bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How do changes in warm-phase microphysics affect deep convective
clouds?
Authors: Chen Qian , Koren Ilan , Altaratz Orit , Heiblum Reuven H. , Dagan Guy , Pinto Lital
Published: December 2016

Abstract. Understanding aerosol effects on deep convective clouds and the derived effects on the radiation budget and rain patterns can largely contribute to estimations of climate uncertainties. The challenge is difficult in part because key microphysical processes in the mixed and cold phases are still not well understood. For deep convective clouds with a warm base, understanding aerosol effects on the warm processes is extremely important as they set the initial and boundary conditions for the cold processes. Therefore, in this study the focus is on the warm phase, which can be better resolved. The main question is: ''How do aerosol-derived changes in the warm phase affect the properties of deep convective cloud systems?'' To explore this question, we used the weather research and forecasting (WRF) model with spectral bin microphysics to simulate a deep convective cloud system over Marshall Islands during the Kwajalein Experiment (KWAJEX). The model results were validated against observations, showing similarities in the vertical profile of radar reflectivity and the surface rain rate. Simulations with larger aerosol loading resulted in a larger total cloud mass, a larger cloud fraction in the upper levels, and a larger frequency of strong updrafts and rain rates. Enlarged mass both below and above the zero temperature level (ZTL) contributed to the increase in clouds’ total mass (water and ice) in the polluted runs. Increased condensation efficiency of cloud droplets governed the gain in mass below the ZTL, while both enhanced condensational and depositional growth led to increased mass above it. Moreover, the polluted runs showed increased upward transport (across the ZTL) of liquid water, driven by two main processes: 1) larger updrafts and 2) larger droplet mobility. These aerosol effects were reflected in the larger ratio between the masses located above and below the ZTL in the polluted runs. When comparing the net mass flux crossing the ZTL in the clean and polluted runs, the difference was small. However, when comparing the upward and downward fluxes separately, the increase in aerosol concentration was seen to dramatically increase the fluxes in both directions, indicating the aerosol-amplification effect of the convection and affecting cloud-system properties such as cloud fraction and rain rate.
Validation of ACE-FTS version 3.5 NOy species profiles using correlative satellite measurements
Authors: Sheese Patrick E. , Walker Kaley A. , Boone Chris D. , McLinden Chris A. , Bernath Peter F. , Bourassa Adam E. , Burrows John P. , Degenstein Doug A. , Funke Bernd , Fussen Didier , Manney Gloria L. , McElroy C. Thomas , Murtagh Donal , Randall Cora E. , Raspollini Piera , Rozanov Alexei , Russell III James M. , Suzuki Makoto , Shiotani Masato , Urban Joachim , von Clarmann Thomas , Zawodny Joseph M.
Published: December 2016

Abstract. The ACE-FTS (Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment – Fourier Transform Spectrometer) instrument on the Canadian SCISAT satellite, which has been in operation for over 12 years, has the capability of deriving stratospheric profiles of many of the NOy (N + NO + NO2+ NO3+ 2  ×  N2O5+ HNO3+ HNO4+ ClONO2+ BrONO2) species. Version 2.2 of ACE-FTS NO, NO2, HNO3, N2O5, and ClONO2 has previously been validated, and this study compares the most recent version (v3.5) of these five ACE-FTS products to spatially and temporally coincident measurements from other satellite instruments – GOMOS, HALOE, MAESTRO, MIPAS, MLS, OSIRIS, POAM III, SAGE III, SCIAMACHY, SMILES, and SMR. For each ACE-FTS measurement, a photochemical box model was used to simulate the diurnal variations of the NOy species and the ACE-FTS measurements were scaled to the local times of the coincident measurements. The comparisons for all five species show good agreement with correlative satellite measurements. For NO in the altitude range of 25–50 km, ACE-FTS typically agrees with correlative data to within −10 %. Instrument-averaged mean relative differences are approximately −10 % at 30–40 km for NO2, within ±7 % at 8–30 km for HNO3, better than −7 % at 21–34 km for local morning N2O5, and better than −8 % at 21–34 km for ClONO2. Where possible, the variations in the mean differences due to changes in the comparison local time and latitude are also discussed.
Hydrological impacts of global land cover change and human water
use
Authors: Bosmans Joyce H. C. , van Beek L. P. H. (Rens) , Sutanudjaja Edwin H. , Bierkens Marc F. P.
Published: December 2016

Abstract. Human impacts on global terrestrial hydrology have been accelerating during the 20th century. These human impacts include the effects of reservoir building and human water use, as well as land cover change. To date, many global studies have focussed on human water use, but only a few focus on or include the impact of land cover change. Here we use the global hydrological and water resources model PCR-GLOBWB to assess the impacts of land cover change as well as human water use. Our results show that land cover change has a strong effect on the global hydrological cycle, at least as strong as the effect of human water use (applying irrigation, abstracting water for e.g. industrial use, including reservoirs etc). Globally averaged, changing the land cover from 1850 to that of 2000 increases discharge through reduced evapotranspiration, with large spatial variability in magnitude and sign of change depending on e.g. the specific land cover change and climate zone. In contrast, the inclusion of irrigation, water abstraction and reservoirs reduces global discharge through enhanced evaporation over irrigated areas and reservoirs as well as water consumption. Hence in some areas land cover change and water distribution both reduce discharge, while in other areas the effects may partly cancel out. The relative importance of both types of impacts varies spatially. From this study we conclude that land cover change needs to be considered when studying anthropogenic impacts on water resources.
¿Archivos audiovisuales aún sin digitalizar? seguridad, preservación y amortización
Authors: León-Moreno José-Antonio , Zapico-Alonso Felipe , Caldera-Serrano Jorge
Published: December 2016

