bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of wide stopband lowpass filter using transformed radial stub based on substrate integrated suspended line technology
Authors: Zhang Huan , Ma Kaixue , Fu Haipeng , Yan Ningning
Published: October 2020

A novel planar elliptic function lowpass filter (LPF) based on substrate integrated suspended line technology is developed and investigated. Transformed radial stub, stepped‐impedance resonators, and open stubs are cascaded to obtain sharp roll‐off and wide stopband. The proposed LPF produces six transmission zeros in the stopband, and the mechanism of the transmission zeros is studied. Both the simulation and measurement are conducted to verify the performance of the proposed filter, and good agreement between the simulated and measured results is observed. The filter shows attractive characteristics such as low insertion loss<0.6 dB, high return loss of 20 dB, wide stopband from 3.85 to 24 GHz with −20 dB attenuation level and a small area of 0.20 λg × 0.14 λg, where λg is the waveguide length at the cutoff frequency.
Efficiently improving solid tumor therapy through shrinking the extracellular matrix and promoting drug transport in tumor tissue via simple and known functional materials
Authors: Kong Fei , Tian Dawei , Zhou Jin , Yue Danyang , Bai Yuying , Yu Zhaojiang , Duan Jiayi , Wang Guixue , Pan Jun
Published: October 2020

An effective chemotherapy through promoting drug transport in solid tumor is our concern here to avoid surgery and its side effects to our bodies. A drug delivery system, TXT‐MNT‐hydrogel, is constructed using temperature sensitive hydrogel nanoparticles and hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (HP‐β‐CD) to co‐deliver mannitol (MNT) and taxotere (TXT). TXT‐MNT‐hydrogel realizes weight inhibition in mice subcutaneous breast tumor for more 94% and 58% than TXT and a clinical used liposomes paclitaxel (Lipusu), and for more 91.4% and 85% than TXT‐MNT and TXT‐hydrogel as well. The mechanism is disclosed as (1) controlled taxotere and mannitol release from hydrogel nanoparticles and hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin; (2) MNT shrinks the extracellular matrix of tumor tissue, and enhances the transport and bioavailability of drug in vivo for up to 2.7‐fold versus no MNT in tumor surface, and from none to 0.5–2.5‐fold versus the tumor surface of no MNT in the middle of tumor tissue in 12 hours, which results severer apoptosis in interior tumor cells than all the counterparts. This study certifies in vivo that the simple and published materials of MNT, TXT, HP‐β‐CD, and hydrogel in combination functionally augment solid tumor therapy, which provides a reference to construct more efficient drug delivery systems.
Magnetic resonance elastography for estimating in vivo stiffness of the abdominal aorta using cardiac‐gated spin‐echo echo‐planar imaging: a feasibility study
Authors: Dong Huiming , Jin Ning , Kannengiesser Stephan , Raterman Brian , White Richard D. , Kolipaka Arunark
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE)‐derived aortic stiffness is a potential biomarker for multiple cardiovascular diseases. Currently, gradient‐recalled echo (GRE) MRE is a widely accepted technique to estimate aortic stiffness. However, multi‐slice GRE MRE requires multiple breath‐holds (BHs), which can be challenging for patients who cannot consistently hold their breath. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a multi‐slice spin‐echo echo‐planar imaging (SE‐EPI) MRE sequence for quantifying in vivo aortic stiffness using a free‐breathing (FB) protocol and a single‐BH protocol.

Method

On Scanner 1, 25 healthy subjects participated in the validation of FB SE‐EPI against FB GRE. On Scanner 2, another 15 healthy subjects were recruited to compare FB SE‐EPI with single‐BH SE‐EPI. Among all volunteers, five participants were studied on both scanners to investigate the inter‐scanner reproducibility of FB SE‐EPI aortic MRE. Bland‐Altman analysis, Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (LCCC) and coefficient of variation (COV) were evaluated. The phase‐difference signal‐to‐noise ratios (PD SNR) were compared.

Results

Aortic MRE using FB SE‐EPI and FB GRE yielded similar stiffnesses (paired t‐test, P = 0.19), with LCCC = 0.97. The FB SE‐EPI measurements were reproducible (intra‐scanner LCCC = 0.96) and highly repeatable (LCCC = 0.99). The FB SE‐EPI MRE was also reproducible across different scanners (inter‐scanner LCCC = 0.96). Single‐BH SE‐EPI scans yielded similar stiffness to FB SE‐EPI scans (LCCC = 0.99) and demonstrated a low COV of 2.67% across five repeated measurements.

Conclusion

Multi‐slice SE‐EPI aortic MRE using an FB protocol or a single‐BH protocol is reproducible and repeatable with advantage over multi‐slice FB GRE in reducing acquisition time. Additionally, FB SE‐EPI MRE provides a potential alternative to BH scans for patients who have challenges in holding their breath.
Antidepressant Medications and Weight Change: A Narrative Review
Authors: Gill Hartej , Gill Barjot , El‐Halabi Sabine , Chen‐Li David , Lipsitz Orly , Rosenblat Joshua Daniel , Van Rheenen Tamsyn E. , Rodrigues Nelson B. , Mansur Rodrigo B. , Majeed Amna , Lui Leanna M. W. , Nasri Flora , Lee Yena , Mcintyre Roger S.
Published: October 2020

