bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between thyroid hormone resistance and obesity: a cross‐sectional study and mouse stimulation test
Authors: Wang Zhihui , Yu Huimin , Wang Kai , Han Junming , Song Yongfeng
Published: July 2024

Objective

Thyroid hormone influences key metabolic pathways, and reduced sensitivity to thyroid hormone is considered a new risk factor for adverse metabolic outcomes. However, the association between thyroid hormone resistance and obesity in euthyroid individuals is still unknown.

Methods

We enrolled 8021 euthyroid individuals, calculated thyroid hormone resistance indices, and analyzed the association between thyroid hormone resistance and obesity by regression analysis. Furthermore, we conducted the thyrotropin‐releasing hormone stimulation test in both control and obese mice (n = 5) to demonstrate the association.

Results

The euthyroid adults with overweight and obesity had increased thyroid hormone resistance indices (all p < 0.05). BMI and prevalence of overweight and obesity increased (odds ratio of thyroid feedback quantile‐based index [ORTFQI] = 1.164, p = 0.036; OR of free triiodothyronine/free thyroxine [ORFT3/FT4] = 1.508, p < 0.001) following the elevation of thyroid hormone resistance indices. Mediation analysis indicated a complete mediation effect (beta coefficient of indirect effect [βInd]= 6.838, p < 0.001) of metabolic disorders in the relationship. Furthermore, in the mice with obesity, the thyrotropin response to thyrotropin‐releasing hormone stimulation (68.33–90.89 pg/mL) was comparatively blunted (p = 0.029).

Conclusions

Euthyroid individuals with obesity exhibit both central and peripheral thyroid hormone resistance, a phenomenon that is more pronounced in individuals with metabolic abnormalities. Thyroid hormone resistance is associated with an increased prevalence of overweight and obesity mediated by metabolic disorders.
Nasal Septal Perforation Dimensional Analysis
Authors: Bansberg Stephen F. , House Trenton , Marino Michael J. , Taylor Cullen M. , Miglani Amar
Published: July 2024

Objective

To describe and illustrate septal perforation shape through the documentation and analysis of length and height measurements. A secondary objective is to correlate perforation size to surgical and nonsurgical etiologies.

Stuy Design

Retrospective case series.

Setting

Tertiary academic medical center.

Methods

Length and height of consecutively treated perforations over a 3‐year period were measured directly or through computed tomography. Mean differences in length and height measurements were compared and regression analysis used to determine perforation shape and the effect of etiology on perforation size. Perforations were classified by length into small (1‐5 mm), medium (6‐15 mm), and large (>15 mm) and correlated to shape and etiology.

Results

One hundred twenty‐four patients (mean age 50.4 years, 60.5% female) met study inclusion criteria. Height was less than length in 93% of perforations 5 mm or greater in length. Mean perforation height was significantly less than length for medium and large perforations (P < .001). Mean length and height measurements of nonsurgical perforations were greater than those for surgical perforations (P < .001).

Conclusion

Height is less than length in over 90% of septal perforations. Most perforations assume an elliptical shape as they enlarge. Accurate measurement and presentation of length and height is relevant information to perforation management decisions and for the evaluation of treatment outcomes.
Empirical and numerical analysis of damage tolerance in multifunctional hybrid sandwich fiber reinforced polymers composite structures for aerospace applications using compression after impact (CAI) testing
Authors: Iqbal Zafar , Umer Malik Adeel , Khan Haris Ali , Asim Kamran
Published: July 2024

This study presents a novel hybrid‐sandwich composite structure, customized for nose radomes applications, incorporating a foam core and distinct opposite face sheets composed of Kevlar and S‐Glass materials. Addressing in‐phase electromagnetic properties, UV protection and low velocity impact responses in our previously published work, this paper empirically and numerically investigates the damage tolerance response of the proposed structures through compression after impact (CAI) testing. The low velocity impacts (LVIs) on S‐Glass face sheets exhibited unique energy dispersion and absorption mechanisms, resulting in variations in indent damage depths and widths across all impact energy levels as compared with LVIs on Kevlar face sheets. After experimentally assessing the CAI behavior, a FE model is developed to predict CAI behavior, which closely aligned with experimental findings. This study, unprecedented in existing literature, proposes hybrid sandwich structures for nose radome aerospace applications, with superior specific impact and residual strength compared to various composite sandwich structures documented in the published literature expanding its utility beyond radomes.

Highlights

Innovative composites with superior low velocity impact response, tested for compression after impact performance.

Designed for nose radomes found suitable for other impact prone applications.

Experimental and numerical modeling showed comparable results.

