bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental investigation of heating augmentation by particle kinetic energy conversion in dust-laden supersonic flows
Authors: Allofs Dirk , Neeb Dominik , Gülhan Ali
Published: October 2023

The presence of particles in supersonic flows can cause significant increases in stagnation point heat fluxes (Dunbar et al. in AIAA J 13:908–912, 1975). This effect is commonly named ‘particle-induced heat flux augmentation’ or just ‘heating augmentation.’ Heating augmentation can be described as the sum of the conversion of kinetic energy of the particles into thermal energy, characterized by the energy conversion efficiency, also called accommodation coefficient, and the increase of convective heat flux (Polezhaev et al. in High Temp 30:1147–1153, 1992; Vasilevskii and Osiptsov in Experimental and numerical study of heat transfer on a blunt body in dusty hypersonic flow 33rd thermophysics conference, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1999). Although the accommodation coefficient is fundamental for heating augmentation characterization, there is only a small number of experimental datasets for it. This work focusses on the experimental determination of the accommodation coefficient in flow regimes at Mach number 2.1, Reynolds number, based on the probe nose diameter, from approx. 6e5 to 1.8e6, and nominal particle sizes of approx. 20 µm. The decrease of particle velocity and kinetic energy flux in the shock layer is measured with highly resolved shadowgraphy for individual particles. The particle kinetic energy flux is decreased by 29% on average by particle deceleration in the shock layer. Negligible kinetic energy fluxes of rebounded particles were measured. The accommodation coefficient is approx. 0.36 for Al2O3 and SiO2 particles, while it is approx. 0.09 for MgO particles. Hence, it is significantly smaller than the widely used value of 0.7, based on the study of (Fleener and Watson in Convective heating in dust-laden hypersonic flows 8th thermophysics conference, 1973), but in good agreement with values given in (Hove and Shih in Reentry vehicle stagnation region heat transfer in particle environments 15th aerospace sciences meeting, 1977) and (Molleson and Stasenko in High Temp 55:87–94, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1134/S0018151X1701014X ). No difference between erosive and elastic particle reflection mode was detected on the conversion efficiency. The data from a simplification of the modeling approach of the conversion efficiency for elastic particle reflection by Molleson and Stasenko (2017) are in poor agreement with experimental data.
GPS data analysis and geodetic velocity field investigation in Greece, 2001–2016
Authors: Bitharis Stylianos , Pikridas Christos , Fotiou Aristeidis , Rossikopoulos Dimitrios
Published: October 2023

In this study, an updated crustal velocity field for the Greece area was estimated using a time series analysis that covers a duration of 16 years (2001–2016) from 227 Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) permanent stations. The GPS processing was carried out using GNSS Analysis software at MIT (GAMIT) and the velocity field expressed with respect to Eurasian plate. For the time series analysis, we applied a robust Median Interannual Difference Adjusted for Skewness trend estimator to mitigate the effects of discontinuities due to geophysical phenomena on the estimation of geodetic velocities and their uncertainties. The main earthquake events that occurred in the GPS time series analysis in the study area are analyzed, providing the co-seismic displacements in the permanent GNSS stations. We also compare our geodetic velocities with five previous publications, where we found consistency at the mm/year level, leading to reliable results for the geodynamic behavior of the Greek area, providing a dense velocity field.
Religion and survival among European older adults
Authors: Christopoulos Konstantinos
Published: October 2023

There are several pathways through which religion can affect longevity. Previous research, predominately from North America, has shown decreased mortality risk for participants that attended religious services. This study aims to examine the association between religion and all-cause mortality in a large sample of older European adults, comparing religious affiliations, and using prayer frequency as well as frequency of participation in a religious organisation as measures of religiousness. To this end, a total of 16,062 participants from the Survey of Health Ageing and Retirement in Europe were employed for a survival analysis (median follow-up 11.3 years; 3790 recorded deaths). Following a religion was negatively associated with mortality regardless of demographic and socioeconomic factors (HR = 0.81; 95% CI 0.74–0.89). Large differences in the median survival of participants from different religious affiliations can be mostly attributed to demographic and socioeconomic factors. Both frequency of prayer and religious participation exhibited a significant positive dose–response relationship with survival despite adjustments, although the results for religious participation were more profound. Changes on the religiosity levels of the European population will require additional research on the subject in the future.
Manure trial evaluation of Bacillus velezensis PHP1601 as a viable biocontrol candidate against nuisance fly species at an operational piggery
Authors: Ramesar Danvir Rajesh , Hunter Charles Haig
Published: October 2023

