bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HB11—Understanding Hydrogen-Boron Fusion as a New Clean Energy Source
Authors: McKenzie Warren , Batani Dimitri , Mehlhorn Thomas A. , Margarone Daniele , Belloni Fabio , Campbell E. Michael , Woodruff Simon , Kirchhoff Jan , Paterson Adrian , Pikuz Sergey , Hora Heinrich
Published: May 2023

HB11 Energy’s mission is to realize large-scale electricity generation from the fusion of hydrogen with boron-11 (the HB11, or “proton-boron”, reaction) without the environmental problems normally associated with nuclear energy. A non-thermal approach is taken in the initiation of the reaction using high-peak-power lasers, which was the pursuit of HB11 Energy founder Prof. Heinrich Hora’s career as a theoretical physicist. In the 1980s, the invention of Chirped Pulse Amplification (CPA) of laser pulses by Donna Strickland and Gerard Mourou (Nobel Prize 2018) enabled the possibility of experimentally validating the earlier theoretical predictions. Several experimental demonstrations of the HB11 reaction using CPA lasers inspired the establishment of HB11 Energy and with it, the possibility of realizing an aneutronic nuclear energy source with easily accessible and safe fuel resources that could last thousands of years. Like all quests for fusion energy, there are significant scientific challenges remaining. HB11 Energy Holdings Pty Ltd, an Australian company, was established as the best vehicle to co-ordinate a global collaborative research effort to address these challenges and build capacity to host large-scale public private partnerships, such as those now recommended by the US National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) (US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine in Bringing Fusion to the U.S. Grid,: National Academies Press, Washington, D.C, 2021). If net-energy-gain can be achieved through HB11 Energy’s concepts, there are many engineering benefits over traditional DT fusion that will see a dramatically simpler and safer reactor being produced. A technoeconomic assessment of such a reactor is also discussed which presents many engineering challenges that will need to be met before commercial HB11 fusion can be deployed on a large-scale.
Using the Corner Reflection for Depth Evaluation of Surface Breaking Cracks in Concrete by Ultrasound
Authors: Rabe Ute , Pudovikov Sergey , Herrmann Hans-Georg , Wiggenhauser Herbert , Prabhakara Prathik , Niederleithinger Ernst
Published: May 2023

The corner echo is a well-known effect in ultrasonic testing, which allows detection of surface breaking cracks with predominantly perpendicular orientation to the surface as, for example, corrosion cracks in metal pipes or shafts. This echo is formed by two planes, the surface of the crack and the surface which the crack breaks. It can also be classified as a half-skip method, since a reflection of the pulse occurs on the backwall before the reflection at the defect takes place. In combination with the diffraction from the crack tip, the corner echo also allows crack sizing. As shown in this paper, the corner reflection can be used in civil engineering for nondestructive inspection of concrete. Commercially available low frequency ultrasonic arrays with dry point contact sources generate SH transversal waves with sufficient divergence of the sound field in order to detect corner reflections. Ultrasonic line-scans and area-scans were acquired with a linear array on flat concrete specimens, and the data were reconstructed by the Synthetic aperture focusing technique. If the angles and the area of reconstruction are chosen accordingly, the corner echo reflection can be distinguished from other ultrasonic information. The corner echo can thus be used as a method for deciding whether a crack is a partial-depth crack or a full-depth crack and thus for obtaining a statement about crack depth. This paper presents corresponding experimental results obtained on concrete specimens with artificial test defects and cracks induced under controlled conditions.
English Grammar Skills in Dutch Grade 4 Children: Examining the Relation Between L1 and L2 Language Skills
Authors: van Koert Margreet , Leona Nihayra , Rispens Judith , Tijms Jurgen , Molen Maurits van der , Grunberg Hernán Labbé , Snellings Patrick
Published: May 2023

Second language proficiency may be related to first language acquisition (Ganschow & Sparks, 1991), but relatively little is known about the relation between first and second language grammatical proficiency in primary school children who are in their first stages of foreign language learning. This study aims to determine whether differences in Dutch and English vocabulary and Dutch grammar skills predict differences in English grammatical proficiency in Dutch speaking children who are in grade 4 in primary school. The selected participants are monolingual Dutch pupils (N = 152), aged 9;0–10;0. To measure the children’s vocabulary the PPVT was used in Dutch (Schlichting, 2005) and in English (Dunn & Dunn, 2007). In addition, two grammar tasks in English and one in Dutch of the CELF (Semel et al., 2003) were used. The results show that English vocabulary is a strong predictor of English grammar skills, and that the Dutch vocabulary skills are weaker predictors of English grammar skills. Moreover, Dutch grammar skills predict English grammar skills for one of the grammar tasks. These results are discussed vis-à-vis hypotheses about cross-domain transfer and cross-linguistic transfer (Blom et al., 2012; Cummins, 1979; Ganschow & Sparks, 1991; Paradis, 2011; Sparks, 1995).
The Enhancing Role of Emotion Regulation in the Links between Early Positive Memories and Self-harm and Suicidal Ideation in Adolescence
Authors: Carvalho Célia Barreto , Teixeira Marco , Costa Rodrigo , Cordeiro Filipa , Cabral Joana Moura
Published: May 2023