Major differences observed in damage mechanics, resistance, and tolerances.
A review of the formability of woven fabrics for composite materials
Authors: Zhang Yifan , You Maowang , Guo Qiwei , Li Chao , Zhang Daijun , Shi Dongjie , Zhang Jingyi , Sun Zheng , Zhang Peng , Wang Tianqi , Chen Li
Published: July 2024

Textile composites are advanced materials composed of preforms combined with matrix materials. The fiber structure in the preform has a significant impact on the mechanical properties of the composite. Precise control over preform dimensions and internal fiber structural uniformity, termed ‘accurate shape control’, is essential to ensure reliable and stable composite component mechanical properties. This paper reviews current research progress on fabric deformation mechanisms, focusing on experimental characterization and numerical simulation. Experimental methods for fabric deformation include tensile, compression, bending, and shear deformation, whereas numerical methods encompass macroscopic continuum, discrete, and semi‐discrete models. The insights offered in this paper will aid a greater understanding of fabric deformation mechanisms, enabling an accurate prediction of complex shape molding and effective process parameter design, ultimately facilitating the structural design and engineering applications of textile composites.

Highlights

Recent trends and challenges in the study of fabric deformation mechanisms are presented.

The experimental methods for fabric deformation were summarized and evaluated.

Representative numerical modeling techniques and simulation methods are discussed.

Some recommendations on potential future research directions are detailed.
Whole proteome analysis of germinating and outgrowing Bacillus subtilis 168
Authors: Pospíšil Jiří , Sax Alice , Hubálek Martin , Krásný Libor , Vohradský Jiří
Published: July 2024

In this study, we present a high‐resolution dataset and bioinformatic analysis of the proteome of Bacillus subtilis 168 trp+ (BSB1) during germination and spore outgrowth. Samples were collected at 14 different time points (ranging from 0 to 130 min) in three biological replicates after spore inoculation into germination medium. A total of 2191 proteins were identified and categorized based on their expression kinetics. We observed four distinct clusters that were analyzed for functional categories and KEGG pathways annotations. The examination of newly synthesized proteins between successive time points revealed significant changes, particularly within the first 50 min. The dataset provides an information base that can be used for modeling purposes and inspire the design of new experiments.
Efficient Fabrication of CrFeO3‐Based Humidity Sensing Device with Fast Dynamics for Real‐Time Breath Monitoring and Contact‐Less Sensing
Authors: Dhariwal Neeraj , Yadav Preety , Kumari Manju , Kumar Vinod , Thakur O.P.
Published: July 2024

In this study, a simple and cost‐effective method is presented for developing a metal oxide‐based humidity sensor. CrFeO3 is synthesized without any precipitating agent and chosen as a model material to study the validity of humidity sensing properties. The surface morphology and structural analysis are provided using field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis. Elemental analysis is provided with the help of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Obtained results demonstrate the tunable response of order 860 and stability in a large range of humidity. Also, by controlling the porosity and film uniformity, a fast response time of 1.6 s and a recovery time of 2.6 s are achieved with very low hysteresis. Also, cole–cole plot and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra in the presence and absence of humidity provide detailed analysis of surface interaction with H2O molecules. In addition to this, the developed sensor demonstrates excellent response and reproducibility toward real‐time human respiration monitoring along with non‐contact sensing. This work enables the study of developed sensors in real‐time humidity monitoring for practical applications.
Numerical Study of Air–Vapor–Particle Flow in Gas Cyclone
Authors: Jin Ruizhi , Zhao Ming , Zhang Yumeng , Wang Bo , Dong Kejun
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a numerical study of the complex multiphase flow of air, vapor, and particles in an innovative gas cyclone called CAP cyclone. The air–vapor flow is modeled as a mixture by the Reynolds‐averaged Navier‐Stokes equations with the mixture species transport and the Eulerian wall film model using FLUENT. Particle flow is modeled by the Lagrangian particle tracking method and the condensational growth of particle droplets is modeled via a user‐defined function. The model is validated by reaching good agreement with experimental results. Flow field analysis shows that the added vapor does not change the major vortex characteristics in the cyclone, but the vapor distribution is not uniform. The vapor concentration is much higher in the upper part than in the lower part of the cyclone, leading to insufficient condensational growth in the lower part. A secondary vapor injection is proposed to improve the vapor concentration in the lower part, which is shown to be effective in improving the collection efficiency. The model and the results are helpful to the understanding and optimization of the CAP cyclone technology, and also the vapor and particle droplet flow in turbulent flows.
Endophytic entomopathogenic fungi as biological control agents of insect pests
Authors: Panwar Neha , Szczepaniec Adrianna
Published: July 2024

Entomopathogenic fungi capable of establishing mutualistic endophytic relationships with plants have a tremendous potential as biocontrol agents of insect pests. While fungi have long played an important and highly effective role in pest suppression, the utility of endophytic entomopathogenic fungi in pest management is a relatively new and emerging topic of biocontrol. Here we discuss the relevance of endophytic fungi to plant health in general, synthesize the current knowledge of the effectiveness of endophytic entomopathogenic fungi against diverse insect pests, discuss the indirect plant‐mediated effects of endophytic entomopathogenic fungi on arthropods, and describe the diverse benefits of endophytic fungi to plants that are likely to affect herbivores and plant pathogens as well. Lastly, we consider major challenges to incorporating endophytic entomopathogenic fungi in biocontrol, such as their non‐target effects and field efficacy, which can be variable and influenced by environmental factors. Continued research on endophyte–insect–plant–environment interactions is critical to advancing our knowledge of these fungi as a sustainable pest management tactic. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
US Farmworkers’ Barriers to Preventing Heat‐Related Illness: An Integrative Review
Authors: Edgerly Ashley , Gillespie Gordon Lee , Hittle Beverly M. , Bhattacharya Amit
Published: July 2024

Background

Occupational heat‐related illness (HRI) is problematic in the United States. Farmworkers are disproportionately affected by HRI compared to other workers. Uncovering barriers that farmworkers face to the prevention of HRI is crucial to reducing HRI‐associated morbidity and mortality. This integrative review aimed to understand US farmworkers’ barriers to preventing HRI.

