bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non-intrusive, imaging-based method for shock wave characterization in bubbly gas–liquid fluids
Authors: Cornel Wouter A. , Westerweel Jerry , Poelma Christian 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
A novel experimental imaging-based method is presented for the non-intrusive determination of shock wave characteristics (i.e. shock wave speed and magnitude, and shock-induced liquid velocity) in a bubbly flow solely from gas bubble velocities. Shock wave speeds are estimated by the relative motion between gas bubbles at two locations by splitting the camera field-of-view using a mirror construction, increasing the dynamic spatial range of the measurement system. Although gas bubbles have in general poor tracing properties of the local fluid velocity, capturing the relative dynamics provides accurate estimates for the shock wave properties. This proposed imaging-based method does not require pressure transducers, the addition of tracer particles, or volumetric reconstruction of the gas bubbles. The shock wave magnitude and shock-induced liquid velocity are computed with a hydrodynamic model, which only requires non-intrusively measured variables as input. Two reference measurements, based on pressure transducers and the liquid velocity field by particle image velocimetry, show that the proposed method provides reliable estimates for the shock wave front speed and the shock-induced liquid velocity within the experimental range of 70 $$< U_\textrm{s}<$$

<

U
s

<

400 m/s.

Graphical abstract
DDCAL: Evenly Distributing Data into Low Variance Clusters Based on Iterative Feature Scaling
Authors: Lux Marian , Rinderle-Ma Stefanie 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThis work studies the problem of clustering one-dimensional data points such that they are evenly distributed over a given number of low variance clusters. One application is the visualization of data on choropleth maps or on business process models, but without over-emphasizing outliers. This enables the detection and differentiation of smaller clusters. The problem is tackled based on a heuristic algorithm called DDCAL (1d distribution cluster algorithm) that is based on iterative feature scaling which generates stable results of clusters. The effectiveness of the DDCAL algorithm is shown based on 5 artificial data sets with different distributions and 4 real-world data sets reflecting different use cases. Moreover, the results from DDCAL, by using these data sets, are compared to 11 existing clustering algorithms. The application of the DDCAL algorithm is illustrated through the visualization of pandemic and population data on choropleth maps as well as process mining results on process models.
Radial basis function interpolation of fields resulting from nonlinear simulations
Authors: de Gooijer Boukje M. , Havinga Jos , Geijselaers Hubert J. M. , van den Boogaard Anton H. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThree approaches for construction of a surrogate model of a result field consisting of multiple physical quantities are presented. The first approach uses direct interpolation of the result space on the input space. In the second and third approaches a Singular Value Decomposition is used to reduce the model size. In the reduced order surrogate models, the amplitudes corresponding to the different basis vectors are interpolated. A quality measure that takes into account different physical parts of the result field is defined. As the quality measure is very cheap to evaluate, it can be used to efficiently optimize hyperparameters of all surrogate models. Based on the quality measure, a criterion is proposed to choose the number of basis vectors for the reduced order models. The performance of the surrogate models resulting from the three different approaches is compared using the quality measure based on a validation set. It is found that the novel criterion can effectively be used to select the number of basis vectors. The choice of construction method significantly influences the quality of the surrogate model.
The Heart Failure Optimization Study (HF-OPT): rationale and design
Authors: Sanchez R. , Duncker D. , Colley B. , Doering M. , Gummadi S. , Perings C. , Robertson M. , Shroff G. , Veltmann C. ,   Heart Failure Optimization Study (HF-OPT) Investigators
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
According to the current guidelines, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) for primary prevention in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) should not be considered until optimal guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) has been achieved for a minimum of 3 months. Optimization of GDMT often needs time beyond 3 months after diagnosis. The aim of the Heart Failure Optimization Study (HF-OPT) is to evaluate the recovery of left ventricular function beyond 3 months after diagnosis of newly diagnosed HFrEF.

