bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A High‐Efficiency MRI Contrast Agent as well as a Tumor Therapeutic Agent
Authors: Zhang Nan , Meng Lin , Wang Lu , Zhang Butian , Sun Hongchen , Zhang Kai
Published: November 2022

Inorganic/polymercore/shell nanoparticles (NPs) for theranostics have always attracted research interest due to their flexible composition and facile synthesis. Here, core/shell NPs are prepared with gadolinium hydroxide nanorods cores and Mn ion‐doped polydopamine shells. After PEG modification, the relaxation rate of Gd(OH)3@MnPDA‐PEG NRs achieved 35 s−1mm−1. The characterization results indicate that the predoping Mn ions obviously promote the effect of MRI compared with the nanorods without or with postdoping Mn ions, and the predoping method can effectively control the actual doping account of metal ions. Considering the toxicity, dopamine and manganese in molar ratio of 8:1 is finally chosen. Gd(OH)3@MnPDA‐PEG nanorods are conducted in vivo and in vitro imaging and therapeutic experiments. The results show that the nanorods has low biological toxicity, excellent magnetic resonance imaging effects, clear photoacoustic imaging, and photothermal therapy effects.
Reinforcement learning‐based robust optimal output regulation for constrained nonlinear systems with static and dynamic uncertainties
Authors: Jin Peng , Ma Qian , Zhou Guopeng , Miao Guoying
Published: November 2022

This article investigates the robust optimal output regulation problem for the constrained uncertain nonlinear systems. A two‐step design framework is proposed to overcome the difficulties brought by uncertainties, constraint and performance optimization. First, the feedforward controller is designed by the internal model principle, and the robust output regulation problem is transformed into the robust stabilization problem. Then, the optimal control problem with input saturation is further considered in the robust feedback controller design process. With the help of a non‐quadratic cost functional, actor‐critic algorithm and robust redesign technique are brought together to design the constrained robust optimal feedback controller. Finally, stability analysis based on Lyapunov method shows that all the signals of the closed‐loop system remain bounded, and the tracking error is uniformly ultimately bounded with arbitrarily small ultimate bound. Simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
Sunlight‐induced Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue Dye by Magnesium and Silver‐based Cadmium Sulfide Nanoparticles
Authors: Jasmine Jeyakumar , Ponvel Kanagasabai Muruganandam
Published: November 2022

The photodegradation activity of nanomaterials is generally studied and used for water purification purposes. The present investigation reports the synthesis of magnesium and silver‐based cadmium sulfide nanoparticles (Mg2Ag2CdS4 NPs) with a size of ∼25 nm for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye. The optical properties of the nanoparticles were studied, and the bandgap energy of the nanoparticles was found to be 2.16 eV. The photocatalytic degradation showed the highest photocatalytic activity (88 %) for 90 min. The effects of operating parameters such as the amount of catalyst, initial pH, and the initial dye concentration were studied. The rate constants for various doses were calculated and followed the pseudo‐first order. A 75 % degradation of MB dye was found even after five uses. The photocatalyst can significantly contribute to the removal of hazardous toxic chemicals from aqueous solutions from an environmental point of view.
Electrochemical Activation Applied to Perovskite Titanate Fibers to Yield Supported Alloy Nanoparticles for Electrocatalytic Application
Authors: Xu Min , Liu Chencheng , Naden Aaron B. , Früchtl Herbert , Bühl Michael , Irvine John T. S.
Published: November 2022

Active bi‐metallic nanoparticles are of key importance in catalysis and renewable energy. Here, the in situ formation of bi‐metallic nanoparticles is investigated by exsolution on 200 nm diameter perovskite fibers. The B‐site co‐doped perovskite fibers display a high degree of exsolution, decorated with NiCo or Ni3Fe bi‐metallic nanoparticles with average diameter about 29 and 35 nm, respectively. The perovskite fibers are utilized as cathode materials in pure CO2 electrolysis cells due to their redox stability in the CO/CO2 atmosphere. After in situ electrochemical switching, the nanoparticles exsolved from the perovskite fiber demonstrate an enhanced performance in pure CO2 electrolysis. At 900 °C, the current density of solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) with 200 µm YSZ electrolyte supported NiFe doped perovskite fiber anode reaches 0.75 Acm−2 at 1.6 V superior to the NiCo doped perovskite fiber anode (about 1.5 times) in pure CO2. According to DFT calculations (PBE‐D3 level) the superior CO2 conversion on NiFe compared to NiCo bi‐metallic species is related to an enhanced driving force for C‐O cleavage under formation of CO chemisorbed on the nanoparticle and a reduced binding energy of CO required to release this product.
Vertically Oriented Porous PET as Template to Integrated Metal Halide for High‐Performance Large‐Area and Ultra‐Flexible X‐Ray Detector
Authors: Wang Shuo , Lei Yutian , Chen Huanyu , Peng Guoqiang , Wang Qian , Wang Haoxu , Duan Jinglai , Jin Zhiwen
Published: November 2022

