bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of basic characteristics of 3‐mm dose equivalent measuring instrument for evaluating lens exposure dose in radiotherapy
Authors: Mori Yutaro , Isobe Tomonori , Takei Hideyuki , Miyazaki Shohei , Kamizawa Satoshi , Tomita Tetsuya , Kobayashi Daisuke , Sakurai Hideyuki , Sakae Takeji
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Despite the development of DOSIRIS™, an eye lens dosimeter, the characteristics of DOSIRIS™ in the area of radiotherapy have not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the basic characteristics of the 3‐mm dose equivalent measuring instrument DOSIRIS™ in radiotherapy.

Methods

Dose linearity and energy dependence were evaluated for the irradiation system based on the calibration method of the monitor dosimeter. The angle dependence was measured by irradiating from a total of 18 directions. Interdevice variation was repeated three times by simultaneously irradiating five dosimeters. The measurement accuracy was based on the absorbed dose measured by the monitor dosimeter of the radiotherapy equipment. Absorbed doses were converted to 3‐mm dose equivalents and compared with DOSIRIS™ measurements.

Results

Dose linearity was evaluated using the determination coefficient (R2) R2 = 0.9998 and 0.9996 at 6 and 10 MV, respectively. For energy dependence, although the therapeutic photons evaluated in this study had higher energies than in the previous studies and had a continuous spectrum, the response was equivalent to 0.2–1.25 MeV, well below the IEC 62387 limits. The maximum error at all angles was 15% (angle of 140°) and the coefficient of variation at all angles was 4.70%, which satisfies the standard of the thermoluminescent dosimeter measuring instrument. Accuracy of measurement was determined in terms of the measurement errors for DOSIRIS™ (3.2% and 4.3% at 6 and 10 MV, respectively,) using the 3‐mm dose equivalent obtained from the theoretical value as a reference. The DOSIRIS™ measurements met the IEC standard which defines the measurement error of ±30% of the irradiance value in IEC 62387.

Conclusions

We found that the characteristics of the 3‐mm dose equivalent dosimeter in a high‐energy radiation satisfy the IEC standards and have the same measurement accuracy as diagnostic areas such as Interventional Radiology.
Formulated chitosan‐sodium tripolyphosphate nanoparticles for co‐encapsulation of ellagic acid and anti‐inflammatory peptide: characterization, stability and anti‐inflammatory activity
Authors: Xiong Yu , Feng Yan‐Xia , Chang Min , Wang Qian , Yin Sheng‐Nan , Jian Liu‐Yu , Ren Di‐Feng
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

Chitosan (CS) and tripolyphosphate (TPP) can be combined in the development of a material with synergistic properties and promising potential for the conservation of food products. In this study, ellagic acid (EA) and anti‐inflammatory peptide (FPL)‐loaded CS nanoparticles (FPL/EA NPs) were prepared using the ionic gelation method and optimal preparation conditions were obtained through a single factor design.

RESULTS

The synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Nanoparticles were spherical, with an average size of 308.33 ± 4.61 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.254, a zeta potential of +31.7 ± 0.08 mV, and a high encapsulation capacity (22.16 ± 0.79%). An in vitro release study showed that EA/FPL had a sustainable release from FPL/EA NPs. The stability of the FPL/EA NPs was evaluated for 90 days at 0, 25, and 37 °C. Significant anti‐inflammatory activity of FPL/EA NPs was verified by nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) reduction.

CONCLUSION

These characteristics support the use of CS nanoparticles to encapsulate EA and FPL and improve their bioactivity in food products. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Quantum dots printing paste for display backlights: Preparation, characterization, and applications
Authors: Lin Jianpu , Xie Hongxing , Ye Yun , Guo Tailiang
Published: February 2023

Quantum dots (QDs) are one kind of photoluminescent materials with excellent properties, such as adjustable spectrum, narrow full width at half maximum (FWHM), and high color gamut. In this paper, a photoluminescent QDs printing paste suitable for light guide dots array applied in the backlight for liquid crystal display (LCD) was presented. The QDs printing paste was first prepared and characterized with different kinds of solvents. Then, triphenyl phosphite (TPP), a kind of antioxygen, was added into the QDs printing paste to improve the stability of the QDs printing paste. Finally, a QDs light guide plate (LGP) was fabricated by screen printing with QDs printing paste added with silicon dioxide (SiO2) light scattering particles. The color gamut of QDs LGP arrived 131.6%NTSC due to light scattering interaction between blue LED, red QDs, green QDs, and SiO2 particles. The results showed that the QDs‐chloroform printing paste had uniform light output and the highest photoluminescent peak intensity. Therefore, the composite screen printing paste has wide application prospects in the backlight of LCD, with the advantages of simple process, high production efficiency, and low cost.
A Competition of Secondary and Primary Nucleation Controls Amyloid Fibril Formation of the Parathyroid Hormone
Authors: Voigt Bruno , Ott Maria , Balbach Jochen
Published: February 2023

