bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electromagnetic and RF pulse design simulation based optimization of an eight‐channel loop array for 11.7T brain imaging
Authors: Chu Son , Gras Vincent , Mauconduit Franck , Massire Aurélien , Boulant Nicolas , Gunamony Shajan
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Optimization of transmit array performance is crucial in ultra‐high‐field MRI scanners such as 11.7T because of the increased RF losses and RF nonuniformity. This work presents a new workflow to investigate and minimize RF coil losses, and to choose the optimum coil configuration for imaging.

Methods

An 8‐channel transceiver loop‐array was simulated to analyze its loss mechanism at 499.415 MHz. A folded‐end RF shield was developed to limit radiation loss and improve the efficiency. The coil element length, and the shield diameter and length were further optimized using electromagnetic (EM) simulations. The generated EM fields were used to perform RF pulse design (RFPD) simulations under realistic constraints. The chosen coil design was constructed to demonstrate performance equivalence in bench and scanner measurements.

Results

The use of conventional RF shields at 11.7T resulted in significantly high radiation losses of 18.4%. Folding the ends of the RF shield combined with optimizing the shield diameter and length increased the absorbed power in biological tissue and reduced the radiation loss to 2.4%. The peak of the optimal array was 42% more than the reference array. Phantom measurements validated the numerical simulations with a close match of within 4% of the predicted .

Conclusion

A workflow that combines EM and RFPD simulations to numerically optimize transmit arrays was developed. Results have been validated using phantom measurements. Our findings demonstrate the need for optimizing the RF shield in conjunction with array element design to achieve efficient excitation at 11.7T.
Blickpunkt Anorganik:Uranpräkursoren im Labor
Authors: Vondung Lisa
Published: March 2023

Jede Metallkomplexsynthese startet mit dem Metallpräkursor – häufig ein Halogenidsalz. Die meisten Präkursoren der Hauptgruppen‐ und Übergangsmetalle sowie der Lanthanoide sind käuflich. Für Uran hingegen muss man selbst Hand anlegen.
Measuring the thickness of thin sintered layers precisely
Authors: Houta Faiza , Quinten Michael
Published: March 2023

Optical thickness determination with miniaturized spectrometers is a commonly used technique that works quite well in many applications. For sintered materials however, this technique must be extended by the determination of the optical constants of the sintered material. This can be done using a combination of scanning electron microscopy and effective medium approaches. In this article, we demonstrate this for the optical thickness determination of sintered Al2O3 layers in quartz tubes.
3D‐printed GRIN tools for synchrospeed polishing
Authors: Fähnle Oliver , Kern Kerstin , Allaart Jan , Surberg Henrik , Bliedtner Jens , Schulze Christian , Henkel Sebastian , Heineck Volker , Bode Jürgen , Wagner Michael
Published: March 2023

Additive technologies allow the flexible production of gradient index (GRIN) polishing tools with specifically adaptable removal functions. These were successfully developed and investigated for synchrospeed polishing.
Novel left ventricular mechanical index in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Ichimura Kenzo , Santana Everton J. , Kuznetsova Tatiana , Cauwenberghs Nicholas , Sabovčik František , Chun Lindsey , Francisco Nadia L. C. , Kheyfets Vitaly O. , Salerno Michael , Zamanian Roham T. , Spiekerkoetter Edda , Haddad Francois
Published: March 2023

Ventricular interdependence plays an important role in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). It can decrease left ventricular (LV) longitudinal strain (LVLS) and lead to a leftward displacement (“transverse shortening”) of the interventricular septum (sTS). For this study, we hypothesized the ratio of LVLS/sTS would be a sensitive marker of systolic ventricular interactions in PAH. In a cross‐sectional cohort of patients with PAH (n = 57) and matched controls (n = 57), we quantified LVLS and septal TS in the amplitude and time domain. We then characterized LV phenotypes using upset plots, ventricular interactions using network analysis, and longitudinal analysis in a representative cohort of 45 patients. We also measured LV metrics in mice subjected to pulmonary arterial banding (PAB) using a 7 T magnetic resonance imaging at baseline, Week 1, and Week 7 post‐PAB (N = 9). Patients with PAH had significantly reduced absolute LVLS (15.4 ± 3.4 vs. 20.1 ± 2.3%,p < 0.0001), higher sTS (53.0 ± 12.2 vs. 28.0 ± 6.2%,p < 0.0001) and lower LVLS/sTS (0.30 ± 0.09 vs. 0.75 ± 0.16,p < 0.0001) compared to controls. Reduced LVLS/sTS was observed in 89.5% of patients, while diastolic dysfunction, impaired LVLS (<16%), and LV atrophy were observed in 73.7%, 52.6%, and 15.8%, respectively. In the longitudinal cohort, changes in LVLS/sTS were closely associated with changes in N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide (r = 0.73,p < 0.0001) as well as survival. Mice subjected to PAB showed significant RV systolic dysfunction and decreased LVLS/sTS compared to sham animals. We conclude that in PAH, LVLV/sTS is a simple ratio that can reflect ventricular systolic interactions.
Economic burden of illness among patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) associated with connective tissue disorders (CTD)
Authors: Tsang Yuen , Panjabi Sumeet , Funtanilla Vienica , Germack Hayley D. , Gauthier‐Loiselle Marjolaine , Manceur Ameur M. , Liu Stephanie , Cloutier Martin , Lefebvre Patrick
Published: March 2023

