bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal design of S2‐EWMA control chart for short production runs
Authors: Ong KerHsin , Teh SinYin , Saha Sajal , Khoo MichaelBoonChong , Soh KengLin
Published: June 2023

In recent fast pace smart manufacturing environment, the short production runs (SPR) control charts offer a higher degree of flexibility compared to the traditional control charts. This is due to Phase I data collection not needed for SPR control charts and this eases practitioners in estimating the parameters and setting up the control charts. This paper proposes the methods to optimally design the SPR S‐chart and SPR S2‐EWMA control chart for process variance monitoring in terms of truncated average run length (TARL), truncated standard deviation of the run length (TSDRL), and expected truncated average run length (ETARL) performance measures. The optimal parameters in minimizing the TARL and ETARL values for SPR S2‐EWMA control chart are presented. The control chart performances are compared between both the SPR S‐chart and SPR S2‐EWMA control charts. Results show that SPR S2‐EWMA control chart has a higher chart sensitivity and it triggers the out‐of‐control signal faster than the SPR S‐chart. An illustration using the real electronic manufacturing industry data is given in this paper to explain the implementation of the SPR S‐chart and SPR S2‐EWMA control chart.
Optimized machine‐learning methods for predicting the long‐term viscoelastic behavior of heterogeneous concrete mixtures
Authors: Nguyen‐Sy Tuan , Thai Minh‐Quan , Vu Minh‐Ngoc
Published: June 2023

Long‐term creep compliance is one of the most important mechanical properties for evaluating the long‐term behavior of concrete structures. This paper aims to optimize machine‐learning models to predict this viscoelastic property. The most relevant dataset available in the literature is considered, cleaned, and preprocessed to optimize the outcome. The advanced XGBoost model, which is to be the most effective shallow machine‐learning model for modeling tabular datasets, is employed in this study to maximize model accuracy. Short‐term creep compliances of a given sample at typical ages are used as input features to model the long‐term creep compliance of concrete. This approach outperforms standard machine‐learning approaches that do not include short‐term creep as an input feature. Indeed, the short‐term behavior of concrete strongly influents its long‐term one. The optimized machine model presented herein is accurate and useful for practical applications. It uses input features that are easy to obtain to predict long‐term creep compliance up to several decades, which is difficult and expensive to measure.
Color-factor symmetry of the amplitudes of Yang-Mills and biadjoint scalar theory using perturbiner methods
Authors: Naculich Stephen G.
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Color-factor symmetry is a property of tree-level gauge-theory amplitudes containing at least one gluon. BCJ relations among color-ordered amplitudes follow directly from this symmetry. Color-factor symmetry is also a feature of biadjoint scalar theory amplitudes as well as of their equations of motion. In this paper, we present a new proof of color-factor symmetry using a recursive method derived from the perturbiner expansion of the classical equations of motion.
Trinions for the 3d compactification of the 5d rank 1 $$ {E}_{N_{f+1}} $$ SCFTs
Authors: Sacchi Matteo , Sela Orr , Zafrir Gabi
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Many interesting phenomena in quantum field theory such as dualities and symmetry enhancements can be understood using higher dimensional constructions. In this paper, we study compactifications of the rank 1 5d Seiberg $$ {E}_{N_{f+1}} $$

E

N

f
+
1

SCFTs to 3d on Riemann surfaces of genus g > 1. We rely on the recent progress in the study of compactifications of 6d SCFTs to 4d and torus compactifications of 5d SCFTs to conjecture 3d$$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 theories corresponding to the reduction of said 5d SCFTs on three punctured spheres. These can then be used to build 3d$$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 models corresponding to compactifications on more general surfaces. The conjectured theories are tested by comparing their properties against those expected from the compactification picture.
PQ axiverse
Authors: Demirtas Mehmet , Gendler Naomi , Long Cody , McAllister Liam , Moritz Jakob
Published: June 2023

Abstract

We show that the strong CP problem is solved in a large class of compactifications of string theory. The Peccei-Quinn mechanism solves the strong CP problem if the CP-breaking effects of the ultraviolet completion of gravity and of QCD are small compared to the CP-preserving axion potential generated by low-energy QCD instantons. We characterize both classes of effects. To understand quantum gravitational effects, we consider an ensemble of flux compactifications of type IIB string theory on orientifolds of Calabi-Yau hypersurfaces in the geometric regime, taking a simple model of QCD on D7-branes. We show that the D-brane instanton contribution to the neutron electric dipole moment falls exponentially in N4, with N the number of axions. In particular, this contribution is negligible in all models in our ensemble with N > 17. We interpret this result as a consequence of large N effects in the geometry that create hierarchies in instanton actions and also suppress the ultraviolet cutoff. We also compute the CP breaking due to high-energy instantons in QCD. In the absence of vectorlike pairs, we find contributions to the neutron electric dipole moment that are not excluded, but that could be accessible to future experiments if the scale of supersymmetry breaking is sufficiently low. The existence of vectorlike pairs can lead to a larger dipole moment. Finally, we show that a significant fraction of models are allowed by standard cosmological and astrophysical constraints.
Modular Hamiltonian of the scalar in the semi infinite line: dimensional reduction for spherically symmetric regions
Authors: Huerta Marina , van der Velde Guido
Published: June 2023

