bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PMC-VIS: An Interactive Visualization Tool for Probabilistic Model Checking
Authors: Korn Max , Méndez Julián , Klüppelholz Sascha , Langner Ricardo , Baier Christel , Dachselt Raimund
Published: October 2023

State-of-the-art Probabilistic Model Checking (PMC) offers multiple engines for the quantitative analysis of Markov Decision Processes (MDPs), including rewards modeling cost or utility values. Despite the huge amount of internally computed information, support for debugging and facilities that enhance the understandability of PMC models and results are very limited. As a first step to improve on that, we present the basic principles of PMC-VIS, a tool that supports the exploration of large MDPs together with the computed PMC results per MDP-state through interactive visualization. By combining visualization techniques, such as node-link diagrams and parallel coordinates, with quantitative analysis capabilities, PMC-VIS supports users in gaining insights into the probabilistic behavior of MDPs and PMC results and enables different ways to explore the behaviour of schedulers of multiple target properties. The usefulness of PMC-VIS is demonstrated through three different application scenarios.
Mechanisms of genotoxicity and proteotoxicity induced by the metalloids arsenic and antimony
Authors: Wysocki Robert , Rodrigues Joana I. , Litwin Ireneusz , Tamás Markus J.
Published: October 2023

Arsenic and antimony are metalloids with profound effects on biological systems and human health. Both elements are toxic to cells and organisms, and exposure is associated with several pathological conditions including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. At the same time, arsenic- and antimony-containing compounds are used in the treatment of multiple diseases. Although these metalloids can both cause and cure disease, their modes of molecular action are incompletely understood. The past decades have seen major advances in our understanding of arsenic and antimony toxicity, emphasizing genotoxicity and proteotoxicity as key contributors to pathogenesis. In this review, we highlight mechanisms by which arsenic and antimony cause toxicity, focusing on their genotoxic and proteotoxic effects. The mechanisms used by cells to maintain proteostasis during metalloid exposure are also described. Furthermore, we address how metalloid-induced proteotoxicity may promote neurodegenerative disease and how genotoxicity and proteotoxicity may be interrelated and together contribute to proteinopathies. A deeper understanding of cellular toxicity and response mechanisms and their links to pathogenesis may promote the development of strategies for both disease prevention and treatment.
Almost Everywhere Ergodicity in Quantum Lattice Models
Authors: Ampelogiannis Dimitrios , Doyon Benjamin
Published: October 2023

We rigorously examine, in generality, the ergodic properties of quantum lattice models with short range interactions, in the $$C^*$$

C
∗

algebra formulation of statistical mechanics. Ergodicity results, in the context of group actions on $$C^*$$

C
∗

algebras, assume that the algebra is asymptotically abelian, which is not generically the case for time evolution. The Lieb-Robinson bound tells us that, in a precise sense, the spatial extent of any time-evolved local operator grows linearly with time. This means that the algebra of observables is asymptotically abelian in a space-like region, and implies a form of ergodicity outside the light-cone. But what happens within it? We show that the long-time limit of the n-th moment of a ray-averaged observable, along space-time rays of almost every speed, converges to the n-th power of its expectation in the state (i.e. its ensemble average). Thus ray averages do not fluctuate in the long time limit. This is a statement of ergodicity, and holds in any state that is invariant under space-time translations and that satisfies weak clustering properties in space. The ray averages can be performed in a way that accounts for oscillations, showing that ray-averaged observables cannot sustainably oscillate in the long time limit. We also show that in the GNS representation of the algebra of observables, for any KMS state with the above properties, the long-time limit of the ray average of any observable converges (in the strong operator topology) to the ensemble average times the identity, again along space-time rays of almost every speed. This is a strong version of ergodicity, and indicates that, as operators, observables get “thinner” almost everywhere within the light-cone. A similar statement holds under oscillatory averaging.
Determination of the androgen receptor status of disseminated tumor cells in primary breast cancer patients
Authors: Krawczyk Natalia , Jaeger Bernadette , Martina Piperek-Jäger , Cristina Lopez-Cotarelo Rodriguez-Noriega , Melissa Neubacher , Maggie Banys-Paluchowski , Franziska Meier-Stiegen , Hans Neubauer , Dieter Niederacher , Eugen Ruckhäberle , Svjetlana Mohrmann , Jürgen Hoffmann , Thomas Kaleta , Irene Esposito , Tanja Fehm
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Androgen receptor (AR) can serve as a new therapeutic target since it was shown to play a proliferative role in several breast cancer (BC) subtypes. Moreover, AR positivity has been suggested to reflect the metastatic potential of tumor cells in some BC subtypes. The aim of this study was to determine the AR expression on disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) as a surrogate marker of minimal residual disease (MRD) and potential precursor of metastasis in early BC.

Methods

Bone marrow (BM) aspirates from 62 DTC-positive early BC patients were included into this study and analyzed by immunofluorescence staining for the presence of AR-positive DTCs. CK-positive, CD45-negative cells containing an intact nucleus (DAPI positive) were identified as DTCs. AR expression of the primary tumor (PT) was assessed by immunohistochemistry on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor sections from core biopsies and surgical specimens.

