bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shape‐Dictated Self‐Assembly of Photoresponsive Hybrid Colloids
Authors: Zhang Haiyang , Feng Xuan , Xia Xiuyang , Zhu Jiao , Wang Huaguang , Ni Ran , Zhang Zexin
Published: May 2023

The shape‐dictated self‐assembly of hybrid colloids induced by chemical concentration gradients generated by photocatalytic reactions of the colloids is studied. Different shapes enable the formation of assemblies with distinct lattice structures including hexagons, distorted hexagons, and squares, which are corroborated by computer simulations. Furthermore, assemblies change from lattices to chains when increasing the attraction between the colloids. The results show that photoresponsive hybrid colloids possess a unique capability for shape‐dependent self‐assembly, offering a practical and versatile approach to manipulate self‐assembly at the microscale.
Data‐Driven Approach Using Supervised Learning for Predicting Endpoint Temperature of Molten Steel in the Electric Arc Furnace
Authors: Song Yeongwon , Ha Hyukjun , Lee Wonkoo , Lee Kwon-Yeong , Kim Junghyun
Published: May 2023

This study presents the development of a decision support system that focuses on predicting the endpoint temperature of molten steel to manage the process of an electric arc furnace more systematically. The decision support system leverages a data‐driven approach that consists of the following modules: 1) a data preprocessing module that specifically includes raw data filtering, feature engineering, and outlier detection; 2) a feature selection module based on domain knowledge; 3) regression modeling module that employs a supervised learning algorithm to forecast an endpoint temperature; and 4) sensitivity analysis module to identify the correlation between input and output metric. The applicability of the system is demonstrated through a validation study using real‐world operational data from Hyundai Steel located in Pohang, South Korea. The validation results show that the endpoint temperatures predicted by the system are evenly scattered to a perfect‐fit line within 5% errors of the actual temperatures. The results also indicate that CaO, power, and melting score have the most significant impact on the endpoint temperature, in which temperature decreases as CaO increases and increases as the power and melting score increase.
Testing of precast recycled aggregate concrete shear wall with pressed sleeve connection subjected to cyclic loading
Authors: Yuan Chang‐Min , Cai Jian , Wang Fangying , He An , He Bingquan , Chen Qing‐Jun , Zuo Zhiliang
Published: May 2023

The pressed sleeve connection is a new type of connection technique reported in China recently. To explore the possibility of combining the advantages of pressed sleeve connections and recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) in precast concrete, the seismic performance of precast shear walls with pressed sleeves and recycled fine aggregate (RFA) concrete was investigated through a thorough experimental programme. A total of seven precast shear wall specimens and one cast‐in‐situ specimen were fabricated and tested under lateral cyclic loading, considering the effects of the aspect ratio, the axial compression ratio, and the RFA content. The failure modes, hysteretic behavior, bearing capacity, energy dissipation, stiffness and shear distortion of the specimens, as well as the strains of the steels, were reported and discussed. The test results demonstrated that the pressed sleeve connections were capable of transmitting both tensile and compressive forces between reinforcements, and the precast shear walls with pressed sleeve connections exhibited the same hysteresis behavior, strengths, ductility coefficient and energy dissipation capacity as the cast‐in‐situ counterpart. Moreover, the seismic behavior of the precast specimens with the RFA content of 30% was almost the same as those with natural aggregate concrete (NAC). The increase in the axial compression ratio and aspect ratio led to higher peak loads of the precast shear walls. Finally, existing design methods of ordinary reinforced concrete shear walls were evaluated for their application to the design of precast RFA concrete shear walls with pressed sleeves. Overall, the evaluation results revealed that the examined design methods offer generally accurate strength predictions for the proposed shear walls.
Mechanical modeling of dowel action and the influence of small amounts of shear reinforcement on the shear‐transfer actions in RC beams
Authors: Autrup Frederik , Jørgensen Henrik Brøner , Ruiz Miguel Fernández , Hoang Linh Cao
Published: May 2023

Dowel action of the longitudinal reinforcement in RC beams without and with small amounts of shear reinforcement is typically considered a constant shear contribution determined from the splitting strength of the concrete cover. However, in a recent experimental investigation by the authors, it was shown that the shear force transferred by dowel action for beams without shear reinforcement should be determined from the dowel displacement and a linear elastic model and a rigid plastic dowel model. This article is aimed at extending this model to also cover members with small amounts of shear reinforcement. To that aim, a novel approach to calculate the shear force carried by dowel action of the longitudinal reinforcement in both beams with and without shear reinforcement is presented. The model is derived by establishing an equilibrium of work between the internal stored elastic or dissipated plastic energy and the external work performed by the shear force in the dowel. Additionally, a method to determine the displacement of the dowel from DIC measurements is presented. For the remaining shear‐transfer actions, reasonable constitutive models from the literature are adapted. On the basis of DIC measurements, the shear force carried by each of the shear‐transfer actions is calculated for 16 shear tests of beams without and with small amounts of shear reinforcement. The sum of shear force carried by each of the shear‐transfer actions is shown to predict the applied shear force fairly well, from the development of the critical shear crack until failure. Additionally, it is shown that for beams with shear reinforcement below the minimum requirements according to the current design standards, the shear capacity is governed by aggregate interlock, residual tensile stresses, and the inclination of the compression chord. While for beams with shear reinforcement above the minimum requirements, the shear capacity is governed by the shear reinforcement and dowel action.
Global Operator Calculus on Spin Groups
Authors: Cerejeiras P. , Ferreira M. , Kähler U. , Wirth J.
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we use the representation theory of the group $$\textrm{Spin}(m)$$

