bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anwendung von Grünen Inhibitoren zur Härtestabilisierung in Tunneldrainagen
Authors: Leis Albrecht , Wagner Hanns , Eichinger Stefanie , Domberger Gunnar , Wedenig Michael , Dietzel Martin , Boch Ronny
Published: August 2022

The drainage system is a core element of tunnel construction and operation. Frequently, natural as well as technical boundary conditions lead to the deposition of scales (especially calcium carbonates) in the drainage system. As a preventive measure – in contrast to post‐depositional cleaning procedures – the use of scale inhibitors to treat the drainage water (hardness stabilisation) is an option. ‘Green inhibitors’ are tailored green organic substances that delay or prevent scale formation when added in small concentrations. Moreover, green inhibitors can change the material consistency of scale deposits (soft sinter). An additional advantage of their use is the good environmental compatibility compared to conventional inhibitors. Suitable test procedures can be used to select a substance or product and evaluate or optimise its dosage. The application of polyaspartic acid or polysuccinimide products as ecologically harmless and readily biodegradable agents has proven advantageous in tunnel structures. The choice of liquid or depot stone conditioning essentially depends on the scaling mechanism, in addition to the technical considerations, flow rates and water chemistry. Regarding discharge to existing receiving water bodies, the inhibitor concentration in the water can be measured and controlled by DOC analysis and fluorescence spectroscopy. This article presents contemporary and tunnel‐specific case studies.
ALPK1 Accelerates the Pathogenesis of Osteoarthritis by Activating NLRP3 Signaling
Authors: Liu Xin , Zhao Jie , Jiang Henghua , Guo Huilin , Li Yingjie , Li Huimin , Feng Yaping , Ke Jin , Long Xing
Published: August 2022

Alpha-kinase 1 (ALPK1), a member of the alpha-kinase family, has been shown to be involved in mediating inflammatory responses and is strongly associated with gout; however, its modulatory role in osteoarthritis (OA) remains unclear. Here, we uncovered elevation of ALPK1 in degraded cartilage of destabilized medial meniscus (DMM) and collagenase-induced osteoarthritis (CIOA), two different mouse OA models induced by mechanical stress or synovitis. Intraarticular administration of recombinant human ALPK1 (rhALPK1) in vivo exacerbated OA pathogenesis in both DMM and CIOA mice, whereas ALPK1 knockout reversed this process. In vitro study demonstrated that ALPK1 aggravates metabolic disturbances in chondrocytes by enhancing the production of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), an inflammasome sensors driving interlukin-1β (IL-1β)-mediated inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, the selective inhibition of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) or NLRP3 indicates that NLRP3 is a downstream signaling governed by NF-κB in ALPK1-activated chondrocytes. Collectively, these results establish ALPK1 as a novel catabolic regulator of OA pathogenesis, and targeting this signaling may be a promising treatment strategy for OA. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
High‐fat diet affects autophagy and mitochondrial compartment in rat Harderian gland
Authors: Chieffi Baccari Gabriella , Falvo Sara , Di Fiore Maria M. , Cioffi Federica , Giacco Antonia , Santillo Alessandra
Published: August 2022

The Harderian gland (HG) of Rattus norvegicus is an orbital gland secreting lipids that accumulate in excess under condition of increased lipid metabolism. To study the response elicitated by lipid overload in rat HG, we housed the animals in thermoneutral conditions (28−30°C) in association to high fat diet (HFD). In HFD rats alterated blood lipid levels result in lipid accumulation in HG as demonstrated by the increased gland weight and histochemical/ultrastructural analyses. The HFD‐caused oxidative stress forces the gland to trigger antioxidant defense mechanisms and autophagic process, such as lipophagy and mitophagy. Induction of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage and repair was stronger in HFD‐rat HGs. An increase in marker expression levels of mitochondrial biogenesis, fission, and fusion occurred to counteract mtDNA copy number reduction and mitophagy. Therefore, the results demonstrate that rat HG activates autophagy as survival strategy under conditions of increased lipid metabolism and suggest a key role for mitophagy and membrane dynamics in the mitochondrial adaptive response to HFD.
Introduction of Otolaryngology Outpatient Examination Training Program for junior residents as part of rural regional medical support in Japan
Authors: Watanabe Takeshi , Takayama Hayato , Hamada Hisayuki , Kaneko Kenichi , Matsushima Kayoko , Nagatani Atsuko
Published: August 2022

Background

Nagasaki Prefecture is located in the most western part of Japan, and there are a considerable number of clinics in its many remote islands and rural areas. Thus, the Regional Medical Support Center in Nagasaki Prefecture dispatches doctors to rural hospitals to provide medical support. We introduced an outpatient training program at these rural hospitals for all residents to improve their clinical training in the field of otorhinolaryngology, whereby one otolaryngologist trains one resident.

