bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the biocontrol effect of Trichoderma sp. Trs GT2 extracts produced by fermentation processes against Botrytis cinerea Btcr GM3
Authors: Saldaña‐Mendoza Salvador Alexis , Chávez‐González Mónica Lizeth , Ramírez‐Guzmán Karen Nathiely , Aguilar Cristóbal N.
Published: August 2023

In the present work, the evaluation of the use of Trichoderma spp. for controlling different phytopathogens of agricultural importance (Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, and Phytophthora sp.) was carried out. Confrontation assays by dual culture, volatile metabolites (overlapping plate assay), and diffusible metabolites (poison medium assay) were performed to identify and select the Trichoderma strain with a greater spectrum of inhibition and the most sensitive phytopathogen. The production of hydrolytic enzymes associated with biological control by the Trichoderma sp. Trs GT2 strain (chitinase, cellulase, amylase, and lipase) was evaluated. Subsequently, the use of solid‐state and submerged fermentation to produce extracts with antagonistic activity against B. cinerea was evaluated, and the production of specific activity β 1–3 glucanase was compared. It was found that Trichoderma sp. Trs GT2 presented the greatest spectrum of inhibition against the phytopathogens evaluated, resulting in the strain of B. cinerea being the most sensitive microorganism to its effects (percentages of inhibition: dual culture 100%, volatile metabolites 100% and diffusible metabolites 28.24%). The Trichoderma sp. Trs GT2 strain showed amylase, cellulase, and chitinase activity. It also produced activity titers β 1–3 glucanase of 13.22 U/g by solid‐state fermentation (SSF) and 8.19 U/mL by submerged fermentation, as well as specific activities of (1.38 U/mg) and (14.23 U/mg), respectively. The extracts produced by both fermentation systems did not present an antagonistic effect against B. cinerea; this can be attributed to the need for interaction with the phytopathogen in question for the induction of metabolites with antagonistic activity, as well as to the confusion that the evaluation of the antagonistic effect of diffusible metabolites, through the cellophane paper technique, can generate in which the mechanism of nutrient competition can cause the inhibitory effect. This work shows that the ability of one microorganism to exert biocontrol against another can vary depending on the mechanism through which it performs and demonstrates that the antagonist‐phytopathogenic interaction can promote the production of metabolites with antagonistic activity.
Forestry and environmental conditions as determinants of pine marten Martes martes occurrence in Norway
Authors: Angoh Siow Yan Jennifer , Thorsen Neri H. , Hofmeester Tim R. , Odden John , Linnell John D. C. , Brainerd Scott M.
Published: August 2023

The European pine marten Martes martes is often associated with late seral stage coniferous forest stands. Earlier research has indicated that this species may be negatively influenced by clearcutting practices. However, the effects of current clearcutting methods on pine marten occurrence in conjunction with changing environmental conditions are not well known. In this study, we combined four complete years of nationwide data collected during a long‐term camera trap (CT) monitoring program in Norway. We employed a multi‐scale occupancy model to investigate the relationship of pine marten occurrence to clearcuts (regenerating stands ≤ 10 years old) and forests ≥ 120 years old. We also examined pine marten detection in relation to habitat features (i.e. dominant microsite characteristics) and to varying snow depths and temperatures. We found no relationship between pine marten occurrence and the proportions of old forest and clearcuts at the landscape scale. At the habitat‐patch scale, pine marten occurrence was positively associated with the presence of old forest patches and terrain ruggedness, but not with clearcuts ≤ 100 m from sites. At CT sites near clearcuts, the detection probability was negatively correlated with snow depth. In contrast, pine marten occurrence was positively associated with snow depth at CT sites > 100 m from clearcuts. Furthermore, the detection probability increased with temperature and the presence of boulders at CT sites. Boulders may provide important access points for foraging, and cover for resting and predator avoidance. While previous studies indicate that pine martens prefer older forest and avoid clearcuts, the current level and scale of clearcutting in Norway does not appear to influence its occurrence at the landscape scale.
Digital health services in Bangladesh—The need for a sustainable design framework
Authors: Zahid Arnob , Yadav Uday N. , Mistry Sabuj K.
Published: August 2023

Bangladesh received the United Nations Award for DigitalHealth Development in 2011. Inspired by the recognition, the country has launched several digital health initiatives over the last decade. However, despite achievements in expanding information and communication technologies, recent studies show that current digital health services are difficult to use, fail to meet user needs, are subject to threats in data privacy and security, lack a robust digital infrastructure, and do not benefit from a cohesive policy and regulatory environment. As the country currently deals with the post‐COVID‐19 consequences, it is high time for its healthcare policymakers to address these challenges and take the necessary actions to establish a people‐centered framework for digital health service design and operations. In this commentary, we proposed a design framework for digital health services that address these ongoing challenges in the digital health services of Bangladesh. We believe the proposed framework stands to help Bangladesh and other coutnries attain sustainability.
Transferosomes as a transdermal drug delivery system: Dermal kinetics and recent developments
Authors: Matharoo Namrata , Mohd Hana , Michniak‐Kohn Bozena
Published: August 2023

