bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of femoral head size in metal-on-metal hip arthroplasty: analysis of a cohort of 3813 patients with long term follow-up
Authors: Ciatti Corrado , Andriollo Luca , Asti Chiara , Morsia Davide , Quattrini Fabrizio , Cosentino Monica , Bordini Barbara
Published: November 2024

Metal-on-metal (MoM) large headed arthroplasties were suggested to decrease failure rates by means of reduced volumetric wear and enhanced implant stability. However, they caused high rates of revisions due to adverse reaction to metal debris, osteolysis, pseudotumor growth, and other issues. The study aims to present the long-term outcomes of MoM arthroplasties on a large cohort of patients, evaluating the impact of head sizes on survival rate. All data were retrieved from the regional joint register (Registro dell’Implantologia Protesica Ortopedica, RIPO, Italy). We include in the study all patient who underwent cementless MoM total hip arthroplasties (THAs) between 2000 and 2020, dividing them in two subgroups according to head size (<36 mm, ≥36 mm). Failures were recorded up to December 31, 2020. Patients lost to follow-up were excluded. A total of 3813 THAs met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. The average follow-up period is 12.4 years (0–21 years). 178/1625 (or 11.0%) small head MoM THAs and 265/2188 large head ones failed by the end of follow up. Large diameter heads reported lower survival rate (p-value < 0.001), with unexpected higher dislocation rate (1.0 vs. 0.4%). Moreover, large head size was found to increases the risk of metallosis (p-value < 0.0001). Gender, patient’s age and the use of modular neck were not correlated with higher failure rates. MoM implants implants do not have the same reliability as other couplings, considering the significantly greater failure/complication rates. However, the knowledge of risks linked to head size is fundamental for establishing the right type of follow-up to the patient and recognize any complications early.
The “full rectangle” sign: a novel method for ultrasonographic diagnosis of fetal aberrant right subclavian artery
Authors: Piura Ettie , Engel Offra , Doctory Neta , Markovitch Ofer
Published: November 2024

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of a novel ultrasonographic screening method for an aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) using the novel “full rectangle” method.

Methods

This prospective study was conducted at a tertiary care center, September 2022 to February 2023. The study included unselected pregnant women at 14–38 weeks of gestation referred for routine or targeted anomaly scans. All participants underwent scanning by two experienced sonographers to ascertain the presence or absence of aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) using both conventional and novel “full rectangle sign” methods for validation purposes. This is a novel screening method for ARSA that demonstrates the retro-tracheal course at the level of the supra-aortic vessels, forming what we term the “full rectangle sign”.

Results

A cohort of 138 patients was enrolled. The "full rectangle" sign was discerned in 6 fetuses with ARSA (4.3%), while the typical three-sided figure of the right subclavian artery was demonstrated in the remaining 132 fetuses (95.7%). The novel method demonstrated 100% feasibility and complete concordance with the conventional method.

Conclusion

The study results indicate that the full rectangle sign serves as an effective and dependable screening tool for identifying ARSA. It offers the advantage of a clear, unobstructed view at a level unaffected by sternum shadowing and eliminates confusion with the azygous vein.
Relationship between bone union and degree of bone marrow fibrosis at resection margins of advanced mandibular ORN
Authors: Ohori Hiroaki , Iwata Eiji , Ichikawa Chihiro , Shigeoka Manabu , Tadokoro Yoshiaki , Takeda Daisuke , Kusumoto Junya , Hasegawa Takumi , Akashi Masaya
Published: November 2024

Background

The pathological evaluation of cancellous bone at resection margins of mandibular osteoradionecrosis (ORN) has not been well elucidated. Here, we developed a unique classification system for evaluating the degree of bone marrow fibrosis, one of most common pathological features, in patients with mandibular ORN, based on which we investigated its relationship with treatment outcome.

Methods

This study included 15 patients who underwent mandibulectomy and free fibula osteocutaneous flap reconstruction. The extent of mandibulectomy was determined, with safety margins of approximately 10 mm from the apparent osteolytic areas on preoperative computed tomography image. Special staining was performed on thin sections from center of the osteolytic areas (medial area) and bilateral resection margins, and the degree of bone marrow fibrosis was evaluated and investigated its relationship with presence of bone union as a treatment outcome.

Results

The degree of bone marrow fibrosis of medial area was significantly higher than those of resection margins. Although most resection margins had collagen fibers which indicate severe fibrosis, all transferred fibula flaps achieved bone union.

Conclusion

When mandibulectomy is performed with safety margins of approximately 10 mm from the apparent osteolytic areas, all transferred fibula flaps achieved bone union regardless of the degree of bone marrow fibrosis at resection margin. In other words, the association between severe bone marrow fibrosis at resection margins and treatment outcome was not seen.