El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo el mostrar los principales problemas derivados de la falta de digitalización de la totalidad o parte de las colecciones audiovisuales televisivas, lo cual se complica cuanto más volumen de contenidos cuenta la cadena y cuanto mayor es su antigüedad, y por lo tanto, más complejo de digitalizar son los soportes documentales. Se analiza el proceso de migración de formatos analógicos a digital desde diversos puntos de vista tales como de la conservación, seguridad e integridad documental, difusión de contenidos, etc., todo ello analizando el cambio de paradigma en las cadenas de televisión, generado por los cambios en la emisión y producción, y en la integración del departamento de gestión documental en los Media Asset Management, lo cual se ha traducido en que las colecciones audiovisuales han dejado de ser depósito a ser contenidos puesto a disposición del usuario e integrado en el corazón del sistema de producción de la cadena.
Local networks for local interactions: Four reasons why and a way forward
Authors: Antoniadis Panayotis
Published: December 2016

This paper frames the role of community (wireless) networks, and other forms of grassroots DIY networking models, as complementary to the Internet communication infrastructures hosting local services for facilitating local interactions, as drivers for a more convivial and sustainable life in the city. Today, only a few Internet-based global corporations mediate our everyday online interactions, without respecting our rights to privacy, freedom of expression and self-determination; they depend for their own sustainability on the exploitation of the immense collected information and design power toward private, commercial and political objectives. But when communication is meant to take place between people in physical proximity, local community networks can provide an alternative infrastructure owned and designed by those concerned. The paper analyses four key reasons, practical, social, political, and scientific, why such DIY networks should be considered as a viable complementary infrastructure for local communications even when Internet access is available. Through analogies with other relevant domains of local action, namely complementary currencies and cooperative housing, I conclude by addressing the dichotomy between local action and global coordination. I advocate for the co-creation of convivial ICT tools for building local communities, or better hybrid spaces of local cooperation, which are larger in size than the small in “small is beautiful” and smaller, but in many cases more diverse, than recent imaginaries of the “multitude”.
The Missing Link: The Use of Link Words and Phrases as a Link to Manuscript Quality
Authors: Onwuegbuzie Anthony J.
Published: December 2016

In this article, I provide a typology of transition words/phrases. This typology comprises 12 dimensions of link words/phrases that capture 277 link words/phrases. Using QDA Miner, WordStat, and SPSS—a computer-assisted mixed methods data analysis software, content analysis software, and statistical software, respectively—I analyzed 74 manuscripts that were submitted to the journal Research in the Schools over a 2-year period (i.e., 2014-2015). Among other results, these analyses revealed the most common link words/phrases and the most common dimensions of link words/phrases, as well as the dimensions that best predicted whether or not a manuscript was rejected by the editor.
Pesquisa com abordagem quantitativa.
Authors: Graziano Kazuko Uchikawa
Published: December 2016

Editorial
Avaliação da segurança do paciente em cirurgia cardíaca de um hospital público
Authors: Giannattasio Marcia Bergamo , Taniguchi Fabio Papa
Published: December 2016

Objetivo: Avaliar itens de segurança na cirurgia cardíaca em pacientes de um hospital público. Método: Estudo descritivo e transversal. A coletade dados, desenvolvida em 2012, foi realizada em uma instituição hospitalar pública estadual, onde foram observadas 30 cirurgias cardíacas por meio deum roteiro embasado nas 3 fases do checklist de cirurgia segura da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS), com alternativas descritas como “em conformidade”e “em não conformidade”. Resultados: Os resultados de não conformidade corresponderam a 56% dos casos antes da indução anestésica,57% antes do procedimento e 75% na saída da sala de cirurgia. Conclusão: O checklist da OMS se faz necessário, porém, o treinamento profissional e aeducação permanente constituem a linha mestra para a formação de uma equipe de saúde crítica e consciente do seu papel na segurança dos pacientes.
Percepção de uma equipe de enfermagem sobre a utilização do checklist cirúrgico*
Authors: Gomes Cátia Denise Perez Pereira , Santos Adriana Alves dos , Machado Maria Elida , Treviso Patrícia
Published: December 2016

