bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ontology-Based Task Allocation for Heterogeneous Resources in Line-Less Mobile Assembly Systems
Authors: Kluge-Wilkes Aline , Gunaseelan Balaji , Schmitt Robert H.
Published: July 2023

Volatile markets and production request for assembly systems adaptable to changes of product types, production capacity, and product order. Computer-aided decision support systems facilitate scheduling, planning, and controlling adaptive and flexible assembly systems. Formal description models of resources and their capabilities, assembly tasks and their requirements are necessary for automated decision-making. This paper contributes a conceptual CAPabILity-based resource AllocatioN Ontology (CAPILANO). The ontology is tailored as a uniform description of heterogeneous assembly resources and their (combined) capabilities, connected to a capability-based task allocation approach. The intended application of the resulting framework is the identification of suitable assembly resources in Line-less Mobile Assembly Systems (LMAS) and their allocation to assembly tasks, based on a unified and formal description. To date, ontologies in assembly have been limited to querying resources and their capabilities; here, subsequent task allocation is presented as an integral component of a tailored framework. The resulting framework consists of a model of heterogeneous resources and their capabilities in an ontology created in Protégé in OWL, SPARQL-based querying, and a consecutive and availability-aware task allocation in Python. The development of the ontology-based task allocation framework, including ontology taxonomy, querying and task allocation, is discussed. Its applicability in LMAS is demonstrated through linear scalability of task allocation and future advances are discussed.
Usability of Augmented Reality Assisted Commissioning of Industrial Robot Programs
Authors: Wulff Lukas Antonio , Brand Michael , Schüppstuhl Thorsten
Published: July 2023

This paper analyses the usability of Augmented Reality (AR) in the commissioning and programming of industrial robots. Conducting two individual studies with a total of 31 participants we analysed the three dimensions of usability: effectiveness, efficiency, and user satisfaction by comparing our developed AR system with the conventional Teach-In programming method during the commissioning and modification of offline created robot programs. The results indicate that, while less accurate and hence effective, the AR system is more efficient and has a higher user satisfaction. Beyond that a posture analysis indicates that during a timeframe of 30 min the additional weight of the AR device does not significantly worsen the posture of a worker. Complemented by the positive result of the System Usability Score (SUS) that rates the analysed AR system with a good usability, the overall results indicate that while still limited by its achievable accuracy AR is an intuitive medium to conduct robot programming and commissioning.
Discrete Filter and Non-Gaussian Noise for Fast Roughness Simulations with Gaussian Processes
Authors: Jawaid A. , Seewig J.
Published: July 2023

Rough surface simulations result in tight feedback loops in research procedures, such that they speed up studies for example about roughness’ impact on tribology or fluid dynamics. To model and simulate a broad spectrum of rough surfaces, Gaussian processes (GP) have been suggested recently. However, these models are limited on surfaces with small sizes since computational time-costs and memory-costs of simulations with standard procedures scale cubically and quadratically, respectively. In this paper, we apply the discrete filter approach which is a special case of GPs. We use the discrete filter with the fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm to efficiently sample from a high-dimensional Gaussian distribution and we compare its computational costs with the contour integral quadrature algorithm. Our experiments show that GPs benefit from FFT and allow stationary rough surfaces with sizes as large as 30, 000 × 30, 000 to be efficiently sampled. Since this approach is complementary to the GP and noise model approach, we also show simulations of rough surfaces with underlying non-Gaussian noise models that can reduce computational complexity.
Framework to Improve the Energy Performance During Design for Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Yi L. , Wu X. , Glatt M. , Ravani B. , Aurich J. C.
Published: July 2023

Additive manufacturing (AM) is suitable for designing and producing complex components that are difficult or impossible to manufacture with conventional manufacturing processes. To ensure the design benefits of AM, novel design approaches such as structural topology optimization and cellular structure design are widely used and bring up the research domain of design for AM (DfAM). However, conventional DfAM approaches mainly focus on the geometry and manufacturability of AM components and rarely consider energy performance as an improvement objective. Given that the energy consumption in AM processes can be a great contributor to the overall environmental impact in the production stage with AM, the evaluation and improvement of the energy performance of AM should be considered in the DfAM approaches; otherwise, opportunities to improve the energy performance by changing product features are missed. To address this research question, we are proposing a framework that enables the evaluation and improvement of the energy performance of AM in the design stage resulting in a new method for DfAM. To validate the framework, two use cases are presented to illustrate the feasibility of developed methods and tools.
Investigation of Micro Grinding via Kinematic Simulations
Authors: Altherr N. , Kirsch B. , Aurich J. C.
Published: July 2023

With increasing demand for micro structured surfaces in hard and brittle materials, the importance of micro grinding increases. The application of micro pencil grinding tools (MPGTs) in combination with ultra precision multi axes machine tools allow an increased freedom of shaping. However, small dimensions of the grinding tools below 500 µm substantiate high rotational speeds and low feed rates to enable the machining process. Besides, the abrasive grits of the tool can be large in comparison to the tool dimensions. All factors will influence the resulting surface topography of the workpiece. But some of the topography properties are no longer accessible for optical measurements, making process evaluations and improvements difficult.

