bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The art of interconnections: Achieving maximum algebraic connectivity in multilayer networks
Authors: Tavasoli Ali , Shakeri Heman , Ardjmand Ehsan , Rahman Shakil
Published: September 2024

The second smallest eigenvalue of the Laplacian matrix, known as algebraic connectivity, determines many network properties. This paper investigates the optimal design of interconnections that maximizes algebraic connectivity in multilayer networks. We identify an upper bound for maximum algebraic connectivity for total weight below a threshold, independent of interconnections pattern, and only attainable with a particular regularity condition. For efficient numerical approaches in regions of no analytical solution, we cast the problem into a convex framework and an equivalent graph embedding problem associated with the optimum diffusion phases in the multilayer. Allowing more general settings for interconnections entails regions of multiple transitions, giving more diverse diffusion phases than the more studied one-toone interconnection case. When there is no restriction on the interconnection pattern, we derive several analytical results characterizing the optimal weights using individual Fiedler vectors. We use the ratio of algebraic connectivity and layer sizes to explain the results. Finally, we study the placement of a limited number of interlinks heuristically, guided by each layer’s Fiedler vector components.
Harnessing information communication and technology in enhancing One Health interventions among the university students in Kenya
Authors: Kibegwa Felix , Ng’eno Ambrose , Karimi Kellen , Jepngetich Hellen , Keino Susan , Kirui Gilbert , Muta Diana , Wanjohi Samuel
Published: September 2024

Multidisciplinary One Health (OH) collaboration coupled with information communication and technology provides an avenue for combating and avoiding emerging and reemerging diseases. In 2020, AFROHUN-Kenya organized a OH App development hackathon to build an application for frontline community health workers to respond to OH challenges. This article describes the purpose, process, benefits and challenges of this hackathon. Forty-nine participants, divided into eight groups took part in the hackathon. The teams ranged from four to eight members, with 55% female. A total of eight applications were developed during the hackathon all of which are in the process of patenting, before deployment as open-source applications. In the post-hackathon survey, 95% of participants indicated that they had a better grasp of the topic because of the team members’ diverse perspectives and that working in multidisciplinary teams had resulted in new friendships and partnerships. In total, 72% of respondents indicated they would be interested in participating in another hackathon. However, 65% of the respondents suggested that the training time be lengthened. This study demonstrates that multidisciplinary hackathons effectively enhance learning, significantly impact communities and improve students’ soft skills, including project and time management, interpersonal communication, motivational strategies and problem-solving.
Garnet chemical zoning: a clue for the tectono-metamorphic history of the Proterozoic Mayombe chain (West Congo Belt), Congo-Brazzaville
Authors: Bouénitéla Vicky , Ballèvre Michel , Boudzoumou Florent , Kebi-Tsoumou Sage Paterne Chandrich
Published: September 2024

The Mayombe chain of Congo is part of the West Congo Belt, which belonged to the western Gondwana supercontinent. It consists of Paleoproterozoic gneisses and schists that are tectonically stacked and overthrust Neoproterozoic low-grade metamorphic rocks. Although Neoproterozoic context of the chain is relatively well established, the tectono-metamorphic evolution of its Paleoproterozoic basement still under discussion.

Petrography, garnet chemistry and phase equilibria modelling were used to constrain tectono-metamorphic evolution of meta-plutonic and meta-sedimentary rocks from the Western Domain of the Mayombe chain. Microprobe analysis reveals three garnet types: (i) 2-stage garnets with distinct cores (Grt1) and rims (Grt2), (ii) unzoned garnet showing narrow diffusion zones along cracks and rims and (iii) syn-kinematic garnet with normal growth zoning. These complex and simple features of garnet growth are, respectively, related to a polycyclic evolution linked in this area to: (i) the superposition of Eburnean (c. 2000 Ma) and Pan-African (c. 600 Ma) orogenies and (ii) a monocyclic evolution related to a single Pan-African event taking into account ages of the protoliths. The oldest metamorphic assemblage (Eburnean) is preserved in amphibolite facies conditions marked by the first generation of garnet, whereas the younger (Pan-African) event varies from amphibolite facies in the southwest (4–6 kbar, 550°C–600°C) to greenschist facies in the northeast (4–6 kbar at 450°C–550°C) confirming the westward increase in metamorphic grade during the Pan-African event. Mineral equilibria modelling shows also a relatively HP episode culminated at 11.5–12.5 kbar and 525°C–550°C which tectonic environment stills less understood.
Tunnels of power: The cultural politics of the Beijing subway
Authors: Li Cheng , Liu Yanjun
Published: September 2024

This article investigates the cultural politics of the Beijing subway. Drawing on diverse sources, we trace the evolution of the subway over the last half-century to reveal that it transcends its fluctuating, time-specific practicalities to serve as a potent conduit through which the Chinese state consistently shapes subjecthood. The article begins with the subway’s Cold War inception as a military enterprise, spotlighting its deliberate concealment to safeguard the echelons of power and obscure both international and domestic tensions. The second section delves into the subway’s rebirth in the wake of China’s opening-up reform and rapid economic rise, as it transforms into a mobile gallery of political aesthetics that extols China’s cultural heritage and triumphs, cultivating national pride under siege from unleashed market and social forces. The final section dissects the subway’s orchestration of undesirable passengers, sculpting a socioeconomic hierarchy in the city’s commuting system. As a multifaceted prism, the Beijing subway encapsulates a range of covert and overt, pragmatic and aesthetic, and inclusive and exclusive elements in the cultural politics of Chinese infrastructure at large; and it illustrates the sustained centrality of state power in shaping individual subjectivities and defining the cultural and representational significance of Chinese infrastructure, albeit amid growing contestation.
The development of morphological awareness and vocabulary: What influences what?
Authors: Grande Germán , Diamanti Vassiliki , Protopapas Athanassios , Melby-Lervåg Monica , Lervåg Arne
Published: September 2024