Objetivo: Conhecer a percepção de profissionais de enfermagem que atuam em centro cirúrgico em relação à utilização do checklist cirúrgico.Método: Estudo exploratório, qualitativo. Os dados foram coletados de março a abril de 2015, por meio de entrevista gravada, com roteiro semiestruturadocontendo dez perguntas, analisada sob a ótica da análise temática. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 13 profissionais de enfermagem. Os resultadosforam organizados em três categorias: gerenciamento de risco em centro cirúrgico: dificuldades conceituais e na prática de trabalho; checklist de cirurgiasegura e sua contribuição na prática de trabalho; e potencialidades e fragilidades na utilização do checklist de cirurgia segura. Conclusão: Profissionaisde enfermagem percebem a necessidade de garantir a segurança do paciente, apontam que protocolos contribuem para a qualidade da assistência e dosserviços. O checklist é a principal ferramenta utilizada pela equipe visando à redução de danos e eventos adversos.
O uso do bisturi elétrico e cuidados relacionados: revisão integrativa
Authors: Olímpio Márcia Aline de Castro , Sousa Vanessa Emille Carvalho de , Ponte Michelle Alves Vasconcelos
Published: December 2016

Objetivo: Analisar evidências científicas sobre a utilização do bisturi elétrico e os cuidados relacionados ao uso desse equipamento. Método: Revisãointegrativa da literatura realizada em abril e maio de 2016 nas bases de dados PubMed (arquivo digital produzido pela National Library of Medicine),Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) e Google Acadêmico. Para o levantamento de artigos, foram utilizados os descritores não controlados: bisturi elétricoe electric scalpel. Resultados: A estratégia de busca permitiu a análise de seis artigos que abordaram três temas principais: riscos associados ao uso dobisturi elétrico, conhecimento da equipe em relação ao uso do bisturi elétrico e papel do enfermeiro na prevenção de riscos associados à eletrocirurgia.Conclusão: Conclui-se que é necessário implementar ações para que enfermeiros e técnicos de enfermagem adquiram um nível adequado de conhecimentose habilidades relacionados à segurança do paciente submetido à eletrocirurgia.
Atuação da enfermagem em cirurgia cardíaca minimamente invasiva videoassistida*
Authors: Sene Elisabete Silvana de Oliveira , Jardim Dulcilene Pereira
Published: December 2016

Objetivo: Relatar a atuação da enfermagem no perioperatório da cirurgia cardíaca minimamente invasiva videoassistida. Método: Trata-se deum relato de experiência da equipe de enfermagem no perioperatório dessa técnica cirúrgica, realizada em um hospital-escola que é referência em cardiologiano Estado de São Paulo. Resultados: Observa-se a importância da atuação da enfermagem no preparo do centro cirúrgico (CC), recepção dopaciente, assistência ao ato anestésico, preparo do paciente para a cirurgia, atendimento à equipe no período intraoperatório e na saída do paciente desala operatória (SO), atendendo às demandas desta modalidade cirúrgica inovadora. Conclusão: A enfermagem de centro cirúrgico (CC) deve ser capacitadaa acompanhar a evolução das técnicas cirúrgicas, tanto no manuseio dos novos materiais e equipamentos como na assistência direta ao paciente,visando à segurança cirúrgica.
ABDOME AGUDO OCLUSIVO POR HEMATOMA DE INTESTINO DELGADO: RELATO DE CASO
Authors: Polonio Benur , Fontes Hector Sbaraini , Lupion Fabiola Grigoreto , Azevedo Emanoela Rodrigues , Neto Lydio Barbier , Ioshii Sérgio Ossamu
Published: December 2016

OBJETIVO: Relatar o caso de uma paciente adulta com abdome agudo oclusivo causado por hematoma de intestino delgado.MÉTODO: Apresenta-se o caso de uma paciente atendido no serviço de urgência e emergência do HC-UFPR.RESULTADO: Paciente feminina, de 20 anos, apresentou dor no mesogástrio, distensão abdominal e vomitos. A tomografia abdominal evidenciou segmento de intestino delgado com espessamento da parede  Foi submetida a laparotomia mediana onde se evidenciou um hematoma de intestino delgado em íleo há 40 cm da valvula ileocecal, causando obstrução. Realizou-se entrerectomia segmentar de 15cm e enteroenteroanastomose. O exame anatomopatológico evidenciou hematoma extenso de submucosa do segmento ressecado.CONCLUSÃO: Os casos de abdome agudo oclusivo por hematoma de intestino delgado expontâneo são raros e devem ser manejados com tratamento clínico. Indica-se a cirurgia apenas na falha deste ou em casos de complicações durante o tratamento clinico.
Impact of Demographic Variables in the Development of Teachers’ Self-Efficacy Beliefs in the Context of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alwaleedi Mohammed Ali
Published: December 2016

Teacher self-efficacy is one of the important variables to bring change in students’ learning. The current study aimed to assess teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs on four sub-scales; namely, classroom management, persistent behaviour, classroom anxiety and professional mastery, in the context of Saudi Arabia. The key objective of the study was to determine teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs on these sub-scales in relation to gender, age, professional qualification, level of teaching, and job experience. A random sample of 168 male and 106 female teachers was selected from two public and two private schools in Jeddah. A Teachers’ Self- Efficacy Beliefs scale developed by Shaukat (2011) was administered to collect data from teachers; the results for this study reported .89 overall reliability of the scale, .72 for classroom management, .73 for persistent behaviour, .66 for classroom anxiety and .76 for professional mastery. Data were analysed using the t-test and ANOVA to determine the impact of demographic variables on the four sub-scales of self-efficacy beliefs. Results showed significant differences between the self-efficacy beliefs of male and female teachers; BA, MA and PhD qualified teachers; primary and elementary and secondary school teachers; and public and private teachers with regard to classroom management, persistent behaviour, classroom anxiety and professional mastery. This study has possible implications for policy makers and teacher educators.
Comparison of the Precision of Compression Ultrasonography and Duplex Sonography in Deep Venous Thrombosis Patients
Authors: Reihani Hamidreza , Ahmadi Koorosh , Rezanejad Mohammadreza , Bolvardi Ehsan , Bahramian Mehran , Ebrahimi Mohsen , Hosseini Peyman Khadem
Published: December 2016

