bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Research of Different Energy Management Strategies of Lithium-ion Battery-Ultracapacitor Hybrid Energy Storage System
Authors: Zhang Dongjie , Hu Lin , Tian Qingtao , Zou Changfu
Published: June 2024

Given the exacerbating effect of fossil fuel use in conventional vehicles on the greenhouse effect, the imperative development of electric vehicle technology becomes evident. To address the high energy and power density demands of electric vehicles, a lithium-ion battery-ultracapacitor hybrid energy storage system proves effective. This study, utilizing ADVISOR and Matlab/Simulink, employs an electric vehicle prototype for modeling and simulating both logic threshold and fuzzy logic control strategies. It aims to analyze the average output power and state of charge (SOC) of the lithium-ion battery, as well as the SOC of the ultracapacitor, within hybrid energy storage systems governed by these differing strategies. The findings indicate that the fuzzy logic control strategy results in a reduction of 2.73 kW in the average output power of the lithium-ion battery and a 20% increase in the SOC drop rate of the ultracapacitor compared to the logic threshold control strategy. Under the logic threshold control strategy, lithium-ion batteries demonstrate superior output stability, albeit within a broader amplitude range. Conversely, the fuzzy logic control strategy maximizes the utilization of ultracapacitors but leads to frequent fluctuations in the output power of lithium-ion batteries, thereby exhibiting reduced stability. These results underscore the inherent trade-offs between stability and utilization efficiency in hybrid energy storage systems for electric vehicles under different control strategies. The selection of a control strategy should be contingent upon specific performance priorities and objectives within the context of electric vehicle design and operation.
Kostenvergleich der konservativen vs. operativen Therapie des chronischen Lymphödems
Authors: Nuwayhid Rima , Langer Stefan , von Dercks Nikolaus
Published: June 2024

Hintergrund

Die Therapie des Lymphödems erfolgt primär konservativ mittels komplexer physikalischer Entstauungstherapie (KPE). Lymphovenöse Anastomosen (LVA), vaskularisierte Lymphknotentransplantationen (VLNT) und Liposuktionen stehen als operative Therapieverfahren zur Verfügung. Die Vergütung im DRG(„diagnosis related groups“)-System ist jedoch teils unzureichend oder nur nach individuellem Kostenübernahmeantrag möglich. Dabei sind die Kosten der verhältnismäßig neuen operativen Verfahren noch nicht in Relation zu denen der KPE gesetzt worden.

Methodik

Die Kosten der leitliniengemäßen konservativen Therapie wurden ermittelt. Die Kosten für LVA, VLNT und Liposuktion jeweils an oberer und unterer Extremität wurden anhand der DRG-Fallpauschalen sowie der nach aktuellem Kenntnisstand erwarteten Reduktion konservativer Maßnahmen geschätzt. Anschließend erfolgte ein Vergleich der jährlichen Therapiekosten.

Ergebnisse

Die jährlichen Therapiekosten nach LVA und VLNT sind bereits im 2. postoperativen Jahr niedriger als bei konservativer Therapie allein. Die Liposuktion erreicht diesen Punkt im 6. (obere Extremität) bzw. 47. postoperativen Jahr (untere Extremität).

Diskussion

Die Evidenz für die positiven Effekte der Lymphchirurgie ist noch begrenzt. Es ist jedoch erkennbar, dass der kurative operative Ansatz sowohl die Therapiekosten deutlich senken als auch die Lebensqualität Betroffener verbessern kann. Es mangelt jedoch an einer adäquaten Abbildung des operativen Aufwands in der Vergütung.
Assessment of the effectiveness of high-pressure water jet machining generated using self-excited pulsating heads
Authors: Szada-Borzyszkowska Monika , Kacalak Wojciech , Banaszek Kamil , Pude Frank , Perec Andrzej , Wegener Konrad , Królczyk Grzegorz
Published: June 2024

The article presents the research findings on the process of machining with a pulsating water jet. The study determined the influence of water velocity and pressure, providing insights into the dynamics of pulsating water jets. An evaluation of the generation process of pulsating water jets was conducted for various models of self-excited pulsating heads. The aim was to determine the impact of geometric parameters of the self-excited pulsating head and hydrodynamic working conditions on the performance of such a head, the dynamic characteristics of the water jet it produces, and its technological suitability for material erosion. In the first stage, simulation studies were carried out for three models of self-excited pulsating heads. Based on these studies, a solution with appropriate geometry was selected. Subsequently, experimental studies were conducted using the self-excited head and dedicated research setups. For the selected solution of the self-excited pulsating head, pulse durations, jet thrust forces, and frequency variations for different working pressure values were determined. The analysis showed a correlation between the geometric parameters of the head, pressure changes, and the characteristics of the generated pulses in the pulsed water jets. Pulse generation was made possible by increasing the water flow through side openings. Pulses with greater water volume exhibited increased erosive potential, particularly noticeable at higher pressures. It was found that pressure changes also affect the pulse frequency, with shorter intervals observed at lower pressures and longer intervals at higher pressures. The results presented in the paper highlight the importance of tool geometry and changes in water pressure at the inlet to the self-excited pulsating heads and the dynamics of the pulsed water jet. Research on the pulse generation mechanism and the assessment of erosive potential can form the basis for optimizing the design and operation of pulsating water jets in surface machining. This comprehensive understanding underpins the enhancement of efficiency and effectiveness of pulsating water jet applications in various industrial and manufacturing processes.
Proteomic features of gray matter layers and superficial white matter of the rhesus monkey neocortex: comparison of prefrontal area 46 and occipital area 17
Authors: Castro-Mendoza Paola B. , Weaver Christina M. , Chang Wayne , Medalla Maria , Rockland Kathleen S. , Lowery Lisa , McDonough Elizabeth , Varghese Merina , Hof Patrick R. , Meyer Dan E. , Luebke Jennifer I.
Published: June 2024

