bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grazing Exclusion Effects on Grassland Community Diversity Vary Along Altitudinal Gradient: A Case Study From Mount Gongga
Authors: Wang Xiaohan , Cheng Ruijing , Yi Yue , Liang Xin , Song Zacuo , Tan Xiangjiao , Lyu Xuewei , Li Yaoqi , Xu Xiaoting , Yang Yan
Published: December 2024

Understanding the dynamic process of community diversity after grazing exclusion is crucial for the management and conservation of alpine grassland ecosystems. This study conducted a ten‐year grazing exclusion experiment across four altitudinal gradients on Mount Gongga, ranging from 3000 to 4130 m, and surveyed community diversity during the years 2012–2016, 2020, and 2022. Several key findings were revealed: (1) the linear mixed‐effects models showed that the interaction between altitude and time was significantly correlated with α‐diversity, which decrease during the long‐term grazing exclusion period across all altitudes. However, the changes in community composition at low altitudes occurred at a slower pace compared to those at higher altitudes; (2) across all altitudes, β‐diversity significantly increased under long‐term grazing exclusion compared to short‐term grazing exclusion, primarily due to species replacement, as evidenced by the seven newly emerged species observed in 2022 relative to 2012; and (3) overall, the coverage of livestock‐favored plants, including sedges (Cyperaceae) and grasses (Poaceae), has increased under long‐term grazing exclusion, whereas the coverage of other forbs has declined. Pioneer species (e.g., Potentilla leuconota and
Plantago asiatica
) played a crucial role at low altitudes. These results highlight the complexity of ecological replacement and how factors such as altitude and grazing exclusion influence the dynamics and composition of alpine grassland communities over time.
Anatomical recognition artificial intelligence for identifying the recurrent laryngeal nerve during endoscopic thyroid surgery: A single‐center feasibility study
Authors: Nishiya Yukio , Matsuura Kazuto , Ogane Tateo , Hayashi Kazuyuki , Kinebuchi Yumi , Tanaka Hirotaka , Okano Wataru , Tomioka Toshifumi , Shinozaki Takeshi , Hayashi Ryuichi
Published: December 2024

Background

We investigate the feasibility of using artificial intelligence (AI) to identify the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) during endoscopic thyroid surgery and evaluated its accuracy.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we develop an AI model using a dataset of endoscopic thyroid surgery videos, including hemithyroidectomy procedures performed between April 2019 and September 2023 at the National Cancer Center Hospital East, Chiba, Japan. Semantic segmentation deep learning methods were applied to analyze the endoscopic thyroid surgery videos.

Results

Forty endoscopic thyroid surgery videos, all in high definition or better quality, were analyzed. The Dice values were 0.351, 0.568, and 0.746 for the inferior thyroid artery, RLN, and trachea, respectively. Data augmentation was performed by cropping, standardizing, and resizing to reduce false positives and improve accuracy.

Conclusions

The AI model showed high recognition accuracy of the RLN and trachea. This method holds potential for assisting in future cervical gasless endoscopic surgeries.
Effects of increased allochthonous dissolved organic carbon on the growth of planktonic biota in freshwater ecosystems: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Ma Ruijing , Zhong Misha , Rao Qingyang , Su Haojie , Xie Ping
Published: December 2024

Water browning, induced by allochthonous dissolved organic carbon (DOC) input, has become a widespread phenomenon in boreal lakes over the past decades. Directly quantifying aquatic organisms' responses to increased DOC concentrations is essential for projecting carbon cycle processes in freshwater ecosystems. In this study, we assessed the impacts of DOC addition on the growth of three freshwater planktonic groups: phytoplankton, zooplankton, and bacteria, and explored potential drivers behind variations in effect size. Background DOC concentrations vary between 0.5 and 25 mg L−1, while total phosphorus concentrations span from 0.0003 to 1.55 mg L−1. Based on a meta‐analysis of 804 observations from 47 publications, we found that DOC addition had a significant positive effect on bacteria, while it had a small but negative impact on both phytoplankton and zooplankton. In different climate zones, DOC addition often stimulated bacterial growth, but it exerted either positive or negative effects on phytoplankton and zooplankton. Additionally, the effect sizes of both phytoplankton and zooplankton showed a significant negative relationship with the magnitude of DOC enrichment, while bacteria exhibited positive responses. Furthermore, the effect sizes of these three taxa correlated negatively with background total phosphorus concentrations and positively with the DOC : total phosphorus ratio. A significant negative correlation between effect size and experimental duration was observed for bacteria. In summary, this synthesis indicates that excessive DOC loading can inevitably inhibit phytoplankton and zooplankton growth. Future studies should focus on the interactions between DOC addition and global change factors to improve forecasts of carbon‐climate feedback in aquatic ecosystems.
Ultrabroadband Light Coupling for Integrated Photonics via Nonadiabatic Pumping
Authors: Liu Weiwei , Li Chijun , Wang Bing , Chai Tianyan , Zheng Lingzhi , Liu Zhuoxiong , Li Xiaohong , Zeng Cheng , Xia Jinsong , Lu Peixiang
Published: December 2024