In the present contribution the measurement results are supplemented by the results of a kinematic simulation model. The built up of such a kinematic simulation is described, which considers real process and tool properties. The results received by the simulation are compared to measurements to validate the model and point out the advantages of the simulations. In a further step, a principle is shown how the simulation can be used to make the undeformed chip thickness accessible, a process result which cannot be measured within the real machining process.
Visual Analysis and Anomaly Detection of Material Flow in Manufacturing
Authors: Kinner E. , Glatt M. , Aurich J. C. , Garth C.
Published: July 2023

The automated tracking of objects in factories via real-time locating systems (RTLS) is gaining increased attention due to its improved availability, technical sophistication, and most of all, its plethora of applications. The tracking of workpieces through their production process, for example, unlocks a detailed understanding of timings, patterns, and bottlenecks. While research mostly focuses on technological advancements, the analysis of the generated data is often left unclear. We propose a visual analysis framework based on ultra-wide-band (UWB) RTLS tracking data of material flow for this purpose. With this, we present an analysis and define a practical approach for how factory-level data can be analyzed. Advanced algorithms adapted from non-adjacent research domains are used to process and detect anomalies in the data, which would otherwise be hidden behind oversimplified analysis methods. Our approach considers different levels of granularity for the analysis in its visualization and, therefore, scales with increasing data sizes effortlessly. We also generated a ground truth dataset of RTLS UWB data with labeled anomaly cases. Combined, we provide a full, end-to-end, efficient processing and multi-visualization analysis pipeline for self-contained yet generalizable UWB RTLS data.
Embedding-Space Explanations of Learned Mixture Behavior
Authors: Sohns J.-T. , Gond D. , Jirasek F. , Hasse H. , Weber G. H. , Leitte H.
Published: July 2023

Data-driven machine learning (ML) models are attracting increasing interest in chemical engineering and already partly outperform traditional physical simulations. Previous work in this field has mainly focused on improving the models’ statistical performance while the thereby imparted knowledge has been taken for granted. However, also the structures learned by the model during the training are fascinating yet non-trivial to assess as they are usually high-dimensional. As such, the interpretable communication of the relationship between the learned model and domain knowledge is vital for its evaluation by applying engineers. Specifically, visual analytics enables the interactive exploration of data sets and can thus reveal structures in otherwise too large-scale or too complex data.

This chapter focuses on the thermodynamic modeling of mixtures of substances using the so-called activity coefficients as exemplary measures. We present and apply two visualization techniques that enable analyzing high-dimensional learned substance descriptors compared to chemical domain knowledge. We found explanations regarding chemical classes for most of the learned descriptor structures and striking correlations with physicochemical properties.
Vorgehensweise
Authors: Schlander Michael , Schäfer Ramon , Selberg Lorenz
Published: July 2023

In Kap. 3 wird der gewählte Zugang zum Thema skizziert, beginnend mit einer Beschreibung des Umfangs des Gegenstands „Laboratoriumsmedizin“. Ausgehend von einer Analyse der Krankheitslast der Bevölkerung wurde eine thematische Eingrenzung in der Weise vorgenommen, dass für diejenigen Krankheitsgebiete, die als wichtigste Verursacher von Morbidität und Mortalität in der Schweiz hervortreten, jeweils mindestens ein labormedizinisches Testverfahren ausgewählt und auf seinen Nutzen untersucht wurde. Dieser Abschnitt wird unterstützt von einer Beschreibung der Messung von Krankheitslast (oder „Burden of Disease“) mithilfe des Konstrukts der „Disability-Adjusted Life Years“ (DALYs).
Zukunftspotenziale der Labormedizin
Authors: Schlander Michael , Schäfer Ramon , Selberg Lorenz
Published: July 2023

Das Kap. 5 gilt aktuellen wissenschaftlichen Entwicklungen und den sich daraus ergebenden vielversprechenden Chancen. Naturgemäss lässt sich deren Nutzen selbst bei erfolgreicher technischer Realisierung zum jetzigen Zeitpunkt noch nicht abschliessend beurteilen. Die bekannten Erfolgsrisiken, die mit der Durchführung medizinischer Forschungs- und Entwicklungsprojekte verknüpft sind, legen nahe, dass sich nicht alle mit ihnen verbundenen Hoffnungen erfüllen werden.
II. Kapitel: Zur Frage nach Kontinuität und Diskontinuität – Unzuverlässiges Erzählen vor der Nachkriegsliteratur
Authors: Aumüller Matthias
Published: July 2023

Kaum eine historische Zäsur ist so schmal an Jahren und reicht so tief wie die Zeit des Nationalsozialismus. Es gibt Gründe für die Annahme, dass mit ihrem Ende – nachdem nicht nur Europa durch militärische Aktionen weitgehend in Schutt und Asche gelegt worden war, sondern auch ganze Bevölkerungsgruppen zu großen Teilen einer industriell betriebenen Ausrottung zum Opfer gefallen waren – etwas Neues begann, nicht nur im politischen, sondern auch im literarischen Leben. Das sahen nicht zuletzt die Repräsentanten der Nachkriegsliteratur selbst so.
V. Kapitel: Unzuverlässiges Erzählen nach Max Frisch
Authors: Aumüller Matthias
Published: July 2023

Unzweifelhaft haben Max Frisch und Friedrich Dürrenmatt der Literatur der Schweiz nach 1945 zu internationalem Ansehen verholfen. Ihre besondere Stellung innerhalb der Schweiz verdankt sich nicht zuletzt ihrer kritischen Haltung gegenüber in der Schweiz weithin anerkannten politischen und gesellschaftlichen Gepflogenheiten. Die nächste Autorengeneration, die nicht nur in der Schweiz, sondern überall aufmüpfiger war, konnte daran anknüpfen.
IX. Kapitel: Eine falsche Theorie – Alfred Anderschs Efraim (1967)
Authors: Aumüller Matthias
Published: July 2023

