bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The future of neonatal lung ultrasound: Validation of an artificial intelligence model for interpreting lung scans. A multicentre prospective diagnostic study
Authors: Perri Alessandro , Sbordone Annamaria , Patti Maria Letizia , Nobile Stefano , Tirone Chiara , Giordano Lucia , Tana Milena , D'Andrea Vito , Priolo Francesca , Serrao Francesca , Riccardi Riccardo , Prontera Giorgia , Lenkowicz Jacopo , Boldrini Luca , Vento Giovanni
Published: July 2023

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a promising field in the neonatal field. We focused on lung ultrasound (LU), a useful tool for the neonatologist. Our aim was to train a neural network to create a model able to interpret LU.

Methods

Our multicentric, prospective study included newborns with gestational age (GA) ≥ 33 + 0 weeks with early tachypnea/dyspnea/oxygen requirements. For each baby, three LU were performed: within 3 h of life (T0), at 4–6 h of life (T1), and in the absence of respiratory support (T2). Each scan was processed to extract the region of interest used to train a neural network to classify it according to the LU score (LUS). We assessed sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of the AI model's scores in predicting the need for respiratory assistance with nasal continuous positive airway pressure and for surfactant, compared to an already studied and established LUS.

Results

We enrolled 62 newborns (GA = 36 ± 2 weeks). In the prediction of the need for CPAP, we found a cutoff of 6 (at T0) and 5 (at T1) for both the neonatal lung ultrasound score (nLUS) and AI score (AUROC 0.88 for T0 AI model, 0.80 for T1 AI model). For the outcome “need for surfactant therapy”, results in terms of area under receiver operator characteristic (AUROC) are 0.84 for T0 AI model and 0.89 for T1 AI model. In the prediction of surfactant therapy, we found a cutoff of 9 for both scores at T0, at T1 the nLUS cutoff was 6, while the AI's one was 5. Classification accuracy was good both at the image and class levels.

Conclusions

This is, to our knowledge, the first attempt to use an AI model to interpret early neonatal LUS and can be extremely useful for neonatologists in the clinical setting.
Mapping roles of active site residues in the acceptor site of the PA3944 Gcn5‐related N‐acetyltransferase enzyme
Authors: Variot Cillian , Capule Daniel , Arolli Xhulio , Baumgartner Jackson , Reidl Cory , Houseman Charles , Ballicora Miguel A. , Becker Daniel P. , Kuhn Misty L.
Published: July 2023

An increased understanding of how the acceptor site in Gcn5‐related N‐acetyltransferase (GNAT) enzymes recognizes various substrates provides important clues for GNAT functional annotation and their use as chemical tools. In this study, we explored how the PA3944 enzyme from Pseudomonas aeruginosa recognizes three different acceptor substrates, including aspartame, NANMO, and polymyxin B, and identified acceptor residues that are critical for substrate specificity. To achieve this, we performed a series of molecular docking simulations and tested methods to identify acceptor substrate binding modes that are catalytically relevant. We found that traditional selection of best docking poses by lowest S scores did not reveal acceptor substrate binding modes that were generally close enough to the donor for productive acetylation. Instead, sorting poses based on distance between the acceptor amine nitrogen atom and donor carbonyl carbon atom placed these acceptor substrates near residues that contribute to substrate specificity and catalysis. To assess whether these residues are indeed contributors to substrate specificity, we mutated seven amino acid residues to alanine and determined their kinetic parameters. We identified several residues that improved the apparent affinity and catalytic efficiency of PA3944, especially for NANMO and/or polymyxin B. Additionally, one mutant (R106A) exhibited substrate inhibition toward NANMO, and we propose scenarios for the cause of this inhibition based on additional substrate docking studies with R106A. Ultimately, we propose that this residue is a key gatekeeper between the acceptor and donor sites by restricting and orienting the acceptor substrate within the acceptor site.
Nonassociative Ricci Flows, Star Product and R‐flux Deformed Black Holes, and Swampland Conjectures
Authors: Bubuianu Laurenţiu , Vacaru Sergiu I. , Veliev Elşen Veli
Published: July 2023

A theory of nonassociative geometric flows is formulated as an extension of a string‐inspired model of nonassociative gravity determined by star product. The nonassociative Ricci tensor and curvature scalar defined by (non) symmetric metric structures and generalized (non) linear connections are used for defining nonassociative versions of Grigori Perelman F‐ and W‐functionals for Ricci flows and computing associated thermodynamic variables. The anholonomic frame and connection deformation method, AFCDM, which allows us to construct exact and parametric solutions describing nonassociative geometric flow evolution scenarios and modified Ricci soliton configurations with quasi‐stationary generic off‐diagonal metrics are developed and applied. There are provided explicit examples of solutions modeling geometric and statistical thermodynamic evolution on a temperature‐like parameter of modified black hole configurations encoding nonassociative star‐product and R‐flux deformation data. Further perspectives of the paper are motivated by nonassociative off‐diagonal geometric flow extensions of the swampland program, related conjectures and claims on geometric and physical properties of new classes of quasi‐stationary Ricci flow and black hole solutions.
Late puberty onset and lack of acne during adolescence reduce high‐grade prostate cancer at adulthood
Authors: Hernández‐Pérez Jesús Gibran , López David S. , Rodríguez‐Valentín Rocío , Vázquez‐Salas Ruth Argelia , Sierra‐Santoyo Adolfo , Torres‐Sánchez Luisa
Published: July 2023

Background

The interplay between pubertal events patterns (PEP) and prostate cancer (PCa) remains poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated the association of PEP with the odds of PCa, and PCa histological differentiation in men residents of Mexico city.