Enlarging bandwidth capacity of the integrated photonic systems demands efficient and broadband light coupling among optical elements, which is a vital issue in integrated photonics. Here, an ultrabroadband light coupling strategy based on nonadiabatic pumping is developed, and the designs in thin‐film lithium niobate on insulator platform are experimentally demonstrated. It is found that nonadiabatic transition produces a decreased dispersion of the phases related to eigenstates in the waveguides. As a consequence, high‐efficiency and dispersionless directional transfer are realized between edge states, which leads to an ultrabroadband light coupling covering a 1 dB bandwidth of ≈320 nm in experiment (>400 nm in simulation), with a length (≈50 µm) ≈1/10 of that required in conventional adiabatic transfer approach. Moreover, the coupling strategy exhibits a low insertion loss (<1 dB), a low crosstalk (<−10 dB), and a great robustness against structural deviations (≈100 nm). Furthermore, complex functional devices including beamsplitter and multiple‐level cascaded networks are constructed for broadband light routing and splitting. This work preserves significant advantages simultaneously in extending the operation bandwidth to all of the optical communication bands and minimizing the footprint, which demonstrates great potential for large‐scale photonic integration and high‐speed information processing on chip.
Single‐cell transcriptomic analysis of glioblastoma reveals pericytes contributing to the blood–brain–tumor barrier and tumor progression
Authors: Li Yuzhe , Wu Changwu , Long Xinmiao , Wang Xiangyu , Gao Wei , Deng Kun , Xie Bo , Zhang Sen , Wu Minghua , Liu Qing
Published: December 2024

The blood–brain barrier is often altered in glioblastoma (GBM) creating a blood–brain–tumor barrier (BBTB) composed of pericytes. The BBTB affects chemotherapy efficacy. However, the expression signatures of BBTB‐associated pericytes remain unclear. We aimed to identify BBTB‐associated pericytes in single‐cell RNA sequencing data of GBM using pericyte markers, a normal brain pericyte expression signature, and functional enrichment. We identified parathyroid hormone receptor‐1 (PTH1R) as a potential marker of pericytes associated with BBTB function. These pericytes interact with other cells in GBM mainly through extracellular matrix–integrin signaling pathways. Compared with normal pericytes, pericytes in GBM exhibited upregulation of several ECM genes (including collagen IV and FN1), and high expression levels of these genes were associated with a poor prognosis. Cell line experiments showed that PTH1R knockdown in pericytes increased collagen IV and FN1 expression levels. In mice models, the expression levels of PTH1R, collagen IV, and FN1 were consistent with these trends. Evans Blue leakage and IgG detection in the brain tissue suggested a negative correlation between PTH1R expression levels and blood–brain barrier function. Further, a risk model based on differentially expressed genes in PTH1R+ pericytes had predictive value for GBM, as validated using independent and in‐house cohorts.
The role and mechanism of NAT10‐mediated ac4C modification in tumor development and progression
Authors: Gu Zhuoran , Zou Libin , Pan Xinjian , Yu Yang , Liu Yongqiang , Zhang Zhijin , Liu Ji , Mao Shiyu , Zhang Junfeng , Guo Changcheng , Li Wei , Geng Jiang , Zhang Wentao , Yao Xudong , Shen Bing
Published: December 2024

RNA modification has emerged as a crucial area of research in epigenetics, significantly influencing tumor biology by regulating RNA metabolism. N‐acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10)‐mediated N4‐acetylcytidine (ac4C) modification, the sole known acetylation in eukaryotic RNA, influences cancer pathogenesis and progression. NAT10 is the only writer of ac4C and catalyzes acetyl transfer on targeted RNA, and ac4C helps to improve the stability and translational efficiency of ac4C‐modified RNA. NAT10 is highly expressed and associated with poor prognosis in pan‐cancers. Based on its molecular mechanism and biological functions, ac4C is a central factor in tumorigenesis, tumor progression, drug resistance, and tumor immune escape. Despite the increasing focus on ac4C, the specific regulatory mechanisms of ac4C in cancer remain elusive. The present review thoroughly analyzes the current knowledge on NAT10‐mediated ac4C modification in cancer, highlighting its broad regulatory influence on targeted gene expression and tumor biology. This review also summarizes the limitations and perspectives of current research on NAT10 and ac4C in cancer, to identify new therapeutic targets and advance cancer treatment strategies.
Clinical Validation of the Defining Characteristics of the Nursing Diagnosis ‘Activity Intolerance’ in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Cáceres Rivera Diana Isabel , Jaimes Rojas Luz Mileyde , Cristancho Zambrano Luisa Yaneth , Acosta Barón Jennifer Vanesa , Cañon Gómez Diana Ivonne , Rojas Lyda Z.
Published: December 2024

Aim

To validate the defining characteristics (CDs) of the nursing diagnosis ‘Activity intolerance [00092]’ in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Design

Cross‐sectional study. Patients over 18 years of age with a confirmed medical diagnosis of hospitalised ACS were included and those who were haemodynamically unstable, with alterations in the mental sphere or with communication limitations were excluded. The CDs were previously operationalised for standardised measurement and independently assessed by nurses.

Results

A total of 111 patients with ACS were studied. The CDs with prevalence > 50% were: generalised weakness (80.56 vs. 78.70%), discomfort on exertion (72.07% vs. 75.68%) and ECG changes (71.17% vs. 68.47%). Inter‐rater agreement for determining the CDs ranged from 0.69 to 1.00.