Clinical Relevance

Setting safety margins of approximately 10 mm may achieve bone union, but further study is needed.
Optimization of trigonometric polynomials with crystallographic symmetry and spectral bounds for set avoiding graphs
Authors: Hubert Evelyne , Metzlaff Tobias , Moustrou Philippe , Riener Cordian
Published: November 2024

We provide a new approach to the optimization of trigonometric polynomials with crystallographic symmetry. This approach widens the bridge between trigonometric and polynomial optimization. The trigonometric polynomials considered are supported on weight lattices associated to crystallographic root systems and are assumed invariant under the associated reflection group. On one hand the invariance allows us to rewrite the objective function in terms of generalized Chebyshev polynomials of the generalized cosines; On the other hand the generalized cosines parameterize a compact basic semi algebraic set, this latter being given by an explicit polynomial matrix inequality. The initial problem thus boils down to a polynomial optimization problem that is straightforwardly written in terms of generalized Chebyshev polynomials. The minimum is to be computed by a converging sequence of lower bounds as given by a hierarchy of relaxations based on the Hol–Scherer Positivstellensatz and indexed by the weighted degree associated to the root system. This new method for trigonometric optimization was motivated by its application to estimate the spectral bound on the chromatic number of set avoiding graphs. We examine cases of the literature where the avoided set affords crystallographic symmetry. In some cases we obtain new analytic proofs for sharp bounds on the chromatic number while in others we compute new lower bounds numerically.
Architectural views for social robots in public spaces: business, system, and security strategies
Authors: Oruma Samson , Colomo-Palacios Ricardo , Gkioulos Vasileios
Published: November 2024

This study delineates a suite of architectural views and a security perspective tailored to guide the deployment and integration of Social Robots in Public Spaces (SRPS). It commences with a business context view that utilizes the customer-producer-supplier model, underscoring the value of SRPS to various stakeholders and illustrating how robots can enhance user experiences and drive economic benefits. The system context view details the intricate interactions among the social robot, stakeholders, public spaces, and external systems, highlighting essential considerations for successful deployment, from technical configurations to stakeholder engagement. The functional view elaborates on the operational dynamics of the robot within its environment, focusing on user interaction and data management capabilities. Additionally, the security perspective delves into security considerations vital for safeguarding the SRPS across various domains, including identity and access management, application and network security, and data privacy. The paper also contextualizes these views through a city ferry use case, demonstrating their practical application and reinforcing the importance of multifaceted planning and analysis in real-world settings. This approach provides a strategic framework views for developing SRPS that are viable, efficient, and secure, fostering successful adoption in diverse public environments.
Diastereomers of the Anticancer Peptide CIGB-300 with Altered β-Turn Structures
Authors: Moya Celia G. , Rodriguez Rafael , Perez Carlos S. , Garay Hilda , Wiesent Julian , Gröger Stefan , Masforrol Yordanka , Perera Yasser , Perea Silvio E. , Balbach Jochen
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The next-generation anti-tumor drug peptide CIGB-300, developed by the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), targets casein kinase 2 (CK2) and its substrates, implicating significant therapeutic potential in cancer treatment. A key focus of this study was to compare CIGB-300 and a primary synthetic byproduct, CIGB-300iso, which shares the amino acid sequence with CIGB-300 but was proposed to differ due to racemization.

Methods

This study explores the synthesis, characterization, and structural elucidation of CIGB-300 and its isomer CIGB-300iso by a comprehensive NMR analysis of seven synthesized diastereomers including amino acid residues C15, H21, and C25.

Results

This study revealed that CIGB-300iso contains one D enantiomer at position H21. The structures of both isoforms derived from NMR constraints disclosed that the L and D enantiomers have an altered peptide supersecondary structure, with a β-turn type IV3 found in CIGB-300 and a type I β-turn in CIGB-300iso.

Conclusion

The configuration of H21 significantly impacts the peptide’s conformations, sidechain orientations and, potentially, its biological activity. These findings highlight the importance of enantiomerically pure peptides for the design and synthesis of drug peptides.
On the dynamics of transporting rolling cylinders
Authors: Honein Theresa E. , O’Reilly Oliver M.
Published: November 2024

A common, yet hazardous, method of transporting cylindrical tanks used to carry compressed gas involves rolling both tanks at opposite angles of inclination to the vertical. By propelling one of the tanks while maintaining point contact between the tanks, both tanks can be moved such that their centers of mass move in a straight line. The purpose of this paper is to explore this locomotion mechanism. First, the problem of supporting an inclined cylinder in point contact with a rough surface is examined. The analysis shows that dependent on the geometry of the cylinder and the coefficient of static friction, a wide range of angles of inclination are feasible. The presence of non-integrable constraints on the motion of the rolling cylinder is explored using the concept of a holonomy. The problem of transporting two cylinders using the aforementioned mechanism is then analyzed with the help of Frobenius’ integrability criterion for constraints and numerical simulations. The results show the mechanical advantage of transporting a pair of cylinders, the range of possible angles of inclination, and the forces needed to sustain the motion.
Do Fans Make Poor Referees? Exploring Citizens’ Reactions to Partisan Gamesmanship
Authors: Claassen Ryan L. , Ensley Michael J. , Ryan John Barry
Published: November 2024