High‐performance X‐ray detectors have immense potential in medical and security inspections. However, the current X‐ray detectors are limited in flexible, high‐spatial‐resolution large‐scale detection, and integration for imaging. Here, nuclear track‐etched porous polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is developed as the template for preparing uniform, large‐area (≥105 cm2), and flexible metal halide (MH)‐based X‐ray detectors. Adjustable high‐density vertically oriented porous PET with adjustable thickness can provide proper physical support for flexible thick absorption film, thus improving X‐ray absorption ability with excellent bending stability. Moreover, vertical channels can block the ion migration, lateral charge diffusion, and water/oxygen attacks, increasing activation energy for ionic transport, charge collection rate of electrodes, and environmental stability. Hence, the related detectors eventually obtain large sensitivity (6722 µC Gyair−1 cm−2), low detection limit (1.87 nGyair s−1), and high spatial resolution (5.17 lp mm−1) compared to the detectors without porous PET template. Meanwhile, the device shows no degradation after storage or working under various thermal attacks. MH‐filled‐PET is also monolithically integrated on the bottom circuit with different MHs and it is applied to single‐pixel mode and fast linear‐array imaging in a broad range of X‐rays photon energy (20 to 160 keV).
In Situ and Quantitatively Imaging of Heat‐Induced Oxidative State and Oxidative Damage of Living Neurons Using Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy
Authors: Zhang Junjie , Liu Yulin , Li Yabei , Zhu Tong , Qiu Jinbin , Xu Feng , Zhang Hua , Li Fei
Published: November 2022

Central nervous system is sensitive and vulnerable to heat. Oxidative state and oxidative damage of neurons under heat stress are vital for understanding early consequences and mechanisms of heat‐related neuronal injury, which remains elusive partly due to the technical challenge of in situ and quantitative monitoring methods. Herein, a temperature‐controlled scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) platform with programmable pulse potential and depth scan modes is developed for in situ and quantitatively monitoring of oxygen consumption, extracellular hydrogen peroxide level, and cell membrane permeability of neurons under thermal microenvironment of 37–42 °C. The SECM results show that neuronal oxygen consumption reaches a maximum at 40 °C and then decreases, extracellular H2O2 level increases from 39 °C, and membrane permeability increases from 2.0 ± 0.6 × 10−5 to 7.2 ± 0.8 × 10−5 m s−1 from 39 to 42 °C. The therapeutic effect on oxidative damage of neurons under hyperthermia conditions (40–42 °C) is further evaluated by SECM and fluorescence methods, which can be partially alleviated by the potent antioxidant edaravone. This work realizes in situ and quantitatively observing the heat‐induced oxidative state and oxidative damage of living neurons using SECM for the first time, which results can contribute to a better understanding of the heat‐related cellular injury mechanism.
Synthesis
Authors: Gailhofer Peter , Krebs David , Proelß Alexander , Schmalenbach Kirsten , Verheyen Roda
Published: November 2022

Building on a comprehensive study commissioned by the German Federal Environmental Agency in 2018, this book seeks to identify the legal preconditions of the liability of private enterprises for transboundary environmental damage. This goal required an accurate description of the situation de lege lata, i.e. an examination of whether and if so, to what extent existing norms and institutions in international and national law can adequately and effectively address transboundary environmental damage caused by economic actors. However, such an examination would be both incomplete and soon outdated if current and emerging legal developments along with their implications were not also considered in appropriate depth. In addition to the stated goal of identifying existing legal norms and principles, this book has simultaneously endeavoured to focus on current scholarly debates, legal controversies and policy discussions about how liability for environmental damage could and should evolve de lege ferenda.
Liability of Private Actors in International Law
Authors: Gailhofer Peter , Scherf Cara-Sophie
Published: November 2022

This Chapter examines the legal status of private actors as potential duty-holders in international law and considers ideas and arguments brought forward to substantiate and further develop international environmental obligations for private actors. This task also requires to clarify whether and to what extent international human rights, from which such corporate duties could arise, demand the protection of the environment.
Climate Change Litigation: A Reference Area for Liability
Authors: Verheyen Roda , Franke Johannes
Published: November 2022

The chapter looks at climate change litigation against the backdrop of existing law. It uses a comparative approach to discuss tort and nuisance type cases that have principally occurred in the U.S., Germany, and the Netherlands. The chapter establishes different categories of horizontal civil litigation and discusses key legal and forensic issues where climate cases serve particularly well as a reference area for transboundary corporate liability. This includes justiciability, causation, standing and compensable damage as well as the existence and extent of a duty of care.
Implementation Science to Enhance the Value of Cancer Research in Latinos: A Perspective from the National Cancer Institute
Authors: Neta Gila
Published: November 2022

