bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence for a large off-centered galactic outflow and its connection to the extraplanar diffuse ionized gas in IC 1553
Authors: Dirks L. , Dettmar R.-J. , Bomans D. J. , Kamphuis P. , Schilling U.
Published: August 2023

Aims. We analyze a MUSE optical integral field spectrum of the star-forming edge-on galaxy IC 1553 in order to study its extraplanar diffuse ionized gas (eDIG) and the processes shaping its disk-halo interface.

Methods. We extracted the optical emission line properties from the integral field spectrum and generated the commonly used emission line diagnostic diagrams in order to analyze the ionization conditions and the distribution of the eDIG. Furthermore, we performed gravitational potential fitting to investigate the kinematics of a suspected galactic outflow.

Results. We find that the eDIG scale height has a maximum value of approximately 1.0 kpc and decreases roughly linearly with the radial distance from the galactic center in projection. The ionization state of the eDIG is not consistent with a pure photoionization scenario and instead requires a significant contribution from shock ionization. This, in addition to the gas kinematics, strongly suggests the presence of a galactic scale outflow, the origin of which lies at least 1.4 kpc away from the galactic center. The inferred shock velocity in the eDIG of approximately 225 km s−1 is comparable to the escape velocity estimated from our potential modelling. The asymmetric distribution of currently star-forming clusters produces a range of different ionization conditions in the eDIG. As a result, the vertical emission line profiles vary quantitatively and qualitatively along the major axis of the galaxy. This analysis illustrates that it is crucial in studies of the eDIG to use observations that take the spatial and kinematical distributions into account, such as those done with integral field units, to form an accurate picture of the relevant physical properties.
A component-based data assimilation strategy with applications to vascular flows
Authors: Bui Duc-Quang , Mollo Pierre , Nobile Fabio , Taddei Tommaso
Published: August 2023

We present a parameterized-background data-weak (PBDW) approach [Y Maday, AT Patera, JD Penn, M Yano, Int J Numer Meth Eng, 102(5), 933–965] to the steady-state variational data assimilation (DA) problem for systems modeled by partial differential equations (PDEs) and characterized by multiple interconnected components, with emphasis on vascular flows. We focus on the problem of reconstructing the state of the system in one specific component, based on local measurements. The PBDW approach does not require the solution of any PDE model at prediction stage (projection-by-data) and, as such, enables local state estimates on single components, as long as good background and update spaces for the estimation can be constructed. We discuss the application of PBDW to a two-dimensional steady Navier-Stokes problem for a family of parameterized geometries, and investigate instead the effects of enforcing no-slip boundary conditions and incompressibility constraints on the background and update spaces to enhance the state estimation. Furthermore, we show an actionable strategy to train local reduced-order bases (ROBs) for the background space that can later be used for DA tasks.
Mortensen observer for a class of variational inequalities – lost equivalence with stochastic filtering approaches
Authors: Chaintron Louis-Pierre , González Álvaro Mateos , Mertz Laurent , Moireau Philippe
Published: August 2023

We address the problem of deterministic sequential estimation for a nonsmooth dynamics governed by a variational inequality. An example of such dynamics is the Skorokhod problem with a reflective boundary condition. For smooth dynamics, Mortensen introduced in 1968 a nonlinear estimator based on likelihood maximisation. Then, starting with Hijab in 1980, several authors established a connection between Mortensen’s approach and the vanishing noise limit of the robust form of the so-called Zakai equation. In this paper, we investigate to what extent these methods can be developed for dynamics governed by a variational inequality. On the one hand, we address this problem by relaxing the inequality constraint by penalization: this yields an approximate Mortensen estimator relying on an approximating smooth dynamics. We verify that the equivalence between the deterministic and stochastic approaches holds through a vanishing noise limit. On the other hand, inspired by the smooth dynamics approach, we study the vanishing viscosity limit of the Hamilton-Jacobi equation satisfied by the Hopf-Cole transform of the solution of the robust Zakai equation. In contrast to the case of smooth dynamics, the zero-noise limit of the robust form of the Zakai equation cannot be understood in our case from the Bellman equation on the value function arising in Mortensen’s procedure. This unveils a violation of equivalence for dynamics governed by a variational inequality between the Mortensen approach and the low noise stochastic approach for nonsmooth dynamics.
Storage of wind power energy: main facts and feasibility − hydrogen as an option
Authors: Amarapala Vidya , Darwish Abdul Salam K. , Farrell Peter
Published: August 2023

The befalling of natural disasters has been experienced at an alarming level in the last decade due to discharging excessive amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. The world needs to decarbonise itself sooner than later. To combat environmental impact and the climate change, several key initiatives were taken by countries like the UK, Japan, Europe, and Canada. That includes decarbonising the power sector entirely by bringing in renewable energy in place of fossil fuel on an agreed timeline. Many countries have committed to zero emission by 2050. However, it will not be easy to depend on 100% of renewable energy grid without renewable energy storage capability to assure grid stability. Therefore, this publication's key fundamental objective is to discuss the most suitable energy storage for energy generated by wind. A review of the available storage methods for renewable energy and specifically for possible storage for wind energy is accomplished. Factors that are needed to be considered for storage selection and the requirements are discussed. Wind farm capacity is one of the essential parameters that could affect selection procedures. It is recommended that detailed calculations be made of available energy and the excess power amount to be stored. However, the article discusses the most viable storage options such as liquid metal batteries grid embedded storage for frequency and voltage stability and produces green Hydrogen from surplus wind energy, especially in Sri Lanka.
Gesundheitskompetenz (Health Literacy) und Compliance – Teil
2
Authors: Schäfer Denise
Published: August 2023