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is commonly associated with connective tissue disorders (CTDs). This study provides a contemporary assessment of the economic burden of CTD + PAH and PAH in the United States. Eligible adult patients identified from Optum's deidentified Clinformatics® Data Mart Database (10/01/2015‐09/30/2021) were classified into mutually exclusive cohorts based on recorded diagnoses: (1) CTD + PAH, (2) PAH, (3) CTD, (4) control without CTD/PAH. The index date was a randomly selected diagnosis date for PAH (CTD + PAH, PAH cohorts) or CTD (CTD cohort), or a random date (control cohort). Entropy balancing was used to balance characteristics across cohorts. Healthcare costs and healthcare resource utilization (HRU) per patient per month (PPPM) were assessed for ≤12 months postindex and compared among balanced cohorts. A total of 552,900 patients were included (CTD + PAH: n = 1876; PAH: n = 8177; CTD: n = 209,156; control: n = 333,691). Average total all‐cause costs were higher for CTD + PAH than PAH cohort ($16,854 vs. $15,686 PPPM; p = 0.02); both cohorts incurred higher costs than CTD and control cohorts ($4476 and $2170 PPPM; all p < 0.001). Average HRU PPPM was similar between CTD + PAH and PAH cohorts (inpatient stay: 0.15 vs. 0.15, outpatient visits: 4.23 vs. 4.11; all p > 0.05), while CTD and control cohorts incurred less HRU (inpatient stay: 0.07 and 0.03, outpatient visits: 2.67 and 1.69; all p < 0.001). CTD + PAH and PAH are associated with a substantial economic burden. The incremental burden attributable to PAH versus the general population and patients with CTD without PAH highlights significant unmet needs among PAH patients.
Quality of life and functional status after pulmonary endarterectomy for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: A Swedish single‐center study
Authors: Kallonen Janica , Corbascio Matthias , Rådegran Göran , Bredin Fredrik , Sartipy Ulrik
Published: March 2023

Little is known about long‐term quality of life (QOL) and functional status after pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). We investigated QOL and functional status late after PEA. All patients who underwent PEA for CTEPH 1993–2020 at one Swedish center were included. Baseline characteristics and data from right heart catheterization, 6‐min walk test, and Cambridge Pulmonary Hypertension Outcome Review (CAMPHOR) were obtained from patient charts and national registers. The RAND 36‐Item Health Survey was sent by post, and Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) was evaluated by telephone. A total of 110 patients were included. The survey was completed by 49/66 (74%) patients who were alive in 2020. In all domains except for bodily pain, QOL was slightly lower than that of an age‐matched reference population. The KPS score was obtained from 42/49 (86%) patients; of these, 31 patients (74%) had a KPS score of ≥80% (able to carry on normal activity). All 42 patients were able to live at home and care for personal needs. The median postoperative CAMPHOR scores were: 4 for symptoms, 4 for activity, and 2.5 for QOL. We observed that QOL after PEA approached the expected QOL in a reference population and that CAMPHOR scores were comparable to those of a large UK cohort after PEA. Functional status improved when assessed late after PEA. Three‐quarters of the study population were able to conduct normal activities at late follow‐up. Our findings suggest that many patients enjoy satisfactory QOL and high functional status late after PEA.
A novel test case prioritization approach for black‐box testing based on K‐medoids clustering
Authors: Chen Jinfu , Gu Yuechao , Cai Saihua , Chen Haibo , Chen Jingyi
Published: March 2023

Regression testing is an essential and expensive process in software testing. However, there may be insufficient resources for the execution of all test cases during regression testing. Test case prioritization (TCP) techniques improve the efficiency of regression testing by adjusting the test case execution sequence. Traditional TCP techniques usually rely on the historical execution information of the software under test for more efficient results. String distance‐based TCP (SD‐TCP) avoids these limitations; it uses only the textual difference information of the test cases themselves for prioritization. However, the time overhead on the sorting process of this method is not ideal, and the extreme test case inputs have an impact on the stability of the method. To address these problems, we propose a novel test case prioritization strategy, it first classifies the test cases more finely using the K‐medoids algorithm and then transforms the set into subsequences and improves the early diversity by greedy sorting within clusters. Finally, the test cases are selected through a polling strategy to compose the execution sequence. Extensive experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach outperforms SD‐TCP in better time efficiency on test case prioritization; it also has a higher average percentage of fault detected (APFD) value than random prioritization (RP) and SD‐TCP.
Energy‐efficient task scheduling and resource management in a cloud environment using optimized hybrid technology
Authors: Kalai Arasan K. , Anandhakumar P.
Published: March 2023

