bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic studies on polyacrylates containing side‐chain hydrogen bonding units: Significant effects of the pendant functions on thermal behaviors and solubility of polymers
Authors: Hirose Yuki , Yoshida Yoshiaki , Furusho Yoshio , Tomita Ikuyoshi , Endo Takeshi
Published: February 2024

The synthesis of polyacrylates containing various pendant hydrogen bonding or non‐hydrogen bonding functions and the effects of side‐chain functions on their physical properties are described. The polyacrylates possessing urea, urethane, N‐substituted urea, or carbonate groups are prepared by the free radical polymerization of acrylate monomers possessing the corresponding functional groups. The presence of stronger hydrogen bonding interactions both in bulk and solutions of a highly polar solvent such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is supported by the infrared (IR) spectra, whereas the urethane‐based polyacrylate does not exhibit the interaction in the solution. The presence of the stronger hydrogen bonding interactions of the urea unit is discussed by the IR and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra and the density functional theory calculations of the corresponding model compounds. The solubility in organic solvents and the glass transition temperature (Tg) of polymers are also dependent on the structure of the pendant groups. Polar aprotic solvents such as DMSO can only dissolve the urea‐based polyacrylate, while the other polymers are soluble in a much wider range of solvents such as tetrahydrofuran. The urea‐based polyacrylate shows the highest Tg among the polymers studied owing to the presence of plural hydrogen bonding sites in the urea groups.
New Wormhole Solutions in Quadratic f(Q)$f(\mathcal {Q})$‐Gravity Regime
Authors: Kiroriwal Sweeti , Kumar Jitendra , Maurya Sunil Kumar , Chaudhary Sourav , Aziz Abdul
Published: February 2024

Nowadays, alternative gravity is a crucial tool for addressing some enduring observational problems, such as the dark universe. Additionally, they can be used to advance the results of general relativity in astrophysics. Wormholes, or imagined passageways through spacetime, have the potential to revolutionize interstellar transport and cosmic interconnection. In the present work, the existence and characteristics of wormhole solutions in the context of the non‐linear function of gravity are investigated. A typical characteristic of maintaining wormholes is the presence of exotic stuff that defines the energy conditions (ECs). The authors looked at the ECs that must be met and analyzed how the function affects the energy‐momentum requirements for maintaining the wormholes open. For a comprehensive understanding of wormhole geometries, we also studied the embedding diagram and volume integral quantifier.
Cancer cells employ lipid droplets to survive toxic stress
Authors: Kostecka Laurie G. , Mendez Sabrina , Li Melvin , Khare Pratik , Zhang Cissy , Le Anne , Amend Sarah R. , Pienta Kenneth J.
Published: February 2024

Background

Lipid reprogramming is a known mechanism to increase the energetic demands of proliferating cancer cells to drive and support tumorigenesis and progression. Elevated lipid droplets (LDs) are a well‐known alteration of lipid reprogramming in many cancers, including prostate cancer (PCa), and are associated with high tumor aggressiveness as well as therapy resistance. The mechanism of LD accumulation and specific LD functions are still not well understood; however, it has been shown that LDs can form as a protective mechanism against lipotoxicity and lipid peroxidation in the cell.

Methods

This study investigated the significance of LDs in PCa. This was done by staining, imaging, image quantification, and flow cytometry analysis of LDs in PCa cells. Additionally, lipidomics and metabolomics experiments were performed to assess the difference of metabolites and lipids in control and treatment surviving cancer cells. Lastly, to assess clinical significance, multiple publicly available datasets were mined for LD‐related data.

Results

Our study demonstrated that prostate and breast cancer cells that survive 72 h of chemotherapy treatment have elevated LDs. These LDs formed in tandem with elevated reactive oxygen species levels to sequester damaged and excess lipids created by oxidative stress, which promoted cell survival. Additionally, by inhibiting diacylglycerol O‐acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) (which catalyzes triglyceride synthesis into LDs) and treating with chemotherapy simultaneously, we were able to decrease the overall amount of LDs and increase cancer cell death compared to treating with chemotherapy alone.

Conclusions

Overall, our study proposes a potential combination therapy of DGAT1 inhibitors and chemotherapy to increase cancer cell death.
Fatigue reliability and sensitivity analysis of aero‐disk considering correlation
Authors: Di Haoyuan , Li Hongshuang , Nan Hang , Li Yi , Jiang Hanfei
Published: February 2024

Aero‐disk is a key component of aero‐engine. Due to its complex working conditions, aero‐disk is prone to structural failures. Therefore, it is essential to analyze the reliability and importance input variables of aero‐disk. In this paper, a framework of aero‐disk reliability analysis and global sensitivity analysis (GSA) was established. First, the hazardous regions of aero‐disk were determined by finite element analysis, and the limit state function of aero‐disk was defined by the life interference model. Then D‐Vine model was utilized to establish the correlation model for aero‐disk hazardous regions to evaluate the reliability of aero‐disk. In addition, two GSA methods based on Copula and space partition were proposed to identify important input random variables considering underlying correlation, and the accuracy of the proposed method was verified by two examples. Finally, the proposed method was applied to the GSA of aero‐disk. The results show that the established framework fills in the gap of uncertainty analysis of aero‐disk, which can be extended to other engineering fields. The proposed GSA methods have both high efficiency and accuracy and can realize multi‐dimensional GSA when the correlation of input variables is considered.
Adaptive prescribed performance tracking control of high‐order uncertain nonlinear systems under full‐state time‐varying constraints
Authors: Chang Ru , Bai Zhi‐Zhong , Jiao Ting , Sun Chang‐Yin
Published: February 2024