Abstract

We focus our attention on the one dimensional scalar theories that result from dimensionally reducing the free scalar field theory in arbitrary d dimensions. As is well known, after integrating out the angular coordinates, the free scalar theory can be expressed as an infinite sum of theories living in the semi-infinite line, labeled by the angular modes $$ \left\{\ell, \overrightarrow{m}\right\} $$

ℓ

m
→

. We show that their modular Hamiltonian in an interval attached to the origin is, in turn, the one obtained from the dimensional reduction of the modular Hamiltonian of the conformal parent theory in a sphere. Remarkably, this is a local expression in the energy density, as happens in the conformal case, although the resulting one-dimensional theories are clearly not conformal. We support this result by analyzing the symmetries of these theories, which turn out to be a portion of the original conformal group, and proving that the reduced modular Hamiltonian is in fact the operator generating the modular flow in the interval. By studying the spectrum of these modular Hamiltonians, we also provide an analytic expression for the associated entanglement entropy. Finally, extending the radial regularization scheme originally introduced by Srednicki, we sum over the angular modes to successfully recover the conformal anomaly in the entropy logarithmic coefficient in even dimensions, as well as the universal constant F term in d = 3.
Digitale Leitlinien des 21. Jahrhunderts
Authors: Meybohm Patrick , Ghanem Alexander , von Dincklage Falk , Kranke Peter , Börm Philipp
Published: June 2023

Bislang werden klinische Leitlinien als verallgemeinerte Darstellungen klinischen Wissens verstanden, die nach bester verfügbarer Evidenz die Anforderungen an die Versorgung von Patienten in spezifischen Patientensituationen aufzeigen. In diesem Expertenmeinungsartikel soll erörtert werden, wie digitale Leitlinien beschaffen sein müssten, und welche Anforderungen an die strukturierte Entwicklung, Anwendung und Evaluation solcher Leitlinien gestellt werden müssten. Eine Digitalisierung von Leitlinien muss die Transformation analoger, textbasierter Leitlinieninformationen in Formate berücksichtigen, die über Benutzeroberflächen (Interfaces) eine Mensch-Maschine-Interaktion ermöglichen, Ärzten die Anforderungen an eine leitlinienkonforme Patientenversorgung aufzeigen und die außerdem Maschinenspeicherung, Maschinenausführung und Maschinenverarbeitung von Patientendaten ermöglichen.
A two-scale approach to widen a predictive blast propagation model around a hemicylindrical obstacle
Authors: Gavart R. , Trélat S. , Sturtzer M.-O. , Chaumeix N.
Published: June 2023

The aim of the present paper was to report on an experimental study of the characterization of a blast wave initiated by a solid explosive and its interaction with a rigid obstacle in the form of a hemicylinder. Pressure transducers located along the path of the blast wave and high-speed imaging allow (1) the measurement of the overpressure at different locations and (2) the characterization of the blast wave inception, propagation, and reflection off the hemicylinder. The scaling effect has been investigated by performing experiments in two different facilities, where one is at twice the scale of the other.
Exact Solution of Interacting Particle Systems Related to Random Matrices
Authors: Assiotis Theodoros
Published: June 2023

We consider one-dimensional diffusions, with polynomial drift and diffusion coefficients, so that in particular the motion can be space-inhomogeneous, interacting via one-sided reflections. The prototypical example is the well-known model of Brownian motions with one-sided collisions, also known as Brownian TASEP, which is equivalent to Brownian last passage percolation. We obtain a formula for the finite dimensional distributions of these particle systems, starting from arbitrary initial condition, in terms of a Fredholm determinant of an explicit kernel. As far as we can tell, in the space-inhomogeneous setting and for general initial condition this is the first time such a result has been proven. We moreover consider the model of non-colliding diffusions, again with polynomial drift and diffusion coefficients, which includes the ones associated to all the classical ensembles of random matrices. We prove that starting from arbitrary initial condition the induced point process has determinantal correlation functions in space and time with an explicit correlation kernel. A key ingredient in our general method of exact solution for both models is the application of the backward in time diffusion flow on certain families of polynomials constructed from the initial condition.
Risk‐Adjusted Assessment of the Learning Curve for Pure Laparoscopic Donor Hepatectomy for Adult Recipients
Authors: Kikuchi Koji , Nitta Hiroyuki , Umemura Akira , Katagiri Hirokatsu , Kanno Shoji , Takeda Daiki , Ando Taro , Amano Satoshi , Sasaki Akira
Published: June 2023

Background

Studies on pure laparoscopic donor hepatectomy (PLDH) have been reported. However, only few studies have reported on the learning curve of PLDH. In this report, we aimed to determine the learning curve of PLDH in adult patients using cumulative sum (CUSUM) and risk‐adjusted CUSUM (RA‐CUSUM) analyses.

Methods

The data of donors who underwent PLDH at a single center between December 2012 and May 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. The learning curve was evaluated using the CUSUM and RA‐CUSUM methods based on surgery duration.

Results

Forty‐eight patients were finally included in the present study. The mean operation time was 393.6 ± 80.3 min. PLDH was converted to laparotomy in three cases (6.3%). According to the Clavien–Dindo classification, nine cases (18.8%) had higher‐than‐grade III postoperative complications and the most frequent complications were biliary complications. The CUSUM graph shows two peaks, at the 13th and 27th case. The multivariate analysis revealed that a body mass index ≥ 23 kg/m2 and intraoperative cholangiography were the only factors that were independently associated with longer operation time. Based on these results, an RA‐CUSUM analysis was performed to assess the learning curve, which showed a decrease in the learning curve after 33 to 34 PLDH procedures.