Cloud computing is a significant platform emerging for IT enterprises, business applications, and mobile computing. It is a dynamic environment where efficiently and properly allocating resources in such an environment becomes a tedious task. Most existing approaches cannot guarantee energy‐efficient resource management due to the existence of time‐dependent tasks. Cloud resources consume a huge amount of energy, which may reduce the Makespan of the entire network. The process of appropriate task scheduling may satisfy the user's requirement. Reducing energy consumption by satisfying the user's QoS requirements is essential to ensure each user's service level agreement (SLA). Therefore, to achieve an energy‐efficient and unique task scheduling, a technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) based unique ranking (uRank‐TOPSIS) and a Hybrid state‐action‐reward‐state‐action (SARSA), Reinforcement Learning with Black widow Algorithm (HSRLBA) are proposed in this paper. Here, the task scheduling process is carried out using the uRank‐TOPSIS process by producing a set of unique weights and ranking the alternatives. Also, HSRLBA is used to perform resource allocation, which uses the Black widow Algorithm (BWA) to rapidly converge parallel agents in the SARSA model of RL. The Cloudsim simulator is used for experiments. The efficiency of the proposed framework is measured in terms of Makespan, Task Completion Ratio (TCR), total energy consumption, response time and resource utilization. The proposed uRank‐TOPSIS and HSRLBA achieved an energy consumption of 325 KWh, response time of 15.42 s, Makespan of the 1150 s, TCR of 98% and resource utilization of 92%. The proposed framework maximizes TCR and resource utilization and minimizes the Makespan, energy consumption, and response time.
How we treat other animals
Authors: Loeb Josh
Published: March 2023

Reviewed by Josh Loeb, Vet Record's senior news reporter.
Leading the path toward sustainable freshwater management: Reconciling challenges and opportunities in historical, hybrid, and novel ecosystem types
Authors: Erős Tibor , Hermoso Virgilio , Langhans Simone D.
Published: March 2023

Due to their importance for human development and well‐being, freshwater ecosystems are among the most threatened and modified in the world; a situation that is expected to intensify in the future. Freshwaters convey a mix of novel, historical, and hybrid systems, each with different values and opportunities for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services provision. We argue that securing future access to freshwater services, while halting aquatic biodiversity loss, requires an evaluation of the opportunities offered and challenges imposed by each of these types of systems. Such an inventory can then build the basis to systematically plan restoration, conservation and management actions with the goal of harmonizing the multiplicity of co‐occurring freshwater‐related interests. Developing river basin management plans that integrate these multiple, often conflicting interests poses complex challenges, including (1) the current ecosystem condition that defines to a large extent what type of objectives can realistically be aimed at, (2) socioeconomic needs that limit our capacity to modify current conditions, for example, drinking water and energy provided by large dams, and (3) governance constraints related to managing large, often transboundary, river basins. Multi‐objective management planning rooted in systematic conservation planning can help overcome these challenges. Consequently, we argue that adequate planning must play a key role when designing river basin management plans to make the most of the opportunities associated with local freshwater ecosystem types. We call for governments to embrace and promote a systematic approach to river basin management planning to create the urgently needed pan‐global shift toward a sustainable biodiverse freshwater future.

This article is categorized under:

Water and Life > Conservation, Management, and Awareness

Water and Life > Methods

Engineering Water > Planning Water
Description of an HAWT hub enabling teetering about two out‐of‐plane axes with modeling showing significant reductions in cyclic behavior and fatigue due to turbulence and wind shear
Authors: Ramsland Arnold
Published: March 2023

A three‐bladed, dual‐axis teetering hub (3T) has been developed and compared to a three‐bladed rigid hub (3R) using computer modeling. Both hubs were fitted to a hypothetical 5‐MW offshore wind turbine mounted on an offshore floating platform. Cyclic analysis showed the 3T hub significantly reduced the impact of wind shear on the blades and virtually eliminated the impact of both turbulence and wind shear on the main shaft bearing and yaw bearing. Lifetime fatigue studies for the two hubs were performed using a rainflow‐counting program at various levels of turbulence and wind shear. Studies showed the significant reductions in cyclic variation provided by the 3T hub resulted in significant reductions in lifetime fatigue in comparison to the 3R hub. Simulations with the 3T hub showed an increase in turbulence caused a very small increase in blade fatigue but no increase in fatigue for the main shaft bearing and yaw bearing. In contrast, fatigue studies with the 3R hub showed an increase in turbulence caused significant damage to the blades and a combined increase in turbulence and wind shear caused extremely significant damage to the blades. This paper introduces a recently patented hub design that is superior to the ball‐and‐socket design described in a prior paper by this author.
Sub-zero milling of Ti-6Al-4V—impact of the cutting parameters on the resulting forces, tool wear, and surface quality
Authors: Gutzeit Kevin , Bulun Georgis , Stelzer Gerhard , Kirsch Benjamin , Seewig Jörg , Aurich Jan C.
Published: March 2023