Deep venous thrombosis is a prevalent disease and difficult being detected which can be lethal if developed. Ultrasonography and duplex ultrasonography are two of the diagnostic methods with their restrictions. The present study addresses the analysis of the succession of compression ultrasonography as a method with less restrictions in comparison with ultrasonography and duplex ultrasonography. The present study was conducted in the central urgency section of Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad, Iran, which is a public academic institute, on 70 patients in 2014. All patients were subjected to compression ultrasonography before duplex ultrasonography and those who had previous duplex ultrasonography sessions with available results were excluded from the investigations. Finally, the results of 63 patients were analyzed, 7 being excluded due to their inaccessible data. According to the results, 52 percent of subjects were males and 48 percent were females. The result of the regular ultrasonography was positive for 37 and negative for 26 patients. Duplex ultrasonography, however, led to positive results for 35 patients (equivalent to 37 lower limb organs) and negative results for 28 subjects (equivalent to 41 lower limb organs). The sensitivity, specificity, and precision of the diagnosis via compression ultrasonography were found to be 97, 90, and 93.5 percent, respectively, and the positive and negative predictive values were calculated to be 90 and 97 percent, respectively, with a CI of 95 percent. The diagnostic accuracy of 96.8% suggests that the use of compression sonography can be a good accuracy in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities, but it cannot replace more accurate methods that are currently used as available selected diagnostic methods.
Young Children’s Inductive Generalizations about Similarities between Siblings or Classmates
Authors: Pillow Bradford H. , Pearson RaeAnne M.
Published: December 2016

This study investigated 3- to 5-year-olds’ inductive generalizations about similarities between siblings. Children were presented with contrasts in appearance and either sibling or classmate status and asked to generalize either biological properties or behaviors. Performance did not differ from chance for judgments about siblings, but children generalized on the basis of appearance more than classmate status. Thus, young children do not necessarily expect siblings to share biological and behavioral characteristics, but do regard sibling status as different from an arbitrary social relationship such as classmate status.
Lokale democratie doorgelicht: inleiding
Authors: Denters Bas , Boogers Marcel
Published: December 2016

Local democracy audited: introduction

In recent years, attention has increasingly been focussing on the quality of local democracy. Through the transfer of central government tasks to the municipalities, the importance of local government for citizens in the Netherlands has increased. This also places higher demands on the way local democracy functions. For various reasons, it is not easy to meet these demands. The debate on the quality of local democracy can be reduced to two basic questions: what is local and what is democracy? Instead of answering these questions, the authors of the article (editors of this new series) demonstrate what knowledge is needed to do this. They outline broadly the agenda for a local democratic audit, for which this article is an introduction. After a short theoretical discussion of the importance of local democracy, the authors point out those knowledge gaps that still exist in their opinion. They do so on the basis of current research. After identifying the key relations in local democracy, they present an agenda for further research.
Integriteit van lokaal bestuur in de mediacratie
Authors: Schokker Peter , Schillemans Thomas
Published: December 2016

Integrity of local government in the mediacracy

For aldermen in Dutch municipalities, ‘integrity’ increasingly seems to be an important factor causing their downfall. A lot of aldermen have resigned in the recent years because of ‘integrity’ and invariably local and national media were actively involved in this process. This article deals with the question of the role of the media in integrity affairs involving aldermen that have to resign. To answer this question, the authors analysed ten affairs that occurred in 2014 in which an alderman had to resigned (forced or voluntarily) because of integrity issues. The analysis shows that local media, regardless of how small they may be and how limited their means, often report extensively about integrity issues. In some cases, local media even act as accountability forums that call these aldermen to account. In other cases, the coverage in local media leads to further questions and calls for political accountability in the municipal council. Sometimes the media ‘merely’ report on the debates between the municipal council and the municipal board, but by doing so magnify the impact of an affair in the local community. In this way, the media fulfil their democratic role as watchdogs of local democracy, a role in which they bark loudly, often persistently and sometimes venomously about (alleged) integrity affairs.
Choosing the optimal strategy for information security in a business organization
Authors: Chojnacki Andrzej , Pieniążek Grzegorz
Published: December 2016

The paper describes the method of choosing the optimal strategy to implement security measures in a business organization. Strategies are categorized depending on time horizons, the history of threats and implemented security measures. Next, the method of choosing the optimal strategy for a business organization in a given context is outlined. Then this method is used to select the optimal strategy in a particular business context. The method is based on a deterministic time-based information security model, which was extended to a random model. With this simulation method, an organization can choose a strategy to implement security measures that best suits its needs. It is important for organizations to conduct an analysis of costs and threats in order to select appropriate safeguards.
A concept of standard-based vulnerability management automation for IT systems
Authors: Kasprzyk Rafał , Stachurski Artur
Published: December 2016

