bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transparent Conductive Encapsulants for Photoelectrochemical Applications
Authors: Rome Grace A. , Intia Fry , Klein Talysa R. , Schichtl Zebulon G. , Tamboli Adele C. , Warren Emily L. , Greenaway Ann L.
Published: July 2023

Utilizing sunlight to directly perform photoelectrochemical reactions is a promising route to renewable, net carbon‐neutral fuels. However, a common problem with solar fuel production is semiconductor degradation in aqueous environments. An ideal protection layer should (1) prevent solution from reaching the semiconductor, (2) maintain charge transfer to and from solution, and (3) be transparent to light above the semiconductor band gap. While there have been substantial advances toward layers that meet these requirements, they are not easily adapted to new surfaces or new reactions, which can make protection difficult for newly developed photoabsorbers and (photo)electrochemical reaction pairings. In this work, we demonstrate the use of transparent conductive encapsulants (TCEs) to meet these requirements while also allowing for photoelectrode‐ and reaction‐agnostic adaptability. TCEs are composed of an ethyl‐vinyl acetate matrix with embedded conductive metal‐coated microspheres that can be laminated to semiconductors. First, the electrochemical behavior of TCE‐coated electrodes for the reduction of methyl viologen is characterized, demonstrating through‐TCE electrical conduction. Then, photoelectrochemical measurements on TCE‐protected semiconductors demonstrate the flexibility of this protection scheme. Finally, long‐term photoelectrochemical measurements probe the efficacy of TCEs as protection layers. These findings demonstrate the potential of TCEs as adaptable protection layers in various photoelectrochemical applications.
Cross‐species analysis and comparison of the inner ear between chickens and mice
Authors: Wu Jingfang , Zhang Yunzhong , Mao Shihang , Li Wen , Li Guangfei , Li Huawei , Sun Shan
Published: July 2023

The inner ear of mammals includes the cochlea and vestibule, which house specialized hair cells that are responsible for hearing and balance, respectively. While cochlear hair cells fail to regenerate following damage, those of the utricle, which is part of the vestibular apparatus, show partial regeneration. In birds, the macula lagena, a unique ear structure in this clade, has the ability to regenerate hair cells similarly to the utricle. Many studies have sought to explain regeneration in terms of evolution and species differences. However, it remains unclear what the cellular and molecular basis is behind the differences in inner ear structures and between avians and mammals. In the present study, we first investigated the anatomical structures of the inner ear of both chickens and rodents. We then performed RNA sequencing (RNA‐Seq) and made cross‐species analyses of the expression of homologous genes obtained from the inner ear tissue from both chickens and mice. Finally, we focused on the lagena, the basilar papilla, and the utricle in chickens and identified differentially expressed genes between tissues and determined the expression patterns of genes involved in inner ear structure formation by single‐cell RNA sequencing and bulk RNA‐Seq. We concluded that the cellular and molecular composition of the lagena is more similar to that of the utricle than the cochlea. Taken together, our study provides a valuable resource for the study of inner ear evolution and development.
Chemical and Photophysical Triggers for the Reduction of Pt(IV) Prodrugs for Anticancer Therapy
Authors: Karges Johannes
Published: July 2023

Platinum(II) complexes are used in approximately 50% of chemotherapeutic treatments worldwide. Despite their undoubtful clinical success, these compounds are associated with severe side effects and poor tumor selectivity. To overcome these drawbacks, the development of platinum(IV) molecular prodrugs and nanoparticle formulations that remain stable and therapeutically inactive in a biological environment, but could be quickly reduced into the therapeutically active analogs through a specific trigger have been thought. Within this article, the mechanisms for chemical and photophysical triggers for the activation of platinum(IV) prodrugs have been critically reviewed.
Seasonal variation and sources of PM2.5 bound water‐soluble ions at Jammu city in the foothills of the North‐western Himalayas, India
Authors: Gupta Shivali , Rajput Akanksha , Kumar Rakesh , Yadav Sudesh , Verma Anju , Gautam Alok Sagar , Gautam Sneha
Published: July 2023

In this study, PM2.5 aerosols were collected from the campus of the University of Jammu situated along the Shivalik foothills of the North‐western Himalayas in the Jammu urban area to understand the seasonal variability of PM2.5 mass concentrations and associated water‐soluble inorganic ions (WSIIs). Results showed that the annual average PM2.5 mass concentrations were average 65.02 μg/m3 which significantly exceeded the annual National Ambient Air Quality Standards (40 μg/m3) by ~1.6 times. In addition, PM2.5 and WSIIs mass concentrations exhibited significant seasonal variability with the highest average concentrations observed during winter and the least during monsoon. Furthermore, WSIIs accounted for 24.56% of PM2.5 mass annually. Cl−, Na+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ depicted higher concentrations in summer whereas higher mass concentrations of SO42−, NO3− and NH4+ observed during winter pointed to their formation from gas to particulate conversion mechanisms. The variability of source strength during peak tourist seasons in holidays, festivities and new year appears to have significantly accounted for high PM2.5 in the study area. Additionally, meteorological conditions also appear to have played an important role in secondary aerosol formation which is noticeable from the high correlation observed among SO42−–NO3− (0.97), NH4+–SO42− (0.69), K+–Cl− (0.85), NH4+–NO3− (0.64), SO42−–K+ (0.63), NH4+–Cl− (0.65) at p < .05 during winter. On the other hand, significant correlations (p < .01) observed between Ca2+–Mg2+ (0.94), SO42−–Ca2+ (0.78) and SO42−–Mg2+ (0.89) during summer indicated their primary origin as crustal‐based sources.
Mio‐Pliocene exhumation of the hinterland and sediments provenance of the Neogene strata from Kumaun Himalaya of northwest India: Insights from detrital fission‐track thermochronology
Authors: Singh Paramjeet , Patel R. C.
Published: July 2023

