bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stability and Electronic Properties of 1D and 2D Ca@C60 Oligomers and Polymers
Authors: Wu Yabei , Zhou Zhonghao , Wang Zhiyong
Published: January 2024

The polymerization of fullerenes is a significant method for obtaining fullerene-based materials that possess intriguing properties. Metallofullerenes, as a notable type of fullerene derivatives, are also capable of undergoing polymerization, potentially resulting in the creation of metallofullerene polymers. However, there is currently limited knowledge regarding the polymerization process of metallofullerenes. In this study, we have selected Ca@C 60 as a representative compound to investigate the polymerization process of metallofullerenes. The objective of this research is to determine whether the polymerization process is energetically favorable and to examine how the electronic properties of the metallofullerene are altered throughout the polymerization process. Ca@C 60 is a unique metallofullerene molecule that exhibits insolubility in common fullerene solvents like toluene and carbon disulfide but is soluble in aniline. This behavior suggests a potential tendency for Ca@C 60 to form oligomers and polymers that resist dissolution. However, the structures and properties of polymerized Ca@C 60 remain unknown. We employed density functional theory calculations to investigate the stability and electronic properties of one-dimensional and two-dimensional Ca@C 60 oligomers and polymers. Our findings indicate that the coalescence of Ca@C 60 monomers is energetically favorable, with a significant contribution from van der Waals interactions between the fullerene cages. The polymerization process of Ca@C 60 also involves the formation of covalent linkages, including four-atom rings and C-C single bonds. The increase in the number of the Ca@C 60 units to three and four in the oligomer leads to a significant decrease in the HOMO-LUMO gap. In the two-dimensional polymerized Ca@C 60, the organization of the monomers closely resembles the spatial configuration of carbon atoms in graphene. With a direct bandgap of 0.22 eV, the polymerized Ca@C 60 holds potential for utilization in optoelectronic devices.
Investigations of the Influence of Two Pyridyl-Mesoionic Carbene Constitutional Isomers on the Electrochemical and Spectroelectrochemical Properties of Group 6 Metal Carbonyl Complexes
Authors: Bens Tobias , Sarkar Biprajit
Published: January 2024

Metal complexes of mesoionic carbenes (MICs) of the triazolylidene type and their derivatives have gained increasing attention in the fields of electrocatalysis and photochemistry. The redox activity of these metal complexes is critical for their applications in both the aforementioned fields. Easy accessibility and modular synthesis open a wide field for the design of ligands, such as bidentate ligands. The combination of an MIC with a pyridyl unit in a bidentate ligand setup increases the π acceptor properties of the ligands while retaining their strong σ donor properties. The analogy with the well-established 2,2′-bipyridine ligand allows conclusions to be drawn about the influence of the mesoionic carbene (MIC) moiety in tetracarbonyl group 6 complexes in cyclic voltammetry and (spectro)electrochemistry (SEC). However, the effects of the different connectivity in pyridyl-MIC ligands remain underexplored. Based on our previous studies, we present a thorough investigation of the influence of the two different pyridyl-MIC constitutional isomers on the electrochemical and the UV-vis-NIR/IR/EPR spectroelectrochemical properties of group 6 carbonyl complexes. Moreover, the presented complexes were investigated for the electrochemical conversion of CO2 using two different working electrodes, providing a fundamental understanding of the influence of the electrode material in the precatalytic activation.
Phospholamban p.Leu39* Cardiomyopathy Compared with Other Sarcomeric Cardiomyopathies: Age-Matched Patient Cohorts and Literature Review
Authors: Afana Andreea Sorina , Vasiliu Laura , Sascău Radu , Adam Robert Daniel , Rădulescu Cristina , Onciul Sebastian , Cinteză Eliza , Chirita-Emandi Adela , Jurcuț Ruxandra
Published: January 2024

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a heterogeneous genetic disorder, most often caused by sarcomeric gene mutations, with a small proportion due to variants in non-sarcomeric loci. Phospholamban (PLN) is a phosphoprotein associated with the cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum, a major determinant of cardiac contractility and relaxation. We conducted a retrospective study to determine the prevalence, phenotypical spectrum and clinical course of patients carrying the PLN p.Leu39* variant. A cohort including 11 PLN patients was identified among all patients with HCM (9/189, 4.8%) and DCM (2/62, 3.2%) who underwent genetic testing from two tertiary centers and five more were detected through cascade screening. Complete phenotyping was performed. PLN p.Leu39* variant-driven cardiomyopathy presented mostly as hypertrophic, with frequent progression to end-stage dilated HCM. We proceeded to compare these results to a similar analysis of a control cohort consisting of age-matched individuals that inherited pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in common sarcomeric genes (MYBPC3/MYH7). Overall, the clinical characteristics and examination findings of patients carrying PLN p.Leu39* were not different from patients with cardiomyopathy related to sarcomeric mutations except for the presence of pathological Q waves and the incidence of non-sustained ventricular arrhythmias, which were higher in PLN patients than in those with MYBPC3/MYH7-related diseases.
Reliability and Time Course of Postexercise Hypotension during Exercise Training among Adults with Hypertension
Authors: Kiernan Peter A. , Day Christina A. , Berkowsky Rachel S. , Zaleski Amanda L. , Gao Simiao , Taylor Beth A. , Santos Lucas P. , Panza Gregory , Kramarz Melody , McCormick Kyle , Thompson Paul D. , Fernandez Antonio B. , Chen Ming-Hui , Pescatello Linda S.
Published: January 2024