Alfred Andersch ist eine der Schlüsselfiguren der westdeutschen Nachkriegsliteratur. Seine Bedeutung für die Literatur und das literarische Leben gründet auf mehreren Faktoren. Chronologisch gesehen, steht seine Tätigkeit als Herausgeber der politisch-literarischen Zeitschrift Der Ruf in Zusammenarbeit mit Hans Werner Richter am Anfang seiner Karriere.
The empirical modelling of house prices and debt revisited: a policy-oriented perspective
Authors: Boug Pål , Hungnes Håvard , Kurita Takamitsu
Published: July 2023

The recent boom in house prices in many countries during the COVID-19 pandemic and the possibility of household financial distress are of concern among some central banks. We revisit the empirical modelling of house prices and household debt with a policy-oriented perspective using Norwegian data over the last four decades within the cointegrated VAR model. Our findings suggest, in line with previous work, a long-run mutually reinforcing relationship between these financial magnitudes, and thus the potential for the build-up of financial instabilities and spillover effects to the real economy. Applying a policy control analysis, we find that both house prices and debt are controllable magnitudes to some pre-specified target levels through the mortgage interest rate, which enables the central bank to reduce large fluctuations and bubble tendencies in the housing market. The present control analysis thus provides some useful policy implications from empirically relevant representations of two important financial factors entering the decision process of the policy maker.
Lysergic acid diethylamide stimulates cardiac human H2 histamine and cardiac human 5-HT4-serotonin receptors
Authors: Gergs Ulrich , Jacob Hannes , Braekow Pauline , Hofmann Britt , Pockes Steffen , Humphrys Laura J. , Kirchhefer Uwe , Fehse Charlotte , Neumann Joachim
Published: July 2023

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is an artificial hallucinogenic drug. Thus, we hypothesized that LSD might act 5-HT4 serotonin receptors and/or H2 histamine receptors. We studied isolated electrically stimulated left atrial preparations, spontaneously beating right atrial preparations, and spontaneously beating Langendorff-perfused hearts from transgenic mice with cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression of the human 5-HT4 receptor (5-HT4-TG) or of the H2-histamine receptor (H2-TG). For comparison, we used wild type littermate mice (WT). Finally, we measured isometric force of contraction in isolated electrically stimulated muscle strips from the human right atrium obtained from patients during bypass surgery. LSD (up to 10 µM) concentration dependently increased force of contraction and beating rate in left or right atrial preparations from 5-HT4-TG (n = 6, p < 0.05) in 5-HT4-TG atrial preparations. The inotropic and chronotropic effects of LSD were antagonized by 10 µM tropisetron in 5-HT4-TG. In contrast, LSD (10 µM) increased force of contraction and beating rate in left or right atrial preparations, from H2-TG. After pre-stimulation with cilostamide (1 µM), LSD (10 µM) increased force of contraction in human atrial preparations (n = 6, p < 0.05). The contractile effects of LSD in human atrial preparations could be antagonized by 10 µM cimetidine and 1 µM GR 125487. LSD leads to H2-histamine receptor and 5-HT4-receptor mediated cardiac effects in humans.
Is PSMA PET/CT cost-effective for the primary staging in prostate cancer? First results for European countries and the USA based on the proPSMA trial
Authors: Holzgreve Adrien , Unterrainer Marcus , Calais Jérémie , Adams Thaiza , Oprea-Lager Daniela E. , Goffin Karolien , Lopci Egesta , Unterrainer Lena M. , Kramer Kristina K. M. , Schmidt-Hegemann Nina-Sophie , Casuscelli Jozefina , Stief Christian G. , Ricke Jens , Bartenstein Peter , Kunz Wolfgang G. , Mehrens Dirk
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The proPSMA trial at ten Australian centers demonstrated increased sensitivity and specificity for PSMA PET/CT compared to conventional imaging regarding metastatic status in primary high-risk prostate cancer patients. A cost-effectiveness analysis showed benefits of PSMA PET/CT over conventional imaging for the Australian setting. However, comparable data for other countries are lacking. Therefore, we aimed to verify the cost-effectiveness of PSMA PET/CT in several European countries as well as the USA.

Methods

Clinical data on diagnostic accuracy were derived from the proPSMA trial. Costs for PSMA PET/CT and conventional imaging were taken from reimbursements of national health systems and individual billing information of selected centers in Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and the USA. For comparability, scan duration and the decision tree of the analysis were adopted from the Australian cost-effectiveness study.

Results

In contrast to the Australian setting, PSMA PET/CT was primarily associated with increased costs in the studied centers in Europe and the USA. Mainly, the scan duration had an impact on the cost-effectiveness. However, costs for an accurate diagnosis using PSMA PET/CT seemed reasonably low compared to the potential consequential costs of an inaccurate diagnosis.

Conclusion

We assume that the use of PSMA PET/CT is appropriate from a health economic perspective, but this will need to be verified by a prospective evaluation of patients at initial diagnosis.
Safety and Efficacy of Percutaneous Liver Microwave Ablation Using a Fully Water-Cooled Choke Ring Antenna: First Multicenter Clinical Report
Authors: Blain Maxime , Narayanan Govindarajan , Ricoeur Alexis , Kobe Adrian , Mahendra Ashwin M. , Jacks Blake , Letty Quentin , Bonnet Baptiste , Tselikas Lambros , Deschamps Frederic , de Baère Thierry
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The safety and efficacy of a microwave ablation (MWA) system for the liver with novel technologies in field control, antenna cooling through the inner part of the choke ring, and dual temperature monitoring were evaluated in this multicenter retrospective study.

