bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
P‐10.4: Study on the influence of composite structure on the strength performance of display module
Authors: Liu Xin , Tian Yuchen , Zhu Kunpeng , Jin Sheng , Huang Genmao , Wang Xiangqian , Shan Qi , Zhu Xiujian
Published: June 2024

With the increasing application and demand of flexible AOLED display modules in the global market, improving the strength performance of display modules has important guiding significance for the development of OLED technology. In this paper, the height of the falling ball is used as the test index of strength performance, and the influence of the composite structure on the strength of the falling ball is studied through the combination of composite structure with different thicknesses and materials. It is found that in the composite structure with the same thickness, using foam instead of PI structure can obtain better ball falling results. The falling result of silica gel material is better than that of foam material, and the overall thickness of silica gel is thinner.
P‐10.14: The measuring methods and influencing factors of folding resilience force
Authors: Xin Tang , Jun Zhou , Can Zheng , Ji Cheng , Pengle Dang , Xiang Wang
Published: June 2024

Folding resilience force is a force which can be occur when display modules bending. When these modules are folded, they return to their original state, which is called folding resilience force. Folding resilience force influence the design of folding hinge for foldable mobile phone and mechanism design for vehicle. This paper studied the influencing factors of folding resilience force, such as different cover window materials, types of folding, bending numbers.
P‐11.12: By introducing an optical optimization layer to improve screen quality
Authors: Chen Zedan , Xiong Zhijun , Ma Junjie , Jia Lili
Published: June 2024

This paper focuses on the pain point of the display screen, by reducing the difference of the luminous intensity of RGB chip under the large angle of view, to improve the quality of large view. We introduced an optical optimization layer into the red chip structure to increase the luminous intensity under the large viewing angle, so that the red chip is consistent with blue and green chip.
P‐12.9: Phase transition of CsPbBr3 quantum dots depends on reduced temperature
Authors: Pan Yao , Hu Menglei , Servati Peyman , Tang Haodong
Published: June 2024

Halide materials with a perovskite crystal structure, particularly CsPbBr3 and Cs4PbBr6, have garnered significant interest for their potential applications in various fields such as LEDs, solar cells, photodetectors. In this study, we reveled the Phase transition of CsPbBr3 to Cs4PbBr6 by reduced temperature gradient. Then, multiple characterization methods are applied to confirm this phase transition. The final results shows that the transformation from CsPbBr3 to Cs4PbBr6 exists at some extent, which indicate its potential application regarding to temperature.
P‐14.2: 3D Reflectivity Simulation of OLED products through rigorous electromagnetic analysis integrated into Monte Carlo Ray‐tracing solutions
Authors: Zang Dandan , Cai Yu , Ge Shucheng , Yuan Yong
Published: June 2024

We have successfully proposed a 3D reflectivity simulation method for OLED displays applying with CFOT and MLP structures. The simulation method combines the use of EM wave optics and ray tracing tools The reflectivity of simulated and experimental data is in perfect agreement. Meanwhile, the influence of the micro‐lens morphology on reflectivity is studied in detail.
P‐15.16: Evaluation of the Waviness of Foldable AMOLED Display through Nonlinear Mechanical Constitutive Model of OCA
Authors: Liu Yali , Feng Zikang , Tang Jialiang , Dai Chao , Wu Yuanjun
Published: June 2024

AMOLED flexible display are becoming popular, but the waviness in the middle of the display screen has greatly affected the user experience. Waviness will become more visible with the usage time, which is still the main concern of foldable products in the display industry. But the middle crease has become one of the main reasons why the sales of folding mobile phones have not been popular as present, mainstream mobile phone and screen manufacturers are in the analysis stage of Waviness mechanism. Therefore, this article mainly analyzes the causes of waviness in the folding screen from multiple factors, and draws its main influence mechanism. In this paper, based on the theoretical analysis and simulation results, the development direction of Film and OCA properties is proposed, which provides the possibility for the waviness‐free foldable AMOLED display.
P‐15.17: Study of impact failure of foldable AMOLED panel
Authors: Wang Shenwei , Feng Zikang , Tang Jialiang , Dai Chao , Wu Yuanjun
Published: June 2024

Foldable AMOLED panel are getting more attention due to portability and size extensibility. If there is a drop or collision impact during use, it is easy to cause panel crack or peeling, which has become a major problem affecting the development of foldable AMOLED panel. We designed the panel impact device and tested the anti‐impact energy and failure mode of the foldable AMOLED panel. Meanwhile, the stress process in the impact process is analyzed in detail based on finite element mechanics simulation. In addition, we also propose schemes to improve the anti‐impact performance of the foldable AMOLED panel through systematic anti‐impact experiments and simulation analysis, including increasing the bending stiffness of the foldable module and optimizing the pattern design of metal supporting material.
Ophthalmic Tethered Gold Yarnball‐Mediated Retained Drug Delivery for Eye Fundus Disease Treatment
Authors: Chou Shih‐Jie , Yang Yi‐Ping , Chiang Min‐Ren , Chen Chih‐Ying , Lai Henkie Isahwan Ahmad Mulyadi , Lin Yi‐Ying , Wu You‐Ren , Wang I‐Chieh , Yarmishyn Aliaksandr A. , Chiou Guang‐Yuh , Lin Tai‐Chi , Hwang De‐Kuang , Chen Shih‐Jen , Chien Yueh , Hu Shang‐Hsiu , Chiou Shih‐Hwa
Published: June 2024

