bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Boosting Output Performance of Sliding Mode Triboelectric Nanogenerator by Shielding Layer and Shrouded‐Tribo‐Area Optimized Ternary Electrification Layered Architecture
Authors: An Shanshan , Fu Shaoke , He Wencong , Li Gui , Xing Pengcheng , Du Yan , Wang Jian , Zhou Shiyi , Pu Xianjie , Hu Chenguo
Published: July 2023

Sliding mode triboelectric nanogenerator (S‐TENG) is effective for low‐frequency mechanical energy harvesting owing to their more efficient mechanical energy extraction capability and easy packaging. Ternary electrification layered (TEL) architecture is proven useful for improving the output performance of S‐TENG. However, the bottleneck of electric output is the air breakdown on the interface of tribo‐layers, which seriously restricts its further improvement. Herein, a strategy is adopted by designing a shielding layer to prevent air breakdown on the central surface of tribo‐layers. And the negative effects of air breakdown on the edge of sliding layer are averted by increasing the shrouded area of tribo‐layers on slider. Output charge of this shielding‐layer and shrouded‐tribo‐area optimized ternary electrification layered triboelectric nanogenerator (SS‐TEL‐TENG) achieves 3.59‐fold enhancement of traditional S‐TENG and 1.76‐fold enhancement of TEL‐TENG. Furthermore, even at a very low speed of 30 rpm, output charge, current, and average power of the rotation‐type SS‐TEL‐TENG reach 4.15 µC, 74.9 µA, and 25.4 mW (2.05 W m−2 Hz−1), respectively. With such high‐power output, 4248 LEDs can be lighted brightly by SS‐TEL‐TENG directly. The high‐performance SS‐TEL‐TENG demonstrated in this work will have great applications for powering ubiquitous sensor network in the Internet of Things (IoT).
Tuning the Porosity of Dextran Microgels with Supramacromolecular Nanogels as Soft Sacrificial Templates
Authors: Bulut Selin , Jung Se‐Hyeong , Bissing Thomas , Schmitt Florian , Bund Michelle , Braun Susanne , Pich Andrij
Published: July 2023

Hydrogels, as well as colloidal hydrogels (microgels), are important materials for a large variety of applications in the biomedical field. Microgels with a controlled pore size (meso‐ and macropores) are required for efficient nutrient support, modulation of cell adhesion, removal of metabolic products in cell cultures, and probiotic loading. Common microgel fabrication techniques do not provide sufficient control over pore sizes and geometry. In this work, the natural polysaccharide dextran modified with methacrylate groups is used to synthesize highly monodisperse meso‐ and macroporous microgels in a size range of 100–150 µm via photo cross‐linking in microfluidic droplets. The size of mesopores is varied by the concentration of dextran methacrylate chains in the droplets (50–200 g L−1) and the size of macropores is regulated by the integration of pH‐degradable supramacromolecular nanogels with diameters of 300 and 700 nm as sacrificial templates. Using permeability assays combined with confocal laser scanning microscopy, it is demonstrated that functional dextran‐based microgels with uniform and defined pores could be obtained.
Luminescence and Degeneration Mechanism of Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes and Strategies for Improving Device Performance
Authors: Qin Feisong , Lu Min , Lu Po , Sun Siqi , Bai Xue , Zhang Yu
Published: July 2023

Perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) can be a promising technology for next‐generation display and lighting applications due to their excellent optoelectronic properties. However, a systematical overview of luminescence and degradation mechanism of perovskite materials and PeLEDs is lacking. Therefore, it is crucial to fully understand these mechanisms and further improve device performances. In this work, the fundamental photophysical processes of perovskite materials, electroluminescence mechanism of PeLEDs including carrier kinetics and efficiency roll‐off as well as device degradation mechanism are discussed in detail. In addition, the strategies to improve device performances are summarized, including optimization of photoluminescence quantum yield, charge injection and recombination, and light outcoupling efficiency. It is hoped that this work can provide guidance for future development of PeLEDs and ultimately realize industrial applications.
Amorphous SnO2 as Earth‐Abundant Stable Transparent Conductive Oxide and Its Application to Si Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Koida Takashi , Matsui Takuya , Sai Hitoshi
Published: July 2023

Transparent conductive oxides that contain indium are widely used in various applications including solar cells. However, In is regarded as one of the critical and economically volatile elements, hindering its massive use in production. Herein, the possibility of using amorphous (a‐)SnO2 transparent conductive oxides (TCOs) instead of In2O3‐based TCOs in silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells is explored. Reactive plasma deposition is utilized to fabricate a‐SnO2 thin films suitable for solar cells, demonstrating good electrical conductivity (>1 × 103 S cm−1) and high damp heat stability while maintaining high transparency in the visible and near‐infrared regions. Furthermore, the a‐SnO2 film exhibits a larger optical bandgap than a‐In2O3‐based TCOs. When the a‐SnO2 layer is applied to SHJ solar cells, it is found that the TCO layer shows almost no negative effect on fill factor, open‐circuit voltage, and short‐circuit current density compared to solar cells with indium tin oxide layers. In‐free rear‐junction SHJ solar cells with a‐SnO2 on both sides of the wafer show an efficiency of 22.2%, suggesting the potential of a‐SnO2 as a cost‐effective and sustainable substitute for conventional In2O3‐based TCOs used in solar cells and other applications.
Sinomenine improves renal fibrosis by regulating mesenchymal stem cell‐derived exosomes and affecting autophagy levels
Authors: Gu Hongping , Li Jinrong , Ni Yuehan
Published: July 2023

Background

This study attempts to investigate the therapeutic effect of sinomenine on renal fibrosis and its mechanism.

