bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flow and thermal analysis of Oldroyd 8 constant fluid in a porous channel
Authors: Soumya D. O. , Venkatesh P. , Gireesha B. J. , Gombi Manohar R. , Krishnamurthy M. R.
Published: October 2022

The present research is based on the thermal and flow properties of the viscoelastic Oldroyd 8 constant fluid in an upright microchannel. The energy and momentum equations were solved with the support of temperature Jump and velocity slip boundary conditions. To measure the irreversibility rate of the flow system, the acquired results of velocity and thermal equations were used. To crack the current mathematical model problem, the numerical Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg method was used. With the aid of graphs, the effect of physical parameters such as thermal radiation, thermal‐dependent heat source, Joule heating, fluid parameters, velocity slip, and temperature Jump parameters on the fluid flow, thermal energy, and system entropy generation was discussed. Fluid parameters have different effects on the velocity profile. The Grashof and Hartmann numbers demonstrate opposite effects on the momentum field. The thermal energy of the system reduces with thermal radiation and temperature Jump factor. The thermal radiation, Hartmann number, and temperature Jump parameters reduce the system's irreversibility rate. With the Brinkman number and temperature Jump parameter, the irreversibility ratio increases.
Water vulnerability to pesticide contamination in a Brazilian semiarid watershed
Authors: Francelino John W. C. , de  Azevedo Francisco R. , de  Oliveira André Henrique B. , Menezes Jorge M. C. , de  Paula Filho Francisco J.
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to prepare an inventory of the main active ingredients of pesticides and estimate the risk of pollution of groundwater and surface water resources in a Brazilian semiarid basin. The inventory was prepared using data from government agency databases. The contamination risk estimate was obtained using the GOSS index, Groundwater Ubiquity Score (GUS), Groundwater Screening Index (GSI), Leachability Index (LIX), US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) criteria, Leaching Index (LEACH), and Relative Leaching Potential Index (RLPI). The inventory identified 57 active ingredients commercialized under a well-defined chemical class. Most of these (51.5%) belong to the very dangerous class, while 43.6% belong to the moderately toxic class. The GOSS model showed that 23.7% of the active ingredients have a low potential, 50.85% have a moderate potential, and 13.56% have a high potential for surface water contamination, with its transport being associated with the sediment. The GUS index indicates a low potential for groundwater contamination. However, the GSI points to a high potential for water contamination, the USEPA criteria for a possible contamination of groundwater, and, according to the LIX, most of the pollutants do so by leaching. The information provided contributes to the management of xenobiotic compounds in arid and semiarid basins, adding to the water security effort by providing tools for the assessment of potential pesticide pollution. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:804–816. © 2022 SETAC
Determination of the optimum number of sample points to classify land cover types and estimate the contribution of trees on ecosystem services using the I-Tree Canopy tool
Authors: Selim Serdar , Dönmez Burçin , Kilçik Ali
Published: October 2022

The process of producing information about dynamic land use and land cover and ecosystem health quickly with high accuracy and low cost is important. This information is one of the basic data used for sustainable land management. For this purpose, remote sensing technologies are generally used, and sampling points are mostly assigned. Determination of the optimum number of sampling points using the I-Tree Canopy tool was the main focus of this study. The I-Tree Canopy tool classifies land cover, revealing the effects of tree cover on ecosystem services, such as carbon (C) sequestration and storage, temperature regulation, air pollutant filtering, and air quality improvement, with numerical data. It is used because it is practical, open source, and user-friendly. This software works based on sampling point assignment, but it is unclear how many sampling points should be assigned. Therefore, determining the optimum number of sample points by statistical methods will increase the effectiveness of this tool and guide users. For this purpose, reference data were created for comparison. Then, 31 I-Tree Canopy reports were created with 100-point increments up to 3100. The data obtained from the reports were compared with the reference data, and statistical analysis based on Gaussian and a second-order polynomial fit was performed. At the end of the analysis, the following results were obtained; the results of this study demonstrated that the optimum number of sample points for a 1-ha area is 760 ± 32 from the comparison of the real area and I-Tree Canopy results. Similar results from the Gaussian fit of annually sequestered and stored C and carbon dioxide (CO2) amounts in trees and the reduction in air pollution in grams were obtained as 714 ± 16. Therefore, we may conclude that taking more than 800 sample points will not be statistically significant. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:726–734. © 2022 SETAC
Influences of calorie restriction and lipopolysaccharide therapy on inflammation, cytokine response, and cell proliferation in pancreatic adenocarcinoma mouse model
Authors: Beydogan Alisa B. , Coskun Yazici Zeynep M. , Bolkent Sema
Published: October 2022