Adolescence is a critical developmental period associated with an increased variety of interrelated risks and vulnerabilities. Previous studies have found associations between early memories of warmth and safeness, as well as emotion regulation, and self-harm and suicidal ideation in adolescence. Additionally, these early emotional memories have been found to be positively linked with some indicators of emotion regulation during this period. The present cross-sectional study extends prior research by exploring the moderating role of emotion regulation in the relationships between early memories of warmth and safeness, as well as each of the following risk-related outcomes in adolescence, in younger (i.e., 13–15) and older (i.e., 16–19) adolescents: suicidal ideation and self-harm and its associated functions (i.e., automatic and social reinforcement. Three self-report measures of these early emotional memories, emotion regulation, and risk-related outcomes, and a sample of 7918 Portuguese adolescents (53.3% females), with ages ranging from 13 to 19 (Mage = 15.5), were used. In both age groups, at high levels of emotion regulation, early memories of warmth and safeness had a greater (negative) effect on suicidal ideation and the automatic reinforcement function of self-harm, compared to at average and low levels of emotion regulation. These findings highlight the enhancing role of emotion regulation on the associations between early memories of warmth and safeness and some risk-related outcomes in adolescents, both younger and older, which reveals the relevance of targeting emotion regulation when preventing or tackling these outcomes, regardless of adolescents’ levels of early memories of warmth and safeness.
Determinants of intra-board behavioral integration in high-tech start-ups
Authors: Bjørnåli Ekaterina , Asad Sarosh , Terjesen Siri
Published: May 2023

The board of directors’ behavioral dynamics can strongly influence an entrepreneurial firm’s success. Drawing on the behavioral theory of corporate governance, this study identifies and tests factors that facilitate behavioral integration in boards of high technology start-ups. We unpack the black box of board behavior with primary data collected from a survey-based sample of 149 CEOs of Norwegian high-tech start-ups supplemented by quantitative archival information. We find that intra-board behavioral integration (i.e., board members’ propensity to clearly understand one another’s issues and needs, actively solve, and share relevant information and resources) is positively affected by greater levels of informal communication between CEOs and board members. Next, we find that inter-board trust (i.e., board members interact with absolute integrity, tell the truth at meetings, trust one another, and keep mutual promises) mediates this relationship such that higher levels of inter-board trust result in greater concordance between information communication frequency and inter-board behavioral integration. We then examine the role of an efficacious board chair who motivates and uses each board member’s competence, formulates proposals for decisions and summarizes conclusions after board negotiation, and chairs board discussions without promoting their agenda, finding that efficacious board chair leadership moderates the relationship between informal communication frequency and intra-board trust. We discuss the implications of these findings for the theory and practice.
Class I HDAC inhibitor entinostat synergizes with PLK1 inhibitors in MYC-amplified medulloblastoma cells
Authors: Valinciute Gintvile , Ecker Jonas , Selt Florian , Hielscher Thomas , Sigaud Romain , Ridinger Johannes , Thatikonda Venu , Gatzweiler Charlotte , Robinson Sarah , Talbot Julie , Bernardi Flavia , Picard Daniel , Blattner-Johnson Mirjam , Schmid Simone , Jones David T. , van Tilburg Cornelis M. , Capper David , Kool Marcel , Remke Marc , Oehme Ina , Pfister Stefan M. , Roussel Martine F. , Ayrault Olivier , Witt Olaf , Milde Till
Published: May 2023

Purpose

We and others have demonstrated that MYC-amplified medulloblastoma (MB) cells are susceptible to class I histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) treatment. However, single drug treatment with HDACi has shown limited clinical efficacy. We hypothesized that addition of a second compound acting synergistically with HDACi may enhance efficacy.

Methods

We used a gene expression dataset to identify PLK1 as a second target in MB cells and validated the relevance of PLK1 in MB. We measured cell metabolic activity, viability, and cycle progression in MB cells after treatment with PLK1-specific inhibitors (PLK1i). Chou–Talalay synergy calculations were used to determine the nature of class I HDACi entinostat and PLK1i interaction which was validated. Finally, the clinical potential of the combination was assessed in the in vivo experiment.

Results

MYC-amplified tumor cells are highly sensitive towards treatment with ATP-competitive PLK1i as a monotherapy. Entinostat and PLK1i in combination act synergistically in MYC-driven MB cells, exerting cytotoxic effects at clinically relevant concentrations. The downstream effect is exerted via MYC-related pathways, pointing out the potential of MYC amplification as a clinically feasible predictive biomarker for patient selection. While entinostat significantly extended survival of mice implanted with orthotopic MYC-amplified MB PDX, there was no evidence of the improvement of survival when treating the animals with the combination.