Fission‐track (FT) thermochronological analysis of detrital apatite and zircon derived from the lower and middle Siwalik Group of the sub‐Himalaya allows the reconstruction of the long‐term exhumation history of the Higher Himalayan Crystalline (HHC) and Lesser Himalayan Sequence (LHS), and also the provenance of the Siwalik sediments. Here, we report 14 detrital apatite and zircon fission‐track (AFT/ZFT) ages of lower and middle Siwalik subgroups of the Kumaun region, northwest Himalaya. Detrital FT ages suggest that all sandstone samples were never buried below the temperature range of 90° to 100°C and remained as unreset to retain a signal of source‐area exhumation. A detrital AFT age from sandstone sample at close proximity to the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) is 4.4 ± 0.5 Ma (Pliocene time) which is completely reset and younger than the depositional age, while the detrital ZFT ages of the same sample are unrest. The AFT age represents the time of reactivation of the MBT during which ZFT ages were not affected. This study revealed that the provenances of Siwalik sediments are located majorly in the MBT hinterland areas and the nearest sources are Amritpur granite, the outer Lesser Himalayan meta‐sedimentary (LHMS) zone, Almora klippe, Ramgarh thrust sheet, and the overlying Tethyan Himalayan Sequence. These source areas can be attributed to the development of local drainage networks in the Ramganga‐Kosi drainage basin during late Miocene to Pliocene (i.e., ~9 to 4 Ma). Based on detrital FT datasets, it has been envisaged that different tectonic activities in the MBT hinterland area between Miocene and Pliocene Periods cause the tectonic upliftment and exhumation of source areas and supply the sediment to the Siwalik foreland basin.
Ex‐ante moral hazard and health insurance: Evidence from China's urban residence basic medical insurance scheme
Authors: Chen Chen , Liu Gordon Guoen , Wang Tangxin , Tan Jialong
Published: July 2023

This study examines whether implementing Urban Residents Medical Insurance Scheme decreased an individual's risky lifestyle behavior before illness, termed ex‐ante moral hazard. Ex‐ante moral hazard is predicted by the classical economic theory suggesting that health insurance coverage reduces an individual's incentive to take preventive efforts to remain healthy. Studies have provided mixed evidence for this prediction. China's 2006 nationwide social experiment of implementing the Urban Residents Basic Medical Insurance Scheme offers an excellent opportunity for examining the effect of the transition from uninsured to insured on an individual's health behaviors. We exploit the longitudinal dimension of a representative survey data for 2007–2010 and employ the instrumental variable technique, thereby addressing the issue of self‐selection into voluntary health insurance schemes. The results do not provide evidence for and contrast the prediction of the ex‐ante moral hazard. Significant differences exist between insured and uninsured groups with respect to smoking, drinking habits, and being overweight. People with insurance care more about their health than people without insurance do. The main results still hold if we use alternative estimation methods and other robustness tests.
Digital Transformation in Acquisition: Using Modeling and Simulation to Advance the State of Practice
Authors: Hutchison Nicole , Tao Hoong Yan See , Clifford Megan , Burley Camryn , Arndt Craig , Wach Paul , Sherburne Tim , Beling Peter , McDermott Tom , Blackburn Mark , Long David , Verma Dinesh
Published: July 2023

Digital transformation is a key enabler for successful acquisition and sustainment in a rapidly changing environment of increasing threats and challenges. This paper provides an overview of digital transformation in acquisition and ongoing relevant work that contributes to the development of training for the US Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition workforce. One of the main contributions is the development of models and simulations for training purposes. The team researched on current uses of modeling and simulation before proposing models and simulations (“case studies”) that could be incorporated in the training materials at the Defense Acquisition University (DAU) and extend applicability beyond the DoD to contribute to the DE body of knowledge and DE community. The acquisition workforce must undergo significant transformation, which is not an easy transition, to overcome the challenges of digital transformation. Cultural change is an important shift that will have to happen in the workforce to enable digital transformation. This paper highlights the three‐pronged approach for competency identification to support competency development. The research is centered on improving the acquisition workforce's ability to support Digital Acquisition through the identification of critical competencies for individuals, and for program offices and the development of models and simulation in the DAU curriculum to enable effective digital transformation.
From Model‐based to Model and Simulation‐based Systems Architectures – achieving quality engineering through descriptive and analytical models
Authors: Nowodzienski Pierre , Navas Juan
Published: July 2023