Functional amyloids belong to an increasing class of non‐toxic biologic material, in contrast to the prominent disease‐related amyloids. Herein, this work reports on the fibril formation of the parathyroid hormone PTH84 as a representative candidate following the same generic principles of primary and secondary nucleation. Employing Thioflavin T monitored kinetics analyses and negative‐staining transmission electron microscopy, an intricate, concentration dependent behavior of time dependent generation and morphologies of PTH84 fibrils are found. While at low peptide concentrations, fibril formation is driven by surface catalyzed secondary nucleation, an increased amount of peptides cause a negative feedback on fibril elongation and secondary nucleation. Moreover, the source of primary nuclei is found to regulate the overall macroscopic fibrillation. As a consequence, the concentration dependent competition of primary versus secondary nucleation pathways is found to dominate the mechanism of fibril generation. This work is able to hypothesize an underlying monomer‐oligomer equilibrium providing high‐order species for primary nucleation and, additionally, negatively affecting the available monomer pool.
Effect of temperature and medium environment on corrosion fatigue behavior of Inconel 625
Authors: Ghazi Amer Riaz , Khan Hasan Izhar , Farooq Muhammad , Jahangir Saad , Anwar Muhammad Tuoqeer
Published: February 2023

Inconel 625 is a nickel‐based alloy with exceptional creep and corrosion resistance properties. It has emerged as a candidate material for operational and structural use in critical and supercritical power generation plants. Supercritical power plants work at high temperatures, pressure and in an erosive environment that makes metallic materials more vulnerable to corrosion fatigue. This study aimed to evaluate the fatigue crack growth rate (FCGR) at elevated temperatures (550–650°C) in a steam and supercritical water environment. All the experiments were performed at a water oxygen level of 8000 ppb. A cyclic stress of 1 Hz frequency and sine waveform was applied for the test. A 0.6 stress ratio was applied with a maximum stress intensity factor of 32 MPa√m. A direct current potential drop method was applied to detect the crack growth rate (CGR). For the given parameters, fractographic analysis validated the role of corrosion‐fatigue interaction as the primary source of variation in the FCGR. Results revealed that the CGR was enhanced with a rise in temperature under all test environments. The influencing mechanism of temperature on CGR was also discussed.
First genetic characterization of Xeroderma pigmentosum in Libya: High frequency of XP‐C founder mutation
Authors: Khalat Najlaa , Messaoud Olfa , Ben Rekaya Mariem , Chargui Mariem , Zghal Mohamed , Zendah Bashir , Saqer Najat , Mokni Mourad , Abdelhak Sonia , Mohamed Othman A.
Published: February 2023

Background

Xeroderma pigmentosum is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by a high sensitivity to UV radiations. The disease is clinically and genetically heterogeneous, thus making accurate early clinical diagnosis difficult. Although the disease is considered rare worldwide, previous studies have shown that it is more frequent in Maghreb countries. So far, no genetic study has been published on Libyan patients, except three reports limited to clinical descriptions.

Methods

Our study, which represents the first genetic characterization of XP in Libya, was conducted on 14 unrelated families including 23 Libyan XP patients with a consanguinity rate of 93%. Blood samples were collected from 201 individuals including patients and their relatives. Patients were screened for founder mutations already described in Tunisia.

Results

The two founder Maghreb XP mutations, XPA p.Arg228* associated with the neurological form and XPC p.Val548Alafs*25 in patients with only cutaneous manifestations, were homozygously identified. The latter was predominant (19 of 23 patients). In addition, another XPC homozygous mutation (p.Arg220*) has been identified in only one patient. For the remaining patient, the absence of founder XPA, XPC, XPD, and XPG mutations suggests mutational heterogeneity of XP in Libya.

Conclusion

Identification of common mutations with other Maghreb populations is in favor of a common ancestor in North‐African populations.
Impact of patient‐safety incidents on Korean nurses' quality of work‐related life: A descriptive correlational study
Authors: Kim Sun Aee , Lee Taewha
Published: February 2023

Aim

We investigated the impact of patient safety incidents on the quality of nurses' work‐related lives, based on the Culture–Work–Health model.

Design

Descriptive correlational study.

Methods

An online survey was administered between March 10 and 18, 2020 to 622 nurses in South Korea who had experienced patient safety incidents within the past year. Descriptive analysis was performed along with inferential statistics, including one‐way ANOVA, correlation, and multiple linear regression (p < 0.05).

Results

A multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify factors affecting participants' quality of work‐related life. Significantly influential factors were resonant leadership, just culture, organizational support, organizational health, and overall work experience.

Conclusions

Resonant leadership and culture positively affects nurses' quality of work‐related life. Therefore, it is critical to evaluate nurses' perceptions of these factors and use these factors in creating administrative interventions to assist nurses in improving their work experiences.
Emerging inequality in the San Pedro de Atacama oases (Chile): An investigation of entheseal patterns using ANCOVA and factorial ANOVA
Authors: Cheverko Colleen M. , Schrader Sarah A. , Torres Christina M. , Pestle William J. , Hubbe Mark
Published: February 2023