In this novel large-scale multiplexed immunofluorescence study we comprehensively characterized and compared layer-specific proteomic features within regions of interest of the widely divergent dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (A46) and primary visual cortex (A17) of adult rhesus monkeys. Twenty-eight markers were imaged in rounds of sequential staining, and their spatial distribution precisely quantified within gray matter layers and superficial white matter. Cells were classified as neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, or endothelial cells. The distribution of fibers and blood vessels were assessed by quantification of staining intensity across regions of interest. This method revealed multivariate similarities and differences between layers and areas. Protein expression in neurons was the strongest determinant of both laminar and regional differences, whereas protein expression in glia was more important for intra-areal laminar distinctions. Among specific results, we observed a lower glia-to-neuron ratio in A17 than in A46 and the pan-neuronal markers HuD and NeuN were differentially distributed in both brain areas with a lower intensity of NeuN in layers 4 and 5 of A17 compared to A46 and other A17 layers. Astrocytes and oligodendrocytes exhibited distinct marker-specific laminar distributions that differed between regions; notably, there was a high proportion of ALDH1L1-expressing astrocytes and of oligodendrocyte markers in layer 4 of A17. The many nuanced differences in protein expression between layers and regions observed here highlight the need for direct assessment of proteins, in addition to RNA expression, and set the stage for future protein-focused studies of these and other brain regions in normal and pathological conditions.
Predatory mites as potential biological control agents for tomato russet mite and powdery mildew on tomato
Authors: Marcossi Ítalo , Francesco Leonardo S. , Fonseca Morgana M. , Pallini Angelo , Groot Thomas , De Vis Raf , Janssen Arne
Published: June 2024

Tomato plants are attacked by numerous pests and diseases, including the tomato russet mite Aculops lycopersici and powdery mildew, Oidium neolycopersici. Natural enemies of tomato pests are often hindered by the tomato trichomes, while russet mites live under and among these leaf hairs and are therefore protected from these enemies. To find natural enemies that are adapted to tomato and its trichomes, we collected a predatory mite, Amblyseius herbicolus, and an iolinid mite, cf. Homeopronematus anconai sp. nov., from tomato plants in the field. We investigated their potential as biological control agents for pests in this crop. We show that both predators were able to feed and reproduce on russet mites. Subsequently, we show that the iolinid effectively controlled tomato russet mites and powdery mildew on isolated tomato plants, whereas A. herbicolus disappeared from the plants. Altogether, our results show that cf. H. anconai sp. nov. is an efficient biocontrol agent of two key pests on tomato plants. Our results thus contribute to the recent trend of using predators that are effective in controlling both a pest and a pathogen, a promising new strategy for biological crop protection.
Computational approaches identify a transcriptomic fingerprint of drug-induced structural cardiotoxicity
Authors: Au Yeung Victoria P.W. , Obrezanova Olga , Zhou Jiarui , Yang Hongbin , Bowen Tara J. , Ivanov Delyan , Saffadi Izzy , Carter Alfie S. , Subramanian Vigneshwari , Dillmann Inken , Hall Andrew , Corrigan Adam , Viant Mark R. , Pointon Amy
Published: June 2024

Structural cardiotoxicity (SCT) presents a high-impact risk that is poorly tolerated in drug discovery unless significant benefit is anticipated. Therefore, we aimed to improve the mechanistic understanding of SCT. First, we combined machine learning methods with a modified calcium transient assay in human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes to identify nine parameters that could predict SCT. Next, we applied transcriptomic profiling to human cardiac microtissues exposed to structural and non-structural cardiotoxins. Fifty-two genes expressed across the three main cell types in the heart (cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts) were prioritised in differential expression and network clustering analyses and could be linked to known mechanisms of SCT. This transcriptomic fingerprint may prove useful for generating strategies to mitigate SCT risk in early drug discovery.

Graphical Abstract
Epiretinal membranes in patients with uveitis: an update on the current state of management
Authors: Kalogeropoulos Dimitrios , Lotery Andrew John , Gupta Bhaskar , Lash Stephen , Antonakis Serafeim
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This review aims to summarize the current knowledge concerning the clinical features, diagnostic work-up, and therapeutic approach of uveitic epiretinal membranes (ERM).

Methods

A thorough investigation of the literature was conducted using the PubMed database. Additionally, a complementary search was carried out on Google Scholar to ensure the inclusion of all relevant items in the collection.

