bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trajectorial Dissipation of $${\Phi }$$-Entropies for Interacting Particle Systems
Authors: Jahnel Benedikt , Köppl Jonas
Published: July 2023

A classical approach for the analysis of the long-time behaviour of Markov processes is to consider suitable Lyapunov functionals like the variance or more generally $$\Phi $$
Φ
-entropies. Via purely analytic arguments it can be shown that these functionals are indeed non-increasing in time under quite general assumptions on the process. We refine these classical results via a more probabilistic approach and show that dissipation is already present on the level of individual trajectories for spatially extended systems of infinitely many interacting particles with arbitrary underlying geometry and compact local spin spaces. This extends previous results from the setting of finite-state Markov chains or diffusions in $$\mathbb {R}^n$$

R

n

to an infinite-dimensional setting with weak assumptions on the dynamics.
Performance analysis of H2BR: HTTP/2-based segment upgrading to improve the QoE in HAS
Authors: Nguyen Minh , Amirpour Hadi , Tashtarian Farzad , Timmerer Christian , Hellwagner Hermann
Published: July 2023

HTTP Adaptive Streaming (HAS) plays a key role in over-the-top video streaming with the ability to reduce the video stall duration by adapting the quality of transmitted video segments to the network conditions. However, HAS still suffers from two problems. First, it incurs variations in video quality because of throughput fluctuation. Adaptive bitrate (ABR) algorithms at the HAS client usually select a low-quality segment when the throughput drops to avoid stall events, which impairs the Quality of Experience (QoE) of the end-users. Second, many ABR algorithms choose the lowest-quality segments at the beginning of a video streaming session to ramp up the playout buffer early on. Although this strategy decreases the startup time, clients can be annoyed as they have to watch a low-quality video initially. To address these issues, we introduced the H2BR technique (H TTP/2-B ased R etransmission) (Nguyen et al. 33) that utilizes certain features of HTTP/2 (including server push, multiplexing, stream priority, and stream termination) for late transmissions of higher-quality versions of video segments already in the client buffer, in order to improve video quality. Although H2BR was shown to enhance the QoE, limited streaming scenarios were considered resulting in a lack of general conclusions on H2BR’s performance. Thus, this article provides a profound evaluation to answer three open questions: (i) how H2BR’s performance is impacted by parameters at the server side (i.e., various encoding specifications), at the network side (i.e., packet loss rate), and at the client side (i.e., buffer size) on the performance of H2BR; (ii) how H2BR outperforms other state-of-the-art approaches in different configurations of the parameters above; (iii) how to effectively utilize H2BR on top of ABR algorithms in various streaming scenarios. The experimental results show that H2BR’s performance increases with the buffer size and decreases with increasing packet loss rates and/or video segment duration. The number of quality levels can negatively or positively impact on H2BR’s performance, depending on the ABR algorithm deployed. In general, H2BR is able to enhance the video quality by up to 17% and 14% in scalable video streaming and in non-scalable video streaming, respectively. Compared with an existing retransmission technique (i.e., SQUAD Wang et al., ACM Trans Multimed Comput Commun Applic (TOMM) 13(3s): 45, 49), H2BR shows better results with more than 10% in QoE and 9% in the average video quality.
A universal quantum algorithm for weighted maximum cut and Ising problems
Authors: Kuete Meli Natacha , Mannel Florian , Lellmann Jan
Published: July 2023

We propose a hybrid quantum-classical algorithm to compute approximate solutions of binary combinatorial problems. We employ a shallow-depth quantum circuit to implement a unitary and Hermitian operator that block-encodes the weighted maximum cut or the Ising Hamiltonian. Measuring the expectation of this operator on a variational quantum state yields the variational energy of the quantum system. The system is enforced to evolve toward the ground state of the problem Hamiltonian by optimizing a set of angles using normalized gradient descent. Experimentally, our algorithm outperforms the state-of-the-art quantum approximate optimization algorithm on random fully connected graphs and challenges D-Wave quantum annealers by producing good approximate solutions. Source code and data files are publicly available (https://github.com/nkuetemeli/UQMaxCutAndIsing).
Determining the feasibility of characterising cellular senescence in human skeletal muscle and exploring associations with muscle morphology and physical function at different ages: findings from the MASS_Lifecourse Study
Authors: Habiballa Leena , Hruby Adam , Granic Antoneta , Dodds Richard M. , Hillman Susan J. , Jurk Diana , Passos João F. , Sayer Avan A.
Published: July 2023