Postexercise hypotension (PEH), or the immediate decrease in blood pressure (BP) lasting for 24 h following an exercise bout, is well-established; however, the influence of exercise training on PEH dynamics is unknown. This study investigated the reliability and time course of change of PEH during exercise training among adults with hypertension. PEH responders (n = 10) underwent 12 weeks of aerobic exercise training, 40 min/session at moderate-to-vigorous intensity for 3 d/weeks. Self-measured BP was used to calculate PEH before and for 10 min after each session. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) determined PEH reliability and goodness-of-fit for each week, respectively. Participants were obese (30.6 ± 4.3 kg∙m−2), middle-aged (57.2 ± 10.5 years), and mostly men (60%) with stage I hypertension (136.5 ± 12.1/83.4 ± 6.7 mmHg). Exercise training adherence was 90.6 ± 11.8% with 32.6 ± 4.2 sessions completed. PEH occurred in 89.7 ± 8.3% of these sessions with BP reductions of 9.3 ± 13.1/3.2 ± 6.8 mmHg. PEH reliability was moderate (ICC ~0.6). AIC analysis revealed a stabilization of maximal systolic and diastolic BP reductions at 3 weeks and 10 weeks, respectively. PEH persisted throughout exercise training at clinically meaningful levels, suggesting that the antihypertensive effects of exercise training may be largely due to PEH. Further studies in larger samples and under ambulatory conditions are needed to confirm these novel findings.
Apolipoprotein B and Lipid Profile in Italian Children and Adolescents
Authors: Martino Francesco , Niglio Tarcisio , Martino Eliana , Paravati Vincenzo , de Sanctis Luisa , Guardamagna Ornella
Published: January 2024

Rationale. The prevention of cardiovascular (CV) disease is mandatory from childhood onwards. Among biochemical markers related to the clinical cardiovascular outcome, LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), non-HDL-C and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) are recognized as main target parameters. Emphasis on ApoB concentrations is growing, as representative of any class of atherogenic lipoprotein. This consideration allows checking of subjects under 18 years of age when the CV risk occurs. The aim of this study is to evaluate ApoB levels in a sample of Italian hyperlipidemic children and adolescents, and their siblings, to test any relationship with their lipid profile. Methods. A retrospective study, including 1877 children and adolescents (aged 0–18 years), was performed. Clinical and biochemical data were selected from a database, including the lipid profile, ApoB analysis and anthropometric parameters of any proband. Participants had been checked as potentially hyperlipidemia affected, the suspicion raised by familial CV risk or because the dyslipidemia was already known. Data from the first visit at the University Hospitals in Rome and Turin were collected. Patients affected by secondary hyperlipidemia or obesity were excluded. Blood test analysis was performed in fasting conditions by automated commercial kits. Participants were classified according to gender, age (stratified in subgroups: 0–5, 6–10, 11–14, and 15–18 years old) and anthropometric parameters, referred to as weight in Kg and height in cm, and BMI calculated. Lipid profile results were stratified in relation to acceptable, borderline, or increased levels, as indicated by NCEP, and any potential relation with ApoB established. Statistics were performed by Epi-Info 7 programs to evaluate the variance analysis. Either parent could sign the informed consent. Results. Among the whole sample n.1010 and n.867 participants were females and males, respectively. TC values acceptable (≤170 mg/dL), borderline (171–200 mg/dL) and elevated (≥201 mg/dL) were found in 411 (22%), 585 (31%) and 881 (47%) participants, respectively. The LDL-C cut-off considered was 110 mg/dL (90° percentile). Mean ApoB progressively increased from 65 to 110 mg/dL according to TC levels and resulted in significant correlation when any age subgroup and gender was considered. The highest ApoB values, TC and LDL-C related, were found in the youngest subgroup, regardless of gender. Conclusion. ApoB results increase progressively and in parallel with TC and LDL-C and represent a further parameter to distinguish between normal and hyperlipidemic subjects. Serum levels are close to 70 mg/dL and to 100 mg/dL in the former and latter group, respectively.
Sitting Less, Recovering Faster: Investigating the Relationship between Daily Sitting Time and Muscle Recovery following Intense Exercise: A Pilot Study
Authors: Rodden Jaime , Ortega Dolores G. , Costa Pablo B.
Published: January 2024