Methods

In this case–control study, we analyzed the information of 371 incident prostate cancer cases and 775 controls matched on age (±5 years). High‐grade prostate cancer was classified with Gleason score at diagnosis as ≥8. With information related to beard growth, age at maximum height attainment, and acne severity, the k‐medoids algorithm was used to identify three mutually exclusive PEP (early, intermediate, and late). This association was evaluated using multivariable nonconditional logistic regression models.

Results

Men with late PEP, characterized by age at maximum height attainment at around 23 years and no history of acne, was inversely associated with incident (odds ratio [OR]: 0.27; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.15–0.48, p trend <0.01) and high‐grade prostate cancer (OR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.09–0.59, p trend <0.01). Similar associations were observed even after adjusting by IGF‐1 (OR: 0.19; 95% CI: 0.06–0.58) and androgens excretion (OR: 0.21; 95% CI: 0.06–0.66). Only the association between the absence of acne and prostate cancer remained significant after adjustment by these biomarkers.

Conclusions

This study suggests that pubertal characteristics might be helpful in identifying risk groups, among which, secondary prevention strategies could be applied. Also, the results agree with previous work suggesting other potential biological mechanisms involved in the etiology of prostate cancer such as the infectious and inflammatory pathways.
Effects of parasitism by a parasitoid wasp on the gut microbiota in a predaceous lady beetle host
Authors: Wang Yansong , Gao Ping , Zheng Jie , Li Hongran , Meng Ling , Li Baoping
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

The gut microbiota has an intimate relationship with insect hosts and this relationship can become complicated with parasitic organisms being involved with the host. To date there has been limited evidence for the relevance of parasitism of the host by parasitoids to host gut microbiota, especially in host insect predators. Here, our study examined gut microbiotas in larvae of the predaceous lady beetle, Coccinella septempunctata, in response to their parasitism by Homalotylus eytelweinii regarding the development progress of offspring parasitoids.

RESULTS

Overall 58.5% of gut bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in the parasitized lady beetle were different from those in the unparasitized host. The phylum Proteobacteria abundance increased while Firmicutes decreased in parasitized hosts compared to the unparasitized. The abundance of genus Aeribacillus decreased substantially in the parasitized lady beetle across all stages of the offspring development compared to the unparasitized host. The α‐diversity of the gut microbiota in a parasitized lady beetle larva increased at the early stage of offspring parasitoids and then returned over the intermediate and later stages. Analyses of β‐diversity indicated that the gut microbial community in a parasitized lady beetle was distinct from that in an unparasitized one and different between early or middle and late stages of offspring parasitoids in parasitized hosts.

CONCLUSION

Our results provide evidence for the relevance of the gut microbiota to interactions between a lady beetle host and its parasitoid. Our study provides a starting point for further investigations of the role the gut microbiota may play in host‐parasitoid interactions. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
A comprehensive review on deploying robotics application in telecom network tower's field maintenance: Challenges with current practices and feasibility analysis for robotics implementation
Authors: Shah Darshita , Dave Jatin
Published: July 2023

This survey article highlights the difficulties in the field maintenance of telecommunication towers. It critically analyses the main features of the deployment of robots to maintain telecommunication towers. The growing demand for mobile connectivity poses the need for more towers, and the subsequent problem of network maintenance becomes more critical. Most tower maintenance is required work at height; therefore, height‐related risks are more frequent. A rigorous review is conducted, and the growth of the telecommunications network and key on‐site maintenance challenges are analyzed. Despite numerous challenges, these towers are maintained manually by riggers (certified climbers) worldwide. It raises the question, Is it possible to implement automation by robots for the maintenance of telecommunications towers? The feasibility analysis to deploy the robots is conducted systematically. To access the tower through a robot, detailed information on the type of towers, the climbing arrangements available on the existing towers, and the necessary operations to be carried out at the height is collected. A critical analysis of the climbing robots currently available in the literature, their grasping technology, and control algorithms is performed. The opinion of experts in the telecommunication industry is very helpful in identifying the requirements of robotic systems. The design attributes especially needed for the climbing robot, and the execution of the maintenance in height are highlighted. Due justification is given for deploying robots for field maintenance of telecom towers. The recommended methodology for designing an automation system helps research in the field of maintenance of telecom towers through robots, which could bring a remarkable solution to the telecom sector.
Zero‐shot obstacle detection using panoramic vision in farmland
Authors: Wang Tianhai , Chen Bin , Wang Ning , Ji Yuhan , Li Han , Zhang Man
Published: July 2023