The study aimed to investigate the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) alone and in combination with calorie restriction (CR) on the pancreatic tissues in C57BL/6 mice modeled with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Forty male C57BL/6 mice (10‐13 weeks old) were divided into five groups; LPS, LPS + CR, PDAC, PDAC + LPS, and PDAC + LPS + CR. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κβ), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases (JNK) mRNA expression levels were measured in pancreatic tissues. NF‐κβ, IL‐6, JNK, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) peptide levels were determined by immunohistochemistry. Oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzyme activities were determined spectrophotometrically. TH1/TH2 cytokine measurements were determined by a flow cytometer. It was detected that the number of PCNA immune + cells in the PDAC + LPS + CR group was significantly lower than in the PDAC and PDAC + LPS groups (p < 0.01, p < 0.05 respectively). PDAC + LPS + CR group's plasma interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ), IL‐6, IL‐2, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, IL‐3, and IL‐4 levels were found to be significantly lower than the PDAC group (p < 0.01, p < 0.001, p < 0.01, p < 0.05, p < 0.01, and p < 0.05 respectively). According to our findings, the combination of low‐dose LPS and 40% CR was found to be more effective in PDAC model mice.
Rebuilding ships while at sea—Character individuality, homology, and evolutionary innovation
Authors: Schlosser Gerhard
Published: October 2022

How novel traits originate in evolution is still one of the most perplexing questions in Evolutionary Biology. Building on a previous account of evolutionary innovation, I here propose that evolutionary novelties are those individualized characters that are not homologous to any characters in the ancestor. To clarify this definition, I here provide a detailed analysis of the concepts of “character individuality” and “homology” first, before addressing their role for our understanding of evolutionary innovation. I will argue (1) that functional as well as structural considerations are important for character individualization; and (2) that compositional (structural) and positional homology need to be clearly distinguished to properly describe the evolutionary transformations of hierarchically structured characters. My account will therefore integrate functional and structural perspectives and put forward a new multi‐level view of character identity and transformation.
Photoinduced Amyloid Fibril Degradation for Controlled Cell Patterning
Authors: Kaygisiz Kübra , Ender Adriana M. , Gačanin Jasmina , Kaczmarek L. Alix , Koutsouras Dimitrios A. , Nalakath Abin N. , Winterwerber Pia , Mayer Franz J. , Räder Hans‐Joachim , Marszalek Tomasz , Blom Paul W. M. , Synatschke Christopher V. , Weil Tanja
Published: October 2022

Amyloid‐like fibrils are a special class of self‐assembling peptides that emerge as a promising nanomaterial with rich bioactivity for applications such as cell adhesion and growth. Unlike the extracellular matrix, the intrinsically stable amyloid‐like fibrils do not respond nor adapt to stimuli of their natural environment. Here, a self‐assembling motif (CKFKFQF), in which a photosensitive o‐nitrobenzyl linker (PCL) is inserted, is designed. This peptide (CKFK‐PCL‐FQF) assembles into amyloid‐like fibrils comparable to the unsubstituted CKFKFQF and reveals a strong response to UV‐light. After UV irradiation, the secondary structure of the fibrils, fibril morphology, and bioactivity are lost. Thus, coating surfaces with the pre‐formed fibrils and exposing them to UV‐light through a photomask generate well‐defined areas with patterns of intact and destroyed fibrillar morphology. The unexposed, fibril‐coated surface areas retain their ability to support cell adhesion in culture, in contrast to the light‐exposed regions, where the cell‐supportive fibril morphology is destroyed. Consequently, the photoresponsive peptide nanofibrils provide a facile and efficient way of cell patterning, exemplarily demonstrated for A549, Chinese Hamster Ovary, and Raw Dual type cells. This study introduces photoresponsive amyloid‐like fibrils as adaptive functional materials to precisely arrange cells on surfaces.
Fused Deposition Modeling of Polyolefins: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Verma Nandishwar , Awasthi Pratiksha , Gupta Akash , Banerjee Shib Shankar
Published: October 2022

Polyolefins are the largest class of commercially available synthetic polymers that are extensively used in a variety of applications from commodities to engineering owing to their low cost of production, good physico‐mechanical properties, light weight, good processability, and recyclability. Compared to conventional molding techniques, fused deposition modeling (FDM)‐based 3D printing is a smart manufacturing technology for thermoplastics due to its low cost, ease of production of complex geometrical parts, rapid prototyping, and scalable customization. FDM 3D printing can be an ideal manufacturing technology for polyolefins to manufacture various complex parts. However, FDM 3D‐printing of polyolefins is challenged bycritical printing problems like high warpage, dimensional inaccuracies, poor bed adhesion, and poor layer‐to‐layer adhesion. In this review, a fundamental understanding of polyolefins and their FDM 3D‐printing process is established, and the recent progress of FDM 3D printing of polyolefins is summarized. Furthermore, strategies to overcome warpage and to improve mechanical strength of the 3D‐printed polyolefins are provided. Finally, future prospectives of FDM 3D‐printing of polyolefins are critically discussed to inspire prospective research in this field. It is believed that this review article can be tremendously useful for research work related to FDM of polyolefin‐based materials.
The Influence of Moisture Absorption‐Drying of Composite Materials on the Bonding Performance of the Joints
Authors: Chen Chen , Zhang Weirui , Li Yuchen , Gu Lingcong , Luo Yan , Qin Menglan , Zhang Jing , He Zhongjie , Wang Hongni , Zheng Yaping , Yao Dongdong
Published: October 2022

