bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A creep/recovery model of dry fiber fabric during compaction considering temperature and in‐plane tension
Authors: Si Yanpeng , An Le , Xie Chenyang , Sun Lishuai , Zhao Zhiyong , Li Yujun , Jiang Jianjun
Published: March 2024

In the manufacturing of fiber‐reinforced composite materials, the preforming stage of dry fiber fabric entails compaction operations carried out under constant pressure, a specific preforming temperature, and in‐plane tension. Throughout this process, permanent deformation and creep/recovery behavior are observed in the fabric, correlating with factors such as time, sustained pressure, temperature, and in‐plane tension. Effective control of fiber volume fraction and material composition necessitates a thorough comprehension of these phenomena as well as the capacity to predict them with accuracy. To solve this, a viscoelastic‐plastic model was put forth, which provides an account of the viscous effects on the fabric during its stages of compression and recovery. The proposed model incorporates changed Burgers units to manage time‐dependent deformations and plastic units to address permanent deformations. Through the application of a single set of parameters, the model precisely and comprehensively characterizes through‐thickness creep/recovery behavior of preformed dry fiber fabrics under varying conditions, including creep stress, temperature, and in‐plane tension. To enhance the practical utility of the model, an application has been developed and validated against experimental data conducted under diverse test conditions. The results demonstrate consistency between experimental curves and model‐predicted curves across various compression scenarios.

Highlights

A viscoelastic‐plastic model was proposed with a single parameter set.

Stress, temperature, and in‐plane tension all exacerbated creep/recovery.

Model captures temp. and time‐related creep/recovery with in‐plane tension.

The model has been transformed into a practical application tool.
Oxygen Diffusion in Li(Nb,Ta)O3 Single Crystals
Authors: Kofahl Claudia , Uhlendorf Johanna , Muscutt Brendan A. , Pionteck Mike N. , Sanna Simone , Fritze Holger , Ganschow Steffen , Schmidt Harald
Published: March 2024

Oxygen tracer self‐diffusion in LiNbO3, LiTaO3, and LiNb0.15Ta0.85O3 single crystals between 880 and 1050 °C is investigated. 18O2 isotope‐exchanged samples are analyzed by secondary ion mass spectrometry. The diffusivities of each of the three different materials can be described by the Arrhenius law with an activation enthalpy of diffusion of about 3.2–3.5 eV. The diffusivities are highest for LiNbO3 and are lower by about one order of magnitude for LiNb0.15Ta0.85O3 and LiTaO3. The change of the pre‐exponential factor is identified as the reason for the difference in diffusivities. The experimental results are compared to defect formation energy calculations as given in literature and to energy barrier calculations for the diffusion of a single O vacancy as determined by nudged elastic band calculations based on density‐functional theory. An oxygen vacancy mechanism is suggested to govern diffusion. The difference in diffusivities is tentatively attributed to a different number of freely migrating vacancies, probably due to defect complex formation.
Multifeature‐based online remaining useful life prediction of lithium‐ion batteries in stages using cascaded data‐driven algorithm
Authors: Tao Liujun , Wu Huaiyu , Zheng Xiujuan
Published: March 2024

Accurately predicting the remaining useful life (RUL) is crucial for the safety and stability of battery systems. Considering the inherent challenges in directly measuring the capacity of lithium‐ion batteries during operation, this paper proposes an online hybrid cascaded data‐driven prediction algorithm for RUL. Health indicators (HIs) are extracted from the charge–discharge voltage and incremental capacity curves, following which gray correlation analysis is employed to quantitatively assess the relevance between the HIs and batteries' capacities. Redundancy of HIs is eliminated through kernel principal component analysis, which enhancing the efficiency of subsequent analysis. The proposed framework incorporates the sparrow search algorithm‐based kernel extreme learning machine (SSA‐KELM) as the first‐level prediction model, establishing the relationship between HIs and capacities. The bidirectional long short‐term memory (BiLSTM) is utilized as the secondary‐level model, which integrates the preliminary capacity predictions of SSA‐KELM. Finally, experimental validation using battery datasets from NASA and Oxford showed that the method has remarkable generalization ability and superior prediction accuracy. Quantitatively, the RMSE and MAPE of NASA batteries are within 0.03, while the errors of Oxford batteries are within 0.003. The RUL prediction errors of all lithium‐ion batteries are within two cycles.
A chromosome‐level genome of mango exclusively from long‐read sequence data
Authors: Wijesundara Upendra Kumari , Masouleh Ardashir Kharabian , Furtado Agnelo , Dillon Natalie L. , Henry Robert J.
Published: March 2024

Improvements in long‐read sequencing techniques have greatly accelerated plant genome sequencing. Current de novo assemblies are routinely achieved by assembling long‐read sequence data into contigs that are assembled to chromosome level by chromatin conformation capture. We report here a chromosome‐level mango genome using only PacBio high‐fidelity (HiFi) long reads. HiFi reads at high coverage (204x) resulted in the assembly of 17 chromosomes, each as a single contig with telomeres at both ends. The remaining three chromosomes were represented each by two contigs, with telomeres at one end and ribosomal repeats at the other end. Analyzing contig ends allowed them to be paired and linked to generate the remaining three complete chromosomes, telomere‐to‐telomere but with ribosomal repeats of uncertain length. The assembled genome was 365 Mb with 100% completeness as assessed by Benchmarking Universal Single‐Copy Orthologs analysis. The haplotypes assembled demonstrated extensive structural differences. This approach using very high genome coverage may be useful for assembling high‐quality genomes for many other plants.
Assessment of seasonal variations in vehicular emissions at traffic intersections in Ibadan using AERMOD dispersion model
Authors: Odediran Emmanuel Toluwalope , Adeniran Jamiu Adetayo , Yusuf Rafiu Olasunkanmi
Published: March 2024