Conclusions

A learning curve effect was demonstrated in this study after 33 to 34 PLDH procedures. There are relatively many biliary complications, and it is necessary to further examine the method of bile duct transection.
Green synthesized chitosan and ZnO nanoparticles for sustainable use in multifunctionalization of cellulosic fabrics
Authors: Ibrahim Nabil A. , Ameen Heba A. , Eid Basma M.
Published: June 2023

A green sustainable strategy for biosynthesis of ZnONPs and chitosan nanoparticles (ZnONPs: 20–25 nm and CSNPs: 70–90 nm) has been developed, their potential applications in multifunctional finishing of cotton and viscose fabrics to impart anti-crease, anti-UV and antibacterial functions using citric acid/Na-hypophosphite CA (15 g/L)/SHP (15 g/L), as CH2O-free ester-crosslinking system and the pad-dry-cure method. The obtained results signify that the extent of improvement in the imparted functional properties is governed by type of cellulosic substrate, kind and concentration of nano-additive as well as type of bio-functional additive, namely, L-ascorbic acid or vanillin (20 g/L each). Moreover, the best results show that using CSNPs (2.5 g/L)/ZnONPs (15 g/L), as an eco-friendly two component mixture, brought about an enhancement in both chemical and functional properties of treated substrates which can be ranked as follows: nitrogen content (N%): viscose (1.818) > cotton (1.592); metal content (%): viscose (1.35) > cotton (1.24); WRA°: cotton (196) > viscose (165); anti-UV (UPF): cotton (47) > viscose (40); anti-S. aureus (R%): viscose (97) > cotton (94) and anti-E. coli (R%): viscose (92) > cotton (89), keeping other parameters constant. Major characteristics of the so-prepared nanoparticles as well as developed cellulosic fabrics were analyzed by FTIR, TEM, SEM and EDX techniques, as well as %N and %Zn content analysis. Durability to wash was evaluated and fabrics modification/functionalization, mechanism was also proposed.
A review of standardized high-throughput cardiovascular phenotyping with a link to metabolism in mice
Authors: Lindovsky Jiri , Nichtova Zuzana , Dragano Nathalia R. V. , Pajuelo Reguera David , Prochazka Jan , Fuchs Helmut , Marschall Susan , Gailus-Durner Valerie , Sedlacek Radislav , Hrabě de Angelis Martin , Rozman Jan , Spielmann Nadine
Published: June 2023

Cardiovascular diseases cause a high mortality rate worldwide and represent a major burden for health care systems. Experimental rodent models play a central role in cardiovascular disease research by effectively simulating human cardiovascular diseases. Using mice, the International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium (IMPC) aims to target each protein-coding gene and phenotype multiple organ systems in single-gene knockout models by a global network of mouse clinics. In this review, we summarize the current advances of the IMPC in cardiac research and describe in detail the diagnostic requirements of high-throughput electrocardiography and transthoracic echocardiography capable of detecting cardiac arrhythmias and cardiomyopathies in mice. Beyond that, we are linking metabolism to the heart and describing phenotypes that emerge in a set of known genes, when knocked out in mice, such as the leptin receptor (Lepr), leptin (Lep), and Bardet–Biedl syndrome 5 (Bbs5). Furthermore, we are presenting not yet associated loss-of-function genes affecting both, metabolism and the cardiovascular system, such as the RING finger protein 10 (Rfn10), F-box protein 38 (Fbxo38), and Dipeptidyl peptidase 8 (Dpp8). These extensive high-throughput data from IMPC mice provide a promising opportunity to explore genetics causing metabolic heart disease with an important translational approach.
Linear growth of colloidal dumbbells into three-lobed polymer nanoparticles mediated by a gradient in surface wettability
Authors: Monteiro Gabriel Augusto Alemão , Wittemann Alexander
Published: June 2023

Anisotropy is a deciding factor in determining the hydrodynamics and self-assembly of colloidal particles. Linking particle morphology to said behaviors promoted the development of strategies to obtain anisotropic particles exhibiting defined shapes and symmetries. Dumbbell-shaped polymer particles made by phase separation during seeded polymerization are prominent examples. Phase separation among monomer and seed particle yields a liquid protrusion of monomer on the seed. This protrusion is then polymerized, becoming solid and yielding a solid spherical lobe. When this process is performed with spherical seeds, two-lobed particles, known as colloidal dumbbells, are obtained. Repeating this process of lobe formation one or more times could pave the way to tailored particle morphologies. Given the higher degree of anisotropy, multi-lobed particles can expand the rich phase behavior already found for dumbbells. We propose a new route in making anisotropic polymer particles by directing phase separation in a linear direction, thus permitting linear growth. Colloidal particles composed of three individual polymer lobes with the potential for site-specific modifications are obtained. Triggering of the phase separation is done complementary to prior efforts in fabricating three-lobed polymer particles based on cross-linked precursor particles. We will show that tailored surface properties of anisotropic seed particles can prove as an effective tool not only to promote the monomer-polymer phase separation, but also to guide it in a linear direction. Such gradients in surface functionalization open perspectives for making polymer colloids on a large scale in whose custom-tailored shapes their phase behavior and superstructure formation are already established.