Spin
(
m
)

to develop aspects of the global symbolic calculus of pseudo-differential operators on $$\textrm{Spin}(3)$$

Spin
(
3
)

and $$\textrm{Spin}(4)$$

Spin
(
4
)

in the sense of Ruzhansky–Turunen–Wirth. A detailed study of $$\textrm{Spin}(3)$$

Spin
(
3
)

and $$\textrm{Spin}(4)$$

Spin
(
4
)

-representations is made including recurrence relations and natural differential operators acting on matrix coefficients. We establish the calculus of left-invariant differential operators and of difference operators on the group $$\textrm{Spin}(4)$$

Spin
(
4
)

and apply this to give criteria for the subellipticity and the global hypoellipticity of pseudo-differential operators in terms of their matrix-valued full symbols. Several examples of first and second order globally hypoelliptic differential operators are given, including some that are locally neither invertible nor hypoelliptic. The paper presents a particular case study for higher dimensional spin groups.
Algorithmic discrimination in the credit domain: what do we know about it?
Authors: Garcia Ana Cristina Bicharra , Garcia Marcio Gomes Pinto , Rigobon Roberto
Published: May 2023

The widespread usage of machine learning systems and econometric methods in the credit domain has transformed the decision-making process for evaluating loan applications. Automated analysis of credit applications diminishes the subjectivity of the decision-making process. On the other hand, since machine learning is based on past decisions recorded in the financial institutions’ datasets, the process very often consolidates existing bias and prejudice against groups defined by race, sex, sexual orientation, and other attributes. Therefore, the interest in identifying, preventing, and mitigating algorithmic discrimination has grown exponentially in many areas, such as Computer Science, Economics, Law, and Social Science. We conducted a comprehensive systematic literature review to understand (1) the research settings, including the discrimination theory foundation, the legal framework, and the applicable fairness metric; (2) the addressed issues and solutions; and (3) the open challenges for potential future research. We explored five sources: ACM Digital Library, Google Scholar, IEEE Digital Library, Springer Link, and Scopus. Following inclusion and exclusion criteria, we selected 78 papers written in English and published between 2017 and 2022. According to the meta-analysis of this literature survey, algorithmic discrimination has been addressed mainly by looking at the CS, Law, and Economics perspectives. There has been great interest in this topic in the financial area, especially the discrimination in providing access to the mortgage market and differential treatment (different fees, number of parcels, and interest rates). Most attention has been devoted to the potential discrimination due to bias in the dataset. Researchers are still only dealing with direct discrimination, addressed by algorithmic fairness, while indirect discrimination (structural discrimination) has not received the same attention.
Laser-powder bed fusion molds without post-processing for micro-injection molding of mini/micro-products
Authors: Surace Rossella , Errico Vito , Valori Marcello , Fassi Irene , Campanelli Sabina Luisa
Published: May 2023

The use of additive manufacturing (AM) processes at the micro-scale helps to increase the development of micro-systems, thus enabling shorter tooling development to be exploited for other micro-technologies, such as micro-injection molding (µ-IM). In recent years, these process combinations have shown their capability of providing greater flexibility to micro-technologies and facilitating a high production rate, in particular allowing µ-IM to be economically feasible for low-volume production. Therefore, in order to assess the feasibility of micro-metal AM for µ-IM mold production, a set of mini- and micro-polymeric parts injected by using molds realized via the laser-powder bed fusion (L-PBF) process is discussed in this paper. The molds were manufactured in low-carbon steel and have been characterized and tested experimentally, without any post-process treatment. Two selected geometries, corresponding to a mini dogbone for tensile tests and a flexural hinge with features at the micro-scale, were designed and realized by the µ-IM process. These were replicated in order to assess the accuracy of the whole process. The obtained results of replication accuracy and mechanical tests confirm that the µ-IM process, performed with an L-PBF-made mold insert, is feasible and affordable for micro-production, although great accuracy, especially in mold design, fabrication, and assembly, is required.
Fast floating-point filters for robust predicates
Authors: Bartels Tinko , Fisikopoulos Vissarion , Weiser Martin
Published: May 2023