Political (as opposed to professional) election oversight is one area in which the U.S. scores extremely low in measures of election integrity. Meanwhile, rancorous political battles to determine acceptable election procedures and judge when tactics cross the line have become common events. Our work contributes to recent scholarship investigating whether voters prioritize democratic principles or strategically favor electoral procedures that provide partisan advantage. In two survey experiments, we confirm that Americans’ attitudes about antidemocratic election tactics reveal more about which team they are cheering for than they do about whether the tactics are fraudulent. The tendency to engage in partisan motivated reasoning occurs among all partisans, but there are subtle differences as to when citizens will engage in it. Partisan motivated reasoning is more common when actions cause harm and by the partisans that are harmed. Finally, Independents are more impartial, but less likely to call out improper tactics in the aggregate because they often fail to condemn actions by either party.
The contribution of informal green space to urban biodiversity: a city-scale assessment using crowdsourced survey data
Authors: Stanford Hugh R. , Hurley Joe , Garrard Georgia E. , Kirk Holly
Published: November 2024

Cities are crucial for supporting biodiversity and are likely to play an important role in helping respond to the global biodiversity crisis. Understanding how plants and animals utilize various urban spaces is essential for designing cities that accommodate both human and ecological needs. Informal green spaces (IGS) have been historically overlooked in green space research and planning. However, there is growing interest in the potential benefit of IGS in supporting urban biodiversity. This study builds on previous research by examining the contribution of IGS to biodiversity at the metropolitan scale. We do this by mapping IGS across the entire urban landscape of Greater Melbourne, Australia, using crowdsourced ecological survey data to assess the role of IGS in supporting native bird and plant species richness. Our findings indicate that IGS contribute to urban species richness and can do so to a similar extent as formal green spaces. We found that utility easements and brownfield sites were particularly important types of IGS for supporting species richness. While formal green spaces like parks remain vital for urban biodiversity, IGS should be considered an integral part of urban greenspace networks. These findings underscore the need to more actively consider IGS in urban green space decision making in order to achieve positive urban biodiversity outcomes.
An Attempt to Predict Transparent Armor Ballistic Performance through Quasi-Static Punch Shear Test
Authors: Bautista Villamil A.A. , Maranon A. , Casas-Rodriguez J.P. , Benitez T. , Pavolini E.
Published: November 2024

Background

Transparent armor systems are traditionally designed following a trial-and-error approach, which involves high development costs associated with ballistic testing. This research article presents a novel methodology, termed quasi-static multi-punch shear testing, within the domain of transparent armor systems.

Objective

The primary aim is to establish a correlation between multi-hit ballistic tests at Level III-A according to the NIJ 0108.01 standard, achieved through an adaptation of the single-shot ballistic limit methodology, and the quasi-static multi-punch shear testing. The objective is to utilize a simple experimental methodology that provides insights into the multi-hit ballistic behavior of transparent armors.

Methods

Parameters such as absorbed energy and observed damage mechanisms were utilized to assess the potential relationship between these tests. Transparent armor samples that underwent testing using the quasi-static multi-punch shear test were subsequently cross-sectioned using a water jet cutting machine to facilitate visualization of material damage. In addition, drawing on insights from quasi-static multi-punch shear testing results, the K-means clustering algorithm was employed to predict the likelihood of a specific transparent armor system passing a multi-hit ballistic test.

Results

Various damage mechanisms were observed as a function of the punch displacement, and correlations were made with the load–displacement curves. Furthermore, the implementation of the K-means clustering algorithm successfully classified transparent armor into two groups: those that passed the ballistic test and those that did not.

Conclusions

This research significantly advances understanding of transparent armor system behavior under multi-hit conditions and offers a promising predictive tool for evaluating their performance through straightforward and cost-effective experimentation.
The COVID-19 legacy: consequences for the human DNA methylome and therapeutic perspectives
Authors: Gaetano Carlo , Atlante Sandra , Gottardi Zamperla Michela , Barbi Veronica , Gentilini Davide , Illi Barbara , Malavolta Marco , Martelli Fabio , Farsetti Antonella
Published: November 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has left a lasting legacy on human health, extending beyond the acute phase of infection. This article explores the evidence suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 infection can induce persistent epigenetic modifications, particularly in DNA methylation patterns, with potential long-term consequences for individuals’ health and aging trajectories. The review discusses the potential of DNA methylation-based biomarkers, such as epigenetic clocks, to identify individuals at risk for accelerated aging and tailor personalized interventions. Integrating epigenetic clock analysis into clinical management could mark a new era of personalized treatment for COVID-19, possibly helping clinicians to understand patient susceptibility to severe outcomes and establish preventive strategies. Several valuable reviews address the role of epigenetics in infectious diseases, including the Sars-CoV-2 infection. However, this article provides an original overview of the current understanding of the epigenetic dimensions of COVID-19, offering insights into the long-term health implications of the pandemic. While acknowledging the limitations of current data, we emphasize the need for future research to unravel the precise mechanisms underlying COVID-19-induced epigenetic changes and to explore potential approaches to target these modifications.

