bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computational Design and Optimization of Non‐Circular Gears
Authors: Xu Hao , Fu Tianwen , Song Peng , Zhou Mingjun , Fu Chi‐Wing , Mitra Niloy J. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWe study a general form of gears known as non‐circular gears that can transfer periodic motion with variable speed through their irregular shapes and eccentric rotation centers. To design functional non‐circular gears is nontrivial, since the gear pair must have compatible shape to keep in contact during motion, so the driver gear can push the follower to rotate via a bounded torque that the motor can exert. To address the challenge, we model the geometry, kinematics, and dynamics of non‐circular gears, formulate the design problem as a shape optimization, and identify necessary independent variables in the optimization search. Taking a pair of 2D shapes as inputs, our method optimizes them into gears by locating the rotation center on each shape, minimally modifying each shape to form the gear's boundary, and constructing appropriate teeth for gear meshing. Our optimized gears not only resemble the inputs but can also drive the motion with relatively small torque. We demonstrate our method's usability by generating a rich variety of non‐circular gears from various inputs and 3D printing several of them.
Designing Robotically‐Constructed Metal Frame Structures
Authors: Ma Z. , Walzer A. , Schumacher C. , Rust R. , Gramazio F. , Kohler M. , Bächer M. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWe present a computational technique that aids with the design of structurally‐sound metal frames, tailored for robotic fabrication using an existing process that integrate automated bar bending, welding, and cutting. Aligning frames with structurally‐favorable orientations, and decomposing models into fabricable units, we make the fabrication process scale‐invariant, and frames globally align in an aesthetically‐pleasing and structurally‐informed manner. Relying on standard analysis of frames, we then co‐optimize the shape and topology of bars at the local unit level. At this level, we minimize combinations of functional and aesthetic objectives under strict fabrication constraints that model the assembly of discrete sets of bent bars. We demonstrate the capabilities of our global‐to‐local approach on four robotically‐constructed examples.
Binary Ostensibly‐Implicit Trees for Fast Collision Detection
Authors: Chitalu Floyd M. , Dubach Christophe , Komura Taku 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWe present a simple, efficient and low‐memory technique, targeting fast construction of bounding volume hierarchies (BVH) for broad‐phase collision detection. To achieve this, we devise a novel representation of BVH trees in memory. We develop a mapping of the implicit index representation to compact memory locations, based on simple bit‐shifts, to then construct and evaluate bounding volume test trees (BVTT) during collision detection with real‐time performance. We model the topology of the BVH tree implicitly as binary encodings which allows us to determine the nodes missing from a complete binary tree using the binary representation of the number of missing nodes. The simplicity of our technique allows for fast hierarchy construction achieving over 6× speedup over the state‐of‐the‐art. Making use of these characteristics, we show that not only it is feasible to rebuild the BVH at every frame, but that using our technique, it is actually faster than refitting and more memory efficient.
Displacement‐Correlated XFEM for Simulating Brittle Fracture
Authors: Chitalu Floyd M. , Miao Qinghai , Subr Kartic , Komura Taku 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWe present a remeshing‐free brittle fracture simulation method under the assumption of quasi‐static linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM). To achieve this, we devise two algorithms. First, we develop an approximate volumetric simulation, based on the extended Finite Element Method (XFEM), to initialize and propagate Lagrangian crack‐fronts. We model the geometry of fracture explicitly as a surface mesh, which allows us to generate high‐resolution crack surfaces that are decoupled from the resolution of the deformation mesh. Our second contribution is a mesh cutting algorithm, which produces fragments of the input mesh using the fracture surface. We do this by directly operating on the half‐edge data structures of two surface meshes, which enables us to cut general surface meshes including those of concave polyhedra and meshes with abutting concave polygons. Since we avoid triangulation for cutting, the connectivity of the resulting fragments is identical to the (uncut) input mesh except at edges introduced by the cut. We evaluate our simulation and cutting algorithms and show that they outperform state‐of‐the‐art approaches both qualitatively and quantitatively.