African cities grapple with urban air pollution from traffic‐related air pollutants (TRAPs). This study investigated TRAPs concentration variations at traffic intersections (TIs) in Ibadan, Nigeria. AERMOD model was employed to examine TRAPs dispersion at 25 selected TIs, considered as volume sources. Seasonal concentration distributions of six pollutants (CO, NO2, SO2, TVOCs, PM2.5, and PM10) were determined using meteorological, topographical, and pollutants’ emission rates in AERMOD. Estimated peak concentrations of the studied pollutants were generally higher in the rainy season than dry season, surpassing the air quality standards set by World Health Organization (WHO) and Nigeria's National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) during the rainy and dry seasons except SO2 (24 h) concentration which did not exceed the NESREA standard. This study highlighted TIs as significant contributors to air quality degradation in both seasons studied in Ibadan and showed AERMOD's suitability for air dispersion studies.
New directions for Alzheimer's disease research from the Jackson Laboratory Center for Alzheimer's and Dementia Research 2022 workshop
Authors: Telpoukhovskaia Maria A. , Murdy Thomas J. , Marola Olivia J. , Charland Kevin , MacLean Michael , Luquez Tain , Lish Alexandra M. , Neuner Sarah , Dunn Amy , Onos Kristen D. , Wiley Jesse , Archer Derek , Huentelman Matthew J. , Arnold Matthias , Menon Vilas , Goate Alison , Van Eldik Linda J. , Territo Paul R. , Howell Gareth R. , Carter Gregory W. , O'Connell Kristen M. S. , Kaczorowski Catherine C. ,   the 2022 JAX CADR Workshop
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION

In September 2022, The Jackson Laboratory Center for Alzheimer's and Dementia Research (JAX CADR) hosted a workshop with leading researchers in the Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) field.

METHODS

During the workshop, the participants brainstormed new directions to overcome current barriers to providing patients with effective ADRD therapeutics. The participants outlined specific areas of focus. Following the workshop, each group used standard literature search methods to provide background for each topic.

RESULTS

The team of invited experts identified four key areas that can be collectively addressed to make a significant impact in the field: (1) Prioritize the diversification of disease targets, (2) enhance factors promoting resilience, (3) de‐risk clinical pipeline, and (4) centralize data management.

DISCUSSION

In this report, we review these four objectives and propose innovations to expedite ADRD therapeutic pipelines.
Distribution of insulin in primate brain following nose‐to‐brain transport
Authors: Smith Kylie , Fan Jinda , Marriner Gwendolyn A. , Gerdes John , Kessler Robert , Zinn Kurt R.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Nose‐to‐brain (N2B) insulin delivery has potential for Alzheimer's disease (AD) therapy. However, clinical implementation has been challenging without methods to follow N2B delivery non‐invasively. Positron emission tomography (PET) was applied to measure F‐18‐labeled insulin ([18F]FB‐insulin) from intranasal dosing to brain uptake in non‐human primates following N2B delivery.

Methods

[18F]FB‐insulin was prepared by reacting A1,B29‐di(tert‐butyloxycarbonyl)insulin with [18F]‐N‐succinimidyl‐4‐fluorobenzoate. Three methods of N2B delivery for [18F]FB‐insulin were compared – delivery as aerosol via tubing (rhesus macaque, n = 2), as aerosol via preplaced catheter (rhesus macaque, n = 3), and as solution via preplaced catheter (cynomolgus macaque, n = 3). Following dosing, dynamic PET imaging (120 min) quantified delivery efficiency to the nasal cavity and whole brain. Area under the time‐activity curve was calculated for 46 regions of the cynomolgus macaque brain to determine regional [18F]FB‐insulin levels.

Results

Liquid instillation of [18F]FB‐insulin by catheter outperformed aerosol methods for delivery to the subject (39.89% injected dose vs 10.03% for aerosol via tubing, 0.17% for aerosol by catheter) and subsequently to brain (0.34% injected dose vs 0.00020% for aerosol via tubing, 0.05% for aerosol by catheter). [18F]FB‐insulin was rapidly transferred across the cribriform plate to limbic and frontotemporal areas responsible for emotional and memory processing. [18F]FB‐insulin half‐life was longer in olfactory nerve projection sites with high insulin receptor density compared to the whole brain.

Discussion

The catheter‐based liquid delivery approach combined with PET imaging successfully tracked the fate of N2B [18F]FB‐insulin and is thought to be broadly applicable for assessments of other therapeutic agents. This method can be rapidly applied in humans to advance clinical evaluation of N2B insulin as an AD therapeutic.

Highlights for

[18F]FB‐insulin passage across the cribriform plate was detected by PET.

Intranasal [18F]FB‐insulin reached the brain within 13 min.

[18F]FB‐insulin activity was highest in emotional and memory processing regions.