Gesundheitskompetenz bezieht sich auf die Fähigkeit einer Person,
gesundheitsbezogene Informationen zu finden, zu verstehen, zu bewerten und
anzuwenden, um informierte Entscheidungen für die eigene Gesundheit zu
treffen. Eine hohe Gesundheitskompetenz ist entscheidend, um eine aktive Rolle
in der eigenen Gesundheitsversorgung übernehmen und eine erfolgreiche
Behandlung gewährleisten zu können.

Im Zusammenhang mit der Förderung der Gesundheitskompetenz werden auch
die Relevanz von Gesundheitsinformationen, Gesprächsqualität
zwischen Gesundheitsberufen und Betroffenen, sowie die dafür
erforderlichen Schnittstellen deutlich. Pflegepersonen sind der Dreh- und
Angelpunkt der Gesundheitsförderung und Prävention. Daher
können Pflegepersonen in dieser Position eine wichtige Anlaufstelle
für Patient*innen und deren Angehörige darstellen.

Es gilt zu betonen, dass Pflegexpert*innen ihre berufliche
Handlungskompetenz erweitern und neue Rollen in der Praxis übernehmen
sollten, um die Gesundheitskompetenz der Patient*innen niederschwellig
und professionell zu fördern. Darüber hinaus ist die Bedeutung
geeigneter Rahmenbedingungen – wie Zugang zu Gesundheitsinformationen,
angemessener Personalschlüssel und definierte Tätigkeitsbereiche
– für die Umsetzung der Pflegerolle in der
Gesundheitsförderung hervorzuheben. Die Einbindung verschiedener
Fachbereiche und die Zusammenarbeit mit anderen Gesundheitsberufen sind
unabdinglich, um die Gesundheitskompetenz der Bevölkerung zu
stärken und informierte Entscheidungen zu ermöglichen.
20 Jahre Vorsorgekoloskopie in Deutschland: aktueller Stand, kritische
Betrachtung und Ausblick
Authors: Heil Franz Josef , Aschenbeck Jens , Hüppe Dietrich
Published: August 2023

20 Jahre Darmspiegelung zur Krebsfrüherkennung und -vorsorge in Deutschland: eine
Erfolgsgeschichte – daran gibt es keinen Zweifel mehr, aber auch ein kritischer
Blick darf nicht fehlen.
Microfluidic-to-macrofluidic: A simple in vitro model of atherosclerosis induced by fluidic stimulation
Authors: Cui Jingang , Jiang Wei , Su Jilei , Zhang Jiazhen , Yu Yongliang , Ding Yongsheng
Published: August 2023

Atherosclerosis is the narrowing of the arteries due to the formation of fatty plaques, which is the main cause of myocardial infarction and stroke. It is important to develop an in vitro model that can combine multiple-type cell co-culture, vessel wall-like structure, and fluid condition to simulate the processes of atherosclerosis. Herein, we used a simple microfluidic chip made of three polydimethylsiloxane layers to co-culture endothelial and smooth muscle cells in a flat rectangular microchannel. After being connected with a circulating culture medium driven by a peristaltic pump, the flat microchannel was deformed to a tunnel-like macrochannel. The fluid pressure and shear stress applied on the cells in the deformed macrochannel can be varied by adjusting the circulating flow rate and the thickness of the middle layer. Under three levels of the pressure (65, 131, and 196 mm Hg) or shear stress (0.99, 4.78, and 24 dyne/cm2) conditions, a series of atherosclerosis-related events, including endothelial cell junction, pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, monocyte adhesion, and lipid accumulation, were investigated. The atherosclerosis-related results showed that the medium pressure or shear stress exhibited a relatively weak pro-atherosclerotic effect in a V-shaped trend. To demonstrate the potential in drug screen, the effects of three well-known anti-atherosclerotic drugs (atorvastatin, tetramethylpyrazine, and high-density lipoprotein) on the lipid accumulation and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion were evaluated under a strong pro-atherosclerotic fluid condition (65 mm Hg, 0.99 dyne/cm2). This in vitro model of atherosclerosis has shown great potential in drug screen application.
A sense of proximity: Cell packing modulates oxygen consumption
Authors: Botte Ermes , Mancini Piera , Magliaro Chiara , Ahluwalia Arti
Published: August 2023