Results

ERM is an abnormal layer at the vitreoretinal interface, resulting from myofibroblastic cell proliferation along the inner surface of the central retina, causing visual impairment. Known by various names, ERM has diverse causes, including idiopathic or secondary factors, with ophthalmic imaging techniques like OCT improving detection. In uveitis, ERM occurrence is common, and surgical intervention involves pars plana vitrectomy with ERM peeling, although debates persist on optimal approaches.

Conclusions

Histopathological studies and OCT advancements improved ERM understanding, revealing a diverse group of diseases without a unified model. Consensus supports surgery for uveitic ERM in progressive cases, but variability requires careful consideration and effective inflammation management. OCT biomarkers, deep learning, and surgical advances may enhance outcomes, and medical interventions and robotics show promise for early ERM intervention.
Terahertz RCS reduction employing reconfigurable graphene-based AMC structures
Authors: Gaber Shaymaa M. , Ibrahim Ahmed A.
Published: June 2024

Recently, modern technology has towards stealth technology, especially in military applications so, this paper presents a terahertz radar cross-section (RCS) reduction utilizing reconfigurable graphene-based artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) arrays. The AMC unit cell has a Vivaldi shape with circular slots etched in the radiator to reduce the RCS from metallic surfaces at THz bands. The AMC cells affect the surface impedance of the metallic objects which reduces the reflected EM waves from them. The RCS reduction bandwidth is achieved and controlled by varying the voltage applied to graphene cells which varies its chemical potential (µc). The effect of changing the graphene conductivity on the RCS reduction is investigated. Different arrangements to obtain maximum RCS reduction are presented. A 12 × 12 hybrid arrangement of the graphene-based AMC structures achieved maximum RCS reduction from 1.5 to 4 THz with 22 dB greater than the unloaded metallic surface. The CST simulator is employed in the simulation.
Revealing the structure of combinative research design and performance in an operations management context
Authors: Curado Carla , Oliveira Mírian , Teixeira Eduardo Kunzel , Schniederjans Dara
Published: June 2024

This study defines the conceptual structure of combinative research design in operations management by relying on several proxies of combinative research topics, methods, and author affiliations, covering a decade of research and analyzing 1026 bibliographic records in an applied social science research context. Through the use of bibliometrics, co-word analyses are conducted to compute keyword co-occurrences to determine distinct interdisciplinary structures. Furthermore, this study conducts a series of regression analyses to determine the associations between combinative research (based on combinative topics, methods and author affiliations) and several proxies of article performance, including usage metrics (citations and views) and effort and time expenditures (the number of days under review and the number of revisions), while controlling for article age and the journal outlet. The results indicate strong associations with multi-country author affiliations with reduced effort and time expenditures as well as increased usage and scholarly attention. Future research directions are provided that integrate with replication studies, meta-analyses, and literature reviews.
The Impact of Teleworking on Women’s Work–Life Balance and Life Satisfaction: a Longitudinal Study from Singapore
Authors: Tan Jolene , Lim-Soh Jeremy , Tan Poh Lin
Published: June 2024

As teleworking gains widespread global acceptance as a prevalent work arrangement, it is crucial to understand its implications for life satisfaction. Despite the increasing adoption of teleworking, few studies have examined the specific mechanisms through which it influences life satisfaction. This study used data on 358 married Singaporean women spanning six waves from 2018 to 2022, and applied path analysis to explore the effects of teleworking on life satisfaction mediated by work–life balance, workplace relationships, and working hours. The findings suggest a positive association between teleworking and life satisfaction, with work–life balance as a mediating factor. Although teleworking is associated with worsened workplace relationships and decreased working hours, the mediating effects of these factors on life satisfaction are not significant. Organizations should consider the potential benefits of teleworking for work–life balance and life satisfaction while also weighing its drawbacks.
Phylogenetic and morphological studies reveal large diversity and three new species in Amanita sect. Vaginatae (Agaricales, Basidiomycota) from Europe
Authors: Varga Dóra , Hanss Jean-Michel , Moreau Pierre-Arthur , Kovács Gábor M. , Dima Bálint
Published: June 2024

European members of the species-rich sect. Vaginatae of the genus Amanita are studied focusing on Central (Austria, Hungary, N Italy and Romania), Western (France) and North European (Norway) collections. The combination of a 4-locus (nrDNA ITS, nrDNA LSU, RPB1 and TEF1-α) molecular phylogenetic analysis and a morphological approach resulted in the discovery of three new species: Amanita deflexa and A. griseofulva from stirps Fulva and A. opaca from stirps Coryli. Furthermore, the albinotic white forms of A. griseofulva (f. albida) and A. opaca (f. cettoi) are formally named. As a result of the comprehensive taxonomic revision of Amanita sect. Vaginatae, 370 newly generated sequences are deposited to GenBank, and 17 species new to Hungary are reported. This study provides another step towards understanding the taxonomy and diversity of Amanita section Vaginatae in Europe.
Safety and effectiveness of oral anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation and stage 4 chronic kidney disease: a real-world experience
Authors: Talerico Rosa , Brando Elisa , Luzi Lorenzo , Vedovati Maria Cristina , Giustozzi Michela , Verso Melina , Di Gennaro Leonardo , Basso Maria , Ferretti Antonietta , Porfidia Angelo , De Candia Erica , Pola Roberto , Agnelli Giancarlo , Becattini Cecilia
Published: June 2024