Aerosol delivery was less efficient than liquid instillation by preplaced catheter.

Insulin delivery to the cribriform plate was critical for arrival in the brain.
Minimally invasive dorsal transarticular tibio‐metatarsal plate for temporary hock immobilisation in two dogs and a cat
Authors: Guthrie James
Published: March 2024

Three patients (one cat and two dogs) underwent dorsal transarticular tibio‐metatarsal plate, applied minimally invasively with two small incisions, as a temporary immobilisation of the hock following common calcaneal tendon repair. There were no clinical complications associated with the transarticular plate. In one patient, the distal screws had loosened as an incidental finding; ensuring screws are bi‐cortical may reduce the risk of this occurrence. All patients regained full tarsocrural range‐of‐motion. Application and removal of the plate does not interfere with the repair of the common calcaneal tendon, and the calcaneus is left available for application of implants to facilitate tendon repair if required.
MSCs alleviate LPS-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting the proinflammatory function of macrophages in mouse lung organoid–macrophage model
Authors: Zhu Jiaqi , Zhou Jiahang , Feng Bing , Pan Qiaoling , Yang Jinfeng , Lang Guanjing , Shang Dandan , Zhou Jianya , Li Lanjuan , Yu Jiong , Cao Hongcui
Published: March 2024

Acute lung injury (ALI) is an inflammatory disease associated with alveolar injury, subsequent macrophage activation, inflammatory cell infiltration, and cytokine production. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are beneficial for application in the treatment of inflammatory diseases due to their immunomodulatory effects. However, the mechanisms of regulatory effects by MSCs on macrophages in ALI need more in-depth study. Lung tissues were collected from mice for mouse lung organoid construction. Alveolar macrophages (AMs) derived from bronchoalveolar lavage and interstitial macrophages (IMs) derived from lung tissue were co-cultured, with novel matrigel-spreading lung organoids to construct an in vitro model of lung organoids–immune cells. Mouse compact bone-derived MSCs were co-cultured with organoids–macrophages to confirm their therapeutic effect on acute lung injury. Changes in transcriptome expression profile were analyzed by RNA sequencing. Well-established lung organoids expressed various lung cell type-specific markers. Lung organoids grown on spreading matrigel had the property of functional cells growing outside the lumen. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced injury promoted macrophage chemotaxis toward lung organoids and enhanced the expression of inflammation-associated genes in inflammation-injured lung organoids–macrophages compared with controls. Treatment with MSCs inhibited the injury progress and reduced the levels of inflammatory components. Furthermore, through the nuclear factor-κB pathway, MSC treatment inhibited inflammatory and phenotypic transformation of AMs and modulated the antigen-presenting function of IMs, thereby affecting the inflammatory phenotype of lung organoids. Lung organoids grown by spreading matrigel facilitate the reception of external stimuli and the construction of in vitro models containing immune cells, which is a potential novel model for disease research. MSCs exert protective effects against lung injury by regulating different functions of AMs and IMs in the lung, indicating a potential mechanism for therapeutic intervention.
Alkaloid chemistry in pill-millipedes: Defensive secretion in two species of Typhloglomeris Verhoeff, 1898 (Diplopoda, Glomerida, Glomeridellidae)
Authors: Bodner Michaela , Antić Dragan , Jovanović Zvezdana , Raspotnig Günther , Ilić Bojan , Lučić Luka , Makarov Slobodan
Published: March 2024

Millipedes of the order Glomerida are known to produce quinazolinone alkaloids as defensive substances. However, chemical data are rather scarce and all hitherto available publications refer to a single glomeridan family, the Glomeridae. To contribute to the knowledge of the chemical ecology of glomeridans, we collected species, Typhloglomeris coeca Verhoeff, 1898 and T. varunae Makarov, Lučić, Tomić & Karaman, 2003, from a second family – Glomeridellidae. The defensive exudates were extracted in methylene chloride and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Our results show that the secretions of the two glomeridellids contain the quinazolinone alkaloid homoglomerin (2-ethyl-1-methylquinazolin-4(1H)-one) as the sole defensive constituent. This report provides initial data on the chemoprofiles of members of the family Glomeridellidae and supports the phenomenon of chemical homogeneity of glomeridan defensive secretions. So far, all analyzed representatives of the order possess glomerin and/or homoglomerin as defensive equipment. The phylogenetic origin of alkaloidal compounds in the secretions of millipedes in general, and particularly the origin of quinazolinone alkaloids in Glomerida is discussed. Considering that the quinazolinone alkaloid defensive secretions may be the same (or very similar) in other Glomerida, our results have important implication for further studies of defensive secretions in these arthropods. Also, as data are available only for a limited number of glomeridan and colobognathan species, additional analyses are necessary to elucidate the evolution of alkaloid defensive secretion in Diplopoda.
Parabolic PDE-constrained optimal control under uncertainty with entropic risk measure using quasi-Monte Carlo integration
Authors: Guth Philipp A. , Kaarnioja Vesa , Kuo Frances Y. , Schillings Claudia , Sloan Ian H.
Published: March 2024