Bioarcheologists have focused extensively over the past few decades on how to best investigate past activity, often concentrating on data collection protocols and more recently focusing on statistical approaches. Here, we complement ongoing studies focusing on emerging inequality during the Middle Period (AD 400–1000) in the San Pedro de Atacama oases (Chile) by investigating entheseal patterns among individuals (n = 210) interred in four cemeteries. This period represents a time of demographic expansion and the development of interregional networks and formalized social inequalities, all of which would have shaped the lived experiences of local inhabitants. The four cemeteries studied here allow investigations of potential differences between individuals living in a close geographic area: Solcor 3 and Casa Parroquial represent “elite” sites connected with the Tiwanaku state, the somewhat later site of Coyo 3 is associated with mining activities, and Quitor 6 Tardío represents individuals from relatively lower status. Using two complementary multifactorial tests, factorial ANOVA and ANCOVA, we identified differences in entheseal scores in several joints as a proxy for activity patterns among the cemeteries (left and right shoulders and wrists, and left elbow and hip; p < 0.05), with individuals from Casa Parroquial demonstrating lower entheseal scores in most joints. Results highlight how we can infer differences in entheseal patterns among individuals interred in cemeteries that were in close geographic proximity and in use over similar periods, highlighting possible differences in lived experiences in the sites categorized as “elite” as well as the effects of cemetery location, either within the core oases or outside them. Our analyses further suggest that ANCOVA and factorial ANOVA can identify more nuanced differences among the cemeteries while accounting for covariates in a single test, making them more robust inferential statistical approaches for this type of study.
Effectiveness of a population‐scaled, school‐based physical activity intervention for the prevention of childhood obesity
Authors: Jurić Petra , Jurak Gregor , Morrison Shawnda A. , Starc Gregor , Sorić Maroje
Published: February 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a real‐world, population‐scaled, school‐based physical activity (PA) intervention that provided two to three additional physical education lessons per week to children aged 6 to 14 years in Slovenia.

Methods

More than 34,000 participants from over 200 schools were compared with a similar number of nonparticipants from the same schools. Generalized estimating equations were used to estimate the effects of differing levels of exposure to the intervention (i.e., from 1–5 years) on BMI in children with normal weight, overweight, or obesity at baseline.

Results

BMI was lower in the intervention group, irrespective of participation duration or baseline weight status. The difference in BMI increased with the program duration, with maximal effects being seen after 3 to 4 years of participation, and was consistently larger for children with obesity (peaking at 1.4 kg/m2 [95% CI: 1.0–1.9] for girls with obesity and peaking at 0.9 kg/m2 [95% CI: 0.6–1.3] for boys with obesity). The program started to become effective at reversing obesity after 3 years, whereas the lowest numbers needed to treat (NNTs) were observed after 5 years (NNTs = 17 for girls and 12 for boys).

Conclusions

The population‐scaled, school‐based PA intervention was effective in preventing and treating obesity. The effects were the greatest in children initially presenting with obesity, such that the program was able to benefit children needing support the most.
Optimal parameter characterization of an enhanced mathematical model of solar photovoltaic cell/module using an improved white shark optimization algorithm
Authors: Lakshmanan Muthuramalingam , Kumar Chandrasekaran , Jasper John Sahayam
Published: February 2023

In the modeling and designing of PhotoVoltaic (PV) systems, parameter characterization in PV cell/module models remains a crucial field of research. Diode‐based models, such as single‐diode model (SDM), double‐diode model (DDM), and the three‐diode model, are frequently employed, and SDM and DDM are the most significant models. As a result, the difference between the estimated and experimental current can be minimized by using an objective function to solve the parameter characterization of such models. Metaheuristic optimization algorithms have recently been employed to get around the difficulty of finding accurate and highly reliable outcomes quickly. As a result, this research modifies the fundamental SDM and DDM and considers an objective function based on the modified models. Additionally, an improved version of a novel metaheuristic algorithm called White Shark Optimizer (WSO) is proposed by modifying the force control parameters of the WSO, and a chaotic generator is infused to improve the exploitation ability of WSO. The modified algorithm is named IWSO and applied to extract the PV parameters. This paper uses the new objective function to compare the conventional and the modified PV models. The outcomes of the experiment demonstrated IWSO's dominance over competing algorithms. With an average Freidman's ranking test value of 1.171, the proposed IWSO is superior to all selected algorithms. The average accuracy of modified SDM and DDM is 12% better than the traditional PV models. According to the findings, IWSO's estimated parameter values are the best, with the smallest difference between estimated and experimental current.
Re‐interpreting tumour behaviour and the tumour microenvironment as normal responses to tissue disorganisation
Authors: Edwards Paul AW
Published: February 2023

Much of tumour cell biology and the tumour microenvironment may be normal wound‐healing responses as a consequence of the disruption of tissue structure. This is why tumours resemble wounds, and many features of the tumour microenvironment, such as the epithelial–mesenchymal transition, cancer‐associated fibroblasts, and inflammatory infiltrates, may largely be normal responses to abnormal tissue structure, not an exploitation of wound‐healing biology. © 2023 The Author. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Thermally‐controlled spherical peptide gel architectures prepared using the pH switch method
Authors: Almohammed Sawsan , Kanoun Mohammed Benali , Goumri‐Said Souraya , Alam Mir Waqas , Fularz Agata , Alnaim Abdullah , Rice James H. , Rodriguez Brian J.
Published: February 2023