Graphical Abstract
Survival in an era of organ preservation: an update on laryngeal cancer in Ireland
Authors: Sexton Gerard P. , Walsh Paul , Moriarty Frank , Lennon Paul , O’Neill James Paul
Published: June 2023

Background

Laryngeal cancer epidemiology has changed in recent years, with falling incidence observed internationally. Organ preservation therapies have revolutionised management, though some patients may be unsuitable and survival was noted to fall in the 2000s. This study examines trends in laryngeal cancer in Ireland.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of National Cancer Registry of Ireland data from 1994 to 2014.

Results

From a cohort of 2651, glottic disease was most common (62%, n = 1646). Incidence rose to 3.43 cases/100,000/year for 2010–2014. 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) was 60.6% and did not change significantly over time. Overall survival (OS) for T3 disease managed with primary radiotherapy was similar to primary surgery (HR 0.98, p = 0.9). DSS for T3 disease improved with primary radiotherapy (HR 0.72, p = 0.045).

Conclusion

Incidence of laryngeal cancer in Ireland rose despite international trends, while survival changed little. Radiotherapy improves DSS for T3 disease but does not improve OS, possibly secondary to poor organ function post-radiotherapy.
Leaf dimorphism in Cupressus nootkatensis D. Don and Cupressus vietnamensis (Farjon & T.H. Nguyên) Silba (Cupressaceae) and its ecological and evolutionary significance
Authors: Dörken Veit M. , Ladd Philip G. , Parsons Robert F.
Published: June 2023

Key message

We examined the leaf structure of two basal Cupressus species with a distinct leaf dimorphism. Some foliar features are regarded as ancestral and it is suggested that drought adaptation was one of the important ecological drivers in the evolution of the Cupressus genus.

Leaf morphology and anatomy of two Cupressus species, C. nootkatensis and C. vietnamensis, were investigated with classical paraffin technique and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Like all Cupressus species these two are characterised by a dramatic change in the foliage. Juveniles have needle leaves first before they change abruptly to the mature scale leaf type. In C. vietnamensis, needle-leaved shoots occur next to scale-leaved ones even on mature trees, which is unique among today´s Cupressus species. Adults of C. nootkatensis develop only scale leaves throughout. In both taxa, the scale leaves show a distinct dimorphism between lateral and facial leaves, which are arranged in a flat spray; the foliate shoots are two-dimensionally flattened. These scale leaves show several xeromorphic features; e.g. strongly reduced leaf size, stomata with high, collar-like Florin rings, the presence of a distinct hypodermis as a continuous layer and well-developed transfusion tissue. The needle leaf type is found in Cunninghamia which is the basal member of the Cupressaceae and so is regarded as the ancestral condition and scale leaves as a derived one. Scale leaves are found in all the members of the cupressoid clade even within the basal taxa from mesic habitats. However scale leaves are a preadaptation to survival under xeric conditions and they are likely an evolutionary driver of the radiation of Cupressus into arid environments, as has also been the case in genera such a Callitris.
Sedimentstudie im Biosphärenpark Mur-Drau-Donau im Rahmen des EU-Projekts lifelineMDD
Authors: Dunst Roman , Klösch Mario , Schwarz Ulrich , Böck Kerstin , Habersack Helmut
Published: June 2023

Mit dem 19. Jahrhundert wurden Mur, Drau und Donau, wie viele andere Flüsse, zahlreichen Eingriffen unterworfen, was u. a. Auswirkungen auf den Sedimenthaushalt und die Ökologie zur Folge hatte. Im Jahr 2021 wurde der Biosphärenpark Mur-Drau-Donau (Transboundary Biosphere Reserve Mura-Drava-Danube, kurz: TBR MDD) von Kroatien, Ungarn, Serbien, Slowenien und Österreich zum Schutz ökologischer und kulturell wertvoller Flusslandschaften ins Leben gerufen. Im Zuge des EU-Interreg-DTP-Projekts lifelineMDD wurde eine Sedimentstudie durchgeführt, die zusammen mit Partnerstudien zu diversen biotischen und abiotischen Faktoren die Grundlage für die TBR-MDD-Fließgewässer-Revitalisierungsstrategie lieferte.

Im Rahmen der Sedimentstudie wurden sedimenttransportbestimmende Parameter im historischen Referenzzustand erhoben und dem aktuellen Zustand gegenübergestellt. So wurden drastisch negative Entwicklungen aufgezeigt, wie die Reduktion der durchflossenen Breite der Mur um 59 %, der Drau um 40 % und der Donau um 29 %, Laufverkürzungen um bis zu 35 % (Drau) und damit einhergehende Gefälleerhöhungen. Aktuell verlaufen die Flüsse überwiegend in einem Einzelgerinne, wobei Seitenerosion größtenteils verhindert wird. Die erhöhte Transportkapazität bei reduziertem Sedimenteintrag führt zum Verlust wertvoller morphologischer Strukturen wie Sedimentbänken. Niederwasseranalysen basierend auf Pegeldaten zeigen Sohleintiefungen bis zu 2,7 m (Terezino Polje, Drau); Analysen aktueller Zeitreihen deuten auf einen fortlaufenden Eintiefungstrend hin.