Due to an excellent ratio of high strength and low density, Ti-6Al-4V is suitable for many industrial applications, especially in the aerospace industry. However, Ti-6Al-4V is also characterized by a very low thermal conductivity and high chemical reactivity which is why the titanium alloy is considered to be a hard-to-cut material. Machining Ti-6Al-4V leads to high cutting temperatures, which leads to a rapidly progressing thermo-chemical induced tool wear. To reduce the thermal load and to enhance the cutting performance, suitable cooling strategies are a necessity. A novel, highly efficient cooling approach is to apply sub-zero metalworking fluids (MWF) at liquid state but at supply temperatures well below 0 °C. These sub-zero MWF inhibit high cooling effects due to their low supply temperature in superposition with a beneficial wetting behavior. In this work, the application of a sub-zero cooling strategy is investigated when milling Ti-6Al-4V. The influence of both down milling and up milling is investigated under a systematic variation of the cutting speed and feed per tooth. For comparison, the experiments are also conducted using a cryogenic CO2 cooling. The performance of both cooling strategies in dependence of the milling process is described on the basis of the occurring forces, the resulting tool wear, and the surface quality achieved. The results show that the sub-zero cooling can successfully improve the machinability of Ti-6Al-4V even at elevated cutting parameters and unfavorable cutting conditions. As a result, sub-zero milling clearly outperforms the cryogenic CO2 cooling, since less tool wear and an overall lower surface roughness are observed. Consequently, when using a sub-zero cooling strategy, higher metal removal rates, longer tool life, and better surface qualities are achievable.
Hepatitis C Screening and Antibody Prevalence Among Newly Arrived Refugees to the United States, 2010–2017
Authors: Urban Kailey , Payton Colleen , Mamo Blain , Volkman Hannah , Giorgio Katherine , Kennedy Lori , Bomber Yuli Chen , Rodrigues Kristine Knuti , Young Janine , Tumaylle Carol , Matheson Jasmine , Tasslimi Azadeh , Montour Jessica , Jentes Emily
Published: March 2023

Six refugee screening sites collaborated to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies among newly arrived refugees in the United States from 2010 to 2017, identify demographic characteristics associated with HCV antibody positivity, and estimate missed HCV antibody-positive adults among unscreened refugees. We utilized a cross-sectional study to examine HCV prevalence among refugees (N = 144,752). A predictive logistic regression model was constructed to determine the effectiveness of current screening practices at identifying cases. The prevalence of HCV antibodies among the 64,703 refugees screened was 1.6%. Refugees from Burundi (5.4%), Moldova (3.8%), Democratic Republic of Congo (3.2%), Burma (2.8%), and Ukraine (2.0%) had the highest positivity among refugee arrivals. An estimated 498 (0.7%) cases of HCV antibody positivity were missed among 67,787 unscreened adults. The domestic medical examination represents an opportunity to screen all adult refugees for HCV to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
Apis mellifera Worker Bees Selected for Varroa-sensitive Hygiene Show Higher Specific Sensitivity and Perception Speed Towards Low Concentrations of Chemical Cues Emitted by the Brood
Authors: Ivanova Ivelina , Bienefeld Kaspar
Published: March 2023

Varroa-sensitive hygiene (VSH) is highly influenced by the worker bee’s olfactory ability. Workers bred for VSH and non-selected control line workers were tested for differences in their speed and perception ability when presented with highly diluted stimuli. Four different substances (citral – dilution 1:1300, linalool dilution 1:1300, Varroa-parasitized brood extract, isopropanol) were used as tactile stimuli for differential conditioning with the proboscis extension response (PER). Discrimination ability and generalization were assessed. In a second set of conditioning experiments differences in sensitivity to the highly diluted citral and the Varroa-parasitized brood extract as reinforced stimuli (Cs +) were explored between workers from both lines. The worker bees were classified into three groups (Time points) depending on how long before they started correctly extending their proboscis to the Cs + , and results were examined separately for each of the two stimuli and group. While the VSH-selected line exhibited a significantly higher perception ability for the parasitized brood extract than the non-selected line, the two lines showed no differences when conditioned with the floral stimulus citral as Cs + . Furthermore, the VSH-selected line displayed a significantly higher number of worker bees that perceived the complex bouquet of the Varroa-parasitized brood extract at the earliest time grouping (Time point 1). The odds of perception at the earliest possible time point were 2.6-times higher for the VSH-selected line. Although no comparison was made between healthy and parasitized brood, the results indicate an enhanced specific sensitivity in VSH-selected workers towards chemical cues emitted by the brood, which might play a role in the detection of Varroa destructor.
Philosophical aspects of probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA): a critical review
Authors: Zanetti Luca , Chiffi Daniele , Petrini Lorenza
Published: March 2023

The goal of this paper is to review and critically discuss the philosophical aspects of probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA). Given that estimates of seismic hazard are typically riddled with uncertainty, different epistemic values (related to the pursuit of scientific knowledge) compete in the selection of seismic hazard models, in a context influenced by non-epistemic values (related to practical goals and aims) as well. We first distinguish between the different types of uncertainty in PSHA. We claim that epistemic and non-epistemic considerations are closely related in the selection of the appropriate estimate of seismic hazard by the experts. Finally, we argue that the division of scientific responsibility among the experts can lead to responsibility gaps. This raises a problem for the ownership of the results (“no one’s model” problem) similar to the “problem of many hands” in the ethics of technology. We conclude with a plea for a close collaboration between philosophy and engineering.
Author contributions and allocation of authorship credit: testing the validity of different counting methods in the field of chemical biology
Authors: Sundling Pär
Published: March 2023