Cellular senescence may be associated with morphological changes in skeletal muscle and changes in physical function with age although there have been few human studies. We aimed to determine the feasibility of characterising cellular senescence in skeletal muscle and explored sex-specific associations between markers of cellular senescence, muscle morphology, and physical function in participants from the MASS_Lifecourse Study. Senescence markers (p16, TAF (Telomere-Associated DNA Damage Foci), HMGB1 (High Mobility Group Box 1), and Lamin B1) and morphological characteristics (fibre size, number, fibrosis, and centrally nucleated fibres) were assessed in muscle biopsies from 40 men and women (age range 47–84) using spatially-resolved methods (immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and RNA and fluorescence in situ hybridisation). The associations between senescence, morphology, and physical function (muscle strength, mass, and physical performance) at different ages were explored. We found that most senescence markers and morphological characteristics were weakly associated with age in men but more strongly, although non-significantly, associated with age in women. Associations between senescence markers, morphology, and physical function were also stronger in women for HMGB1 and grip strength (r = 0.52); TAF, BMI, and muscle mass (r > 0.4); Lamin B1 and fibrosis (r =  − 0.5); fibre size and muscle mass (r ≥ 0.4); and gait speed (r =  − 0.5). However, these associations were non-significant. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that it is feasible to characterise cellular senescence in human skeletal muscle and to explore associations with morphology and physical function in women and men of different ages. The findings require replication in larger studies.
Cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment of iodine production from caliche ore in Chile
Authors: Roche Lindsey , Muhl Marco , Finkbeiner Matthias
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Iodine and its compounds have several industrial uses, primarily in nutrition and healthcare. So far, no specific LCA data for industrial iodine production are available. The purpose of this study is to provide the first LCA using primary industry data for iodine production from caliche ore in Chile.

Methods

The study is a process-based, attributional LCA and follows the relevant ISO standards 14040/44. Primary data were collected from the world’s main producer representing their production for the years 2019 and 2020. Economic allocation was applied to deal with the by-product sodium nitrate. The impact assessment was performed with a set of CML 2001 indicators.

Results and discussion

Cradle-to-gate total LCIA results per 1000 kg of iodine prill product include a GWP100 of 1.48E+04 kg CO2 eq., an AP of 2.53E+02 kg SO2 eq., a POCP of 1.20E+01 kg C2H4 eq., an EP of 9.60E+00 kg PO43− eq., and an ADP fossil of 2.44E+05 MJ. The main contributor across process steps and for most impact categories is electricity consumption. Other hotspots include diesel combustion, hydrogen peroxide, sulfur, sulfuric acid, kerosene, and sodium hydroxide. A scenario analysis with renewable electricity revealed a reduction potential for all impact categories. As an example, the GWP could be reduced by 33–38%.

Conclusions

This study is the first LCA for iodine production from caliche ore based on primary industry data. The switch to renewable sources was identified as the main improvement potential for the hotspot electricity consumption, with a potential reduction of at least 25% for all impact categories except ODP.
COVID-19 and Climate Change: Re-thinking Human and Non-Human in Western Philosophy
Authors: Lloyd G.
Published: July 2023

The pre-conditions and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are inter-connected with those of climate change, prompting reflection on how to re-think the relations between human and non-human on a changing planet. This essay considers that issue with reference to the contrasts between the philosophies of Descartes and Spinoza, who offered radically different approaches to the conceptualization of human presence in Nature.
Liver-directed treatment is associated with improved survival and increased response to immune checkpoint blockade in metastatic uveal melanoma: results from a retrospective multicenter trial
Authors: Koch Elias A. T. , Petzold Anne , Wessely Anja , Dippel Edgar , Eckstein Markus , Gesierich Anja , Gutzmer Ralf , Hassel Jessica C. , Knorr Harald , Kreuzberg Nicole , Leiter Ulrike , Loquai Carmen , Meier Friedegund , Meissner Markus , Mohr Peter , Pföhler Claudia , Rahimi Farnaz , Schadendorf Dirk , Schlaak Max , Thoms Kai-Martin , Ugurel Selma , Utikal Jochen , Weichenthal Michael , Schuler-Thurner Beatrice , Berking Carola , Heppt Markus V.
Published: July 2023

Metastases of uveal melanoma (UM) spread predominantly to the liver. Due to low response rates to systemic therapies, liver-directed therapies (LDT) are commonly used for tumor control. The impact of LDT on the response to systemic treatment is unknown. A total of 182 patients with metastatic UM treated with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) were included in this analysis. Patients were recruited from prospective skin cancer centers and the German national skin cancer registry (ADOReg) of the German Dermatologic Cooperative Oncology Group (DeCOG). Two cohorts were compared: patients with LDT (cohort A, n = 78) versus those without LDT (cohort B, n = 104). Data were analyzed for response to treatment, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). The median OS was significantly longer in cohort A than in cohort B (20.1 vs. 13.8 months; P = 0.0016) and a trend towards improved PFS was observed for cohort A (3.0 vs. 2.5 months; P = 0.054). The objective response rate to any ICB (16.7% vs. 3.8%, P = 0.0073) and combined ICB (14.1% vs. 4.5%, P = 0.017) was more favorable in cohort A. Our data suggest that the combination of LDT with ICB may be associated with a survival benefit and higher treatment response to ICB in patients with metastatic UM.
Thermal and Electrical Properties of Liquid Metal Gallium During Phase Transition
Authors: Wang Xizu , Repaka Durga Venkata Maheswar , Suwardi Ady , Zhu Qiang , Wu Jing , Xu Jianwei
Published: July 2023