(1) There is growing concern surrounding the adverse effects of prolonged sitting on health, yet its impact on post-exercise recovery remains relatively unexplored. This study aimed to better understand the potential influence of habitual prolonged sitting on recovery time and the unfavorable impact prolonged sitting may have on time to recovery, as assessed by muscle damage and inflammatory markers and an isokinetic dynamometer. (2) Nine college-age men (mean age ± SD = 22.1 ± 3.1 years, body mass = 80.9 ± 15.7 kg, height = 171 ± 9.0 cm, Body Mass Index (BMI) = 27.6 ± 4.9 kg·m2) participated in an exhaustive exercise protocol. Creatine Kinase (CK), Myoglobin (Mb), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), White Blood Cell Count (WBC), Peak Torque (PT), and muscle soreness were measured at baseline and 0, 24, 48, and 72 h post-exercise. Dietary and exercise logs were maintained during the 5-day testing procedure. (3) No significant differences were observed in muscle damage markers (CK [p = 0.068] and Mb [p = 0.128]), inflammatory markers (CRP [p = 0.814] and WBC [p = 0.140]), or PT [p = 0.255]) at any time point. However, a significant positive correlation was found between daily sitting time and the percent increase in CK concentration from 0 h to 72 h (r = 0.738, p = 0.023). Strong correlations were also noted between prolonged sitting and percent change in Mb concentration at 48 h (r = 0.71, p = 0.033) and 72 h (r = 0.889, p = 0.001). There was a significant two-way interaction for time × velocity (p = 0.043) for PT with a simple main effect for time at 60°·s−1 (p = 0.038). No significant associations were detected between daily carbohydrate or protein intake and recovery markers (p > 0.05). (4) The findings suggest minimizing daily sitting time may expedite and potentially aid muscle recovery after an intense exercise bout, although further research is warranted to validate these findings.
Determining the Relationship between Squat Jump Performance and Knee Angle in Female University Students
Authors: Di Domenico Felice , Esposito Giovanni , Aliberti Sara , D’Elia Francesca , D’Isanto Tiziana
Published: January 2024

The Squat Jump (SJ) test is widely recognized as a reliable test for assessing lower-limb explosive strength. However, uncertainty persists in the literature regarding the optimal starting positions for maximizing vertical jump performance. This uncertainty is exacerbated by a disproportionate focus on athletes in existing studies, with insufficient consideration being given to non-athletic women. To address this gap, this study investigated the influence of leg starting angle on explosive jump height in a homogeneous sample of non-athletic women. Thirty-two female students enrolled in a Sports Science master’s degree program at the University of Salerno participated in the study. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize data on various variables, and Pearson’s correlations were calculated to assess the relationship between knee angle in the starting position and achieved jump height. The study revealed that different starting positions had a noteworthy impact on jump height among the participants. A strong negative correlation (−0.701) was identified between Squat Jump elevation and the knee angle in the starting position. Notably, 62.5% of the subjects opted for a starting knee position of approximately 70 degrees, with all of them consistently achieving a jump height associated with this specific angle. These findings provide valuable insights into the relationship between leg starting angle and explosive jump height in non-athletic women. The observed correlation underscores the significance of the starting position in Squat Jump performance. The prevalence of a specific knee angle choice among participants suggests potential implications for training and performance optimization in this sample.
A Lightweight Browser-Based Tool for Collaborative and Blinded Image Analysis
Authors: Schippers Philipp , Rösch Gundula , Sohn Rebecca , Holzapfel Matthias , Junker Marius , Rapp Anna E. , Jenei-Lanzl Zsuzsa , Drees Philipp , Zaucke Frank , Meurer Andrea
Published: January 2024

Collaborative manual image analysis by multiple experts in different locations is an essential workflow in biomedical science. However, sharing the images and writing down results by hand or merging results from separate spreadsheets can be error-prone. Moreover, blinding and anonymization are essential to address subjectivity and bias. Here, we propose a new workflow for collaborative image analysis using a lightweight online tool named Tyche. The new workflow allows experts to access images via temporarily valid URLs and analyze them blind in a random order inside a web browser with the means to store the results in the same window. The results are then immediately computed and visible to the project master. The new workflow could be used for multi-center studies, inter- and intraobserver studies, and score validations.
Measurement Accuracy and Improvement of Thematic Information from Unmanned Aerial System Sensor Products in Cultural Heritage Applications
Authors: Kaimaris Dimitris
Published: January 2024

In the context of producing a digital surface model (DSM) and an orthophotomosaic of a study area, a modern Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) allows us to reduce the time required both for primary data collection in the field and for data processing in the office. It features sophisticated sensors and systems, is easy to use and its products come with excellent horizontal and vertical accuracy. In this study, the UAS WingtraOne GEN II with RGB sensor (42 Mpixel), multispectral (MS) sensor (1.2 Mpixel) and built-in multi-frequency PPK GNSS antenna (for the high accuracy calculation of the coordinates of the centers of the received images) is used. The first objective is to test and compare the accuracy of the DSMs and orthophotomosaics generated from the UAS RGB sensor images when image processing is performed using only the PPK system measurements (without Ground Control Points (GCPs)), or when processing is performed using only GCPs. For this purpose, 20 GCPs and 20 Check Points (CPs) were measured in the field. The results show that the horizontal accuracy of orthophotomosaics is similar in both processing cases. The vertical accuracy is better in the case of image processing using only the GCPs, but that is subject to change, as the survey was only conducted at one location. The second objective is to perform image fusion using the images of the above two UAS sensors and to control the spectral information transferred from the MS to the fused images. The study was carried out at three archaeological sites (Northern Greece). The combined study of the correlation matrix and the ERGAS index value at each location reveals that the process of improving the spatial resolution of MS orthophotomosaics leads to suitable fused images for classification, and therefore image fusion can be performed by utilizing the images from the two sensors.
Anxiety about Mathematics and Reading in Preadolescents Is Domain-Specific
Authors: Sasanguie Delphine , Larmuseau Charlotte , Depaepe Fien , Jansen Brenda R. J.
Published: January 2024