Conclusions

This study established the clinical validation of the CDs of the nursing diagnosis ‘Activity Intolerance [00092]’ in patients with ACS identifying three major CDs: EKG changes, generalised weakness and exertional discomfort.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution the research was developed in its entirety by the authors.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

The clinical validation of the defining characteristics of the activity intolerance diagnosis was conducted. This validation was based on operationalising each characteristic using commonly employed nursing scales and instruments. This process contributes significantly to the establishment of evidence‐based nursing practices.

The customisation of nursing diagnoses gains further ground through the validation studies of NANDA‐I diagnoses. This process solidifies standardised nursing language as a valuable strategy in nursing care, providing substantial support for practical decision‐making.

Among the evaluators, EKG changes, generalised weakness and discomfort on exertion emerged as the most frequently encountered defining characteristics with substantial agreement. This discovery offers crucial insights for devising individualised and collective care plans within coronary units.
Clinical impact of magnetic resonance angiography in patients undergoing free fibular flap transfer
Authors: Farsi Soroush , Hicks Evan , Hameed Muhammad , Jambhekar Kedar , Kuruva Manohar , King Deanne , Vural Emre , Sunde Jumin , Moreno Mauricio
Published: December 2024

Objective

This retrospective study was carried out to assess the impact of dynamic time‐resolved magnetic resonance angiography (DTR‐MRA) in detecting lower extremity vascular abnormalities and its impact on deciding the harvest site in patients undergoing free fibular transfer.

Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent DTR‐MRA imaging of lower extremities prior to free fibular flap transfer (FFFT) during the period of 2008–2020 were retrospectively included in the study. Retrospective review of medical records was performed to include the patients who had provisional side of harvest decided prior to DTR‐MRA based on clinical findings. The criteria for change in management included changing the harvest site, either to the contralateral leg or a different site based on DTR‐MRA.

Results

Imaging findings in 103 patients who underwent DTR‐MRA prior to FFFT were included in the study. Overall incidence of vascular abnormalities of clinical significance for FFFT was 30/103 (29%), and site of harvest was changed in 30/103 (29%) patients after DTR‐MRA study. Addition of delayed venous phase imaging detected additional venous pathologies of clinical significance in 7/103 (6.8%) patients.

Conclusions

DTR‐MRA as a preoperative study before FFFT has an excellent accuracy in detecting vascular abnormalities of clinical significance. Addition of delayed phase images can also detect clinically significant venous abnormalities.
UKCropDiversity‐HPC: A collaborative high‐performance computing resource approach for sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation
Authors: Percival‐Alwyn Lawrence , Barnes Ian , Clark Matthew D. , Cockram James , Coffey Michael P. , Jones Susan , Kersey Paul J. , Kidner Catherine A. , Kosiol Carolin , Li Bingjie , Marsh William A. , Zhou Ji , Caccamo Mario , Milne Iain
Published: December 2024

Societal Impact Statement

Diverse gene pools are fundamental to crop improvement, biodiversity maintenance and environmental management. The UKCropDiversity‐HPC high‐performance computing resource enables seven UK institutes to perform plant and conservation research with increased efficiency, cost‐effectiveness and environmental sustainability. It supports research across numerous areas, including bioinformatics, genetics, phenomics and conservation ‐ including Artificial Intelligence approaches. Its utilisation supports many United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Goals‐2 (Zero Hunger), −13 (Climate Action), −15 (Life on Land), −9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and −4 (Quality Education). Accordingly, UKCropDiversity‐HPC helps maximise the societal impact of research undertaken at our seven institutes, driving positive change for future generations.
Internal Blast Effect Reduced by Dust Created by Fragments
Authors: Seisson Gabriel , Romann Marie , Dufourmentel Alan , Barbarin Yohan , Lavayssière Maylis , Stephanopoli Nicolas , Rouquand Alain
Published: December 2024

The attenuation effect on pressure and impulse of the metallic casing of an explosive charge, namely, Fano's effect, is a well‐known phenomenon thanks to the founding works of Fano and Fisher. It is mainly attributed to the kinetic energy transferred from the high explosive (HE) to the casing. Later, few authors quantified the contribution of secondary mechanisms to this phenomenon, such as the yield stress of the metal, see, for example, Hutchinson. More recently, Baum et al. and Ohrt have suggested an additional attenuation effect when the detonation of cased charges occurs inside closed or vented rooms. The metallic debris produced by the fragmentation of the envelope strikes the walls, generating secondary debris and dust. This later consumes energy (kinetic and thermal) from the detonation products, implying a decrease in the apparent pressure and impulse. The present work experimentally verifies this phenomenon thanks to cylindrical bare and cased charges of various HE types and mass detonating at the center of a small‐scale vented concrete building. Internal impulses are estimated by several measurement methods, which all evidence that the impulse decrease endorsed by the secondary dust is highly significant. It is indeed of the same order of magnitude that the impulse diminution attributed to Fano's effect. These results may pave the way for a better insight into internal detonation effects, particularly for safety studies on munition storage.
Altered flow and sediment transport impacts on the ecosystems of Chinese major rivers: An urgent call for eco‐fluvial dynamics
Authors: Fang Hongwei , He Guojian , Huang Lei , Zhao Chenwei , Wang Jianyu , Han Yong , Gao Qifeng , Zhang Tao , Meng Jianan
Published: December 2024