Systems architecture design is a key activity that affect the overall systems engineering cost. Hence it is fundamental to ensure that the system architecture reaches a proper quality. In this paper, we leverage on MBSE approaches and complement them with simulation techniques, as a promising way to improve the quality of the system architecture definition, and to come up with innovative solutions while securing the systems engineering process.
Underrepresented in Medicine Student Perspectives on the Selection of a Summer Research Program
Authors: Timothee Patricia , Douse Dontre' M. , O'Byrne Thomas J. , O'Neill Jessica M. , Yin Linda X. , Casper Jenny J. , Stokken Janalee K. , Bayan Semirra L. , Van Abel Kathryn M.
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Many summer research programs (SRPs) for URiM students exist; however, only a few have been established by otolaryngology programs, who have a unique opportunity to provide a diverse experience. We sought to assess URiM undergraduate student perspectives on the most valuable program features that influence decision‐making and how this might be useful to otolaryngology programs seeking to establish pathway programs.

Materials and Methods

An externally facing REDCap survey composed of 37 questions in scaled, multiple‐choice, and open‐ended form. The survey was delivered to applicants via email over two time periods in April 2021 and February 2022. All survey responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and categorized according to demographic information, program features, and advertising mechanisms.

Results

Seventy‐one percent of our applicants self‐identified as URiM. Over 60% experienced financial hardship, and 31% experienced educational hardship. The single most important feature when selecting a summer research program (SRP) was access to mentorship followed by clinical shadowing and research opportunities. When program features were aggregated into groups, institutional features were the most important, followed closely by funding features. Finally, students prefer to learn about SRPs through their university, followed by social media, despite many students learning about our program through other means.

Conclusions

Paid programs with effective advertising, research, mentoring, and clinical shadowing are highly valued by URiM undergraduate students. Understanding student perspectives is critical for programs aiming to address the “leaky pipeline” while being deliberate in their support of underrepresented students.

Level of Evidence

5 Laryngoscope, 134:637–644, 2024
Tetragonally and Rectangularly Packed Hierarchical Cylinders from A1BA2C Tetrablock Terpolymer
Authors: Yoon Hyeongkeon , Dong Qingshu , Li Weihua , Kim Jin Kon
Published: July 2023

Hierarchical cylindrical nanostructures with different diameters (or shapes) have received much attention because of potential applications to next‐generation lithography or advanced optical devices. Herein, via small‐angle X‐ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy, tetragonally and rectangularly packed hierachical cylindrical nanostructures are observed by tailoring the volume fraction of polystyrene mid‐block in polystyrene‐b‐polyisoprene‐b‐polystyrene‐b‐poly(2‐vinylpyridine) tetrablock terpolymer (S1IS2V). P2VP becomes the main cylinder, while PI forms satellite cylinders surrounding the main P2VP cylinder. When the length of S2 block is relatively short, tetragonal arrangement of cylinders is observed. But, a rectangular arrangement of cylinders is formed for larger S2 block. The experimentally observed hierarchical cylindrical nanostructures are in good agreement with the prediction by the self‐consistent field theory.
A tutorial: Laserspray ionization and related laser‐based ionization methods for use in mass spectrometry
Authors: Trimpin Sarah
Published: July 2023

This Tutorial is to provide a summary of parameters useful for successful outcomes of laserspray ionization (LSI) and related methods that employ a laser to ablate a matrix:analyte sample to produce highly charged ions. In these methods the purpose of the laser is to transfer matrix‐analyte clusters into the gas phase. Ions are hypothesized to be produced by a thermal process where emitted matrix:analyte gas‐phase particles/clusters are charged and loss of matrix from the charged particles leads to release of the analyte ions into the gas phase. The thermal energy responsible for the charge‐separation process is relatively low and not necessarily supplied by the laser; a heated inlet tube linking atmospheric pressure with the first vacuum stage of a mass spectrometer is sufficient. The inlet becomes the “ion source”, and inter alia, pressure, temperature, and the matrix, which can be a solid, liquid, or combinations, become critical parameters. Injecting matrix:analyte into a heated inlet tube using laser ablation, a shockwave, or simply tapping, all produce the similar mass spectra. Applications are provided that showcase new opportunities in the field of mass spectrometry.
Comprehensive Insights into the Family of Atomically Thin 2D‐Materials for Diverse Photocatalytic Applications
Authors: Teja Y. N. , Sakar Mohan
Published: July 2023

2D materials with their fascinating physiochemical, structural, and electronic properties have attracted researchers and have been used for a variety of applications such as electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, energy storage, magnetoresistance, and sensing. In recent times, 2D materials have gained great momentum in the spectrum of photocatalytic applications such as pollutant degradation, water splitting, CO2 reduction, NH3 production, microbial disinfection, and heavy metal reduction, thanks to their superior properties including visible light responsive band gap, improved charge separation and electron mobility, suppressed charge recombination and high surface reactive sites, and thus enhance the photocatalytic properties rationally as compared to 3D and other low‐dimensional materials. In this context, this review spot‐lights the family of various 2D materials, their properties and their 2D structure‐induced photocatalytic mechanisms while giving an overview on their synthesis methods along with a detailed discussion on their diverse photocatalytic applications. Furthermore, the challenges and the future opportunities are also presented related to the future developments and advancements of 2D materials for the large‐scale real‐time photocatalytic applications.
Experimental and theoretical analysis of cracking and tension stiffening in UHPFRC under high‐cycle fatigue
Authors: Sepulveda B. D. G. , Visintin P. , Sturm A. B. , Oehlers D. J.
Published: July 2023