There are a variety of clinical practices and effective community interventions that can improve cancer outcomes in Latino populations; however, these programs are not sufficiently implemented in practice. Furthermore, although there are existing platforms for the dissemination of evidence-based interventions, they are primarily used by researchers. The goal of implementation science is to bridge this gap between research and practice by understanding methods to promote the adoption and integration of evidence into a variety of settings where people are seeking care, including clinical, public health, and community settings. Implementation science hinges on understanding the multilevel context in which implementation occurs and engages stakeholders to ensure that strategies address the critical barriers; are feasible, acceptable, and appropriate; and are likely to be integrated, sustained, and scaled. By advancing implementation science and concentrating on the how in addition to the what, we can ensure that cancer discoveries are able to most effectively reduce the burden of cancer for Latinos.
Looking Forward: Continuing Collaboration for Action
Authors: Ramirez Amelie G. , Trapido Edward J.
Published: November 2022

The second ASCL conference was held in February 2020, about 1 month after the first case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was documented in the United States and before evidence of community spread. Since then, COVID-19 has become a global pandemic that has disproportionately infected, hospitalized, and killed ethnic and racial minorities in the United States (Jacobson et al., Am J Prev Med 61(5):644–651, 2021; Moore et al., MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 69:1122–1126, 2020; Shiels et al., Ann Intern Med. https://doi.org/10.7326/m21-2134, 2021; American Cancer Society, Cancer facts & figures 2021. American Cancer Society, Atlanta, 2021). According to a report of provisional life expectancy estimates from the National Center for Health Statistics, the life expectancy for US Hispanics decreased 3 years (81.8–78.8) between 2019 and 2020. As a result, the life expectancy advantage held by Hispanics over non-Hispanic whites narrowed by 60%, suggesting poorer health and mortality outcomes for the US Hispanic population. It is estimated that 90% of this decline in the life expectancy gap is the result of mortality caused by COVID-19 (Arias et al., Provisional life expectancy estimates for 2020. National Center for Health Statistics, Hyattsville, 2021). Some speculate that this disease disparity exists because Hispanics and other underrepresented groups receive the greatest exposure to the virus. They are more likely to live in densely populated areas and multigenerational households; use public transportation; and have essential public-facing jobs in the service and healthcare sectors, where working from home is not an option (American Cancer Society, Cancer facts & figures 2021. American Cancer Society, Atlanta, 2021; Hooper et al., JAMA 323(24):2466–2467, 2020; Balogun et al., JAMA Oncol 6(10):1531–1532, 2020). If infected, they are also more likely to experience severe symptoms of COVID-19 because of comorbidities such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and other chronic conditions (Hooper et al., JAMA 323(24):2466–2467, 2020).
Applying an Exposome-wide Association Study (ExWAS) Approach to Latino Cancer Disparities
Authors: Juarez Paul D. , Hood Darryl B. , Song Min-ae , Ramesh Aramandla
Published: November 2022

Latinos have higher incidence rates of cervical, gall bladder, liver, and gastric cancer, and higher mortality rates for six cancer sites than US Whites. This review chapter focuses on Latino cancer disparities, how the exposome can be applied to understanding Latino cancer disparities, and how environmental exposures lead to alterations in key biological pathways at the cellular, molecular, and system level, helping to explain the increased risk for population level cancer disparities among Latinos. An exposome-wide association study (ExWAS) approach is proposed as a novel conceptual framework to assess the role of multiple chemical and non-chemical exposures in the cause and progression of cancer among Latinos across the life course. Also discussed is how this strategy could be exploited by using biomarkers of susceptibility, exposure, and effect; and how a trans-omics approach, using recent advances in genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and lipidomics, could be used to deploy new biomarkers that serve both prognostic and diagnostic purposes. Also outlined are the knowledge gaps and scope for future studies in this area with implications for public health and policy interventions.
Acute and Long-term Neurological Complications of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) Therapy in Latino Children
Authors: Brown Austin L. , Raghubar Kimberly P. , Scheurer Michael E. , Lupo Philip J.
Published: November 2022

Over the last several decades, the survival for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has increased from about 40–90%. However, current treatment strategies are associated with several acute and long-term toxicities, including neurotoxicity. Further, racial and ethnic disparities persist in both incidence and outcomes for ALL. In particular, Latino children experience both the highest incidence of ALL and less favorable outcomes. The incidence of neurotoxicity during ALL therapy potentially jeopardizes treatment efficacy, and long-term neurocognitive impairment profoundly affects quality of life for survivors. Emerging evidence indicates that Latino patients may be particularly susceptible to these adverse side effects of therapy. Unfortunately, studies of neurotoxicity during ALL therapy have not included large populations of Latino children. Therefore, well-designed studies are needed to characterize neurotoxicity outcomes in Latino patients, while considering factors associated with disparities in cognitive performance in the general population, including socioeconomic status and acculturation. Ultimately, a better understanding of the various factors likely responsible for disparities in neurotoxicity is needed to improve outcomes for Latino children with ALL; these factors include inherited genetic variation, clinical characteristics, and sociocultural differences.
Introduction
Authors: Heikkilä Riie
Published: November 2022

