bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“It’s My Party”
Authors: Chow Yiu Fai , de Kloet Jeroen , Schmidt Leonie
Published: May 2024

In Hong Kong, despite its overwhelming capitalist logic, pop music makers have established a tradition of political engagement, stretching from the anxiety towards the 1997 Handover, the post-Tiananmen fury and fear, to the more recent articulations against increasing intervention of the Beijing regime. While previous chapters provide a textual analysis and explore the political engagement of Tat Ming Pair’s work—their songs, performances, and music videos—Chapter 5 will take a different approach by conducting a production analysis of Tat Ming’s 2012 and 2017 concerts. The concerts that took place in the Hong Kong Coliseum created a great buzz around the city of Hong Kong and were applauded for their political, musical, and aesthetic standards. This chapter zooms in on these concerts and asks: What considerations, negotiations, tensions, controversies, and compromises on the production side underpin the narratives and aesthetics of Tat Ming’s 2012 and 2017 concerts? As such, Chapter 5 aims to unpack the making of a political pop spectacle in a city that is struggling for its future. To do so, the chapter conducts a two-fold production analysis. First, the chapter builds on a discourse analysis of the reports that have emerged in different media platforms before, during, and after the concerts. Second, we will conduct interviews with Tatming and their close collaborators, ultimately reflecting on the tension between political motivations and commercial considerations, between engagement and entertainment. By drawing on John Corner’s (1999) levels of production, we will investigate how different makers and creative workers negotiate the tension between creating an appealing aesthetic spectacle on the one hand, while trying to convey a political message on the other hand. Our analysis distils three key discourses that we find salient and helpful in furthering our understanding of a concert production. We call them the contingent, the personal, and the calibrational. They recur in the narratives of the three producers and are interwoven through different levels of production.
1 + 1 = ?
Authors: Chow Yiu Fai , de Kloet Jeroen , Schmidt Leonie
Published: May 2024

This chapter concerns Tat Ming Pair’s legacy as much as the more fundamental question of how to investigate legacy in pop music studies. The chapter title is not only an admittedly self-indulgent twist of a title of Tat Ming’s song “1+4=14”; it necessitates thinking on how to discuss the legacy of music practitioners in general. Shelving the titular reference to 2+2=5, the Orwellian dystopian caution of brainwashing and thought control, we are wondering how much Tats + Ming amounts to. 1+1=? Reminded of the “bias” of legacy studies, in which the effective is highlighted—in the sense of how the “man” and/or the “music” have effected into something, the legacy, we argue to pay attention to the emotional, what we will call the affective, side of any influence and impact any music practitioners may exert. We move our gaze towards cultural intermediaries, whose affinities with Tat Ming enable numerous afterlives and cultural translations of Tat Ming’s music and life. We invited eleven people to share with us; most of them are working in popular music, and a few in related fields of music and culture at large. We will first discuss Tat Ming’s legacy in terms of effect, of how Tat Ming as music makers have effected—entailed, enabled, brought about—cultural productions in music and wider cultural scenes. Tangibly, we observed how Tat Ming effected in them the very burgeoning of an interest, a passion, and a dedication to a career in music, as well as their own music and other creative works. Intangibly, we noted how Tat Ming left a yardstick for these later generations of music makers to evaluate their own music: Tat Ming’s impact on what counts as good pop—it has to be relevant and urgent, subtle and nuanced, honest and alternative. When we investigate their legacy in affective terms, these cultural intermediaries talk even more poignantly, passionately, and personally about the way they experience Tat Ming as persons. Their narratives could have resourced so much more, but we follow three protagonists: as good mentors, as good Hong Kongers, as good human beings.
Re-Evaluation of the Earthquake Catalog for Spain Using the EMS-98 Scale for the Period 1900–1962
Authors: Fernández-Fraile J. , Mattesini Maurizio , Buforn E.
Published: May 2024

This study uses a systematic methodology for the re-evaluation and analysis of earthquakes in the first half of the 20th century in Spain, a period with very inhomogeneous information sources. To the best of our knowledge, these earthquakes have never been previously re-evaluated using as many information sources as the collected in this paper. The methodology used in this paper has been tested in SE Spain for further application in the rest of the Iberian Peninsula. We have collected and thoroughly revised all the seismic information and data sources available, ranging from specific reports, macroseismic questionnaires, and seismograms to newspapers and pictures. In addition, for a set of 16 earthquakes between 1900 and 1962 in the selected area, we provide EMS-98 intensities and macroseismic epicenters, except for one that is instrumental. Among the 16 earthquakes, it has only been possible to provide a depth value for eight of them. The seismic intensities have been evaluated using the intensity scale EMS-98, and the epicenters have been located with both instrumental methods (Hypocenter location) and macroseismic methods (such as Bakun, Boxer 4.0 and MEEP 2.0). Our results show that, Imax (maximum seismic intensity) values from the IGN catalogue are larger in more than the half of the revised earthquakes by between a half degree to two-and-a-half degrees, and only for Lorquí earthquake on April 25th, 1912, the Imax was smaller by half a degree. Most of the epicenters were also updated with changes between 1 and 41 km. Focal depths are less than 10 km, but this parameter has large uncertainties. The result of this study is a homogeneous seismic catalog (re-evaluated epicenters and Imax) for the period 1900–1962 that can be compared with periods prior to the 20th century.
Gepulste DPOAE in Verlaufsmessungen
Authors: Bader Katharina , Zelle Dennis , Gummer Anthony W. , Dalhoff Ernst
Published: May 2024