This paper explores the relationship between an author's position in the bylines of an article and the research contributions they have made to analyze the validity of five bibliometric counting methods (arithmetic, fractional, geometric, harmonic, and harmonic parabolic author credit allocation) in the field of Chemical Biology. By classifying the tasks found in the author contribution statements of articles published in Nature Chemical Biology according to a three-tiered scheme, it was possible to divide the authors into three types: core-layer authors, middle-layer authors, and outer-layer authors. When ordering the authorships according to the position in the bylines, there is a distinct u-shaped distribution for the share of authors involved in writing the paper or designing the research (i.e., core authors) and for the average number of tasks performed by each author. The harmonic parabolic model best distributes author credit according to the observed empirical data. It also outperforms the other models in predicting which authors are core authors and which are not. The harmonic parabolic model should be the preferred choice for bibliometric exercises in chemical biology and fields with similar practices regarding authorship order.
Wetland mapping at 10 m resolution reveals fragmentation in southern Nigeria
Authors: Garba Sani Idris , Ebmeier Susanna K. , Bastin Jean-François , Mollicone Danilo , Holden Joseph
Published: March 2023

Wetland ecosystems play key roles in global biogeochemical cycling, but their spatial extent and connectivity is often not well known. Here, we detect the spatial coverage and type of wetlands at 10 m resolution across southern Nigeria (total area: 147,094 km2), thought to be one of the most wetland-rich areas of Africa. We use Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 imagery supported by 1500 control points for algorithm training and validation. We estimate that the swamps, marshes, mangroves, and shallow water wetlands of southern Nigeria cover 29,924 km2 with 2% uncertainty of 460 km2. We found larger mangrove and smaller marsh extent than suggested by earlier, coarser spatial resolution studies. Average continuous wetland patch areas were 120, 11, 55 and 13 km2 for mangrove, marsh, swamp, and shallow water respectively. Our final map with 10 m pixels captures small patches of wetland which may not have been observed in earlier mapping exercises, with 20% of wetland patches being < 1 km2; these were clustered around urban centres, suggesting anthropogenic wetland fragmentation. Our approach fills a knowledge gap between very local (< 400 km2) studies reliant on field studies and aerial photos, and low resolution (> 250 m pixel dimensions) global wetland datasets and provides data critical for both improving land-surface climate models and for wetland conservation.
Feedback facilitation by adenosine A2A receptors of ATP release from mouse hippocampal nerve terminals
Authors: Gonçalves Francisco Q. , Valada Pedro , Matos Marco , Cunha Rodrigo A. , Tomé Angelo R.
Published: March 2023

The adenosine modulation system is mostly composed by inhibitory A1 receptors (A1R) and the less abundant facilitatory A2A receptors (A2AR), the latter selectively engaged at high frequency stimulation associated with synaptic plasticity processes in the hippocampus. A2AR are activated by adenosine originated from extracellular ATP through ecto-5’-nucleotidase or CD73-mediated catabolism. Using hippocampal synaptosomes, we now investigated how adenosine receptors modulate the synaptic release of ATP. The A2AR agonist CGS21680 (10-100 nM) enhanced the K+-evoked release of ATP, whereas both SCH58261 and the CD73 inhibitor α,β-methylene ADP (100 μM) decreased ATP release; all these effects were abolished in forebrain A2AR knockout mice. The A1R agonist CPA (10-100 nM) inhibited ATP release, whereas the A1R antagonist DPCPX (100 nM) was devoid of effects. The presence of SCH58261 potentiated CPA-mediated ATP release and uncovered a facilitatory effect of DPCPX. Overall, these findings indicate that ATP release is predominantly controlled by A2AR, which are involved in an apparent feedback loop of A2AR-mediated increased ATP release together with dampening of A1R-mediated inhibition. This study is a tribute to María Teresa Miras-Portugal.
A Longitudinal Investigation of Blood Neurofilament Light Chain Levels in Chronic Cocaine Users
Authors: Bavato Francesco , Kexel Ann-Kathrin , Kluwe-Schiavon Bruno , Maceski Aleksandra , Baumgartner Markus R. , Seifritz Erich , Kuhle Jens , Quednow Boris B.
Published: March 2023

The identification of a blood marker of brain pathology that is sensitive to substance-induced neurotoxicity and dynamically responds to longitudinal changes in substance intake would substantially improve clinical monitoring in the field of substance use and addiction. Here, we explored the hypothesis that plasma levels of neurofilament light chain (NfL), a promising marker of neuroaxonal pathology, are elevated in chronic cocaine users and longitudinally associated with changes in cocaine use. Plasma NfL levels were determined using single molecule array (SIMOA) technology at baseline and at a 4-month follow-up. Substance use was subjectively assessed with an extensive interview and objectively measured via toxicological analysis of urine and 4-month hair samples. In a generalized linear model corrected for sex, age, and body mass index, NfL plasma levels were elevated in cocaine users (n=35) compared to stimulant-naïve healthy controls (n=35). A positive correlation between cocaine hair concentration and NfL levels was also found. Changes in cocaine hair concentration (group analysis of increasers vs. decreasers) over the 4-month interval predicted NfL levels at follow-up, indicating a rise in NfL with increased cocaine use and a reduction with decreased use. No associations between use or change of use of other substances (including the neurotoxic cocaine adulterant levamisole) and NfL levels were found. Our findings demonstrate that NfL is a sensitive marker for assessing cocaine-related neuroaxonal pathology, supporting the utility of blood NfL analysis in addiction research but also suggesting the detailed assessment of substance use in neurological studies and diagnostics.
The association between system-justifying ideologies and attitudes toward the social market economy in Germany
Authors: Jedinger Alexander , Kaminski Simone
Published: March 2023