Antidepressant medications are the first‐line treatment option for moderate to severe major depressive disorder. However, most antidepressants have numerous documented adverse events, including cardiometabolic effects and weight gain, which are major public health concerns. Antidepressant agents provide varying risk of associated weight gain, including significant within‐class differences. Some agents, such as mirtazapine, show significant levels of weight gain, while others, such as bupropion, demonstrate weight‐loss effects. Current findings suggest the role of histamine and serotonin off‐target appetite‐promoting pathways in adverse weight‐gain effects. Therefore, controlling for undesired weight effects is an important consideration for the selection of antidepressants.
Birmingham Water Works Board Exemplifies Partnership Success
Authors: Nabors April , Brewer Todd F.
Published: October 2020

The Partnership for Safe Water program celebrates a major milestone in 2020 with its 25th anniversary! The original program, launched in 1995, was dedicated to providing self‐assessment resources to help water utilities continuously improve and optimize treatment processes and water quality at their surface water treatment plants. The program's ultimate goal is to maximize public health protection.
“Digital” Water Utilities Rely on Data Analytics and Sharing
Authors: Stillman Jeff , Buxton Jeff , Chastain‐Howley Andrew , Strayer James
Published: October 2020

According to Black & Veatch's 2020 Strategic Directions: Water Report (https://bit.ly/2ZIvlNI), based on a survey of nearly 300 water industry stakeholders, more than three‐quarters of respondents reported they were collecting a lot of data, but just one‐fifth said they were leveraging data effectively for digital transformation. This implies that most utilities have a long way to go to unleash the true value of their data.
Tackle Taste and Odor With Proactive Water Quality Monitoring
Authors: Buerkens Frances , Smith Stephanie A. , Ford Greg , Adams Hunter
Published: October 2020

Microscopes can do only so much when it comes to monitoring raw water and managing potential hazards such as algal blooms. Technological advances are opening new frontiers in understanding cyanobacteria, leading to improved monitoring and forecasting at levels of efficiency and effectiveness unheard of until now.
Know the Basics of Water Fluoridation Additive Products
Authors: Duchon Kip
Published: October 2020

The practice of adding fluoride in drinking water treatment has spanned 75 years and improved public health. Adjusting fluoride content involves using one of three additive products.
Consider Insertion Valves to Prevent Service Disruptions
Authors: Sanchez John , Fuller Steve
Published: October 2020

Santa Clara, Calif., is a bustling municipality with a water infrastructure composed of all pipe types and valves of varying ages that reflect the city's growth. Because of its location in the heart of Silicon Valley, the city has to be thoughtful of how distribution system maintenance affects customers, particularly those in the technology sector.
Biocompatible and fluorescent polycaprolactone/silk electrospun nanofiber yarns loaded with carbon quantum dots for biotextiles
Authors: Cotrim Monique , Oréfice Rodrigo
Published: October 2020

Carbon quantum dots (CDs) are attractive nanoparticles for several applications, due to inherent properties such as excitation dependent photoluminescence emission and chemical stability. In the present work, we synthesized CDs from silk (Bombyx Mori) by a microwave‐assisted method. The resultant spherical nanoparticles with high fluorescence under UV light were incorporated into PCL/silk matrix and electrospun into continuous nanofiber yarns (NF‐Ys) by a one‐step method. Besides granting yarns fluorescence, CD inclusion contributed to a decrease in fiber diameter and an increase in strength by 2.7‐fold. Cell viability studies with mammalian lung cell lines show viability above 80%, suggesting good biocompatibilty. Such yarns show the potential to be assembled into larger structures such as biotextiles, with possible multifunctionalities such as antiviral, antibacterial, and biosensing applications.
Immunochromatographic assay for the detection of kwakhurin and its application for the identification of Pueraria candollei var. mirifica (Airy Shaw & Suvat.) Niyomdham
Authors: Phaisan Suppalak , Yusakul Gorawit , Nuntawong Poomraphie , Sakamoto Seiichi , Putalun Waraporn , Morimoto Satoshi , Tanaka Hiroyuki
Published: October 2020

Introduction

The plant Pueraria candollei var. mirifica (Airy Shaw & Suvat.) Niyomdham (PM), known by its common Thai name as white Kwao Krua, is sometimes misidentified because it presents similar botanical characteristics to those of Butea superba (red Kwao Krua). The phytochemicals in PM are phytoestrogens in the class of isoflavonoids, but Butea superba contains flavonoids that exhibit androgenic and antiestrogen effects.

Objectives

This research aims to develop a simple analytical method for identification and to differentiate PM from red Kwao Krua and other Pueraria species.

Methods

A gold nanoparticle‐based immunochromatographic assay (ICA) was developed for the detection of kwakhurin (Kwa), a unique compound found in PM. The parameters, including sensitivity, accuracy, precision, and specificity, were validated. All samples were analyzed using ICA and high‐performance liquid chromatography with UV detector (HPLC‐UV). The results of the two methods were compared for consistency checking.

Results

The cutoff limit of Kwa detection was 160 ng/mL, which was lower than in the HPLC‐UV method. The repeatability and reproducibility of the ICA preparation and assembly showed high precision. The cross‐reactivity to related isoflavonoids was less than 0.32%, which implied high specificity of the ICA for Kwa. Moreover, false‐positive and false‐negative results from other plant extracts were not observed.