Hintergrund

Bisher gibt es keinen Konsens darüber, wie Ototoxizität in Verlaufsmessungen standardisiert zu erfassen ist. Für die Diagnostik von Schädigungen des cochleären Verstärkers sind Messverfahren notwendig, die eine möglichst hohe Test-Retest-Zuverlässigkeit und eine hohe Aussagekraft hinsichtlich persistierender Schädigungen aufweisen. Hörschwellenschätzungen auf der Grundlage von Kurzpuls-DPOAE-Pegelkarten („estimated distortion-product thresholds“, LEDPT) berücksichtigen individuell optimale DPOAE-Anregungspegel und erlauben eine zuverlässige quantitative Schätzung des cochleär bedingten Hörverlusts.

Methodik

Hörschwellen wurden mithilfe von LEDPT objektiv geschätzt und mit einer modifizierten Békésy-Tracking-Audiometrie (LTA) subjektiv erfasst. Die Messungen wurden siebenmal innerhalb von drei Monaten bei 14 Frequenzen (f2 = 1–14 kHz) in 20 Ohren (PTA4 (0,5–4 kHz) < 20 dB HL) durchgeführt. Die Rekonstruktion des DPOAE-Wachstumsverhaltens in Abhängigkeit von den Anregungspegeln L1,L2 erfolgte auf der Grundlage von 21 DPOAE-Amplituden und ermöglichte mithilfe einer numerischen Anpassung einer nichtlinearen mathematischen Funktion die Berechnung eines LEDPT für jede Anregungsfrequenz. Für die gleichzeitige kombinierte Betrachtung wurden Verteilungen der Hörschwellen (LTA, LEDPT), der DPOAE-Pegel (LDP) und Kombinationen davon ermittelt.

Ergebnisse

Einzeln betrachtet wiesen LTA und LEDPT jeweils eine Test-Retest-Zuverlässigkeit mit einem Median der absoluten Differenzen (AD) von 3,2 dB bzw. 3,3 dB auf, der sich durch Anwendung eines kombinierten Analyseparadigmas aus LEDPT, LDP und LTA auf 2,0 dB signifikant reduzieren ließ.

Schlussfolgerung

Es ist zu erwarten, dass ein auf einer Kombination von LEDPT, überschwelligen LDP, und feinstrukturreduzierter LTA basierendes Analyseparadigma eine höhere Güte (Sensitivität und Spezifität) des Tests erzielt, um pathologische oder auch regenerative Veränderungen der äußeren Haarsinneszellen zuverlässig zu detektieren.
Generative design of conformal cooling channels for hybrid-manufactured injection moulding tools
Authors: Wilson Neil , Gupta Manhar , Patel Milan , Mazur Maciej , Nguyen Vu , Gulizia Stefan , Cole Ivan
Published: May 2024

Effective cooling systems for injection moulding (IM) tools are critical to reducing manufacturing costs and cycle time for the polymer parts produced. This work presents a novel automated methodology for designing conformal cooling channels (CCCs) for IM tools via interlinking commercial moulding simulation tools with custom scripts. These scripts adjust CCC design in response to the spatial variability in global and local temperatures at the mould tool-part interface (MTPI) via generative design (GD). Four tool designs for manufacturing a simplified part were analysed numerically simulation and experimentally, including tools with either straight-drilled (non-conformal) cooling channels (tool steel), a manually designed CCC system (stainless steel or bronze alloy), or an automatically designed CCC system (stainless steel). While both manually designed CCC tools cool the part faster than the non-conformal tool (3–5% predicted vs. 40% measured for stainless steel and 9–12% predicted vs. 40% measured for bronze alloy), the GD-optimised CCC tool outperformed both (15–30% predicted faster cooling vs. 70% measured). The predicted MTPI temperature feature achieves reductions to both maximum and spatial variability in MTPI temperatures, which lead directly to significant reductions in manufacturing cycle time and polymer part warpage. These findings could have a major impact on the IM industry by reducing tool design costs and raw material waste via improving moulded part quality.
Measuring 1-mm-accurate local survey ties over kilometer baselines at McDonald Geodetic Observatory
Authors: Rivera Jullian , Bettadpur Srinivas , Griffin John , Kang Zhigui , Ries John
Published: May 2024