Conclusion

The combination of entinostat and PLK1i showed synergistic interaction in vitro, but not in vivo. Therefore, further screening of blood–brain barrier penetrating PLK1i is warranted to determine the true potential of the combination as no on-target activity was observed after PLK1i volasertib treatment in vivo.
Sonodynamic therapy and magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound: new therapeutic strategy in glioblastoma
Authors: Bonosi Lapo , Marino Silvia , Benigno Umberto Emanuele , Musso Sofia , Buscemi Felice , Giardina Kevin , Gerardi Rosamaria , Brunasso Lara , Costanzo Roberta , Iacopino Domenico Gerardo , Maugeri Rosario
Published: May 2023

Glioblastoma (GB) is one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat brain tumors, with a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. In recent years, sonodynamic therapy (SDT) and magnetic resonance focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) have emerged as promising approaches for the treatment of GB. SDT uses ultrasound waves in combination with a sonosensitizer to selectively damage cancer cells, while MRgFUS delivers high-intensity ultrasound waves to precisely target tumor tissue and disrupt the blood–brain barrier to enhance drug delivery. In this review, we explore the potential of SDT as a novel therapeutic strategy for GB. We discuss the principles of SDT, its mechanisms of action, and the preclinical and clinical studies that have investigated its use in Gliomas. We also highlight the challenges, the limitations, and the future perspectives of SDT. Overall, SDT and MRgFUS hold promise as novel and potentially complementary treatment modalities for GB. Further research is needed to optimize their parameters and determine their safety and efficacy in humans, but their potential for selective and targeted tumor destruction makes them an exciting area of investigation in the field of brain cancer therapy.
Separability, Boxicity, and Partial Orders
Authors: Díaz-Báñez José-Miguel , Horn Paul , Lopez Mario A. , Marín Nestaly , Ramírez-Vigueras Adriana , Solé-Pi Oriol , Stevens Alex , Urrutia Jorge
Published: May 2023

A collection $$S=\{S_i, \ldots , S_n\}$$

S
=
{

S
i

,
…
,

S
n

}

of disjoint closed convex sets in $$\mathbb {R}^d$$

R

d

is separable if there exists a direction (a non-zero vector) $$ \overrightarrow{v}$$

v
→

of $$\mathbb {R}^d$$

R

d

such that the elements of S can be removed, one at a time, by translating them an arbitrarily large distance in the direction $$ \overrightarrow{v}$$

v
→

without hitting another element of S. We say that $$S_i \prec S_j$$

S
i

≺

S
j

if $$S_j$$

S
j

has to be removed before we can remove $$S_i$$

S
i

. The relation $$\prec $$
≺
defines a partial order $$P(S,\prec )$$

P
(
S
,
≺
)

on S which we call the separability order of S and $$ \overrightarrow{v}$$

v
→

. A partial order $$P(X, \prec ')$$

P
(
X
,

≺
′

)

on $$X=\{x_1, \ldots , x_n\}$$

X
=
{

x
1

,
…
,

x
n

}

is called a separability order if there is a collection of convex sets S and a vector $$ \overrightarrow{v}$$

v
→

in some $$\mathbb {R}^d$$

R

d

such that $$x_i \prec ' x_j$$

x
i

≺
′

x
j

in $$P(X, \prec ')$$

P
(
X
,

≺
′

)

if and only if $$S_i \prec S_j$$

S
i

≺

S
j

in $$P(S,\prec )$$

P
(
S
,
≺
)

. We prove that every partial order is the separability order of a collection of convex sets in $$\mathbb {R}^4$$

R

4

, and that any poset of dimension 2 is the separability order of a set of line segments in $$\mathbb {R}^3$$

R

3

. We then study the case when the convex sets are restricted to be boxes in d-dimensional spaces. We prove that any partial order is the separability order of a family of disjoint boxes in $$\mathbb {R}^d$$

R

d

for some $$d \le \lfloor \frac{n}{2} \rfloor +1$$

d
≤
⌊

n
2

⌋
+
1

. We prove that every poset of dimension 3 has a subdivision that is the separability order of boxes in $$\mathbb {R}^3$$

R

3

, that there are partial orders of dimension 2 that cannot be realized as box separability in $$\mathbb {R}^3$$

R

3

and that for any d there are posets with dimension d that are separability orders of boxes in $$\mathbb {R}^3$$

R

3

. We also prove that for any d there are partial orders with box separability dimension d; that is, d is the smallest dimension for which they are separable orders of sets of boxes in $$\mathbb {R}^d$$

R

d

.
Assessing the validity and responsiveness of a generic preference quality of life measure in the context of posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: Matthews Sheradyn R. , Elizabeth Marja , Roberts Larissa N. , Kaambwa Billingsley , Wade Tracey D. , Nixon Reginald D. V.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

There is limited research exploring the usefulness of generic preference-based quality of life (GPQoL) measures used to facilitate economic evaluation in the context of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The aim of the current study was to explore the validity and responsiveness of a common GPQoL measure (Assessment of Quality of Life 8 Dimension [AQoL-8D]) in relation to a PTSD condition-specific outcome measure (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for the DSM-5 [PCL-5]).