It is still uncertain whether direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) perform better than vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in subjects with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of the study was to compare safety and effectiveness of DOACs and VKAs in patients with NVAF and stage 4 CKD (creatinine clearance 15–29 mL/min). We searched the hospital databases of two academic centers to retrospectively identify patients with stage 4 CKD who were on treatment with DOACs or VKAs for NVAF. Safety was the primary outcome of the study and was assessed in terms of incidence of major bleeding (MB). Secondary outcomes were clinically relevant non-major bleeding (CRNMB) and death for any cause. A total of 176 patients (102 on DOACs and 74 on VKAs) were found and included in the analysis. The incidence rate of MB was not statistically different between groups (8.6 per 100 patients-year in the DOAC group and 5.6 per 100 patients-year in the VKA group). Rates of IS/SSE and CRNMB were statistically similar in the two treatment groups, as well. There were less deaths for any cause in the DOAC group than in the VKA group (8.6 and 15.8 per 100 patients-year, respectively), but the difference was not statistically significant. This study found no difference in terms of safety and effectiveness between patients with NVAF and stage 4 CKD treated with DOACs and VKAs. Larger prospective or randomized studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Use of a gas-operated ventilator as a noninvasive bridging respiratory therapy in critically Ill COVID-19 patients in a middle-income country
Authors: Arias-Sanchez Pedro P. , Wendel-Garcia Pedro D. , Tirapé-Castro Hugo A. , Cobos Johanna , Jaramillo-Aguilar Selena X. , Peñaloza-Tinoco Arianna M. , Jaramillo-Aguilar Damary S. , Martinez Alberto , Holguín-Carvajal Juan Pablo , Cabrera Enrique , Roche-Campo Ferran , Aguirre-Bermeo Hernan
Published: June 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a notable undersupply of respiratory support devices, especially in low- and middle-income countries. As a result, many hospitals turned to alternative respiratory therapies, including the use of gas-operated ventilators (GOV). The aim of this study was to describe the use of GOV as a noninvasive bridging respiratory therapy in critically ill COVID-19 patients and to compare clinical outcomes achieved with this device to conventional respiratory therapies. Retrospective cohort analysis of critically ill COVID-19 patients during the first local wave of the pandemic. The final analysis included 204 patients grouped according to the type of respiratory therapy received in the first 24 h, as follows: conventional oxygen therapy (COT), n = 28 (14%); GOV, n = 72 (35%); noninvasive ventilation (NIV), n = 49 (24%); invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), n = 55 (27%). In 72, GOV served as noninvasive bridging respiratory therapy in 42 (58%) of these patients. In the other 30 patients (42%), 20 (28%) presented clinical improvement and were discharged; 10 (14%) died. In the COT and GOV groups, 68% and 39%, respectively, progressed to intubation (P ≤ 0.001). Clinical outcomes in the GOV and NIV groups were similar (no statistically significant differences). GOV was successfully used as a noninvasive bridging respiratory therapy in more than half of patients. Clinical outcomes in the GOV group were comparable to those of the NIV group. These findings support the use of GOV as an emergency, noninvasive bridging respiratory therapy in medical crises when alternative approaches to the standard of care may be justifiable.
Marginal analysis of count time series in the presence of missing observations
Authors: Nik Simon
Published: June 2024

Time series in real-world applications often have missing observations, making typical analytical methods unsuitable. One method for dealing with missing data is the concept of amplitude modulation. While this principle works with any data, here, missing data for unbounded and bounded count time series are investigated, where tailor-made dispersion and skewness statistics are used for model diagnostics. General closed-form asymptotic formulas are derived for such statistics with only weak assumptions on the underlying process. Moreover, closed-form formulas are derived for the popular special cases of Poisson and binomial autoregressive processes, always under the assumption that missingness occurs. The finite-sample performances of the considered asymptotic approximations are analyzed with simulations. The practical application of the corresponding dispersion and skewness tests under missing data is demonstrated with three real data examples.
An analysis of the predictive factors for stone clearance at primary ureteroscopy
Authors: Daly K. F. , Mac Curtain B. M , Collins E. , Lincoln M. , MacCraith E. , Lennon G. , McGuire B. B.
Published: June 2024

Background

Ureteric colic is a common emergency urological presentation [1]. When operative intervention is required, retrograde ureteroscopy is the most common approach. There are multiple treatment strategies including primary ureteroscopy (URS), staged ureteroscopy, and deferred ureteroscopy following ureteric stent placement. The approach is based on a number of clinical and stone factors. This study assesses the factors which predict stone clearance at the initial procedure.

Aims

All patients diagnosed with an obstructing ureteric stone who were managed operatively in a consecutive 12-month period were included. Patients were evaluated for stone clearance following a single or multiple procedures. A number of factors including stone size, location, gender, age and pre-operative laboratory results were evaluated for association with stone clearance at index procedure. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to produce odds ratios (OR) with confidence interval (CI) at 95% and significance values P < 0.05.