State of the Art on Neural Rendering
Authors: Tewari A. , Fried O. , Thies J. , Sitzmann V. , Lombardi S. , Sunkavalli K. , Martin‐Brualla R. , Simon T. , Saragih J. , Nießner M. , Pandey R. , Fanello S. , Wetzstein G. , Zhu J.‐Y. , Theobalt C. , Agrawala M. , Shechtman E. , Goldman D. B , Zollhöfer M. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractEfficient rendering of photo‐realistic virtual worlds is a long standing effort of computer graphics. Modern graphics techniques have succeeded in synthesizing photo‐realistic images from hand‐crafted scene representations. However, the automatic generation of shape, materials, lighting, and other aspects of scenes remains a challenging problem that, if solved, would make photo‐realistic computer graphics more widely accessible. Concurrently, progress in computer vision and machine learning have given rise to a new approach to image synthesis and editing, namely deep generative models. Neural rendering is a new and rapidly emerging field that combines generative machine learning techniques with physical knowledge from computer graphics, e.g., by the integration of differentiable rendering into network training. With a plethora of applications in computer graphics and vision, neural rendering is poised to become a new area in the graphics community, yet no survey of this emerging field exists. This state‐of‐the‐art report summarizes the recent trends and applications of neural rendering. We focus on approaches that combine classic computer graphics techniques with deep generative models to obtain controllable and photorealistic outputs. Starting with an overview of the underlying computer graphics and machine learning concepts, we discuss critical aspects of neural rendering approaches. Specifically, our emphasis is on the type of control, i.e., how the control is provided, which parts of the pipeline are learned, explicit vs. implicit control, generalization, and stochastic vs. deterministic synthesis. The second half of this state‐of‐the‐art report is focused on the many important use cases for the described algorithms such as novel view synthesis, semantic photo manipulation, facial and body reenactment, relighting, free‐viewpoint video, and the creation of photo‐realistic avatars for virtual and augmented reality telepresence. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of the social implications of such technology and investigate open research problems.
Coloration of cellulose nanofibres with pigments
Authors: Ali Shamshad , Khatri Awais , Baig Urooj , Javeed Alishba , Ali Rind Nadir 
Published: July 2020

AbstractElectrospun nanofibrous mats are popular for their wide technological applications as medical, filtration, sensing and high performance textiles. The potential for coloration of electrospun nanofibrous mats for aesthetic purposes has also been explored recently, and the pigment coloration of cellulose electrospun nanofibrous mats is reported for the first time in this paper. Cellulose acetate electrospun nanofibrous mats were fabricated using electrospinning followed by treatment with sodium hydroxide to synthesise regenerated cellulose electrospun nanofibrous mats. Then the cellulose mats were coloured with commercially available pigments by a pad‐dry‐bake method. Excellent K/S and colour fastness to both washing and light were produced with the application of three commercial pigments. The pH and total dissolved solids content of the coloration wastewater, as well as the mechanical properties of the electrospun nanofibrous mats, were also tested. Attenuated total reflection‐Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy analysis were used for characterisation.