Accurately modeling oxygen transport and consumption is crucial to predict metabolic dynamics in cell cultures and optimize the design of tissue and organ models. We present a methodology to characterize the Michaelis–Menten oxygen consumption parameters in vitro, integrating novel experimental techniques and computational tools. The parameters were derived for hepatic cell cultures with different dimensionality (i.e., 2D and 3D) and with different surface and volumetric densities. To quantify cell packing regardless of the dimensionality of cultures, we devised an image-based metric, referred to as the proximity index. The Michaelis–Menten parameters were related to the proximity index through an uptake coefficient, analogous to a diffusion constant, enabling the quantitative analysis of oxygen dynamics across dimensions. Our results show that Michaelis–Menten parameters are not constant for a given cell type but change with dimensionality and cell density. The maximum consumption rate per cell decreases significantly with cell surface and volumetric density, while the Michaelis–Menten constant tends to increase. In addition, the dependency of the uptake coefficient on the proximity index suggests that the oxygen consumption rate of hepatic cells is superadaptive, as they modulate their oxygen utilization according to its local availability and to the proximity of other cells. We describe, for the first time, how cells consume oxygen as a function of cell proximity, through a quantitative index, which combines cell density and dimensionality. This study enhances our understanding of how cell–cell interaction affects oxygen dynamics and enables better prediction of aerobic metabolism in tissue models, improving their translational value.
Tidal migrations of juvenile Sillago spp. in a subtropical intertidal nursery seascape
Authors: Giaroli Max L. , Chargulaf Craig A. , Gilby Ben L. , Tibbetts Ian R.
Published: August 2023

Context Subtropical intertidal pools on depositional shores are important nursery habitats for smaller juveniles (10- to ~25-mm total length, TL) of commercially important smelt whiting (Sillago spp.), whereas larger juveniles >25 mm TL occupy shallow subtidal habitats at low tide. Aims We investigated the connectivity between lower and upper shore habitats in Moreton Bay. Methods We used funnel camera traps to assess tidal movements of juvenile whiting and compared harpacticoid copepod genera in small juvenile whiting guts caught post-foraging with those sampled from nearby sediments to infer patterns of foraging. Key results Smaller juveniles transited sandy upper-shore habitat at depths from 1.5 to <10 cm and avoided vegetated habitats, whereas larger juveniles moved into mangroves at depths of 15–30 cm on the rising tide. Coullana spp. harpacticoids were found in greater proportions in whiting guts of small juveniles than in the sampled habitats, but were abundant in intertidal pool and mangrove sediments. Conclusions Intertidal sandy habitats are seemingly an important high-tide habitat for smaller juvenile whiting, where they preferentially forage on Coullana spp. Implications Given the broad distribution of smelt whiting in the Indo-Pacific, the protection of such habitats must be addressed by fishery and habitat management agencies for species with similar early nursery requirements.
Effects of multiple aspects of anthropogenic landscape change on mesopredator relative abundance
Authors: Emmet Robert L. , Stodola Kirk W. , Benson Thomas J. , Allen Maximilian L.
Published: August 2023

Context Anthropogenic landscape changes have substantial effects on biodiversity and animal populations worldwide. However, anthropogenic landscape change can take a variety of forms, and its effects on wildlife species can vary by landscape context and scale. It is therefore critical that studies of the effects of anthropogenic landscape change on wildlife consider landscape context and model effects of landscape change at multiple scales. Mesopredators serve as an excellent case study of scale-dependent and even contradictory effects of anthropogenic landscape change, because mesopredator populations can respond both positively and negatively to landscape change depending on its form (e.g. agricultural production, urbanisation) and scale. Aims The aim of this study was to model relationships between multiple aspects of anthropogenic landscape change, including agricultural production and the proliferation of non-native shrubs, and relative abundance of three mesopredator species: Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), and raccoon (Procyon lotor). Methods We summarised landscape variables at two scales and built both single-scale and multi-scale models linking relative abundance of mesopredators to landscape variables. Key results We found that relative abundance of all three species was most related to either the transition from natural areas to agricultural areas (brown-to-green gradient) or the likelihood of presence of non-native shrubs. We also found that responses to anthropogenic landscape change varied by spatial scale; for instance, skunks and raccoons had higher relative abundance in parts of Illinois with more forest cover and agriculture, respectively, but avoided more highly forested and agricultural areas, respectively, at smaller scales. Conclusions Mesopredator responses to landscape change were highly variable and scale-dependent, but were generally related to transitions from forest to agriculture or the presence of non-native shrubs. Implications Our study demonstrates the need to model effects of anthropogenic landscape change at multiple scales, given the differing results that can be achieved when landscape variables are measured at multiple scales.
Movement and ranging behaviour of long-nosed potoroos (Potorous tridactylus) in south-west Victoria, Australia
Authors: Le Pla Mark , Hradsky Bronwyn A. , Di Stefano Julian , Farley-Lehmer Tamika C. , Birnbaum Emma K. , Pascoe Jack H.
Published: August 2023