Material and Methods

Ablation characteristics and efficacy were assessed on follow-up imaging (computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging). Safety was evaluated according to CTCAE classification.

Results

Eighty-seven liver tumors (65 metastases and 22 hepatocellular carcinomas) measuring 17.8 ± 7.9 mm were treated in 68 patients. Ablation zones measured 35.6 ± 11 mm in longest diameter. The coefficients of variation of the longest and shortest ablation diameters were 30.1% and 26.4%, respectively. The mean sphericity index of the ablation zone was 0.78 ± 0.14. Seventy-one ablations (82%) had a sphericity index above 0.66. At 1 month, all tumors demonstrated complete ablation with margins of 0–5 mm, 5–10 mm, and greater than 10 mm achieved in 22%, 46%, and 31% of tumors, respectively. After a median follow-up of 10 months, local tumor control was achieved in 84.7% of treated tumors after a single ablation and in 86% after one patient received a second ablation. One grade 3 complication (stress ulcer) occurred, but was unrelated to the procedure. Ablation zone size and geometry in this clinical study were in accordance with previously reported in vivo preclinical findings.

Conclusion

Promising results were reported for this MWA device. The high spherical index, reproducibility, and predictability of the resulting treatment zones translated to a high percentage of adequate safety margins, providing good local control rate.
Plasminogen activator inhibitor-2 and impaired fibrinolysis in pregnancy and sickle cell anemia
Authors: Shome Durjoy , Al-Jamea Lamiaa , Woodman Alexander , Salem Abdel Halim , Bakhiet Moiz , Taha Safa , Sandhu Amarjit Kaur , Al-Yami Fatimah S. , Waheed Khawaja Bilal , Elnagi Elmoeiz Ali , Almish Mohammed , Quiambao Jenifer Vecina
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This is the first study that aimed to determine antigen levels in plasma and genotypes of PAI-2 in pregnant and non-pregnant homozygous sickle cell anemia (SCA) patients.

Methods

The study subjects were all Bahraini females in the reproductive age group. The study population included 31 pregnant homozygous SS (SCA) patients. Three control groups were also studied to evaluate the effect of pregnancy and SCA on PAI-2 levels and fibrinolysis: (1) 31 healthy non-pregnant volunteers; (2) 31 cases of normal pregnancy; and (3) 20 non-pregnant SCA patients. Pregnancies were screened in the second (TM2) and third (TM3) trimesters. Global coagulation, fibrinolysis rate (euglobulin clot lysis time, ECLT), PAI-2 antigen (ELISA), and PAI-2 Ser(413)/Cys polymorphism (restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis) were determined.

Results

Feto-maternal complications were documented in both pregnancy groups. PAI-2 antigen levels were undetectable in the non-pregnant groups, but was quantifiable in both pregnant groups. Impaired fibrinolysis rate and rising PAI-2 levels with progression of pregnancy were observed in both healthy and SCA subjects. These changes were more prominent in SCA, although the rise in ECLT was less steep and PAI-2 antigen levels were not significantly different compared to normal pregnancy in the third trimester. No correlation was observed between PAI-2 genotypes and plasma antigen levels. Also, no significant difference in feto-maternal complications was found in normal (n = 25) versus SCA pregnant patients (n = 30).

Conclusions

These observations suggest that with progression of pregnancy, increasing PAI-2 levels contribute to the hypercoagulable state, particularly in SCA patients.
Prediction of Age Older than 18 Years in Sub-adults by MRI Segmentation of 1st and 2nd Molars
Authors: Bjørk Mai Britt , Kvaal Sigrid Ingeborg , Bleka Øyvind , Sakinis Tomas , Tuvnes Frode Alexander , Haugland Mari-Ann , Eggesbø Heidi Beate , Lauritzen Peter Mæhre
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To investigate prediction of age older than 18 years in sub-adults using tooth tissue volumes from MRI segmentation of the entire 1st and 2nd molars, and to establish a model for combining information from two different molars.

Materials and methods

We acquired T2 weighted MRIs of 99 volunteers with a 1.5-T scanner. Segmentation was performed using SliceOmatic (Tomovision©). Linear regression was used to analyse the association between mathematical transformation outcomes of tissue volumes, age, and sex. Performance of different outcomes and tooth combinations were assessed based on the p-value of the age variable, common, or separate for each sex, depending on the selected model. The predictive probability of being older than 18 years was obtained by a Bayesian approach using information from the 1st and 2nd molars both separately and combined.

Results

1st molars from 87 participants, and 2nd molars from 93 participants were included. The age range was 14-24 years with a median age of 18 years. The transformation outcome (high signal soft tissue + low signal soft tissue)/total had the strongest statistical association with age for the lower right 1st (p= 7.1*10-4 for males) and 2nd molar (p=9.44×10-7 for males and p=7.4×10-10 for females). Combining the lower right 1st and 2nd molar in males did not increase the prediction performance compared to using the best tooth alone.

