bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In-vacuum undulators for the first phase beamlines of Korea-4GSR
Authors: Ha Changwan , Kwon Ik Seon , Kim Ki-Jeong , Kim Jehan , Lim Jae-Hong
Published: July 2024

Korea-4GSR, a new synchrotron radiation facility currently under construction in Ochang, Chungbuk, South Korea, introduces three types of in-vacuum undulators (IVUs) for its first phase hard X-ray beamlines: IVU20, IVU22, and IVU24. These IVU types share a common 3-m-long framework capable of adjusting the magnetic gap size between 5 and 18 mm, but they differ in the undulator period length (λu). This study characterizes their photon beams in terms of brightness, spectral coverage, source size, angular divergence, coherent fraction, coherent flux, and total and central cone radiation powers, using undulator calculations. The three IVU types are comparable in brightness. IVU20 is the most coherent, although lacking spectral continuity at around 7.5 keV. IVU22 and IVU24 ensure spectral continuity, but their coherent flux is moderately compromised. The performance of the undulators is assessed in comparison to the Pohang Light Source-II (PLS-II) undulator and the U21 undulator at Advanced Photon Source Upgrade (APS-U).
Load of the ash dieback pathogen hymenoscyphus fraxineus differs in soil
Authors: Böhm Jan Werner , Zübert Christina , Kahlenberg Georgia , Jochner-Oette Susanne , Kube Michael
Published: July 2024

The ascomycete Hymenoscyphus fraxineus causes the devastating ash dieback disease of European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.). Spore traps are often used to measure the amount of ascospores in the environment, but the pathogen-load of the soil in ash stands has not been recorded so far. This is of particular interest with regard to the occurrence of ash stem necrosis, a decisive factor for the severe course of the disease. In order to gain a more differentiated insight into the pathogen-load in ash stands, we analysed soil samples from four ash tree sites in southern Germany, covering a clone plantation, two seed orchards and a forest. The pathogen-load was determined using a quantitative TaqMan real-time PCR assay for ten to twenty plots per stand. Results obtained by the species-specific assay highlighted that the pathogen-load is heterogeneously distributed in the ash stands. H. fraxineus DNA targets were detected in 17% of the soil samples. The pathogen-load differed according to soil depth, with the highest pathogen abundance in the top 5 cm, followed by 5–10 cm and finally 10–15 cm. Pathogen-load and thereby infection pressure were found to be highly variable for the individual trees in one stand. Overall, the study discovered detectable levels of H. fraxineus in the soil of all four study sites, which supports the hypothesis that H. fraxineus can be found in the soil of ash stands. The qPCR approach was found to be an effective method for monitoring the load of H. fraxineus in soil and for demonstrating the successful application of the method on the sample type of custom-made spore traps. Results suggest the implication of site-specific pathogen-load determination in future H. fraxineus-monitoring and selection of less susceptible ash trees for breeding and seed production.
The role of patient-related factors in the implementation of a multimodal home-based rehabilitation intervention after discharge from inpatient geriatric rehabilitation (GeRas): a qualitative process evaluation
Authors: Maier Leonie , Benzinger Petra , Abel Bastian , Roigk Patrick , Bongartz Martin , Wirth Isabel , Cuvelier Ingeborg , Schölch Sabine , Büchele Gisela , Deuster Oliver , Bauer Jürgen , Rapp Kilian , Ullrich Charlotte , Wensing Michel , Roth Catharina
Published: July 2024

Background

Structured aftercare programs are implemented to facilitate the transition from rehabilitation centers to patients’ home environments. Taking the program GeRas as an example, this paper aims to evaluate the influence of patient-related factors on the implementation of the geriatric aftercare program GeRas from patients' and providers' perspectives.

Methods

To capture patients’ and providers’ perspectives, qualitative interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. The analysis was inductive–deductive and based on the thematic analysis by Braun and Clarke and guided by Domain IV of the CFIR.

Results

16 participants (10 patients, 4 providers, 2 family members) were interviewed from May 2023 to November 2023. Patient-related factors were perceived as an important aspect during the implementation of the GeRas program. The results were allocated to the four Constructs of Domain IV of the CFIR (Motivation, Opportunity, Capability, Needs). Especially patients’ intrinsic motivation, social environment, and physical capabilities seemed to be crucial for successful implementation. While extrinsic motivation can mitigate missing personal capabilities, it cannot replace the presence of intrinsic motivation and capabilities. The results showed that patient-related factors are interlinked.

Discussion/conclusion

The relevance of patient-related factors during the implementation of the GeRas program shows that such programs must consider these factors during intervention planning.
Novel Plasmopara viticola isolate surpasses grapevine Rpv3.1 and Rpv3.2 resistance but not Rpv12
Authors: Gouveia Catarina , Santos Rita B. , Zukic Selma , Manthey Thorsten , Malhó Rui , Figueiredo Andreia , Buchholz Guenther
Published: July 2024