The goal for the next generation of terrestrial reference frames (TRF) is to achieve a 1-mm- and 0.1-mm/yr-accurate frame realization through the combination of reference station solutions by multi-technique geodetic observatories. A potentially significant source of error in TRF realizations is the inter-system ties between the instruments at multi-technique stations, usually independently determined through ground-based local surveying. The quality of local tie surveys is varied and inconsistent, largely due to differences in measurement techniques, surveying instruments, site conditions/geometries, and processing methods. The Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS) has tried to address these problems by issuing guidelines for the construction and layout of future multi-technique observatories, promoting uniformity and quality while minimizing existing problems with local surveying that are exacerbated over longer baseline distances. However, not every observatory is going to be able to completely satisfy these guidelines, and in this work, a successful endeavor to satisfy the accuracy goals while exceeding the GGOS baseline guideline is detailed for the McDonald Geodetic Observatory (MGO) in the Davis Mountains of Texas, USA. MGO consists of a VLBI Geodetic Observing System (VGOS), infrastructure in place for a Space Geodesy Satellite Laser Ranging (SGSLR) telescope, and several Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) stations spanning a 900 m baseline and a 120 m elevation change. The results of the local ties between the GNSS stations across the near-kilometer baseline, as measured from their antenna reference points, show sub-mm precision and 1 mm accuracy validated through repeatability across several surveys conducted in 2021as well as 1 mm consistency with the monthly averaged daily solutions of the GNSS-based positioning. In this paper, we report these results as well as the framework of the surveys with sufficient detail and rigor in order to give confidence to the quality claims and to present the novel design and techniques employed in the procedure, processing, and error-budget analysis, which were determined through iterative research methods across repeated survey campaigns.
A novel geometric method based on conformal geometric algebra applied to the resection problem in two and three dimensions
Authors: Ventura Jorge , Martinez Fernando , Manzano-Agugliaro Francisco , Návrat Aleš , Hrdina Jaroslav , Eid Ahmad H. , Montoya Francisco G.
Published: May 2024

This paper introduces a novel method for solving the resection problem in two and three dimensions based on conformal geometric algebra (CGA). Advantage is taken because of the characteristics of CGA, which enables the representation of points, lines, planes, and volumes in a unified mathematical framework and offers a more intuitive and geometric understanding of the problem, in contrast to existing purely algebraic methods. Several numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method and to compare its validity with established techniques in the field. Numerical simulations indicate that our vector geometric algebra implementation is faster than the best-known algorithms to date, suggesting that the proposed GA-based methods can provide a more efficient and comprehensible solution to the two- and three-dimensional resection problem, paving the way for further applications and advances in geodesy research. Furthermore, the method’s emphasis on graphical and geometric representation makes it particularly suitable for educational purposes, allowing the reader to grasp the concepts and principles of resection more effectively. The proposed method has potential applications in a wide range of other fields, including surveying, robotics, computer vision, or navigation.
A two-timescale model of plankton–oxygen dynamics predicts formation of oxygen minimum zones and global anoxia
Authors: Roy Chowdhury Pranali , Banerjee Malay , Petrovskii Sergei
Published: May 2024

Decline of the dissolved oxygen in the ocean is a growing concern, as it may eventually lead to global anoxia, an elevated mortality of marine fauna and even a mass extinction. Deoxygenation of the ocean often results in the formation of oxygen minimum zones (OMZ): large domains where the abundance of oxygen is much lower than that in the surrounding ocean environment. Factors and processes resulting in the OMZ formation remain controversial. We consider a conceptual model of coupled plankton–oxygen dynamics that, apart from the plankton growth and the oxygen production by phytoplankton, also accounts for the difference in the timescales for phyto- and zooplankton (making it a “slow-fast system”) and for the implicit effect of upper trophic levels resulting in density dependent (nonlinear) zooplankton mortality. The model is investigated using a combination of analytical techniques and numerical simulations. The slow-fast system is decomposed into its slow and fast subsystems. The critical manifold of the slow-fast system and its stability is then studied by analyzing the bifurcation structure of the fast subsystem. We obtain the canard cycles of the slow-fast system for a range of parameter values. However, the system does not allow for persistent relaxation oscillations; instead, the blowup of the canard cycle results in plankton extinction and oxygen depletion. For the spatially explicit model, the earlier works in this direction did not take into account the density dependent mortality rate of the zooplankton, and thus could exhibit Turing pattern. However, the inclusion of the density dependent mortality into the system can lead to stationary Turing patterns. The dynamics of the system is then studied near the Turing bifurcation threshold. We further consider the effect of the self-movement of the zooplankton along with the turbulent mixing. We show that an initial non-uniform perturbation can lead to the formation of an OMZ, which then grows in size and spreads over space. For a sufficiently large timescale separation, the spread of the OMZ can result in global anoxia.
eDNA monitoring detects new outbreak wave of corallivorous seastar (Acanthaster cf. solaris) at Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Uthicke Sven , Doyle Jason R. , Gomez Cabrera Maria , Patel Frances , McLatchie Madi J. , Doll Peter C. , Chandler Josie F. , Pratchett Morgan S.
Published: May 2024