Liquid metal gallium has been widely used in numerous fields, from nuclear engineering, catalysts, and energy storage to electronics owing to its remarkable thermal and electrical properties along with low viscosity and nontoxicity. Compared with high-temperature liquid metals, room-temperature liquid metals, such as gallium (Ga), are emerging as promising alternatives for fabricating advanced energy storage devices, such as phase change materials, by harvesting the advantageous properties of their liquid state maintained without external energy input. However, the thermal and electrical properties of liquid metals at the phase transition are rather poorly studied, limiting their practical applications. In this study, we reported on the physical properties of the solid–liquid phase transition of Ga using a custom-designed, solid–liquid electrical and thermal measurement system. We observed that the electrical conductivity of Ga progressively decreases with an increase in temperature. However, the Seebeck coefficient of Ga increases from 0.2 to 2.1 µV/K, and thermal conductivity from 7.6 to 33 W/(K∙m). These electrical and thermal properties of Ga at solid–liquid phase transition would be useful for practical applications.
Elemental ratios as tracers of the sources of mineral dust in north-eastern Sahara
Authors: Boraiy M. , El-Metwally M. , Borbon A. , Chevaillier S. , Laurent B. , Lafon S. , El Sanabary F. F. , Masmoudi M. , Alfaro S. C.
Published: July 2023

The objective of this study is to confirm the possibility of tracing sources of airborne mineral dust using elemental ratios. The region of study is the north-eastern part of the Sahara where dust compositional data were lacking; 272 mineral dust samples collected at 3 experimental stations of Egypt were analyzed by X-ray fluorescence. Based on the mineral dust concentration, 65% of the samples correspond to moderate (3–10 μg m−3), 22% to medium (10–25 μg m−3), and 13% to intense (> 25 μg m−3) dust events. The Ca/Al and (Mg + Ca)/Fe ratios were found to be strongly correlated and their ranges of variation to cover are more than one order of magnitude, which confirms their interest for the tracing of the dust sources. Using a combination of MODIS satellite observations, HYSPLIT back-trajectory analysis, and simulations with dust emission models, the large (> 6) and intermediate (2–6) Ca/Al ratios were shown to correspond to dust originating from saline playas (chotts) and calcareous surfaces, respectively. Conversely, the lowest (< 2) ratios correspond to dust emitted by siliceous sand seas (ergs). Therefore, a classification of the dust in 3 categories (erg-like, calcareous, and chott-like) based on Ca/Al is proposed. The events of moderate to medium intensity are dominated by chott-like and calcareous dust, which suggests that these sources are activated during erosion events of limited (local) extension. Conversely, the fact that the dust composition is more likely to be of the erg-like type during intense events underlines the dominant role played by sand dune fields during major erosion events.
Thermodynamic prediction of precipitations behaviour in HAZ of a gas metal arc welded S690QL with varying Ti and Nb content
Authors: Schroeder Nina , Rhode Michael , Kannengiesser Thomas
Published: July 2023

For a significant increase in the strength of high-strength fine-grained structural steels with a nominal yield strength ≥690 MPa, the addition of microalloying elements such as Nb and Ti is required. The standard specifications for the chemical composition of these steels (e.g., in EN 10025-6) often only give the manufacturer limit contents to achieve the defined properties. The effect of the alloying elements in the heat affected zone (HAZ) is sometimes completely contrary. This makes it difficult to adequately predict the batch dependency regarding weldability and the load-bearing behaviour of the welded joint. Three different micro-alloyed steels of the grade S690QL were produced on a laboratory scale, focusing on different Nb and Ti contents. To investigate the tempering effect, these were gas metal arc welded in three layers. In addition to metallographic investigations of individual HAZ areas, thermodynamic phase calculations were carried out using Thermo-Calc, following variations in the chemical composition. This provides an understanding of phase transformation, precipitation growth, and dissolution during welding as a function of temperature and cooling conditions. The results show a divergent metallurgical behaviour in the HAZ of the three different micro-alloyed steels. Thereby, the Ti micro-alloyed grade showed a strong softening of the HAZ in contrast to the Nb micro-alloyed grade. This can be attributed to a contrary precipitation behaviour during welding.
Too Sour to be True? Tart Cherries (Prunus cerasus) and Sleep: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Stretton Brandon , Eranki Aditya , Kovoor Joshua , Bacchi Stephen , Gupta Aashray , Maddern Guy , Boyd Mark
Published: July 2023

Purpose for Review

Sleep deprivation and insomnia are associated with mortality and morbidity worldwide. A pharmacological agent that improves subjective and objective measures of sleep, without significant side effects, remains nebulous. However, initial randomised controlled trials suggest Prunus cerasus (tart cherry) ingestion may be beneficial. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the effect of Prunus cerasus on objective and subjective measures of sleep.

Recent Findings

We identified a total of 277 unique records, from which 8 studies of low-moderate methodological quality were included in the systematic review. Meta-analysis of subjectively recalled sleep efficiency (SE) and total sleep time (TST) were not significant. Objective SE, however, was significantly higher in the cherry cohort when compared to placebo with an effect size of 0.63 (95% CI 0.29–0.97, P < 0.01). There was low associated heterogeneity (I2 = 0%). Objective TST was significantly higher in the cherry cohorts, with a pooled effect size of 1.21 (95% CI 0.83–1.58, P < 0.01). There was high associated heterogeneity (I2 = 81.5%).

