bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forest conversion into pasture selects dung beetle traits at different biological scales depending on species pool composition
Authors: Pessôa Marcelo Bruno , Souza do Amaral Tatiana , De Marco Júnior Paulo , Hortal Joaquín
Published: April 2023

The conversion of forests into open areas has large effects on the diversity and structure of native communities. The intensity of these effects may vary between regions, depending on the existence of native species adapted to open habitats in the regional pool or the time since habitat change.

We assess the differences in species richness and functional diversity of dung beetle communities (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) between native forests and novel pasturelands of the Atlantic Forest and the Cerrado, two biomes with contrasting histories of human occupation in Brazil. We conducted standardized surveys in seven forest fragments and adjacent pastures in each region and measured 14 traits in individuals collected in each type of habitat at each particular site. We calculated functional richness, functional evenness, functional divergence, and community‐weighted mean of traits for each area, and analyzed individual variation through nested variance decomposition and Trait Statistics.

Communities were richer and more numerous at the Cerrado. We did not find any consistent relationship between functional diversity and forest conversion beyond the changes in species diversity. Although landscape changes were more recent at the Cerrado, the colonization of the new habitat by native species already adapted to open habitats lessens the functional loss in this biome. This indicates that habitat change's effects on trait diversity depend on the regional species pool rather than on time since land conversion.

Forest conversion effects were primarily due to internal filtering. The effects of external filtering only appear at the intraspecific variance level, with contrasting differences between the Cerrado, where traits related to relocation behavior and size are selected, and the Atlantic Forest, where selection operates for traits related to relocation behavior and flight. These results evidence the importance of considering individual variance to address the responses of dung beetle communities to forest conversion.
Valorization of pomace from craft cider: Nutritional value, chemical composition, and phenolic and mineral profiles
Authors: Brandão Ana Sofia , Caleja Cristina , Dias Maria Inês , ben Salha Asma , Rezouga Feriel , Rodrigues Paula , Ferreira Isabel C. F. R. , Barros Lillian , Santos José M. R. C. A.
Published: April 2023

Waste recovery, in a circular economy context, is associated with clear economic and environmental benefits. Although apple pomace has been extensively studied for many applications, the valorization of pomace from emerging craft cider production is a novelty. This work is intended to determine the nutritional value, chemical composition, and phenolic and mineral profiles of pomace from craft cider waste. Levels of moisture (79.3%) and sugar contents (54.0%) stand out in their composition. Ethanol (1.56%) has been identified. Also, malic acid (2.94%), as well as α‐tocopherols (0.4 mg/100 g) were detected. The phenolic profile showed six flavonoid compounds identified mainly quercetin derivatives. The mineral analysis revealed potassium as the major constituent (58.5 mg/g). In conclusion, it is envisaged that cider pomace could be an ideal substrate for biotechnological purposes, particularly as a sustainable and alternative, cheap source to produce glycerol for application in various industries such as food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Intergroup relations affect depressive symptoms of Indigenous people: Longitudinal evidence
Authors: Zagefka Hanna , González Roberto , Mackenna Bernardo , Castro Diego , Carozzi Pia , Pairican Fernando
Published: April 2023

One thousand eight hundred thirty‐five individuals who self‐identified as Indigenous (with Mapuche being the largest group) participated in a two‐wave longitudinal survey conducted in Chile with an 18 months lag. This was an approximately nationally representative sample of residents from culturally diverse communities. The aim of the study was to identify protective and adverse factors that are related to the development of depressive symptoms in Indigenous people. It was hypothesized that perceived social support would be negatively related to the development of depressive symptoms and that perceived discrimination would be positively associated with depressive symptoms, so that being on the receiving end of discrimination would make the manifestation of depressive symptoms more likely. Social support and perceived discrimination were themselves predicted to be affected by acculturation preferences and skin pigmentation. It was hypothesized that a positive acculturation orientation towards both the Indigenous group and members of non‐Indigenous majority society would be associated with more perceived social support. Hence, preference for culture maintenance and preference for cross‐group contact were expected to be positively related to social support. Further, it was hypothesized that darker skin pigmentation would be associated with more experiences of discrimination. Taken together, two processes were expected to affect depressive symptomatology: a protective effect of acculturation preferences mediated by social support and a deleterious effect of pigmentation mediated by experiences of discrimination. Results confirmed the predictions cross‐sectionally but longitudinal effects were only found for the deleterious effect of pigmentation; the protective effect of acculturation preferences was notably weaker over time. These findings have both theoretical and applied implications.
2D Ni‐Naphthalene‐2,6‐Dicarboxylic Acid Metal‐Organic Framework as Electrocatalysts for Efficient Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Lee Min Kyung , Choi Sungkyun , Park Hoonkee , Lee Tae Hyung , Lee Sol A. , Yang Jin Wook , Ji Su Geun , Cheon Woo Seok , Ahn Sang Hyun , Kim Soo Young , Shokouhimehr Mohammadreza , Kim Jin Young , Jang Ho Won
Published: April 2023