Crown-of-thorns seastar (CoTS, Acanthaster cf. solaris) outbreaks remain a significant cause of coral loss on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and across the West-Pacific Ocean. Previous outbreaks on the GBR have only been discovered once fully established, which constrains opportunities for effective control. Early detection of outbreaks would provide an important opportunity for early intervention and increase understanding of outbreak cause(s). Here, we assess the utility of environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring to detect the initiation of a population outbreak at Lizard Island over five years (2019–2023), compared with density estimates obtained using Scooter-Assisted Large Area Diver-based (SALAD) surveys. At each of the five eDNA sampling sites, 30 replicate samples were collected annually and analysed with CoTS-specific primer sets and digital droplet PCR. Both methods detected distinct increases in CoTS densities from 2020/21 onwards, indicating the start of a new population outbreak. A large part of the observed variation in eDNA (expressed as the percentage of positive samples) was explained by changes in recorded CoTS density, confirming that eDNA data provide a quantitative estimate for adult CoTS abundance. SALAD surveys and eDNA are new and complementary monitoring methods that facilitate early detection of CoTS outbreaks, which will enable more effective management intervention.
Background-oriented schlieren and laser Rayleigh scattering complementary method for accurate density field visualization
Authors: Iwamoto Masaaki , Miki Yuma , Kinefuchi Kiyoshi
Published: May 2024

Gas flow visualization is an essential technique for understanding the gas flow characteristics. Various quantitative distribution measurement methods have been proposed, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, the background-oriented schlieren method provides the quantitative density distribution for wide areas with a simple optical setup, but it disadvantageously requires the appropriate boundary conditions need to be set when integrating the Poisson equation. The laser Rayleigh scattering method also provides quantitative density distribution, but it requires a high-power laser for wide-area measurements because laser intensity directly influences measurement accuracy. This study proposes a method that complements the weak points of the above two methods. First, a wide area is measured using the background-oriented schlieren method, and then, the laser Rayleigh scattering method is applied only for the boundary region to obtain the boundary condition. For a heated turbulent air jet with Reynolds number 3000, the results of the proposed method are compared with the numerical analysis and thermocouple temperature measurements. The results well match, indicating the applicability and usefulness of the proposed method. Furthermore, these results contribute to demonstrating the significance of boundary conditions in the background-oriented schlieren method and the establishment of setting guidelines.
Neuropathological findings in Down syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease and control patients with and without SARS-COV-2: preliminary findings
Authors: Granholm Ann-Charlotte E. , Englund Elisabet , Gilmore Anah , Head Elizabeth , Yong William H. , Perez Sylvia E. , Guzman Samuel J. , Hamlett Eric D. , Mufson Elliott J.
Published: May 2024

The SARS-CoV-2 virus that led to COVID-19 is associated with significant and long-lasting neurologic symptoms in many patients, with an increased mortality risk for people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and/or Down syndrome (DS). However, few studies have evaluated the neuropathological and inflammatory sequelae in postmortem brain tissue obtained from AD and people with DS with severe SARS-CoV-2 infections. We examined tau, beta-amyloid (Aβ), inflammatory markers and SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein in DS, AD, and healthy non-demented controls with COVID-19 and compared with non-infected brain tissue from each disease group (total n = 24). A nested ANOVA was used to determine regional effects of the COVID-19 infection on arborization of astrocytes (Sholl analysis) and percent-stained area of Iba-1 and TMEM 119. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies labeled neurons and glial cells in the frontal cortex of all subjects with COVID-19, and in the hippocampus of two of the three DS COVID-19 cases. SARS-CoV-2-related alterations were observed in peri-vascular astrocytes and microglial cells in the gray matter of the frontal cortex, hippocampus, and para-hippocampal gyrus. Bright field microscopy revealed scattered intracellular and diffuse extracellular Aβ deposits in the hippocampus of controls with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections. Overall, the present preliminary findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infections induce abnormal inflammatory responses in Down syndrome.
Motion preservation for open book injuries of the pubic symphysis –a biomechanical cadaver study
Authors: Cavalcanti Kußmaul Adrian , Baur Nele , Wulf Jan , Greiner Axel , Neudeck Rouven , Kistler Manuel , Neuerburg Carl , Böcker Wolfgang , Becker Christopher A
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Open book injuries are challenging injuries that oftentimes require surgical treatment. Currently, treatment is performed with symphyseal plating requiring extensive surgery and entirely limiting physiological movement of the symphyseal joint, frequently resulting in implant failure. Therefore, we investigated the biomechanical properties of a minimally invasive tape suture construct (modified SpeedBridge™) as an alternative stabilization technique for the treatment of open book injuries in human cadaver pelvic rings.

Materials and Methods

The symphysis of 9 human cadaver pelvises was dissected and dilated to 3 cm creating an open book injury. Next, the two osteosynthesis methods (plating, modified SpeedBridge™) were applied. All specimens then underwent cyclic horizontal and vertical loading, simulating biomechanical forces while sitting, standing and walking. For statistical analysis, 3D dislocation (mm) was calculated.

Results

Total displacement (mm) of the pubic symphysis displayed the following means and standard deviations: native group 1.34 ± 0.62 mm, open book group 3.01 ± 1.26 mm, tape group 1.94 ± 0.59 mm and plate group 1.37 ± 0.41 mm. Comparison between native and open book (p = 0.029), open book and plate (p = 0.004), open book and tape (p = 0.031), as well as tape and plate group (p = 0.002) showed significant differences. No significant differences were found when comparing the native and tape (p = 0.059), as well as the native and plate (p = 0.999) group.