In this article, the adaptive finite time prescribed performance tracking control problem of a class of high‐order uncertain nonlinear systems under full state time‐varying constraints is addressed. By using the logarithmic function based nonlinear mapping technique rather than the barrier Lyapunov function based method, the obstacle of the full‐state constraints is resolved, and the undesired “feasibility conditions” in controller design are eliminated. By improving the prescribed performance control method, the initial value problem is overcome, and the finite‐time convergence of the tracking error can be ensured. Then, with the aid of the adding a power integrator method, an adaptive finite time prescribed performance tracking controller is designed, not only the tracking error but also the full states can be guaranteed to converge to a predefined constraint region in the predetermined time. Simulation examples are given to show the validness of the proposed control strategy.
Resilient and finite‐time H∞$$ {H}_{\infty } $$ control of semi‐Markov jump systems with both upper and lower thresholds of sojourn time
Authors: Pan Shiyao , Xie Xiangpeng , Zhu Yanzheng , Chadli Mohammed
Published: February 2024

This article discusses the finite‐time control problem for a type of discrete‐time semi‐Markov jump systems (SMJSs) with partial unavailable information. A mode‐dependent resilient state feedback control strategy and the incomplete semi‐Markov kernel (SMK) method are applied to stabilize the obtained closed‐loop systems to protect against additive disturbances that can easily occur in the controller. By considering the upper and lower thresholds of sojourn time for each mode, the number of jumps of SMJSs is effectively estimated and new finite‐time bounded related criteria are established, which cover the general case of some previous studies and are more practical in depicting systems. Besides, the performance is further discussed and optimization problems are presented to achieve better closed‐loop performance. At last, a simulation example and a practical example are exhibited to reveal the validity of our raised control strategies and theoretical results.
Encapsulating Bi Nanoparticles in Reduced Graphene Oxide with Strong Interfacial Bonding toward Advanced Potassium Storage
Authors: Wei Yi , Zhang Peng , Zhou Shujie , Tian Xue , Soomro Razium Ali , Liu Huan , Du Huiling , Xu Bin
Published: February 2024

Bismuth (Bi) is regarded as a promising anode material for potassium ion batteries (PIBs) due to its high theoretical capacity, but the huge volume expansion during potassiation and intrinsic low conductivity cause poor cycle stability and rate capability. Herein, a unique Bi nanoparticles/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composite is fabricated by anchoring the Bi nanoparticles over the rGO substrate through a ball‐milling and thermal reduction process. As depicted by the in‐depth XPS analysis, strong interfacial Bi‐C bonding can be formed between Bi and rGO, which is beneficial for alleviating the huge volume expansion of Bi during potassiation, restraining the aggregation of Bi nanoparticles and promoting the interfacial charge transfer. Theoretical calculation reveals the positive effect of rGO to enhance the potassium adsorption capability and interfacial electron transfer as well as reduce the diffusion energy barrier in the Bi/rGO composite. Thereby, the Bi/rGO composite exhibits excellent potassium storage performances in terms of high capacity (384.8 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1), excellent cycling stability (197.7 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles at 500 mA g−1 with no capacity decay) and superior rate capability (55.6 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1), demonstrating its great potential as an anode material for PIBs.
pH‐Responsive, Self‐Assembled Ruthenium Nanodrug: Dual Impact on Lysosomes and DNA for Synergistic Chemotherapy and Immunogenic Cell Death
Authors: Lu Yu , Zhu Di , Hu Bo , Chen Rong , Wang Xin , Xu Xiaoxue , Wang Wenjing , Wu Hao , Wang Yuji
Published: February 2024

Several DNA‐damaging antitumor agents, including ruthenium complexes, induce immunogenic cell death (ICD). In this study, an arginyl‐glycyl‐aspartic acid (RGD) peptide‐modified carboline ruthenium complex (KS‐Ru) is synthesized as a chemotherapeutic nanodrug and an ICD inducer. The RGD peptide, an integrin ligand, provides tumor‐specific targeting and promotes self‐assembly of the KS‐Ru complex. The pH‐responsive self‐assembly is assessed through transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, in vitro cytotoxic activity and anti‐metastasis ability are evaluated using MTT and Transwell assays, respectively, along with cellular immunofluorescence staining and imaging flow cytometry. The ability of the complex to inhibit primary tumor formation and lung metastasis in vivo is evaluated using Lewis lung cancer and A549 xenograft models. Furthermore, the tumor immune microenvironment is evaluated using single‐cell flow mass cytometry. KS‐Ru translocates to the nucleus, causing DNA damage and inducing ICD. Within the lysosomes, KS‐Ru self‐assembled into nanoflowers, leading to lysosomal swelling and apoptosis. Notably, the as‐synthesized pH‐dependent ruthenium nanomedicine achieves dual functionality—chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Moreover, the pH‐responsive self‐assembly of KS‐Ru enables simultaneous mechanisms in the lysosome and nucleus, thereby lowering the likelihood of drug resistance. This study provides valuable insight for the design of novel ruthenium‐based nanoantitumor drugs.
Oxygen Vacancy and Bandgap Simultaneous Modulation to Achieve High Lithiophilicity and Mechanical Strength of Lithium Metal Anodes
Authors: Wang Shuo , Shi Haiting , Liang Shuaitong , Li Hao , Xia Yuanhua , Shao Ruiqi , Li Tianyu , Shi Jie , Wu Xiaoqing , Xu Zhiwei
Published: February 2024