Reliable obstacle detection is of great significance to the navigation technology of unmanned agricultural machinery. Currently, most of the previous works have achieved significant performance with the help of visual prior information of obstacles, where visual prior information refers to the visual features learned by models in the training stage. However, collecting enough annotated images for the training stage can be challenging. In the absence of annotated images, the current methods cannot perform optimally. To address the above problem, this paper presents a zero‐shot obstacle detection model based on the You Only Look Once X backbone, introducing the concept of zero‐shot learning into real‐time obstacle detection systems. Specifically, the cascade of encoder and decoder modules is appended to the presented model, and the integration of semantic space‐based classification and anchor‐free localization modules is used for zero‐shot obstacle detection. The feasibility of the proposed method was verified on the actual farmland test data set. The experimental results show that the F1 scores of the seen obstacle (e.g., people) and the unseen obstacle (e.g., agricultural machinery) are 96.22% and 94.66%, respectively. The average detection time for each panoramic image is 52.52 ms (equivalent to 19.04 FPS). The proposed obstacle detection method exhibits superior performance in the situation where training samples of the target category are not available. Notably, the proposed model not only performs the correct classification of unseen obstacles, but also improves the detection performance of both seen and unseen obstacles. The proposed method achieves a balance between accuracy and detection speed.
Job loss and mental disorders: International evidence from the early stages of COVID‐19 outbreak
Authors: Zamanzadeh Akbar , Banerjee Rajabrata , Cavoli Tony
Published: July 2023

Using a rich individual level dataset from six countries, we examine the relationship between job loss and mental disorders during the first phase of the COVID‐19 pandemic. We consider four indicators of mental disorders based on their severity, viz. anxiety, insomnia, boredom, and loneliness. We draw our conclusions based on two groups of countries that differ by the timing of their peak infections count. Using a logit and a two‐stage least squares (TSLS) regression methods, we find that the people who lost their jobs due to the pandemic are more likely to suffer from mental disorders, especially insomnia and loneliness. Additionally, people with financial liabilities, such as housing mortgages, are among those vulnerable to anxiety. Women, urban residents, youth, low‐income groups, and tobacco users are more prone to mental disorders. The findings from this research have significant policy implications on infectious disease control measures and mental health conditions due to lockdowns and social distancing.
Nanoparticles Mediated the Diagnosis and Therapy of Glioblastoma: Bypass or Cross the Blood–Brain Barrier
Authors: Song Xiaowei , Qian Haisheng , Yu Yongqiang
Published: July 2023

Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive central nervous system malignancies with high morbidity and mortality. Current clinical approaches, including surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, are limited by the difficulty of targeting brain lesions accurately, leading to disease recurrence and fatal outcomes. The lack of effective treatments has prompted researchers to continuously explore novel therapeutic strategies. In recent years, nanomedicine has made remarkable progress and expanded its application in brain drug delivery, providing a new treatment for brain tumors. Against this background, this article reviews the application and progress of nanomedicine delivery systems in brain tumors. In this paper, the mechanism of nanomaterials crossing the blood‐brain barrier is summarized. Furthermore, the specific application of nanotechnology in glioblastoma is discussed in depth.
Femtosecond Laser‐Driven Phase Engineering of WS2 for Nano‐Periodic Phase Patterning and Sub‐ppm Ammonia Gas Sensing
Authors: Guan Yanchao , Ding Ye , Fang Yuqiang , Wang Genwang , Zhao Shouxin , Wang Lianfu , Huang Jingtao , Chen Mengxin , Hao Juanyuan , Xu Chengyan , Zhen Liang , Huang Fuqiang , Li Yang , Yang Lijun
Published: July 2023

Laser‐driven phase transition of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides has attracted much attention due to its high flexibility and rapidity. However, there are some limitations during the laser irradiation process, especially the unsatisfied surface ablation, the inability of nanoscale phase patterning, and the unexploited physical properties of new phase. In this work, the well‐controlled femtosecond (fs) laser‐driven transformation from the metallic 2M‐WS2 to the semiconducting 2H‐WS2 is reported, which is confirmed to be a single‐crystal to single‐crystal transition without layer thinning or obvious ablation. Moreover, a highly ordered 2H/2M nano‐periodic phase transition with a resolution of ≈435 nm is achieved, breaking through the existing size bottleneck of laser‐driven phase transition, which is attributed to the selective deposition of plasmon energy induced by fs laser. It is also demonstrated that the achieved 2H‐WS2 after laser irradiation contains rich sulfur vacancies, which exhibits highly competitive ammonia gas sensing performance, with a detection limit below 0.1 ppm and a fast response/recovery time of 43/67 s at room temperature. This study provides a new strategy for the preparation of the phase‐selective transition homojunction and high‐performance applications in electronics.
Realization of Passive X‐Ray Detection with a Low Detection Limit in Dion–Jacobson Halide Hybrid Perovskite
Authors: Fan Yipeng , Chen Qin , Li Zhou , Zhu Tingting , Wu Jianbo , You Shihai , Zhang Shuhua , Luo Junhua , Ji Chengmin
Published: July 2023

Halide hybrid perovskites are a kind of intriguing contenders for X‐ray detection, and their low detection limits (LoDs) have played a crucial part in X‐ray safety inspection and medical examination. However, there is still a significant challenge in manufacturing perovskite X‐ray detectors with low LoDs. Herein, attributed to the bulk photovoltaic effect (BPVE) of a Dion–Jacobson (DJ) type 2D halide hybrid perovskite polar structure (3‐methylaminopropylamine)PbBr4 (1), self‐powered X‐ray detection with low detection limit is successfully realized. Specifically, the crystal‐based detector of 1 exhibits a low dark current at zero bias, which reduces the noise current (0.34 pA), leading to a low detection limit (58.3 nGyair s−1) which is two orders of magnitude lower than that of under external voltage bias. The combination of BPVE and LoDs of halide hybrid perovskite provides an efficient strategy to achieve passive X‐ray detection with low doses.
Cyclodextrins Propolis Extract Encapsulation: Physicochemical Characterization, Toxicity Effect, and Application on Animal Sperm Cold Preservation
Authors: Toutou Zahra , Fatmi Sofiane , Chibani Nacera , Taouzinet Lamia , Harrate Imene , Inouri‐Iskounen Ahlam , Skiba Mohamed , Iguerouada Mokrane
Published: July 2023