Results

AR status of DTCs could be determined in 21 patients. We detected AR-positive DTCs in nine samples (43%). AR expression of DTCs and corresponding PT showed a concordance rate of 33%. The DTC-AR status did not correlate with clinicopathological factors, nor did we observe a significant correlation between the AR status of the PT and other established prognostic factors for BC.

Conclusion

AR-positive DTCs can be detected in BM of early BC patients with a marked discordance of the AR status between DTCs and corresponding PTs. The clinical significance of these findings needs further investigation.
Schlafberatung für Kinder und Jugendliche
Authors: Hödlmoser Kerstin , Kapser Veronika , Bothe Kathrin
Published: October 2023

Je früher wir Kinder und Jugendliche über den Schlaf und seine Funktionen aufklären, desto besser können wir Schlafproblemen vorbeugen und sie beheben. In diesem Beitrag wird das gesundheitspsychologische Projekt „Schulische Gesundheitsförderung zum Thema Schlaf und Gesundheit“, welches 2020 von der Universität Salzburg in Kooperation mit der Österreichischen Gesundheitskasse initiiert wurde, vorgestellt. Dieses Projekt zielt darauf ab, das im Schlaflabor gesammelte Wissen direkt in die Schulen zu tragen und dort mittels Workshops in den Alltag der Schüler*innen und Lehrer*innen zu integrieren. Wissensvermittlung und Prävention sind auch der Fokus des im Verlag edition Riedenburg erschienenen Buches „Genial im Schlaf“, welches als Basis des Schulprojektes dient und die Schüler*innen für richtiges Schlafverhalten sensibilisieren sowie im Falle von Schlafproblemen Hilfestellungen bieten soll.
Ultrasound and X-ray Cross-Characterization of a Graded Impedance Impactor used for Shock-Ramp Compression Experiments
Authors: Stobbe David , Kelly James , Rogers Brian , Champley Kyle , Townsend Andrew , Tringe Joseph
Published: October 2023

In this work we perform ultrasound measurements on an impedance graded impactor made by tape casting magnesium, copper, and tungsten. We also destructively extract small representative samples from the part for complementary characterization with x-ray computed tomography. Combining the two data sets enables direct assignment of some of the measured ultrasound features to specific material characteristics identified by x-ray tomography. Our results demonstrate how ultrasound inspection, informed by x-ray computed tomography, can be used to identify sub-millimeter material amalgamations and spatial heterogeneities in this graded material.
An exploratory case study of the use of a digital self-assessment tool of 21st-century skills in makerspace contexts
Authors: Miliou Ourania , Adamou Maria , Mavri Aekaterini , Ioannou Andri
Published: October 2023

Maker education provides the perfect context for young learners to develop 21st-century skills. However, research is inconclusive on how these skills could be assessed. Namely, the complex nature of 21st-century skills requires different types of assessments, not necessarily relying on paper-and-pencil or multiple-choice tests, but rather drawing on the learners’ perspective in the form of self-assessment and reflection. Prior studies highlighted several challenges of situating self-assessment in makerspace contexts, such as the lack of dedicated technology for documentation, distractions caused by noise or group work, and the lack of skills and motivation to practice self-assessment. This paper presents an exploratory case study aimed at an in-depth investigation of the use of a digital self-assessment tool of 21st-century skills in makerspace contexts. The authors converged qualitative data collected mainly from interviews with teachers and students. Researcher observations and tool log files (e.g., student work in the digital tool) were used as triangulation sources. Although challenges emerged, the study presents encouraging findings regarding the use of the digital tool for raising students’ awareness of their development of 21st -century skills and engaging them in self-assessment and reflection. The results of the study provide rich insights to guide future research on the topic.
Novel Concentration Process for Platinum Group Metals in Automotive Exhaust Catalyst Using Electroless Copper Plating, Sulfurization, and Flotation
Authors: Kang Sukho , Ouchi Takanari , Okabe Toru H.
Published: October 2023

Platinum group metals (PGMs) are primarily used in automotive exhaust catalysts (autocatalysits). Spent autocatalysts are the most important secondary resource for PGMs. However, transporting autocatalyst scraps and recovering PGMs from the scraps are costly and time-consuming, owing to the low PGM content in spent autocatalysts. Thus, an effective PGM-concentration technology for the pretreatment of scrap prior to transport is required. This study develops a new pretreatment technique that is applied prior to the flotation concentration of PGMs in autocatalysts. This method utilizes electroless Cu plating followed by sulfurization. In the electroless Cu-plating process, which uses glyoxylic acid as a reducing agent, Cu is deposited on the PGM particles in the washcoat of the autocatalyst. During the sulfurization process, S vapor sulfurizes the deposited Cu into copper sulfide, which is hydrophobic. Prior to the experiments, thermodynamic considerations were made to predict the reactivity of Cu and the representative elements constituting the autocatalyst with S vapor, and the sulfurization conditions were designed. Sulfurization experiments were performed at 850 K (577 °C) in the presence of carbon (C), and the results show the successful conversion of only Cu to copper sulfide without sulfurizing the representative oxides (MgO, Al2O3, SiO2, CeO2, and ZrO2) present in the autocatalyst. Finally, in the flotation process, the copper sulfide-coated PGMs are separated from the ceramic components of the autocatalyst, which is hydrophilic; thus, it is concentrated in the froth. Flotation experiments utilizing a microbubble flotation method were successfully performed to recover the PGM concentrates. This innovative pretreatment technique is expected to reduce the cost and time required for the entire PGM recycling process.
Reproductive capacity and seed germination after various storage of the invasive alien plant Amorpha fruticosa L. - a case study from Bratislava
Authors: Šerá Božena , Žarnovičan Hubert , Hodálová Iva , Litavský Juraj
Published: October 2023