Metal oxides with conversion and alloying mechanisms are more competitive in suppressing lithium dendrites. However, it is difficult to simultaneously regulate the conversion and alloying reactions. Herein, conversion and alloying reactions are regulated by modulation of the zinc oxide bandgap and oxygen vacancies. State‐of‐the‐art advanced characterization techniques from a microcosmic to a macrocosmic viewpoint, including neutron diffraction, synchrotron X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, synchrotron X‐ray microtomography, nanoindentation, and ultrasonic C‐scan demonstrated the electrochemical gain benefit from plentiful oxygen vacancies and low bandgaps due to doping strategies. In addition, high mechanical strength 3D morphology and abundant mesopores assist in the uniform distribution of lithium ions. Consequently, the best‐performed ZnO‐2 offers impressive electrochemical properties, including symmetric Li cells with 2000 h and full cells with 81% capacity retention after 600 cycles. In addition to providing a promising strategy for improving the lithiophilicity and mechanical strength of metal oxide anodes, this work also sheds light on lithium metal batteries for practical applications.
Optimizing Electron Spin‐Polarized States of MoSe2/Cr2Se3 Heterojunction‐Embedded Carbon Nanospheres for Superior Sodium/Potassium‐Ion Battery Performances
Authors: Wang Xianchao , Zhang Xuan , Chen Ye , Dong Jinqiao , Zhao Jing
Published: February 2024

The principal challenges faced by sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) and potassium‐ion batteries (KIBs) revolve around identifying suitable host materials capable of accommodating metal ions with larger dimensions and addressing the issue of sluggish chemical kinetics. Herein, a MoSe2/Cr2Se3 heterojunction uniformly embedded is fabricated in nitrogen‐doped hollow carbon nanospheres (MoSe2/Cr2Se3@N‐HCSs) as an electrode material for SIBs and KIBs. Cr2Se3 exhibits spontaneous antiparallel alignment of magnetic moments. Mo2+ doping is employed to regulate the electron spin states of Cr2Se3. Moreover, the MoSe2 and Cr2Se3 heterojunctions induce a lattice mismatch at the heterostructure interface, resulting in spin‐polarized states or localized magnetic moments at the interface, potentially contributing to spin‐polarized surface capacitance. MoSe2/Cr2Se3@N‐HCSs demonstrate a high capacity of 498 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 with good cycling stability (capacity of 405 mAh g−1 and a coulombic efficiency of 99.8% after 1000 cycles). Additionally, density functional theory (DFT) calculations simulate the accumulation of spin‐polarized charges at the MoSe2/Cr2Se3@N‐HCSs heterojunction interface, dependent on the surface electron density of the antiferromagnetic Cr2Se3 and the surface spin polarization near the Fermi level. After regulating the electron spin states through Mo‐doping, the band gap of the material decreases. These significant findings provide novel insights into the design and synthesis of electrode materials with exceptional performance characteristics for batteries.
Tunable Magnetic Coupling in Graphene Nanoribbon Quantum Dots
Authors: Jacobse Peter H. , Sarker Mamun , Saxena Anshul , Zahl Percy , Wang Ziyi , Berger Emma , Aluru Narayana R. , Sinitskii Alexander , Crommie Michael F.
Published: February 2024

Carbon‐based quantum dots (QDs) enable flexible manipulation of electronic behavior at the nanoscale, but controlling their magnetic properties requires atomically precise structural control. While magnetism is observed in organic molecules and graphene nanoribbons (GNRs), GNR precursors enabling bottom‐up fabrication of QDs with various spin ground states have not yet been reported. Here the development of a new GNR precursor that results in magnetic QD structures embedded in semiconducting GNRs is reported. Inserting one such molecule into the GNR backbone and graphitizing it results in a QD region hosting one unpaired electron. QDs composed of two precursor molecules exhibit nonmagnetic, antiferromagnetic, or antiferromagnetic ground states, depending on the structural details that determine the coupling behavior of the spins originating from each molecule. The synthesis of these QDs and the emergence of localized states are demonstrated through high‐resolution atomic force microscopy (HR‐AFM), scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) imaging, and spectroscopy, and the relationship between QD atomic structure and magnetic properties is uncovered. GNR QDs provide a useful platform for controlling the spin‐degree of freedom in carbon‐based nanostructures.
Solution‐Based Deep Prelithiation for Lithium‐Ion Capacitors with High Energy Density
Authors: Jeon Seungyun , lm Sehee , Kang Inyeong , Shin Dongki , Yu Seung‐Ho , Lee Minah , Hong Jihyun
Published: February 2024