Conclusion

The developed ICA is applicable for distinguishing PM from red Kwao Krua and other Pueraria species. This simple analytical method can be applied for the identification of raw PM materials in the industrial and agricultural sectors.
Combining High‐Tech Glass Innovations with Advanced Laser Technologies
Authors: Brueckner Julia , Gaab Andreas , Gajendran Prakash
Published: October 2020

As glass wafer products become more specialized and die sizes get smaller, the demand for high‐speed singulation of glass wafers is increasing. Corning Laser Technologies utilizes the advantages of precise laser dicing to process optimized glass types with adapted CTE values, high transmission, and specific refractive indices to enable existing and emerging applications.
Efficient Connective Solutions
Authors: Brunnecker Frank , Ebenhöh Christian
Published: October 2020

Like other joining processes, systems for the laser welding of plastics must be intuitive and easy to integrate into fully‐automated production lines. In particular, the mechanical and control interfaces of the welding stations need to be designed for this purpose.
New Trends in Laser Beam Welding
Authors: Moglia Francesca , Raspa Antonio
Published: October 2020

Laser beam welding (LBW) is a perfect candidate for accessing Industry 4.0. Many advances are being made in the technology coming from the laser manufacturers and the system integrating companies with the commitment of the photonics community, and one of the applications driving them is automotive and in particular e‐mobility. The European Commission's programme is a suitable platform for stimulating the access of laser technology to the world of digitalization.
Thermal Properties of the Quaternary Chalcogenide BaCdSnSe4
Authors: Gunatilleke Wilarachchige D. C. B. , Alzahrani Noha , May Andrew F. , Wang Hsin , Nolas George S.
Published: October 2020

The fields of nonlinear optics, photovoltaics, and thermoelectrics have been strongly impacted by materials research, and quaternary chalcogenides are one general class of materials that has recently generated strong interest. An understanding of the thermal properties is paramount in these and other applications of interest. The thermal properties of BaCdSnSe4, a quaternary chalcogenide that is of interest for applications in nonlinear optics, are reported. Specifically, the thermal conductivity over a large temperature range and heat capacity are evaluated in light of the structural features of this material. Low thermal conductivity results from the complex unit cell as well as local dynamic disorder from Cd in the CdSe4 tetrahedra in the crystal structure. The results and analyses reported herein are presented to enhance the fundamental understanding of the thermal properties of these materials, and can be related and applied to other quaternary chalcogenides that are of interest for energy‐related applications.
Photogalvanic‐Effect‐Induced Spin‐Polarized Current in Defective Silicane with H Vacancies
Authors: Fu Zhentao , Yan Pinglan , Li Jin , He Chaoyu , Ouyang Tao , Zhang Chunxiao , Tang Chao , Zhong Jianxin
Published: October 2020

The spin photocurrent of defective‐silicane‐based photoelectric devices is studied using non‐equilibrium Green's function with first‐principles density functional theory. The calculations reveal that the silicane with H vacancies is a ferromagnetic (FM) semiconductor with a 0.27 μB magnetic moment on the unhydrogenated Si atom. Due to the unique electronic structure, the directions and spin polarizations of the spin photocurrents can be effectively tuned by the polarization/phase angles or the photon energy (Eph) of the incident illumination. Especially, the 100% spin‐polarized photocurrents can be induced, as the Eph is 1.2–2.2 eV for both linearly polarized light (LPL) or circularly polarized light (CPL). Furthermore, the pure spin currents can be obtained by the CPL, as the Eph is 2.6 eV. These results indicate that defective silicane is a promising spintronic material.
Factors Affecting Disaster Resilience in Oman: Integrating Stakeholder Analysis and Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping
Authors: Al‐Manji Suad , Lovett Jon , Mitchell Gordon
Published: October 2020

Planning for community resilience to disasters is a process that involves co‐ordinated action within and between relevant organizations and stakeholders, with the goal of reducing disaster risk. The effectiveness of this process is influenced by a range of factors, both positively and negatively, that need to be identified and understood so as to develop organizational capacity to build community resilience to disaster. This study investigates disaster planning and management in Oman, a country facing significant natural hazards, and with a relatively new system of institutional disaster management. Fuzzy cognitive mapping integrated with stakeholder analysis is used to identify relevant factors and their inter‐relationships, and hence provides an improved understanding of disaster governance. Developing an improved understanding of the complexity of this institutional behavior allows identification of opportunities to build greater resilience to disaster through improved planning and emergency response. We make recommendations for improved disaster management in Oman relating to governance (including improved plan dissemination and closer working with community organizations), risk assessment, public education, built environment development, and financing for disaster resilience.
Vertex‐dependent filtering of retarded uncertain state‐multiplicative noisy systems
Authors: Gershon E. , Shaked U.
Published: October 2020

The problem of robust H∞ estimation of stochastic, state‐delayed, uncertain, linear, discrete‐time systems is solved by applying a vertex dependent Lyapunov function. In this problem, a cost function is defined, which is the expected value of the standard H∞ performance index with respect to the uncertain parameters. The optimal estimator is obtained by solving a simple set of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) for either the case where the filter matrices are constant or for the case where these matrices are gain scheduled. The solutions to the corresponding minimum error variance estimation problems are also obtained for the nominal and the uncertain cases, where an additional set of conditions is introduced that guarantees the minimization of the estimation error variance. Two examples are given. The first is a numerical example that demonstrates the advantage of the new design method. The second is an example of a practical nature that is taken from the field of guidance control and estimation.
Protocol‐based extended Kalman filtering with quantization effects: The Round‐Robin case
Authors: Liu Shuai , Wang Zidong , Hu Jun , Wei Guoliang
Published: October 2020

