bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous image reconstruction and lesion segmentation in accelerated MRI using multitasking learning
Authors: Sui Bin , Lv Jun , Tong Xiangrong , Li Yan , Wang Chengyan 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPurposeMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) serves as an important medical imaging modality for a variety of clinical applications. However, the problem of long imaging time limited its wide usage. In addition, prolonged scan time will cause discomfort to the patient, leading to severe image artifacts. On the other hand, manually lesion segmentation is time consuming. Algorithm‐based automatic lesion segmentation is still challenging, especially for accelerated imaging with low quality.MethodsIn this paper, we proposed a multitask learning‐based method to perform image reconstruction and lesion segmentation simultaneously, called “RecSeg”. Our hypothesis is that both tasks can benefit from the usage of the proposed combined model. In the experiment, we validated the proposed multitask model on MR k‐space data with different acceleration factors (2×, 4×, and 6×). Two connected U‐nets were used for the tasks of liver and renal image reconstruction and segmentation. A total of 50 healthy subjects and 100 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were included for training and testing. For the segmentation part, we use healthy subjects to verify organ segmentation, and hepatocellular carcinoma patients to verify lesion segmentation. The organs and lesions were manually contoured by an experienced radiologist.ResultsExperimental results show that the proposed RecSeg yielded the highest PSNR (RecSeg: 32.39 ± 1.64 vs. KSVD: 29.53 ± 2.74 and single U‐net: 31.18 ± 1.68, respectively, p < 0.05) and highest structural similarity index measure (SSIM) (RecSeg: 0.93 ± 0.01 vs. KSVD: 0.88 ± 0.02 and single U‐net: 0.90 ± 0.01, respectively, p < 0.05) under 6× acceleration. Moreover, in the task of lesion segmentation, it is proposed that RecSeg produced the highest Dice score (RecSeg: 0.86 ± 0.01 vs. KSVD: 0.82 ± 0.01 and single U‐net: 0.84 ± 0.01, respectively, p < 0.05).ConclusionsThis study focused on the simultaneous reconstruction of medical images and the segmentation of organs and lesions. It is observed that the multitask learning‐based method can improve performances of both image reconstruction and lesion segmentation.
Superposition‐based concurrent multiscale approaches for poromechanics
Authors: Sun Wei , Fish Jacob , Ni Pengpeng 
Published: September 2021

AbstractSuperposition‐based concurrent multiscale approaches for poromechanical problems aimed at resolving localized fluid flow and deformation of a solid skeleton including its possible fracture are developed. The main departure of the proposed formulation is that the primary unknowns in the coupling zone, the solid displacement u and pore pressure p, are discretized by possibly different numerical models. Two discretization schemes are studied: (i) superposition of two or more finite element (FE) discretizations of the Biot's u‐p model of a porous medium, and (ii) superposition of the peridynamics (PD) discretization of the fractured solid phase on the FE discretization of the Biot's u‐p model of a porous medium. In the latter case, the total stress of the fluid–solid mixture in the coupling domain is derived from the effective stress obtained from the combined PD and finite element method solutions while the pore pressure is obtained from the FE solution. The accuracy of the superposition‐based concurrent multiscale method is studied on several benchmark problems including the classical Terzaghi's one‐dimensional consolidation problem, the two‐dimensional strip footing problem, and the pressure‐ and fluid‐driven fracture propagation problem in saturated porous media. The main hydraulic fracture characteristics, including complex crack paths and fluid flow patterns, have been found to be reasonably well reproduced by the proposed method.
Facile regulation of the electro‐optical properties of liquid crystal gels by kinetics‐controlled hierarchy self‐assembly
Authors: Shan Tianyu , Zheng Kai , Du Qinqing , He Huiwen , Shi Yanqin , Ma Meng , Chen Si , Wang Xu 
Published: September 2021