Two‐dimensional metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are regarded as promising electrocatalysts because of their high surface area and tunable compositions. Herein, a novel nickel‐based 2D MOF for efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) has been developed. Ni‐NDC MOF nanosheets (NDC = naphthalene‐2,6‐dicarboxylic acid) are successfully synthesized on a nickel foam (NF) through a surfactant‐assisted one‐step hydrothermal method. The resulting Ni‐NDC@NF possessing a high electrochemically active surface area of 3.06 mF cm−2 exhibits excellent OER performance with a low overpotential of 249 mV at 10 mA cm−2, a small Tafel slope of 74 mV dec−1, 100% faradaic efficiency, and long‐term stability of 24 h at least. For the application of a bifunctional catalyst, NiMo alloy is electrodeposited on the Ni‐NDC@NF to enhance hydrogen evolution reaction activity. The overall water splitting in a two‐electrode configuration of NiMo/Ni‐NDC@NF electrodes as both anode and cathode require only a 1.56 V for 20 mA cm−2. The photovoltaic‐electrocatalysis system powered by the tandem solar cell represents a high solar‐to‐hydrogen efficiency of ≈22%. This work will contribute to inspiring the design of novel MOF composite catalysts using vertically aligned 2D MOF nanosheet architecture, thereby enlarging the potential of MOFs on next‐generation electrocatalysts and energy devices.
A Low‐Cost Ni–Mo Electrocatalyst for Highly Efficient Hydrogen and Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Pan Peiyao , Zeng Qingle , Li Xiaoxiao , Liu Chao , Zeng Jinming , Liang Tongxiang , Qi Xiaopeng
Published: April 2023

Electrocatalytic water splitting provides an effective way to store electrical energy (i.e., solar and wind energy) intermittently. It is believed that developing electrocatalysts with excellent stability, high catalytic efficiency, and abundant natural reserves is the key to the industrialization of electrochemical water splitting. Herein, nickel–molybdenum electrocatalyst formed on the surface of a low‐cost etched stainless‐steel mesh via a one‐step electrodeposition method exhibits a low hydrogen evolution overpotential of 53 mV and oxygen evolution overpotential of 261 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 due to the synergistic effect of nickel and molybdenum. Moreover, the as‐prepared catalyst demonstrates superior hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalytic performance than commercial Pt/C at current density exceed 200 mA cm−2. The electrocatalyst also shows excellent HER and oxygen evolution reaction stabilities at high current density attribute to the tightly bond between electrocatalyst and the etched stainless‐steel mesh, as well as the surface reconstruction of catalyst during the cycle test. The facile electrodeposition method has lower requirements on production equipment, using stainless steel mesh as the basement reduces the production cost, the nickel–molybdenum alloy possesses excellent electrolytic water splitting performance and stability. These results indicate that this work can provide an idea for the industrialization of electrochemical water splitting.
The Concentrations, Sources, Ecological, and Human Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Roadside Soils of Six Cities in Shanxi Province, China
Authors: Ma Haotian , Mi Meixia , Wang Chongning , Wu Xiaogang , Zhen Zhilei
Published: April 2023

Roadside soils are regarded as a reservoir for heavy metal pollution, which potentially leads to ecosystem deterioration as well as serious hazard to human health. A comprehensive investigation was conducted for the levels, relationship with soil properties, and potential sources of heavy metals (Hg, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, and Cr) in roadside soils in six cities (Changzhi, Jincheng, Yuncheng, Linfen, Xinzhou, Datong) of Shanxi Province; and the corresponding ecological risk and human health risk associated with the concentrations of heavy metals were addressed. Heavy metal concentrations of 112 roadside soil samples in the surveyed cities were, in decreasing order, Zn, Cu, Cr, Pb, Cd, and Hg, which were higher than corresponding background values. The highest concentrations were in Changzhi. The results of Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated that positive correlations in varying degrees existed between soil properties such as electrical conductivity, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and total organic carbon with specific heavy metals and that negative correlations were observed for clay and electrical conductivity. Anthropogenic sources related to traffic emissions and industrialization were the main sources of heavy metals in roadside soils according to principal component analysis. The ecological risk assessments were achieved by pollution index and potential risk index, indicating that contamination with Hg was the most serious, which posed the highest risk to the ecosystems in the surveyed cities; and the ecological risk in Changzhi ranked at the top compared with other cities. For the human health risk assessment, the results demonstrated that the noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were in the acceptable range in the surveyed cities. However, there was a higher health risk from heavy metal exposure for children than adults, and the main exposure pathway was soil ingestion. In addition, Changzhi was the city with the highest noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks, and the main human health risks were posed by Cr contamination in roadside soil, which was different from the results of ecological risks. Both results of ecological and health risk assessment demonstrated that the higher risk exhibited in southern and southeastern cities than northern cities in Shanxi Province. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1485–1500. © 2023 SETAC
OptimizedLightGBMmodel for security and privacy issues incyber‐physicalsystems
Authors: Dalal Surjeet , Poongodi M. , Lilhore Umesh Kumar , Dahan Fadl , Vaiyapuri Thavavel , Keshta Ismail , Aldossary Sultan Mesfer , Mahmoud Amena , Simaiya Sarita
Published: April 2023