Geometric predicates are at the core of many algorithms, such as the construction of Delaunay triangulations, mesh processing and spatial relation tests. These algorithms have applications in scientific computing, geographic information systems and computer-aided design. With floating-point arithmetic, these geometric predicates can incur round-off errors that may lead to incorrect results and inconsistencies, causing computations to fail. This issue has been addressed using a combination of exact arithmetic for robustness and floating-point filters to mitigate the computational cost of exact computations. The implementation of exact computations and floating-point filters can be a difficult task, and code generation tools have been proposed to address this. We present a new C++ meta-programming framework for the generation of fast, robust predicates for arbitrary geometric predicates based on polynomial expressions. We combine and extend different approaches to filtering, branch reduction, and overflow avoidance that have previously been proposed. We show examples of how this approach produces correct results for data sets that could lead to incorrect predicate results with naive implementations. Our benchmark results demonstrate that our implementation surpasses state-of-the-art implementations.
EEG Microstates as a Signature of Hemispheric Lateralization in Stroke
Authors: Rubega Maria , Facca Massimiliano , Curci Vittorio , Sparacino Giovanni , Molteni Franco , Guanziroli Eleonora , Masiero Stefano , Formaggio Emanuela , Del Felice Alessandra
Published: May 2023

Stroke recovery trajectories vary substantially. The need for tracking and prognostic biomarkers in stroke is utmost for prognostic and rehabilitative goals: electroencephalography (EEG) advanced signal analysis may provide useful tools toward this aim. EEG microstates quantify changes in configuration of neuronal generators of short-lasting periods of coordinated synchronized communication within large-scale brain networks: this feature is expected to be impaired in stroke. To characterize the spatio-temporal signatures of EEG microstates in stroke survivors in the acute/subacute phase, EEG microstate analysis was performed in 51 first-ever ischemic stroke survivors [(28–82) years, 24 with right hemisphere (RH) lesion] who underwent a resting-state EEG recording in the acute and subacute phase (from 48 h up to 42 days after the event). Microstates were characterized based on 4 parameters: global explained variance (GEV), mean duration, occurrences per second, and percentage of coverage. Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests were performed to compare features of each microstate across the two groups [i.e., left hemisphere (LH) and right hemisphere (RH) stroke survivors]. The canonical microstate map D, characterized by a mostly frontal topography, displayed greater GEV, occurrence per second, and percentage of coverage in LH than in RH stroke survivors (p < 0.05). The EEG microstate map B, with a left-frontal to right-posterior topography, and F, with an occipital-to-frontal topography, exhibited a greater GEV in RH than in LH stroke survivors (p = 0.015). EEG microstates identified specific topographic maps which characterize stroke survivors’ lesioned hemisphere in the acute and early subacute phase. Microstate features offer an additional tool to identify different neural reorganization.
Evaluating the viscoelastic shear properties of clear wood via off-axis compression testing and digital-image correlation
Authors: Bengtsson Rhodel , Bergeron Louis , Afshar Reza , Mousavi Mahmoud , Gamstedt E. Kristofer
Published: May 2023

Highly anisotropic materials like wood and unidirectional polymer composite structures are sensitive to shear deformations, in particular close to fixed joints. Large wooden structures in buildings and, e.g. wind-turbine blades, are designed to last for decades, and hence are susceptible to unwanted creep deformations. For improved structural design, the shear-creep properties of the material are needed. These are rarely available in the literature, possibly because of technical difficulties to achieve a well-defined shear-stress state in test specimens. For cost-efficient testing, this goal of a pure stress state necessarily needs to be compromised. In the present study, we propose a simple test method based on uniaxial compression on wooden cubes, but is equally applicable for fibre composites. The viscoelastic shear properties of Norway spruce (Picea abies) under off-axis creep compression tests have been characterised in all three directions. The tests are performed in a controlled climate chamber and the creep strains are captured using digital-image correlation.
Accounting for doxastic agency: Mental action and self-awareness
Authors: Keeling Sophie
Published: May 2023

Uncontroversially, individuals exercise agency in acting; can we say the same about believing? This paper argues that subjects do indeed exercise agency over their beliefs and provides an account by which this is possible. On my picture, self-awareness is fundamental to the nature of doxastic agency. Drawing on work in the philosophy of action, I argue that subjects exercise agency in performing mental actions that form and sustain their beliefs, where they are aware of these actions as part of reasoning and exercising agency over their beliefs.
A mowing strategy for urban parks to support spring flowers in a mediterranean climate city in South Africa
Authors: Brom Peta D. , Underhill Leslie G. , Winter Kevin , Colville Jonathan F.
Published: May 2023

Converting road verges and Public Open Space (POS) to floral-rich resources is an important strategy for supporting populations of urban pollinators. One of the ways this can be achieved is through adjusting mowing schedules, either with a “delayed start” after the end of winter, or a reduction in mowing frequency. In Mediterranean climate ecosystems with mild, wet winters, plant growth continues through the winter season and the definition of a “delayed start” is unclear. This study sought to identify a strategic period for the suspension of mowing activities in a city in South Africa with a Mediterranean climate. It estimated the duration of the flowering to seed-broadcast season of 20 species of native geophytes. Observations were made of phenological status from bud to seed broadcast in ten city parks in Cape Town during the austral spring flowering seasons of 2019 and 2020 (August – December). The Underhill and Zucchini (1988) Moult Model was employed to estimate the duration of the flowering season. Model results showed that mowing should stop in the second week of August and should not resume until the beginning of November in the study context. The results are discussed against the relative biodiversity contribution that different parks and verges make and the potential conflicts with the utility objectives of urban society.
Exploring the effects of a musical play intervention on young children’s self-regulation and metacognition
Authors: Zachariou Antonia , Bonneville-Roussy Arielle , Hargreaves David , Neokleous Rania
Published: May 2023