We study the application of a tailored quasi-Monte Carlo (QMC) method to a class of optimal control problems subject to parabolic partial differential equation (PDE) constraints under uncertainty: the state in our setting is the solution of a parabolic PDE with a random thermal diffusion coefficient, steered by a control function. To account for the presence of uncertainty in the optimal control problem, the objective function is composed with a risk measure. We focus on two risk measures, both involving high-dimensional integrals over the stochastic variables: the expected value and the (nonlinear) entropic risk measure. The high-dimensional integrals are computed numerically using specially designed QMC methods and, under moderate assumptions on the input random field, the error rate is shown to be essentially linear, independently of the stochastic dimension of the problem—and thereby superior to ordinary Monte Carlo methods. Numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness of our method.
Decrease of cholesterol content in cereal products containing animal-based components
Authors: Kolarič Lukáš , Lauková Michaela , Minarovičová Lucia , Gašparík Anton , Šimko Peter
Published: March 2024

The daily intake of excessive cholesterol plays an important role in the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), while the main contributors are foods of animal origin. However, animal-based foods are also common components of many cereal products, which can then play a role of hidden cholesterol source. Thus, this study aims to decrease cholesterol content in three types of commonly consumed cereal products (biscuits, pasta, and muffins) by replacing original animal-based components (milk and eggs) with the same components, from which the cholesterol was removed using β-cyclodextrin treatment procedure. The cholesterol content in the original and treated samples was then analyzed using the validated HPLC–UV method. So, while the cholesterol content in the original biscuits, pasta, and muffins was observed at 329.2, 1117.1, and 487.2 mg/kg levels, the same products containing low cholesterol animal-based components exhibited a considerable decrease in cholesterol content by 93.1, 91.6, and 89.5%, respectively. The optimum β-cyclodextrin level was observed at 4.0, 10.0, and 2.0% (w/w) for butter, egg melange, and milk, respectively. Furthermore, it is notable that the β-cyclodextrin treatment procedure itself did not significantly change the organoleptic profiles of the cereal products, such as colour, culinary, and texture properties. Therefore, it can be concluded that the application of animal-based low cholesterol components in cereal food products could be one of the effective tools in the overall strategy to decrease the total daily cholesterol intake. Thus, this study presents a novel strategy that could have substantial health benefits in relation to the incidence of CVD.
Technical Refinements for Reducing Reoperations in Single-Stage Augmentation Mastopexy: A Retrospective Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Marino Matteo , Alessandri-Bonetti Mario , Carbonaro Riccardo , Amendola Francesco
Published: March 2024

Background

The goals of mastopexy differ significantly from those of augmentation mammoplasty. Mastopexy is designed to lift and reshape the breasts, while augmentation mammoplasty is designed to increase the volume of the breasts. This conflict causes that one-stage augmentation mastopexies showed a revision rate from 8.7 to 23.2%. The aim of our study is to present some technical refinements for reducing the risk of implant exposure and reoperation.

Methods

We designed a retrospective matched cohort study, including 216 consecutive patients, undergone augmentation mastopexy between January 2013 and December 2022. We divided them in two groups: Group A undergone an inverted-T superomedial pedicled augmentation mastopexy and Group B undergone our inverted-T modified augmentation mastopexy. The groups were matched for clinical and surgical variables, with the surgical technique the only difference between the two.

Results

Complications were registered in ten patients (9.3%) in Group A (two wound breakdowns at T with implant exposure and eight wound dehiscences), six of which required surgical revision. In contrast, only three patients (2.8%) in Group B reported a complication, which was wound dehiscence without implant exposure in all cases. None of the dehiscence required surgical revision. The difference between complication and revision rates was statistically significant.

Conclusions

Separating the implant and the mastopexy dissection planes reduces the implant exposure and the reoperation rate in one-stage augmentation mastopexy.

Level of Evidence III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors https://link.springer.com/journal/00266.
Unmet clinical needs in women with polycystic ovary syndrome in regard to mental health: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sourouni Marina , Estermann Julia , Bitterlich Norman , Weidlinger Susanna , Bachmann Annette , Stute Petra
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) management has hardly been standardized until recent years. Despite the existence of a detailed, evidence-based guideline published by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), it remains unclear to what extent healthcare providers adhere to this guideline. Our aim is to evaluate the gynaecological medical care provided in women with PCOS, particularly in terms of mental health, from the patients’ perspective.

Methods

For this cross-sectional online cohort study in women with PCOS, we designed a standardized, non-validated questionnaire covering aesthetic aspects, metabolism, menstrual cycle, reproduction, mental health, and prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases.

Results

Among 1879 participants, various mental health aspects were reported: body image (n = 1879), eating patterns/habits (n = 1878), and emotional well-being (n = 1874). Although nearly all women (99.7%) reported complaints on at least one session of mental health, consultation rates were low (body image 9.7%, eating patterns/habits 16.6%, emotional well-being 4.4%). Mean satisfaction with counselling on the different domains varied from moderate to fairly satisfying, with scores of 56.0 points (SD 31.7), 53.5 points (SD 32.0), and 63.7 points (SD 30.2), respectively. More complaints were associated with lower satisfaction. The overall satisfaction with the management provided by the healthcare practitioner (HCP) was low, averaging 36.5 points (SD 29.7). Consequently, most women wished for more counselling (58.9%).