Conclusion

MRI segmentation of the lower right 1st and 2nd molar might prove useful in the prediction of age older than 18 years in sub-adults. We provided a statistical framework to combine the information from two molars.
OME-Zarr: a cloud-optimized bioimaging file format with international community support
Authors: Moore Josh , Basurto-Lozada Daniela , Besson Sébastien , Bogovic John , Bragantini Jordão , Brown Eva M. , Burel Jean-Marie , Casas Moreno Xavier , de Medeiros Gustavo , Diel Erin E. , Gault David , Ghosh Satrajit S. , Gold Ilan , Halchenko Yaroslav O. , Hartley Matthew , Horsfall Dave , Keller Mark S. , Kittisopikul Mark , Kovacs Gabor , Küpcü Yoldaş Aybüke , Kyoda Koji , le Tournoulx de la Villegeorges Albane , Li Tong , Liberali Prisca , Lindner Dominik , Linkert Melissa , Lüthi Joel , Maitin-Shepard Jeremy , Manz Trevor , Marconato Luca , McCormick Matthew , Lange Merlin , Mohamed Khaled , Moore William , Norlin Nils , Ouyang Wei , Özdemir Bugra , Palla Giovanni , Pape Constantin , Pelkmans Lucas , Pietzsch Tobias , Preibisch Stephan , Prete Martin , Rzepka Norman , Samee Sameeul , Schaub Nicholas , Sidky Hythem , Solak Ahmet Can , Stirling David R. , Striebel Jonathan , Tischer Christian , Toloudis Daniel , Virshup Isaac , Walczysko Petr , Watson Alan M. , Weisbart Erin , Wong Frances , Yamauchi Kevin A. , Bayraktar Omer , Cimini Beth A. , Gehlenborg Nils , Haniffa Muzlifah , Hotaling Nathan , Onami Shuichi , Royer Loic A. , Saalfeld Stephan , Stegle Oliver , Theis Fabian J. , Swedlow Jason R.
Published: July 2023

A growing community is constructing a next-generation file format (NGFF) for bioimaging to overcome problems of scalability and heterogeneity. Organized by the Open Microscopy Environment (OME), individuals and institutes across diverse modalities facing these problems have designed a format specification process (OME-NGFF) to address these needs. This paper brings together a wide range of those community members to describe the cloud-optimized format itself—OME-Zarr—along with tools and data resources available today to increase FAIR access and remove barriers in the scientific process. The current momentum offers an opportunity to unify a key component of the bioimaging domain—the file format that underlies so many personal, institutional, and global data management and analysis tasks.
Branchioma with a nested/organoid morphology: molecular profiling of a distinctive potentially misleading variant and reappraisal of potential relationship to CD34-positive/Rb1-deficient tumors of the neck
Authors: Baněčková Martina , Michal Michael , Vaněček Tomáš , Grossman Petr , Nikolov Dimitar Hadži , Včelák Radek , Žalud Radim , Michal Michal , Agaimy Abbas
Published: July 2023

Branchioma (previously called ectopic hamartomatous thymoma, branchial anlage mixed tumor, or thymic anlage tumor) is a rare lower neck lesion with an adult male predominance and an uncertain histogenesis. Except for 4 cases, all branchiomas described in the literature were benign. Recently, HRAS mutation was detected in one case, but still little is known about the molecular genetic background of this rare entity. We herein report the histological, immunohistochemical, and molecular genetic analysis of a branchioma with a nested/organoid (neuroendocrine-like) morphology in a 78-year-old man. Histology revealed classical branchioma areas merging with nested/organoid cellular component lacking conventional features of malignancy. Immunohistochemistry was positive for high-molecular-weight cytokeratins. CD34 was expressed in the spindle cell component. Moreover, the tumor cells showed near-complete loss of retinoblastoma (RB1) expression (<1% of cells positive). All neuroendocrine markers (synaptophysin, chromogranin, and INSM1) were negative. Next-generation sequencing (TSO500 Panel) revealed 5 pathogenic/likely pathogenic mutations including 1 mutation in KRAS and 2 different mutations in each of MSH6 and PTEN. FISH and DNA sequencing were negative for RB1 gene alterations. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a branchioma showing misleading nested/organoid morphology and the first report on Rb1 immunodeficiency in this entity, in addition to multiple gene mutations revealed by NGS.
Iterated Medial Triangle Subdivision in Surfaces of Constant Curvature
Authors: Brunck Florestan
Published: July 2023

Consider a geodesic triangle on a surface of constant curvature and subdivide it recursively into four triangles by joining the midpoints of its edges. We show the existence of a uniform $$\delta >0$$

δ
>
0

such that, at any step of the subdivision, all the triangle angles lie in the interval $$(\delta ,\pi -\delta )$$

(
δ
,
π
-
δ
)

. Additionally, we exhibit stabilising behaviours for both angles and lengths as this subdivision progresses.
A hybrid artificial intelligence solution approach to aftercare for cancer patients
Authors: Scherrer Alexander , Zimmermann Tobias , Riedel Sinan , Venios Stefanos , Koussouris Sotiris , Plakia Maria , Diamantopoulos Sotiris , Athanassopoulos Sotiris , Laras Paris , Mousa Fihmi , Zifrid Robert , Tillil Hartmut , Musisi Isa Wasswa , Kosmidis Thanos , Reis Joaquim C. , Moehler Markus , Oestreicher Gabrielle , Kalamaras Ilias , Pantelidou Konstantina , Votis Konstantinos , Vassiliou Charalampos
Published: July 2023