Although the legitimacy of an economic system is often dependent on citizen support, psychological research has paid little attention to attitudes toward economic systems. In the present study, we examined the link between two system-justifying ideologies, namely, right-wing authoritarianism (RWA) and social dominance orientation (SDO), and attitudes toward the social market economy in Germany. Drawing on system justification theory, we hypothesized that RWA would be positively and SDO negatively associated with support for the social market economy because the social component of the German economic system conflicts with beliefs inherent in SDO favoring a group-based hierarchy. Based on a quota sample of German adults (N = 886), we found support for the predicted associations of both system-justifying ideologies with economic system support, except that RWA was negatively associated with support for the welfare component of the social market economy. However, the positive relationship of RWA with support for the social market economy only emerged after SDO was statistically controlled, suggesting a suppressor situation. These findings demonstrate that system-justifying ideologies bear different relations to pro-market attitudes depending on the type of economic regime. Implications for system justification theory are discussed.
Effect of electrolytes on the performance of graphene oxide anode material for ultracapacitor, Li-ion capacitor, and Li-ion battery: three-in-one approach
Authors: Thombare Sohan , Patil Rohan , Malavekar Dhanaji , Blomquist Nicklas , Olin Håkan , Gavhane Kishor , Meshram Jagruti , Lokhande Chandrakant , Phadatare Manisha
Published: March 2023

Graphene-based 2D nanomaterials are gaining much interest in energy storage systems, specifically in ultracapacitors. Various electrolytes increase the performance of ultracapacitor (UC), Li-Ion capacitor (LIC), and Li-Ion battery (LIB). In the present work, we have successfully designed a "three-in-one" artificial method to engineer anode from a single precursor for high-performance UC, LIC, and LIB. In the present investigation, graphene oxide (GO) slurry was developed using the modified Hummers’ method. The effect of KOH, H2SO4, and KCl electrolytes on electrochemical performance of UC was demonstrated. The LiPF6 organic electrolyte solution on electrochemical performance of LIC and LIB is demonstrated. The GO deposited on stainless steel electrode achieved its highest specific capacitance of 422 F/g, energy density of 45.50 kWh/kg, and power density of 10,000 W/kg in 3.0 M in KCl, whereas GO as an anode material delivered a first discharge capacity of 456 mAh/g at 0.05 A/g current density with the efficiency of 100%.
Archeometrical Study of Metallic Remains from “La Ulaña” Archeological Site
Authors: Setién J. , Cisneros M.
Published: March 2023

This paper shows the results of the archeometallurgical study of 31 iron pieces, 23 bronze pieces, 1 silver, and 1 gold piece found in the archeological site of La Ulaña, which is located in the north of Spain in the foothills of the Cantabrian Mountains, and that lived its period of greatest splendor coinciding with the Second Iron Age. The basic chemical and microstructural analyses of the iron- and copper-based objects provide an overview of the use of these metals in the site. The results obtained are compared with those published from other archeological sites nearby. In addition, the most unique pieces are set in their archeological context to facilitate the understanding of their chronological ascription.
A social wellbeing approach to the gendered impacts of fisheries transition in Gujarat, India
Authors: Biswal Rajib , Johnson Derek Stephen
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we use the analytical lens of social wellbeing to interpret the history of livelihood change in the coastal village of Saiyad Rajpara in Gujarat over the past 70 years. We describe a broad narrative of transition from food scarcity to food security brought about by the introduction and intensification of bag net fishing in the village. This form of fishing has largely displaced the previous economic basis for livelihoods of uncertain daily wage labour. In a pattern common along the coast, an economy offering at best subsistence has shifted to one that is market-oriented, and which generates considerable surplus. We use the social wellbeing perspective to take stock of and order the complex effects of this transition. While the intensification of small-scale fishing in Saiyad Rajpara resulted in a general and marked material improvement in the lives of the residents of the village, the social relational benefits and subjective experience of change have been more mixed, particularly along lines of gender. A social wellbeing perspective offers an approach to fisheries governance that is more inclusive and sensitive to local experience.
From symptoms to subjective and bodily experiences: the contribution of the Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual (PDM-2) to diagnosis and treatment monitoring in eating disorders
Authors: Mirabella Marta , Muzi Laura , Franco Anna , Urgese Alessia , Rugo Michele A. , Mazzeschi Claudia , Speranza Anna Maria , McWilliams Nancy , Lingiardi Vittorio
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Atheoretical and descriptive conceptualizations of eating disorders (EDs) have faced substantial criticism due to their limited ability to assess patients’ subjective characteristics and experiences, as needed to determine the most appropriate treatment options. The present article provides an overview of the clinical and empirical literature supporting the potential contribution of the Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual (PDM-2) to both diagnostic assessment and treatment monitoring.