Lithium‐ion capacitors (LICs) exhibit superior power density and cyclability compared to lithium‐ion batteries. However, the low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) of amorphous carbon anodes (e.g., hard carbon (HC) and soft carbon (SC)) limits the energy density of LICs by underutilizing cathode capacity. Here, a solution‐based deep prelithiation strategy for carbon anodes is applied using a contact‐ion pair dominant solution, offering high energy density based on a systematic electrode balancing based on the cathode capacity increased beyond the original theoretical limit. Increasing the anode ICE to 150% over 100%, the activated carbon (AC) capacity is doubled by activating Li+ cation storage, which unleashes rocking‐chair LIC operation alongside the dual‐ion‐storage mechanism. The increased AC capacity results in an energy density of 106.6 Wh kg−1AC+SC, equivalent to 281% of that of LICs without prelithiation. Moreover, this process lowers the cathode‐anode mass ratio, reducing the cell thickness by 67% without compromising the cell capacity. This solution‐based deep chemical prelithiation promises high‐energy LICs based on transition metal‐free, earth‐abundant active materials to meet the practical demands of power‐intensive applications.
Software bug localization based on optimized and ensembled deep learning models
Authors: Ali Waqas , Bo Lili , Sun Xiaobing , Wu Xiaoxue , Ali Aakash , Wei Ying
Published: February 2024

An automated task for finding the essential buggy files among software projects with the help of a given bug report is termed bug localization. The conventional approaches suffer from the challenges of performing lexical matching. Particularly, the terms utilized for describing the bugs in the bug reports are observed to be irrelevant to the terms used in the source code files. To resolve these problems, we propose an optimized and ensemble deep learning model for software bug localization. These features are reduced by the principle component analysis (PCA). Then, they are selected by the weighted convolutional neural network (CNN) model with the support of the Modified Scatter Probability‐based Coyote Optimization Algorithm (MSP‐COA). Finally, the optimal features are subjected to the ensemble deep neural network and long short‐term memory (DNN‐LSTM), with parameter tuning by the MSP‐COA. Experimental results show that the proposed approach can achieve higher bug localization accuracy than individual models.
Influence of Time and Temperature of Plasma Nitriding on the Wear Resistance of Ni–Cr–Mo‐Based Films Deposited by AISI 904L Cathodic Cage on SAE 6160 Steel
Authors: Medeiros Filho Mario Viana , Libório Maxwell Santana , Coan Karine S. , Rossino Luciana S. , Feitor Michelle Cequeira , de Lima Luciano Lucas Fernandes , Costa Thércio Henrique de Carvalho , do Nascimento Rubens Maribondo , de Sousa Rômulo Ribeiro Magalhães
Published: February 2024

This work aims to evaluate the effects on surface hardness and wear resistance of plasma nitriding treatment on SAE 6160 steel that exhibits cathodic cage deposition of AISI 904L, with high nickel content and medium chromium content, varying the treatment time and temperature. The deposition temperature is 450 °C, and after deposition, the samples are nitrided at 450 and 500 °C for 2 and 4 h. All samples are characterized by X‐Ray diffraction, Vickers microhardness, optical microscopy, and wear resistance. The results show that for longer nitriding times and temperatures, there is the formation of the S phase, expanded austenite, and the precipitation of CrN, resulting in lower wear resistance among the nitrided samples, but considering that the resistance of all samples is higher to AISI 6160 samples. All samples show high surface hardness and a diffusion layer between 69 and 170 μm; the only deposited sample shows good resistance to wear due to the deposition efficiency of films based on Ni–Cr–Mo.
Numerical Analysis of Postcombustion Effects on the Supersonic Jet Behavior
Authors: Zhang Yu , Wang Yingchun , Chen Guoqing , Zhou Xiaobin , Yue Qiang
Published: February 2024

During the top blowing process of the basic oxygen furnace, the oxygen jet may react with CO before it reaches the surface of the molten bath. This combustion reaction affects the dynamic characteristics of the jet, which, in turn, affects its interaction with the bath. In this study, a numerical model is developed to investigate the transient and steady combustion characteristics of the supersonic jet emitted from the top lance. The transient combustion simulation shows that the CO ratio gradually decreases while the CO2 mole fraction increases at the interaction boundary region between jet and ambient due to the chemical reactions. In addition, the jet profile is changed when the postcombustion is introduced. Due to the flame formation and turbulence change at the jet combustion interface, the axial velocity at height of 2 m (x = 73 re) is 89% higher than that of the noncombustion reaction jet flow. In the results, it is demonstrated that the combustion interface is favorable to reduce the jet decay, resulting a higher dynamic pressure before the jet reaches the bath surface. Furthermore, a higher core temperature and lower density are obtained for the combustion jet compared to that of without combustion reaction.
Effect of Scanning Speed on Microstructure and Properties of Laser Cladding Fe‐0.3C‐15Cr‐1Ni High Hardness Corrosion‐Resistant Alloy Coating on 3Cr13 Surface
Authors: Dong Kang , Guo Tieming , Zhang Yiwen , Zhang Ruihua , Lin Wenbin , Nan Xueli , Qiu Qiao , Yi Xiangbin
Published: February 2024