Method

This aim was investigated in a sample of individuals (N = 147) who received trauma-focused cognitive-behavioural therapies for posttraumatic stress disorder. Convergent validity was investigated using spearman’s correlations, and the level of agreement was investigated using Bland–Altman plots. Responsiveness was investigated by exploring the standardised response means (SRM) from pre-post-treatment across the two measures, which allow the comparison of the magnitude of change between the measures over time.

Results

Correlations between the AQoL-8D (dimensions, utility and summary total scores) and the PCL-5 total score ranged from small to large and agreement between the measures was considered moderate to good. While SRMs were large for the AQoL-8D and PCL-5 total scores, the SRM for the PCL-5 was nearly double that of the AQoL-8D.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that the AQoL-8D has good construct validity but present preliminary evidence that economic evaluations using only GPQoL measures may not fully capture the effectiveness of PTSD treatments.
Contribution of area-based fisheries management measures to fisheries sustainability and marine conservation: a global scoping review
Authors: Petza Dimitra , Anastopoulos Panagiotis , Kalogirou Stefanos , Coll Marta , Garcia Serge , Kaiser Michel , Koukourouvli Nikoletta , Lourdi Irene , Rice Jake , Sciberras Marija , Katsanevakis Stelios
Published: May 2023

Area-based fisheries management measures (ABFMs) are commonly related to the sustainable use of resources but are increasingly considered broader conservation measures. This Scoping Review (ScR) identified and mapped the evidence base regarding the contribution of ABFMs to fisheries sustainability and marine conservation. The ScR was conducted following the JBI methodology and the PRISMA statement. A total of 2,391 documents were identified, and following a two-stage screening process, 151 documents were eventually included in the ScR for full review and data extraction. Most of the documents were published during the last 12 years. Studies had a wide geographical distribution (mainly located in Europe and North America), were primarily conducted at the subnational level, concerned fishing restrictions of towed gears, and assessed ABFMs from a single stock’s perspective. ABFMs identified were of various types, and the use of terminology was not consistent in the literature. Multiple combinations of data collection (primarily experimental surveys/sampling and open data sources) and analysis methods (most commonly, fisheries and ecological analyses and modelling) were applied (often in combination), using a variety of different metrics. Various knowledge gaps emerged, mainly related to the study of ABFMs networks and the application of an interdisciplinary and ecosystem-based approach for assessing ABFMs. The social, economic, and environmental impact of ABFMs was positive in most cases (56%) and in less cases negative (22%) or mixed (14%). This ScR is a valuable source of information for the contribution of ABFMs to rebuilding marine ecosystems and attaining CBD conservation targets through the lens of the OECM concept.

Graphical abstract
A diachronic perspective on citation latency in Wikipedia articles on CRISPR/Cas-9: an exploratory case study
Authors: Schmidt Marion , Kircheis Wolfgang , Simons Arno , Potthast Martin , Stein Benno
Published: May 2023

This paper analyzes Wikipedia’s representation of the Nobel Prize winning CRISPR/Cas9 technology, a method for gene editing. We propose and evaluate different heuristics to match publications from several publication corpora against Wikipedia’s central article on CRISPR and against the complete Wikipedia revision history in order to retrieve further Wikipedia articles relevant to the topic and to analyze Wikipedia’s referencing patterns. We explore to what extent the selection of referenced literature of Wikipedia’s central article on CRISPR adheres to scientific standards and inner-scientific perspectives by assessing its overlap with (1) the Web of Science (WoS) database, (2) a WoS-based field-delineated corpus, (3) highly-cited publications within this corpus, and (4) publications referenced by field-specific reviews. We develop a diachronic perspective on citation latency and compare the delays with which publications are cited in relevant Wikipedia articles to the citation dynamics of these publications over time. Our results confirm that a combination of verbatim searches by title, DOI, and PMID is sufficient and cannot be improved significantly by more elaborate search heuristics. We show that Wikipedia references a substantial amount of publications that are recognized by experts and highly cited, but that Wikipedia also cites less visible literature, and, to a certain degree, even not strictly scientific literature. Delays in occurrence on Wikipedia compared to the publication years show (most pronounced in case of the central CRISPR article) a dependence on the dynamics of both the field and the editor’s reaction to it in terms of activity.
Improving conformance checking in process modelling: a multiperspective algorithm
Authors: Calheno Rui , Carvalho Paulo , Rito Lima Solange , Rangel Henriques Pedro , Ramos Merino Mateo
Published: May 2023

Business process model and notation (BPMN) is a popular notation used for process modelling mainly due to its high expressiveness. However, BPMN has shortcomings when dealing with specific domains (namely Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points systems), struggling to model activity duration, quality control points, activity effects and monitoring nature. To tackle these limitations, the business process model and notation extended expressiveness (BPMN-E2) was proposed. In this paper, a multiperspective conformance checking algorithm is developed focusing on detecting non-conformity between an event log and a process model, regarding the information provided by the new elements within BPMN-E2. The proposed algorithm follows a two-step approach that starts by converting the model into a directly follows model (annotated with conformance rules), which is then used in a second phase to perform conformance checking effectively. This modular approach allows to apply the proposed algorithm to other process model notations than BPMN-E2. An event log clustering technique was also developed to downsize large-event logs without compromising data relevance. In this way, both the multiperspective algorithm and the log-downsize clustering technique here proposed are a key contribution to improve conformance checking in process modelling, as evinced in the proof-of-concept provided.
Hematopoietic stem cells on the crossroad between purinergic signaling and innate immunity
Authors: Franczak Stephanie , Ulrich Henning , Ratajczak Mariusz Z.
Published: May 2023