The awareness of words’ morphological structure has been thought to allow generalizing meaning to other, similarly constructed words. Conversely, a large vocabulary is thought to facilitate the recognition of words’ morphological regularities, thereby contributing to morphological awareness. For this reason, morphological awareness and vocabulary have been suggested to be reciprocally associated across development. We followed 242 (girls = 119) Norwegian preschoolers (Mage = 5.5 years) from preschool through Grade 2 and examined the cross-lagged relations between morphological awareness (inflections and derivations) and vocabulary (receptive and expressive). Our results confirm that the traditional cross-lagged panel model shows significant cross-lagged relations between morphological awareness and vocabulary, as previous studies have shown. However, no cross-lagged relations were found when we accounted for longitudinal measured stability through a cross-lagged panel model with lag-2 paths or unmeasured stability through the random intercept cross-lagged panel model. We found that approximately 50% of the variation in morphology and vocabulary was due to highly stable and invariant factors across grades. We discuss how the significant cross-lagged relations found in previous studies could have been due to their not accounting for the right type of stability when using longitudinal panel data.
Association between dietary intake of carotenoids and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease in US adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017–March 2020
Authors: Yu Jiahui , Guo Peisen
Published: September 2024

Objective:

To assess the relationship between dietary intake of α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene and lutein+zeaxanthin (LZ) and occurrence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).

Design:

Cross-sectional study design. The MAFLD diagnosis was based on hepatic steatosis and metabolic dysregulation. Carotenoid intake was adjusted for using an energy-adjusted model. Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analyses were used to assess the relationships, with sensitivity analysis to validate the findings. Weighted quantile sum regression (WQS) was used to explore the combined effect of these carotenoids on MAFLD. Subgroup analyses were conducted to identify population-specific associations.

Setting:

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–March 2020.

Participants:

This study included 5098 individuals aged 18 years and older.

Results:

After adjusting for potential confounders, a weak inverse association was observed between α-carotene and β-carotene intakes and MAFLD occurrence (all P value <0·05). The highest quartile of β-carotene intake showed a significantly lower occurrence of MAFLD compared with the lowest quartile (OR = 0·65; 95 % CI: 0·44, 0·97). RCS analysis showed that a significantly lower occurrence of MAFLD was associated with a higher intake of the four carotenoids, excluding lycopene. Furthermore, the WQS analysis revealed a negative relationship between combined carotenoid intake and MAFLD occurrence (OR = 0·95, 95 % CI: 0·90, 1·00, P = 0·037). Subgroup analyses showed dietary carotenoid intake was associated with reduced MAFLD occurrence in populations aged 50–69 years, females, physically active individuals and non-drinkers.

Conclusion:

Higher dietary intake of carotenoids is associated with lower MAFLD occurrence. However, this relationship varies among individuals of different ages, sexes and lifestyles.
The inefficient effects of non-clinical factors on health care costs
Authors: McFarland Shawn , Miller Jonathan
Published: September 2024

We use Benford's law to examine the non-random elements of health care costs. We find that as health care expenditures increase, the conformity to the expected distribution of naturally occurring numbers worsens, indicating a tendency towards inefficient treatment. Government insurers follow Benford's law better than private insurers indicating more efficient treatment. Surprisingly, self-insured patients suffer the most from non-clinical cost factors. We suggest that cost saving efforts to reduce non-clinical expenses should be focused on more severe, costly encounters. Doing so focuses cost reduction efforts on less than 10% of encounters that constitute over 70% of dollars spent on health care treatment.
Does the Effect of Production Influence Memory for Background Context?
Authors: Kavanagh Victoria A. J. , Hourihan Kathleen L. , Hockley William E.
Published: September 2024

Abstract: The current study examined whether the benefit of mixed-list production could extend to memory for background contexts using word–background context pairs. Participants studied words presented on background images; words were read aloud or silently. In Experiment 1a, half of the studied items were tested on their studied background image and half were tested on a new image using old–new recognition. Although a production effect in word recognition was observed, context reinstatement had no effect on sensitivity and only a marginal effect on hit rates; it did not interact with production. In Experiment 1b, whether participants encoded the backgrounds and whether that encoding was affected by production was tested using separate recognition tests. A production effect was found in word recognition, but there was no effect in image recognition. Experiment 2 used a cued-recall test, with the studied background images as the cues to directly test whether associations were formed between words and backgrounds at study. A production effect was found but did not interact with the presence of cues during recall. Both the benefit of production and the benefit of context reinstatement appear to be independent of one another, with production not aiding memory for the associations between items nor the context.
Generalized Time‐Series Analysis for In Situ Spacecraft Observations: Anomaly Detection and Data Prioritization Using Principal Components Analysis and Unsupervised Clustering
Authors: Finley Matthew G. , Martinez‐Ledesma Miguel , Paterson William R. , Argall Matthew R. , Miles David M. , Dorelli John C. , Zesta Eftyhia
Published: September 2024