Results

One hundred and seventy patients were included in the final analysis. Stone clearance following the index procedure was achieved in 57% (n = 100) of patients. Predictors of successful stone clearance at index procedure were stone size < 6 mm, male gender and distal stone location (p < 0.05). Proximal stone location, stone size > 10 mm and elevated c-reactive protein (CRP) were associated respectively with multiple procedures to achieve stone clearance (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Acute ureteric stones can be managed with a number of treatment strategies. This study identifies factors which predict stone clearance at index procedure. These results will help urologists accurately counsel patients when undertaking operative management for ureteric colic.
Short-Term Impact of Seizures and Mitigation Opportunities
Authors: Glauser Tracy , Becker Danielle A. , Long Lucretia , Detyniecki Kamil , Penovich Patricia , Sirven Joseph , Peters Jurriaan M. , Rabinowicz Adrian L. , Carrazana Enrique
Published: June 2024

Purpose of Review

The burden of epilepsy is complex and consists of elements directly related to acute seizures as well as those associated with living with a chronic neurologic disorder. The purpose of this systematic review was to characterize short-term burdens of seizures and to explore the potential value of acute treatments to mitigate these burdens apart from reducing the risk of status epilepticus.

Recent Findings

A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed to identify articles published from January 1, 2017, to June 22, 2023, that described short-term burdens and acute treatments of seizures. Primary outcomes included those related to short-term burdens of seizures and the benefits of acute treatments to reduce short-term burdens. Of the 1332 articles identified through PubMed and 17 through other sources, 27 had relevant outcomes and were included in the qualitative synthesis. Seizure emergencies negatively affected short-term quality of life and the ability to conduct normal daily living activities and were associated with physical (injury) and financial (emergency transport, hospitalization) burdens. The use of acute treatment was associated with a rapid return (≤ 1 h) to normal function/self for both patients and caregivers and potentially lower healthcare utilization and costs. Seizure action plans may improve knowledge and comfort with seizure care, empowering patients and caregivers.

The short-term burden of seizures can create a substantial negative impact on patients and caregivers. Acute treatments may reduce the short-term burdens of seizures in addition to their well-described role to reduce seizure activity and the risk for status epilepticus.
Investigating the Moderating Effect of HIV Status Disclosure on the Link Between Discrimination Experience and Psychological Distress Among People Living with HIV in Japan Infected Through Sexual Contact
Authors: Miwa Takeshi , Wakabayashi Chihiro , Hayashi Kanna , Tanuma Junko , Ikeda Kazuko , Yokomaku Yoshiyuki , Ikushima Yuzuru
Published: June 2024

Background

There is a scarcity of research on the potential impact of disclosing HIV status to friends and family in moderating the adverse effects of discrimination on the mental health of people living with HIV (PLWH). This study assessed the experiences of discrimination and HIV status disclosure among PLWH in Japan, and evaluated their potential associations with psychological distress.

Method

Data were derived from a nationwide cross-sectional survey of PLWH conducted in Japan between 2019 and 2020. The interaction effects of HIV-related discrimination and HIV status disclosure on the psychological distress were examined using logistic and linear regression analyses.

Results

The median age of the 804 respondents was 46 years old. Most respondents were male and 85.4% (687/804) identified as homosexuals or bisexuals. A total of 12.7% (102/804) of the respondents reported that they had recently experienced discrimination because of their HIV status. Experience of HIV-related discrimination was independently associated with high psychological distress (adjusted OR 2.02; 95% CI, 1.15–3.57), and HIV status disclosure to friends partially weakened the association between discrimination and the level of psychological distress (regression coefficient −3.115; p = 0.004).

Conclusion

While measures that aim to end discrimination remain vital, increasing the opportunities of PLWH to communicate with friends they feel comfortable disclosing their HIV status may also be helpful in protecting their mental health.
Earth system model’s capability of predicting drought-induced crop failure
Authors: Obata Atsushi , Tsujino Hiroyuki
Published: June 2024

We used the Meteorological Research Institute Earth System Model to investigate land precipitation and net primary production (NPP, proxy for agricultural production here) in terms of food and water security. In the preindustrial state, the largest decrease in Southeast Asian precipitation (> 20%) occurs along with the largest El Niño and positive phase of the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation, consistent with the 1876-78 Great Drought, leading to the largest decrease in NPP (~ 20%); >2 standard deviations, extreme dryness and crop failure. In relatively arid regions (e.g., India and northeastern Brazil), the largest decreases in precipitation and NPP reach ≥ 50%, particularly 80 ~ 90% in Deccan, India. In the 21st century warming projection (Shared Socioeconomic Pathways 5-8.5, the largest CO2 emission scenario), the interannual variability of precipitation and NPP in Monsoon Asia increase under the influence of enhanced El Niño-Southern Oscillation. Although the increased precipitation variability indicates more frequent severer droughts than in the preindustrial state, this severity does not influence NPP so much: the increased NPP variability is negligible compared to the significant increase in normal NPP by CO2 fertilization effect, which indicates usually rich harvests. Compared to a recent severe crop failure (− 25% in Japan in 1993), the simulated preindustrial drought-induced NPP decreases of ≥ 50% in parts of low latitudes are extraordinarily large enough to correspond to devastating crop failures. The model indicates that great famines before the 20th century were natural in origin, and that manmade factors, such as harsh taxes and hoarding and export of grain, made the famines more devastating.
Comparative analysis of open-source federated learning frameworks - a literature-based survey and review
Authors: Riedel Pascal , Schick Lukas , von Schwerin Reinhold , Reichert Manfred , Schaudt Daniel , Hafner Alexander
Published: June 2024