Methods

Following a discussion of the most relevant shortcomings of current diagnostic models of EDs and a description of the rationale and structure of the PDM-2, evidence supporting the core PDM-2 dimensions of ED patients’ subjective experiences (i.e., affective states, cognitive processes, relational patterns, somatic/bodily experiences and states) are examined, alongside their relevance to ED diagnosis and treatment.

Results

Overall, the reviewed studies support the diagnostic importance of these patterns of subjective experiences in EDs, highlighting their potential role as either predisposing or maintaining factors to target in psychotherapy. A growing body of multidisciplinary evidence also shows that bodily and somatic experiences are central to the diagnosis and clinical management of ED patients. Moreover, there is evidence that a PDM-based assessment may enable closer monitoring of patient progress during treatment, with regard to both subjective experiences and symptom patterns.

Conclusions

The study suggests that current diagnostic frameworks for EDs would benefit from the addition of a person-centered perspective that considers not only symptoms, but also patients’ full range of functioning—including their deep and surface-level emotional, cognitive, interpersonal, and social patterns—to improve patient-tailored interventions.

Level of evidence

Level V, narrative review.
The Role of Host and Fungal Factors in the Commensal-to-Pathogen Transition of Candida albicans
Authors: Jacobsen Ilse D.
Published: March 2023

Purpose of Review

The fungus Candida albicans has evolved to live in close association with warm-blooded hosts and is found frequently on mucosal surfaces of healthy humans. As an opportunistic pathogen, C. albicans can also cause mucosal and disseminated infections (candidiasis). This review describes the features that differentiate the fungus in the commensal versus pathogenic state and the main factors underlying C. albicans commensal-to-pathogen transition.

Recent Findings

Adhesion, invasion, and tissue damage are critical steps in the infection process. Especially invasion and damage require transcriptional and morphological changes that differentiate C. albicans in the pathogenic from the commensal state. While the commensal-to-pathogen transition has some conserved causes and features in the oral cavity, the female urogenital tract, and the gut, site-specific differences have been identified in recent years.

This review highlights how specific factors in the different mucosal niches affect development of candidiasis. Recent evidence suggests that colonization of the gut is not only a risk factor for systemic candidiasis but might also provide beneficial effects to the host.
Assessment of the Nubian aquifer characteristics by combining geoelectrical and pumping test methods in the Omdurman area, Sudan
Authors: Mohammed Musaab A. A. , Szabó Norbert P. , Szűcs Péter
Published: March 2023

The recent research is carried out to model the characteristics and productivity of the groundwater aquifer in the Omdurman area, Sudan, by combining electrical resistivity and pumping test methods. Omdurman is the most populous city known as the traditional capital of Sudan. Vertical electrical sounding (VES) survey using Schlumberger array is carried out along four profiles to delineate the potential groundwater zones. Application of 1D geophysical inversion revealed five geoelectric layers, including recent deposits, clay, silicified and ferruginous sandstone, and sandstone. Additionally, based on the outcome of VES inversion, Dar Zarrouk parameters, including transverse resistance and longitudinal conductance, were calculated to model the aquifer characteristics. The transverse resistance ranged from 5587 to 309,853 Ωm2, while the longitudinal conductance varied between 0.14 and 2.5 Ω−1. The hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity are further measured using the VES data, ranging from 1.4 to 5.2 m/d and 435 to 1564 m2/day, respectively. The step-drawdown pumping tests were performed to evaluate the aquifer characteristics and thus validate the result of the geoelectrical method. The transmissivity obtained from the step test varied between 583 and 1226 m2/day, showing an acceptable agreement with those of geoelectrical data. Based on the measured parameters, the aquifer is classified as highly productive and ideal for groundwater development. The step drawdown test was further used to assess the performance of groundwater wells. The results indicated that faulty well design and inappropriate pumping rates influence some wells in the study area, resulting in high drawdown and low well efficiency. Overall, the objectives of the study were successfully achieved; nonetheless, detailed hydrogeological and geophysical investigations are recommended for comprehensive evaluation of the groundwater aquifer.
Self-Healing Liquid Metal Magnetic Hydrogels for Smart Feedback Sensors and High-Performance Electromagnetic Shielding
Authors: Zhao Biao , Bai Zhongyi , Lv Hualiang , Yan Zhikai , Du Yiqian , Guo Xiaoqin , Zhang Jincang , Wu Limin , Deng Jiushuai , Zhang David Wei , Che Renchao
Published: March 2023

Hydrogels exhibit potential applications in smart wearable devices because of their exceptional sensitivity to various external stimuli. However, their applications are limited by challenges in terms of issues in biocompatibility, custom shape, and self-healing. Herein, a conductive, stretchable, adaptable, self-healing, and biocompatible liquid metal GaInSn/Ni-based composite hydrogel is developed by incorporating a magnetic liquid metal into the hydrogel framework through crosslinking polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with sodium tetraborate. The excellent stretchability and fast self-healing capability of the PVA/liquid metal hydrogel are derived from its abundant hydrogen binding sites and liquid metal fusion. Significantly, owing to the magnetic constituent, the PVA/liquid metal hydrogel can be guided remotely using an external magnetic field to a specific position to repair the broken wires with no need for manual operation. The composite hydrogel also exhibits sensitive deformation responses and can be used as a strain sensor to monitor various body motions. Additionally, the multifunctional hydrogel displays absorption-dominated electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties. The total shielding performance of the composite hydrogel increases to ~ 62.5 dB from ~ 31.8 dB of the pure PVA hydrogel at the thickness of 3.0 mm. The proposed bioinspired multifunctional magnetic hydrogel demonstrates substantial application potential in the field of intelligent wearable devices.
Rational Design of High-Performance PEO/Ceramic Composite Solid Electrolytes for Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Su Yanxia , Xu Fei , Zhang Xinren , Qiu Yuqian , Wang Hongqiang
Published: March 2023