Grape downy mildew, caused by the oomycete Plasmopara viticola, is a major threat to Vitis vinifera grape production. Several breeding programs rely on resistance factors (Rpvs) from American and Asian Vitis species to confer resistance to P. viticola. Although the use of these crossing hybrids offers a promising strategy for disease control, variants capable of overcoming host resistance are emerging. A thorough characterization of these isolates is needed to define new strategies for breeding programs. The investigation of varying aggressiveness of two P. viticola pathotypes was investigated. One pathotype is unable to overcome Rpv3.1 based resistance and another pathotype was isolated from a grapevine carrying the Rpv3.1 locus. Their aggressiveness was evaluated on five grapevine genotypes harboring distinct combinations of Rpv loci. Macroscopic and microscopic development of the pathogen was characterised throughout its colonization of grapevine leaves. Our findings demonstrate that the P. viticola isolate NW-10/16 is not only capable of overcoming Rpv3-based resistance but also exhibited a faster growth, increased sporulation, and a denser mycelial colonization within the plant mesophyll when compared with the avRpv3 + isolate in susceptible plants. The identification and characterization of new, more aggressive, P. viticola pathotypes is crucial to promote durable management of the resistant grapevine hybrids and to mitigate the threat of downy mildew.
Insights into role of microstructure in TNT adsorption performances onto zeolite, diatomite and kaolinite particles
Authors: Wu Yaoguo , Meng Chengzhen , Guo Qian , Sun Ran , Hu Sihai , Yi Mengying , Shen Jiaru , Sun Changyu
Published: July 2024

Adsorption performances of one pollutant on different adsorbents likely depend on the adsorbent microstructures heavily. Hereon, zeolite, diatomite and kaolinite particles were selected as inexpensive adsorbents in this study with 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) as an organic pollutant for the batch test to verify the effect of adsorbent microstructure on TNT adsorption performance. The results of kinetic, adsorption isothermic, and thermodynamic analyses indicated that the adsorption process of TNT on three particles is controlled by chemisorption, and that both are non-spontaneous entropic endothermic reactions, although they have their own specific adsorption capacities, equilibration times, and kinetic rates. Comprehensively analyzing the characterization data and adsorption performances of the particles shows that, the pore physical properties including the pore diameter distribution and volume obviously control the adsorption capacities, and well the pore surface chemical properties such as the functional groups affect the adsorption kinetics; the microstructure affects the performances through the synergistic effect of physical and chemical pathways and results in the special performances. Briefly, a particle has its special microstructure and then determinedly unique performance. The finding provides insights into the role of the microstructure of the particles in their performances, and significances for selecting and utilizing the adsorbents in water treatment.
Impact of database choice and confidence score on the performance of taxonomic classification using Kraken2
Authors: Liu Yunlong , Ghaffari Morteza H. , Ma Tao , Tu Yan
Published: July 2024

Accurate taxonomic classification is essential to understanding microbial diversity and function through metagenomic sequencing. However, this task is complicated by the vast variety of microbial genomes and the computational limitations of bioinformatics tools. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of reference database selection and confidence score (CS) settings on the performance of Kraken2, a widely used k-mer-based metagenomic classifier. In this study, we generated simulated metagenomic datasets to systematically evaluate how the choice of reference databases, from the compact Minikraken v1 to the expansive nt- and GTDB r202, and different CS (from 0 to 1.0) affect the key performance metrics of Kraken2. These metrics include classification rate, precision, recall, F1 score, and accuracy of true versus calculated bacterial abundance estimation. Our results show that higher CS, which increases the rigor of taxonomic classification by requiring greater k-mer agreement, generally decreases the classification rate. This effect is particularly pronounced for smaller databases such as Minikraken and Standard-16, where no reads could be classified when the CS was above 0.4. In contrast, for larger databases such as Standard, nt and GTDB r202, precision and F1 scores improved significantly with increasing CS, highlighting their robustness to stringent conditions. Recovery rates were mostly stable, indicating consistent detection of species under different CS settings. Crucially, the results show that a comprehensive reference database combined with a moderate CS (0.2 or 0.4) significantly improves classification accuracy and sensitivity. This finding underscores the need for careful selection of database and CS parameters tailored to specific scientific questions and available computational resources to optimize the results of metagenomic analyses.
A Dynamic Scheduling Method for Logistics Supply Chain Based on Adaptive Ant Colony Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Yinxia , Wang Liang
Published: July 2024

To reduce the dynamic scheduling cost of logistics supply chain and improve customer satisfaction, this paper proposes a dynamic scheduling method for logistics supply chain based on adaptive ant colony algorithm. First, determine the goal of dynamic scheduling in the logistics supply chain. Second, considering supplier satisfaction, transportation costs, and maximum delivery distance constraints, a dynamic scheduling model for logistics supply chain is constructed. Then by smoothing the pheromones and designing a transition function, adjusting factors are introduced to update the pheromone rules. Finally, based on the adaptive ant colony algorithm, the solution of the dynamic scheduling function of the logistics supply chain is solved to achieve the dynamic scheduling of the current logistics supply chain. The experimental results show that after 19 iterations, the method can search for the optimal route A1 group with a length of 33.85 km, with fewer iterations and shorter paths. The total cost is 114,290 yuan, and the degree of cargo loss is low, with a maximum of only 0.14%. The task completion time is short, customer satisfaction is above 0.85, and the scheduling accuracy is 99.9%. It can effectively control costs, improve customer satisfaction, and accurately arrange logistics supply chains.
Understanding the impact of bridge structure on river morphology through geospatial techniques: case on Teesta River, Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin Md. Jahir , Shakik Ahmed , Mim Fauzia Barrah
Published: July 2024