Composite materials are susceptible to environmental threats correlated to moisture absorption, which affects the bonding performance of the joints. Therefore, drying should be taken into account during actual manufacturing operations. In this work, the influence of moisture absorption‐drying of composite materials on the bonding performance of the joints is investigated to provide a theoretical direction for the co‐bonding process. Firstly, the surfaces of composite materials are treated with three methods: sanding, dry peel ply, and wet peel ply. Secondly, the composite materials are subjected to moisture absorption‐drying treatment at 26 °C/65% relative humidity (RH) and 70 °C/85% RH. Finally, the above materials are bonded to evaluate the bonding performance. These results show that the bonding performance of the joints treated with two peel plies decreases significantly after moisture absorption. After moisture absorption‐drying at 26 °C/65% RH, the bonding performance of the joints treated with dry peel ply cannot fully recover, while wet peel ply can be fully recoverable. However, the bonding performance of all joints cannot fully recover after absorbing moisture‐drying at 70 °C/85% RH, whose recovery has relations with surface treatment.
Pushforwards of Chow groups of smooth ample divisors, with an emphasis on Jacobian varieties
Authors: Banerjee Kalyan , Iyer Jaya N. N. , Lewis James D.
Published: October 2022

With a homological Lefschetz conjecture in mind, we prove the injectivity of the pushforward morphism on low‐dimensional rational Chow groups, induced by the closed embedding of an ample divisor, namely, the Theta divisor inside the Jacobian variety . Here, C is a smooth irreducible complex projective curve.
CSR preference, market competition, and corporate financial performance
Authors: Deng Dejun , Wu Yi , Qin Linyi
Published: October 2022

Although the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate financial performance has been concerned by academia, little is known about how to fulfill CSR. Using a sample of 2111 A‐share public firms in China, this research examines the effects of the way of fulfilling CSR on corporate financial performance and the moderating effects of market competition environments. The results show that firms' CSR behavior of preferred primary stakeholders has a positive effect on corporate financial performance whereas that of preferred secondary stakeholders harms corporate financial performance. Furthermore, this research finds that the stronger the market competition faced by the firm, the more obvious the effect will be, whether it is positive or negative. The findings are helpful to guide the managers on how to better fulfill their CSR, which is of great significance for the sustainable development of CSR.
The early bird catches the worm: The impact of first‐mover advantage on long‐term elite team sport success
Authors: Daumann Frank , Follert Florian , Hamacher Daniel , Plöhn Lasse
Published: October 2022

The research on success factors in elite sport focuses primarily on the one hand to sport in its entirety and on the other hand to the prediction of success in individual sporting events, especially in soccer. In this paper, we investigate the existence of a first‐mover advantage for national team sports, which has a long‐term impact on a nation's success in a sport. To this end, we hand‐collected data for soccer and rugby and analyzed our sample concerning a first‐mover advantage. To do this, we examined the relationship between the date of establishment of each national sports association and later success as measured by the country's world ranking. We check for the essential macro determinants such as GDP per capita and population. Our study shows empirical evidence that the first‐mover advantage has a stronger effect on the success of a state in a team sport than the macro factors mentioned. In this way, we complement previous research on team sports by considering a hitherto neglected effect, a long‐term perspective and by including rugby.
On a conjecture of Davies and Levitin
Authors: Öztürk Hasen Mekki
Published: October 2022

Let
be a
symmetric tridiagonal matrix with diagonal elements
and off‐diagonal elements one, and
be a
diagonal matrix with the first
diagonal elements being plus ones and the last
being minus ones. Davies and Levitin studied the eigenvalues of a linear pencil
as
approaches to infinity. It was conjectured by DL that for any
the non‐real eigenvalues
of
satisfy both
and
. The conjecture has been verified numerically for a wide range of
and
, but so far the full proof is missing. The purpose of the paper is to support this conjecture with a partial proof and several numerical experiments which allow to get some insight in the behaviour of the non‐real eigenvalues of
. We provide a proof of the conjecture for
, and also in the case where
. In addition, numerics indicate that some phenomena may occur for more general linear pencils.
Activation of Calcium‐Sensing Receptor in the Area Postrema Inhibits Food Intake via Glutamatergic and GABAergic Signaling Pathways
Authors: Huang Jinfang , Xu Qian , Li Yuhang , He Xiaoman , Guo Yajie , Sun Xiangrong
Published: October 2022

Scope

A high‐protein diet has become a popular way to lose weight. Calcium‐sensing receptor (CaSR) is activated by amino acids in addition to calcium ions. CaSR shows dense expression in the area postrema (AP), which participates in feeding regulation. The effect of CaSR in the AP on food intake and the potential mechanism involved is investigated.