Fly infestations threaten farming and livestock operations, contributing to animal irritation and the spread of serious diseases. In this study, the application of Bacillus velezensis PHP1601 (Bacillales: Bacillaceae) treatments (105 and 1010 endospore g−1) to pig manure slurries was evaluated as a means of controlling fly reproductive cycles. Two cycles of fly emergence were evaluated over a 33 days period for each replicated trial. For both treatments, the first emergence event resulted in a significant reduction in the percentage of flies emerging compared to an un-treated control. Extended monitoring of the biocontrol containers revealed that fly emergence was completely eliminated by the time that a second round of fly emergence was observed for the control. A B. velezensis-specific real-time PCR method was developed and used to assess the population dynamics of the applied biocontrol agent over the course of the experiment. Strain PHP1601 remained viable in the manure and cell numbers increased by several orders of magnitude. REP-PCR fingerprinting was used to confirm the clonality of endospores recovered from the manure. Fly species recovered from the trials were identified by cytochrome oxidase gene barcode sequencing. Several species of veterinary and medically significant flies were identified. They were all deemed to be susceptible to treatments with PHP1601 and constituted part of the strain's host range. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of B. velezensis PHP1601 as a promising biocontrol agent for controlling fly infestations under conditions similar to its intended use.
Four’s a crowd: social preferences for larger groups in golden mantella (Mantella aurantiaca) tadpoles
Authors: Wright Daniel , Newton-Youens Jade , Frommen Joachim G.
Published: October 2023

Group living results in various benefits and costs, which often depend on group size and ontogenetic state of the individual. Therefore, certain group sizes are favourable over others, often depending on individual age or intrinsic state. Under natural conditions many amphibians can be found in aggregations, especially during the larval stage. Yet, whether these aggregations are the result of active social preferences or are driven by environmental factors has only been tested in a limited number of taxa. This study explores social preferences and group size discrimination in golden mantella (Mantella aurantiaca) tadpoles. We gave tadpoles the choice between different numbers of conspecifics using a two-choice design. To test for general social tendency, tadpoles could either join a group of three or remain solitary (3 vs. 0). To test for group size preferences, we tested tadpoles in two different ratios: 2 vs. 1 and 4 vs. 2 conspecifics. We repeated the trials weekly until metamorphosis to determine potential shifts in preference through ontogeny. Tadpoles preferred being with a group over being alone, and the strength of this preference declined with increasing age. Furthermore, tadpoles preferred to be close to the larger of two groups. This preference was stronger in the 2 vs. 1 treatment. Mantella aurantiaca tadpoles, therefore, show clear social tendencies and possess the ability to spontaneously discriminate between group sizes. The lower preference at higher group sizes might indicate cognitive limitations or lower benefits of choosing the larger of two groups when overall group size is high. These findings are one of the few showing social preferences depending on group size in tadpoles and contribute to our understanding of social behaviour in amphibians in general.
Using particle-loaded inks to selectively change the material properties in binder-jetted WC–Co parts
Authors: Lehmann Maja , Kolb Cara G. , Gschloessl Josef , Zaeh Michael F.
Published: October 2023

Functionally graded hardmetals offer a superior combination of fracture toughness and wear resistance and alleviate the compromise that conventional hardmetals must face between these two material properties. In tooling applications, they exhibit superior cutting performance compared to the conventionally employed hardmetals. Traditionally, graded tools are enabled by a surface treatment with nitrogen or carbon. This enables a tungsten carbide–cobalt (WC–Co) tool with a surface layer containing less cobalt (Co) than the core of the part. With this Co gradation, the wear properties can be improved due to the harder surface. If different loads act at different points in a tool and the geometric complexity of a tool increases, the requirements for a targeted positioning of the Co gradients become higher. A simple surface treatment does not allow a flexible distribution of the desired gradients. Binder jetting provides a solution to produce location-independent graded structures. In this work, the process was evaluated for the generation of Co gradients in WC–Co structures. Inks loaded with graphite particle contents of 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 m% were used to create differences in the carbon content in the green part. This induced a Co migration during the liquid phase sintering process. The sintering parameters were varied in time and temperature and studied regarding their effect on the microstructure and the porosity, the formation of the Co gradient, and the hardness. At low sintering times and temperatures, all carbon differences led to a Co gradient in the sintering part with a deviation of up to 10 m%. With an increase in sintering time and temperature, the Co distribution began to even out, and a deviation was observed only in the parts created with the inks containing 7.5 and 10 m% of particles. Hardness values of up to 1300 HV10 were obtained, which is comparable to conventionally produced WC–Co parts. The excess of carbon resulted in porosity in the parts leading to a reduced density. However, with inks containing 10 m% particles, densities of 94.26% were achieved at the longest sintering times and the highest temperature.
X-ray line profile analysis study on the evolution of the microstructure in additively manufactured 316L steel during severe plastic deformation
Authors: Gubicza Jenő , Kawasaki Megumi , Dankházi Zoltán , Windisch Márk , El-Tahawy Moustafa
Published: October 2023