Graphical Abstract: Impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the epigenetic landscape and individual response

Following SARS-CoV-2 infection, individuals may develop either a normal immune response or an aberrant one, such as a cytokine storm. Both scenarios can result in long-lasting consequences, known as “long COVID.” This condition can reshape the epigenetic landscape by altering DNA methylation patterns, contributing to the “epigenetic drift.” This drift, further influenced by various factors, can lead to changes in gene expression, immune functionality, and disease susceptibility. One significant consequence of the epigenetic drift is the acceleration of biological aging, which can profoundly impact personalized medical interventions. Created with BioRender.com.
Diminutivization and expressive lateralization in Tiania
Authors: Hyman Larry M. , Mbûûi Mwaambi G.
Published: November 2024

In this paper we provide a descriptive account of the interacting morphological, phonological, and lexical factors determining how diminutives are marked in Tiania [etianíá], an understudied variant of the Central Kenya Bantu language Kimeru. As in other languages, diminutivization in Tiania can indicate a decrease in size or quantity or express positive endearment or negative scorn, depending on the noun and the context. We will show that diminutivization is effected by transferring nouns into singular noun class 12 and plural class 13, as in other Bantu languages, but with two interesting variations: First, depending on the lexical class of the input noun, the diminutive prefixes will either replace or precede the noun’s prefix. In the latter case, the diminutive plural prefix may be added to either the singular or plural form of the base noun, again depending on the latter’s noun class. The second interesting variation is that the majority of nouns which have an /r/ in their stem or prefix replace such /r/’s by [l], something we refer to as “expressive lateralization”, e.g. e-rinyá ‘pit, cave (class 5)’ → ka-linyá ‘a small pit (class 12)’, ri-étwa˚ ‘name (class 5)’ → ka-li-étwa˚ ‘a sweet name’. To study the first variation, we systematically survey the diminutivization of nouns from all noun classes, singular and plural. To study the second variation, we track every one of 330 nouns with /r/ with respect to lateralization. In attempting to explain why such lateralization should occur, we consider augmentative and depreciative noun to noun derivations which also undergo /r/ → [l] as well as other derived word classes, e.g. adjectives, which sometimes undergo expressive lateralization, depending on whether they are denominal or deverbal (verbs never show such effects). Being that this is the only reported case we know of expressive lateralization, Tiania is both of typological interest as well as a mystery within Bantu and beyond.
Female, Deserving, and European? The Changing EUropean Migration Discourse in the Face of the Russia–Ukraine War
Authors: Dück Elena , Weisner Zina , Thevenin Elodie
Published: November 2024

The initial response of the European Union (EU) to people fleeing Ukraine was unusually univocal and welcoming, culminating in the swift activation of the Temporary Protection Directive. This predominantly humanitarian response represents a special case and an outlier in terms of how the EU and its member states have responded to previous displacements. This paper explores the discursive construction that made this response possible, by looking at how forced migration from Ukraine has been characterised in the EUropean political discourses. Drawing on discourse theory and critical migration studies, we assume that the discourse is marked by differences drawn along the lines of “race,” “gender,” and “distance,” which are linked to ideas about national identity and European values. In order to reflect the multilevel European discourse, we reconstruct the political discourse on the EU level as well as in two diverse cases, Poland and Germany. Our findings suggest that despite national differences and the presence of well-established tropes of deservingness, the EUropean discourse is not only based on ideas surrounding vulnerability of the Ukrainian Other and the European Self but is also influenced by the perception of the threatening Russian Other. Especially in Poland, welcoming refugees from Ukraine is linked to security concerns, while the EU and German discourses stress the role of European values and solidarity. Thus, the acceptance of Ukrainian refugees should be seen as part of the overall European response to Russian aggression and not as a departure from its previous stance on migration.
Research trends and hotspots of radioiodine-refractory thyroid cancer treatment in the twenty-first century: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Xue Yuhang , Zhang Yuzhe , Ding Xintao , Wu Xinyu , Li Bo , Zhang Ye , Gao Yongju
Published: November 2024

The treatment of radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RAIR-DTC) has made significant advancements in the twenty-first century. This study aimed to assess the current state of research and identify potential new directions by conducting a bibliometric analysis of scientific publications on RAIR-DTC treatment. Publications relevant to RAIR-DTC, published from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2023, were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. Bibliometric analyses of major keywords, authors, countries, institutions, publications, and journals were conducted using CiteSpace and VOSviewer. A total of 859 papers were included in the analysis. The results demonstrated a rising trend in the number of publications over time. The United States was identified as the leading contributor in terms of publication output, citations, and international collaborations. Gustave Roussy emerged as the top organization in publication productivity, while the journal Thyroid had the highest number of related publications. The research on RAIR treatment was categorized into three key hotspots: clinical trials of targeted therapies, novel therapeutic strategies, and debates surrounding the RAIR-DTC management. RAIR-DTC research is expanding from the clinical trial phase of tyrosine kinase inhibitor monotherapy to a more complex combination therapy strategy, in particular, the synergistic effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors and other therapeutic agents, requiring more high-quality prospective studies to validate the clinical benefits. Moreover, the timely identification of RAIR-DTC patients holds the potential to enable early disease intervention, constituting a pivotal novel research direction in the future.
Comprehensive newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency, X-linked agammaglobulinemia, and spinal muscular atrophy: the Chinese experience
Authors: Chen Chi , Zhang Chao , Wu Ding-Wen , Wang Bing-Yi , Xiao Rui , Huang Xiao-Lei , Yang Xin , Gao Zhi-Gang , Yang Ru-Lai
Published: November 2024

Background

Newborn screening (NBS) for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA), and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) enables early diagnosis and intervention, significantly improving patient outcomes. Advances in real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology have been instrumental in facilitating their inclusion in NBS programs.