Methods and results

Male C57BL/6 mice are used to observe the effect of R568 (agonist of CaSR) on food intake. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, immunofluorescence staining, and chemogenetics are used to explore the neural signaling involved. CaSR activation in the AP inhibited acute feeding; R568 increases the content of glutamate and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the AP, whereas only glutamatergic neurons mediate the effect of R568. GABA‐A receptor and ionic glutamate receptor (N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor [NMDAR]) in the paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus (PVN) are involved in the effect of R568. Promotion of oxytocin (OT) synthesis in the PVN also participates in the effect of R568, and this mechanism is mediated by NMDAR in the PVN.

Conclusion

CaSR activation in the AP suppresses feeding, and AP–PVN glutamatergic and GABAergic signaling pathways are involved.
β‐Myrcene Coordination Polymerization: Experimental and Kinetic Modeling Study
Authors: Sá Marília Caroline C. de , Córdova Teresa , Melo Príamo Albuquerque , de León Ramón Díaz , Pinto José Carlos
Published: October 2022

The present work presents phenomenological models to describe the coordination polymerization of β‐myrcene using the Ziegler–Natta catalyst system composed by neodymium versatate (NdV3), diisobutylaluminum hydride (DIBAH), and dimethyldichlorosilane. The kinetic parameters required to simulate the reactions are estimated, and the amount of DIBAH used as a chain transfer agent (CTA) is obtained by a data reconciliation strategy since it can participate in side reactions. Several experiments are performed at different conditions to evaluate the impact of key operation variables on the control of monomer conversion and average molar masses. It is shown that the initial NdV3, β‐myrcene, and DIBAH concentrations exert strong influences on the course of the polymerization. The kinetic mechanism of Coordinative Chain Transfer Polymerization (CCTP) fits well with the data of final average molar masses and monomer conversion, while the dynamic trajectories of these variables are fitted better by kinetic mechanisms of more conventional coordination polymerizations, considering site deactivation and termination by chain transfer. In all cases, the proposed models are able to predict the experimental data well after successful parameter estimation and reconciliation of CTA concentrations, indicating that the kinetic mechanism can be characterized by different kinetic regimes.
Building bespoke exercise: The clinical reasoning processes of physiotherapists when prescribing exercise for persons with musculoskeletal disorders
Authors: Grimus Johanna , Horler Christopher , Hebron Clair
Published: October 2022

Aims

This qualitative study aimed to explore physiotherapists' clinical reasoning when prescribing exercise for persons with musculoskeletal disorders.

Methods

A constructivist grounded theory inspired methodological approach was used. Six physiotherapists working in the United Kingdom were recruited via purposive sampling. Data collection and analysis included semi‐structured interviews, memo writing, coding, and a constant comparative method.

Findings

A concept of ‘building bespoke exercise’ has been generated to conceptualise the participants' clinical reasoning when prescribing exercise.

Conclusion

The findings of this study highlight processes of co‐designing and co‐constructing exercise programmes in collaboration with persons receiving care. Physiotherapists can use this study to reflect on their own clinical reasoning to inform their own practice.
Modelling hydraulic and capillary‐driven two‐phase fluid flow in unsaturated concretes at the meso‐scale with a unique coupled DEM‐CFD technique
Authors: Krzaczek Marek , Nitka Michał , Tejchman Jacek
Published: October 2022

The goal of the research was to demonstrate the impact of thin porous interfacial transition zones (ITZs) between aggregates and cement matrix on fluid flow in unsaturated concrete caused by hydraulic/capillary pressure. To demonstrate this impact, a novel coupled approach to simulate the two‐phase (water and moist air) flow of hydraulically and capillary‐driven fluid in unsaturated concrete was developed. By merging the discrete element method (DEM) with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) under isothermal settings, the process was numerically studied at the meso‐scale in two‐dimensional conditions. A flow network was used to describe fluid behaviour in a continuous domain between particles. Small concrete specimens of a simplified particle mesostructure were subjected to fully coupled hydro‐mechanical simulation tests. A simple uniaxial compression test was used to calibrate the pure DEM represented by bonded spheres, while a permeability and sorptivity test for an assembly of spheres was used to calibrate the pure CFD. For simplified specimens of the pure cement matrix, cement matrix with aggregate, and cement matrix with aggregate and ITZ of a given thickness, DEM/CFD simulations were performed sequentially. The numerical results of permeability and sorptivity were directly compared to the data found in the literature. A satisfactory agreement was achieved. Porous ITZs in concrete were found to reduce sorption by slowing the capillary‐driven fluid flow, and to speed the full saturation of pores when sufficiently high hydraulic water pressures were dominant.
Recovery from weight regain among long‐term weight loss maintainers in WW
Authors: Hayes Jacqueline F. , Wing Rena R. , Phelan Suzanne , Alarcon Noemi , Cardel Michelle I. , Foster Gary D.
Published: October 2022

Objective

This study sought to understand the process and strategies to recover from regain among weight loss maintainers.

Methods

Participants in WeightWatchers (WW; n = 2457) had lost ≥9 kg for ≥1 year and were grouped based on self‐reported weight change after maximum loss: sustained maintenance (“Stable”), ups and downs (“Gain–Lose”), and regain (“Gain”). The groups were compared on weight control strategies, and the Gain–Lose and Gain groups reported on attempts to reverse weight regain.

