Extraction Framework for Medical Images
Authors: Loukil Zainab , Mirza Qublai Khan Ali , Sayers Will , Awan Irfan
Published: July 2023

Features extraction has a fundamental value in enhancing the scalability and adaptability n of medical image processing framework. The outcome of this stage has a tremendous effect on the reliability of the medical application being developed, particularly disease classification and prediction. The challenging side of features extraction frameworks, in relation to medical images, is influenced by the anatomical and morphological structure of the image which requires a powerful extraction system that highlights high- and low- level features. The complementary of both feature types reinforces the medical image content-based retrieval and allows to access visible structures as well as an in-depth understanding of related deep hidden components. Several existing techniques have been used towards extracting high- and low-level features separately, including Deep Learning based approaches. However, the fusion of these features remains a challenging task. Towards tackling the drawback caused by the lack of features combination and enhancing the reliability of features extraction methods, this paper proposes a new hybrid features extraction framework that focuses on the fusion and optimal selection of high- and low-level features. The scalability and reliability of the proposed method is achieved by the automated adjustment of the final optimal features based on real-time scenarios resulting an accurate and efficient medical images disease classification. The proposed framework has been tested on two different datasets to include BraTS and Retinal sets achieving an accuracy rate of 97% and 98.9%, respectively.
Establishment of liquid phase double antibody radioimmunoassay system for in-vitro determination of erythropoietin hormone in human serum
Authors: Ebeid N. H. , El-Shershaby Hanan M. , Shafik H. M. , Moustafa K. A.
Published: July 2023

The aim of study was the production of polyclonal antibody of erythropoietin hormone (Anti-EPO) to determine EPO in human serum by liquid-phase radioimmunoassay (RIA). Production of anti-EPO was performed by immunizing Balb/C mice with EPO antigen using primary immunization and four booster doses. EPO tracer (125I-EPO) was prepared using Chloramine-T method. Additionally, EPO standards were mad. Furthermore, the assay was optimized and validated in additional studies. In conclusion, the elaborated EPO-RIA system exhibits a simple, accurate, specific and sensitive method for determining EPO concentration in human serum and might be suitable for clinical diagnosis of myeloproliferative diseases.
Solving a one-dimensional moving boundary problem based on wave digital principles
Authors: Al Beattie Bakr , Ochs Karlheinz
Published: July 2023

We report on a novel method for solving one-dimensional moving boundary problems based on wave digital principles. Here, we exploit multidimensional wave digital algorithms to derive an efficient and robust algorithm for the solution of the considered problem. Our method lets the wave digital model, on which the algorithm is based, expand according to the size of the solution domain. The expanding model introduces new dynamical elements, which must be properly initialized to obtain a calculable algorithm. To deal with this problem, we make use of linear multistep methods to extrapolate the missing values. Our results show the proposed method to indeed be capable of correctly solving a one-dimensional partial differential equation describing a growing biological axon.
The $$\textrm{CMO}$$-Dirichlet Problem for Elliptic Systems in the Upper Half-Space
Authors: Cao Mingming
Published: July 2023

We prove that for any second-order, homogeneous, $$N \times N$$

N
×
N

elliptic system L with constant complex coefficients in $$\mathbb {R}^n$$

R

n

, the Dirichlet problem in $$\mathbb {R}^n_+$$

R

+
n

with boundary data in $$\textrm{CMO}(\mathbb {R}^{n-1}, \mathbb {C}^N)$$

CMO
(

R

n
-
1

,

C

N

)

is well-posed under the assumption that $$d\mu (x', t) := |\nabla u(x)|^2\, t \, dx' dt$$

d
μ

(

x
′

,
t
)

:
=

|
∇
u

(
x
)

|

2

t

d

x
′

d
t

is a strong vanishing Carleson measure in $$\mathbb {R}^n_+$$

R

+
n

in some sense. This solves an open question posed by Martell et al. [1, Open Question 8], which wishes to formulate and prove a well-posedness result for the Dirichlet problem in $$\mathbb {R}^n_+$$

R

+
n

for L as above, and establish a Fatou-type theorem for null-solutions of L. Our proof relies on a quantitative Fatou-type theorem, which not only guarantees the existence of the pointwise nontangential boundary trace for smooth null-solutions satisfying a strong vanishing Carleson measure condition, but also includes a Poisson integral representation formula of solutions along with a characterization of $$\textrm{CMO}(\mathbb {R}^{n-1}, \mathbb {C}^N)$$

CMO
(

R

n
-
1

,

C

N

)

in terms of the traces of solutions of elliptic systems. Moreover, we are able to establish the well-posedness of the Dirichlet problem in $$\mathbb {R}^n_+$$

