bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avaliação da Capacidade Inovativa na Indústria no Uso de Algas Sobre a Ótica Patentária Brasileira
Authors: Reis Marcello Carvalho dos , Dos Santos Rafaelly Rios , Martinez Maria Elisa Marciano , Pereira Marcelo Farid
Published: December 2021

O estudo das tecnologias que envolvem algas e suas aplicações na indústria são relevantes, pois as algas são importantes tanto ecologicamente quanto economicamente. Ecologicamente são importantes para a vida marinha e para a realização de fotossíntese, liberando a maior parte de oxigênio disponível; economicamente podem ser utilizadas em diversos segmentos da indústria. Com o objetivo de avaliar a capacidade inovativa das tecnologias envolvidas nesse cenário, foram utilizados dados de documentos patentários extraídos da base INPI-BR no qual foram selecionados 269 documentos de patentes, sendo 96 sobre obtenção de compostos a partir de algas no geral; 65 sobre tratamento contra algas no geral; 56 sobre utilização de algas no geral como parte de um produto e/ou processo; 51 sobre produção de algas no geral; e um sobre conservação de algas no geral. No entanto, verificou-se que somente 11% desses documentos têm o segmento industrial revelado, com destaque para as indústrias farmacêutica, de alimentos e de bebidas, com sete documentos patentários cada.
Local Spatial Polarization Induced Efficient Charge Separation of Squaraine‐Linked COF for Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Ben Haijie , Yan Gaojie , Liu Haiyang , Ling Cancan , Fan You , Zhang Xiaojie
Published: December 2021

The efficiencies of semiconductor photocatalysis are always severely restricted by the rapid recombination of charge carriers in the bulk phase, while local polarization is an efficient scenario to conquer the above issue to boost the photocatalytic performance. Here, as a proof‐of‐concept demonstration, local charge polarization induced by the intrinsic zwitterionic resonance structure of photocatalysts is reported. A novel squaraine‐based covalent organic framework (SQ‐COF‐1) photocatalyst with an interesting zwitterionic resonance structure is creatively developed. Meanwhile, the comparison samples (SQ‐COF‐2 and PDA‐COF) based on similar COF structure with tunable local polarity are accordingly designed and prepared. The local charge polarization generated from the zwitterionic resonance structure profoundly redistributes and separates the charge carriers, as evidenced by experimental and theoretical results collectively. Benefiting by the largest local polarization, SQ‐COF‐1 exhibits superior visible‐light‐driven photocatalytic activities than SQ‐COF‐2, PDA‐COF, and commonly used polymeric carbon nitride photocatalyst. This work presents a local charge polarization protocol for engineering charge behavior to promote photocatalysis, which shows great promise for the future design of high‐performance photocatalytic materials.
The Secret Ingredient for Exceptional Contact‐Controlled Transistors
Authors: Bestelink Eva , Zschieschang Ute , Bandara R M Indrachapa , Klauk Hagen , Sporea Radu A.
Published: December 2021

Contact‐controlled transistors are rapidly gaining popularity. However, simply using a rectifying source contact often leads to unsatisfactory operation, merely as a thin‐film transistor with low drain current and reduced effective mobility. This may cause otherwise promising experiments to be abandoned. Here, data from literature is analyzed in conjunction with devices that have been recently fabricated in polysilicon, organic and oxide semiconductors, highlighting the main factor in achieving good saturation, namely keeping saturation coefficient γ well below 0.3. Secondary causes of suboptimal electrical characteristics are also discussed. Correct design of these alternative device structures will expedite their adoption for high gain, low‐frequency applications in emerging sensor circuits.
A novel finite time stability analysis of nonlinear fractional‐order time delay systems: A fixed point approach
Authors: Ben Makhlouf Abdellatif
Published: December 2021

Finite time stability (FTS) of fractional‐order time delayed systems (FOTDSs) has been studied by many researchers based on the Lyapunov functions and Gronwall inequalities. In this paper, we proposed a novel FTS scheme for FOTDSs based on the fixed point theory. By exploiting the fixed point approach, sufficient conditions that guarantee the robust FTS of FOTDSs have been established. Finally, two illustrative examples are presented to validate the main result.
Translation and validation of the Amsterdam preoperative anxiety and information scale (APAIS) in Serbia
Authors: Jovanovic Ksenija , Kalezic Nevena , Sipetic Grujicic Sandra , Zivaljevic Vladan , Jovanovic Milan , Savic Milica , Bukumiric Zoran , Dragas Marko , Sladojevic Milos , Trailovic Ranko , Koncar Igor , Davidovic Lazar
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Preoperative anxiety is common and might affect surgical treatment outcomes. The aim was to translate and validate the Serbian version of the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS).

Methods

Following translation and initial evaluation, the Serbian version (S‐APAIS) was administered to 385 patients. Internal consistency, construct validity, prognostic criteria validity, and concurrent validity between S‐APAIS and Visual Analogue Scale for Anxiety (VAS‐A) were evaluated.