Fe‐0.3C‐15Cr‐1Ni high hardness corrosion‐resistant alloy coating is prepared on the surface of 3Cr13 by laser cladding technology. The effects of scanning speeds on the microstructure, microhardness, and corrosion resistance of the coating are studied. The results show that the microstructure of the cladding layer is mainly composed of intracrystalline martensite and carbides distributed along the grain boundaries. When scanning speed increases from 3 to 5 mm s−1, the grain is obviously fined, and the number of carbides increases, further increasing scanning speed, the grain refinement degree decreases and the carbide quantity decreases gradually. When scanning speed is 5 mm s−1, the microhardness reaches the maximum, the corrosion resistance is significantly improved at 5 and 7 mm s−1, and the pitting potential and passivation zone width increase by 180–219% and 69–78%, respectively, compared with 3 mm s−1 sample, but further increases scanning speed to 9 mm s−1, the hardness and corrosion resistance significantly reduce. This is because scanning rate affects the component undercooling degree of the dynamic molten pool and the temperature gradient at the solidification interface front, which affects the growth of dendrites, the number of carbides, and further affects the alloying elements in the carbide and matrix.
Characterization of m6A RNA methylation mediated immune heterogeneity and functional validation in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Chongyou , Huang Yang , Liang Ming , Wu Jinrong , Wang Guangyou
Published: February 2024

Background

N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) mediates RNA modification in various biological processes. It plays a key role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through regulating methyltransferase. The present study aims to analyze the correlation between the m6A and the immune status of HCC, and to construct an m6A‐related prognostic signature for HCC.

Methods

HCC subtypes with different m6A modification activities were identified based on the m6A‐related genes. Lasso Cox regression was applied to construct an m6A‐related prognostic model for HCC. Then, the prognostic potential of the constructed signature was evaluated and validated in the external validation dataset. Small interfering RNAs were designed to knockdown FBXO5. CCK‐8 assay, Edu staining, wound healing assay, and Transwell cell invasion assay were used to detect cell proliferation, migration, and invasion ability.

Results

Two m6A‐related HCC subtypes were identified. The m6A modification active group showed an immune suppressive microenvironment compared to the m6A modification inactive group. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the HCC subtypes were screened. Enrichment analysis was performed using the DEGs. Subsequently, an m6A‐related prognostic model was established. The prognostic model performed well in both training and validation datasets. Moreover, knockdown of FBXO5, one of the genes in the prognostic model, inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HepG2 cells.

Conclusions

The heterogeneity of m6A RNA methylation is associated with immune status in HCC. The constructed m6A‐related gene‐based signature can predict the prognosis of HCC patients. The genes in the prognostic model also have therapeutic potential for HCC.
Hydrogeochemical characterization of the groundwater in northern and eastern areas of Kilwa district and Songosongo Island in, Tanzania
Authors: Mlay Asantael Herman , Shemsanga Ceven , Bennett George , Ntalikwa Justin
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to investigate the hydrochemical and hydrogeochemical facies and mechanisms controlling groundwater quality from the northern and eastern parts of Kilwa district and Songosongo Island in Tanzania. Multifaceted methods were used to analyze the hydrochemical properties of water in relation to local geology and proximity to the Indian Ocean. The pH of the groundwater ranged from 5.18 to 7.56 with an average value of 6.64 which is slightly acidic. Electrical Conductivity (EC) ranged from 354 to 1429.50 μS/cm with an average value of 1652.6 μS/cm while Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) values varied from 170 to 1825 mg/L with an average value of 918.8 mg/L. The average values for Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, and K+ were 36.9, 21.4, 152.5, and 13.31 mg/L, while for NO3−, Cl−, HCO3−, and SO42‐ were 2.1, 256.3, 156.6, and 45.8, respectively. The study found that groundwater closest to the ocean had elevated values of TDS, Na+, and Cl− and were more affected by seawater intrusion compared to those further inland. The dominant groundwater type was established to be Na‐Cl mostly nearest to the ocean while Ca‐Mg‐Cl was more encountered towards the inland. The groundwater in the northern and eastern parts of Kilwa is mainly controlled by seawater intrusion and recharge water. The Neogene formations consisting of clay, silts, coastal sands, and alluvium had lower Na+, Cl−, EC, and TDS values than the Paleogene which is more influenced by marine sediments. Thus, these findings call for improved groundwater monitoring to track changes in water quality since several parameters including sodium, magnesium, chlorides, TDS, EC, and pH were higher than recommended values for drinking purposes. However, the majority of the water samples were suitable for human consumption.
Systematic Literature Review of Location Factors of Coworking Spaces in Non-urban Areas
Authors: Vogl Thomas , Sinitsyna Anastasia , Micek Grzegorz
Published: February 2024

The global COVID-19 pandemic fostered the relocation of remote workers and freelancers from metropolitan to non-urban areas. During the first waves of the pandemic, regional migration flows affected the local demand for flexible working spaces in non-urban regions and attracted the interest of the local stakeholders. As a result, a growing number of coworking spaces (CSs) were established in non-urban areas. Yet the scientific discussion on what determines the location of non-urban CSs remains fragmented and has not been analyzed systematically. This chapter presents a systematic literature review (PRISMA) of recent evidence (2010–2022 publication period) on the topic of location factors of CSs in non-urban (rural) areas, and it outlines the main characteristics of CSs’ locations. Analysis is performed on the macro, meso, and micro spatial scales and, in addition, the COVID-19 factor is taken into account. The results of our study indicate that since 2010, the most frequently and continuously analyzed location factors have been those at the regional (meso) level. Secondly, the micro and macro levels of analysis have increasingly gained scientific interest since 2020 but have remained under-researched. Finally, our results show a gradually increasing frequency of occurrences of the COVID-19 factor, which since 2021 has been the most discussed location factor.
Location of Coworking Spaces: Evidence from Spain
Authors: Coll-Martínez Eva , Méndez-Ortega Carles
Published: February 2024