Methods
The HF-OPT multicenter study is comprised of two non-randomized phases (registry and study). During the first 90 days a wearable cardioverter-defibrillator (WCD) is prescribed and patients are enrolled in an observational pre-study registry. Registry subjects meeting inclusion criteria for the study portion at day 90 have ongoing left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) reassessment at 90, 180 and 360 days after the index hospital discharge, regardless of continued WCD use. Approximately 600 subjects will be enrolled in the study portion. Of those, one-third are anticipated to start the study phase at day 90 with reduced LVEF. The primary objective of this study is to observe the rate of recovery of LVEF > 35% between 90 and 180 days, while key secondary endpoints include mortality and WCD recorded arrhythmias and shocks.

Discussion
The HF-OPT study will provide important information on the rate of additional recovery of LVEF > 35%, between 90 and 180 days, in newly diagnosed HF with reduced LVEF patients being titrated with GDMT. The results of the study may impact indications for primary prophylactic ICD implantation.
Granular cell tumour of the pancreas: a case report and systematic review
Authors: Tree Kevin , Kotecha Krishna , Mehta Shreya , Fuchs Talia L. , Toon Christopher W. , Gill Anthony J. , Samra Jaswinder S. , Mittal Anubhav 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Granular cell tumours (GCTs) of the pancreas are mostly benign and exceptionally rare, with no unique identifying radiological features. Following a case discussion of a patient with GCT, a comprehensive review of available literature was conducted to identify the common diagnostic features associated with GCT.

Methods
Following a case report identified in our institution, a systematic review was conducted by two authors in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis protocols (PRISMA) guidelines. Databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, World of Science, and grey literature were searched on August 2021. Inclusion criteria were histopathology diagnosed granular cell tumour of the pancreas.

Results
A 37-year-old male presented with 1 month of abdominal pain and an MRI demonstrating a dilated main pancreatic duct, distal parenchymal atrophy, but no focal lesion. Repeat MRI at 6 months re-demonstrated similar findings and subsequent endoscopic ultrasound was suspicious for main duct IPMN. Following multidisciplinary team discussion, a spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy was performed. Histopathology demonstrated granular cell tumour with cells diffusely positive for S100 and no malignant transformation.
11 case reports were identified in the literature with diagnosis confirmed on tissue histopathology based on positive immunohistochemical staining for S-100 protein. Eight patients presented with gastrointestinal symptoms with abdominal pain the main presenting complaint (50%). 10 patients underwent CT with portal venous contrast and all underwent endoscopic examination. Imaging findings were similar in five studies for EUS which demonstrated a hypoechoic lesion with homogenous appearance. On non-contrast CT GCT was iso-enhancing, and with portal venous contrast demonstrated hypo-enhancement that gradually enhanced on late phases. Pre-operative diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma was described in six cases based on imaging and biopsy, resulting in progression to surgical resection. Nine patients were managed surgically and no complications identified on follow-up (6–52 months).

Conclusion
The currently proposed management pathway includes EUS with biopsy and CT, and surgical resection recommended due to malignancy risk. Improved sample collection with EUS-FNA and microscopic assessment utilising S-100 immunohistochemistry may improve pre-operative diagnosis. Limitations include rare numbers in reported literature and short follow-up not allowing an assessment of GCT’s natural history and malignancy risk. Additional cases would expand the current dataset of GCTs of the pancreas, so that surgical resection may be avoided in the future.
A Non-parametric Discrete Fracture Network Model
Authors: Gómez Santiago , Sanchidrián José A. , Segarra Pablo , Bernardini Maurizio 
Published: January 2023