Results

Mean weight loss was 28.5 kg and duration of ≥9 kg loss was 3.5 years. During this time, 48% reported weight stability, and the remaining reported some regain (Gain–Lose, 29% or Gain, 23%). Among Gain and Gain–Lose, action to lose regained weight occurred after gaining >4 kg. Compared with Gain, Gain–Lose sustained reengagement efforts longer (16 vs. 10 weeks) and had better dietary choices (3.4 vs. 3.2), self‐monitoring (2.9 vs. 2.7), and psychological coping (2.5 vs. 2.4) scores. Among Gain–Lose, the most successful (< 2.3 kg vs. >2.3 kg regain) initiated weight loss efforts after less regain (2.3 vs. 4.5 kg).

Conclusions

Reengaging with weight loss after regains may be most successful if focused on diet, self‐monitoring, and psychological coping and initiated with less regain.
Static and dynamic mechanical behavior of intra‐hybrid jute/sisal and flax/kenaf reinforced polypropylene composites
Authors: Kaushik Deepak , Gairola Sandeep , Varikkadinmel Binaz , Singh Inderdeep
Published: October 2022

The current experimental investigation examines the effect of the warp/weft orientation of jute/sisal and flax/kenaf fibers on the static and dynamic mechanical characteristics of intra‐woven hybrid composites. Jute (J), sisal (S), flax (F), and kenaf (K) hybrid woven mats were explicitly designed to keep fibers in the warp and weft directions. Intra‐hybrid‐composites with JJ, JS, SJ, SS, FF, FK, KF, and KK type hybrid woven mats with polypropylene matrix were processed using the compression molding/film stacking method. The tensile and flexural, and the dynamic mechanical behavior was investigated. Utilizing a scanning electron microscope, the fractured surface of tensile test specimens was examined. The results indicate that combining jute with sisal and flax with kenaf improved the mechanical properties of pure sisal and kenaf based composites. Hybridized composites exhibited the maximum increment in tensile strength (5.95% and 31.16%), tensile modulus (4.20% and 66.64%), flexural strength (12.59% and 5.69%), and flexural modulus (47.10% and 19.72%) for JS and FK composites, when compared with unhybridized SS and KK composites, respectively. The fiber hybridization and warp/weft sequence have a substantial effect on the dynamic mechanical performance of woven fiber laminated composites. It was identified that composites of JS and FK possess a higher storage modulus than pure SS and KK based composites, respectively. In addition, at a temperature of 50°C, the storage modulus was improved by 37.63% and 136.63%, for JS and FK hybrid composites, respectively in comparison to the unhybridized SS and KK composites, respectively.
Strategy for the quality control of herbal preparations made of Sarcocephalus latifolius: Development and validation of a UHPLC‐PDA method for quantification of angustoline and strictosamide and chemical profiling using LC‐QToF
Authors: Tittikpina Nassifatou Koko , Katragunta Kumar , Avula Bharathi , Ali Zulfiqar , Khan Ikhlas A.
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Sarcocephalus latifolius is one of the most used plants in West African traditional medicine to treat malaria.

Objective

The aim is to establish a strategy to control the quality of herbal preparations made from S. latifolius.

Method

A UHPLC‐PDA method was developed for the determination and quantification of the two main bioactive compounds (angustoline and strictosamide) in various parts of the plant. Additionally, an LC‐QToF with electrospray ionization method is described for the identification and confirmation of compounds in samples of different parts of the plant.

Results

With the UHPLC‐PDA method, separation was achieved within 5 min using a C18 column stationary phase at a temperature of 45°C and a gradient system with a mobile phase of water and acetonitrile, both containing 0.1% formic acid. The method was validated for linearity, accuracy, precision (repeatability and intermediate precision), limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantification (LOQ). The LOD and LOQ of angustoline were found to be 0.3 and 0.8 μg/ml, respectively, and those of strictosamide were found to be 0.1 and 0.3 μg/ml, respectively. Using the LC‐QToF method, 90 secondary metabolites, including four isolated compounds from the plant's roots, were identified from leaf, bark, and root samples of S. latifolius.

Conclusion

This work is the first to propose a strategy to control the quality of herbal preparations made from S. latifolius. The developed method allows the quantification of the main bioactive compounds and the established chemical profile allows to distinguish the plant from any other species.
18F‐DCFPyL positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging‐guided ultrasound fusion biopsy is an identical pathway in prostate cancer diagnosis
Authors: Niu Shaoxi , Liu Yachao , Ding Xiaohui , Xu Yong , Yu Hongkai , Feng Xiaodong , Chang Xiao , Wang Haiyi , Li Jinhang , Gong Huijie , Ao Liyan , Liu Jiajin , Lin Mu , Wang Baojun , Ma Xin , Xu Baixuan , Zhang Xu
Published: October 2022

Background

Prostate biopsy is still unavoidable in patients with a rising prostate‐specific antigen even though multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used. 18F‐DCFPyL positron emission tomography (PET)/MRI was proved to be promising both in sensitivity and specificity. But its guiding fusion biopsy and the advantages in the diagnosis of prostate disease is seldom reported. This study aimed to verify the feasibility and advantage of 18F‐DCFPyL PET/MRI‐guided fusion targeted biopsy (TB) over whole‐mount histopathology (WMH) for prostate cancer diagnosis.

