bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation on the Quality of Glutinous Rice Products
Authors: Qi Wen , Ma Chun‐Min , Xing Wen‐Jing , Yang Yang , Fan Jing , Yang Chun‐Hua , Zhang Na
Published: May 2023

The effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus and spontaneous fermentation on the quality characteristics of glutinous rice products are investigated in this study. Optimization of the product quality based on orthogonal experiments on the four fermentation conditions ensure that the product still has good sensory properties when stored during its shelf life at room temperature. The optimal fermentation conditions based on the range analysis are the mass ratio of glutinous rice, corn and rice 8:1:1, L. acidophilus inoculum of 8%, fermentation temperature of 37 °C, and fermentation time of 28 h. Under this condition, rice products’ hardness, viscosity, elasticity, cohesiveness, and taste significantly increase compared to the spontaneously fermented products. The pasting characteristics, water absorption index, thermodynamic properties, short‐range ordered structure, and microstructure of two kinds of fermented rice flours are analyzed. L. acidophilus fermented rice flour is more prone to pasting and ageing, with a higher proportion of short‐chain amylopectin in starch and lower final viscosity and water absorption, with a denser and smoother internal structure. In conclusion, fermentation improves the properties of glutinous rice flour and its products, and L. acidophilus fermentation is more effective than spontaneous fermentation.
Literacy in the Plural: Multiliteracies Enlivened during the Pandemic
Authors: Swift Catherine
Published: May 2023

Critical and situated engagement with literacies offers educators an important, documented pedagogical tool that has the potential to increase elementary students’ understanding of issues of equity, while developing their empathy, self‐awareness, and critical consciousness. What we don't know is how literacies can be used during a global pandemic to support students' socially, emotionally, and intellectually. This ethnographic research study sheds light on one racially, linguistically diverse fourth grade classroom and what happens when the teacher uses literacy events to engage students during the COVID19 pandemic. Using critical engagement and multiliteracies theories, I present and analyze data from classroom observations, audio recordings, fieldnotes, screenshots, and interviews. Findings indicate that engaging in multiliteracies during the pandemic supported student engagement, connection, and agency. I argue that these findings have implications for in‐person teaching. Specifically, when classroom teachers approach literacy events from a multiliteracies framework, new instructional spaces are created to support students to be cognitively and socially available for learning.
Exploring animal models in oral cancer research and clinical intervention: A critical review
Authors: Khayatan Danial , Hussain Ahmed , Tebyaniyan Hamid
Published: May 2023

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, but advances in treatment, early detection, and prevention have helped to reduce its impact. To translate cancer research findings into clinical interventions for patients, appropriate animal experimental models, particularly in oral cancer therapy, can be helpful. In vitro experiments using animal or human cells can provide insight into cancer's biochemical pathways. This review discusses the various animal models used in recent years for research and clinical intervention in oral cancer, along with their advantages and disadvantages. We highlight the advantages and limitations of the used animal models in oral cancer research and therapy by searching the terms of animal models, oral cancer, oral cancer therapy, oral cancer research, and animals to find all relevant publications during 2010‐2023. Mouse models, widely used in cancer research, can help us understand protein and gene functions in vivo and molecular pathways more deeply. To induce cancer in rodents, xenografts are often used, but companion animals with spontaneous tumours are underutilized for rapid advancement in human and veterinary cancer treatments. Like humans with cancer, companion animals exhibit biological behaviour, treatment responses, and cytotoxic agent responses similar to humans. In companion animal models, disease progression is more rapid, and the animals have a shorter lifespan. Animal models allow researchers to study how immune cells interact with cancer cells and how they can be targeted specifically. Additionally, animal models have been extensively used in research on oral cancers, so researchers can use existing knowledge and tools to better understand oral cancers using animal models.
Enablers and Tools for Agile Product Development
Authors: Kaster Thomas , Ackermann Marc , Bailly David , Bold Marie-Noemi , Bremen Thomas , Eberius Thomas , Fu Cailing , Gorissen Leon , Haase Christian , Gries Thomas , Häfner Constantin , Heinigk Christian , Hinke Christian , Hirt Gerhard , Holly Carlo , Kelbel Hannah , Kolter Moritz , Krupp Ulrich , Reitmaier Lisa-Marie , Schleifenbaum Johannes Henrich , Schuh Günther , Schulz Wolfgang , Stöcker Lena , Walderich Philipp , Zarei Omid
Published: May 2023