Results

Factor analysis revealed two factors: APAIS‐anesthesia (items 1, 2, 3) and APAIS‐procedure (items 4, 5, 6). The whole scale, APAIS‐anesthesia, and APAIS‐procedure subscales showed an adequate level of internal consistency (Cronbach's αs: 0.787, 0.806, and 0.805, respectively). High concurrent validity was observed between APAIS‐anesthesia and VAS‐A (ρ = 0.628, p < .001). A moderate correlation was found between APAIS‐procedure and VAS‐A scale (ρ = 0.537, p < .001). At the cut‐off point of 9, the area under the curve (AUC) of APAIS‐anesthesia was 0.815 (95% CI: 0.77–0.85, p < .001). For the APAIS‐procedure, AUC was 0.772 (95% CI: 0.73–0.81, p < .001) at the cut‐off point of 8.

Conclusion

The structure of S‐APAIS substantially differs from the original and allows separate measurement of anesthesia‐ and procedure‐related anxieties. S‐APAIS is a comprehensive, valid, and reliable instrument for the measurement of preoperative anxiety.
Biodegradation of Herbicides by a Plant Nonheme Iron Dioxygenase: Mechanism and Selectivity of Substrate Analogues
Authors: Lin Yen‐Ting , Ali Hafiz S. , de Visser Sam P.
Published: December 2021

Aryloxyalkanoate dioxygenases are unique herbicide biodegrading nonheme iron enzymes found in plants and hence, from environmental and agricultural point of view they are important and valuable. However, they often are substrate specific and little is known on the details of the mechanism and the substrate scope. To this end, we created enzyme models and calculate the mechanism for 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid biodegradation and 2‐methyl substituted analogues by density functional theory. The work shows that the substrate binding is tight and positions the aliphatic group close to the metal center to enable a chemoselective reaction mechanism to form the C2‐hydroxy products, whereas the aromatic hydroxylation barriers are well higher in energy. Subsequently, we investigated the metabolism of R‐ and S‐methyl substituted inhibitors and show that these do not react as efficiently as 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid substrate due to stereochemical clashes in the active site and particularly for the R‐isomer give high rebound barriers.
Molecular Engineering of Novel Fluorophores for High‐Contrast Bioimaging
Authors: Xu Shuai , Pan Wenjing , Ren Tian‐Bing , Huan Shuang‐Yan , Yuan Lin , Zhang Xiao‐Bing
Published: December 2021

Comprehensive Summary

Fluorophores play a significant role in achieving high‐contrast imaging in complex physiological environment. Herein, we present the results of our studies on the development of various fluorophores, such as anti‐solvatochromic fluorophores, long wavelength emission two‐photon fluorophores, large Stokes shift fluorophores and solid‐state fluorophores, to achieve high‐contrast bioimaging in physiological environments. In this study, we have primarily focused on the design, optical performance, imaging mechanisms, and the applications of these fluorophores with respect to complex physiological conditions.

What is the most favorite and original chemistry developed in your research group?

Orderly assembly of small‐molecule dyes and their applications for long‐term in situ bioimaging.

How do you get into this specific field? Could you please share some experiences with our readers?

We have long been engaged in the field of fluorescence imaging for biomedical applications, and realized that obtaining the target's in situ information is urgent and challenging. Our exploration revealed that the orderly assembly of specific molecular dyes is an effective strategy to overcome this problem. Keeping curiosity and thinking is the key to solving

problems in scientific research.

What is the most important personality for scientific research?

Clear mind and perseverance.

What's your hobby?

Communicating with Youngs.

How do you keep balance between research and family?

To make a proper allotment of time.

How do you supervise your students?

Let them know what they want and fight for it.
A model‐averaging treatment of multiple instruments in Poisson models with errors
Authors: Zhang Xiaomeng , Zhang Xinyu , Ma Yanyuan
Published: December 2021

We analyze Poisson regression when covariates contain measurement errors and when multiple potential instrumental variables are available. Without empirical knowledge to select the most suitable variable as an instrument, we propose a novel model‐averaging approach to resolve this issue. We prescribe an implementation and establish its optimality in terms of minimizing prediction risk. We further show that, as long as one model is correctly specified among all potential instrumental variable models, our method will lead to consistent prediction. The performance of our method is illustrated through simulations and a movie sales example.
Efficacy and safety of thalidomide in preventing oral mucositis in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy: A multicenter, open‐label, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Liang Leifeng , Liu Zhibing , Zhu Haisheng , Wang Hongqian , Wei Yan , Ning Xuejian , Shi Zhiling , Jiang Liujun , Lin Zhan , Yan Haolin , Wang Rensheng , Hu Kai
Published: December 2021

Background

This multicenter clinical trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of thalidomide (THD) in preventing oral mucositis (OM) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).

Methods

Patients with locally advanced NPC were randomly assigned to either a THD group or a control group. All 160 patients received radical intensity‐modulated radiotherapy plus cisplatin‐based concurrent chemotherapy and basic oral hygiene guidance. Patients in the THD group received additional THD at the beginning of CCRT. The primary end points were the latency period and the incidence of OM. The secondary end points were mouth and throat soreness (MTS), weight loss, short‐term efficacy, and adverse events.