Eye fundus diseases, such as retinal degenerative diseases, which lead to blindness in ≈12% of individuals aged >65 years, cause permanent damage to retinal cells. The antioxidant quercetin (QC) is promising for the effective treatment of eye fundus diseases; however, its poor solubility and low retention rate often limit its clinical application. Herein, an in situ ophthalmic tethered gold yarnball (GY) that doubles as an ocular retention agent and QC reservoir to overcome low fundus drug retention is developed. After intravitreal injection, QC@GYs enhance retinal cell leakage and internal limiting membrane permeability, facilitating the partial penetration of QC@GYs into the intraretinal tissue. The combination of retina‐tethered QC@GY and first‐level sustained release reduces macular degeneration in vivo by effectively regulating oxidative stress. Furthermore, the sustained release of QC preserves the viability of retinal pigment epithelium cells, reduces apoptosis, and suppresses drusen formation. This preservation of retinal morphology and function maximizes the therapeutic impact while minimizing the need for frequent intraocular administration. Overall, the ophthalmic tethered GY platform is a versatile tool for retinal drug delivery for the treatment of eye fundus diseases.
Evaluating the shear performance of reinforced concrete beams using waste glass powder as a sustainable cement substitute
Authors: Omer Brwa , Saeed Jalal
Published: June 2024

The scarcity of comprehensive data on the shear properties of reinforced GP‐concrete beams without shear reinforcement has hindered their widespread use, mainly due to challenges in predicting their shear performance. This study examines the influence of incorporating up to 15% waste glass powder (GP) with two separate particle size categories: GP‐A (55 to 135 μm) and GP‐B (finer than 55 μm) as a cement replacement on the 180‐day shear performance of reinforced concrete beams with varying cement content and without stirrups. To accomplish this, a total of 14 beams were used, all sharing identical dimensions measuring 200 mm × 250 mm × 2000 mm. The aforementioned parameters were investigated for their effects on the shear performance of beams, including crack patterns, modes of failure, load–deflection behavior, and strength capacities at different loading stages. Furthermore, this investigation explores the applicability of the most commonly used design codes of practice for predicting the shear strength of reinforced GP‐modified concrete beams. These codes are typically employed to design the shear strength of reinforced conventional concrete shallow beams without shear reinforcement. The study's findings indicate that the impact of GP particle size on the shear performance of beams with the same GP content is almost negligible. Additionally, the study found that incorporating GP into concrete beams does not have any negative effects on their cracking load capacity, shear strength, or flexural cracking load capacity. In fact, it can even improve the latter. A comparison of experimental results with predictions from the design codes revealed that both the CEB‐FIP (1990) equation and the ACI equations provided safe estimates of shear strength for the tested beams. However, the CEB‐FIP (1990) equation yielded predictions with a lower mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation compared with the ACI equations, suggesting a higher level of accuracy in its estimates. The findings affirm the suitability of GP‐concrete as a viable alternative in concrete structures specifically engineered to withstand shear forces.
Multi‐material direct‐ink‐writing of silver‐based flexible and highly deformable dry electrocardiogram biopatches
Authors: Alsharif Aljawharah A. , Aviles Jesus M. , Zechel Felipe M. , Alsharif Nouf A. , El‐Atab Nazek
Published: June 2024

Of significant interest are three‐dimensional (3D) printed dry electrodes, a departure from traditional wet silver/silver chloride (Ag/AgCl) electrodes. These innovative electrodes not only incorporate 3D printed personalized materials but also eliminate the need for electrolyte gel, which tends to dehydrate over time. Additionally, these electrodes boast unique attributes such as stretchability, deformability, biocompatibility, wearable comfort, and cost‐effective manufacturing. While the advantages of dry electrodes are apparent, their performance optimization encounters challenges related to charge migration, particularly when scaled down to miniaturized dimensions, impacting biosignal detection. This study addresses these challenges by focusing on the development of scalable, stretchable, and highly deformable syringe‐printed dry electrocardiogram (ECG) patches. The approach employs straightforward multi‐material direct‐ink‐writing (DIW) techniques, realizing complete biopatches per print, resulting in a rapid and cost‐effective fabrication process. The achieved printing resolution reaches up to 200 µm, and the conductivity of Ag/AgCl dry electrodes reaches approximately ∼ 5 × 104 S/m. This not only ensures scalability but also expands the applications of metal‐based inks to various soft electronic devices, particularly in low‐resource settings and environments.
Robot‐assisted resection of lateral neck cysts using a postauricular approach
Authors: Han Ping , Liang Fa‐Ya , Song Pan , Li Ying , Lin Pei‐Liang , Chen Ren‐Hui , Fan Jian‐Ming , Huang Xiao‐Ming
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The Da Vinci robotic surgical system was used for head and neck surgery. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility, safety, and effect of postauricular approach on the resection of lateral neck cysts.

Methods

Eleven patients with lateral neck cysts were enrolled in this retrospective study and accepted robot‐assisted surgery via a postauricular approach. Data on volume of cervical cysts, length of incision, bleeding volume, mean operating time, and hospitalization time were analyzed. The postoperative esthetic satisfaction of patients was investigated.