Methods

This otolaryngology outpatient training program is randomly assigned, and conducted for 4–5 days a year, transported by a helicopter in Nagasaki Prefecture, which is a 30‐minute one‐way trip. We used a case checklist that included the 35 items that should be experienced and are defined as frequent by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. We also conducted a survey using an anonymous questionnaire.

Results

The survey response rate was 100%. Comparing the experience rate of symptoms between the pre‐introduction resident and the post‐introduction resident who underwent the otolaryngology outpatient training program, the experience rates of common diseases, including vertigo and otolaryngologic symptoms such as nasal bleeding and hoarseness, significantly increased after the program was introduced (p ≤ .001). Notably, the experience rate of headache, cough/sputum, and vertigo was 100%.

Conclusion

Our training program provides a suitable medical environment for the resident and secures a doctor who can provide secondary medical service support. Furthermore, the program will improve the level of primary care provided by the residents in remote island and rural area hospitals.
New biologically potent benzimidazole‐based‐triazole derivatives as acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors along with molecular docking study
Authors: Khan Yousaf , Rehman Wajid , Hussain Rafaqat , Khan Shoaib , Malik Aneela , Khan Marwa , Liaqat Anjum , Rasheed Liaqat , Begum Faiza , Fazil Srosh , Khan Imran , Abdellatif Magda H.
Published: August 2022

A series of fifteen hybrid analogs (1–15) based on benzimidazole bearing triazole skeleton were synthesized and were evaluated for in vitro AChE and BuChE inhibition profile. All the newly afforded scaffolds showed moderate to good AChE and BuChE activity having IC50 values ranging from 0.40 ± 0.05 to 19.60 ± 0.40 μM against AChE and 1.50 ± 0.10 to 23.30 ± 0.50 μM against BuChE in comparison to Donepezil (IC50 = 0.016 ± 0.12 μM for AChE), (IC50 = 4.5 ± 0.11 μM for BuChE) as reference drug. It was concluded from structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies that scaffolds bearing groups of strong e‐withdrawing nature (–NO2, –F and –Cl) at different position of aryl ring were found to be potent inhibitors of both targeted AChE and BuChE enzymes. Therefore, compounds 7 (bearing para‐NO2), 2 (bearing para‐fluoro), 6 (bearing meta‐NO2) and 8 (bearing meta‐fluoro) were identified as the most active on screening against AChE enzyme with IC50 values of 0.40 ± 0.05, 0.60 ± 0.05 and 0.80 ± 0.05 and 0.90 ± 0.05 μM. These scaffolds 7, 2, 6 and 8 also showed superior potency against BuChE enzyme with IC50 values of 1.50 ± 0.10, 2.10 ± 0.10, 2.60 ± 0.10 and 2.30 ± 0.10 μM. It was also observed that inhibition profile of synthesized scaffolds against both these targeted enzymes was greatly affected by altering either position or number/s of substituent around aryl ring. Moreover, it was noteworthy that scaffolds that hold substituent of bulky nature are unable to interact better with active site of targeted enzymes and hence, lower the enzymatic potentials against targeted enzymes. In addition, the active scaffolds such as 7 and 2 were further subjected to molecular docking studies and result obtained revealed that these active scaffolds interacts well both with AChE and BuChE enzymes and forms several key interactions (conventional hydrogen bond, π‐cation, π‐π stacking, π‐π T‐shaped, π‐sulfur and π‐alkyl) with active site of these targeted enzymes. Furthermore, newly afforded scaffolds were characterized by using various spectroscopic tools such as HR‐EI‐MS, 13C NMR and 1HNMR spectroscopy.
HIV prevention metrics: lessons to be learned from contraception
Authors: Pyra Maria , Heffron Renee , Haberer Jessica E. , Kiarie James
Published: August 2022

Introduction

As the range of effective HIV prevention options, including multiple biomedical tools, increases, there are many challenges to measuring HIV prevention efforts. In part, there is the challenge of varying prevention needs, between individuals as well as within individuals over time. The field of contraception faces many similar challenges, such as the range of prevention methods and changing contraceptive needs, and has developed many metrics for assessing contraceptive use at the program level, using frameworks that move beyond the HIV prevention cascade. We explore these similarities and differences between these two prevention fields and then discuss how each of these contraceptive metrics could be adapted to assessing HIV prevention.