Context A comprehensive understanding of movements and space use can underpin the effective management of threatened species. GPS dataloggers can collect large amounts of high-quality movement data, and recent advances in statistical approaches allow for robust estimates of home range size to be generated. Until recently, technological and practical constraints have generally restricted the collection of movement data via GPS dataloggers to larger species. However, reductions in the size and weight of GPS dataloggers now allow for this technology to be applied to smaller species. Aims The aim of this study was to describe the home range and movement patterns of a nationally vulnerable, native Australian ground-dwelling mammal, the long-nosed potoroo (Potorous tridactylus), in south-west Victoria, mainland Australia. Methods We attached GPS dataloggers to 40 long-nosed potoroos between 2020 and 2022 and estimated home range size using dynamic Brownian Bridge movement models. We evaluated the influence of physiological factors such as body mass and sex on home range size and described patterns of home range overlap between and within sexes. Key results Mean home range sizes were estimated to be 13.73 ha (95% CI: 10.9–16.6) and 6.67 ha (95% CI: 5.49–7.85) for males and females respectively. Home range size scaled with body mass in males but not females, and ranges were largely overlapping – although there was some evidence of intrasexual spatial partitioning of core range areas in females. Conclusions Ours is the first application of GPS dataloggers to this species, and our home range estimates are over twice as large as other reported estimates for mainland Australia. Long-nosed potoroos may range across larger areas than previously predicted on mainland Australia. Implications This knowledge may be used to optimise the management of long-nosed potoroo populations before and after fire – a key threatening process for this species. Our study highlights the value of integrating GPS dataloggers and robust home range estimators when describing the movement ecology of a population.
Review of the online analyses of multi-messenger alerts and electromagnetic transient events with the ANTARES neutrino telescope
Authors: Albert A. , Alves S. , André M. , Ardid M. , Ardid S. , Aubert J.-J. , Aublin J. , Baret B. , Basa S. , Belhorma B. , Bendahman M. , Benfenati F. , Bertin V. , Biagi S. , Bissinger M. , Boumaaza J. , Bouta M. , Bouwhuis M.C. , Brânzaş H. , Bruijn R. , Brunner J. , Busto J. , Caiffi B. , Calvo D. , Campion S. , Capone A. , Caramete L. , Carr J. , Carretero V. , Celli S. , Chabab M. , Chau T.N. , Cherkaoui El Moursli R. , Chiarusi T. , Circella M. , Coelho J.A.B. , Coleiro A. , Coniglione R. , Coyle P. , Creusot A. , Díaz A.F. , De Martino B. , Distefano C. , Di Palma I. , Domi A. , Donzaud C. , Dornic D. , Drouhin D. , Eberl T. , van Eeden T. , van Eijk D. , El Khayati N. , Enzenhöfer A. , Fasano M. , Fermani P. , Ferrara G. , Filippini F. , Fusco L. , Gagliardini S. , García J. , Gay P. , Geißelbrecht N. , Glotin H. , Gozzini R. , Gracia Ruiz R. , Graf K. , Guidi C. , Haegel L. , Hallmann S. , van Haren H. , Heijboer A.J. , Hello Y. , Hernández-Rey J.J. , Hößl J. , Hofestädt J. , Huang F. , Illuminati G. , James C.W. , Jisse-Jung B. , de Jong M. , de Jong P. , Kadler M. , Kalekin O. , Katz U. , Kouchner A. , Kreykenbohm I. , Kulikovskiy V. , Lahmann R. , Lamoureux M. , Lefèvre D. , Leonora E. , Levi G. , Le Stum S. , Lopez-Coto D. , Loucatos S. , Maderer L. , Manczak J. , Marcelin M. , Margiotta A. , Marinelli A. , Martínez-Mora J.A. , Melis K. , Migliozzi P. , Moussa A. , Muller R. , Nauta L. , Navas S. , Nezri E. , Fearraigh B.Ó , Păun A. , Păvălaş G.E. , Pellegrino C. , Perrin-Terrin M. , Pestel V. , Piattelli P. , Pieterse C. , Poirè C. , Popa V. , Pradier T. , Randazzo N. , Real D. , Reck S. , Riccobene G. , Romanov A. , Saina A. , Sánchez-Losa A. , Salesa Greus F. , Samtleben D.F.E. , Sanguineti M. , Sapienza P. , Schnabel J. , Schumann J. , Schüssler F. , Seneca J. , Spurio M. , Stolarczyk Th. , Taiuti M. , Tayalati Y. , Tingay S.J. , Vallage B. , Van Elewyck V. , Versari F. , Viola S. , Vivolo D. , Wilms J. , Zavatarelli S. , Zegarelli A. , Zornoza J.D. , Zúñiga J.
Published: August 2023

By constantly monitoring a very large portion of the sky, neutrino telescopes are well-designed to detect neutrinos emitted by transient astrophysical events. Real-time searches with the ANTARES telescope have been performed to look for neutrino candidates coincident with gamma-ray bursts detected by the Swift and Fermi satellites, high-energy neutrino events registered by IceCube, transient events from blazars monitored by HAWC, photon-neutrino coincidences by AMON notices and gravitational wave candidates observed by LIGO/Virgo. By requiring temporal coincidence, this approach increases the sensitivity and the significance of a potential discovery. This paper summarises the results of the follow-up performed of the ANTARES telescope between January 2014 and February 2022, which corresponds to the end of the data-taking period.
Cosmological perturbations in the teleparallel analog of Horndeski gravity
Authors: Ahmedov Bobomurat , Dialektopoulos Konstantinos F. , Levi Said Jackson , Nosirov Abdurakhmon , Oikonomopoulou Zinovia , Yunusov Odil
Published: August 2023