Results

In this case series, the average length of the incision was 6.67 cm. Bleeding volumes ranged from 10 to 20 mL. Average operation time was 55 min. Four patients developed postauricular numbness after the operation, and all recovered over 3 months. No other serious adverse events occurred after the operation. Postoperative cosmetic outcomes were satisfactory. During the follow‐up median period of 38.2 months, there was no evidence of recurrence or long‐term complications.

Conclusion

Robot‐assisted resection for lateral neck cysts via a postauricular approach is feasible and safe and yields excellent cosmetic outcomes.
Effects of Al2O3‐Cu‐H2O hybrid nanofluid with Soret and Dufour on mixed convection flow over a curved surface
Authors: Kenchogonahalli Ramu Roopa , Pobbathy Aswathanarayana Setty Dinesh , Magge Venkatachala Iyengar Govindaraju , Yadav Sweeti , Karki Narayan Mohandas
Published: June 2024

Hybrid nanofluids, which have a higher effective thermal conductivity than both regular fluids and nanofluid, are essential in industrial, biomedical, and engineering applications. Blood flow via an artery is a useful application for the investigation of hybrid nanofluids (Cu and Al2O3). Graphs have been used to discuss the effects of flow elements on velocity, temperature, and concentrations where values have been tabulated. A hybrid combination made up of copper and aluminum oxide with volume percentages in the range of 0.01–0.2. The Dufour effect was lessened, the volume proportion of copper was reduced, and the heat transmission rate was successfully increased. Maximum rates of heat, mass, and skin friction transmission would result from stronger mixed convection. This significant initial study will provide engineers and scientists the knowledge on effective management of fluid flow while optimizing the connected complex systems. Before being written and solved with the help of Maple software, the flow control equations were simplified. Figures present the main findings of the study, including the influence of several physical parameters. The effects of physical factors on the flow distributions are illustrated in tables and figures. Water is employed as the basic fluid, and a combination of copper and alumina nanoparticle is used as the study material to investigate the heat and mass phenomena brought by the Dufour and Soret effect. Surface thermal efficiency is influenced by the Soret factor, whereas surface mass transfer is constrained by the Dufour effect.
Comparing the effectiveness of flagship species in zoo interpretation videos involving dialogic‐based narrative approaches
Authors: Bueddefeld Jill , Kerr Kevin C. R.
Published: June 2024

Zoological institutions frequently engage in indirect conservation activities as global conservation targets suggest a need for raising public awareness and engagement in biodiversity conservation. However, research suggests that while members of the public are typically aware of general conservation issues, they are often uncertain of simple and practical actions they take that will be impactful. In light of current conservation goals and targets, and the need for social science research to address the environmental learning and behavior change gap, this study builds upon prior action‐based environmental education research and tests the efficacy of ex situ environmental education in supporting in situ conservation. Zoos typically employ flagship species to center their conservation messaging due to the purported draw of charismatic species. Using outreach videos with a dialogic‐based narrative approach, we evaluated the efficacy of different flagships for conservation, comparing both species‐focused versus generic conservation messaging and charismatic versus less charismatic species ambassadors. We found that zoo conservation outreach videos using dialogic‐based narrative approaches were equally impactful regardless of the level of focus (i.e., species vs. broader biodiversity) or charisma level of the focal taxa.
Aufbereitung des Datenmaterials
Authors: Kiefer Anna
Published: June 2024

Die handschriftlich ausgefüllten Tagebücher wurden zur Digitalisierung des Datenmaterials gescannt, im Anschluss durch ein externes Transkriptionsbüro (Transkripto) transkribiert und in einer Excel-Tabelle vorstrukturiert. Das Transkriptionsbüro erhielt das jeweilige Datenmaterial über eine Webseite, die das hochgeladene Material nach Abruf der Datei löscht. Die transkribierten Datensätze wurden ebenfalls auf einer sicheren Webseite hochgeladen und nach Abruf der Datei gelöscht.
Dissection of pro-tumoral macrophage subtypes and immunosuppressive cells participating in M2 polarization
Authors: Sezginer Onurcan , Unver Nese
Published: June 2024

Alternatively activated macrophage (M2) polarization can result in one of four subtypes based on cytokines and signaling pathways associated with macrophage activation: M2a, M2b, M2c, and M2d macrophages. The majority of M2 subtypes are anti-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic, secreting growth factors (VEGF, PDGF) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP2, MMP9) which boost tumor growth, metastasis, and invasion. M2-polarized macrophages are associated with immune suppressor cells harboring Myeloid derived suppressor cells, Regulatory T cells (Tregs), Regulatory B cells as well as alternatively activated (N2) neutrophils. Treg cells selectively support the metabolic stability, mitochondrial integrity, and survival rate of M2-like TAMs in an indirect environment. Also, the contribution of Breg cells influences macrophage polarization towards the M2 direction. TAM is activated when TAN levels in the tumor microenvironment are insufficient or vice versa, suggesting that macrophage and its polarization are fine-tuned. Understanding the functions of immune suppressive cells, mediators, and signaling pathways involved with M2 polarization will allow us to identify potential strategies for targeting the TAM repolarization phenotype for innovative immunotherapy approaches. In this review, we have highlighted the critical factors for M2 macrophage polarization, differential cytokine/chemokine profiles of M1 and M2 macrophage subtypes, and other immune cells’ impact on the polarization within the immunosuppressive niche.
Colony life history of the tropical arboreal ant, Cephalotes goniodontus De Andrade, 1999
Authors: Butler I. A. E. , Butterfield T. , Janda M. , Gordon D. M.
Published: June 2024