Tension‐stiffening controls the serviceability behavior of concrete structures as it is responsible for crack formation and, consequently, the deflection of beams. In fiber reinforced concrete, such as ultra‐high performance fiber reinforced concrete (UHPFRC), fibers bridge cracks and thereby transfer tensile stresses across the cracked region, allowing for tensile stresses to be carried by the concrete within the cracked region. Due to structures being designed for longer design lives, the consideration of long‐term effects such as fatigue is required. Much research has examined tension‐stiffening under fatigue when subjected to low cyclic loading, but very little has considered the effects of high‐cycle fatigue, especially for UHPFRC. This paper presents the results of nine UHPFRC tension‐stiffening tests under high‐cycle fatigue in which the crack formation and development under varying cyclic ranges were studied. Specimens were subjected to as many as 5.7 million cycles, and crack readings were taken during each test. The experimental results demonstrate the random nature of cracking on UHPFRC as well as the increase in the crack width under cyclic loads. Finally, this research described the extension of an existing partial‐interaction mechanics model to allow for the stress in the fibers and the increase in crack width due to high cycle fatigue.
Understanding how student‐constructed stop‐motion animations promote mechanistic reasoning: A theoretical framework and empirical evidence
Authors: Bachtiar Rayendra Wahyu , Meulenbroeks Ralph F. G. , van Joolingen Wouter R.
Published: July 2023

Previous studies have documented the promising results from student‐constructed representations, including stop‐motion animation (SMA), in supporting mechanistic reasoning (MR), which is considered an essential thinking skill in science education. Our current study presents theoretically and empirically how student‐constructed SMA contributes to promoting MR. As a theoretical perspective, we propose a framework hypothesizing the link between elements of MR and the construction nature of SMA, that is, chunking and sequencing. We then examined the extent to which this framework was consistent with a multiple‐case study in the domain of static electricity involving five secondary school students constructing and using their own SMA creation for reasoning. In addition, students' reasoning in pre‐ and postconstruction of an SMA was examined. Our empirical findings confirmed our framework by showing that all students identified the basic elements of MR, that is, entities and activities of entities, when engaging in chunking and sequencing. Chunking played a role in facilitating students to identify entities responsible for electrostatic phenomena, and sequencing seemed to elicit students to specify activities of these entities. The analysis of students' reasoning in pre‐ and postconstruction of SMA found that student‐generated SMA has a potential effect on students' retention of the use of MR. Implications for instruction with SMA construction to support MR are discussed.
Evaluation of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in osteosarcoma using dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI: development and external validation of a model
Authors: Kalisvaart Gijsbert M. , Van Den Berghe Thomas , Grootjans Willem , Lejoly Maryse , Huysse Wouter C. J. , Bovée Judith V. M. G. , Creytens David , Gelderblom Hans , Speetjens Frank M. , Lapeire Lore , van de Sande Michiel A. J. , Sys Gwen , de Geus-Oei Lioe-Fee , Verstraete Koenraad L. , Bloem Johan L.
Published: July 2023

Objective

To identify which dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE-)MRI features best predict histological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with an osteosarcoma.

Methods

Patients with osteosarcoma who underwent DCE-MRI before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to resection were retrospectively included at two different centers. Data from the center with the larger cohort (training cohort) was used to identify which method for region-of-interest selection (whole slab or focal area method) and which change in DCE-MRI features (time to enhancement, wash-in rate, maximum relative enhancement and area under the curve) gave the most accurate prediction of histological response. Models were created using logistic regression and cross-validated. The most accurate model was then externally validated using data from the other center (test cohort).

Results

Fifty-five (27 poor response) and 30 (19 poor response) patients were included in training and test cohorts, respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficient of relative DCE-MRI features ranged 0.81–0.97 with the whole slab and 0.57–0.85 with the focal area segmentation method. Poor histological response was best predicted with the whole slab segmentation method using a single feature threshold, relative wash-in rate <2.3. Mean accuracy was 0.85 (95%CI: 0.75–0.95), and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-index) was 0.93 (95%CI: 0.86–1.00). In external validation, accuracy and AUC-index were 0.80 and 0.80.

Conclusion

In this study, a relative wash-in rate of <2.3 determined with the whole slab segmentation method predicted histological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in osteosarcoma. Consistent performance was observed in an external test cohort.
Frequency and predictors of concurrent complications in multi-suture release for syndromic craniosynostosis
Authors: Rajkumar Sujay , Ikeda Daniel S. , Scanlon Michaela , Shields Margaret , Kestle John R. , Plonsker Jillian , Brandel Michael , Gonda David D. , Levy Michael , Lucas Donald J. , Choi Pamela M. , Ravindra Vijay M.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Understanding the complication profile of craniosynostosis surgery is important, yet little is known about complication co-occurrence in syndromic children after multi-suture craniosynostosis surgery. We examined concurrent perioperative complications and predictive factors in this population.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, children with syndromic diagnoses and multi-suture involvement who underwent craniosynostosis surgery in 2012–2020 were identified from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric database. The primary outcome was concurrent complications; factors associated with concurrent complications were identified. Correlations between complications and patient outcomes were assessed.