The development of innovative approaches to deliver medications has been growing now for the last few decades and generates a growing interest in the dermatopharmaceutical field. Transdermal drug delivery in particular, remains an attractive alternative route for many therapeutics. However, due to the limitations posed by the barrier properties of the stratum corneum, the delivery of many pharmaceutical dosage forms remains a challenge. Most successful therapies using the transdermal route have been ones containing smaller lipophilic molecules with molecular weights of a few hundred Daltons. To overcome these limitations of size and lipophilicity of the drugs, transferosomes have emerged as a successful tool for transdermal delivery of a variety of therapeutics including hydrophilic actives, larger molecules, peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids. Transferosomes exhibit a flexible structure and higher surface hydrophilicity which both play a critical role in the transport of drugs and other solutes using hydration gradients as a driving force to deliver the molecules into and across the skin. This results in enhanced overall permeation as well as controlled release of the drug in the skin layers. Additionally, the physical–chemical properties of the transferosomes provide increased stability by preventing degradation of the actives by oxidation, light, and temperature. Here, we present the history of transferosomes from solid lipid nanoparticles and liposomes, their physical–chemical properties, dermal kinetics, and their recent advances as marketed dosage forms.

This article is categorized under:

Biology‐Inspired Nanomaterials > Lipid‐Based Structures

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies
Newspaper coverage of water security issues in the water‐stressed Northern Province of Sri Lanka: An explorative study of three Tamil dailies
Authors: Rubini Senthalan , Kumarendran Balachandran , Raguram Sivasubramaniam , Sriskandarajah Nadarajah
Published: August 2023

Newspapers remain as an effective medium for circulating information among the public in the North of Sri Lanka and have the potential to influence public opinion and people's behavior regarding sustainable use of groundwater. This study investigated the extent and scope of newspaper coverage on the subject of water security in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. Three newspapers, namely, Yarl Thinakkural, Uthayan, and Valampuri were chosen on the basis of readership, circulation in print form, and for being daily local or regional papers in Tamil. The content analysis of 1214 articles published in 2019 and 2020 in the three papers indicated that as much as 80% of space in the papers was allocated to reporting general news items and events in the community related to new water projects, rain and floods or drought events and announcements of allocation of irrigation water for farming. Only 20% of newspaper space was taken up by non‐news articles including advertisements related to water. We conclude by saying that the effect of these newspapers on their audiences would merely be to inform rather than to set agendas or frame the discourse in society, let alone persuade readers enough to make changes. The study revealed the significant potential that exists for newspapers to shift their culture of simply reporting of facts in a dispassionate way to one of environmental journalism with a degree of advocacy in view of the critical nature of the security of groundwater in the Northern Province.
Vibration Analysis in Agricultural Vehicles for Fault Detection
Authors: Mafla-Yépez Carlos , Castejon-Sisamon Cristina , Rubio-Alonso Higinio
Published: August 2023

Failure analysis of farm tractor’s engines and internal combustion engines is done using vibration analysis due to its efficiency and because it is not invasive to the engine operation. In this work, engine failures are studied based on failures of the injectors opening pressure. The vibration data was obtained by a sensor located in the cylinder block close to the compression chamber. The Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) was applied to obtain characteristics in each engine operating status (injector failures). With the statistical analysis, the characteristics are selected for the classification of the engine status and later failures prediction. The results demonstrate the validity of the proposed method.
Numerical-Experimental Analysis of the Sealing Efficiency Utilizing Stresses Produced to an Engine Gasket Manufactured by CRS of ¼ Hardness with a Nitrile Coating on Both Sides
Authors: Soto-Barrón Félix Omar , García-Pérez Martín , Urriolagoitia-Sosa Guillermo , Romero-Ángeles Beatriz , Hernández-Cerón Antonio , Sabas-Gonzalez Diego , Reyes-Reyes José Luis , Guzmán-Baeza Martín , Contreras-Mendoza Belén Alejandra
Published: August 2023

The evaluation of a cold assembled engine gasket provides data to analyze if a new design complies with requirements. The main cause of damage is the working temperature. High temperatures are due to refrigerant leakage. In addition to sealing the cylinder, the head gasket seals water and oil passages between the head and the block, preventing engine failure. Different gaskets will fail at different temperature ranges and this is relevant for the structural analysis of the engine. The durability of the gasket and its ability to seal the engine in all condition makes the design a challenge. The non-uniform thermal expansion of the motor makes difficult to design a uniform bead height in the gasket. This makes necessary to include a temperature map in all 3D analyses. This work shows the thermal analysis of an engine head gasket with prestressing of the assembly bolts, the results guarantee an efficient sealing and optimal operation.
Wake Interactions in an Asymmetric Binary Cylinder System in the Subcritical – Supercritical Regime
Authors: Rozas Rozas Joseph , Hernández Pellicer Rodrigo
Published: August 2023

