bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel tissue mechanics‐based method for improved motion tracking in quasi‐static ultrasound elastography
Authors: Kheirkhah Niusha , Dempsey Sergio , Sadeghi‐Naini Ali , Samani Abbas
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Most cancers are associated with biological and structural changes that lead to tissue stiffening. Therefore, imaging tissue stiffness using quasi‐static ultrasound elastography (USE) can potentially be effective in cancer diagnosis. USE techniques developed for stiffness image reconstruction use noisy displacement data to obtain the stiffness images. In this study, we propose a technique to substantially improve the accuracy of the displacement data computed through ultrasound tissue motion tracking techniques, especially in the lateral direction.

Methods

The proposed technique uses mathematical constraints derived from fundamental tissue mechanics principles to regularize displacement and strain fields obtained using Global Ultrasound Elastography (GLUE) and Second‐Order Ultrasound Elastography (SOUL) methods. The principles include a novel technique to enforce (1) tissue incompressibility using 3D Boussinesq model and (2) deformation compatibility using the compatibility differential equation. The technique was validated thoroughly using metrics pertaining to Signal‐to‐Noise‐Ratio (SNR), Contrast‐to‐Noise‐Ratio (CNR) and Normalized Cross Correlation (NCC) for four tissue‐mimicking phantom models and two clinical breast ultrasound elastography cases.

Results

The results show substantial improvement in the displacement and strain images generated using the proposed technique. The tissue‐mimicking phantom study results indicate that the proposed method is superior in improving image quality compared to the GLUE and SOUL techniques as it shows an average axial strain SNR and CNR improvement of 44% and 63%, and lateral strain SNR and CNR improvement of 130% and 435%, respectively. The results of the phantom study also indicate higher accuracy of displacement images obtained using the proposed technique, including improvement ranges of 7–84% and 26–140% for axial and lateral displacement images, respectively. For the clinical cases, the results indicate average improvement of 48% and 64% in SNR and CNR, respectively, in the axial strain images, and average improvement of 40% and 41% in SNR and CNR, respectively, in the lateral strain images.

Conclusion

The proposed method is very effective in producing improved estimate of tissue displacement and strain images, especially with the lateral displacement and strain where the improvement is highly remarkable. While the method shows promise for clinical applications, further investigation is necessary for rigorous assessment of the method's performance in the clinic.
Investigating the influence of plasma treated polyethylene powder, carbon fibers in enhancing the mechanical properties of polymer composites using rotomoulding method
Authors: Sumesh Keerthiveettil Ramakrishnan , Ghanem Zoya , Spatenka Petr , Jenikova Zdenka
Published: November 2022

In this research, rotomoulded samples of polyethylene (PE) were mechanically tested to find better applications. The mold was kept in an oven at 260°C with forced convection. Total fabrication time depended on peak internal air temperature (PIAT) used with 200, 220 and 240°C to confirm the fabrication conditions. The plasma treatment of PE and recycled carbon fiber (CF) was used for the improvement of properties. Maximum tensile strength (TS) of 23.1 MPa was observed in 10 wt% CF/PE composites. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) results revealed good mechanical interlocking with higher chemical interaction of carbon fiber of up to 10 wt% with plasma polyethylene leading to good mechanical properties in the composites. Flexural strength (FS) of 19.98–26.02 MPa in the properties was observed plasma treated in the PE with CF (3–10 wt%) combination. Agglomeration in the carbon fiber lowered flexural properties of 13, 15 wt% filler with both plasma and non‐plasma PE. The CF (3–10 wt%) with plasma PE showed enhanced impact strength (IS) from 6.84 to 8.64 KJ/m2. Maximum TS, FS and IS were observed with peak internal air temperature (PIAT) of 200°C. Surface images showed even distribution of fiber and resin in the plasma treated matrix in 5  wt% CF combinations. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results do not show fluctuations in the melting and crystallization temperatures of the samples after plasma treatment.
A cable‐driven highly compact single port laparoscopic surgical robot with sequentially inserted arms
Authors: Yang Jianlin , Sun Zhijun , Chen Jinyan , Guo Yu
Published: November 2022

Background

The single port surgical robot causes only one incision and brings many benefits to patients. It is very challenging to design a single port surgical robot that causes a smaller incision than current products.

Methods

This paper presents a highly compact single port laparoscopy surgical robot, which makes full use of the space of the port and only needs a 15 mm‐diameter port. The robot is composed of a camera manipulator and two operating manipulators. The non‐fully cylindrical manipulators enter the port sequentially, and the equivalent diameter of each operating manipulator is 12 mm. An additional 9 mm‐diameter channel is left for other surgical tools to pass through after all manipulators entering the port.

Results

The kinematics model of the robot is established, including detailed forward kinematics model and inverse kinematics solution based on geometric iteration method. The teleoperation experiment shows that the manipulator can complete the object‐grasping, object‐transfer and weight‐lifting tasks.