Results

Among 5,848 children identified, 161 children (2.75%) had concurrent complications: 129 (2.21%) experienced two complications and 32 (0.55%) experienced ≥ 3. The most frequent complication was bleeding/transfusion (69.53%). The most common concurrent complications were transfusion/superficial infection (27.95%) and transfusion/deep incisional infection (13.04%) or transfusion/sepsis (13.04%). Two cardiac factors (major cardiac risk factors (odds ratio (OR) 3.50 [1.92–6.38]) and previous cardiac surgery (OR 4.87 [2.36–10.04])), two pulmonary factors (preoperative ventilator dependence (OR 3.27 [1.16–9.21]) and structural pulmonary/airway abnormalities (OR 2.89 [2.05–4.08])), and preoperative nutritional support (OR 4.05 [2.34–7.01]) were independently associated with concurrent complications. Children who received blood transfusion had higher odds of deep surgical site infection (OR 4.62 [1.08–19.73]; p = 0.04).

Conclusions

Our results indicate that several cardiac and pulmonary risk factors, along with preoperative nutritional support, were independently associated with concurrent complications but procedural factors were not. This information can help inform presurgical counseling and preoperative risk stratification in this population.
Perfect Matchings with Crossings
Authors: Aichholzer Oswin , Fabila-Monroy Ruy , Kindermann Philipp , Parada Irene , Paul Rosna , Perz Daniel , Schnider Patrick , Vogtenhuber Birgit
Published: July 2023

For sets of n points, n even, in general position in the plane, we consider straight-line drawings of perfect matchings on them. It is well known that such sets admit at least $$C_{n/2}$$

C

n
/
2

different plane perfect matchings, where $$C_{n/2}$$

C

n
/
2

is the n/2-th Catalan number. Generalizing this result we are interested in the number of drawings of perfect matchings which have k crossings. We show the following results. (1) For every $$k\le \frac{1}{64}n^2-\frac{35}{32}n\sqrt{n}+\frac{1225}{64}n$$

k
≤

1
64

n
2

-

35
32

n

n

+

1225
64

n

, any set with n points, n sufficiently large, admits a perfect matching with exactly k crossings. (2) There exist sets of n points where every perfect matching has at most $$\frac{5}{72}n^2-\frac{n}{4}$$

5
72

n
2

-

n
4

crossings. (3) The number of perfect matchings with at most k crossings is superexponential in n if k is superlinear in n. (4) Point sets in convex position minimize the number of perfect matchings with at most k crossings for $$k=0,1,2$$

k
=
0
,
1
,
2

, and maximize the number of perfect matchings with $$\left( {\begin{array}{c}n/2\\ 2\end{array}}\right) $$

n
/
2

2

crossings and with $${\left( {\begin{array}{c}n/2\\ 2\end{array}}\right) }\!-\!1$$

n
/
2

2

-

1

crossings.
Generalised intermediate dimensions
Authors: Banaji Amlan
Published: July 2023

We introduce a family of dimensions, which we call the$$\Phi $$Φ-intermediate dimensions, that lie between the Hausdorff and box dimensions and generalise the intermediate dimensions introduced by Falconer, Fraser and Kempton. This is done by restricting the relative sizes of the covering sets in a way that allows for greater refinement than in the definition of the intermediate dimensions. We also extend the theory from Euclidean space to a wider class of metric spaces. We prove that these dimensions can be used to ‘recover the interpolation’ between the Hausdorff and box dimensions of compact subsets for which the intermediate dimensions are discontinuous at$$\theta =0$$θ=0, thus providing finer geometric information about such sets. We prove continuity-like results involving the Assouad and lower dimensions, which give a sharp general lower bound for the intermediate dimensions that is positive for all$$\theta \in (0,1]$$θ∈(0,1]for sets with positive box dimension. We also prove Hölder distortion estimates, a mass distribution principle, and a Frostman type lemma, which we use to study dimensions of product sets.
Cerebral perfusion changes in acute subdural hematoma
Authors: Winkler J. , Piedade G. S. , Rubbert C. , Hofmann B. B. , Kamp M. A. , Slotty P. J.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Acute subdural hematoma (aSDH) is one of the main causes of high mortality and morbidity in traumatic brain injury. Prognosis is poor due to the rapid volume shift and mass effect. Cerebral perfusion is likely affected in this condition. This study quantifies perfusion changes in aSDH using early ER polytrauma CT with perfusion imaging (CTP).

Methods

Data of 54 patients with traumatic aSDH were retrospectively collected. Glasgow Coma scale (GCS), perfusion parameters, therapeutic decisions and imaging data including hematoma thickness, midline shift, and hematoma localization were analyzed. The cortical perfusion parameters of each hemisphere, the area anterior to the hematoma (AAH), area below the hematoma (ABH), area posterior to the hematoma (PAH), and corresponding mirrored contralateral regions were determined.