AbstractA discrete fracture network (DFN) model based on non-parametric kernel density estimators (KDE) and directional-linear statistics is developed. The model provides a characterization of the fracture network with distributions of fracture orientation and size jointly. A solution to the Bertrand paradox is used for the calculation of disk sizes from trace lengths, the latter calculated from the intersection of disks and highwall faces by triangulation. A Poisson point process is applied for the generation of the model, with fractures assumed to be flat and circular in shape, the number of fractures per unit volume (P30) adjusted to match the experimental length of fractures per unit area (P21). Length censoring of traces due to the surface dimension is considered in the calculations by including semi-bounded traces, i.e., traces censored in one of their ends. Orientation and size biases are corrected with a weighting function in the random sampling. The truncation effect whereby no traces shorter than some cut-off length are recorded, is addressed by a randomized optimization algorithm. The joint fracture orientation-size distribution model developed is tested with trace maps of discontinuities measured from photogrammetric models of twelve highwall faces of quarry benches, with outstanding results. Computational advantages over traditional parametric fracture models are addressed.
Synthesis, structural characterization and study of antioxidant and anti-PrPSc properties of flavonoids and their rhenium(I)–tricarbonyl complexes
Authors: Glykofridi Pigi , Tziouri Vassiliki-Eleni , Xanthopoulos Konstantinos , Vlachou Maria-Eirini , Correia Susana , Fischer Anna-Lisa , Thüne Katrin , Hatzidimitriou Antonios , Zerr Inga , Schmitz Matthias , Sklaviadis Theodoros , Hadjipavlou-Litina Dimitra , Papagiannopoulou Dionysia 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThis study aims at the synthesis and initial biological evaluation of novel rhenium–tricarbonyl complexes of 3,3′,4′,5,7-pentahydroxyflavone (quercetin), 3,7,4΄-trihydroxyflavone (resokaempferol), 5,7-dihydroxyflavone (chrysin) and 4΄,5,7-trihydroxyflavonone (naringenin) as neuroprotective and anti-PrP agents. Resokaempferol was synthesized from 2,2΄,4-trihydroxychalcone by H2O2/NaOH. The rhenium–tricarbonyl complexes of the typefac-[Re(CO)3(Fl)(sol)] were synthesized by reacting the precursorfac-[Re(CO)3(sol)3]+with an equimolar amount of the flavonoids (Fl) quercetin, resokaempferol, chrysin and naringenin and the solvent (sol) was methanol or water. The respective Re–flavonoid complexes were purified by semi-preparative HPLC and characterized by spectroscopic methods. Furthermore, the structure of Re–chrysin was elucidated by X-ray crystallography. Initial screening of the neuroprotective properties of these compounds included the in vitro assessment of the antioxidant properties by the DPPH assay as well as the anti-lipid peroxidation of linoleic acid in the presence of AAPH and their ability to inhibit soybean lipoxygenase. From the above studies, it was concluded that the complexes’ properties are mainly correlated with the structural characteristics and the presence of the flavonoids. The flavonoids and their respective Re-complexes were also tested in vitro for their ability to inhibit the formation and aggregation of the amyloid-like abnormal prion protein, PrPSc, by employing the real-time quaking-induced conversion assay with recombinant PrP seeded with cerebrospinal fluid from patients with Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease. All the compounds blocked de novo abnormal PrP formation and aggregation.Graphical abstract
Porous metal block based on topology optimization to treat distal femoral bone defect in total knee revision
Authors: Zhang Jiangbo , Zhang Aobo , Han Qing , Liu Yang , Chen Hao , Ma Mingyue , Li Yongyue , Chen Bingpeng , Wang Jincheng 
Published: January 2023

AbstractMetal block augmentations are common solutions in treating bone defects of total knee revision. However, the stress shielding and poor osteointegration resulted from metal block application could not be neglected in bone defects restoration. In this study, a novel porous metal block was designed with topology optimization to improve biomechanical performance. The biomechanical difference of the topologically optimized block, solid Ti6Al4V block, and porous Ti6Al4V block in treating bone defects of total knee revision was compared by finite element analysis. The inhomogeneous femoral model was created according to the computed tomography data. Combined with porous structures, minimum compliance topology optimization subjected to the volume fraction constraint was utilized for the redesign of the metal block. The region of interest was defined as a 10 mm area of the distal femur beneath the contacting surface. The biomechanical performance of daily motions was investigated. The von Mises stress, the strain energy density of the region of interest, and the von Mises stress of metal blocks were recorded. The results were analyzed in SPSS. In terms of the region of interest, the maximum von Mises stress of the topological optimized group increased obviously, and its average stress was significantly higher than that of the other groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, the topologically optimized block group had the highest maximum strain energy density of the three groups, and the lowest maximum stress of block was also found in this group. In this study, the stress shielding reduction and stress transfer capability were found obviously improved through topology optimization. Therefore, the topological optimized porous block is recommended in treating bone defects of total knee revision. Meanwhile, this study also provided a novel approach for mechanical optimization in block designing.
Polylactic acid synthesis, biodegradability, conversion to microplastics and toxicity: a review
Authors: Ali Wajid , Ali Hazrat , Gillani Sayed , Zinck Philippe , Souissi Sami 
Published: January 2023

