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Machine learning for inverse design of acoustic and elastic metamaterials
No full textRecent rapid developments in machine learning (ML) models have revolutionized the generation of images and texts. Simultaneously, generative models are beginning to permeate other fields, where they are being applied to the effective design of various structures. In the field of metamaterials, in particular, machine learning has enabled the creation of sophisticated architectures with unconventional behavior and unique properties. In this article, we review recent advancements in the ML-driven design of a particular class of artificial materials — phononic metamaterials — that are capable of programming the propagation of acoustic and elastic waves. This review includes an in-depth discussion of the challenges and future prospects, aiming to inspire the phononic community to advance this research field collectively. We hope this article will help readers understand the recent developments in generative design and build a solid foundation for addressing specific research problems that could benefit from the application of machine learning models
The face of illusory truth: repetition of information elicits affective facial reactions predicting judgments of truth
No full textPeople tend to judge repeated information as more likely true compared with new information. A key explanation for this phenomenon, called the illusory truth effect, is that repeated information can be processed more fluently, causing it to appear more familiar and trustworthy. To consider the function of time in investigating its underlying cognitive and affective mechanisms, our design comprised two retention intervals. Seventy-five participants rated the truth of new and repeated statements 10 min, as well as 1 week after first exposure while spontaneous facial expressions were assessed via electromyography. Our data demonstrate that repetition results not only in an increased probability of judging information as true (illusory truth effect) but also in specific facial reactions indicating increased positive affect, reduced mental effort, and increased familiarity (i.e., relaxations of musculus corrugator supercilii and frontalis) during the evaluation of information. The results moreover highlight the relevance of time: both the repetition-induced truth effect as well as EMG activities, indicating increased positive affect and reduced mental effort, decrease significantly after a longer interval
Symptom burden and post-COVID-19 syndrome 24 months following SARS-CoV-2 infection: Longitudinal population-based study
No full textObjectivesTo describe the symptom burden and associated impairment two years after SARS-CoV-2 index infection.MethodsParticipants of an earlier large population-based survey in Southwestern Germany (August–September 2021) were contacted again in November 2023. We calculated the prevalences of suspected PCS and specific symptom clusters at both time points and investigated factors for their resolution or emergence.ResultsA total of 6635 subjects (mean age 46.6 years, 60.9% females) participated in the follow-up. Between baseline and follow-up (median 8.7 and 23.9 months after infection) there were only small changes in the point prevalence of post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) (29.9% versus 31.2%) or defined symptom clusters such as fatigue (23.8% versus 22.0%), neurocognitive impairment (15.8% versus 17.3%), or chest symptoms (14.4% versus 13.7%). Probabilities of resolution were often similar to probabilities of emergence, e.g. fatigue symptoms resolved in 9.8% of participants but emerged in 8.0%. Consistent predictors for emerging symptom clusters were female sex, obesity and medical treatment of the acute infection. The six main symptom clusters together explained 45% (physical domain) and 29% (mental domain) of the variance in health-related quality of life (hrQoL).ConclusionsWe found a remaining high symptom prevalence two years after SARS-CoV-2 infection, but symptoms present nine months after the index infection often resolved, which was associated with increasing hrQoL. Remarkably, a considerable portion of symptoms newly emerged, of which only a few could be attributed to reported SARS-CoV-2 reinfection
TREAT: systematic and inclusive selection process of genes for genomic newborn screening as part of the Screen4Care project
No full textBackgroundGenomic newborn screening (gNBS) offers the potential to detect genetic conditions early, enhancing outcomes through timely treatment. It can serve as an additional tool to identify conditions that are not detectable via metabolic screening. The Screen4Care project seeks to develop a systematic approach for selecting treatable rare diseases (RDs) for inclusion in gNBS through the creation of the TREAT-panel.MethodsA set of six selection criteria containing treatability, clinical validity, age of onset, disease severity, penetrance, and genetic feasibility was applied to a comprehensive list of gene-disease pairs. Genes meeting a defined threshold score were included in the TREAT-panel. This automated scoring process was complemented by expert review from clinicians and patient representatives to ensure clinical relevance and adherence to current medical guidelines.ResultsThe initial gene list, derived from multiple data sources, included 484 gene-disease pairs. After applying the scoring system and two rounds of expert curation, a final list of 245 genes was selected. These genes predominantly represent disorders in metabolic, neurological, and immunological categories, with treatability and early disease onset as key inclusion factors.ConclusionThe Screen4Care TREAT-panel provides a curated, scientifically robust gene set for gNBS, focusing on treatable RDs with early onset and clinical actionability. The panel will be tested in a European pilot project involving approximately 20,000 newborns, contributing to the growing body of evidence for the implementation of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in newborn screening programs
Ceramic fused filament fabrication (CF3) of zirconia implants by using flexible, partially water-soluble binder systems
