bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
P‐2.18: Overview and Prospect of the Application of Digital Human in Medical Field
Authors: Wang Hao , Song Jianwen , Wang Lijun
Published: August 2023

This article briefly describes the concept of digital human and the difference between it and virtual human and digital virtual human, summarizes the application status of digital human in the medical field, by analyzing the advantages and characteristics of digital human and applying it in the medical field, such as the construction of digital virtual human model, discusses the advantages and disadvantages of digital human in the medical field and its application prospects. It is of great significance to study the medical research mode, clinical teaching mode and clinical medical work mode in the digital age.
P‐2.21: Research on multi‐lidar detection technology for autonomous driving
Authors: Wu Junming , Li Wanlin
Published: August 2023

Nowadays autonomous driving has become a hot topic, many people pay attention to the field. Target detection through sensors is the basis of autonomous driving and plays an important role in high-level autonomous driving. The effective environmental information obtained by using a single sensor is less, and the visual sensor is easily affected by the weather and the algorithm is complex, so there are problems in real-time detection and accuracy. Multi-lidar detection is also a popular research in this field and has important research value and application prospect.

This paper mainly describes the key steps of multi-lidar detection and proposes a fully automatic point cloud registration scheme. The fully automatic calibration method does not require manual initialization and does not rely on additional sensors at all, which can play a good role in multi-lidar detection. After that, the fused point cloud data is filtered to remove interference points and reduce the number of point clouds. In view of the under-segmentation of ground point cloud, the point cloud is mapped to the raster graph, and the ground point and non-ground point are separated by Random sample consensus algorithm and least square method. Then, distance-based clustering is used for obstacle detection on non-ground points.
P‐2.23: Deep Learning‐based System for Processing Complex Floorplans
Authors: Lin Wei , Xiao Xinlin , Lang Taifu , Wang Jing , Li Jiayin
Published: August 2023

With the increasing number of augmented reality apps for houses in recent years, home modeling is essential to complete a 3D reconstruction via identifying the primary features of the house based on a 2D floorplan. Due to the dispersed wall arrangement in 2D floor layouts and the abundant interference information surrounding varied thicknesses, existing segmentation methods mainly rely on image morphology or use deep learning models in other fields like Unet. However, these schemes do not solve poor robust performance problems. In this paper, we propose an Reflect Strip Pooling Unet (RSP-Unet) to enhance the segmentation capabilities of the network for strip features. Specifically, we utilize reflect strip pooling to replace the maximum pooling step and reduce feature loss during the downsampling in the Unet network. More importantly, the proposed module is also integrated with the SE (Squeeze-and- Excitation) mechanism to interact with input from several channels, lessen model overfitting, and increase model robustness. Finally, our extensive experience shows that the results on the self-built floorplan dataset demonstrate that the mean Intersection Over Union(mIOU) is increased by 8.34% and the Dice coefficient is increased by 8.78% compared with the original Unet model.
P‐2.27: Application of 3D reconstruction technology in VR industry
Authors: Hou Yaohui , Song Jianwen , Wang Lijun
Published: August 2023

VR content is a key link in building a VR ecosystem, but the extreme lack of high-quality content has become the core shortcoming restricting the development of the VR industry, so in the medium and long term, the VR industry will shift from hardware technology upgrades to high-quality content-oriented, and is expected to usher in a new round of growth driven by business model innovation and content explosion. With 3D reconstruction, users can experience virtual scenes visually and audibly. The development of 3D reconstruction technology will bring great changes to existing players, and also greatly promote the rapid development of metaverse content Through continuous algorithm improvement, 3D reconstruction continues to be applied to all aspects of life.
P‐4.8: Unidirectional Observable Aero Signage Display Using Dye‐doped Corner Cube Prisms Which Enable to Make Transparent from Back Side
Authors: Sakamoto Kunio , Shiojiri Shota
Published: August 2023

Suppose that you look Arabic numerals on transparent glass windows or in the air. Which does it mean ‘85’ or ‘28’? You end up watching the mirrored images when you view from back side. So let us make the mirrored image invisible. To solve mirrored image problems of an aero signage which means images are floating in the air, our research group has utilized dye‐doped prisms and total internal reflection in optics. You know that water is generally colorless and transparent but the water in a bath tub is little blue. The color changes depending on the depth of water. The deeper, the darker water becomes blue. This is the reason why some color is generated in the dye‐doped material. In 2021, we presented a unidirectional observable display using letterings made by intaglio printings for arranging dye‐doped tiny prisms on a glass window. You can watch these colored letterforms from front and transparent pixels from back. But this 2021 model has a little defect that colors are less vivid because of color generating mechanism by twice reflection in conventional optical prisms using transparent materials for making transparent from back side. In this paper, the authors show an aero signage display using dye‐doped corner cube prisms which can lengthen light paths in the prism by multi‐times reflections to avoid the semi‐transparent problem which means colors are not vivid.
P‐4.9: Thermal simulation research and design of NB high‐end products
Authors: Wei Jun , Sha Jin , Shen Can , Xie Qiuju , Su Hongchao , Fang Xiang , Fang Junrui , Zhang Zhou , Chen Yao , Yin Shengjie , Chen Yiming , Zhang Ying , Gao Chao , Zhang Wendi , Huang Shifei , Tao Jun
Published: August 2023