The paper focuses on the attempt to show a way of automating IT vulnerability management across enterprise systems with the use of the Security Content Automation Protocol. SCAP offers a set of components which provide, among others, adjustable security checklists, standardised dictionaries of security vulnerabilities and vulnerability scoring methods that may prove valuable for organisations in terms of security analysis activities and quantitative risk assessment.
Profile Cloning Detection in Online Social Networks
Authors: Zabielski Michał , Tarapata Zbigniew , Kasprzyk Rafał , Szkółka Krzysztof
Published: December 2016

Due to the emergence of online social networks, the importance of privacy on the Internet has vitally increased. Thus, it is important to develop mechanisms that will prevent our hidden personal data from unauthorized access and use. In this paper an attempt was made to present a concept of profile cloning detection in Online Social Networks (OSN) using Graph and Network Theory. Compering values of attributes of users’ personal profiles and analysing structural similarity of networks, we identify attackers which steal users’ identity.
Correlation of rheoencephalography and laser Doppler flow: a rat study
Authors: Bodo Michael , Sheppard Ryan , Hall Aaron , Baruch Martin , Laird Melissa , Tirumala Shravalya , Mahon Richard
Published: December 2016

Measuring brain electrical impedance (rheoencephalography) is a potential technique for noninvasive, continuous neuro-monitoring of cerebral blood flow autoregulation in humans. In the present rat study, we compared changes in cerebral blood flow autoregulation during CO2 inhalation measured by rheoencephalography to changes measured by laser Doppler flowmetry, an invasive continuous monitoring modality. Our hypothesis was that both modalities would reflect cerebral blood flow autoregulation.

Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=28; 28 control and 82 CO2 challenges) were measured under anesthesia. The surgical preparation involved implantation of intracerebral REG electrodes and an LDF probe into the brain. Analog waveforms were stored in a computer.

CO2 inhalation caused transient, simultaneous increases in the signals of both laser Doppler flow (171.99 ± 46.68 %) and rheoencephalography (329.88 ± 175.50%). These results showed a correlation between the two measured modalities; the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.8394.

The similar results obtained by measurements made with laser Doppler flowmetry and rheoencephalography indicate that rheo-encephalography, like laser Doppler flowmetry, reflects cerebral blood flow autoregulation. Rheoencephalography therefore shows potential for use as a continuous neuro-monitoring technique.
Two-dimensional analytical model for asymmetric dual-gate tunnel FETs
Authors: Xu Hui Fang , Dai Yue Hua , Guan Bang Gui , Zhang Yong Feng
Published: December 2016

An analytical model for asymmetric dual-gate (ADG) tunnel field-effect transistors (TFETs) combining a TFET with a junctionless field-effect transistor (JL FET) is presented and investigated extensively for the first time in this paper, with the aim of addressing the challenges of conventional DG TFETs. The drain current is composed of the tunneling current of TFET and the drift-diffusion current of JL FET, which leads to high drain current. The model also predicts the impacts of the lengths of the source and intrinsic regions on the potential and drain current. The results show that ADG TFET can generate optimum results (in terms of on-state current I
on and on-to-off current ratio I
on/I
off) compared with the conventional DG TFET, higher I
on of 129 µA/µm and a larger I
on/I
off of 2.1 × 1010 are obtained when the optimized lengths of the source and intrinsic regions are almost 14 nm. Very good agreements for both the potential and the drain current are observed between the model calculations and the simulated results.
Broadband TE10 to TE20 Mode Transformer for X Band
Authors: Passi D. , Leggieri A. , Citroni Rocco , Di Paolo F.
Published: December 2016

This paper deals with a broadband TE10 to TE20 mode transformer in a WR90 rectangular waveguide with more than 35 dB suppression of the fundamental mode and only 0.4 dB of maximum transformation loss. Two fin lines are employed with appropriate configuration in order to obtain a broadband mode transformation.
Learning structural bioinformatics and evolution with a snake puzzle
Authors: Nido Gonzalo S. , Bachschmid-Romano Ludovica , Bastolla Ugo , Pascual-García Alberto
Published: December 2016

We propose here a working unit for teaching basic concepts of structural bioinformatics and evolution through the example of a wooden snake puzzle, strikingly similar to toy models widely used in the literature of protein folding. In our experience, developed at a Master’s course at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Spain), the concreteness of this example helps to overcome difficulties caused by the interdisciplinary nature of this field and its high level of abstraction, in particular for students coming from traditional disciplines. The puzzle will allow us discussing a simple algorithm for finding folded solutions, through which we will introduce the concept of the configuration space and the contact matrix representation. This is a central tool for comparing protein structures, for studying simple models of protein energetics, and even for a qualitative discussion of folding kinetics, through the concept of the Contact Order. It also allows a simple representation of misfolded conformations and their free energy. These concepts will motivate evolutionary questions, which we will address by simulating a structurally constrained model of protein evolution, again modelled on the snake puzzle. In this way, we can discuss the analogy between evolutionary concepts and statistical mechanics that facilitates the understanding of both concepts. The proposed examples and literature are accessible, and we provide supplementary material (see ‘Data Availability’) to reproduce the numerical experiments. We also suggest possible directions to expand the unit. We hope that this work will further stimulate the adoption of games in teaching practice.
Rodent models of tumours of the central nervous system
Authors: Brandner Sebastian
Published: September 2024