The primary priority of bridge construction over a waterway is to support and confirm constant communication. Conversely, it may locally disrupt the health of the river which will have an adverse influence on the hydrological as well as morphological behavior of nearby regions by way of the river’s narrowing. The current study evaluated the effect of bridge structure on river morphological characteristics for Teesta River. Hence to do, this work robbed two approaches. Firstly, the Landsat images from a pre-road bridge (2001 and 2006) and post-road bridge construction (2011, 2016, and 2021) are processed and used for bar formation and bank line shifting. Secondly, the bar properties, differences in channel width, and changes in river bank were evaluated using geospatial technology. The outcomes revealed a recurrent change of bar area and channel width at the upstream side of the bridges and likewise dominating at the downstream side. Throughout the post-road bridge period, the average bar area has increased noticeably by 32.45 sq.km which is 7.75% of the total river area and the downstream bar area has also increased considerably. Besides, both bank lines of the river were dominated by erosion in the post-road bridge construction era. Accordingly, the Teesta Road bridge’s existence has had a significant impact on the morphological modification in recent years. The study also reveals that the bars and islands of Teesta River undergo a drastic change and the river can be treated as a braided one, and also showed the minor trend of meandering. The findings of this research may be supportive for sustainable and long-term planning and development of the rivers and neighboring floodplains in Bangladesh.
On the speed of convergence of discrete Pickands constants to continuous ones
Authors: Bisewski Krzysztof , Jasnovidov Grigori
Published: July 2024

In this manuscript, we address open questions raised by Dieker and Yakir (2014), who proposed a novel method of estimating (discrete) Pickands constants
$\mathcal{H}^\delta_\alpha$
using a family of estimators
$\xi^\delta_\alpha(T)$
,
$T>0$
, where
$\alpha\in(0,2]$
is the Hurst parameter, and
$\delta\geq0$
is the step size of the regular discretization grid. We derive an upper bound for the discretization error
$\mathcal{H}_\alpha^0 - \mathcal{H}_\alpha^\delta$
, whose rate of convergence agrees with Conjecture 1 of Dieker and Yakir (2014) in the case
$\alpha\in(0,1]$
and agrees up to logarithmic terms for
$\alpha\in(1,2)$
. Moreover, we show that all moments of
$\xi_\alpha^\delta(T)$
are uniformly bounded and the bias of the estimator decays no slower than
$\exp\{-\mathcal CT^{\alpha}\}$
, as T becomes large.
Validierung des Dispositionalen Selbstaffirmationsmaßes (DSAM)
Authors: Montagna Melissa , Wenker Theresa , Dickhäuser Oliver
Published: July 2024

Zusammenfassung: Bislang existierte im deutschen Sprachraum keine Skala, welche die Tendenz von Individuen erfasst, zentrale Aspekte des Selbst zu bestärken (z. B. eigene wichtige Werte). Das Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war es, eine deutsche Version des Spontaneous Self-Affirmation Measure zu validieren ( Harris et al., 2019 ): das Dispositionale Selbstaffirmationsmaß (DSAM). Hierfür führten wir eine querschnittliche Untersuchung an einer Stichprobe von Studierenden ( N = 219) und eine weitere an einer Stichprobe von Arbeitnehmenden ( N = 229) durch. Die Ergebnisse beider Studien sprechen für eine hohe Reliabilität der Skala und deuten darauf hin, dass (1) der Skala eine Bifaktor-S-1-Struktur zugrunde liegt mit einem Self-Affirmation-Generalfaktor und zwei spezifischen Inhaltsfaktoren (Affirmation durch Stärken und soziale Beziehungen). Darüber hinaus (2) sprechen die Zusammenhänge des DSAM mit anderen Selbstbestärkungsstrategien, mit Selbstintegrität und Selbstwirksamkeit für die konvergente und divergente Validität der Skala. Entgegen den Erwartungen zeigte sich jedoch kein signifikanter Zusammenhang mit Defensivität. Mit dem DSAM steht dem deutschsprachigen Raum erstmals ein validiertes Messinstrument zur Erfassung der dispositionalen Selbstaffirmation zur Verfügung.
How Great was the “Great Oxidation Event”?
Authors: Zerkle Aubrey
Published: July 2024

Geochemical sleuthing amid acid mine runoff suggests that scientists should rethink an isotope signal long taken to indicate low levels of atmospheric oxygen in Earth’s deep past.
Formation Mechanism of Fingers That Protrude Eastward From the Io Plasma Disk During the Interchange Instability
Authors: Tanaka T. , Ebihara Y. , Watanabe M. , Fujita S. , Kataoka R.
Published: July 2024