This publication presents a solution approach to oncological aftercare for cancer patients by means of artificial intelligence (AI) methods. This approach shall support patients in overcoming the after-effects of therapy effectively with suitable supportive actions and health-care professionals in goal-oriented planning of these actions. Different AI methods are used for analyzing patients’ needs for supportive actions depending on the available health data and for a monitoring of these actions. Decision support methods are used for effective planning of actions based on the AI results of analysis. The solution approach is realized in the form of a web application for health-care professionals, which allows for data analysis and planning of actions, and a mobile application for patients, which facilitates documentation and monitoring of supportive actions. In combination, they facilitate a closed-loop workflow for the effective cooperation of health-care professionals and cancer patients. The solution approach is illustrated for an exemplary case scenario of colorectal cancer.
A dimensionality reduction approach for convolutional neural networks
Authors: Meneghetti Laura , Demo Nicola , Rozza Gianluigi
Published: July 2023

The focus of this work is on the application of classical Model Order Reduction techniques, such as Active Subspaces and Proper Orthogonal Decomposition, to Deep Neural Networks. We propose a generic methodology to reduce the number of layers in a pre-trained network by combining the aforementioned techniques for dimensionality reduction with input-output mappings, such as Polynomial Chaos Expansion and Feedforward Neural Networks. The motivation behind compressing the architecture of an existing Convolutional Neural Network arises from its usage in embedded systems with specific storage constraints. The conducted numerical tests demonstrate that the resulting reduced networks can achieve a level of accuracy comparable to the original Convolutional Neural Network being examined, while also saving memory allocation. Our primary emphasis lies in the field of image recognition, where we tested our methodology using VGG-16 and ResNet-110 architectures against three different datasets: CIFAR-10, CIFAR-100, and a custom dataset.
A Numerical Study on Premixed Turbulent Planar Ammonia/Air and Ammonia/Hydrogen/Air Flames: An Analysis on Flame Displacement Speed and Burning Velocity
Authors: Tamadonfar Parsa , Karimkashi Shervin , Kaario Ossi , Vuorinen Ville
Published: July 2023

The economic storage and transportation of ammonia ($$\hbox {NH}_3$$

NH
3

), and its capability to be thermally decomposed to hydrogen ($$\hbox {H}_2$$

H
2

) make it a potential carbon-free synthetic fuel for the future. To comprehend the fundamental characteristics of $$\hbox {NH}_3$$

NH
3

as a primary fuel enriched with $$\hbox {H}_2$$

H
2

under low turbulent premixed flame conditions, three quasi direct numerical simulations (quasi-DNS) with detailed chemistry and the mixture-averaged transport model are conducted under decaying turbulence herein. The Karlovitz number is fixed to 4.28 for all the test conditions. The blending ratio ($$\alpha$$
α
), specifying the hydrogen concentration in the ammonia/hydrogen mixture, varies from 0.0 to 0.6. The results reveal that the mean value of the density-weighted flame displacement speed ($$S_{\textrm{d}}^{*}$$

S

d

∗

) is similar to (higher than) the unstrained premixed laminar burning velocity ($$S_{\textrm{L}}^{0}$$

S

L

0

) for $$\hbox {NH}_3/$$

NH
3

/

air flame ($$\hbox {NH}_3/\hbox {H}_2/$$

NH
3

/

H
2

/

air flames). Furthermore, the performance of two extrapolation relations for estimating $$S_{\textrm{d}}^{*}$$

S

d

∗

as linear and non-linear functions of flame front curvature is discussed thoroughly. The performances of both models are almost similar when evaluating the data near the leading edge of the flame. However, the non-linear one offers more accurate results near the trailing edge of the flame. The results show that the mean flame stretch factor increases with increasing the blending ratio, suggesting that the mean flamelet consumption velocity deviates from $$S_{\textrm{L}}^{0}$$

S

L

0

by enriching the mixture with $$\hbox {H}_2$$

H
2

. The mean value of the local equivalence ratio ($$\phi$$
ϕ
) for the turbulent $$\hbox {NH}_3/$$

NH
3

/

air flame is almost equal to its laminar counterpart, while it deviates significantly for $$\hbox {NH}_3/\hbox {H}_2/$$

NH
3

/

H
2

/

air flames. In addition, the local equivalence ratio for the flame front with positive curvature values is higher than the negatively curved regions for $$\hbox {NH}_3/\hbox {H}_2/$$

NH
3

/

H
2

/

air flames due to $$\hbox {H}_2$$

H
2

preferential diffusion. Furthermore, the results indicate that hydrogen is consumed faster in positively curved regions compared to the negatively curved zones due to enhanced reaction rates of specific chemical reactions.
Physicalism Without the Idols of Mathematics
Authors: Szabó László E.
Published: July 2023

I will argue that the ontological doctrine of physicalism inevitably entails the denial that there is anything conceptual in logic and mathematics. The elements of a formal system, even if they are tagged by suggestive names, are merely meaningless parts of a physically existing machinery, which have nothing to do with concepts, because they have nothing to do with the actual things. The only situation in which they can become meaning-carriers is when they are involved in a physical theory. But in this role they refer to elements of the physical reality, i.e. they represent a physical concept. “Mathematical concepts” are just idols, that philosophy can completely deny and physics can completely ignore.
Characterization of pneumococcal serotype 7F in vaccine conjugation
Authors: Deng James Z , Jia Xiujuan , Zong Chengli , He Jian , Ha Sha , Zhuang Ping
Published: July 2023

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a highly invasive bacterial pathogen that can cause a range of illnesses. Pneumococcal capsular polysaccharides (CPS) are the main virulence factors that causes invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). Pneumococcal CPS serotype 7F along with a few other serotypes is more invasive and likely to cause IPD. Therefore, 7F is a target for pneumococcal vaccine development, and is included in the two recently approved multi-valent pneumococcal conjugated vaccines, i.e. VAXNEUVANCE and PREVNAR 20.