While Federated Learning (FL) provides a privacy-preserving approach to analyze sensitive data without centralizing training data, the field lacks an detailed comparison of emerging open-source FL frameworks. Furthermore, there is currently no standardized, weighted evaluation scheme for a fair comparison of FL frameworks that would support the selection of a suitable FL framework. This study addresses these research gaps by conducting a comparative analysis of 15 individual open-source FL frameworks filtered by two selection criteria, using the literature review methodology proposed by Webster and Watson. These framework candidates are compared using a novel scoring schema with 15 qualitative and quantitative evaluation criteria, focusing on features, interoperability, and user friendliness. The evaluation results show that the FL framework Flower outperforms its peers with an overall score of 84.75%, while Fedlearner lags behind with a total score of 24.75%. The proposed comparison suite offers valuable initial guidance for practitioners and researchers in selecting an FL framework for the design and development of FL-driven systems. In addition, the FL framework comparison suite is designed to be adaptable and extendable accommodating the inclusion of new FL frameworks and evolving requirements.
Using fused filament fabrication to improve the tribocorrosion behaviour of 17-4 PH SS in comparison to other metal forming techniques
Authors: García-Cabezón Cristina , Naranjo Juan Alfonso , García-Hernández Celia , Berges Cristina , Herranz Gemma , Martín-Pedrosa Fernando
Published: June 2024

Fused filament fabrication (FFF) is one of the additive manufacturing processes which has gained more interest because of its simplicity and low-cost. This technology is similar to the conventional metal injection moulding (MIM) process, consisting of the feedstock preparation of metal powder and polymer binders, followed by layer-by-layer 3D printing (FFF) or injection (MIM) to create green parts and, finally, debinding and sintering. Moreover, both technologies provide near-dense parts. This work presents an in-depth study of the processing method’s influence. The porosity, microstructure, hardness, corrosion, and tribocorrosion behaviour are compared for 17-4 PH SS samples processed from powder by additive manufacturing using FFF and MIM, as well as conventional powder metallurgy (PM) samples. MIM samples exhibited the highest macro and microhardness, while corrosion behaviour was similar for both MIM and FFF samples, but superior in comparison to conventional PM samples. However, the FFF-as fabricated samples displayed a significant improvement in tribocorrosion resistance that could be explained by the higher proportion of delta ferrite and retained austenite in their microstructure.
Impact of transferrin saturation on cardiovascular events in non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease patients treated with darbepoetin alfa
Authors: Nakai Kentaro , Nishino Tomoya , Kagimura Tatsuo , Narita Ichiei
Published: June 2024

Background

Although the widespread use of long-acting erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) has facilitated the improvement of anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), the improvement in prognosis has not been fully demonstrated. Iron deficiency is associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and the relative iron deficiency induced by erythropoiesis-stimulating agents may prevent the improvement of prognosis. Therefore, we investigated the association between iron deficiency and cardiovascular events during long-acting erythropoiesis-stimulating agent therapy using transferrin saturation (TSAT), which is less susceptible to inflammation than ferritin.

Methods

This study included 1040 patients with non-dialysis-dependent CKD, aged ≥ 20 years, with a glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and hemoglobin < 11 g/dL, who were treated with darbepoetin alfa for 96 weeks. The patients were recruited in the BRIGHTEN Trial, a multicenter, prospective, observational study conducted to evaluate erythropoiesis-stimulating agent resistance to darbepoetin alfa in treating anemia in non-dialysis-dependent CKD in a clinical setting. The association between transferrin saturation and the cumulative incidence of cardiovascular events was evaluated using the Kaplan–Meier method. To calculate the hazard ratio (HR), 95% confidence intervals (CI) and the Cox proportional hazards model were used.

Results

Survival curve analysis for cardiovascular events indicated that patients with transferrin saturation ≥ 30% had a significantly better prognosis, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.34 (95% confidence interval 0.22–0.52). Stratified analysis revealed that patients with transferrin saturation of 30–40% had a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular events than those with transferrin saturation of 20–30%, even after a multivariate-adjusted hazard ratio of 0.33 (95% confidence interval 0.21–0.54).

Conclusion

Patients with CKD and transferrin saturation of 30–40% had significantly fewer cardiovascular events than those with transferrin saturation of 20–30% among patients treated with long-acting erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. Therefore, it may be useful to maintain higher transferrin saturation from the viewpoint of erythropoiesis-stimulating agent responsiveness and the reduction of cardiovascular events.

Graphical Abstract
Leading Edge Techniques in the Quest for Characterizing Rare Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Authors: Patel Sweta B. , Franceski Alana M. , Crown Brittany L. , Welner Robert S.
Published: June 2024

Purpose of Review

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) occupy the summit of the intricate hematopoiesis hierarchy, constituting a mere 0.01% of the adult bone marrow. The rarity of these cells poses a challenge in exploring their biological intricacies. Historically, research efforts grappled with this scarcity, often investigating broader cell populations that encompass multipotent progenitor cells, with HSCs representing only a modest 2–5%. Consequently, a crucial necessity emerged for methodologies accommodating the constraints imposed by the low abundance of HSCs.