Conclusions

The proposed single port surgical robot design concept can also be extended to the field of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgical robots.
Learning about an academic statistical consulting center through data
Authors: Niu Xiaoyue
Published: November 2022

What does an academic statistical consulting center look like? What missions does it fulfill? Who are the clients and what kind of help are they getting? We collected 8 years of data of all consultation meetings in a consulting center at a land‐grant university. In this article, we demonstrate how the collected data could be used to learn about the daily operation in a consulting center, how various scientific fields use statistics, and changes over the years. We offer some practical guidance for academic consulting centers on how to evaluate their effectiveness and impact using appropriate metrics and data.
Assessment of the Properties of Modified Pearl Millet Starch
Authors: John B Anu , Jeyan J. V. Muruga Lal , NT Jyothi , Kumar Abhinav
Published: November 2022

The starch from pearl millet is sequestered and modified using acidic, hydrothermal, and enzymatic processes. The yield, protein, moisture, ash, swelling power, solubility, color, water binding capacity, bulk density, sediment volume, gel consistency, freeze‐thaw stability, pasting capabilities, and paste clarity of native and different modified starches are characterized. Both the swelling power and solubility increase as a result of hydrothermal modification (HTMS). For acid and enzymatically modified starches (EMS), L value is greater. For acid modified starch (AMS) and EMS, a substantial decrease (p < 0.05) in residue volume and water binding aptitude is noted. All adjustments see a drop in peak viscosity values. However, the freeze‐thaw stability and paste clarity of EMS and AMS are enhanced.
Effects of the Bulk Density of Arc‐Extinguishing Sand on Fuse Arc Extinction Characteristics
Authors: Tsukamoto Kosuke , Yamano Yasushi , Inada Yuki , Matsumoto Akifumi , Hashimoto Nobuhisa
Published: November 2022

The effects of the bulk density of arc‐extinguishing sand on arc extinction characteristics were investigated by using a model‐ type fuse box and high‐speed videography for visualization of the line spectrum emitted from Cu I and Si II during arc formation. The results showed that the higher the bulk density, the faster the Cu I radiation intensity decreased and the current interruption was facilitated. In addition, a verification test using actual fuse links demonstrated that arc‐extinguishing sand with a higher density showed better interruption performance than a lower density. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Co‐exposure to molybdenum and cadmium triggers pyroptosis and autophagy byPI3K/AKTaxis in duck spleens
Authors: Chu Xuesheng , Dai Xueyan , Pu Wenjing , Guo Huiling , Huang Gang , Huang Bingyan , Cui Ting , Zhang Caiying
Published: November 2022

Excessive amounts of molybdenum (Mo) and cadmium (Cd) are toxicant, but their combined immunotoxicity are not clearly understood. To estimate united impacts of Mo and Cd on pyroptosis and autophagy by PI3K/AKT axis in duck spleens, Mo or/and Cd subchronic toxicity models of ducks were established by feeding diets with different dosages of Mo or/and Cd. Data show that Mo or/and Cd cause oxidative stress by increasing MDA concentration, and decreasing T‐AOC, CAT, GSH‐Px and T‐SOD activities, restrain PI3K/AKT axis by decreasing PI3K, AKT, p‐AKT expression levels, which evokes pyroptosis and autophagy by elevating IL‐1β, IL‐18 concentrations and NLRP3, Caspase‐1, ASC, GSDME, GSDMA, NEK7, IL‐1β, IL‐18 expression levels, promoting autophagosomes, LC3 puncta, Atg5, LC3A, LC3B, LC3II/LC3I and Beclin‐1 expression levels, and reducing expression levels of P62 and Dynein. Furthermore, the variations of abovementioned indexes are most pronounced in co‐treated group. Overall, results reveal that Mo or/and Cd may evoke pyroptosis and autophagy by PI3K/AKT axis in duck spleens. The association of Mo and Cd exacerbates the changes.
Evaluation of zoledronate for the treatment of canine stage III osteosarcoma: A phase II study
Authors: Smith Ashley A. , Lindley Stephanie E.S. , Almond Greg T. , Bergman Noelle S. , Matz Brad M. , Smith Annette N.
Published: November 2022

Background

Greater than 90% of dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma will develop pulmonary metastasis despite the standard of care. Available treatments have limited efficacy for stage III disease. Zoledronate, a bisphosphonate, induces apoptosis of canine osteosarcoma cells and appears to modulate the tumour microenvironment.

Objectives

This prospective, single institutional phase IIa trial investigated the use of single agent zoledronate in dogs with pulmonary metastases from osteosarcoma.

Methods

Zoledronate was administered once monthly, and thoracic radiographs were used to assess response.

Results

Eleven dogs were enrolled. Stable disease was achieved in two of eight dogs available for response assessment. The median progression‐free survival was 28 days (range: 4–93 days). The median stage III‐specific survival time was 92 days. Adverse events were reported in four dogs; two dogs developed grade III or higher toxicities. Notable adverse events included conjunctivitis, fever, hypocalcaemia, and hypophosphatemia.

Conclusions

Zoledronate appears to have limited efficacy as a single agent for stage III osteosarcoma and may be associated with unexpected toxicity in this population. This clinical trial was registered on the AVMA Animal Health Studies Database (AAHSD004396).
Development and molecular dynamics simulation of green natural rubber composites with modified sisal microcrystalline cellulose
Authors: Chen Dongming , Huang Bin , Wang Zhen , Zheng Zijian , Li Zhenlu , Zhou Hua , Li Dacheng , Ye Liangdong , Huang Zhiyi , Li Shanrong , Li Ziwei , Lu Shaorong
Published: November 2022