Experimental results on the interaction between the wakes of a formed by two cylinders (binary) of different diameters are presented. The binary system is introduced into a pond with water and coupled to a system with linear displacement, causing the development of a Bérnard von Kármán (BvK) stability through the relative movement between the body and the fluid. The dynamics of the wakes are characterized through a PIV (Particle Image Velocimetry) algorithm using a CCD sensor coupled to the solidarity movement of the system. On the other hand, the visualization is done using the hydrogen bubble technique. The measurements of the velocity profiles allowed us to analyze characterize the dynamic behavior od the wakes in the subcritical-supercritical rage of the Reynolds number. The result of the analysis with PIV allows for obtaining profiles of average speed. In addition, it allowed determining the vortex emission frequency of the system in the wakes of both cylinders at beginning of the von Kármán instability.
Dynamic Performance Analysis of a Direct Expansion Solar Heat Pump Water Heater for Different Evaporator/Condenser Area Ratios
Authors: Parada-Guzmán Luis E. , Valencia-Cañola Santiago , Isaza-Roldán Cesar A. , Duarte-Hernández David A. , Mira-Hernández Carolina , Bustamante Carlos A.
Published: August 2023

To mitigate the deleterious effects of climate change, sustainable energy technologies need to be developed and widely adopted. This study analyzes the effect of the evaporator/condenser area ratio on performance for a direct expansion solar heat pump water heater system operating in Medellín, Colombia. For the analysis, a dynamic simulation of the system is carried out via a numerical approximation using Python with the Coolprop library. Results shows that the evaporator area is more relevant than condenser area for the system performance. Also, an increase in evaporator area results in a better system efficiency. An area ratio between evaporator and condenser above 10 deteriorates the system performance.
Influence of Material Properties in Milling Forces of AISI 316L Obtained by L-PBF
Authors: Díaz-Plaza De Los Reyes Nicolás , Alzugaray-Franz Ricardo , Leal-Muñoz Erardo , La Fé-Perdomo Iván , Ramos-Grez Jorge , Diez-Cifuentes Eduardo
Published: August 2023

Technologies associated with additive manufacturing enabled the realization of several new products, providing high flexibility to the processes and high material usage efficiency. Furthermore, additively manufactured metals exhibit differences in surface topography and mechanical properties, primarily due to changes in the printing strategies and production parameters. Nowadays, postprocessing techniques are necessary to produce a quality printed metal product, due to the high initial surface roughness that every additive specimen presents. In this study, milling tests of additively manufactured AISI 316L workpieces obtained under different conditions were performed to investigate the influence of printing volumetric energy density, material density, and material ultimate tensile strength on cutting forces. The analysis revealed an association between cutting forces amplitude and the analyzed material properties. Also, similar machinability between the printed and the hot rolled metal was found when the density of the material was similar.
Determination of the Influence on the Dimensional Characteristics of the Parts Manufactured in 3D Printers of Temperature, Printing Speed and Layer Height During Manufacturing
Authors: Mínguez-Martínez Alberto , Ramos-González Fernando , Quirós-Torres Gonzalo , de Vicente y Oliva Jesús
Published: August 2023

Additive manufacturing technologies, among which is 3D printing, is one of the fundamental pillars of Industry 4.0, since it allows to obtain prototypes and manufactured parts in a fast, versatile, and economical way. The result of the 3D printing process is affected by the effects that the different parameters of the process have on materials such as PLA, which is the most widely used. In this article, the effect of layer height, speed and printing temperature on parts manufactured with 3D printing will be studied, making a dimensional study with a profile projector. It has been determined that, among the three parameters, the extrusion temperature has the greatest effect.
Determination of Calibration Corrections and Study of the Reproducibility of a 3D Printer
Authors: Mínguez-Martínez Alberto , Quirós-Torres Gonzalo , Ramos-González Fernando , de Vicente y Oliva Jesús
Published: August 2023

Additive manufacturing technologies, among which is 3D printing, is one of the fundamental pillars of industry 4.0, since it allows to obtain prototypes and manufactured parts in a fast, versatile and economical way. To ensure the quality of production, it is necessary that all parts obtained through any manufacturing process meet the specifications of the design. However, it is not enough for a certain part to meet the dimensional design specifications, but most parts manufactured on the same machine must do so. This paper proposes two pattern models to study the reproducibility and for the correction of the scales that must be applied to a commercial 3D printer to obtain printed parts by fused filament deposition (FDM).
Modal Analysis of a 2R Flexible Platform Using Screw Theory
Authors: Pucheta Martín , Gallardo Alejandro
Published: August 2023

Compliant mechanisms perform precision movements generated by the elastic deformation of their flexible elements. For most applications, resonance frequencies must be bounded by a defined range of values. Therefore, a modal analysis of the mechanisms is required at the initial stage of design. In this work, a novel flexible platform with 2 degrees of rotational freedom restricted by beam-type flexure elements is analyzed. The Screw Theory description of the movement of the mechanism is used for the rigid and the flexible elements. Using this formalism, the stiffness and mass matrices for a two-node beam element are derived and can be assembled using a standard finite-element-like procedure to perform the modal analysis of the mechanism. Starting from the desired movements, the mechanism is synthesized using screws and a hybrid (series/parallel) solution is proposed. The analytical results for the modal analysis obtained by Screw Theory are compared with the results of finite element analysis. Due to the computational efficiency, the analytical equations are chosen to be applied in the optimization of the designs.
Constraints on sequential discontinuities from the geometry of on-shell spaces
Authors: Hannesdottir Holmfridur S. , McLeod Andrew J. , Schwartz Matthew D. , Vergu Cristian
Published: August 2023