Self‐assembling nanostructured peptide gels are promising materials for sensing, drug delivery, and energy harvesting. Of particular interest are short diphenylalanine (FF) peptides modified with 9‐fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc), which promotes the association of the peptide building blocks. Fmoc‐FF gels generally form fibrous networks and while other structures have been demonstrated, further control of the gelation and resulting ordered three‐dimensional structures potentially offers new possibilities in tissue engineering, sensing, and drug release applications. Herein, we report that the structure tunability of Fmoc‐FF gels can be achieved by controlling the water content and the temperature. We further explore the incorporation of metal nanoparticles in the formation of the gel to enable optical sensing applications based on hybrid Fmoc‐FF‐nanoparticle microspheres. Finally, fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy reveals a correlation between lifetime and reduced bandgap, in support of a semiconductor‐induced charge transfer mechanism that might also increase the stability of an excited state of a probe molecule. The observations potentially further widen the use of these peptide materials in bioimaging and sensing applications.
Sustainability evaluations on material consumption for terawatt‐scale manufacturing of silicon‐based tandem solar cells
Authors: Wang Li , Zhang Yuchao , Kim Moonyong , Wright Matthew , Underwood Robert , Bonilla Ruy Sebastian , Hallam Brett
Published: February 2023

High‐efficiency silicon‐based tandem solar cells will likely drive the push towards terawatt (TW) scale PV manufacturing on the pathway to net zero emissions by 2050. In this work, we provide a comprehensive analysis of material consumption and sustainability issues for future tandem solar cells. First, we analyse the material consumption and sustainable manufacturing capacity of a variety of potential candidates for the top cell in a silicon‐based tandem cell. We show that III‐V, CIGS and CdTe are not suitable to support TW‐scale manufacturing. Perovskites thus present the most sustainable approach, as long as indium is not required in the cell structure. Next, we turn our attention to the silicon bottom cell architecture by comparing PERC, TOPCon and SHJ. Although tandem cells can generally reduce silver consumption relative to single junction silicon cells due to the more favourable JMP/VMP ratio, the PERC cell architecture could allow for significantly reduced Ag consumption compared with both TOPCon and SHJ by relying on Al for the rear p‐type contact. In order to drive a rapid shift towards TW‐scale manufacturing, a rapid upscaling compared with the current production capacity is needed. The results presented herein highlight the need for careful consideration of sustainability issues when designing future high‐efficiency tandem cells that will help the world mitigate the dangers of climate change.
Lq regularization for fair artificial intelligence robust to covariate shift
Authors: Kim Seonghyeon , Kim Sara , Kim Kunwoong , Kim Yongdai
Published: February 2023

It is well recognized that historical biases exist in training data against a certain sensitive group (e.g., non‐White, women) which are socially unacceptable, and these unfair biases are inherited in trained artificial intelligence (AI) models. Various learning algorithms have been proposed to remove or alleviate unfair biases in trained AI models. In this paper, we consider another type of bias in training data so‐called covariate shift in view of fair AI. Here, covariate shift means that training data do not represent the population of interest well. Covariate shift occurs when special sampling designs (e.g., stratified sampling) are used when collecting training data, or the population where training data are collected is different from the population of interest. When covariate shift exists, fair AI models on training data may not be fair in test data. To ensure fairness on test data, we develop computationally efficient learning algorithms robust to covariate shifts. In particular, we propose a robust fairness constraint based on the Lq norm which is a generic algorithm to be applied to various fairness AI problems without much hampering. By analyzing multiple benchmark datasets, we show that our proposed robust fairness AI algorithm improves existing fair AI algorithms much in terms of the fairness‐accuracy tradeoff to covariate shift and has significant computational advantages compared to other robust fair AI algorithms.
Spin‐Wave Optics in YIG Realized by Ion‐Beam Irradiation
Authors: Kiechle Martina , Papp Adam , Mendisch Simon , Ahrens Valentin , Golibrzuch Matthias , Bernstein Gary H. , Porod Wolfgang , Csaba Gyorgy , Becherer Markus
Published: February 2023

Direct focused‐ion‐beam writing is presented as an enabling technology for realizing functional spin‐wave devices of high complexity, and demonstrate its potential by optically‐inspired designs. It is shown that ion‐beam irradiation changes the characteristics of yttrium iron garnet films on a submicron scale in a highly controlled way, allowing one to engineer the magnonic index of refraction adapted to desired applications. This technique does not physically remove material, and allows rapid fabrication of high‐quality architectures of modified magnetization in magnonic media with minimal edge damage (compared to more common removal techniques such as etching or milling). By experimentally showing magnonic versions of a number of optical devices (lenses, gratings, Fourier‐domain processors) this technology is envisioned as the gateway to building magnonic computing devices that rival their optical counterparts in their complexity and computational power.
A Safer High‐Energy Lithium‐Ion Capacitor Using Fast‐Charging and Stableω‐Li3V2O5Anode
Authors: Lan Xiwei , Liu Xueting , Meng Tao , Yang Shanshan , Shen Yue , Hu Xianluo
Published: February 2023