This chapter is an introduction to the book, a qualitative research about cultural non-participation in an egalitarian society. It introduces the main dilemma: that active cultural participation is linked to high education and class position across different national contexts and that cultural non-participation is typically presented as a problem. The theoretical framework on cultural practices corresponding to social class and being able to generate cultural capital, building on the work of Pierre Bourdieu and his main critics, is explained in detail. Finland, as a fruitful empirical context for the study, is presented. This chapter presents the main research questions on (1) how the cultural participation of hypothetically ‘non-participating’ groups is and (2) what kinds of symbolic boundaries they draw while talking about their cultural participation.
Affirmation
Authors: Heikkilä Riie
Published: November 2022

This chapter focuses on the first out of three discourses found in the data. This ‘affirmation discourse’ emphasises the importance of both traditional highbrow-oriented participation and different kinds of everyday participation. In the affirmation discourse, the idea that participating in culture is ‘good for you’ is taken seriously. Culture is attributed an unquestionable intrinsic value. It can be interpreted that the affirmation discourse still has confidence in the power of cultural participation to function as a mechanism for providing cultural capital. In the affirmation discourse, the only boundaries are drawn downwards, and there seems to be an inherent idea of adjusting to the hegemonic discourse whereby one must participate in culture. It is argued that the affirmation discourse characterises the egalitarian worldviews of high conformity.
A systematic review of sex differences in rough and tumble play across non-human mammals
Authors: Marley Catherine L. , Pollard Tessa M. , Barton Robert A. , Street Sally E.
Published: November 2022

It is widely believed that juvenile male mammals typically engage in higher rates of rough and tumble play (RTP) than do females, in preparation for adult roles involving intense physical competition between males. The consistency of this sex difference across diverse mammalian species has, however, not yet been systematically investigated, limiting our current understanding of its possible adaptive function. This review uses narrative synthesis to (i) evaluate the ubiquity of male-biased RTP across non-human mammals, (ii) identify patterns of variation within and between taxonomic groups, and (iii) propose possible predictors of variation in these differences, including methodological and socio-ecological factors, for investigation by future studies. We find that most species studied do exhibit higher rates or RTP in males than females, while female-biased RTP is rare. Sex differences are smaller and less consistent than expected, with many studies finding similar rates of RTP in males and females. We identify multiple potential socio-ecological predictors of variation in sex differences in RTP, such as intrasexual competition and dietary niche. However, variation is not strongly phylogenetically patterned, suggesting that methodological and environmental factors, such as sample size and play partner availability, are important to consider in future comparative analyses.

Significance statement

Rough and tumble play (RTP) is thought to be vital for developing physical skills necessary for aggressive competition in adulthood, explaining an apparently widespread sex difference in RTP in mammals whereby immature males are more likely to engage in this behaviour than females. However, no prior study has systematically investigated the extent to which a male bias in RTP is consistent across diverse mammalian species. We find that although RTP is commonly male biased, findings were highly variable both within- and between-species, and equal participation in RTP by males and females is more common than widely assumed. Our review suggests several potential predictors of variation in sex differences in RTP, particularly levels of intrasexual competition in both males and females. However, our findings also suggest the importance of considering methodological in addition to socio-ecological factors for future research.
Myocardial Perfusion SPECT Imaging Radiomic Features and Machine Learning Algorithms for Cardiac Contractile Pattern Recognition
Authors: Sabouri Maziar , Hajianfar Ghasem , Hosseini Zahra , Amini Mehdi , Mohebi Mobin , Ghaedian Tahereh , Madadi Shabnam , Rastgou Fereydoon , Oveisi Mehrdad , Bitarafan Rajabi Ahmad , Shiri Isaac , Zaidi Habib
Published: November 2022

A U-shaped contraction pattern was shown to be associated with a better Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) response. The main goal of this study is to automatically recognize left ventricular contractile patterns using machine learning algorithms trained on conventional quantitative features (ConQuaFea) and radiomic features extracted from Gated single-photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (GSPECT MPI). Among 98 patients with standard resting GSPECT MPI included in this study, 29 received CRT therapy and 69 did not (also had CRT inclusion criteria but did not receive treatment yet at the time of data collection, or refused treatment). A total of 69 non-CRT patients were employed for training, and the 29 were employed for testing. The models were built utilizing features from three distinct feature sets (ConQuaFea, radiomics, and ConQuaFea + radiomics (combined)), which were chosen using Recursive feature elimination (RFE) feature selection (FS), and then trained using seven different machine learning (ML) classifiers. In addition, CRT outcome prediction was assessed by different treatment inclusion criteria as the study’s final phase. The MLP classifier had the highest performance among ConQuaFea models (AUC, SEN, SPE = 0.80, 0.85, 0.76). RF achieved the best performance in terms of AUC, SEN, and SPE with values of 0.65, 0.62, and 0.68, respectively, among radiomic models. GB and RF approaches achieved the best AUC, SEN, and SPE values of 0.78, 0.92, and 0.63 and 0.74, 0.93, and 0.56, respectively, among the combined models. A promising outcome was obtained when using radiomic and ConQuaFea from GSPECT MPI to detect left ventricular contractile patterns by machine learning.
A new framework for polynomial approximation to differential equations
Authors: Brugnano Luigi , Frasca-Caccia Gianluca , Iavernaro Felice , Vespri Vincenzo
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we discuss a framework for the polynomial approximation to the solution of initial value problems for differential equations. The framework is based on an expansion of the vector field along an orthonormal basis, and relies on perturbation results for the considered problem. Initially devised for the approximation of ordinary differential equations, it is here further extended and, moreover, generalized to cope with constant delay differential equations. Relevant classes of Runge-Kutta methods can be derived within this framework.
Co-movements, option pricing and risk management: an application to WTI versus Brent spread options
Authors: De Giovanni Domenico , Leccadito Arturo , Loccisano Debora
Published: November 2022