Propolis is composed of several bioactive compounds, which give it many beneficial biological effects. The use of cyclodextrins (CDs) is necessary when aiming to enhance the stability, absorption, and solubility of these substances in physiological media. The purpose of the present work is to study solubility diagrams of propolis extract of Melbou region (PEM) in the presence of CDs: α‐CD, β‐CD, and PM‐βCD, then to formulate an optimized preparation of the inclusion complex using a D‐optimal experimental design with three factors (ratio, ethanol solvent, and temperature). The optimal formulation is characterized by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The cytotoxic and protective effects of the optimal formulation are evaluated in vitro against human red blood cells (RBCs) and beef sperm. The results show that PM‐βCD is more efficient, this is confirmed with an optimal formulation that obtained using 40 mL of solvent, a temperature of 40 °C with 1:1 stoichiometry. The cytotoxicity tests revealed that PEM and its inclusion complex are non‐toxic to RBCs and can maintain sperm conservation. It is concluded that PM‐βCD is more suitable to improve the solubility and stability of PEM constituents, and their non‐toxic effect has been approved.
Peptide and Peptidomimetic Assemblies in Dynamic Combinatorial Chemistry
Authors: Rodrigues Ashmi , Rocard Lou , Moumné Roba
Published: July 2023

A strong revival of interest has been dedicated to peptides over the last few years, in different fields including drug discovery, biosensing and material sciences. The use of dynamic covalent chemistry has allowed the development of self‐adaptative peptides or peptidomimetics, responsive to their environment. The development of methods allowing the building, screening or deconvolution of libraries of peptides is a highly active research area and dynamic combinatorial chemistry represents an innovative and underexploited method in this field. This Review gives an overview of the use of dynamic covalent chemistry as a tool to produce peptides or peptidomimetics, with particular attention to applications in dynamic combinatorial chemistry.
Simplified numerical algorithms for generalized strip saturated two equal collinear cracks in piezoelectric media using distributed dislocation technique
Authors: Sharma Kuldeep , Singh Sandeep , Bui Tinh Quoc
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we present the distributed dislocation technique (DDT) based numerical algorithms to study the generalized strip saturated (GSS) models for two equal collinear cracks in 2‐D finite and infinite piezoelectric media. Numerical studies for particular cases such as linear, quadratic and cubic strip saturated models are simulated by considering their equivalent forms based on the principle of superposition. Two equal collinear cracks problem and its particular case of coalesced zones are considered in 2‐D semipermeable piezoelectric media under arbitrary poling direction and in‐plane electromechanical loadings. The results of saturated zone lengths (inner and outer) and local stress intensity factors (at inner and outer tips) are evaluated numerically for infinite and finite domain problems. The results of infinite domain obtained using DDT are compared with the reference analytical solutions. A good agreement of the results shows the efficacy of the proposed algorithms based on DDT for solving GSS two equal collinear cracks problems in 2‐D finite/infinite piezoelectric media.
Sprachliches Handeln und sprachliche Handlungsfähigkeit als konzeptionelle Grundlage der Arbeit
Authors: Schlüter Saskia
Published: July 2023

Das vorliegende Kapitel stellt das sprachliche Handeln und die sprachliche Handlungsfähigkeit des Menschen in den Mittelpunkt. Mit den von Welling (1990) generierten Begriffen des sprachlichen Handelns und der sprachlichen Handlungsfähigkeit wird auf den Kern der Sprachhandlungstheorie (Welling 1990) Bezug genommen, die auf den grundlegenden Annahmen der Handlungstheorie der Kooperativen Pädagogik (Schönberger, Jetter & Praschak 1987) beruht. Welling (1990) konzipiert auf dieser Basis den Begriff des sprachlichen Handelns als spezielle Form des menschlichen Handelns (Welling 1990, 1998, 2004).
Handlungstheoretisch fundierter Begriff der alltäglichen Lebenssituation: Zusammenfassung und Schlussfolgerungen
Authors: Schlüter Saskia
Published: July 2023

Wie in den Ausführungen in Kapitel 4 zur Konzeption von alltäglicher Lebenssituation herausgearbeitet wurde, wird in der vorliegenden Arbeit ‚alltägliche Lebenssituation‘ als Konstrukt betrachtet, das vom Subjekt eigenaktiv konstruiert wird. Zudem wurde das Konzept von alltäglicher Lebenssituation aus zwei Perspektiven betrachtet: Zum einen wurde aus theoretischer Perspektive beschrieben, wie unter Bezugnahme der gewählten theoretischen Bezugssysteme der vorliegenden Arbeit das Konzept alltägliche Lebenssituation gefasst wird. Zum anderen wurden ausgewählte Untersuchungen zu biografischen Analysen hinsichtlich möglicher Vorgehensweisen bei der Erfassung und Auswertung von Informationen zur alltäglichen Lebenssituation von Kindern untersucht.
Schlusswort
Authors: Schlüter Saskia
Published: July 2023