In situ spacecraft observations are critical to our study and understanding of the various phenomena that couple mass, momentum, and energy throughout near‐Earth space and beyond. However, on‐orbit telemetry constraints can severely limit the capability of spacecraft to transmit high‐cadence data, and missions are often only able to telemeter a small percentage of their captured data at full rate. This presents a programmatic need to prioritize intervals with the highest probability of enabling the mission's science goals. Larger missions such as the Magnetospheric Multiscale mission (MMS) aim to solve this problem with a Scientist‐In‐The‐Loop (SITL), where a domain expert flags intervals of time with potentially interesting data for high‐cadence data downlink and subsequent study. Although suitable for some missions, the SITL solution is not always feasible, especially for low‐cost missions such as CubeSats and NanoSats. This manuscript presents a generalizable method for the detection of anomalous data points in spacecraft observations, enabling rapid data prioritization without substantial computational overhead or the need for additional infrastructure on the ground. Specifically, Principal Components Analysis and One‐Class Support Vector Machines are used to generate an alternative representation of the data and provide an indication, for each point, of the data's potential for scientific utility. The technique's performance and generalizability is demonstrated through application to intervals of observations, including magnetic field data and plasma moments, from the CASSIOPE e‐POP/Swarm‐Echo and MMS missions.
Scattering Evidence for an Ancient Subducted Slab Using the Unique Raypath P*PKP
Authors: Zhang Hao , Vidale John E. , Wang Wei
Published: September 2024

We observe high‐frequency scatterers consistent with the interpretation of a tabular high‐velocity structure under the Indian Ocean as an ancient subducted slab. We use a previously rarely used raypath, P waves scattered in the slab into PKP waves (PKP), from 12 earthquakes and explosions in five locations recorded on the antique LASA (Large Aperture Seismic Array) located in Montana, United States. The scatterers concentrate in the mantle transition zone and 1,500 km depths, in the locations where the fast anomalies in the tomography broaden and strengthen. Our inference that the slab lingers in the upper‐ and mid‐mantle despite subducting and detaching more than 130 million years ago suggests that models of slabs sinking into the mantle may have to accommodate such long‐term stagnation.
Wavefield Reconstruction of Distributed Acoustic Sensing: Lossy Compression, Wavefield Separation, and Edge Computing
Authors: Ni Yiyu , Denolle Marine A. , Shi Qibin , Lipovsky Bradley P. , Pan Shaowu , Kutz J. Nathan
Published: September 2024

Distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) presents challenges and opportunities for seismological research and data management. This study explores wavefield reconstruction using deep learning methods for data compression and wavefield separation. We test various architectures to treat DAS data as two‐dimensional arrays, such as the implicit neural representation (INR) models and the SHallow REcurrent Decoder (SHRED) model. The INR models present better data compression ability but do not generalize over space and time, a major practical limitation. On the other hand, SHRED generalizes over space and time for a single optical fiber with data from 20% decimated channels for the reconstruction. Despite good performance in reconstructing long‐wavelength features, the shallow recurrent decoder does not reconstruct transient earthquake wavefields at shorter wavelengths, limiting its usability for seismic data transmission. Nevertheless, we leverage wavefield reconstruction of ocean waves to separate them from the seismic wavefield and improve seismological use cases for earthquake detection and Earth imaging. In summary, as a lightweight deep learning model, SHRED is well suited for wavefield separation and lossy compression of the DAS data.
Effects of intranasal oxytocin on fear extinction learning
Authors: Rashidi Mahmoud , Simon Joe J. , Bertsch Katja , Wegen Gerhard Vincent , Ditzen Beate , Flor Herta , Grinevich Valery , Wolf Robert Christian , Herpertz Sabine C.
Published: September 2024

Once a threat no longer exists, extinction of conditioned fear becomes adaptive in order to reduce allotted resources towards cues that no longer predict the threat. In anxiety and stress disorders, fear extinction learning may be affected. Animal findings suggest that the administration of oxytocin (OT) modulates extinction learning in a timepoint-dependent manner, facilitating extinction when administered prior to fear conditioning, but impairing it when administered prior to extinction learning. The aim of the present study was to examine if these findings translate into human research. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2-day fear conditioning and extinction learning design, behavioral (self-reported anxiety), physiological (skin conductance response), neuronal (task-based and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging), and hormonal (cortisol) data were collected from 124 naturally cycling (taking no hormonal contraceptives) healthy females. When administered prior to conditioning (Day 1), OT, similar to rodent findings, did not affect fear conditioning, but modulated the intrinsic functional connectivity of the anterior insula immediately after fear conditioning. In contrast to animal findings, OT impaired, not facilitated, extinction learning on the next day and increased anterior insula activity. When administered prior to extinction learning (day 2), OT increased the activity in the bilateral middle temporal gyrus, and similar to animal findings, reduced extinction learning. The current findings suggest that intranasal OT impedes fear extinction learning in humans regardless of the timepoint of administration, providing new insights and directions for future translational research and clinical applications.
Mesenchymal stem cells in tumor microenvironment: drivers of bladder cancer progression through mitochondrial dynamics and energy production
Authors: Yang Enguang , Jing Suoshi , Wang Fang , Wang Hanzhang , Fu Shengjun , Yang Li , Tian Junqiang , Golijanin Dragan J. , El-Deiry Wafik S. , Cheng Liang , Wang Zhiping
Published: September 2024