This article investigates the extended Kalman filtering problem for a class of stochastic nonlinear systems with quantization effects and Round‐Robin (RR) communication protocols. The uniform quantization is considered and the resulting quantization error is characterized as an additive white noise sequence obeying the uniform distribution over certain intervals. For the sake of reducing communication traffic of the network as well as alleviating data collisions, the RR mechanism is introduced to schedule the data transmission from the sensors to the filter. By combining the periodic property of the RR protocol and the zero‐order holder strategy, the input signal of the filter is modeled by a sequence of delayed quantized measurements. The main purpose of this article is to design an extended Kalman filter for the stochastic nonlinear systems, in the simultaneous presence of quantization errors, stochastic nonlinearities, and stochastic noises, such that an optimized upper bound for the filtering error covariance is derived. By solving two coupled Riccati‐like difference equations, the filter gain matrix is explicitly formulated. An RR protocol‐based recursive filtering algorithm is developed for the online implementation. Furthermore, a sufficient condition is established to ensure the uniform boundedness of the filtering error in the mean‐square sense. Finally, a simulation example is given to demonstrate the practical validity of the designed filter algorithm.
Event‐triggered adaptive finite‐time prescribed performance tracking control for uncertain nonlinear systems
Authors: Liu Cungen , Liu Xiaoping , Wang Huanqing , Gao Chuang , Zhou Yucheng , Lu Shouyin
Published: October 2020

This article addresses the problem of adaptive finite‐time tracking control for unknown nonlinear systems based on event‐triggered and prescribed performance control. For the first time, a new adjustable finite‐time performance function is developed, whose parameters are adjusted online with the change of tracking errors so that it converges faster. Besides, a novel event‐triggered control method is introduced to switch smoothly between the fixed and relative threshold strategies. Finally, an adaptive finite‐time tracking controller is constructed, which ensures the boundness of all the signals in the closed‐loop system and elimination of the Zeno behavior. Simultaneously, the output tracking error falls in a fixed region at pre‐defined finite time.
Effect of Combined Heat‐Moisture/Lactic Acid Treatment on the Physicochemical and In Vitro Digestibility Properties of Corn Starch
Authors: Reyes Isabel , Hernandez‐Jaimes Carmen , Meraz Monica , Vernon‐Carter E. Jaime , Alvarez‐Ramirez Jose
Published: October 2020

Native corn starch is subjected to dual heat moisture (30 g per 100 g d.b.)/lactic acid (10 g per 100 g d.b.) treatment (HMLAx) at different temperatures (x = 90, 110, 130, and 150 °C), and is compared with heat moisture (HMx) treatment alone. Neither HMLAx nor HMx change the crystallinity type (A‐type) of the corn starch, but the relative crystallinity is lowered by 60–80%. Both treatments reduce the gelatinization enthalpy, but it is higher for HMLAx (≈70%), and induces reductions in rapidly digestible starch (up to ≈70%) and increases in slowly digestible starch (up to ≈35%) and resistant starch (RS) fractions. The variations are temperature dependent. A principal component analysis is carried out (9 formulations, 17 variables), showing that heat moisture and lactic acid act independently (p < 55%) in the modification of starch, giving rise to different physicochemical (solubility, viscoelasticity, relative crystallinity), thermal, and in vitro digestibility properties.
Considering the effect of the randomness of concrete strength and relative humidity on concrete creep
Authors: Zheng Zhihui , Hu Di , Liu Peng , Sha Fei , Liu Lei , Yu Zhiwu
Published: October 2020

Experimental research on concrete creep with different strengths under various ambient relative humidity was carried out. Based on certainty creep models provided in CEB‐FIP Model Code 1990 and Model Code 2010, the Latin hypercubic sampling method was used to establish uncertainty models of concrete creep, and the sensitivity of concrete strength and ambient relative humidity to models was analyzed. Experimental results show that the creep coefficient has a negative correlation with concrete strength and ambient relative humidity, and the latter influences creep more than the former. In addition, the sensitivity of ambient relative humidity and concrete strength for CEB‐FIP MC 90 and MC 2010 models changes with the variation of coefficients. Under different environmental conditions, there is deviation between the tested creep coefficients and theoretical values by certainty creep models, while the experimental data are within the 95% confidence interval of CEB‐FIP MC 90 model, indicating that the presented numerical method for calculating the 95% confidence interval of the creep coefficient is reliable.
Urothermal Syntheses of two New Luminescent Zinc(II) Compounds via Dual‐ligand Strategy
Authors: Li Jing , Li Jiangtao
Published: October 2020

Urothermal reaction of Zn(NO3)2·6H2O, Htrz and NH2H2pdc or H2pdc affords two new compounds, namely [Zn2(NH2bdc)(trz)2]n·2n(e‐urea) (1) and [Zn4(bdc)2(trz)4(H2O)(e‐urea)]n·n(e‐urea) (2) (Htrz = 1,2,4‐triazole, NH2H2bdc = 2‐aminoterephthalic acid, H2bdc = terephthalic acid, e‐urea = 1,3‐ethyleneurea). X‐ray structural analyses revealed that both compounds 1 and 2 feature e‐urea‐templated 3D pillar‐layer framework with 2D ZnII‐triazole layer and 6‐connected pcu topological network. These two compounds not only have high thermal stabilities but also show intense luminescence at room temperature.
The Caputo‐Fabrizio heat transport law in vibration analysis of a microscale beam induced by laser
Authors: Sur Abhik , Mondal Sudip
Published: October 2020