Self-regulation and metacognition are important for lifelong functioning and can be strengthened with intervention at a young age. Research proposes that musical play enables self-regulatory development, but lacks rigorous approaches to investigate whether a causal relationship between the two exists. We introduced a musical play intervention in a real-world classroom, and examined its impact on self-regulation and metacognition. We adopted a quasi-experimental, pre-test and post-test control-group design, with 98 children aged 6. The intervention group (N = 45) participated in 13 musical play sessions, while the control group (N = 53) had 13 music lessons following the usual music curriculum. Children’s self-regulation and metacognition, including metacognitive knowledge, metacognitive regulation and emotional/motivational regulation, was assessed before and after the intervention through three validated instruments: a) an observational assessment of children’s self-regulation and metacognition while completing a task, b) a metacognitive knowledge interview following the task, and c) a teacher-reported assessment of self-regulation and metacognition. The results were equivocal: according to the teacher ratings, the intervention group’s self-regulation and metacognition improved significantly more than controls following the intervention, but this result was not corroborated by assessment of children’s self-regulation on task. Despite this, from the three areas of self-regulation and metacognition, there was a statistically significant improvement in metacognitive knowledge in the intervention group compared to controls, a result indicated by the teacher-reported assessment and by the metacognitive knowledge interview, which revealed a significant effect on children’s metacognitive knowledge of strategies. This study can further the discussions on the use of different methodological approaches when exploring self-regulation, and can inform policy and practice in relation to music and play in schools.
Super-resolution of 2D ultrasound images and videos
Authors: Cammarasana Simone , Nicolardi Paolo , Patanè Giuseppe
Published: May 2023

This paper proposes a novel deep-learning framework for super-resolution ultrasound images and videos in terms of spatial resolution and line reconstruction. To this end, we up-sample the acquired low-resolution image through a vision-based interpolation method; then, we train a learning-based model to improve the quality of the up-sampling. We qualitatively and quantitatively test our model on different anatomical districts (e.g., cardiac, obstetric) images and with different up-sampling resolutions (i.e., 2X, 4X). Our method improves the PSNR median value with respect to SOTA methods of $$1.7\%$$

1.7
%

on obstetric 2X raw images, $$6.1\%$$

6.1
%

on cardiac 2X raw images, and $$4.4\%$$

4.4
%

on abdominal raw 4X images; it also improves the number of pixels with a low prediction error of $$9.0\%$$

9.0
%

on obstetric 4X raw images, $$5.2\%$$

5.2
%

on cardiac 4X raw images, and $$6.2\%$$

6.2
%

on abdominal 4X raw images. The proposed method is then applied to the spatial super-resolution of 2D videos, by optimising the sampling of lines acquired by the probe in terms of the acquisition frequency. Our method specialises trained networks to predict the high-resolution target through the design of the network architecture and the loss function, taking into account the anatomical district and the up-sampling factor and exploiting a large ultrasound data set. The use of deep learning on large data sets overcomes the limitations of vision-based algorithms that are general and do not encode the characteristics of the data. Furthermore, the data set can be enriched with images selected by medical experts to further specialise the individual networks. Through learning and high-performance computing, the proposed super-resolution is specialised to different anatomical districts by training multiple networks. Furthermore, the computational demand is shifted to centralised hardware resources with a real-time execution of the network’s prediction on local devices.

Graphical abstract
Impact of the systematic introduction of tomosynthesis on breast biopsies: 10 years of results
Authors: La Forgia Daniele , Signorile Rahel , Bove Samantha , Arezzo Francesca , Cormio Gennaro , Daniele Antonella , Dellino Miriam , Fanizzi Annarita , Gatta Gianluca , Lafranceschina Miria , Massafra Raffaella , Rizzo Alessandro , Zito Francesco Alfredo , Neri Emanuele , Faggioni Lorenzo
Published: May 2023

Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT) is a cutting-edge technology introduced in recent years as an in-depth analysis of breast cancer diagnostics. Compared with 2D Full-Field Digital Mammography, DBT has demonstrated greater sensitivity and specificity in detecting breast tumors. This work aims to quantitatively evaluate the impact of the systematic introduction of DBT in terms of Biopsy Rate and Positive Predictive Values for the number of biopsies performed (PPV-3). For this purpose, we collected 69,384 mammograms and 7894 biopsies, of which 6484 were Core Biopsies and 1410 were stereotactic Vacuum-assisted Breast Biopsies (VABBs), performed on female patients afferent to the Breast Unit of the Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II” of Bari from 2012 to 2021, thus, in the period before, during and after the systematic introduction of DBT. Linear regression analysis was then implemented to investigate how the Biopsy Rate had changed over the 10 year screening. The next step was to focus on VABBs, which were generally performed during in-depth examinations of mammogram detected lesions. Finally, three radiologists from the institute’s Breast Unit underwent a comparative study to ascertain their performances in terms of breast cancer detection rates before and after the introduction of DBT. As a result, it was demonstrated that both the overall Biopsy Rate and the VABBs Biopsy Rate significantly decreased following the introduction of DBT, with the diagnosis of an equal number of tumors. Besides, no statistically significant differences were observed among the three operators evaluated. In conclusion, this work highlights how the systematic introduction of DBT has significantly impacted the breast cancer diagnostic procedure, by improving the diagnostic quality and thereby reducing needless biopsies, resulting in a consequent reduction in costs.
Hydrogen Reduction of LiCoO2 Cathode Material: Thermodynamic Analysis, Microstructure, and Mechanisms
Authors: Nuraeni Bintang A. , Avarmaa Katri , Prentice Leon H. , Rankin W. John , Pownceby Mark I. , Rhamdhani M. Akbar
Published: May 2023