Integrating physical, computational, and networking resources are the goal of cyber‐physical systems, also known as smart‐embedded systems. By investing in a solid foundation, we can improve the usefulness and timeliness of the services we rely on in every facet of our lives and ultimately live more elegantly. Regarding modern technology, data security is a significant factor that must be considered. The complexity of cyber‐physical systems' interacting components and middleware presents serious hurdles when it comes to protecting them from cyber‐attacks without negatively impacting their performance. This article proposes a unique, efficient encryption technique for anticipating cyber assaults in cyber‐physical systems, which addresses these concerns. The suggested method uses Bayesian optimization techniques to fine‐tune the LightGBM algorithm's hyper‐parameters. This proposed algorithm has been implemented on the intrusion detection dataset (UNR‐IDD) from the University of Nevada. Reno has been used to test the suggested approach. The proposed system achieved 99.17% accuracy, 0.9918 precision, and 0.9922 recall values. Our empirical evaluation demonstrates that the algorithm successfully increases accuracy and AUC value, making the cyber‐physical system more secure. In turn, the suggested methodology may offer robust assurance for user data safety.
Spatial learning impairments and discoordination of entorhinal‐hippocampal circuit coding following prolonged febrile seizures
Authors: Kloc Michelle L. , Chen Yuncai , Daglian Jennifer M. , Holmes Gregory L. , Baram Tallie Z. , Barry Jeremy M.
Published: April 2023

How the development and function of neural circuits governing learning and memory are affected by insults in early life remains poorly understood. The goal of this study was to identify putative changes in cortico‐hippocampal signaling mechanisms that could lead to learning and memory deficits in a clinically relevant developmental pathophysiological rodent model, Febrile status epilepticus (FSE). FSE in both pediatric cases and the experimental animal model, is associated with enduring physiological alterations of the hippocampal circuit and cognitive impairment. Here, we deconstruct hippocampal circuit throughput by inducing slow theta oscillations in rats under urethane anesthesia and isolating the dendritic compartments of CA1 and dentate gyrus subfields, their reception of medial and lateral entorhinal cortex inputs, and the efficacy of signal propagation to each somatic cell layer. We identify FSE‐induced theta‐gamma decoupling at cortical synaptic input pathways and altered signal phase coherence along the CA1 and dentate gyrus somatodendritic axes. Moreover, increased DG synaptic activity levels are predictive of poor cognitive outcomes. We propose that these alterations in cortico‐hippocampal coordination interfere with the ability of hippocampal dendrites to receive, decode and propagate neocortical inputs. If this frequency‐specific syntax is necessary for cortico‐hippocampal coordination and spatial learning and memory, its loss could be a mechanism for FSE cognitive comorbidities.
Implementation of data fusion to increase the efficiency of classification of precancerous skin states using in vivo bimodal spectroscopic technique
Authors: Kupriyanov Valentin , Blondel Walter , Daul Christian , Amouroux Marine , Kistenev Yury
Published: April 2023

This study presents the results of the classification of diffuse reflectance (DR) spectra and multiexcitation autofluorescence (AF) spectra that were collected in vivo from precancerous and benign skin lesions at three different source detector separation (SDS) values. Spectra processing pipeline consisted of dimensionality reduction, which was performed using principal component analysis (PCA), followed by classification step using such methods as support vector machine (SVM), multilayered perceptron (MLP), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), and random forest (RF). In order to increase the efficiency of lesion classification, several data fusion methods were applied to the classification results: majority voting, stacking, and manual optimization of weights. The results of the study showed that in most of cases the use of data fusion methods increased the average multiclass classification accuracy from 2% up to 4%. The highest accuracy of multiclass classification was obtained using the manual optimization of weights and reached 94.41%.
Western Australian women's expectations for expanded NIPT—An online survey regarding NIPT for single gene, recessive and chromosomal conditions
Authors: Long Sarah , O'Leary Peter , Dickinson Jan E.
Published: April 2023

Prenatal screening has evolved rapidly following the introduction of non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), with screening now available for an increasing number of conditions. We explored the attitudes and expectations of women within the context of using NIPT to detect multiple different single gene and chromosome conditions during pregnancy. An online survey was used to assess these issues with a sample of 219 women from Western Australia. In our study, the majority of women (96%) support of the concept of expanded NIPT for single gene and chromosome conditions provided the test involves no risk to the pregnancy and can provide the parents with relevant medical information about the fetus at any stage of pregnancy. 80% believed that expanded NIPT for single gene and chromosome conditions should be available at any stage during pregnancy and 68% of women indicated that test cost would be a factor in determining their participation in testing. Under half (43%) of the women favored an option to terminate a pregnancy at any stage if the fetus had a medical condition that would interfere with day to day functioning. The majority (78%) of women believed that testing for multiple genetic conditions would provide reassurance and lead to the delivery of a healthy child.
RO6807936 as a novel positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer for in vitro and in vivo visualization and quantification of beta‐site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme (BACE1) in the rodent and baboon brain
Authors: Honer Michael , Polara Alessandra , Kuwabara Hiroto , Jacobsen Helmut , Pähler Axel , Hartung Thomas , Caruso Antonello , Esterhazy Daria , Stoffel Markus , Dannals Robert F. , Wong Dean F. , Borroni Edilio , Gobbi Luca C.
Published: April 2023