Whilst individuals may not subjectively experience a benefit, there is evidence to support significant improvements to total sleep time and sleep efficiency with the ingestion of Prunus cerasus using objective measures. Tart cherry may be the next frontier of sleep medicine and warrants further research.
Tiny adversarial multi-objective one-shot neural architecture search
Authors: Xie Guoyang , Wang Jinbao , Yu Guo , Lyu Jiayi , Zheng Feng , Jin Yaochu
Published: July 2023

The widely employed tiny neural networks (TNNs) in mobile devices are vulnerable to adversarial attacks. However, more advanced research on the robustness of TNNs is highly in demand. This work focuses on improving the robustness of TNNs without sacrificing the model’s accuracy. To find the optimal trade-off networks in terms of the adversarial accuracy, clean accuracy, and model size, we present TAM-NAS, a tiny adversarial multi-objective one-shot network architecture search method. First, we build a novel search space comprised of new tiny blocks and channels to establish a balance between the model size and adversarial performance. Then, we demonstrate how the supernet facilitates the acquisition of the optimal subnet under white-box adversarial attacks, provided that the supernet significantly impacts the subnet’s performance. Concretely, we investigate a new adversarial training paradigm by evaluating the adversarial transferability, the width of the supernet, and the distinction between training subnets from scratch and fine-tuning. Finally, we undertake statistical analysis for the layer-wise combination of specific blocks and channels on the first non-dominated front, which can be utilized as a design guideline for the design of TNNs.
Mapping change in higher-order networks with multilevel and overlapping communities
Authors: Holmgren Anton , Edler Daniel , Rosvall Martin
Published: July 2023

New network models of complex systems use layers, state nodes, or hyperedges to capture higher-order interactions and dynamics. Simplifying how the higher-order networks change over time or depending on the network model would be easy with alluvial diagrams, which visualize community splits and merges between networks. However, alluvial diagrams were developed for networks with regular nodes assigned to non-overlapping flat communities. How should they be defined for nodes in layers, state nodes, or hyperedges? How can they depict multilevel, overlapping communities? Here we generalize alluvial diagrams to map change in higher-order networks and provide an interactive tool for anyone to generate alluvial diagrams. We use the alluvial diagram generator in three case studies to illustrate significant changes in the organization of science, the effect of modeling network flows with memory in a citation network and distinguishing multidisciplinary from field-specific journals, and the effects of multilayer representation of a collaboration hypergraph.
Construction 3D-printing in reducing the incidence of long latency respiratory diseases among construction workers in the UK
Authors: Filip G. A. , Abanda F. H. , Fru F. Azenwi
Published: July 2023

Onsite construction workers are exposed to many hazards which affect their body. However, dust and silica dust inhalation are often overlooked, most likely because it takes years to identify the side effects. The damage inflicted to the lungs is often irreversible as it is often discovered when it is too late. The aim of this research is to address the problem of occupational respiratory diseases among construction workers and investigate the potential of construction 3D printing in reducing the incidence of some of these diseases. The research objectives were to: identify the causes of the most prevalent respiratory diseases in construction; investigate the strategies of minimising onsite dust/ silica dust exposure; investigate the benefits of 3D printing in the minimisation of onsite dust/ silica dust exposure; explore the barriers of 3D printing in the minimisation of onsite dust/ silica dust exposure and explore the strategies for wider adoption of construction 3D printing to minimise the incidence of long latency respiratory diseases among construction workers. To achieve these objectives, a literature review was conducted, an online survey was carried out and professionals and researchers in the 3D printing field were interviewed to obtain relevant information to understand the intricacies of the new technology and its impact from workers’ health perspectives.
Vertebral body tethering for idiopathic scoliosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Roser Megan J. , Askin Geoffrey N. , Labrom Robert D. , Zahir Syeda Farah , Izatt Maree , Little J. Paige
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Vertebral body tethering (VBT) is a recent procedure to correct and reduce spinal curves in skeletally immature patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine the expected curve reduction and potential complications for adolescent patients after VBT.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar and Cochrane databases were searched until February 2022. Records were screened against pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data sources were prospective and retrospective studies. Demographics, mean differences in Cobb angle, surgical details and complication rates were recorded. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model.

Results

This systematic review includes 19 studies, and the meta-analysis includes 16 of these. VBT displayed a statistically significant reduction in Cobb angle from pre-operative to final (minimum 2 years) measurements. The initial mean Cobb angle was 47.8° (CI 95% 42.9–52.7°) and decreased to 22.2° (CI 95% 19.9–24.5°). The mean difference is − 25.8° (CI 95% − 28.9–22.7) (p < 0.01). The overall complication rate was 23% (CI 95% 14.4–31.6%), the most common complication was tether breakage 21.9% (CI 95% 10.6–33.1%). The spinal fusion rate was 7.2% (CI 95% 2.3–12.1%).

Conclusion

VBT results in a significant reduction of AIS at 2 years of follow-up. Overall complication rate was relatively high although the consequences of the complications are unknown. Further research is required to explore the reasons behind the complication rate and determine the optimal timing for the procedure. VBT remains a promising new procedure that is effective at reducing scoliotic curves and preventing spinal fusion in the majority of patients.