Wedelolactone facilitates Ser/Thr phosphorylation of NLRP3 dependent on PKA signalling to block inflammasome activation and pyroptosis
Authors: Pan Hao , Lin Yuqing , Dou Jianping , Fu Zhen , Yao Yanqing , Ye Shanyu , Zhang Saixia , Wang Neng , Liu Aijun , Li Xican , Zhang Fengxue , Chen Dongfeng 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectivesWedelolactone exhibits regulatory effects on some inflammatory diseases. However, the anti‐inflammatory mechanism of wedelolactone has not been entirely unravelled. Therefore, the present study focuses on investigating the mechanism of wedelolactone on NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages and its influence on MSU‐induced inflammation.Materials and MethodsBMDM, J774A.1 and PMA‐differentiated THP‐1 macrophages were primed with LPS and then stimulated with ATP or nigericin or MSU crystal in the presence or absence of wedelolactone. The cell lysates and supernatants were collected to detect NLRP3 inflammasome components such as NLRP3, ASC and caspase 1, as well as pyroptosis and IL‐1β production. In addition, the anti‐inflammatory effects of wedelolactone on MSU‐induced peritonitis and arthritis mice were also evaluated.ResultsWe found that wedelolactone broadly inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis and IL‐1β secretion. Wedelolactone also block ASC oligomerization and speck formation. The inhibitory effects of wedelolactone were abrogated by PKA inhibitor H89, which also attenuated wedelolactone‐enhanced Ser/Thr phosphorylation of NLRP3 at PKA‐specific sites. Importantly, wedelolactone could abate MSU‐induced IL‐1β production and neutrophils migration into peritoneal cavity, and reduced caspase 1 (p20) and IL‐1β expression in the joint tissue of MSU‐induced arthritis.ConclusionOur results indicate that wedelolactone promotes the Ser/Thr phosphorylation of NLRP3 to inhibit inflammasome activation and pyroptosis partly through potentiating PKA signalling, thus identifying its potential use for treating MSU‐induced peritonitis and gouty arthritis.
Perceptions of loneliness among people accessing treatment for substance use disorders
Authors: Ingram Isabella , Kelly Peter J. , Deane Frank P. , Baker Amanda L. , Dingle Genevieve A. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIntroduction and AimsGuided by cognitive theory of loneliness, this study sought to explore the experience of loneliness among people accessing treatment for substance use disorders. Specifically, contributors to, consequences and alleviators of loneliness were explored.Design and MethodsIndividual semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 20 participants. Interviews were conducted onsite at two residential treatment facilities in New South Wales, Australia. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed and an iterative categorisation approach was used to guide data analysis and reporting.ResultsFour key themes emerged as contributors to and consequences of loneliness: cognitions (mistrust, perceived support from others, low self‐worth and fear of negative evaluation), quality and authenticity of relationships, unhelpful interpersonal behaviours and the role of substance use. Participants indicated that overcoming the cognitive and behavioural perpetuators helped to alleviate loneliness and also described the utility of support groups, pursuit of authentic relationships and activities that provide a sense of purpose as helpful.Discussion and ConclusionsCognitions related to mistrust, lack of perceived support, low self‐worth, fear of negative evaluation and identification and pursuit of meaningful relationships supportive of recovery should be key treatment targets for this population.
NTRK gene fusions in melanoma: detection, prevalence and potential therapeutic implications
Authors: Forschner Andrea , Forchhammer Stephan , Bonzheim Irina 
Published: July 2020

SummaryFusions involving neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) are known drivers of oncogenesis and also occur in melanoma, although very rarely. A particularly high incidence of NTRK gene fusions is reported in infantile fibrosarcoma (> 90 %) or the secretory type of breast cancer (> 90 %). Recently, larotrectinib (a tropomyosin receptor kinase [TRK] inhibitor) was approved, and we wondered whether TRK inhibitors might also be helpful for melanoma patients. We therefore screened the literature and obtained relevant results. NTRK fusions are relatively common in spitzoid melanoma, with a prevalence of 21–29 % compared to < 1 % in cutaneous or mucosal melanoma and 2.5 % in acral melanoma. It appears that fusion proteins are mutually exclusive for most common oncogenic drivers such as BRAF or NRAS. A further indicator of an increased probability of detecting NTRK‐positive tumors could be a low mutation load. Since TRK inhibitors are already available for patients with NTRK fusions, the challenge will be to implement screening for NTRK gene fusions in clinical practice. A possible approach could be to screen BRAF, NRAS and KIT wild‐type melanoma patients with next‐generation sequencing as soon as they need systemic treatment or at the latest when they have no tumor control on checkpoint inhibitors.