Today’s industrial world is characterized by ever-shortening product development cycles and increasing degrees of product individualization which demand tools and enablers for accelerated prototyping. In addition, the existing uncertainty in the product development cycle should be reduced by involving stakeholders as early as possible. However, should an engineering change request (ECR) be necessary in the product development cycle, a fast iteration step into production is inevitable. The methodological description of such an ECR in the product development cycle is described in the previous chapter. Together with researchers from the Internet of Production (IoP), information from the product development process will be transferred to the digital shadow established in the IoP. The digital shadow collects information from all areas of the product lifecycle and provides it to the appropriate departments, adapted to the corresponding task. To tackle this challenge, a new type of product development process, the method of agile product development, is applied. Within the Enablers and Tools project, the development of various advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs) for agile product development are at the forefront of the work. The enablers and tools are further developed with the principles of agile product development. They also serve to map the requirements for rapidly available and specific prototypes which are used to answer specific questions that arise during the product development cycle. To answer these questions, the concept of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP), an approach to reduce development time and increase customer satisfaction, is introduced and applied to all development tasks.
The Internet of Production Digital Shadow Reference Model for Worldwide Production Labs
Authors: Michael Judith , Koren István , Dimitriadis Iraklis , Fulterer Judith , Gannouni Aymen , Heithoff Malte , Hermann Annkristin , Hornberg Katharina , Kröger Moritz , Sapel Patrick , Schäfer Niklas , Theissen-Lipp Johannes , Decker Stefan , Hopmann Christian , Jarke Matthias , Rumpe Bernhard , Schmitt Robert H. , Schuh Günther
Published: May 2023

Due to their growing amount and heterogeneity, we need a precise and standardized understanding about the foundation, structure, and forms of aggregation and especially the use of data and models within the production domain. Our aim is to investigate how to model data elements and static and dynamic relationships as well as their physical resources in the IoP, in a cross-disciplinary life cycle spanning cooperation as a basis for information management, meeting all technical, scientific-ethical, and legal framework conditions. The core solution for this challenge is the use of an adequate set of modeling techniques, transformations, and their integration with digital shadows. This chapter provides a deep insight into relevant concepts that constitute a digital shadow, link it to their semantics defined by appropriate metamodels, and discuss the data and models a digital shadow consists of in four use cases. We show a method to derive digital shadows and introduce their life cycle in relation to the product life cycle. These concepts are the foundation for data and model sharing within digital shadows applicable for worldwide production labs.
Challenges of Managing Common Resources
Authors: Fischer Manuel , Foord Daniel , Frecè Jan , Hillebrand Kirsten , Kissling-Näf Ingrid , Meili Rahel , Peskova Marie , Risi David , Schmidpeter René , Stucki Tobias
Published: May 2023

Common goods are those natural or man-made resources that serve all members of a particular community and its institutions. Unlike private goods such as cars or mobile phones, all members have free access to commons, i.e., the goods cannot simply be fenced off. As a result, such goods tend to be overused, leading to a loss of welfare-the tragedy of the commons. In this chapter, we discuss the concept of the tragedy of the commons, why it is relevant to global and local environmental problems, and how the social dilemma might be resolved.
Corporate Sustainability
Authors: Fischer Manuel , Foord Daniel , Frecè Jan , Hillebrand Kirsten , Kissling-Näf Ingrid , Meili Rahel , Peskova Marie , Risi David , Schmidpeter René , Stucki Tobias
Published: May 2023

As we will discuss in this chapter, companies are an important steering parameter for sustainable development as they develop new, more sustainable products and services or improve the sustainability of their organizations and internal processes. However, companies will not be willing to make a substantial contribution to sustainable development if this does not also pay off economically. Current developments suggest that corporate sustainability is becoming increasingly important in both the field of sustainability policy and the field of management. Five reasons have been identified for these developments. First, there is societal pressure on companies to do their part for sustainable development, which will lead to stricter policies and shifts in demand. Second, many new business opportunities are emerging for companies, which also makes it attractive to profitable invest in this area. Third, companies should worry about the immediate impact of climate change on their operations. Fourth, there is a growing risk of litigation over climate change. Fifth, the financial sector is also doing its part to increase the pressure on companies, in some cases banks are making harder for unsustainable companies to obtain credit.
Social Innovation (or Why We Need the Civil Society)
Authors: Fischer Manuel , Foord Daniel , Frecè Jan , Hillebrand Kirsten , Kissling-Näf Ingrid , Meili Rahel , Peskova Marie , Risi David , Schmidpeter René , Stucki Tobias
Published: May 2023

Activities enacted by economic and governmental actors at various levels will not be sufficient to achieve the necessary turnaround of our consumption patterns and economic systems. What is needed instead are orchestrated, multilevel, and possibly cross-sectoral approaches that offer new solutions to the grand challenges we currently face. There is growing recognition among scholars that civil society plays an important role in addressing so-called "wicked" social, economic, and environmental problems. In this chapter, we discuss the concept of social innovation, how it can be put into practice, and how it can be scaled.
Mixed moduli in 3d $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 higher-genus quivers
Authors: Lavdas Ioannis , Le Floch Bruno
Published: May 2023