Abstract

We present several classes of constraints on the discontinuities of Feynman integrals that go beyond the Steinmann relations. These constraints follow from a geometric formulation of the Landau equations that was advocated by Pham, in which the singularities of Feynman integrals correspond to critical points of maps between on-shell spaces. To establish our results, we review elements of Picard-Lefschetz theory, which connect the homotopy properties of the space of complexified external momenta to the homology of the combined space of on-shell internal and external momenta. An important concept that emerges from this analysis is the question of whether or not a pair of Landau singularities is compatible — namely, whether or not the Landau equations for the two singularities can be satisfied simultaneously. Under conditions we describe, sequential discontinuities with respect to non-compatible Landau singularities must vanish. Although we only rigorously prove results for Feynman integrals with generic masses in this paper, we expect the geometric and algebraic insights that we gain will also assist in the analysis of more general Feynman integrals.
Zooplankton size-structure dynamics of a lowland tropical floodplain lake
Authors: Toruan Reliana Lumban , Lukman Lukman , Coggins Liah X. , Ghadouani Anas
Published: August 2023

Floodplains are highly complex ecosystems representing high biodiversity and conservation values, but they are also one of the world’s most threatened ecosystems due to extensive development and anthropogenic activities. Lake Tempe is a lowland riverine floodplain lake in Sulawesi Island, Indonesia, that is subject to multiple stressors such as flow alteration, eutrophication and invasive species. In this study, the dynamics of the zooplankton community size structure was investigated in Lake Tempe. Five size-based metrics, including zooplankton mean body size, total abundance, total, biomass, and normalised biomass size spectra (NBSS) slope and intercept were assessed from net-sampled zooplankton collected monthly from March to December 2016, and the role of environmental variables in shaping these size-based metrics were also examined. Zooplankton community size structure is a useful metric as it is less labour intensive than traditional approaches, provides more data accuracy and does not require highly specialised taxonomic expertise. The zooplankton community in Lake Tempe was characterised by high density of small-sized zooplankton with an average mean body size < 500 µm equivalent spherical diameter. While the zooplankton density was characterised by the dominance of the size class 300–700 µm, there was evidence of a significant contribution of the size > 700 µm towards total biomass. Seasonal hydrological regimes, water temperature and eutrophication parameters, as indicated by total phosphorus and chlorophyll-a concentration, had a significant role in driving the variability of zooplankton community size structure in this system. The results of this study are not only a significant step in providing critical baseline information on the zooplankton assemblage of Lake Tempe, but is also a significant contribution to the overall understanding of zooplankton community structure in tropical lakes, and will aid in improving lake management plans in these regions.
On the refined Kaneko–Zagier conjecture for general integer indices
Authors: Ono Masataka , Yamamoto Shuji
Published: August 2023

The refined Kaneko–Zagier conjecture claims that the algebras spanned by two kinds of “completed” finite multiple zeta values, called$${\widehat{\mathcal {A}}}$$A^- and$${\widehat{\mathcal {S}}}$$S^-MZVs, are isomorphic. Recently, Komori defined$${\widehat{\mathcal {S}}}$$S^-MZVs of general integer (i.e., not necessarily positive) indices, extending the existing definition for positive indices. In view of the refined Kaneko–Zagier conjecture, Komori’s work suggests that these extended values are closely connected to$${\widehat{\mathcal {A}}}$$A^-MZVs of general indices, which can be defined in an obvious way. In this paper, we show that the generalization of the refined Kaneko–Zagier conjecture for general integer indices is actually deduced from the conjecture for positive indices. The key ingredient is an inductive formula for$${\widehat{\mathcal {A}}}$$A^-MZVs or$${\widehat{\mathcal {S}}}$$S^-MZVs of indices which contain at least one non-positive entry.
Influence of drought stress on increasing bioactive compounds of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juice. Exploratory study using LC–MS-based untargeted metabolomics approach
Authors: Gómez-Bellot M. J. , Garcia C. J. , Parra A. , Vallejo F. , Ortuño M. F.
Published: August 2023