In this study, green composites were prepared using natural rubber (NR) as the matrix and the sisal microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) as the filler. Three modifying agents oleic acid (OA), γ‐aminopropyltriethoxylsilane (KH550), and bis‐γ‐(triethoxysilylpropyl)‐tetrasulfide (Si69) were individually tested to modify the MCC to improve the interfacial compatibility of the NR and MCC. Combined with modern instrumental analysis technology and molecular dynamics simulation, the reinforcing effect and microscopic mechanism of modified MCC on NR were analyzed. The structure–activity relationship of NR and MCC composites was further revealed, and the interaction between the two components was clarified. At the same time, the reinforcing and compatibilizing effect of three kinds of modified MCC in NR matrix were also revealed. The results showed that the properties of NR/Mod‐MCC composites were better than those of NR/MCC composites, where NR/OA‐MCC presented the highest tensile strength, followed by NR/Si69‐MCC. In addition, NR/Si69‐MCC exhibited higher elongation at break and NR/KH550‐MCC exhibited higher vulcanization characteristics. Molecular model systems were constructed through molecular dynamics simulation to investigate the interactions between the three modified cellulose molecules and the NR molecules. OA‐cellulose has a better interaction with NR than KH550‐cellulose and Si69‐cellulose, The simulation results were consistent with the experimental results.
Intracerebral foreign body: A needle in a dog's brain
Authors: Lehner László , Czeibert Kálmán
Published: November 2022

An 8‐year‐old Maltese dog was referred for surgery due to an intracranial foreign body. The dog had been hit by a car and had experienced three generalised tonic‐clonic seizures. Examination by computed tomography revealed an intracranial metallic object oriented in a vertical direction. The ventral end protruded by 2 mm, in close proximity to the temporomandibular joint. Furthermore, moderate bilateral ventricular dilatation was observed. During the surgery, object removal was initially attempted via the oral cavity, but due to deep coverage by the neighbouring tissues, a rostrotentorial craniotomy was subsequently chosen to remove the foreign body from the brain. The foreign body was identified as a sewing needle. Postoperative computed tomography revealed that the intracranial part of the needle had been removed completely, leaving only the extracranial part, which had become detached from the rest of the needle. Antiepileptic drugs have been continued postoperatively, and the dog is currently symptom‐free.
COP26 and the dynamics of anti‐fossil fuel norms
Authors: van Asselt Harro , Green Fergus
Published: November 2022

Notwithstanding the clear contribution of fossil fuel production and consumption to global greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuels have remained largely outside the focus of the international regime established by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The 2021 Glasgow Climate Change Conference (COP26) marked an important change, however, with fossil fuels featuring prominently in the intergovernmental negotiations as well as on the side‐lines of the conference. Here we discuss these developments as a site for contestations around “anti‐fossil fuel norms.” We argue that anti‐fossil fuel norms are increasingly being adopted and institutionalized. However, ongoing contestation among proponents and opponents of measures to tackle fossil fuels raises important questions over the specific content of emerging norms, the role of the fossil fuel industry in climate governance, the extent to which these norms “fit” with their broader normative context, and the conditions of North–South cooperation in which such norms are to be implemented.

This article is categorized under:

Policy and Governance > International Policy Framework

Policy and Governance > Private Governance of Climate Change
Room‐Temperature Oxidation of Thulium‐Metal Nanoparticles to the Thulium Oxocluster [Tm5O(OiPr)13]
Authors: Reiß Andreas , Schlittenhardt Sören , Ruben Mario , Feldmann Claus
Published: November 2022

Zerovalent thulium nanoparticles (2.2±0.3 nm in size) are used as the starting material to prepare single crystals of the thulium oxocluster [Tm5O(OiPr)13]. The reaction is performed by controlled oxidation of the Tm(0) nanoparticles at room temperature (25°C) in isopropanol. The pentanuclear oxocluster contains a non‐charged molecular unit with a central Tm5O core and five μ1‐, four μ2‐, and four μ3‐bridging (OiPr)− ligands. Single‐crystal structure analysis (P21/n, a=1247.7(6), b=2146.2(15), c=2056.6(9) pm, β=93.23(1)°) and infrared spectroscopy confirm the oxidation of HOiPr with formation of H2 and (OiPr)−. Temperature‐dependent measurements show antiferromagnetic coupling. Such a polynuclear [Ln5O(OiPr)13] oxocluster (Ln: lanthanide) is prepared with thulium‐metal nanoparticles as a starting material for the first time and points to the suitability of reactive rare‐earth metal nanoparticles as starting materials.
Li3TrAs2 (Tr=Al, Ga, In) – Derivatives of the antifluorite type structure, conductivities and electronic structures
Authors: Wegner Florian , Kamm Franziska , Pielnhofer Florian , Pfitzner Arno
Published: November 2022

Li3AlAs2, Li3GaAs2 and Li3InAs2 were obtained from the elements via high temperature synthesis. Li3AlAs2 and Li3GaAs2 crystallize in a distorted 2 ⋅ 2 ⋅ 1 superstructure of the antifluorite structure type. The orthorhombic crystal structure is isotypic to Li3AlP2 and Li3GaP2, space group Cmce (No. 64) showing layers of condensed TrAs4‐tetrahedra (Tr=Al, Ga). Li3InAs2 crystallizes isotypic to Li3InP2 in a distorted 2 ⋅ 2 ⋅ 4 antifluorite type superstructure. The crystal structure is tetragonal, space group I41/acd (No. 142), showing a 3D‐network of In4As10‐supertetrahedra. Structural characterization by powder X‐ray diffraction, thermal analysis, conductivity measurements and band structure calculations show ion conductivity for Li3InAs2 and electronic charge transport for Li3AlAs2 and Li3GaAs2.
Common origin of θ13 and dark matter within the flavor symmetric scoto-seesaw framework
Authors: Ganguly Joy , Gluza Janusz , Karmakar Biswajit
Published: November 2022