At present, the high temperature of high brush products frequently causes membrane wrinkles and IC performance degradation. In this paper, thermal simulation software is used to simulate the temperature distribution of high brush product LCM, and the simulation is used to guide the design, so as to eliminate heat concentration and improve product performance.
P‐5.1: De‐Mura Processing with a High Performance for Low Grayscales in AMOLED Display
Authors: Cai Jian , Li Kun , Han Dedong , Liu Lifeng , Wang Yi
Published: August 2023

Mura artifacts reduction (De‐Mura) processing, with a high performance for low grayscales, is developed and integrated in display drivers for active‐matrix organic light‐emitting diode (AMOLED) display. The proposed De‐Mura processing, designed to compensate an AMOLED panel's luminance Mura (L‐Mura) and color Mura (C‐Mura), shows excellent display performance, and the major display properties include a diminished luminance non‐uniformity under low grayscales (<= Gray 16) and low luminous brightness (<= 2 cd/m 2 ), and an improved visually imperceptible color non‐uniformity. Our works reveals an effective solution to work around the inevitable difficulties of optical measurement of AMOLED panels under low luminous brightness.
P‐10.3: The full‐color display Micro‐LEDs based on quantum dots photolithography
Authors: Yin Yanzhen , Liu Zhaojun
Published: August 2023

With the rapid development of Micro-LED technology, the method of using quantum dot photoresist to realize the full-color display Micro-LED has received extensive attention from researchers. In this paper, the red and green quantum dot color conversion layers with a pixel size of 50 um was prepared.
P‐10.4: A Non Photolithographic Black Light Shield Film for Ultra‐low Reflectivity Micro‐LED Display
Authors: Liu Cao , Liang Zhixuan , Huo Sitao , Liu Xiaoli
Published: August 2023

Reflectivity, one of the most key specifications for display, is pursued to be extreme low to match the name of ultimate display for micro-LEDs. Conventionally, black light shield film is fabricated by photolithographic process before or after the micro- LED chips being mass transferred to the driver substrate to meet this requirement. In this study, we report a novel black light shield film material by a simple and effective graphical process to achieve ultra-low reflectivity with little influence on the light output of LED chips to dispense with complicated lithography process, which can fill the gap between the LED chips and the eutectic layer at the bottom of the LED chips, and expose the top of the micro-LED chips simultaneously. The black light shield film was directly adhered to the micro-LED substrate by heating, vacuum and press. Whole surface ashing process was then carried out to remove the excess black light shield film on the surface of the micro-LED substrate. By optimizing the thickness of removed black film, the surface of the micro-LED chips could be exposed while other places were still covered with black light shield film. A full-color Micro-LED display with 114 PPI resolution and size of 1.98-inch was successfully fabricated and showed superb performance with 1.16% reflectivity.
P‐10.5: Design and Comparison of DRAM and SRAM Micro‐LED Pixel Driver Circuits
Authors: Zhang Wenhao , Liu Zhaojun
Published: August 2023

With the human stepping into the information society and the rapid increase of information, various display facilities and display devices are getting unprecedented development. In the display industry, Micro-LED has become the focus of development because it has the advantages of both traditional LED and small size, and can achieve extremely high PPI. However, it is precisely because of its small size, in order to drive Micro-LED display, it is particularly important to design a separate driver circuit that meets its characteristics. In this paper, different structures of pixel drivers in Micro-LED display driver circuits are studied. By comparing DRAM and SRAM structures, the performance of pixel driver under different frequency conditions is analyzed. This paper introduces and analyzes the circuit structure and design flow of various pixel drivers. Simulation is carried out by Cadence software, and its actual performance is verified by taping out.
P‐11.5: Design and Optimization Polarized Light Emitting Diode Chips with Nano‐Wire Grid Polarizer and Meta‐surface Textures
Authors: Meng Xianqin , Li Zhongxiao , Lai Yun , Peng Weiting , Wang Mingxing , Jiao Zhiqiang , Liu Sha , Ma Shiqing , Wang Wei , Liang Pengxia , Chen Xiaochuan , Wang Dan , Dong Xue
Published: August 2023

A low power consumption is one of the most important issue for all of the electrical products, especially for wearable products. This manuscript proposed a polarized light emitting diode (LED) chip which is used for a direct back light unit for LCD. A wire grid polarizer and a meta-surface textures are set on the top and bottom of the LED chip in order to obtain a high polarization ratio and transparency. After optimizing the potential parameters, the transmittance of TM and the polarization can reach up to 93.71% and 99.3% respectively. It can replace the normal LED in direct back light unit, and obtain an improved efficiency of 20%, when comparing liquid crystal display with a bottom APF polarizer. It can be used for reducing power consumption and supply dependence, as well as the cost of displays.
P‐12.7: Front Light Guide Plates for Reflective LCDs
Authors: Li Kejing , Ren Hongtao , Yu Liang , Xu Qimin , Lv Guoqiang , Feng Qibin
Published: August 2023