River ecosystems face challenges due to environmental degradation and alterations in flow and sediment transport resulting from climate change and other anthropogenic impacts. These changes may substantially affect river morphology, nutrient dynamics, wetland vegetation, aquatic habitats, and river ecological stability. This highlights the urgent need for systematic and quantitative studies on the interactions and feedback between changes in flow, sediment transport, and river ecology. In this study, we reviewed flow and sediment transport changes in major Chinese rivers, along with their resulting ecological impacts. We propose conducting eco‐fluvial dynamic studies, a potential solution that can guide the evaluation and restoration of ecological health impacted by physical processes. These studies can provide major benefits in balancing human and environmental needs in large river systems, which is crucial for the healthy and sustainable development of rivers.
P‐Doping Modulated RuIr Nanoparticles Anchored on Co/N/C Catalysts with Improved Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Activity and Stability
Authors: Gan Zhuofan , Shu Chengyong , Cao Jingwen , Chen Zhixu , Qiu Peixi , Chen Zhongxin , Wang Xiaowei , Wu Yuping , Wang Shirui , Yang Xiaohua , Tang Wei
Published: December 2024

Achieving efficient and stable hydrogen evolution reactions in alkaline conditions is crucial for hydrogen production. In this study, a RuIr/Co(SA)NC‐P catalyst featuring RuIr alloys alongside P‐doping and CoNx sites is developed. RuIr alloying optimizes the electronic structure between Ru and Ir, promoting electron transfer from Ru to Ir. P‐doping further modulates the electronic properties of RuIr alloys, optimizing hydrogen binding energy and weakening Ru─OH binding energy, facilitating rapid H2 generation and OHad transfer. Meanwhile, CoNx promotes water dissociation, providing a fast proton delivery path for RuIr alloys. The catalyst exhibits enhanced HER activity with a low overpotential of 20 mV at 10 mA cm−2, a Tafel slope of 20.4 mV dec−1, and a turnover frequency of 19.5 H2 s−1 at 150 mV overpotential. Moreover, catalyst stability is improved 8 times by mitigating RuIr alloy dissolution/agglomeration via P‐doping. This work introduces a promising approach for developing efficient and stable HER electrocatalysts.
Improving the Cycling Stability of NCM811 at High‐Voltage 4.5V in Ester‐Based Electrolytes with LiDFOB
Authors: Chen Yaqi , Liu Dongyu , Xu Xieyu , Wang Xuyang , Jiao XingXing , Bai Ying , Xiong Shizhao , Vasenko Andrey S. , Wang Yongjing , Song Zhongxiao , Liu Yangyang
Published: December 2024

Nickel‐rich layered cathode materials, particularly LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NCM811), have garnered significant attention due to their high energy density and impressive electrochemical performance. However, their cycling stability is compromised at elevated voltages, primarily due to structural instability and interfacial degradation. In this study, lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate (LiDFOB) is introduced into a commercial electrolyte based on lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) to elucidate the structural and interfacial changes occurring in NCM811 at a high cut‐off voltage of 4.5 V. It is found that the preferential decomposition of LiPF6 leads to the formation of a protective inert interface. At the same time, violent anisotropic lattice contraction and expansion generate cracks that contribute to the rapid degradation of NCM811. Notably, the incorporation of LiDFOB significantly mitigates these detrimental effects. Consequently, NCM811|Li cells utilizing this optimized electrolyte demonstrate an initial specific capacity of 214 mAh g−1 and remarkable capacity retention of 83.6% after 400 cycles at a 1C rate (1C = 200 mAh g−1). The findings pave the way for leveraging higher capacities of NCM811 at elevated cut‐off voltages, thereby enhancing its viability for high‐end energy applications.
LSRAM: A Lightweight Autoscaling and SLO Resource Allocation Framework for Microservices Based on Gradient Descent
Authors: Hu Kan , Xu Minxian , Ye Kejiang , Xu Chengzhong
Published: December 2024

Objective

The microservices architecture has become a dominant paradigm in cloud computing due to its advantages in development, deployment, modularity, and scalability. Ensuring Quality of Service (QoS) through efficient Service Level Objective (SLO) resource allocation is a critical challenge. Current frameworks for microservice autoscaling based on SLOs often rely on heavy and complex models that are time‐consuming and resource‐intensive, making them unsuitable for rapidly changing environments and highly dynamic workloads.

Methods

This study proposes LSRAM (Lightweight SLO Resource Allocation Management), a novel framework designed to overcome the limitations of existing SLO‐based autoscaling methods. LSRAM operates in two stages:

1). Lightweight SLO Resource Allocation Model: Computes optimal SLO resource allocation for each microservice using a gradient descent method, ensuring rapid computation and minimal computational overhead.

2). SLO Resource Update Model: Adapts resource allocation dynamically in response to changes in the cluster environment, such as varying loads and application types, without requiring extensive retraining.

Results

LSRAM effectively addresses scenarios involving bursty traffic and fluctuating workloads. Compared to state‐of‐the‐art SLO allocation frameworks, LSRAM achieves the following:

1). Reduces resource usage by 17%.

2). Maintains QoS guarantees for users, even under dynamic conditions.

3). Demonstrates faster adaptability to changes in the system environment due to its lightweight design.