Conclusion

Women affected by PCOS are not properly managed according to ESHRE guideline in regard to mental health issues. Overall consultation rates and corresponding satisfaction with management were poor, highlighting the need for significant improvements in healthcare provision.
Executive functions in patients with bilateral and unilateral peripheral vestibular dysfunction
Authors: Schöne Corina G. , Vibert Dominique , Mast Fred W.
Published: March 2024

Previous research suggests that patients with peripheral vestibular dysfunction (PVD) suffer from nonspatial cognitive problems, including executive impairments. However, previous studies that assessed executive functions are conflicting, limited to single executive components, and assessments are confounded by other cognitive functions. We compared performance in a comprehensive executive test battery in a large sample of 83 patients with several conditions of PVD (34 bilateral, 29 chronic unilateral, 20 acute unilateral) to healthy controls who were pairwise matched to patients regarding age, sex, and education. We assessed basic and complex executive functions with validated neuropsychological tests. Patients with bilateral PVD performed worse than controls in verbal initiation and working memory span, while other executive functions were preserved. Patients with chronic unilateral PVD had equal executive performance as controls. Patients with acute unilateral PVD performed worse than controls in the exact same tests as patients with bilateral PVD (verbal initiation, working memory span); however, this effect in patients with acute PVD diminished after correcting for multiple comparisons. Hearing loss and affective disorders did not influence our results. Vestibular related variables (disease duration, symptoms, dizziness handicap, deafferentation degree, and compensation) did not predict verbal initiation or working memory span in patients with bilateral PVD. The results suggest that bilateral PVD not only manifests in difficulties when solving spatial tasks but leads to more general neurocognitive deficits. This understanding is important for multidisciplinary workgroups (e.g., neurotologists, neurologists, audiologists) that are involved in diagnosing and treating patients with PVD. We recommend screening patients with PVD for executive impairments and if indicated providing them with cognitive training or psychoeducational support.
Erdbeobachtungstechnologien im Bergbau
Authors: Mavroudi Maria , Gubaidullina Rushaniia , Tost Michael , Teodoro Ana Cláudia
Published: March 2024

Dem Einsatz der Erdbeobachtung im Bergbau fehlt bisher ein systematischer Rahmen, der die Bedürfnisse aller Akteure unterstützen kann. Das EU-Projekt S34I versucht, neue Ansätze für die Analyse von Erdbeobachtungsdaten zu entwickeln, mit dem primären Ziel, den Akteuren im Bergbau Informationen zu liefern. Dabei sollen die durchwegs unterschiedlichen Herausforderungen in den verschiedenen Phasen des Lebenszyklus eines Bergbaus berücksichtigt werden. An sechs verschiedenen Pilotstandorten werden verschiedene Anwendungen getestet, es werden unterschiedliche Sensordaten genutzt und Verarbeitungsmethoden kombiniert. Das Ziel dieser Forschungen geht über den Nutzen einer Entwicklung nur für industrielle Aktivitäten hinaus, sie leisten auch einen wesentlichen Beitrag zur Verbesserung der Sicherheit und Nachhaltigkeit.
Ventriculostomy-associated infection (VAI) in patients with acute brain injury—a retrospective study
Authors: Nielsen Pernille , Olsen Markus Harboe , Willer-Hansen Rasmus Stanley , Hauerberg John , Johansen Helle Krogh , Andersen Aase Bengaard , Knudsen Jenny Dahl , Møller Kirsten
Published: March 2024

Background

Ventriculostomy-associated infection (VAI) is common after external ventricular drains (EVD) insertion but is difficult to diagnose in patients with acute brain injury. Previously, we proposed a set of criteria for ruling out VAI in traumatic brain injury. This study aimed to validate these criteria. For exploratory purposes, we sought to develop and validate a score for VAI risk assessment in patients with different types of severe acute brain injury.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included adults with acute brain injury who received an EVD and in whom CSF samples were taken over a period of 57 months. As standard non-coated bolt-connected EVDs were used. The predictive performance of biomarkers was analyzed as defined previously. A multivariable regression model was performed with five variables.

Results

A total of 683 patients with acute brain injury underwent EVD placement and had 1272 CSF samples; 92 (13.5%) patients were categorized as culture-positive VAI, 130 (19%) as culture-negative VAI, and 461 (67.5%) as no VAI. A low CSF WBC/RBC ratio (< 0.037), high CSF/plasma glucose ratio (> 0.6), and low CSF protein (< 0.5g/L) showed a positive predictive value of 0.09 (95%CI, 0.05–0.13). In the multivariable logistic regression model, days to sample (OR 1.09; 95%CI, 1.03–1.16) and CSF WBC/RBC ratio (OR 34.86; 95%CI, 3.94–683.15) were found to predict VAI.