Conclusion

While both osteosynthesis techniques sufficiently stabilized the injury, symphyseal plating displayed the highest rigidity. The modified SpeedBridge™ as a tape suture construct provided statistically sufficient biomechanical stability while maintaining symphyseal micro mobility, consequently allowing ligamental healing of the injured joint without iatrogenic arthrodesis.
Nomograms based on ratio indexes to predict severity and prognosis in immune checkpoint inhibitors-related myocarditis: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Li Zhenli , Yao Tiezhu , Liu Guang , Guan Zhengkun , Liu Jing , Guo Ling , Ma Jingtao
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Immune checkpoint inhibitors-related myocarditis (ICI-M) is one of the immune-related adverse events (irAEs), which is rare and highly lethal. This study aimed to establish nomograms based on ratio biomarkers to predict the severity and prognosis of ICI-M.

Methods

We retrospectively examined patients with advanced cancers who were also diagnosed with ICI-M at the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University. The patients of ICI-M were divided into mild and severe groups and a 40-day following up was carried out. The major adverse cardiovascular events(MACEs) were regarded as the endpoint. Nomogram-based models were established and validated.

Results

Seventy-seven patients were involved, including 31 severe cases(40.3%). Lactate dehydrogenase-to-albumin ratio(LAR) combined with the change rate from baseline to onset of LAR(

$$\triangle$$

▵

LAR) which performed best to diagnose the severe ICI-M was identified to establish the nomogram-based model. The bootstrap-corrected concordance index [0.752 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.635

$$-$$

-

0.866] and calibration plot with good degree of fitting confirmed this diagnostic model. Neutrophil-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio(NHR) and LAR were also screened into the nomogram-based model for 40-day MACEs after ICI-M, which performed well by validating for concordance index(0.779 95% CI: 0.677

$$-$$

-

0.865)and calibration plots after being bootstrap-corrected. Moreover, a 

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≥

101% increase in LAR significantly separated patients in MACE-free survival.

Conclusion

Ratio indexes at onset and their change rates from baseline showed good diagnostic value for the severity of ICI-M and prognostic value for subsequent MACEs, particularly LAR, NHR and their change rates. The nomogram-based models of ratio indexes could provide a potential choice for early detection and monitor of the severe ICI-M and subsequent MACEs.

Graphical abstract
Thermal bioclimate in Greece based on the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) and insights into 2021 and 2023 heatwaves
Authors: Pantavou Katerina , Kotroni Vassiliki , Kyros George , Lagouvardos Konstantinos
Published: May 2024

The research on the thermal bioclimate is increasingly valuable in the context of climate change. Human well-being is threatened not only from direct exposure to extreme thermal conditions and complications from underlying health issues but also from disruptions of health and social services. This study aims at examining the thermal bioclimate in Greece. Data of ERA5-Land reanalysis dataset were used to estimate the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI, in °C). The analysis covered a 30-year period (1991–2020) examining UTCI climatology and trends. Additionally, the intensity of two recent heatwaves which occurred in summers 2021 and 2023 was assessed. During the period 1991–2020, the UTCI equivalent temperature ranges between -49.8 °C and 51.9 °C [mean ± standard deviation (sd) = 13.3 ± 12.2 °C] classifying thermal stress from ‘extreme cold stress’ to ‘extreme heat stress’. Across the country, the mean UTCI ranges from 7.5 °C to 17.8 °C (mean ± sd = 13.3 ± 2.1 °C), with a decrease of 0.5 °C per latitude degree. Mountainous regions exhibit the lowest UTCI equivalent temperatures, while inland plains display higher UTCI equivalent temperatures, especially in the eastern regions of the country. An increasing trend in mean annual UTCI (mean = 0.05 °C/year) is identified, more pronounced in higher latitude regions. Both the 2021 and 2023 heatwaves were exceptionally severe, with about 99% of the population to experience mean UTCI equivalent temperatures falling within stress categories of ‘moderate heat stress’ and above. The 2023 heatwave set a new record with the highest absolute maximum UTCI (52.1 °C) and number of heat stress hours compared to the period 1991–2020. The bioclimatic maps developed in this study analyze the spatial variability in the thermal conditions across Greece identifying high-risk areas. These findings can contribute to impact studies for tourism, energy efficiency, urban design and public health purposes.
Digital detection of play characters’ relationships in Shakespeare’s plays: extended cross-correlation analysis of the character appearance frequencies
Authors: Yamada Miyuki , Murai Yuichi , Kumagai Ichiro
Published: May 2024

We propose a method for visualizing literary works that quantitatively extracts the mutual relationships among play characters from the narrative of a storyline. The method first determines the cross-correlation of the appearance frequencies in the time domain between two play characters, which is calculated for all pairs of characters in each narrative. We also calculate the correlation among three play characters to find unique triangular relationships. Then we create a graphical representation of the relationships using node-link representations based on a physical potential model. The method is suitable for dramas, as demonstrated for ten famous Shakespeare plays. The resulting visualizations show good agreement with the conventional understanding of each play and also provide new insight into Shakespearean criticism.
Phylogenomic analyses of multidrug resistant Corynebacterium striatum strains isolated from patients in a tertiary care hospital in the UK
Authors: Sangal Vartul , Marrs Emma C. L. , Nelson Andrew , Perry John D.
Published: May 2024