Abstract

To understand the observed pattern of neutrino masses and mixing as well as to account for the dark matter we propose a hybrid scoto-seesaw model based on the A4 discrete flavor symmetry. In this setup, including at least two heavy right-handed neutrinos is essential to employ the discrete flavor symmetry that mimics once popular tribimaximal neutrino mixing at the leading order via type-I seesaw. The scotogenic contribution then acts as a critical deviation to reproduce the observed value of the reactor mixing angle θ13 (within the trimaximal mixing scheme) and to accommodate potential dark matter candidates, pointing towards a common origin of θ13 and dark matter. The model predicts the atmospheric angle to be in the upper octant, excludes some regions on the Dirac CP phase, and restricts the Majorana phases too. Further, normal and inverted mass hierarchies can be distinguished for specific values of the relative phases associated with the complex light neutrino mass matrix. Owing to the considered flavor symmetry, contributions coming from the scotogenic mechanism towards the lepton flavor violating decays such as μ → eγ, τ → eγ vanish, and a lower limit on the second right-handed neutrino mass can be obtained. Prediction for the effective mass parameter appearing in the neutrinoless double beta decay falls within the sensitivity of future experiments such as LEGEND-1k and nEXO.
Dissipation of oscillating scalar backgrounds in an FLRW universe
Authors: Wang Zi-Liang , Ai Wen-Yuan
Published: November 2022

Abstract

We study the dissipation of oscillating scalar backgrounds in a spatially flat Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker universe using non-equilibrium quantum field theory. To be concrete, a Z2-symmetric two-scalar model with quartic interactions is used. For quasi-harmonic oscillations, we adopt the multi-scale analysis to obtain analytical approximate expressions for the evolution of the scalar background in terms of the retarded self-energy and retarded proper four-vertex function. Different from the case in flat spacetime, we find that in an expanding universe the condensate decay in this model can be complete only if the imaginary part of the retarded self-energy is not negligibly small. The microphysical interpretation of the imaginary parts of the retarded self-energy and retarded proper four-vertex function in terms of particle production is also discussed.
Heterotic quantum cohomology
Authors: McOrist Jock , Svanes Eirik Eik
Published: November 2022

Abstract

It is believed, but not demonstrated, that the large radius massless spectrum of a heterotic string theory compactified to four-dimensional Minkowski space should obey equations that split into ‘F-terms’ and ‘D-terms’ in ways analogous to that of four-dimensional supersymmetric field theories. This is not easy to do directly as string theory is first quantised. Nonetheless, in this paper we demonstrate this splitting. We construct an operator$$ \overline{\mathcal{D}} $$D¯whose kernel amounts to deformations solving ‘F-term’ type equations. In many previous works in this field, the spin connection is treated as an independent degree of freedom (and so is spurious or fake); here our results apply on the physical moduli space in which these fake degrees of freedom are eliminated. We utilise the moduli space metric, constructed in previous work, to define an adjoint operator$$ \overline{\mathcal{D}} $$D¯†. The kernel of$$ \overline{\mathcal{D}} $$D¯†amounts to ‘D-term’ type equations. Put together, we show there is a$$ \overline{\mathcal{D}} $$D¯-operator in which the massless spectrum are harmonic representatives of$$ \overline{\mathcal{D}} $$D¯. We conjecture that one could better study the moduli space of heterotic theories by studying the corresponding cohomology, a natural counterpart to studying the$$ \overline{\partial} $$∂¯-cohomology groups relevant to moduli of Calabi-Yau manifolds.
The Higgs→ $$ b\overline{b} $$, $$ c\overline{c} $$, gg measurement at CEPC
Authors: Zhu Yongfeng , Cui Hanhua , Ruan Manqi
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Accurately measuring the properties of the Higgs boson is one of the core physics objectives of the Circular Electron Positron Collider (CEPC). As a Higgs factory, the CEPC is expected to operate at a centre-of-mass energy of 240 GeV, deliver an integrated luminosity of 5.6 ab−1, and produce one million Higgs bosons according to the CEPC Conceptual Design Report (CDR). Combining measurements of the ℓ+ℓ−H, $$ \nu \overline{\nu}H $$
ν

ν
¯

H
, and $$ q\overline{q}H $$
q

q
¯

H
channels, we conclude that the signal strength of $$ H\to b\overline{b}/c\overline{c}/ gg $$
H
→
b

b
¯

/
c

c
¯

/
gg
can be measured with a relative accuracy (relative statistical uncertainty only) of 0.27%/4.03%/1.56%. Extrapolating to the recently released TDR operating parameters corresponding to the integrated luminosity of 20 ab−1, the relative accuracy of $$ H\to b\overline{b}/c\overline{c}/ gg $$
H
→
b

b
¯

/
c

c
¯

/
gg
signal strength is 0.14%/2.13%/0.82% (relative statistical uncertainty only). We analyze the dependence of the expected accuracies on the critical detector performances: Color Singlet Identification (CSI) for the $$ q\overline{q}H $$
q