It was investigated whether test anxiety (TA), mathematics anxiety (MA), and reading anxiety (RA) can be traced back to some type of general academic anxiety or whether these are separable. A total of 776 fifth graders (Mage = 10.9 years) completed questionnaires on TA, MA, and RA, as well as a mathematics test. Also, mathematics and reading performance results from the National Tracking System were requested. The sample was randomly split into two halves. Confirmatory factor analyses showed that a three-factor model (factors: TA, MA, RA) had superior model fit compared with a one-factor model (factor: “Academic anxiety”), in both halves. The resulting anxiety factors were related to math performance measures using structural equation models. A scarcity of data on reading performance prevented the analysis of links between anxiety and reading performance. Anxiety–math performance relations were stronger for MA than for TA and MA. We concluded that TA, MA, and RA are separable constructs.
Super Resolution Mapping of Scatterometer Ocean Surface Wind Speed Using Generative Adversarial Network: Experiments in the Southern China Sea
Authors: Wan Xianci , Liu Baojian , Guo Zhizhou , Xia Zhenghuan , Zhang Tao , Ji Rui , Wan Wei
Published: January 2024

This paper designed a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN)-based super-resolution framework for scatterometer ocean surface wind speed (OSWS) mapping. An improved GAN, WSGAN, was well-trained to generate high-resolution OSWS (~1/64 km) from low-resolution OSWS (~12.5 km) retrieved from scatterometer observations. The generator of GAN incorporated Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) information in the training phase. Therefore, the pre-trained model could reconstruct high-resolution OSWS with historical local spatial and texture information. The training experiments were executed in the South China Sea using the OSWS generated from the Advanced SCATterometer (ASCAT) scatterometer and Sentinel-1 SAR OSWS set. Several GAN-based methods were compared, and WSGAN performed the best in most sea states, enabling more detail mining with fewer checkerboard artifacts at a scale factor of eight. The model reaches an overall root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.81 m/s and an overall mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.68 m/s in the collocation region of ASCAT and Sentinel-1. The model also exhibits excellent generalization capability in another scatterometer with an overall RMSE of 1.11 m/s. This study benefits high-resolution OSWS users when no SAR observation is available.
Numerical Analysis of Ice–Structure Impact: Validating Material Models and Yield Criteria for Prediction of Impact Pressure
Authors: Jang Ho-Sang , Hwang Seyun , Yoon Jaedeok , Lee Jang Hyun
Published: January 2024

This study explores the application of numerical analysis and material models to predict ice impact loads on ships and offshore structures operating in polar regions. An explicit finite element analysis (FEA) approach was employed to simulate an ice and steel plate collision experiment conducted in a cold chamber. The pressure and strain history during the ice collision were calculated and compared with the experimental results. Various material model configurations were applied to the FEA to account for the versatile behavior of ice (whether ductile or brittle), its elastic-plastic yield criteria, and its dynamic strain rate dependency. In addition to the standard linear elastic-perfectly plastic and linear elastic-plastic relationships, this study incorporated the Crushable Foam and Drucker–Prager models, based on the specific ice yield criteria. Considering the ice’s strain rate dependency, collision simulations were conducted for each yield criteria model to compute the strain and reaction force of the plate specimens. By comparing the predicted pressures for each material model combination with the pressures from ice collision experiments, our study proposes material models that consider the yielding, damage, and behavioral characteristics of ice. Lastly, our study proposes a combination of ice material properties that can accurately predict collision force.
Estimation of Effective Internal Friction Angle by Ball Penetration Test: Large-Deformation Analyses
Authors: Zhou Bohan , Zhang Wenli , Wang Dong , Fu Dengfeng
Published: January 2024

The ball penetrometer is a full-flow penetrometer used as an alternative to the traditional cone penetrometer for characterizing the strength of soft sediments, particularly for offshore engineering, due to its large projection area. However, if the ball is penetrated under partially drained conditions, the resistance of the ball changes with the penetration velocity. The performance of ball penetration is examined employing a coupled large-deformation finite-element method. The reliability of numerical simulations under undrained and partially drained penetrations is verified by comparing with previous tests in the chamber and centrifuge. The backbone curve determining the penetration resistance on the spherical probe is proposed to quantify the influence of partially drained conditions, which captures the effect of the ratio of the diameters of the shaft and ball. Base on the backbone curve derived, an interpretation approach is proposed to predict the effective internal friction angle using the net resistance measured in the ball penetration tests with different penetration velocities.
Stress Concentration Factors Due to Misalignment at Girth Welds in Bi-Layer Pipes
Authors: Guo Ruili , Hu Hongyang , Zhao Haisheng , Zhang Yao
Published: January 2024