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in tumor microenvironment (TME) are crucial for the initiation, development, and metastasis of cancer. The impact and mechanism of MSCs on bladder cancer are uncertain. Here we analyzed 205 patient samples to explore the relationships between tumor-stroma ratio and clinicopathological features. A co-culture model and nude mouse transplantation were used to explore the biological roles and molecular mechanisms of MSCs on bladder cancer cells. We found that a high tumor-stroma ratio was significantly associated with a larger tumor size and higher T stage, pathological grade, number of vascular invasions, and poor overall survival. MSCs in TME promoted the ability of bladder cancer cells to proliferate, migrate, and invade in vitro and in vivo. Next, we demonstrated that MSCs enhance mitochondrial autophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis of bladder cancer cells, and increase energy production, thereby promoting bladder cancer cell progression. Kynurenine (Kyn) produced by MSCs could enhance mitochondrial function by activating the AMPK pathway. IDO1 inhibitor could reverse the tumor‑promoting effects of MSCs in vitro and in vivo. Our results demonstrated that tryptophan metabolites Kyn of MSCs in TME could enhance mitochondrial function by activating the AMPK pathway, thereby promoting bladder cancer cell progression.
Oxa-Iboga alkaloids lack cardiac risk and disrupt opioid use in animal models
Authors: Havel Václav , Kruegel Andrew C. , Bechand Benjamin , McIntosh Scot , Stallings Leia , Hodges Alana , Wulf Madalee G. , Nelson Mel , Hunkele Amanda , Ansonoff Michael , Pintar John E. , Hwu Christopher , Ople Rohini S. , Abi-Gerges Najah , Zaidi Saheem A. , Katritch Vsevolod , Yang Mu , Javitch Jonathan A. , Majumdar Susruta , Hemby Scott E. , Sames Dalibor
Published: September 2024

Ibogaine and its main metabolite noribogaine provide important molecular prototypes for markedly different treatment of substance use disorders and co-morbid mental health illnesses. However, these compounds present a cardiac safety risk and a highly complex molecular mechanism. We introduce a class of iboga alkaloids – termed oxa-iboga – defined as benzofuran-containing iboga analogs and created via structural editing of the iboga skeleton. The oxa-iboga compounds lack the proarrhythmic adverse effects of ibogaine and noribogaine in primary human cardiomyocytes and show superior efficacy in animal models of opioid use disorder in male rats. They act as potent kappa opioid receptor agonists in vitro and in vivo, but exhibit atypical behavioral features compared to standard kappa opioid agonists. Oxa-noribogaine induces long-lasting suppression of morphine, heroin, and fentanyl intake after a single dose or a short treatment regimen, reversal of persistent opioid-induced hyperalgesia, and suppression of opioid drug seeking in rodent relapse models. As such, oxa-iboga compounds represent mechanistically distinct iboga analogs with therapeutic potential.
Ocean warming as a trigger for irreversible retreat of the Antarctic ice sheet
Authors: Hill Emily A. , Gudmundsson G. Hilmar , Chandler David M.
Published: September 2024

Warmer ocean conditions could impact future ice loss from Antarctica due to their ability to thin and reduce the buttressing of laterally confined ice shelves. Previous studies highlight the potential for a cold to warm ocean regime shift within the sub-shelf cavities of the two largest Antarctic ice shelves—the Filchner–Ronne and Ross. However, how this impacts upstream ice flow and mass loss has not been quantified. Here using an ice sheet model and an ensemble of ocean-circulation model sub-shelf melt rates, we show that transition to a warm state in those ice shelf cavities leads to a destabilization and irreversible grounding line retreat in some locations. Once this ocean shift takes place, ice loss from the Filchner–Ronne and Ross catchments is greatly accelerated, and conditions begin to resemble those of the present-day Amundsen Sea sector—responsible for most current observed Antarctic ice loss—where this thermal shift has already occurred.
An open dataset for individual tree detection in UAV LiDAR point clouds and RGB orthophotos in dense mixed forests
Authors: Dubrovin Ivan , Fortin Clement , Kedrov Alexander
Published: September 2024

We present an open access dataset for development, evaluation, and comparison of algorithms for individual tree detection in dense mixed forests. The dataset consists of a detailed field inventory and overlapping UAV LiDAR and RGB orthophoto, which make it possible to develop algorithms that fuse multimodal data to improve detection results. Along with the dataset, we describe and implement a basic local maxima filtering baseline and an algorithm for automatically matching detection results to the ground truth trees for detection algorithm evaluation.
Size-dependent Curie temperature of Ni nanoparticles from spin-lattice dynamics simulations
Authors: dos Santos Gonzalo , Urbassek Herbert M. , Bringa Eduardo M.
Published: September 2024

The magnetic properties of Ni nanoparticles (NPs) with diameter D are investigated using spin-lattice dynamics (SLD) simulations. Using exchange interactions fitted to ab-initio results we obtain a Curie temperature, $$T_c$$