Water deficit is one of the most important abiotic factors that reduce the agricultural productivity. The impact of irrigation levels on bioactive compounds of one commercial pomegranate cultivar (‘Mollar de Elche’) was studied through LC–MS-based untargeted metabolomics approach. Two treatments were applied to explore crop responses to the timing and the regime of the irrigation applications. The main goal of the present study was to validate the untargeted metabolomics approach as analytical tool to find new markers related with the water deficit. Robust classification and prediction model was built with the use of supervised technique, partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). The results revealed that pomegranate juices obtained from plants grown under DIr conditions experimented physiological stress, which significantly increased their bioactive compounds (polyphenols, phenylpropanoids, peptides, benzoic acid, tannins, and phospholipids) in comparison with the Control treatments. The results indicate that controlled irrigation stress would increase the production of bioactive compounds by increasing the phenylpropanoids metabolism. New metabolites were tentatively identified in pomegranate juice by the untargeted metabolomics techniques. This study showed, for the first time, the satisfactory application of the untargeted metabolomics approach using an UHPLC-QTOF system to identify bioactive secondary metabolites from pomegranate juices to discriminate among different irrigation conditions.
Outcome of Children with Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt: A Meta-Analysis of Individual Patient Data
Authors: Deniz Sinan , Schinner Regina , Monroe Eric J. , Horslen Simon , Srinivasa Ravi N. , Lv Yong , Fan Daiming , Han Guohong , Sarma Moinak Sen , Srivastava Anshu , Poddar Ujjal , Yadav Rajanikant , Hoang Thi Phuong Thao , Lange Christian M. , Öcal Osman , Ricke Jens , Seidensticker Max , Lurz Eberhard , Di Giorgio Angelo , D’Antiga Lorenzo , Wildgruber Moritz
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to investigate outcome after pediatric transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) with respect to survival

Material and Methods

After searching for studies on TIPS in children in Ovid, Medline, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane published between 2000 and 2022, individual patient data were retrieved from five retrospective cohorts. Overall survival (OS) and transplant-free survival (TFS) were calculated using Kaplan–Meier analysis and log-rank test and compared to the indication (ascites vs. variceal bleeding) as well as to the level of obstruction (pre-hepatic vs. hepatic vs. post-hepatic). Additionally, TIPS patency was analyzed.

Results

n = 135 pediatric patients were included in the final analysis. Indication for pediatric TIPS creation was heterogeneous among the included studies. TIPS patency decreased from 6 to 24 months, subsequent pediatric liver transplantation was performed in 22/135 (16.3%) of cases. The presence of ascites was related with poorer TFS (HR 2.3, p = 0.023), while variceal bleeding was not associated with impaired survival. Analysis of the level of obstruction (pre-hepatic, hepatic and post-hepatic) failed to prove significantly reduced OS for post-hepatic obstruction (HR 3.2, p = 0.092) and TFS (HR 1.3, p = 0.057). There was no difference in OS and TFS according to age at time of TIPS placement.

Conclusions

The presence of ascites associates with impaired survival after TIPS in children, with no differences in survival according to the age of the child. Interventional shunt procedures can be considered feasible for all ages.

Level of Evidence

Level 2a.

Graphical Abstract
Bidisperse magnetorheological fluids utilizing composite polypyrrole nanotubes/magnetite nanoparticles and carbonyl iron microspheres
Authors: Munteanu Andrei , Plachý Tomáš , Munteanu Lenka , Ngwabebhoh Fahanwi Asabuwa , Stejskal Jaroslav , Trchová Miroslava , Kubík Michal , Sedlačík Michal
Published: August 2023

Conductive polypyrrole nanotubes were synthesized with a two-step one-pot synthesis. During synthesis, the nanotubes were decorated with magnetite nanoparticles at different concentrations granting them magnetic properties. The characterization of the tubes revealed differences from the theoretical reactions. A bidisperse magnetorheological fluid (MRF) was prepared by mixing the composite polypyrrole nanotubes/magnetite nanoparticles with commercial carbonyl iron spherical microparticles in silicone oil. The rheological properties of the bidisperse system were studied under the presence of magnetic field at room and elevated temperature. An enhancement of the MR effect with the presence of the nanotubes was observed when compared with a standard MRF consisted only of magnetic microparticles. Due to the faster magnetic saturation of the nanotubes, this enhancement is exceptionally high at low magnetic fields. The stability of the system is studied under dynamic conditions where it is revealed that the nanotubes keep the standard particles well dispersed with the sedimentation improving by more than 50%.
Machine learning for adaptive deep brain stimulation in Parkinson’s disease: closing the loop
Authors: Oliveira Andreia M. , Coelho Luis , Carvalho Eduardo , Ferreira-Pinto Manuel J. , Vaz Rui , Aguiar Paulo
Published: August 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease bearing a severe social and economic impact. So far, there is no known disease modifying therapy and the current available treatments are symptom oriented. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is established as an effective treatment for PD, however current systems lag behind today’s technological potential. Adaptive DBS, where stimulation parameters depend on the patient’s physiological state, emerges as an important step towards “smart” DBS, a strategy that enables adaptive stimulation and personalized therapy. This new strategy is facilitated by currently available neurotechnologies allowing the simultaneous monitoring of multiple signals, providing relevant physiological information. Advanced computational models and analytical methods are an important tool to explore the richness of the available data and identify signal properties to close the loop in DBS. To tackle this challenge, machine learning (ML) methods applied to DBS have gained popularity due to their ability to make good predictions in the presence of multiple variables and subtle patterns. ML based approaches are being explored at different fronts such as the identification of electrophysiological biomarkers and the development of personalized control systems, leading to effective symptom relief. In this review, we explore how ML can help overcome the challenges in the development of closed-loop DBS, particularly its role in the search for effective electrophysiology biomarkers. Promising results demonstrate ML potential for supporting a new generation of adaptive DBS, with better management of stimulation delivery, resulting in more efficient and patient-tailored treatments.
Aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas: a report of the lymphoma workshop of the 20th meeting of the European Association for Haematopathology
Authors: Rodriguez-Pinilla Socorro Maria , Dojcinov Stefan , Dotlic Snjezana , Gibson Sarah E. , Hartmann Sylvia , Klimkowska Monika , Sabattini Elena , Tousseyn Thomas A. , de Jong Daphne , Hsi Eric. D.
Published: August 2023

Aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas are a heterogeneous group of diseases and our concepts are evolving as we learn more about their clinical, pathologic, molecular genetic features. Session IV of the 2020 EAHP Workshop covered aggressive, predominantly high-grade B-cell lymphomas, many that were difficult to classify. In this manuscript, we summarize the features of the submitted cases and highlight differential diagnostic difficulties. We specifically review issues related to high-grade B-cell lymphomas (HGBCLs) with MYC and BCL2 and/or BCL6 rearrangements including TdT expression in these cases, HGBCL, not otherwise specified, large B-cell lymphomas with IRF4 rearrangement, high-grade/large B-cell lymphomas with 11q aberration, Burkitt lymphoma, and pleomorphic mantle cell lymphoma. Since the workshop, the 5th edition of the WHO Classification for Haematolymphoid Tumours (WHO-HAEM5) and International Consensus Classification (ICC) 2022 were published. We endeavor to use the updated terminology.
Computing a Link Diagram From Its Exterior
Authors: Dunfield Nathan M. , Obeidin Malik , Rudd Cameron Gates
Published: August 2023

A knot is a circle piecewise-linearly embedded into the 3-sphere. The topology of a knot is intimately related to that of its exterior, which is the complement of an open regular neighborhood of the knot. Knots are typically encoded by planar diagrams, whereas their exteriors, which are compact 3-manifolds with torus boundary, are encoded by triangulations. Here, we give the first practical algorithm for finding a diagram of a knot given a triangulation of its exterior. Our method applies to links as well as knots, and allows us to recover links with hundreds of crossings. We use it to find the first diagrams known for 23 principal congruence arithmetic link exteriors; the largest has over 2500 crossings. Other applications include finding pairs of knots with the same 0-surgery, which relates to questions about slice knots and the smooth 4D Poincaré conjecture.
Modeling Ellipsoidal Block Impacts by an Advanced Rheological Model
Authors: Dattola G. , di Prisco C. , Crosta G. B.
Published: August 2023

In this paper, an advanced rheological model for impacts of ellipsoidal blocks on deformable ground surfaces, introducing the effects of block eccentricity and orientation at impact, is presented. This allows us to assess impact penetration and force, restitution coefficients, and block trajectories. A parametric analysis was carried out by considering different block aspect ratios, impact angles and initial block orientations at impact. The results are presented in terms of restitution coefficients, penetration and force time histories, maximum penetration depth, maximum force and rotational/total kinetic ratios. Impacts along the major block axis, versus those along minor axis, are characterized by larger penetrations (ranging from 3.3 to 50%), shorter impact durations (ca 50%) and very slightly larger vertical forces (ranging from 0.3 to 60%) according to the model parameter used. In contrast, the impact angle is shown to strongly affect maximum penetration and force values, and markedly increase rotation at impact. Analogously, normal restitution coefficient is severely dependent on impact angle, with a variation of more than two orders of magnitude. A mathematical expression for computing the energetic restitution coefficient from the normal and tangential apparent restitution coefficients and the ratio between the rotation and total kinetic energy is proposed. This overcomes the drawback of classical restitution coefficients greater than one when a change in block rotation occurs allowing us to bracket the coefficient of restitutions values to support and improve classical rock fall simulations also highlighting their intrinsic limitations. Finally, the effects of block geometry and initial angular velocity on rockfall simulations were analyzed by implementing the approach in the HyStone simulation code. The simulated frequencies of the maximum height during each ballistic trajectory follow an exponential distribution, whereas those for normal and tangential apparent restitution coefficients follow normal distributions.
The influence of water sorption on the microstructure of a hydro-sensitive granular material (couscous) deduced from simultaneous neutron and X-ray tomography
Authors: Vego Ilija , Tengattini Alessandro , Lenoir Nicolas , Viggiani Gioacchino
Published: August 2023

The effects of water on the behaviour of granular materials can be significant. Besides capillary bridges, several other chemo-hydro-mechanical processes can affect the response of hydro-sensitive granular assemblies, when water sorption critically alters the individual particles properties (i.e., swelling, deterioration of mechanical properties). It is very common to find such materials in food and pharmaceutical industries, where water sorption can often lead to important resources waste while processing or storing the product. It is therefore necessary to understand the phenomena that affect the material’s functionality, often related to particle agglomeration and degradation. However, despite the relevance of the problem, our knowledge about these phenomena is still relatively poor. With this study we aim to explore the link between water content increase and particle, contacts and assembly scale phenomena. Simultaneous neutron and X-ray tomography allows us to investigate respectively the water uptake and microstructure evolution of two couscous assemblies exposed to high relative humidity while subjected to constant stress, a configuration chosen to simulate the conditions in an industrial silo-storage. We acquire a data-set of images, from which we follow and quantify the variations of water content distribution and the resulting volumetric response of thousands of particles through bespoke algorithms. Despite the abundance of water provided, we observe spatial gradients in water content distribution and consequently in particle swelling. We find that the relation between these two variables can be described as (quasi-)linear. The contact area growth also seems to follow a similar trend.