Results

We found a significant difference in Tmax in affected and unaffected whole-hemisphere data (mean 4.0 s vs. 3.3 s, p < 0.05) and a significantly different mean for Tmax in ABH and for the corresponding mirrored area (mABH) (mean 3.8 s vs. 3.1 s, p < 0.05). No significant perfusion changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume (CBV), and mean transit time (MTT) were found.

Conclusion

There was a significant elevation of time to maximum (Tmax) values in the underlying cortical area of aSDH. Possible pathophysiological explanations, the influence on immediate surgical decision-making and further therapeutic consequences have to be evaluated.
Transport of Gaussian measures with exponential cut-off for Hamiltonian PDEs
Authors: Genovese Giuseppe , Lucà Renato , Tzvetkov Nikolay
Published: July 2023

We show that introducing an exponential cut-off on a suitable Sobolev norm facilitates the proof of quasi-invariance of Gaussian measures with respect to Hamiltonian PDE flows and allows us to establish the exact Jacobi formula for the density. We exploit this idea in two different contexts, namely the periodic fractional Benjamin–Bona–Mahony (BBM) equation with dispersion β > 1 and the periodic one-dimensional quintic defocussing nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLS). For the BBM equation we study the transport of the cut-off Gaussian measures on fractional Sobolev spaces, while for the NLS equation we study the measures based on the modified energies introduced by Planchon–Visciglia and the third author. Moreover, for the BBM equation we also show almost sure global well-posedness for data in $${C^\alpha }(\mathbb{T})$$

C
α

(
T
)
for arbitrarily small α > 0 and invariance of the Gaussian measure associated with the $${H^{\beta /2}}(\mathbb{T})$$

H

β
/
2

(
T
)
norm.
Medieval migrations and the birth of modern British peoples: a craniometric approach
Authors: Valoriani Satu , Irish Joel D. , King Megan , Borrini Matteo
Published: July 2023

Craniometric characteristics have long been used to reconstruct among-group variation, potential migration routes and ancestral origins. This study presents results of the comparison of 946 individuals from 16 British medieval sites using craniometric analyses. The purpose is to determine: 1) if observable cranial variation exists among British medieval groups, 2) whether it can best be detected from neurocranial or facial measurements, and 3) the potential causes of these differences.

The data were analyzed with multivariate statistical analyses. A selection of 18 variables recorded on each cranium was used for comparison among separately pooled males and females for each site. Principal component analysis was carried out on the mean measurements for these pooled samples to detect differences.

The results support findings from previous studies indicating a observable difference in measurements among British samples. Male and female samples follow the same grouping pattern, indicating the validity of the statistical analysis. Both neurocranial and facial measurements contribute to the variability of the groups analyzed.

The differences in craniometric measurements are likely determined by immigration from other European areas. Samples from British towns where migration occurred more frequently during and before the Middle Ages (i.e., Hythe, London and Scarborough) support this difference. These towns were major ports, and the movement of people was frequent, with various migrant groups selectively populating them (e.g., Scandinavian, Icelandic, Flemish, French). This is supported by correspondence of the results with historical and archaeological records.
Smart power management strategy controlling domestic solar solutions in sub-Saharan countries
Authors: Borujeni Masoud Salehi , Ofetotse Eng L. , Muhumuza Ronald , Pugsley Adrian , Smyth Mervyn , Mondol Jayanta , Nebel Jean-Christophe
Published: July 2023

Limitations such as maximum power consumption during peak hours, scheduled load shedding and unplanned brownouts are problems of weak and stressed electricity grids. To compensate for such shortage of energy, the usage of renewable energies is a solution delivering increased reliability for consumers. Although sub-Saharan African countries suffer from unreliable grids, they benefit from large amounts of solar radiation throughout the year. Therefore, domestic solar systems including photovoltaic panels, battery storage and solar water heating are attractive solutions to supply affordable and reliable energy and hot water for consumers. However, to deliver the best management of the electrical loads in the face of unplanned brownouts, a smart power management strategy is required. Consequently, the proposed strategy relies on the predicted values of power generation and power consumption to autonomously control the system in both on-grid and off-grid modes. This method is evaluated using a case study relying on the measured electrical load and the hot water consumption data of a low-income house in Botswana. Results show that in addition to delivering sustainable support for the utility grid by decreasing the power consumption in peak hours, the proposed method reduces annual consumer electricity bill by 64% and increases the reliability of electricity supply from 95.5 to 99.5%. Thereby providing affordable and reliable solution to unreliable power supply due to stressed grids.
The Law Is Elastic but Does Not Bend: A Literal Interpretation of European Union Chemical Legislation Could Leave Health and the Environment Unprotected
Authors: Ribes Ortega Carme
Published: July 2023