T
c

, similar, but lower, than experiments. In order to reproduce quantitatively the bulk Curie temperature and the experimental results, the exchange energy has to be increased by 25% compared to the ab-initio value. During the simulated time, Ni NPs remain ferromagnetic down to the smallest sizes investigated here, containing around 500 atoms. The average magnetic moment of the NPs is slightly smaller than that determined experimentally. By considering a core-shell model for NPs, in which the shell atoms are assigned a larger magnetic moment, this discrepancy can be removed. $$T_c$$

T
c

is lower for a moving lattice than for a frozen lattice, as expected, but this difference decreases with NP size because smaller NPs include higher surface disorder which dominates the transition. For NPs, $$T_c$$

T
c

decreases with the NP diameter D by at most 10% at $$D=2$$

D
=
2

 nm, in agreement with several experiments, and unlike some modeling or theoretical scaling results which predict a considerably larger decrease. The decrease of $$T_c$$

T
c

is well described by finite-size scaling models, with a critical exponent that depends on the SLD settings for a frozen or moving lattice, and also depends on the procedure for determining $$T_c$$

T
c

. Extrapolating the inverse of the magnetization as function of temperature near $$T_c$$

T
c

gives a lower $$T_c$$

T
c

than the maximum of the susceptibility.
SUN2 mediates calcium-triggered nuclear actin polymerization to cluster active RNA polymerase II
Authors: Ulferts Svenja , Grosse Robert
Published: September 2024

The nucleoskeleton is essential for nuclear architecture as well as genome integrity and gene expression. In addition to lamins, titin or spectrins, dynamic actin filament polymerization has emerged as a potential intranuclear structural element but its functions are less well explored. Here we found that calcium elevations trigger rapid nuclear actin assembly requiring the nuclear membrane protein SUN2 independently of its function as a component of the LINC complex. Instead, SUN2 colocalized and associated with the formin and actin nucleator INF2 in the nuclear envelope in a calcium-regulated manner. Moreover, SUN2 is required for active RNA polymerase II (RNA Pol II) clustering in response to calcium elevations. Thus, our data uncover a SUN2-formin module linking the nuclear envelope to intranuclear actin assembly to promote signal-dependent spatial reorganization of active RNA Pol II.
Enhanced pollutant photodegradation activity of graphitic carbon nitride on via bismuth oxyhalide graphene hybridization and the mechanism study
Authors: Liu Xinghui , Liu Yang , Guo Xiang , Tao Bowen , Ma Xu , Cheng Simin , Tian Ning , Liu Gaihui , Wu Qiao , Bui Viet Q. , Saxena Kuldeep K. , Ramaraj Sankar Ganesh , Liu Jianhui , Zhang Fuchun , Zhu Yongfa
Published: September 2024

The Z-scheme heterojunction structure of g-C3N4 and Bi4O5Br2 adjusts the band positions of the dominant active species, providing suitable energy levels for the generation of h+ and ·O2−, enhanced pollutant degradation.
Processing of a P(NDI2OD-T2) film without an intermediate wetting layer during spin-coating to improve charge carrier mobility
Authors: Wang Sichun , Li Junhang , Liu Xinyu , Zhang Qiang , Yu Xinhong , Han Yanchun
Published: September 2024

A uniform fibrous morphology and an optimal electrical performance can be obtained by direct formation of conjugated polymer films on a substrate without an intermediate wetting layer via controlling solvent evaporation.
Selective inhibition of cancer cell migration using a pH-responsive nucleobase-modified DNA aptamer
Authors: Chen Yuyuan , Morihiro Kunihiko , Nemoto Yui , Ichimura Akito , Ueki Ryosuke , Sando Shinsuke , Okamoto Akimitsu
Published: September 2024

The pH-responsive DNA aptamer switch selectively inhibits the migration of cancer cells.
Chemo-mechanical model of cell polarization initiated by structural polarity
Authors: Wang Hexiang , Jia Zhimeng , Fang Yuqiang
Published: September 2024

We establish a multiscale model of a cell to explore the chemomechanical mechanisms of cell polarization initiated by structural polarity. The two-dimensional vertex model is built by coupling the cytoskeletal reorganization and the Cdc42 activation.
Microfluidic dissolution of nanoemulsions in solvents
Authors: Dinh Thai , Xu Yixuan , Mason Thomas G. , Cubaud Thomas
Published: September 2024

We examine the microfluidic postprocessing soft colloidal dispersions and reveal a variety of microflow regimes between nanoscale emulsions and solvents.
High performance long chain polyesters via melt copolymerization of cutin-inspired monomers
Authors: Zhu Zewen , Damron Joshua T. , Keum Jong K. , Kearney Logan , Bocharova Vera , Foster Jeffrey C.
Published: September 2024

Herein, we report a simple strategy to achieve good mechanical properties in bio-inspired long-chain polyesters via melt copolymerization.
Dynamic state estimation of distribution network under Markov DOS attack
Authors: Wang Yihe , Zhang Na , Yang Fangyuan , Yang Shuo , Yang Bo , Wang Huan
Published: September 2024