Recent Findings

In the last decade, the landscape has transformed with the advent of multi-omics technologies, such as single-cell-based approaches encompassing proteomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics, and epigenetics. These advancements, coupled with refined ex vivo and in vivo models of stem cells, have ushered in a new era where the independent study of HSCs has become feasible. Notably, strides in humanized models have further enriched the scientific toolkit, enabling the validation of HSC biology within human systems.

This review attempts to spotlight recent breakthroughs and their associated advantages and disadvantages, collectively illuminating the avenues that now exist for delving into the intricate biology of functional HSCs.
Multifunctional SnO2 QDs/MXene Heterostructures as Laminar Interlayers for Improved Polysulfide Conversion and Lithium Plating Behavior
Authors: Deng Shungui , Sun Weiwei , Tang Jiawei , Jafarpour Mohammad , Nüesch Frank , Heier Jakob , Zhang Chuanfang
Published: June 2024

Poor cycling stability in lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries necessitates advanced electrode/electrolyte design and innovative interlayer architectures. Heterogeneous catalysis has emerged as a promising approach, leveraging the adsorption and catalytic performance on lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) to inhibit LiPSs shuttling and improve redox kinetics. In this study, we report an ultrathin and laminar SnO2@MXene heterostructure interlayer (SnO2@MX), where SnO2 quantum dots (QDs) are uniformly distributed across the MXene layer. The combined structure of SnO2 QDs and MXene, along with the creation of numerous active boundary sites with coordination electron environments, plays a critical role in manipulating the catalytic kinetics of sulfur species. The Li–S cell with the SnO2@MX-modified separator not only demonstrates superior electrochemical performance compared to cells with a bare separator but also induces homogeneous Li deposition during cycling. As a result, an areal capacity of 7.6 mAh cm−2 under a sulfur loading of 7.5 mg cm−2 and a high stability over 500 cycles are achieved. Our work demonstrates a feasible strategy of utilizing a laminar separator interlayer for advanced Li–S batteries awaiting commercialization and may shed light on the understanding of heterostructure catalysis with enhanced reaction kinetics.
Dynamics of a plant–pollinator network: extending the Bianconi–Barabási model
Authors: Castillo William J. , Burkle Laura A. , Dormann Carsten F.
Published: June 2024

We study the dynamical assembly of weighted bipartite networks to understand the hidden mechanisms of pollination, expanding the Bianconi–Barabási model where nodes have intrinsic properties. Allowing for a non-linear interaction rate, which represents the seasonality of flowers and pollinators, our analysis reveals similarity of this extended Bianconi–Barabási model with field observations. While our current approach may not fully account for the diverse range of interaction accretion slopes observed in the real world, we regard it as an important step towards enriching theoretical models with biological realism.
Bigraded Betti numbers and generalized persistence diagrams
Authors: Kim Woojin , Moore Samantha
Published: June 2024

Commutative diagrams of vector spaces and linear maps over $$\mathbb {Z}^2$$

Z

2

are objects of interest in topological data analysis (TDA) where this type of diagrams are called 2-parameter persistence modules. Given that quiver representation theory tells us that such diagrams are of wild type, studying informative invariants of a 2-parameter persistence module M is of central importance in TDA. One of such invariants is the generalized rank invariant, recently introduced by Kim and Mémoli. Via the Möbius inversion of the generalized rank invariant of M, we obtain a collection of connected subsets $$I\subset \mathbb {Z}^2$$

I
⊂

Z

2

with signed multiplicities. This collection generalizes the well known notion of persistence barcode of a persistence module over $$\mathbb {R}$$
R
from TDA. In this paper we show that the bigraded Betti numbers of M, a classical algebraic invariant of M, are obtained by counting the corner points of these subsets Is. Along the way, we verify that an invariant of 2-parameter persistence modules called the interval decomposable approximation (introduced by Asashiba et al.) also encodes the bigraded Betti numbers in a similar fashion. We also show that the aforementioned results are optimal in the sense that they cannot be extended to d-parameter persistence modules for $$d \ge 3$$

d
≥
3

.
Berücksichtigung heterogener Lernbedarfe im Rahmen der Arbeit mit Wochenplänen
Authors: Decristan Jasmin , Rieser Svenja
Published: June 2024