Reflective liquid crystal display has the advantages of energy saving and environmental protection. When the ambient light is low, the front light source is required to provide illumination rays. The front light guide plate has a great influence on display luminance, contrast, etc. Based on Comprehensive considerations on luminance, uniformity, stray light, an analysis and evaluation method for front light guide source is proposed. Taking spherical dots as an example, the influence of dot radius and height on the comprehensive performance of the front light source is analyzed. The simulation results show that when the R:H is 3:1, the comprehensive evaluation parameters of the spherical structure are high, and the signal‐to‐noise ratio is increased by 240%, which can greatly improve the display performance. The analysis and evaluation method proposed in this paper can effectively guide the development of front light guide plates, shorten the development time and reduce the development cost.
P‐12.13: Novel Phase Separation Reactive Mesogen for Speeding Polymer‐stabilized Vertical Alignment Process
Authors: Wei Zhan , Liu Xin , Yan Lingfeng , Hao Xiangyun , Shu Kelun
Published: August 2023

Well known the polymer‐stabilized vertically aligned (PS‐VA) liquid crystal display (LCD) has been extensively using for TV application. However, for the purpose of energy saving during the UV exposure process, there is still no available reactive mesogen solution at PS‐VA mode. In this paper, through the Gaussian program calculation, we have investigated the novel reactive mesogen with high reactivity at the wavelength of 313 nm compared to the current commercial reactive mesogen. By using this novel reactive mesogen at PS‐VA process, there is a positive performance to shorten 74% both UV1 and UV2 curing time. The polymer bump size of novel reactive mesogen is quite smaller after UV curing process. After UV curing process by using both novel reactive mesogen and current commercial reactive mesogen under the same host mixture separately, the optical and reliability performance are also comparable in between.
P‐13.1: Analysis of Reduced Power Consumption in Always On Display Mode for OLED Display
Authors: Chang Xiaohuan , Zuo Litian , Wu Guoqiang , Hou Shuai
Published: August 2023

This paper achieves the purpose of reducing power consumption by partitioning the driver chip in AOD mode. For non‐display areas, the Source op amp circuit of the driver chip and non‐related data processing functions are turned off to optimize power consumption. For the multi‐area display scenario in AOD mode, no matter where the black background is, this design can automatically recognize the black background and carry out power‐saving actions. At the same time, the power optimization function of 1Hz and 0.1Hz ultra‐low frequency display is analyzed.
P‐13.2: Bending Performance Analysis of Flexible OLED Screens
Authors: Feng Qibin , Zheng Chen , Zhang Xin , Wang Zi , Lv Guoqiang
Published: August 2023

OLEDs have become a promising candidate for flexible displays. It is obvious that the requirements on the mechanical property of a flexible OLED screen are higher than common OLED displays. However, with a stacked structure and a complicated property of optically clear adhesive (OCA), it is very difficult to theoretically compute or experimentally measure the stress and strain distributions on each layer during the bending process. The paper employs finite element analysis to evaluate the bending property of a flexible OLED screen. For common U‐shaped bending, the maximum stress increases rapidly as the bending radius decreases. For small bending radius, the water‐drop‐shaped mode presents higher structure reliability than U‐shaped bending.
P‐13.7: Uniform Reflection of Panel and Polarizer for the Premium Black of Watch
Authors: Li Shuhan , Xu Feng , Hu De , Zhao Chen , Jia Yongzhen , Zhang Zhuo
Published: August 2023

The uniformity of premium black in all viewing directions in organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) displays is regarded as an important element for consumers and the properly combination of polarizer and uneven panel can improve the uniformity of large viewing angles for OLED displays. In this paper, the pattern of ΔE change is investigated with the different polarizer fitting angle on watch panel. The results showed that the premium black in all viewing directions for watch can be achieved by utilizing 0° or 135° fitting angle of polarizer on different watch panel.
P‐13.8: A solution on improving display effect of UDC panel
Authors: Wang Yuqing , Li Yong , Wang Zheng , Tang Tao , Wu Yong , Zhu Xiujian
Published: August 2023

As a breakthrough technology, UDC (Under‐Display Camera) can achieve full display, also can increase panel proportion of mobile phones. It is the most likely way to balance the contradiction between front camera and display integrity settings. However, due to the design difference between the main and UDC areas, the display consistency is an important factor affecting the display effect and production yield of UDC panel. To solve this problem, this paper analyzes the reasons for the inconsistency between the main and UDC areas, as well as the defects of the current main solutions. An advanced debug scheme is proposed. It can significantly improve the accuracy of display brightness of UDC area, so as to improve the display effect of UDC panel.
P‐15.2: Light Output Degradation of Full‐frame Projection Laser Displays
Authors: Guo Dabo , Cai Tingke , Liu Xianrong , Liu Weidong
Published: August 2023