Conclusion

In patients with acute brain injury and an EVD, our proposed combined cut-off for ruling out VAI performed satisfactorily. Days to sample and CSF WBC/RBC ratio were found independent predictors for VAI in the multivariable logistic regression model.
Structure, modulation and impacts of southeastern Africa’s diurnal convection
Authors: Jury Mark R.
Published: March 2024

This study explores the structure, modulation, and impacts of the mean diurnal climate across southeast Africa using high-resolution hourly reanalysis and satellite rainfall. This research was motivated by upward trends in diurnal temperature range and vegetation index over the Drakensberg escarpment. Statistical analysis identified a land-sea rainfall dipole pattern associated with diurnal airflows. Point-to-field regressions (Oct–Mar 2000–2023) found that sea breeze-driven convection is underpinned by ‘col’ airflow between adjacent sub-tropical low-pressure cells (30°S, 20°E/22°S, 37°E) and a weak mid-latitude anticyclone (40°S, 10°E). Diurnal residual and case study analysis demonstrate an ~ 6-m/s sea breeze penetrating ~ 200 km inland during the day, as part of an over-turning zonal circulation. Land > sea rainfall during summer is initiated by temperature gradients ∂T/∂x ~ 5 °C at 29°S, 31°E and convergence in the afternoon ∂U/∂x ~  − 4 × 10−5 s−1. Further inland (29°S, 26°E) a 1007-hPa thermal low and counter-clockwise rotating airflows interact with the incoming sea breeze. Together these contribute to evening rainfall ~ 30 mm over the Drakensberg escarpment. The drivers of diurnal rainfall show little response to global climate variability, and help sustain water resources during multi-year dry spells over southeastern Africa.
Theoretical and experimental study of a bi-stable piezoelectric energy harvester under hybrid galloping and band-limited random excitations
Authors: Li Haitao , Zheng Tianyu , Qin Weiyang , Tian Ruilan , Ding Hu , Ji J. C. , Chen Liqun
Published: March 2024

In the practical environment, it is very common for the simultaneous occurrence of base excitation and crosswind. Scavenging the combined energy of vibration and wind with a single energy harvesting structure is fascinating. For this purpose, the effects of the wind speed and random excitation level are investigated with the stochastic averaging method (SAM) based on the energy envelope. The results of the analytical prediction are verified with the Monte-Carlo method (MCM). The numerical simulation shows that the introduction of wind can reduce the critical excitation level for triggering an inter-well jump and make a bi-stable energy harvester (BEH) realize the performance enhancement for a weak base excitation. However, as the strength of the wind increases to a particular level, the influence of the random base excitation on the dynamic responses is weakened, and the system exhibits a periodic galloping response. A comparison between a BEH and a linear energy harvester (LEH) indicates that the BEH demonstrates inferior performance for high-speed wind. Relevant experiments are conducted to investigate the validity of the theoretical prediction and numerical simulation. The experimental findings also show that strong random excitation is favorable for the BEH in the range of low wind speeds. However, as the speed of the incoming wind is up to a particular level, the disadvantage of the BEH becomes clear and evident.
Recent Progress on the Hydrodeoxygenation of Lignin-Derived Pyrolysis Oil Using Ru-Based Catalysts
Authors: Kim Hyungjoo , Park Jae Hyun , Ha Jeong-Myeong , Kim Do Heui
Published: March 2024

Hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of lignin-derived pyrolysis oil has received significant attention as a potential technology for replacing conventional petroleum-based fuels and chemicals. Ru-based HDO catalysts are in the limelight as HDO catalysts since they exhibit excellent catalytic activity while being cost-effective compared to other noble metal-based catalysts. Various studies have reported Ru-based catalysts used in the HDO of lignin-derived pyrolysis oil and its model compounds, and a variety of strategies have been utilized to tune the catalytic properties to enhance the performance and advance the understanding of the HDO reaction. This review discusses the recent publications on Ru-based catalysts used in the HDO of lignin-derived pyrolysis oil and its model compounds. Additionally, an overview of HDO reactions and the characteristics of HDO catalysts were summarized, and the general advantages of Ru catalysts, which are extensively used as attractive catalysts in the various reactions, are introduced. Various factors, including reaction conditions, support materials, and promoters, that can affect the performance of Ru-based HDO catalysts are organized, and the strategies utilized to modify the properties of the catalysts are categorized. Finally, the areas that require further development such that Ru-based HDO catalysts can overcome the remaining challenges are outlined.
Assessing Southern Gulf of Mexico Resilience: Least Tern Nesting Failure During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Canales-Delgadillo Julio César , Cardoso-Mohedano José Gilberto , Vázquez-Pérez Nallely , Pérez-Ceballos Rosela , Zaldívar-Jiménez Arturo , Benítez-Orduña Enrique , Gómez-Ponce Mario Alejandro , Celis-Hernández Omar , Merino-Ibarra Martín , Robinson-Mendoza Carlos
Published: March 2024

The COVID-19 lockdown opened an opportunity to assess the response of animal populations to diminished human activities. As coastal dunes face many disturbances caused by increasing human activities, we assessed the effect of reduced human mobility on coastal bird diversity and abundance and on the Least Tern nest failure rate on an island in the southern Gulf of Mexico before, during, and after the lockdown to test the hypothesis that diminished tourism and recreational activities can contribute to the conservation of coastal ecosystems by increasing species richness and abundance and decreasing the nest failure rate. We used data from 2016 to 2021 to estimate nesting failure probabilities using Bernard’s cumulative distribution function, Kaplan‒Meier tests, and Cox regression for hazard rates. Bird species richness and abundance were compared using Kruskal‒Wallis rank tests. Factors related to breeding site preference were assessed using the BIOENV method. The lockdown did not affect species richness, but bird abundance was inversely related to pedestrian traffic (rho =  − 0.908, p < 0.0001, n = 48). Nest failure decreased during the lockdown in 2020 (p < 0.0001) due to reduced presence of people, which allowed occupancy of sites never used before. During the lockdown, the proportion of nest failure was lower than that in the other sampling years (p < 0.0001, φ range =  − 0.445 to − 0.278). Accordingly, diminished pedestrian traffic can increase nest survival (log-rank p < 0.0001). Policies to reduce beach pedestrian traffic will help strengthen wildlife conservation and building coastal resilience.
Low-order modeling approach for the prediction of transverse combustion instabilities in multi-injector engines
Authors: Zolla Paolo Maria , Montanari Alessandro , D’Alessandro Simone , Pizzarelli Marco , Nasuti Francesco , Pellegrini Rocco Carmine , Cavallini Enrico
Published: March 2024