Co-moments of asset returns play a major role in financial contagion during crises. We study the properties of a particular specification of the generalized bivariate normal distribution which allows for co-volatility and co-skewness. With this probability distribution, formulae for single-name and exchange options can be evaluated quickly since they are based on one-dimensional integrals. We provide a very precise approximation formula for spread option prices and derive the corresponding greeks. We perform a day-to-day re-estimation of the probability distribution on a dataset of WTI vs Brent spread options, showing the ability of this specification to capture the salient empirical features observed in the market. Finally, we show the impact of co-movements on portfolio risk management.
Power-efficient gesture sensing for edge devices: mimicking fourier transforms with spiking neural networks
Authors: Arsalan Muhammad , Santra Avik , Issakov Vadim
Published: November 2022

One of the key design requirements for any portable/mobile device is low power. To enable such a low powered device, we propose an embedded gesture detection system that uses spiking neural networks (SNNs) applied directly to raw ADC data of a 60GHz frequency modulated continuous wave radar. SNNs can facilitate low power systems because they are sparse in time and space and are event-driven. The proposed system, as opposed to earlier state-of-the-art methods, relies solely on the target’s raw ADC data, thus avoiding the overhead of performing slow-time and fast-time Fourier transforms (FFTs) processing. The proposed architecture mimics the discrete Fourier transformation within the SNN itself avoiding the need for FFT accelerators and makes the FFT processing tailored to the specific application, in this case gesture sensing. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed system is capable of classifying 8 different gestures with an accuracy of 98.7%. This result is comparable to the conventional approaches, yet it offers lower complexity, lower power consumption and faster computations comparable to the conventional approaches.
Accountable Selves and Responsibility Within a Global Forum
Authors: Pagan Victoria , Haynes Kathryn , Reissner Stefanie
Published: November 2022

This study examines the accountability of the self among sustainability and humanitarian advocates participating in the World Economic Forum. Drawing from Butler’s (Giving an account of oneself. Fordham University Press, New York, 2005) philosophy, we explore how these individuals narrate their accountability to themselves and others, the contradictions they experience, and how they explain becoming responsible in this context. Our data illustrate the difficulties faced by these individuals in resisting the temptation to condemn themselves for compromising their own values, and/or to condemn others who think and behave differently. Through their humility in relation to their incoherent identities, and their generosity in engaging with others, the participants show their responsibility both to those they advocate for and to other delegates who may have different perspectives. The study illustrates how accountability to and of the self emerges through relations with others, how individuals struggle to resist ethical violence, and how they take up moral responsibility through human interaction.
General-purpose preconditioning for regularized interior point methods
Authors: Gondzio Jacek , Pougkakiotis Spyridon , Pearson John W.
Published: November 2022

In this paper we present general-purpose preconditioners for regularized augmented systems, and their corresponding normal equations, arising from optimization problems. We discuss positive definite preconditioners, suitable for CG and MINRES. We consider “sparsifications" which avoid situations in which eigenvalues of the preconditioned matrix may become complex. Special attention is given to systems arising from the application of regularized interior point methods to linear or nonlinear convex programming problems.
A Challenge for the Scaffolding View of Responsibility
Authors: Gogoshin Dane Leigh
Published: November 2022

According to Victoria McGeer’s “scaffolding view” (SV) (McGeer 2019), responsibility is a matter of moral reasons-sensitivity (MRS) which, in turn, requires only a “susceptibility to the scaffolding power of the reactive attitudes, experienced as a form of moral address” (2019: 315). This claim prompts a prima facie challenge: doesn’t this susceptibility lead to doing the right things for the wrong reasons? Although the SV offers a nuanced and sophisticated answer to this challenge, one that moreover respects the social nature of moral knowledge and the fragility of moral motivation, it does not succeed. It redefines MRS to fit our responsibility practices in a way that overlooks our (fragile) capacity for “genuine MRS.” The first and primary objective of this paper is to contrast SV-MRS with genuine MRS. The second objective is to suggest that rather than redefining MRS (which is both unwarranted and costly), we should accept that there is a gap between our practices (and thus responsible agency) and genuine MRS.
Benchmarking Between COMSOL and GPYRO in Predicting Self-Heating Ignition of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Hu Zhenwen , He Xuanze , Restuccia Francesco , Rein Guillermo
Published: November 2022