316L stainless steel was manufactured by additive manufacturing (AM), and then, the samples were severely deformed by the high-pressure torsion (HPT) technique. The evolution of the microstructure was monitored by X-ray line profile analysis. This method gives the crystallite size and the density of lattice defects, such as dislocations and twin faults. The AM-processing of the HPT disks was performed in two different modes: the laser beam was parallel or orthogonal to the normal direction of the disks. The subsequent HPT deformation was carried out for ½, 1, 5 and 10 turns. The microstructure and hardness evolution during HPT were similar regardless of the laser beam direction. For both sample series, the minimum achievable crystallite size was about 30 nm, while the dislocation density and the twin fault probability got saturated at the values of 300–350 × 1014 m−2 and 3.5–4%, respectively. The microstructure evolution during HPT of the AM-prepared 316L steel was compared with the HPT-induced changes in an as-cast counterpart. It was found that while the AM-prepared 316L steel remained a single-phase face-centered cubic γ-structure during HPT, in the as-cast samples a body-centered cubic (bcc) martensitic α-phase became the main phase with increasing the imposed strain of HPT due to the lower Ni content. In the saturation state achieved by HPT the initially as-cast 316L steel had a considerably higher hardness (about 6000 MPa) than that for the AM-prepared samples (~ 5000 MPa) due to the large fraction of the hard bcc phase formed during HPT.
Norwegian classroom teachers’ and specialized “resource” teachers’ dyslexia knowledge
Authors: Solheim Oddny Judith , Arntzen Julie , Foldnes Njål
Published: October 2023

Students with reading difficulties such as dyslexia receive most of their instruction in mainstream classrooms, but many teachers feel inadequately prepared to teach students with dyslexia and/or report that dyslexia was inadequately addressed in their training. However, depending on a school’s organization, it may be sufficient that classroom teachers know enough to realize when to ask for support with identification and accommodation from specialized teachers with greater knowledge. In the present study we first investigate dyslexia knowledge in a sample of Norwegian upper-elementary-school teachers (N = 269). Second, we examine whether specialized (“resource”) teachers are more knowledgeable about dyslexia than classroom teachers. Finally, we explore whether teaching experience and having encountered reading-related themes in formal training predict dyslexia knowledge. Overall, we find that only a small share of teachers holds misconceptions about dyslexia. However, a notable proportion of them are uncertain, especially regarding the role of visual deficits in dyslexia. Somewhat surprisingly, resource teachers have only marginally higher dyslexia knowledge than classroom teachers. Finally, neither experience nor reading-related course content in formal training are substantial predictors of dyslexia knowledge. The large extent of uncertainty concerning dyslexia suggests a need to reconsider teacher training curriculum and opportunities for teacher professional development.
Reimagining learning provisions for asylum seekers in Italy: An exploration of asylum seekers’ experiences of recognition and misrecognition in adult learning centres
Authors: Oshodi Darasimi Powei
Published: October 2023

This article employs narrative methodologies to present the stories of three asylum seekers enrolled in two adult learning centres in the Lombardy region of Italy. The author draws on Axel Honneth’s theory of recognition to provide an understanding of how these adult learners’ experiences might impact their self-identity. Based on the narratives the participants provided in the course of interviews the author conducted with them, this article highlights some shortcomings in the learning provision for asylum seekers in Italy. Using interpretative analysis, the participants’ experiences are discussed under three categories: (1) valorisation of certificates; (2) appropriateness of teaching methods; and (3) recognition of prior learning. The author concludes that greater efforts should be put into recognising the asylum seekers’ previous experiences, and training adult educators who work with asylum seekers in adult learning principles.
Cultural Intolerance, in Practice: Social Variation in Food and Drink Avoidances in Italy, 2003–2016
Authors: Oncini Filippo , Rödl Malte B. , Triventi Moris , Warde Alan
Published: October 2023

Sociological literature on cultural practices seeking to understand the social differentiation of taste pays limited attention to what people avoid consuming, despite its potential as a strategic indicator of taste. Avoidance has special relevance for the understanding of eating and drinking practices which are often characterized by exclusion of items for health, hedonic, reputational, or spiritual reasons. Making use of rich data on twenty-three items commonly consumed by Italian adults, this paper investigates how avoidances—i.e. what people claim never to eat or drink—are clustered, socially patterned and have evolved over time. Methodologically, we propose the novel use and integration of two machine learning techniques—Self-Organizing Maps (SOM) and Boosted Regression Trees (BRT)— to identify nine highly homogeneous avoidance clusters and examine the power of social variables in predicting the probability of individuals’ belonging to various clusters and to further characterize them. We conclude by discussing possible rationales behind avoidance.
Job Satisfaction and the ‘Great Resignation’: An Exploratory Machine Learning Analysis
Authors: Celbiş Mehmet Güney , Wong Pui-Hang , Kourtit Karima , Nijkamp Peter
Published: October 2023

Labor market dynamics is shaped by various social, psychological and economic drivers. Studies have suggested that job quit and labor market turnover are associated with job satisfaction. This study examines the determinants of job satisfaction using a large survey dataset, namely the LISS Work and Schooling module on an extensive sample of persons from the Netherlands. To handle these big data, machine learning models based on binary recursive partitioning algorithms are employed. Particularly, sequential and randomized tree-based techniques are used for prediction and clustering purposes. In order to interpret the results, the study calculates the sizes and directions of the effects of model features using computations based on the concept of Shapley value in cooperative game theory. The findings suggest that satisfaction with the social atmosphere among colleagues, wage satisfaction, and feeling of being appreciated are major determinants of job satisfaction.
Validating Corruption Risk Measures: A Key Step to Monitoring SDG Progress
Authors: Gnaldi Michela , Del Sarto Simone
Published: October 2023