Eine Öffnung des Unterrichts und Maßnahmen der Binnendifferenzierung stellen zwei zentrale Konzepte dar, um die heterogenen Lernbedarfe der Schüler*innen zu berücksichtigen. Durch die Arbeit mit Wochenplänen lassen sich beide Konzepte simultan realisieren. Es mangelt jedoch an aktuellen empirischen Studien zur Nutzung und Ausgestaltung der Wochenplanarbeit in der Schulpraxis. In diesem Beitrag werden Angaben von 326 Lehrkräften aus einer bundesweiten Online-Befragung einbezogen und Unterschiede in der Nutzung und Ausgestaltung von Wochenplänen zwischen drei Schulformvergleichsgruppen (Regelschulen ab der Sekundarstufe, Grundschulen, Förderschulen) analysiert sowie die zusätzliche Bedeutung der Überzeugungen zur Wochenplanarbeit geprüft. Es ergeben sich drei Kernbefunde: (1.) Weniger Lehrkräfte an Regelschulen ab der Sekundarstufe geben im Vergleich zu denjenigen an Grundschulen oder Förderschulen an, Wochenpläne zu nutzen. (2.) Im Falle einer Nutzung von Wochenplänen (n = 215) ist der Grad an Öffnung (operationalisiert über den Anteil an Pflichtaufgaben) zwischen den drei Schulformvergleichsgruppen vergleichbar hoch, das Ausmaß an schwierigkeitsbezogener Differenzierung ist hingegen mit im Mittel vier Stufen pro Klasse an Förderschulen besonders groß. (3.) Die Überzeugungen der Lehrkräfte zur Geeignetheit des Wochenplans für eine Differenzierung können selbstberichtete Nutzung und Ausgestaltung von Wochenplänen mit erklären, während Überzeugungen zur Öffnung nicht mit der Wochenplanarbeit einhergehen. Die Ergebnisse werden vor dem Hintergrund des gegenwärtigen Diskurses zum Umgang mit Heterogenität kritisch eingeordnet und erlauben schulformspezifische Implikationen für die Aus- und Weiterbildung von Lehrkräften.
Generative Künstliche Intelligenz in Unterricht und Unterrichtsforschung – Chancen und Herausforderungen
Authors: Neumann Knut , Kuhn Jochen , Drachsler Hendrik
Published: June 2024

Eine zentrale Herausforderung der Unterrichtswissenschaft bzw. der unterrichtsbezogenen Lehr-Lern-Forschung stellt ohne Frage die gewinnbringende Nutzung Künstlicher Intelligenz dar. Obwohl Künstliche Intelligenz (KI) in den letzten Jahren und Jahrzehnten zunehmend Einzug in unseren Alltag gehalten hat (z. B. im Rahmen der Sprachsteuerung von Geräten), markierte die Veröffentlichung von chatGPT einen Meilenstein. ChatGPT unterstützt den Menschen nicht nur in einem eng begrenzten Anwendungsbereich, sondern eröffnet in vielen Bereichen völlig neue Möglichkeiten, die aktuell allenfalls oberflächlich erforscht sind. So kann chatGPT Aufgaben zur Leistungsbewertung generieren (und lösen), Schülervorstellungen erkennen und Strategien zum Umgang damit vorschlagen oder etwa Lehrkräfte bei der Erstellung von Unterrichtsmaterialien und der Planung von Unterrichtsreihen unterstützen. Bisher ist jedoch noch überwiegend unklar, wie dieses Potenzial entsprechender KI gewinnbringend für den Unterricht bzw. das unterrichtliche Lehren und Lernen genutzt werden kann und wo mögliche Herausforderungen liegen. Insbesondere ist bisher auch offen, welches Potenzial der Einsatz von KI für die Unterrichtsforschung hat und wo hier im Sinne wissenschaftlicher Lauterkeit (ethische) Grenzen zu setzen sind. Dieser Beitrag beleuchtet Potenzial und Herausforderungen, die der Einsatz von KI in Unterricht und Unterrichtsforschung mit sich bringt und leitet Fragen ab, denen sich die Unterrichtsforschung widmen sollte, um eine wissenschaftliche Basis für den Einsatz von KI zu schaffen.
EdTech in a Broken World: Breaking and Repairing in Argentinian and German Schools
Authors: González López Alejo Ezequiel , Büchner Felix
Published: June 2024

This article offers insights into the everyday postdigital school life of two schools from two different world regions—Argentina and Germany. Based on ethnographic research in both contexts, it traces the introduction of one educational technology in each case, from the moment of its conception in policy documents to its landing in schools, its appropriation by various school actors and its integration into the socio-technical infrastructure of the classroom. Although both schools are situated differently and both technologies—a learning management system and a tablet computer—are of different quality, the article demonstrates the existence of a remarkable commonality in the journey of both educational technologies: their breakdown and the repair practices performed by various school actors. Breakdown and repair are analysed and conceptualised with reference to the Broken World Thinking exercise. By applying an Ethnography of Global Connections, the locally identified practices in both schools are framed as manifestations of global digitalisation processes in education. The article aims to shift the focus of critical EdTech studies towards two socio-material forces that are commonly addressed separately: material disruption and reassembling (and all the friction in between).
Progress in mass spectrometry approaches to profiling protein–protein interactions in the studies of the innate immune system
Authors: Kim Doeun , Nita-Lazar Aleksandra
Published: June 2024

Understanding protein–protein interactions (PPIs) is pivotal for deciphering the intricacies of biological processes. Dysregulation of PPIs underlies a spectrum of diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and autoimmune conditions, highlighting the imperative of investigating these interactions for therapeutic advancements. This review delves into the realm of mass spectrometry-based techniques for elucidating PPIs and their profound implications in biological research. Mass spectrometry in the PPI research field not only facilitates the evaluation of protein–protein interaction modulators but also discovers unclear molecular mechanisms and sheds light on both on- and off-target effects, thus aiding in drug development. Our discussion navigates through six pivotal techniques: affinity purification mass spectrometry (AP-MS), proximity labeling mass spectrometry (PL-MS), cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS), size exclusion chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (SEC-MS), limited proteolysis-coupled mass spectrometry (LiP-MS), and thermal proteome profiling (TPP).