Modelling of human diseases is an essential component of biomedical research, to understand their pathogenesis and ultimately, develop therapeutic approaches. Here, we will describe models of tumours of the central nervous system, with focus on intrinsic CNS tumours. Model systems for brain tumours were established as early as the 1920s, using chemical carcinogenesis, and a systematic analysis of different carcinogens, with a more refined histological analysis followed in the 1950s and 1960s. Alternative approaches at the time used retroviral carcinogenesis, allowing a more topical, organ‐centred delivery. Most of the neoplasms arising from this approach were high‐grade gliomas. Whilst these experimental approaches did not directly demonstrate a cell of origin, the localisation and growth pattern of the tumours already pointed to an origin in the neurogenic zones of the brain. In the 1980s, expression of oncogenes in transgenic models allowed a more targeted approach by expressing the transgene under tissue‐specific promoters, whilst the constitutive inactivation of tumour suppressor genes (‘knock out’)‐often resulted in embryonic lethality. This limitation was elegantly solved by engineering the Cre‐lox system, allowing for a promoter‐specific, and often also time‐controlled gene inactivation. More recently, the use of the CRISPR Cas9 technology has significantly increased experimental flexibility of gene expression or gene inactivation and thus added increased value of rodent models for the study of pathogenesis and establishing preclinical models.
In Vitro Models for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration
Authors: Tusnim Jarin , Kutuzov Peter , Grasman Jonathan M.
Published: September 2024

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) resulting in lesions is highly prevalent clinically, but current therapeutic approaches fail to provide satisfactory outcomes in many patients. While peripheral nerves have intrinsic regenerative capacity, the regenerative capabilities of peripheral nerves are often insufficient to restore full functionality. This highlights an unmet need for developing more effective strategies to repair damaged peripheral nerves and improve regenerative success. Consequently, researchers are actively exploring a variety of therapeutic strategies, encompassing the local delivery of trophic factors or bioactive molecules, the design of advanced biomaterials that interact with regenerating axons, and augmentation with nerve guidance conduits or complex prostheses. However, clinical translation of these technologies remains limited, emphasizing the need for continued research on peripheral nerve regeneration modalities that can enhance functional restoration. Experimental models that accurately recapitulate key aspects of peripheral nerve injury and repair biology can accelerate therapeutic development by enabling systematic testing of new techniques. Advancing regenerative therapies for PNI requires bridging the gap between basic science discoveries and clinical application. This review discusses different in vitro models of peripheral nerve injury and repair, including their advantages, limitations, and potential applications.
Impact of the La2NiO4+δ Oxygen Content on the Synaptic Properties of the TiN/La2NiO4+δ/Pt Memristive Devices
Authors: Koroleva Aleksandra , Khuu Thoai‐Khanh , Magén César , Roussel Hervé , Jiménez Carmen , Ternon Céline , Vatajelu Elena‐Ioana , Burriel Mónica
Published: September 2024

The rapid development of brain‐inspired computing requires new artificial components and architectures for its hardware implementation. In this regard, memristive devices emerged as potential candidates for artificial synapses because of their ability to emulate the plasticity of the biological synapses. In this work, the synaptic behavior of the TiN/La2NiO4+δ/Pt memristive devices based on thermally annealed La2NiO4+δ films is thoroughly investigated. Using electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), it is shown that post‐deposition annealing using inert (Ar) or oxidizing (O2) atmospheres affects the interstitial oxygen content (δ) in the La2NiO4+δ films. Electrical characterization shows that both devices exhibit long‐term potentiation/depression (LTP/LTD) and spike‐timing‐dependent plasticity (STDP). At the same time, the Ar annealed TiN/La2NiO4+δ/Pt device demonstrates filamentary‐like behavior, fast switching, and low energy consumption. On the other hand, the O2 annealed TiN/La2NiO4+δ/Pt devices are forming‐free, exhibiting interfacial‐like resistive switching with slower kinetics. Finally, the simulation tools show that spiking neural network (SNN) architectures with weight updates based on the experimental data achieve high inference accuracy in the digit recognition task, which proves the potential of TiN/La2NiO4+δ/Pt devices for artificial synapse applications.
Energy‐Sharing Economy with Renewable Integration and Management in Communities—a State‐of‐the‐Art Review
Authors: Zhou Yuekuan
Published: September 2024