Die Ziele der vorliegenden Arbeit bestanden erstens darin, in den Blick zu nehmen, wie sich das Konzept von alltäglicher Lebenssituation aus handlungstheoretischer Sicht fassen lässt. Zweitens zielte die vorliegende Arbeit darauf ab, zu untersuchen, wie Informationen zur alltäglichen Lebenssituation von Schulkindern mit sprachlichen Beeinträchtigungen erfasst und ausgewertet werden können, um sich auf die Analyseergebnisse als förderliche beziehungsweise hinderliche Bedingungen der alltäglichen Lebenssituation in der pädagogischen Sprachförderung beziehen zu können, sprich: um die Informationen für die Planung pädagogischer Sprachförderung zu verwenden.
Towards the precision measurement of CP violation in B → D*μν decays at LHCb
Authors: Dedu V. , Poluektov A.
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Measurement of CP-violating observables in semileptonic decays is a sensitive null-test of the Standard Model: any CP violation would be an unambiguous sign of New Physics effects. The model-independent technique to measure parity and CP-odd observables in the B → D∗μν decays is proposed, which effectively cancels out parity-even terms in the decay density together with the associated theory uncertainty. The feasibility study is performed with pseudoexperiments, and the sensitivity at the LHCb experiment is estimated. Finally, the most significant systematic effects and the data-driven ways to control them are considered.
Pseudo and quasi quark PDF in the BFKL approximation
Authors: Chirilli Giovanni Antonio
Published: July 2023

Abstract

I examine the high-energy behavior of the Ioffe-time distribution for the quark bi-local space-like separated operator using the high-energy operator product expansion. These findings have significant implications for lattice calculations, which require extrapolation for large Ioffe-time values. I perform an explicit Fourier transform for both the pseudo-PDF and quasi-PDF, and investigate their behavior within the first two leading twist contributions.

I show that the quark pseudo-PDF captures the BFKL resummation (resummation of all twists) and exhibits a rising behavior for small xB values, while the quasi-PDF presents a different behavior. I demonstrate that an appropriate small-xB behavior cannot be achieved solely through DGLAP dynamics, emphasizing the importance of all-twist resummation. This study provides valuable insights into quark non-local operators’ high-energy behavior and the limitations of lattice calculations in this context.
Dependency of stabbing force on blade shape—Development of a measurement device and first results
Authors: Hunold T. , Spieß R. , Wissenbach D. K. , Hubig M. , Mall G. , Muggenthaler H.
Published: July 2023

Background

In court proceedings, forensic and biomechanical experts frequently have to estimate the stabbing forces necessary for a certain pattern of injury. Studies on this topic are rare.

Objective

Development and calibration of an experimental set-up for quantification of dynamic stabbing kinematics and forces.

Investigation of the influence of different shaped blades on stabbing forces.

Material and methods

We developed and calibrated a handle with an integrated force sensor and an accelerometer. Different blades can be attached to the handle. A total of 27 stabbings were performed by 1 volunteer at medium intensity and preferably reproducible stabbing velocities. We used three blades with different shapes. Gelatine served as tissue simulant. Maximum stabbing velocities were captured via two-dimensional high-speed videography.

Results

The force sensor calibration resulted in a nearly perfect linear regression. Stabbing velocities ranged between 2.7 and 5.0 m/s with stabbing forces between 54.8 and 129.3 N. Stabbing with the blunt blade resulted in significantly higher stabbing forces compared to pointed and serrated blades. A similar trend was observed for serrated versus pointed blades, but without statistical significance. A significant dependency of the stabbing velocity on stabbing force could only be proven for the serrated blade.

Conclusion

Blade shape and stabbing velocity are factors that can influence the resultant stabbing force. Reliable case evaluation needs the consideration of case-specific knives and circumstances.
Numerical investigation of tubeside maldistribution in shell-and-tube heat exchangers
Authors: Schab Richard , Kutschabsky Alexander , Unz Simon , Beckmann Michael
Published: July 2023

Shell-and-tube heat exchangers (STHE) are widely used in the process and energy industry. Maldistribution and the often resulting fouling in these STHE cause additional energy consumption and lower production throughput. Increased average wall shear stress, compared to that of the maldistributed case inside the tubes is expected to mitigate fouling. This can be achieved by a uniform distribution into the tubes. Field and laboratory data suggest that common crude oil fouling is profoundly mitigated above 10 Pa and is significantly reduced above a wall shear stress of 15 Pa [1]. Many STHE already have lower design shear stresses than those mentioned. Therefore, if maldistribution takes place, tubes with less flow velocity will have even more fouling. To investigate tubeside flow maldistribution, a parametric STHE model is studied with computational fluid dynamics (CFD). At first, a comparison between the standard k-$$\epsilon$$
ϵ
-model and the new standard SST-model is performed to check if SST could provide improved simulation results. Afterward, a range of geometrical parameters will be investigated to find influencing quantities of maldistribution. The resulting velocity distributions are visualized and evaluated by using different statistical approaches. At least, a sensitivity analysis will be done to show how each parameter influences the tubeside flow distribution in STHE.
Influence of rheological properties and pull-off forces of native and modified starches on cleaning in plane channel flow
Authors: Kricke Sebastian , Berger Christiane , Zahn Susann , Köhler Hannes , Rohm Harald , Majschak Jens-Peter
Published: July 2023