AbstractGlobal pollution by plastics derived from petroleum has fostered the development of carbon–neutral, biodegradable bioplastics synthesized from renewable resources such as modern biomass, yet knowledge on the impact of bioplastics on ecosystems is limited. Here we review the polylactic acid plastic with focus on synthesis, biodegradability tuning, environmental conversion to microplastics, and impact on microbes, algae, phytoplankton, zooplankton, annelids, mollusk and fish. Polylactic acid is a low weight semi-crystalline bioplastic used in agriculture, medicine, packaging and textile. Polylactic acid is one of the most widely used biopolymers, accounting for 33% of all bioplastics produced in 2021. Although biodegradable in vivo, polylactic acid is not completely degradable under natural environmental conditions, notably under aquatic conditions. Polylactic acid disintegrates into microplastics faster than petroleum-based plastics and may pose severe threats to the exposed biota.
Fully-digital low-frequency lock-in amplifier for photoluminescence measurements
Authors: Pollastrone Fabio , Piccinini Massimo , Pizzoferrato Roberto , Palucci Antonio , Montereali Rosa Maria 
Published: January 2023

AbstractLock-in amplifiers, used in several experimental physics applications, are instruments performing quadrature demodulation, which is useful when signals are affected by much noise. Generally, commercially-available lock-in amplifiers are very accurate, but expensive, especially if their operating range includes radiofrequencies. In many applications, high precision is not necessary for the measurements, but it is preferable to have low-cost, low-weight, compactness and a user-friendly graphical unit interface. In this paper, we describe a new fully-digital low-frequency lock-in amplifier developed at ENEA C.R. Frascati Laboratories for photoluminescence experiments based on an innovative low-cost architecture and processing algorithms. The hardware, firmware and software developed for the whole photoluminescence measurement set-up is presented. The present lock-in was first characterized with synthetic electrical sine wave signals and white noise. A dynamic reserve of 43 dB and a noise figure in the range of 25–44 dB were estimated. These results show compatibility with several measurement applications, such as photoluminescence, and the adequacy of the resolutions with respect to the hardware costs. Finally, preliminary results of photoluminescence measurements are presented.
The Galerkin Analysis for the Random Periodic Solution of Semilinear Stochastic Evolution Equations
Authors: Wu Yue , Yuan Chenggui 
Published: January 2023

AbstractIn this paper, we study the numerical method for approximating the random periodic solution of semilinear stochastic evolution equations. The main challenge lies in proving a convergence over an infinite time horizon while simulating infinite-dimensional objects. We first show the existence and uniqueness of the random periodic solution to the equation as the limit of the pull-back flows of the equation, and observe that its mild form is well defined in the intersection of a family of decreasing Hilbert spaces. Then, we propose a Galerkin-type exponential integrator scheme and establish its convergence rate of the strong error to the mild solution, where the order of convergence directly depends on the space (among the family of Hilbert spaces) for the initial point to live. We finally conclude with a best order of convergence that is arbitrarily close to 0.5.
Age-Dependent Prebiotic Effects of Soluble Corn Fiber in M-SHIME® Gut Microbial Ecosystems
Authors: Arroyo Marta Calatayud , Laurie Ieva , Rotsaert Chloë , Marzorati Massimo , Risso Davide , Karnik Kavita 
Published: January 2023