Abstract

We analyze exactly marginal deformations of 3d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 Lagrangian gauge theories, especially mixed-branch operators with both electric and magnetic charges. These mixed-branch moduli can either belong to products of electric and magnetic current supermultiplets, or be single-trace (non-factorizable). Apart from some exceptional quivers that have additional moduli, 3d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 theories described by genus g quivers with nonabelian unitary gauge groups have exactly g single-trace mixed moduli, which preserve the global flavour symmetries. This partly explains why only linear and circular quivers have known AdS4 supergravity duals. Indeed, for g > 1, AdS4 gauged supergravities cannot capture the entire g-dimensional moduli space even if one takes into account the quantization moduli of boundary conditions. Likewise, in a general Lagrangian theory, we establish (using the superconformal index) that the number of single-trace mixed moduli is bounded below by the genus of a graph encoding how nonabelian gauge groups act on hypermultiplets.
Quantum gravity fluctuations in the timelike Raychaudhuri equation
Authors: Bak Sang-Eon , Parikh Maulik , Sarkar Sudipta , Setti Francesco
Published: May 2023

Abstract

We consider a timelike geodesic congruence in the presence of perturbative quantum fluctuations of the spacetime metric. We calculate the change in the volume of a bundle of geodesics due to such fluctuations and thereby obtain a quantum-gravitationally modified timelike Raychaudhuri equation. Quantum gravity generically increases the convergence of congruences and the production of caustics.
The unwitting labourer: extracting humanness in AI training
Authors: Morreale Fabio , Bahmanteymouri Elham , Burmester Brent , Chen Andrew , Thorp Michelle
Published: May 2023

Many modern digital products use Machine Learning (ML) to emulate human abilities, knowledge, and intellect. In order to achieve this goal, ML systems need the greatest possible quantity of training data to allow the Artificial Intelligence (AI) model to develop an understanding of “what it means to be human”. We propose that the processes by which companies collect this data are problematic, because they entail extractive practices that resemble labour exploitation. The article presents four case studies in which unwitting individuals contribute their humanness to develop AI training sets. By employing a post-Marxian framework, we then analyse the characteristic of these individuals and describe the elements of the capture-machine. Then, by describing and characterising the types of applications that are problematic, we set a foundation for defining and justifying interventions to address this form of labour exploitation.
Rapid and precise detection of cancers via label-free SERS and deep learning
Authors: Xiong Chang-Chun , Zhu Shan-Shan , Yan Deng-Hui , Yao Yu-Dong , Zhang Zhe , Zhang Guo-Jun , Chen Shuo
Published: May 2023

Early, express, and reliable detection of cancer can provide a favorable prognosis and decrease mortality. Tumor biomarkers have been proven to be closely related to tumor occurrence and development. Conventional tumor biomarker detection based on genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic methods is time and equipment-consuming and always needs a specific target marker. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), as a non-invasive ultrasensitive and label-free vibrational spectroscopy technique, can detect cancer-related biomedical changes in biofluids. In this paper, 110 serum samples were collected from 30 healthy controls and 80 cancer patients (including 30 bladder cancer (BC), 30 adrenal cancer (AC), and 20 acute myeloid leukemia (AML)). One microliter of blood serum was mixed with 1 μl silver colloid and then was air-dried for SERS measurements. After spectral data augmentation, one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN) was proposed for precise and rapid identification of healthy and three different cancers with high accuracy of 98.27%. After gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM) based spectral interpretation, the contributions of SERS peaks corresponding to biochemical substances indicated the most potential biomarkers, i.e., L-tyrosine in bladder cancer; acetoacetate and riboflavin in adrenal cancer and phospholipids, amide-I, and α-Helix in acute myeloid leukemia, which might provide an insight into the mechanism of intelligent diagnosis of different cancers based on label-free serum SERS. The integration of label-free SERS and deep learning has great potential for the rapid, reliable, and non-invasive detection of cancers, which may significantly improve the precise diagnosis in clinical practice.

Graphical abstract
Unraveling the neural basis of spatial orientation in arthropods
Authors: Homberg Uwe , Pfeiffer Keram
Published: May 2023

The neural basis underlying spatial orientation in arthropods, in particular insects, has received considerable interest in recent years. This special issue of the Journal of Comparative Physiology A seeks to take account of these developments by presenting a collection of eight review articles and eight original research articles highlighting hotspots of research on spatial orientation in arthropods ranging from flies to spiders and the underlying neural circuits. The contributions impressively illustrate the wide range of tools available to arthropods extending from specific sensory channels to highly sophisticated neural computations for mastering complex navigational challenges.
Exploring brain functional connectivity in patients with taste loss: a pilot study
Authors: Zhu Yunmeng , Joshi Akshita , Thaploo Divesh , Hummel Thomas
Published: May 2023

Purpose

In a previous neuroimaging study, patients with taste loss showed stronger activations in gustatory cortices compared to people with normal taste function during taste stimulations. The aim of the current study was to examine whether there are changes in central-nervous functional connectivity in patients with taste loss.

Methods

We selected 26 pairs of brain regions related to taste processing as our regions of interests (ROIs). Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to measure brain responses in seven patients with taste loss and 12 healthy controls as they received taste stimulations (taste condition) and water (water condition). The data were analysed using ROI-to-ROI functional connectivity analysis (FCA).

Results

We observed weaker functional connectivity in the patient group between the left and right orbitofrontal cortex in the taste condition and between the left frontal pole and the left superior frontal gyrus in the water condition.