Methods

An integrative review occurred following Whittemore and Knafl guidelines. Literature searches occurred on PubMed, Medline, and Agricola. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria and removing duplicates, nine articles remained for review.

Results

There were nine articles in the review. The majority of articles used a convenience sample. In all studies, the populations were farmworkers or agricultural workers. The study designs included cross‐sectional, mixed methods, qualitative focus groups, and a longitudinal study. The articles revealed several themes related to prevention barriers: access to prevention, education and training, work culture, and compensation. Farmworkers often lack access to proper prevention measures, education, and training. Work culture and compensation were obstacles to preventing HRI as some workers feel powerless to speak up for themselves, whereas others are tempted to forgo breaks because of the way they are compensated.

Conclusions

This review indicates the need for more research to understand the barriers farmworkers face to HRI prevention. Providing prevention measures without considering obstacles to their use is ineffective in reducing HRI. Because many farmworkers lack oversight and regulation of prevention measures, focusing on barriers and areas over which farmworkers have more control could have a significant impact.
Sulfur isotope analyses using 3× elemental analysis/isotope ratio mass spectrometry: Saving helium and energy while reducing analytical time and costs
Authors: Spangenberg Jorge E. , Bosco‐Santos Alice
Published: July 2024

Rationale

Helium (He) and energy shortages have caused price increases and reduced their availability. Using three combustion reactions per acquisition of carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios saves 50% He and energy during the elemental analysis/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (EA/IRMS). This approach needs to be tested for sulfur isotope (δ34S) analyses.

Methods

A new method to measure δ34S in three sequential combustion reactions within one EA/IRMS acquisition was developed. The same material or blank samples could be used in the three reactions. After SO2 was used, a N2 purging method was employed to prolong the lifetime of the valves in the EA/IRMS interface. The 3×EA/IRMS was applied to measure δ34S in precious samples, such as Ag2S from acid‐volatile and chromium‐reducible sulfur extracted with a multiple‐port setup.

Results

The 3×EA/IRMS‐δ34S method was validated with replicate analyses of international reference materials and laboratory standards with a wide range of mineralogical compositions and δ34S values. The method provided a strategic advantage for the δ34S measurements of small precious samples (measured between blanks). The accuracy and precision of the 3×EA/IRMS values effectively matched those obtained using conventional EA/IRMS, with good agreement between the mean ± SD values and the recommended values with their uncertainties.

Conclusions

Compared with the conventional EA/IRMS, the proposed method provides accurate and precise δ34S measurements of the sulfate and sulfide samples while saving approximately 50% of He, energy, SO2 reference gas, O2, analysis time, and cost. Notably, 3×EA/IRMS can provide up to three δ34S values unaffected by memory effects.
Development of a wheeled wall‐climbing robot with an internal corner wall adaptive magnetic adhesion mechanism
Authors: Wang Baoyu , Li Peixing , Li Peibo , Zhang Lin , Guan Enguang , Liu Xun , Hu Xudong , Zhao Yanzheng
Published: July 2024

The wall‐climbing robot is a growing trend for robotized intelligent manufacturing of large and complex components in shipbuilding, petrochemical, and other industries, while several challenges remain to be solved, namely, low payload‐to‐weight ratio, poor surface adaptability, and ineffective traversal maneuverability, especially on noncontinuous surfaces with internal corners (non‐CSIC). This paper designs a high payload‐to‐weight ratio wheeled wall‐climbing robot which can travel non‐CSIC effectively with a payload capacity of up to 75 kg, and it can carry a maximum load of 141.5 kg on a vertical wall. By introducing a semi‐enclosed magnetic adhesion mechanism, the robot preserves a redundant magnetic adsorption ability despite the occurrence of significant gaps between localized body components and the wall surface. In addition, by ingeniously engineering a passive adaptive module into the robot, both the surface adaptability and crossability are enhanced without increasing the gap between the body and the wall, thereby ensuring the optimization of the adsorption force. Considering the payload capacity and diversity when climbing on vertical walls, inclined walls, ceilings, and internal corner transitions, control equations for internal corner transitions and comprehensive simulations of magnetic adsorption forces are performed using FEA tools. Finally, a functional prototype was developed for rigorous experimental testing, with the results confirming that the robot successfully meets the desired functionality and performance benchmarks.
Reading Begets Reading? Disentangling the Dynamic Interplay Between Reading Competence and Reading Exposure with a Special Focus on Gender Differences
Authors: Bittmann Felix
Published: July 2024