Hematopoiesis is regulated by several mediators such as peptide-based growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines, whose biological effects have been studied for many years. However, several other mediators have been identified recently that affect the fate of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPC) as well as non-hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow microenvironment. These new mediators comprise members of purinergic signaling pathways and are active mediators of the soluble arm of innate immunity, the complement cascade (ComC). In this review, we will discuss the coordinated effects of these pathways in regulating the biology of HSPC. Importantly, both purinergic signaling and the ComC are activated in stress situations and interact with specific receptors expressed on HSPC. Evidence has accumulated indicating that some of the purinergic as well as ComC receptors could also be activated intracellularly by intrinsically expressed ligands. To support this recent evidence, our work indicates that the major mediator of purinergic signaling, adenosine triphosphate, and the cleavage product of the fifth component of the ComC (C5), C5a anaphylatoxin, can activate their corresponding receptors expressed on the outer mitochondrial membrane in an autocrine manner. We will also discuss recent evidence that these responses, mediated by purinergic signaling and the ComC network, are coordinated by activation of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 2 - reactive oxygen species - NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome (Nox2-ROS-NLRP3) axis.
Performance comparison of IHACRES, random forest and copula-based models in rainfall-runoff simulation
Authors: Nazeri Tahroudi Mohammad , Ahmadi Farshad , Mirabbasi Rasoul
Published: May 2023

In this study, two models of Random Forest and copula-based simulation were used to evaluate the accuracy and efficiency of the IHACRES rainfall-runoff model in simulating the daily discharge of the Siminehroud River in the south of Lake Urmia basin, Iran. A trivariate copula-based model was created using discharge, rainfall and temperature data on a daily scale in the period 1992–2018. Vine family models and their conditional densities were used to implement the copula-based model. By calibrating the IHACRES model and also selecting the tree sequence in accordance with the data, rainfall-runoff simulations were performed in the study area. The accuracy and efficiency of the studied models were evaluated using RMSE and NSE criteria, and also violin plot and Taylor diagram. The results of comparing the error rate of rainfall-runoff simulation in the study area showed that the vine-based model reduces the RMSE statistics by about 14.5 and 16.5%, respectively, compared to the IHACRES and Random Forest models. According to the presented diagrams, the efficiency and certainty of IHACRES and copula-based simulation models are acceptable. While the Random Forest model does not have acceptable accuracy and efficiency in the study area. The copula-based simulation model has a good performance due to the unique tree sequence as well as involving the marginal distributions fitted to the data. Although the copula-based simulation model has increased the efficiency of the model in simulating the daily discharge by about 5% compared to the IHACRES model, it is not significant compared to the mathematical complexity of the copula-based model.
Ultrasonic-assisted removal of cationic and anionic dyes residues from wastewater using functionalized triptycene-based polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs)
Authors: Amin Mohamed O. , Al-Hetlani Entesar , Antonangelo Ariana R. , Zhou Haoli , Carta Mariolino
Published: May 2023

In this work, a series of hypercrosslinked polymers of intrinsic microporosity (HCP-PIMs), namely nitro-triptycene (TRIP-NO2), amino-triptycene (TRIP-NH2), sulfonated-triptycene (TRIP-SO3H) and hydrocarbon-triptycene (TRIP-HC), are employed for the adsorption of organic dyes from wastewater. The materials show the efficient removal of cationic (malachite green, MG) and anionic (methyl orange, MO) dyes. The adsorption parameters herein investigated include the initial pH, the adsorbate concentration and the contact time, with the aim to elucidate their effect on the adsorption process. Furthermore, the adsorption kinetic and isotherms are studied, and the findings suggest the results fit well with pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir model. The reported maximum adsorption capacity is competitive for all the tested polymers. More specifically, TRIP-SO3H and TRIP-HC exhibit adsorptions of ~ 303 and ~ 270 mg g−1 for MG and MO, respectively. The selectivity toward cationic and anionic dyes is assessed by mixing the two dyes, and showing that TRIP-HC completely removes both species, whereas TRIP-NO2, TRIP-NH2 and TRIP-SO3H show an enhanced selectivity toward the cationic MG, compared to the anionic MO. The effect of the type of water is assessed by performing ultrasonic-assisted adsorption experiments, using TRIP-SO3H and TRIP-HC in the presence of either tap or seawater. The presence of competing ions and their concentrations is evaluated by ICP-MS. Our study shows that tap water does not have a detrimental effect on the adsorption of both polymers, whereas, in the presence of seawater, the performance of TRIP-HC toward MO proved to be more stable than MG with TRIP-SO3H, which is probably due to a larger concentration of competing ions. Comparison between ultrasonic-assisted and magnetic stirring adsorption demonstrates that the former exhibits a greater efficiency. This seems due to a more rapid mass transfer, driven by the formation of high velocity micro-jets, acoustic microstreaming and shock waves, at the polymer surface. Reusability studies show a good stability up to five adsorption–desorption cycles.
Spatial evaluation of climate change-induced drought characteristics in different climates based on De Martonne Aridity Index in Iran
Authors: Jafarpour Mohammad , Adib Arash , Lotfirad Morteza , Kisi Özgur
Published: May 2023