In the application of pulsed laser heating, such as laser hardening of metallic surfaces, conduction limited process is the dominant mechanism during the laser–workpiece interaction. As a consequence, time unsteady analysis of this problem becomes necessary. The present study examines the effect of ultra‐short‐pulsed laser heating in coupled thermoelastic vibration of a microscale beam resonator. The heat transport equation for the current problem is defined by incorporating the three‐phase‐lag heat transport law in the context of Caputo‐Fabrizio (CF) derivative. Finite sinusoidal Fourier and Laplace transform techniques have been employed to determine the lateral vibration of the beam and the temperature increment within the microscale beam. According to the graphical representations corresponding to the numerical results, conclusions about the new theory is constructed. Excellent predictive capability is demonstrated due to the presence of energy absorption depth and the order of CF derivative also.
Finite-volume and thermal effects in the leading-HVP contribution to muonic (g − 2)
Authors: Hansen M. T. , Patella A.
Published: October 2020

Abstract

The leading finite-volume and thermal effects, arising in numerical lattice QCD calculations of$$ {a}_{\mu}^{\mathrm{HVP},\mathrm{LO}}\equiv {\left(g-2\right)}_{\mu}^{\mathrm{HVP},\mathrm{LO}}/2 $$aμHVP,LO≡g−2μHVP,LO/2, are determined to all orders with respect to the interactions of a generic, relativistic effective field theory of pions. In contrast to earlier work [1] based in the finite-volume Hamiltonian, the results presented here are derived by formally summing all Feynman diagrams contributing to the Euclidean electromagnetic-current two-point function, with any number of internal pion loops and interaction vertices. As was already found in ref. [1], the leading finite-volume corrections to$$ {a}_{\mu}^{\mathrm{HVP},\mathrm{LO}} $$aμHVP,LOscale as exp[−mL] wheremis the pion mass andLis the length of the three periodic spatial directions. In this work we additionally control the two sub-leading exponentials, scaling as exp[−$$ \sqrt{2} $$2mL] and exp[−$$ \sqrt{3} $$3mL]. As with the leading term, the coefficient of these is given by the forward Compton amplitude of the pion, meaning that all details of the effective theory drop out of the final result. Thermal effects are additionally considered, and found to be sub-percent-level for typical lattice calculations. All finite-volume corrections are presented both for$$ {a}_{\mu}^{\mathrm{HVP},\mathrm{LO}} $$aμHVP,LOand for each time slice of the two-point function, with the latter expected to be particularly useful in correcting small to intermediate current separations, for which the series of exponentials exhibits good convergence.
An easy way to determine bone mineral density and predict pelvic insufficiency fractures in patients treated with radiotherapy for cervical cancer
Authors: Kurrumeli Drilon , Oechsner Markus , Weidenbächer Bianca , Brambs Christine , Löffler Maximilian , Combs Stephanie Elisabeth , Borm Kai , Duma Marciana Nona
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate whether bone mineral density (BMD) as measured in planning computed tomographies (CTs) by a new method is a risk factor for pelvic insufficiency fractures (PIF) after radio(chemo)therapy (R(C)T) for cervical cancer.

Methods

62 patients with cervical cancer who received definitive or adjuvant radio(chemo)therapy between 2013 and 2017 were reviewed. The PIF were detected on follow-up magntic resonance imaging (MRI). The MRI of the PIF patients was registered to the planning CT and the PIF contoured. On the contralateral side of the fracture, a mirrored structure of the fracture was generated (mPIF). For the whole sacral bone, three lumbar vertebrae, the first and second sacral vertebrae, and the PIF, we analyzed the BMD (mg/cm3), V50Gy, Dmean, and Dmax.

Results

Out of 62 patients, 6 (9.7%) had a fracture. Two out of the 6 patients had a bilateral fracture with only one of them being symptomatic. PIF patients showed a significantly lower BMD in the sacral and the lumbar vertebrae (p < 0.05). The BMD of the contoured PIF, however, when comparing to the mPIF, did not reach significance (p < 0.49). The difference of the V50Gy of the sacrum in the PIF group compared to the other (OTH) patients, i.e. those without PIF, did not reach significance.

Conclusion

The dose does not seem to have a relevant impact on the incidence of PIF in our patients. One of the predisposing factors for developing PIF after radiotherapy seems to be the low BMD. We presented an easy method to assess the BMD in planning CTs.
Continued Gravitational Collapse for Newtonian Stars
Authors: Guo Yan , Hadžić Mahir , Jang Juhi
Published: October 2020

The classical model of an isolated selfgravitating gaseous star is given by the Euler–Poisson system with a polytropic pressure law $$P(\rho )=\rho ^\gamma $$

P

(
ρ
)

=

ρ
γ

, $$\gamma >1$$

γ
>
1

. For any $$1<\gamma <\frac{4}{3}$$

1
<
γ
<

4
3

, we construct an infinite-dimensional family of collapsing solutions to the Euler–Poisson system whose density is in general space inhomogeneous and undergoes gravitational blowup along a prescribed space-time surface, with continuous mass absorption at the origin. The leading order singular behavior is described by an explicit collapsing solution of the pressureless Euler–Poisson system.
Applicability of radiomics in interstitial lung disease associated with systemic sclerosis: proof of concept
Authors: Martini K. , Baessler B. , Bogowicz M. , Blüthgen C. , Mannil M. , Tanadini-Lang S. , Schniering J. , Maurer B. , Frauenfelder T.
Published: October 2020

Objective

To retrospectively evaluate if texture-based radiomics features are able to detect interstitial lung disease (ILD) and to distinguish between the different disease stages in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) in comparison with mere visual analysis of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT).