Methods

The 8‐week‐old C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into sham group, UUO model group, UUO sinomenine group (UUO + Sino 50), UUO + sinomenine group (UUO + Sino 100), UUO + exosome group (exo), and UUO + exo‐inhibitor. The pathological changes of kidney were observed by H&E staining, the degree of renal interstitial fibrosis was detected by MASSON and Sirius red staining, and the expressions of fibrosis and autophagy markers were detected by real‐time fluorescence quantitative PCR and WB. NTA and electron microscopy were used to analyze exo secretion after sinomenine treatment.

Results

Sinomenine could improve the progression of renal fibrosis without causing tissue damage including heart, lungs and liver. Sinomenine could promote autophagosome formation. It could promote the secretion of exosomes from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Sinomine regulates the PI3K‐AKT pathway through BMSC‐exo carrying miR‐204‐5p, affecting autophagy level and alleviating the process of renal fibrosis.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that sinomine could improve the progression of renal fibrosis by influencing the expression of miR‐204‐5p in BMSC‐exo and regulating the PI3K‐AKT pathway.
Functionally graded cylinders: Vibration analysis
Authors: Vatulyan Alexander O. , Dudarev Vladimir V. , Mnukhin Roman M.
Published: July 2023

The problems of steady‐state and free oscillations of functionally graded hollow cylinders are considered in the present article, with the cylinders' properties considered changing along the radial or longitudinal coordinates. The stress–strain state was described using the model of an isotropic body with the variable Lamé parameters and density. The cylinders were assumed to be subjected to the normal and tangential loads. In order to obtain the numerical problem solutions, the finite element method was employed. The effect of variable properties on the amplitude–frequency characteristics and the resonant frequencies values for various cylinders types is estimated. Some features, which can be used in solving new inverse coefficient problems on material properties identification based on acoustic sounding data, are revealed.
Women’s Pathways in the History of Spanish Archaeology: A New Synthesis
Authors: Díaz-Andreu Margarita
Published: July 2023

It is difficult to find women in the histories of archaeology, and those dealing with Spain are no exception. In the last few years, the ArqueólogAs project has dedicated its efforts to finding the women who once populated Spanish archaeology and are now forgotten. A recent survey seeking them out revealed that more than 250 female archaeologists born before 1950 are waiting to be remembered. However, their position in the discipline’s history cannot be reclaimed without critically analyzing the obstacles they encountered, ultimately leaving them out of archaeology’s general histories. Their absence should lead us to reflect on how disciplinary chronicles are written. Thus, this chapter reconstructs the multiple histories and biographies of women in Spanish archaeology.
Women’s Contributions to Archaeology in Germany Since the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Gutsmiedl-Schümann Doris , Koch Julia Katharina , Bösl Elsbeth
Published: July 2023

Women have been active participants in archaeology and derivative tasks in museums, universities, and cultural heritage since the nineteenth century. The contributions of women to archaeology in Germany were often overlooked. These women contributed strongly to the development of archaeology as a discipline since they were granted access to study at universities in 1908 throughout the German Empire. Since the 1980s, women are no longer considered a busy minority in archaeology working in the background. Women have looked after important museum collections, built and developed institutions, and shaped the research directions of university institutes. One encounters female archaeologists in all phases of research history who have shaped the profession in Germany and other countries. Therefore, this chapter describes the structural challenges women in archaeology have faced within different German educational and political systems since the nineteenth century.
Dossier Novels: The Reader as Detective
Authors: Link Sarah J.
Published: July 2023

This chapter examines lists in the context of dossier novels and uses Charles Warren Adams’s The Notting Hill Mystery (1865) and the Murder Dossier novels (1936–1939) by J.G. Links and Dennis Wheatley as case studies. The chapter shows how the dossier format relies on list-based structures, such as footnotes, tables of contents, suspect profiles, and inventories to involve the reader in tracking and (re-)organizing information. The Murder Dossiers take this trend to the extreme by including game-like features such as material pieces of evidence that readers are asked to physically examine. The communicative situation in all dossiers discussed in this chapter has the reader take on the role of the addressee of the text and imparts on them not only the power but also the (implied) responsibility to solve the crime.
Lists and Knowledge
Authors: Link Sarah J.
Published: July 2023