Results

The median latency period of OM was 30 and 14 days in the THD and control groups, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.32; 95% confidence interval, 0.23‐0.35; P < .0001). The incidence of OM and severe OM (World Health Organization grade 3 or higher) was significantly lower in the THD group than the control group (87.5% vs 97.5% [P = .016] and 27.5% vs 46.3% [P = .014], respectively). THD treatment also remarkably reduced the intensity of MTS and the degree of weight loss. In comparison with the control group, the incidence of nausea, vomiting, and insomnia was significantly decreased, whereas the incidence of dizziness and constipation was obviously increased in the THD group. The objective response rates 3 months after CCRT were similar between the groups.

Conclusions

THD prolonged the latency period, reduced the incidence of OM, and did not affect the short‐term efficacy of CCRT in patients with NPC.

Lay Summary

Oral mucositis is the most common complication of nasopharyngeal carcinoma during chemoradiotherapy; it decreases the patient's quality of life, and ideal mucosal protective agents are lacking.

A few basic research and preclinical studies have shown that thalidomide may be an approach to ameliorating oral mucositis.

The results of the current study confirm that thalidomide has a protective effect against oral mucositis in patients who have received chemoradiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Architecture‐oriented security strategy determination for cyber‐physical systems
Authors: He Gaofeng , Xu Bingfeng , Zhao Junjie , Shi Yadong
Published: December 2021

Cyber‐physical systems (CPSs) usually have a huge number of nodes, and it is very expensive to deploy security defenses at all nodes. Therefore, selecting the most appropriate nodes for protection to ensure system security is an essential issue in CPS. However, how to achieve this in the system design phase remains to be an open challenge. In this paper, we propose a security strategy determination method for CPS design models. In particular, we utilize SysML to model a CPS. To choose the best nodes for security protection, we realize an automatic construction of an attack‐defense tree (ADTree) model from the SysML model by considering the known attacks and defenses. Further, we transform the ADTree model into an atom attack‐defense tree (A2DTree) model and infer the optimal security strategy under a given cost constraint. We implement our method as an open‐source tool and test it with a pump station attack. The experimental results show that the proposed method is reasonable and feasible and can provide theoretical guidance for the formulation of CPS security policies.
A new design self‐balanced 13‐level switched‐capacitor inverter
Authors: Jena Kasinath , Panigrahi Chinmoy Kumar , Gupta Krishna Kumar
Published: December 2021

This study introduces a novel switched‐capacitor (SC) inverter with a simple architecture. The proposed topology synthesized a 13‐level voltage waveform with a boosting factor of six. The unique features of the proposed topology are the self‐balancing property of capacitors voltage, high boosting factor, least cost function, lower peak inverse voltage, and lower per‐unit total standing voltage. A brief analysis of the circuit description, operating principle, the modulation scheme has been presented. The proposed topology's advantages over the existing topologies have been demonstrated through comparative investigations. Finally, the simulation and experimental findings have confirmed the feasibility and dynamic performance of the suggested topology.
Synthesis of a Substituted [10]Cycloparaphenylene through [2+2+2] Cycloaddition
Authors: Volkmann Jannis , Kohrs Daniel , Bernt Felix , Wegner Hermann A.
Published: December 2021

Herein, we report the synthesis and investigation of a substituted [10]cycloparaphenylene (CPP) incorporating a diethylphthalane unit. An efficient strategy relying on a symmetric built‐up starting with propargyl ether as [2+2+2] cycloaddition precursor was developed. The straightforward synthesis required overcoming unexpected obstacles within the [2+2+2] cycloaddition, protection and aromatization. These results give valuable insights for accessing CPPs with highly substituted subunits. Finally, a seven‐step synthesis with an overall yield of 8 % provided the target nanoring, including good to excellent yields for the critical macrocyclization and aromatization. The synthesized nanohoop exhibits a hypsochromic shift in fluorescence and absorption, compared to the unsubstituted [10]CPP. This observation is proposedly caused by an increased torsion angle between the bivalent substituted phenyl moieties and the adjacent units.
A Sandwich‐type Electrochemical Immunosensor for the Sensitive Determination of Salmonella Typhimurium in Food
Authors: Sun Qiaoling , Liu Xiaojun , Tang Haowen , Qian Yuying , Gu Haiying , He Hong
Published: December 2021

A sandwich‐type electrochemical immunosensor was developed for sensitive detection of Salmonella Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) in milk and eggs. According to the antigen‐antibody specific binding, Anti‐S. Typhimurium antibody was used to recognize the S. Typhimurium, while the HRP‐Anti‐S. Typhimurium antibody as signal probe was used to catalyze H2O2 with the assistance of thionine. The immunosensor showed wide linear range from 5.6×101 to 5.6×108 CFU/mL and low detection limit of 35 CFU/mL. The immunosensor also exhibited excellent specificity, reproducibility and stability, indicating that it had practicability in quality control of complex food samples and potential in clinical applications.
Seismic assessment approaches for mass‐dominant sliding contents: The case of storage racks
Authors: Tsarpalis Dimitrios , Vamvatsikos Dimitrios , Vayas Ioannis
Published: December 2021