Do children with better reading competence read more, or do avid readers increase their reading competence? This highly relevant question has been discussed for many years, yet conclusive results are rare. Previous studies suffer from small sample sizes or omitted variable bias, rendering their findings questionable. We provide new insight using large‐scale German panel data (N > 5100). By surveying secondary school students (initial age = 11.1 years, SD = .50 years) in grades 5, 7, and 9, we can trace their reading competence and exposure over time. We estimate random intercept cross‐lagged panel models (RI‐CLPMs) to analyze time‐dependent within‐student changes and dynamic feedback loops. We include relevant control variables to account for potential confounding and conduct robustness checks using a classical CLPM. Our findings show no evidence that reading more results in better reading competence. However, higher reading competence may lead to increased reading exposure. Testing for gender differences reveals that these conclusions hold for both boys and girls and that no interactions with gender are detectable, despite girls tending to read more and having a higher reading competence on average.
A random forest approach for interval selection in functional regression
Authors: Servien Rémi , Vialaneix Nathalie
Published: July 2024

In this article, we focus on the problem of variable selection in a functional regression framework. This question is motivated by practical applications in the field of agronomy: In this field, identifying the temporal periods during which weather measurements have the greatest impact on yield is critical for guiding agriculture practices in a changing environment. From a methodological point of view, our goal is to identify consecutive measurement points in the definition domain of the functional predictors, which correspond to the most important intervals for the prediction of a numeric output from the functional variables. We propose an approach based on the versatile random forest method that benefits from its good performances for variable selection and prediction. Our method builds in three steps (interval creation, summary, and selection). Different variants for each of the steps are proposed and compared on both simulated and real‐life datasets. The performances of our method compared to alternative approaches highlight its usefulness to select relevant intervals while maintaining good prediction capabilities. All variants of our method are available in the R package SISIR.
Helical Micropillar Processed by One‐Step 3D Printing for Solar Thermal Conversion
Authors: Li Xibiao , Ye Baichen , Jiang Lan , Li Xiaowei , Zhao Yang , Qu Liangti , Yi Peng , Li Taoyong , Li Min , Li Luqi , Wang Andong , Zhang Xiangyu , Li Jiafang
Published: July 2024

Solar thermal utilization has broad applications in a variety of fields. Currently, maximizing the photo‐thermal conversion efficiency remains a research hotspot in this field. The exquisite plant structures in nature have greatly inspired human structural design across many domains. In this work, inspired by the photosynthesis of helical grass, a HM type solar absorber made in graphene‐based composite sheets is used for solar thermal conversion. The unique design promoted more effective solar energy into thermal energy through multiple reflections and scattering of solar photons. Notably, the Helical Micropillar (HM) is fabricated using a one‐step projection 3D printing process based on a special 3D helical beam. As a result, the solar absorber's absorbance value can reach 0.83 in the 400–2500 nm range, and the surface temperature increased by ≈128.3% relative to the original temperature. The temperature rise rate of the solar absorber reached 22.4 °C min−1, demonstrating the significant potential of the HM in practical applications of solar thermal energy collection and utilization.
Large Local Internal Stress in an Elastically Bent Molecular Crystal Revealed by Raman Shifts
Authors: Rahman Atiqur , Mondal Srijan , Modak Mantu , Singh Ashi , Thayat Navdeep S. , Singh Hanuman , Clegg Jack K. , Poswal Himanshu K. , Haridas V. , Thomas Sajesh P.
Published: July 2024

The structural dynamics involved in the mechanical flexibility of molecular crystals and the internal stress in such flexible materials remain obscure. Here, the study reports an elastically bending lipidated molecular crystal that shows systematic shifts in characteristic vibrational frequencies across the bent crystal region – revealing the nature of structural changes during bending and the local internal stress distribution. The blueshifts in the bond stretching modes (such as C═O and C−H modes) in the inner arc region and redshifts in the outer arc region of the bent crystals observed via micro‐Raman mapping are counterintuitive to the bending models based on intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Correlating these shifts with the trends observed from high‐pressure Raman studies on the crystal reveals the local stress difference between the inner arc and outer arc regions of the bent crystal to be ≈2 GPa, more than an order of magnitude higher than the previously proposed value in elastically bending crystals. High local internal stress can have direct ramifications on the properties of molecular piezoelectric energy harvesters, actuators, semiconductors, and flexible optoelectronic materials.
CO2 Laser Crystallization in Ambient for Highly Efficient FAPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Yi Jianpeng , Leung Tik‐Lun , Digweed Justin , Bing Jueming , Bailey Christopher , Liao Chwenhaw , Tao Runmin , Wang Guoliang , Li Zhuofeng , Nguyen Hieu T. , McCamey Dane R. , Zheng Jianghui , Mahmud Md Arafat , Ho‐Baillie Anita W. Y.
Published: July 2024