This chapter takes a closer look at the character Sherlock Holmes in both Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories and the BBC show Sherlock (2010–2017). Both versions of Sherlock Holmes capitalize on the affordances of visibility and comprehensiveness inherent in the form of the list. These affordances of the list allow the characters to make the mere reference to the bodies of knowledge they draw on stand in for the knowledge itself. Doyle’s detective uses the list-like paper technologies of sorting, selecting, and summarizing and the frequent mentioning of reference works to create the illusion that his deductions are based on a sound method. The BBC’s Sherlock makes use of the Internet in a similar list-based manner. Since visualization, simplification, and spatialization are central elements of this strategy of replacing tangible evidence with mere references, the chapter examines similarities between the cognitive processes at work when we read lists and maps—two forms that share these affordances.
Conclusion: Models of Knowledge in Detective Fiction
Authors: Link Sarah J.
Published: July 2023

This chapter highlights how the various conceptions of knowledge discussed in the previous chapters are inseparable from the roles the novels assign to their readers and from the lists and list-like devices that are crucial to defining those roles. It draws together the previous chapters’ findings about the affordances and functions that lists take within the genre of detective fiction, and it points out how epistemological concerns are closely linked to the forms that transport them and to the ubiquitous form of the list in particular.
Propagators and widths of physical and purely virtual particles in a finite interval of time
Authors: Anselmi Damiano
Published: July 2023

Abstract

We study the free and dressed propagators of physical and purely virtual particles in a finite interval of time τ and on a compact space manifold Ω, using coherent states. In the free-field limit, the propagators are described by the entire function (ez– 1 – z)/z2, whose shape on the real axis is similar to the one of a Breit-Wigner function, with an effective width around 1/τ. The real part is positive, in agreement with unitarity, and remains so after including the radiative corrections, which shift the function into the physical half plane. We investigate the effects of the restriction to finite τ on the problem of unstable particles vs resonances, and show that the muon observation emerges from the right physical process, differently from what happens at τ = ∞. We also study the case of purely virtual particles, and show that, if τ is small enough, there exists a situation where the geometric series of the self-energies is always convergent. The plots of the dressed propagators show testable differences: while physical particles are characterized by the usual, single peak, purely virtual particles are characterized by twin peaks.
Generalised Known Kinematics (GKK): an approach for kinematic observables in pair production events with decays involving invisible particles
Authors: Kraetzschmar Thomas M. G. , Krinner Fabian M. , Pfaff Marvin , Rad Navid K. , Rostomyan Armine , Schlechter Lorenz , Simon Frank
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Missing kinematic information of known invisible particles, such as neutrinos, limit several high-energy physics analysis. The undetected particle carries away momentum and energy information, preventing the total reconstruction of such an event. This paper presents a new method to handle this missing information, referred to as the Generalised Known Kinematics (GKK) approach. Its event-by-event probability density distributions that describe the physically allowed kinematics of an event. For GKK, we consider the available kinematic information and constraints given by the assumed final state. Summing these event-wise distributions over large data sets allows the determination of parameters that influence the event kinematics. Examples are particle masses obscured by the missing information on the invisible final-state particles. The method is demonstrated in simulation studies with τ+τ− events in e+e− collisions at the Υ (4S) resonance, presenting a new, promising approach for measuring the τ lepton mass.
Open strings in IIB orientifold reductions
Authors: Balaguer Juan Ramón , Dibitetto Giuseppe , Fernández-Melgarejo Jose J. , Ruipérez Alejandro
Published: July 2023

Abstract

We consider type IIB compactifications on a general 4D group manifold with different types of possible spacetime filling O-planes and the corresponding D-branes parallel to them. Once fluxes allowed by the associated orientifold projection are included, a 6D 𝒩 = (1, 1) gauged supergravity is obtained. In this paper we show how the consistent coupling to dynamical open strings living on the spacetime filling D-branes may be captured by the inclusion of extra vector multiplets and extra embedding tensor deformations on the gauged supergravity side. As a result, the quadratic constraints on the embedding tensor consistently reproduce the source corrected 10D Bianchi identities. Furthermore, the field strength modifications induced by the open string sector could potentially be understood as U-dual versions of the Green-Schwarz terms. Finally, the entire scalar potential of the theory exactly matches the one obtained from reduction of the bulk action plus the source contributions.
Bulk Landau pole and unitarity of dual conformal field theory
Authors: Sachs Ivo , Vanhove Pierre
Published: July 2023

Abstract

The singlet sector of the O(N) ϕ4-model in AdS4 at large-N, gives rise to a dual conformal field theory on the conformal boundary of AdS4, which is a deformation of the generalized free field. We identify and compute an AdS4 three-point one-loop fish diagram that controls the exact large-N dimensions and operator product coefficients (OPE) for all “double trace” operators as a function of the renormalized ϕ4-couplings. We find that the space of ϕ4-coupling is compact with a boundary at the bulk Landau pole. The dual CFT is unitary only in an interval of negative couplings bounded by the Landau pole where the lowest OPE coefficient diverges.
Syzygy Bundles of Non-complete Linear Systems: Stability and Rigidness
Authors: Miró-Roig Rosa M. , Salat-Moltó Martí
Published: July 2023

Let (X, L) be a polarized smooth projective variety. For any basepoint-free linear system $$\mathcal {L}_{V}$$

L
V

with $$V\subset {{\,\textrm{H}\,}}^{0}(X,\mathcal {O}_{X}(L))$$

V
⊂

H

0

(
X
,

O
X

(
L
)

)