Hydrogen is an alternative reductant to replace carbon for the production of metals. Reduction by hydrogen has advantages compared to carbothermic reduction, such as faster reaction rate and cleaner by-product (water vapor). This study investigated the application of hydrogen reduction for recycling and recovering cobalt and lithium from Li-ion battery cathode material (LiCoO2). The study consisted of thermodynamic simulations of the reactions and microstructure evolution analysis from experimental work to propose mechanisms of the reduction process. The thermodynamic assessment predicted that metallic Co could be generated from 400 °C and was stable up to 1200 °C, but strongly dependent on the molar amount of H2. The final experimental reduction products of lithium and cobalt were found to vary and consisted of Li2O, LiOH, Li2O2 and Co, CoO, Co3O4, respectively. The experimental work revealed that the overall reduction mechanism is uniquely characterized by the reduction temperature. The temperature range of 800 °C to 900 °C offered more benefit as Co could be generated as a larger mass indicating a more progressive reduction. The data and information obtained can help optimize the parameters in the recycling of Li-ion batteries.
Investigation of real-world heparin resistance and anticoagulation management prior to cardiopulmonary bypass: report from a nationwide survey by the Japanese Association for Thoracic Surgery heparin resistance working group
Authors: Ito Koki , Sasaki Konosuke , Ono Minoru , Suzuki Takaaki , Sakamoto Kisaburo , Okamoto Hirotsugu , Katori Nobuyuki , Momose Naoki , Araki Yasuyuki , Tojo Keiichi , Ieko Masahiro , Komiyama Yutaka , Saiki Yoshikatsu
Published: May 2023

Objective

Heparin resistance is often encountered during cardiopulmonary bypass. Heparin dose and activated clotting time target values for the initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass are not yet universally standardized; further no consensus exists on the management of heparin resistance. This study aimed to investigate the current real-world practice on heparin management and anticoagulant treatment for heparin resistance in Japan.

Methods

A questionnaire survey was conducted at medical institutions nationwide with which The Japanese Society of Extra-Corporeal Technology in Medicine members are affiliated, targeting surgical cases with cardiopulmonary bypass performed from January 2019 through December 2019.

Results

Among 69% (230/332) of the participating institutions, the criterion for heparin resistance was defined as “the target activated clotting time value not reached even with an additional dose of heparin administration”. Cases of heparin resistance were reported in 89.8% (202/225) of the responded institutions. Of note, 75% (106/141) of the responded institutions reported heparin resistance associated with antithrombin activity ≥ 80%. Antithrombin concentrate was used in 38.4% (238/619 responses) or third dose of heparin in 37.8% (234/619 responses) for advanced heparin resistance treatment. Antithrombin concentrate was found to be effective in resolving heparin resistance in patients having normal, as well as lower antithrombin activity.

Conclusion

Heparin resistance has occurred in many cardiovascular centers, even among patients with normal antithrombin activities. Interestingly, the administration of antithrombin concentrate resolved heparin resistance, regardless of the baseline antithrombin activity value.
The impact of cellular senescence in human adipose tissue
Authors: Nerstedt Annika , Smith Ulf
Published: May 2023

In the last decades the prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically, and the worldwide epidemic of obesity and related metabolic diseases has contributed to an increased interest for the adipose tissue (AT), the primary site for storage of lipids, as a metabolically dynamic and endocrine organ. Subcutaneous AT is the depot with the largest capacity to store excess energy and when its limit for storage is reached hypertrophic obesity, local inflammation, insulin resistance and ultimately type 2 diabetes (T2D) will develop. Hypertrophic AT is also associated with a dysfunctional adipogenesis, depending on the inability to recruit and differentiate new mature adipose cells. Lately, cellular senescence (CS), an aging mechanism defined as an irreversible growth arrest that occurs in response to various cellular stressors, such as telomere shortening, DNA damage and oxidative stress, has gained a lot of attention as a regulator of metabolic tissues and aging-associated conditions. The abundance of senescent cells increases not only with aging but also in hypertrophic obesity independent of age. Senescent AT is characterized by dysfunctional cells, increased inflammation, decreased insulin sensitivity and lipid storage. AT resident cells, such as progenitor cells (APC), non-proliferating mature cells and microvascular endothelial cells are affected with an increased senescence burden. Dysfunctional APC have both an impaired adipogenic and proliferative capacity. Interestingly, human mature adipose cells from obese hyperinsulinemic individuals have been shown to re-enter the cell cycle and senesce, which indicates an increased endoreplication. CS was also found to be more pronounced in mature cells from T2D individuals, compared to matched non-diabetic individuals, with decreased insulin sensitivity and adipogenic capacity.