Conclusion

These results suggested that patients with taste loss experience changes of functional connectivity between brain regions not only relevant to taste processing but also to cognitive functions. While further studies are needed, fMRI might be helpful in diagnosing taste loss as an additional tool in exceptional cases.
RF-induced heating of interventional devices at 23.66 MHz
Authors: Özen Ali Caglar , Russe Maximilian Frederik , Lottner Thomas , Reiss Simon , Littin Sebastian , Zaitsev Maxim , Bock Michael
Published: May 2023

Objective

Low-field MRI systems are expected to cause less RF heating in conventional interventional devices due to lower Larmor frequency. We systematically evaluate RF-induced heating of commonly used intravascular devices at the Larmor frequency of a 0.55 T system (23.66 MHz) with a focus on the effect of patient size, target organ, and device position on maximum temperature rise.

Materials and methods

To assess RF-induced heating, high-resolution measurements of the electric field, temperature, and transfer function were combined. Realistic device trajectories were derived from vascular models to evaluate the variation of the temperature increase as a function of the device trajectory. At a low-field RF test bench, the effects of patient size and positioning, target organ (liver and heart) and body coil type were measured for six commonly used interventional devices (two guidewires, two catheters, an applicator and a biopsy needle).

Results

Electric field mapping shows that the hotspots are not necessarily localized at the device tip. Of all procedures, the liver catheterizations showed the lowest heating, and a modification of the transmit body coil could further reduce the temperature increase. For common commercial needles no significant heating was measured at the needle tip. Comparable local SAR values were found in the temperature measurements and the TF-based calculations.

Conclusion

At low fields, interventions with shorter insertion lengths such as hepatic catheterizations result in less RF-induced heating than coronary interventions. The maximum temperature increase depends on body coil design.
CNN-RNN architecture to calculate BPM from underwater ECG samples
Authors: Beckingham Thomas , Spencer Joseph , McKay Kirsty
Published: May 2023

This paper presents a novel approach for the generation of heart Beats Per Minute (BPM) from noisy/distorted underwater Electrocardiogram (ECG) samples. We solve this problem using a software based approach via a Convolutional - Recurrent (CNN-RNN) regression model and demonstrate good performance: Mean Absolute Error (MAE): 0.400, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE): 0.653 - for counted underwater heart beats. The neural network is trained on land based ECG samples that have been modified by replicating the signal noise/artefacts seen on under water ECG signals; this process has not yet been reported in literature. This allows the prediction of complex samples without the need for underwater sampling and improves neural network performance. To verify this approach, the trained neural network is tested on underwater ECG samples. This solution requires minimal signal pre-processing and does not require any specific ECG electrode/amplifier design. We have done this to minimise cost and ensure easy deployment. In addition, the techniques discussed here can be applied to any sampled ECG signals and are not hardware specific. This will lead to improved performance where underwater BPM data is required, for example: performance sport; rehabilitation and/or divers in hazardous environments.
Engineered transparent wood composites: a review
Authors: Jele Thabisile Brightwell , Andrew Jerome , John Maya , Sithole Bruce
Published: May 2023

Wood is a versatile resource due to its inherent properties such as low density, good weight to strength ratio, unique hierarchical structure, microscale pores, and ease of processing, including its biodegradability and renewability. In the building and construction industry, engineered transparent wood (ETW) may serve as a sustainable replacement for glass which is environmentally unfriendly in its manufacture and application. Natural wood is non transparent due to its low optical transmittance, therefore, lignin and chromophores are modified or eliminated, and a polymer is infiltrated in order to achieve transparency. Engineered transparent wood (ETW) exhibits excellent optical properties (transmittance > 80%), high haze (haze > 70%), thermal insulation (thermal conductivity less than 0.23Wm−1 K−1), unique hierarchical structure, good loadbearing performance with tough failure behaviour (no shattering) and ductility. These properties extend wood applications to optical components such as solar cells, screens, windows, magnetic materials, and luminescent and decorative materials. This review details the production of ETW and how the wood density, wood thickness, wood type, wood direction, cellulose volume fraction, extent and type of delignification, polymer type, functionalisation of ETW affect the morphological, functional, optical, thermal, photodegradation and mechanical properties of ETW.
Acute and Chronic Macrophage Differentiation Modulates TREM2 in a Personalized Alzheimer’s Patient-Derived Assay
Authors: Cosma Nicoleta-Carmen , Eren Neriman , Üsekes Berk , Gerike Susanna , Heuser Isabella , Peters Oliver , Hellmann-Regen Julian
Published: May 2023