Methods

We employed multiplex real-time PCR to simultaneously detect T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs), kappa-deleting recombination excision circles (KRECs), and the absence of the survival motor neuron (SMN) 1 gene in dried blood spots from 103,240 newborns in Zhejiang Province, China, between July 2021 and December 2022.

Results

Of all the samples, 122 were requested further evaluation. After flow cytometry evaluation and/or genetic diagnostics, we identified one patient with SCID, two patients with XLA, nine patients with SMA [one of whom also had Wiskott–Aldrich Syndrome (WAS)], and eight patients with other medical conditions. The positive predictive values (PPVs) of NBS for SCID, XLA, and SMA were 2.44%, 2.78%, and 100%, respectively. The estimated prevalence rates in the Chinese population were 1 in 103,240 for SCID, 1 in 51,620 for XLA, and 1 in 11,471 for SMA.

Conclusion

This study represents the first large-scale screening in mainland China using a TREC/KREC/SMN1 multiplex assay, providing valuable epidemiological data. Our findings suggest that this multiplex assay is an effective screening method for SCID, XLA, and SMA, potentially supporting the universal implementation of NBS programs across China.

Graphical abstract
Diatoms: harnessing nature’s microscopic marvels for biosensing and multifaceted applications
Authors: Bhat Krupa , Ajees Maryam Abdul , Kumar Pawas , Vibha  , Bhat Vyasraj G. , Nayak Roopa , Mazumder Nirmal
Published: November 2024

This article discusses the use of diatom in biosensing and various applications. A thorough understanding of the biosensing properties of diatoms is essential for the advancement of life sciences technologies. This review elucidates the emerging significance of diatoms in biosensing applications by highlighting the high surface area-to-volume ratio, biocompatibility, and facile functionalization of them. We examined the possible application of diatoms as flexible biosensing systems for the detection of various analytes, such as biological molecules, heavy metals, and poisons, by considering the findings of earlier research. Additionally, to show how diatoms can be used to create precise and sensitive biosensors, by integrating with several transduction modalities, including optical, electrochemical, and piezoelectric methods. We also delve into the potential applications of diatom-based biosensing in the future as well as pertinent topics such as repeatability, stability, and scalability. This provides an in-depth analysis of the quickly evolving field of diatom-based biosensing, which could affect several industries, such as environmental monitoring, food security and medical diagnostics.
Iterates of composition operators on global spaces of ultradifferentiable functions
Authors: Ariza Héctor , Fernández Carmen , Galbis Antonio
Published: November 2024

We analyze the behaviour of the iterates of composition operators defined by polynomials acting on global classes of ultradifferentiable functions of Beurling type and being invariant under Fourier transform. We characterize the polynomials

$$\psi $$

ψ

for which the sequence of iterates is equicontinuous between two different Gelfand–Shilov spaces. For the particular case in which the weight

$$\omega $$

ω

is equivalent to a power of the logarithm, the result obtained characterizes the polynomials

$$\psi $$

ψ

for which the composition operator

$$C_\psi $$

C
ψ

is power bounded in

$${{\mathcal {S}}}_\omega ({{\mathbb {R}}}).$$

S
ω

(
R
)

.

Unlike the composition operators in the Schwartz class, the Waelbroek spectrum of an operator

$$C_\psi $$

C
ψ

,

$$\psi $$

ψ

being a polynomial of degree greater than one lacking fixed points is never compact. We focus on the problem of the convergence of Neumann series. We deduce the continuity of the resolvent operator between two different Gelfand–Shilov classes for polynomials

$$\psi $$

ψ

lacking fixed points. Concerning polynomials of second degree the most interesting case is the one in which the polynomial only has one fixed point: we provide some restrictions on the indices

$$d, d'$$

d
,

d
′

that are necessary for the resolvent operator to be continuous between the Gelfand–Shilov classes

$$\Sigma _d$$

Σ
d

and

$$\Sigma _{d'}.$$

Σ

d
′

.
Het regionale nierkanker-MDO: nuttig of niet?
Authors: Reichert Marjolein J. E. , Verhagen Paul C. M. S. , Yska Marit J. , van den Berg Ilse R.
Published: November 2024