Laser display technology can be applied to laser TV, laser projector and other products. In different applications, laser sources have different quantity and packages of lasers. Laser display technology has the advantages of large color gamut, high brightness and low power consumption. One of the benefits of laser is the narrow spectral bandwidth. As a consequence, the display can have a very large color gamut. Affected by a number of factors, the light output of laser display could possibly change with the operation time. Some failure factors of optical elements composing full‐frame projection laser displays that contribute to the degradation of light output are summarized, and under controlled temperature and humidity conditions, the light output degradation of two groups of DUTs were tested.
Fabrication of Optical Fourier Surface by Multiple‐Frequency Vibration Cutting for Structural True Coloration
Authors: Ding Peiyuan , Zhang Jianfu , Feng Pingfa , Zhang Xiangyu , Zheng Zhongpeng , Wang Jianjian
Published: August 2023

Optical Fourier surface is a unique patterned optical surface containing the precise sum of sinusoidal waves, each with a well‐defined spatial frequency and amplitude. It can manipulate the desired diffracted light field through its Fourier transform, which brings a straightforward mathematical method for designing complex diffractive optics. However, the fabrication techniques typically have the drawbacks of low efficiency, limiting the large‐scale industrial application of optical Fourier surfaces. This study presents a powerful approach, the multi‐frequency vibration cutting (MFVC), to enable the high‐efficiency fabrication of optical Fourier surfaces. A specific optical Fourier surface consisting of arbitrary frequency components of linear gratings has been fabricated on metallic surfaces using MFVC. Due to the capacity of multicomponent gratings in coupling red, green, and blue lights at the same incident angle, the RGB true color has been prepared. The additive and subtractive principles of mixing the three primary colors are demonstrated. The former relies on the light dispersion induced by grating diffraction, while the latter is based on the light absorption induced by the subwavelength grating‐coupled surface plasma polarization (SPP). The experimental results of authentic structural true color on the aluminum surface verify the efficacy of MFVC in the fabrication of optical Fourier surfaces.
Multi‐Channel Hollow Carbon Nanofibers with Graphene‐Like Shell‐Structure and Ultrahigh Surface Area for High‐Performance Zn‐Ion Hybrid Capacitors
Authors: Zhang YaFei , Zhu Chunliu , Xiong Yan , Gao Zongying , Hu Wei , Shi Jing , Chen Jingwei , Tian Weiqian , Wu Jingyi , Huang Minghua , Wang Huanlei
Published: August 2023

Porous carbon is the most promising cathode material for Zn‐ion hybrid capacitors (ZIHCs), but is limited by insufficient active adsorption sites and slow ion diffusion kinetics during charge storage. Herein, a pore construction‐pore expansion strategy for synthesizing multi‐channel hollow carbon nanofibers (MCHCNF) is proposed, in which the sacrificial template‐induced multi‐channel structure eliminates the diffusion barrier for enhancing ion diffusion kinetics, and the generated ultrahigh surface area and high‐density defective structures effectively increase the quantity of active sites for charge storage. Additionally, a graphene‐like shell structure formed on the carbon nanofiber surface facilitates fast electron transport, and the highly matchable pore size of MCHCNF with electrolyte‐ions favors the accommodation of charge carriers. These advantages lead to the optimized ZIHCs exhibit high capacity (191.4 mAh g−1), high energy (133.1 Wh kg−1), along with outstanding cycling stability (93.0% capacity retention over 15000 cycles). Systematic ex situ characterizations reveal that the dual‐adsorption of anions and cations synergistically ensures the outstanding electrochemical performance, highlighting the importance of the highly‐developed porous structure of MCHCNF. This work not only provides a promising strategy for improving the capacitive capability of porous materials but also sheds light on charge storage mechanisms and rational design for advanced energy storage devices.
Targeted serum proteomics of longitudinal samples from newly diagnosed youth with type 1 diabetes distinguishes markers of disease and C-peptide trajectory
Authors: Moulder Robert , Välikangas Tommi , Hirvonen M. Karoliina , Suomi Tomi , Brorsson Caroline A. , Lietzén Niina , Bruggraber Sylvaine F. A. , Overbergh Lut , Dunger David B. , Peakman Mark , Chmura Piotr J. , Brunak Soren , Schulte Anke M. , Mathieu Chantal , Knip Mikael , Elo Laura L. , Lahesmaa Riitta ,   on behalf of the INNODIA consortium
Published: August 2023

Aims/hypothesis

There is a growing need for markers that could help indicate the decline in beta cell function and recognise the need and efficacy of intervention in type 1 diabetes. Measurements of suitably selected serum markers could potentially provide a non-invasive and easily applicable solution to this challenge. Accordingly, we evaluated a broad panel of proteins previously associated with type 1 diabetes in serum from newly diagnosed individuals during the first year from diagnosis. To uncover associations with beta cell function, comparisons were made between these targeted proteomics measurements and changes in fasting C-peptide levels. To further distinguish proteins linked with the disease status, comparisons were made with measurements of the protein targets in age- and sex-matched autoantibody-negative unaffected family members (UFMs).