Um dem entgegenzuwirken, ist es bei Renaturierungsarbeiten notwendig, den Flüssen z. B. ausreichend Breite einzuräumen. Während langfristig die Geschiebedurchgängigkeit von Kraftwerken angestrebt werden sollte, kann zusätzlich durch Geschiebezugaben – auch von Material, das im Zuge der Arbeiten anfällt – der Fluss eigenständig eine Morphologie im dynamischen Gleichgewicht ausbilden.
Incidence of spine surgery in the South African private healthcare sector: ten-year trends within a large open medical scheme
Authors: Mann T. N. , Dunn R. N. , Vlok A. J. , Davis J. H.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Studies from developed countries suggest a dramatic increase in the utilization of spine surgery in recent decades, however less is known about spine surgery rates in the developing world. The aim of this study was to investigate ten-year trends in the incidence of spine surgery within South Africa’s largest open medical scheme.

Methods

This retrospective review included adult inpatient spine surgeries funded by the scheme between 2008 and 2017. The incidence of spine surgery was investigated by age group-overall and for degenerative pathologies, fusion and instrumentation. Surgeons per 100,000 members were determined. Trends were evaluated by linear regression and by crude 10-year change in incidence.

Results

A total of 49,575 spine surgeries were included. The incidence of surgery for lumbar degenerative pathology showed a significant upward trend among 60–79 year olds but declined among 40–59 year olds. The incidence of lumbar fusion and lumbar instrumentation declined significantly among 40–59 year olds with little change among 60–79 year olds. The ratio of orthopaedic spinal surgeons decreased from 10.2 to 6.3 per 100,000 members whereas the ratio of neurosurgeons decreased from 7.6 to 6.5 per 100,000.

Conclusion

Spine surgery in the South African private healthcare sector bears some similarity to developed countries in that it is dominated by elective procedures for degenerative pathology. However, the findings did not reflect the marked increases in the utilization of spine surgery reported elsewhere. It is hypothesized that this may be partly related to differences in the supply of spinal surgery.
ASL-MRI-guided evaluation of multiple burr hole revascularization surgery in Moyamoya disease
Authors: Lewén Anders , Fahlström Markus , Borota Ljubisa , Larsson Elna-Marie , Wikström Johan , Enblad Per
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Moyamoya (MM) disease is characterized by progressive intracranial arterial stenosis. Patients commonly need revascularization surgery to optimize cerebral blood flow (CBF). Estimation of CBF and cerebrovascular reserve (CVR) is therefore necessary before and after surgery. However, assessment of CBF before and after indirect revascularization surgery with the multiple burr hole (MBH) technique in MM has not been studied extensively. In this study, we describe our initial experience using arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance perfusion imaging (ASL-MRI) for CBF and CVR assessment before and after indirect MBH revascularization surgery in MM patients.

Methods

Eleven MM patients (initial age 6–50 years, 1 male/10 female) with 19 affected hemispheres were included. A total of 35 ASL-MRI examinations were performed using a 3D-pCASL acquisition before and after i.v. acetazolamide challenge (1000 mg in adults and 10 mg/kg in children). Twelve MBH procedures were performed in seven patients. The first follow-up ASL-MRI was performed 7–21 (mean 12) months after surgery.

Results

Before surgery, CBF was 46 ± 16 (mean ± SD) ml/100 g/min and CVR after acetazolamide challenge was 38.5 ± 9.9 (mean ± SD)% in the most affected territory (middle cerebral artery). In cases in which surgery was not performed, CVR was 56 ± 12 (mean ± SD)% in affected hemispheres. After MBH surgery, there was a relative change in CVR compared to baseline (preop) of + 23.5 ± 23.3% (mean ± SD). There were no new ischemic events.

Conclusion

Using ASL-MRI we followed changes in CBF and CVR in patients with MM. The technique was encouraging for assessments before and after revascularization surgery.
Aeroelastic analysis of membrane airfoils and flexible-chord airfoils with trailing-edge flaps
Authors: Hussein Omar S.
Published: June 2023

This paper studies the static and dynamic aeroelastic characteristics of membrane airfoils and flexible-chord airfoils (deformable airfoils) with the emphasis on the effects of a trailing-edge (TE) flap which is a novel topic. Two modeling approaches are presented; the first method is the Rayleigh–Ritz method, and the second method is the finite element method which is an efficient method to study the TE flap effects. The two models are presented in the Laplace domain which enables the transient response analysis. The models adopt the potential flow aerodynamics based on the Prandtl–Glauert thin-airfoil theory and the Theodorsen’s unsteady theory. The airfoils are assumed to have small deformations, so linear structural models are used. The effect of the airfoils’ flexibilities on the static aeroelastic characteristics and the dynamic responses due to step and harmonic TE flap inputs is presented through a parametric study.
A clinicopathological analysis of supratentorial ependymoma, ZFTA fusion-positive: utility of immunohistochemical detection of CDKN2A alterations and characteristics of the immune microenvironment
Authors: Hashimoto Naohito , Suzuki Tomonari , Ishizawa Keisuke , Nobusawa Sumihito , Yokoo Hideaki , Nishikawa Ryo , Yasuda Masanori , Sasaki Atsushi
Published: June 2023