Samenvatting

Nierkanker kent een stijgende incidentie. Vanuit de vier deelnemende ziekenhuizen in de regio Rotterdam worden patiënten met (een verdenking op) een niertumor besproken op het multidisciplinaire overleg (MDO) nierkanker. In dit onderzoek hebben we de waarde van dit MDO geëvalueerd. In 2020 werden er tijdens dit MDO 252 patiënten vanuit de afdeling urologie besproken. Inbreng leidde bij 12% tot een ander beleid dan aanvankelijk was voorgesteld. De belangrijkste reden voor het wijzigen van het beleid was twijfel over de aard van de afwijking. Het MDO-advies werd bij 95% van de patiënten opgevolgd. De voornaamste redenen om van het advies af te wijken waren de comorbiditeit of de wensen van de patiënt. Bij 11% van de behandelde patiënten bleek het uiteindelijk om een benigne afwijking te gaan. Het regionale nierkanker-MDO heeft een belangrijke invloed op de keuze voor een van de beleidsopties bij patiënten met (de verdenking op) nierkanker.
Synthesis of alumina/ferric oxide nanofibers and application to catalysts for ethanol dehydration reaction by adding palladium oxide
Authors: Masamura Shogo , Hossain Md. Shakhawat , Nakane Koji
Published: November 2024

Alumina/ferric oxide (Al₂O₃/Fe₂O₃) composite nanofibers were fabricated via electrospinning followed by heat treatment. Structural characterization revealed mesoporous morphology with high porosity and surface area and uniform dispersion of catalytically active Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles. Catalytic evaluation for ethanol dehydration demonstrated superior performance for nanofibers containing 5 wt% Fe₂O₃, attributed to their unique structural features. Further enhancement was achieved by incorporating palladium oxide (PdO), resulting in improved catalytic activity, particularly in ethylene productivity. Surface acid properties were altered with PdO addition, suggesting a role of Lewis acid sites in augmenting catalytic performance. The developed PdO/Al₂O₃/Fe₂O₃ nanofibers exhibit stable performance over multiple cycles, offering promising prospects for efficient ethanol dehydration catalysts.
The influence of modification of the geometry of the front surface of the RFSSW tool inner sleeve on the fatigue life of joints during joining clad sheets made of aluminum alloy 2024-T3
Authors: Łogin Waldemar , Śliwa Romana Ewa , Ziaja Waldemar , Ostrowski Robert
Published: November 2024

Refill Friction Stir Spot Welding (RFSSW) has a number of advantages that make it a possible alternative to riveting and resistance welding in aerospace structures, the automotive industry and other applications. Adequate determination of technological parameters which ensure the desired properties of welds and their functioning in various operating conditions requires, among others, appropriate fatigue life of connections. The article presents the results of comparative tests of the mechanical properties of welds (load-bearing capacity and fatigue life at selected three load levels) made with a basic tool (G0) and a tool with a modified geometry (G4). The samples were made of 1.27 mm thick clad sheets of 2024-T3 aluminum alloy with an additional oxide anodic coating. It has been shown that the modified geometry of the working surface of the inner sleeve of the RFSSW tool improves the conditions and course of the plasticization and stirring process of the joined materials. The use of a G4 geometry tool allowed for approximately 30% higher joint load-bearing capacity and approximately twice as long fatigue life (at lower load levels) compared to welds made with the G0 tool.
Data fusion of sparse, heterogeneous, and mobile sensor devices using adaptive distance attention
Authors: Lepioufle Jean-Marie , Schneider Philipp , Hamer Paul David , Ødegård Rune Åvar , Vallejo Islen , Cao Tuan Vu , Taherkordi Amir , Wojcikowski Marek
Published: November 2024

In environmental science, where information from sensor devices are sparse, data fusion for mapping purposes is often based on geostatistical approaches. We propose a methodology called adaptive distance attention that enables us to fuse sparse, heterogeneous, and mobile sensor devices and predict values at locations with no previous measurement. The approach allows for automatically weighting the measurements according to a priori quality information about the sensor device without using complex and resource-demanding data assimilation techniques. Both ordinary kriging and the general regression neural network (GRNN) are integrated into this attention with their learnable parameters based on deep learning architectures. We evaluate this method using three static phenomena with different complexities: a case related to a simplistic phenomenon, topography over an area of 196

$ {km}^2 $

and to the annual hourly

$ {NO}_2 $

concentration in 2019 over the Oslo metropolitan region (1026

$ {km}^2 $

). We simulate networks of 100 synthetic sensor devices with six characteristics related to measurement quality and measurement spatial resolution. Generally, outcomes are promising: we significantly improve the metrics from baseline geostatistical models. Besides, distance attention using the Nadaraya–Watson kernel provides as good metrics as the attention based on the kriging system enabling the possibility to alleviate the processing cost for fusion of sparse data. The encouraging results motivate us in keeping adapting distance attention to space-time phenomena evolving in complex and isolated areas.
Regimes of stratified turbulence at low Prandtl number
Authors: Shah Kasturi , Chini Gregory P. , Caulfield Colm-cille P. , Garaud Pascale
Published: November 2024