This piece addresses Case C-458/19 P before the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) concerning a substance of long-term exposure, namely bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). The case concerned the interplay of two complex procedures of European chemical law, namely: the procedure for authorising the use of a substance listed in Annex XIV of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH Regulation); and the procedure for listing a substance in Annex XIV of the REACH Regulation on the basis of its intrinsic properties as a substance of very high concern for the risks it poses, or may pose, to human and environmental health. The significance of this judgment is that it provides a better understanding of how Article 60(4) of the REACH Regulation is interpreted in an analogous manner in relation to other provisions of the same Regulation. Whether DEHP is a question of reproductive toxicity (Article 57(c) of the REACH Regulation) or endocrine-disrupting properties (Article 57(f) of the REACH Regulation), this judgment offers insights into the limits of the CJEU’s willingness and/or ability to use a teleological approach to interpret legislation in this area. Furthermore, this work supports the possibility of applying the principle of intergenerational equity to issues related to long-term exposure such as this one.
Rise of Siddha medicine: causes and constructions in the Madras Presidency (1920–1930s)
Authors: Kanagarathinam D. V. , Lourdusamy John Bosco
Published: July 2023

This essay aims to situate the emergence of Siddha medicine as a separate medical system in the erstwhile Madras Presidency of colonial India within a broader socio-economic context. Scholars who have worked on Siddha medicine have stressed more on political dimensions like nationalism and sub-nationalism with inadequate attention to the interplay of various (other) factors including contemporary global developments, changes in the attitude of the colonial State and especially to the new promises held by the greater deference shown to indigenous medical systems from the 1920s. If the construction of ‘national medicine’ based on the Sanskrit texts and the accompanying marginalisation of regional texts and practices were the only reasons for the emergence of Siddha medicine as presented by scholars, it leaves open the question as to why this emergence happened only during the third decade of the twentieth century, though the marginalisation processes started during the first decade itself. This paper seeks to find an answer by analysing the formation of Siddha medical identity beyond the frameworks of nationalism and sub-nationalism. Further, it explicates how material factors served as immediate cause along with the other, and more ideational factors related to the rise of the Dravidian political and cultural movement.
A cyclostratigraphic framework of the Upper Carboniferous Westoe and Cleaver formations in the southern North Sea Basin as a methodology for stratigraphic reservoir characterisation
Authors: Baars Timothy F. , Huis in ‘t Veld Richard , Zhang Linzhi , Koopmans Maaike , McLean Duncan , Martinius Allard W. , Abels Hemmo A.
Published: July 2023

Orbital driven climate control on sedimentation produces regional, stratigraphically repetitive characters and so cyclostratigraphic correlation can improve correlation and identify stratigraphic trends in borehole sections. This concept is commonly used to correlate marine and lacustrine strata. However, in the alluvial domain, its use is more challenging because internal, local dynamics controlling sedimentation may interfere with the expression of cyclic climate forcing. Intervals of low net-to-gross may be important for successful application in this domain as they tend to better document regional changes. This study applies climate-based stratigraphic correlation concepts to improve well correlations, characterise vertical sand distribution, and identify potential reservoir targets in a generally low net-to-gross interval. Coarsening upward sedimentary repetitions (cyclothems) are identified and correlated with high certainty in nineteen well sections in the upper Carboniferous Westoe and Cleaver formations of the Silverpit Basin. Local sedimentary dynamics provide variability in the character of the cyclothems and several types of cyclothem are classified. Correlation of sections using cyclothems recognised on wireline logs is done twice: once manually and once semi-automatically. The semi-automated correlation is based on calculation of deviation curves which depict stratigraphic changes that are less dependent on absolute wireline values and follow vertical trends more clearly. The correlations provide composite stratigraphies that are analysed using vertical proportions curves. Both approaches yield similar results in terms of stratigraphic trends. However, for detailed correlation of wells, the manual correlation is better at accounting for any local variability within the system. The same two zones of higher net-to-gross ratios are found using both correlation methods. These are linked to palaeoclimatic changes driven by long eccentricity and the proposed climate stratigraphic model has predictive value for identifying sandstone occurrence. The climate-based stratigraphic correlation improves the assessment reservoir distribution and properties on small (10–20 m thickness) and large (100–200 m thickness) stratigraphical scales.
Legislators' Emotional Engagement with Women's Issues: Gendered Patterns of Vocal Pitch in the German Bundestag
Authors: Rittmann Oliver
Published: July 2023

Through an innovative analysis of audio recordings of plenary speeches, Dietrich, Hayes, and O'Brien (2019) find that women in the U.S. House of Representatives speak with greater emotional intensity about women than other issues. With vocal pitch as a new measure of personal issue commitment, the finding suggests that women legislators' efforts to work on behalf of women result from intrinsic motivation. I ask whether the same is true in an alternative parliamentary setting, the German Bundestag, where personal preferences play a very different role due to strict party discipline. The answer is yes. Analyzing audio and text data from more than 30,000 speeches in the Bundestag between 2011 and 2020, I find that women in the Bundestag address women more frequently and with greater emotional intensity than men. The results suggest that women legislators are more emotionally invested in women-related issues than men.
Dust Bowl Migrants: Environmental Refugees and Economic Adaptation
Authors: Hornbeck Richard
Published: July 2023