R

+
n

for a system L as above in the case when the boundary data belongs to $$\textrm{XMO}(\mathbb {R}^{n-1}, \mathbb {C}^N)$$

XMO
(

R

n
-
1

,

C

N

)

, which lies in between $$\textrm{CMO}(\mathbb {R}^{n-1}, \mathbb {C}^N)$$

CMO
(

R

n
-
1

,

C

N

)

and $$\textrm{VMO}(\mathbb {R}^{n-1}, \mathbb {C}^N)$$

VMO
(

R

n
-
1

,

C

N

)

. Analogously, we formulate a new brand of vanishing Carleson measure conditions and a characterization of $$\textrm{XMO}(\mathbb {R}^{n-1}, \mathbb {C}^N)$$

XMO
(

R

n
-
1

,

C

N

)

in terms of the traces of solutions of elliptic systems.
The impact of public procurement on financial barriers to general and green innovation
Authors: Schäfer Dorothea , Stephan Andreas , Fuhrmeister Sören
Published: July 2023

This study investigates whether public procurement mitigates or exacerbates innovative enterprises’ financial constraints. We distinguish between general and environmentally beneficial innovative enterprises. Theory suggests that the treatment effects of public procurement, particularly when mediated by the demand-pull effect, may lower a company’s funding constraints for innovation. We test this theory with extended probit models allowing for endogenous treatment and selection. The findings reveal a significantly positive treatment effect of public procurement on the probability of facing financial constraints in both areas: general and environmentally beneficial innovative activities. Thus, the principal implications of this study are (1) that being an innovating SME exacerbates financial constraints and (2) that strengthening SMEs’ participation in European public tenders would not contribute to lowering SMEs’ financial constraints. On the contrary, complementary grants or other financial incentives might be necessary to substantially increase the SMEs’ bidding rates in public tenders.
Women’s Endorsement of Heteronormative Dating Scripts is Predicted by Sexism, Feminist Identity, A Preference for Dominant Men, and A Preference Against Short-Term Relationships
Authors: Alba Beatrice , Hammond Matthew D. , Cross Emily J.
Published: July 2023

Heteronormative dating scripts involve expectations for women and men to enact different behaviours in romantic contexts with one another, such as men paying on dates and making marriage proposals. While previous research has shown that sexism and feminist identity predicts the endorsement of these scripts, there is a lack of research on other potential predictors relevant to women’s personal preferences for partners and relationships. We examined these novel predictors in three online samples of single women in Australia (N1 = 112,N2 = 157,N3 = 189). Hierarchical regressions and an integrative meta-analysis identified that women’s endorsement of heteronormative dating scripts was predicted by higher benevolent sexism, higher hostile sexism, and lower feminist identity, as well as a greater preference for dominant men as partners and a lower preference for short-term relationships. In addition, path modelling suggested that a greater preference for male partner dominance partially explained the association between women’s benevolent sexism and the endorsement of these scripts. Overall, women’s endorsement of heteronormative dating scripts was more strongly related to their sexist attitudes than their partner or relationship preferences, suggesting that traditional romantic prescriptions are interconnected with gender inequalities, despite the relevance of personal preferences beyond sexism.
Demonstration of new attacks on three healthcare network protocols in a lab environment
Authors: Dupont Guillaume , dos Santos Daniel , Dashevskyi Stanislav , Vijayakumar Sangavi , Murali Sashaank P. , Costante Elisa , den Hartog Jerry , Etalle Sandro
Published: July 2023

Healthcare delivery organizations such as hospitals are complex infrastructures comprising a broad range of networked devices. They include connected medical devices which can deliver health care, support hospitals’ operations, and can exchange patients’ data over healthcare network protocols. Previous research has pointed out weaknesses in the implementations of some of these protocols, and demonstrated how they could be abused by malicious actors in hospitals. There are still other healthcare network protocols for which we have limited knowledge, and no security analysis can be found in the literature. This can represent an issue, as these technologies may also have vulnerabilities which could, if exploited, impact hospitals’ operations and patients’ data. For this reason, we investigate in this paper three healthcare protocols found in hospital networks: the POCT1-A and LIS02-A standards used by some point-of-care and laboratory devices, and the proprietary protocol Data Export used by some Philips patient monitors. We explain how to build a test lab to perform security research on medical devices, in which we demonstrate four attacks highlighting how the selected protocols can be abused. This research provides greater knowledge of threats relevant to healthcare delivery organizations, and helps to enhance network security monitoring capabilities such as intrusion detection systems. More specifically, signatures can be created to detect attacks on these protocols and datasets can be assembled to assist the development and testing of hospital-specific intrusion detection systems.
Preparing for the future of work: a novel data-driven approach for the identification of future skills
Authors: Brasse Julia , Förster Maximilian , Hühn Philipp , Klier Julia , Klier Mathias , Moestue Lars
Published: July 2023