, we consider the syzygy bundle $$M_{V}$$

M
V

as the kernel of the evaluation map $$V\otimes \mathcal {O}_{X}\rightarrow \mathcal {O}_{X}(L)$$

V
⊗

O
X

→

O
X

(
L
)

. The purpose of this article is twofold. First, we assume that $$M_{V}$$

M
V

is L-stable and prove that, in a wide family of projective varieties, it represents a smooth point $$[M_{V}]$$

[

M
V

]

in the corresponding moduli space $$\mathcal {M}$$
M
. We compute the dimension of the irreducible component of $$\mathcal {M}$$
M
passing through $$[M_{V}]$$

[

M
V

]

and whether it is an isolated point. It turns out that the rigidness of $$[M_{V}]$$

[

M
V

]

is closely related to the completeness of the linear system $$\mathcal {L}_{V}$$

L
V

. In the second part of the paper, we address a question posed by Brenner regarding the stability of $$M_{V}$$

M
V

when V is general enough. We answer this question for a large family of polarizations of $$X=\mathbb {P}^{m}\times \mathbb {P}^{n}$$

X
=

P

m

×

P

n

.
Socioeconomic aspects of incretin-based therapy
Authors: Karagiannis Thomas , Bekiari Eleni , Tsapas Apostolos
Published: July 2023

Incretin-based therapies, particularly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), have demonstrated cardiovascular benefits in people with type 2 diabetes. However, socioeconomic disparities in their uptake may constrain the collective advantages offered by these medications to the broader population. In this review we examine the socioeconomic disparities in the utilisation of incretin-based therapies and discuss strategies to address these inequalities. Based on real-world evidence, the uptake of GLP-1 RAs is reduced in people who live in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas, have low income and education level, or belong to racial/ethnic minorities, even though these individuals have a greater burden of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Contributing factors include suboptimal health insurance coverage, limited accessibility to incretin-based therapies, financial constraints, low health literacy and physician–patient barriers such as provider bias. Advocating for a reduction in the price of GLP-1 RAs is a pivotal initial step to enhance their affordability among lower socioeconomic groups and improve their value-for-money from a societal perspective. By implementing cost-effective strategies, healthcare systems can amplify the societal benefits of incretin-based therapies, alongside measures that include maximising treatment benefits in specific subpopulations while minimising harms in vulnerable individuals, increasing accessibility, enhancing health literacy and overcoming physician–patient barriers. A collaborative approach between governments, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers and people with diabetes is necessary for the effective implementation of these strategies to enhance the overall societal benefits of incretin-based therapies.

Graphical Abstract
Taking AI risks seriously: a new assessment model for the AI Act
Authors: Novelli Claudio , Casolari Federico , Rotolo Antonino , Taddeo Mariarosaria , Floridi Luciano
Published: July 2023

The EU Artificial Intelligence Act (AIA) defines four risk categories: unacceptable, high, limited, and minimal. However, as these categories statically depend on broad fields of application of AI, the risk magnitude may be wrongly estimated, and the AIA may not be enforced effectively. This problem is particularly challenging when it comes to regulating general-purpose AI (GPAI), which has versatile and often unpredictable applications. Recent amendments to the compromise text, though introducing context-specific assessments, remain insufficient. To address this, we propose applying the risk categories to specific AI scenarios, rather than solely to fields of application, using a risk assessment model that integrates the AIA with the risk approach arising from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and related literature. This integrated model enables the estimation of AI risk magnitude  by considering the interaction between (a) risk determinants, (b) individual drivers of determinants, and (c) multiple risk types. We illustrate this model using large language models (LLMs) as an example.
Deep learning-driven precision control of dilution rate in multi-pass laser cladding: experiment and simulation
Authors: Zhu Shichao , Xia Wenzhen , Kamali Hamidreza , Ouyang Linhan , Xie Lingling , Huang Zhenyi , Jiang Zhengyi
Published: July 2023

The continuous energy input can lead to heat accumulation in the multi-pass lap laser cladding, which results in a progressive increase in the dilution rate and deteriorates the quality of laser cladding. Precisely controlling the stability of the dilution in the multi-pass laser cladding is still challenging. In this study, we proposed a deep-learning driven method for precisely controlling the dilution rate in the multi-pass laser cladding. Initially, the relationship between the dilution rate and power energy is retracted via the experiment-based finite element simulation. Subsequently, the convolution neural network deep learning is applied to optimize and improve the accuracy of the dilution rates in the cladding layer. The experiment verifies that the high stability of dilution rate in each pass, i.e., average errors of less than 10.88%, is achieved via in-situ adjusting of the power energy using the prediction obtained from the proposed method. We also attempted to provide insights into the dilution mechanism in Invar alloy multi-pass laser cladding as well as the potential applications of this method for other materials and other additive manufacturing.
Analyzing microbial communities and their biodegradation of multiple pharmaceuticals in membrane bioreactors
Authors: Suleiman Marcel , Demaria Francesca , Zimmardi Cristina , Kolvenbach Boris Alexander , Corvini Philippe François-Xavier
Published: July 2023