Methods

A prospective study of 94 biopsy‐naïve patients were conducted using 18F‐DCFPyL PET/MRI scans and scored on a scale of 1–4. Systematic biopsy was performed for all patients. Patients with suspicious lesions also underwent PET/MRI/transrectal ultrasound‐guided fusion biopsy. Patients with pathologically confirmed cancer underwent surgery and WMH sections. Systematic biopsy was compared with TB for the detection of index tumors (ITs). Significant cancer was defined as Grade group (GG) 2 or higher no matter the length of the cancer core.

Results

18F‐DCFPyL PET/MRI detected 30/94 (32%) patients with a score of 4, all of whom were verified to have prostate cancer. While it detected 10 patients with a score of 1 (10.6%), they were shown to have no cancer. The sensitivity and specificity of 18F‐DCFPyL PET/MRI were 94.4% and 75%, respectively, if images with a score of 3 are defined as positive. Systematic biopsy detected 18% (203/1128) samples as prostate cancer; conversely, TB detected 113 samples out of 259 scores (43.6%). A statistically significant difference was seen between the PCa detection rates by TB and SB (p < 0.001). All targeted lesions were pathologically proven to be the IT on WMH.

Conclusions

In biopsy‐naïve patients, the ultrasound fusion biopsy targeted by 18F‐DCFPyL PET/MRI is an identical pathway for the detection of prostate cancer.
Quantitative systems pharmacology model of the amyloid pathway in Alzheimer's disease: Insights into the therapeutic mechanisms of clinical candidates
Authors: Ramakrishnan Vidya , Friedrich Christina , Witt Colleen , Sheehan Robert , Pryor Meghan , Atwal Jasvinder K. , Wildsmith Kristin , Kudrycki Katherine , Lee Seung‐Hye , Mazer Norman , Hofmann Carsten , Fuji Reina N. , Jin Jin Y. , Ramanujan Saroja , Dolton Michael , Quartino Angelica
Published: October 2022

Despite considerable investment into potential therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer's disease (AD), currently approved treatment options are limited. Predictive modeling using quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) can be used to guide the design of clinical trials in AD. This study developed a QSP model representing amyloid beta (Aβ) pathophysiology in AD. The model included mechanisms of Aβ monomer production and aggregation to form insoluble fibrils and plaques; the transport of soluble species between the compartments of brain, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and plasma; and the pharmacokinetics, transport, and binding of monoclonal antibodies to targets in the three compartments. Ordinary differential equations were used to describe these processes quantitatively. The model components were calibrated to data from the literature and internal studies, including quantitative data supporting the underlying AD biology and clinical data from clinical trials for anti‐Aβ monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) aducanumab, crenezumab, gantenerumab, and solanezumab. The model was developed for an apolipoprotein E (APOE)ɛ4allele carrier and tested for anAPOE ɛ4noncarrier. Results indicate that the model is consistent with data on clinical Aβ accumulation in untreated individuals and those treated with monoclonal antibodies, capturing increases in Aβ load accurately. This model may be used to investigate additional AD mechanisms and their impact on biomarkers, as well as predict Aβ load at different dose levels for mAbs with known targets and binding affinities. This model may facilitate the design of scientifically enriched and efficient clinical trials by enabling a priori prediction of biomarker dynamics in the brain and CSF.
Reducing the acknowledgement frequency in IETF QUIC
Authors: Custura Ana , Jones Tom , Secchi Raffaello , Fairhurst Gorry
Published: October 2022

Satellite networks usually use in‐network methods (such as Performance Enhancing Proxies for TCP) to adapt the transport to the characteristics of the forward and return paths. QUIC is a transport protocol that prevents the use of in–network methods. This paper explores the use of the recently–standardised IETF QUIC protocol with a focus on the implications on performance when using different acknowledgement policies to reduce the number of packets and volume of bytes sent on the return path. Our analysis evaluates a set of ACK policies for three IETF QUIC implementations, examining performance over cellular, terrestrial and satellite networks. It shows that QUIC performance can be maintained even when sending fewer acknowledgements, and recommends a new QUIC acknowledgement policy that adapts QUIC's ACK Delay value based on the path RTT to ensure timely feedback. The resulting policy is shown to reduce the volume/rate of traffic sent on the return path and associated processing costs in endpoints, without sacrificing throughput.
Journey from cloud of things to fog of things: Survey, new trends, and research directions
Authors: Chakraborty Ananya , Kumar Mohit , Chaurasia Nisha , Gill Sukhpal Singh
Published: October 2022