Amorpha fruticosaL. (Fabaceae) shows two reproductive modes, generative via seeds and vegetative via root-shoots. We studied the reproductive ability on a mixed sample collected from 6 localities in the city of Bratislava: compound fruiting per bush (12.55 ± 8.55), fruiting per bush (70.33 ± 48.04) and fruits per bush (16127.33 ± 24212.25). No significant difference was found between germination values from unpeeled fruits (achenes) and peeled fruits (seeds). Both seeds and fruits germinated very well both immediately after harvest and after storage under different temperature conditions. Peeled achenes germinated earlier. We stored seeds and fruits under different conditions, and found that the highest seed germination values were achieved by seeds stored in the dark at 22°C (60.00%) and by non-stored seeds (57.50%). The longest seedlings grew from seeds (8.48 mm) and from fruits (9.08 mm) stored at 22°C.
Optimization of a Simple Analytical Workflow to Characterize the Phenolic Fraction from Grape Pomace
Authors: Mangiapelo Luciano , Blasi Francesca , Ianni Federica , Suvieri Chiara , Sardella Roccaldo , Volpi Claudia , Cossignani Lina
Published: October 2023

The recovery of polyphenols from grape pomace (GP) supports the promotion of sustainable bioeconomy. Accordingly, the development of pre-treatment and extraction techniques using low-solvent amounts and energy-efficient processes is highly desirable. In this work, a comprehensive strategy to maximize phenol extraction from two Umbrian red wine cultivars, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, was proposed. Focus was paid to sample pre- (fresh, air-, oven- and freeze-dried pomace) and post-extraction (chemical- and enzymatic-hydrolysis) treatments. An experimental design was applied to optimize phenol recovery by ultrasound-assisted extraction: the variables water content in ethanol (20–80% v/v) and time (10–30 min) highlighted a critical influence on the total phenol content (TPC) selected as the response. β-glucuronidase hydrolysis provided the highest TPC and in vitro total antioxidant capacity also improving phenol identification and quantification via HPLC–DAD (particularly evident for freeze-dried Merlot and Cabernet GP, which gave a total phenolic content measured by HPLC equal to 1904.08 mg/g and 2064.64 mg/g, respectively). LC-HRMS/MS analysis allowed identity confirmation of the major phenols, and cytotoxicity assay highlighted the safety of the selected β-glucuronidase extracts towards Caco2 cell line. Ultimately, in the present work, we have addressed the importance of the recovery of bioactive compounds from grape pomace by proposing a comprehensive analytical strategy in which different methodological alternatives have been evaluated to preserve these compounds, in a frame of sustainability on a larger industrial scale.
Improving industrial wastewater irrigation: the effects on Indian baby pumpkin (Praecitrullus fistulous) cultivation
Authors: Jamil Waqas , Chandio Nousheen , Rafiq Muhammad , Taha Mohammad , Solangi Sorath , Yaqoob Muhammad
Published: October 2023

Increasing insufficiency of freshwater resources is driving many countries in arid and semi-arid regions to use low-quality water for agriculture and related activities. This wastewater may have some useful as well adverse effects on various parameters. In this regard, we design an experimental setup to investigate the impact of irrigation with industrial wastewater on the Praecitrullus fistulosus (Indian baby pumpkin) plant. For this purpose, Praecitrullus fistulous was cultivated in soil irrigated with different concentrations (i.e. 25, 50, 75, 100%) of industrial wastewater, while control contain 0% of wastewater. Before the treatment, physicochemical parameters (pH, TDS, EC, etc.) of industrial wastewater were analysed. It was observed that lower concentration/s of wastewater positively affects various morphological (no. of leaves, fruits etc.) and biochemical (Total protein, Flavonoids, Sugar/s content etc.) attributes in treated plants, whereas elevated concentration may hurt these parameters.
Transnational Dialogues on Interdisciplinary Approaches for Advancing People-Centered Warning Systems
Authors: Marchezini Victor
Published: October 2023