Metal halide perovskite solar cells have achieved tremendous progress and have attracted enormous research and development efforts since the first report of demonstration in 2009. Due to fabrication versatility, many heat treatment methods can be utilized to achieve perovskite film crystallization. Herein, 10.6 µm carbon dioxide laser process is successfully developed for the first time for perovskite film crystallization. In addition, this is the first time formamidinium lead triiodide solar cells by laser annealing under ambient are demonstrated. The champion cell produces a power conversion efficiency of 21.8%, the highest for laser‐annealed perovskite cells. And this is achieved without any additive, passivation, or post‐treatment.
Mechanically Exfoliated Graphite for Highly Reversible Na‐Storage with Carbon Coated Na3V2(PO4)3 Cathode with Low‐Temperature Conditions
Authors: Jyothilakshmi Shaji , Lee Yun‐Sung , Aravindan Vanchiappan
Published: July 2024

Tremendous efforts are put forward to develop novel high‐performance electrodes for Na‐ion batteries (SIBs) in order to replace commercial Li‐ion batteries (LIBs). Graphite, the most versatile anode for LIBs, fails to accommodate Na+ions owing to the poor thermodynamic stability of the binary graphite intercalation compound. This study aims to exfoliate the layers of graphite through a simple mechanical process at different time intervals (1, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 h) and examine the potential candidate for Na‐storage in the presence of carbonate‐based electrolytes. This study reports that ball milling plays a vital role in the performance of the graphite in Na‐storage. The graphite exfoliated for 80 h (EG‐80h) rendered an excellent reversible capacity of 209 mAh g−1 with coulombic efficiency of >99% after 100 cycles in EC‐based electrolyte. In situ impedance analysis is performed to validate the charge storage mechanism and Na‐ion kinetics. The performance of EG‐80h in a full‐cell assembly is evaluated with a carbon‐coated Na3V2(PO4)3 cathode, which exhibited an initial capacity of ≈75 mAh g−1 and energy density of 201 Wh kg−1. In addition, the adaptability of the NVPC/EG‐80h cell at different temperatures is examined from −10 to 50 °C, displaying excellent performance in both high and low–temperature conditions.
Effect of Interface Property on the Agglomeration Characteristic of Inclusions in High Al Steel with Different Al Contents
Authors: Zang Xu , Liu Chengjun , Wang Yeguang , Liang Zhigang
Published: July 2024

Herein, a 3D stability diagram is established in the AlON system. Based on that, four sets of experiments with different Al contents are designed to prepare different inclusions. Subsequently, the agglomeration behavior of inclusion is observed in situ by using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) combined with an infrared image furnace. The sample with inclusions is heated to melt and the agglomeration behavior of inclusion is recorded by the CRT monitor of CLSM. The calculated agglomeration force of inclusion shows that when the Al content increases from 0.5 to 3 pct, the agglomeration force of Al2O3 inclusions decreases from 7.2 × 10−16 ≈ 6.0 × 10−14 N to 1.2 × 10−16 ≈ 3.2 × 10−15 N. As the Al content increases from 6.5 to 10 pct, the agglomeration force of AlN inclusions increases from 2.2 × 10−17 ≈ 1.1 × 10−15 N to 1.7 × 10−16 ≈ 7.9 × 10−15 N. The theoretical calculation also shows that the agglomeration force of Al2O3 inclusions decreases and that of AlN inclusions increases with the increasing Al content. When the Al content is >4.7 pct, the agglomeration force of AlN inclusions is larger than that of Al2O3 inclusions.
Optimization of Dynamic Headspace Sampling Conditions for the Identification of Paleolithic Adhesives
Authors: Lokker Anika , Stefanuto Pierre‐Hugues , Cnuts Dries , Rots Veerle , Focant Jean‐Francois
Published: July 2024

The characterization of Paleolithic adhesives holds great potential for understanding human behavior and its evolution. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) is the most accurate identification method; unfortunately, it is destructive and requires a large sample size. Hence, most Paleolithic adhesives are not characterized with GC–MS. Here, a new nondestructive identification method is introduced; dynamic headspace (DHS) with two‐dimensional GC coupled to a time‐of‐flight MS. The DHS extraction is optimized with an experimental design approach. Four parameters were selected, and the optimized values were as follows: incubation temperature: 50°C, incubation time: 20 min, purge volume: 450 mL, and purge flow: 22.5 mL min−1, pine resin was chosen as a proxy for Paleolithic adhesives. Subsequently, DHS was also tested on hide glue, which has less volatile than pine resin, and the universality of the extraction was tested. With untargeted techniques, a distinction between hide glue and pine resin could be made based on their chromatographic profiles. Lastly, DHS was tested against an existing HS‐solid‐phase microextraction method. DHS showed a higher response in the total area of the chemical groups of interest. Thus, DHS has a higher sensitivity for prehistoric adhesives than solid‐phase microextraction, which is desired for minimal samples.
Rot, White, and Blue: A scholarly personal narrative on the lived experiences of a white, German international graduate student in the United States
Authors: Dengg Michaela M.
Published: July 2024