Graphical abstract

Factors associated with cellular senescence in human adipose tissue
You have been terminated: robots, work, and taxation
Authors: Akar Gizem , Casalone Giorgia , Zagler Martin
Published: May 2023

We present a three sector OLG model with a homogeneous output good that is produced with traditional or robot technology. The traditional sector produces with labor and capital, whereas the modern sector employs robots instead of labor. Robots and workers are modeled as perfect substitutes to investigate whether economic policy under the harshest assumptions is able to prevent the ascent of a robotized economy. While we find that the transition is inevitable, higher taxes on robots and revenues can slow down the process. We also that the economy will switch from an exogenous growth model based on TFP to an endogenous growth model due to constant returns with respect to reproducible factors of production as it becomes fully robotized.
SIR Model with Vaccination: Bifurcation Analysis
Authors: Maurício de Carvalho João P. S. , Rodrigues Alexandre A.
Published: May 2023

There are few adapted SIR models in the literature that combine vaccination and logistic growth. In this article, we study bifurcations of a SIR model where the class of Susceptible individuals grows logistically and has been subject to constant vaccination. We explicitly prove that the endemic equilibrium is a codimension two singularity in the parameter space $$(\mathcal {R}_0, p)$$

(

R
0

,
p
)

, where $$\mathcal {R}_0$$

R
0

is the basic reproduction number and p is the proportion of Susceptible individuals successfully vaccinated at birth. We exhibit explicitly the Hopf, transcritical, Belyakov, heteroclinic and saddle-node bifurcation curves unfolding the singularity. The two parameters $$(\mathcal {R}_0, p)$$

(

R
0

,
p
)

are written in a useful way to evaluate the proportion of vaccinated individuals necessary to eliminate the disease and to conclude how the vaccination may affect the outcome of the epidemic. We also exhibit the region in the parameter space where the disease persists and we illustrate our main result with numerical simulations, emphasizing the role of the parameters.
Flue Dust Reactions and Sticking Mechanisms in a Copper Flash Smelting Furnace Waste Heat Boiler: A Sampling Study
Authors: Schmidt Amélia , Guy Bradley Martin , Montenegro Victor , Reuter Markus , Charitos Alexandros , Stelter Michael , Richter Andreas
Published: May 2023

The formation of accretion layers within the waste heat boiler is a serious operational concern as it can potentially increase boiler downtime and, hence, limit continuous production. In previous Computational Fluid Dynamics studies, the accretion formation was predicted for an industrial-scale waste heat boiler, using a dust stickiness sub-routine of the model. In this study, a dust sampling campaign was used to validate this stickiness sub-routine. Furthermore, various sticking and reaction mechanisms of flue dust were investigated and compared to thermodynamic predictions. While the results suggest that the sub-routine is valid, the comparison of thermodynamics and species in the samples showed that the chemical reactions of the flue dust did not reach the thermodynamic equilibrium.

Graphical Abstract
The relationship between shape parameters and kurtosis in some relevant models
Authors: Borroni Claudio Giovanni , De Capitani Lucio
Published: May 2023

When a distributional model is chosen, the analytic relation between its shape parameters and the values taken by some kurtosis indexes, especially if they are unconventional, is rarely known. In addition, different indexes may provide contrasting evidence about the level of global kurtosis, when the parameters of the model are varied. That happens because just few parameters act “plainly” on kurtosis, namely so as to produce consistent modifications of the shape of the graph on both its sides. Many parameters, instead, affect kurtosis along with a change of the skewness of the distribution, that is by “inflating” a single side of the graph (usually a tail) at the expense of the other. Thanks to some relevant examples, this paper tries to provide general indications to recognize the two kinds of parameters above and to interpret their effect on the classical Pearson’s standardized fourth moment and on some lesser known kurtosis indexes. Specifically, it is shown that only a decomposed analysis of indexes can help to understand their apparent contradictions, especially when some of them are too sensitive to changes in the tails. Finally, some applications are provided.
The effect of sulindac on redox homeostasis and apoptosis-related proteins in melanotic and amelanotic cells
Authors: Miliński Maciej , Staś Monika , Rok Jakub , Beberok Artur , Wrześniok Dorota
Published: May 2023

Background

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been shown to inhibit the development of induced neoplasms. Our previous research demonstrated that the cytotoxicity of sulindac against melanoma cells is comparable to dacarbazine, the drug used in chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of sulindac cytotoxicity on COLO 829 and C32 cell lines.

Methods

The influence of sundilac on the activity of selected enzymes of the antioxidant system (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)) and the content of hydrogen peroxide as well as the level of proteins initiating (p53, Bax) and inhibiting (Bcl-2) apoptosis were measured in melanoma cells.