In recent years, bi-layer pipes, composed of an inner layer and an outer layer, have been widely used in offshore engineering. In this study, the governing equation for a bi-layer pipe subjected to axisymmetric loadings is derived based on classical shell theory. Then, the equation is used to develop stress concentration factor formulations for girth welds in bi-layer pipes with fabrication tolerances and thickness transitions. Axisymmetric finite element analysis is carried out to verify the accuracy of the proposed formulations. It is noted that these formulations can be well suited for determining the stress concentration factors for a wide range of thickness ratios (ratio of the inner layer thickness to the total thickness in a bi-layer pipe) varying from 0.0 to 1.0. They can also obtain accurate stress concentration factors whether the elastic modulus of the inner layer is smaller or larger than that of the outer layer.
Investigation on the Influence of Different Coating Surfaces on the Adhesive Force of Hydrate Particles
Authors: Su Xinyao , Gao Yonghai , Yin Faling , Li Shaoqiang
Published: January 2024

In the process of oil and gas extraction and transportation, the aggregation and deposition of hydrate particles within oil and gas pipelines is a primary cause of pipeline blockage, with adhesion being the fundamental cause of hydrate particle aggregation. With the development of crude oil and natural gas transportation technology, the application of pipeline internal coating technology is becoming increasingly widespread. It is essential to compare the physical properties and practicality of various coating materials and conduct preliminary screening. Adhesion experiments on coating materials suitable for the conditions of oil and gas pipeline transport have been conducted. The experimental results indicate that the PTFE/PPS composite coating has advantages in reducing the adhesive force of hydrate particles under low temperatures and different degrees of subcooling. As the degree of subcooling increases, the adhesive force between the hydrate particles and the PTFE/PPS composite coating substrate gradually increases from 8.36 mN·m−1 to 10.26 mN·m−1. With a 3 °C increase in subcooling, the adhesion force increases by 1.92 mN·m−1, which is about 68% lower on average compared to an uncoated substrate. Epoxy resin E-51 coatings and polyurea coatings also demonstrate certain anti-hydrate adhesion properties, but their performance is slightly inferior compared to the PTFE/PPS composite coating. These research results can provide an important reference for hydrate prevention technology in oil and gas transportation pipelines.
Chemistry, Toxicology and Etiology of Marine Biotoxins
Authors: Oshiro Naomasa , Gago-Martínez Ana , Tubaro Aurelia
Published: January 2024

Marine biotoxins refer to bioactive natural products primarily produced by microalgae and bacteria and may affect aquatic organisms and human health [...]
Simulated Testing of the Characteristics and Environmental Impacts of Disinfection By-Products Generated by Ballast Water Management Systems in Ports during Phytoplankton Blooms
Authors: Cha Hyung-Gon , Hyun Bonggil , Jang Min-Chul , Choi Keun-Hyung , Shin Kyoungsoon , Seo Jin-Young , Jang Pung-Guk
Published: January 2024

Ballast water management systems (BWMSs) using active substances (AS) have been subjected to land-based tests with artificially increased dissolved organic matter (DOM) and cultured species according to the International Maritime Organization G9 guidelines before the BWMS Code revision. Therefore, data on the environment risk assessment (ERA) of disinfection by-products (DBPs) for actual port DOM and natural species are limited. This study was conducted using seawater from Jangmok Bay, South Korea, during a phytoplankton bloom. In treated water with a high biological content (Group A), the DBPs concentration increased as the initial AS concentration increased. However, in treated water with a low biological content (Group B), the DBPs concentration did not increase as the initial AS concentrations. The higher the residual AS concentration on day 5, the more the DBPs concentration increased, and the composition ratio of the DBPs was also affected. The ERA to individual DBP was evaluated as low given <1 for the ratio of the predicted environmental concentration to the predicted no-effect concentration in port environments exposed to DBPs in discharged ballast water. This result may suggest that the ERA of IMO G9 performed with cultured species and additives could substitute the outcome obtained with natural plankton assemblages.
Projected Trends in Wave Energy Potentials along the European Coasts and Implications for Wave Energy Exploitation (1976–2100)
Authors: Simonetti Irene , Cappietti Lorenzo
Published: January 2024

In the context of the efforts toward the technological development of wave energy converters, reliable estimations of the annual energy production that can be attained with a given device are fundamental for a sound evaluation of the related levelized cost of energy, which is crucial in the investment decision-making process. The lack of reliability in estimates of devices productivity can, in turn, be exacerbated by uncertainty in the available wave energy resource. The Climate Data Store of the Copernicus Climate Change Service delivers hindcast data and projections of the wave climate along the 20 m bathymetric contours of the whole European coastline, covering the periods 1976–2017 and 2040–2100. This work addresses the presence of long-term trends in wave power and the effect of these trends on wave energy exploitability and on the energy production of different wave energy converters to be installed along the Mediterranean, North African, and European Atlantic coastlines. The results show that the monthly variation in the wave energy resource will generally increase for most of the considered areas, up to double the current values in some locations. Wave energy converters will have to face more severe wave conditions, with relevant implications in terms of survivability. At the same time, the future annual energy production of the analyzed devices is expected to increase in many areas in the Mediterranean Basin (particularly in the nearest future scenario), as well as in the Baltic Sea and along the coasts of the UK and France and the north coasts of Spain.
Functional Evolution of Pseudofabraea citricarpa as an Adaptation to Temperature Change
Authors: Liu Saifei , Chen Li , Qiao Xinghua , Ren Jiequn , Zhou Changyong , Yang Yuheng
Published: January 2024