q
¯

H
channel and flavor tagging for both $$ \nu \overline{\nu}H $$
ν

ν
¯

H
and $$ q\overline{q}H $$
q

q
¯

H
channels. Compared to the baseline CEPC detector performance, ideal flavor tagging can increase the $$ H\to b\overline{b}/c\overline{c}/ gg $$
H
→
b

b
¯

/
c

c
¯

/
gg
signal strength accuracy by 2%/63%/13% in the $$ \nu \overline{\nu}H $$
ν

ν
¯

H
channel and 35%/122%/181% in the $$ q\overline{q}H $$
q

q
¯

H
channel. A strong dependence between the CSI performance and anticipated accuracies in $$ q\overline{q}H $$
q

q
¯

H
channel is identified. The relevant systematic uncertainties are also discussed in this paper.
Resolving charged hadrons in QED — gauge invariant interpolating operators
Authors: Nabeebaccus Saad , Zwicky Roman
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Standard interpolating operators for charged mesons, e.g. JB = $$ \overline{b} $$

b
¯

iγ5u for B−, are not gauge invariant in QED and therefore problematic for perturbative methods. We propose a gauge invariant interpolating operator by adding an auxiliary charged scalar ΦB, $$ {\mathcal{J}}_B^{(0)} $$

J
B

0

= JB ΦB, which reproduces all the universal soft and collinear logs. The modified LSZ-factor is shown to be infrared finite which is a necessary condition for validating the approach. At $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(α), this is equivalent to a specific Dirac dressing of charged operators. A generalisation thereof, using iterated integrals, establishes the equivalence to all orders and provides a transparent alternative viewpoint. The method is discussed by the example of the leptonic decay B−→ ℓ−$$ \overline{\nu} $$

ν
¯

for which a numerical study is to follow. The formalism itself is valid for any spin, flavour and set of final states (e.g. B−→ π0ℓ−$$ \overline{\nu} $$

ν
¯

).
Topological defects in nonlocal field theories
Authors: Buoninfante Luca , Miyashita Yuichi , Yamaguchi Masahide
Published: November 2022

Abstract

In this paper we study for the first time topological defects in the context of nonlocal field theories in which Lagrangians contain infinite-order differential operators. In particular, we analyze domain walls. Despite the complexity of non-linear infinite-order differential equations, we are able to find an approximate analytic solution. We first determine the asymptotic behavior of the nonlocal domain wall close to the vacua. Then, we find a linearized nonlocal solution by perturbing around the well-known local ‘kink’, and show that it is consistent with the asymptotic behavior. We develop a formalism to study the solution around the origin, and use it to verify the validity of the linearized solution. We find that nonlocality makes the width of the domain wall thinner, and the energy per unit area smaller as compared to the local case. For the specific domain wall solution under investigation we derive a theoretical constraint on the energy scale of nonlocality which must be larger than the corresponding symmetry-breaking scale. We also briefly comment on other topological defects like string and monopole.
Vascular Health in Adults Born After Using Assisted Reproductive Technologies
Authors: Langer Magdalena , Vilsmaier Theresa , Kramer Marie , Sciuk Franziska , Kolbinger Brenda , Li Pengzhu , Jakob André , Rogenhofer Nina , Dalla-Pozza Robert , Thaler Christian , Haas Nikolaus Alexander , Oberhoffer Felix Sebastian
Published: November 2022

An increasing number of children are conceived by assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Several studies indicated vascular alterations in ART children. However, limited data is available within the adult ART population. Therefore, this study investigated the overall vascular health of young ART adults in comparison to spontaneously conceived peers. In total, 16 ART subjects and 22 spontaneously conceived peers (22.06 ± 2.21 years vs. 22.00 ± 2.14 years, p = 0.194) were enrolled for the assessment of endothelial function, brachial blood pressure, central blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, carotid intima-media thickness, and blood lipids. No significant differences in vascular function were detected between the in vitro fertilization subgroup (n = 9), the intracytoplasmic sperm injection subgroup (n = 7) and spontaneously conceived peers. This pilot study suggests an unimpaired vascular function in young ART adults. In the future, multi-centric studies with a greater sample size are required to confirm the results of the current study and enable precise cardiovascular risk stratification of the adult ART population.
Inclusion body myositis: from genetics to clinical trials
Authors: Nagy Sara , Khan Alaa , Machado Pedro M. , Houlden Henry
Published: November 2022

Inclusion body myositis (IBM) belongs to the group of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies and is characterized by a slowly progressive disease course with asymmetric muscle weakness of predominantly the finger flexors and knee extensors. The disease leads to severe disability and most patients lose ambulation due to lack of curative or disease-modifying treatment options. Despite some genes reported to be associated with hereditary IBM (a distinct group of conditions), data on the genetic susceptibility of sporadic IBM are very limited. This review gives an overview of the disease and focuses on the current genetic knowledge and potential therapeutic implications.
PatrIoT: practical and agile threat research for IoT
Authors: Süren Emre , Heiding Fredrik , Olegård Johannes , Lagerström Robert
Published: November 2022