Graphic abstract
Deep-learning-based upscaling method for geologic models via theory-guided convolutional neural network
Authors: Wang Nanzhe , Liao Qinzhuo , Chang Haibin , Zhang Dongxiao
Published: August 2023

Large-scale or high-resolution geologic models usually comprise a huge number of grid blocks, which can be computationally demanding and time-consuming to solve with numerical simulators. Therefore, it is advantageous to upscale geologic models (e.g., hydraulic conductivity) from fine-scale (high-resolution grids) to coarse-scale systems. Numerical upscaling methods have been proven to be effective and robust for coarsening geologic models, but their efficiency remains to be improved. In this work, a deep-learning-based method is proposed to upscale the fine-scale geologic models, which can assist to improve upscaling efficiency significantly. In the deep learning method, a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) is trained to approximate the relationship between the coarse block of fine-scale hydraulic conductivity fields and the corresponding hydraulic heads, which can then be utilized to replace the numerical solvers while solving the flow equations for each coarse block. In addition, physical laws (e.g., governing equations and periodic boundary conditions) can also be incorporated into the training process of the deep CNN model, which is termed the theory-guided convolutional neural network (TgCNN). With the physical information considered, dependence on the data volume of training the deep learning models can be reduced greatly. Several cases of subsurface flow, with varying two-dimensional and three-dimensional structures and isotropic and anisotropic conditions, are used to evaluate the performance of the proposed deep-learning-based upscaling method. The results show that the deep learning method can provide equivalent upscaling accuracy to the numerical method, and efficiency can be improved significantly compared to numerical upscaling.
Certified SAT solving with GPU accelerated inprocessing
Authors: Osama Muhammad , Wijs Anton , Biere Armin
Published: August 2023

Since 2013, the leading SAT solvers in SAT competitions all use inprocessing, which, unlike preprocessing, interleaves search with simplifications. However, inprocessing is typically a performance bottleneck, in particular for hard or large formulas. In this work, we introduce the first attempt to parallelize inprocessing on GPU architectures. As one of the main challenges in GPU programming is memory locality, we present new compact data structures and devise a data-parallel garbage collector. It runs in parallel on the GPU to reduce memory consumption and improve memory locality. Our new parallel variable elimination algorithm is roughly twice as fast as previous work. Moreover, we augment the variable elimination with the first parallel algorithm for functional dependency extraction in an attempt to find more logical gates to eliminate that cannot be found with syntactic approaches. We present a novel algorithm to generate clausal proofs in parallel to validate all simplifications running on the GPU besides the CDCL search, giving high credibility to our solver and its use in critical applications such as model checkers. In experiments, our new solver ParaFROST solves numerous benchmarks faster on the GPU than its sequential counterparts. With functional dependency extraction, inprocessing in ParaFROST was more effective in reducing the solving time. Last but not least, all proofs generated by ParaFROST were successfully verified.
How Well Can we Diagnose Autism in Adults? Evaluating an Informant-based Interview: The Dutch Developmental, Dimensional and Diagnostic Interview – Adult Version (3Di-Adult)
Authors: Krijnen L.J.G. , Greaves-Lord K. , Mandy W. , Mataw K.J.S. , Hartog P. , Begeer S.
Published: August 2023

The current study evaluated a brief, informant-based autism interview: the Developmental, Dimensional and Diagnostic Interview – Adult Version (3Di-Adult). Feasibility, reliability and validity of the Dutch 3Di-Adult was tested amongst autistic participants (n = 62) and a non-autistic comparison group (n = 30) in the Netherlands. The 3Di-Adult consists of two scales based on DSM-5 criteria: A scale ‘Social communication and social interaction’ and B scale ‘Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities’. ROC curves were used to determine cut-off scores for the A and the B scale, using an ASD diagnosis made by an independent clinician as the criterion. Mean administration time was 42 min. Internal consistency of the A scale (α = 0.92) and the B scale (α = 0.85) were good. Inter-rater reliability (ICCs = 0.99) and inter-rater agreement (ICCs ≥ 0.90) were promising. The 3Di-Adult showed good sensitivity (80.6%) and specificity (93.3%). Positive and negative predictive value were 96.2% and 70.0% respectively. Comparisons with the Autism-Spectrum Quotient-Short to investigate the convergent validity showed moderate, significant correlations with the 3Di-Adult in the total sample. Males, as compared to females, displayed significantly more autistic features on the 3Di-Adult. No relationship was found of the 3Di-Adult with education level, intelligence and age of the participants or informants. The feasibility and psychometric properties of the Dutch 3Di-Adult are promising, indicating that it can be a time-efficient, valid and reliable tool to use in diagnosing autism in adults according to DSM-5 criteria.
Expectations for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders or Intellectual Disabilities in Ghana: A Comparison Between Service Providers and Parents
Authors: Washington-Nortey Melissa , Anum Adote , Serpell Zewelanji , Xu Yaoying
Published: August 2023