The future of work is changing rapidly as result of fast technological developments, decarbonization and social upheavals. Thus, employees need a new skillset to be successful in the future workforce. However, current approaches for the identification of future skills are either based on s small sample of expert opinions or the result of researchers interpreting the results of data-driven approaches and thus not meaningful for the stakeholders. Against this background, we propose a novel process for the identification of future skills incorporating a data-driven approach with expert interviews. This enables identifying future skills that are comprehensive and representative for a whole industry and region as well as meaningful for the stakeholders. We demonstrate the applicability and utility of our process by means of a case study, where we identify 33 future skills for the manufacturing industry in Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany. Our work contributes to the identification of comprehensive and representative future skills (for whole industries).
Coaching zur beruflichen Orientierung: Du hast die Wahl und suchst deinen Weg
Authors: Kauffeld Simone , Wittner Britta
Published: July 2023

Erste Karriereentscheidungen Jugendlicher und junger Erwachsener sind oft von Unsicherheit begleitet: Welche der vielfältigen Möglichkeiten ist die passende? Um aus vielen Studiengängen und Ausbildungsberufen auszuwählen, ist eine gute Exploration der Möglichkeiten wichtig. Gruppencoaching-Formate bieten hier eine wichtige Möglichkeit, um die ersten Karriereentscheidungen im Übergang von Schule ins Berufsleben oder in das Studium sowie auch später in der Studieneingangsphase zu treffen. Dieser Artikel zeigt anschaulich, dass dieses Format die Schüler:innen in ihrer Entscheidung unterstützen kann und sowohl in Präsenz als auch digital funktioniert.
Antares I: a Modular Photobioreactor Suitable for Photosynthesis and Bioenergetics Research
Authors: Rodríguez-Bolaños Mónica , Vargas-Romero Gloria , Jaguer-García Girian , Aguilar-Gonzalez Zhaida I. , Lagos-Romero Verónica , Miranda-Astudillo Héctor V.
Published: July 2023

Oxygenic photosynthesis is responsible for most of the fixation of atmospheric CO2. The microalgal community can transport atmospheric carbon into biological cycles in which no additional CO2 is created. This represents a resource to confront the actual climate change crisis. These organisms have evolved to adapt to several environments and different spectral distribution of light that may strongly influence their metabolism. Therefore, there is a need for development of photobioreactors specialized in addressing spectral optimization. Here, a multi-scale modular photobioreactor made from standard glass materials, ad hoc light circuits, and easily accessible, small commercial devices is described. The system is suitable to manage the principal culture variables of research in bioenergetics and photosynthesis. Its performance was tested by growing four evolutionary-distant microalgal species with different endosymbiotic scenarios: Chlamydomonasreinhardtii (Archaeplastida, green primary plastid), Polytomella parva (Archaeplastida, colorless plastid), Euglena gracilis (Discoba, green secondary plastid), and Phaeodactylum tricornutum (Stramenophiles, red secondary plastid). Our results show an improvement of biomass production, as compared to the traditional flask system. The modulation of the incident light spectra allowed us to observe a far-red adaptation in Euglenagracilis with a difference on paramylon production, and it also significantly increased the maximal cell density of the diatom species under green light. Together, these confirm that for photobioreactors with artificial light, manipulation of the light spectrum is a critical parameter for controlling the optimal performance, depending on the downstream goals.
Toxicity Evaluation, Oxidative, and Immune Responses of Mercury on Nile Tilapia: Modulatory Role of Dietary Nannochloropsis oculata
Authors: Zahran Eman , Ahmed Fatma , Hassan Zeinab , Ibrahim Iman , Khaled Asmaa A. , Palić Dušan , El Sebaei Mahmoud G.
Published: July 2023