Level of evidence

Systematic review of Therapeutic Studies with evidence level II–IV.
Climate variability and mining sustainability: exploring operations’ perspectives on local effects and the willingness to adapt in Ghana
Authors: Tannor Salamatu J. , Borgemeister Christian , Addo–Danso Shalom D. , Greve Klaus , Tischbein Bernhard
Published: July 2023

The mining industry is susceptible to the effects of local climatic changes just as the surrounding socioecological systems are exposed to both mining and changing climate impacts. Adaptation deficit in mining is a worldwide problem but given the double exposure of surrounding systems, which has emergent outcomes on the industry, operations must adapt to coexist with surrounding rural communities. To understand this susceptibility, the study employed mixed methods to assess the implications of local climatic changes on mining sustainability as perceived among Ghanaian operations through the lens of the corporate adaptation process framework. The results indicate that operational workers are aware of increasing variability in the climatic patterns across southwestern Ghana, citing changes in the start/end of the rain season, torrential rain, prolonged dry season, and a general increase in temperature. The effects of these changing patterns, which affect mining activities, are diverse, including mine water management, safety, and occupational health issues as well as production planning opportunities. Workers ranked high the need to involve stakeholders such as the state-appointed regulators and Ghana Chamber of Mines as key strategies to enjoin adaptation to changing climate at operational sites. In addition, workers perceived the impact on regulatory and economic sustainability performances as major factors determining the industry’s perception and willingness to adapt. The study highlights pertinent issues useful for informed policy decision-making in the strive towards attaining sustainable development goals, especially Goal 13, which calls for active collaboration between business and society.
City-county coordination in spatial planning: a case study in Wenzhou
Authors: Liu Xueliang , Fu Tingting , Cheng Xiangwei
Published: July 2023

County-level economy is a major driver of economic growth in Zhejiang Province. However, as it develops, it poses severe challenges to the comprehensive sustainable development of the cities, particularly Wenzhou. The comprehensive spatial planning of Wenzhou should incorporate an comprehensive and coordinated plan for the protection, development, utilization and restoration of the city’s territorial spaces to tackle the problems caused by decentralized development. To this end, we propose that the spatial planning of Wenzhou should focus on integrating the main center of the metropolitan area for coordinated allocation of resources. We have developed the planning strategy of “Strong Center, Strong Network, Strong Node and New Mechanism” for the main center of Wenzhou metropolitan area to help Wenzhou boost specialization and build further upon its areas of strength. These efforts help enhance the comprehensive capacity of Wenzhou through spatial integration.
Review of microplastics in lakes: sources, distribution characteristics, and environmental effects
Authors: Pan Ting , Liao Haiqing , Yang Fang , Sun Fuhong , Guo Youjun , Yang Hao , Feng Dongxia , Zhou Xingxuan , Wang Qianqian
Published: July 2023

Microplastics (MPs) are contaminants that damage lake ecosystems by enriching pollutants. This study investigated the current state of MPs in lakes using the bibliometric method and correlation analysis. The results show that the abundance of MPs in lakes is negatively correlated with the depth and area of lakes and distance to populated areas, and positively correlated with the surrounding population density. The main factors influencing MP abundance were human activities, including pollution diffusion and waste generation from agricultural, industrial, and domestic activities. MPs are prevalent in water systems and vary by type and shape. Moreover, MPs are vertically distributed in lakes, resulting in high concentrations in sediments. Lake ice caps adsorb MPs from water and air during freezing, leading to higher concentrations of MPs on the surface and lower layers of ice caps (10–100 times higher than in water). Moreover, mechanisms underlying the toxic effects of MPs on organisms in aquatic ecosystems are identified in the study. MPs can inhibit the growth of aquatic plants by suppressing photosynthesis. When combined with other pollutants, MPs disrupt energy metabolism, cause physiological changes in the liver, and even lead to the death of aquatic organisms. We established that the evidence regarding the migration regulation of MPs in ice, water, sediment, and other multi-media is currently insufficient and requires further exploration. This study aims to identify sources, pathways, regulations, and effects of MPs in lakes to support future research and solutions.

Graphical Abstract
Glide-snow avalanche characteristics at different timescales extracted from time-lapse photography
Authors: Fees Amelie , van Herwijnen Alec , Altenbach Moritz , Lombardo Michael , Schweizer Jürg
Published: July 2023

Glide-snow avalanches release due to a loss of friction at the snow–ground interface, which can result in large avalanches that endanger infrastructure in alpine regions. The underlying processes are still relatively poorly understood, in part due to the limited data available on glide processes. Here, we introduce a pixel-based algorithm to detect glide cracks in time-lapse photographs under changing illumination and shadow conditions. The algorithm was applied to 14 years of time-lapse images at Dorfberg (Davos, Switzerland). We analysed 947 glide-snow events at a high-spatial (0.5 m) and temporal (2–15 min) resolution. Avalanche activity and glide-crack opening dynamics were investigated across timescales ranging from seasonally to hourly. Events were separated into surface (meltwater percolation) and interface events (no meltwater percolation). The results show that glide activity is highly variable between and within seasons. Most avalanches released without crack formation or within 24 h after crack opening, and release was favoured in the afternoon hours. Glide rates often showed a stick–slip behaviour. The acceleration of glide rates and non-constant increases in glide crack aspect ratio were indicators for avalanche release. This comprehensive dataset provides the basis for further investigations into glide-snow avalanche drivers.
On infinitely many foliations by caustics in strictly convex open billiards
Authors: GLUTSYUK ALEXEY
Published: July 2023