AbstractLiquid crystal gels, exhibiting promising applications in novel light scattering displays, face the problem of the inherent contradiction between the applied voltage and the contrast, which are the two most basic and crucial parameters for displays. Regretfully, improvement of the applied voltage always means the sacrifice of contrast and vice versa, related to the morphology of the gel fibers. Alternatively, we propose an approach to easily regulate the electro‐optical properties to meet the needs of different applications, towards either lower applied voltage or higher contrast, based on kinetics‐controlled hierarchy self‐assembly. Thin rod‐like and thick helical gel fibers are formed when cooling the liquid crystal gel in water and air respectively, leading to significantly different electro‐optical properties. This method not only facilitates the large‐scale manufacture and application of light scattering displays, but also provides a practical application using the newly developed theory of kinetics‐controlled self‐assembly. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Investigating the impact of regiochemistry in ester functionalized polyfurans
Authors: Varni Anthony J. , Kawakami Manami , Kramer Stephanie N. , Rice Megan , Geib Steven J. , Peteanu Linda A. , Kowalewski Tomasz , Noonan Kevin J. T. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn this study, the impact of ester side group regiochemistry on electronic and conformational properties of regioregular polyfurans was explored. A derivative with alternating head‐to‐head and tail‐to‐tail orientation of the side groups was synthesized and compared with its head‐to‐tail analogue, and these were benchmarked against the related regioregular poly(3‐hexylfurans). The study revealed that alkyl ester side groups in a head‐to‐head orientation will create significant steric strain as compared with linear alkyl chains with identical regiochemistry. Though the head‐to‐head ester side groups lead to twisting along the polymer backbone, they also produce a protective effect against photodegradation in comparison with a poly(3‐hexylfuran). Altogether, the work highlights how side groups can impact conformational properties and stability of polyfurans.
Mechanically versatile isosorbide‐based thermoplastic copolyether‐esters with a poly(ethylene glycol) soft segment
Authors: Monnery Bryn D. , Karanastasis Apostolos , Adriaensens Peter , Pitet Louis M. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractSegmented thermoplastic copolyether esters (TPEE's) with a partially renewable hard block containing isosorbide (ISB) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) soft blocks were prepared by melt polycondensation. A range of compositions was accessible despite the relatively low reactivity of the sterically and electronically hindered ISB monomer. The small‐scale reactions performed in the melt were limited in terms of achievable molar mass. This is attributed to the challenge of attaining stoichiometric balance in the feed and maintaining this balance throughout the high temperature (>200°C) reactions. Nevertheless, products were isolated that could be manipulated and melt‐pressed into specimen for tensile testing. Varying the feed compositions gave rise to copolymers exhibiting a broad range of mechanical properties (elastic modulus from 1–66 MPa). These characteristics are consistent with a segmented polymer architecture with morphological features similar to commercially available TPEE counterparts. These results pave the way for more responsibly sourced building blocks being incorporated into materials with high market value potential.
Thermally Evaporated Ag–Au Bimetallic Catalysts for Efficient Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
Authors: Li Jing , Chen Wenduo , Lin Rui , Huang Meirong , Wang Min , Chai Maosheng , Zhu Hongwei 
Published: September 2021

AbstractCO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) has indispensable significance for carbon recycling and renewable energy production. As typical electrochemical catalysts, Au and Ag show relatively high reaction activity and selectivity in CO2RR. In this study, a series of Ag–Au bimetallic catalysts are designed and synthesized through the thermal evaporation method for efficient yet massive production of electrochemical catalysts. The Ag–Au catalysts show significantly enhanced activity and selectivity in CO2RR, which is mainly attributed to the increased grain boundaries with well‐dispersed single Ag atoms. After the optimization, Au20Ag10 exhibits the best performance with a CO Faraday efficiency of 89% at −0.9 V (vs the reversible hydrogen electrode) with good stability.
Antihypertensive and antihyperlipemic of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) sauce on patients with hypertension: A randomized triple‐blind placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Ghaem Far Zohreh , Babajafari Siavash , Kojuri Javad , Mohammadi Salman , Nouri Mehran , Rostamizadeh Pouya , Rahmani Mohammad Hossein , Azadian Mohsen , Ashrafi‐Dehkordi Elham , Zareifard Alireza , Golchin Vafa Reza , Mazloomi Seyed Mohammad 
Published: September 2021

Systemic arterial hypertension is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and chronic kidney diseases. Spirulina is microalgae with nutritious ingredients and has potential attenuating effects on chronic diseases including hypertension. Spirulina can be added to food products in order to develop functional foods. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of 8‐week consumption of a salad dressing containing 2 g of spirulina platensis powder versus a placebo dressing on patients with hypertension. In this triple‐blind randomized clinical trial, 48 patients with hypertension were enrolled to receive daily either spirulina‐fortified dressing or placebo for 2 months. A total of 41 patients completed this study. We observed that the consumption of spirulina dressing significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (p = .02), diastolic blood pressure (p = .03), serum triglyceride (p = .01), total cholesterol, and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, compared to nonsignificant changes in the placebo group. Significant changes in TAC and hs‐CRP levels were observed in none of the groups. According to our findings, spirulina‐fortified dressing as a functional food can be used a supportive treatment for patients with hypertension along with standard antihypertensive drugs. However, further investigations are required for a more comprehensive conclusion.
A novel cumulative EWMA‐sum mean chart
Authors: Haq Abdul 
Published: September 2021