Nowadays, due to the post-COVID-19 situation, teleworking has grown exponentially worldwide. In this context, and as the pandemic has moved into a less restrictive phase, the role of coworking spaces (CSs) has gained relevance. This chapter investigates the location patterns and characteristics of 599 coworking spaces in Spain as of 2021. Specifically, it examines the location factors, characteristics, and attractiveness of central and peripheral regions of these spaces. Data from CSs in Spain provided by the COST Action CA18214 is used. By analyzing features of the CSs, utilizing Geographical Information Systems and Kd functions of agglomeration, we confirmed that CSs are highly concentrated in specific urban areas of Spain where there are greater opportunities to meet customers and suppliers, access to human capital, proximity to key amenities, and good connections.
Volumes of Semialgebraic Sets
Authors: Breiding Paul , Kohn Kathlén , Sturmfels Bernd
Published: February 2024

In this chapter, we study the problem of computing the volume of a semialgebraic subset 𝑆 of $$\mathbb{R}^{n}$$ . Being semialgebraic means that 𝑆 is described by a finite Boolean combination of polynomial inequalities.
Curvature
Authors: Breiding Paul , Kohn Kathlén , Sturmfels Bernd
Published: February 2024

The notion of curvature is central to differential geometry and its numerous applications. The aim of this chapter is to offer a first introduction to curvature. Our main point is to explore how curvature connects to algebraic geometry. We start out with plane curves, and we then turn to more general real algebraic varieties. The third section addresses the fundamental question of how to compute the volume of a tubular neighborhood of a variety.
Cereal Agriculture in Prehistoric North-Central Europe and South-East Iberia: Changes and Continuities as Potential Adaptations to Climate
Authors: Schirrmacher Julien , Feeser Ingo , Filipović Dragana , Stika Hans-Peter , Oelbüttel Merle , Kirleis Wiebke
Published: February 2024

During recent years many crop failures related to the ongoing climate crisis have been reported. From palaeo-climatic archives it is known that also in the past people had to cope with hazardous climatic anomalies such as the so-called 4.2 ka event. Similarly, pronounced changes in the crop spectrum have been documented from archaeo-botanical studies, such as the introduction of new crops or the decline in crop diversity.

However, the impact of climatic anomalies for such past changes in the crop spectrum are still not well understood. Here, we discuss the influence of climatic anomalies on agrarian decision-making during the Neolithic and Bronze Age on the basis of a synthesis of available archaeo-botanical and palaeo-climatic data from two study areas within the Mediterranean and Atlantic climate zones of Europe. We find a significant correlation between climate anomalies and crop data in the Mediterranean zone, and a more nuanced situation in the Atlantic zone.
The First Law: Work, Heat and Thermochemistry
Authors: Middelburg Jack J.
Published: February 2024

This chapter presents the first law of thermodynamics in terms of heat exchange and work. Internal energy, heat capacity and enthalpy are defined and enthalpy changes during reactions and phase changes are discussed. Latent and sensible heat are introduced, and adiabatic processes are related to the atmospheric lapse rate, potential temperature, and the geothermal gradient.
Entropy and the Second Law
Authors: Middelburg Jack J.
Published: February 2024

This chapter presents the second and third laws of thermodynamics, both at the macroscopic and microscopic scale. The state variable entropy is introduced, and it changes during reactions are quantified. A spontaneous process is recognized to cause an increase in entropy.
A high-precision result for a full-color three-loop three-point form factor in $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 SYM
Authors: Guan Xin , Lin Guanda , Liu Xiao , Ma Yan-Qing , Yang Gang
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We perform a high-precision computation of the three-loop three-point form factor of the stress-tensor supermultiplet in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SYM. Both the leading-color and sub-leading-color form factors are expanded in terms of simple integrals. We compute the complete set of integrals at a special kinematic point with very high precision using AMFlow. The high-precision leading-color result enables us to obtain the analytic form of a numerical constant in the three-loop BDS ansatz, which is previously known only numerically. The high-precision values of the non-leading-color finite remainder as well as all integrals are also presented, which can be valuable for future use.
Influence of the design of 3D-printed indirect bonding trays and experience of the clinician on the accuracy of bracket placement
Authors: Sabbagh Hisham , Hoffmann Lea , Wichelhaus Andrea , Kessler Andreas
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The aim was to investigate the influence of three different three-dimensional (3D)-printed bonding tray designs and professional experience on accuracy of indirect bracket placement.

Methods

Virtual bracket placement was performed on a scanned dental model using OnyxCeph software (Image Instruments, Chemnitz, Germany). Three different designs for indirect bonding trays (open, semi-open, and closed design) were created and produced using a 3D printer. To analyze the influence of professional experience, one of the three tray designs was produced twice. In this case, bracket placement was performed by an inexperienced dentist. Bracket positions were scanned after the indirect bonding procedure. Linear and angular transfer errors were measured. Significant differences between the target and actual situation were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis and χ2 test.