The Agenda 2030 recognises corruption as a major obstacle to sustainable development and integrates its reduction among SDG targets, in view of developing peaceful, just and strong institutions. In this paper, we propose a method to assess the validity of corruption indicators within an Item Response Theory framework, which explicitly accounts for the latent and multidimensional facet of corruption. Towards this main aim, a set of fifteen red flag indicators of corruption risk in public procurement is computed on data included in the Italian National Database of Public Contracts. Results show a multidimensional structure composed of sub-groups of red flag indicators i. measuring distinct corruption risk categories, which differ in nature, type and entity, and are generally non-superimposable; ii. mirroring distinct dynamics related to specific SDG principles and targets.
Cross-Scale Processes of Magnetic Reconnection
Authors: Hwang K.-J. , Nakamura R. , Eastwood J. P. , Fuselier S. A. , Hasegawa H. , Nakamura T. , Lavraud B. , Dokgo K. , Turner D. L. , Ergun R. E. , Reiff P. H.
Published: October 2023

Various physical processes in association with magnetic reconnection occur over multiple scales from the microscopic to macroscopic scale lengths. This paper reviews multi-scale and cross-scale aspects of magnetic reconnection revealed in the near-Earth space beyond the general global-scale features and magnetospheric circulation organized by the Dungey Cycle. Significant and novel advancements recently reported, in particular, since the launch of the Magnetospheric Multi-scale mission (MMS), are highlighted being categorized into different locations with different magnetic topologies. These potentially paradigm-shifting findings include shock and foreshock transient driven reconnection, magnetosheath turbulent reconnection, flow shear driven reconnection, multiple X-line structures generated in the dayside/flankside/nightside magnetospheric current sheets, development and evolution of reconnection-driven structures such as flux transfer events, flux ropes, and dipolarization fronts, and their interactions with ambient plasmas. The paper emphasizes key aspects of kinetic processes leading to multi-scale structures and bringing large-scale impacts of magnetic reconnection as discovered in the geospace environment. These key features can be relevant and applicable to understanding other heliospheric and astrophysical systems.
Performing legitimate choice narratives in physics: possibilities for under-represented physics students
Authors: Johansson Anders , Nyström Anne-Sofie , Gonsalves Allison J. , Danielsson Anna T.
Published: October 2023

Higher education physics has long been a field with a disproportionately skewed representation in terms of gender, class, and ethnicity. Responding to this challenge, this study explores the trajectories of “unexpected” (i.e., demographically under-represented) students into higher education physics. Based on timeline-guided life-history interviews with 21 students enrolled in university physics programs across Sweden, the students’ accounts of their trajectories into physics are analyzed aschoice narratives. The analysis explores what ingredients are used to tell a legitimate story of physics participation, in relation to dominant discourses in physics culture, and wider social and political discourses. Results indicate that students narrate their choice as based on motivations of physics being a prestigious and challenging subject, of a deep interest in and a natural ability for physics, as well as a wish to use physics for contributing to the world. While most of these affiliations to physics has been documented in earlier research, the study shows how they are negotiated in relation to social locations such as gender, class and migration history, and used to perform an authentic and legitimate choice narrative in the interview situation. Furthermore, the study reports and discusses the possibility of conceiving the role of physics in students’ lives as something beyond a “pure”, intellectually challenging, and “prestigious” subject. In contrast, and with implications for widening participation, the stories of “unexpected” physics students indicate that physics can be reconceived as socially and altruistically oriented.
Women at Altitude: Sex-Related Physiological Responses to Exercise in Hypoxia
Authors: Raberin Antoine , Burtscher Johannes , Citherlet Tom , Manferdelli Giorgio , Krumm Bastien , Bourdillon Nicolas , Antero Juliana , Rasica Letizia , Malatesta Davide , Brocherie Franck , Burtscher Martin , Millet Grégoire P.
Published: October 2023

Sex differences in physiological responses to various stressors, including exercise, have been well documented. However, the specific impact of these differences on exposure to hypoxia, both at rest and during exercise, has remained underexplored. Many studies on the physiological responses to hypoxia have either excluded women or included only a limited number without analyzing sex-related differences. To address this gap, this comprehensive review conducted an extensive literature search to examine changes in physiological functions related to oxygen transport and consumption in hypoxic conditions. The review encompasses various aspects, including ventilatory responses, cardiovascular adjustments, hematological alterations, muscle metabolism shifts, and autonomic function modifications. Furthermore, it delves into the influence of sex hormones, which evolve throughout life, encompassing considerations related to the menstrual cycle and menopause. Among these physiological functions, the ventilatory response to exercise emerges as one of the most sex-sensitive factors that may modify reactions to hypoxia. While no significant sex-based differences were observed in cardiac hemodynamic changes during hypoxia, there is evidence of greater vascular reactivity in women, particularly at rest or when combined with exercise. Consequently, a diffusive mechanism appears to be implicated in sex-related variations in responses to hypoxia. Despite well-established sex disparities in hematological parameters, both acute and chronic hematological responses to hypoxia do not seem to differ significantly between sexes. However, it is important to note that these responses are sensitive to fluctuations in sex hormones, and further investigation is needed to elucidate the impact of the menstrual cycle and menopause on physiological responses to hypoxia.
Test diagnostici per il diabete insipido: un aggiornamento
Authors: Berton Alessandro Maria , Prencipe Nunzia , Varaldo Emanuele , Settanni Fabio , Zenga Francesco , Gasco Valentina , Grottoli Silvia
Published: October 2023