Methods

Selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mass spectrometry analyses of serum, targeting 85 type 1 diabetes-associated proteins, were made. Sera from individuals diagnosed under 18 years (n=86) were drawn within 6 weeks of diagnosis and at 3, 6 and 12 months afterwards (288 samples in total). The SRM data were compared with fasting C-peptide/glucose data, which was interpreted as a measure of beta cell function. The protein data were further compared with cross-sectional SRM measurements from UFMs (n=194).

Results

Eleven proteins had statistically significant associations with fasting C-peptide/glucose. Of these, apolipoprotein L1 and glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPX3) displayed the strongest positive and inverse associations, respectively. Changes in GPX3 levels during the first year after diagnosis indicated future fasting C-peptide/glucose levels. In addition, differences in the levels of 13 proteins were observed between the individuals with type 1 diabetes and the matched UFMs. These included GPX3, transthyretin, prothrombin, apolipoprotein C1 and members of the IGF family.

Conclusions/interpretation

The association of several targeted proteins with fasting C-peptide/glucose levels in the first year after diagnosis suggests their connection with the underlying changes accompanying alterations in beta cell function in type 1 diabetes. Moreover, the direction of change in GPX3 during the first year was indicative of subsequent fasting C-peptide/glucose levels, and supports further investigation of this and other serum protein measurements in future studies of beta cell function in type 1 diabetes.

Graphical Abstract
Sarcopenia and Sarcopenic Obesity on Body Composition Analysis is a Significant Predictor of Mortality in Severe Acute Pancreatitis: A Longitudinal Observational Study
Authors: Farquhar Robert , Matthews Scott , Baxter Nesta , Rayers George , Ratnayake Chathura B. B. , Robertson Francis P. , Nandhra Sandip , Lim Wei Boon , Witham Miles , Pandanaboyana Sanjay
Published: August 2023

Background

The prevalence and impact of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity noted on body composition analysis in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is unknown. This study investigates the prevalence of sarcopenia at different timepoints and its effect on post‐pancreatitis complications and mortality.

Methods

A prospective database of SAP admissions with organ failure at a single institution from 2015 to 2019 were analysed. Sarcopenia was determined by IMAGE J software on CT. Database was further queried for post‐pancreatitis complications and mortality.

Results

141 patients with a median age of 59 (range 18–88) and M:F ratio 1.52:1 of were analysed. Sarcopenia was present in 111/141 (79%) patients at admission, 78/79 (99%) at 3 months and 26/36 (72%) at 12 months. 67/111 patients with sarcopenia on admission had sarcopenic obesity. The mortality at 30 days, 3 months and 12 months was 16/141 (11%), 30/141 (21%) and 42/141 (30%) respectively. Mortality was significantly higher in sarcopenic patients at admission (35.14%) compared to the non‐sarcopenic group (10%), P = 0.008). Mortality in the sarcopenic obesity group was significantly higher (45%) compared to the sarcopenic non‐obese group (20%), P = 0.009) at admission. Multivariate logistic regression identified sarcopenic obesity (OR: 2.880), age (OR: 1.048) and number of organ failures (OR: 3.225) as significant predictors of mortality.

Conclusions

Sarcopenia and Sarcopenic obesity are highly prevalent in SAP patients on admission and during follow up. Furthermore, sarcopenic obesity was shown to be a significant predictor of mortality at admission, suggesting that body composition analysis could be a potential predictive marker of mortality in SAP patients.
Early post-treatment MRI predicts long-term hepatocellular carcinoma response to radiation segmentectomy
Authors: Stocker Daniel , King Michael J. , Homsi Maria El , Gnerre Jeffrey , Marinelli Brett , Wurnig Moritz , Schwartz Myron , Kim Edward , Taouli Bachir
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Radiation segmentectomy using yttrium-90 plays an emerging role in the management of early-stage HCC. However, the value of early post-treatment MRI for response assessment is uncertain. We assessed the value of response criteria obtained early after radiation segmentectomy in predicting long-term response in patients with HCC.

Materials and methods

Patients with HCC who underwent contrast-enhanced MRI before, early, and 12 months after radiation segmentectomy were included in this retrospective single-center study. Three independent radiologists reviewed images at baseline and 1st follow-up after radiation segmentectomy and assessed lesion-based response according to mRECIST, LI-RADS treatment response algorithm (TRA), and image subtraction. The endpoint was response at 12 months based on consensus readout of two separate radiologists. Diagnostic accuracy for predicting complete response (CR) at 12 months based on the 1st post-treatment MRI was calculated.