Recent studies have shown that self-heating ignition is a possible cause of fires when Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are stacked in large numbers, for example, during storage. The understanding of this ignition type is limited, and most current studies are based on numerical modelling. The different modelling tools found in the literature differ in their assumptions, capabilities, and resources needed, and may provide significantly different predictions. This study presents a benchmarking between COMSOL Multiphysics, which is one of the most prevailing tools used in modelling thermal-electrochemical behaviour of LIBs, and Gpyro, which is widely used in modelling ignition of solid fuels. Four case studies are designed with increasing levels of complexity: (1) just chemical kinetics at the microscale, (2) just heat transfer at the mesoscale, (3) self-heating behaviour at the mesoscale for coupled chemical reactions and heat transfer of a single cell, and (4) four-cell ensemble for multiphysics at a larger scale. The results of scenarios #3 and #4 are also compared to experiments. The results show that although COMSOL and Gpyro have significant differences in their assumptions and resources needed, both tools can accurately predict the critical conditions for ignition for self-heating, which validates their use to study the safety of LIBs.
Safety of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines in Patients with Inborn Errors of Immunity: an Italian Multicentric Study
Authors: Milito Cinzia , Cinetto Francesco , Garzi Giulia , Palladino Andrea , Puca Marco , Brambilla Elena , De Vitis Camilla , Costanzo Giulia , Scarpa Riccardo , Punziano Alessandra , Lagnese Gianluca , Del Giacco Stefano , Spadaro Giuseppe , Quinti Isabella , Firinu Davide
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Little is known about vaccine safety in inborn errors of immunity (IEI) patients during the current vaccination campaign for COVID-19. To better investigate the reactogenicity and adverse event profile after two, three, and four doses of mRNA vaccines, we conducted an observational, multicentric study on 342 PID patients from four Italian Referral Centres.

Methods

We conducted a survey on self-reported adverse reactions in IEI patients who received mRNA vaccine by administering a questionnaire after each dose.

Results

Over the whole study period, none of the patients needed hospitalization or had hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and delayed injection site reaction. After two vaccination doses, 35.4% of patients showed only local reactogenicity-related symptoms (RrS), 44.4% reported both systemic and local RrS, and 5% reported only systemic RrS. In more than 60% of cases, local or systemic RrS were mild. After the first and second booster doses, patients showed fewer adverse events (AEs) than after the first vaccination course. Patients aged 50 years and older reported adverse events and RrS less frequently. Among AEs requiring treatment, one common variable immune deficiency patient affected by T cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia developed neutropenia and one patient had Bell’s paralysis perhaps during herpes zoster reactivation.

Conclusion

Although our follow-up period is relatively short, the safety data we reported are reassuring. This data would help to contrast the vaccine hesitancy often manifested by patients with IEI and to better inform their healthcare providers.
Litter autotoxicity limits natural regeneration of Metasequoia glyptostroboides
Authors: Xu Laixian , Yao Lan , Ai Xunru , Guo Qiuju , Wang Shengbin , Zhou Dazhai , Deng Chu , Ai Xin
Published: November 2022

Widespread autotoxicity is an important obstacle to natural regeneration of many plants. The rare relict plantMetasequoia glyptostroboidesis a difficult to natural regeneration and is affected by litter allelopathy. However, little is known about the potential influence of autotoxic substances on different regeneration stages ofM. glyptostroboides.We identified multiple chemical compounds of aqueous extracts from fresh (recently accumulated) and natural litter (mixture of litter different phases of decomposition), to evaluate the autotoxic effects of the four most important detected compounds applied individually on seed germination and seedling growth ofM. glyptostroboides.Results found that the 28 chemical compounds were identified in the aqueous extracts ofM. glyptostroboideslitter. The Jaccard similarity coefficient of chemical compounds in aqueous extracts of fresh and natural litter ofM.glyptostroboidesreached 50%. The number of chemical compounds in fresh litter was 5.56% more than that in natural litter. Catechol, trifluoroacetamide, benzoic acid and D-(+)-arabitol significantly affected seed germination rate, seed germination index, vigor index, shoot length and main root length ofM. glyptostroboides.Specifically, benzoic acid had the strongest inhibitory effect, followed by catechol, trifluoroacetamide and D-(+)-arabitol. The autotoxic effect was concentration dependent, low concentrations were positive and neutral, high and extremely high concentrations were negative for all the chemical compounds. Moreover, catechol, trifluoroacetamide, benzoic acid and D-(+)-arabitol were autotoxic substances affecting the natural regeneration ofM. glyptostroboides,as well as strongly inhibited at the shoot growth stage. This study confirms that natural regeneration ofM. glyptostroboidesis restricted by a large amount of litter coverage under the forest, highlighting how the chemical compounds responsible for the autotoxic characteristics ofM. glyptostroboidesaffect the different regeneration stages ofM. glyptostroboides.
Extratropical cyclone damage to the seawall in Dawlish, UK: eyewitness accounts, sea level analysis and numerical modelling
Authors: Adams Keith , Heidarzadeh Mohammad
Published: November 2022