The Internet of things (IoT) products, which have been widely adopted, still pose challenges in the modern cybersecurity landscape. Many IoT devices are resource-constrained and almost constantly online. Furthermore, the security features of these devices are less often of concern, and fewer methods, standards, and guidelines are available for testing them. Although a few approaches are available to assess the security posture of IoT products, the ones in use are mostly based on traditional non-IoT-focused techniques and generally lack the attackers’ perspective. This study provides a four-stage IoT vulnerability research methodology built on top of four key elements: logical attack surface decomposition, compilation of top 100 weaknesses, lightweight risk scoring, and step-by-step penetration testing guidelines. Our proposed methodology is evaluated with multiple IoT products. The results indicate that PatrIoT allows cyber security practitioners without much experience to advance vulnerability research activities quickly and reduces the risk of critical IoT penetration testing steps being overlooked.
Noninvasive intracranial pressure waveforms for estimation of intracranial hypertension and outcome prediction in acute brain-injured patients
Authors: Brasil Sérgio , Frigieri Gustavo , Taccone Fabio Silvio , Robba Chiara , Solla Davi Jorge Fontoura , de Carvalho Nogueira Ricardo , Yoshikawa Marcia Harumy , Teixeira Manoel Jacobsen , Malbouisson Luiz Marcelo Sá , Paiva Wellingson Silva
Published: November 2022

Analysis of intracranial pressure waveforms (ICPW) provides information on intracranial compliance. We aimed to assess the correlation between noninvasive ICPW (NICPW) and invasively measured intracranial pressure (ICP) and to assess the NICPW prognostic value in this population. In this cohort, acute brain-injured (ABI) patients were included within 5 days from admission in six Intensive Care Units. Mean ICP (mICP) values and the P2/P1 ratio derived from NICPW were analyzed and correlated with outcome, which was defined as: (a) early death (ED); survivors on spontaneous breathing (SB) or survivors on mechanical ventilation (MV) at 7 days from inclusion. Intracranial hypertension (IHT) was defined by ICP > 20 mmHg. A total of 72 patients were included (mean age 39, 68% TBI). mICP and P2/P1 values were significantly correlated (r = 0.49, p < 0.001). P2/P1 ratio was significantly higher in patients with IHT and had an area under the receiving operator curve (AUROC) to predict IHT of 0.88 (95% CI 0.78–0.98). mICP and P2/P1 ratio was also significantly higher for ED group (n = 10) than the other groups. The AUROC of P2/P1 to predict ED was 0.71 [95% CI 0.53–0.87], and the threshold P2/P1 > 1.2 showed a sensitivity of 60% [95% CI 31–83%] and a specificity of 69% [95% CI 57–79%]. Similar results were observed when decompressive craniectomy patients were excluded. In this study, P2/P1 derived from noninvasive ICPW assessment was well correlated with IHT. This information seems to be as associated with ABI patients outcomes as ICP.

Trial registration: NCT03144219, Registered 01 May 2017 Retrospectively registered, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03144219.
Looking for patterns of change amid pandemic period in students’ evaluation of academic teaching
Authors: Sarra Annalina , Evangelista Adelia , Iannone Barbara , Di Battista Tonio
Published: November 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken not only the global economy but every development field, including all levels of the education sector and in every place in the world. The wide spread of this pandemic disaster has undoubtedly changed the education landscape worldwide. Online teaching and learning become the primary instruction method and the global world of schools, colleges and universities were forced to adapt this model. The first concern about online learning is whether this method is effective compared to traditional face-to-face lessons. In this paper, we carried out a quantitative analysis to explore variations in university students’ feedback on learning experience in the context of this new challenging situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. By adopting an IRT modeling, we compared the appreciation of some aspects of 41 courses taught at the University of Chieti-Pescara (Italy) during the educational emergency with that of the previous year. Overall, from the results of this study, it is arisen that students have given positive feedbacks on their learning experiences and their effectiveness.
Combined effect of acute salt and nitrogen stress on the physiology of lichen symbiotic partners
Authors: Chowaniec Karolina , Żukowska-Trebunia Anna , Rola Kaja
Published: November 2022

Nitrogen pollution and excessive salinity are commonly regarded as one of the major environmental concerns in recent decades in many urban environments. Although in urban areas lichens are exposed to both salt and nitrogen stress, no studies have been conducted to date on the simultaneous impact and interaction of these factors on lichen physiology. The aim was to determine the effect of various combinations of NaCl and NH4NO3 doses on the physiology of epigeic lichen Cladonia rei. We also aimed to compare the response of lichens collected from polluted and unpolluted sites to verify whether lichens exposed to different levels of environmental stress in their native environment will react differently. The combined salt-nitrogen treatment caused significant disturbances in the integrity of cell membranes and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. The most detrimental effect concerned the loss of cell membrane integrity, which suggests that this parameter can serve as a relevant indicator of acute salt-nitrogen stress incidents. Salt stress decreased the photosynthetic efficiency 1 h after exposure, but after 72 h, the FV/FM returned to the level characteristic of healthy lichens in experimental groups without and with small doses of ammonium nitrate. In contrast, recovery was not possible in combination with high nitrogen doses. This indicates that exposure to short-term salt stress in a nitrogen-poor environment only causes a temporary reduction in photosynthetic efficiency, but in urban eutrophic environments may have more serious consequences. The weakened physiological condition of the mycobiont manifested by an increased level of cell membrane damage and a persistent decrease in the photosynthetic efficiency of the photobiont in lichens growing along the roads may indicate an excess of nitrogen in the environment, enhanced by the effect of salt. Lichens collected from a heavy-metal-polluted habitat responded more strongly than those from an unpolluted habitat suggesting that in lichens previously affected by certain harmful factors, exposure to another stress factor may lead to greater disturbances. This is of particular importance for lichens inhabiting the vicinity of roads, since they are also under the influence of other pollutants emitted by road traffic.
Toponyms: a neglected asset within the water framework and flood directives implementation process; the case study of Greece
Authors: Skoulikaris Charalampos
Published: November 2022