Lithium‐ion capacitors (LICs) are flourishing toward high energy density and high safety, which depend significantly on the performance of the intercalation‐type anodes used in LICs. However, commercially available graphite and Li4Ti5O12anodes in LICs suffer from inferior electrochemical performance and safety risks due to limited rate capability, energy density, thermal decomposition, and gassing issues. Here a safer high‐energy LIC based on a fast‐chargingω‐Li3V2O5(ω‐LVO) anode with a stable bulk/interface structure is reported. The electrochemical performance, thermal safety, and gassing behavior of theω‐LVO‐based LIC device are investigated, followed by the exploration of the stability of theω‐LVO anode. Theω‐LVO anode exhibits fast lithium‐ion transport kinetics at room/elevated temperatures. Paired with an active carbon (AC) cathode, the AC||ω‐LVO LIC with high energy density and long‐term endurability is achieved. The accelerating rate calorimetry, in situ gas assessment, and ultrasonic scanning imaging technologies further verify the high safety of the as‐fabricated LIC device. Theoretical and experimental results unveil that the high safety originates from the high structure/interface stability of theω‐LVO anode. This work provides important insights into electrochemical/thermochemical behaviors ofω‐LVO‐based anodes within LICs and offers new opportunities to develop safer high‐energy LIC devices.
Advanced Biomaterials with Intrinsic Immunomodulation Effects for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Chen Weizhi , Li Cheng , Jiang Xiqun
Published: February 2023

In recent years, tumor immunotherapy has achieved significant success in tumor treatment based on immune checkpoint blockers and chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell therapy. However, about 70–80% of patients with solid tumors do not respond to immunotherapy due to immune evasion. Recent studies found that some biomaterials have intrinsic immunoregulatory effects, except serve as carriers for immunoregulatory drugs. Moreover, these biomaterials have additional advantages such as easy functionalization, modification, and customization. In this review, the recent advances of these immunoregulatory biomaterials in cancer immunotherapy and their interaction with cancer cells, immune cells, and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment are summarized. Finally, the opportunities and challenges of immunoregulatory biomaterials used in the clinic and the prospect of their future in cancer immunotherapy are discussed.
Surface Effects on Anisotropic Photoluminescence in One‐Dimensional Organic Metal Halide Hybrids
Authors: McClintock Luke M. , Yuan Long , Song Ziyi , Pettes Michael T. , Yarotski Dmitry , Karkee Rijan , Strubbe David A. , Tan Liang Z. , Ben-Akacha Azza , Ma Biwu , Shi Yunshu , Taufour Valentin , Yu Dong
Published: February 2023

1D organic metal halide hybrids (OMHHs) exhibit strongly anisotropic optical properties, highly efficient light emission, and large Stokes shift, holding promise for novel photodetection and lighting applications. However, the fundamental mechanisms governing their unique optical properties and in particular the impacts of surface effects are not understood. Herein, 1D C4N2H14PbBr4 by polarization‐dependent time‐averaged and time‐resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) spectroscopy, as a function of photoexcitation energy, is investigated. Surprisingly, it is found that the emission under photoexcitation polarized parallel to the 1D metal halide chains can be either stronger or weaker than that under perpendicular polarization, depending on the excitation energy. The excitation‐energy‐dependent anisotropic emission is attributed to fast surface recombination, supported by first‐principles calculations of optical absorption in this material. The fast surface recombination is directly confirmed by TRPL measurements, when the excitation is polarized parallel to the chains. The comprehensive studies provide a more complete picture for a deeper understanding of the optical anisotropy in 1D OMHHs.
Iron‐based shape memory alloy active assembly connectors for civil structures
Authors: Thüsing Kai , Sobotta Sacha , Schlüter Dominik , Hoinka Jennifer , Ayoubi Mazen , Kropp Thomas , Schumann Alexander , Drossel Welf‐Guntram
Published: February 2023

The lack of suitable connectors for thin‐walled carbon concrete elements with their known resource and material saving properties still represents a major obstacle for practical application. On top, the on‐site installation remains a labor‐intensive task. To overcome this limitation, we report the development of an active assembly connector that enables simple and safe installation of carbon concrete façade elements and increases assembly efficiency. Moreover, the active assembly features permit an assembly without physical access to the connector, called blind assembly. Its concept is based on the recovery expansion of iron‐based shape memory alloys (Fe‐SMA). This paper presents material characteristics such as recovery stress and strain of the Fe‐SMA in compression. The connector concept uses an anchor rail that blocks the recovery extraction of a Fe‐SMA‐fastener to produce a stable, frictional and linear connection. Tensile tests show the impact of design parameters and high pull‐out forces with sufficient design. Also, ongoing long term tensile tests show small creep, so far. The anchor channels integrate well with carbon concrete façade panels. The heating concept with heating cartridges works well, even under cold winter conditions. Wind test results exceed requirements. Finally, a field test shows excellent installation results and proves the ease of assembly as well as the ability for blind assembly.
Functional Rhythmic Chemical Systems Governed by pH‐Driven Kinetic Feedback
Authors: Dúzs Brigitta , Lagzi István , Szalai István
Published: February 2023

The front cover artwork is provided by the Laboratory of Nonlinear Chemical Dynamics at Eötvös Loránd University and the Self‐assembly and Self‐Organization Research Group at Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary. The image shows an hourglass and suggests a pH variation over time. pH‐driven kinetic feedback is a key element of pH oscillatory mechanisms. These can be used as a driving program to induce periodic chemical and/or structural changes in a coupled pH‐sensitive colloidal or macroscopic gel systems. Read the full text of the Review at 10.1002/syst.202200032.
Aerial Object Detection for Water-Based Search & Rescue
Authors: Mulcahy Eoghan , Van de Ven Pepijn , Nelson John
Published: February 2023