Climate change and extreme weather events impose urgent necessities on distributed energy systems with energy flexibility and resilience to survive the district power supply systems. Compared to centralized energy systems, distributed energy systems show more superiorities in power shifting, fast demand response, regional energy allocations, and so on. However, electrification transformation‐ enabled flexible energy sharing, smart energy integration, and advanced management are still in their infancy stages, with unsolved but urgent issues, like large‐scale energy system planning and optimization, energy trading and pricing mechanisms, so on. In this study, energy‐sharing economy with renewable integration and management in communities has been comprehensively reviewed. The “source–grid–load–storage” framework has been implemented on district energy systems with complex relationships among the energy supply–storage–transmission–distribution chain. Roles of energy sharing, integration, and management on energy system sustainability have been provided. Considering widely installed large‐scale renewable energy systems, planning and optimization platforms and tools are provided to guide the distributed/centralized system planning and accurate capacity sizing. Results showed that, multi‐directional power interactions with electrification in buildings and E‐mobility spatiotemporal energy sharing and smart grids enable high renewable penetration, fast power response, energy supply reliability, etc. Unlike traditional fossil fuel‐based power plants, distributed renewable‐supported energy systems (like BIPVs, electric vehicles, etc.) enable emerging energy sharing, integration, and management for energy flexibility and resilience with fast response and energy survivals. Roles of advanced energy include power shifting, fast demand response, regional energy allocations, and so on. Electricity market liberalization can incentivize multi‐stakeholders’ proactivity and market vitality for distributed renewable energy spatiotemporal microgrids. Dynamic energy pricing for the shared power is dependent on the supply–demand relationship, and cost–benefit allocations among different stakeholders need to be investigated for justice and fairness. To avoid performance over or underestimations, advanced approaches are highly necessary for large‐scale energy system planning and optimization. Research results can pave paths for upcoming studies in urban energy system planning, design, and optimization with high energy efficiency and low carbon emissions through joint collaborations from highly economically incentivized participators.
Case Report of Friedreich's Ataxia and ALG1‐Related Biochemical Abnormalities in a Patient With Progressive Spastic Paraplegia
Authors: Quinlan Aisling , Rodan Lance , Barkoudah Elizabeth , Tam Amy , Saffari Afshin , Shammas Ibrahim , Ranatunga Wasantha , Morava‐Kozicz Eva , Oglesbee Devin , Berry Gerald , Ebrahimi‐Fakhari Darius , Srivastava Siddharth
Published: September 2024

Frataxin is an evolutionarily conserved mitochondrial protein responsible for iron homeostasis and metabolism. A deficiency of frataxin (encoded by FXN) leads to Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA), a progressive disorder that affects both the central and peripheral nervous systems, most commonly via a pathogenic GAA trinucleotide expansion. In contrast, pathogenic variants in ALG1 in humans cause a form of congenital disorder of glycosylation. Here, we present a 15‐year‐old boy with a clinical presentation that raised concern for complex hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), with motor features including progressive spastic paraparesis, cervical dystonia, cerebellar dysfunction, and diminished lower extremity reflexes. The proband was initially found to have a novel compound heterozygous variant in ALG1 on exome sequencing, along with N‐glycan profiling revealing evidence of defective mannosylation and Western blot analysis demonstrating an 84% reduction in ALG1 expression. Although several of his clinical features could be explained by the ALG1 variant specifically or considered as part of the presentation of CDGs in general, there were additional phenotypes that suggested an alternative, or additional, genetic diagnosis. Subsequently, he was found to have biallelic pathogenic GAA repeat expansions in FXN on genome sequencing, leading to a diagnosis of FRDA. Given that FRDA explained all his clinical features, the ALG1 variant may have been a hypomorphic form and/or a biochemical phenotype. Our findings underscore the importance of considering FRDA as a differential diagnosis in cases of complex HSP and demonstrate the utility of unbiased genome sequencing approaches that include detection of trinucleotide repeat expansions for progressive motor disorders.
Radicals in Annulation of Mixed Benzoyl Phosphonium‐Iodonium Ylide and Acetylenes Explored by EPR‐ST Spectroscopy
Authors: Potapov Ilia D. , Levina Irina I. , Motyakin Mikhail V. , Podrugina Tatyana A. , Nekipelova Tatiana D.
Published: September 2024

Annulation of mixed phosponium‐iodonium ylides and compounds with a triple bond is an interesting example of the synthesis of different types of heterocycles in one‐pot, metal‐free systems at ambient temperature to give substituted oxazoles in the reaction with nitriles and phosphorus‐containing λ5‐phosphinolines and substituted furans in the reaction with acetylenes. The iodonium group in the mixed ylides provides the possibility for the radical initiation of the reaction. Herein, we investigated the generation of primary radicals and the formation of phosphorus‐containing products in the photolysis of benzoyl phosphonium‐iodonium ylide alone and in its reaction with acetylenes in DCM by EPR and 31P NMR spectroscopies with the use of two most popular spin traps, PBN and DMPO. The results allowed us to account the crucial difference in the registered radicals in the two systems for the aggregation of the components, with ylide molecules forming a core and acetylene molecules being a shell of the aggregates in DCM, in which the annulation occurs. The peculiarities of the reactions of PBN and DMPO with generated radicals are discussed.
Electrochemical Halogenation of Naphthoquinones: A Modular and Sustainable Strategy Towards Trypanocidal Compounds
Authors: Guimarães Eduardo F. S. , Graça Gabriela A. P. , Diogo Emilay B. T. , Almeida Renata G. , Pereira Daiane B. , Araujo Maria H. , da Silva Caren D. G. , Gatto Claudia C. , Ramos Victor F. S. , Menna‐Barreto Rubem F. S. , Jardim Guilherme A. M. , da Silva Júnior Eufrânio N.
Published: September 2024