Methods

Sixty patients (46 females, median age 56 years) with SSc who underwent HRCT of the thorax were retrospectively analyzed. Visual analysis was performed by two radiologists for the presence of ILD features. Gender, age, and pulmonary function (GAP) stage was calculated from clinical data (gender, age, pulmonary function test). Data augmentation was performed and the balanced dataset was split into a training (70%) and a testing dataset (30%). For selecting variables that allow classification of the GAP stage, single and multiple logistic regression models were fitted and compared by using the Akaike information criterion (AIC). Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated from the area under the curve (AUC) from receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses, and diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were calculated.

Results

Values for some radiomics features were significantly lower (p< 0.05) and those of other radiomics features were significantly higher (p= 0.001) in patients with GAP2 compared with those in patients with GAP1. The combination of two specific radiomics features in a multivariable model resulted in the lowest AIC of 10.73 with an AUC of 0.96, 84% sensitivity, and 99% specificity. Visual assessment of fibrosis was inferior in predicting individual GAP stages (AUC 0.86; 83% sensitivity; 74% specificity).

Conclusion

The correlation of radiomics with GAP stage, but not with the visually defined features of ILD-HRCT, implies that radiomics might capture features indicating severity of SSc-ILD on HRCT, which are not recognized by visual analysis.

Key Points

• Radiomics features can predict GAP stage with a sensitivity of 84% and a specificity of almost 100%.

• Extent of fibrosis on HRCT and a combined model of different visual HRCT-ILD features perform worse in predicting GAP stage.

• The correlation of radiomics with GAP stage, but not with the visually defined features of ILD-HRCT, implies that radiomics might capture features on HRCT, which are not recognized by visual analysis.
Electrophysical properties of the multiferroic PFN–ferrite composites obtained by spark plasma sintering and classical technology
Authors: Niemiec Przemysław , Bartkowska Joanna A. , Brzezińska Dagmara , Dercz Grzegorz , Stokłosa Zbigniew
Published: October 2020

The multiferroic (ferroelectric–ferromagnetic) composites (PFN–ferrite) based on ferroelectromagnetic PbFe1/2Nb1/2O3 powder and ferrite powder (zinc–nickel ferrite, NiZnFeO4) were obtained in the presented study. The ceramic PFN–ferrite composites consisted of 90% powder PFN material and 10% powder NiZnFeO4 ferrite. The ceramic powders were synthesized by the classical technological method using powder calcination, while densification of the composite powders (sintering) was carried by two different methods: (1) free sintering method (FS) and (2) spark plasma sintering (SPS). The composite PFN–ferrite samples were thermally tested, including DC electrical conductivity and dielectric properties. Besides, XRD, SEM, EDS (energy-dispersive spectrometry) and ferroelectric properties (hysteresis loop) of the composite samples were tested at room temperature. At the work, a comparison was made for the results measured for PFN–ferrite composite samples obtained by two methods. The X-ray examination of multiferroic ceramic composites confirmed the occurrence of the strong diffraction peaks derived from ferroelectric (PFN) matrix of composite as well as weak peaks induced by the ferrite component. At the same time, the studies showed the absence of other undesired phases. The results presented in this work revealed that the ceramic composite obtained by two different technological sintering methods (free sintering method and spark plasma sintering technique) can be the promising materials for functional applications, for example, in sensors for magnetic and electric fields.
Solar Flare Build-Up and Release
Authors: Hudson Hugh S.
Published: October 2020

Flares and coronal mass ejections should follow a pattern of build-up and release, with the build-up phase understood as the gradual addition of stress to the coronal magnetic field. Recently Hudson (Mon. Not. Roy. Astron. Soc.491, 4435, 2020) presented observational evidence for this pattern in two isolated active regions from 1997 and 2006, finding a correlation between the waiting time after the event, and the event magnitude. In this article we systematically search for related evidence in the largest 14 active regions of Solar Cycle 24, chosen as those with peak sunspot area exceeding 1000 millionths of the solar hemisphere (MSH). The smallest of these regions, NOAA 12673, produced the exceptional flares SOL2017-09-06 and SOL2017-09-10. None of these regions showed significant correlations of waiting times and flare magnitudes, although two hinted at such an interval-size relationship. Correlations thus appear to be non-existent or intermittent, depending on presently unknown conditions.
Experimental and Data Analysis Considerations for Three-Dimensional Mass Spectrometry Imaging in Biomedical Research
Authors: Vos D. R. N. , Ellis S. R. , Balluff B. , Heeren R. M. A.
Published: October 2020

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) enables the visualization of molecular distributions on complex surfaces. It has been extensively used in the field of biomedical research to investigate healthy and diseased tissues. Most of the MSI studies are conducted in a 2D fashion where only a single slice of the full sample volume is investigated. However, biological processes occur within a tissue volume and would ideally be investigated as a whole to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the spatial and molecular complexity of biological samples such as tissues and cells. Mass spectrometry imaging has therefore been expanded to the 3D realm whereby molecular distributions within a 3D sample can be visualized. The benefit of investigating volumetric data has led to a quick rise in the application of single-sample 3D-MSI investigations. Several experimental and data analysis aspects need to be considered to perform successful 3D-MSI studies. In this review, we discuss these aspects as well as ongoing developments that enable 3D-MSI to be routinely applied to multi-sample studies.
Myocarditis: imaging up to date
Authors: Liguori Carlo , Farina Davide , Vaccher Filippo , Ferrandino Giovanni , Bellini Davide , Carbone Iacopo
Published: October 2020

Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the heart muscle, diagnosed by histological, immunological, and immunohistochemical criteria. Endomyocardial biopsy represents the diagnostic gold standard for its diagnosis but is infrequently used. Due to its noninvasive ability to detect the presence of myocardial edema, hyperemia and necrosis/fibrosis, Cardiac MR imaging is routinely used in the clinical practice for the diagnosis of acute myocarditis. Recently pixel-wise mapping of T1 and T2 relaxation time have been introduced into the clinical Cardiac MR protocol increasing its accuracy. Our paper will review the role of MR imaging in the diagnosis of acute myocarditis.
Motion analysis of the JHU-ISI Gesture and Skill Assessment Working Set using Robotics Video and Motion Assessment Software
Authors: Lefor Alan Kawarai , Harada Kanako , Dosis Aristotelis , Mitsuishi Mamoru
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The JIGSAWS dataset is a fixed dataset of robot-assisted surgery kinematic data used to develop predictive models of skill. The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationships of self-defined skill level with global rating scale scores and kinematic data (time, path length and movements) from three exercises (suturing, knot-tying and needle passing) (right and left hands) in the JIGSAWS dataset.

Methods

Global rating scale scores are reported in the JIGSAWS dataset and kinematic data were calculated using ROVIMAS software. Self-defined skill levels are in the dataset (novice, intermediate, expert). Correlation coefficients (global rating scale-skill level and global rating scale-kinematic parameters) were calculated. Kinematic parameters were compared among skill levels.

Results

Global rating scale scores correlated with skill in the knot-tying exercise (r = 0.55,p = 0.0005). In the suturing exercise, time, path length (left) and movements (left) were significantly different (p < 0.05) for novices and experts. For knot-tying, time, path length (right and left) and movements (right) differed significantly for novices and experts. For needle passing, no kinematic parameter was significantly different comparing novices and experts. The only kinematic parameter that correlated with global rating scale scores is time in the knot-tying exercise.

Conclusion

Global rating scale scores weakly correlate with skill level and kinematic parameters. The ability of kinematic parameters to differentiate among self-defined skill levels is inconsistent. Additional data are needed to enhance the dataset and facilitate subset analyses and future model development.
Die akademische Institutionalisierung der soziologischen Lehre in Köln
Authors: Wagner Michael , Wittmaack Moritz
Published: October 2020

Es gibt zahlreiche Arbeiten, die sich der Institutionalisierung der Soziologie an deutschen Universitäten widmen. Allerdings zeichnen nur wenige Beiträge die frühe Entwicklung der soziologischen Lehre nach und fragen, wer die Studierenden waren, die Soziologie studierten, als sie sich zu etablieren begann. Wir konzentrieren uns hierzu auf die Kölner Soziologie, wo Leopold von Wiese schon vor der Neugründung der Kölner Universität im Jahr 1919 in der Städtischen Handelshochschule Lehrveranstaltungen mit soziologischen Themen anbot. Eine Besonderheit ist, dass in den 1920er-Jahren soziologische Lehrstühle an zwei Fakultäten eingerichtet wurden: der Wirtschafts- und Sozialwissenschaftlichen und der Philosophischen Fakultät. Die soziologischen Lehrveranstaltungen nahmen bis zum Sommersemester 1924 zu und verblieben dann auf einem Niveau von fünf bis sieben Veranstaltungen pro Semester. Die Studierenden kamen größtenteils aus dem bürgerlichen Milieu. Das noch wenig institutionalisierte Studium bot den Studierenden große Freiräume; wer mit einem soziologischen Thema sein Studium abschließen wollte, konnte mit im Vergleich zu heute wenig Aufwand promovieren.
Handeln, Kritik, Verständigung
Authors: Pöttker Horst
Published: October 2020

Auch hundert Jahre nach Max Webers Tod können Kommunikationswissenschaft und Journalismus noch von ihm lernen: Sein grundlegender Begriff des sozialen Handelns stützt Legitimität und Chancen realistischer Medienkritik; sein Konzept einer großen Presse-Erhebung blickt umfassender auf öffentliche Kommunikationsprozesse als spätere Formeln und Modelle; seine Ethik-Vorstellungen fördern eine zivilisierte Grundhaltung des Abwägens in Politik, Wissenschaft und Journalismus; seine auf Rationalitätsbegriffe fixierte Typologie von Handlungsweisen regt zu einer Erweiterung an, die Grundprobleme sozialer Selbstregulierung besser erkennbar werden und u. a. auch durch nachhaltige Medienkommunikation lösbar erscheinen lässt; und sein Konzept einer verstehenden Soziologie weist ein halbes Jahrhundert vor Habermas auf die praktische Bedeutung des Erkenntnisinteresses an Verständigung hin, dem historisch-hermeneutische Disziplinen zu dienen haben. Die Argumentation verfolgt die These, dass der Wert eines Klassikers wie Max Weber vor allem darin liegt, bei fortschreitender Ausdifferenzierung und Parzellierung auch der (Kommunikations‑)Wissenschaft selbst den Blick für gesellschaftliche Zusammenhänge von Medienphänomenen nicht zu verlieren.
Female-Oriented Male-Male Erotica: Comparison of the Engaged Anglophone Demographic and That of the Greater China Area
Authors: Madill Anna , Zhao Yao
Published: October 2020