Conclusion

LSRAM offers a scalable, efficient, and adaptive solution for SLO‐based resource allocation in microservices architectures. By reducing resource usage while maintaining QoS, it provides a robust framework for managing dynamic and unpredictable workloads in cloud environments. Its lightweight design ensures practical applicability and superior performance compared to traditional, resource‐intensive methods.
Developing artificial neural networks to estimate the fatigue strength of structural steel details using the new European database
Authors: Bartsch Helen , Voelkel Justus , Feldmann Markus
Published: December 2024

This article outlines a method for utilizing machine learning, particularly artificial neural networks, to estimate the fatigue strength of structural steel details. Data have been taken out of a structured database of fatigue tests, depicting the background of EN 1993‐1‐9. The artificial neural network has been trained and verified on the basis of experimental fatigue test results on the example of the transverse stiffener. Results show that the neural network is capable of predicting the fatigue strength of random transverse stiffener details. Comparisons have been made to a numerical approach applying the effective notch stress approach, showing also limits. This study helps paving the way for a thorough investigation into the complex relationship between different influencing factors and fatigue strength, highlighting the benefits and limitations of using machine learning tools.
Construction of dense CMP data from sparsely collected GPR CMP data for the improved estimation of soil dielectric constant profile
Authors: Oikawa Koki , Saito Hirotaka , Kuroda Seiichiro , Takahashi Kazunori
Published: December 2024

A multichannel ground‐penetrating radar unit, which consists of multiple fixed transmitters and receivers, allows one to obtain time‐lapse multi‐offset gathers (MOG) by fixing the unit in one place at the expense of spatial resolution. When applying common semblance analysis for dielectric constant estimation, it is important that MOG, such as common midpoint (CMP) data, are collected with a small antenna step size to obtain clear contrast in semblance values. Thus, a reliable computational technique for constructing spatially dense CMP data from sparse CMP data is required. An F‐K filter method based on the projection onto convex sets (POCS) algorithm was developed to interpolate missing traces. In our previous study, a novel method based on the F‐K filter was proposed by optimizing the filter zone to construct dense CMP data from sparse CMP data. The objective of this study was to formally compare the novel F‐K filter method with a method based on the POCS algorithm. The former method consists of a normal moveout correction and a fan‐shaped F‐K filter, the parameters of which are optimized by leave‐one‐out cross‐validation. The novel method was able to construct a dense reflected hyperbolic‐shaped wave signal well from the sparse CMP data collected from a sand box filled with uniform dry sand, and to improve the velocity estimation with semblance analysis. The novel method is considered more suitable for the construction of dense data from sparsely collected CMP data than the method based on the POCS algorithm.
Introduction
Authors: Christakis Dimitri A. , Hale Lauren
Published: December 2024

The field of research related to children and media is likely to sustain its trajectory of rapid growth alongside an evolution in the available technologies and how, where, and when they are used. The past 15 years has seen a significant rise in scientific research into the effects of technology and media on child development, accompanied by a recent surge in government funding. This acceleration in research is mirrored by the significant increase in the number of publications stored within databases pertaining to children and media over the past 15 years (see Fig. 1).
Participation of Marginalized Youth in Designing a Machine Learning–Based Model to Identify Child Abuse and Neglect
Authors: Landau Aviv Y. , Espeleta Hannah , Mathiyazhagan Siva , Blanchard Ashley , Heider Paul , Cato Kenrick , Hanson Rochelle F. , Patton Desmond Upton , Lenert Leslie , Topaz Maxim
Published: December 2024

Child abuse and neglect is a public health concern impacting youth throughout the world. Identifying child abuse and neglect in clinical practice can be challenging due to the lack of a “gold standard.” Existing racial and other biases may impact marginalized communities in reporting, identification, and intervention practices for child abuse. Extensive implementation of electronic health records in clinical settings has presented new opportunities for developing machine learning (ML)-based models to better identify potential child abuse and neglect. Despite these innovative advancements, ML-based models face ethical and performance challenges exacerbated by inherent racial biases. To develop an ethical and inclusive ML-based model for identifying child abuse and neglect in healthcare settings, we recommend involving marginalized youth as domain experts in the design and development. Including their lived experiences as expertise can aid ML developers in being reflexive and designing technological tools that apply a youth and social justice lens. This chapter will describe opportunities, challenges, and recommendations for future research for engaging marginalized youth and their communities in developing ML-based models to detect child abuse and neglect. Additionally, this chapter will provide recommendations to promote meaningful youth participation in the ML design, development, and deployment process.
Multiple Use of Forests
Authors: Tuulentie Seija , Bjärstig Therese , Hansen Inger , Lande Unni , McLean Paul , Pellikka Jani , Peltola Rainer , Zhang Jasmine
Published: December 2024

Sustainable forest management approaches, regardless of whether they involve continuous cover forestry (CCF) or rotation forestry (RF), require a holistic landscape perspective that acknowledges the multiple interests, values, and uses that depend on the locally relevant economic, ecological, and socio-cultural circumstances. These must be considered alongside the use of forests and forest landscapes as a resource for rural development.

Forests provide a wide range of goods and services. Those addressed here (i.e. tourism, recreation, health, grazing, non-timber forest products, and societal protection from natural hazards) are a subset of all of those potential services that are already considered to be of special significance for the Nordic region.