EPN-ZFTA is a rare brain tumor where prognostic factors remain unclear and no effective immunotherapy or chemotherapy is currently available. Therefore, this study investigated its clinicopathological features, evaluated the utility of MTAP and p16 IHC as surrogate markers ofCDKN2Aalterations, and characterized the immune microenvironment of EPN-ZFTA. Thirty surgically removed brain tumors, including 10 EPN-ZFTA, were subjected to IHC. MLPA was performed forCDKN2AHD in 20 ependymal tumors, including EPN-ZFTA. The 5-years OS and PFS of EPN-ZFTA were 90% and 60%, respectively.CDKN2AHD was detected in two cases of EPN-ZFTA; these cases were immunohistochemically negative for both MTAP and p16 and recurred earlier after surgery. As for the immune microenvironment of EPN-ZFTA, B7-H3, but not PD-L1, was positive in all cases of EPN-ZFTA; Iba-1-positive or CD204-positive macrophages were large, while infiltrating lymphocytes were small, in number in EPN-ZFTA. Collectively, these results indicate the potential of MTAP and p16 IHC as useful surrogate markers ofCDKN2AHD in EPN-ZFTA, and tumor-associated macrophages, including the M2 type, may contribute to its immune microenvironment. Furthermore, the expression of B7-H3 in EPN-ZFTA may indicate the usefulness of B7-H3 as a target of immune checkpoint chemotherapy for EPN-ZFTA via B7-H3 pathway.
Raman Spectroscopy and Machine Learning Enables Estimation of Articular Cartilage Structural, Compositional, and Functional Properties
Authors: Shehata Eslam , Nippolainen Ervin , Shaikh Rubina , Ronkainen Ari-Petteri , Töyräs Juha , Sarin Jaakko K. , Afara Isaac O.
Published: June 2023

Objective

To differentiate healthy from artificially degraded articular cartilage and estimate its structural, compositional, and functional properties using Raman spectroscopy (RS).

Design

Visually normal bovine patellae (n = 12) were used in this study. Osteochondral plugs (n = 60) were prepared and artificially degraded either enzymatically (via Collagenase D or Trypsin) or mechanically (via impact loading or surface abrasion) to induce mild to severe cartilage damage; additionally, control plugs were prepared (n = 12). Raman spectra were acquired from the samples before and after artificial degradation. Afterwards, reference biomechanical properties, proteoglycan (PG) content, collagen orientation, and zonal (%) thickness of the samples were measured. Machine learning models (classifiers and regressors) were then developed to discriminate healthy from degraded cartilage based on their Raman spectra and to predict the aforementioned reference properties.

Results

The classifiers accurately categorized healthy and degraded samples (accuracy = 86%), and successfully discerned moderate from severely degraded samples (accuracy = 90%). On the other hand, the regression models estimated cartilage biomechanical properties with reasonable error (≤ 24%), with the lowest error observed in the prediction of instantaneous modulus (12%). With zonal properties, the lowest prediction errors were observed in the deep zone, i.e., PG content (14%), collagen orientation (29%), and zonal thickness (9%).

Conclusion

RS is capable of discriminating between healthy and damaged cartilage, and can estimate tissue properties with reasonable errors. These findings demonstrate the clinical potential of RS.
Copper oxide-based high-performance symmetric flexible supercapacitor: potentiodynamic deposition
Authors: Sayyed Saima G. , Shaikh Arif V. , Shinde Ugalal P. , Hiremath Pavan , Naik Nithesh
Published: June 2023

Flexible supercapacitors have gained significant attention in recent times due to their many advantages such as high specific capacitance, lightweight, long lifespan, high energy density, high flexibility, and high-power density. These benefits make them ideal for various high-power applications in various industries. Copper oxide is particularly attractive as an electrode material because of its high theoretical specific capacitance, low cost, and eco-friendliness. Copper oxide is the most promising electrode material in energy storage systems among metal oxides due to its higher theoretical value of specific capacitance (1800 F/g). In the present study, the synthesis of a thin film of copper oxide on a flexible copper substrate through electrodeposition was carried out to produce a flexible and lightweight supercapacitor. The supercapacitor's performance was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge–discharge analysis in a 1 M KOH electrolyte. The results showed that the copper oxide/copper-based supercapacitor had a large specific capacitance of 983.3 F/g and good performance even after 2200 cycles, with a capacity retention of 89.70%. The flexibility of the electrode was measured at various bending angles. The electrode showed a capacity retention of 87.5% after a 180° bending angle with a good coulombic efficiency of 79.15%. Hence, it could be a promising material for flexible supercapacitor electrodes. This demonstrates that copper oxide has great potential as a material for flexible supercapacitor electrodes. The newer applications for supercapacitors in industries such as wearable electronics, flexible displays, and energy harvesting systems can be explored.
The Structural Changes and Its Impact on Optical Dispersion of PVA/PVP Embedded with Zinc Sulphate Nanoparticles and Irradiated with Electron-Beam
Authors: Salah M. , Abdelmaksoud Heba , Abdel-Wahab F. A.
Published: June 2023

PVA/PVP films doped with zinc sulphate heptahydrate (ZnSO4·7H2O) nanoparticles (NPs) are prepared using an in situ chemical method. Furthermore, as-prepared samples are irradiated with an electron beam at doses of 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 kGy. Elemental analyses using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS) of the fresh films showed the existence of both zinc oxide and zinc sulphide as main and minor phases in sequence. Moreover, scanning electron microscope measurements (SEM) revealed that embedded Zn NPs have regular and evenly distributed pores inside PVA/PVP network. On the other hand, the structural variations due to e-beam irradiation are monitored by a high-resolution-transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM), which displayed that encapsulated Zn NPs are well dispersed and capped inside PVA/PVP structural network. The measured optical absorption coefficient (α) of PVA/PVP/zinc sulphate nanocomposite films showed an increase against e-beam dose. Moreover, the calculated optical energy gap, Eg, exhibited a reduction from 3.31 to 2.82 eV against the increase in irradiation dose. Evaluated values of wavelength at zero material dispersion (WZMD) indicated that e-beam irradiation can tune the structure of the studied samples to be used as a data transmitter in optical fiber telecommunication in the IR spectral range of 1.6842–1.0351 μm.
Assessing the relation between geodiversity and species richness in mountain heaths and tundra landscapes
Authors: Salminen Henriikka , Tukiainen Helena , Alahuhta Janne , Hjort Jan , Huusko Karoliina , Grytnes John-Arvid , Pacheco-Riaño L. Camila , Kapfer Jutta , Virtanen Risto , Maliniemi Tuija
Published: June 2023