Quantifying transport by strongly stratified turbulence in low Prandtl number (

$Pr$

) fluids is critically important for the development of better models for the structure and evolution of stellar and planetary interiors. Motivated by recent numerical simulations showing strongly anisotropic flows suggestive of a scale-separated dynamics, we perform a multiscale asymptotic analysis of the governing equations. We find that, in all cases, the resulting slow–fast systems take a quasilinear form. Our analysis also reveals the existence of several distinct dynamical regimes depending on the emergent buoyancy Reynolds and Péclet numbers,

$Re_b = \alpha ^2 Re$

and

$Pe_b = Pr Re_b$

, respectively, where

$\alpha$

is the aspect ratio of the large-scale turbulent flow structures, and

$Re$

is the outer-scale Reynolds number. Scaling relationships relating the aspect ratio, the characteristic vertical velocity and the strength of the stratification (measured by the Froude number

$Fr$

) naturally emerge from the analysis. When

$Pe_b \ll \alpha$

, the dynamics at all scales is dominated by buoyancy diffusion, and our results recover the scaling laws empirically obtained from direct numerical simulations by Cope et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 903, 2020, A1). For

$Pe_b \ge O(1)$

, diffusion is negligible (or at least subdominant) at all scales and our results are consistent with those of Chini et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 933, 2022) for strongly stratified geophysical turbulence at

$Pr =O(1)$

. Finally, we have identified a new regime for

$\alpha \ll Pe_b \ll 1$

, in which slow, large scales are diffusive while fast, small scales are not. We conclude by presenting a map of parameter space that clearly indicates the transitions between isotropic turbulence, non-diffusive stratified turbulence, diffusive stratified turbulence and viscously dominated flows, and by proposing parameterisations of the buoyancy flux, mixing efficiency and turbulent diffusion coefficient for each regime.
A mathematical model for wind-generated particle–fluid flow fields with an application to the helicopter cloud problem
Authors: Needham D.J. , Langdon S.
Published: November 2024

We develop a model for the interaction of a fluid flowing above an otherwise static particle bed, with generally the particles being entrained or detrained into the fluid from the upper surface of the particle bed, and thereby forming a fully two phase fluidized cloud above the particle bed. The flow in this large-scale fluidized region is treated as a two-phase flow, whilst the key processes of entrainment and detrainment from the particle bed are treated by examining the local dynamical force balances on the particles in a thin transition layer at the interface between the fully fluidized region and the static particle bed. This detailed consideration leads to the formation of an additional macroscopic boundary condition at this interface, which closes the two-phase flow problem in the bulk fluidized region above. We then introduce an elementary model of the well-known helicopter brownout problem, and use the theory developed in the first part of the paper to fully analyse this model, both analytically and numerically.
Dating the Egyptian Old Kingdom: The reign of Djedkare (5th dynasty)
Authors: Quiles Anita , Vymazalová Hana , Bárta Miroslav , Megahed Mohamed
Published: November 2024

This study aims to discuss the chronology of the Egyptian 5th dynasty of the Old Kingdom and the tentative date of accession of king Djedkare based on material from his royal necropolis at South Saqqara and non-royal cemetery of Abusir South, Egypt. A series of radiocarbon (14C) dates were established through analysis of archaeological material from several monuments at the necropolis, including the king’s pyramid complex, pyramid complex of his queen, and two elite tombs (Isesiankh and Khuwy). In addition, two samples from non-royal tombs in the Abusir South cemetery, were taken into consideration for further precision during the modeling, associated with king Huni (end 3rd dynasty) and king Niuserre (5th dynasty). The contextualized 14C dates together with re-evaluation of historical evidence on Djedkare’s rule, results in a new model of temporal probability density which can be further refined with any new data from archaeological research. It shows that Djedkare’s reign can be currently modelled between 2503 and 2449 BCE (95.4%), thus slightly older than expected by literature. This presented model provides a more precise chronological frame for the late 5th dynasty period of Egyptian history, which was period of a significant socio-economic transformation.
Late Glacial and Holocene history of climate, vegetation landscapes and fires in South Taiga of Western Siberia based on radiocarbon dating and multi-proxy palaeoecological research of sediments from Shchuchye Lake
Authors: Blyakharchuk Tatiana A , van Hardenbroek Maarten , Pupysheva Maria A , Kirpotin Sergey N , Blyakharchuk Pavel A
Published: November 2024

To investigate long-term relationships between climate, vegetation, landscape geochemistry and fires in the boreal forest zone of Western Siberia, a sediment core of 345 cm was collected from Shchuchye Lake (located in south taiga zone of southeast part of West Siberian plain) and investigated by spore-pollen, radiocarbon, LOI and charcoal analyses. Quantitative palaeoclimate was reconstructed based on pollen data. Investigation revealed 13.2 cal ka history of vegetation, climate, landscapes and fires. In the dry climate of Late Glacial, the landscape was treeless. Continuous permafrost existed in the soil. In the middle of the YD cooling 12.4–12.2 cal ka BP, our data showed warming that caused degradation of permafrost in soils and settlement of spruce in moist places. Later, thawing and accumulation of moisture in a local lowering in relief increased and a lake was formed. With the beginning of the Holocene, the climate sharply changed to warmer and wetter. Intensified surface flow caused accumulation of mineral and carbonate fraction in the lake. Dense birch forests spread on drylands. As a result, the leaching regime initiated the formation of podzols in the soil. At about 10.0 cal ka BP, Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) quickly spread in the area of investigation. Fires became more frequent and more intense during the dry Late Glacial time, sharply decreasing with increased precipitation in the Early Holocene, and again moderately increasing with spread of pine forests in the mid Holocene. With the transition to Late Holocene (after 6.0 cal ka BP), the intensity of regional background fires and number of local fires decreased.
Archaeology on the edge: radiocarbon chronologies for Aboriginal cliff-top sites of the Murray River, South Australia
Authors: Westell Craig , Roberts Amy , Fairhead Marc ,   The River Murray and Mallee Aboriginal Corporation
Published: November 2024