Results

All bonding tray designs resulted in comparable results. The results of the unexperienced dentist showed significantly higher deviations than those for the experienced orthodontist in the torque direction. However, the mean values were comparable. The open tray design exceeded the clinically acceptable limits of 0.25 mm and 1° more often. The inexperienced dentist exceeded these limits significantly more often than the experienced orthodontist in the vertical and torque direction. The immediate bracket loss rate showed no significant differences between the different tray designs. Significantly more bracket losses were observed for the inexperienced dentist during the procedure compared to the experienced orthodontist.

Conclusions

The bonding tray design and professional experience had an influence on the exceedance of clinically relevant limits of positioning accuracy and on the bracket loss rate.
Imaging of intracranial hemorrhage in photon counting computed tomography using virtual monoenergetic images
Authors: Schoenbeck Denise , Sacha Alexander , Niehoff Julius Henning , Moenninghoff Christoph , Borggrefe Jan , Horstmeier Sebastian , Surov Alexey , Shahzadi Iram , Knappe Ulrich , Kroeger Jan Robert , Michael Arwed Elias
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To determine the optimal virtual monoenergetic image (VMI) for detecting and assessing intracranial hemorrhage in unenhanced photon counting CT of the head based on the evaluation of quantitative and qualitative image quality parameters.

Methods

Sixty-three patients with acute intracranial hemorrhage and unenhanced CT of the head were retrospectively included. In these patients, 35 intraparenchymal, 39 intraventricular, 30 subarachnoidal, and 43 subdural hemorrhages were selected. VMIs were reconstructed using all available monoenergetic reconstruction levels (40–190 keV). Multiple regions of interest measurements were used for evaluation of the overall image quality, and signal, noise, signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise-ratio (CNR) of intracranial hemorrhage. Based on the results of the quantitative analysis, specific VMIs were rated by five radiologists on a 5-point Likert scale.

Results

Signal, noise, SNR, and CNR differed significantly between different VMIs (p < 0.001). Maximum CNR for intracranial hemorrhage was reached in VMI with keV levels > 120 keV (intraparenchymal 143 keV, intraventricular 164 keV, subarachnoidal 124 keV, and subdural hemorrhage 133 keV). In reading, no relevant superiority in the detection of hemorrhage could be demonstrated using VMIs above 66 keV.

Conclusion

For the detection of hemorrhage in unenhanced CT of the head, the quantitative analysis of the present study on photon counting CT is generally consistent with the findings from dual-energy CT, suggesting keV levels just above 120 keV and higher depending on the location of the hemorrhage.

However, on the basis of the qualitative analyses, no reliable statement can yet be made as to whether an additional VMI with higher keV is truly beneficial in everyday clinical practice.
Diversity, Characterization, and Potential Applications of Bacterial Endophytes Isolated from the Halophyte Limonium axillare
Authors: Alhaddad Fedae A. , Bitaar Zahieh M. , Abu-Dieyeh Mohammed H.
Published: February 2024

Recently, there has been a worldwide call to explore nature-friendly compounds, which could enhance plant growth and substitute for chemically synthesized products. Endophytes are a group of microorganisms that lives in the plants and algae symbiotically. In this research, endophytes were isolated from leaves of the halophyte, Limonium axillare. A total of 280 bacterial isolates were obtained from the leaves of L. axillare. Strains displaying similarities in terms of morphology and biochemical reactions were categorized into 48 groups. One representative from each group was identified and subjected to enzymatic and plant growth-promoting tests. Forty-eight isolates were identified using a sequence similarity-based method based on the 16S rDNA gene. The identified strains were categorized into two genera: Bacillus and Staphylococcus. Our investigation uncovered 44 isolates from the Bacillus genus, representing 10 different species, including Bacillus sp., B. pseudomycoides, B. cereus, B. paramycoides, B. velezensis, B. subtilis, B. thuringiensis, B. wiedmannii, B. anthracis, and B. bacterium. Furthermore, we observed that only 4 isolates belonged to the Staphylococcus genus, encompassing 3 distinct species: S. bacterium, S. succinus, and S. saprophyticus. The isolated bacteria were screened for extracellular enzymes, plant growth promoting traits, antifungal activity, and salinity tolerance. From the previous screening, diverse responses were obtained. Most of the isolates were secreted at least one of the hydrolysis enzymes (protease, lipase and amylase). (93.8%) of the strains showed phosphate solubilization activity. (33.3%) produce (IAA). Siderophore production potential was present in 91.7% of isolates, while ACC deaminase and HCN production activities were identified in 52.1 and 41.7% of strains, respectively. Additionally, DNase activity was evident in 27.1%, and ammonia production was observed in 31.3% of the isolates. The isolates Bacillus velezensis (AL4QUA) strain showed positive effect in the greenhouse experiment in terms of plant growth promoter agent and biocontrol agent against Fusarium oxysporum pathogen of tomato seedling. Thus, endophytes have the potential to reduce chemical inputs in conventional agricultural practices, increase nutrient uptake and improve plant stress resilience.
Are “mystical experiences” essential for antidepressant actions of ketamine and the classic psychedelics?
Authors: Hashimoto Kenji
Published: February 2024