Consumer safety and product quality are of high priority in the food industry. Strongly adhering deposits are formed in processing equipment such as plate heat exchangers, which demand large quantities of water, chemicals, energy and time for cleaning. This study presents an approach to characterize soil properties and to link them to the cleaning behavior to generate a basis for soil-specific cleaning. Six starch soils were rheologically analyzed during swelling, pull-off forces were measured with a micromanipulation device, and swelling progression was determined with a camera. Cleaning experiments were conducted in a plane channel setup. A reptation time without cleaning and a subsequent constant cleaning rate defined the cleaning behavior. The observed cleaning mechanisms were considered as well. Multivariate statistics revealed significant interrelationships between soil properties and cleaning behavior. The complex reasons for the overall cleaning behavior remain unknown, but certain aspects could be explained by the measured soil properties.
Lactate formation from fructose or C1 compounds in the acetogen Acetobacterium woodii by metabolic engineering
Authors: Moon Jimyung , Waschinger Lara M. , Müller Volker
Published: July 2023

Anaerobic, acetogenic bacteria are promising biocatalysts for a sustainable bioeconomy since they capture and convert carbon dioxide to acetic acid. Hydrogen is an intermediate in acetate formation from organic as well as C1 substrates. Here, we analyzed mutants of the model acetogen Acetobacterium woodii in which either one of the two hydrogenases or both together were genetically deleted. In resting cells of the double mutant, hydrogen formation from fructose was completely abolished and carbon was redirected largely to lactate. The lactate/fructose and lactate/acetate ratios were 1.24 and 2.76, respectively. We then tested for lactate formation from methyl groups (derived from glycine betaine) and carbon monoxide. Indeed, also under these conditions lactate and acetate were formed in equimolar amounts with a lactate/acetate ratio of 1.13. When the electron-bifurcating lactate dehydrogenase/ETF complex was genetically deleted, lactate formation was completely abolished. These experiments demonstrate the capability of A. woodii to produce lactate from fructose but also from promising C1 substrates, methyl groups and carbon monoxide. This adds an important milestone towards generation of a value chain leading from CO2 to value-added compounds.

Key points

• Resting cells of the ΔhydBA/hdcr mutant of Acetobacterium woodii produced lactate from fructose or methyl groups + CO

• Lactate formation from methyl groups + CO was completely abolished after deletion of lctBCD

• Metabolic engineering of a homoacetogen to lactate formation gives a potential for industrial applications
Dynamic contrast-enhanced CT and clinical features of sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: He Guangming , Huang Weiqing , Zhou Zhimei , Wu Hui , Tian Qin , Tan Lilian , Li Xi
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To investigate the dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) features and clinical characteristics of sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (S-HCC).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the CECT data and clinical findings of 13 patients (11 male and 2 female, with an average age of 58.6 ± 11.2 years) with pathologically proven S-HCC, including 9 patients with surgical resection and 4 patients with biopsy examination. All patients underwent CECT scans. Two radiologists reviewed and evaluated general features, CECT features and extratumoral features of each lesions based on a consensus.

Results

Among the thirteen tumors, a mean size of 66.7 mm was observed, ranging in diameter from 30 to 146 mm. Seven of thirteen patients had hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and an elevation of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level. Most of cases located in the right lobe of liver (84.6%, 11/13). Nine of thirteen tumors showed lobulated or wavy contours and infiltrative morphology, while eight tumors presented with unclear margin. The tumor textures were mainly heterogeneous for ischemia or necrosis, with solid components dominantly in all cases. Eight of thirteen tumors exhibited “slow-in and and slow-out” dynamic enhancement pattern in CECT, with a enhancement peak in the portal venous phase. Portal vein or hepatic thrombus, adjacent organs invasion and lymph node metastasis were observed in two patients, respectively. Four of thirteen lesions occurred intrahepatic metastasis and hepatic surface retraction respectively.

Conclusion

S-HCC gengerally seen in elderly male with HBV infection and elevated AFP level. The CT manifestations including: large diameter, frequently hepatic right lobe involvement, lobular or wavy contours, ill-defined margins, infiltrative morphology, obvious heterogeneity and dynamic enhancement pattern of “slow-in and and slow-out” , contributed to the diagnosis of S-HCC. These tumors usually occurred hepatic surface retraction and intrahepatic metastasis.
Cybersecurity considerations for radiology departments involved with artificial intelligence
Authors: Kelly Brendan S. , Quinn Conor , Belton Niamh , Lawlor Aonghus , Killeen Ronan P. , Burrell James
Published: July 2023

Radiology artificial intelligence (AI) projects involve the integration of integrating numerous medical devices, wireless technologies, data warehouses, and social networks. While cybersecurity threats are not new to healthcare, their prevalence has increased with the rise of AI research for applications in radiology, making them one of the major healthcare risks of 2021. Radiologists have extensive experience with the interpretation of medical imaging data but radiologists may not have the required level of awareness or training related to AI-specific cybersecurity concerns. Healthcare providers and device manufacturers can learn from other industry sector industries that have already taken steps to improve their cybersecurity systems. This review aims to introduce cybersecurity concepts as it relates to medical imaging and to provide background information on general and healthcare-specific cybersecurity challenges. We discuss approaches to enhancing the level and effectiveness of security through detection and prevention techniques, as well as ways that technology can improve security while mitigating risks. We first review general cybersecurity concepts and regulatory issues before examining these topics in the context of radiology AI, with a specific focus on data, training, data, training, implementation, and auditability. Finally, we suggest potential risk mitigation strategies. By reading this review, healthcare providers, researchers, and device developers can gain a better understanding of the potential risks associated with radiology AI projects, as well as strategies to improve cybersecurity and reduce potential associated risks.