The current study evaluated the potential ameliorative effect of a dietary immune modulator, Nannochloropsis oculata microalga, on the mercuric chloride (HgCl2)-induced toxicity of Nile tilapia. Nile tilapia (45–50 g) were fed a control diet or exposed to ¼ LC50 of HgCl2 (0.3 mg/L) and fed on a medicated feed supplemented with N. oculata (5% and 10% (50 or 100 g/kg dry feed)) for 21 days. Growth and somatic indices, Hg2+ bioaccumulation in muscles, and serum acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity were investigated. Antioxidant and stress-related gene expression analyses were carried out in gills and intestines. Histopathological examinations of gills and intestines were performed to monitor the traits associated with Hg2+ toxicity or refer to detoxification. Hg2+ toxicity led to significant musculature bioaccumulation, inhibited AChE activity, downregulated genes related to antioxidants and stress, and elicited histopathological changes in the gills and intestine. Supplementation with N. oculata at 10% was able to upregulate the anti-oxidative-related genes while downregulated the stress apoptotic genes in gills and intestines compared to the unexposed group. In addition, minor to no histopathological traits were detected in the gills and intestines of the N. oculata-supplemented diets. Our data showed the benefit of dietary N. oculata in suppressing Hg2+ toxicity, which might support its efficacy as therapeutic/preventive agent to overcome environmental heavy metal pollution in aquatic habitats.
Renal function changes in patients with subclinical hyperthyroidism: a novel postulated mechanism
Authors: Allam Magdy Mohamed , El-Zawawy Hanaa Tarek , El-Zawawy Tarek Hussein
Published: July 2023

Background

Subclinical hyperthyroidism (SCH) is found to be associated with renal dysfunction. Hyperthyroidism is a well-known cause of secondary systolic hypertension. However, the effect of SCH on the kidney and its vasculature is still unknown.

Aim

To assess the presence of renal function changes and renal vasodysfunction in SCH patients and their relation to hypertension.

Methods

The study included 321 patients with SCH and 80 healthy matched controls. Laboratory investigations included thyroid function tests, anti-TSH receptor antibody (TRAb), creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum osmolarity (S. Osmol), urine osmolarity (U. Osmol), Fractional Excretion of Sodium (FeNa), Fractional Excretion of Potassium (FeK), copeptin (CPP), and aldosterone/renin ratio (ARR). Ultrasound for the thyroid gland, echocardiography, total peripheral resistance (TPR), flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), and Renal Arterial distensibility (RAD) was also done.

Results

Serum creatinine was significantly lower while eGFR was significantly higher in SCH patients compared to euthyroid subjects (mean 0.59 ± 0.11 mg/dl Vs mean 0.8 ± 0.1 mg/dl, p = 0.001 and mean 128.28 ± 14.69 ml/min/1.73m2 Vs mean 100.49 ± 14.9 ml/min/1.73m2, p = 0.013, respectively). The TPR and FMD showed a significant decrease in SCH group compared to controls (mean 975.85 ± 159.33 mmHg.min/L Vs mean 1120.24 ± 135.15 mmHg.min/L, p = 0.045 and mean 7.03 ± 4.02% Vs mean 13.48 ± 4.57%, p = 0.003, respectively). RAD was significantly higher in hypertensive SCH patients compared to normotensive SCH patients (mean 17.82 ± 2.46 mmHg Vs mean 11.98 ± 3.21 mmHg, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

SCH patients showed vascular resistance reduction. Alterations in thyroid hormones and blood pressure could be the driving mechanisms for the change in renal functions in patients with SCH.
Significance of Worst Pattern of Invasion-5 in Early-Stage Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Mohamed Shima , Jawad Hadeel , Sullivan Ryan O’ , Callanan Deirdre , Sheahan Patrick , Feeley Linda
Published: July 2023

Background

There is an ongoing need to identify pathologic prognosticators in early-stage oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) to aid selection of patients who may benefit from adjuvant treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prognostic ability of worst pattern of invasion-5 (WPOI-5) defined by the presence of satellite nodules, extratumoural perineural invasion (PNI) and/or extratumoural lymphovascular space invasion (LVI) in low-stage, node negative OCSCC.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of 160 patients with T1/T2N0 tumours staged using TNM7 treated surgically. Histology of the primary tumour was re-reviewed as appropriate to assess for the presence of WPOI-5 parameters. Univariate and multivariate analysis assessing impact of pathological features on survival outcomes was performed.

Results

On univariate analysis, WPOI-5 and its 3 constituent components of satellite nodules, extratumoural PNI and extratumoural LVI were all significantly associated with disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS). On multivariate analysis, satellite nodules (odds ratio 6.61, 95% CI 2.83–15.44, p < 0.0001) and extratumoural LVI (odds ratio 9.97, 95% CI 2.19–45.35, p = 0.003) were independently associated with OS. Postoperative radiotherapy (odds ratio 0.40, 95% CI 0.19–0.87, p = 0.02) and non-tongue subsite (odds ratio 3.03, 95% CI 1.70–5.39, p = 0.0002) were also significantly associated with OS on multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

Satellite nodules and extratumoural LVI correlated significantly with survival outcomes in our early-stage OSCC cohort. Further study is required to investigate the benefit of adjuvant treatment in these cases and to ascertain if WPOI-5 parameters including satellite nodules should be mandatory reporting data elements.