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and the World Meteorological Organization launched in 2022 the executive plan of the world program “Early Warning Systems for All” to be implemented from 2023 to 2027. This program champions an investment of USD 3.1 billion into the four pillars of warning systems and calls for multi-hazard and people-centered warning systems (PCWS). However, there is a scientific gap concerning interdisciplinary approaches to promoting them. Motivated by the call for action of “Early Warning Systems for All” and warning research gaps on the lack of interdisciplinarity, a workshop series “Interdisciplinary Approaches for Advancing People-Centered Warning Systems” was held in early 2023. This short article shares the preliminary findings and recommendations of this research, which involved a transnational virtual dialogue between one scientific organization in Brazil and one from the United States. The findings and recommendations discussed in three virtual sessions and one collective working paper were centered on three aspects: promoting interdisciplinary integration in research; the need to discuss the characteristics of a PCWS; and promoting problem- and solution-based programs with people to integrate them at all phases of the warning system.
Regularity theory for a new class of fractional parabolic stochastic evolution equations
Authors: Kirchner Kristin , Willems Joshua
Published: October 2023

A new class of fractional-order parabolic stochastic evolution equations of the form $$(\partial _t + A)^\gamma X(t) = {\dot{W}}^Q(t)$$

(

∂
t

+
A
)

γ

X

(
t
)

=

W
˙

Q

(
t
)

, $$t\in [0,T]$$

t
∈
[
0
,
T
]

, $$\gamma \in (0,\infty )$$

γ
∈
(
0
,
∞
)

, is introduced, where $$-A$$

-
A

generates a $$C_0$$

C
0

-semigroup on a separable Hilbert space H and the spatiotemporal driving noise $${\dot{W}}^Q$$

W
˙

Q

is the formal time derivative of an H-valued cylindrical Q-Wiener process. Mild and weak solutions are defined; these concepts are shown to be equivalent and to lead to well-posed problems. Temporal and spatial regularity of the solution process X are investigated, the former being measured by mean-square or pathwise smoothness and the latter by using domains of fractional powers of A. In addition, the covariance of X and its long-time behavior are analyzed. These abstract results are applied to the cases when $$A:= L^\beta $$

A
:
=

L
β

and $$Q:={\widetilde{L}}^{-\alpha }$$

Q
:
=

L
~

-
α

are fractional powers of symmetric, strongly elliptic second-order differential operators defined on (i) bounded Euclidean domains or (ii) smooth, compact surfaces. In these cases, the Gaussian solution processes can be seen as generalizations of merely spatial (Whittle–)Matérn fields to space–time.
Beyond visual range maneuver intention recognition based on attention enhanced tuna swarm optimization parallel BiGRU
Authors: Lei Xie , Shilin Deng , Shangqin Tang , Changqiang Huang , Kangsheng Dong , Zhuoran Zhang
Published: October 2023

This paper researches the problem of Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air combat maneuver intention recognition. To achieve efficient and accurate intention recognition, an Attention enhanced Tuna Swarm Optimization-Parallel Bidirectional Gated Recurrent Unit network (A-TSO-PBiGRU) is proposed, which constructs a novel Parallel BiGRU (PBiGRU). Firstly, PBiGRU has a parallel network structure, whose proportion of forward and backward network can be adjusted by forward coefficient and backward coefficient. Secondly, to achieve object-oriented adjustment of forward and backward coefficients, the tuna swarm optimization algorithm is introduced and the negative log-likelihood estimation loss function is used as the objective function, it realizes the dynamic combination of sequence guidance and reverse correction. Finally, the attention mechanism is used to obtain more useful information to improve the recognition accuracy. Through offline recognition experiment, it is proved that A-TSO-PBiGRU can effectively improve the convergence speed and recognition accuracy compared with GRU-related networks. Compared with the other six comparison algorithms, maneuver intention recognition accuracy also has significant advantages. In the online recognition experiment, maneuver intention recognition accuracy of A-TSO-PBiGRU is 93.7%, it shows excellent maneuver intention recognition ability.
Open innovation in Italian high-end fashion: an analysis of network tie formation by new ventures
Authors: Butticè Vincenzo , Franzoni Chiara , Lorenzen Mark , Rossi-Lamastra Cristina
Published: October 2023

Using a multiple case study of Italian high-end fashion, we analyze how new ventures pursue an open innovation by forming network ties to facilitate symbolic value propositions. We identify three strategies to form these ties: leverage of extant ties, Product exposure, and Entrepreneur exposure. Discussing the specificity of our empirical setting, we find that the identified strategies accommodate an industry context where market value is socially constructed and uncertainty is high. As a result, rather than being set by entrepreneurs, symbolic value propositions result from a mix of multiple diverse network ties. New high-end fashion ventures form these ties by applying strategies facilitating flexibility through open-ended search.
Charting the course of plant virology: innovations in diagnostics and beyond—reports from the DPG meeting
Authors: Krenz Björn , Niehl Annette , Büttner Carmen
Published: October 2023

Plant viruses pose a significant threat to global agriculture, resulting in economic losses and threatening food security. High-throughput sequencing and molecular techniques are advancing our understanding of these viruses, allowing for their detection, characterization, and control. The 55th meeting of the DPG Working Group “Viruskrankheiten der Pflanzen” showcased these advancements, encouraging international collaboration and idea exchange to tackle plant virus challenges. The perspectives paper we present summarizes this conference’s findings, highlighting the potential of these technologies in revolutionizing plant virus research.
Multi-Soliton Solutions for the Nonlocal Kundu-Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation with Step-Like Initial Data
Authors: Lei Ling , Tian Shou-Fu , Wu Yan-Qiang
Published: October 2023