The 1930s American Dust Bowl created archetypal “Dust Bowl migrants,” refugees from environmental collapse. I examine this archetype, comparing migration from more-eroded and less-eroded counties to distinguish Dust Bowl migrants from other migrants. Dust Bowl migrants were “negatively selected,” in years of education, compared to other migrants who were “positively selected.” Dust Bowl migrants had lower incomes than natives in their destinations, which is reflected in popular impressions. I estimate strikingly modest impacts of the Dust Bowl on average wage incomes in 1939, however, which contrasts with the Dust Bowl’s large and enduring impacts on agricultural land.
A good architecture for fast and slow thinking, but exclusivity is exclusively in the past
Authors: Stanovich Keith E. , Toplak Maggie E.
Published: July 2023

No doubt older work in the dual-process tradition overemphasized the importance and frequency of the override function, and the working model in this target article provides a useful corrective. The attempt to motivate the model using the so-called exclusivity assumption is unnecessary, because no recent dual-process model in the reasoning literature has rested strongly on this assumption.
The distinction between long-term knowledge and short-term control processes is valid and useful
Authors: Shiffrin Richard M. , Schneider Walter , Logan Gordon D.
Published: July 2023

The binary distinction De Neys questions has been put forward many times since the beginnings of psychology, in slightly different forms and under different names. It has proved enormously useful and has received detailed empirical support and careful modeling. At heart the distinction is that between knowledge in long-term memory and control processes in short-term memory.
Ancient dolphin genomes reveal rapid repeated adaptation to coastal waters
Authors: Louis Marie , Korlević Petra , Nykänen Milaja , Archer Frederick , Berrow Simon , Brownlow Andrew , Lorenzen Eline D. , O’Brien Joanne , Post Klaas , Racimo Fernando , Rogan Emer , Rosel Patricia E. , Sinding Mikkel-Holger S. , van der Es Henry , Wales Nathan , Fontaine Michael C. , Gaggiotti Oscar E. , Foote Andrew D.
Published: July 2023

Parallel evolution provides strong evidence of adaptation by natural selection due to local environmental variation. Yet, the chronology, and mode of the process of parallel evolution remains debated. Here, we harness the temporal resolution of paleogenomics to address these long-standing questions, by comparing genomes originating from the mid-Holocene (8610-5626 years before present, BP) to contemporary pairs of coastal-pelagic ecotypes of bottlenose dolphin. We find that the affinity of ancient samples to coastal populations increases as the age of the samples decreases. We assess the youngest genome (5626 years BP) at sites previously inferred to be under parallel selection to coastal habitats and find it contained coastal-associated genotypes. Thus, coastal-associated variants rose to detectable frequencies close to the emergence of coastal habitat. Admixture graph analyses reveal a reticulate evolutionary history between pelagic and coastal populations, sharing standing genetic variation that facilitated rapid adaptation to newly emerged coastal habitats.
Direct evidence of substorm-related impulsive injections of electrons at Mercury
Authors: Aizawa Sae , Harada Yuki , André Nicolas , Saito Yoshifumi , Barabash Stas , Delcourt Dominique , Sauvaud Jean-André , Barthe Alain , Fedorov Andréi , Penou Emmanuel , Yokota Shoichiro , Miyake Wataru , Persson Moa , Nénon Quentin , Rojo Mathias , Futaana Yoshifumi , Asamura Kazushi , Shimoyama Manabu , Hadid Lina Z. , Fontaine Dominique , Katra Bruno , Fraenz Markus , Krupp Norbert , Matsuda Shoya , Murakami Go
Published: July 2023

Mercury’s magnetosphere is known to involve fundamental processes releasing particles and energy like at Earth due to the solar wind interaction. The resulting cycle is however much faster and involves acceleration, transport, loss, and recycling of plasma. Direct experimental evidence for the roles of electrons during this cycle is however missing. Here we show that in-situ plasma observations obtained during BepiColombo’s first Mercury flyby reveal a compressed magnetosphere hosts of quasi-periodic fluctuations, including the original observation of dynamic phenomena in the post-midnight, southern magnetosphere. The energy-time dispersed electron enhancements support the occurrence of substorm-related, multiple, impulsive injections of electrons that ultimately precipitate onto its surface and induce X-ray fluorescence. These observations reveal that electron injections and subsequent energy-dependent drift now observed throughout Solar System is a universal mechanism that generates aurorae despite the differences in structure and dynamics of the planetary magnetospheres.
Actinide inverse trans influence versus cooperative pushing from below and multi-center bonding
Authors: Motta Laura C. , Autschbach Jochen
Published: July 2023

Actinide-ligand bonds with high multiplicities remain poorly understood. Decades ago, an effect known as 6p pushing from below (PFB) was proposed to enhance actinide covalency. A related effect—also poorly understood—is inverse trans influence (ITI). The present computational study of actinide-ligand covalent interactions with high bond multiplicities quantifies the energetic contributions from PFB and identifies a hitherto overlooked fourth bonding interaction for 2nd-row ligands in the studied organometallic systems. The latter are best described by a terminal O/N ligand exhibiting quadruple bonding interactions with the actinide. The 4th interaction may be characterized as a multi-center or charge-shift bond involving the trans ligand. It is shown in this work that the 4th bonding interaction is a manifestation of ITI, assisted by PFB, and provides a long-sought missing piece in the understanding of actinide chemistry.