An eco‐friendly electrochemical halogenation of 2‐amino‐1,4‐naphthoquinones has been developed. The new mild and energy efficient methodology comprises sustainable features like oxidant free and double role of the halogen source as electrolyte, originating twenty‐six amino‐halogenated naphthoquinoidal derivatives in good yields under mild conditions. This novel methodology permitted access to new potent trypanocidal prototypes, where six compounds were more active than benznidazole, the current market drug used in the treatment of Chagas Disease.
Toward Molecular Textiles: Synthesis and Characterization of Molecular Patches
Authors: Kroonen Camiel C. E. , Hinaut Antoine , D'Addio Adriano , Prescimone Alessandro , Häussinger Daniel , Navarro‐Marín Gema , Fuhr Olaf , Fenske Dieter , Meyer Ernst , Mayor Marcel
Published: September 2024

This works describes a new step into the assembly of molecular textiles by the use of covalent templating. To establish a well‐founded base and to tackle pre‐mature obstacles, expected during the fabrication of the desired 2D‐material, we opted to investigate the in‐solution synthesis of molecular patches e. g. cut‐outs of a textile. A bi‐functional cross‐shaped monomer was designed, synthesized and was in‐detail characterized by means of 1H‐NMR and chiro‐optical spectroscopy. In addition, x‐ray structure crystallography was used to assess the absolute configuration. The monomer was used in an in‐solution oligomerization to assemble the molecular patches via imine condensation, which revealed the formation of predominately dimeric patches. The imine‐oligomer mixtures were further analyzed by reduction and cleaved to investigate the conditions required post mono‐layer assembly. All reaction stages were followed by FT‐IR and 1H‐NMR analysis. Finally, we address the adsorption of the cross‐shaped monomer onto a Au(111) surface, via high vacuum electrospray deposition. The subsequent annealing of the interface induced the on‐surface imine condensation reaction, leading to unidimensional oligomers co‐adsorbed with clusters of cyclic‐dimers. Nc‐AFM analysis revealed the tridimensional molecular structures, and together with electrospray deposition technique showed to be a promising pathway to investigate potential monomer candidates.
Visible‐Light‐Promoted Reduction of Nitroarenes with Formate Salts as Reductants
Authors: Wu Jun‐Yue , Wan Yuan‐Cui , Shao Yu , Zhan Le‐Wu , Li Bin‐Dong , Hou Jing
Published: September 2024

A visible‐light‐promoted reduction of nitrobenzenes using formate salts as the reductant was developed. A wide range of nitrobenzenes can be converted into aniline products in a transition metal free fashion. Mechanistic studies revealed that radical species (carbon dioxide radical anion and thiol radical) are key intermediates for the transformation. We anticipate that this method will provide a valuable and green strategy for the reduction of nitrobenzenes.
Artificial targeting of the NEIL1 DNA glycosylase to the mitochondria
Authors: Thompson Marlo K. , Eggers Mark H. , Benton Ryan G. , Johnsten Tom , Prakash Aishwarya
Published: September 2024

The human NEIL1 DNA glycosylase is one of 11 mammalian glycosylases that initiate base excision repair. While substrate preference, catalytic mechanism, and structural information of NEIL1's ordered residues are available, limited information on its subcellular localization, compounded by relatively low endogenous expression levels, have impeded our understanding of NEIL1. Here, we employed a previously developed computational framework to optimize the mitochondrial localization signal of NEIL1, enabling the visualization of its specific targeting to the mitochondrion via confocal microscopy. While we observed clear mitochondrial localization and increased glycosylase/lyase activity in mitochondrial extracts from low‐moderate NEIL1 expression, high NEIL1 mitochondrial expression levels proved harmful, potentially leading to cell death.
Linear equivalence for motion amplification devices in earthquake engineering
Authors: Gao Wenjun , Lu Xilin
Published: September 2024

Motion amplification devices utilized to amplify the motion of dampers can effectively improve the energy dissipation performance of dampers to reduce seismic responses of engineering structures. This study systematically develops a linear equivalence theory for motion amplification devices based on the proposed equivalent Maxwell model. This equivalent model accurately predicts the supplemental damping effect provided by motion amplification devices without approximation. Also, the equivalent model is capable of quantifying the amplification effect of motion amplification devices by means of deriving the analytical expressions of the equivalent damping and stiffness coefficients, which reveal that motion amplification devices simultaneously enhance the original damping and stiffness coefficients by , where is the proposed rigidity motion amplification factor. The representative value of member stiffness  is developed to comprehensively evaluate the supporting stiffness of motion amplification devices. All the achieved results strongly support that the proposed linear equivalence theory provides a generic paradigm to explain, measure and compare different types of motion amplification devices in terms of their supplemental damping effects, and hence helps researchers and engineers gain valuable insight into the dynamic properties of motion amplification devices.