We investigate the multi-soliton solutions for the Cauchy problem of the nonlocal Kundu-nonlinear Schrödinger (NK-NLS) equation with step-like initial data. We first perform the spectral analysis on the Lax pair of the NK-NLS equation, and then establish the Riemann-Hilbert (RH) problem of the equation based on the analytic, symmetric and asymptotic properties of Jost solutions and spectral functions. Because of the influence of step-like initial value, we need to consider the singularity condition of the RH problem at the origin, and this singularity condition can be converted to a residue condition. Further, the multi-soliton solutions of the NK-NLS equation are obtained in terms of the corresponding RH problem.
Complaints about police misconduct have adverse effects for Black civilians
Authors: Kraft Patrick W. , Newman Benjamin J.
Published: October 2023

Existing literature examines the effectiveness of civilian oversight in reducing police misconduct. However, little-to-no quantitative research explores possible adverse consequences of this accountability mechanism. Utilizing time series analysis of administrative data on aggregate monthly civilian complaints and police behavior in the largest American city, this article offers evidence of racial inequality in police response to civilian complaints. For White civilians, complaint against the police abates subsequent police stops. For Black civilians, complaint is associated with subsequent intensification of police stops. This intensification only follows complaints against White officers, is conditional upon officer knowledge of the complaint, is confined to stops involving greater officer discretion to perform the stop, and is only observed in police precincts with large Black populations.
The June 2022 extreme warm event in central West Antarctica
Authors: Evangelista Heitor , Prado Luciana F. , Gorodetskaya Irina V. , Reis Passos Heber , Nadal Villela Franco , Sampaio Marcelo , Alves dos Santos Elaine , de Brito Carla M.C.
Published: October 2023

The Antarctic surface mass balance has been shown to be sensitive to the impacts of atmospheric rivers (ARs), which bring anomalous amounts of both moisture and heat from lower latitudes poleward. Therefore, describing the characteristics of ARs and their intensity and frequency in the Antarctic regions by applying detection algorithms became a key method to evaluating their impacts on the surface mass balance and melting events. Several intense AR events have influenced Antarctica during the year 2022, and here we report an event with a peak on 10 June 2022 that was detected at 84°S, having a potential impact on West Antarctica. The extreme warm event originated in the Southern Pacific subtropical region and evolved towards the Southern Ocean, crossing the northern Antarctic Peninsula, before reaching as far as most inland regions in Antarctica, different from other typical ARs that are mostly restricted to the continental coast.
Uncertainty Quantification When Learning Dynamical Models and Solvers With Variational Methods
Authors: Lafon N. , Fablet R. , Naveau P.
Published: October 2023

In geosciences, data assimilation (DA) addresses the reconstruction of a hidden dynamical process given some observation data. DA is at the core of operational systems such as weather forecasting, operational oceanography and climate studies. Beyond the reconstruction of the mean or most likely state, the inference of the state posterior distribution remains a key challenge, that is, quantify uncertainties as well as to inform intrinsical stochastic variabilities. Indeed, DA schemes, such as variational DA and Kalman methods, can have difficulty in dealing with complex non‐linear processes. A growing literature investigates the cross‐fertilization of DA and machine learning. This study proposes an end‐to‐end neural scheme based on a variational Bayes inference formulation to jointly address DA and uncertainty quantification. It combines an Evidence Lower BOund variational cost to a trainable gradient‐based solver to infer the state posterior probability distribution function given observation data. The inference of the posterior and the trainable solver are learnt jointly. We demonstrate the relevance of the proposed scheme for a Gaussian parameterization of the posterior and different case‐study experiments, including Lorenz 63 dynamics and river flow measurements. A benchmark with respect to state‐of‐the‐art schemes is provided.
Unusual Magnetospheric Dynamics During Intense Substorm Initiated by Strong Magnetospheric Compression
Authors: Sergeev V. A. , Kubyshkina M. V. , Semenov V. S. , Artemyev A. , Angelopoulos V. , Runov A.
Published: October 2023

We investigate an unusual sequence and peculiar features of magnetotail changes during a storm‐range substorm initiated by the interplanetary shock. Auroral observations and measurements at several favorably distributed magnetospheric spacecraft allowed the construction of an adaptive time‐dependent magnetospheric model to quantitatively characterize the configurational changes and mapping variations. Several passages of low‐altitude spacecraft in polar orbits near midnight help reveal the magnetic configuration of the nightside tail‐dipole transition region. In this event, an intense auroral and convection activity (accompanied by an up to 1,500 nT increase in the SuperMag AL‐index index) emerged in the highly compressed magnetosphere after the passage of interplanetary shock followed by strongly southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). This directly driven phase of the activity continued for an hour and resulted in the formation of a hybrid magnetic configuration with dipolarized midtail and stretched field lines in the transition region. Observations of energetic particle isotropy boundary latitudes near midnight are consistent with the modeled magnetic configuration. In concert with a downward turn of the solar wind (SW) flow, and weakening of the IMF driver and convection, an unusual stretching signature of the inner magnetosphere magnetic field was observed as close as at r ∼ 5 to 7 Re; which resulted mostly from an increasing downward tilt of the thin azimuthal current. Classic substorm breakup signatures commenced at fairly low, ∼60° magnetic latitude, deep in the closed field line region, in association with the current sheet upward motion. It was followed by strong stepwise poleward auroral expansion. We discuss how these signatures deviate from standard substorm scenarios and may be potentially imparted by the aforementioned changes in SW flow direction and pressure.
Impacts of Permeability Heterogeneity and Background Flow on Supercritical CO2 Dissolution in the Deep Subsurface
Authors: Hansen Scott K. , Tao Yichen , Karra Satish
Published: October 2023