AbstractMemory‐type charts are well‐recognized as an advanced process monitoring tool because of their sensitive nature against small‐to‐moderate shifts that occur in the process parameters. One of those memory‐type charts is a CUmulative SUM (CUSUM) chart. In order to increase the sensitivity of the CUSUM mean chart, the CUSUM statistic is updated with the CUmulative EWMA‐SUM (CUESUM), which results into the CUESUM chart. The CUESUM chart encompasses the Crosier CUSUM (CCUSUM) chart. Using the Monte Carlo simulations, the run‐length properties of the CUESUM chart are computed. Based on detailed run‐length comparisons, it turns out that the CUESUM chart is more sensitive than the CCUSUM, EWMA, and double EWMA charts when detecting small shifts in the process mean. In addition, the CUESUM chart is uniformly more sensitive than the EWMA‐CUSUM chart. Real and simulated datasets are considered to demonstrate the implementation of the proposed chart.
Effects of low energy availability on female reproductive function
Authors: Iwasa Takeshi , Minato Saki , Imaizumi Junki , Yoshida Atsuko , Kawakita Takako , Yoshida Kanako , Yamamoto Yuri 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundIt is known that metabolic and nutritional disturbances induce reproductive dysfunction in females. The main cause of these alterations is reduced gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion from the hypothalamus, and the underlying mechanisms have gradually been elucidated.MethodsThe present review summarizes current knowledge about the effects of nutrition/metabolism on reproductive functions, especially focusing on the GnRH regulation system.Main findingsVarious central and peripheral factors are involved in the regulation of GnRH secretion, and alterations in their activity combine to affect GnRH neurons. Satiety‐related factors, i.e., leptin, insulin, and alpha‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone, directly and indirectly stimulate GnRH secretion, whereas orexigenic factors, i.e., neuropeptide Y, Agouti‐related protein, orexin, and ghrelin, attenuate GnRH secretion. In addition, kisspeptin, which is a potent positive regulator of GnRH, expression is reduced by metabolic and nutritional disturbances.ConclusionThese neuroendocrine systems may be defensive mechanisms, which help organisms to survive adverse conditions by temporarily suppressing reproduction.
Performance bounds for VDE‐SAT R‐Mode
Authors: Šafář Jan , Grant Alan , Bransby Martin 
Published: September 2021

SummaryThere has been growing interest within the satellite navigation community in the possibility of delivering positioning and timing services from existing or emerging constellations of Low‐Earth Orbit communication satellites. At the same time, the international maritime community has been investigating the potential use of communication signals transmitted from shore‐based stations for positioning—a concept commonly referred to as ‘ranging mode’, or R‐Mode. The driving force for these developments is the desire to reduce the reliance on traditional Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). One of the technologies being considered for use in R‐Mode is the evolution of the Automatic Identification System (AIS) known as the Very High Frequency Data Exchange System (VDES). VDES has a terrestrial and a satellite component. The feasibility of using terrestrial VDES transmissions for ranging was studied in a previous publication by the authors. This paper builds on the previous study and extends its results to the satellite component of VDES. Statistical bounds on the ranging error are derived for all downlink waveforms currently being considered for use in satellite VDES and for several custom‐designed transmission formats. The analysis supports the feasibility of using both the existing and custom waveforms in ranging applications and points to related trade‐offs that will need to be considered in the design of satellite VDES R‐Mode systems.
A Bayesian approach for event predictions in clinical trials with time‐to‐event outcomes
Authors: Aubel Paul , Antigny Marine , Fougeray Ronan , Dubois Frédéric , Saint‐Hilary Gaëlle 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn clinical trials with time‐to‐event outcome as the primary endpoint, the end of study date is often based on the number of observed events, which drives the statistical power and the sample size calculation. It is of great value for study sponsors to have a good understanding of the recruitment process and the event milestones to manage the logistical tasks, which require a considerable amount of resources. The objective of the proposed statistical approach is to predict, as accurately as possible, the timing of an analysis planned once a target number of events is collected. The method takes into account the enrollment, the time to event, and the time to censor processes, using Weibull models in a Bayesian framework. We also consider a possible delay in the event reporting by the investigators, and covariates may also be included. Several metrics can be obtained, such as the probability of study completion at specific timepoints or the credible interval of the date of study completion. The approach was applied to oncology trials, with progression‐free survival as primary outcome. A retrospective analysis shows the accuracy of the approach on these examples, as well as the benefit of updating the predictive probability of study completion as data are accumulating or new information becomes available. We also evaluated the performances of the proposed method in a comprehensive simulation study.
A comprehensive survey on nature‐inspired algorithms and their applications in edge computing: Challenges and future directions
Authors: Adhikari Mainak , Srirama Satish Narayana , Amgoth Tarachand 
Published: September 2021