Context

Recent studies show that geodiversity—the diversity of Earth's landforms, materials, and processes—has a positive relationship with biodiversity at a landscape scale. However, there is a substantial lack of evidence from finer scales, although this knowledge could improve the understanding of biodiversity patterns.

Objectives

We investigate whether plot-scale geodiversity and plant species richness (vascular plants, bryophytes, lichens, and total richness) are positively linked in different tundra landscapes.

Methods

We collected geodiversity (presence of different geofeatures) and plant species richness data from 165 sites in three distinct regions: isolated low-lying mountain heaths, and in sporadic and continuous mountain heaths and tundra. We used non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) ordination to explore the correlations between the composition of geofeatures and species richness, followed by univariate and multivariate generalized linear models (GLM), to assess whether georichness is important for species richness.

Results

Geofeature composition was linked to species richness in all regions, as indicated by NMDS ordination. Both univariate and multivariate GLM models showed statistically significant relationship between species richness and georichness in all studied species richness groups in continuous Arctic-alpine tundra. Additionally, there was a positive link between georichness and lichen richness in isolated boreal mountain tops.

Main conclusions

We showed that plot-scale geodiversity has a positive relationship with species richness, yet the effect varies regionally and between species groups. Our study provides strong empirical evidence that geodiversity supports species richness in continuous Arctic-alpine tundra. This information can be used in species richness models but also be applied in biodiversity management and conservation.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation alleviates glial activation through suppressing HMGB1/TLR4 pathway in a rat model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Han Chao , Zhang Xue , Dou Kaixin , Yao Weichao , Yao Minyi , Wan Qi , Xie Anmu
Published: June 2023

Background

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been demonstrated to be effective in Parkinson’s disease (PD), but whether rTMS treatment has a relieving effect on neuroinflammation remains to be investigated. In this article, we explored the effects of rTMS on forelimb use asymmetry and neuroinflammation-related mechanisms in a 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced PD rat model.

Methods and results

Rats in the 6-OHDA+rTMS group received 10 Hz rTMS daily for 4 weeks. Behavioral tests (the cylinder test) were performed at the 3rd and 7th weeks after the operation. Astrocyte and microglia activation and protein levels of tyrosine hydroxylase(TH), high-mobility group box 1(HMGB1) and toll-like receptors 4(TLR4) were investigated by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyses, respectively. After 4 weeks of treatment, forelimb use asymmetry was ameliorated in the 6-OHDA+rTMS group. Consistent with the behavioral tests, rTMS increased TH in the substantia nigra (SN) and the striatum of PD rats. High glial activation and HMGB1/TLR4 expression in the SN and the striatum were observed in the 6-OHDA group, while rTMS alleviated these changes.

Conclusions

This study showed that rTMS might be a promising method for alleviating neuroinflammation in PD rat models, and the effects might be mediated through the downregulation of the HMGB1/TLR4 pathway.
The Dark Side of Meritocratic Beliefs: Is Believing in Meritocracy Detrimental to Individuals from Low Socioeconomic Backgrounds?
Authors: García-Sierra Alicia
Published: June 2023

Individuals’ perceptions of how the path toward success is built might affect their choices and behaviors. This study examines whether holding meritocratic beliefs has heterogeneous effects on the long-term socioeconomic outcomes of individuals from different SES. I argue that, when the hurdles faced by the less privileged groups during their educational and labor market trajectories clash with their meritocratic beliefs, the generated frustration and low self-efficacy will affect their decisions and their performance, which eventually may impact their socioeconomic outcomes. Using German longitudinal data and siblings' fixed effects, results reveal that individuals from low socioeconomic backgrounds who hold strong meritocratic beliefs during their adolescence are more likely to have a precarious work situation when they are adults, as well as less likely to be fully working. This effect is reversed or non-existent for those from high socioeconomic status. These results open new paths to explore the crucial effect that societal discourses praising the meritocratic ideal could have on individuals from more deprived socioeconomic backgrounds.
The effect of anthropomorphic competence-warmth congruence of service robots on recommendation intention
Authors: Chi Rui , Zhang Jianyu , Pan Mingqing
Published: June 2023

Service robots are becoming more popular as artificial intelligence technology advances. Based on the theory of mind perception, this study divides the anthropomorphism of service robots into two dimensions (competence and warmth) and discusses its impact on consumer psychology from the perspective of dual matching. First, anthropomorphism of service robots has positive effect on consumers’ attachment to robots. Second, consumer attachment to service robots increased when anthropomorphic competence and warmth were congruent. Third, consumer attachment to service robots mediated the relationship between anthropomorphic competence and warmth (in)congruence of service robots and consumer recommendation intention. Fourth, consumer paradox mindset moderated the effect of anthropomorphic competence and warmth (in)congruence of service robots on consumer attachment to service robots. These research conclusions have made important theoretical contributions and practical guidance for the research of anthropomorphic service robots and consumer attitudes.
Compacitification and Positive Mass Theorem for Fibered Euclidean End
Authors: Dai Xianzhe , Sun Yukai
Published: June 2023