The typical view of seismic performance of structure‐content systems is one of segregation: Contents are assumed to be of low mass relative to the supporting structure, leading to a separate treatment of the two, whereby one first analyzes the structure and then subjects any contents to the resulting peak floor acceleration responses. Racking structures are of the exact opposite persuasion, having massive “palletized” contents that can slide on top of light cold‐formed steel frames, with Content‐Structure‐Sliding Interaction (CSSI) governing global and local response. In support of assessment and design, three approaches are investigated to capture CSSI: (i) introducing friction sliders per pallet and running nonlinear response‐history analysis, (ii) increasing the model viscous damping and using elastic response‐history analysis, and (iii) reducing the horizontal seismic loads in tandem with modal response spectrum analysis. Each comes with its own challenges and modelling/analysis needs, offering different levels of accuracy (or no appreciable capability at all) when assessing the actual sliding displacement of contents. Three case studies are employed to calibrate empirical relationships for damping amplification and seismic load reduction, largely removing the bias of simpler alternatives (ii) and (iii), respectively, to level the ground for future code applications.
Plant food bioactives and its effects on gut microbiota profile modulation for better brain health and functioning in Autism Spectrum Disorder individuals: A review
Authors: Shanmugam Haripriya , Ganguly Subhasish , Priya Badma
Published: December 2021

Recent advances in gut microbiota researches are establishing the association between food, gut microbiota, and brain health. Previously unknown communication networks between inhabiting microbes within the gut linings and the brain are being uncovered. The nature of the interaction between gut microbiota and the brain is a new frontier of research exploration. Diet plays an important role in modulating microbiota‐gut‐brain axis and exerts a profound influence on brain functioning. This review focuses on the effect of plant food bioactives or phytochemicals in modulating gut microbiota profile in Autistic individuals, for improving brain health and functioning. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disease marked by issues with speech, memory, and social behavior. Currently, an alarming rise in ASD cases among the children across the globe is being recorded. ASD has no known cure or causes; genetic or environmental factor possibly plays an important role in the development of ASD. Since dietary intervention is one of the most important solutions that might bring a positive change in the overall brain functioning of the ASD individuals. In this review, important plant food bioactives and gut microbes associated with better brain health and functioning in ASD individuals with its mode of action have been explained. Specifically plant food bioactives having influence over brain functions like memory, behavior, and cognition through balancing beneficial gut microbiota to reduce the symptoms associated with ASD are presented.
Multiobjective optimization for the optimal heat pipe working parameters based on Taguchi's design of experiments
Authors: Koneru Sireesha , Srinath A. , Nageswara Rao Boggarapu
Published: December 2021

A heat pipe (HP) is a device transferring large quantities of heat through a small area of the cross‐section with very small deviations in temperature. The thermal impedance of HP is lower while thermal conductance is higher. HPs are designed for controlling temperature, amplification of heat flux, and diminution. HPs are being used in the cooling of aircraft and electronics, solar energy, systems of heat recovery, and nuclear reactors. Complex mathematical formulation demands experimentation to acquire the physical phenomena. Performing experiments is a tedious task with increasing the working parameters and their assigned levels. In such situations, a systematic statistical approach (viz., the Taguchi method) has to be adopted to minimize the number of experiments and to provide the information for the full factorial design of experiments. This paper adopts the modified Taguchi method and applies a simple and reliable multiobjective optimization concept to determine the optimal HP working parameters (viz., heat input, inclination angle, and flow rate). In the optimization process, efficiency, thermal resistance, and overall heat transfer coefficient are the performance indicators (PIs). Empirical relations are developed and validated for the PIs in terms of the HP working parameters. The recommended Taguchi's orthogonal array to perform a few tests may not have the set of optimal working parameters. Additional tests are to be performed to confirm the estimates of the PIs for the optimal working parameters. Confirmation test results in the present study indicate close‐to/within the estimated range.
Rapid hemostasis and high bioactivity cerium‐containing mesoporous bioglass for hemostatic materials
Authors: Liu Jiaxi , Zhou Xiang , Zhang Yin , Wang Anping , Zhu Wei , Xu Meijia , Zhuang Shuxian
Published: December 2021

A two‐step‐acid‐catalyzed‐self‐assembly method was used to prepare cerium‐containing mesoporous bioactive glass with P123 as a template. The results showed that MBG without cerium and MBG with cerium slightly affected its surface area, and its water absorption rate was significantly higher. In vitro coagulation experiments showed that Ce‐MBG significantly reduces prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), indicating that MBG containing Ce could promote coagulation and platelet adhesion compared with MBG. These suggested that Ce‐MBG may be a good dressing with hemostatic properties, which could shorten the bleeding time of the wound and control the bleeding.
Comparison of IL‐6 measurement methods with a special emphasis on COVID‐19 patients according to equipment and sample type
Authors: Choi Yu Jeong , Roh Juhye , Kim Sinyoung , Lee Kyung‐A , Park Younhee
Published: December 2021

Background

Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) is a multifunctional cytokine associated with various diseases, including coronavirus disease (COVID‐19). Although IL‐6 levels can be assessed using serum samples, use of the AFIAS (Boditech Med Inc.) automated immunoassay analyzer enables quick and simple measurement of IL‐6 levels in both serum and whole blood specimens. This study aimed to assess the correlation between IL‐6 measurements obtained from the AFIAS IL‐6 assay and Elecsys IL‐6 assay (Roche Diagnostics). Additionally, utilization of the AFIAS IL‐6 assay was evaluated.