Results

In melanotic melanoma cells, sulindac increased the activity of SOD and the content of H2O2 but decreased the activity of CAT and GPx. The level of p53 and Bax proteins rose but the content of Bcl-2 protein was lowered. Similar results were observed for dacarbazine. In amelanotic melanoma cells, sulindac did not cause an increase in the activity of measured enzymes or any significant changes in the level of apoptotic proteins.

Conclusion

The cytotoxic effect of sulindac in the COLO 829 cell line is connected to disturbed redox homeostasis by changing the activity of SOD, CAT, GPx, and level of H2O2. Sulindac also induces apoptosis by changing the ratio of the pro-apoptotic/anti-apoptotic protein. The presented studies indicate the possibility of developing target therapy against melanotic melanoma using sulindac.

Graphical abstract
History of Myringoplasty and Tympanoplasty Type I
Authors: Mudry Albert
Published: May 2023

The history of myringoplasty and tympanoplasty type I is a delightful chapter in the development of otologic surgery. The aim of this commentary is to sketch the great lines of the history of myringoplasty and tympanoplasty type I. From its first controversial description in 1878 to its actual foundation in 1952, different otologists, mostly German, participated in its development.
The influence of free stream turbulence on the development of a wind turbine wake
Authors: Gambuzza Stefano , Ganapathisubramani Bharathram
Published: May 2023

The wake of an isolated model-scale wind turbine is analysed in a set of inflow conditions having free stream turbulence intensity between 3 % and 12 %, and integral time scales in the range of 0.1–10 times the convective time scale based on the turbine diameter. It is observed that the wake generated by the turbine evolves more rapidly, with the onset of the wake evolution being closer to the turbine, for high turbulence intensity and low integral time scale flows, in accordance with literature, while flows at higher integral time scales result in a slow wake evolution, akin to that generated by low-turbulence inflow conditions despite the highly turbulent ambient condition. The delayed onset of the wake evolution is connected to the stability of the shear layer enveloping the near-wake, which is favoured for low-turbulence or high-integral time scale flows, and to the stability of the helical vortex set surrounding the wake, as this favours interaction events and prevents momentum exchange at the wake boundary which hinder wake evolution. The rate at which the velocity in the wake recovers to undisturbed conditions is instead analytically shown to be a function of the Reynolds shear stress at the wake centreline, an observation that is confirmed by measurements. The rate of production of Reynolds shear stress in the wake is then connected to the power harvested by the turbine to explain the differences between flows at equivalent turbulence intensity and different integral time scales. The wake recovery rate, and by extension the behaviour of the turbine wake in high-integral time scale flows, is seen to be a linear function of the free stream turbulence intensity for flows with Kolmogorov-like turbulence spectrum, in accordance with literature. This relation is seen not to hold for flows with different free stream turbulence spectral distribution; however, this trend is recovered if the contributions of low frequency velocity components to the turbulence intensity are ignored or filtered out from the computation.
Window of Opportunity: War and the Origins of Parliament
Authors: Cox Gary W. , Dincecco Mark , Onorato Massimiliano Gaetano
Published: May 2023

Two important puzzles characterize the development of pre-modern Eurasian polities. First, most rulers convened councils of nobles, but only European monarchs expanded them to create parliaments. Second, war was common throughout Eurasia, but only in Europe did it correlate with the formation of parliaments. We advance a new argument about the emergence of parliaments that accounts for both stylized facts while integrating the literature highlighting the rulers' need to finance wars with that emphasizing the importance of the medieval communal revolution. Using novel data, we document a ‘no communes, no parliaments’ rule: monarchs established parliaments only after they had fostered the creation of self-governing towns (aka communes). We also show that war was a significant predictor of parliamentary births across medieval Europe – but only during a window of opportunity that opened after a polity had experienced the communal revolution.
Pestiferous slugs and their associated nematodes in agricultural fields, greenhouses, and nurseries in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Patuwatha Withanage D.B.M. , Howe D.K. , Richart C.H. , Mc Donnell R.J. , Denver D.R. , Luong L.T.
Published: May 2023

Some slug species are considered a nuisance in agriculture and horticulture worldwide, causing economic losses to growers. Phasmarhabditis is a genus of bacteria-feeding nematodes that can parasitize slugs and snails and thus potentially serve as a biological control agent. Canada had no record of Phasmarhabditis until a survey conducted in 2019 reported a Canadian strain of Phasmarhabditis californica from a single Arion rufus slug. To build on this discovery, we surveyed three major agricultural sites, ten greenhouses, and nurseries in Alberta from June to September 2021 to collect pest slug species and investigate their associated nematodes, specifically P. californica. Slugs were collected from the field and returned to the laboratory to check for emerging nematodes on White traps. We collected 1331 slugs belonging to nine species, with Deroceras reticulatum being the most common. Only 45 (3.38%) slug samples were positive for nematodes, and the majority were identified to species level: Alloionema appendiculatum, Caenorhabditis briggsae, Caenorhabditis elegans, Panagrolaimus subelongatus, and Mesorhabditis spiculigera. We did not isolate P. californica from any of the slugs collected from these survey sites, which included the original site where P. californica was discovered. However, four D. reticulatum slugs retrieved from a residential garden sample were infected with P. californica. These findings suggest the possibility of a fragmented distribution of P. californica across Alberta. Future research should focus on extensively surveying agriculture and horticulture sites and residential gardens in different provinces across Canada.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of stereotactic radiosurgery as a primary treatment in fast-growing vestibular schwannomas
Authors: Shah Faizan , Hamilton Leanne O W , Yiannakis Constantina P , Slim Mohd Afiq Mohd , Kontorinis Georgios
Published: May 2023