Neuroinflammation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer`s disease (AD). Brain macrophage populations differentially modulate the immune response to AD pathology according to the disease stage. Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) is known to play a protective role in AD and has been postulated as a putative therapeutic target. Whether, and to which extent TREM2 expression can be modulated in the aged macrophage population of the brain is unknown, emphasizing the need for a human, patient-specific model. Using cells from AD patients and matched controls (CO) we designed an assay based on monocyte-derived macrophages to mimic brain-infiltrating macrophages and to assess the individualized TREM2 synthesis in vitro. We systematically assessed the effects of short-term (acute—2 days) and long-term (chronic—10 days) M1- (LPS), M2- (IL-10, IL-4, TGF-β), and M0- (vehicle) macrophage differentiation on TREM2 synthesis. Moreover, the effects of retinoic acid (RA), a putative TREM2 modulator, on individualized TREM2 synthesis were assessed. We report increased TREM2 synthesis after acute M2- compared to M1-differentiation in CO- but not AD-derived cells. Chronic M2- and M0-differentiation however resulted in an increase of TREM2 synthesis in both AD- and CO-derived cells while chronic M1-differentiation increased TREM2 in AD-derived cells only. Moreover, chronic M2- and M0-differentiation improved the amyloid-β (Aβ) uptake of the CO-derived whereas M1-differentiation of the AD-derived cells. Interestingly, RA-treatment did not modulate TREM2. In the age of personalized medicine, our individualized model could be used to screen for potential drug-mediated treatment responses in vitro.

Graphical Abstract

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) has been postulated as a putative therapeutic target in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Using cells from AD patients and matched controls (CO), we designed a monocyte-derived macrophages (Mo-MФs) assay to assess the individualized TREM2 synthesis in vitro. We report increased TREM2 synthesis after acute M2- compared to M1- macrophage differentiation in CO- but not AD-derived cells. Chronic M2- and M0- differentiation however resulted in an increase of TREM2 synthesis in both AD- and CO-derived cells while chronic M1-differentiation increased TREM2 in AD-cells only
Fall compensation detection from EEG using neuroevolution and genetic hyperparameter optimisation
Authors: Bird Jordan J. , Lotfi Ahmad
Published: May 2023

Detecting fall compensatory behaviour from large EEG datasets poses a difficult problem in big data which can be alleviated by evolutionary computation-based machine learning strategies. In this article, hyperheuristic optimisation solutions via evolutionary optimisation of deep neural network topologies and genetic programming of machine learning pipelines will be investigated. Wavelet extractions from signals recorded during physical activities present a binary problem for detecting fall compensation. The earlier results show that a Gaussian process model achieves an accuracy of 86.48%. Following this, artificial neural networks are evolved through evolutionary algorithms and score similarly to most standard models; the hyperparameters chosen are well outside the bounds of batch or manual searches. Five iterations of genetic programming scored higher than all other approaches, at a mean 90.52% accuracy. The best pipeline extracted polynomial features and performed Principal Components Analysis, before machine learning through a randomised set of decision trees, and passing the class prediction probabilities to a 72-nearest-neighbour algorithm. The best genetic solution could infer data in 0.02 s, whereas the second best genetic programming solution (89.79%) could infer data in only 0.3 ms.

Graphical abstract
Geodesic structure of a rotating regular black hole
Authors: Bautista-Olvera Brandon , Degollado Juan Carlos , German Gabriel
Published: May 2023

We examine the dynamics of particles around a rotating regular black hole. In particular we focus on the effects of the characteristic length parameter of the spinning black hole on the motion of the particles by solving the equation of orbital motion. We have found that there is a fourth constant of motion that determines the dynamics of orbits out the equatorial plane similar as in the Kerr black hole. Through detailed analyses of the corresponding effective potentials for massive particles the possible orbits are numerically simulated. A comparison with the trajectories in a Kerr spacetime shows that the differences appear when the black holes rotate slowly for large values of the characteristic length parameter.
Orbital inflammation following COVID-19 vaccination: A case series and literature review
Authors: Ang Terence , Tong Jessica Y. , Patel Sandy , Khong Jwu Jin , Selva Dinesh
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to report three cases of orbital inflammation following administration of the COVID-19 vaccination, manifesting as Tolosa–Hunt syndrome (THS) and orbital myositis.

Method

A retrospective case series and literature review of patients who developed orbital inflammation following a COVID-19 vaccination.

Results

One patient presented with Tolosa–Hunt syndrome (THS) 14 days following her third (booster) COVID-19 vaccination, one patient developed orbital myositis 10 days following his first COVID-19 vaccination and one patient developed recurrent orbital myositis 1 and 7 days following her second and fourth COVID-19 vaccination. All patients received the Comirnaty vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech). A thorough systemic autoimmune disease workup in both patients was unremarkable. Two patients had a prior history of orbital inflammation, with previous involvement of other different orbital structures. Characteristic MRI features for each pathology were observed, supporting the clinical presentation of THS and orbital myositis. There was complete resolution of THS following corticosteroids, with no recurrence at 2 months. Meanwhile, one case of orbital myositis self-resolved at 2 months without use of systemic corticosteroids, while the other patient with orbital myositis required treatment with intra-orbital steroid injections and oral corticosteroids.