To support process and development of our 15-valent pneumococcal conjugated vaccine (PCV15), chromatographic methods have been developed for 7F polysaccharide and conjugate characterization. A size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) method with UV, light scattering and refractive index detections was employed for concentration, size and conformation analysis. A reversed-phase ultra-performance liquid chromatography (RP-UPLC) method was used for analysis of conjugate monosaccharide composition and degree of conjugation. The collective information obtained by these chromatographic analysis provided insights into the pneumococcal conjugate and conjugation process.

Graphical Abstract
Covid-19 triage in the emergency department 2.0: how analytics and AI transform a human-made algorithm for the prediction of clinical pathways
Authors: Bartenschlager Christina C. , Grieger Milena , Erber Johanna , Neidel Tobias , Borgmann Stefan , Vehreschild Jörg J. , Steinbrecher Markus , Rieg Siegbert , Stecher Melanie , Dhillon Christine , Ruethrich Maria M. , Jakob Carolin E. M. , Hower Martin , Heller Axel R. , Vehreschild Maria , Wyen Christoph , Messmann Helmut , Piepel Christiane , Brunner Jens O. , Hanses Frank , Römmele Christoph ,   on behalf of the LEOSS study group, Spinner Christoph , Ruethrich Maria Madeleine , Lanznaster Julia , Römmele Christoph , Wille Kai , Tometten Lukas , Dolff Sebastian , von Bergwelt-Baildon Michael , Merle Uta , Rothfuss Katja , Isberner Nora , Jung Norma , Göpel Siri , vom Dahl Juergen , Degenhardt Christian , Strauss Richard , Gruener Beate , Eberwein Lukas , Hellwig Kerstin , Rauschning Dominic , Neufang Mark , Westhoff Timm , Raichle Claudia , Akova Murat , Jensen Bjoern-Erik , Schubert Joerg , Grunwald Stephan , Friedrichs Anette , Trauth Janina , de With Katja , Guggemos Wolfgang , Kielstein Jan , Heigener David , Markart Philipp , Bals Robert , Stieglitz Sven , Voigt Ingo , Taubel Jorg , Milovanovic Milena
Published: July 2023

The Covid-19 pandemic has pushed many hospitals to their capacity limits. Therefore, a triage of patients has been discussed controversially primarily through an ethical perspective. The term triage contains many aspects such as urgency of treatment, severity of the disease and pre-existing conditions, access to critical care, or the classification of patients regarding subsequent clinical pathways starting from the emergency department. The determination of the pathways is important not only for patient care, but also for capacity planning in hospitals. We examine the performance of a human-made triage algorithm for clinical pathways which is considered a guideline for emergency departments in Germany based on a large multicenter dataset with over 4,000 European Covid-19 patients from the LEOSS registry. We find an accuracy of 28 percent and approximately 15 percent sensitivity for the ward class. The results serve as a benchmark for our extensions including an additional category of palliative care as a new label, analytics, AI, XAI, and interactive techniques. We find significant potential of analytics and AI in Covid-19 triage regarding accuracy, sensitivity, and other performance metrics whilst our interactive human-AI algorithm shows superior performance with approximately 73 percent accuracy and up to 76 percent sensitivity. The results are independent of the data preparation process regarding the imputation of missing values or grouping of comorbidities. In addition, we find that the consideration of an additional label palliative care does not improve the results.
Design and Characterization of Terahertz CORPS Beam Forming Networks
Authors: Biurrun-Quel Carlos , Haddad Thomas , Sievert Benedikt , Kress Robin , Weimann Nils , Erni Daniel , Rennings Andreas , Stöhr Andreas , Teniente Jorge , del-Río Carlos
Published: July 2023

This work reviews the design and applicability of beam-forming networks based on Coherently Radiating Periodic Structures (CORPS-BFN) at Terahertz (THz) frequency bands. These versatile networks offer two operation modes: a continuous beam steering – feeding an antenna array with a linearly progressive phase distribution – using a reduced number of phase controls; or a multi-beam operation, generating independent, overlapped beams. These networks are built upon the concatenation of power combiners/dividers (PCDs) with isolated outputs. The isolation is provided by monolithically integrated resistors, implemented with Ti/TiO$$_2$$

2

thin films for the first time. In this work, a planar prototype of a $$2\times 3$$

2
×
3

(inputs/outputs) microstrip CORPS-BFN for operation in the WR3.4/WM-864 band (220–330 GHz) on a thin 50 $$\mu $$
μ
m Indium Phosphide (InP) substrate is designed, fabricated, and characterized. The measured S-parameters show a reflection coefficient better than -15 dB and an insertion loss between 1.6 and 3.2 dB in the whole band. In addition, an isolation better than 20 dB between the input ports has been measured. An overall remarkable agreement is observed between the measurements and the simulations. Last, the applications, scalability and efficiency of this type of networks at the targeted band are discussed in detail.
Diagnosis of the ecological condition of the drove road network in the Autonomous Community of Madrid (central Spain)
Authors: Azcárate Francisco M. , Hevia Violeta
Published: July 2023

Context

Drove roads are landscape corridors traditionally used for livestock movement in many regions of the world, including Spain, where they cover about 0.8% of the land. They have ecological importance due to their role in connectivity, seed dispersal, soil preservation, habitat and biodiversity conservation, and the provision of ecosystem services. Drove roads are experiencing deterioration due to the abandonment of extensive grazing and transhumance.