In recent years, greenhouse gas emissions have caused extensive changes in the global climate. Climate change leads to extreme events, such as droughts. The present study investigates precipitation and temperature variations and the past and future drought characteristics in Iran through data from 40 synoptic stations and 33 general circulation models (GCMs) under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios. As a first step, the country of Iran was classified into different climatic regions based on De Martonne aridity index. The GCMs were ranked using TOPSIS in four climatic regions and an ensemble of top ten GCMs was used in each region. Furthermore, the homogeneity of monthly precipitation was studied in the baseline and future periods. Meteorological drought was calculated through the standardized precipitation index (SPI), deriving drought severity, peak, and duration based on run theory. The results revealed that precipitation will reduce in future periods in the majority of Iran and temperature will reduce in the south and southeast and will increase in the northwest and north of Iran. Furthermore, the highest drought severity and peaks will occur in semi-arid and arid regions, while the longest drought duration will happen in the southeast and west of Iran. Overall, future droughts are found to have higher severity, duration, peaks, and standard deviation than the baseline period. Also, the results showed a reducing trend of the SPI values in northwestern regions, while the other stations indicated no significant trend.
Combined effects of freeze–thaw cycles and chemical corrosion on triaxial mechanical properties of sandstone
Authors: Wu Jing , Lu Yani , Wang Kaibin , Cai Yang , Xiao Cong
Published: May 2023

To study the combined effects of freeze–thaw cycles and chemical corrosion on deterioration mechanism of triaxial mechanical properties of sandstone in cold regions, triaxial compression tests were carried out on homologous sandstone specimens after corrosion action of acidic, alkaline or neutral solution and cyclic freeze–thaw action, by taking the pH value of the hydrochemical solution and the number of freeze–thaw cycles as control parameters. The failure mode of triaxial compression is shear-slip failure, and the deviatoric stress–strain curves can be divided into four stages of compaction, linear elastic, yield, and failure. The stress–strain curves and deterioration law of triaxial mechanical properties were analyzed. With the increase of freeze–thaw cycles, the peak stress, peak strain and modulus all decrease, the deterioration degree of the rock specimens increases, and the yield plateau and plastic characteristics in the yield stage become weaker. The strong acid solution shows the largest degree of damage, and the peak stress, peak strain and modulus decreased significantly. The precipitates produced by the reaction between the strong alkaline solution and the specimens adhere to the specimen surface, pores, and fissures, thereby inhibiting further damage and deterioration. Confining pressure is an essential factor affecting the rock mechanical properties. As confining pressure increases, the strength and deformation-resistant ability of specimens increase, and the yield stage on the stress–strain curve is more obvious. The sensitivity of acidic solution to the deterioration of mechanical properties of sandstone is obviously greater than that of alkaline solution. These results provide a theoretical basis for the construction of geotechnical engineering structures in cold regions.
On the role of network topology in German-Jewish recommendation letter networks in the early twentieth century
Authors: Gerlach Lisa , Blumenthal David B.
Published: May 2023

Recommendation letters were an important instrument for orchestrating Jewish emigration from Germany in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. Here, we present network-based analyses of manually collected meta-data from recommendation letters targeted at the Hebrew University (HU) in Jerusalem. Using standard semi-supervised node classification techniques and differential node centrality analyses, we show that the position of a recommendation letter in content-agnostic recommendation network models is predictive of its success, i.e., of whether or not the letter led to the recommendee obtaining a position at the HU. In particular, we show that authors of successful recommendation letters assume more central positions within the networks than authors of unsuccessful letters, while the opposite holds for the recommendation letters’ receivers. Beyond our application, these results showcase the potential of using network models for generating historical insights. Both the letter meta-data records and Python code to reproduce our analyses are available on GitHub:https://github.com/bionetslab/corrnet.
Semi-analytical Stiffness Model of Bolted Joints in Machine Tools Considering the Coupling Effect
Authors: Ma Yiwei , Fu Yutao , Tian Yanling , Liu Xianping
Published: May 2023