Expecting the unexpected: Echo laboratory preparedness in the time of COVID‐19
Authors: Goldberg Alan B. , Kyung Stella , Swearingen Sean , Rao Anupama 
Published: July 2020

AbstractCOVID‐19 poses a unique set of challenges to the healthcare system due to its rapid spread, intensive resource utilization, and relatively high morbidity and mortality. Healthcare workers are at especially high risk of exposure given the viruses spread through close contact. Reported cardiac complications of COVID‐19 include myocarditis, acute coronary syndrome, cardiomyopathy, pericardial effusion, arrhythmia, and shock. Thus, echocardiography is integral in the timely diagnosis and clinical management of COVID‐19 patients. Rush University Medical Center has been at the forefront of the COVID‐19 response in Illinois with high numbers of cases reported in Chicago and surrounding areas. The echocardiography laboratory at Rush University Medical Center (RUMC) proactively took numerous steps to balance the imaging needs of a busy, nearly 700‐bed academic medical center while maintaining safety.
Agrochemical leaching reduction in biochar‐amended tropical soils of Belize
Authors: Aldana Gerardo O. , Hazlerigg Charles , Lopez‐Capel Elisa , Werner David 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine the effects of biochar addition on agrochemical leaching in tropical soils of Belize. Biochars were produced from mixed softwood, rice husk and miscanthus straw, each pyrolysed at 700°C. Loam, sandy silt loam and clay loam tropical soils were amended with 0, 1, 2.5 and 5% (w/w) biochar to determine atrazine, diuron, enrofloxacine, oxytetracycline and tetracycline absorption in batch studies following OECD 106 guidelines. FOCUS groundwater modelling was performed with the results of the batch‐sorption study and alterations to the soil profiles to explore the effect of biochar amendment on the leaching of atrazine in a risk assessment context. Results showed that agrochemical sorption was higher in biochar‐amended soils than soils without biochar amendment. Soil organic matter content and biochar amendment contributed to the agrochemical sorption increase in soils. The FOCUS modelling showed a significant reduction in predicted environmental concentration in groundwater (PECgw) of atrazine when biochar was applied as a soil amendment. However, a trade‐off was identified between the sorptive capacity of the biochar and the changes in hydrology in the soil as a result of the biochar incorporation. The amendment of Belizean tropical soils with rice husk biochar was shown to be an effective method to reduce the leaching of the selected agrochemicals, although widespread implementation should be conducted carefully, taking account of the potential trade‐offs with biochar use identified in our modelling.Highlights
Biochar‐amended soil is a feasible method to increase sorption and reduce agrochemical leaching to groundwater.
Environmental fate modelling demonstrated that 1% and 2.5% biochar amendment could reduce atrazine leaching in soil.
Modelling identified a biochar performance trade‐off: altered soil hydrology could lead to greater leaching.
Biochar implementation must account for trade‐offs identified to ensure the mitigation works in each circumstance.
Real‐world experience with direct brain‐responsive neurostimulation for focal onset seizures
Authors: Razavi Babak , Rao Vikram R. , Lin Christine , Bujarski Krzysztof A. , Patra Sanjay E. , Burdette David E. , Geller Eric B. , Brown Mesha‐Gay M. , Johnson Emily A. , Drees Cornelia , Chang Edward F. , Greenwood Janet E. , Heck Christianne N. , Jobst Barbara C. , Gwinn Ryder P. , Warner Nicole M. , Halpern Casey H. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe RNS System is a direct brain‐responsive neurostimulation system that is US Food and Drug Administration–approved for adults with medically intractable focal onset seizures based on safety and effectiveness data from controlled clinical trials. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the real‐world safety and effectiveness of the RNS System.MethodsEight comprehensive epilepsy centers conducted a chart review of patients treated with the RNS System for at least 1 year, in accordance with the indication for use. Data included device‐related serious adverse events and the median percent change in disabling seizure frequency from baseline at years 1, 2, and 3 of treatment and at the most recent follow‐up.ResultsOne hundred fifty patients met the criteria for analysis. The median reduction in seizures was 67% (interquartile range [IQR] = 33%‐93%, n = 149) at 1 year, 75% (IQR = 50%‐94%, n = 93) at 2 years, 82% (IQR = 50%‐96%, n = 38) at ≥3 years, and 74% (IQR = 50%‐96%, n = 150) at last follow‐up (mean = 2.3 years). Thirty‐five percent of patients had a ≥90% seizure frequency reduction, and 18% of patients reported being clinically seizure‐free at last follow‐up. Seizure frequency reductions were similar regardless of patient age, age at epilepsy onset, duration of epilepsy, seizure onset in mesial temporal or neocortical foci, magnetic resonance imaging findings, prior intracranial monitoring, prior epilepsy surgery, or prior vagus nerve stimulation treatment. The infection rate per procedure was 2.9% (6/150 patients); five of the six patients had an implant site infection, and one had osteomyelitis. Lead revisions were required in 2.7% (4/150), and 2.0% (3/150) of patients had a subdural hemorrhage, none of which had long‐lasting neurological consequences.SignificanceIn this real‐world experience, safety was similar and clinical seizure outcomes exceeded those of the prospective clinical trials, corroborating effectiveness of this therapy and suggesting that clinical experience has informed more effective programming.