Discussion

We examined measures of initiation, coverage and persistence. Among measures of initiation, HIV Prevention–Post Testing would be a useful corollary to Contraceptive Use–Post Partum for a subset of the population. As a measure of coverage, both Net Prevention Coverage and HIV Protection Index (modelled off the Contraception Protection Index) may be useful. Finally, as a measure of persistence, Person‐Years of HIV Protection could be adapted from Couple‐Years Protection. As in contraception, most programs will not reach 100% on HIV prevention metrics but these metrics are highly useful for making comparisons.

Conclusions

While we may not be able to perfectly capture the true population of who would benefit from HIV prevention, by building off the work of the contraceptive field to use and refine these metrics, we can assess and compare HIV prevention over time and across programs. Furthermore, these metrics can help us reach global targets, such as the 2025 UNAIDS Goals, and reduce HIV incidence.
Scylla, Charybdis, and navigating antimicrobial action in the neutrophil phagosome
Authors: Nauseef William M
Published: August 2022

The text extracted from the initial paragraph of a paper coauthored by Zanvil Cohn, one of the pioneers in the study of leukocyte biology, highlights two phenomena that stimulated investigations of innate immunity in the middle of the last century, namely phagocytosis and intracellular antimicrobial activity. Although many features of phagocytosis have been characterized since that time, fundamental aspects of the antimicrobial action of neutrophils remain unknown. The report by Ashby et al. provides a refined and nuanced look at the interface between an ingested microbe, Staphylococcus aureus, and HOCl generated by the myeloperoxidase (MPO)–H2O2–chloride system in neutrophil phagosomes and represents a holistic approach to the analysis of bactericidal mechanisms that recognizes contributions from both phagocyte and its ingested prey.
BK polyomavirus in Iranian patients with papillary thyroid cancer: Is it a major future challenge?
Authors: Tarharoudi Rahil , Sari Soyar , Sakhaee Fatemeh , Vaziri Farzam , Rahimi Jamnani Fatemeh , Siadat Seyed Davar , Fateh Abolfazl
Published: August 2022

BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is a well‐known cause of nephropathy in renal transplant recipients. It has recently received much attention from researchers as a major predisposing factor for various cancers. This study aimed to investigate how BKPyV affected the advancement of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). A total of 1057 samples were tested for BKPyV DNA and RNA, comprising 645 paraffin‐embedded PTC biopsy samples (PEBS), 412 fresh biopsy samples (FBS), and 1057 adjacent noncancerous samples. The BKPyV DNA was found in 511 (48.3%) of the specimens, including 347 (84.2%) FBS and 164 (25.4%) PEBS. The mean BKPyV copy number was significantly lower in patients with PEBS (0.5 × 10−4 ± 0.1 × 10−4 copies/cell) than in FBS (1.3 × 10−1 ± 0.2 × 10−1 copies/cell) and non‐PTC normal samples (0.3 × 10−5 ± 0.04 × 10−5 copies/cell). The PEBS had lower LT‐Ag RNA expression than FBS, and no VP1 gene transcript expression was detected. In conclusion, although our findings indicated the presence of BKPyV in some Iranian PTC patients, more research is needed to corroborate these findings.
Variations in Practices and Preferences of Vocal Fold Injection Materials: A National Survey
Authors: Kharidia Khush M. , Bensoussan Yael , Rosen Clark A , Johns Michael M , O'Dell Karla
Published: August 2022

Background

Vocal fold injection augmentation (VFI) is a common procedure for the treatment of glottic insufficiency. Material options for VFI and decisions regarding material selection are not standardized and often based on clinician preference.

Objective

This study aims to understand the variations in provider preference and utilization of injectable materials for VFI.

Methods

A 40‐question survey was sent to 158 academic laryngologists. Questions pertained to the type of injectable materials used including brand preferences and rationale for preferences.

Results

Ninety‐seven of the 158 laryngologists contacted participated in the survey (61.4%). The most frequently used injectable materials were Hyaluronic Acid (HA)‐based products. Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)‐based products were preferred for trial augmentation (57.2%), HA‐based products were preferred for acute/subacute vocal fold paralysis, presbyphonia, and sulcus/scar (54.2%, 61.5%, 44.7%, 41.7% respectively), and Calcium Hydroxyapatite (CaHA)‐based products were preferred for long‐term paralysis (28.1%). CMC‐based products were discontinued by 21.8% of participants, largely due to quick material resorption. 17.8% of participants discontinued HA‐based products largely due to adverse events and 26.0% abandoned CaHA‐based products mostly due to inflammatory properties causing vocal fold stiffness and material unpredictability. Over 30% of respondents reported wanting to reinitiate micronized alloderm Cymetra® as an available injectable.