Proxy data and qualitative information are important assets in water resources and floods management. In the research, the river water bodies with characteristic toponyms (hydronyms) in Greece that potentially reflect the water’s quality or the occurrence of floods are evaluated in comparison to the European Union’s (EU) Water Framework and Flood Directives implementation process outputs. For doing so, after identifying the river water bodies with characteristic toponyms which form the 10.2% of the Greek water bodies, the toponyms are cross correlated with the water bodies quality status as retrieved by the Directives’ databases to validate the existence of linkages between the names and the quality. Similarly, the significant floods, as derived from the Flood Directive, are spatially allied with the water bodies with characteristic toponyms to ground truth the connection between significant floods and water bodies whose toponyms imply flood prone areas. The research outputs indicate a high degree of correlation both in terms of water quality and floods, meaning that in almost all cases the water body toponym depicts the good or bad quality of the water body or the occurrence of flood events. Moreover, it is established that almost 90% of the water bodies with characteristic names are intermittent and ephemeral ones. The water bodies’ toponyms, hence, are proposed as an auxiliary criterion during the Directives implementation process that could foster increased water quality and flood-related knowledge, especially in intermittent and ephemeral water bodies which are generally lacking observations, and can be applied not only in all EU-Member States’ waters, but also in global scale.
The Impact of Institutional Formation on Firms’ Strategic Choices in Knowledge Development, Absorptive Capacity and Vertical Integration
Authors: Ray Pradeep Kanta , Klarin Anton , Ray Sangeeta
Published: November 2022

This study examines the impact of institutional shifts on the strategic choices of Russian firms. It proposes and tests hypotheses of how a shift from a weak to a strong institutional context is likely to affect firms’ knowledge accumulation, absorptive capacities and internalisation of operations. Using discriminant analysis, the econometric investigation demonstrates that firms tend to allocate greater resources towards improving their knowledge and absorptive capacity and make more efforts to vertically integrate—in line with improvements in the institutional environment. These investments ensure the survivability and competitiveness of firms in the long term. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that the long-term strategic orientation of firms goes hand in hand with rising resource allocations by the nation-state towards economic development. The findings align with the institutionalist political economy views that institutions are the ultimate overseers that allow the market to operate efficiently, especially in emerging market environments. The paper is also instructive to other developing economies about the need to strengthen their institutional environments, which supports the long-term orientation of firms and has a positive impact on economic development. The analysis does not take into account the impact of sanctions on Russian business and economy, post the annexation of Crimea and the armed conflict with Ukraine. Nor does it consider the impact of COVID-19 on the economy. As such, the study attempts to constitute an untainted comparison of two paths of transition on Russian firms—shock therapy, vis-à-vis, an institutional political economy approach.
Dekonvolution von Mikroskopiedaten bei niedrigem Signal-Rausch-Verhältnis
Authors: Woelk Lena-Marie , Diercks Björn-Philipp , Werner René
Published: November 2022

Fluorescence live cell microscopy is central to the analysis of inter- and intracellular signaling. However, analysis of highly dynamic, local processes requires high temporal and spatial resolution imaging, which is intrinsically linked to a low signal-to-noise ratio. To improve image quality after data acquisition, computational techniques, referred to as deconvolution, are being developed. Here, we discuss recent approaches in the areas of variational and deep learning image deconvolution.
Die Wirkungsweise des ZAP-Proteins bei Cytomegalievirus-Infektionen
Authors: Brinkmann Melanie M.
Published: November 2022

The repertoire of antiviral drugs and vaccines for many viral infections is astonishingly small. No licensed vaccine against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) exists to protect risk groups. Thus, there is an urgent need to better understand the complex interplay between HCMV and its host and to identify effective intervention strategies. Recently, we identified the cellular ZAP protein as an important antiviral factor during HCMV infection: it binds specific viral transcripts and targets them for degradation. Further insights into the molecular details may improve targeted antiviral drug design.
Polyphosphat — ein unterschätztes Molekül
Authors: Jendrossek Dieter , Hildenbrand Jennie C.
Published: November 2022

Polyphosphate (polyP) is an inorganic biopolymer ubiquitously present in all species. It has a variety of functions ranging from that of a reservoir for phosphorous in many microorganisms to functions in blood coagulation and plays a role in neurogenerative diseases in humans. Here, we provide a summary of the structure and functions that have been addressed to polyP in microorganisms.
Neue Methoden ermöglichen die Live-Beobachtung der Holzentstehung
Authors: Sass Annika , Schneider René
Published: November 2022

Trees are among the largest organisms on earth. Their growth is supported by a specialized vascular system — the xylem, also known as wood — which conducts water from the root to the canopy and provides mechanical stability. The xylem is a network of dead hollow cells whose walls are extremely resilient and feature highly ordered spatial patterns. New optical methods allow real-time observation of wood formation, providing insight into how these walls function in transporting water.
Schallschalter: Photoschaltbare Reporter und Sensoren in der Optoakustik
Authors: Göllner Simon , Mishra Kanuj , Stiel Andre C.
Published: November 2022