The growing interest in the rapid and sustained antidepressant effects of the dissociative anesthetic ketamine and classic psychedelics, such as psilocybin, is remarkable. However, both ketamine and psychedelics are known to induce acute mystical experiences; ketamine can cause dissociative symptoms such as out-of-body experience, while psychedelics typically bring about hallucinogenic experiences, like a profound sense of unity with the universe or nature. The role of these mystical experiences in enhancing the antidepressant outcomes for patients with depression is currently an area of ongoing investigation and debate. Clinical studies have shown that the dissociative symptoms following the administration of ketamine or (S)-ketamine (esketamine) are not directly linked to their antidepressant properties. In contrast, the antidepressant potential of (R)-ketamine (arketamine), thought to lack dissociative side effects, has yet to be conclusively proven in large-scale clinical trials. Moreover, although the activation of the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor is crucial for the hallucinogenic effects of psychedelics in humans, its precise role in their antidepressant action is still under discussion. This article explores the importance of mystical experiences in enhancing the antidepressant efficacy of both ketamine and classic psychedelics.
The European intercomparison of in-vivo monitoring laboratories: the EIVIC-2020 project
Authors: Franck D. , Meisenberg O. , Beaumont T. , Buchholz W. , López M. A. , Navarro J. F. , Pérez B. , Hürkamp K. , Breustedt B. , Vanhavere F.
Published: February 2024

The EIVIC project was launched in 2020, and the main goal was the organisation of a European intercomparison of in-vivo monitoring laboratories dealing with direct measurements of gamma-emitting radionuclides incorporated into the body of exposed workers. This project was organised jointly by members of EURADOS Working Group 7 on internal dosimetry (WG7), the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS, Germany) and the Radioprotection and Nuclear Safety Institute (IRSN, France). The objective was to assess the implementation of individual-monitoring requirements in EU Member States on the basis of in-vivo measurements and to gain insight into the performance of in-vivo measurements using whole-body counters. In this context, a total of 41 in-vivo monitoring laboratories from 21 countries, together with JRC (EC) and IAEA participated. The results were submitted in terms of activity (Bq) of the radionuclides identified inside phantoms that were circulated to all participants. The measured data were compared with reference activity values to evaluate the corresponding bias according to the standards ISO 28218 and ISO 13528. In general, the results of the different exercises are good, and most facilities are in conformity with the criteria for the bias and z-scores in the ISO standards. Furthermore, information about technical and organisational characteristics of the participating laboratories was collected to test if they had a significant influence on the reported results.
5qSMA: standardised retrospective natural history assessment in 268 patients with four copies of SMN2
Authors: Vill Katharina , Tacke Moritz , König Anna , Baumann Matthias , Baumgartner Manuela , Steinbach Meike , Bernert Guenther , Blaschek Astrid , Deschauer Marcus , Flotats-Bastardas Marina , Friese Johannes , Goldbach Susanne , Gross Martin , Günther René , Hahn Andreas , Hagenacker Tim , Hauser Erwin , Horber Veronka , Illsinger Sabine , Johannsen Jessika , Kamm Christoph , Koch Jan C. , Koelbel Heike , Koehler Cornelia , Kolzter Kirsten , Lochmüller Hanns , Ludolph Albert , Mensch Alexander , Meyer zu Hoerste Gerd , Mueller Monika , Mueller-Felber Wolfgang , Neuwirth Christoph , Petri Susanne , Probst-Schendzielorz Kristina , Pühringer Manuel , Steinbach Robert , Schara-Schmidt Ulrike , Schimmel Mareike , Schrank Bertold , Schwartz Oliver , Schlachter Kurt , Schwerin-Nagel Annette , Schreiber Gudrun , Smitka Martin , Topakian Raffi , Trollmann Regina , Tuerk Matthias , Theophil Manuela , Rauscher Christian , Vorgerd Mathias , Walter Maggie C. , Weiler Markus , Weiss Claudia , Wilichowski Ekkehard , Wurster Claudia D. , Wunderlich Gilbert , Zeller Daniel , Ziegler Andreas , Kirschner Janbernd , Pechmann Astrid ,   SMArtCARE study group
Published: February 2024

Newborn screening for 5qSMA offers the potential for early, ideally pre-symptomatic, therapeutic intervention. However, limited data exist on the outcomes of individuals with 4 copies of SMN2, and there is no consensus within the SMA treatment community regarding early treatment initiation in this subgroup. To provide evidence-based insights into disease progression, we performed a retrospective analysis of 268 patients with 4 copies of SMN2 from the SMArtCARE registry in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Inclusion criteria required comprehensive baseline data and diagnosis outside of newborn screening. Only data prior to initiation of disease-modifying treatment were included. The median age at disease onset was 3.0 years, with a mean of 6.4 years. Significantly, 55% of patients experienced symptoms before the age of 36 months. 3% never learned to sit unaided, a further 13% never gained the ability to walk independently and 33% of ambulatory patients lost this ability during the course of the disease. 43% developed scoliosis, 6.3% required non-invasive ventilation and 1.1% required tube feeding. In conclusion, our study, in line with previous observations, highlights the substantial phenotypic heterogeneity in SMA. Importantly, this study provides novel insights: the median age of disease onset in patients with 4 SMN2 copies typically occurs before school age, and in half of the patients even before the age of three years. These findings support a proactive approach, particularly early treatment initiation, in this subset of SMA patients diagnosed pre-symptomatically. However, it is important to recognize that the register will not include asymptomatic individuals.