Arboreal ants are ecologically important in tropical forests, but there are few studies using DNA markers to examine their population and colony structure. Colonies of the arboreal turtle ant Cephalotes goniodontus create trail networks through the canopy of the tropical forest, in dense vegetation where it is difficult to determine how long a nest is used and how neighboring colonies partition space. We monitored 53 nest sites for up to six years and, using seven microsatellite markers, genotyped samples of workers collected at or near 41 nests over 1–4 years. We calculated average relatedness within samples collected at a given location, and between samples collected at the same location in successive years, and performed pedigree analysis to predict the number of queens that produced each sample of workers. Fifteen samples were highly related (r ≥ 0.6) from single colonies, of which 11 were monogynous and the remaining four had two queens; 19 were of intermediate relatedness (0.1 ≤ r < 0.6) with 1–6 queens, and 7 were groups of unrelated workers (r < 0.1) from at least 4 queens. Colonies persisted at the same nest site for 2–6 years. The smallest distance we found separating nests of different colonies was 16.2 m. It appears that different colonies may share foraging trails. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of using a cost-efficient genotyping method to provide information on colony structure and life history of ant species.
The effect of obstacle length and height in subcritical free-surface flow
Authors: Michalski Hugh , Mattner Trent , Balasuriya Sanjeeva , Binder Benjamin
Published: June 2024

Two-dimensional free-surface flow past a submerged rectangular disturbance in an open channel is considered. The forced Korteweg–de Vries model of Binder et al. (Theor Comput Fluid Dyn 20:125–144, 2006) is modified to examine the effect of varying obstacle length and height on the response of the free-surface. For a given obstacle height and flow rate in the subcritical flow regime an analysis of the steady solutions in the phase plane of the problem determines a countably infinite set of discrete obstacle lengths for which there are no waves downstream of the obstacle. A rich structure of nonlinear behaviour is also found as the height of the obstacle approaches critical values in the steady problem. The stability of the steady solutions is investigated numerically in the time-dependent problem with a pseudospectral method.
Factoring non-negative operator valued trigonometric polynomials in two variables
Authors: Dritschel Michael A.
Published: June 2024

It is shown using Schur complement techniques that on finite dimensional Hilbert spaces, a non-negative operator valued trigonometric polynomial in two variables with degree $$(d_1,d_2)$$

(

d
1

,

d
2

)

can be written as a sum of hermitian squares of at most $$2d_2$$

2

d
2

analytic polynomials.
Inhibition of Clostridioides difficile toxins TcdA and TcdB by the amiodarone derivative dronedarone
Authors: Matylitsky Jauheni , Krieg Anica , Schumacher Judith , Borho Joscha , Barth Holger , Papatheodorou Panagiotis
Published: June 2024

The dreaded nosocomial pathogen Clostridioides difficile causes diarrhea and severe inflammation of the colon, especially after the use of certain antibiotics. The bacterium releases two deleterious toxins, TcdA and TcdB, into the gut, which are mainly responsible for the symptoms of C. difficile-associated diseases (CDADs). Both toxins are capable of entering independently into various host cells, e.g., intestinal epithelial cells, where they mono-O-glucosylate and inactivate Rho and/or Ras GTPases, important molecular switches for various cellular functions. We have shown recently that the cellular uptake of the Clostridioides difficile toxins TcdA and TcdB (TcdA/B) is inhibited by the licensed class III antiarrhythmic drug amiodarone (Schumacher et al. in Gut Microbes 15(2):2256695, 2023). Mechanistically, amiodarone delays the cellular uptake of both toxins into target cells most likely by lowering membrane cholesterol levels and by interfering with membrane insertion and/or pore formation of TcdA/B. However, serious side effects, such as thyroid dysfunction and severe pulmonary fibrosis, limit the clinical use of amiodarone in patients with C. difficile infection (CDI). For that reason, we aimed to test whether dronedarone, an amiodarone derivative with a more favorable side effect profile, is also capable of inhibiting TcdA/B. To this end, we tested in vitro with various methods the impact of dronedarone on the intoxication of Vero and CaCo-2 cells with TcdA/B. Importantly, preincubation of both cell lines with dronedarone for 1 h at concentrations in the low micromolar range rendered the cells less sensitive toward TcdA/B-induced Rac1 glucosylation, collapse of the actin cytoskeleton, cell rounding, and cytopathic effects, respectively. Our study points toward the possibility of repurposing the already approved drug dronedarone as the preferable safer-to-use alternative to amiodarone for inhibiting TcdA/B in the (supportive) therapy of CDADs.
High-resolution ion mobility based on traveling wave structures for lossless ion manipulation resolves hidden lipid features
Authors: Reardon Allison R. , May Jody C. , Leaptrot Katrina L. , McLean John A.
Published: June 2024