Motivated by CO2 capture and sequestration (CCS) design considerations, we consider the coupled effects of permeability heterogeneity and background flow on the dissolution of a supercritical CO2 lens into an underlying deep, confined aquifer. We present the results of a large‐scale Monte Carlo simulation study examining the interaction of background flow rate and three parameters describing multi‐Gaussian log‐permeability fields: mean, variance, and correlation length. Hundreds of high‐resolution simulations were performed using the PFLOTRAN finite volume software to model CO2 dissolution in a kilometer‐scale aquifer over 1,000 years. Predictive dimensionless scaling relationships relating CO2 dissolution rate to heterogeneity statistics, Rayleigh (Ra) and Péclet (Pe) numbers were developed for both gravitationally dominated free convection to background flow‐dominated forced convection regimes. An empirical criterion, Pe = Ra3/4, was discovered for regime transition. All simulations converged quickly to a quasi‐steady, approximately linear dissolution rate. However, this rate displayed profound variability between permeability field realizations sharing the same heterogeneity statistics, even under mild permeability heterogeneity. In general, increased heterogeneity was associated with a lower mean and higher variance of dissolution rate, undesirable from a CCS design perspective. The relationship between dissolution rate and background flow was found to be complex and nonlinear. Dimensionless scaling relationships were uncovered for a number of special cases. Results call into question the validity of the Boussinesq approximation in the context of modest‐to‐high background flow rates and the general applicability of numerical simulations without background flow.
A Preoperative Psychosocial Intervention for Youth Undergoing Pectus Repair: Development and Initial Patient/Caregiver Experiences
Authors: Brimeyer Chasity , Czarnecki Michelle L. , LiaBraaten Brynn , Flynn Erin , Weisman Steven J. , Densmore John D. , Hainsworth Keri R.
Published: October 2023

Objective:

Pectus repair surgery for chest wall abnormalities is associated with postoperative pain and worry. Effective psychosocial interventions that equip patients and families for surgery and promote adaptive coping with surgery-related pain and worry are needed, but lacking. In this article, we outline a novel preoperative, psychosocial intervention for youth undergoing pectus repair surgery and their caregivers and evaluate initial patient and caregiver satisfaction, perceived benefit, and acceptability of the intervention using multiple method analysis.

Method:

A pain psychologist developed the intervention to provide patients with adaptive coping skills for pain and surgery-related worry. Adolescent patients undergoing pectus repair ( n = 26; 83% male, 100% White, Mdnage = 15) and their caregivers ( n = 21) completed clinician-developed surveys to evaluate satisfaction, perceived benefit, and acceptability of the intervention.

Results:

Patients reported high satisfaction with learning strategies to manage pain (95%) and high overall acceptability (100%). Fewer patients (86%) than caregivers (95%) endorsed overall benefit. Caregivers reported a high degree of satisfaction with the intervention’s overall benefit (100%) and acceptability (99%), in addition to reporting observed benefit for managing pain (95%). Both caregivers (70%) and patients (47%) endorsed less perceived benefit for managing surgery-related worry. Themes from survey open-ended responses included intervention benefits, barriers to using skills learned, and suggestions for improvement.

Conclusions:

Providing psychosocial intervention during the preoperative period is highly satisfactory, beneficial, and acceptable to patients undergoing pectus repair and their caregivers. This newly developed, clinical intervention may guide the provision of preoperative psychosocial care in this population.

Implications for Impact Statement

Adolescents undergoing pectus repair surgery and their caregivers need coping tools in addition to medication to manage surgery-related pain and worry. This newly developed, education and skills-based psychosocial intervention addresses a current gap in preoperative surgical care by providing guidance for using psychosocial coping strategies during recovery.
Modeling the measurement precision of Fringe Projection Profilometry
Authors: Lv Shenzhen , Kemao Qian
Published: October 2023