Conclusion

Orbital inflammation has been recognised as a rare adverse effect following COVID-19 vaccination. We present a case series of THS and orbital myositis as varied presentations of this entity.
Deviations in continuously monitored electrodermal activity before severe clinical complications: a clinical prospective observational explorative cohort study
Authors: Johansen Andreas Ohrt , Mølgaard Jesper , Rasmussen Søren Straarup , Gu Ying , Grønbæk Katja Kjær , Sørensen Helge B. D. , Aasvang Eske Kvanner , Meyhoff Christian Sylvest
Published: May 2023

Monitoring of high-risk patients in hospital wards is crucial in identifying and preventing clinical deterioration. Sympathetic nervous system activity measured continuously and non-invasively by Electrodermal activity (EDA) may relate to complications, but the clinical use remains untested. The aim of this study was to explore associations between deviations of EDA and subsequent serious adverse events (SAE). Patients admitted to general wards after major abdominal cancer surgery or with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were continuously EDA-monitored for up to 5 days. We used time-perspectives consisting of 1, 3, 6, and 12 h of data prior to first SAE or from start of monitoring. We constructed 648 different EDA-derived features to assess EDA. The primary outcome was any SAE and secondary outcomes were respiratory, infectious, and cardiovascular SAEs. Associations were evaluated using logistic regressions with adjustment for relevant confounders. We included 714 patients and found a total of 192 statistically significant associations between EDA-derived features and clinical outcomes. 79% of these associations were EDA-derived features of absolute and relative increases in EDA and 14% were EDA-derived features with normalized EDA above a threshold. The highest F1-scores for primary outcome with the four time-perspectives were 20.7–32.8%, with precision ranging 34.9–38.6%, recall 14.7–29.4%, and specificity 83.1–91.4%. We identified statistically significant associations between specific deviations of EDA and subsequent SAE, and patterns of EDA may be developed to be considered indicators of upcoming clinical deterioration in high-risk patients.
Blended Emotions can be Accurately Recognized from Dynamic Facial and Vocal Expressions
Authors: Israelsson Alexandra , Seiger Anja , Laukka Petri
Published: May 2023

People frequently report feeling more than one emotion at the same time (i.e., blended emotions), but studies on nonverbal communication of such complex states remain scarce. Actors (N = 18) expressed blended emotions consisting of all pairwise combinations of anger, disgust, fear, happiness, and sadness – using facial gestures, body movement, and vocal sounds – with the intention that both emotions should be equally prominent in the resulting expression. Accuracy of blended emotion recognition was assessed in two preregistered studies using a combined forced-choice and rating scale task. For each recording, participants were instructed to choose two scales (out of 5 available scales: anger, disgust, fear, happiness, and sadness) that best described their perception of the emotional content and judge how clearly each of the two chosen emotions were perceived. Study 1 (N = 38) showed that all emotion combinations were accurately recognized from multimodal (facial/bodily/vocal) expressions, with significantly higher ratings on scales corresponding to intended vs. non-intended emotions. Study 2 (N = 51) showed that all emotion combinations were also accurately perceived when the recordings were presented in unimodal visual (facial/bodily) and auditory (vocal) conditions, although accuracy was lower in the auditory condition. To summarize, results suggest that blended emotions, including combinations of both same-valence and other-valence emotions, can be accurately recognized from dynamic facial/bodily and vocal expressions. The validated recordings of blended emotion expressions are freely available for research purposes.
Temporal and Latitudinal Variation in Penumbra-Umbra Ratios of the Sunspots: Analyses of RGO, Kodaikanal and Debrecen Databases
Authors: Takalo Jouni
Published: May 2023

We study the latitudinal distribution and temporal evolution of the sunspot penumbra-umbra ratio ($q$
q
) for the even and odd Solar Cycles 12 – 24 of RGO sunspot groups, SC21 – SC24 of Debrecen sunspot groups and Kodaikanal sunspot dataset for SC16 – SC24. We find that RGO even (odd) Cycles have $q$
q
-values 5.20 (4.75), Kodaikanal even (odd) cycles have $q$
q
-values 5.27 (5.43), and Debrecen cycles have $q$
q
-value 5.74 on the average.

We also show that $q$
q
is at its lowest around the Equator of the Sun and increases towards higher latitudes having maximum values at about 10 – 25 degrees. This is understandable because smaller sunspots and groups locate nearer to the Equator and have smaller $q$
q
-values than larger sunspots and groups, which maximize at about 10 – 20 degrees at both hemispheres. The error limits are very wide, and, thus, the confidence in this result is somewhat vague.

For the Debrecen dataset, we find a deep valley in the temporal $q$
q
-values before the middle of the cycle. We show that this exists simultaneously with the Gnevyshev gap (GG) in the graph of the total and umbral areas of the large sunspot groups. Other databases do not show GG in their $q$
q
-graphs, although GG exists in their temporal total area and umbral area.
Conceptual Engineering Between Representational Skepticism and Complacency: Is There a Third Way?
Authors: Belleri Delia
Published: May 2023