With the advent of the Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm, the cloud model is unable to offer satisfactory services for latency‐sensitive and real‐time applications due to high latency and scalability issues. Hence, an emerging computing paradigm named as fog/edge computing was evolved, to offer services close to the data source and optimize the quality of services (QoS) parameters such as latency, scalability, reliability, energy, privacy, and security of data. This article presents the evolution in the computing paradigm from the client‐server model to edge computing along with their objectives and limitations. A state‐of‐the‐art review of Cloud Computing and Cloud of Things (CoT) is presented that addressed the techniques, constraints, limitations, and research challenges. Further, we have discussed the role and mechanism of fog/edge computing and Fog of Things (FoT), along with necessitating amalgamation with CoT. We reviewed the several architecture, features, applications, and existing research challenges of fog/edge computing. The comprehensive survey of these computing paradigms offers the depth knowledge about the various aspects, trends, motivation, vision, and integrated architectures. In the end, experimental tools and future research directions are discussed with the hope that this study will work as a stepping‐stone in the field of emerging computing paradigms.
Synthesis and crystal structure of the first ternary tellurium borate TeB4O8
Authors: Ziegler Raimund , Heymann Gunter , Huppertz Hubert
Published: October 2022

Monoclinic TeB4O8 was obtained in a Walker‐type multianvil apparatus at 10 GPa and 1273 K from TeO2 and B2O3. It crystallizes isotypically to the compounds AnB4O8 (An=Th, U) in the space group C2/c (Z=4) with the lattice parameters a=15.6978(8) Å, b=4.2284(2) Å, c=7.4305(4) Å, β=114.78(1)°, and V=447.80(4) Å3. Further, it has been characterized via X‐ray diffraction experiments and IR spectroscopy.
Integral‐based averaging with spatial symmetries for non‐local damage modelling
Authors: Shutov Alexey V. , Klyuchantsev Vladislav S.
Published: October 2022

Simulations utilizing local constitutive equations for strain‐softening materials are known to be pathologically mesh‐dependent. The rational solution to this problem is to use nonlocal material models. In this paper, we discuss the application of the integral‐based approach to the simulation of non‐local damage accumulation and fracture. Various combinations of non‐localities with common spatial symmetries are analysed analytically and numerically. The symmetries include the plane strain and the axisymmetric cases, as well as the presence of symmetry planes and cyclic symmetries. Although not a symmetry, the practically important case of thin plates is also analysed. We show that the delocalization procedure should be executed using symmetry‐adapted averaging kernels. For the considered spatial symmetries, analytical closed‐form expressions are obtained. Moreover, a new easy‐to‐use averaging kernel is suggested, the same for 3D, plane strain and plane stress applications. To showcase the delocalization procedures, we consider a ductile damage model, based on the multiplicative decomposition of the deformation gradient, as well as hyperelastic relations between stresses and strains. FEM solutions for a series of problems are presented, including graduate damage accumulation, crack initiation and fracture.
Free vibration analysis of graded porous circular micro/nanoplates with various boundary conditions based on the nonlocal elasticity theory
Authors: Li Qinglu , Wang Siyao , Zhang Jinghua
Published: October 2022

In this article, the free vibrations of graded porous circular nanoplates subjected to various boundary conditions have been investigated. It is assumed that the performance of graded porous materials varies continuously in the whole thickness, and two cosine forms of non‐uniform porosity distribution along its thickness are considered. In order to capture the size effect, the Eringen's nonlocal elastic theory is applied. Then, Mindlin plate theory, combined with Hamilton's principle, is utilized to derive the governing equations of motion. Various types of boundary conditions are assumed for the plate with a combination of clamped, simply supported and free edges. Finally, the governing equations of motion are solved numerically using the shooting technique. The effects of various factors such as porosity coefficient, porosity distribution pattern, thickness‐diameter ratio, and the nonlocal scale effect and boundary conditions on the natural frequencies of grade porous circular nanoplates are discussed in detail.
Invariant representation driven neural classifier for anti-QCD jet tagging
Authors: Cheng Taoli , Courville Aaron
Published: October 2022

Abstract

We leverage representation learning and the inductive bias in neural-net-based Standard Model jet classification tasks, to detect non-QCD signal jets. In establishing the framework for classification-based anomaly detection in jet physics, we demonstrate that, with a well-calibrated and powerful enough feature extractor, a well-trained mass-decorrelated supervised Standard Model neural jet classifier can serve as a strong generic anti-QCD jet tagger for effectively reducing the QCD background. Imposing data-augmented mass-invariance (and thus decoupling the dominant factor) not only facilitates background estimation, but also induces more substructure-aware representation learning. We are able to reach excellent tagging efficiencies for all the test signals considered. In the best case, we reach a background rejection rate of 51 and a significance improvement factor of 3.6 at 50% signal acceptance, with the jet mass decorrelated. This study indicates that supervised Standard Model jet classifiers have great potential in general new physics searches.
The quasi-static plasmonic problem for polyhedra
Authors: de León-Contreras Marta , Perfekt Karl-Mikael
Published: October 2022

We characterize the essential spectrum of the plasmonic problem for polyhedra in $${\mathbb {R}}^3$$

R

3

. The description is particularly simple for convex polyhedra and permittivities $$\epsilon < - 1$$