Clinical Relevance Statement

This review can aid radiologists’ and related professionals’ understanding of the potential cybersecurity risks associated with radiology AI projects, as well as strategies to improve security.

Key Points

• Embarking on a radiology artificial intelligence (AI) project is complex and not without risk especially as cybersecurity threats have certainly become more abundant in the healthcare industry.

• Fortunately healthcare providers and device manufacturers have the advantage of being able to take inspiration from other industry sectors who are leading the way in the field.

• Herein we provide an introduction to cybersecurity as it pertains to radiology, a background to both general and healthcare-specific cybersecurity challenges; we outline general approaches to improving security through both detection and preventative techniques, and instances where technology can increase security while mitigating risks.

Graphical Abstract
A general framework for participatory budgeting with additional constraints
Authors: Rey Simon , Endriss Ulle , de Haan Ronald
Published: July 2023

We introduce a new approach for designing rules for participatory budgeting, the problem of deciding on the use of public funds based directly on the views expressed by the citizens concerned. The core idea is to embed instances of the participatory budgeting problem into judgment aggregation, a powerful general-purpose framework for modelling collective decision making. Taking advantage of the possibilities offered by judgment aggregation, we enrich the familiar setting of participatory budgeting with additional constraints, namely dependencies between projects and quotas regarding different types of projects. We analyse the rules obtained in both algorithmic and axiomatic terms.
A new genetic cause of spastic ataxia: the p.Glu415Lys variant in TUBA4A
Authors: Torella Annalaura , Ricca Ivana , Piluso Giulio , Galatolo Daniele , De Michele Giuseppe , Zanobio Mariateresa , Trovato Rosanna , De Michele Giovanna , Zeuli Roberta , Pane Chiara , Cocozza Sirio , Saccà Francesco , Santorelli Filippo M. , Nigro Vincenzo , Filla Alessandro
Published: July 2023

Tubulinopathies encompass neurodevelopmental disorders caused by mutations in genes encoding for different isotypes of α- and β-tubulins, the structural components of microtubules. Less frequently, mutations in tubulins may underlie neurodegenerative disorders. In the present study, we report two families, one with 11 affected individuals and the other with a single patient, carrying a novel, likely pathogenic, variant (p. Glu415Lys) in the TUBA4A gene (NM_006000). The phenotype, not previously described, is that of spastic ataxia. Our findings widen the phenotypic and genetic manifestations of TUBA4A variants and add a new type of spastic ataxia to be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis.
Dynamics of multiple pendulum system under a translating and tilting pivot
Authors: Bondada Aditya , Nair Vishnu G.
Published: July 2023

In this article, we study the dynamics of multiple pendulum systems under translation and tilt. The main application considered for such systems is inertial sensing for high-precision instrumentation. To emulate the translating multiple pendulum system, we attach the pivot point of the pendulum to a cart that is free to move in the horizontal plane. Similarly, the pivot point of the tilting pendulum system is attached to a platform that rotates, enabling tilting motion for the system. First, we approach the problem from a Lagrangian dynamics perspective for a double-pendulum system under translation and tilt and then extend the solutions to a system ofnpendulums, each hanging one below the other. Then, the natural frequencies of the systems are derived. The behavior of the systems under translation and tilt is studied and compared with that of fixed pivot point multiple pendulum systems, using eigenvalue analysis to understand how the natural frequency fluctuates with changes in degrees of freedom, mass, length and stiffness.
A dynamic ALE formulation for structures under moving loads
Authors: Anantheswar Atul , Wollny Ines , Kaliske Michael
Published: July 2023

This work describes the implementation of a novel dynamic Arbitrary LagrangianEulerian (ALE) formulation for the simulation of pavement structures loaded by rolling tires in a finite element framework. The proposed formulation enables the simulation of dynamic effects like acceleration, deceleration and variation of the wheel load on the pavement. The ALE scheme is described for a hyperelastic St. Venant-Kirchhoff material capable of finite deformations. With the adoption of this dynamic ALE formulation, a significant improvement in terms of speed and efficiency of the simulation is achieved in comparison to a classical transient Lagrangian formulation. This is primarily because only the relevant portion of the mesh around the applied load needs to be discretized and simulated. Another benefit is that a cumbersome moving load formulation does not need to be implemented. The results show satisfactory agreement with a conventional Lagrangian simulation with a moving load.
Bioaccumulation of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in green (Ulva sp.) and red (Palmaria palmata) seaweed
Authors: López-Mayán Juan José , Álvarez-Fernández Blanca , Peña-Vázquez Elena , Barciela-Alonso María Carmen , Moreda-Piñeiro Antonio , Maguire Julie , Mackey Mick , Quarato Monica , Pinheiro Ivone , Espiña Begoña , Rodríguez-Lorenzo Laura , Bermejo-Barrera Pilar
Published: July 2023