AbstractSoluble corn fiber (SCF) has demonstrated prebiotic effects in clinical studies. Using an in vitro mucosal simulator of the human intestinal microbial ecosystem (M-SHIME®) model, the effects of SCF treatment on colonic microbiota composition and metabolic activity and on host-microbiome interactions were evaluated using fecal samples from healthy donors of different ages (baby [≤ 2 years], n = 4; adult [18–45 years], n = 2; elderly [70 years], n = 1). During the 3-week treatment period, M-SHIME® systems were supplemented with SCF daily (baby, 1.5, 3, or 4.5 g/d; adult, 3 or 8.5 g/d; and elderly, 8.5 g/d). M-SHIME® supernatants were evaluated for their effect on the intestinal epithelial cell barrier and inflammatory responses in lipopolysaccharide. (LPS)-stimulated cells. Additionally, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production and microbial community composition were assessed. In the baby and adult models, M-SHIME® supernatants from SCF treated vessels protected Caco-2 membrane integrity from LPS-induced damage. SCF treatment resulted in the expansion of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Bifidobacterial, as well as increased SCFA production in all age groups. SCF tended to have the greatest effect on propionate production. These findings demonstrate the prebiotic potential of SCF in babies, adults, and the elderly and provide insight into the mechanisms behind the observed prebiotic effects.
A protocol for Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of Lens culinaris Medik (lentil)
Authors: Polowick Patricia L. , Yan Wei 
Published: January 2023

AbstractA reliable protocol for Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of Lens culinaris Medik (lentil) was developed. Using cultivar Laird, the protocol yielded rooted shoots from an average of 6.8 independent events per hundred seeds. The protocol utilized longitudinal slices of embryo axes from imbibed mature seed as a starting explant and a plasmid containing a β-glucuronidase:neomycin phosphotransferase (gus:nptII) fusion gene in Agrobacterium strain EHA105. A series of four media, each with appropriate levels of kanamycin selection were identified and other factors tested included the optical density of the Agrobacterium suspension, and type and concentration of plant growth regulators. The expression of the gus reporter gene was visualized through histochemical staining, and further molecular analysis through PCR, qPCR, ddPCR and Southern hybridization confirmed transformation and provided copy number. The inserted genes were inherited into the T1 generation and chimaeras were not identified. The time from co-cultivation to the planting of rooted shoots ranged from 4 to 7 months, as transgenic clusters continue to produce additional clonal shoots.
Embracing discomfort in active learning and technology-rich higher education settings: sensemaking through reflexive inquiry
Authors: McLay Katherine Frances , Thomasse Lauren , Reyes Vicente Chua 
Published: January 2023

AbstractPreparing students for professional life in a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous twenty-first century world has seen tertiary institutions eschew the traditional ‘lecture-tutorial’ model in favour of active learning approaches. However, implementing these approaches is not unproblematic. This paper explores how we navigated the tensions of cultivating twenty-first century skills in our students—first-year preservice teachers—through a purposely designed approach to active learning in an educational technology course. We illustrate how deploying Bakhtinian precepts through reflexive inquiry supported sensemaking of discomfort, leveraging this sensemaking to reinvigorate practice.
Experiences of listening to the Qur'an in Egypt: A qualitative phenomenological study of therapeutic and recreational listening
Authors: Ismail Mohamed Hossam 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThis is an interdisciplinary study that explores the impact of listening to the Qur'an on the physiological and psychological statuses of an average Egyptian Muslim. It is a transcendental phenomenological study that intersects with theories and concepts from different disciplines including reception studies, media, and popular culture analysis. The study uses two tools that are common in transcendental phenomenological studies: journals, memoirs, and in-depth interviews. Such tools help investigating the experience of listening to the Qur’an as an ongoing stream of consciousness. The study aims at exploring the phenomenon of listening to the Qur’an from the points of view of six participants who are heavy listeners of the Qur’an and are in the habit of writing memoirs and diaries, as a multi-case study purposive sample. The study reveals that the ritual practice of listening to the Qur'an differs from one person to another depending on several factors mainly gender and educational background. Analysis of the replies of the study respondents sheds light on the positive influence of listening to the Qur’an, and the characteristics of a good reciter from Muslims’ point of view. Future studies on a bigger sample are highly recommended so as to gain deeper insights into the influence of this Islamic ritual, leading to possible generalization.