This scholarly personal narrative offers insight into the everyday lived experience of a white international student from Germany living and studying in the United States. In this narrative, she explores her life between discrimination in the form of anti‐German sentiment and white privilege. The narrative focuses on discrimination from a systemic as well as an interpersonal level and is a first attempt in offering a more stratified and complex insight of the experiences of a white, German international student in the United States.
Mapping quantitative trait loci for seminal root angle in a selected durum wheat population
Authors: Kang Yichen , Alahmad Samir , Haeften Shanice V. , Akinlade Oluwaseun , Tong Jingyang , Dinglasan Eric , Voss‐Fels Kai P. , Potgieter Andries B. , Borrell Andrew K. , Makhoul Manar , Obermeier Christian , Snowdon Rod , Mace Emma , Jordan David R. , Hickey Lee T.
Published: July 2024

Seminal root angle (SRA) is an important root architectural trait associated with drought adaptation in cereal crops. To date, all attempts to dissect the genetic architecture of SRA in durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) have used large association panels or structured mapping populations. Identifying changes in allele frequency generated by selection provides an alternative genetic mapping approach that can increase the power and precision of QTL detection. This study aimed to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) for SRA by genotyping durum lines created through divergent selection using a combination of marker‐assisted selection (MAS) for the major SRA QTL (qSRA‐6A) and phenotypic selection for SRA over multiple generations. The created 11 lines (BC1F2:5) were genotyped with genome‐wide single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers to map QTL by identifying markers that displayed segregation distortion significantly different from the Mendelian expectation. QTL regions were further assessed in an independent validation population to confirm their associations with SRA. The experiment revealed 14 genomic regions under selection, 12 of which have not previously been reported for SRA. Five regions, including qSRA‐6A, were confirmed in the validation population. The genomic regions identified in this study indicate that the genetic control of SRA is more complex than previously anticipated. Our study demonstrates that selection mapping is a powerful approach to complement genome‐wide association studies for QTL detection. Moreover, the verification of qSRA‐6A in an elite genetic background highlights the potential for MAS, although it is necessary to combine additional QTL to develop new cultivars with extreme SRA phenotypes.
An interdisciplinary overview of levee setback benefits: Supporting spatial planning and implementation of riverine nature‐based solutions
Authors: van Rees Charles B. , Chambers Matthew L. , Catalano Angela J. , Buhr Daniel X. , Mansur Andressa Vianna , Hall Damon M. , Nelson Alec , Suedel Burton , Hawley Robert J. , Bledsoe Brian , Nibbelink Nate
Published: July 2024

Nature‐based solutions (NbS, and related concepts like natural infrastructure, Ecosystem‐based Adaptation, and green infrastructure) are increasingly recognized as multi‐benefit strategies for addressing the critical sustainability challenges of the Anthropocene, including the climate emergency and biodiversity crisis. Mainstreaming NbS in professional practice requires strategic, landscape‐level planning integrating multiple sources of benefits and their synergies and trade‐offs. Levee setbacks (LS) are among the best‐studied riverine NbS with recognized benefits for flood risk management, drought resilience, water quality management, recreational opportunities, and ecological restoration for biodiversity. Although awareness of the multifarious benefits of LS as forms of Natural Capital is growing, implementation remains ad‐hoc and opportunistic. To address this critical implementation gap for one major example of NbS, we review and synthesize literature across diverse disciplines to provide an overview of the primary social, economic, and ecological mechanisms that affect the co‐benefit delivery of LS projects. Next, to make this information relevant to NbS practitioners, we link these mechanisms to spatial metrics that can be used to approximate the relative magnitude of project benefits and costs across these mechanisms. Finally, we highlight examples of key synergies and trade‐offs among benefits that should be considered for LS planning. This synthetic approach is intended to familiarize readers with the diverse potential benefits of LS, and provide an understanding of how to select and prioritize potential sites for further study and implementation. Synergies and trade‐offs among important benefit drivers abound, and social equity concerns will be paramount in ensuring the successful implementation of LS and other NbS in the future.

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Sustainable Engineering of Water

Engineering Water > Planning Water

Water and Life > Nature of Freshwater Ecosystems
The VerCors Verifier: A Progress Report
Authors: Armborst Lukas , Bos Pieter , van den Haak Lars B. , Huisman Marieke , Rubbens Robert , Şakar Ömer , Tasche Philip
Published: July 2024

This paper gives an overview of the most recent developments on the VerCors verifier. VerCors is a deductive verifier for concurrent software, written in multiple programming languages, where the specifications are written in terms of pre-/postcondition contracts using permission-based separation logic. In essence, VerCors is a program transformation tool: it translates an annotated program into input for the Viper framework, which is then used as verification back-end. The paper discusses the different programming languages and features for which VerCors provides verification support. It also discusses how the tool internally has been reorganised to become easily extendible, and to improve the connection and interaction with Viper. In addition, we also introduce two tools built on top of VerCors, which support correctness-preserving transformations of verified programs. Finally, we discuss how the VerCors verifier has been used on a range of realistic case studies.
Testing the Migration from Analog to Software-Based Railway Interlocking Systems
Authors: Becchi Anna , Cimatti Alessandro , Scaglione Giuseppe
Published: July 2024