The February 2014 extratropical cyclonic storm chain, which impacted the English Channel (UK) and Dawlish in particular, caused significant damage to the main railway connecting the south-west region to the rest of the UK. The incident caused the line to be closed for two months, £50 million of damage and an estimated £1.2bn of economic loss. In this study, we collate eyewitness accounts, analyse sea level data and conduct numerical modelling in order to decipher the destructive forces of the storm. Our analysis reveals that the disaster management of the event was successful and efficient with immediate actions taken to save lives and property before and during the storm. Wave buoy analysis showed that a complex triple peak sea state with periods at 4–8, 8–12 and 20–25 s was present, while tide gauge records indicated that significant surge of up to 0.8 m and wave components of up to 1.5 m amplitude combined as likely contributing factors in the event. Significant impulsive wave force of up to 286 KN was the most likely initiating cause of the damage. Reflections off the vertical wall caused constructive interference of the wave amplitudes that led to increased wave height and significant overtopping of up to 16.1 m3/s/m (per metre width of wall). With this information and our engineering judgement, we conclude that the most probable sequence of multi-hazard cascading failure during this incident was: wave impact force leading to masonry failure, loss of infill and failure of the structure following successive tides.
Acting on knowledge-how
Authors: Williamson Timothy
Published: November 2022

The paper explains how to integrate the knowledge-first approach to epistemology with the intellectualist thesis that knowing-how is a kind of knowing-that, with emphasis on their role in practical reasoning. One component of this integration is a belief-based account of desire.
Causal models versus reason models in Bayesian networks for legal evidence
Authors: Dahlman Christian , Kolflaath Eivind
Published: November 2022

In this paper we compare causal models with reason models in the construction of Bayesian networks for legal evidence. In causal models, arrows in the network are drawn from causes to effects. In a reason model, the arrows are instead drawn towards the evidence, from factum probandum to factum probans. We explore the differences between causal models and reason models and observe several distinct advantages with reason models. Reason models are better aligned with the philosophy of Bayesian inference, as they model reasons for up-dating beliefs. Reason models are better suited for measuring the combined support of the evidence, and a prior probability of guilt that reflects the number of possible perpetrators is accommodated more easily with reason models.
Low-Temperature H2-deNOx in Diesel Exhaust
Authors: Eßer Enno , Müller Kim , Kureti Sven
Published: November 2022

For NOxremoval from diesel exhaust, the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) is the most common abatement technology. However, low engine load scenarios such as city driving and cold start phases demand efficient NOxreduction clearly below 200 °C, which is difficult to achieve with SCR. Hence, this work investigates the potential of the low-temperature NOxreduction with H2in diesel exhaust. A monolithic Pt/WOx/ZrO2catalyst, recently reported as highly active, was evaluated in synthetic and real diesel exhaust. The monolith demonstrated high deNOxactivity between 130 and 215 °C in the synthetic exhaust including peak conversion of 90% with N2selectivity up to 85%. CO/HC components were shown to inhibit the H2-deNOxconversion thus requiring a pre-oxidation catalyst in practice. Furthermore, studies performed in an optical reactor indicated strong heat evolution along the monolith. As a result, the reaction kinetics was accelerated with an enhanced consumption of H2limiting the H2-deNOxefficiency above 200 °C. Stationary tests in diesel engine exhaust substantiated the low-temperature H2-deNOxperformance of the monolith including NOxconversions up to 80% at temperatures as low as 135 °C.
The prognostic role of p53 and its correlation with CDK9 in urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Borowczak Jędrzej , Szczerbowski Krzysztof , Maniewski Mateusz , Zdrenka Marek , Słupski Piotr , Andrusewicz Hanna , Łysik-Miśkurka Joanna , Rutkiewicz Paula , Bodnar Magdalena , Szylberg Łukasz
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The mutation of p53 is considered a pivotal step in bladder cancer pathogenesis. Recently, distinct interactions between p53 and CDK9, a transcription regulator, have been described. In this work, we explored the prognostic role of p53 expression and evaluated its associations with CDK9 in urothelial carcinoma.

Materials and methods

The research group consisted of 67 bladder cancer samples and 32 normal urothelial mucosa samples. All specimens were analyzed using ImageJ and the IHC profiler plugin. To validate the results, 406 cases from The Cancer Genome Atlas database were analyzed.

Results

P53 and CDK9 are overexpressed in urothelial cancer tissues when compared to normal urothelial tissues (p < 0.05). High p53 expression was observed in metastatic tumors and tumors with high CDK9 expression (p < 0,05). High p53 expression was predictive for shorter survival in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (HR = 0.107 [0.012–0.96]; p = 0.046) but did not correlate with prognosis in the muscle-invasive group. In high CDK9 cancers, high p53 expression correlated with the occurrence of high-grade and muscle-invasive tumors (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

High expression of p53 correlates with unfavorable clinical features of bladder cancer. CDK9 is associated with the expression of p53, possibly through interactions with p53 inhibitors. Since the blockade of CDK9 in other malignancies reactivates wild-p53 activity, confirming the crosstalk between p53 and CDK9 in bladder cancer may be another step to explain the mechanism of tumor progression in its early stages.
Improvement of immune thrombocytopenia with imatinib therapy following chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Nakamura Yuichi , Itoh Yoshihiro , Wakimoto Naoki
Published: November 2022