The solar wind‐magnetosphere‐ionosphere interaction at Jupiter is reproduced numerically adopting the nine‐component magnetohydrodynamic simulation. Calculations take into account the magnetosphere‐ionosphere coupling, Jovian rotation, and Io plasma source. High‐speed rotating plasma inside restricted magnetospheric space causes expansion and contraction of magnetic field, forming super‐rotation at radial distance 20∼30 Rj and co‐rotation breakdown further outside. Field‐perpendicular current that restores co‐rotational delay beyond 30 Rj is connected via field‐aligned current to the main oval in the ionosphere. Inside 20 Rj, there is almost co‐rotation region (deviation from co‐rotation less than 20 km/s). Particularly within 10 Rj, the deviation from co‐rotation is less than 2 km/s. In the nearly co‐rotating region, the Io plasma forms a disk structure through field‐aligned redistribution. The interchange instability occurs near the outer wall of the Io plasma disk, and instability flow develops to vortex. Through this instability, a part of the centrifugal drift current supporting the Io plasma disk is connected to low‐latitude field‐aligned current that generates beads‐like spots on the lower latitude side of the main oval. Resulting interchange instability comes to satisfy the structure of convection and enables further development of vortex. The Coriolis force acting on eastward flow inside the developing vortex makes this flow protrude further outward, forming eastward bending fingers. Inside 10 Rj, Io plasma transport by the interchange instability becomes slower, despite the center of the disk. Io plasma escapes from the inner magnetosphere with a time constant of 20 days if this slow transport is taken into account.
Longitudinal study on hippocampal subfields and glucose metabolism in early psychosis
Authors: Armio Reetta-Liina , Laurikainen Heikki , Ilonen Tuula , Walta Maija , Sormunen Elina , Tolvanen Arvi , Salokangas Raimo K. R. , Koutsouleris Nikolaos , Tuominen Lauri , Hietala Jarmo
Published: July 2024

Altered hippocampal morphology and metabolic pathology, but also hippocampal circuit dysfunction, are established phenomena seen in psychotic disorders. Thus, we tested whether hippocampal subfield volume deficits link with deviations in glucose metabolism commonly seen in early psychosis, and whether the glucose parameters or subfield volumes change during follow-up period using one-year longitudinal study design of 78 first-episode psychosis patients (FEP), 48 clinical high-risk patients (CHR) and 83 controls (CTR). We also tested whether hippocampal morphology and glucose metabolism relate to clinical outcome. Hippocampus subfields were segmented with Freesurfer from 3T MRI images and parameters of glucose metabolism were determined in fasting plasma samples. Hippocampal subfield volumes were consistently lower in FEPs, and findings were more robust in non-affective psychoses, with strongest decreases in CA1, molecular layer and hippocampal tail, and in hippocampal tail of CHRs, compared to CTRs. These morphometric differences remained stable at one-year follow-up. Both non-diabetic CHRs and FEPs had worse glucose parameters compared to CTRs at baseline. We found that, insulin levels and insulin resistance increased during the follow-up period only in CHR, effect being largest in the CHRs converting to psychosis, independent of exposure to antipsychotics. The worsening of insulin resistance was associated with deterioration of function and symptoms in CHR. The smaller volume of hippocampal tail was associated with higher plasma insulin and insulin resistance in FEPs, at the one-year follow-up. Our longitudinal study supports the view that temporospatial hippocampal subfield volume deficits are stable near the onset of first psychosis, being more robust in non-affective psychoses, but less prominent in the CHR group. Specific subfield defects were related to worsening glucose metabolism during the progression of psychosis, suggesting that hippocampus is part of the circuits regulating aberrant glucose metabolism in early psychosis. Worsening of glucose metabolism in CHR group was associated with worse clinical outcome measures indicating a need for heightened clinical attention to metabolic problems already in CHR.
Personalized rehabilitation approach for reaching movement using reinforcement learning
Authors: Pelosi Avishag Deborah , Roth Navit , Yehoshua Tal , Itah Dorit , Braun Benyamin Orit , Dahan Anat
Published: July 2024

Musculoskeletal disorders challenge significantly the performance of many daily life activities, thus impacting the quality of life. The efficiency of the traditional physical therapy programs is limited by ecological parameters such as intervention duration and frequency, number of caregivers, geographic accessibility, as well as by subjective factors such as patient’s motivation and perseverance in training. The implementation of VR rehabilitation systems may address these limitations, but the technology still needs to be improved and clinically validated. Furthermore, current applications generally lack flexibility and personalization. A VR rehabilitation game simulation is developed, which focuses on the upper-limb movement of reaching, an essential movement involved in numerous daily life activities. Its novelty consists in the integration of a machine learning algorithm, enabling highly adaptive and patient-customized therapeutic intervention. An immersive VR system for the rehabilitation of reaching movement using a bubble popping game is proposed. In the virtual space, the patient is presented with bubbles appearing at different locations and is asked to reach the bubble with the injured limb and pop it. The implementation of a Q-learning algorithm enables the game to adjust the location of the next bubble according to the performance of the patient, represented by his kinematic characteristics. Two test cases simulate the performance of the patient during a training program of 10 days/sessions, in order to validate the effectiveness of the algorithm, demonstrated by the spatial and temporal distribution of the bubbles in each evolving scenario. The results show that the algorithm learns the patient’s capabilities and successfully adapts to them, following the reward policy dictated by the therapist; moreover, the algorithm is highly responsive to kinematic features’ variation, while demanding a reasonable number of iterations. A novel approach for upper limb rehabilitation is presented, making use of immersive VR and reinforcement learning. The simulation suggests that the algorithm offers adaptive capabilities and high flexibility, needed in the comprehensive personalization of a rehabilitation process. Future work will demonstrate the concept in clinical trials.
Digital twin and fuzzy framework for supply chain sustainability risk assessment and management in supplier selection
Authors: Hezam Ibrahim M. , Ali Ahmed M. , Sallam Karam , Hameed Ibrahim A. , Abdel-Basset Mohamed
Published: July 2024