Corynebacterium striatum is an emerging nosocomial pathogen. This is the first report showing the presence of three distinct multidrug resistant lineages of C. striatum among patients in a UK hospital. The presence of ErmX, Tet(W), Bla and AmpC proteins, and mutations in gyrA gene are associated with the resistance to clindamycin, doxycycline, penicillin and moxifloxacin, respectively. These strains are equipped with several corynebacterial virulence genes including two SpaDEF-type and a novel pilus gene cluster, which needs further molecular characterisation. This study highlights a need of developing an active surveillance strategy for routine monitoring and preventing potential cross-transmission among susceptible patients.
Photodynamic therapy mediated by methylene blue-loaded PEG accelerates skin mouse wound healing: an immune response
Authors: Hamed Eman , Al Balah Osama Fekry Ahmed , Refaat Mohamed , Badr Abeer Mahmoud , Afifi Ahmed
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Conventional approaches for enhancing wound healing may not always yield satisfactory results. Instead, we test the effectiveness of a newly developed photodynamic therapy (PDT) that uses methylene blue (MB) loaded with polyethylene glycol (PEG) (MB-PEG) hydrogel to accelerate wound healing process in mice.

Methods

A dorsal skin incision with 6 mm punch which topically subjected to MB-PEG hydrogel and a low-level laser light of red light to assess the regeneration process of wounded skin. A total of 63 adult male CD1 mice divided into normal group (no treatment) and other wound groups received different treatments of laser (650 ± 5 nm and power intensity of 180 mW/cm2), MB-PEG, or PDT (MB-PEG followed by laser). The wound healing parameters were investigated by histological examination of the skin and measuring of proinflammatory cytokines at the early stage (48 h) and a late one on day 21. Results: at 48 h, the score of tissue granulation, inflammation, and angiogenesis process were markedly improved in wounded groups that received MB + PEG combined with laser compared to the group treated with laser alone. On day 21, a significant improvement of the inflammation was detected in the group treated with MB + PEG plus laser compared to the other groups. At 48 h, the upregulated serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β in the wound group were significantly (P < 0.001) reduced in the group treated with MB + PEG combined with laser.

Conclusion

MB-PEG based hydrogel improves and accelerates wound closure in the context of laser compared to either single treatment.
Gustatory habituation to essential oil induces reduced feeding deterrence and neuronal desensitization in Spodoptera litura
Authors: Jeon Hyoeun , Tak Jun-Hyung
Published: May 2024

The tobacco cutworm, Spodoptera litura, is one of the most important agricultural insect pests. Plant essential oils can be considered potential candidates for eco-friendly control agents, as they exhibit insecticidal and feeding deterrent activity. The present study investigated the antifeedant and insecticidal activity of 29 essential oils. Their potential for habituation and association with the gustatory sensilla were also examined. In no-choice tests and contact-fumigation bioassays on third instar larvae, clove bud, fennel sweet, and lemongrass oils exhibited notable activities. Still, no direct correlation between insecticidal activity and feeding deterrence was observed. Second instar larvae were pre-exposed to those active oils to test the habituation effect. Larvae reared with lemongrass and clove bud oils showed gustatory habituation, whereas those with fennel sweet oil did not show any desensitization compared to the control. Comparable outcomes were observed in individuals exposed to the main constituents of the three oils. Additionally, the mixture of fennel sweet and clove bud oils showed a synergistic feeding deterrent effect. However, although statistically insignificant, potential habituation for the mixture was observed, and only robust inhibition of habituation was expected at physiologically high concentrations (FDI90 + FDI90). Electrophysiological studies showed that the response of the maxillary palp to citral decreased in the experienced group, while to trans-anethole, it was maintained at levels similar to the naive group. The reduction in feeding deterrence corresponded to the repeated exposure and desensitization of the maxillary palp, varying with the types of essential oils.
Reliable multiplex semi-local random walk based on influential nodes to improve link prediction in complex networks
Authors: Li Shunlei , Tang Jing , Zhou Wen , Zhang Yin , Azam Muhammad Adeel , Mattos Leonardo S.
Published: May 2024

In recent years, the exponential growth of online social networks as complex networks has presented challenges in expanding networks and forging new connections. Link prediction emerges as a crucial technique to anticipate future relationships among users, leveraging the current network state to address this challenge effectively. While link prediction models on monoplex networks have a well-established history, the exploration of similar tasks on multilayer networks has garnered considerable attention. Extracting topological and multimodal features for weighting links can improve link prediction in weighted complex networks. Meanwhile, establishing reliable and trustworthy paths between users is a useful way to create metrics that convert unweighted to weighted similarity. The local random walk is a widely used technique for predicting links in weighted monoplex networks. The aim of this paper is to develop a semi-local random walk over reliable paths to improve link prediction on a multilayer social network as a complex network, which is denoted as Reliable Multiplex semi-Local Random Walk (RMLRW). RMLRW leverages the semi-local random walk technique over reliable paths, integrating intra-layer and inter-layer information from multiplex features to conduct a trustworthy biased random walk for predicting new links within a target layer of multilayer networks. In order to make RMLRW scalable, we develop a semi-local random walk-based network embedding to represent the network in a lower-dimensional space while preserving its original characteristics. Extensive experimental studies on several real-world multilayer networks demonstrate the performance assurance of RMLRW compared to equivalent methods. Specifically, RMLRW improves the average f-measure of the link prediction by 3.2% and 2.5% compared to SEM-Path and MLRW, respectively.
High-Level Programming of FPGA-Accelerated Systems with Parallel Patterns
Authors: Birath Björn , Ernstsson August , Tinnerholm John , Kessler Christoph
Published: May 2024