Energy information is vulnerable to malicious denial of service (DoS) attacks due to the diversity and openness of the smart grid environment. In order to cope with the above challenges, this paper first proposes to adopt Markov hopping model to describe the random packet loss of measurement due to DoS attacks. Then, based on Holt two‐parameter exponential smoothing and untraced Kalman filtering techniques, a one‐step predictive value compensation method for measurement data loss is proposed, and an improved dynamic untraced particle filtering algorithm based on data fusion compensation strategy is designed. Finally, an IEEE‐30 bus system is used to simulate the proposed dynamic state estimation method, which proves that the proposed method can effectively resist DoS attack.
Posterior Cramér–Rao lower bounds for extended target tracking with PMBM conjugate recursion
Authors: Xie Xingxiang , Zhao Xiongwei , Song Zhumei , Li Kening
Published: September 2024

This letter considers the posterior Cramér–Rao lower bounds (PCRLB) problem for extended target tracking from a stack of measurement data that are modelled as random variables in the random finite sets framework. The scalars in the traditional PCRLB are converted into vectors based on random finite sets to derive a theoretical lower bound. In this way, the proposed method can be applied to the multi‐target tracking problem and accommodates scenarios with targets of varying. Moreover, solving the data association problem from four parts caused by the conjugate update of the Poisson multi‐Bernoulli mixture filter is considered. Simulation results are presented to verify the effectiveness of the derived PCRLB.
Construction of ZnCo2O4/Ag3PO4 composite photocatalyst for enhanced photocatalytic performance
Authors: Liu Jiayi , Hu Jiafeng , Hu Hao , Zhou Xiaotao , Wang Qiwei , Wei Weizhi , Liu Wenhui
Published: September 2024

In this study, ZnCo2O4/Ag3PO4 composite catalyst was prepared by the precipitation method, and their performance in the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) was studied. The catalysts were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, selected area electron diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and UV‐Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The results indicate that the 0.1 ZnCo2O4/Ag3PO4 composite system has good photocatalytic activity in the degradation of methyl orange. Under simulated sunlight conditions, the degradation rate can reach 94% after 30 min. The maximum reaction rate constant of 0.1 ZnCo2O4/Ag3PO4 was 0.05301 min−1, which is 3 times and 52 times the rate constant of pure Ag3PO4 and pure ZnCo2O4, respectively. In catalyst recycling experiments, 0.1 ZnCo2O4/Ag3PO4 still degraded methyl orange at a rate of 84.4% after three cycles. Trapping experiments showed that holes and superoxide radicals mostly contributed to the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange by the catalyst, while hydroxyl radicals played a partial role. The energy level structure of ZnCo2O4/Ag3PO4 is conducive to the effective separation of photogenerated electrons and holes, improving the lifespan of photogenerated charges. In the investigated catalyst series, 0.1 ZnCo2O4/Ag3PO4 demonstrated the best photocatalytic performance.
Life cycle assessment of nuclear power in France: EDF case study
Authors: Le-Boulch Denis , Morisset Vincent , Jobard Zoé , Burguburu Alexis , Czyrnek-Delêtre Magdalena M.
Published: September 2024

The French electricity mix is dominated by nuclear power, representing 69% of the power generation in 2021, and further development of nuclear power for electricity is expected. This study applied Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate the potential environmental impact of nuclear power generated by EDF SA., the world’s largest nuclear operator and electric utility company operating all the nuclear reactors in France. The study’s main objective was to assess the potential environmental impacts of nuclear power, from raw material extraction to end-of-life, according to several indicators, while focusing on the climate change indicator. The total impact of nuclear power on climate change (3.7 gCO2eq/kWh) is found to be in the lower range of LCA studies on nuclear power conducted so far. Mining and milling of uranium are the most contributing stages, while EDF’s electricity generation is the second largest contributor. The key output of this LCA is the extensive data collected, resulting in a detailed LCA model covering the entire French nuclear fleet. Future studies should focus on (1) collecting more specific data on uranium mining and processing, as these are so far based on database data, and (2) addressing other LCA indicators, such as water use, land use, and ecotoxicity.
Bewegungsversorgung im deutschen Gesundheitssystem:
gesundheitspolitische Relevanz und notwendige Rahmenbedingungen – ein
Positionspapier der AG Bewegungsbezogene Versorgungsforschung des
DNVF
Authors: Schaller Andrea , Thiel Christian , Peters Stefan , Geidl Wolfgang , Sarah Klamroth , Lange Martin , Kastaun Sabrina , Krupp Sonja , Spaderna Heike , Eckert Katharina , Grafe Marion , Voelcker-Rehage Claudia , Nellessen-Martens Gisela , Pfeifer Klaus , Sudeck Gorden , Wiskemann Joachim , Wollesen Bettina , Gabrys Lars
Published: September 2024

Ausgehend von der Relevanz einer etablierten und breiten Verankerung von
Bewegungsangeboten in der Gesundheits- und Krankenversorgung in Deutschland
werden im vorliegenden Positionspapier der DNVF AG Bewegungsbezogene
Versorgungsforschung derzeitige konzeptionelle Ansätze der Bewegungsversorgung
vorgestellt und die Notwendigkeit einer interprofessionellen und -disziplinären
Bewegungsversorgung aufgezeigt. Es werden drei zentrale Positionen formuliert
und ausgearbeitet, damit die Evidenz zur Gesundheitswirksamkeit von körperlicher
Aktivität und körperlichem Training stärker im Gesundheitssystem integriert
werden kann und die Bewegungsversorgung vor dem Hintergrund der
Herausforderungen im deutschen Gesundheitswesen einen kosteneffizienten und
qualitativ hochwertigen Beitrag zur Verbesserung der Gesundheitsversorgung
leisten kann. Diese drei Positionen umfassen 1) die Integration aller an der
Versorgung beteiligten Berufsgruppen in die Bewegungsversorgung, 2) die stärkere
Integration von Bewegungsfachberufen und Bewegungsangeboten in alle
Versorgungskontexte und 3) die systematische Berücksichtigung von
Bewegungsexpertise in medizinischen Leitlinien.
Incidence of Early Adverse Events Following Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Yalcin Sercan , Seals Karrington , Farrow Lutul D.
Published: September 2024