Most recreational users consider variation in the forest landscape and long-distance views as visually attractive but think that clearcuttings and soil tilling are harmful.

In general, CCF favours bilberries, while lingonberries and some mushrooms benefit from even-aged forestry.

Owing to the many and varied demands relating to forests and forest landscapes in Norway, Sweden, and Finland, CCF-supported multiple-use strategies and planning will need to consider stakeholder requirements more, now and in the future, than is currently the case.
Carbon Exchange, Storage and Sequestration
Authors: Högbom Lars , Lehtonen Aleksi , Nybakken Line , Repo Anna , Sarkkola Sakari , Strömgren Monika
Published: December 2024

Boreal forests sequester and store large amounts of carbon both above and below ground.

Forest management could influence carbon storage.

Differences between upland soils and peatlands are important. In peatlands, large amounts of carbon are stored in the peat, making them more susceptible to differences in forest management.

On peatlands, carbon balance is mostly determined by groundwater levels.

Carbon storage on both upland and peat soils depends on harvest intensity since most carbon losses, apart from harvested forest products, come from decomposition of roots and logging residues.

Scales in both space and time are both important considerations when estimating the effect on carbon balances.
Water Quality
Authors: Sarkkola Sakari , Nieminen Mika , Laudon Hjalmar , Clarke Nicholas , Hasselquist Eliza Maher
Published: December 2024

Conventional forest operations can exert significant impacts on the hydrology and water quality of downstream aquatic environments.

Few research results have been published on the impacts of continuous cover forestry (CCF) on water quality.

CCF could be useful for reducing nutrient, carbon, and suspended solid exports in waterways.

CCF may be a better alternative to rotation forestry (RF) on mineral soils and drained peatlands.

Further research is needed on the many processes controlling nutrient and carbon exports in CCF and RF.
Growth and Yield
Authors: Bianchi Simone , Brunner Andreas , Hanssen Kjersti Holt , Hökkä Hannu , Nilsson Urban , Fahlvik Nils , Hynynen Jari
Published: December 2024

There is still a lack of knowledge on growth and yield (G&Y) in continuous cover forestry (CCF). Most published studies are on the selection system with Norway spruce.

Published comparisons of the selection system with rotation forestry (RF) show contrasting results. Generally, there seems to be a trend toward faster stand growth in RF.

However, there are many uncertainties due to several confounding factors, such as stand-density effects, site-quality classification, and/or growth models used. Most studies do not properly account for all these factors, making it difficult to generalise their results.

The optimal stand density trade off for the selection system between stand growth and recruitment should be better investigated. Preliminary results show this could strongly affect stand growth.

There is even less knowledge related to G&Y during conversion, a potential bottleneck for full implementation of CCF in the region.
Financial Performance
Authors: Ahtikoski Anssi , Gong Peichen , Rørstad Per Kr , Viitala Esa-Jussi , Repola Jaakko
Published: December 2024

Financial comparisons between rotation forestry (RF) and continuous cover forestry (CCF) are based on simulations in which the growth and yield of trees is estimated using a growth simulator. These often include an optimisation tool to present the maximum value of the objective function (usually the present value of net income).

Studies have shown that the profitability of CCF depends on the initial state of a stand, especially the diameter distribution of the trees. The effect of interest discount rate also depends on the initial state.

As a rule, it is safe to say that the more the forest structure resembles the target diameter distribution of the trees in CCF (i.e., a forest with heterogeneous structures), the more profitable it is to shift from RF to CCF.

The more heterogeneous the tree structure on mineral soil, the higher the applied interest rate, the higher the forest establishment costs (soil preparation and cultivation), and the poorer the growth conditions (site type and temperature sum), the more profitable CCF is. Few studies have been found that focus on peatland forests.

Future financial studies should also consider risks associated with wind, harvesting, and insect and fungus damage as well as carbon payments and nontimber benefits
Wood Properties and Quality
Authors: Piispanen Riikka , Pyörälä Jiri , Valkonen Sauli
Published: December 2024

Trees in continuous cover forestry (CCF) typically form very narrow rings at young ages in suppressed positions but can grow very quickly at older ages in dominant positions, maintaining long-lived crowns.

CCF trees have slightly higher mean wood density in stems than rotation forestry (RF) trees.

CCF trees have better fiber properties for pulp than RF trees.

CCF trees have a relatively short stem section of small dead knots in sawn timber.

CCF trees have a relatively long section of large green knots in sawn timber.

Sawn goods produced from spruce logs yielded with the selection system do not differ markedly from those from RF.

The application of a shelterwood system with overstorey retention for Scots pine facilitates the production of very high-grade timber.
Cutting the scotogenic loop: adding flavor to dark matter
Authors: Kumar Ranjeet , Nath Newton , Srivastava Rahul
Published: December 2024

Abstract

We introduce a framework for hybrid neutrino mass generation, wherein scotogenic dark sector particles, including dark matter, are charged non-trivially under the A4 flavor symmetry. The spontaneous breaking of the A4 group to residual $$ {\mathcal{Z}}_2 $$

Z
2

subgroup results in the “cutting” of the radiative loop. As a consequence the neutrinos acquire mass through the hybrid “scoto-seesaw” mass mechanism, combining aspects of both the tree-level seesaw and one-loop scotogenic mechanisms, with the residual $$ {\mathcal{Z}}_2 $$