High-resolution ion mobility (resolving power > 200) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful analytical tool for resolving isobars and isomers in complex samples. High-resolution ion mobility is capable of discerning additional structurally distinct features, which are not observed with conventional resolving power ion mobility (IM, resolving power ~ 50) techniques such as traveling wave IM and drift tube ion mobility (DTIM). DTIM in particular is considered to be the “gold standard” IM technique since collision cross section (CCS) values are directly obtained through a first-principles relationship, whereas traveling wave IM techniques require an additional calibration strategy to determine accurate CCS values. In this study, we aim to evaluate the separation capabilities of a traveling wave ion mobility structures for lossless ion manipulation platform integrated with mass spectrometry analysis (SLIM IM-MS) for both lipid isomer standards and complex lipid samples. A cross-platform investigation of seven subclass-specific lipid extracts examined by both DTIM-MS and SLIM IM-MS showed additional features were observed for all lipid extracts when examined under high resolving power IM conditions, with the number of CCS-aligned features that resolve into additional peaks from DTIM-MS to SLIM IM-MS analysis varying between 5 and 50%, depending on the specific lipid sub-class investigated. Lipid CCS values are obtained from SLIM IM (TW(SLIM)CCS) through a two-step calibration procedure to align these measurements to within 2% average bias to reference values obtained via DTIM (DTCCS). A total of 225 lipid features from seven lipid extracts are subsequently identified in the high resolving power IM analysis by a combination of accurate mass-to-charge, CCS, retention time, and linear mobility-mass correlations to curate a high-resolution IM lipid structural atlas. These results emphasize the high isomeric complexity present in lipidomic samples and underscore the need for multiple analytical stages of separation operated at high resolution.

Graphical abstract
Successful treatment of staghorn stones with flexible ureteroscopy and thulium fiber laser (TFL) lithotripsy: initial experience with 32 cases
Authors: Gul Tawiz , laymon Mahmoud , Alrayashi Maged , Abdelkareem Mohamed , Salah Morshed
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To investigate the efficacy and safety of flexible ureteroscopy with thulium fiber laser lithotripsy for management of renal staghorn stones.

Materials and Methods

Thirty-two patients with staghorn stones were recruited. Stone characteristics including: width, length, volume and density were analyzed. Ablation speed, laser efficacy and laser activity were recorded. The primary outcome was to assess stone free rate after the procedure using spiral CT scan.

Results

The median stone volume was 7339 (3183–53838) mm3. Median operative and lasing time were 135 (70–200) and 117 (50–180) minutes, respectively. The mean total energy delivered was 63.9 ± 30 KJ with a median ablation speed of 1.3 (0.5–4.9) mm3/sec. Mean laser efficacy was 7.5 ± 3.6 Joules/mm3. A total of 12 complications occurred in 8 patients (25%). The median hospital stay was 7 (3.5–48) hours and 30 patients (93.7%) were discharged on the same day of surgery. After the first session, seventeen patients (53%) were stone free with no residual fragments while six (19%) patients had residuals £ 2 mm. Nine patients (28%) had residuals > 2 mm with median residual size of 4 (3–9) mm. A second intervention was required in 4 cases.The overall stone free rate after completion of treatment was 65.6%.

Conclusion

Flexible ureteroscopy with thulium fiber laser lithotripsy is a safe and effective treatment option for staghorn stones with stone free rate comparable to standard PCNL with advantages of minimal morbidity, minimal blood loss and shorter hospital stay.
Radiographic calibration for pubic diastasis assessment in bladder exstrophy-epispadias complex: a phantom study
Authors: Back S. J. , Weiss D. A. , Marshall B. , Akbari E. , Mackey M. , Hinton E. , Horn B. D. , Kidd M. , Francavilla M. L.
Published: June 2024

Background

The assessment of pubic diastasis is important for the surgical planning of patients with bladder exstrophy-epispadias complex. Understanding how the diastasis changes during surgical follow-up may help predict patient morbidity. Radiography can follow diastasis but may be affected by patient and technical imaging factors including body size, imaging protocol, and equipment. Using imaging calibration and anatomic ratios may mitigate differences due to these aspects.

Objective

Use imaging phantoms to assess the effect of radiographic calibration on measurements of pubic diastasis and an internal anatomic ratio as a child grows.

Materials and methods

Radiographic images were obtained of three different sizes of computed tomography phantoms (older child, child, and infant) using three imaging techniques that include the osseous pelvis in children. All phantoms were imaged with abdomen and pelvis techniques. The infant phantom was additionally imaged using a thoracoabdominal technique. These exposures were all repeated with systems from three manufacturers. Linear measurements were made between radiographic markers placed to simulate pubic diastasis and sacral width. A ratio was also created between these distances. Measurements with and without image calibration were made by two pediatric radiologists using rulers placed at the time of image acquisition.

Results

There was excellent interrater agreement for measurements, ICC >0.99. Anterior distances were more affected by magnification than posterior ones with a significant difference between uncalibrated versus calibrated anterior distances (p=0.04) and not for posterior ones (p=0.65). There was no difference between radiographic equipment manufacturers without or with calibration (p values 0.66 to 0.99). There was a significant difference in simulated pubic distance between thoracoabdominal and abdomen (p=0.04) as well as pelvic (p=0.04) techniques which resolved with calibration, each p=0.6. The ratio between the simulated pubic diastasis and sacral width differed by phantom size (all p<0.01) and imaging technique (p values 0.01 to 0.03) with or without calibration. However, the numerical differences may not be clinically significant.

Conclusion

Image calibration results in more uniform measurements that are more accurate than uncalibrated ones across patient size, imaging techniques, and equipment. Image calibration is necessary for accurate measurement of inter-pubic distances on all projection imaging. Small differences in the pelvic ratio likely are not clinically significant, but until there is a better understanding, image calibration may be prudent.