Citrus target spot, caused by Pseudofabraea citricarpa, was formerly considered a cold-tolerant fungal disease. However, it has now spread from high-latitude regions to warmer low-latitude regions. Here, we conducted physiological observations on two different strains of the fungus collected from distinct regions, and evaluated their pathogenicity. Interestingly, the CQWZ collected from a low-latitude orchard, exhibited higher temperature tolerance and pathogenicity when compared to the SXCG collected from a high-latitude orchard. To further understand the evolution of temperature tolerance and virulence in these pathogens during the spread process, as well as the mechanisms underlying these differences, we performed genomic comparative analysis. The genome size of CQWZ was determined to be 44,004,669 bp, while the genome size of SXCG was determined to be 45,377,339 bp. Through genomic collinearity analysis, we identified two breakpoints and rearrangements during the evolutionary process of these two strains. Moreover, gene annotation results revealed that the CQWZ possessed 376 annotated genes in the “Xenobiotics biodegradation and metabolism” pathway, which is 79 genes more than the SXCG. The main factor contributing to this difference was the presence of salicylate hydroxylase. We also observed variations in the oxidative stress pathways and core pathogenic genes. The CQWZ exhibited the presence of a heat shock protein (HSP SSB), a catalase (CAT2), and 13 core pathogenic genes, including a LysM effector, in comparison to the SXCG. Furthermore, there were significant disparities in the gene clusters responsible for the production of seven metabolites, such as Fumonisin and Brefeldin. Finally, we identified the regulatory relationship, with the HOG pathway at its core, that potentially contributes to the differences in thermotolerance and virulence. As the global climate continues to warm, crop pathogens are increasingly expanding to new territories. Our findings will enhance understanding of the evolution mechanisms of pathogens under climate change.
AoPrdx2 Regulates Oxidative Stress, Reactive Oxygen Species, Trap Formation, and Secondary Metabolism in Arthrobotrys oligospora
Authors: Zhao Na , Zhu Meichen , Liu Qianqian , Shen Yanmei , Duan Shipeng , Zhu Lirong , Yang Jinkui
Published: January 2024

Prdx2 is a peroxiredoxin (Prx) family protein that protects cells from attack via reactive oxygen species (ROS), and it has an important role in improving the resistance and scavenging capacity of ROS in fungi. Arthrobotrys oligospora is a widespread nematode-trapping fungus that can produce three-dimensional nets to capture and kill nematodes. In this study, AoPrdx2, a homologous protein of Prx5, was investigated in A. oligospora via gene disruption, phenotypic analysis, and metabolomics. The deletion of Aoprdx2 resulted in an increase in the number of mycelial septa and a reduction in the number of nuclei and spore yield. Meanwhile, the absence of Aoprdx2 increased sensitivity to oxidative stresses, whereas the ∆Aoprdx2 mutant strain resulted in higher ROS levels than that of the wild-type (WT) strain. In particular, the inactivation of Aoprdx2 severely influenced trap formation and pathogenicity; the number of traps produced by the ∆Aoprdx2 mutant strain was remarkably reduced and the number of mycelial rings of traps in the ∆Aoprdx2 mutant strain was less than that of the WT strain. In addition, the abundance of metabolites in the ∆Aoprdx2 mutant strain was significantly downregulated compared with the WT strain. These results indicate that AoPrdx2 plays an indispensable role in the scavenging of ROS, trap morphogenesis, and secondary metabolism.
Towards Personalized Treatment in Haemophilia: The Role of Genetic Factors in Iron and Heme Control to Identify Patients at Risk for Haemophilic Arthropathy
Authors: van Vulpen Lize F. D. , Mastbergen Simon C. , Foppen Wouter , Fischer Kathelijn , Lafeber Floris P. J. G. , Schutgens Roger E. G.
Published: January 2024

The treatment landscape for haemophilia is changing rapidly, creating opportunities for personalized treatment. As major morbidity is still caused by haemophilic arthropathy, understanding the factors affecting joint damage and joint damage progression might lead to more individualized treatment regimens. We investigated the association of HFE mutations or HMOX1 polymorphisms affecting iron/heme handling with radiographic joint damage in 252 haemophilia patients (severe and moderate). Although iron levels and transferrin saturation were significantly increased in the 95 patients with an HFE mutation, neither carrying this mutation nor the HMOX1 polymorphism was associated with radiographic joint damage, and the same was true after adjustment for well-known factors associated with arthropathy. In conclusion, this study does not support the hypothesis that HFE mutations or HMOX1 polymorphisms can be used to predict the development of haemophilic arthropathy.
Infectious Complications in Laparoscopic Gynecologic Oncology Surgery within an ERAS-Compliant Setting
Authors: Capozzi Vito Andrea , De Finis Alessandra , Scarpelli Elisa , Gallinelli Asya , Monfardini Luciano , Cianci Stefano , Gulino Ferdinando Antonio , Rotondella Isabella , Celora Gabriella Maria , Martignon Giulia , Ghi Tullio , Berretta Roberto
Published: January 2024

Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) represents a safe and feasible option for the surgical treatment of gynecologic malignancies, offering benefits, including reduced blood loss, lower complications, and faster recovery, without compromising oncological outcomes in selected patients. MIS is widely accepted in early-stage gynecologic malignancies, including endometrial cancer, cervical tumors measuring 2 cm or less, and early-stage ovarian cancer, considering the risk of surgical spillage. Despite its advantages, MIS does not rule out the possibility of adverse events such as postoperative infections. This retrospective study on 260 patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery at Parma University Hospital for gynecologic malignancies explores the incidence and risk factors of postoperative infectious complications. The Clavien-Dindo classification was used to rank postoperative surgical complications occurring 30 days after surgery and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) recommendations put into practice. In our population, 15 (5.8%) patients developed infectious complications, predominantly urinary tract infections (9, 3.5%). Longer surgical procedures were independently associated with higher postoperative infection risk (p = 0.045). Furthermore, C1 radical hysterectomy correlated significantly with infectious complications (p = 0.001, OR 3.977, 95% CI 1.370–11.544). In conclusion, compared to prior research, our study reported a lower rate of infectious complications occurrence and highlights the importance of adopting infection prevention measures.
Water-Town Settlement Landscape Atlas in the East River Delta, China
Authors: Zhang Jingyi , Tang Xiaoxiang , Yu Zhao , Xiong Suwen , Yang Fan
Published: January 2024

The water-town settlements in the East River Delta of China engage with the aquatic environment, establishing a comprehensive cultural–ecological system. However, rapid urbanization challenges the structural integrity of water-town settlements. Focusing on the East River Delta as the study area, we utilized the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), settlement morphology indicators, systematic clustering, and graph classification methods. We conducted a quantitative analysis of the spatial characteristics of water-town settlements at various scales, followed by formulating a sequence encoding based on landscape factors and constructing a settlement landscape spatial map. We characterized the landscape spatial structure of water-town settlements formed through the gradual evolution of morphological water network structures, retracing a prototype of water-town settlement landscape spatial structures. Results: ① Water-town settlements exhibit distinct uniformity in the landscape spatial features. The settlement landscapes conform to water network patterns, with streets and alleys aligning with water bodies. Crucial elements, including docks, bridges, and waterside farmland, are integral to this landscape. ② Water-town settlements undergo three progressive differentiation phases based on their location. The spatial distribution of settlements reveals three distinct landscape features influenced by the delta’s dynamic interplay between water and land. ③ Various regions exhibit three typical settlement layouts: upstream settlements are mainly clustered and linear, while midstream and downstream settlements, characterized by linear and strip-like features, align with the river’s course. These research findings offer preliminary insights into landscape spatial prototypes, contributing valuable perspectives to the conservation and design of water-town settlements.
Variables and a Validation Data Analysis to Improve the Prehistoric Cultivated Land Predictive Precision of Yulin, Northern Shaanxi, China
Authors: Kong Xinyuan , Cui Jianxin , Li Yikai
Published: January 2024

The distribution of cultivated land in prehistoric times was primarily influenced by natural conditions and population density. This article presents a case study on modern cultivated land simulation to analyze the potential impact of variable selection and validation data accuracy on model precision. Additionally, methods were explored to enhance the accuracy of prehistoric cultivated land simulation. Seven natural variables and one settlement density variable were selected to simulate the distribution of cultivated land based on a Binary Logistic Regression model. The simulated results were then compared with real land use data from 1985, which are commonly used as validation data for prehistoric farmland reconstruction. The findings revealed that all eight selected parameters could explain the distribution of cultivated land in the research area, with annual precipitation being the most influential factor. The initial prediction accuracy was relatively low at 65.8%, with a Kappa coefficient of 0.316. Several factors were identified as affecting the prediction accuracy. Firstly, the scale effect diminished the impact of the slope and elevation on cultivated land distribution, and errors were introduced in the method used to calculate the distance from residential areas. Secondly, the loess hilly area in the southeastern part of the research area overpredicted cultivated land due to insufficient data on actual residential land demand. Lastly, strong human activity since the 1950s has altered the natural distribution of cultivated land, resulting in poor consistency ratings. To address these issues, a batch modification method was employed to correct the 1985 data. The validation of the prediction model using the corrected data demonstrated a significant improvement in accuracy. Therefore, it is recommended to use the revised 1985 land use data for verifying prehistoric cultivated land simulation in the region. However, further research is required to mitigate the impact of the first two errors.
Predicting Soil Properties for Agricultural Land in the Caucasus Mountains Using Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Mammadov Elton , Denk Michael , Mamedov Amrakh I. , Glaesser Cornelia
Published: January 2024