Reflection in a strictly convex bounded planar billiard acts on the space of oriented lines and preserves a standard area form. A caustic is a curve C whose tangent lines are reflected by the billiard to lines tangent to C. The famous Birkhoff conjecture states that the only strictly convex billiards with a foliation by closed caustics near the boundary are ellipses. By Lazutkin’s theorem, there always exists a Cantor family of closed caustics approaching the boundary. In the present paper, we deal with an open billiard, whose boundary is a strictly convex embedded (non-closed) curve
$\gamma $
. We prove that there exists a domain U adjacent to
$\gamma $
from the convex side and a
$C^\infty $
-smooth foliation of
$U\cup \gamma $
whose leaves are
$\gamma $
and (non-closed) caustics of the billiard. This generalizes a previous result by Melrose on the existence of a germ of foliation as above. We show that there exists a continuum of above foliations by caustics whose germs at each point in
$\gamma $
are pairwise different. We prove a more general version of this statement for
$\gamma $
being an (immersed) arc. It also applies to a billiard bounded by a closed strictly convex curve
$\gamma $
and yields infinitely many ‘immersed’ foliations by immersed caustics. For the proof of the above results, we state and prove their analogue for a special class of area-preserving maps generalizing billiard reflections: the so-called
$C^{\infty }$
-lifted strongly billiard-like maps. We also prove a series of results on conjugacy of billiard maps near the boundary for open curves of the above type.
Transnationalization of Opposition Strategy under Competitive Authoritarianism: Evidence from Turkey and Hungary
Authors: Ayan Musil Pelin , Yardımcı-Geyikçi Şebnem
Published: July 2023

Despite a growing body of literature on the advancement of autocratic tactics and toolkits in competitive authoritarian regimes (CARs), we lack sufficient knowledge on the strategies that the opposition builds against populist-authoritarian governments. Using two top autocratizing cases – Turkey and Hungary – this article singles out ‘transnationalization’ as one such novel strategy. ‘Transnationalization’ is defined as a strategy through which opposition-led subnational executives transform local and global boundaries by consciously forming a link with the liberal-democratic world in order to expand their space for manoeuvre. Conducting a qualitative content analysis of the Istanbul and Budapest mayors' international Twitter accounts and using evidence from elite interviews with officials from Istanbul and Budapest municipalities, we demonstrate the material, symbolic and political means of this strategy and the rationalist and normative motivations behind it. By discussing the what, how and why of a transnationalization strategy, we fill an important gap in the scholarship regarding opposition strategies in CARs.
A rare disease detected in a school-age child aortopulmonary window with anomalous right coronary artery from the pulmonary artery
Authors: Arslan Perver , Atik Ugan Sezen , Guzeltas Alper
Published: July 2023

Aortopulmonary window is a condition characterized by a communication between the pulmonary artery and the ascending aorta. The coexistence of aortopulmonary window and an anomalous right coronary artery originating from the pulmonary artery is rarely observed together, as mentioned in previous studies. In this report, we aim to describe our diagnostic and treatment experiences with a 6-year-old patient diagnosed with aortopulmonary window associated with an abnormal origin of the right coronary artery from the pulmonary artery.
Relationship between insulin and Netrin-1/DCC guidance cue pathway regulation in the prefrontal cortex of rodents exposed to prenatal dietary restriction
Authors: Batra Aashita , Cuesta Santiago , Alves Marcio Bonesso , Restrepo Jose Maria , Giroux Michel , Laureano Daniela Pereira , Mucellini Lovato Amanda Brondani , Miguel Patrícia Maidana , Machado Tania Diniz , Dalle Molle Roberta , Flores Cecilia , Silveira Patricia Pelufo
Published: July 2023

Fetal restriction (FR) alters insulin sensitivity, but it is unknown how the metabolic profile associated with restriction affects development of the dopamine (DA) system and DA-related behaviors. The Netrin-1/DCC guidance cue system participates in maturation of the mesocorticolimbic DA circuitry. Therefore, our objective was to identify if FR modifies Netrin-1/DCC receptor protein expression in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) at birth and mRNA in adulthood in rodent males. We used cultured HEK293 cells to assess if levels of miR-218, microRNA regulator of DCC, are sensitive to insulin. To assess this, pregnant dams were subjected to a 50% FR diet from gestational day 10 until birth. Medial PFC (mPFC) DCC/Netrin-1 protein expression was measured at P0 at baseline and Dcc/Netrin-1 mRNA levels were quantified in adults 15 min after a saline/insulin injection. miR-218 levels in HEK-293 cells were measured in response to insulin exposure. At P0, Netrin-1 levels are downregulated in FR animals in comparison to controls. In adult rodents, insulin administration results in an increase in Dcc mRNA levels in control but not FR rats. In HEK293 cells, there is a positive correlation between insulin concentration and miR-218 levels. Since miR-218 is a Dcc gene expression regulator and our in vitro results show that insulin regulates miR-218 levels, we suggest that FR-induced changes in insulin sensitivity could be affecting Dcc expression via miR-218, impacting DA system maturation and organization. As fetal adversity is linked to nonadaptive behaviors later in life, this may contribute to early identification of vulnerability to chronic diseases associated with fetal adversity.
Point-defect-driven flattened polar phonon bands in fluorite ferroelectrics
Authors: Ai Pu , Yan Fengjun , Dong Wen , Liu Shi , Zhao Junlei , Xue Kan-Hao , Bakhtiar Syed Ul Hasnain , Liu Yilong , Ma Qi , Miao Ling , Hua Mengyuan , Zhang Guangzu , Jiang Shenglin , Luo Wei , Fu Qiuyun
Published: July 2023