Graphical abstract
Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and the cancer patient: from diabetes to cardioprotection and beyond
Authors: Camilli Massimiliano , Viscovo Marcello , Maggio Luca , Bonanni Alice , Torre Ilaria , Pellegrino Claudio , Lamendola Priscilla , Tinti Lorenzo , Teofili Luciana , Hohaus Stefan , Lanza Gaetano Antonio , Ferdinandy Peter , Varga Zoltan , Crea Filippo , Lombardo Antonella , Minotti Giorgio
Published: June 2024

Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), a new drug class initially designed and approved for treatment of diabetes mellitus, have been shown to exert pleiotropic metabolic and direct cardioprotective and nephroprotective effects that extend beyond their glucose-lowering action. These properties prompted their use in two frequently intertwined conditions, heart failure and chronic kidney disease. Their unique mechanism of action makes SGLT2i an attractive option also to lower the rate of cardiac events and improve overall survival of oncological patients with preexisting cardiovascular risk and/or candidate to receive cardiotoxic therapies. This review will cover biological foundations and clinical evidence for SGLT2i modulating myocardial function and metabolism, with a focus on their possible use as cardioprotective agents in the cardio-oncology settings. Furthermore, we will explore recently emerged SGLT2i effects on hematopoiesis and immune system, carrying the potential of attenuating tumor growth and chemotherapy-induced cytopenias.
Elastic and shear-thinning effects in contraction flows: a comparison
Authors: Pérez-Salas Karen Y. , García-Romero Erika. L. , Barrientos-Cruz Alexa A. , Sánchez Salvador , Ascanio Gabriel , Aguayo Juan P.
Published: June 2024

The flow through a 4:1 planar contraction has  been investigated using different rheological models having the same shear viscosity, namely, the inelastic Carreau-Yasuda model (CY), the enhanced Bautista-Manero-Puig (eBMP), and the exponential version of the Phan-Thien/Tanner (PTT). Noticeable discrepancies were observed with the CY model and the eBMP in terms of the velocity profiles along the centerline and in the exit channel (near the end of the geometry) normal to the flow direction. Transient planar extensional viscosity shows a large effect on vortex dynamics although the effect of transient and steady elongation on pressure drop seems negligible. Simulation results allowed gathering that pressure drop is largely influenced by the shear-thinning behavior of the fluid, noticeably affected by elasticity, and less by extensional viscosity.

Graphical Abstract
Transversals to Colorful Intersecting Convex Sets
Authors: Gomez-Navarro Cuauhtemoc , Roldán-Pensado Edgardo
Published: June 2024

Let K be a compact convex set in $$\mathbb {R}^{2}$$

R

2

and let $$\mathcal {F}_{1}, \mathcal {F}_{2}, \mathcal {F}_{3}$$

F
1

,

F
2

,

F
3

be finite families of translates of K such that $$A \cap B \ne \emptyset $$

A
∩
B
≠
∅

for every $$A \in \mathcal {F}_{i}$$

A
∈

F
i

and $$B \in \mathcal {F}_{j}$$

B
∈

F
j

with $$i \ne j$$

i
≠
j

. A conjecture by Dol’nikov is that, under these conditions, there is always some $$j \in \{ 1,2,3 \}$$

j
∈
{
1
,
2
,
3
}

such that $$\mathcal {F}_{j}$$

F
j

can be pierced by 3 points. In this paper we prove a stronger version of this conjecture when K is a body of constant width or when it is close in Banach-Mazur distance to a disk. We also show that the conjecture is true with 8 piercing points instead of 3. Along the way we prove more general statements both in the plane and in higher dimensions. A related result was given by Martínez-Sandoval, Roldán-Pensado and Rubin. They showed that if $$\mathcal {F}_{1}, \dots , \mathcal {F}_{d}$$

F
1

,
⋯
,

F
d

are finite families of convex sets in $$\mathbb {R}^{d}$$

R

d

such that for every choice of sets $$C_{1} \in \mathcal {F}_{1}, \dots , C_{d} \in \mathcal {F}_{d}$$

C
1

∈

F
1

,
⋯
,

C
d

∈

F
d

the intersection $$\bigcap _{i=1}^{d} {C_{i}}$$

⋂

i
=
1

d

C
i

is non-empty, then either there exists $$j \in \{ 1,2, \dots , n \}$$

j
∈
{
1
,
2
,
⋯
,
n
}

such that $$\mathcal {F}_j$$

F
j

can be pierced by few points or $$\bigcup _{i=1}^{n} \mathcal {F}_{i}$$

⋃

i
=
1

n

F
i

can be crossed by few lines. We give optimal values for the number of piercing points and crossing lines needed when $$d=2$$

d
=
2

and also consider the problem restricted to special families of convex sets.
Validity of a fast automated 3d spine reconstruction measurements for biplanar radiographs: SOSORT 2024 award winner
Authors: Chen Weiying , Khodaei Mahdieh , Reformat Marek , Lou Edmond
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To validate a fast 3D biplanar spinal radiograph reconstruction method with automatic extract curvature parameters using artificial intelligence (AI).