Risks in the supply chain can damage many companies and organizations due to sustainability risk factors. This study evaluates the supply chain risk assessment and management and then selects the best supplier in a gas company in Egypt. A comprehensive methodology can use the experts' opinions who use the linguistic variables in the spherical fuzzy numbers (SFNs) to evaluate the criteria and suppliers in this study based on their views. Selecting the best supplier is a complex task due to various criteria related to supply chain risk assessment, such as supply risks, environmental risks, financial risks, regularity risks, political risk, ethical risks, and technology risks and their sub-criteria. This study suggested a new combined model with multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) under a spherical fuzzy set (SFS) environment to overcome uncertainty and incomplete data in the assessment process. The MCDM methodology has two methods: the Entropy and COmbinative Distance-based Assessment (CODAS) methods. The SFS-Entropy is used to compute supply chain risk assessment and management criteria weights. The SFS-CODAS method is used to rank the supplier. The main results show that supply risks have the highest importance, followed by financial and environmental risks, and ethical risks have the lowest risk importance. The criteria weights were changed under sensitivity analysis to show the stability and validation of the results obtained from the suggested methodology. The comparative analysis is implemented with other MCDM methods named TOPSIS, VIKOR, MARCOS, COPRAS, WASPAS, and MULTIMOORA methods under the SFS environment. This study can help managers and organizations select the best supplier with the lowest sustainability risks.
Estimation methods based on ranked set sampling for the power logarithmic distribution
Authors: Alsadat Najwan , Hassan Amal S. , Elgarhy Mohammed , Johannssen Arne , Gemeay Ahmed M.
Published: July 2024

The sample strategy employed in statistical parameter estimation issues has a major impact on the accuracy of the parameter estimates. Ranked set sampling (RSS) is a highly helpful technique for gathering data when it is difficult or impossible to quantify the units in a population. A bounded power logarithmic distribution (PLD) has been proposed recently, and it may be used to describe many real-world bounded data sets. In the current work, the three parameters of the PLD are estimated using the RSS technique. A number of conventional estimators using maximum likelihood, minimum spacing absolute log-distance, minimum spacing square distance, Anderson-Darling, minimum spacing absolute distance, maximum product of spacings, least squares, Cramer-von-Mises, minimum spacing square log distance, and minimum spacing Linex distance are investigated. The different estimates via RSS are compared with their simple random sampling (SRS) counterparts. We found that the maximum product spacing estimate appears to be the best option based on our simulation results for the SRS and RSS data sets. Estimates generated from SRS data sets are less efficient than those derived from RSS data sets. The usefulness of the RSS estimators is also investigated by means of a real data example.
Particulate matter hinders the development and reproduction of predatory mites of Euseius finlandicus (Acariformes: Phytoseiidae)
Authors: Puchalska E. , Przybysz A. , Nowak A. , Wójcik-Gront E. , Askarova G. , Lewandowski M. , Moniuszko H.
Published: July 2024

The foliage of the small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata) is characterised by the nerve axils being grown by non-glandular trichomes, which trait contributes to the enhanced retention of the particulate matter (PM). This fact may disturb the ecological service of T. cordata related to the structure of its leaves, which is to provide acarodomatia (micro-shelters) for the predatory mites of the Phytoseiidae family. Phytoseiids are natural enemies of a variety of plant pests, widely applied in integrated pest management (IPM). Their occurrence is largely related to acarodomatia in which these mites hide, feed, reproduce, and develop. For the first time, the influence of PM deposition within spaces typically occupied by phytoseiids is investigated. Experimental populations of Euseius finlandicus were reared on T. cordata leaves in the progressive PM-pollution. The results showed that the values of life table parameters of the predator depended significantly on the level of PM deposition on leaves. Contrary to clean leaves from the control, the medium and high contamination intensities significantly reduced the daily (by 47% and 70%, respectively) and the total fecundity (by 62% and 77%, respectively) of females which, in turn, resulted in a decreased net reproductive rate (by 67% and 81%, respectively), intrinsic rate of increase (by 40% and 55%, respectively) and finite rate of increase (by 8% and 10%, respectively) of E. finlandicus. The pre-ovipositional period was prolonged, while the oviposition duration was shortened and the mites matured longer. In high pollution level the mortality of phytoseiids was boosted by 19% and some females were observed with pollutant lumps adhered to the idiosoma. Also, significant shares of juvenile forms (13%) and adult females (25%) made attempts to escape from highly contaminated experimental arenas. The implications of PM retention on the shelter vegetation are discussed in the context of IPM and ecological services.
The SARIFA biomarker in the context of basic research of lipid-driven cancers
Authors: Märkl Bruno , Reitsam Nic G. , Grochowski Przemyslaw , Waidhauser Johanna , Grosser Bianca
Published: July 2024