The scale-free ferroelectric polarization of fluorite MO2 (M = Hf, Zr) due to flat polar phonon bands are promising for nonvolatile memories. Defects are also widely introduced to improve the emergent ferroelectricity. However, their roles are still not fully understood at the atomic-level. Here, we report a significant effect of point-defect-driven flattening of polar phonon bands with more polar modes and polarization contribution in doped MO2. The polar phonon bands in La-doped MO2 (M = Hf, Zr) can be significantly flattened, compared with pure ones. However, the lower energy barrier with larger polarization of VO-only doped MO2 compared with La-doped cases suggest that VO and local lattice distortion should be balanced for high-performance fluorite ferroelectricity. The work is believed to bridge the relation between point defects and the generally enhanced induced ferroelectricity in fluorite ferroelectrics at the atomic-level and inspire their further property optimization via defect-engineering.
Spin-phonon decoherence in solid-state paramagnetic defects from first principles
Authors: Mondal Sourav , Lunghi Alessandro
Published: July 2023

Paramagnetic defects in diamond and hexagonal boron nitride possess a combination of spin and optical properties that make them prototypical solid-state qubits. Despite the coherence of these spin qubits being critically limited by spin-phonon relaxation, a full understanding of this process is not yet available. Here we apply ab initio spin dynamics simulations to this problem and quantitatively reproduce the experimental temperature dependence of spin relaxation time and spin coherence time. We demonstrate that low-frequency two-phonon modulations of the zero-field splitting are responsible for spin relaxation and decoherence, and point to the nature of vibrations in 2-dimensional materials as the culprit for their shorter coherence time. These results provide an interpretation to spin-phonon decoherence in solid-state paramagnetic defects, offer a strategy to correctly interpret experimental results, and pave the way for the accelerated design of spin qubits.
YF17D-vectored Ebola vaccine candidate protects mice against lethal surrogate Ebola and yellow fever virus challenge
Authors: Lemmens Viktor , Kelchtermans Lara , Debaveye Sarah , Chiu Winston , Vercruysse Thomas , Ma Ji , Thibaut Hendrik Jan , Neyts Johan , Sanchez-Felipe Lorena , Dallmeier Kai
Published: July 2023

Ebola virus (EBOV) and related filoviruses such as Sudan virus (SUDV) threaten global public health. Effective filovirus vaccines are available only for EBOV, yet restricted to emergency use considering a high reactogenicity and demanding logistics. Here we present YF-EBO, a live YF17D-vectored dual-target vaccine candidate expressing EBOV glycoprotein (GP) as protective antigen. Safety of YF-EBO in mice was further improved over that of parental YF17D vaccine. A single dose of YF-EBO was sufficient to induce high levels of EBOV GP-specific antibodies and cellular immune responses, that protected against lethal infection using EBOV GP-pseudotyped recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV-EBOV) in interferon-deficient (Ifnar-/-) mice as surrogate challenge model. Concomitantly induced yellow fever virus (YFV)-specific immunity protected Ifnar-/- mice against intracranial YFV challenge. YF-EBO could thus help to simultaneously combat both EBOV and YFV epidemics. Finally, we demonstrate how to target other highly pathogenic filoviruses such as SUDV at the root of the 2022 outbreak in Uganda.
One-year longitudinal study of the stratum corneum proteome of retinol and all-trans-retinoic acid treated human skin: an orchestrated molecular event
Authors: Abed Kahina , Foucher Aude , Bernard Dominique , Tancrède-Bohin Emmanuelle , Cavusoglu Nükhet
Published: July 2023

Topically applied all-trans-retinoic acid (RA) is a gold-standard anti-aging molecule used in dermatology. As its cosmetic counterpart used in anti-aging, Retinol (ROL) is also a known metabolic precursor of RA. Despite this metabolic link, they haven’t been compared exhaustively in vivo at a mechanistic level. Therefore, to highlight the effect of a topical application of both molecules on in vivo skin, we undertook a longitudinal 1-year study and performed an untargeted proteomic analysis to get a more holistic view on the underlying biological mechanisms of action. The generation of the temporal proteomics signatures of retinol and all-trans-retinoic acid reveals the impact of these molecules on biological functions related to the aging of skin. New biological functions impacted by retinoids were discovered: glycan metabolism and protein biosynthesis. In addition, the temporal analysis reveals highest modulations at early time points while the physical measures, such as epidermal thickening, was mostly observed at the latest time point, demonstrating a strong time lapse between molecular and morphological impacts. Finally, these global temporal signatures could be used to identify new cosmetic compounds of interest.
Inter-nesting, migration, and foraging behaviors of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the central-southern Red Sea
Authors: Tanabe Lyndsey K. , Cochran Jesse E. M. , Berumen Michael L.
Published: July 2023