Results

Eighty patients (M/F 60/20, mean age 67.7 years) with 80 HCCs were assessed (median size baseline, 1.8 cm [IQR, 1.4–2.9 cm]). At 12 months, 74 patients were classified as CR (92.5%), 5 as partial response (6.3%), and 1 as progressive disease (1.2%). Diagnostic accuracy for predicting CR was fair to good for all readers with excellent positive predictive value (PPV): mRECIST (range between 3 readers, accuracy: 0.763–0.825, PPV: 0.966–1), LI-RADS TRA (accuracy: 0.700–0.825, PPV: 0.983–1), and subtraction (accuracy: 0.775–0.825, PPV: 0.967–1), with no difference in accuracy between criteria (p range 0.053 to > 0.9).

Conclusion

mRECIST, LI-RADS TRA, and subtraction obtained on early post-treatment MRI show similar performance for predicting long-term response in patients with HCC treated with radiation segmentectomy.

Clinical relevance statement

Response assessment extracted from early post-treatment MRI after radiation segmentectomy predicts complete response in patients with HCC with high PPV (≥ 0.96).

Key Points

• Early post-treatment response assessment on MRI predicts response in patients with HCC treated with radiation segmentectomy with fair to good accuracy and excellent positive predictive value.

• There was no difference in diagnostic accuracy between mRECIST, LI-RADS, and subtraction for predicting HCC response to radiation segmentectomy.
How can we identify subglottic stenosis in patients with suspected obstructive disease?
Authors: Ntouniadakis Eleftherios , Sundh Josefin , Söderqvist Jeanette , von Beckerath Mathias
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Subglottic stenosis, a rare condition of the upper airway, is frequently misdiagnosed as obstructive lung disease. The aim of this study was to investigate whether subglottic stenosis could be identified and distinguished from asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using spirometry or the dyspnea index (DI).

Methods

The study population included 43 patients with asthma, 31 patients with COPD and 50 patients with subglottic stenosis planned to undergo endoscopic intervention. All patients completed the DI and underwent dynamic spirometry registering both inspiratory and expiratory volumes and flows, including the expiratory disproportion index (EDI), the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 s to peak expiratory flow. One-way analysis of variance assessed the discrepancy of the variables among the study groups, and receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis determined the measurement with the best discriminatory power providing a cutoff value, maximizing both sensitivity and specificity.

Results

The only statistically significant variables differing between all three groups were the EDI and the DI. The EDI showed an excellent area under the ROC curve (0.99, p < 0.001) with a cutoff value of 0.39 (98% sensitivity, 96% specificity), followed by DI (0.87, p < 0.001) with a cutoff score of > 25 (83% sensitivity and 78% specificity).

Conclusion

In patients with dyspnea of unknown cause, an increase in EDI should arouse a suspicion of extrathoracic airway obstruction, advocating for further evaluation with laryngotracheoscopy.
The evolution of prey-attraction strategies in spiders: the interplay between foraging and predator avoidance
Authors: Ratz Tom , Bourdiol Julien , Moreau Stéphanie , Vadnais Catherine , Montiglio Pierre-Olivier
Published: August 2023

Lures and other adaptations for prey attraction are particularly interesting from an evolutionary viewpoint because they are characterized by correlational selection, involve multicomponent signals, and likely reflect a compromise between maximizing conspicuousness to prey while avoiding drawing attention of enemies and predators. Therefore, investigating the evolution of lure and prey-attraction adaptations can help us understand a larger set of traits governing interactions among organisms. We review the literature focusing on spiders (Araneae), which is the most diverse animal group using prey attraction and show that the evolution of prey-attraction strategies must be driven by a trade-off between foraging and predator avoidance. This is because increasing detectability by potential prey often also results in increased detectability by predators higher in the food chain. Thus increasing prey attraction must come at a cost of increased risk of predation. Given this trade-off, we should expect lures and other prey-attraction traits to remain suboptimal despite a potential to reach an optimal level of attractiveness. We argue that the presence of this trade-off and the multivariate nature of prey-attraction traits are two important mechanisms that might maintain the diversity of prey-attraction strategies within and between species. Overall, we aim to stimulate research on this topic and progress in our general understanding of the diversity of predator and prey interactions.
Current and future variability of water supply to a mountain reservoir (Polish Carpathians)
Authors: Bochenek Witold , Wiejaczka Łukasz
Published: August 2023

This study presents the characteristics of the current course of the phenomenon of droughts and floods in the catchment area of a man-made mountainous reservoir and forecasts of water inflow changes to the reservoir over the next three decades. The catchment area of the Klimkówka reservoir on the Ropa River, a tributary of the Wisłoka River, located within the Polish Carpathians was selected for the study. The analysis carried out, using Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) modelling among other techniques, showed an increase in the importance of low-flow outflow from the upper Ropa catchment and a negative balance of inflow to the reservoir (Q < 2 m3 s−1), manifested by a prolonged duration of low flows and an increase in outflow deficit during the year. The duration of flood flows and the runoff excess during these periods show a constant or decreasing tendency, while the length and excess of runoff increase during large floods. Thus, in the upper Ropa catchment, an increase in the intensity of extreme hydrological phenomena is observed. The prepared forecasts indicate an increase in annual runoff from the catchment in the decades 2021–2030 and 2031–2040 and a marked decrease in the decade 2041–2050. In the annual cycle, the projected changes in the coming decades will take different directions. In December only, throughout the entire period 2021–2050, the outflow will increase, whereas in May it will systematically decrease.
Bloch–Siegert Effect for Surface Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Sounding Experiments in the Unsaturated Zone
Authors: Splith Tobias , Hiller Thomas , Müller-Petke Mike
Published: August 2023