SARIFA was very recently introduced as a histomorphological biomarker with strong prognostic power for colorectal, gastric, prostate, and pancreatic cancer. It is characterized by the direct contact between tumor cells and adipocytes due to a lack of stromal reaction. This can be easily evaluated on routinely available H&E-slides with high interobserver agreement. SARIFA also reflects a specific tumor biology driven by metabolic reprogramming. Tumor cells in SARIFA-positive tumors benefit from direct interaction with adipocytes as an external source of lipids. Numerous studies have shown that lipid metabolism is crucial in carcinogenesis and cancer progression. We found that the interaction between tumor cells and adipocytes was not triggered by obesity, as previously assumed. Instead, we believe that this is due to an immunological mechanism. Knowledge about lipid metabolism in cancer from basic experiments can be transferred to develop strategies targeting this reprogramed metabolism.
Employing transfer-dominated branching radical telomerisation (TBRT) and atom transfer radical polymerisation (ATRP) to form complex polyester-polymethacrylate branched-linear star copolymer hybrids via orthogonal initiation
Authors: Dwyer Andrew B. , Sandy William , Hern Faye Y. , Penrhyn-Lowe Oliver B. , McKeating Samuel , Flynn Sean , Wright Stephen , Pate Sophie , Chambon Pierre , Rannard Steve P.
Published: July 2024

Consecutive free radical telomerisation and reversible-deactivation radical polymerisation reactions allow formation of branched polyester macroinitiators followed by arm growth leading to high molecular weight polyester-methacrylate star copolymers.
CuBr2-mediated dehydrogenative [4+2] annulation of 1-naphthyl-1,3-indandiones and alkenes
Authors: Zhang Xu , Chang Mengfan , Ni Tongtong , Liu Shuhan , Li Wenguang , Xu Xuefeng
Published: July 2024

Intermolecular annulation reactions of 1-naphthyl-1,3-indandiones with alkenes proceed efficiently in the presence of a copper catalyst to generate spirocarbocycle compounds.
Advances in the green and controllable synthesis of MWW zeolite
Authors: Wang Yanan , Zhang Yu , Chu Weifeng , Gao Yang , Xie Sujuan , Li Xiujie , Xu Longya , Zhu Xiangxue
Published: July 2024

MWW zeolite is one of the commercialized zeolites that shows great promise in heterogeneous catalysis and other interdisciplinary application fields due to its coexisting multi-channel system.
Impact of the number of hydrogen bonds on proton conductivity in metallo-hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks: the more the number of hydrogen bonds, the better the proton conductivity at the maximum relative humidity
Authors: Feng Shaoqiang , Xie Fengxia , Wan Chengan , Zhang Feng , Feng Lei , Wen Chen , Liang Xiaoqiang
Published: July 2024

Proton conductivities in two metallo-hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks are mainly affected by the number of hydrogen bonds at ∼97% relative humidity.
The antiferromagnetic phase of a wurtzite nickel sulfide monolayer
Authors: Davoudi Tanha S. , Modarresi M. , Roknabadi M. R. , Hu T. , Mogulkoc A.
Published: July 2024

2D [NiS]2 monolayer is a stable, near-room-temperature antiferromagnet with high magnetic anisotropy, promising for spintronic applications.
Influence of terahertz waves on the binding of choline to choline acetyltransferase: insights from molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Ning Hui , Wang Kaicheng , Zhang Qin , Guo Lianghao , Wang Shaomeng , Yang Lixia , Gong Yubin
Published: July 2024

Using molecular dynamics, we studied the impact of THz waves on choline binding to choline acetyltransferase and found that specific THz frequencies can influence this binding, potentially affecting acetylcholine synthesis.
Extracting structured data from organic synthesis procedures using a fine-tuned large language model
Authors: Ai Qianxiang , Meng Fanwang , Shi Jiale , Pelkie Brenden , Coley Connor W.
Published: July 2024

An open-source fine-tuned large language model can extract reaction information from organic synthesis procedure text into structured data that follows the Open Reaction Database (ORD) schema.
Electrochemiluminescence microscopy for the investigation of peptide interactions within planar lipid membranes
Authors: Hiramoto Kaoru , Ino Kosuke , Takahashi Ibuki , Hirano-Iwata Ayumi , Shiku Hitoshi
Published: July 2024

We propose the use of electrochemiluminescence microscopy in a solution of [Ru(bpy)3]2+ and tri-n-propylamine to monitor alterations in lipid membranes due to peptide action.
Extending the shelf life of HLM chips through freeze-drying of human liver microsomes immobilized onto thiol–ene micropillar arrays
Authors: Rautsola Iiro , Haapala Markus , Huttunen Leo , Korhonen Ossi , Sikanen Tiina
Published: July 2024

This study provides proof of concept of the feasibility of freeze-drying to shelf-life extension of human liver microsomal chips by several months.
PoroFluidics: deterministic fluid control in porous microfluidics
Authors: Wang Zhongzheng , Ong Louis Jun Ye , Gan Yixiang , Pereira Jean-Michel , Zhang Jun , Kasetsirikul Surasak , Toh Yi-Chin , Sauret Emilie
Published: July 2024

We present a design framework for microfluidic devices containing porous architectures for precise control of multiphase flow. The fluid and solid properties and manufacture resolution are incorporated into the design to achieve consistent flow.
Quantifying the effect of nanosheet dimensions on the piezoresistive response of printed graphene nanosheet networks
Authors: Caffrey Eoin , Munuera Jose M. , Carey Tian , Coleman Jonathan N.
Published: July 2024