Sommario

Il corretto riconoscimento dei casi di diabete insipido, in particolar modo parziale, rimane tutt’oggi una sfida per l’endocrinologo. Nuovi test di stimolo, osmotici e non, che prevedono la determinazione plasmatica di copeptina, sono stati proposti negli ultimi anni, modificando irreversibilmente le flow-chart diagnostiche. In questa rassegna sono riportate le principali evidenze in merito a tali procedure, con attenzione particolare all’accuratezza e ai limiti intrinseci di ciascuna di esse.
Knowledge-aware progressive clustering for social image
Authors: Li Mingyuan , Dong Yadong , Liu Dongqing , Yan Xiaoqiang , Yue Caitong , Ren Xiangyang
Published: October 2023

Social image data refer to the annotated image with tags in social media, in which the tags are always labeled by users. Integrating the visual and textual information of social image can obtain accurate and comprehensive feature and improve clustering performance. However, the heterogeneous gap between tags and images makes it difficult to reasonably organize the social images. In addition, the tags are often sparse and incomplete due to personal preference and cognition differences of users. To solve these problems, we propose a novel knowledge-aware progressive clustering (KAPC) method, which employs human knowledge to guide the cross-modal clustering of social images. Firstly, we design a dual-similarity semantic expansion strategy to complement the sparse tags with human knowledge, which constructs a more complete semantic similarity matrix for tags through knowledge graphs. Secondly, we define an objective function based on information theory to bridge the heterogeneous gap, which align inter-modal cluster distribution to explore the correlation between visual and textual information. Finally, a progressive iteration method is designed to make the two modalities guide each other and obtain better performance of social image clustering. Extensive experiments on four social image datasets verify the effectiveness of the proposed KAPC method.
Loop space decompositions of highly symmetric spaces with applications to polyhedral products
Authors: Stanton Lewis
Published: October 2023

We generalise the fold map for the wedge sum and use this to give a loop space decomposition of topological spaces with a high degree of symmetry. This is applied to polyhedral products to give a loop space decomposition of polyhedral products associated to families of graphs.
Geomechanical Properties of Clay Stabilised with Fly Ash-Based Geopolymer Subjected to Long-Term Sulfate Attack
Authors: Abdullah Hayder H. , Shahin Mohamed A.
Published: October 2023

Fly ash-based geopolymers have emerged as an eco-friendly alternative binder compared to conventional Portland cement for soil stabilisation. However, the gap in the current literature is the lack of a comprehensive study regarding the geomechanical behaviour of fly ash geopolymer-treated clay subjected to long-term sulfate attack, particularly in terms of potential ettringite formation and the corresponding impact on cementitious soil structure. The goal of this paper is to address this knowledge gap and provide a comprehensive study to fulfil it. In this work, sulfate attack was simulated by submerging geopolymer-treated clay specimens in two distinct sulfate-based solutions (i.e., sodium and magnesium), for one year. Subsequently, comparative analyses of the geomechanical and microstructural changes in geopolymer-treated clay under various curing conditions were conducted through unconfined compressive strength, direct shear, volume change and microscopic tests. The findings indicate that the addition of geopolymer for the stabilisation of clay soil significantly improves soil strength without affecting the soil volumetric response. Although the clay used exhibited similar qualitative stress–strain behaviour across all simulated attacks, notable quantitative differences emerged in the peak strength, stiffness and shear strength parameters. Such discrepancies can primarily be attributed to the varying buffering capacities (i.e., pH changes associated with acidification) of the sulfate solutions and the subsequent residual pH, cementitious product formation and strength enhancement within the treated clay.
Decentralizing the lightning network: a score-based recommendation strategy for the autopilot system
Authors: Mahdizadeh Mohammad Saleh , Bahrak Behnam , Sayad Haghighi Mohammad
Published: October 2023

The fundamental objective of the Lightning Network is to establish a decentralized platform for scaling the Bitcoin network and facilitating high-throughput micropayments. However, this network has gradually deviated from its decentralized topology since its operational inception, and its resources have quickly shifted towards centralization. The evolution of the network and the changes in its topology have been critically reviewed and criticized due to its increasing centralization. This study delves into the network’s topology and the reasons behind its centralized evolution. We explain the incentives of various participating nodes in the network and propose a score-based strategy for the Lightning Autopilot system, which is responsible for automatically establishing new payment channels for the nodes joining the network. Our study demonstrates that utilizing the proposed strategy could significantly aid in reducing the network’s centralization. This strategy is grounded in qualitative labeling of network nodes based on topological and protocol features, followed by the creation of a scoring and recommendation model. Results of the experiments indicate that in the evolved network using the proposed strategy, concentration indicators such as the Gini coefficient can decrease by up to 17%, and channels ownership of the top 1% of hubs decrease by 27% compared to other autopilot strategies. Moreover, through simulated targeted attacks on hubs and channels, it is shown that by adopting the proposed strategy, the network’s resilience is increased compared to the existing autopilot strategies for evolved networks. The proposed method from this research can also be integrated into operational Lightning clients and potentially replace the current recommendation methods used in Lightning Autopilot.
Psychedelics action and schizophrenia
Authors: Maćkowiak Marzena
Published: October 2023