Pharmaceuticals are of concern to our planet and health as they can accumulate in the environment. The impact of these biologically active compounds on ecosystems is hard to predict, and information on their biodegradation is necessary to establish sound risk assessment. Microbial communities are promising candidates for the biodegradation of pharmaceuticals such as ibuprofen, but little is known yet about their degradation capacity of multiple micropollutants at higher concentrations (100 mg/L). In this work, microbial communities were cultivated in lab-scale membrane bioreactors (MBRs) exposed to increasing concentrations of a mixture of six micropollutants (ibuprofen, diclofenac, enalapril, caffeine, atenolol, paracetamol). Key players of biodegradation were identified using a combinatorial approach of 16S rRNA sequencing and analytics. Microbial community structure changed with increasing pharmaceutical intake (from 1 to 100 mg/L) and reached a steady-state during incubation for 7 weeks on 100 mg/L. HPLC analysis revealed a fluctuating but significant degradation (30–100%) of five pollutants (caffeine, paracetamol, ibuprofen, atenolol, enalapril) by an established and stable microbial community mainly composed of Achromobacter, Cupriavidus, Pseudomonas and Leucobacter. By using the microbial community from MBR1 as inoculum for further batch culture experiments on single micropollutants (400 mg/L substrate, respectively), different active microbial consortia were obtained for each single micropollutant. Microbial genera potentially responsible for degradation of the respective micropollutant were identified, i.e. Pseudomonas sp. and Sphingobacterium sp. for ibuprofen, caffeine and paracetamol, Sphingomonas sp. for atenolol and Klebsiella sp. for enalapril. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of cultivating stable microbial communities capable of degrading simultaneously a mixture of highly concentrated pharmaceuticals in lab-scale MBRs and the identification of microbial genera potentially responsible for the degradation of specific pollutants.

Key points

• Multiple pharmaceuticals were removed by stable microbial communities.

• Microbial key players of five main pharmaceuticals were identified.
Ultrasound Contrast Agent Priming of Biopsy and Introducer Needles by Using a Small Syringe to Improve Needle Visibility in a Phantom Model
Authors: Thunswärd Per , Österberg Karin , Ahlström Håkan
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Biopsy under the guidance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound is sometimes useful. Needle visualization in contrast-specific imaging-mode is often poor; however, it may be improved by priming the needles with an ultrasound contrast agent. This study aimed to evaluate needle priming methods using the ultrasound contrast agent sulfur hexafluoride and a 1 mL syringe.

Material and Methods

Two kinds of biopsy needles, side-notch and full core, and one kind of introducer needle were primed using non-primed needles as controls (n = 180). Recordings of punctures were performed in a water bath phantom to which the ultrasound contrast agent had also been added. Contrast-specific imaging-mode needle visibility was evaluated for the entire needles and the needle tips, respectively, quantitatively by calculating the contrast-to-noise ratio and qualitatively via grading by three radiologists.

Results

The contrast-to-noise ratio following the ultrasound contrast agent priming was superior compared to the controls for the entire needles of all three types (p < 0.001) and for the needle tips of the core biopsy needles and introducer needles (p < 0.001). However, the ratio was equal to the controls for the needle tips of the side-notch biopsy needles (p = 0.19). Needle visibility following the ultrasound contrast agent priming was qualitatively superior compared to the controls for both the entire needles and the needle tips, and the difference was considered clinically relevant by the assessors (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The ultrasound contrast agent needle priming methods described increased the contrast-specific imaging-mode needle visibility in a phantom model. Nonetheless, the results also need to be confirmed in vivo.
Metal artifact reduction in patients with total hip replacements: evaluation of clinical photon counting CT using virtual monoenergetic images
Authors: Schreck Julian , Laukamp Kai Roman , Niehoff Julius Henning , Michael Arwed Elias , Boriesosdick Jan , Wöltjen Matthias Michael , Kröger Jan Robert , Reimer Robert P. , Grunz Jan-Peter , Borggrefe Jan , Lennartz Simon
Published: July 2023

Objectives

To investigate photon-counting CT (PCCT)–derived virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) for artifact reduction in patients with unilateral total hip replacements (THR).

Methods

Forty-two patients with THR and portal-venous phase PCCT of the abdomen and pelvis were retrospectively included. For the quantitative analysis, region of interest (ROI)–based measurements of hypodense and hyperdense artifacts, as well as of artifact-impaired bone and the urinary bladder, were conducted, and corrected attenuation and image noise were calculated as the difference of attenuation and noise between artifact-impaired and normal tissue. Two radiologists qualitatively evaluated artifact extent, bone assessment, organ assessment, and iliac vessel assessment using 5-point Likert scales.

Results

VMI110keV yielded a significant reduction of hypo- and hyperdense artifacts compared to conventional polyenergetic images (CI) and the corrected attenuation closest to 0, indicating best possible artifact reduction (hypodense artifacts: CI: 237.8 ± 71.4 HU, VMI110keV: 8.5 ± 122.5 HU; p < 0.05; hyperdense artifacts: CI: 240.6 ± 40.8 HU vs. VMI110keV: 13.0 ± 110.4 HU; p < 0.05). VMI110keV concordantly provided best artifact reduction in the bone and bladder as well as the lowest corrected image noise. In the qualitative assessment, VMI110keV received the best ratings for artifact extent (CI: 2 (1–3), VMI110keV: 3 (2–4); p < 0.05) and bone assessment (CI: 3 (1–4), VMI110keV: 4 (2–5); p < 0.05), whereas organ and iliac vessel assessments were rated highest in CI and VMI70keV.