In this work we study the cosmological perturbations in Bahamonde-Dialektopoulos-Levi Said (BDLS) theory, i.e. the teleparallel analog of Horndeski gravity. In order to understand the evolution of structure in a cosmological model, it is necessary to study its cosmology not only in the background but also perturbatively. Both Horndeski and its teleparallel analog have been analyzed a lot in the literature, but in order to study them quantitatively, we need to know their cosmological perturbations. That is why, we study here the scalar-vector-tensor decomposition of the theory and we also express the so-calledalphaparameters in terms of the arbitrary functions of the theory, that designate the deviation from the ΛCDM model. We have explored tensor, vector and scalar perturbation of the action up to second order, which drastically opens up new possibilities on searches in the parameter space of scalar-tensor theories in the context of observations.
Experimental investigation of omnidirectional multiphysics bilayer invisibility cloak with anisotropic geometry
Authors: Feng 丰 Huolei 火雷 , Zhang 张 Xingwei 兴伟 , Zhou 周 Limin 利敏 , Zhang 张 Yuekai 悦凯 , Ni 倪 Yushan 玉山
Published: August 2023

Thermal-electric bilayer invisibility cloak can prevent the heat flux and electric current from touching the object without distorting the external temperature and electric potential fields simultaneously. In this paper, we design an omnidirectional thermal-electric invisibility cloak with anisotropic geometry. Based on the theory of neutral inclusion, the anisotropic effective thermal and electric conductivities of confocal elliptical bilayer core–shell structure are derived, thus obtaining the anisotropic matrix material to eliminate the external disturbances omnidirectionally. The inner shell of the cloak is selected as an insulating material to shield the heat flux and electric current. Then, the omnidirectional thermal-electric cloaking effect is verified numerically and experimentally based on the theoretical anisotropic matrix and manufactured composite structure, respectively. Furthermore, we achieve the thermal-electric cloaking effect under a specific direction of heat flux and electric current using the isotropic natural materials to broaden the selection range of materials. The method proposed to eliminate anisotropy and achieve the omnidirectional effect could also be expanded to other different physical fields for the metadevices with different functions.
Prediction Model based on Bagging and Boosting Ensemble Technique for Decision Support System of Autonomous Smart IIoT Smart Aquaponic System
Authors: Rodriguez Rani E , De Castro Joel T , Sansolis Evans B , Gerardo Bobby D , Byun Yung-Cheol
Published: August 2023

The aqua-agriculture food sector, challenged by climate change, exploited biodiversity, food insecurity, water crisis, and global pandemic, urgently needs the sustainability transition and more sustainable practices. Sustainability transitions aim to transform current patterns of production and consumption into sustainable ones while enhancing the ecological and economic situation. This agenda is much possible with the integration of IIoT and AI/ML into the aqua agriculture. In this study, the researchers integrated a Prediction Model based on Bagging and Boosting Ensemble Technique in the Decision Support System of an Autonomous Smart IIoT Smart Aquaponic System that autonomously monitored, controlled, and managed the aquaponic systems.
Searches of lepton-flavour-violating decays of the Higgs boson with the ATLAS detector at the HL-LHC
Authors: Bhalla Naman Kumar
Published: August 2023

These proceedings presents a study of the prospects of searches for lepton-flavour-violating decays of the Higgs boson into eτ and μτ final states with 3000 fb-1 of proton-proton collisions at √s = 14 TeV using the ATLAS detector at the HL-LHC. The expected HL-LHC results are estimated by extrapolating the recently published ATLAS search in the Run-2 dataset to the HL-LHC conditions, accounting for, among others, the potential reduction of uncertainties associated with particle reconstruction with the upgraded ATLAS detector, and predictions for better theoretical precision. The signatures of H → eτ and H → μτ are treated as independent signals, and two independent approaches of the background estimation are employed and compared.
Measure of negative ion density in a large negative ion source using Langmuir probes
Authors: Poggi C. , Spolaore M. , Barbisan M. , Brombin M. , Cavazzana R. , Marconato N. , Pasqualotto R. , Pimazzoni A. , Sartori E. , Serianni G.
Published: August 2023

Neutral Beam Injectors (NBIs) based on negative ions are the workhorses of future fusion
reactors, such as ITER, which they are expected to provide with up to 33 MW of power to heat
the fusion plasma. The negative hydrogen ions are extracted from a RF plasma, in which a magnetic
filter field cools down the electrons reaching the so-called expansion region
and allows the formation and survival of negative ions
near the apertures in the plasma grid. To further improve the
production of negative ions, cesium is usually evaporated inside the source and deposited onto the
plasma walls, reducing the work function of the surfaces. This dramatically increases the density
of negative hydrogen ions near the surfaces, causing the transition to an electronegative plasma
in the vicinity of the plasma grid. This condition can be observed with Langmuir probes, which can
then be used to provide a local meaurement of negative ion density in the ion source.

In this paper we use the measurements provided by the Langmuir probe sensors embedded in the plasma grid of SPIDER, the prototype ion source of ITER NBIs, to determine the density of negative ions. A fitting method based on the determination of the collection area of the different plasma species is proposed and adapted to SPIDER experimental condition, taking into account the shape of the probes and the local topology of the magnetic field. The method is then applied to the experimental data, determining the densities of the positive and negative ions and of the electrons during a plasma pulse. Finally, a vertical array of four probes in the plasma grid is used to assess the vertical profile of plasma parameters.
Mechanical activation of coal gasification fine slag and mechanical and thermal properties of coal gasification fine slag–poly(vinyl chloride) composites
Authors: Li Kangli , Teng Yanhua , Wang Kerui , Chen Long , Xue Changguo
Published: August 2023