Our aim is to compare comprehensive data on the engaged demographics of female-oriented male-male erotica in Anglophone regions and that of the greater China area. Our study constitutes the largest such data set in each region (Anglophone N = 1707; Chinese N = 1498). Data were analysed from our online Boys’ Love (BL) fandom survey: one version in English and an almost identical version in Chinese. We confirm that the engaged Anglophone demographic includes more men, people with a wider range of sexual orientations, lower proportion of heterosexual identification, and a wider and older age range. We provide greater detail than ever before and demonstrate engagement with BL by young straight men and questioning of sexual identity by female fans, at least in the Anglophone West. Finally, we provide novel evidence that a broad demographic of young people in the greater China area is familiar with BL as a casual interest in contrast to Anglophone regions where it is more of an intense and niche pass-time. We offer important insights into a global erotic entertainment by-and-for women which is influencing the mainstream but under increasing legislative scrutiny.
Local explanation in historiography of science
Authors: Virmajoki Veli
Published: October 2020

In this paper, I offer an explication of the notion of local explanation. In the literature, local explanations are considered as metaphysically and methodologically satisfactory: local explanations reveal the contingency of science and provide a methodologically sound historiography of science. However, the lack of explication of the notion of local explanation makes these claims difficult to assess. The explication provided in this paper connects the degree of locality of an explanans to the degree of contingency of the explanandum. Moreover, the explication is shown to be compatible with the methodological need for a general consideration in the historiography of science. In this way, the explication (i) satisfies the need to explicate an important notion, (ii) connects local explanations and contingency, and (iii) enables us to see how local explanations and general considerations can be connected. However, the explication also sheds critical light on many claims and expectations that are associated with local explanations and their satisfactoriness.
Efficient computation of optimal temporal walks under waiting-time constraints
Authors: Bentert Matthias , Himmel Anne-Sophie , Nichterlein André , Niedermeier Rolf
Published: October 2020

Node connectivity plays a central role in temporal network analysis. We provide a broad study of various concepts of walks in temporal graphs, that is, graphs with fixed vertex sets but arc sets changing over time. Taking into account the temporal aspect leads to a rich set of optimization criteria for “shortest” walks. Extending and broadening state-of-the-art work of Wu et al. [IEEE TKDE 2016], we provide an algorithm for computing shortest walks that is capable to deal with various optimization criteria and any linear combination of these. It runs in O(|V|+|E|log|E|) time where |V| is the number of vertices and |E| is the number of time-arcs. A central distinguishing factor to Wu et al.’s work is that our model allows to, motivated by real-world applications, respect waiting-time constraints for vertices, that is, the minimum and maximum waiting time allowed in intermediate vertices of a walk. Moreover, other than Wu et al. our algorithm also allows to search for walks that pass multiple subsequent time-arcs in one time step, and it can deal with a richer set of optimization criteria. Our experimental studies indicate that our richer modeling can be achieved without significantly worsening the running time when compared to Wu et al.’s algorithms.
Polygonogram with isobolographic synergy for three-drug combinations of phenobarbital with second-generation antiepileptic drugs in the tonic–clonic seizure model in mice
Authors: Łuszczki Jarogniew J. , Podgórska Dominika , Kozińska Justyna , Jankiewicz Marek , Plewa Zbigniew , Kominek Mateusz , Żółkowska Dorota , Florek-Łuszczki Magdalena
Published: October 2020

Background

Combination therapy consisting of two or more antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is usually prescribed for patients with refractory epilepsy. The drug–drug interactions, which may occur among currently available AEDs, are the principal criterion taken by physicians when prescribing the AED combination to the patients. Unfortunately, the number of possible three-drug combinations tremendously increases along with the clinical approval of novel AEDs.

Aim

To isobolographically characterize three-drug interactions of phenobarbital (PB) with lamotrigine (LTG), oxcarbazepine (OXC), pregabalin (PGB) and topiramate (TPM), the maximal electroshock-induced (MES) seizure model was used in male albino Swiss mice.

Materials and method

The MES-induced seizures in mice were generated by alternating current delivered via auricular electrodes. To classify interactions for 6 various three-drug combinations of AEDs (i.e., PB + TPM + PGB, PB + OXC + TPM, PB + LTG + TPM, PB + OXC + PGB, PB + LTG + PGB and PB + LTG + OXC), the type I isobolographic analysis was used. Total brain concentrations of PB were measured by fluorescent polarization immunoassay technique.

Results

The three-drug mixtures of PB + TPM + PGB, PB + OXC + TPM, PB + LTG + TPM, PB + OXC + PGB, PB + LTG + PGB and PB + LTG + OXC protected the male albino Swiss mice from MES-induced seizures. All the observed interactions in this seizure model were supra-additive (synergistic) (p < 0.001), except for the combination of PB + LTG + OXC, which was additive. It was unable to show the impact of the studied second-generation AEDs on total brain content of PB in mice.

Conclusions

The synergistic interactions among PB and LTG, OXC, PGB and TPM in the mouse MES model are worthy of being transferred to clinical trials, especially for the patients with drug resistant epilepsy, who would benefit these treatment options.