As a result of frequency and power limitations, multi-core processors and accelerators are becoming more and more prevalent in today’s systems. To fully utilize such systems, heterogeneous parallel programming is needed, but this introduces new complexities to the development. High-level frameworks such as SkePU have been introduced to help alleviate these complexities. SkePU is a skeleton programming framework based on a set of programming constructs implementing computational parallel patterns, while presenting a sequential interface to the programmer. Using the various skeleton backends, SkePU programs can execute, without source code modification, on multiple types of hardware such as CPUs, GPUs, and clusters. This paper presents the design and implementation of a new backend for SkePU, adding support for FPGAs. We also evaluate the effect of FPGA-specific optimizations in the new backend and compare it with the existing GPU backend, where the actual devices used are of similar vintage and price point. For simple examples, we find that the FPGA-backend’s performance is similar to that of the existing backend for GPUs, while it falls behind in more complex tasks. Finally, some shortcomings in the backend are highlighted and discussed, along with potential solutions.
A Stereovision-based Approach for Retrieving Variable Force Feedback in Robotic-Assisted Surgery Using Modified Inception ResNet V2 Networks
Authors: Sabique P. V. , Pasupathy Ganesh , Kalaimagal S. , Shanmugasundar G. , Muneer V. K.
Published: May 2024

The surge of haptic technology has greatly impacted Robotic-assisted surgery in recent years due to its inspirational advancement in the field. Delivering tactile feedback to the surgeon has a significant role in improving the user experience in RAMIS. This work proposes a Modified inception ResNet network along with dimensionality reduction to regenerate the variable force produced during the surgical intervention. This work collects the relevant dataset from two ex vivo porcine skins and one ex vivo artificial skin for the validation of the results. The proposed framework is used to model both spatial and temporal data collected from the sensors, tissue, manipulators, and surgical tools. The evaluations are based on three distinct datasets with modest variations in tissue properties. The results of the proposed framework show an improvement of force prediction accuracy by 10.81% over RNN, 6.02% over RNN + LSTM, and 3.81% over the CNN + LSTM framework, and torque prediction accuracy by 12.41% over RNN, 5.75% over RNN + LSTM, and 3.75% over CNN + LSTM. The sensitivity study demonstrates that features such as torque (96.93%), deformation (94.02%), position (93.98%), vision (92.12%), stiffness (87.95%), tool diameter (89.24%), rotation (65.10%), and orientation (62.51%) have respective influences on the anticipated force. It was observed that the quality of the predicted force improved by 2.18% when performing feature selection and dimensionality reduction on features collected from tool, manipulator, tissue, and vision data and processing them simultaneously in all four architectures. The method has potential applications for online surgical tasks and surgeon training.
Update on X-ray Microcalorimeter Arrays Based on Thermal MKIDs (TKIDs)
Authors: Daal Miguel , Clay W. Hawkins , Mohammad Majid , Mazin Benjamin
Published: May 2024

We report progress on the development of x-ray microcalorimeter thermal kinetic inductance detector (TKID) arrays, where each TKID is an independent pixel. Our goal in developing this detector technology is to arrive at high quantum efficiency, high fill factor, large-format, moderate energy resolution x-ray detector array which can be readily scaled to tens of kilo-pixels, to be used as an x-ray imaging spectrograph for astronomy and metrology applications. We discuss the evolution of the design, how it has been driven by fabrication related constraints, and the resulting impacts on detector performance.
Electron–Phonon Coupling in Copper-Substituted Lead Phosphate Apatite
Authors: Tyner Alexander C. , Griffin Sinéad M. , Balatsky Alexander V.
Published: May 2024

Recent reports of room-temperature, ambient pressure superconductivity in copper-substituted lead phosphate apatite, commonly referred to as LK99, have prompted numerous theoretical and experimental studies into its properties. As the electron–phonon interaction is a common mechanism for superconductivity, the electron–phonon coupling strength is an important quantity to compute for LK99. In this work, we compare the electron–phonon coupling strength among the proposed compositions of LK99. The results of our study are in alignment with the conclusion that LK99 is a candidate for low-temperature, not room-temperature, superconductivity if electron–phonon interaction is to serve as the mechanism.
Comparison Between a Single-Lead ECG Garment Device and a Holter Monitor: A Signal Quality Assessment
Authors: Neri Luca , Corazza Ivan , Oberdier Matt T. , Lago Jessica , Gallelli Ilaria , Cicero Arrigo F.G. , Diemberger Igor , Orro Alessandro , Beker Amir , Paolocci Nazareno , Halperin Henry R. , Borghi Claudio
Published: May 2024