This paper addresses the prediction of spontaneous self-sustained transverse combustion instabilities in multi-injector engines using a multi-dimensional non-linear low-order Eulerian model. The approach utilizes a physically aware response function that directly links pressure oscillations to fuel mass flow rate, independent of external data. This enables accurate capture of the behavior of shear coaxial injectors that have been proven to show a peculiar dynamics of cyclic fuel accumulation and release in response to acoustic waves. A NASA test case is employed as a reference, and a comprehensive analysis is conducted to investigate the behavior of the model. Firstly, a preliminary analysis is performed within a quasi-one-dimensional framework for a reduced single-injector configuration. This analysis provides insights into the influence of key parameters on the instability onset. Subsequently, the full-scale geometry is considered in a multi-dimensional framework, and the low-order solver is employed to analyze the thermo-acoustic behavior of the engine. The model successfully captures the instability dynamics, including temporal evolution, dominant frequency, and mode shapes. Sensitivity analyses are conducted to examine the impact of the model free parameters on the unstable modes. Additionally, the effect of introducing baffles as damping devices within the combustion chamber is investigated. The results highlight the model predictive capabilities and its potential for guiding the design and optimization of liquid rocket engines.
Artificial Ecosystem Optimizer-Based System Identification and Its Performance Evaluation
Authors: Fidan Şehmus
Published: March 2024

This study delves into the realm of system identification, a crucial sub-field in control engineering, aimed at constructing mathematical models of systems based on input/output data. This work particularly proposes the application of artificial ecosystem algorithm (AEO) for solving system identification problems. Inspired by the energy flow of natural ecosystems, AEO has undergone specific modifications leading to derived versions. Additionally, five diverse meta-heuristic algorithms are employed to assess their applicability and performance in system identification using data from an air stream heater experiment kit. A comprehensive performance comparison is made, considering time bounds, maximum generations, early stopping, and function evaluation constraints, presenting their respective performances. Among the evaluated algorithms, the AEO algorithm enhanced with the sine and cosine strategy stands out with a determined R2 value of 0.951. This algorithm consistently outperforms others in Wilcoxon tests, showcasing its significant success. Our study affirms that meta-heuristic algorithms, particularly the proposed AEO algorithm, can be effectively applied to system identification problems, yielding successful calculations of transfer function parameters.
Evolutionary significant units (ESUs) and functional conservation units (FCUs) in the Phengaris (Maculinea) nausithous populations of East-Central Europe
Authors: Pecsenye Katalin , Bereczki Judit , Hollós Amáta , Varga Zoltán
Published: March 2024

The aim of this study was to analyse the level and structure of genetic and morphometric variation in the East-Central European populations of Phengaris (Maculinea) nausithous. On the basis of the life cycle of the species, we expected a low level of variation within the populations coupled with a relatively high level of differentiation among them. We also assumed that the differentiation among the populations has a regional pattern. In order to confirm these assumptions, we collected population samples from two regions within the Carpathian Basin (western Transdanubia and Transylvania) and from a region east of the Carpathian Mountains (Bukovina). The level of enzyme polymorphism and the amount of morphometric variation were investigated in the sampled populations. As the western (Transdanubia) and the eastern populations (Transylvania plus Bukovina) were suggested to belong to different subspecies (Rákosy et al. in Nota Lepidopterol 33:31–37, 2010), our working hypothesis was that these two groups of populations belong to different evolutionary significant units (ESUs). The results of all genetic analyses (PCA, Bayesian-clustering analysis and especially the UPGMA dendrogram) confirmed our assumption. The level of differentiation was higher between the western and eastern populations resulting in two monophyletic lineages of Phengaris (Maculinea) nausithous in East-Central Europe. This result suggests that these lineages can be considered as two different ESUs.
Implementing the water-energy-food nexus approach to create synergies and reduce tradeoffs between the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Andersson Anna-Karin Margareta
Published: March 2024

The Food-Energy-Water nexus approach to resource governance is a paradigm-shifting approach that moves away from “siloed” resource management and pursues integration and holistic planning between food, energy, and water governance. The Food-Energy-Water nexus approach carries the potential to increase synergies and reduce tradeoffs between the Sustainable Development Goals. However, theoretical challenges remain, and practical implementations of the nexus approach have lagged. The purpose of the article is to respond to the theoretical challenges and the need for practical implementations. The article first outlines the relationship between the Food-Energy-Water nexus approach and the Sustainable Development Goals. It then analyzes the relationship between the Sustainable Development Goals, human rights, and the capability approach, an influential account of wellbeing. I then discuss how the Food-Energy-Water nexus approach, in alignment with the capability approach, can contribute to trade-off reductions and synergies between the Sustainable Development Goals. I finally discuss an outline of a context-specific implementation model for a Food-Energy-Water nexus approach capable of mapping and quantifying carbon footprints creating synergies and reducing tradeoffs between the Sustainable Development Goals. A carbon capture and utilization project in the Arctic serves as a test case. Important policy implications of the study include a criterion for what it means to “optimize” the “output” of an algae cultivation system. This criterion is a tool for adjudication between stakeholders’ conflicting priorities.
Measuring eco-emotions: a German version of questionnaires on eco-guilt, ecological grief, and eco-anxiety
Authors: Zeier Peter , Wessa Michèle
Published: March 2024