Methods

The IL‐6 levels from 113 serum samples quantified using two assay systems were evaluated for their degree of correlation. Meanwhile, the linearity, analytical sensitivity, and precision/reproducibility of the AFIAS IL‐6 assay were also assessed.

Results

Quantification of IL‐6 with the AFIAS IL‐6 and Elecsys IL‐6 assays showed excellent agreement (kappa 0.802) and were found to be correlated (y = −0.2781 + 1.068x; 95% confidence interval: 1.007–1.124). AFIAS IL‐6 showed good analytical performances. IL‐6 levels were significantly higher in deceased patients compared to those with non‐complicated disease and those who were intubated (p = 0.002 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Finally, IL‐6 levels more accurately predicted poor prognosis in patients, than did C‐reactive protein (area under the curve, 0.716 vs. 0.634).

Conclusion

The overall analytical performance of the AFIAS assay was comparable to that of the Elecsys IL‐6 assay. In light of the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic, the AFIAS may be an attractive tool for measuring IL‐6 levels.
Identifying the analogues of berberine as promising antitubercular drugs targeting Mtb‐FtsZ polymerisation through ligand‐based virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Akinpelu Olayinka I. , Kumalo Hezekiel M. , Mhlongo Sizwe I. , Mhlongo Ndumiso N.
Published: December 2021

Berberine, an active compound in the extract of golden seal (an age‐long remedy for many infections) has been confirmed to be responsible for the extract's activity against multi‐drug resistant strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. There is no available study that shows the exact target of berberine in M tuberculosis, although it is confirmed that berberine inhibits the polymerisation of filamentous temperature‐sensitive mutant Z (FtsZ), an important bacteria cytokinesis protein, in Escherichia coli, suggesting that FtsZ could as well be the target of berberine in M tuberculosis. In this study, we carried out ligand‐based virtual screening to identify analogues of berberine followed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the complexes of Mtb‐FtsZ with berberine (berb1) and the five selected analogues (berb9 [ZINC1709414], berb37 [ZINC238749993], berb38 [ZINC13509022], berb43 [ZINC14765594], and berb48 [ZINC238758595]). Post‐MD analyses such as binding free energy, RMSD, RMSF, RoG and hydrogen bond lifetime analysis were used to understand the interactions between these ligands and the receptor. The results suggested that Mtb‐FtsZ could likely be the target of berberine in M tuberculosis as it forms a stable complex coupled with a significantly high binding energy. The study also identified other potential inhibitors of MTB‐FtsZ polymerisation. Berb38 specifically showed greater interaction with the residues at the binding site of the protein, forming a far more stable complex with the receptor than any of the other compounds under investigation, including berberine itself. ADME properties calculations also predicted all the ligands to be bioactive as orally administered drugs.
A rare case of drug‐induced bradycardia associated with the just low dose use of methylprednisolone in a child with COVID‐19
Authors: Jiang Ping , Wu Shuang‐hua , Zhu Ting , Guo Yuan , He Yi
Published: December 2021

Methylprednisolone (MP) is usually used to reduce inflammation reaction and tissue damage, which may have a beneficial treatment effect on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). However, we present the case of a child who manifests significant bradycardia with the use of just low dose MP on the premise of the long‐term use of arbidol. Arbidol can affect the activity of CYP3A4, which is also a key metabolic enzyme of MP by competitive inhibition, and which is easy to aggravate the side effects of MP. Therefore, more attention should be paid to bradycardia occurrence in the patient with COVID‐19 when MP is considered in COVID‐19.
Thyroid Cancer Incidence Trends Among Filipinos in the United States
Authors: Megwalu Uchechukwu C. , Osazuwa‐Peters Nosayaba , Moon Peter , Palaniappan Latha P.
Published: December 2021

Objective

To analyze thyroid cancer incidence trends among Filipinos relative to non‐Filipino Asians and non‐Hispanic Whites in the US.

Study Design

Population‐based analysis of cancer incidence data.

Methods

Population‐based analysis of cancer incidence data from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results 9 detailed Asian/Pacific Islander subgroup incidence and population datasets. Adult patients aged 20 and older with thyroid cancer diagnosed in 2004 to 2014 were included. Annual percent change (APC) of the incidence rates were calculated using joinpoint regression analysis.

Results

The incidence rates were 19.57 (95% CI 19.03–20.12) per 100,000 for Filipinos, 10.45 (95% CI 10.22–10.68) per 100,000 for non‐Filipino Asians, and 13.94 (95% CI 13.85–14.02) per 100,000 for non‐Hispanic Whites. The highest increase was seen among non‐Hispanic Whites (average APC 5.04, 95% CI 4.61–5.46). Incidence rates of tumors ≤ 2 cm remained stable among Filipinos but increased in non‐Filipino Asians (average APC 5.38, 95% CI 2.51–8.34) and non‐Hispanic Whites (average APC 5.81 95% CI 4.52–7.11).