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) are rarely observed concurrently. Here we report the case of a patient with ITP who developed CML that has been well controlled with tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy. A 55-year-old man was diagnosed with ITP. No cytogenetic abnormalities were found at the time of initial diagnosis. Four years later, he began corticosteroid therapy for progression of thrombocytopenia. At that time, the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome was observed in 7 of 20 bone marrow (BM) cells, suggesting concurrent CML in the subclinical stage. Prednisolone resulted in a partial response. Seven months after starting prednisolone, he exhibited hematological features of CML with an increase in Ph-positive cells. TKI therapy with imatinib mesylate was started to treat CML and maintained at a daily dose of 400 mg. The patient achieved and sustained a major molecular response. His platelet count also increased, enabling discontinuation of corticosteroid therapy. TKIs have been reported to show various immunological off-target effects. In this case, off-target effects of TKI might have improved ITP by suppressing the autoimmune response. Alternatively, reconstitution of immune systems by Ph-negative cells or cancellation of immunoreaction against CML could have exerted favorable effects on ITP.
National Regulation on Processing Data for Scientific Research Purposes and Biobanking Activities: Reflections on the Experience in Austria
Authors: Osiejewicz Joanna , Zherlitsyn Dmytro M. , Zadorozhna Svitlana M. , Tavolzhanskyi Oleksii V. , Dei Maryna O.
Published: November 2022

The application of the latest technologies in biology and medicine has brought them to a qualitatively new level of possibilities. Worldwide, biobanking is actively developing through the creation of biobanks of various types and purposes, whose resources are used to solve therapeutic or scientific problems. Legal science remains an open question concerning the boundary that runs between the right to data protection and the scope of disclosure of data needed for medical purposes. In this article, the author considers peculiarities of data processing in the context of biobanking activity on the example of Austria and its national legislation. In addition, the article reveals features of the approaches of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) and the Council of Europe to the issue of biobanking in general, its characteristics in the context of data, and legal regulation of this phenomenon in the national law of states. The author devoted an important part of the study to the role of Austria’s experience in the context of data processing for scientific purposes and the development of biobanking for a number of other European states. The aim of the article is to analyze the Austrian legislation on data processing for scientific research and biobanking, the attitude of the Council of Europe to this phenomenon, and the practice of the ECtHR, as well as to consider the impact of the current world situation on these activities. The leading method of research used in the article is the formal-legal method. The article analyzes the Austrian law in the context of data processing in medical research, the relationship of the specifics of personal data protection, and the need to disclose them for scientific purposes. The author pays special attention to the influence of Austrian law on the legislation of other countries, which is reflected in the conclusions to the article. In addition, based on an analysis of the application of the Austrian experience to the legislation of Poland and Ukraine, the author points out the necessary changes that should be made in the laws of these countries.
From Veld to Coast: Towards an Understanding of the Diverse Landscapes’ Uses by Past Foragers in Southern Africa
Authors: Val Aurore , Collins Benjamin
Published: November 2022

In this brief contribution, we outline the aims of a collection entitled “From veld to coast: towards an understanding of the diverse landscapes’ uses by past foragers in southern Africa,” and we define its chronological, geographic and thematic framework.
Three grades of iconicity in perception
Authors: Lyons Jack C.
Published: November 2022

Perceptual representations are sometimes said to be iconic, or picture-like. But what does this mean, and is it true? I suggest that the most fruitful way to understand iconicity is in terms of similarity, but there are three importantly different grades of similarity that that might hold between perceptual representations and their objects, and these should be distinguished. It is implausible that all perceptual representations achieve even the weakest grade of iconicity, but I speculatively suggest a “Kantian” view, whereby all perceptual representation involves fillers placed in a “strongly iconic” spatial framework. Those fillers will likely be hybrid structures, with varying grades of iconicity combined with non-iconic elements.
Govtech against corruption: What are the integrity dividends of government digitalization?
Authors: Santiso Carlos
Published: November 2022

Does digitalization reduce corruption? What are the integrity benefits of government digitalization? While the correlation between digitalization and corruption is well established, there is less actionable evidence on the integrity dividends of specific digitalization reforms on different types of corruption and the policy channels through which they operate. These linkages are especially relevant in high corruption risk environments. This article unbundles the integrity dividends of digital reforms undertaken by governments around the world, accelerated by the pandemic. It analyzes the rise of data-driven integrity analytics as promising tools in the anticorruption space deployed by tech-savvy integrity actors. It also assesses the broader integrity benefits of the digitalization of government services and the automation of bureaucratic processes, which contribute to reducing bribe solicitation risks by front-office bureaucrats. It analyzes in particular the impact of digitalization on social transfers. It argues that government digitalization can be an implicit yet effective anticorruption strategy, with subtler yet deeper effects, but there needs to be greater synergies between digital reforms and anticorruption strategies.