Three-dimensional (3D) surface geometry provides elemental information in various sciences and precision engineering. Fringe Projection Profilometry (FPP) is one of the most powerful non-contact (thus non-destructive) and non-interferometric (thus less restrictive) 3D measurement techniques, featuring at its high precision. However, the measurement precision of FPP is currently evaluated experimentally, lacking a complete theoretical model for guidance. We propose the first complete FPP precision model chain including four stage models (camera intensity, fringe intensity, phase and 3D geometry) and two transfer models (from fringe intensity to phase and from phase to 3D geometry). The most significant contributions include the adoption of a non-Gaussian camera noise model, which, for the first time, establishes the connection between camera’s electronics parameters (known in advance from the camera manufacturer) and the phase precision, and the formulation of the phase to geometry transfer, which makes the precision of the measured geometry representable in an explicit and concise form. As a result, we not only establish the full precision model of the 3D geometry to characterize the performance of an FPP system that has already been set up, but also explore the expression of the highest possible precision limit to guide the error distribution of an FPP system that is yet to build. Our theoretical models make FPP a more designable technique to meet the challenges from various measurement demands concerning different object sizes from macro to micro and requiring different measurement precisions from a few millimeters to a few micrometers.
Time series single-cell transcriptional atlases reveal cell fate differentiation driven by light in Arabidopsis seedlings
Authors: Han Xue , Zhang Yilin , Lou Zhiying , Li Jian , Wang Zheng , Gao Chunlei , Liu Yi , Ren Zizheng , Liu Weimin , Li Bosheng , Pan Wenbo , Zhang Huawei , Sang Qing , Wan Miaomiao , He Hang , Deng Xing Wang
Published: October 2023

Light serves as the energy source for plants as well as a signal for growth and development during their whole life cycle. Seedling de-etiolation is the most dramatic manifestation of light-regulated plant development processes, as massive reprogramming of the plant transcriptome occurs at this time. Although several studies have reported about organ-specific development and expression induced by light, a systematic analysis of cell-type-specific differentiation and the associated transcriptional regulation is still lacking. Here we obtained single-cell transcriptional atlases for etiolated, de-etiolating and light-grown Arabidopsisthaliana seedlings. Informative cells from shoot and root tissues were grouped into 48 different cell clusters and finely annotated using multiple markers. With the determination of comprehensive developmental trajectories, we demonstrate light modulation of cell fate determination during guard cell specialization and vasculature development. Comparison of expression atlases between wild type and the pifq mutant indicates that phytochrome-interacting factors (PIFs) are involved in distinct developmental processes in endodermal and stomatal lineage cells via controlling cell-type-specific expression of target genes. These results provide information concerning the light signalling networks at the cell-type resolution, improving our understanding of how light regulates plant development at the cell-type and genome-wide levels. The obtained information could serve as a valuable resource for comprehensively investigating the molecular mechanism of cell development and differentiation in response to light.
The full health, economic, and social benefits of prospective Strep A vaccination
Authors: Cadarette Daniel , Ferranna Maddalena , Cannon Jeffrey W. , Abbas Kaja , Giannini Fiona , Zucker Leo , Bloom David E.
Published: October 2023

Recent research has documented a wide range of health, economic, and social benefits conferred by vaccination, beyond the direct reductions in morbidity, mortality, and future healthcare costs traditionally captured in economic evaluations. In this paper, we describe the societal benefits that would likely stem from widespread administration of safe and effective vaccines against Streptococcus pyogenes (Strep A), which was estimated to be the fifth-leading cause of infectious disease deaths globally prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. We then estimate the global societal gains from prospective Strep A vaccination through a value-per-statistical-life approach. Estimated aggregate lifetime benefits for 30 global birth cohorts range from $1.7 to $5.1 trillion, depending on the age at which vaccination is administered and other factors. These results suggest that the benefits of Strep A vaccination would be large and justify substantial investment in the vaccines’ development, manufacture, and delivery.
Chitosan-based fluorescent inverse opal particles for Cr(VI) sensing
Authors: Su Haiwen , Chen Hong , Wen Baojie , Lu Ling , Zhang Dagan , Wang Huan
Published: October 2023

Chitosan (CS) is a natural polymer widely used in many fields. However, there are seldom studies that focus on its inherent fluorescence properties. In this work, based on the inherent fluorescence of chitosan (CS) and the mechanism that it can be quenched by hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), we developed novel CS-based inverse opal particles (IOPs) for Cr(VI) detection. The CS IOPs were obtained by replicating the silica colloidal crystal beads using CS, which displayed uniform shape and size, as well as enhanced fluorescence-emission capability resulted from the unique microstructure. Under the optimized conditions, the CS IOPs responded to Cr(VI) in a range of 0–10,000 μM with high sensitivity and specificity and demonstrated a LOD of 0.055 μM at the linear range of 0–30 μM. Furthermore, they displayed good detection ability in practical applications with recoveries of 86–106% for tap water and 99.7–107.3% for pond water, respectively. With these features, the developed CS IOPs are promising to be a simple, low-cost, and fast platform for detecting Cr(VI).
A field study of the impacts of workplace diversity on the recruitment of minority group members
Authors: Nichols Aaron D. , Axt Jordan , Gosnell Evelyn , Ariely Dan
Published: October 2023