Conclusions

PCCT-derived VMI effectively reduce artifacts from THR and thereby improve assessability of circumjacent bone tissue. VMI110keV yielded optimal artifact reduction without overcorrection, yet organ and vessel assessments at that energy level and higher were impaired by loss of contrast.

Clinical relevance statement

PCCT-enabled artifact reduction is a feasible method for improving assessability of the pelvis in patients with total hip replacements at clinical routine imaging.

Key Points

• Photon-counting CT-derived virtual monoenergetic images at 110 keV yielded best reduction of hyper- and hypodense artifacts, whereas higher energy levels resulted in artifact overcorrection.

• The qualitative artifact extent was reduced best in virtual monoenergetic images at 110 keV, facilitating an improved assessment of the circumjacent bone.

• Despite significant artifact reduction, assessment of pelvic organs as well as vessels did not profit from energy levels higher than 70 keV, due to the decline in image contrast.
Diagnostic radiology and its future: what do clinicians need and think?
Authors: Kwee Thomas C. , Almaghrabi Maan T. , Kwee Robert M.
Published: July 2023

Objective

To investigate the view of clinicians on diagnostic radiology and its future.

Methods

Corresponding authors who published in the New England Journal of Medicine and the Lancet between 2010 and 2022 were asked to participate in a survey about diagnostic radiology and its future.

Results

The 331 participating clinicians gave a median score of 9 on a 0–10 point scale to the value of medical imaging in improving patient-relevant outcomes. 40.6%, 15.1%, 18.9%, and 9.5% of clinicians indicated to interpret more than half of radiography, ultrasonography, CT, and MRI examinations completely by themselves, without consulting a radiologist or reading the radiology report. Two hundred eighty-nine clinicians (87.3%) expected an increase in medical imaging utilization in the coming 10 years, whereas 9 clinicians (2.7%) expected a decrease. The need for diagnostic radiologists in the coming 10 years was expected to increase by 162 clinicians (48.9%), to remain stable by 85 clinicians (25.7%), and to decrease by 47 clinicians (14.2%). Two hundred clinicians (60.4%) expected that artificial intelligence (AI) will not make diagnostic radiologists redundant in the coming 10 years, whereas 54 clinicians (16.3%) thought the opposite.

Conclusion

Clinicians who published in the New England Journal of Medicine or the Lancet attribute high value to medical imaging. They generally need radiologists for cross-sectional imaging interpretation, but for a considerable proportion of radiographs, their service is not required. Most expect medical imaging utilization and the need for diagnostic radiologists to increase in the foreseeable future, and do not expect AI to make radiologists redundant.

Clinical relevance statement

The views of clinicians on radiology and its future may be used to determine how radiology should be practiced and be further developed.

Key Points

• Clinicians generally regard medical imaging as high-value care and expect to use more medical imaging in the future.

• Clinicians mainly need radiologists for cross-sectional imaging interpretation while they interpret a substantial proportion of radiographs completely by themselves.

• The majority of clinicians expects that the need for diagnostic radiologists will not decrease (half of them even expect that we need more) and does not believe that AI will replace radiologists.
Dienogest alone or dienogest combined with estrogens in the treatment of ovarian endometriomas, that is the question. A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Del Forno Simona , Orsini Benedetta , Verrelli Ludovica , Caroli Martina , Aru Anna Chiara , Lenzi Jacopo , Raimondo Diego , Arena Alessandro , Borghese Giulia , Paradisi Roberto , Meriggiola Maria Cristina , Seracchioli Renato , Casadio Paolo
Published: July 2023

Purpose

to compare the effects of Dienogest 2 mg (D) alone or combined with estrogens (D + ethinylestradiol 0.03 mg, D + EE; D + estradiol valerate 1–3 mg, D + EV) in terms of symptoms and endometriotic lesions variations.

Methods

This retrospective study included symptomatic patients in reproductive age with ultrasound diagnosis of ovarian endometriomas. Medical therapy for at least 12 months with D, D + EE or D + EV was required. Women were evaluated at baseline visit (V1) and after 6 (V2) and 12 months (V3) of therapy.

Results

297 patients were enrolled (156 in the D group, 58 in the D + EE group, 83 in the D + EV group). Medical treatment leaded to a significant reduction in size of endometriomas after 12 months, with no differences between the three groups. When comparing D and D + EE/D + EV groups, a significant decrease of dysmenorrhea was detected in the D group than in D + EE/D + EV group. Conversely, the reduction of dysuria was more significative in the D + EE/D + EV groups rather than in the D group. Regarding tolerability, treatment associated side effects were reported by 16.2% patients. The most frequent one was uterine bleeding/spotting, significantly higher in the D + EV group.