Optoacoustic imaging offers a unique combination of observation volume and achievable resolution in vivo. However, the use of transgene labeling agents has been impractical because their signal is low compared to the background of the tissue. Thus, detection was limited to large numbers of cells. We tackle this problem by using switchable agents — switching creates a signal modulation which allows to separate the labeled cells from the constant background — making it virtually invisible.
Bestimmung mikrobieller Gemeinschaften von Teichen in Stadt und Land
Authors: Ionescu Danny , Bizic Mina , Grossart Hans-Peter
Published: November 2022

Land use intensification through intensive agriculture or urbanization were shown to affect biodiversity of different taxonomic or functional groups. We used deep amplicon sequencing of environmental DNA to investigate these effects on pond biodiversity in an area intensely used for agriculture, as well as in urban ponds. We revealed a biodiversity homogenization across ponds in arable fields, grasslands, and forests in the rural Uckermark, yet with significant differences to urban ponds in Berlin.
The Circular RNA Circ-ANAPC7 as a Biomarker for the Risk Stratification of Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Authors: Zhou Fang , Zhang Shuying , Huo Mei , Zhou Ying , Jiang Libo , Zhou Hong , Qu Ying
Published: November 2022

To assess the diagnostic value of circ-ANAPC7 expression levels in MDS and its risk stratification. This is a retrospective observational study. This study enrolled 125 patients diagnosed with MDS and divided them into five groups according to IPSS-R (very high group, 25; high group, 25; intermediate group, 25; low group, 25; and very low group, 25), and 25 patients with IDA were studied as control group from our bone marrow cell bank. Bone marrow cell were used as material in this study to measure the expression level of circ-ANAPC7 by qRT-PCR. An evaluation of diagnostic value was conducted using ROC curves. Circ-ANAPC7 expression levels were 5.623 ± 4.483, 28.396 ± 12.938, 91.867 ± 37.010, 202.525 ± 54.911, 337.633 ± 86.013, and 502.269 ± 98.410 from the control group to the very high group, respectively (p < 0.05). Circ-ANAPC7 expression was gradually upregulated with the risk stratification of MDS. The AUCs of circ-ANAPC7 were 0.973, 0.996, 0.951, 0.920, and 0.907 in the control group/very low group, very low group/low group, low group/intermediate group, intermediate group/high group, and high group/very high group, respectively. In this study, the expression level of circ-ANAPC7 was found to be a promising biomarker for MDS. It may be added to the scoring system to better identify risk groups.
Development and prospects of garnet ceramic scintillators: A review
Authors: Zhu Danyang , Nikl Martin , Chewpraditkul Weerapong , Li Jiang
Published: November 2022

Garnet ceramic scintillators are a class of inorganic scintillation materials with excellent overall performance. The flexibility of cation substitution in different lattice positions leads to tunable and versatile properties and a wide range of applications. This paper starts with an overview of the development history of the inorganic scintillation materials, followed by a description of major preparation methods and characterization of garnet scintillation ceramics. Great progress obtained in recent years consisting in applying the band-gap and defect engineering strategies to the garnet scintillation ceramics is reviewed. Finally, the respective problems in the preparation and performance of multicomponent garnet single crystals and ceramics and the effective solutions are discussed. The garnet scintillation ceramics with the highest application potential are summarized, and the future development directions are proposed.
Organizing and Institutionalizing Local Sustainability
Authors: Deslatte Aaron
Published: November 2022

This Element explores the role of public managers as designers. Drawing from systems-thinking and strategic management, a process-tracing methodology is used to examine three design processes whereby public managers develop strategies for adapting to climate change, build the requisite capabilities and evaluate outcomes. Across three cases, the findings highlight the role of managers as 'design- oriented' integration agents and point to areas where additional inquiry is warranted. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
Industrialization and Assimilation
Authors: Green Elliott D.
Published: November 2022

Industrialization and Assimilation examines the process of ethnic identity change in a broad historical context. Green explains how and why ethnicity changes across time, showing that, by altering the basis of economic production from land to labour and removing people from the 'idiocy of rural life', industrialization makes societies more ethnically homogenous. More speciﬁcally, the author argues that industrialization lowers the relative value of rural land, leading people to identify less with narrow rural identities in favour of broader identities that can aid them in navigating the formal urban economy. Using large-scale datasets that span the globe as well as detailed case studies ranging from mid-twentieth-century Turkey to contemporary Botswana, Somalia and Uganda, as well as evidence from Native Americans in the United States and the Māori in New Zealand, Industrialization and Assimilation provides a new framework to understand the origins of modern ethnic identities.
Becoming a Parent
Authors: McMahon Catherine A.
Published: November 2022

The contexts for becoming a parent are ever-changing, bringing new opportunities and new challenges. Becoming a Parent examines the transition to parenthood from diverse perspectives – it is about becoming, rather than being a parent. Drawing on a large body of theory and research, the book explores universal psychological journeys as well as the specific challenges faced by those whose pathways to parenthood are non-traditional or medically complicated. It also examines the unprecedented reproductive choices in contemporary society and provides a comprehensive overview of the personal and social impact of reproductive technologies. Pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenthood (the so-called 'fourth trimester') are discussed in detail and illustrated with case anecdotes and personal stories of people with 'high-risk' pregnancies, fathers as well as mothers, adoptive parents, and LGBTQ as well as heterosexual adults. It concludes with social and policy initiatives that can better support positive adaptation during this crucial life transition.