Methods

Three-hundred eighty paired, posteroanterior and lateral, radiographs from the EOS X-ray system of children with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were randomly selected from the database. For the AI model development, 304 paired images were used for training; 76 pairs were employed for testing. The validation was evaluated by comparing curvature parameters, including Cobb angles (CA), apical axial vertebral rotation (AVR), kyphotic angle (T1–T12 KA), and lordotic angle (L1–L5 LA), to manual measurements from a rater with 8 years of scoliosis experience. The mean absolute differences ± standard deviation (MAD ± SD), the percentage of measurements within the clinically acceptable errors, the standard error of measurement (SEM), and the inter-method intraclass correlation coefficient ICC[2,1] were calculated. The average reconstruction speed of the 76 test images was recorded.

Results

Among the 76 test images, 134 and 128 CA were exported automatically and measured manually, respectively. The MAD ± SD for CA, AVR at apex, KA, and LA were 3.3° ± 3.5°, 1.5° ± 1.5°, 3.3° ± 2.6° and 3.5° ± 2.5°, respectively, and 98% of these measurements were within the clinical acceptance errors. The SEMs and the ICC[2,1] for the compared parameters were all less than 0.7° and > 0.94, respectively. The average time to display the 3D spine and report the measurements was 5.2 ± 1.3 s.

Conclusion

The developed AI algorithm could reconstruct a 3D scoliotic spine within 6 s, and the automatic curvature parameters were accurately and reliably extracted from the reconstructed images.
Secant Modulus Method: A Simplified Technique for Measuring in Situ Stresses in Rocks
Authors: Ali Zulfiqar , Karakus Murat , Nguyen Giang D. , Amrouch Khalid
Published: June 2024

The core of sustainable mining is the preservation of the ground stability, and in situ stress measurement is crucial as most of the stability issues are directly associated with the in situ and induced stresses. Deformation rate analysis and acoustic emission are reliable and low-cost methods of stress measurement leveraging stress memory in rocks. However, owing to rock heterogeneity and complex geological stress history, the accurate determination of in situ stresses is often challenging. This study proposes a simple, accurate, and improved method for determining the in situ stresses in rocks called the Secant Modulus Method (SMM). The effectiveness of SMM is determined through uniaxial cyclic loading and unloading experiments on different types of soft and hard crystalline rocks. The influence of the loading modes, strain rates, and time delay is also investigated. Additionally, its utility for in situ stress measurement is explored. The SMM method proved effective in determining both applied and in-situ stresses, with no effect from variations in loading conditions, loading rates, and time delays. Moreover, the in situ stresses measured using the SMM were in good agreement with the overcoring method.
Comprehensive analysis of clinical outcomes, infectious complications and microbiological data in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients: a retrospective observational study of 92 subjects
Authors: Desantis Vanessa , Borrelli Paola , Panebianco Teresa , Fusillo Antonio , Bochicchio Donatello , Solito Angelo , Pappagallo Fabrizio , Mascolo Antonella , Ancona Anna , Cicco Sebastiano , Cerchione Claudio , Romano Alessandra , Montagnani Monica , Ria Roberto , Vacca Angelo , Solimando Antonio Giovanni
Published: June 2024

Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) have an increased risk of sepsis due to underlying disease- and treatment-related immunosuppression. However, data on sepsis incidence, causative pathogens, and impact on outcomes in newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) are limited. We conducted a retrospective observational study of 92 NDMM patients who developed sepsis between 2022 and 2023 at a tertiary care center in Italy. Patient characteristics, sepsis criteria [Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment, Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS)], microbiology results, and associations with progression-free survival (PFS) were analyzed. In this cohort of 92 critically-ill patients, pathogenic organisms were identified via microbiological culture in 74 cases. However, among the remaining 18 culture-negative patients, 9 exhibited a SIRS score of 2 and another 9 had a SIRS score of 4, suggestive of a clinical presentation consistent with sepsis despite negative cultures. Common comorbidities included renal failure (60%), anemia (71%), and bone disease (83%). Gram-negative (28%) and Gram-positive (23%) bacteria were frequent causative organisms, along with fungi (20%). Cox Univariate analyses for PFS showed statically significant HR in patients with albumin ≥ 3.5 vs < 3.5 (HR = 5.04, p < 0.001), Karnofsky performance status ≥ 80 vs < 80 (HR = 2.01, p = 0.002), and early-stage vs late-stage disease by International Staging System (HR = 4.76 and HR = 12.52, both p < 0.001) and Revised International Staging System (R-ISS III vs R-ISS I, HR = 7.38, p < 0.001). Sepsis is common in NDMM and associated with poor outcomes. Risk stratification incorporating sepsis severity, comorbidities, and disease stage may help guide preventive strategies and optimize MM management.
Extension of the Directed Search Domain algorithm for multi-objective optimization to higher dimensions
Authors: Yu Boxi , Utyuzhnikov Sergey
Published: June 2024

This paper addresses the problem of generating an evenly distributed set of Pareto solutions. It appears in real-life applications related to multi-objective optimization when it is important to represent the entire Pareto front with a minimal cost. There exist only a few algorithms which are able to tackle this problem in a general formulation. The Directed Search Domain (DSD) algorithm has proved to be efficient and quite universal. It has successfully been applied to different challengeable test cases. In this paper for the first time the DSD approach is systematically extended and applied to problems with higher dimensions. The modified algorithm does not have any formal limitation on the number of objective functions that is important for practical applications. The efficacy of the algorithm is demonstrated on a number of test cases.
‘Emancipation’ in Digital Nomadism vs in the Nation-State: A Comparative Analysis of Idealtypes
Authors: Wang Blair , Schlagwein Daniel , Cecez-Kecmanovic Dubravka , Cahalane Michael C.
Published: June 2024