The beta‐site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme (BACE1) is responsible for initiating the generation of beta‐amyloid, the major constituent of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The purpose of this study was to develop a specific BACE1 radioligand for visualization of the distribution pattern and quantification of the BACE1 protein in the rodent and monkey brain both in vitro by autoradiography and in vivo by positron emission tomography (PET). The BACE1 inhibitor RO6807936 originating from an in‐house chemical drug optimization program was selected based on its PET tracer‐like physicochemical properties and a favorable pharmacokinetic profile. Saturation binding analysis of [3H]RO6807936 revealed specific and high‐affinity binding (KD = 2.9 nM) and a lowBmaxvalue (4.3 nM) of the BACE1 protein in native rat brain membranes. [3H]RO6807936 binding showed a ubiquitous distribution on rat brain slices in vitro with higher levels in the CA3 pyramidal cell layer and the granule cell layer of the hippocampus. In a next step, RO6807936 was successfully radiolabeled with carbon‐11 and showed acceptable uptake in the baboon brain as well as a widespread and rather homogeneous distribution consistent with rodent data. In vivo blockade studies with a specific BACE1 inhibitor reduced uptake of the tracer to homogenous levels across brain regions and demonstrated specificity of the signal. Our data warrant further profiling of this PET tracer candidate in humans to investigate BACE1 expression in normal individuals and those with AD and as an imaging biomarker for target occupancy studies in clinical drug trials.
Design and development of novel potential inhibitors of the human USP21 enzyme using a pharmacophore‐based virtual screening technique
Authors: Roy Alankar , Luharuka Shreya , Paul Ishani , Ray Sujay
Published: April 2023

An overexpression and increase have been observed in the concentration and activity of the ubiquitin‐specific protease 21 (USP21) enzyme in many cancers, necessitating the need for the development of new inhibitor drugs against the same. The current study attempts to discover one such novel potential inhibitor of USP21 by the application of various bioinformatics techniques which include molecular modeling, pharmacophore mapping, pharmacophore‐based virtual screening, molecular docking, and ADMET prediction followed by molecular dynamics simulations. Following this inverted funnel‐like approach, we finally ended up with one ligand–ZINC02422616 which displays a very high binding affinity toward the USP21 domain. This ligand contains all the pharmacophoric features displayed by the compounds that are potential inhibitors of the USP21 domain. Moreover, it shows a favorable pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and ADMET profile, along with strong hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen bonding with the domain. Simulation studies showed that the complex remains stable over time, with the bound protein displaying a more constrained motion in the conformational space compared to the unbound form. The ligand showed a highly favorable free energy landscape/surface, forming several energy minima's in contrast to the unbound domain in which most conformations occupied a relatively higher energy state. Moreover, the ligand also displayed a Kd of 422.8 nM and a free energy of binding ΔG of −8.6 kcal/mol, both of which indicate a very high affinity toward the target domain. This potential drug candidate can then be used as a viable treatment method for many types of cancers caused by USP21.
Dysbiosis of oropharyngeal microbiome and antibiotic resistance in hospitalized COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Wu Jiani , Liu Wei , Zhu Lin , Li Nina , Luo Gengyan , Gu Ming , Peng Minwu , Zeng Shike , Wu Shu , Zhang Shengze , Chen Qiqi , Cai Meiqi , Cao Wei , Jiang Ying , Luo Chuming , Tian Dechao , Shi Mang , Shu Yuelong , Chang Guohui , Luo Huanle
Published: April 2023

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic is ongoing and multiple studies have elucidated its pathogenesis, however, the related‐ microbiome imbalance caused by SARS‐CoV‐2 is still not clear. In this study, we have comprehensively compared the microbiome composition and associated function alterations in the oropharyngeal swabs of healthy controls and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients with moderate or severe symptoms by metatranscriptomic sequencing. We did observe a reduced microbiome alpha‐diversity but significant enrichment of opportunistic microorganisms in patients with COVID‐19 compared with healthy controls, and the microbial homeostasis was rebuilt following the recovery of COVID‐19 patients. Correspondingly, less functional genes in multiple biological processes and weakened metabolic pathways such as carbohydrate metabolism, energy metabolism were also observed in COVID‐19 patients. We only found higher relative abundance of limited genera such as Lachnoanaerobaculum between severe patients and moderate patients while no worthy‐noting microbiome diversity and function alteration were observed. Finally, we noticed that the co‐occurrence of antibiotic resistance and virulence was closely related to the microbiome alteration caused by SRAS‐CoV‐2. Overall, our findings demonstrate that microbial dysbiosis may enhance the pathogenesis of SARS‐CoV‐2 and the antibiotics treatment should be critically considered.
Effects of cornstalk mulching and rainfall intensity on the quantity and quality of dissolved organic carbon in runoff: A field rainfall simulation at the plot scale
Authors: Li Tianyang , Liang Chuan , He Binghui , Li Siyue
Published: April 2023