Increasing workplace diversity is a common goal. Given research showing that minority applicants anticipate better treatment in diverse workplaces, we ran a field experiment (N = 1,585 applicants, N = 31,928 website visitors) exploring how subtle organizational diversity cues affected applicant behaviour. Potential applicants viewed a company with varying levels of racial/ethnic or gender diversity. There was little evidence that racial/ethnic or gender diversity impacted the demographic composition or quality of the applicant pool. However, fewer applications were submitted to organizations with one form of diversity (that is, racial/ethnic or gender diversity), and more applications were submitted to organizations with only white men employees or employees diverse in race/ethnicity and gender. Finally, exploratory analyses found that female applicants were rated as more qualified than male applicants. Presenting a more diverse workforce does not guarantee more minority applicants, and organizations seeking to recruit minority applicants may need stronger displays of commitments to diversity.
Antimicrobial resistance and whole genome sequencing of novel sequence types of Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, and Enterococcus durans isolated from livestock
Authors: El Zowalaty Mohamed E. , Lamichhane Bibek , Falgenhauer Linda , Mowlaboccus Shakeel , Zishiri Oliver T. , Forsythe Stephen , Helmy Yosra A.
Published: October 2023

The emergence of antimicrobial-resistant, livestock-associated Enterococcus faecalis represents a public health concern. Here, we report the isolation, molecular detection of virulence and antimicrobial resistance determinants, in addition to the phylogenetic analyses of 20 Enterococcus species using whole genome sequencing analysis of 15 Enterococcus faecalis strains including six strains of three novel sequence types, three Enterococcus faecium and two Enterococcus durans. All strains were isolated from food chain animals in South Africa. Enterococcus strains were isolated on bile aesculin azide agar, followed by identification using MALDI-TOF MS analysis. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. The genomic DNA of the isolates was extracted and sequencing was performed using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Sequence reads were trimmed and de novo assembled. The assembled contigs were analyzed for antimicrobial resistance genes and chromosomal mutations, extra-chromosomal plasmids, and multi-locus sequence type (MLST). Multidrug antimicrobial resistance genes conferring resistance to aminoglycosides (ant(6)-Ia, aph(3′)-IIIa, sat4, and spw), lincosamides (lnu(B), lsa(A), and lsa(E)), macrolides (erm(B)), trimethoprim (dfrG) and tetracyclines (tet(L) and tet(M)) were identified. Plasmid replicons were detected in seven E. faecalis and three E. faecium isolates. The sequence type (ST) of each isolate was determined using the Enterococcus PubMLST database. Ten STs were identified in the collection, three of which (ST1240, ST1241, and ST1242) have not been previously reported and are described in the present study for the first time. To compare the sequenced strains to other previously sequenced E. faecalis strains, assembled sequences of E. faecalis from livestock were downloaded from the PubMLST database. Core genome-based phylogenetic analysis was performed using ParSNP. The detection of multiple drug-resistance in Enterococcus including E. faecalis and E. faecium highlights the significance of genomic surveillance to monitor the spread of antimicrobial resistance in food chain animals. In addition, the genome sequences of Enterococcus strains reported in the present study will serve as a reference point for future molecular epidemiological studies of livestock-associated and antibiotic-resistant E. faecalis in Africa. In addition, this study enables the in-depth analysis of E. faecalis genomic structure, as well as provides valuable information on the phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance, and the pathogenesis of livestock-associated E. faecalis and E. faecium.
The formation of a rolling larval chamber as the unique structural gall of a new species of cynipid gall wasps
Authors: Ide Tatsuya , Koyama Asuka
Published: October 2023

Insect galls, which often have complex external and internal structures, are believed to have adaptive significance for the survival of insects inside galls. A unique internal structure was discovered in the gall of a new cynipid species, Belizinella volutum Ide & Koyama, sp. nov., where the larval chamber could roll freely in the internal air space of the gall. Observations of the live galls using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) revealed its formation process. The larval chamber becomes isolated from the internal parenchyma soon after the gall reaches the maximum diameter and is able to roll as the internal air space is expanding from the surrounding parenchyma to the outer gall wall. The enemy hypothesis could partly explain the adaptive significance of the unique structure of the gall of B. volutum.
Wastewater analysis for new psychoactive substances and cocaine and cannabis in a Northern Ireland Prison
Authors: Davies Bethan , Paul Richard , Osselton David
Published: October 2023

The global drug market has been significantly impacted by the emergence of new psychoactive substances, leading to challenges in creating effective legislative controls and their use within recreational drug consumption. This research explores the prevalence of new psychoactive substances and non-medicinal and medicinal compounds within a prison facility in Northern Ireland. Wastewater samples collected from seven different manholes within the prison were analysed for 37 target compounds including the two most found illicit substances: benzoylecgonine (primary metabolite of cocaine) and cannabis. Using solid phase extraction with Oasis HLB and liquid-chromatography-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry across a gradient of 9 min, our analysis revealed that benzoylecgonine was the sole compound consistently present in all collected samples. Following this finding, our target compound selection was broadened to encompass medicinal compounds and employing qualitative analysis we re-evaluated the samples and discovered the presence of buprenorphine, benzodiazepines, methadone, morphine, and codeine. Finally, the study explored the application of enzymatic beta-glucuronidase hydrolysis to the samples. This final phase yielded significant findings, indicating the presence of codeine and nordiazepam at higher peak intensities, thereby shedding light on the potential implications of this enzymatic process.