Z
2

subgroup ensuring the stability of the dark matter. The flavor symmetry also leads to several predictions including the normal ordering of neutrino masses and “generalized μ − τ reflection symmetry” in leptonic mixing. Additionally, it gives testable predictions for neutrinoless double beta decay and a lower limit on the lightest neutrino mass. Finally, A4 → $$ {\mathcal{Z}}_2 $$

Z
2

breaking also leaves its imprint on the dark sector and ties it with the neutrino masses and mixing. The model allows only scalar dark matter, whose mass has a theoretical upper limit of ≲ 600 GeV, with viable parameter space satisfying all dark matter constraints, available only up to about 80 GeV. Conversely, fermionic dark matter is excluded due to constraints from the neutrino sector. Various aspects of this highly predictive framework can be tested in both current and upcoming neutrino and dark matter experiments.
Mixed QCD-EW corrections to W-pair production at electron-positron colliders
Authors: Li Zhe , Zhang Ren-You , Li Shu-Xiang , Wang Xiao-Feng , He Wen-Jie , Han Liang , Jiang Yi , Wang Qing-hai
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The discrepancy between the CDF measurement and the Standard Model theoretical prediction for the W-boson mass underscores the importance of conducting high-precision studies on the W boson, which is one of the predominant objectives of proposed future e+e− colliders. We investigate in detail the production of W-boson pairs at e+e− colliders, and compute the next-to-next-to-leading order mixed QCD-EW corrections to both the integrated cross section and various kinematic distributions. By employing the method of differential equations, we analytically calculate the two-loop master integrals for the mixed QCD-EW virtual corrections to e+e− → W+W−. Utilizing the Magnus transformation, we derive a set of canonical master integrals for each integral family. This canonical basis satisfies a system of differential equations in which the dependence on the dimensional regulator is linearly factorized from the kinematics. We then express all these canonical master integrals as Taylor series in ϵ up to ϵ4, with coefficients articulated in terms of Goncharov polylogarithms up to weight four. Upon applying our analytic expressions of these master integrals to the phenomenological analysis of W-pair production, we observe that the $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(ααs) corrections are significantly impactful in the α(0) scheme, particularly in certain phase-space regions. However, these mixed QCD-EW corrections can be heavily suppressed by adopting the Gμ scheme.
Mechanisms of ferroptotic and non-ferroptotic organ toxicity of chemotherapy: protective and therapeutic effects of ginger, 6-gingerol and zingerone in preclinical studies
Authors: Famurewa Ademola C. , Akhigbe Roland E. , George Mina Y. , Adekunle Yemi A. , Oyedokun Precious A. , Akhigbe Tunmise M. , Fatokun Amos A.
Published: December 2024

Chemotherapy (CT) is one of the flagship options for the treatment of cancers worldwide. It involves the use of cytotoxic anticancer agents to kill or inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells. However, despite its clinical efficacy, CT triggers side effect toxicities in several organs, which may impact cancer patient’s quality of life and treatment outcomes. While the side effect toxicity is consistent with non-ferroptotic mechanisms involving oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial impairment and other aberrant signalling leading to apoptosis and necroptosis, recent studies show that ferroptosis, a non-apoptotic, iron-dependent cell death pathway, is also involved in the pathophysiology of CT organ toxicity. CT provokes organ ferroptosis via system Xc–/GPX-4/GSH/SLC7A11 axis depletion, ferritinophagy, iron overload, lipid peroxidation and upregulation of ferritin-related proteins. Cisplatin (CP) and doxorubicin (DOX) are common CT drugs indicated to induce ferroptosis in vitro and in vivo. Studies have explored natural preventive and therapeutic strategies using ginger rhizome and its major bioactive compounds, 6-gingerol (6G) and zingerone (ZG), to combat mechanisms of CT side effect toxicity. Ginger extract, 6G and ZG mitigate non-ferroptotic oxidative inflammation, apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction mechanisms of CT side effect toxicity, but their effects on CT-induced ferroptosis remain unclear. Systematic investigations are, therefore, needed to unfold the roles of ginger, 6G and ZG on ferroptosis involved in CT side effect toxicity, as they are potential natural agents for the prevention of CT toxicity. This review reveals the ferroptotic and non-ferroptotic toxicity mechanisms of CT and the protective mechanisms of ginger, 6G and ZG against CT-induced, ferroptotic and non-ferroptotic organ toxicities.
Stopper vs. Singular Controller Games With Degenerate Diffusions
Authors: Bovo Andrea , De Angelis Tiziano , Palczewski Jan
Published: December 2024