Underscoring how crop mulching changes the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in runoff is essential to understanding the sustainable application of cornstalk mulching. This study examined the runoff DOC quantity and quality in plots with and without cornstalk mulching under various rainfall intensities in a representative steep fallow land of southwestern China. Field rainfall simulations within a 60 min duration were conducted on the triplet plots (1.5 m × 1 m for a single plot) with bare soils under 30‐ and 90‐mm h−1intensities and with cornstalk mulching (air‐dried whole plants with 60% coverage and weight 1.65 kg per plot) under 90 mm h−1intensity, respectively. The concentration and loss of runoff DOC and its quality variables, including SUVA254(aromaticity of DOC), C:C (proportion of colored humic substances in DOC), and E4:E6 (fulvic acid to humic acid in DOC), are determined. Results showed that runoff DOC concentration and loss were both significantly higher at 90 mm h−1intensity than at 30 mm h−1intensity (p < 0.05), simultaneously, they were 52.6% and 53.2% higher in mulched plots than in bare plots (p < 0.05), respectively. Runoff SUVA254and C:C in bare plots were 90% and 88.9% higher in 30 mm h−1intensity than in 90 mm h−1intensity (p < 0.05), respectively. Whereas, E4:E6 of runoff was 12.3% higher in mulched plots than that in bare plots (p < 0.05). Our findings imply that cornstalk mulching enhances the export of runoff DOC with a decline in aromaticity and the molecular weight of humic substances.
The role of irradiance in controlling coralline algal calcification
Authors: Krieger Erik C. , Nelson Wendy A. , Grand Johan , Le Ru Eric C. , Bury Sarah J. , Cossais Amelie , Davy Simon K. , Cornwall Christopher E.
Published: April 2023

Coralline algae are an essential element of benthic ecosystems throughout the ocean's photic zone. Yet, the role of light in shaping the physiology of coralline algae from cold‐water, low‐light habitats is poorly understood. Here, we assess the calcification physiology of five cool temperate coralline algae in response to different irradiance levels over 3 months. We show that in contrast to current models focused on warmer water species, previously observed enhancement of calcification rates by photosynthesis is largely limited to lower irradiances, and that the removal of CO2 from the calcifying fluid is not the underlying mechanism of this enhancement. Instead, this most likely occurs via two processes: (1) increased ion pumping rates to elevate the calcium carbonate saturation state in the calcifying fluid; and (2) a higher daytime pH in the diffusion boundary layer that raises calcifying fluid pH. However, as irradiance increases, ion pumping becomes increasingly saturated limiting further enhancements. Our results also suggest the existence of two calcification strategies in coralline algae and indicate that magnesium incorporation is determined by the magnesium to calcium ratio in the calcifying fluid ([Mg]CF/[Ca]CF). This study adds to our mechanistic understanding of calcification in coralline algae and fills in much needed knowledge about the role of light in controlling their physiology.
Investigation of the Reaction Kinetics of Poly(butylene terephthalate) and Epoxide Chain Extender
Authors: Himmelsbach Andreas , Standau Tobias , Kuhnigk Justus , Bubmann Tobias , Akdevelioglu Yavuz , Nofar Mohammadreza , Ruckdäschel Holger
Published: April 2023

Polyesters, such as poly (butylene terephthalate) (PBT), owe a rather low melt strength, which is considered as not beneficial for foaming. To overcome this issue, a typical attempt is the incorporation of chemical modifications—so‐called chain extenders (CE)—in the reactive extrusion process. In this study, the reaction kinetic variables are investigated depending on the material and process parameters. For this purpose, different series of experiments are performed with varying PBT with different molecular weights and the commonly used CE, Joncryl ADR4468, on a micro compounder. The screw force is recorded and analyzed using an Avrami and an Arrhenius plot. First, the amount of CE is systematically varied. To study the course of the reaction in more detail, the reaction is stopped in a series of measurements (10, 30, 60, and 90 s after complete filling). Gel permeation chromatography (GPC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and Raman spectra are recorded. In the second series, the effect of processing temperatures between 250 and 270 °C is investigated, and finally, in the third series, the average molecular weight of PBT is varied. It could be shown that the activation energy seems to be dependent on the initial molecular weight; lower molecular weights result in lower activation energy.
Transient Open‐Closed Loop Experimental Validation of a Nonlinear Two‐Phase Flow Distributed System
Authors: Vega Márcia Peixoto , de Carvalho Mateus Azevedo Dalbone , Oliveira Gabrielle Fontella de Moraes , Fernandes Lindoval Domiciano
Published: April 2023