Wearable electronics are increasingly common and useful as health monitoring devices, many of which feature the ability to record a single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). However, recording the ECG commonly requires the user to touch the device to complete the lead circuit, which prevents continuous data acquisition. An alternative approach to enable continuous monitoring without user initiation is to embed the leads in a garment. This study assessed ECG data obtained from the YouCare device (a novel sensorized garment) via comparison with a conventional Holter monitor. A cohort of thirty patients (age range: 20–82 years; 16 females and 14 males) were enrolled and monitored for twenty-four hours with both the YouCare device and a Holter monitor. ECG data from both devices were qualitatively assessed by a panel of three expert cardiologists and quantitatively analyzed using specialized software. Patients also responded to a survey about the comfort of the YouCare device as compared to the Holter monitor. The YouCare device was assessed to have 70% of its ECG signals as “Good”, 12% as “Acceptable”, and 18% as “Not Readable”. The R-wave, independently recorded by the YouCare device and Holter monitor, were synchronized within measurement error during 99.4% of cardiac cycles. In addition, patients found the YouCare device more comfortable than the Holter monitor (comfortable 22 vs. 5 and uncomfortable 1 vs. 18, respectively). Therefore, the quality of ECG data collected from the garment-based device was comparable to a Holter monitor when the signal was sufficiently acquired, and the garment was also comfortable.
Recognising and Responding to Suicide-Risk Factors in Primary Care: A Scoping Review
Authors: Saini Pooja , Hunt Anna , Blaney Peter , Murray Annie
Published: May 2024

The cost of one suicide is estimated to be £1.67 million (2 million euros) to the UK economy. Most people who die by suicide have seen a primary care practitioner (PCP) in the year prior to death. PCPs could aim to intervene before suicidal behaviours arise by addressing suicide-risk factors noted in primary care consultations, thereby preventing suicide and promoting health and wellbeing. This study aimed to conduct a rapid, systematic scoping review to explore how PCPs can effectively recognise and respond to suicide-risk factors. MedLine, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases were searched for three key concepts: suicide prevention, mental health and primary care. Two reviewers screened titles, abstracts and full papers independently against the eligibility criteria. Data synthesis was achieved by extracting and analysing study characteristics and findings. Forty-two studies met the eligibility criteria and were cited in this scoping review. Studies were published between 1990 and 2020 and were of good methodological quality. Six themes regarding suicide risk assessment in primary care were identified: Primary care consultations prior to suicide; Reasons for non-disclosure of suicidal behaviour; Screening for suicide risk; Training for primary care staff; Use of language by primary care staff; and, Difference in referral pathways from general practitioners or primary care practitioners. This review focused on better recognition and response to specific suicide-risk factors more widely such as poor mental health, substance misuse and long-term physical health conditions. Primary care is well placed to address the range of suicide-risk factors including biological, physical-health, psychological and socio-economic factors and therefore these findings could inform the development of person-centred approaches to be used in primary care.
Evaluation of thermal storage system during freezing and loading nano-powders
Authors: Almohsen Bandar
Published: May 2024

In pursuit of advancing the efficiency of cold energy storage, a uniquely designed curved container has been employed, filled with a water-nanoparticle mixtureQ. The container is equipped with fins, strategically leveraging the enhanced conduction facilitated by the presence of nanoparticles. The simulation of the intricate unsteady phenomena in this study has been conducted using the finite element technique, providing a robust analytical framework. The incorporation of an adaptive grid ensures a refined resolution, particularly in the vicinity of the ice front region. The nanoparticle fraction (ϕ) emerges as a pivotal factor directly influencing the rate of solidifying. The dispersion of nano-powders leads to a noteworthy reduction in completion time, demonstrating a substantial 33.21% improvement. The diameter of the nano-powders (dp) introduces diverse effects on the solidification process, primarily due to its significant influence on the conductivity of the nanomaterial. An in-depth exploration of the impact of dp reveals compelling insights. As the dp increases from its smallest size to 40 nm, there is a commendable 15.12% reduction in the required freezing time. However, a subsequent increment in dp beyond this threshold results in a notable 36.56% increase in the freezing time. The findings presented here not only contribute to the fundamental understanding of freezing processes but also hold practical implications for the design and optimization of cold storage systems.
Intimate sounds of silence: its motives and consequences in romantic relationships
Authors: Weinstein Netta , Nguyen Thuy-vy , Adams Mark , Knee C. Raymond
Published: May 2024

Silence shared between partners is a rich and understudied feature of romantic relationships. Within relationships, silence may be experienced in meaningfully different ways as a function of the motivations underlying it. These internally rich experiences may affect partners differently than silence that occurs spontaneously (i.e., without intentional initiation). In four studies, we tested the motives of silence and corresponding affect and relationship quality, operationalized through psychological need satisfactions and inclusion of other into self. Studies relied on complementary methods to explore the phenomenon of silence, namely cross-sectional, daily diary, and experimental designs. Findings across studies showed that intrinsically motivated silence was felt with more positive affect and less negative affect, and that relationships were closer and more need satisfying during intrinsically motivated moments of silence. Introjected and externally motivated silences, on the other hand, were often linked to more negative affect and lower relational outcomes. Spontaneous moments of silence were not consistently linked to affect or need satisfaction.