Academic and public debate is continuing about whether digital nomadism, a new Internet-enabled phenomenon in which digital workers adopt a neo-nomadic global lifestyle, represents ‘real’ emancipation for knowledge workers—or if it is, instead, the opposite. Based on a field study of digital nomadism, and accepting a pluralist approach to emancipation, we analyse the ‘emancipatory project(s)’ that digital nomads engage in. This analysis, following Weberian idealtypes, employs a tripartite structure: unsatisfactory conditions (what people want to overcome); emancipatory means (actions taken); and emancipatory ends (desired outcomes). We critically compare digital nomadism to the traditional descriptions of emancipatory projects in nation-state contexts, as found in prior literature, using the same analytical framework. Juxtaposing these idealtypes, we discuss similarities and differences and analyse their inherent assumptions, logics and ethical stances. We conclude that digital nomadism generates an emancipation that is very much ‘real’ for digital nomads, whose experience cannot be disregarded, but with a ‘postmodern’ ethos that is at odds with modernity and its ethos originating from the Enlightenment.
Commercially Sexually Exploited Adolescent Girls: The Association Between Externalizing Disorders and Parental Incarceration with Suicide Attempts
Authors: Schiff Sara J. , Meza Jocelyn , Bath Eraka , Lee Steve S.
Published: June 2024

Commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) is a significant public health concern disproportionately affecting ethnoracially minoritized girls. Despite strong associations of CSE with suicide attempts, little is known about correlates of suicide among girls with CSE histories. Elevated rates of externalizing disorders (i.e., attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD], disruptive behavior disorders [DBD], conduct disorder [CD]) were observed among CSE youth, particularly in ethnoracially minoritized samples. Youth with CSE histories are frequently affected by parental incarceration, which is correlated with risk for suicide attempts. We tested cross-sectional simultaneous associations of externalizing disorders and parental incarceration with number of suicide attempts among 360 ethnoracially diverse girls affected by CSE (Mean age = 18.86). ADHD, DBD, and maternal incarceration were positively associated with number of suicide attempts. Findings implicate clinical/familial correlates of suicide attempts in this marginalized group, suggesting early suicide prevention efforts may improve traction on this problem by focusing on individual and family level factors.
Transitioning to proof via writing scripts on the rules of a new discourse﻿
Authors: Kontorovich Igor’ , Liu Nicole Qiusong , Kang Sun-woong
Published: June 2024

Coming from the commognitive standpoint, we consider proof-based mathematics as a distinct discourse, the transition to which requires special rules for endorsement and rejection of mathematical statements. In this study, we investigate newcomers’ learning of these rules when being taught them explicitly. Our data come from academically motivated high-school students who took a special course in undergraduate mathematics. The course teacher dedicated three academic hours to introducing and explaining selected rules of proof to support students’ shift to the new discourse. The homework assignment consisted of typical proof-requiring problems and a scriptwriting task, asking students to compose a dialogue between fictional characters about a proof-related mistake of their choice. We analyzed the differences and similarities between the rules discussed in the classroom and those that students addressed and implemented in their proofs. The analysis showed that while students’ solutions to proof-requiring problems required rule implementation, fictitious dialogues opened the space for rule formulation and substantiation. In many cases, the students discussed the rules presented in the classroom, extending, elaborating, and specifying the teacher’s formulations. Furthermore, while the students’ proofs were mainly consistent with the teacher’s expectations, some of their rule formulations were more radical and overgeneralized than expected. These findings suggest that newcomers’ communication about the rules of proof may lag behind their capability to implement those rules to prove mathematical statements.
Cohomology-developed matrices: constructing families of weighing matrices and automorphism actions
Authors: Goldberger Assaf , Dula Giora
Published: June 2024

The aim of this work is to construct families of weighing matrices via their automorphism group action. The matrices can be reconstructed from the 0, 1, 2-cohomology groups of the underlying automorphism group. We use this mechanism to (re)construct the matrices out of abstract group datum. As a consequence, some old and new families of weighing matrices are constructed. These include the Paley conference, the projective space, the Grassmannian, and the flag variety weighing matrices. We develop a general theory relying on low-dimensional group cohomology for constructing automorphism group actions and in turn obtain structured matrices that we call cohomology-developed matrices. This ‘cohomology development’ generalizes the cocyclic and group developments. The algebraic structure of modules of cohomology-developed matrices is discussed, and an orthogonality result is deduced. We also use this algebraic structure to define the notion of quasiproducts, which is a generalization of the Kronecker product.
The Timelessness of the Scar in the Borderline Personality Disorder BPD: A Systemic Intervention in a Case of Child Sexual Abuse
Authors: Dominguez Danilo , Pérez-Testor Carles , Casarramona Aina , Aznar-Martínez Berta
Published: June 2024

Chronic sexual abuse in childhood can be directly associated with the formation of personality disorders such as BPD, with the majority of this abuse occurring in the family context. The objective of this article is to reference the importance of clinical and psychotherapeutic intervention from a systemic approach, prioritizing the analysis of interpersonal relationships, behavioral patterns repeated during the patient’s history and the adaptation of family roles learned during childhood to adulthood, obtaining extremely positive results in terms of remission of symptoms and general recovery of the patient.