Conceptual engineering has been linked by Herman Cappelen to a position called “representational skepticism”, described as one’s refusal to uncritically take over the conceptual representations one is handed. This position is contrasted with an uncritical attitude, called “representational complacency”. Arguably, neither position, or a hybrid of the two, is rationally sustainable. This paper therefore proposes an alternative option, called “critical concept conservatism”, stating that having a concept makes it rational (in a suitable sense of “rational”) for one to retain it, unless there are grounds to question it. Critical concept conservatism avoids the drawbacks of skepticism and complacency; plus, it is independently supported by both positive and negative considerations. Furthermore, it complies with the demanding attitude towards conceptual representations that a conceptual engineer would be expected to have.
Removal of anthraquinone dye from wastewaters by hybrid modified activated carbons
Authors: Tolkou Athanasia K. , Mitropoulos Athanasios C. , Kyzas George Z.
Published: May 2023

Dyes are among the main environmental pollutants, due to the high amount of discharge of wastewater, lost in the dyeing process, without any further treatment. Anthraquinone dyes are stable and resistant in the aquatic system. Among the methods that have been applied to remove these dyes from wastewaters, adsorption on activated carbon has been reported as a very effective technique, and its modification with oxides and hydroxides of metals have been used to increase its surface area. In the present study, the production of activated carbon was originated by coconut shells, and a mixture of metals and metalloids, such as magnesium, silicate, lanthanum, and aluminum (AC-Mg-Si-La-Al), was used for its subsequent modification and applied to Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR) removal. AC-Mg-Si-La-Al surface morphology was studied by BET, FTIR, and SEM methods. For the evaluation of AC-Mg-Si-La-Al, several parameters, such as dosage, pH, contact time, and initial RBBR concentration were studied. According to the results, in pH 5.0 ± 0.1, the dye percentage rate reached 100% by applying 0.5 g/L. Therefore, the optimal dose of 0.4 g/L and pH 5.0 ± 0.1 are selected, which leads to 99% removal of RBBR. The experimental data found to better fit to Freundlich isotherm (R2 = 0.9189) and pseudo-second-order kinetic (R2 = 0.9291) models and 4 h were the sufficient time for adsorption. According to thermodynamics, a positive value of ∆H0 (19.661 kJ/mol) suggests the endothermic nature of the process. The AC-Mg-Si-La-Al adsorbent was able to regenerate after 5 cycles of use, showing only a 17% decrease in its efficiency. Because of its effectiveness in full RBBR removal, AC-Mg-Si-La-Al could be further examined for the removal of several other dyes, even anionic or cationic.

Graphical Abstract
Recent developments in CVD growth and applications of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides
Authors: Zeng Hui , Wen Yao , Yin Lei , Cheng Ruiqing , Wang Hao , Liu Chuansheng , He Jun
Published: May 2023

Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) with fascinating electronic energy band structures, rich valley physical properties and strong spin–orbit coupling have attracted tremendous interest, and show great potential in electronic, optoelectronic, spintronic and valleytronic fields. Stacking 2D TMDs have provided unprecedented opportunities for constructing artificial functional structures. Due to the low cost, high yield and industrial compatibility, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is regarded as one of the most promising growth strategies to obtain high-quality and large-area 2D TMDs and heterostructures. Here, state-of-the-art strategies for preparing TMDs details of growth control and related heterostructures construction via CVD method are reviewed and discussed, including wafer-scale synthesis, phase transition, doping, alloy and stacking engineering. Meanwhile, recent progress on the application of multi-functional devices is highlighted based on 2D TMDs. Finally, challenges and prospects are proposed for the practical device applications of 2D TMDs.
A sensorized modular training platform to reduce vascular damage in endovascular surgery
Authors: Fischer Nikola , Marzi Christian , Meisenbacher Katrin , Kisilenko Anna , Davitashvili Tornike , Wagner Martin , Mathis-Ullrich Franziska
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Endovascular interventions require intense practice to develop sufficient dexterity in catheter handling within the human body. Therefore, we present a modular training platform, featuring 3D-printed vessel phantoms with patient-specific anatomy and integrated piezoresistive impact force sensing of instrument interaction at clinically relevant locations for feedback-based skill training to detect and reduce damage to the delicate vascular wall.

Methods

The platform was fabricated and then evaluated in a user study by medical ($$n=10$$

n
=
10

) and non-medical ($$n=10$$

n
=
10

) users. The users had to navigate a set of guidewire and catheter through a parkour of 3 modules including an aneurismatic abdominal aorta, while impact force and completion time were recorded. Eventually, a questionnaire was conducted.

Results

The platform allowed to perform more than 100 runs in which it proved capable to distinguish between users of different experience levels. Medical experts in the fields of vascular and visceral surgery had a strong performance assessment on the platform. It could be shown, that medical students could improve runtime and impact over 5 runs. The platform was well received and rated as promising for medical education despite the experience of higher friction compared to real human vessels.