We consider the Positive Mass Theorem for Riemannian manifolds $$(M^{n},g)$$

(

M
n

,
g
)

with the asymptotic end $$(\mathbb {R}^{k}\times X^{n-k}, g_{\mathbb {R}^{k}}+g_{X})$$

(

R

k

×

X

n
-
k

,

g

R

k

+

g
X

)

($$k\ge 3$$

k
≥
3

) by studying the corresponding compactification problem. Here $$(X, g_X)$$

(
X
,

g
X

)

is a compact scalar flat manifold. We show that the Positive Mass Theorem holds if certain generalized connected sum admits no metric of positive scalar curvature. Moreover we establish the rigidity result, namely, the mass is zero iff M is isometric to $$\mathbb {R}^{k}\times X^{n-k}$$

R

k

×

X

n
-
k

.
A massive Critically Endangered cloud forest tree, Microcos rumpi (Grewiaceae) new to science from the Rumpi Hills, SW Region, Cameroon
Authors: Cheek Martin , Edwards Sara , Onana Jean Michel
Published: June 2023

We describe Microcos rumpi (Grewiaceae) a massive new species to science from the Rumpi Hills of SW Region Cameroon, a proposed Tropical Important Plant Area. Confined on current evidence to submontane forest, the species is threatened by expanding habitat clearance for farms and is assessed as Critically Endangered. A large tree, attaining 35 – 40 m height, and 80 cm trunk diam. at 1.3 m above ground, its biomass is calculated as in the range of 7 – 8 metric tonnes. It is the third tree species of the genus recorded from Cameroon and only the fourth recorded west of D.R. Congo. A key to these four species is presented.

The concept of Microcos in Africa in relation to Grewia is discussed, and three new combinations are made, transferring three species names from Grewia to Microcos: Microcos louisii (R.Wilczek) Cheek, M. evrardii (R.Wilczek) Cheek and M. schmitzii (R.Wilczek) Cheek.
Neuronal Histone Methyltransferase EZH2 Regulates Neuronal Morphogenesis, Synaptic Plasticity, and Cognitive Behavior in Mice
Authors: Zhang Mei , Zhang Yong , Xu Qian , Crawford Joshua , Qian Cheng , Wang Guo-Hua , Qian Jiang , Dong Xin-Zhong , Pletnikov Mikhail V. , Liu Chang-Mei , Zhou Feng-Quan
Published: June 2023

The histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2 subunit (EZH2)-mediated trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) regulates neural stem cell proliferation and fate specificity through silencing different gene sets in the central nervous system. Here, we explored the function of EZH2 in early post-mitotic neurons by generating a neuron-specific Ezh2 conditional knockout mouse line. The results showed that a lack of neuronal EZH2 led to delayed neuronal migration, more complex dendritic arborization, and increased dendritic spine density. Transcriptome analysis revealed that neuronal EZH2-regulated genes are related to neuronal morphogenesis. In particular, the gene encoding p21-activated kinase 3 (Pak3) was identified as a target gene suppressed by EZH2 and H3K27me3, and expression of the dominant negative Pak3 reversed Ezh2 knockout-induced higher dendritic spine density. Finally, the lack of neuronal EZH2 resulted in impaired memory behaviors in adult mice. Our results demonstrated that neuronal EZH2 acts to control multiple steps of neuronal morphogenesis during development, and has long-lasting effects on cognitive function in adult mice.
The Lambert function method in qualitative analysis of fractional delay differential equations
Authors: Čermák Jan , Kisela Tomáš , Nechvátal Luděk
Published: June 2023

We discuss an analytical method for qualitative investigations of linear fractional delay differential equations. This method originates from the Lambert function technique that is traditionally used in stability analysis of ordinary delay differential equations. Contrary to the existing results based on such a technique, we show that the method can result into fully explicit stability criteria for a linear fractional delay differential equation, supported by a precise description of its asymptotics. As a by-product of our investigations, we also state alternate proofs of some classical assertions that are given in a more lucid form compared to the existing proofs.
Optimal interplanetary trajectories for Sun-facing ideal diffractive sails
Authors: Quarta Alessandro A. , Mengali Giovanni , Bassetto Marco , Niccolai Lorenzo
Published: June 2023

A diffractive sail is a solar sail whose exposed surface is covered by an advanced diffractive metamaterial film with engineered optical properties. This study examines the optimal performance of a diffractive solar sail with a Sun-facing attitude in a typical orbit-to-orbit heliocentric transfer. A Sun-facing attitude, which can be passively maintained through the suitable design of the sail shape, is obtained when the sail nominal plane is perpendicular to the Sun–spacecraft line. Unlike an ideal reflective sail, a Sun-facing diffractive sail generates a large transverse thrust component that can be effectively exploited to change the orbital angular momentum. Using a recent thrust model, this study determines the optimal control law of a Sun-facing ideal diffractive sail and simulates the minimum transfer times for a set of interplanetary mission scenarios. It also quantifies the performance difference between Sun-facing diffractive sail and reflective sail. A case study presents the results of a potential mission to the asteroid 16 Psyche.