Sea turtles are migratory with nesting and foraging areas in distinct and often widely separated habitats. Telemetry has been a vital tool for tracking sea turtle migrations between these areas, but tagging efforts are often focused on only a few large rookeries in a given region. For instance, turtle tagging in the Red Sea has been focused in the north of the basin. We tagged five green turtles (Chelonia mydas) at a nesting site in the central-southern Red Sea and tracked them for 72–243 days. During the inter-nesting period, the turtles showed high site-fidelity, with a maximum home range of 161 km2. After the nesting season, the turtles migrated up to 1100 km to five distinct foraging locations in three countries (Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and Eritrea). Movements within foraging habitats were more wide-ranging compared to inter-nesting movements, with home ranges varying between 1.19 and 931 km2. The tracking data revealed that the creation of a relatively small marine reserve could protect the critical inter-nesting habitat in the Farasan Banks. The results also highlight the need for multinational collaboration to protect migratory corridors and foraging sites of this endangered species.
A biomechanics-based parametrized cardiac end-diastolic pressure–volume relationship for accurate patient-specific calibration and estimation
Authors: Chapelle Dominique , Le Gall Arthur
Published: July 2023

A simple power law has been proposed in the pioneering work of Klotz et al. (Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 291(1):H403–H412, 2006) to approximate the end-diastolic pressure–volume relationship of the left cardiac ventricle, with limited inter-individual variability provided the volume is adequately normalized. Nevertheless, we use here a biomechanical model to investigate the sources of the remaining data dispersion observed in the normalized space, and we show that variations of the parameters of the biomechanical model realistically account for a substantial part of this dispersion. We therefore propose an alternative law based on the biomechanical model that embeds some intrinsic physical parameters, which directly enables personalization capabilities, and paves the way for related estimation approaches.
Perceived realism of haptic rendering methods for bimanual high force tasks: original and replication study
Authors: Lorenz Mario , Hoffmann Andrea , Kaluschke Maximilian , Ziadeh Taha , Pillen Nina , Kusserow Magdalena , Perret Jérôme , Knopp Sebastian , Dettmann André , Klimant Philipp , Zachmann Gabriel , Bullinger Angelika C.
Published: July 2023

Realistic haptic feedback is a key for virtual reality applications in order to transition from solely procedural training to motor-skill training. Currently, haptic feedback is mostly used in low-force medical procedures in dentistry, laparoscopy, arthroscopy and alike. However, joint replacement procedures at hip, knee or shoulder, require the simulation of high-forces in order to enable motor-skill training. In this work a prototype of a haptic device capable of delivering double the force (35 N to 70 N) of state-of-the-art devices is used to examine the four most common haptic rendering methods (penalty-, impulse-, constraint-, rigid body-based haptic rendering) in three bimanual tasks (contact, rotation, uniaxial transition with increasing forces from 30 to 60 N) regarding their capabilities to provide a realistic haptic feedback. In order to provide baseline data, a worst-case scenario of a steel/steel interaction was chosen. The participants needed to compare a real steel/steel interaction with a simulated one. In order to substantiate our results, we replicated the study using the same study protocol and experimental setup at another laboratory. The results of the original study and the replication study deliver almost identical results. We found that certain investigated haptic rendering method are likely able to deliver a realistic sensation for bone-cartilage/steel contact but not for steel/steel contact. Whilst no clear best haptic rendering method emerged, penalty-based haptic rendering performed worst. For simulating high force bimanual tasks, we recommend a mixed implementation approach of using impulse-based haptic rendering for simulating contacts and combine it with constraint or rigid body-based haptic rendering for rotational and translational movements.
Virtual agents and risk-taking behavior in adolescence: the twofold nature of nudging
Authors: Di Dio Cinzia , Manzi Federico , Miraglia Laura , Gummerum Michaela , Bigozzi Simone , Massaro Davide , Marchetti Antonella
Published: July 2023

Peer pressure can influence risk-taking behavior and it is particularly felt during adolescence. With artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly present in a range of everyday human contexts, including virtual environments, it is important to examine whether AI can have an impact on human’s decision making processes and behavior. By using the balloon analogue risk task (BART) evaluating propensity to take risk, in this study 113 adolescents' risk-taking behavior was measured when playing alone and in the presence of either a robot avatar or human avatar. In the avatar conditions, participants performed the BART while the avatars either (1) verbally incited risk-taking or (2) discouraged risk-taking (experimental tasks). Risk-taking behavior in the BART was assessed in terms of total number of pumps, gain and explosions. Tendency to impulsivity was also evaluated, as well as the effects of age and gender on risky behavior. The main finding showed a significant effect of both avatars on risk-taking tendency, with riskier behavior during incitement than discouragement conditions, the latter being also substantially different from the playing-alone condition. The results of this study open up new questions in a very sensitive and timely topic and offer various insights into the effect of nudging on adolescents’ behavior in virtual contexts.