We work in the context of a tool set developed for the Italian Railway Network supporting the migration of legacy relay-based interlocking systems to a new software-based implementation. We propose to generate test cases from the analog implementation in a way that they are significant for a comparison with a cycle-based computational model, by leveraging stable states abstraction. Our methodology found actual bugs in the new code that were missed by other analyses, and aids in documenting the expected differences with the legacy behaviors.
Efficient Implementation of an Abstract Domain of Quantified First-Order Formulas
Authors: Frenkel Eden , Chajed Tej , Padon Oded , Shoham Sharon
Published: July 2024

This paper lays a practical foundation for using abstract interpretation with an abstract domain that consists of sets of quantified first-order logic formulas. This abstract domain seems infeasible at first sight due to the complexity of the formulas involved and the enormous size of sets of formulas (abstract elements). We introduce an efficient representation of abstract elements, which eliminates redundancies based on a novel syntactic subsumption relation that under-approximates semantic entailment. We develop algorithms and data structures to efficiently compute the join of an abstract element with the abstraction of a concrete state, operating on the representation of abstract elements. To demonstrate feasibility of the domain, we use our data structures and algorithms to implement a symbolic abstraction algorithm that computes the least fixpoint of the best abstract transformer of a transition system, which corresponds to the strongest inductive invariant. We succeed at finding, for example, the least fixpoint for Paxos (which in our representation has 1,438 formulas with $$\forall ^*\exists ^*\forall ^*$$

∀
∗

∃
∗

∀
∗

quantification) in time comparable to state-of-the-art property-directed approaches.
T-duality of emergent gravities on nilmanifolds
Authors: Roychowdhury Raju , Soriani Leonardo
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We study the transport of generalized metrics between topological T-dual nil-manifolds through a Lie algebraic point of view. Emergent gravities are generalized metrics with symplectic B-fields. But this additional property might not be preserved by the aforementioned transport. We describe a necessary condition for it to happen and provide working examples on self-T-dual nilmanifolds with zero H-flux in both 4 and 6 dimensions. We also discuss how this procedure fails in the presence of a non-zero H-flux.
CircARAP2 controls sMICA-induced NK cell desensitization by erasing CTCF/PRC2-induced suppression in early endosome marker RAB5A
Authors: Guo Feifei , Du Nawen , Wen Xue , Li Zhaozhi , Guo Yantong , Zhou Lei , Hoffman Andrew R. , Li Lingyu , Hu Ji-Fan , Cui Jiuwei
Published: July 2024

Natural killer cells (NK) are the "professional killer" of tumors and play a crucial role in anti-tumor immunotherapy. NK cell desensitization is a key mechanism of tumor immune escape. Dysregulated NKG2D-NKG2DL signaling is a primary driver of this desensitization process. However, the factors that regulate NK cell desensitization remain largely uncharacterized. Here, we present the first report that circular RNA circARAP2 (hsa_circ_0069396) is involved in the soluble MICA (sMICA)-induced NKG2D endocytosis in the NK cell desensitization model. CircARAP2 was upregulated during NK cell desensitization and the loss of circARAP2 alleviated NKG2D endocytosis and NK cell desensitization. Using Chromatin isolation by RNA purification (ChIRP) and RNA pull-down approaches, we identified that RAB5A, a molecular marker of early endosomes, was its downstream target. Notably, transcription factor CTCF was an intermediate functional partner of circARAP2. Mechanistically, we discovered that circARAP2 interacted with CTCF and inhibited the recruitment of CTCF-Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) to the promoter region of RAB5A, thereby erasing histone H3K27 and H3K9 methylation suppression to enhance RAB5A transcription. These data demonstrate that inhibition of circARAP2 effectively alleviates sMICA-induced NKG2D endocytosis and NK cell desensitization, providing a novel target for therapeutic intervention in tumor immune evasion.
Joint Inversion of DC and TEM Methods for Geological Imaging
Authors: Bortolozo Cassiano Antonio , Campaña Julian David Realpe , Santos Fernando Acácio Monteiro Dos , De Oliveira Gabriela Serejo , Porsani Jorge Luís , Pryer Tristan , Sialounas Georgios
Published: July 2024

In this study, we present a new methodology for 2D joint inversion, or data fusion, of DC electro-resistivity and Transient Electromagnetic methods. These geophysical techniques have traditionally been used separately, but by combining them, we aim to decrease ambiguities and increase the robustness of the resulting subsurface model. The inversion process was conducted using the classical Occam method with smooth models and synthetic studies were also conducted to understand the limitations and advantages of the method. We also applied the algorithm to data obtained in groundwater exploration in Brazil, and the results showed that the 2D joint inversion is promising in increasing accuracy and reducing ambiguity in subsurface imaging.
Safe and reconfigurable manufacturing: safety aware multi-agent control for Plug & Produce system
Authors: Massouh Bassam , Danielsson Fredrik , Lennartson Bengt , Ramasamy Sudha , Khabbazi Mahmood
Published: July 2024