Conclusion

Dienogest alone or associated with estrogens (EE/EV) seems to be equally effective in reducing endometriotic lesions mean diameter. The reduction of dysmenorrhea was more significative when D was administered alone, while dysuria seems to improve more when D is associated with estrogens.
Modulation of resting-state networks following repetitive transcranial alternating current stimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex
Authors: Khan Ahsan , Mosbacher Jochen A. , Vogel Stephan E. , Binder Mira , Wehovz Michael , Moshammer Arnulf , Halverscheid Stefan , Pustelnik Kolja , Nitsche Michael A. , Tong Raymond Kai-Yu , Grabner Roland H.
Published: July 2023

Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) offers a unique method to temporarily manipulate the activity of the stimulated brain region in a frequency-dependent manner. However, it is not clear if repetitive modulation of ongoing oscillatory activity with tACS over multiple days can induce changes in grey matter resting-state functional connectivity and white matter structural integrity. The current study addresses this question by applying multiple-session theta band stimulation on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (L-DLPFC) during arithmetic training. Fifty healthy participants (25 males and 25 females) were randomly assigned to the experimental and sham groups, half of the participants received individually adjusted theta band tACS, and half received sham stimulation. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance (rs-fMRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) data were collected before and after 3 days of tACS-supported procedural learning training. Resting-state network analysis showed a significant increase in connectivity for the frontoparietal network (FPN) with the precuneus cortex. Seed-based analysis with a seed defined at the primary stimulation site showed an increase in connectivity with the precuneus cortex, posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), and lateral occipital cortex. There were no effects on the structural integrity of white matter tracts as measured by fractional anisotropy, and on behavioral measures. In conclusion, the study suggests that multi-session task-associated tACS can produce significant changes in resting-state functional connectivity; however, changes in functional connectivity do not necessarily translate to changes in white matter structure or behavioral performance.
Weak evidence of trade-offs modulated by seed mass among a guild of closely related winter annuals
Authors: da Silva Isis A. , Mayfield Margaret M. , Dwyer John M.
Published: July 2023

Plant-plant interactions are integral to the establishment and persistence of diversity in plant communities. For annual plant species that depend on seeds to regenerate, seed characteristics that confer fitness advantages may mediate processes such as plant-plant interactions. Seed mass is known to vary widely and has been shown to associate with species’ differences in stress tolerance and competitive effects. However, understanding of how seed mass influences species’ responses to competition is less well understood. Using natural assemblages of six closely related annual plant species in Western Australia, we implemented a thinning study to assess how seed mass influences the outcomes of plant-plant interactions. We found relatively weak evidence for competition or facilitation among species. Our strongest results indicated that heavy-seeded species had lower survivorship than light-seeded species when interacting with heterospecifics. Seed mass was also negatively related to overall survival, counter to expectations. These findings indicate some evidence for trade-offs mediated by seed mass in this system. However, we acknowledge that other factors may have influenced our results, such as the use of natural assemblages (rather than using sowing experiments) and the presence of important small-scale environmental variation not captured with our choice of abiotic variables. Further research is required to clarify the role of seed mass in this diverse annual system, ideally including many focal species, and using sowing experiments.
Developing a virtual reality environment for educational and therapeutic application to investigate psychological reactivity to bullying
Authors: Badger Julia R. , Rovira Aitor , Freeman Daniel , Bowes Lucy
Published: July 2023

Understanding how bullying victimisation influences cognitive and emotional processes may help to direct early intervention to prevent the development of psychopathology. In a convenience sample of 67 female adolescents, we assessed the potential of a newly developed classroom-set bullying experience in virtual reality (VR) to evoke psychological reactions. Two VR experiences were co-developed with young people, one neutral and one hostile (bullying). Participants were matched and assigned to a condition based on measures of anxiety, depression, paranoia, and previous bullying, before experiencing either the neutral or hostile scenario. Before and after the VR session, participants completed measures of negative affect and levels of distress. All participants remained immersed for the whole duration, which supports the acceptability of using these VR experiences with more vulnerable participants. Those experiencing the hostile version reported greater negative affect post-immersion compared to those experiencing the neutral version (p = .018; d = 0.61). Although non-significant, a similar outcome was found regarding distress (p = .071; d = 0.37). Whilst we did not find a significant relationship between pre-existing internalisation on negative affect and distress, our sample was limited by containing adolescents with relatively low levels of previous bullying experience. Yet we still found evidence that the VR scenario evoked bullying-related psychological reactions. Further testing with a more representative groups of adolescents, especially those with more experience of bullying, would be advised. The VR scenario could potentially be used in educational and therapeutic settings to enhance empathy towards victimised children or enhance resilience following victimisation.
Strategic orientation, strategic renewal, and the international performance of born global firms
Authors: Ahmed Farhad Uddin , Babu Mujahid Mohiuddin , Rahman Md Nafizur , Uddin Mohammad Jasim , Dey Bidit Lal
Published: July 2023