The Bloch–Siegert effect is relevant for NMR experiments where components of the excitation pulse other than the circularly polarized component have an influence on the evolution of the magnetization of the spin system under consideration. For linearly polarized excitation fields this happens at amplitudes higher than roughly one tenth of the magnitude of the static magnetic field. Since surface nuclear magnetic resonance (SNMR) experiments, also called magnetic-resonance-soundings (MRS), are conducted in the relatively low local field of the earth, the Bloch–Siegert effect can quickly become relevant. This is especially the case for SNMR experiments in the unsaturated zone, where due to short relaxation times fast pulses of high intensity must be used. To describe the Bloch–Siegert effect, we use the average Hamiltonian approximation obtained by the Magnus expansion of up to fifth order, as well as the solution of the Bloch equations. The results of these approximations are tested against the Bloch simulations and it is shown that they are only valid for limited ranges of the excitation field amplitude. The influence of the Bloch–Siegert effect on sensitivity kernels is described and verified with experimental data obtained with a small scale SNMR sensor on water containers.
Gender and addiction and other mental disorders comorbidity: sociodemographic, clinical, and treatment differences
Authors: Fernández Silvia Díaz , Miranda Juan José Fernandez , Pastor Francisco Pascual , Muñoz Francisco López
Published: August 2023

The co-occurrence of substance use disorders (SUD) and other mental disorders (OMD) is assumed to be high, but the details are uncertain in Spain. The objective of the present study was to know the prevalence of this comorbidity, as well as the pharmacological treatment, both in specific addiction treatment networks and in mental health networks, with a gender perspective. Observational, multicenter study, with a randomized sample, of patients under treatment for SUD or OMD in Spain (N = 1783). A specific questionnaire, collecting sociodemographic and clinical variables, diagnosed SUD and OMD, and prescribed psychotropic drugs, was completed by treating clinicians. Differences between females and males were searched. A high prevalence of OMD was found in those patients treated for their SUD (71%), and also of diagnoses of SUD (59%) in people treated for OMD. Significant relationships between addiction to certain substances and specific mental disorders were found (with no main differences between women and men). The treatments for OMD were very common in the addiction treatment networks, but that of SUDs in those patients treated in the mental health networks was less than expected. A high prescription of benzodiazepines was found. Women were less frequently diagnosed with cannabis, opioid, and especially cocaine use disorders, and they had fewer psychotic disorders and more affective, anxiety, sleep, and eating disorders, with the rest being the same, including personality disorders. Women had fewer treatments with agonists and more with antagonists, and more prescriptions of anxiolytics and antidepressants. This study provides preliminary information on the coexistence in routine clinical practice of addictive disorders and other mental disorders in Spain, and on the treatment provided, and shows differences in prevalence and clinical characteristics, and especially in treatment approaches between women and men. Thus, should be useful to adapt the treatment response with greater precision, and with a gender perspective.
Urban environment determines population genetics in the green toad, Bufotes viridis
Authors: Vargová Viktória , Gužiová Damiána , Balogová Monika , Pipová Natália , Uhrin Marcel , Kaňuch Peter
Published: August 2023

Heavily urbanized areas can hinder dispersal and gene flow between amphibian populations. Given the growth potential of urbanization, it is important to examine how this specific environment shapes their genetic patterns at the local scale. The ability of the European green toad to successfully colonize large human settlements has been convincingly confirmed in the recent past, but little is known about its population genetics under these new conditions. In this study, we examined the effects of the environment on genetic variation, population structure, and the level of gene flow in populations of this amphibian in the city of Košice and the adjacent rural area (eastern Slovakia) using a set of neutral genetic markers. We found that urban populations had lower genetic variability than populations in adjacent rural areas; however, the degree of inbreeding was relatively low in all samples. Genetic differentiation was higher, and gene flow was more restricted in urban area, although geographic distances between sites were significantly less than in rural area (2–4 km versus 6–13 km). Our analyses suggested genetic isolation of urban populations at sites with less suitable habitat for green toads. In contrast, admixture of the population inhabiting the large city park, established on a former floodplain, with all rural populations was likely the result of an intense historical gene flow. The densely developed environment of the other urban sites likely presents a strong barrier to gene flow. The lack of suitable wetland habitat prior to development suggests that these sites were only recently colonized by a limited number of founders. Thus, we found differential effects of the city on the population structure of the green toad. Understanding current local genetic variation and structure is important for future conservation plans in urban environments.
How Common is Cheating in Online Exams and did it Increase During the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Systematic Review
Authors: Newton Philip M. , Essex Keioni
Published: August 2023