To facilitate the high-value utilization of activate coal gasification fine slag (CGFS), a wet mechanical activation process was used. As a result of this treatment, CGFS samples with different particle size distributions were obtained. The effects of mechanical activation on various physical and chemical properties of CGFS were investigated, including its particle size distribution, mineral composition, specific surface area, pore size, crystallinity, particle morphology, chemical bonding, and binding energy. Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)/CGFS composites were prepared via a melt blending process, and their mechanical and thermal properties were evaluated. It was found that with increasing levels of mechanical activation, the CGFS particle size distribution became more concentrated and the particle spacing became more uniform. With the increasing mechanical activation, the crystallinity was found to decrease and the content of amorphous mineral matter (such as SiO2 and Al2O3) increased. The observed increase in specific surface area and decrease in average pore diameter due to the mechanical activation was seen to lead to an increase in the number of active sites. The produced PVC/CGFS composite materials were found to exhibit good mechanical properties and dynamic thermal stability. The thermal stability of the PVC composites was also found to improve relative to the composites produced without the use of mechanical activation.
Singular Weyl’s law with Ricci curvature bounded below
Authors: Dai Xianzhe , Honda Shouhei , Pan Jiayin , Wei Guofang
Published: August 2023

We establish two surprising types of Weyl’s laws for some compact

RCD
⁡
(
K
,
N
)

\operatorname {RCD}(K, N)

/Ricci limit spaces. The first type could have power growth of any order (bigger than one). The other one has an order corrected by logarithm similar to some fractals even though the space is 2-dimensional. Moreover the limits in both types can be written in terms of the singular sets of null capacities, instead of the regular sets. These are the first examples with such features for

RCD
⁡
(
K
,
N
)

\operatorname {RCD}(K,N)

spaces. Our results depend crucially on analyzing and developing important properties of the examples constructed in Pan and Wei [Geom. Funct. Anal. 32 (2022), pp. 676–685], showing them isometric to the

α
\alpha

-Grushin halfplanes. Of independent interest, this also allows us to provide counterexamples to conjectures in Cheeger and Colding [J. Differential Geom. 46 (1997), pp. 406–480] and Kapovitch, Kell, and Ketterer [Math. Z. 301 (2022), pp. 3469–3502].
Toward an Account of the Nineteenth-Century Emergence of the Comparative Accusatorial/Inquisitorial Divide
Authors: Kessler Amalia D
Published: August 2023

Although the terms “inquisitorial” and “accusatorial” (or as those in the common law world prefer, “adversarial”) are fixtures of the comparative literature on procedure, there remains considerable disagreement regarding their definitions and indeed whether to continue using them at all. Yet, despite these debates, we know remarkably little about how the terms first emerged as central to comparative analysis. This Article begins the work of recovering this neglected history. It argues that the immediate spark—especially in Germany, Italy, and France—was the ongoing debate over the French Code of Criminal Procedure, introduced through Napoleonic conquest into large portions of Europe. After the 1815 Congress of Vienna and its pact of restoration, extensive discussion arose regarding whether, and to what extent, to preserve French law—including criminal procedure. So too, in the ensuing nationalist awakening, debates raged over the constitutional foundations of government, pitting defenders of the old order against proponents of more liberal regimes. As these debates regarding criminal procedure and constitutional politics unfurled, they came to intertwine, and were framed in the 1830s in terms of the accusatorial/inquisitorial divide. Since no comprehensive account of these distinct, but intersecting, debates is possible within these brief pages, the Article focuses primarily on France—the country whose revolution and subsequent wars of conquest played such a decisive role in launching these pan-European arguments in the first place. Profoundly influenced by their liberal nationalist (and imperialist) commitments, as well as by their embrace of an historicist approach to law that was widespread among contemporary scholars, French jurists developed the accusatorial/inquisitorial distinction in ways that continue to reflect these core aspects of their mindset. This forgotten history highlights several deep-rooted continuities in how the accusatorial/inquisitorial terminology has long been deployed, affording valuable cautionary notes, while also pointing toward more fruitful lines of procedural inquiry.
Underground trees inhabit varied environmental extremes across the Afrotropics
Authors: Courtenay Anya P , Moonlight Peter W , Toby Pennington R , Lehmann Caroline E R
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

Geoxyles, a distinctive feature of Afrotropical savannas and grasslands, survive recurrent disturbances by resprouting subshrub branches from large below-ground woody structures. Underground trees are a type of geoxyle that independently evolved within woody genera of at least 40 plant families in Africa. The environmental limits and determinants of underground tree biogeography are poorly understood, with the relative influence of frost and fire debated in particular. We aim to quantify variability in the niche of underground tree species relative to their taller, woody tree/shrub congeners.

Methods

Using occurrence records of four Afrotropical genera, Parinari (Chrysobalanaceae), Ozoroa (Anacardiaceae), Syzygium (Myrtaceae) and Lannea (Anacardiaceae), and environmental data of nine climate and disturbance variables, the biogeography and niche of underground trees are compared with their open and closed ecosystem congeners.

Key Results

Along multiple environmental gradients and in a multidimensional environmental space, underground trees inhabit significantly distinct and extreme environments relative to open and closed ecosystem congeners. Niche overlap is low among underground trees and their congeners, and also among underground trees of the four genera. Of the study taxa, Parinari underground trees inhabit hotter, drier and more seasonal environments where herbivory pressure is greatest. Ozoroa underground trees occupy relatively more fire-prone environments, while Syzygium underground trees sustain the highest frost frequency and occur in relatively wetter conditions with seasonal waterlogging. Lannea underground trees are associated with the lowest temperatures, highest precipitation, and varying exposure to disturbance.