Printed networks of graphene nanosheets are promising piezoresistive materials. This work combines experimental and theoretical approaches to understand the relationship between nanosheet size and piezoresistive sensitivity (gauge factor).
Microwave-assisted synthesis of 4-amino pyrimidine analogues using eco-friendly NiTiO3 nanoparticle supported montmorillonite K30 as a heterogeneous catalyst
Authors: Vinoth Kumar Periasamy , Madhumitha Gunabalan
Published: July 2024

The possible mechanism for the formation of 4-amino-pyrimidine-5-carbonitrile.
The ultrafast reconfigurability and ultrahigh durability of an NiFe phosphide electrocatalyst with an Fe-rich surface induced by in situ acid corrosion for water oxidations
Authors: Jiang Min , Zhang Jiaming , Liao Hanxiao , Zhai Huanhuan , Liu Xuanzhi , Tan Pengfei , Yang Ke , Pan Jun
Published: July 2024

This work proposes an in situ acid corroding-phosphating strategy to build an Fe-rich layer-coated NiFe phosphide electrocatalyst on NiFe foam, which exhibits outstanding OER performances.
Evaluating metal-free quaternized boronate esters as efficient catalysts for the fixation of CO2 with epoxides to form cyclic carbonates under suitable conditions
Authors: Yasar Eyyup , Aytar Emine , Kilic Ahmet
Published: July 2024

The conversion of CO2 into high value-added chemicals is receiving increasing attention from the scientific community, commercial enterprises, and policymakers due to environmental problems like global warming.
Nuclear RNA: a transcription-dependent regulator of chromatin structure
Authors: Stocks Jon , Gilbert Nick
Published: July 2024

Although the majority of RNAs are retained in the nucleus, their significance is often overlooked. However, it is now becoming clear that nuclear RNA forms a dynamic structure through interacting with various proteins that can influence the three-dimensional structure of chromatin. We review the emerging evidence for a nuclear RNA mesh or gel, highlighting the interplay between DNA, RNA and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), and assessing the critical role of protein and RNA in governing chromatin architecture. We also discuss a proposed role for the formation and regulation of the nuclear gel in transcriptional control. We suggest that it may concentrate the transcriptional machinery either by direct binding or inducing RBPs to form microphase condensates, nanometre sized membraneless structures with distinct properties to the surrounding medium and an enrichment of particular macromolecules.
Research on gravity compensation control of BPNN upper limb rehabilitation robot based on particle swarm optimization
Authors: Pang Zaixiang , Deng Xiaomeng , Gong Linan , Guo Danqiu , Wang Nan , Li Ye
Published: July 2024

A four‐degree‐of‐freedom upper limb exoskeleton rehabilitation robot system with a gravity compensation device is constructed. The objective is to address the rehabilitation training needs of patients with upper limb motor dysfunction. A BP neural network adaptive control method based on particle swarm optimization is proposed. First, the degrees of freedom of the human body are analyzed, and a Lagrange method is employed to construct a dynamic model. Second, a particle swarm optimization back propagation neural network adaptive control algorithm based on particle swarm optimization is presented. Subsequently, the range of motion of the upper limbs is analyzed with reference to muscle anatomy and a three‐dimensional motion capture system. And the robot structure design is analyzed in detail. Finally, simulation experiments were conducted, and the results demonstrated that the proposed method exhibited high effectiveness and accuracy.
System error analysis and target localization of distributed pulse radars
Authors: Su Yihan , Wang Lei , Wang Zongyu , Liu Yimin , Wang Xiqin
Published: July 2024

Target localization for distributed radars requires precise knowledge of the calibration errors in time, frequency, and space. Previous studies focus on the sensor location error and sensor directional error in space. This paper concentrates on the system errors in time and frequency which directly affect the targets estimation of range and velocity. Based on linear frequency modulation waveform, the impact of the system errors including sample interval, pulse repetition interval, and centre frequency are analysed. An alternating optimization algorithm is proposed to achieve the target localization, velocity estimation and system errors estimation simultaneously. Simulation shows the effectiveness of the algorithm and the influence on localization due to varying number of targets and radars.
Quantum communications for image transmission over error‐prone channels
Authors: Jayasinghe Udara , Samarathunga Prabhath , Ganearachchi Yasith , Fernando Thanuj , Fernando Anil
Published: July 2024

The introduction of quantum communications, enabled by advancements in quantum computing, is expected to play a significant role in the field of communications. Inherent properties of quantum objects, such as superposition and entanglement, have the potential to provide novel solutions to overcome the challenges encountered by classical communication systems in bandwidth‐intensive applications such as media transmission. This research explores the performance of a quantum communication system in image transmission using quantum superposition and investigates its performance using a simple quantum channel model. With an increase in channel noise, there are significant gains in the rate distortion performance of images transmitted over the quantum channel compared to an ideal classical channel. This novel attempt at constructing a quantum communication‐based image transmission system indicates the potential of the approach to be applied to satisfy the ever‐increasing demands of high‐quality media transmission applications.
Delay aware resource allocation in ORAN through network optimization
Authors: Khalaf Basit N. , Ali Wisam Hasan , Alhumaima Raad S. , Alshamary Haider Ali Jasim
Published: July 2024