Statistical efficiency of patient data in randomized clinical trials of epilepsy treatments
Authors: Romero Juan , Goldenholz Daniel M. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectivePrevious research suggests that natural fluctuations in seizure rates within individuals have a quantifiable impact on therapeutic clinical trial outcomes.MethodsA trial simulator estimated the statistical power of clinical trials with a typical trial design with and without patients included who exhibited a range of means (1‐15 seizures/mo) and standard deviations (1‐15 seizures/mo) in their baseline seizure rates. Trial outcomes were evaluated using 50% responder rates, median percentage change, and time to prerandomization.ResultsPatients with higher seizure frequencies and lower standard deviations during their baseline contribute more to the statistical power regardless of the method used to evaluate the trial. Power varied from −20% to 30% depending on baseline seizure characteristics.SignificancePatient‐specific characteristics can predict the contributions to the statistical power of clinical trials for epilepsy treatments. It may be possible to characterize this contribution with baseline data, leading to more efficient clinical trials.
Pharmacological agents under investigation in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 and the importance of melatonin
Authors: Parlakpinar Hakan , Polat Seyhan , Acet Haci Ahmet 
Published: July 2020

AbstractCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is a life‐threatening infectious respiratory disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). COVID‐19 pandemic causing morbidities and even deaths worldwide revealed that there is urgent need to find pharmacological agents or vaccines. Although there are a lot of agents under investigation, there is no approved agent for the prevention or treatment of the COVID‐19 yet. Treatment of patients remains mainly supportive as well as compassionate use of the agents under investigation. It is well established that excessive inflammatory and immune response and oxidative injury play a critical role in the pathogenesis of COVID‐19. In this review, we aimed to update knowledge about pathogenesis, clinical features, and pharmacological treatment of COVID‐19 and review the potential beneficial effects of ancient antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and immunomodulatory molecule melatonin for prevention and treatment of COVID‐19.
Influence of hot isostatic pressing and surface finish on the mechanical behaviour of Ti6Al4V processed by electron beam melting
Authors: Franchitti Stefania , Pirozzi Carmine , Borrelli Rosario 
Published: July 2020

AbstractElectron beam melting (EBM) is one of a few additive manufacturing technologies capable of making full‐density functional metallic parts realized from raw materials in the form of powders. The ability of direct fabrications of metallic parts can accelerate product design and development in a wide range of metallic‐part applications, especially for complex components, which are difficult to make by conventional manufacturing means. To capitalize on these benefits, it must be shown that the mechanical performances of parts produced by EBM can meet design requirements. In this research, an intensive mechanical characterization aimed at determining static and fatigue performance of the alloy Ti6Al4V processed by EBM was performed. The effect of both postprocessing treatments (HIP and surface finish) on the mechanical behaviour was evaluated by mechanical testing, microstructural study, computed tomography analysis and fracture surface investigation.