Conclusions

While underground trees exhibit repeated convergent evolution, varied environments shape the ecology and biogeography of this iconic plant functional group. The multiplicity of extreme environments related to fire, frost, herbivory and waterlogging that different underground tree taxa occupy, and the distinctiveness of these environments, should be recognized in the management of African grassy ecosystems.
DeepICSH: a complex deep learning framework for identifying cell-specific silencers and their strength from the human genome
Authors: Zhang Tianjiao , Li Liangyu , Sun Hailong , Xu Dali , Wang Guohua
Published: August 2023

Silencers are noncoding DNA sequence fragments located on the genome that suppress gene expression. The variation of silencers in specific cells is closely related to gene expression and cancer development. Computational approaches that exclusively rely on DNA sequence information for silencer identification fail to account for the cell specificity of silencers, resulting in diminished accuracy. Despite the discovery of several transcription factors and epigenetic modifications associated with silencers on the genome, there is still no definitive biological signal or combination thereof to fully characterize silencers, posing challenges in selecting suitable biological signals for their identification. Therefore, we propose a sophisticated deep learning framework called DeepICSH, which is based on multiple biological data sources. Specifically, DeepICSH leverages a deep convolutional neural network to automatically capture biologically relevant signal combinations strongly associated with silencers, originating from a diverse array of biological signals. Furthermore, the utilization of attention mechanisms facilitates the scoring and visualization of these signal combinations, whereas the employment of skip connections facilitates the fusion of multilevel sequence features and signal combinations, thereby empowering the accurate identification of silencers within specific cells. Extensive experiments on HepG2 and K562 cell line data sets demonstrate that DeepICSH outperforms state-of-the-art methods in silencer identification. Notably, we introduce for the first time a deep learning framework based on multi-omics data for classifying strong and weak silencers, achieving favorable performance. In conclusion, DeepICSH shows great promise for advancing the study and analysis of silencers in complex diseases. The source code is available at https://github.com/lyli1013/DeepICSH.
543 Is It the End of Hartmann’s Procedure for Perforated Diverticulitis with Peritonitis? an Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Elkomos B , Baqar S , Bhatti M , Hassan M , Nuno A , Mazhar M , Jhala M , Ebeidallah G , Alkomos M , Elkomos P
Published: August 2023

Aim

Hartmann’s procedure is the standard technique in the management of perforated diverticulitis. However, many recent studies showed that primary resection and anastomosis have better outcomes. Our aim is to compare HP’s outcomes versus PRA for Hinchey III and IV acute diverticulitis.

Method

PUBMED, Scopus, and Web of science were searched from inception to September 2022 for all studies comparing the outcomes of HP versus RPA for perforated diverticulitis with peritonitis and a systematic review and meta-analysis were done.

Results

29 studies with a total of 4314 participants were included in our study. The pooled results of the included studies showed a remarkable decrease in mortality after PRA (Mortality, RR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.09-1.73, P = 0.007). However, PRA is associated with a slight increase in the incidence of leakage (Leakage, RR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.16-1.01, P = 0.05). Nevertheless, no difference in the overall incidence of complications between the two surgeries including SSI, wound dehiscence, bleeding, ileus and reoperation. (Overall incidence of complications, RR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.84-1.21, P = 0.95). However, PRA is associated with shorter hospital stays but longer operative time. Moreover, those who had PRA with ileostomy had a higher stoma closure rate in comparison to HP (Closure rate, RR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.49-0.81, P = 0.0003).

Conclusions

With a lower incidence of mortality, equal rates of complication and higher stoma reversal rates, RPA offers an excellent alternative to HP for perforated diverticulitis with purulent or feculent peritonitis.
496 The Role of Selenium as an Antioxidant in Protecting Against Free Radical Damage in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: ElMenawy Z , Resen H
Published: August 2023

Aim

To explore the effects of Selenium as an antioxidant on renal cell carcinoma cell lines (RCC).

Method

RCC cell lines under strict culture conditions were divided into two groups: control (group A) and experimental groups. Experimental groups were Selenium treated (group B), exposed to oxidative stress induced with H2O2 (group C), and oxidative stress induced with H2O2 followed by Selenium treatment (group D) and selenium treatment followed by oxidative stress induced by H2O2 (group E). Changes in the cell growth and its survival was evaluated in each group after 72 hours. Evaluation of the ROS was done using Cellular Reactive Oxygen Species Detection Assay Kit (Abcam; ab186029), and cell viability was measured using MTT reagent (Sigma; 11465007001).

Results

The generation of the ROS was significantly high in groups C (125.4% ± 14.6), D (132.9% ± 16.6) and E (135.3% ± 22.1) when compared to group A (100% ± 14) and B (91.7% ± 14.6). Moreover, the RCC cell viability was (98.7% ± 10.8) in group B compared to C, D and E (80.8% ± 5.4, 79.7%± 5.9 and 74.8% ± 8.8; respectively).

Moreover, an association was observed between viability of cells and ROS generation. The higher the ROS generation (group C, D and E), the lower was its viability. Likewise, the lower ROS generation (group B), the more viable were the cells.