Background

Stereotactic radiosurgery has been shown to be an effective method of managing vestibular schwannomas. The primary aim here is to establish the impact of pre-treatment fast-growing vestibular schwannomas on the efficacy of stereotactic radiosurgery.

Methods

PubMed, Medline and Embase databases were used. The ROBINS-I (‘Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies - of Interventions’) tool was utilised to assess for risk of bias. Proportionate meta-analysis and sub-analysis for fast-growing tumours were performed to explore the success rate of stereotactic radiosurgery in stabilising or decreasing the tumour burden in vestibular schwannomas.

Results

Four moderate risk studies were included in the analysis. Overall, 91 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval = 0.83–0.97, p < 0.01, I2 = 80 per cent) of the tumours demonstrated successful size reduction or stabilisation following stereotactic radiosurgery. Nevertheless, the efficacy of stereotactic radiosurgery in reducing or stabilising fast-growing vestibular schwannomas decreased by 79 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval = 0.64–0.91, p = 0.11, I2 = 62 per cent).

Conclusion

Stereotactic radiosurgery has a statistically significant success rate in stabilising or decreasing the vestibular schwannoma size. This success rate is diminished in fast-growing vestibular schwannomas.
Recent Tree Mortality Dampens Semi‐Arid Forest Die‐Off During Subsequent Drought
Authors: Norlen Carl A. , Goulden Michael L.
Published: May 2023

Climate change is expected to increase drought intensity and frequency, which are commonly predicted will threaten the survival of forests. Most forest die‐off projections assume that recent tree mortality will not alter die‐off severity during subsequent droughts. We tested this assumption by comparing die‐off in semi‐arid conifer forest stands in California that were exposed to a single drought in 2012–2015 (“2nd Drought Only”) with forest stands that experienced drought in both 1999–2002 and 2012–2015 (“Both Droughts”). We quantified die‐off severity as a reduction in the satellite observed Normalized Difference Moisture Index, and cumulative moisture deficit as negative 4‐year Precipitation minus Evapotranspiration (4‐year Pr‐ET overdraft). Here we show that recent tree morality reduces die‐off severity in semi‐arid conifer forests exposed to subsequent drought. Stands in the 2nd Drought Only sample experienced severe die‐off associated with extreme 4‐year Pr‐ET overdraft in 2012–2015. Stands in the Both Droughts sample experienced severe die‐off and 4‐year Pr‐ET overdraft in 1999–2002, but comparatively little 2012–2015 die‐off despite continued 4‐year Pr‐ET overdraft. We interpret this as a dampening effect, where prior tree mortality reduces forest die‐off severity during subsequent drought exposure. As forests continue to experience disturbances linked to climate change, dampening effects will impose a transient, and perhaps long‐term, constraint on the impact of repeated drought.
The Effect of Advection on the Three Dimensional Distribution of Turbulent Kinetic Energy and Its Generation in Idealized Tropical Cyclone Simulations
Authors: Wadler Joshua B. , Nolan David. S. , Zhang Jun A. , Shay Lynn K. , Olson Joseph B. , Cione Joseph J.
Published: May 2023

The distribution of turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) and its budget terms is estimated in simulated tropical cyclones (TCs) of various intensities. Each simulated TC is subject to storm motion, wind shear, and oceanic coupling. Different storm intensities are achieved through different ocean profiles in the model initialization. For each oceanic profile, the atmospheric simulations are performed with and without TKE advection. In all simulations, the TKE is maximized at low levels (i.e., below 1 km) and ∼0.5 km radially inward of the azimuthal‐mean radius of maximum wind speed at 1‐km height. As in a previous study, the axisymmetric TKE decreases with height in the eyewall, but more abruptly in simulations without TKE advection. The largest TKE budget terms are shear generation and dissipation, though variability in vertical turbulent transport and buoyancy production affect the change in the azimuthal‐mean TKE distribution. The general relationships between the TKE budget terms are consistent across different radii, regardless of storm intensity. In terms of the asymmetric distribution in the eyewall, TKE is maximized in the front‐left quadrant where the sea surface temperature (SST) is highest and is minimized in the rear‐right quadrant where the SST is the lowest. In the category‐5 simulation, the height of the TKE maximum varies significantly in the eyewall between quadrants and is between ∼400 m in the rear‐right quadrant and ∼1,000 m in the front‐left quadrant. When TKE advection is included in the simulations, the maximum eyewall TKE values are downwind compared to the simulations without TKE advection.