The current literature lacks data regarding perioperative complications after medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLr). The objective of this study was to identify the incidence and predictors of adverse events in the first 90 days after MPFLr. Patients undergoing primary MPFLr between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2019, were included. Predictors of readmission for any reason were identified using a multivariable logistic regression analysis. A total of 140 MPFLrs were included in the final analysis. Of these, 17 patients (12.1%) were admitted in the first 90 days after MPFLr. The most common reason for readmission was pain (7/140, 5%), followed by cellulitis (5/140, 3.5%). The only major complication was pulmonary embolism experienced by one patient (1/140, 0.7%). Univariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that patients who ever smoked were 4.5 times (p = 0.005) more likely to be readmitted in the first 90 days. Although additional soft-tissue procedures increased the readmission rated by 21% (p = 0.810) and additional chondral procedure increased by 35% (p = 0.568), the multivariable analysis did not reveal a significant difference. Surgeons can use this information to counsel patients on what to expect following MPFLr.
The Conversion of Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty to Total Knee Arthroplasty with Non-CT-Based Robotic Assistance: A Novel Surgical Technique and Case Series
Authors: Raja Hamza M. , Wesemann Luke , Charters Michael A. , North W. Trevor
Published: September 2024

Robotic-assisted devices help provide precise component positioning in conversion of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) to total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A few studies offer surgical techniques for computed tomography (CT) based robotic-assisted conversion of UKA to TKA; however, no studies to date detail this procedure utilizing a non-CT-based robotic-assisted device. This article introduces a novel technique employing a non-CT-based robotic-assisted device (ROSA Knee System, Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, IN) for converting UKA to TKA with a focus on its efficacy in gap balancing. We present three patients (ages 46–66 years) who were evaluated for conversion of UKA to TKA for aseptic loosening, stress fracture, and progressive osteoarthritis. Each patient underwent robotic-assisted conversion to TKA. Postoperative assessments at 6 months revealed improved pain, function, and radiographic stability. Preoperative planning included biplanar long leg radiographs to determine the anatomic and mechanical axis of the leg. After arthrotomy with a standard medial parapatellar approach, infrared reflectors were pinned into the femur and tibia, followed by topographical mapping of the knee with the UKA in situ. The intraoperative software was utilized to evaluate flexion and extension balancing and plan bony resections. Then, the robotic arm guided placement of the femoral and tibial guide pins and the UKA components were removed. After bony resection of the distal femur and proximal tibia, the intraoperative software was used to reassess the extension gap, and plan posterior condylar resection to have the flexion gap match the extension gap. The use of a non-CT-based robotic-assisted device in conversion of UKA to TKA is a novel technique and a good option for surgeons familiar with robotic-assisted arthroplasty, resulting in excellent outcomes at 6 months.
Early Improvement in Postoperative Clinical Outcomes without Patellar Resurfacing in Patella-Friendly Design of Medial Pivot TKA
Authors: Cooper Leo , Owen Brewer , Soeno Tatsuya , Wahl Stephen , Stambough Jeffrey B. , Barnes C. Lowry , Mears Simon C. , Stronach Benjamin M.
Published: September 2024

There is continued debate about the efficacy and indications for patellar resurfacing in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), especially with the emergence of patella-friendly designs. This study aimed to compare the postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing TKA with or without patellar resurfacing using the same implant design. This is a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent TKA including those with patellar resurfacing (PR group) and those without (NPR group). Demographic data included age, gender, side of surgery, operative time, and body mass index (BMI). Outcomes included preoperative, 2-week, 6-week, and 1-year postoperative Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and Joint Replacement (KOOS, JR) values along with knee range of motion (ROM). Postoperative complications were recorded. The power analysis with a large effect size indicated that a minimum sample size of 54 was required for Student's t-test and 34 for the paired t-test. A total of 90 medial pivot (MP) TKA were included in this study. There were 30 knees in the PR group and 60 in the NPR group. There was no significant difference between the groups for all demographic data, preoperative and postoperative ROM, and KOOS, JR values at all time points (p > 0.05 for all variables). The KOOS, JR significantly improved in the NPR groups at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 1 year postoperatively when compared with the preoperative score and at 6 weeks and 1 year postoperatively in the PR group (p < 0.01). No revisions related to the patellofemoral joint were observed in patients initially undergoing patellar resurfacing. One patient in the NPR group required secondary patellar resurfacing. The patella-friendly MP TKA yielded favorable postoperative outcomes, with or without patellar resurfacing. Improvements in KOOS, JR were observed earlier in the NPR group when compared with the PR group, suggesting that patellar resurfacing may not always be necessary for modern TKA designs.