The international business environment is both dynamic and turbulent. Accordingly, a new venture’s strategic orientation (SO) and ability to undertake strategic renewal (SR) are of great importance to its survival, growth and international performance. Building on the dynamic capability perspective, we explore how SR capability mediates the relationship between SO and the performance of mature born global firms (BGFs). In particular, we examine the direct and indirect interplay between the SO of BGFs and their performance outcomes. We use a sample of 195 export-oriented BGFs, derived from the Bangladeshi apparel industry. We use a hierarchical regression analysis technique to test the direct effects. The mediation effect is examined using three statistical tests – Baron and Kenney’s (1986) causal steps approach, the Sobel test, and the Hayes indirect effect with bootstrapping method – to ensure the validity and reliability of our findings. The results reveal a positive association between SO and the performance of BGFs, and that this relationship is mediated by the firms’ SR capability. We contribute to a greater understanding of the drivers of mature BGFs’ international performance by demonstrating a direct link between their SO and SR capability, which in turn affects their performance outcomes.
Discerning the status of a rapidly declining naturalised bird: the Golden Pheasant in Britain
Authors: Smith William J. , Jezierski Michał T. , Balmer Dawn E.
Published: July 2023

Whilst many introduced non-native plants and animals become naturalised or even invasive, others fail to persist. Golden Pheasants (Chrysolophus pictus) have occurred in multiple regions outside of their native China, with the largest populations establishing in the United Kingdom. Now very rare in the UK, ongoing releases make its continued ‘wild’ status dubious. The Golden Pheasant in Britain provides a case study of an introduced species that at first appeared to thrive before declining to the point where no viable wild populations remain. Here, we outline the history of Britain’s Golden Pheasants before describing their current status. To do so, we reviewed the relevant literature, engaged in personal communications with rural staff and birdwatchers, and carried out a survey of a putative remnant population. We conclude that there are 37–40 ‘wild’ Golden Pheasants left in the UK, within two regions (both populations are dependent on human management via supplementary releases, food provision, or predator control, and therefore can no longer be considered to be truly naturalised as of 2023). This represents a significant decline from a 1993 UK population of 1000–2000. There is no evidence to suggest that Golden Pheasants persist in the UK as a self-sustaining population in 2023. We use this case study to discuss the issues associated with determining whether non-native populations are viable in the long term, and situations where apparently successful colonists then decline to extinction.
Baseline angina burden predicts quality of life and functional improvement in patients with viable myocardium treated for chronic total occlusion
Authors: Kersten Johannes , Maisenbacher Vanessa , Fengel Pauline , Werner Yvonne , Hackenbroch Carsten , Beer Meinrad , Westphal Sören , Bernhardt Peter
Published: July 2023

Chronic total occlusion (CTO) is a common finding in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease and has a distinctive role in these patients’ quality of life. However, there is still a lack of evidence of correct patient selection for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). From July 2017 to August 2020, 68 patients with successful PCI of a CTO and previous evidence of viability for PCI by cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) were prospectively included in this single-centre observational study. Of these patients, 62 underwent follow-up CMR, and 56 underwent surveys using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire before PCI and 3, 12 and 24 months after PCI. The CMR results were assessed for volumetric, functional and deformation parameters. From the baseline to the follow-up, there was a significant reduction in the left ventricular volumes (all p < 0.001) and an increase in the left ventricular ejection fraction (57.6 ± 11.6% vs. 60.3 ± 9.4%, p = 0.006). Among the deformation parameters, only the left ventricular radial strain showed significant improvement. The SAQ showed an early improvement that emphasised angina stability and frequency as well as a summary score, which persisted after 24 months. A low SAQ summary score before PCI was the best predictive factor of good clinical improvement thereafter. Improvements in myocardial function and quality of life can be achieved with PCI of a CTO. Patient selection for PCI should be performed primarily among relevantly symptomatic patients when evidence of viability for PCI is present. The SAQ can help guide such patient selection.

Trial registration ISRCTN, identifier: ISRCTN33203221. Retrospectively registered on 01.04.2020. https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN33203221
Carbon footprint and sustainability assessment of wood utilisation in Hungary
Authors: Polgár András
Published: July 2023

Forest management allows the sustained removal of significant amounts of carbon from the atmosphere. Within different activities in the forest, wood utilisation has the most significant man-made environmental impact which affects the carbon balance, which is important to know, to be able to accurately identify its role in climate change. This study aims to determine the carbon footprint of logging during utilisation based on scenario analysis in national default and theoretical assortment structures (11 additional scenarios for each forest stand) within the entire life cycle of raw wood products. Based on a common functional unit (100 m3 of cut wood), a comparative environmental life cycle analysis (LCA) for intermediate and final cutting was performed in shortwood forestry work systems in beech (Fagus spp.), oak (Quercus spp.), spruce (Picea spp.), black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), and hybrid poplar (Populus x euramericana) stands in Hungary. After obtaining the results, the present study calculated the carbon footprint order for the utilisation life cycle phases and the entire tree utilisation life cycle. The distribution of absolute carbon footprint (ACF: considered emitted CO2 from fossil and biotic origins together) by final cutting exhibited the following order: hybrid poplar (6%)—spruce (8%)—beech (26%)—oak (27%)—black locust (33%). The ACF ranking for the whole technological life cycle (intermediate and final cutting, 400 m3 of cut wood) was hybrid poplar– spruce—oak—beech–black locust. The carbon footprint rankings of the studied stands were expanded to the national level.