A multi variable resource allocation problem is investigated in network environments, specifically focusing on the consideration of quality of service in open radio access network. The main objective is to minimise the combined latency of various servers while complying with network limitations. The delay of each server is represented by a non‐linear function that has exponentially based. This characteristic inherently brings non‐convexity into the objective function. In contrast, the constraints comprise various linear combinations of network variables, including resource block allocations, power consumption, and number of virtual machines. The purpose of these constraints is to guarantee that the allocation of resources adheres to practical limitations and upholds fairness among servers. Nevertheless, the inclusion of a non‐convex objective function significantly adds complexity to the optimisation problem and non‐convex behaviour, requiring specialised algorithms and techniques to identify solutions. Subsequently, the Lagrange multiplier method has been used to solve this problem mathematically. Numerically, three algorithms have been utilised and compared to solve the problem, these are active‐set, interior point and sequential quadratic programming. Note that the total delay as an objective function is based on the total power consumption of the servers. Previous to optimising the total delay, a delay model is proposed and compared with two research works that are based on experimental and real time data. The proposed model shows data matching with the other works and permits for more adaptation/integration with any other works that uses different servers’ characteristics and network parameters.
Comparative Outcomes of Single-Stage versus Two-Stage Laparoscopic Fowler-Stephens Orchidopexy: A Systematic Review snd Meta-Analysis
Authors: Fung Adrian Chi Heng , Tsang Jaime Tze Wing , Leung Ling , Chan Ivy Hau Yee , Wong Kenneth Kak Yuen
Published: July 2024

Introduction Intra-abdominal testis (IAT) remains a challenging and controversial subset within the management of cryptorchidism. While Fowler–Stephens orchidopexy (FSO) is still being advocated as the gold standard for the treatment of this entity, there is new and conflicting evidence on the comparative outcomes between single- or two-stage laparoscopic FSO (LFSO). The aim of the study is to investigate whether staging has benefits in children receiving LFSO.

Methods We searched the PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Trials databases for studies comparing single- with two-stage LFSO in children from January 1, 1995 to December 31, 2023. We assessed the identified studies for quality and performed a systematic review and meta-analysis in accordance with the Preferred Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The main outcome measures examined were success rate (in terms of the scrotal position of the testis) and testicular atrophy, which were analyzed using fixed effect models.

Results We included 17 eligible studies that involved a total of 499 operated testes. The overall success rates of single- and two-stage LFSO were 79.4 and 90.3%, respectively. The overall testicular atrophy rates of single- and two-stage LFSO were 17.3 and 11%, respectively. Fixed effect model analysis showed that two-stage LFSO is significantly superior to single-stage LFSO in overall success rate (odds ratio [OR: 2.57]; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.50–4.39, p = 0.0006) and testicular atrophy rate (OR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.28–0.79, p = 0.004). There is no heterogeneity in the reports, and the funnel plot showed no publication bias.

Conclusions Two-stage LFSO remains the first choice of operation for children with a high IAT, with a significantly higher success rate and a lower testicular atrophy rate.
Vanadium embedded in monolayer silicene: Energetics and proximity-induced magnetism
Authors: Raji A. T. , Maboe D. P. A. , Benecha E. M. , Dongho-Nguimdo M. , Igumbor E. , Lombardi E. B.
Published: July 2024

Using the density-functional theory approach, including Hubbard U correction, we investigate the defect structures consisting of vanadium (V) atoms embedded in a monolayer silicene. Specifically, we consider V–V atom pairs in antiferromagnetic (AFM), ferromagnetic (FM), and non-magnetic states, which are embedded in substitutional and interstitial sites. We determine the ground-state structures, formation and binding energies, electronic structures, induced magnetization, as well as the spin-exchange coupling between the V–V pair. For the substitutional vanadium atom pair, the stability of the AFM and FM spin configurations depends on the sublattice sites in which the V atoms are sited. When the V pair is located on a similar sublattice site type, the AFM spin alignment is more energetically favored, whereas when the pair is located in a different sublattice site, the FM interactions are more stable. However, the relative stability of the AFM or FM configurations changes rapidly as the separation between the V pair increases. Regarding the interstitial-hole V–V pair configurations, the most stable structure is when the pair is at the nearest-neighbor hole sites and is in an FM alignment. Also, at larger separations, the AFM or FM hole configurations are approximately degenerate in energy. Furthermore, we elucidate on the Ruderman–Kittel–Kasuya–Yosida, direct-exchange, and the superexchange interaction mechanisms in the vanadium-embedded silicene. In addition, we estimate a Curie temperature (Tc) of up to ∼500 K for a silicene structure containing a V pair in the FM spin alignment. Such a high Tc, in addition to the stability of the material, suggests that vanadium-embedded silicene is a potential candidate material for spintronic device applications.
Conjugated layered and tunnel structure enables long-lifespan and high-rate sodium-ion battery cathodes
Authors: Gu Chenzhang , Zhao Enyue , Li Na , Gao Kesheng , Wu Kang , Ran Peilin , Fu Mengmeng , Wu Qi , Zhao Jinkui , Wang Yinzhen
Published: July 2024

A cathode material Na0.42Mn0.96Ti0.04O2 with conjugated layered and tunnel structures was synthesized via a convenient solid-state method. The designed conjugated structure enables superior electrochemical properties such as 93.9% capacity retention after 200 cycles at 1 C and excellent rate capability with a reversible capacity of 83.9 mAh g−1 at 20 C.