The oil well drilling process is a nonlinear system with transient nature. Conventional drilling is unable to assure safe and cost‐effective operation for fractured, cavernous, and highly permeable carbonate reservoirs, which contain the largest oil reserves worldwide. Concerning drilling technologies, Pressurized Mud Cap Drilling (PMCD) is suitable for the challenging scenario previously mentioned. According to PMCD technique, a sacrificial fluid is injected through the drill string and a light annular mud is pumped in countercurrent through the annulus region (bullheading), without surface return, forcing gas and drilled cuttings back to formation. A two‐phase flow distributed model (Drift Flux Model – DFM) is developed to properly describe the complex nature of the system. Also, an experimental facility, presenting field similarity, is employed to validate the open – closed loop schemes. The main objective of the controller (control reconfiguration with gain scheduling) is to regulate annulus pressure, handling gas kick, drilling fluid losses and inverse response dynamics. Besides, gas injection, migration and bullheading are studied. The simulations, validated through experimental data, highlight the methodology usefulness for field applications.
ICS‐SUFU standard: Theory, terms, and recommendations for pressure‐flow studies performance, analysis, and reporting. Part 1: Background theory and practice
Authors: Rosier Peter F. W. M. , Valdevenito Juan P. , Smith Phillip , Sinha Sanjay , Speich John , Gammie Andrew ,   The Members of the ICS Working Group PFS23
Published: April 2023

Aims

The working group (WG) initiated by the International Continence Society Standardization Steering Committee and supported by the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine and Urogenital Reconstruction has revised the (1997) ICS Standard for pressure flow studies.

Methods

Based on the ICS standard for developing evidence‐based standards, the WG developed this new ICS standard in the period from May 2020 to December 2022. A draft was posted on the ICS website in January 2023 to facilitate public discussion and the comments received have been incorporated into this final release.

Results

The WG summarizes the theory and recommends the practice and the terms used for the diagnosis of voiding dysfunction for adult female and male patients without relevant neurological abnormalities, in part 1 of this standard. The WG has also recommended standard principles and parameters for objective and continuous grading of urethral resistance and detrusor voiding contraction on the basis of pressure flow studies in part 2. The recommendations for practice in this part have also the aim to increase the understanding of the physiology as well as the psychology of voiding. The potential effects of the laboratory situation of the test on the voiding as well as the role of the urodynamicist in this regard are discussed. The WG has recommended to use for diagnosis only the voidings that are considered representative by the patient.

Conclusion

A pressure flow study is the gold standard to assess voiding function and to quantify dysfunction. This part of the standard explains the clinical background, gives recommendations for the execution of a pressure flow study and lists relevant terms, parameters, and units of measurements.
Characterizing the Bitcoin network topology with Node‐Probe
Authors: Essaid Meryam , Lee Changhyun , Ju Hongteak
Published: April 2023

In blockchain networks, topology discovery is a prerequisite when investigating the network characteristics (e.g., performance and robustness), which can provide a deeper comprehension of the behavior of the nodes and topology dynamicity. In this paper, we conduct a longitudinal study on the Bitcoin topology by collecting network snapshots from 2018 to 2022 with Node‐Probe, our topology discovery technique that uses recursive scanning to find all reachable nodes in the Bitcoin network. Using Node‐Probe, we have collected 5‐week‐long snapshots (36‐day‐long snapshots) of the Bitcoin main network and analyzed the network properties, community structure, and topology dynamicity. We confirm that our approach achieves a precision of 99% with a recall of 98% in inferring the topology. Analytical results on community structure show that the Bitcoin network has
more communities than what should be expected from a random network. Meanwhile, analytical results on dynamicity indicate that the topology stands firmly on heavy and long‐running nodes. Improving the propagation mechanism using master nodes could improve the propagation delay by proximity
compared with the Bitcoin default protocol. Considering a K‐anonymity attack, any transaction from one of the autonomous systems containing only a single Bitcoin node can easily be linked to real users' IP information.
Mechanical and electrical properties of carbon nanotube/epoxy/glass‐fiber composites intended for nondestructive testing
Authors: Qu Muchao , Cai Jinfeng , Li Xiaoqing , Wu Jin , Chen Hongji , Zheng Zhenxing , Nilsson Fritjof , Liu Shuiyan , Gao Qun
Published: April 2023

In this study, ternary polymer composites sheets comprising glass fiber (GF) reinforced epoxy with various fractions of carbon nanotubes (CNT) were manufactured using hot‐pressing technology. A multiscale morphology analysis was presented using scanning electron microscopy. The thermal behavior of the glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis, DSC, and DMA, which indicated an application temperature up to 71°C for the composites. Mechanical uniaxial stretching and three‐points bending tests showed that the addition of 0.1–0.2 wt% CNT decreased the dissipated energy of the specimen by 50% and increased the Young's modulus by more than 100%. During all stretching and bending measurements, the relative change in electrical resistance (RCR) was recorded as function of strain, revealing a relationship between the electrical signal and the applied deformation of the GFRP. Finally, the standard equation for fitting RCR versus strain was optimized, reducing the number of fitting parameters from five to three. The electrical and mechanical properties of the CNT/GF/epoxy composites show that they are suitable sensoring materials for wind‐turbine blades and other glass‐fiber reinforced epoxy constructions, especially for nondestructive testing.
Pediatric renal tumor epidemiology: Global perspectives, progress, and challenges
Authors: Libes Jaime , Hol Janna , Neto Joaquim Caetano de Aguirre , Vallance Kelly L. , Tinteren Harm van , Benedetti Daniel J. , Villar Gema Lucia Ramirez , Duncan Catriona , Ehrlich Peter F.
Published: April 2023