We study zero-sum stochastic games between a singular controller and a stopper when the (state-dependent) diffusion matrix of the underlying controlled diffusion process is degenerate. In particular, we show the existence of a value for the game and determine an optimal strategy for the stopper. The degeneracy of the dynamics prevents the use of analytical methods based on solution in Sobolev spaces of suitable variational problems. Therefore we adopt a probabilistic approach based on a perturbation of the underlying diffusion modulated by a parameter

$$\gamma >0$$

γ
>
0

. For each

$$\gamma >0$$

γ
>
0

the approximating game is non-degenerate and admits a value

$$u^\gamma $$

u
γ

and an optimal strategy

$$\tau ^\gamma _*$$

τ

∗

γ

for the stopper. Letting

$$\gamma \rightarrow 0$$

γ
→
0

we prove convergence of

$$u^\gamma $$

u
γ

to a function v, which identifies the value of the original game. We also construct explicitly optimal stopping times

$$\theta ^\gamma _*$$

θ

∗

γ

for

$$u^\gamma $$

u
γ

, related but not equal to

$$\tau ^\gamma _*$$

τ

∗

γ

, which converge almost surely to an optimal stopping time

$$\theta _*$$

θ

∗

for the game with degenerate dynamics.
Etablierung eines deutschen ICCR-Datensatzes
Authors: Dörenberg J. , Schmidt C. J. , Berlage T. , Knüchel-Clarke R.
Published: December 2024

Hintergrund

Für die Qualitätssicherung in der Pathologie ist die strukturierte Erfassung von Daten aus histopathologischen Befunden sowie die Interoperabilität dieser Daten von zentraler Bedeutung.

Methodik

Zur Harmonisierung des Inhalts der Befunde hat die International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR) standardisierte Datensätze erstellt. Diese liegen noch nicht flächendeckend auf Deutsch vor. Hier wird diese Lücke am Beispiel des Usecase der transurethralen Blasenresektion (TUR-B) adressiert.

Ergebnisse

Wir beschreiben den Prozess der Etablierung der Datensätze durch Übersetzung, Einbindung von SNOMED-CT-Codes und Nutzung der Hierarchie in SNOMED zum Füllen der Felder des Datensatzes. Zusätzlich definieren wir Regeln zur Datenqualitätsprüfung anhand der TUR‑B.

Diskussion

Mit diesem Beitrag haben wir beispielhaft eine deutsche Version der ICCR-Datensatz TUR‑B inklusive Mapping auf die SNOMED-CT-Terminologie geschaffen. Weitere Schritte sollten nun in der abstrakten Modellierung von Erkrankungen liegen, um das in SNOMED CT liegende Potenzial weiter auszuschöpfen.
Peaks and Distributions of White Matter Tract-related Strains in Bicycle Helmeted Impacts: Implication for Helmet Ranking and Optimization
Authors: Zhou Zhou , Fahlstedt Madelen , Li Xiaogai , Kleiven Svein
Published: December 2024

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in cyclists is a growing public health problem, with helmets being the major protection gear. Finite element head models have been increasingly used to engineer safer helmets often by mitigating brain strain peaks. However, how different helmets alter the spatial distribution of brain strain remains largely unknown. Besides, existing research primarily used maximum principal strain (MPS) as the injury parameter, while white matter fiber tract-related strains, increasingly recognized as effective predictors for TBI, have rarely been used for helmet evaluation. To address these research gaps, we used an anatomically detailed head model with embedded fiber tracts to simulate fifty-one helmeted impacts, encompassing seventeen bicycle helmets under three impact locations. We assessed the helmet performance based on four tract-related strains characterizing the normal and shear strain oriented along and perpendicular to the fiber tract, as well as the prevalently used MPS. Our results showed that both the helmet model and impact location affected the strain peaks. Interestingly, we noted that different helmets did not alter strain distribution, except for one helmet under one specific impact location. Moreover, our analyses revealed that helmet ranking outcome based on strain peaks was affected by the choice of injury metrics (Kendall’s Tau coefficient: 0.58–0.93). Significant correlations were noted between tract-related strains and angular motion-based injury metrics. This study provided new insights into computational brain biomechanics and highlighted the helmet ranking outcome was dependent on the choice of injury metrics. Our results also hinted that the performance of helmets could be augmented by mitigating the strain peak and optimizing the strain distribution with accounting the selective vulnerability of brain subregions and more research was needed to develop region-specific injury criteria.
Bile duct ligation-induced cirrhosis does not alter the blood-brain barrier permeability to sucrose in rats
Authors: Miah Mohammad K. , Bickel Ulrich , Mehvar Reza
Published: December 2024

Contradictory results have been reported about the effects of liver diseases on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability to markers. For instance, both an increase and no change in the BBB permeability to BBB markers sodium fluorescein and Evans blue have been reported in experimental cholestasis induced by bile duct ligation (BDL) in rats. These contradictory effects might be due to inherent limitations of these markers and/or methodological issues. Here, we investigated the time course of the impact of BDL in rats on BBB permeability using a recently developed stable isotope labeled marker [13C]sucrose, which is expected to be devoid of limitations of other markers, such as sodium fluorescein. At various times (five days, two weeks, and four weeks) after BDL or sham surgery, the brain uptake clearance (K

in
) of [13C]sucrose was estimated using quantitation of the marker in plasma, blood, and brain by a specific LC-MS/MS analytical method. BDL caused substantial increases in the plasma concentrations of liver biochemical markers (bilirubin, total bile acids, ammonia, and cholesterol) and reduced liver cytochrome P450 content and metabolic activities. However, compared with the sham group, the plasma or blood AUC, brain concentrations, and K

in
of [13C]sucrose in BDL animals remained unchanged at all the studied times. Additionally, we observed a negative correlation between the sucrose K

in
and plasma total bile acids concentrations in the BDL animals. It is concluded that cholestatic liver disease, induced by BDL surgery in rats, does not significantly affect the BBB permeability to sucrose up to 4 weeks after the surgery.