Conclusion

Filipinos have high incidence of thyroid cancer compared with other racial/ethnic groups. However, non‐Hispanic Whites have the highest increase in incidence rates, resulting in a significant narrowing of the gap in incidence rates between Filipinos and non‐Hispanic Whites. This is most likely due to enhanced detection of small tumors in non‐Hispanic Whites. Laryngoscope, 132:1495–1502, 2022
Effect of heat treatment on the corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of selective laser melting Ti6Al4V alloy
Authors: Sui A.Q. , Liu B.J. , Liu C.H. , Wang D.S. , Wang E.L.
Published: December 2021

The present work shows that the effect of several heat treatments on the corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of Ti6Al4V processed by selective laser melting (SLM). The microstructure of Ti6Al4V alloy produced by selective laser melting exhibited bulky prior β columnar grains, and a large amount of fine acicular martensites α′ were observed inside the prior β columnar grains. The acicular martensitic α′ were transformed to a mixture of α and β after heat treatment, and the grain size increases with the increase of heat‐treated temperature. The results of 3.5 wt% NaCl solution electrochemical corrosion test showed that the heat‐treated samples possess a higher corrosion resistance than the as‐received sample. Among of them, the sample after heat‐treated at 730 °C exhibited best corrosion resistance and excellent fracture strain. The sample heat treated at 1015 °C showed worst mechanical properties due to the formation of Widmanstätten structure.
Milling performance of stone‐plastic composite with diamond cutters
Authors: Zhang F. , Wu Z. , Ding J. , Guo X. , Cao P. , Zhu Z.
Published: December 2021

In order to meet the requirements of cutting efficiency and economy in the processing of stone plastic composite, milling tests of the stone plastic composite were conducted using straight tooth diamond tools. Cutting forces and temperature were measured under different cutting parameters. Response surface methodology was used to analyze the variation of cutting forces and temperature and to determine the significant contribution of each variable and its two‐level interaction. The correlation between actual and predicted results was found by building mathematical models of cutting forces and temperatures, which can be used to make accurate predictions. At last, the optimal cutting parameters for stone plastic composite straight‐tooth milling with low cutting forces and cutting temperatures were found to be 10° front angle, 37.9 m/s cutting speed, 0.32 mm feed per tooth, and 0.5 mm milling depth. It is possible to improve processing efficiency and reduce production costs by using these parameters in industrial processing.
Three‐dimensional printing of patient‐specific lung phantoms for CT imaging: Emulating lung tissue with accurate attenuation profiles and textures
Authors: Mei Kai , Geagan Michael , Roshkovan Leonid , Litt Harold I. , Gang Grace J. , Shapira Nadav , Stayman J. Webster , Noël Peter B.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Phantoms are a basic tool for assessing and verifying performance in CT research and clinical practice. Patient‐based realistic lung phantoms accurately representing textures and densities are essential in developing and evaluating novel CT hardware and software. This study introduces PixelPrint, a 3D printing solution to create patient‐based lung phantoms with accurate attenuation profiles and textures.

Methods

PixelPrint, a software tool, was developed to convert patient digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) images directly into FDM printer instructions (G‐code). Density was modeled as the ratio of filament to voxel volume to emulate attenuation profiles for each voxel, with the filament ratio controlled through continuous modification of the printing speed. A calibration phantom was designed to determine the mapping between filament line width and Hounsfield units (HU) within the range of human lungs. For evaluation of PixelPrint, a phantom based on a single human lung slice was manufactured and scanned with the same CT scanner and protocol used for the patient scan. Density and geometrical accuracy between phantom and patient CT data were evaluated for various anatomical features in the lung.

Results

For the calibration phantom, measured mean HU show a very high level of linear correlation with respect to the utilized filament line widths, (r > 0.999). Qualitatively, the CT image of the patient‐based phantom closely resembles the original CT image both in texture and contrast levels (from −800 to 0 HU), with clearly visible vascular and parenchymal structures. Regions of interest comparing attenuation illustrated differences below 15 HU. Manual size measurements performed by an experienced thoracic radiologist reveal a high degree of geometrical correlation of details between identical patient and phantom features, with differences smaller than the intrinsic spatial resolution of the scans.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates the feasibility of 3D‐printed patient‐based lung phantoms with accurate organ geometry, image texture, and attenuation profiles. PixelPrint will enable applications in the research and development of CT technology, including further development in radiomics.
A non‐intrusive domain‐decomposition model reduction method for linear steady‐state partial differential equations with random coefficients
Authors: Zhang Guannan , Mu Lin
Published: December 2021