Pediatric renal tumors account for 3%–11% of childhood cancers, the most common of which is Wilms tumor or nephroblastoma. Epidemiology plays a key role in cancer prevention and control by describing the distribution of cancer and discovering risk factors for cancer. Large pediatric research consortium trials have led to a clearer understanding of pediatric renal tumors, identification of risk factors, and development of more risk‐adapted therapies. These therapies have improved event‐free and overall survival for children. However, several challenges remain and not all children have benefited from the improved outcomes. In this article, we review the global epidemiology of pediatric renal tumors, including key consortium and global studies. We identify current knowledge gaps and challenges facing both high and low middle‐incomes countries.
Synergistic effect of β‐nucleating agent and layered double hydroxide on high toughness of polypropylene composites
Authors: Guo Xincheng , Chen Yao , Guo Jianbing , Qin Jun , Lian Honglin , Lu Zongcheng , Chen Xiaolang
Published: April 2023

The crystalline behaviors and micromorphology of polymers have a large impact on the physical and mechanical properties, especially for polypropylene (PP) composites with toughening effect. In this work, the changes of the content ratio for layered double hydroxide (LDH) and β‐nucleating agent (CaHA), mechanical properties, and crystallization behaviors of PP/ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA)/LDH ternary composites are investigated by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), polarizing optical microscopy (POM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and notched impact strength testing. The CaHA is used for synergistic toughening with LDH, and the highest notched impact strength is achieved in the 6PEL2 sample with CaHA of 0.03 phr and LDH of 5.70 phr, which is about 100% higher than that of pure PP. It is found from the crystallization behaviors and SEM images of the composites that 6PEL2 has the highest relative content of β‐crystals and the appearance of rougher interface and deformation pullout of the EVA phase in 6PEL2 because of dislocations in the β‐crystals and the formation of a large number of cavities absorbing the impact energy.
Risk factors for the deterioration of pulmonary function in primary ciliary dyskinesia
Authors: Fein Vanessa , Maier Christoph , Schlegtendal Anne , Denz Robin , Koerner‐Rettberg Cordula , Brinkmann Folke
Published: April 2023

Background

PCD is a genetic disease leading to a decline in pulmonary function. There is only little knowledge of factors determining the long‐term pulmonary outcome. Especially adherence has not been addressed yet although being an independent risk factor for an increased loss of lung capacity in other chronic respiratory diseases.

Objective

Assessing the impact of bacterial airway colonization and adherence on long‐term lung function in patients with PCD.

Methods

Data on colonization and lung function parameters like forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1, Z‐score) and lung clearance index (LCI2,5%) were collected for 7.01 ± 2.2 years (893 quarters) in 44 PCD patients. Adherence was classified as good, moderate or poor. The impact of both adherence and colonization was assessed for the long‐term course of FEV1, the association of colonization with lung function also quarterly.

Statistics

Kruskall–Wallis test, T test, ANOVA, linear regression, linear mixed model.

Results

Chronic colonization did not show any impact on the for long‐term course of FEV1, but adherence was a significant factor: patients with good adherence showed better FEV1 at the end of the observation period than children with poor adherence (–0.15 ± 0.88 vs. –2.63 ± 1.79, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Adherence has not yet been investigated for PCD. However, we found it to be a major significant factor affecting long‐term FEV1 in PCD. Thus, it should be taken into consideration in the treatment protocols for PCD.
A new kid in the folding funnel: Molecular chaperone activities of the BRICHOS domain
Authors: Leppert Axel , Poska Helen , Landreh Michael , Abelein Axel , Chen Gefei , Johansson Jan
Published: April 2023

The BRICHOS protein superfamily is a diverse group of proteins associated with a wide variety of human diseases, including respiratory distress, COVID‐19, dementia, and cancer. A key characteristic of these proteins—besides their BRICHOS domain present in the ER lumen/extracellular part—is that they harbor an aggregation‐prone region, which the BRICHOS domain is proposed to chaperone during biosynthesis. All so far studied BRICHOS domains modulate the aggregation pathway of various amyloid‐forming substrates, but not all of them can keep denaturing proteins in a folding‐competent state, in a similar manner as small heat shock proteins. Current evidence suggests that the ability to interfere with the aggregation pathways of substrates with entirely different end‐point structures is dictated by BRICHOS quaternary structure as well as specific surface motifs. This review aims to provide an overview of the BRICHOS protein family and a perspective of the diverse molecular chaperone‐like functions of various BRICHOS domains in relation to their structure and conformational plasticity. Furthermore, we speculate about the physiological implication of the diverse molecular chaperone functions and discuss the possibility to use the BRICHOS domain as a blood–brain barrier permeable molecular chaperone treatment of protein aggregation disorders.
Fabrication of Low On‐Resistance and Normally Off AlGaN/GaN Metal Oxide Semiconductor Heterojunction Field‐Effect Transistors with AlGaN Back Barrier by the Selective Area Regrowth Technique
Authors: Tajima Jumpei , Hikosaka Toshiki , Nunoue Shinya
Published: April 2023