This study proposes an improved semi-analytical approach for contact stiffness modeling of bolted joints in a machine tool system. First, nonlinear contact stress distribution within a single-bolted joint is obtained from the simulation results of finite element analysis software. Second, employing the Hertz contact theory and fractal theory, the contact stiffness model of a single asperity is formulated, affording analytical expressions for normal and tangential contact stiffnesses of a single-bolted joint by integrating multi-asperities in the contact area. Subsequently, considering two test specimens as illustrations, the mode shapes and natural frequencies of the proposed model and modal analysis tests are compared, and the influence of coupling effects between two adjacent bolts is illustrated. The maximum error in the natural frequencies of the proposed approach is < 2.73% relative to the experimental results. Finally, the measurements of frequency response functions on a box-in-box precision horizontal machine tool are conducted to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed model. The proposed model is highly efficient in revealing the influence of microcontact factors on the contact stiffness of bolted joints and in guiding the optimal functional design of bolt arrangements under the framework of virtual machine tools.
Characterising the Cytokine and Circulating Immune Cell Response After a Single Bout of Eccentric Stepping Exercise in Healthy Untrained Males
Authors: Lomiwes D. , Barnes M. , Shaw O. M. , Ngametua N. , Sawyer G. M. , Burr N. S. , Miller M. R.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The mechanisms that underpin exercise-induced muscle damage and recovery are believed to be mediated, in part, by immune cells recruited to the site of injury. The aim of this study was to characterise the effects of muscle damage from bench-stepping on circulating cytokine and immune cell populations post-exercise and during recovery.

Methods

Ten untrained, healthy male volunteers completed 30 min of bench-stepping exercise to induce muscle damage to the eccentrically exercised leg. Muscle function, muscle pain and soreness were measured before, immediately after and 24, 48 and 72 h after exercise. Plasma creatine kinase, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, cytokines and circulating immune cell phenotyping were also measured at these timepoints.

Results

Significant decreases occurred in eccentric, isometric and concentric (P = 0.018, 0.047 and 0.003, respectively) muscle function in eccentrically, but not concentrically, exercised quadriceps post-exercise. Plasma monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 concentrations significantly increased immediately after exercise (69.0 ± 5.8 to 89.5 ± 10.0 pg/mL), then declined to below pre-exercise concentrations (58.8 ± 6.3 pg/mL) 72 h after exercise. These changes corresponded with the significant decrease of circulating CD45+ CD16− CD14+ monocytes (5.8% ± 1.5% to 1.9% ± 0.5%; Pre-exercise vs. 48 h) and increase of CD45+ CD3+ CD56− T-cells (60.5% ± 2.2% to 66.1% ± 2.1%; Pre-exercise vs. 72 h) during recovery.

Conclusion

Bench-stepping induced muscle damage to the quadriceps, which mediated systemic changes in MCP-1, monocytes and T-cells immediately post-exercise and during recovery. Further research is needed to clarify how modulations in immune subpopulations facilitate muscle recovery and adaptation following muscle damage.
Preprocessing to Reduce Vehicle Capacity for Routing Problems
Authors: Dollevoet Twan , Spliet Remy
Published: May 2023

We provide a preprocessing method to reduce the vehicle capacity for instances of the capacitated vehicle routing problem. This improves the LP bound of many formulations of the capacitated vehicle routing problem. It also speeds up common algorithms for which the computation time depends on the vehicle capacity. Our simulation experiments suggest that, perhaps surprisingly, often the vehicle capacity is very tight in the sense that it cannot be reduced by much.
Finite element analysis of material deformation behaviour during DRECE: the sheet metal SPD process
Authors: Tkocz Marek , Kowalczyk Karolina , Bulzak Tomasz , Jabłońska Magdalena B. , Hawryluk Marek
Published: May 2023

The material deformation behaviour during the innovative SPD process called DRECE (Dual Rolls Equal Channel Extrusion) has been analysed by FEM simulations. In the process, a workpiece in the form of a strip is subjected to plastic deformation by passing through the angular channel; however, the workpiece dimensions remain the same after a pass is finished. Performing consecutive passes allow for increasing the effective strain in the material to a required level. In the conducted simulations two various channel angles (108° and 113°) have been taken into consideration, as well as two processing routes, A and C (without and with turning the strip upside-down between consecutive passes, respectively). The analysis of simulation results has revealed that significant strain and stress inhomogeneities across the strip thickness are generated in a single DRECE pass. The die design (the inner and outer corner radius) and friction conditions affect the material flow, reducing significantly the shear strain in the near-surface regions of the strip. The strain inhomogeneity can be effectively reduced by choosing the processing route C. The strain distributions and the corresponding tensile test results have confirmed that the smaller channel die angle allows to generate larger strain and higher strength of the strip but also reduces its ductility more than the die setup with the larger channel die angle.
Novel drawing technology for high area reduction manufacturing of ultra-thin brass wires
Authors: Kustra Piotr , Wróbel Mirosław , Dymek Stanisław , Milenin Andrij
Published: May 2023