A bioaccumulation study in red (Palmaria palmata) and green (Ulva sp.) seaweed has been carried out after exposure to different concentrations of citrate-coated titanium dioxide nanoparticles (5 and 25 nm) for 28 days. The concentration of total titanium and the number and size of accumulated nanoparticles in the seaweeds has been determined throughout the study by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and single particle-ICP-MS (SP-ICP-MS), respectively. Ammonia was used as a reaction gas to minimize the effect of the interferences in the 48Ti determination by ICP-MS. Titanium concentrations measured in Ulva sp. were higher than those found in Palmaria palmata for the same exposure conditions. The maximum concentration of titanium (61.96 ± 15.49 μg g−1) was found in Ulva sp. after 28 days of exposure to 1.0 mg L−1 of 5 nm TiO2NPs. The concentration and sizes of TiO2NPs determined by SP-ICP-MS in alkaline seaweed extracts were similar for both seaweeds exposed to 5 and 25 nm TiO2NPs, which indicates that probably the element is accumulated in Ulva sp. mainly as ionic titanium or nanoparticles smaller than the limit of detection in size (27 nm). The implementation of TiO2NPs in Ulva sp. was confirmed by electron microscopy (TEM/STEM) in combination with energy dispersive X-Ray analysis (EDX).

Graphical abstract
Effect of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on planned and emergency hernia repair in Sweden: a register-based study
Authors: Ali Fathalla , Sandblom Gabriel , Fathalla Blend , Wallin Göran
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The COVID-19 has had a profound impact on the health care delivery in Sweden, including deprioritization of benign surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on emergency and planned hernia repair in Sweden.

Methods

Data on hernia repairs from January 2016 to December 2021 were retrieved from the Swedish Patient Register using procedural codes. Two groups were formed: COVID-19 group (January 2020–December 2021) and control group (January 2016–December 2019). Demographic data on mean age, gender, and type of hernia were collected.

Results

This study showed a weak negative correlation between the number of elective hernia repairs performed each month during the pandemic and the number of emergency repairs carried out during the following 3 months for inguinal hernia repair (p = 0.114) and incisional hernia repair (p = 0.193), whereas there was no correlation for femoral or umbilical hernia repairs.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic had a great impact on planned hernia surgeries in Sweden, but our hypothesis that postponing planned repairs would increase the risk of emergency events was not supported.
Precise disciplining of a chip-scale atomic clock using PPP with broadcast ephemerides
Authors: Kunzi F. , Montenbruck O.
Published: July 2023

Over the last decade, chip-scale atomic clocks (CSACs) have emerged as stable time and frequency references with small size, weight, and power (SWaP). While the short-term stability of these devices clearly outperforms other oscillators with similar power consumption, their stability over longer time intervals is notably limited by frequency noise. Such long-term deviations can effectively be compensated by disciplining the clock with respect to a stable time and frequency reference such as Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) or a time scale based on GNSS observations. In view of the limited accuracy of GPS pseudorange observations and broadcast ephemerides, the performance of GNSS-disciplined atomic clocks is commonly limited to the few-nanosecond level. For further improvement, this study combines the use of carrier phase-based precise-point-positioning (PPP) techniques and high-performance broadcast ephemerides to discipline the phase of a CSAC with respect to GNSS broadcast time. Making use of a dual-frequency, dual-constellation GPS/Galileo receiver, a sub-nanosecond time interval error with respect to a national UTC timing laboratory is demonstrated over time intervals from 1 s to several days.
Sexual (Risk) Behavior and Risk-Reduction Strategies of Home-Based Male Sex Workers Who Have Sex with Men (MSW–MSM) in The Netherlands: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Peters Charlotte M. M. , Evers Ymke J. , Dukers-Muijrers Nicole H. T. M. , Hoebe Christian J. P. A.
Published: July 2023

An understanding of sexual (risk) behavior is necessary to successfully develop prevention and care strategies for the sexually transmitted infections (STI) high-risk group of male sex workers who have sex with men (MSW–MSM). However, limited scientific knowledge is available on sexual (risk) behavior of (home-based) MSW–MSM. This study aimed to gain an understanding of sexual (risk) behavior, factors influencing sexual (risk) behavior, and applied risk-reduction strategies of home-based MSW–MSM. For this qualitative study, semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 20 home-based MSW–MSM in the Netherlands. The interviews’ recordings were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed with Atlas.ti 8. Condom use was reported to be high during anal sex, but low during oral sex and mostly determined by STI risk perception, trust in clients, and sexual pleasure. Many experienced condom failure, while few knew what to do after condom failure and were aware of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Many MSW–MSM had chemsex in the past 6 months in order to loosen up and enhance sexual pleasure. Some were not vaccinated against hepatitis B virus (HBV), mainly due to the lack of information and awareness of HBV vaccination and low risk perception of HBV. The results of this study can be used to tailor future STI/HIV risk-reduction strategies for home-based MSW–MSM and to increase awareness and uptake of available STI/HIV prevention strategies such as P(r)EP and HBV vaccination.