Herein, a recessed‐gate AlGaN/GaN metal oxide semiconductor heterojunction field‐effect transistor (MOS‐HFET) with an AlGaN back‐barrier layer fabricated by a selective area regrowth (SAG) technique is investigated. A recessed‐gate structure enables normally off operation required for power‐switching applications. A thin AlGaN/GaN channel and the AlGaN back‐barrier structures are fabricated on a Si substrate by metal–organic chemical vapor deposition. The 50 nm thick, thin GaN channel layer with a smooth surface is grown on the AlGaN back‐barrier layer. A recessed‐gate structure is successfully formed by SAG of an AlGaN/GaN layer on the thin AlGaN/GaN layer. The regrown AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor structure shows lower sheet resistance owing to high concentration and high mobility of a two‐dimensional electron gas. Transfer characteristics of the thin AlGaN/GaN channel MOS‐HFETs show normally off operation as a consequence of using the AlGaN back‐barrier structure. Channel mobility becomes five times higher than that of GaN channel in the case of using the thin AlGaN/GaN channel. These results indicate that the regrown thin AlGaN/GaN channel MOS‐HFET has the potential to realize low on‐resistance and normally off operation.
Characteristics of the low‐level jets observed over Dunkerque (North Sea French coast) using 4 years of wind lidar data
Authors: Dieudonné Elsa , Delbarre Hervé , Sokolov Anton , Ebojie Felix , Augustin Patrick , Fourmentin Marc
Published: April 2023

This study investigates the occurrence and characteristics of low‐level jets (LLJs) up to 200 m above sea level in the North Sea area, specifically in the southernmost part of the basin, at the entrance of the English Channel. Using a short‐range Doppler lidar installed in Dunkerque Port, on the northern coast of France, wind profiles were recorded for 4 years and analyzed statistically. LLJs were detected on more than 11,000 of the 10‐min average wind profiles (5% of time), with similar jet core height and core speed distributions as in other sites in the southern North Sea area, and a similar annual cycle. However, there were differences in the core directions and the daily cycle, with afternoon northeastly jets being the most frequent in Dunkerque, whereas southwesterly nocturnal jets were dominant in the other North Sea sites. This suggests that wind channeling in the Dover Strait is likely a major factor for LLJ formation in Dunkerque region. The study also examined the conditions of LLJ occurrence using European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecast (ECMWF) reanalysis v5 and ultrasonic anemometer data, but the different types of LLJs sharing the same core direction and occurrence conditions made it difficult to quantify specific jet formation mechanisms. This is the first experimental study on the North Sea shore, and at the entrance of the English Channel, providing valuable insights into the LLJ behavior in the region.
Adaptive fault‐tolerant control of nonlinear systems based on tuning functions
Authors: Qi Hongji , Chen Ming , Wu Libing
Published: April 2023

This article investigates the tracking control problem of adaptive fault‐tolerant control (AFTC) for a class of strict‐feedback nonlinear systems with actuator/sensor faults and unmatched disturbances. The sensor/actuator faults include bias, drift, loss of accuracy, and loss of effectiveness. Our main control objective is to investigate an adaptive fault‐tolerant control algorithm with the help of tuning functions, adaptive control technology, fuzzy logic systems (FLSs) and so on. For unknown nonlinear functions and fault items, FLSs and adaptive control technology are utilized to approximate them. Furthermore, over‐parameterization problem existed in the backstepping‐based controller design is solved by introducing the tuning functions. Theoretical analysis proves that our proposed AFTC scheme can ensure that all the signals in the closed‐loop system are bounded and the tracking error remains within a small range of zero even if a series of faults mentioned above occur. In the end, the simulation results show that the presented AFTC strategy is feasible and effective.
Efficient min–max MPC: Achieving a large domain of attraction with short horizon
Authors: Nguyen Hoai‐Nam
Published: April 2023

This article considers the regulation problem of a constrained linear system with bounded disturbance. The objective is to overcome the offline and online problems of the standard dual‐mode min–max model predictive control (MPC). The offline problem is related to the construction of a polyhedral terminal set, which is prohibitively complex especially for high order systems. We propose to replace the polyhedral set with the ellipsoidal one, which is much easier to construct. The online problem is related to the computational burden, which grows exponentially with the prediction horizon . We show how to employ a new terminal cost function, that results in a new min–max MPC with a large domain of attraction even with or . Hence the computational complexity is drastically reduced. Two numerical examples with comparison to earlier solutions from the literature illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Achieving environmental sustainability in Africa: The role of financial institutions development on carbon emissions
Authors: Chen George S. , Manu Emmanuel Kwaku , Asante Dennis
Published: April 2023

We investigate the causal impact of the development of financial institutions on environmental sustainability in Africa. Drawing on a distinctive panel data set encompassing 34 countries from 1980 to 2017, with carbon emissions serving as an indicator of environmental sustainability, we discover that enhanced development of financial institutions leads to increased carbon emissions, especially in relation to the depth of these institutions. Furthermore, our study reveals support for the environmental Kuznets curve, heterogenous slopes, and shifts over time in the finance–emissions nexus. Our results remain robust to different model specifications. The conclusions we reach indicate that the development of financial institutions and the implementation of pro‐growth policies are essential for attaining environmental sustainability on the African continent.