A significant increase in roughness of dieless-drawn wires due to the strain-induced roughness phenomenon has been documented. For small-diameter wires, even a slight surface relief creates stress concentrations that may contribute to the wire breakage during cold drawing. This, in turn, significantly limits the achievable diameter of the product and the efficiency of drawing process. The present study, however, demonstrates that reducing the wire roughness is possible by combining the dieless and conventional drawing methods. Thus, it is possible to improve the process workability threefold when compared to dieless drawing alone, and the product quality is simultaneously improved. In addition, the surface defects typical to the dieless-drawn wires have been significantly reduced, resulting in an increase in the wire strength. This new combined technology enables a significant reduction in the wire diameter and facilitates an economical large-scale production of ultra-thin wires. In addition, based on the classic drawing and dieless drawing process, a brass wire with a diameter of 0.017 mm has been manufactured. Six times thinner than a human hair, it is believed to be the thinnest long brass wire currently manufactured in the world.
Novel discovery in roles of structural variations and RWP-RK transcription factors in heat tolerance for pearl millet
Authors: Huang Bingru , Yan Haidong , Sun Min , Jin Yarong
Published: May 2023

Global warming adversely affects crop production worldwide. Massive efforts have been undertaken to study mechanisms regulating heat tolerance in plants. However, the roles of structural variations (SVs) in heat stress tolerance remain unclear. In a recent article, Yan et al. (Nat Genet 1–12, 2023) constructed the first pan-genome of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) and identified key SVs linked to genes involved in regulating plant tolerance to heat stress for an important crop with a superior ability to thrive in extremely hot and arid climates. Through multi-omics analyses integrating by pan-genomics, comparative genomics, transcriptomics, population genetics and and molecular biological technologies, they found RWP-RK transcription factors cooperating with endoplasmic reticulum-related genes play key roles in heat tolerance in pearl millet. The results in this paper provided novel insights to advance the understanding of the genetic and genomic basis of heat tolerance and an exceptional resource for molecular breeding to improve heat tolerance in pearl millet and other crops.
Conceptualizing Autonomy in an Era of Collective Data Processing: From Theory to Practice
Authors: Graef Inge , Petročnik Tjaša , Tombal Thomas
Published: May 2023

While literature has already recognized the relational and collective impact of data processing, there is still limited understanding of how this affects the design of legislative instruments. We submit that legislators must recognize trade-offs between one’s own interests, the interests of other individuals, and collective or societal interests more explicitly in regulating data. To frame our analysis, we rely on a twofold definition of autonomy as a notion that inherently requires positioning oneself within a broader context with others. While the inward-looking dimension of autonomy focuses on the ability of an individual to make free and independent decisions in her own interests, the outward-looking dimension considers the relationship of one’s choices with other individuals’ and collective interests.

Building on this working definition of autonomy, we assess three legislative instruments, namely the General Data Protection Regulation, the Digital Markets Act and the Data Act proposal, to identify to what extent this multi-dimensional nature of autonomy is reflected in the design of data-related obligations. We examine how legislators can make trade-offs between different interests explicit and thereby bring the regulation of data more in line with the current societal reality that is increasingly dominated by relational and collective effects of data processing.
Peer tutoring in rehabilitation sciences curriculums: a scoping review
Authors: Bell Alison , Fagan Chelsea , Krisa Laura , Sinko Rebecca , Morey Heather
Published: May 2023

Background

Peer tutoring is a learning strategy where students take on the role of teacher. There are many reported benefits of this model however it is not well described in rehabilitation science curriculums. The aim of this review is to describe the scope of available literature for rehabilitation science education.

Methods

A systematic scoping review using PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and ERIC databases. Inclusion criteria included the English language, peer-reviewed articles that report outcomes of a peer-tutoring program for students enrolled in occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy and or athletic training programs. Consensus between two authors was used for article inclusion and data extraction.

Results

Sixteen articles were included in the review. Peer tutoring was described in athletic training, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech language pathology programs. Peer tutors were students further along in their training in 75% of the included studies. The most common content taught was anatomy (38%) followed by clinical assessment (19%). Just under half (44%) of the included studies incorporated interprofessional education with tutors and tutees representing different fields of study. Outcomes of peer tutoring programs were most commonly assessed with surveys (75%) developed by the research team with only 38% reporting objective measures of learning by the participants.

Conclusion

Results of this review demonstrate that peer tutoring is used in rehabilitation science curriculums, however, there are a limited number of reports. The learning strategy is well described in other health science education models with many potential benefits. This review can be used to inform the development and evaluation of future peer tutoring programs in rehabilitation sciences curriculums.
God and the Problem of Logic
Authors: Bassford Andrew Dennis
Published: May 2023

Classical theists hold that God is omnipotent. But now suppose a critical atheologian were to ask: Can God create a stone so heavy that even he cannot lift it? This is the dilemma of the stone paradox. God either can or cannot create such a stone. Suppose that God can create it. Then there's something he cannot do – namely, lift the stone. Suppose that God cannot create the stone. Then, again, there's something he cannot do – namely, create it. Either way, God cannot be omnipotent. Among the variety of known theological paradoxes, the paradox of the stone is especially troubling because of its logical purity. It purports to show that one cannot believe in both God and the laws of logic. In the face of the stone paradox, how should the contemporary analytic theist respond? Ought they to revise their belief in theology or their belief in logic? Ought they to lose their religion or lose their mind?