Responding to a water rescue situation is challenging. First responders need access to data as quickly as possible to increase the likelihood of a successful rescue. Using aerial imagery systems is especially useful in a search and rescue scenario because it provides a higher dimensional view of the search environment. Unmanned aerial vehicles can be easily used to acquire aerial image data. During water-based search and rescue scenarios, first responders sometimes deploy an inflatable marker called a rescue danbuoy. The danbuoy is fitted with a small conical sack known as a drogue, this ensures that the marker is not blown off course by the wind and instead follows the flow of the body of water. Tracking the danbuoy as it moves is of utmost importance in a water rescue. We present a new data-set “VisBuoy” with imagery containing instances of danbuoy markers and boats in real-world water-based settings. We also show how using various deep learning-based computer vision techniques, we can autonomously detect danbuoy instances in aerial imagery. We compare the performance of four state-of-the-art object detectors Faster RCNN Retinanet, Efficientdet and YOLOv5 on the “VisBuoy” data-set, to find the best detector for this task. We then propose a best model with a precision score of 74% which can be used in search and rescue operations to detect inflatable danbuoy markers in water-based settings.
Spot the Fake Lungs: Generating Synthetic Medical Images Using Neural Diffusion Models
Authors: Ali Hazrat , Murad Shafaq , Shah Zubair
Published: February 2023

Generative models are becoming popular for the synthesis of medical images. Recently, neural diffusion models have demonstrated the potential to generate photo-realistic images of objects. However, their potential to generate medical images is not explored yet. We explore the possibilities of synthesizing medical images using neural diffusion models. First, we use a pre-trained DALLE2 model to generate lungs X-Ray and CT images from an input text prompt. Second, we train a stable diffusion model with 3165 X-Ray images and generate synthetic images. We evaluate the synthetic image data through a qualitative analysis where two independent radiologists label randomly chosen samples from the generated data as real, fake, or unsure. Results demonstrate that images generated with the diffusion model can translate characteristics that are otherwise very specific to certain medical conditions in chest X-Ray or CT images. Careful tuning of the model can be very promising. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to generate lungs X-Ray and CT images using neural diffusion models. This work aims to introduce a new dimension in artificial intelligence for medical imaging. Given that this is a new topic, the paper will serve as an introduction and motivation for the research community to explore the potential of diffusion models for medical image synthesis. We have released the synthetic images on https://www.kaggle.com/datasets/hazrat/awesomelungs.
Evaluating the Effects of Chaos in Variable Neighbourhood Search
Authors: Consoli Sergio , Pérez José Andrés Moreno
Published: February 2023

Metaheuristics are problem-solving methods which try to find near-optimal solutions to very hard optimization problems within an acceptable computational timeframe, where classical approaches usually fail, or cannot even been applied. Random mechanisms are an integral part of metaheuristics, given randomness has a role in dealing with algorithmic issues such as parameters tuning, adaptation, and combination of existing optimization techniques. In this paper, it is explored whether deterministic chaos can be suitably used instead of random processes within Variable Neighbourhood Search (VNS), a popular metaheuristic for combinatorial optimization. As a use case, in particular, the paper focuses on labelling graph problems, where VNS has been already used with success. These problems are formulated on an undirected labelled graph and consist on selecting the subset of labels such that the subgraph generated by these labels has, respectively, an optimal spanning tree or forest. The effects of using chaotic sequences in the VNS metaheuristic are investigated during several numerical tests. Different one-dimensional chaotic maps are applied to VNS in order to compare the performance of each map in finding the best solutions for this class of graph problems.
Typen von Protest-Aktivist*innen
Authors: Villioth Lisa
Published: February 2023

Die nun folgende Typenbildung hat das Ziel, alle bisher thematisierten Aspekte zusammenzuführen und basierend auf den Ressourcen, Bürgerschaftsverständnissen, Motiven, Mitgliedschaftsverständnissen, Empfindungen kollektiver Identität, konkreten Praktiken und Einstellungen zu Straßen- und Netzprotest der interviewten Bürger*innen drei grobe Typen von Protest-Aktivist*innen zu skizzieren. Diese unterscheiden sich insb. bzgl. ihrer ausgeübten Protestpraktiken und darin, wie intensiv sie das Netz in ihre Partizipation einbinden. Denn ein wichtiges Ergebnis der vorliegenden Analyse ist, dass alle Interview-Partner*innen in der Nutzung des Internets Vorteile für zivilgesellschaftliches Engagement sehen. Wie im vorangegangenen Kapitel ausführlich beschrieben, versteht ein Großteil der Interview-Partner*innen Netz und Straße als wertvolle Ergänzung zueinander. Da sich keine der Bürger*innen den Vorteilen des Internets komplett verschließt, zeichnen sich zwar alle drei Typen durch digitale Praktiken aus, unterscheiden sich jedoch in der Extensität dieser. Entsprechend liegt der Fokus der nun folgenden Typisierung insb. auf Praktiken und in den anderen Kategorien vorkommenden Faktoren, die diese Praktiken beeinflussen.
Bulk gauge fields and holographic RG from exact RG
Authors: Dharanipragada Pavan , Dutta Semanti , Sathiapalan B.
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Recently, a method was described for deriving Holographic RG equation in AdSD+1 space starting from an Exact RG equation of a D-dimensional boundary CFT [22]. The evolution operator corresponding to the Exact RG equation was rewritten as a functional integral of a D + 1 dimensional field theory in AdSD+1 space. This method has since been applied to elementary scalars and composite scalars in the O(N) model [34]. In this paper, we apply this technique to the conserved vector current and the energy momentum tensor of a boundary CFT, the O(N) model at a fixed point. These composite spin one and spin two operators are represented by auxiliary fields and extend into the bulk as gauge fields and metric perturbations. We obtain, at the free level, the (gauge fixed) Maxwell and Einstein actions. While the steps involved are motivated by the AdS/CFT correspondence, none of the steps logically require the AdS/CFT conjecture for their justification.
Angular distribution of $$ {\Lambda}_b^0\to p{K}^{-}{\ell}^{+}{\ell}^{-} $$ decays comprising Λ resonances with spin ≤ 5/2
Authors: Beck A. , Blake T. , Kreps M.
Published: February 2023