Psychedelics are compounds acting by serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)2A receptor activation and induce several behavioral responses. They are of special interest because of their positive effects on neuropsychiatric disorders (depression and posttraumatic stress disorder). However, several findings revealed that some psychedelic actions are similar to symptoms observed in schizophrenia (psychosis, sensorimotor gating impairments, attention, and working memory deficits) which might limit their clinical applications. Psychedelics activate some neurotransmitters, i.e., serotonergic, and glutamatergic, that are also impaired in schizophrenia. Therefore, the neurobiological background of psychedelics and schizophrenia is partially similar. Another important aspect to discuss is the perspective of using psychedelics in schizophrenia therapy. Postmortem studies showed a loss of synapses in schizophrenia, and the positive effects of psychedelics on neuroplasticity (synaptogenesis, neurogenesis, and neuritogenesis) might be essential in the context of schizophrenia therapy. However, because of psychedelics' psychotic action, the recommended doses of psychedelics in schizophrenia treatment are not established, and subpsychedelic dosing or microdosing are considered. Exploratory studies are needed to determine the tolerability of treatment and appropriate dosing regimen. Another therapeutic option is using non-hallucinogenic psychedelic analogs that also induce neuroplastic outcomes but do not have psychotogenic effects. Further preclinical and clinical studies are needed to recognize the potential effectiveness of 5-HT2A agonists in schizophrenia therapy.
Promoting industrial symbiosis and circularisation by optimising waste-based briquette shelf life
Authors: Ossei-Bremang Rejoice Ntiriwaa , Adjei Eunice Akyereko , Kemausuor Francis , Gyenin Eric Kwesi
Published: October 2023

The fusion of the circular economy and industrial symbiosis has several advantages from an economic and developmental standpoint. Cooking energy security issues in Africa can partly be solved by the utilization of waste resources in energy technology decisions such as briquette. However, one of the limitations associated with waste-based briquettes has been identified as a reduction in efficiency when stored for a long period of time under varied storage conditions. The aim of this study was to ascertain the effects of storage time and exposure on the calorific value and mechanical characteristics of a waste-based composite briquette made from oil palm shell and decanter cake after 180 days of storage. The calorific value decreased by 12.99% and 31.40%, respectively, for sealed packaged storage and open-air storage. On the 180th day of the experiment, the packaged storage and the open-air storage registered 1000.48 kg/m3 and 870 kg/m3, 72.34% and 100%, 712% and 895%, and 118% and 143% for relaxed densities, shatter indices, resistance to impact, and hygroscopic properties respectively. Manufacturers within West Africa can adopt the findings in this study as a guide for their processes.
Influence of additives on strength enhancement and greenhouse gas emissions of pre-cast lime-based construction products
Authors: O’Flaherty F. J. , Khalaf F. J. , Starinieri V.
Published: October 2023

Strength properties of laboratory scale lime-based samples enhanced with additives such as nanomaterials (nanofibrillated cellulose, nanosilica, nanoclay, expanded graphite), hemp & glass fibres, hemp shiv and polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) are determined. Samples were cured for 26 days in air at 20˚C / 60% RH after casting before being oven dried for a further two days at 50˚C (28 days total). Results show that the nanomaterials on their own had a mixed effect on the strength although nSiO2 as a solo additive performed exceptionally well. The combination of fibres in conjunction with PVAc also greatly enhanced the strength due to increased bond between the fibres and the matrix. In addition, Greenhouse Gas emissions (GHG, kgCO2eq) of an arbitrary block was determined for all composites and compared to the GHG of a commonly used lightweight aerated concrete block. Comparison of the normalised compressive strengths to the different loading conditions as outlined in BS EN 8103 shows that a more widespread use of pre-cast lime composites is possible and without unduly increasing GHG emissions.
The art of gathering: histories of international scientific conferences
Authors: Bigg Charlotte , Reinisch Jessica , Somsen Geert , Widmalm Sven
Published: October 2023