Little is known about care providers’ expectations for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and intellectual disabilities (ID) in Ghana. This study used group concept mapping (n = 9) and a quantitative survey (n = 128) to explore and compare service providers’ and parents’ expectations for children with ASD or ID. Data were analyzed using hierarchical clustering procedures and Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA). Concept mapping results revealed several expectation clusters, including independence, love and acceptance, equal social rights and opportunities, and professional and caregiver training. MANOVA results revealed significant differences between parents, teachers, and healthcare providers in their perceptions of the importance and likelihood of a child achieving these expectations. Results are discussed in reference to the cultural context, and implications are outlined.
Experiences of Reporting Family Violence Among LGBTQ + Adults in Australia: Findings from the Private Lives 3 National Survey
Authors: Amos Natalie , Hill Adam O , Parsons Matthew , Lusby Stephanie , Lyons Anthony , Carman Marina , Bourne Adam
Published: August 2023

Purpose

LGBTQ + people who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) and family of origin violence (FOV) are known to face significant barriers to reporting or seeking support for these experiences and may not always feel supported when do so.

Method

Data from 4,607 participants of a nationwide survey of LGBTQ + adults in Australia who indicated having ever experienced IPV or FOV was analysed. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with reporting the most recent experience of IPV or FOV and with feeling supported when reporting.

Results

In total, 1,188 (25.9%) participants indicated that they reported their most recent experience of IPV or FOV and 1,112 (84.6%) of those felt supported. Participants’ sexual orientation, level of education, engagement with a regular general practitioner (GP), experience of homelessness and country of birth were associated with reporting their most recent experience of IPV or FOV. Of those who reported their experience, participants were most likely to feel supported if they had a regular GP and least likely to feel supported if they had ever experienced homelessness.

Conclusion

The findings of this study highlight inadequacies in family violence frameworks in promoting or facilitating access to services that could benefit this population. Encouraging LGBTQ + people to engage with a regular GP, establishing family violence services that cater to the specific needs of LGBTQ + people, and training family violence responders and service providers to recognise diverse relationship dynamics may improve support outcomes for LGBTQ + survivors of family violence.
Old Dogs and New Tricks: Assessing Idiom Knowledge Amongst Native Speakers of Different Ages
Authors: Carrol Gareth
Published: August 2023

Idioms, along with other formulaic multiword phrases, represent a substantial part of vocabulary knowledge. This study investigates how idiom knowledge develops through the adult lifespan, comparing familiarity and transparency ratings for a large set of common English idioms. A total of 237 participants, ranging from 18 to 77 years old, collectively rated 200 idioms. They also completed a short single-word vocabulary test and provided information about their educational background. Results showed a clear increase in idiom and single-word knowledge throughout the lifespan. For idioms, this represented a jump from the youngest age-group, then a steady increase from the age of around 25 onward. Single word vocabulary knowledge increased more evenly as a function of age. Perceptions of transparency were not affected in the same way. I discuss what these results suggest about the development of vocabulary through the lifespan.
Remote Ischaemic Preconditioning Accelerates Brain to Blood Glutamate Efflux via EAATs-mediated Transport
Authors: Končekova Jana , Kotorova Klaudia , Gottlieb Miroslav , Bona Martin , Bonova Petra
Published: August 2023

Remote ischaemic conditioning (RIC) becomes an attractive strategy for the endogenous stimulation of mechanisms protecting neurons against ischaemia. Although the processes underlying the RIC are not clearly understood, the homeostasis of glutamate seems to play an important role. The present study is focused on the investigation of the brain to blood efflux of glutamate in a condition mimicking ischaemia-mediated excitotoxicity and remote ischaemic preconditioning (RIPC). The animals were pre-treated with a hind-limb tourniquet one hour before the intraventricular administration of glutamate and its release was monitored as the concentration of glutamate/glutathione in blood and liquor for up to 1 h. The transport mediated by excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) was verified by their inhibition with Evans Blue intraventricular co-administration. RIPC mediated the efflux of glutamate exceeding from CSF to blood in the very early stage of intoxication. As a consequence, the blood level of glutamate rose in a moment. EAATs inhibition confirmed the active role of glutamate transporters in this process. In the blood, elevated levels of glutamate served as a relevant source of antioxidant glutathione for circulating cells in RIPC-treated individuals. All of those RIPC-mediated recoveries in processes of glutamate homeostasis reflect the improvement of oxidative stress, suggesting glutamate-accelerated detoxication to be one of the key mechanisms of RIPC-mediated neuroprotection.