Academic misconduct is a threat to the validity and reliability of online examinations, and media reports suggest that misconduct spiked dramatically in higher education during the emergency shift to online exams caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study reviewed survey research to determine how common it is for university students to admit cheating in online exams, and how and why they do it. We also assessed whether these self-reports of cheating increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with an evaluation of the quality of the research evidence which addressed these questions. 25 samples were identified from 19 Studies, including 4672 participants, going back to 2012. Online exam cheating was self-reported by a substantial minority (44.7%) of students in total. Pre-COVID this was 29.9%, but during COVID cheating jumped to 54.7%, although these samples were more heterogenous. Individual cheating was more common than group cheating, and the most common reason students reported for cheating was simply that there was an opportunity to do so. Remote proctoring appeared to reduce the occurrence of cheating, although data were limited. However there were a number of methodological features which reduce confidence in the accuracy of all these findings. Most samples were collected using designs which makes it likely that online exam cheating is under-reported, for example using convenience sampling, a modest sample size and insufficient information to calculate response rate. No studies considered whether samples were representative of their population. Future approaches to online exams should consider how the basic validity of examinations can be maintained, considering the substantial numbers of students who appear to be willing to admit engaging in misconduct. Future research on academic misconduct would benefit from using large representative samples, guaranteeing participants anonymity.
Multifactorial Diffusion of Chloride Ions in Concrete considering the Non-linear Voltage Distortion of Other Species
Authors: Zacchei Enrico , Lizarazo-Marriaga Juan , García-Sánchez Felipe , Tadeu Antonio
Published: August 2023

One of the most relevant deterioration mechanisms of reinforced concrete (RC) structures is the corrosion of steel bars by chloride ions. The service life of structures could be extended by monitoring this process. The lack of correlation data between chloride ion diffusion and the electrical field has meant that alternative methods have been developed in this paper. One such method considers diffusivity and the electrical field as non-constant, although they are usually assumed constant, that is, without there being any variability of the involved factors. Therefore, a multi-factorial diffusivity that accounts for the material characteristics and environmental variations is adopted. In addition, an innovative stochastic approach to evaluate the variation of the electrical field while accounting for the non-linear voltage distortion, which considers a multispecies model, has been proposed. More complete 1D/2D electro-mechanical models that are solved by advanced numerical and analytical solutions for electro-mechanical diffusion have been developed. Results show that spatiotemporal numerical models estimate the chloride concentration well, estimating more reliable scenarios to provide information on the safety situation of the structure and make it more sustainable by employing successful preventive treatments.
Low-temperature synthesis of doped MnO2–carbon dots nanocomposite: an analysis of nanostructure and electrical properties
Authors: Hastuti E. , Fitriana F. , Zainuri M. , Suasmoro S.
Published: August 2023

The synthesis of δ-MnO2, δ-MnO2 carbon dots nanocomposite, and Fe/Cu-doped δ-MnO2 carbon dots nanocomposite has been successfully carried out through a stirring process at room temperature and 80 °C. The synthesized powder shows a low crystallization determined through XRD and TEM analysis. Furthermore, the carbon dots are well attached to MnO2 performing a core–shell composite material, while the doping ions Fe and Cu were incorporated into the matrix substitute Mn in the MnO6 octahedron, although potassium ions were also detected. The manganese possess an oxidation state of + 3 and + 4, which promotes the oxygen vacancy creation $${V}_{\mathrm{O}}^{\cdot\cdot}$$

V

O

·
·

denoting the conductivity decrease.
Does the Nae Umeed group intervention improve mental health and social participation? A pre–post study in Uttarakhand, India
Authors: Bailie Christopher R. , Pillai Pooja S. , Goodwin Singh Atul , Leishman Jed , Grills Nathan J. , Mathias Kaaren
Published: August 2023

There are few evidence-based interventions to support caregiver mental health developed for low- and middle-income countries. Nae Umeed is a community-based group intervention developed with collaboratively with local community health workers in Uttarakhand, India primarily to promote mental wellbeing for caregivers and others. This pre–post study aimed to evaluate whether Nae Umeed improved mental health and social participation for people with mental distress, including caregivers. The intervention consisted of 14 structured group sessions facilitated by community health workers. Among 115 adult participants, 20% were caregivers and 80% were people with disability and other vulnerable community members; 62% had no formal education and 92% were female. Substantial and statistically significant improvements occurred in validated psychometric measures for mental health (12-Item General Health Questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and social participation (Participation Scale). Improvements occurred regardless of caregiver status. This intervention addressed mental health and social participation for marginalised groups that are typically without access to formal mental health care and findings suggest Nae Umeed improved mental health and social participation; however, a controlled community trial would be required to prove causation. Community-based group interventions are a promising approach to improving the mental health of vulnerable groups in South Asia.