Plug & Produce aims to revolutionize manufacturing by enabling seamless machine integration into production processes without extensive programming. This concept, leveraging multi-agent systems (MAS), offers increased flexibility and faster production ramp-up times after reconfiguration. As automated manufacturing moves towards greater human integration, this paper addresses safe operation within the Plug & Produce concept. The main safety challenge arises from autonomous decision-making, as agents in the MAS lack awareness of the risk consequences of their behavior. Additionally, the difficulty of perceiving the system’s exact behavior leads to the implementation of overly restrictive safety measures. This limits the system’s flexibility and ability to make decisions for efficient production. This paper proposes a method utilizing multi-agent control to conduct automatic safety analysis and reason task allocations to avoid risks. The method’s benefits are the generation of control actions that comply with safety requirements during operation, eliminating the need for overly restrictive safety measures and allowing more effective equipment utilization. The method’s benefit is illustrated through a manufacturing scenario with two different configurations: one using a hazardous machine and the other using a less hazardous one. Formal verification using the model checker NuSMV demonstrated that safety requirements were satisfied in both configurations, without the need for manual modifications of the safety control system after reconfiguration. The results for this specific manufacturing scenario showed that there are more reachable states (20 states) in the safer second configuration, compared to the first configuration (16 states). This means that the presented control strategy dynamically adjusts the system’s behavior to confirm safety. Hence, this method maintains safety without fixed safety rules that limit the operations.
The system dynamics approach for a global evolutionary analysis of sustainable development
Authors: Feder Christophe , Callegari Beniamino , Collste David
Published: July 2024

The challenge of pursuing sustainable development highlights the relevance of the complex mechanisms through which natural and social selection processes affect and are affected by the economic system. Current economic development is unsustainable because it fails to generate long-term systemic compatibility between firms and their natural and social environment. This paper evaluates the issue from an evolutionary perspective by conceptualising unsustainability as the emergence of negative macro-selection effects, arising from both the natural and social domains, and argues for a methodological need for closer integration of system dynamics modelling within the evolutionary field. The Earth4All model is then used to illustrate the complex interactions between economic, social, and natural selection processes. The model results illustrate that the current global development trajectory is strongly unsustainable from both a natural and a social perspective, leading to the emergence of relevant natural and social macro-selection mechanisms, whose systemic interactions bring further complex adverse effects.
Eulerian and Lagrangian Stability in Zeitlin’s Model of Hydrodynamics
Authors: Modin Klas , Perrot Manolis
Published: July 2024

The two-dimensional (2-D) Euler equations of a perfect fluid possess a beautiful geometric description: they are reduced geodesic equations on the infinite-dimensional Lie group of symplectomorphims with respect to a right-invariant Riemannian metric. This structure enables insights to Eulerian and Lagrangian stability via sectional curvature and Jacobi equations. The Zeitlin model is a finite-dimensional analogue of the 2-D Euler equations; the only known discretization that preserves the rich geometric structure. Theoretical and numerical studies indicate that Zeitlin’s model provides consistent long-time behaviour on large scales, but to which extent it truly reflects the Euler equations is mainly open. Towards progress, we give here two results. First, convergence of the sectional curvature in the Euler–Zeitlin equations on the Lie algebra $$\mathfrak {su}(N)$$

su
(
N
)

to that of the Euler equations on the sphere. Second, $$L^2$$

L
2

-convergence of the corresponding Jacobi equations for Lagrangian and Eulerian stability. The results allow geometric conclusions about Zeitlin’s model to be transferred to Euler’s equations and vice versa, which could expedite the ultimate aim: to characterize the generic long-time behaviour of perfect 2-D fluids.
Impact of Exposure to Leaves From Metal-Polluted Sites on the Developmental Parameters of Larvae of the Dark Sword-Grass, Agrotis ipsilon (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Rasmy Shrouk , Mohamed Amr , Yousef Hesham A.
Published: July 2024

Insects are impacted by pollutants in their environments and food sources. Herein, we set out a semi-field study to assess the impact of environmental heavy metal contamination on developmental parameters, energy reserves, and acidic and alkaline phosphatases in the larval Agrotis ipsilon (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Castor leaves from contaminated and uncontaminated (reference site) areas were fed to A. ipsilon larvae in all treatments. The heavy metal concentrations in the plant from different areas (contaminated and reference sites) and in the larvae were analyzed. Toxic effects were observed in the larvae feeding on the leaves from the metal contaminated areas. Larval and pupal weights, growth indices, and larval fitness were all significantly lower than in the reference group. Likewise, in the third and fourth instars, there was a significant decrease in both the survival and moth emergence rates. In contrast, the pupation duration was significantly longer. Total protein, lipid, and glycogen content showed significant reductions in treated larvae. Larval homogenate samples contaminated with heavy metals showed a significant increase in acid- and alkaline- phosphatase levels. The results obtained could provide a basis for a long-term evaluation of the risk associated with heavy metals and their impact on plant populations and important agricultural pests.