Hundreds of thousands of conferences have taken place since their first appearance in the late eighteenth century, yet the history of science has often treated them as stages for scientific practice, not as the play itself. Drawing on recent work in the history of science and of international relations, the introduction to this special issue suggests avenues for exploring the phenomenon of the international scientific conference, broadly construed, by highlighting the connected dimensions of communication, sociability and international relations. It lays out a typology of scientific conferences as a way of gaining an overview of their diversity in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. It argues that the international scientific conference is a central locus for understanding science as a social, cultural and political practice.
Efficacy of GV1001 with gemcitabine/capecitabine in previously untreated patients with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma having high serum eotaxin levels (KG4/2015): an open-label, randomised, Phase 3 trial
Authors: Jo Jung Hyun , Kim Yong-Tae , Choi Ho Soon , Kim Ho Gak , Lee Hong Sik , Choi Young Woo , Kim Dong Uk , Lee Kwang Hyuck , Kim Eui Joo , Han Joung-Ho , Lee Seung Ok , Park Chang-Hwan , Choi Eun Kwang , Kim Jae Woo , Cho Jae Yong , Lee Woo Jin , Moon Hyungsik Roger , Park Mi-Suk , Kim Sangjae , Song Si Young
Published: October 2023

Background

The TeloVac study indicated GV1001 did not improve the survival of advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the cytokine examinations suggested that high serum eotaxin levels may predict responses to GV1001. This Phase III trial assessed the efficacy of GV1001 with gemcitabine/capecitabine for eotaxin-high patients with untreated advanced PDAC.

Methods

Patients recruited from 16 hospitals received gemcitabine (1000 mg/m2, D 1, 8, and 15)/capecitabine (830 mg/m2 BID for 21 days) per month either with (GV1001 group) or without (control group) GV1001 (0.56 mg; D 1, 3, and 5, once on week 2–4, 6, then monthly thereafter) at random in a 1:1 ratio. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) and secondary end points included time to progression (TTP), objective response rate, and safety.

Results

Total 148 patients were randomly assigned to the GV1001 (n = 75) and control groups (n = 73). The GV1001 group showed improved median OS (11.3 vs. 7.5 months, P = 0.021) and TTP (7.3 vs. 4.5 months, P = 0.021) compared to the control group. Grade >3 adverse events were reported in 77.3% and 73.1% in the GV1001 and control groups (P = 0.562), respectively.

Conclusions

GV1001 plus gemcitabine/capecitabine improved OS and TTP compared to gemcitabine/capecitabine alone in eotaxin-high patients with advanced PDAC.

Clinical trial registration

NCT02854072.
E-selectin-mediated rapid NLRP3 inflammasome activation regulates S100A8/S100A9 release from neutrophils via transient gasdermin D pore formation
Authors: Pruenster Monika , Immler Roland , Roth Jonas , Kuchler Tim , Bromberger Thomas , Napoli Matteo , Nussbaumer Katrin , Rohwedder Ina , Wackerbarth Lou Martha , Piantoni Chiara , Hennis Konstantin , Fink Diana , Kallabis Sebastian , Schroll Tobias , Masgrau-Alsina Sergi , Budke Agnes , Liu Wang , Vestweber Dietmar , Wahl-Schott Christian , Roth Johannes , Meissner Felix , Moser Markus , Vogl Thomas , Hornung Veit , Broz Petr , Sperandio Markus
Published: October 2023

S100A8/S100A9 is a proinflammatory mediator released by myeloid cells during many acute and chronic inflammatory disorders. However, the precise mechanism of its release from the cytosolic compartment of neutrophils is unclear. Here, we show that E-selectin-induced rapid S100A8/S100A9 release during inflammation occurs in an NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent fashion. Mechanistically, E-selectin engagement triggers Bruton’s tyrosine kinase-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of NLRP3. Concomitant potassium efflux via the voltage-gated potassium channel KV1.3 mediates ASC oligomerization. This is followed by caspase 1 cleavage and downstream activation of pore-forming gasdermin D, enabling cytosolic release of S100A8/S100A9. Strikingly, E-selectin-mediated gasdermin D pore formation does not result in cell death but is a transient process involving activation of the ESCRT III membrane repair machinery. These data clarify molecular mechanisms of controlled S100A8/S100A9 release from neutrophils and identify the NLRP3/gasdermin D axis as a rapid and reversible activation system in neutrophils during inflammation.
Comprehensive pan‑cancer analysis of potassium voltage-gated channel Q4 (KCNQ4) gene across multiple human malignant tumors
Authors: Zhao Qing , Li Meizeng , Zhang Yunxiang
Published: October 2023

A large number of studies indicate that Potassium Voltage-Gated Channel Q4 (KCNQ4) gene is the cause of non-syndromic hearing loss, but there are few studies investigating the role of KCNQ4 in cancers and scarcity of comprehensive analysis of its involvement in the diagnosis, methylation, mutation, prognosis of various cancer types. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the anticancerous and immune effects of KCNQ4 in various cancers and its potential value in breast cancer. In this study, we explored the potential role of KCNQ4 in cancers using public databases and the R software for bioinformatics analysis. The results showed that the low expression of KCNQ4 across specific cancer types was positively associated with low mutation frequency and methylation, and the improved survival. Eight small molecule compounds were identified that could potentially target KCNQ4. In addition, immunohistochemistry confirmed that the KCNQ4 expression was low in breast cancer. In vitro experiments confirmed that overexpression of KCNQ4 inhibited cell migration and invasion and promoted apoptosis. In summary, our comprehensive pan-cancer analysis highlights the potential of KCNQ4 as a cancer marker, and can be used as an auxiliary prognostic indicator and an indicator for immunotherapy in certain tumor types.
Vγ9+Vδ2+ T cell control of Listeria monocytogenes growth in infected epithelial cells requires butyrophilin 3A genes
Authors: Fischer Katrin , Bradlerova Michaela , Decker Thomas , Supper Verena
Published: October 2023