AbstractDriven by the vision of real‐time applications and smart communication, recent years have witnessed a paradigm shift from centralized cloud computing toward distributed edge computing. The main features of edge computing are to drag the cloud services toward the network edge with dramatic reductions of latency while increasing the resource utilization of the network and computing devices. Being the natural extension of cloud computing, edge computing inherits a variety of research challenges and brings forth different new issues to solve. These challenges are dealing with solving complex optimization problems including scheduling and processing real‐time applications. Nature‐inspired meta‐heuristic (NIMH) algorithm is an overarching term in the field of an optimization problem that provides robust solutions to the NP‐complete problems, from computationally tractable approximate solutions to real‐time optimization strategies. Nowadays, different NIMH algorithms have been applied in the field of edge computing for solving various research challenges including resource placement and scheduling, communication, mobility, and edge controlling with higher efficiency. In this survey, we classify the existing NIMH into three categories based on their nature of works and included fuzzy logic and systems in the field of edge networks along with different research challenges. Further, we introduce different challenges and future directions to identify promising research works in edge computing.
Variable, full‐scale tester for tunnel linings
Authors: Petraroia Diego N. , Mark Peter 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis contribution presents a new tester for tunnel lining segments in the final serviceability load stage. It aims to concentrate the resources of testing laboratories on a single segment capturing most of the real conditions present in real tunnels. Its variability is presented, that is, the geometrical and mechanical configurations it can adapt to. Its performance is validated by means of a prototype test on a conventionally reinforced tunnel lining segment. Horizontal and vertical loads are applied simultaneously to simulate similar loading conditions as in real tunnels. To this end, three hydraulic cylinders are coupled, so that forces up to 5 MN in both directions can be applied. The external loads are introduced radially in a semi‐distributed manner at eight different points of the segment extrados. The kinematics recorded show a proper load distribution on the specimen. Moreover, it brings into light its weak spot, that is, the longitudinal joint.
Structural and economical performance of reinforced concrete frames with Dual‐Phase and TempCore® steel rebars in uncorroded and corroded conditions
Authors: Caprili Silvia , Mattei Francesca , Salvatore Walter 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn the last decades, the need to develop new enhanced typologies of steel reinforcement bars with improved ductility and durability performance in presence of aggressive environmental conditions progressively increased due to the negative consequences that corrosion showed on the structural capacity of reinforced concrete (RC) buildings. Within the recently concluded NEWREBAR research project, a new reinforcing steel grade with Dual‐Phase (DP) microstructure and selected low‐carbon content chemical composition (kept in the range of the actual European production) was developed, produced, and tested even in presence of accelerated induced corrosion. To understand the impact of the adoption of DP rebars in RC structures, case study buildings were designed, modeled, and analyzed using the new grade and compared to traditional buildings using TempCore® rebars. In the present work, the results of a techno‐economic analysis performed on both DP and TempCore® RC buildings through the evaluation of the expected annual loss (EAL) index is presented for a residential five‐storeys case‐study building, assessing the benefit introduced by adopting the proposed new reinforcing grade even in presence of corrosion.
Critical view on the level of maximum punching strength of flat slabs and column bases using database evaluations
Authors: Schmidt Philipp , Kalus Matthias , Hegger Josef 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe level of maximum punching strength is of major importance to design highly stressed slab‐column connections and to choose the type of punching shear reinforcement. Since a couple of years, there is consensus that the maximum punching strength of shear‐reinforced concrete slabs can be defined as a multiple of the reference punching strength without shear reinforcement. The upper bound of this load‐increasing effect depends mainly on the anchorage and arrangement of shear reinforcement elements. Despite numerous research studies and database evaluations, there are ongoing discussions regarding the final effectiveness of stirrups and double headed studs installed in flat slabs and column bases.In this paper, a strictly filtered punching database is used to highlight the significant impact of underlying reference strength comparing the maximum load increase according to current Eurocode 2 and the draft for the next generation of Eurocode 2 (prEC2). Based on this unifying database, the origin of current discrepancies is discussed and a combination of constant lower bound coefficients with a refined formula as specified in prEC2 is proposed. Additionally, the effect of adapting current European Technical Approvals for double‐headed studs and punching shear optimized lattice girders to prEC2 is shortly analyzed. A further database evaluation also allows for setting the basis for optimized detailing provisions regarding the maximum permissible diameter of shear reinforcement.