Objectives

We aim to characterize the conservation status and main predictors of deterioration of the drove roads in the Community of Madrid, a region in Spain with a high presence of these corridors.

Methods

We considered all the network of the region, with the main analyses based on a sample of 160 segments of 200 m-long, which were evaluated using GIS and fieldwork.

Results

Nearly one third of the network surface is occupied by crops, communication infrastructure, and urban or industrial surfaces. Natural habitats make up 60% of the network and are affected by soil degradation and grazing abandonment. Landscape matrix was the main predictor of drove road status, with urban and cropland matrices leading to a reduction in spatial integrity and availability for natural habitats. Grazing was most preserved in grassland matrices. Eco-district, drove road width, and distance to city center also had influence on conservation status.

Conclusions

Despite their concerning state, the network is restorable in many areas of the region. Restoration should focus on intensified and simplified landscapes, where the network plays a more decisive role, and should consider the reintroduction of livestock.
Non-monetary narratives motivate businesses to engage with climate change
Authors: Luederitz Christopher , Animesh Animesh , Rohrbacher Katrin , Li Tiange , Piper Andrew , Potvin Catherine , Etzion Dror
Published: July 2023

The dominant narrative to motivate business actors to take climate actions emphasizes opportunities to increase monetary gains, linking sustainability to the financial goals of these organizations. The prevalence of monetary motivations in sustainability communication among businesses, consultancies, academics and international organizations has made this narrative a truism in the private sector. We conducted an online, real-world, large-n experiment to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of different motivations using narrative communication. We show that non-monetary narratives highlighting prosocial or achievement motivations are 55% more effective in creating responses from businesses than narratives emphasizing monetary gains. These findings are robust across most narrative and audience characteristics, including age and language. Our findings suggest that communication towards business leaders around sustainability can be multi-pronged and should incorporate prosocial and achievement motivations aside from articulating potential financial benefits.
Robotic surgery in obstetrics and gynecology: a bibliometric study
Authors: Levin Gabriel , Siedhoff Matthew , Wright Kelly N. , Truong Mireille D. , Hamilton Kacey , Brezinov Yoav , Gotlieb Walter , Meyer Raanan
Published: July 2023

We aimed to identify the trends and patterns of robotic surgery research in obstetrics and gynecology since its implementation. We used data from Clarivate’s Web of Science platform to identify all articles published on robotic surgery in obstetrics and gynecology. A total of 838 publications were included in the analysis. Of these, 485 (57.9%) were from North America and 281 (26.0%) from Europe. 788 (94.0%) articles originated in high-income countries and none from low-income countries. The number of publications per year reached a peak of 69 articles in 2014. The subject of 344 (41.1%) of articles was gynecologic oncology, followed by benign gynecology (n = 176, 21.0%) and urogynecology (n = 156, 18.6%). Articles discussing gynecologic oncology had lower representation in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) (32.0% vs. 41.6%, p < 0.001) compared with high income countries. After 2015 there has been a higher representation of publications from Asia (19.7% vs. 7.7%) and from LMIC (8.4% vs. 2.6%), compared to the preceding years. In a multivariable regression analysis, journal’s impact factor [aOR 95% CI 1.30 (1.16–1.41)], gynecologic oncology subject [aOR 95% CI 1.73 (1.06–2.81)] and randomized controlled trials [aOR 95% CI 3.67 (1.47–9.16)] were associated with higher number of citations per year. In conclusion, robotic surgery research in obstetrics & gynecology is dominated by research in gynecologic oncology and reached a peak nearly a decade ago. The disparity in the quantity and quality of robotic research between high income countries and LMIC raises concerns regarding the access of the latter to high quality healthcare resources such as robotic surgery.
Pathophysiology and Treatment Opportunities of Iron Deficiency in Heart Failure: Is There a Need for Further Trials?
Authors: Tkaczyszyn Michał , Fudim Marat , Ponikowski Piotr , Biegus Jan
Published: July 2023

Purpose of Review

Iron deficiency (ID) complicates heart failure (HF) at different stages of the natural history of the disease; however, this frequent comorbidity is still not comprehensively understood and investigated in terms of pathophysiology. Intravenous iron therapy with ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) should be considered to improve the quality of life, exercise capacity, and symptoms in stable HF with ID, as well as to reduce HF hospitalizations in iron-deficient patients stabilized after an episode of acute HF. The therapy with intravenous iron, however, continues to generate important clinical questions for cardiologists.

Recent Findings

In the current paper, we discuss the class effect concept for intravenous iron formulations beyond FCM, based on the experiences of nephrologists who administer different intravenous iron formulations in advanced chronic kidney disease complicated with ID and anemia. Furthermore, we discuss the neutral effects of oral iron therapy in patients with HF, because there are still some reasons to further explore this route of supplementation. The different definitions of ID applied in HF studies and new doubts regarding possible interactions of intravenous iron with sodium-glucose co-transporter type 2 inhibitors are also emphasized.

The experiences of other medical specializations may provide new information on how to optimally replenish iron in patients with HF and ID.