Composite solid electrolytes (CSEs) with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) have become fairly prevalent for fabricating high-performance solid-state lithium metal batteries due to their high Li+ solvating capability, flexible processability and low cost. However, unsatisfactory room-temperature ionic conductivity, weak interfacial compatibility and uncontrollable Li dendrite growth seriously hinder their progress. Enormous efforts have been devoted to combining PEO with ceramics either as fillers or major matrix with the rational design of two-phase architecture, spatial distribution and content, which is anticipated to hold the key to increasing ionic conductivity and resolving interfacial compatibility within CSEs and between CSEs/electrodes. Unfortunately, a comprehensive review exclusively discussing the design, preparation and application of PEO/ceramic-based CSEs is largely lacking, in spite of tremendous reviews dealing with a broad spectrum of polymers and ceramics. Consequently, this review targets recent advances in PEO/ceramic-based CSEs, starting with a brief introduction, followed by their ionic conduction mechanism, preparation methods, and then an emphasis on resolving ionic conductivity and interfacial compatibility. Afterward, their applications in solid-state lithium metal batteries with transition metal oxides and sulfur cathodes are summarized. Finally, a summary and outlook on existing challenges and future research directions are proposed.
No Evidence of an Elevation Effect Caused by Temperature Differences on Soil Microbial Properties in a Walnut Fruit Forest in Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Oskonbaeva Zhyldyz , Maitykov Tilek , Schwalb Sanja Annabel , Joergensen Rainer Georg , Wichern Florian
Published: March 2023

This study is to investigate the effect of differences in annual average temperature on soil microbial communities as caused by elevation in walnut-fruit forests in Kyrgyzstan with similar vegetation. Soil samples (n = 10 per site) were collected from top- and subsoil at three elevation levels (1000, 1300 and 1600 m above sea level) with an average temperature difference of 1.3 °C between sites and analysed for soil chemical and biological properties. All soil properties showed high variability within, but most revealed no differences between elevation levels. Microbial biomass, activity and community composition were largely similar at all sites with slightly higher fungal contribution based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence counts at high elevation, which, however was not reflected by ergosterol. Total soil organic carbon and nitrogen levels did not show elevation effects either. Mehlich-extractable elements revealed positive relationship with soil microbial properties, which was in particular pronounced for copper, manganese and zinc, highlighting the relevance of trace elements for soil microorganisms. The subsoil showed lower levels for all microbial properties even though they were on a comparably high level; it contained smaller sized bacteria and fungi, as revealed by MBC/dsDNA ratios, and fungal ITS counts/ergosterol ratios illustrating growth limitations for microorganisms in subsoils. Elevation with long-term average temperature differences did not yield pronounced differences in soil microbial properties, which were more potentially stronger affected by similar C input quantity and substrate quality from the similar vegetation. Consequently, climate change effects will more likely affect microbial properties indirectly via changes in vegetation.
Allen Brown's English Castles
Authors: Brown R. Allen
Published: March 2023

A reissue of the classic guide to the origins, purpose and identity of the great castles of England and Wales, built after the arrival of the Normans.
Ubunyarwanda and the Evolution of Transitional Justice in Post-Genocide Rwanda: “To Generalize is not Fresh”
Authors: Berman Zoë Elizabeth
Published: March 2023

Conversations around transitional justice often focus on concepts of victimhood and perpetration. Such has been the case in Rwanda in the decades following the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi. However, even as Rwandans continue to observe state-led transitional justice reforms which divide them into victims and perpetrators, they simultaneously draw on state discourses of unity to carefully critique and re-work the language and practices which produce such divisions. Drawing on long-term ethnographic fieldwork, Berman illustrates how a new generation of Rwandan youth is transforming political ideology by creatively engaging the discourse ofubunyarwanda(Rwandanness) to forge inclusive post-genocide politics.
“Tuskegee Is Her Monument”: Gender and Leadership in Early Public Black Colleges
Authors: Soares Leigh
Published: March 2023

This article examines the relationship between gender and leadership in southern public Black colleges from the late nineteenth through the early twentieth century. Public colleges offer a unique view of this relationship because, in an era of disfranchisement, the political stakes of leadership were more obvious than in private schools. I argue that the gap between Black women's dynamic roles on public campuses and their marginalized representations in school reports reveals the processes that have obscured their public educational leadership in the American South. Analysis of images collected from college catalogs supplements my examination of documentary evidence from archives and published reports. State educational administration was one of the few remaining spaces where Black men could wield political influence. As they worked to produce institutional images that proclaimed their capacity for and right to public leadership, however, they minimized the contributions of Black women.