Domain decomposition methods have been proved to be an effective strategy to reduce the dimension of parametric partial differential equations (PDEs). However, existing domain decomposition methods for parametric PDEs are usually intrusive, which means domain decomposition based solvers need to be implemented from scratch for each target parametric PDE. To address this issue, we develop a new non‐intrusive domain‐decomposition model reduction method for linear steady‐state PDEs with random‐field coefficients. As a variant of our previous work by Mu and Zhang, the new method only needs access to the final linear system, that is, the global stiffness matrix and the right hand side, of a deterministic PDE solver, in order to build a domain‐decomposition‐based reduced model without intrusive implementation from scratch. The key idea is to remove the interface condition between sub‐domains and rely on the correlation between columns of the linear system to couple the sub‐domains. The non‐intrusive feature enables the applicability of the proposed method to a broader class of uncertainty quantification problems, where many legacy codes/solvers can be fully reused by our method. Two numerical examples including diffusion equations with random diffusivity and convection‐dominated transport with random velocity, are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of our method.
Use of prescription medications associated with weight gain among US adults, 1999‐2018: A nationally representative survey
Authors: Hales Craig M. , Gu Qiuping , Ogden Cynthia L. , Yanovski Susan Z.
Published: December 2021

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate trends in the use of obesogenic medications among adults.

Methods

Cross‐sectional data on adults aged ≥20 years are from the 1999 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n = 52,340). Obesogenic medications were defined according to the 2015 Endocrine Society guidelines on the pharmacological management of obesity. Weight status was categorized according to BMI. Trends in prior 30‐day use were evaluated.

Results

In NHANES 2017‐2018, 20.3% of US adults used an obesogenic medication. Beta‐blockers (9.8%) and antidiabetics (5.7%) were the most common; antipsychotics (1.0%) were the least common. Most common indications were disorders of glucose metabolism, hypertension, neuralgia or neuritis, heart disease, and musculoskeletal pain and/or inflammation. From 1999 to 2018, the proportional use of obesogenic medications increased for anticonvulsants (34.4% to 55.0%) but decreased for antidepressants (32.1% to 18.8%), antidiabetics (82.9% to 52.5%), and beta‐blockers (83.9% to 80.7%). The proportional use of obesogenic medications was not associated with weight status, except for antipsychotics.

Conclusions

Use of obesogenic medications was common. Differences in the proportional use of obesogenic medication may reflect changing availability of obesogenic versus nonobesogenic medications over time. The decision to prescribe a nonobesogenic alternative, if one exists, is guided by weighing the risks and benefits of available treatments.
Extended Group Finite Element Method for a port‐Hamiltonian Formulation of the Non‐Isothermal Euler Equations
Authors: Hauschild Sarah-Alexa , Marheineke Nicole
Published: December 2021

This paper deals with a port‐Hamiltonian (pH) formulation of the non‐isothermal compressible Euler equations for a pipe flow. In the pH‐framework physical properties, like mass conservation and energy dissipation, are encoded in the system structure. Applying a structure‐preserving Galerkin approximation with mixed finite elements in space yields a nonlinear system with state‐dependent matrices. Assembly of these matrices in each time step is computationally expensive and makes model reduction inefficient, since the nonlinearities still depend on the full order state. We investigate the use of the extended group finite element method (EGFEM) to efficiently handle pH structure‐preservation. EGFEM separates the systems matrices into products of a state‐independent (precomputable) tensor and a state‐dependent vector for the nonlinearities, making the system easily accessible for complexity reduction.
Buckling analysis of shear‐deformable orthotropic laminated plates with rotational restraints
Authors: Schreiber Philip , Mittelstedt Christian , Beerhorst Matthias
Published: December 2021

Buckling of shear‐deformable laminated plates is investigated in the present study. A closed‐form method to determine the buckling load is developed within the framework of Reddy's Third Order Shear Deformation Theory (TSDT). The considered orthotropic plates are under uniaxial compression and simply supported at all edges with rotational restraints at the unloaded edges. This allows the modelling of a number of structural situations, e.g. local buckling of beams or the skin fields of stiffened composite panels, for which only the rotational stiffness of the surrounding structure is required. The analysis approach is based on the Ritz method and employs simple shape functions with few variables for the deflection and rotations, which finally leads to an explicit approximate solution for the critical buckling load. The comparison to the Lévy‐type solution shows a satisfactory agreement. The new approach is very simple and highly computationally efficient, which provides a great advantage for example in optimisations.
The History of “Sneddon's” solution in contact mechanics
Authors: Popova Elena , Popov Valentin L.
Published: December 2021

At the beginning of 1941, Ludwig Föppl published an 8‐page paper “Elastische Beanspruchung des Erdbodens unter Fundamenten”. The main result of this paper was further developed by his doctoral student Gerhard Schubert in 1942. These publications by Föppl and Schubert contain many results obtained by researchers in contact mechanics in the subsequent decades of the 20th century. Unfortunately, both papers have been forgotten, which is not particularly surprising considering the years when they appeared (1941‐42). The solution of Schubert reached a great degree of international recognition through the paper of Sneddon (1965) – one of the most cited publications in the history of contact mechanics. Yet Sneddon merely offers a different derivation approach to obtain already known solutions. The solution of Föppl and Schubert was finally transformed into a simple mnemonic rule in the Method of Dimensionality Reduction (MDR).
Boundary Conditions in a Lattice Boltzmann Method For Plane Strain Problems
Authors: Schlüter Alexander , Müller Henning , Müller Ralf
Published: December 2021

The Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM), e.g. in [1] and [2], can be interpreted as an alternative method for the numerical solution of certain partial differential equations that is not restricted to its origin in computational fluid mechanics. The interpretation of the LBM as a general numerical tool allows to extend the LBM to solid mechanics as well, see e.g. [3], which is concerned with the simulation of elastic solids under simplified deformation assumptions, and [4] as well as [5] which propose LBMs for the general plane strain case. In previous works on a LBM for plain strain such as [5], the treatment of practically relevant boundary conditions like Neumann and Dirichlet type boundary conditions is not the main focus and thus periodic conditions or absorbing layers are specified to simulate numerical examples. In this work, we show how Neumann and Dirichlet type boundary conditions are implemented in our LBM for plane strain from [4].
The Deep Capsule Prior – advantages through complexity?
Authors: Schmidt Maximilian , Denker Alexander , Leuschner Johannes
Published: December 2021

In inverse problems, an extensive number of ground truth samples for the training of supervised deep learning models is seldom available. Unsupervised approaches, like the Deep Image Prior, offer a valuable alternative in this case. In our work, we combine the idea of the Deep Image Prior with recently proposed capsule networks. The new model is tested against a standard convolutional Deep Image Prior on different image processing tasks and computed tomography reconstruction.
A residual‐based error estimator and mesh adaptivity for the time harmonic Maxwell equations applied to a Y‐beam splitter
Authors: Beuchler Sven , Kinnewig Sebastian , König Philipp , Wick Thomas
Published: December 2021

In this work, local mesh adaptivity for the time harmonic Maxwell equations is studied. The main purpose is to apply a known a posteriori residual‐based error estimator from the literature and to investigate its performance for a Y‐beam splitter setting. This configuration is an important prototype for the design of optical systems within the excellence cluster PhoenixD. Specifically, the branching region is of interest and requires a high accuracy of the numerical simulation. One numerical example shows the performance of our approach.
Experimental Analyses of the Effects of Cooling Lubricants to Expand an FEM‐Based Physical Grinding Force Model
Authors: Kästner Felix , de Payrebrune Kristin M.
Published: December 2021

An FEM‐based physical force model is an important step to obtain a full understanding of the grinding process itself. Such a physical force model is already under development and is based on Abaqus‐FEM. In order to examine basic material behavior and material parameters for such a physical force model and to validate it, scratch tests have been carried out with single grains. However, the current physical force model is only designed for grinding processes that do not require cooling lubricants. Therefore, the aim of this work is to extend this physical force model in such a way that grinding processes with cooling lubricants can also be considered. In order to include the cooling lubricants in the FEM model, it is essential to carry out scratch tests with cooling lubricants in addition to the scratch tests in a dry environment. The aim is to identify basic mechanisms in connection with cooling lubricants, which are needed to expand the FEM model and to create a data basis for subsequent validation.
Workflow concepts to model nonlinear mechanics with computational intelligence
Authors: Koeppe Arnd , Bamer Franz , Selzer Michael , Nestler Britta , Markert Bernd
Published: December 2021

Methods from computational intelligence, such as (artificial) neural networks, have become an active research direction in mechanics, leading to the development of intelligent constitutive models, surrogate models, and meta elements. Therein, many neural network architectures are inspired by mechanical domain knowledge in the form of physics‐informed or physics‐guided neural networks. Complementary approaches that systematically analyze and compare neural networks trained on mechanical data, i.e., physics‐informing neural networks, have not yet been established. As a step in that direction, we propose a workflow concept to describe neural networks in mechanics, as well as a workflow concept to systematically search and train neural network architectures on mechanical data. The workflow concepts will be presented in the scope of Kadi4Mat. Following these workflow concepts, neural network design can be unified, compared, and interpreted, which enables explainable artificial intelligence for mechanics in future works.
A Multiscale drusen growth model for Age‐related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Timothy Jithender J. , Holla Vijaya , Meschke Günther
Published: December 2021

Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults above the age of 50. AMD is attributed to the degeneration and loss of normal function of the outer retina in the macular region. Presence of extracellular material called drusen between the Bruch's membrane (BrM) and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is the hallmark of AMD. Moreover, thickening and reduced diffusivity of the BrM has been observed in patients with AMD. In this paper, we develop a mulitscale Drusen growth model to test the hypothesis that the BrM thickening and Drusen generation could be a coupled process such that the BrM thickening causes hypoxic stress at RPE which leads to generation of more drusen at POS and vice versa. The proposed framework comprises of a cascade lattice micromechanics model for characterizing the overall diffusivity of the BrM, a finite element model for simulating oxygen transport from the vascular system to the photoreceptors and a cellular potts model for simulating morphological changes to the outer retina due to drusen development. Simulation results are analysed at different time steps and implications of the potential chain reaction on Drusen growth and RPE, POS cell deterioration are discussed.