ϵ
<
-
1

. The plasmonic problem is interpreted as a spectral problem through a boundary integral operator, the direct value of the double layer potential, also known as the Neumann–Poincaré operator. We therefore study the spectral structure of the double layer potential for polyhedral cones and polyhedra.
Time periodic motion of temperature driven compressible fluids
Authors: Feireisl Eduard , Gwiazda Piotr , Świerczewska-Gwiazda Agnieszka
Published: October 2022

We consider the Navier–Stokes–Fourier system describing the motion of a compressible viscous fluid in a container with impermeable boundary subject to time periodic heating and under the action of a time periodic potential force. We show the existence of a time periodic weak solution for arbitrarily large physically admissible data.
Patient‐Reported Outcomes in Patients with Low‐Risk Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: Cross‐Sectional Study to Compare Active Surveillance and Immediate Surgery
Authors: Kazusaka Hiroko , Sugitani Iwao , Toda Kazuhisa , Sen Masaomi , Saito Marie , Nagaoka Ryuta , Yoshida Yusaku
Published: October 2022

Background

This cross‐sectional study compared patient‐reported outcomes of low‐risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC, T1N0M0) between patients who underwent active surveillance (AS) and those who received immediate surgery,

Methods

Using the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory, Short‐Form 36 version 2, and a visual analog scale for neck symptoms, 249 patients under AS and 32 patients underwent immediate surgery were compared. To match the difference in time from the onset of treatment to the survey, we conducted propensity score matching. We also investigated factors affecting anxiety in patients under AS in multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

In the entire group, patients under AS had significantly longer time from the onset to the survey than patients underwent immediate surgery (7.9 vs. 4.0 years). After matching, AS group showed significantly better trait anxiety and mental component summary (MCS) compared to surgery group, while surgery group showed better role‐social component summary. AS group also had significantly better MCS than the Japanese norm‐based score. Surgery group displayed worse neck symptoms than AS group. Among AS group, trait anxiety and time from the onset were significant predictors of state anxiety. Compared with the group with < 5 years since starting AS, the group with ≥ 5 years of follow‐up showed a significantly better state anxiety only in patients with better trait anxiety.

Conclusions

Low‐risk PTC patients under AS showed better trait anxiety and mental health than surgery group. After a certain period, the anxiety of patients under AS seems to be improved, especially in patients with better trait anxiety.
Analysis of Outpatient Adherence in 45,237 Patients Referred by an Emergency Department to Surgical Clinics
Authors: Cheema Fareed , Lima Diego L. , Iqbal Niloy , Friedmann Patricia , Camacho Diego , Malcher Flavio
Published: October 2022

Introduction

This study examines referral patterns to surgical clinics from the emergency department and the impact of sociodemographic factors on adherence.

Methods

Patients from 2017 to 2021 were identified who had a referral placed to surgical specialties from the ED. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who had a referral to surgery placed during an ED visit but who showed up to surgery clinic visit within 60 days of referral placement. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed.

Results

Referrals were made for 45,237 patients overall and 4130 for general surgery specifically. 44% showed up to general surgery clinic visit. In univariate and multivariate analysis, those who showed up to clinic were older, tended to be female, had a lower social economic status, had Medicaid or Medicare insurance and had more comorbidities compared to those who did not show up. Asians and Hispanics were more likely to show up to clinic compared to Whites.

Conclusions

Assigning navigators in the ED to follow‐up with patients who are younger and healthier, with private insurances who have existing PCPs to ensure they follow up as advised is a potential targeted intervention to improve clinic adherence.
The (human) respiratory rate at rest
Authors: Schramm Wolfgang
Published: October 2022

All schoolchildren know how often they breathe, but even experts don’t know exactly why. The aim of this publication is to develop a model of the resting spontaneous breathing rate using physiological, physical and mathematical methods with the aid of the principle that evolution pushes physiology in a direction that is as economical as possible. The respiratory rate then follows from an equation with the parameters $$\hbox {CO}_{2}$$

CO
2

-production rate of the organism, resistance, static compliance and dead space of the lungs, the inspiration duration: expiration duration - ratio and the end-expiratory $$\hbox {CO}_{2}$$

CO
2

fraction. The derivation requires exclusively secondary school mathematics. Using the example of an adult human or a newborn child, data from the literature then result in normal values for their breathing rate at rest. The reason for the higher respiratory rate of a newborn human compared to an adult is the relatively high $$\hbox {CO}_{2}$$

CO
2

-production rate together with the comparatively low compliance of the lungs. A side result is the fact that the common alveolar pressure throughout the lungs and the common time constant is a consequence of the economical principle as well. Since the above parameters are not human-specific, there is no reason to assume that the above equation could not also be applicable to many animals breathing through lungs within a thorax, especially mammals. Not only physiology and biology, but also medicine, could benefit: Applicability is being discussed in pulmonary function diagnostics, including pathophysiology. However, the present publication only claims to be a theoretical concept of the spontaneous quiet breathing rate. In the absence of comparable animal data, this publication is intended to encourage further scientific tests.