In the face of climate change, people experience a variety of emotions, e.g., guilt, grief, anger, anxiety, or even shock. Although these emotions are generally considered unpleasant, they may play a key role in dealing with climate change by motivating climate action. In 2022, Ágoston et al. introduced three questionnaires to assess eco-guilt (EGuiQ-11), ecological grief (EGriQ-6), and eco-anxiety (EAQ-22). We translated and validated these questionnaires in a large German sample (N = 871). More specifically, the current study not only intended to replicate the factor structures of all three questionnaires, but also expand previous findings by investigating associations of eco-emotions with climate action intentions, climate policy support, climate anxiety, and psychological distress. Confirmatory factor analyses indicated one-factor structures of the EGuiQ-11 and EGriQ-6 and the two factors habitual ecological worry and negative consequences of eco-anxiety of the EAQ-22. All eco-emotions were positively associated with climate action intentions and climate policy support, but also with levels of climate anxiety as well as general anxiety and depression. All in all, the translated questionnaires seem suitable measurements of eco-guilt, ecological grief, and eco-anxiety that capture the adaptive and maladaptive aspects of these emotions.
Poly(hydroxyalkanoates): Emerging Biopolymers in Biomedical Fields and Packaging Industries for a Circular Economy
Authors: Yousefi Amy M. , Wnek Gary E.
Published: March 2024

Poly(hydroxyalkanoates) (PHAs) are a class of sustainable, bio-based thermoplastic polymers with attractive physiochemical properties, including non-toxicity, biocompatibility, elastomeric behavior by design, and piezoelectric characteristics. In the ongoing effort to reduce plastics waste, PHAs can play a substantial role due to their inherent biodegradability free of microplastics, customizable properties, and versatile applications. This includes their tremendous potential in a broad range of biomedical applications. Biomass-based materials have recently gained great interest in the health sector, given the vast amount of interdisciplinary research in bioengineering and medicine. Implantable biomaterials should not elicit any negative response at the implantation site, which differentiates them from general-purpose polymers. PHAs do not induce any thrombosis or antigenic response even after being in contact with blood in the human body during long-term use. The biocompatibility of PHAs is also a key factor in the rapid growth and proliferation of tissues onto and within these materials when served as tissue engineering scaffolds. By application, the biomedical field was estimated to be the second-largest market share for PHAs, in terms of volume, in 2022. While PHA-based materials bring forth a broad range of opportunities, they also present challenges that have limited their widespread use and a greater market share. A better understanding of their physiochemical properties and biodegradation rates, production challenges, and the need for cost-effective strategies are some of the hurdles that need to be addressed. This review paper provides an overview of the commonly used PHA homopolymers and copolymers in biomedical fields and packaging industries. The introduction of the manuscript presents the concept of bioplastics and their environmental significance, highlighting the urgent need for alternatives to conventional fossil-based plastics. The next sections briefly cover the synthesis, properties, as well as homopolymer and copolymer formulations, followed by the application of PHA-based materials in the biomedical field. Current opportunities and challenges, together with some insight into the future gathered from the published studies, have been brought in the concluding section of this paper.
Long-term biochar application influences phosphorus and associated iron and sulfur transformations in the rhizosphere
Authors: Yuan Jiahui , Chen Hao , Chen Guanglei , Pokharel Prem , Chang Scott X. , Wang Yujun , Wang Dengjun , Yan Xiaoyuan , Wang Shenqiang , Wang Yu
Published: March 2024

The effects of long-term biochar application on soil phosphorus (P) flux across the root-soil interface and its availability in the rhizosphere of rice (Oryza sativa L) remain unclear. We used diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT), laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and planar optode sensor techniques to characterize, in-situ, the 2D heterogeneity and dynamics of rhizosphere soil P, iron (Fe), sulfur (S) and trace element fluxes, dissolved oxygen and pH in paddy soil, after 10 years of biochar application. Compared to the control (no biochar applied), biochar applied at 4.5, 22.5 and 45.0 Mg ha−1 yr−1 decreased rhizospheric P fluxes by 11.6%, 63.4% and 79.0%, respectively. This decrease under biochar treatments was attributed to changed redox status of Fe and S caused by the lower dissolved oxygen in rhizosphere soil and increased soil pH induced precipitating of soluble inorganic P into insoluble P forms, such as calcium-bound and residual P that are unavailable for crop uptake. Higher application rate of biochar resulted in lower As and Pb fluxes in rice rhizosphere and their availabilities for crop uptake. The in-situ observation results in rice rhizosphere at μm-scale after 10 years of biochar addition directly showed the complex effects of long-term biochar and rhizosphere heterogeneity on P transformation process.

Graphical Abstract