Level of Evidence Retrospective cohort study, Level III.
Link Between Ferritin, Vitamin D, Performance, and Eating Attitudes
in Female Athletes
Authors: Tsukahara Yuka , Torii Suguru , Taniguchi Yukiko , Kusakabe Torao , Murakami Hideki , Yamasawa Fumihiro , Akama Takao
Published: September 2024

Iron and vitamin D deficiencies can affect athletes’ health and performance.
However, the epidemiology and associated risk factors remain unclear.
Forty-three elite female athletics athletes (20.2±1.9 years) were included. A
survey regarding the training schedule and Eating Attitudes Test-26, body
composition, bone mineral density, and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and
ferritin levels were assessed. Mean serum 25(OH)D and ferritin levels were
25.2±5.5 ng/mL and 29.0±13.2 ng/mL, respectively, and 83.7% and 41.9% of
athletes had vitamin D and ferritin insufficiency, respectively. Serum 25(OH)D
level was negatively correlated with the number of rest days per week
(Coefficient,−6.19; 95% confidence interval [CI],−9.82–−2.57; p=0.002), and
serum ferritin level was negatively correlated with body mass index
(Coefficient,−3.87; 95% CI,−7.57–−0.16; p=0.041). Performance levels were
positively correlated with serum vitamin D levels (Coefficients, 7.25; 95% CI,
0.25–14.25; p=0.043) and negatively correlated with EAT-26 scores
(Coefficient,−7.30; 95% CI,−12.61–−1.98; p=0.009) and body fat percentage
(Coefficient,−13.26; 95% CI,−24.66–−1.86; p=0.025). Vitamin D and ferritin
insufficiencies are prevalent among Japanese female athletics athletes. Serum
vitamin D level was related to performance level.
Eastern pygmy possum (Cercartetus nanus) populations persist in Central Coast forests after the Black Summer bushfires
Authors: Chew Dylan J. I. , Law Brad , Leo Viyanna , Southwell Darren M. , Anson Jennifer R. , Hayward Matt W.
Published: September 2024

The 2019–2020 Black Summer bushfires are an example of Australia’s climate-induced, changing fire regimes, where flora and fauna suffer both direct and indirect impacts as the result of large fires. The eastern pygmy possum (Cercartetus nanus) is a species that may be affected and, although its general ecology is well understood, there is limited knowledge of its response to wildfire. Using clusters of nest boxes across two state forests on the New South Wales Central Coast, detection histories were created from 2017 to 2023. Estimates of occupancy, detection and extinction were produced, where the top ranked model included Fire severity as a covariate of extinction. Extinction probability was highest in unburnt areas, 0.55 (95% CI = 0.13–0.82) and lowest in moderate fire severity areas, 0.15 (95% CI = 0.003–0.52), although all estimates were highly uncertain. Detection probability was 0.35 per cluster visit (95% CI = 0.26–0.45) and occupancy probability was 0.77 (95% CI = 0.39–0.98), indicating a high probability of occupancy at sites affected by fire. This suggests that eastern pygmy possums may benefit from post-fire resources, such as flowering shrubs, as well as their flexible den selection, providing a niche that other arboreal animals may be unable to exploit so soon post fire.
Inverse modeling of 2010–2022 satellite observations shows that inundation of the wet tropics drove the 2020–2022 methane surge
Authors: Qu Zhen , Jacob Daniel J. , Bloom A. Anthony , Worden John R. , Parker Robert J. , Boesch Hartmut
Published: September 2024

Atmospheric methane concentrations rose rapidly over the past decade and surged in 2020–2022 but the causes have been unclear. We find from inverse analysis of GOSAT satellite observations that emissions from the wet tropics drove the 2010–2019 increase and the subsequent 2020–2022 surge, while emissions from northern mid-latitudes decreased. The 2020–2022 surge is principally contributed by emissions in Equatorial Asia (43%) and Africa (30%). Wetlands are the major drivers of the 2020–2022 emission increases in Africa and Equatorial Asia because of tropical inundation associated with La Niña conditions, consistent with trends in the GRACE terrestrial water storage data. In contrast, emissions from major anthropogenic emitters such as the United States, Russia, and China are relatively flat over 2010–2022. Concentrations of tropospheric OH (the main methane sink) show no long-term trend over 2010–2022 but a decrease over 2020–2022 that contributed to the methane surge.
Innate face-selectivity in the brain of young domestic chicks
Authors: Kobylkov Dmitry , Rosa-Salva Orsola , Zanon Mirko , Vallortigara Giorgio
Published: September 2024

Shortly after birth, both naïve animals and newborn babies exhibit a spontaneous attraction to faces and face-like stimuli. While neurons selectively responding to faces have been found in the inferotemporal cortex of adult primates, face-selective domains in the brains of young monkeys seem to develop only later in life after exposure to faces. This has fueled a debate on the role of experience in the development of face-detector mechanisms, since face preferences are well documented in naïve animals, such as domestic chicks reared without exposure to faces. Here, we demonstrate that neurons in a higher-order processing brain area of one-week-old face-naïve domestic chicks selectively respond to a face-like configuration. Our single-cell recordings show that these neurons do not respond to alternative configurations or isolated facial features. Moreover, the population activity of face-selective neurons accurately encoded the face-like stimulus as a unique category. Thus, our findings show that face selectivity is present in the brains of very young animals without preexisting experience.