Intracellular bacteria produce antigens, which serve as potent activators of γδ T cells. Phosphoantigens are presented via a complex of butyrophilins (BTN) to signal infection to human Vγ9+Vδ2+ T cells. Here, we established an in vitro system allowing for studies of Vγ9+Vδ2+ T cell activity in coculture with epithelial cells infected with the intracellular bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. We report that the Vγ9+Vδ2+ T cells efficiently control L. monocytogenes growth in such cultures. This effector function requires the expression of members of the BTN3A family on epithelial cells. Specifically, we observed a BTN3A1-independent BTN3A3 activity to present antigen to Vγ9+Vδ2+ T cells. Since BTN3A1 is the only BTN3A associated with phosphoantigen presentation, our study suggests that BTN3A3 may present different classes of antigens to mediate Vγ9+Vδ2+ T cell effector function against L. monocytogenes-infected epithelia.
Dicationic ionic liquids (DILs) as rapid esterification catalyst of butyric fatty acid
Authors: El-Nagar Raghda. A.
Published: October 2023

In the presented work, a series of asymmetric dicationic ionic liquids (ADILs) with different alkyl chain length spacer between the two cation nuclei (imidazolium and pyridinium) with chlorine halide anion was designed, synthesized with excellent yield (89, 90 and 88%) and well characterized via different tools of analysis (FT-IR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis; TGA). The synthesized ADILs were examined for potential esterification as recyclable catalysts including the activity of catalytic performance, the reaction conditions justifying. The noted resulted data indicated that the butyric acid was converted perfectly into ester in presence of ADILs with short time of reaction. By completing our studies through the effect of chemical structures, concentrations, time and temperatures, we found that the synthesized Py-6-Imi exhibit the best catalytic performance with 96% as conversion value after 20 min at the ambient temperature (25 °C). The synthesized ADILs also recovered and reused for minimum three rounds without any significant reduction in the catalytic performance. Totally, the usage of ADILs in the esterification process offers lots of benefits such as perfect yield, quick time and environmentally friendly characteristics which make them the optimum sustainable compounds to be achieved in variety of industrial applications.
Role of fibular autograft in ankle arthrodesis fixed using cannulated screws: a proportional meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Bernasconi Alessio , Izzo Antonio , D’Agostino Martina , Mariconda Massimo , Coviello Antonio
Published: October 2023

Ankle arthrodesis is commonly performed to treat end-stage ankle osteoarthritis. The aim of this study was to determine whether the use of fibular autograft might increase the fusion rate and decrease the complication rate in ankle arthrodesis (AA) fixed using cannulated screws. To perform this PRISMA-compliant proportional meta-analysis, multiple databases were searched for studies in which patients undergone AA (using exclusively cannulated screws and augmented with fibular bone graft) were followed. The characteristics of the cohort, the study design, surgical details, the nonunion and complication rate at the longest follow-up were extracted and recorded. The modified Coleman Methodology Score (mCMS) was applied to appraise the quality of studies. Two groups were built: arthrodeses fixed with screws combined with cancellous autograft (G1) and arthrodeses fixed with screws combined with cancellous autograft and augmented with a lateral fibular onlay (G2). A third group (arthrodeses fixed with screws and no graft, G3) was extracted from previous literature for a further comparison. Overall, we included 306 ankles (296 patients) from ten series (ten studies). In G1 and G2 there were 118 ankles (111 patients) and 188 ankles (185 patients), respectively. In patients where cancellous autograft was used, a further augmentation with a fibular lateral strut autograft did not change significantly the nonunion (4% [95% CI 1–9] in G1 vs. 2% [95% CI 0–5) in G2, p = 0.99) nor the complication rate (18% [95% CI 0–36] in G1 vs. 13% [95% CI 6–21) in G2, p = 0.71). Upon comparison with 667 ankles (659 patients, G3) in which arthrodeses had been performed without grafting, the nonunion and complication rates did not differ significantly either (pooled estimates: 3% [95% CI 1–3) in G1 + G2 vs. 3% [95% CI 2–4] in G3, p = 0.73 for nonunion; 15% [8–23] in G1 + G2 vs. 13% [95% CI 9–17] in G3, p = 0.93 for complications). In ankle arthrodesis fixed with cannulated screws combined with cancellous autograft at the fusion site, a construct augmentation with a distal fibular onlay strut graft positioned laterally at the ankle joint does not reduce the risk of nonunion or complication. In general, the use of bone graft does not influence significantly the nonunion nor the complication rate as compared to non-grafted screw-fixed ankle arthrodeses.Kindly check and confirm the corresponding author mail id is correctly identified.It's all correct