Visible-near infrared (Vis-NIR) and mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy are increasingly being used for the fast determination of soil properties. The aim of this study was (i) to test the use of MIR spectra (Agilent 4300 FTIR Handheld spectrometer) for the prediction of soil properties and (ii) to compare the prediction performances of MIR spectra and Vis-NIR (ASD FieldSpecPro) spectra; the Vis-NIR data were adopted from a previous study. Both the MIR and Vis-NIR spectra were coupled with partial least squares regression, different pre-processing techniques, and the same 114 soil samples, collected from the agricultural land located between boreal forests and semi-arid steppe belts (Kastanozems). The prediction accuracy (R2 = 0.70–0.99) of both techniques was similar for most of the soil properties assessed. However, (i) the MIR spectra were superior for estimating CaCO3, pH, SOC, sand, Ca, Mg, Cd, Fe, Mn, and Pb. (ii) The Vis-NIR spectra provided better results for silt, clay, and K, and (iii) the hygroscopic water content, Cu, P, and Zn were poorly predicted by both methods. The importance of the applied pre-processing techniques was evident, and among others, the first derivative spectra produced more reliable predictions for 11 of the 17 soil properties analyzed. The spectrally active CaCO3 had a dominant contribution in the MIR predictions of spectrally inactive soil properties, followed by SOC and Fe, whereas particle sizes and hygroscopic water content appeared as confounding factors. The estimation of spectrally inactive soil properties was carried out by considering their secondary correlation with carbonates, clay minerals, and organic matter. The soil information covered by the MIR spectra was more meaningful than that covered by the Vis-NIR spectra, while both displayed similar capturing mechanisms. Both the MIR and Vis-NIR spectra seized the same soil information, which may appear as a limiting factor for combining both spectral ranges. The interpretation of MIR spectra allowed us to differentiate non-carbonated and carbonated samples corresponding to carbonate leaching and accumulation zones associated with topography and land use. The prediction capability of the MIR spectra and the content of nutrient elements was highly related to soil-forming factors in the study area, which highlights the importance of local (site-specific) prediction models.
Explorations in Aromanian Morpho-Syntax: NPs, Prepositional Contexts and Infinitives
Authors: Savoia Leonardo Maria , Baldi Benedetta
Published: January 2024

The main topic of this article is the relationship between morphosyntactic contexts and nominal inflections in Aromanian varieties of southern Albania. These varieties have a specialized inflection in the plural definite and feminine singular nouns, associated with genitive, dative, and prepositional contexts, where it is preceded by a Possessive Introducer. We present a detailed picture of the microvariation that characterizes the different systems. The broad syncretism that emerges suggests a rethinking of the syntactic status of inflections and the notion of Case. Our approach assumes that morphology is based on Merge within the syntactic computation and that sub-word elements are provided with interpretable content. This theoretical model will also guide us in the study of prepositions and their distribution.
Validation in Forensic Text Comparison: Issues and Opportunities
Authors: Ishihara Shunichi , Kulkarni Sonia , Carne Michael , Ehrhardt Sabine , Nini Andrea
Published: January 2024

It has been argued in forensic science that the empirical validation of a forensic inference system or methodology should be performed by replicating the conditions of the case under investigation and using data relevant to the case. This study demonstrates that the above requirement for validation is also critical in forensic text comparison (FTC); otherwise, the trier-of-fact may be misled for their final decision. Two sets of simulated experiments are performed: one fulfilling the above validation requirement and the other overlooking it, using mismatch in topics as a case study. Likelihood ratios (LRs) are calculated via a Dirichlet-multinomial model, followed by logistic-regression calibration. The derived LRs are assessed by means of the log-likelihood-ratio cost, and they are visualized using Tippett plots. Following the experimental results, this paper also attempts to describe some of the essential research required in FTC by highlighting some central issues and challenges unique to textual evidence. Any deliberations on these issues and challenges will contribute to making a scientifically defensible and demonstrably reliable FTC available.
An Introduction to the Special Issue “Syntax-Phonology Interface and Recursivity”
Authors: Féry Caroline , Feldhausen Ingo , Kügler Frank
Published: January 2024

The last decades have seen a renewed interest in the algorithms relating syntactic and prosodic structure since the ban on recursivity that had been prevalent in phonology for a long time was relaxed; see for instance Selkirk (2011) and Elfner (2012) for the Match constraints and Ito and Mester (2009, 2013) for the recursivity of the prosodic structure [...]
Unveiling the Mystery of Adult-Onset Still’s Disease: A Compelling Case Report
Authors: Sola Daniele , Smirne Carlo , Bruggi Francesco , Bottino Sbaratta Chiara , Tamen Njata Aubin Cardin , Valente Guido , Pavanelli Maria Cristina , Vitetta Rosetta , Bellan Mattia , De Paoli Lorenzo , Pirisi Mario
Published: January 2024

Adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) is a rare systemic inflammatory disorder. Diagnosis can take a long time, especially in the presence of confounding factors, and it is, to some extent, a process of exclusion. AOSD has life-threating complications ranging from asymptomatic to severe, such as macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), which is also referred to as hemophagocytic lymphohistocytosis (HLH). This condition is correlated with cytokine storm production and monocyte/macrophage overactivation and typically occurs with rash, pyrexia, pancytopenia, hepatosplenomegaly and systemic involvement. Exitus occurs in approximately 10% of cases. For the treatment of MAS-HLH, the Histiocyte Society currently suggests high-dose corticosteroids, with the possible addition of cyclosporine A, anti-interleukin (IL)-1, or IL-6 biological drugs; the inclusion of etoposide is recommended for the most severe conditions. In all cases, a multidisciplinary collaboration involving the resources and expertise of several specialists (e.g., rheumatologist, infectiologist, critical care medicine specialist) is advised. Herein, we provide a detailed description of the clinical case of a previously healthy young woman in which MAS developed as a dramatic onset manifestation of AOSD and whose diagnosis posed a real clinical challenge; the condition was finally resolved by applying the HLH-94 protocol (i.e., etoposide in combination with dexamethasone).