Conclusion

We investigated an authentic patient-specific training platform with integrated sensor-based feedback functionality for individual skill training in endovascular surgery. The presented method for phantom manufacturing is easily applicable to arbitrary patient-individual imaging data. Further work shall address the implementation of smaller vessel branches, as well as real-time feedback and camera imaging for further improved training experience.
Essence of postmortem computed tomography for in-hospital deaths: what clinical radiologists should know
Authors: Ishida Masanori , Gonoi Wataru , Abe Hiroyuki , Ushiku Tetsuo , Abe Osamu
Published: May 2023

Postmortem computed tomography (CT) is an essential tool for investigating the causes of death. Postmortem CT has characteristic imaging findings and should not be interpreted in the same manner as clinical antemortem images. In analyzing the cause of death in in-hospital death cases using postmortem images, it is crucial to understand early postmortem and post-resuscitation changes. In addition, it is essential to understand the limitations of diagnosing the cause of death or significant pathology relating to death on non-contrast-enhanced postmortem CT. In Japan, there has also been social demand to establish a system for postmortem imaging at the time of death. To facilitate such a system, clinical radiologists should be prepared to interpret postmortem images and assess the cause of death. This review article provides comprehensive information regarding unenhanced postmortem CT for in-hospital death cases in daily clinical practice in Japan.
Abundance, spatial distribution, and physical characteristics of microplastics in stormwater detention ponds
Authors: Ashiq Muhammad Masood , Jazaei Farhad , Bell Kati , Ali Ahmed Shakir Ali , Bakhshaee Alireza , Babakhani Peyman
Published: May 2023

Despite extensive research on microplastics (MP) in marine environments, little is known about MP abundance and transport in terrestrial systems. There is, therefore, still little understanding of the main mechanisms driving the substantial transport of MP across different environmental compartments. Storm events can transport MP beyond boundaries, such as from the land to groundwater or the ocean, as has already been discovered for organic carbon transport. Urban stormwater detention ponds are suitable environments to study the impact of stormwater on the environmental fate and transport of MP. Herein, we investigate the longitudinal and vertical distribution of MP within two detention ponds with different physical characteristics. Soil samples were collected at various locations and from multiple depths (surface and subsurface layers) for measuring MP concentrations using fluorescence microscopy. Our findings show that MP are retained more near the inlet of the ponds, and MP of larger sizes were found more abundantly near inlets than outlets. We also found that MP mass and sizes decrease from surface soil to subsurface soil. In the pond, where vegetation (grass root network) was more considerable, MP were found more evenly distributed along the depth. In terms of shape, the fragments were the most abundant MP shape.
Histopathological Analysis of Nodal Disease After Chemoradiation Reveals Viable Tumor Cells as the most Important Prognostic Factor in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Golliez Aline , Morand Grégoire B. , Broglie Martina A. , Balermpas Panagiotis , Rupp Niels J.
Published: May 2023

Background

In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), salvage neck dissection (ND) is required after primary chemoradiation in case of residual nodal disease. Upon histopathological examination, viability of tumor cells is assessed but little is known about other prognostic histopathological features. In particular, the presence of swirled keratin debris and its prognostic value is controversial. The aim of this study is to examine histopathological parameters in ND specimens and correlate them with patient outcome to determine the relevant parameters for histopathological reporting.

Materials and Methods

Salvage ND specimen from a cohort of n = 75 HNSCC (oropharynx, larynx, hypopharynx) patients with prior (chemo) radiation were evaluated on H&E stains for the following parameters: viable tumor cells, necrosis, swirled keratin debris, foamy histiocytes, bleeding residues, fibrosis, elastosis, pyknotic cells, calcification, cholesterol crystals, multinucleated giant cells, perineural, and vascular invasion. Histological features were correlated with survival outcomes.

Results

Only the presence / amount (area) of viable tumor cells correlated with a worse clinical outcome (local and regional recurrence-free survival, (LRRFS), distant metastasis-free survival, disease-specific survival, and overall survival, p < 0.05) in both the univariable and multivariable analyses.

Conclusion

We could confirm the presence of viable tumor cells as a relevant negative prognostic factor after (chemo) radiation. The amount (area) of viable tumor cells further substratified patients with worse LRRFS. None of the other parameters correlated with a distinctive worse outcome. Importantly, the presence of (swirled) keratin debris alone should not be considered viable tumor cells (ypN0).
Twins as a Minority: A Minority Building Perspective
Authors: Lagerspetz Mikko
Published: May 2023

Not all numerical minorities classify as ‘minorities’ in any political or legal sense, even when they possess easily definable biological or social characteristics. Twins are an example of such a group. The article discusses minorities as the result of minority building, i.e., a process through which some specific human characteristic becomes the basis of group identity, networking, mobilization, and claims on rights and recognition. It presents some of the existing discourse and research on twins as a biological and social category. Subsequent sections inspect twins’ potential claims and mobilization. Many of the claims refer to our culture’s treatment of twins as one social unit, and to the assumption of a ‘special bond’ between them. Although probably not a biological reality, it is a strong social reality with effect on twins’ lives. The idea of the ‘special bond’ conflicts with the prevailing Western discourse on individual personhood and agency. Not unlike other such efforts, a possible twins’ activism would need to find a balance between essentialist and constructionist definitions of the group. The essentialist discourse is part of the claimed problem, but at the same time, it may be necessary in order to legitimate the minority’s claim for recognition. Twins are hardly a repressed minority, but there are specific situations in which they could claim for recognition and more sensitivity.