Abstract

This paper describes the angular distribution of $$ {\Lambda}_b^0\to \Lambda \left(\to p{K}^{-}\right){\ell}^{+}{\ell}^{-} $$

Λ
b
0

→
Λ

→
p

K
−

ℓ
+

ℓ
−

decays. A full expression is given for the case of multiple interfering spin-states with spin ≤$$ \frac{5}{2} $$

5
2

. This distribution is relevant for future measurements of $$ {\Lambda}_b^0\to p{K}^{-}{\ell}^{+}{\ell}^{-} $$

Λ
b
0

→
p

K
−

ℓ
+

ℓ
−

decays, where different states cannot easily be separated based on their mass alone. New observables arise when considering spin-$$ \frac{5}{2} $$

5
2

states as well as interference between states. An exploration of their behaviour for a variety of beyond the Standard Model scenarios shows that some of these observables exhibit interesting sensitivity to the Wilson coefficients involved in b → sℓ+ℓ− transitions. Others are insensitive to the Wilson coefficients and can be used to verify the description of $$ {\Lambda}_b^0\to \Lambda $$

Λ
b
0

→
Λ
form-factors. A basis of weighting functions that can be used to determine all of the angular observables described in this paper in a moment analysis of the experimental data is also provided.
Resummation of threshold logarithms in deeply-virtual Compton scattering
Authors: Schoenleber J.
Published: February 2023

Abstract

I derive an all-order resummation formula for the logarithmically enhanced contributions proportional to $$ \frac{\alpha_s^n}{x\pm \xi } $$

α
s
n

x
±
ξ

log $$ {\left(\frac{\xi \pm x}{2\xi}\right)}^k $$

ξ
±
x

2
ξ

k

in the quark coefficient function of deeply-virtual-Compton scattering and the pion-photon transition form factor in momentum space. The resummation is performed at the next-to-next-to-leading logarithmic accuracy. The key observation is that the quark coefficient function itself factorizes in the x → ±ξ limit, which allows for a resummation using renormalization group equations. A preliminary numerical analysis suggests that the corrections due to resummation for the quark contribution might be small.
1/N expansion of the D3-D5 defect CFT at strong coupling
Authors: Beccaria M. , Cabo-Bizet A.
Published: February 2023

Abstract

We consider four dimensional U(N) $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SYM theory interacting with a 3d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 theory living on a codimension-one interface and holographically dual to the D3-D5 system without flux. Localization captures several observables in this dCFT, including its free energy, related to the defect expectation value, and single trace $$ \frac{1}{2} $$

1
2

-BPS composite scalars. These quantities may be computed in a hermitian one-matrix model with non-polynomial single-trace potential. We exploit the integrable Volterra hierarchy underlying the matrix model and systematically study its 1/N expansion at any value of the ’t Hooft coupling. In particular, the strong coupling regime is determined — up to non-perturbative exponentially suppressed corrections — by differential relations that constrain higher order terms in the 1/N expansion. The analysis is extended to the model with SU(N) gauge symmetry by resorting to the more general Toda lattice equations.
Etablierung der Genomischen Erreger-Surveillance zur Stärkung des Pandemie- und Infektionsschutzes in Deutschland
Authors: Scheithauer Simone , Dilthey Alexander , Bludau Anna , Ciesek Sandra , Corman Victor , Donker Tjibbe , Eckmanns Tim , Egelkamp Richard , Grundmann Hajo , Häcker Georg , Kaase Martin , Lange Berit , Mellmann Alexander , Mielke Martin , Pletz Mathias , Salzberger Bernd , Thürmer Andrea , Widmer Andreas , Wieler Lothar H. , Wolff Thorsten , Gatermann Sören , Semmler Torsten
Published: February 2023

Die SARS-CoV-2-Pandemie hat ein Defizit an essentieller infektionsepidemiologischer Infrastruktur, insbesondere in Bezug auf die Genomische Erreger-Surveillance (GES) in Deutschland, gezeigt. Zur Vorbereitung auf zukünftige pandemische Notlagen sehen es die Autor*innen als dringend erforderlich an, dieses bestehende Defizit durch den Aufbau einer leistungsfähigen Infrastruktur für GES zu beheben. Ein derartiges Netzwerk kann auf bereits regional initiierten Strukturen, Prozessen und Interaktionen aufbauen und diese weiter optimieren. Es kann zukünftig mit einer hohen Anpassungsfähigkeit auf aktuelle und kommende Herausforderungen reagieren.