No full textCeramic Fused Filament Fabrication offers a simple and cost-effective method to manufacture personalized ceramic implants. However, the lack of flexibility in highly filled filaments and the reduced accuracy compared to alternative additive manufacturing techniques limit the method’s widespread implementation. Therefore, an eco-friendly partially water-soluble binder system containing polyethylene glycol (PEG), poly(vinylbutyral) (PVB), and poly(methylmethacrylat) (PMMA) was investigated, along with the influence of the two additives acetyltributylcitrate (ATBC) and lauric acid (LA). The created feedstocks were characterized by comprehensive rheological analysis, which included capillary rheology and dynamic mechanical analysis. The production offilaments with a solid content of 50 vol% was successfully achieved, demonstrating exceptional flexibility and flow properties. Following the debinding and sintering processes, the optimal feedstock systems enabled the fabrication of defect-free components with a high level of detail and relative densities up to 100 %
[Rezension von: Gabriele Müller-Klemke: Amerikanische Dramatiker vor 1850. Ein bio-bibliographisches Lexikon]
No full textIn situ eradication of mature oral biofilm on titanium implant surfaces using cold atmospheric plasma
No full textObjective: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a new cold atmospheric plasma device (AmbiJet) for eradicating mature oral biofilm on titanium implant surfaces, aiming to improve decontamination methods for the treatment of peri-implant infections. Material and methods: Mature oral biofilms were grown on titanium disks placed in participants’ mouths. These disks were divided into control and plasma treatment groups. The AmbiJet device delivered plasma directly to the implant surface for 3 min per 20 mm2, utilizing the applicator nozzle and implant as electrodes. Biofilm reduction was quantified by counting colony-forming units (CFUs). Results: Cold plasma treatment rendered approximately 90% of samples bacteria-free. A > 6-log10 reduction (≈99.9999%) in bacterial load was achieved in 30% of samples, with an overall average reduction of 4.9-log10 across all treated samples. The temperature during treatment remained below 40 °C. Conclusions: Within the study’s limitations, cold atmospheric plasma effectively eradicates mature oral biofilm on titanium surfaces. This high disinfection efficacy is likely due to the combined action of reactive species and electrical phenomena, which does not cause significant temperature increases
Using masked image modelling transformer architecture for laparoscopic surgical tool classification and localization
No full textArtificial intelligence (AI) has shown its potential to advance applications in various medical fields. One such area involves developing integrated AI-based systems to assist in laparoscopic surgery. Surgical tool detection and phase recognition are key components to develop such systems, and therefore, they have been extensively studied in recent years. Despite significant advancements in this field, previous image-based methods still face many challenges that limit their performance due to complex surgical scenes and limited annotated data. This study proposes a novel deep learning approach for classifying and localizing surgical tools in laparoscopic surgeries. The proposed approach uses a self-supervised learning algorithm for surgical tool classification followed by a weakly supervised algorithm for surgical tool localization, eliminating the need for explicit localization annotation. In particular, we leverage the Bidirectional Encoder Representation from Image Transformers (BEiT) model for tool classification and then utilize the heat maps generated from the multi-headed attention layers in the BEiT model for the localizing of these tools. Furthermore, the model incorporates class weights to address the class imbalance issue resulting from different usage frequencies of surgical tools in surgeries. Evaluated on the Cholec80 benchmark dataset, the proposed approach demonstrated high performance in surgical tool classification, surpassing previous works that utilize both spatial and temporal information. Additionally, the proposed weakly supervised learning approach achieved state-of-the-art results for the localization task
User experience with plain language summaries of psychological systematic reviews with meta-analysis (“KLARpsy” texts) - a qualitative study using the think aloud method
No full textBackgroundScience communication can support informed decision-making. As part of the “PLan Psy” project, a guideline for producing plain language summaries of systematic reviews with meta-analysis on psychological topics (“KLARpsy” texts), was developed. This study aims to investigate the similarities and differences in the user experience with “KLARpsy texts” between laypersons and professionals (science communicators and psychologists).MethodsWe conducted a qualitative online interview study. Participants read two “KLARpsy” texts presented on a mock-up website and verbalized their impressions and experiences using the think aloud method. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed with a deductive approach using content analysis.ResultsThe study was completed by twelve participants (nine female, three male), including six laypersons, three science communicators, and three psychologists. Both groups found the “KLARpsy” texts to be mainly useful, user-friendly, and trustworthy. Nevertheless, professional users preferred the original studies. Both groups emphasized the need for more detailed descriptions regarding methodology and result presentation. The “KLARsaurus” glossary promoted comprehensibility. The text structure supported usability. However, the structure and transitions between study-specific and general information as well as sentence structure were sometimes seen as non-intuitive. Some opinions on comprehensibility and information density were not consistent within the two groups.DiscussionThe plain language summaries in the form of ‘KLARpsy’ texts were perceived by interested participants as added value for laypersons. Both laypersons and professionals attach particular importance to a transparent and critical, but also understandable and clear presentation of study results. Individual preferences and differences in the perspectives of both user groups highlight challenges of standardizing such a science communication format