This paper presents new radiocarbon dates for two Aboriginal archaeological complexes situated on the cliff-lines of the Murray River in South Australia (SA); at Pooginook Flat and Tanamee. These dates represent the first age estimates for archaeological sites within the Upper Gorge section of the Murray River. The dates ranged from ca. 11 cal ka to the Late Holocene. The research supports previous evidence which has indicated that sites located along the Murray cliffs preserve much of the oldest evidence of Aboriginal peopling along the Murray River corridor in SA. The new dates also allow us to contribute to discussions concerning broader chronological trends in Aboriginal lifeways within the Murray-Darling Basin (MDB). Specifically, the new ages add some insight into the nature and timing of early Aboriginal occupation along the Murray River corridor in SA and further evidence that the LGM acted as a significant inhibitive factor for intensive occupation of this riverscape. The conservation of these significant and informative cliff-top sites remains precarious, however, and there is an imperative to continue to record and sample the extant sites.
Structural Confusion in the Cantigas de Santa Maria: Navigating Unstable Narratives in the Miracles of Castrojeriz
Authors: DRUMMOND HENRY T.
Published: November 2024

This article addresses links between musical-poetic structure and architecture in four songs of the Cantigas de Santa Maria. Made at Alfonso X of Castile’s court in the latter years of his reign (1252–84), the Cantigas present a unique case of miracle narratives (cantigas de miragre) set to song. As Parkinson has shown, the four songs in the Castrojeriz set present technical faults that hinder effective comprehension of their miracle texts. This article shows that the songs’ cyclical structures can aid textual logic by aligning narrative highlights with points of sonic focus in the poetry and music. Tension between textual and musical-poetic form often mirrors the songs’ narratives, which concern difficulties during the construction of Castrojeriz’s church. This article argues that such tensions can be read as a text-as-building metaphor, also alluded to in the songs as they appear in surviving manuscripts.
Soil available phosphorous and potassium stocks related to environmental properties, land uses and soils
Authors: Dumitru Sorina , Paltineanu Cristian , Vizitiu Olga , Domnariu Horia
Published: November 2024

Soil available phosphorus (SAP) and potassium (SAK) are indispensable for crops, and their stocks are important for food production needed for a growing global population. This study analysed 991 soil profiles across a large part of Romania covering forestland, grassland and cropland in almost all ecological regions. This study investigated SAP and SAK stocks for different soil depths and characterized their magnitude and variability within land uses under different environmental ecosystems, soil classes and soil types, for a better soil and land management under a temperate-continental climate. Cropland soils present the highest SAP and SAK stocks. Chernozems, Phaeozems and Vertosols possess the highest SAP and SAK stocks in Romania, representing the largest country's pool. Both SAP stocks and SAK stocks are significantly correlated with basic environmental properties, existing direct correlations between SAP, SAK, soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) stocks. For all land uses, SAP and SAK stocks correlated significantly and directly with each other, as well as with annual temperature, clay content, pH and sum of base cations, and inversely with altitude, slope and annual precipitation. The best predictive values using multiple regression models and basic environmental driving factors were found for forestland stocks of SAP and SAK, followed by grassland stocks, while the lowest prediction occurred for cropland stocks, probably due to the long-term additional nutrient input performed by farmers in cropland that changed the natural conditions otherwise present in grassland, and especially in forestland. Based on these results some management measures are discussed.
Colonial Recognition? The Appropriation of Dutch Land and Population Registers as Legal Documents in Eighteenth-Century Sri Lanka
Authors: Bulten Luc
Published: November 2024

This paper considers the utilisation, appropriation, and renegotiation of colonial knowledge in the form of land and population registers by local litigants in eighteenth-century Dutch colonial Sri Lanka. Using a database compiled from thirty-three civil court cases held before the Landraad rural council of Colombo, I highlight how Lankan litigants frequently used the colonial thombo registers as evidence to have their property recognised. Moreover, I show that these registers were not just utilised but also altered through this process, particularly through the promotion of alternative knowledge in the form of local witness testimonies and ola palm leaf documents during court cases. I subsequently argue that we should reconsider how we view colonial knowledge. Rather than a static, top-down view from a foreign bureaucracy on a colonised society, this knowledge could be appropriated and even altered through the acts of local agents, in turn changing what was known by the colonial state and thus creating a “looping effect” of knowledge production.