Ziele der vorliegenden Arbeit sind die Verdeutlichung der Dringlichkeit und Skizzierung von Vorschlägen zur Etablierung eines effizienten, anpassungsfähigen und reaktionsbereiten GES-Netzwerkes unter Berücksichtigung von externen Rahmenbedingungen und internen Standards. Die erarbeiteten Vorschläge basieren auf der Grundlage globaler und länderspezifischer Best Practices und Strategiepapiere. Zu den konkreten nächsten Schritten zur Realisierung einer integrierten GES zählen die Ermöglichung der Verknüpfung epidemiologischer Daten mit Genomdaten der Erreger, die gemeinsame und koordinierte Nutzung von vorhandenen Ressourcen, die Nutzbarmachung der so gewonnenen Surveillance-Daten für relevante Entscheidungstragende, den Öffentlichen Gesundheitsdienst und die wissenschaftliche Gemeinschaft sowie die Einbindung aller Stakeholder. Der Aufbau eines GES-Netzwerkes ist essentiell für die kontinuierliche, stabile, aktive Überwachung des Infektionsgeschehens in Deutschland sowohl während pandemischer Phasen als auch außerhalb dieser.
Plasticity of maternal environment-dependent expression-QTLs of tomato seeds
Authors: Sterken Mark G. , Nijveen Harm , van Zanten Martijn , Jiménez-Gómez Jose M. , Geshnizjani Nafiseh , Willems Leo A. J. , Rienstra Juriaan , Hilhorst Henk W. M. , Ligterink Wilco , Snoek Basten L.
Published: February 2023

Seeds are essential for plant reproduction, survival, and dispersal. Germination ability and successful establishment of young seedlings strongly depend on seed quality and on environmental factors such as nutrient availability. In tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and many other species, seed quality and seedling establishment characteristics are determined by genetic variation, as well as the maternal environment in which the seeds develop and mature. The genetic contribution to variation in seed and seedling quality traits and environmental responsiveness can be estimated at transcriptome level in the dry seed by mapping genomic loci that affect gene expression (expression QTLs) in contrasting maternal environments. In this study, we applied RNA-sequencing to construct a linkage map and measure gene expression of seeds of a tomato recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross betweenS. lycopersicum(cv. Moneymaker) andS. pimpinellifolium(G1.1554). The seeds matured on plants cultivated under different nutritional environments, i.e., on high phosphorus or low nitrogen. The obtained single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were subsequently used to construct a genetic map. We show how the genetic landscape of plasticity in gene regulation in dry seeds is affected by the maternal nutrient environment. The combined information on natural genetic variation mediating (variation in) responsiveness to the environment may contribute to knowledge-based breeding programs aiming to develop crop cultivars that are resilient to stressful environments.
The impact of different alignment strategies on bone cuts in total knee arthroplasty for varus knee phenotypes
Authors: Schelker Benjamin L. , Moret Céline S. , Sava Manuel P. , von Eisenhart-Rothe Rüdiger , Graichen Heiko , Arnold Markus P. , Leclercq Vincent , Hirschmann Michael T.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to visualise the influence of alignment strategy on bone resection in varus knee phenotypes. The hypothesis was that different amounts of bone resection would be required depending on the alignment strategy chosen. Through visualisation of the corresponding bone sections, it was hypothesised, it would be possible to assess which of the different alignment strategies would require the least amount of change to the soft tissues for the chosen phenotype, whilst still ensuring acceptable alignment of the components, and thus could be considered the most ideal alignment strategy.

Methods

Simulations of the different alignment strategies (mechanical, anatomical, constrained kinematic and unconstrained kinematic) in relation to their bone resections were performed on five common exemplary varus knee phenotypes. VARHKA174° VARFMA87° VARTMA84°, VARHKA174° VARFMA90° NEUTMA87°, VARHKA174° NEUFMA93° VARTMA84°, VARHKA177° NEUFMA93° NEUTMA87° and VARHKA177° VALFMA96° VARTMA81°. The phenotype system used categorises knees based on overall limb alignment (i.e. hip knee angle) but also takes into account joint line obliquity (i.e. TKA and FMA) and has been applied in the global orthopaedic community since its introduction in 2019. The simulations are based on long-leg radiographs under load. It is assumed that a change of 1° in the alignment of the joint line corresponds to a displacement of the distal condyle by 1 mm.

Results

In the most common phenotype VARHKA174° NEUFMA93° VARTMA84°, a mechanical alignment would result in an asymmetric elevation of the tibial medial joint line by 6 mm and a lateral distalisation of the femoral condyle by 3 mm, an anatomical alignment only by 0 and 3 mm, a restricted by 3 and 3 mm, respectively, whilst a kinematic alignment would result in no change in joint line obliquity. In the similarly common phenotype 2 VARHKA174° VARFMA90° NEUTMA87° with the same HKA, the changes are considerably less with only 3 mm asymmetric height change on one joint side, respectively, and no change in restricted or kinematic alignment.

Conclusion

This study shows that significantly different amounts of bone resection are required depending on the varus phenotype and the alignment strategy chosen. Based on the simulations performed, it can, therefore, be assumed that an individual decision for the respective phenotype is more important than the dogmatically correct alignment strategy. By including such simulations, the modern orthopaedic surgeon can now avoid biomechanically inferior alignments and still obtain the most natural possible knee alignment for the patient.