Conclusions

The decreased generation of ROS in selenium treated group coupled with increased viability of cancer cells indicates the negative prognostic effect of selenium on RCC cells.
89 Frailty in Renal Transplantation: Retrospective Cohort Study to Examine the Impact of the New 2019 Kidney Offering Scheme on Older Transplant Recipients
Authors: Edginton O , George M , Ridgway D , Goldsmith P
Published: August 2023

Background

In 2019, a new kidney offering scheme was launched in the United Kingdom, aiming to better match estimated patient survival and graft life expectancy. The impact of the scheme on older patients undergoing kidney transplantation (KT) is unknown.

Aim

This study aims to compare outcomes of elderly KT recipients before and after the introduction of the 2019 kidney offering scheme.

Method

A retrospective cohort study of two groups of elderly patients who underwent KT was undertaken. Group 1 included patients transplanted between 01/09/2017 and 31/08/2019 as part of the “2006 allocation scheme”. Group 2 included patients transplanted between 01/09/2019 and 31/08/2021 as part of the “2019 offering scheme”. An elderly patient was defined as any person over 60 years of age at the time of KT. Univariate binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

There were 107 elderly deceased donor KT recipients; 62 from Group 1 and 45 from Group 2. The median age at transplantation was 68 years (62-71) and 67 years (64-73), respectively. Univariate analysis showed that level four HLA mismatch (OR 4.667 95%CI 1.640-13.275, p = 0.004) and a requirement for re-intervention (OR 6.496 95%CI 1.306-32.216, p = 0.022) were significantly more likely in the 2019 offering scheme. One year graft survival worsened on introduction of the 2019 offering scheme (85% vs 80%).

Conclusions

The introduction of the 2019 offering scheme has led to less favourable HLA matches, increased need for reintervention, and a lower one-year graft survival in elderly KT recipients.
396 Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Studies Comparing the Rate of Post Operative Periprosthetic Fracture Following Hip Arthroplasty with a Polished Taper Slip Versus Composite Beam Stem
Authors: Feathers J , Mabrouk A , Mahmood A , West R , Pandit H , Lamb J
Published: August 2023

Aim

To compare the incidence of post-operative periprosthetic femoral fractures (POPFF) following hip replacement with either a cemented polished taper stem (PTS) or cemented composite beam stem (CB) in comparative studies.

Method

A systematic review of comparative studies, written in English, and published in peer-reviewed journals since year 2000 to 2021 was conducted using Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus. Methodology followed the Preferred Reporting items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Cohorts were classified as high or low risk of POPFF based on patient risk factors. Metanalysis was performed using a random effects model and relative incidence with 95% confidence intervals were reported.

Results

The overall study quality was good. 913,021 patients from 18 cohorts were included in the meta-analysis. 294,540 patients received a CB stem and 618,481 received a PTS stem. For patients at low risk of POPFF the incidence rate ratio (IRR) was 3.14 (CI: 2.48, 3.98) for the PTS group versus CB group. For patients at high risk of POPFF the IRR of 9.87 (CI: 3.63, 26.80) for the PTS group versus the CB group.

Conclusions

The risk of POPFF is lower when hip arthroplasty was performed using a composite beam stem versus a polished taper slip stem. This protective effect was greatest in patients with a higher risk of POPFF. Surgeons should consider the effect of cemented stem choice on risk of subsequent periprosthetic femur fracture, particularly in frail or elderly patients at risk of periprosthetic femoral fracture.
1131 Could Colorectal Cancer Surgery in the England Benefit from Centralisation? a Retrospective Nationwide Correlative Study
Authors: Ghandour O , Karimi A , Murphy J
Published: August 2023

Background

Although centralisation has shown benefit for uncommon cancers and high-risk surgeries, there is controversy regarding its benefit for common malignancies. Minor improvements in colorectal surgical morbidity and mortality have the potential to save lives and conserve limited hospital resources.

Aim

To investigate the relationship between number of major resection cases per hospital and patient outcome measures. The proposed hypothesis was that number of major cases per hospital is inversely proportional to 90-day mortality, 30-day unplanned readmission, and 2-year mortality rates.

Method

A correlative study using National Bowel Cancer Audit data from 2016-18 in England was performed. The target population was colorectal cancer patients requiring major resection surgery in England. Bivariate analysis was used to investigate the relationship between number of major resections per hospital, and: 90-day mortality, 30-day unplanned readmission, and 2-year mortality rates.

Results

Combined patient outcome measures from 56,347 cases across 145 hospitals over 2016-18 were assessed. Correlation coefficients demonstrated no significant correlation between the three studied outcome measures (90-Day mortality [r = 0.100, -0.067-0.257, p = 0.240]; 30-day unplanned readmission rate [r = 0.093,-0.073-0.270, p = 0.284]; 2-year mortality [r = -0.069, -0.236-0.097, p = 0.411]). There is insufficient evidence to conclude a statistically significant relationship between number of major resections per hospital and the patient outcomes studied.

Conclusions

Centralising care by increasing hospital volume is unlikely a solution to improving colorectal patient outcomes in England. This may reflect the UK’s dedicated colorectal surgical training and minimum resection numbers for accreditation. Further studies will need to assess variables such as surgeon volume and case-mix, particularly with regard to rectal surgery.