Conclusion

Our survey demonstrated that there are significant variations in practice and preferences in regard to injectable material selection for VFI. As there is limited data on the direct material comparison, understanding the rationale behind these variations is crucial to guide new providers in material selection and provide information to patients undergoing these procedures.

Level of Evidence

5 Laryngoscope, 133:1176–1183, 2023
Photoelectron‐Extractive and Ambient‐Stable CsPbBr3@SnO2 Nanocrystals for High‐Performance Photodetection
Authors: Xiao Hongbin , Fu Jintao , Wei Xingzhan , Wang Baiqian , Qian Qingkai , Huang Jianfeng , Li Ru , Zang Zhigang
Published: August 2022

The severe recombination of carriers and poor stability against moisture environment have limited the application of CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, I) nanocrystals in photodetection. Herein, a large‐scale synthesis of SnO2‐coated CsPbBr3 NCs (abbreviated to CsPbBr3@SnO2 NCs) has been reported for the first time by combining the water‐triggered transformation of Cs4PbBr6 NCs and the hydrolysis of tin 2‐ethylhexanoate. Owing to the construction of the CsPbBr3/SnO2 heterojunction, the recombination rate of carriers in the CsPbBr3@SnO2 NCs is greatly reduced compared to that of the pristine CsPbBr3 NCs. The stability against water degradation is also improved due to the protection of the SnO2 coating. Accordingly, a CsPbBr3@SnO2‐graphene hybrid device for high‐performance photodetection is demonstrated. Results show that the responsivity of the device reaches 6.2 104 A W−1 at 1 V, which is over 496‐fold of the pristine CsPbBr3 device. This work not only provides a robust approach for the surface modification of CsPbX3 NCs but also offers useful guidance on the optoelectronic applications with CsPbX3 NCs.
It's all part of the customer journey: The impact of augmented reality, chatbots, and social media on the body image and self‐esteem of Generation Z female consumers
Authors: Ameen Nisreen , Cheah Jun‐Hwa , Kumar Satish
Published: August 2022

Research is needed to identify novel ways to influence Generation Z female consumers' behavior when they interact with various technologies. This study investigates how experiences of using augmented reality, artificial intelligence‐enabled chatbots, and social media when interacting with beauty brands affect body image, self‐esteem, and purchase behavior among female consumers in Generation Z. Through three studies, we propose and test a model drawing on social comparison theory. In Study 1, a survey was completed by Generation Z women (n = 1118). In Study 2 and Study 3, two laboratory experiments were conducted with Generation Z women in Malaysia (n = 250 and n = 200). We show that (1) Generation Z women's perceived augmentation positively affects their body image, self‐esteem, and actual purchase behavior; (2) although trust in social media celebrities positively affects Generation Z women's body image and self‐esteem, the addictive use of social media does not have significant effects; (3) the chatbot support type (assistant vs. friend) has a significant impact on these women's experience; and (4) brand attachment, reputation, and awareness do not have significant effects. This article provides important implications for theory and practice on the behavior of Generation Z females when interacting with various technologies.
Microstructure evolution of transformation induced plasticity seamless steel tube in hydraulic free bulge test
Authors: Zhang Z.C. , Li B. , Kong X.W. , Manabe K.
Published: August 2022

In this study the hydraulic free bulge test with an internal pressure boosting velocities of 0.5 MPa/s and punch feeding speed of 0.2 mm/s was carried out to study the microstructure evolution of the transformation induced plasticity seamless steel tube in the hydroforming process. The microstructure of the selected parts of the tube after the hydraulic free bulge test were investigated with the optical microscope and transmission electron microscope. The transformation rate of the retained austenite to martensite of the selected parts were determined by the x‐ray diffraction. To study the deformation behavior and obtain the stress‐strain state of the tube, the finite element simulation of the hydraulic free bulge test was also carried out. The results show that the retained austenite in the microstructure of all the selected parts transformed to martensite after the hydraulic free bulge test. In the center part of the tube, the highest transformation rate of 82.84 % was obtained. The retained austenites distribute inside of the ferrite grains transform to martensite firstly under the compressive stress and strain state. The retained austenites distribute at the ferrite grain boundaries start to transforme into martensite when the tube is subjected to the tensile stress and strain.
Parametric investigation on behaviour of carbon fiber reinforced polymers wrapped reinforced concrete columns under eccentric loads
Authors: Fareed S. , Ayub L. , Khan A.R.
Published: August 2022

The use of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) has proved to be significantly efficient in improving the overall behaviour of reinforced concrete columns. The use of high‐strength concrete in columns not only reduces the size but also gives adequate durability to the structure. The behaviour of reinforced concrete columns depends on numerous parameters, including concrete compressive strength, percentage of steel, cross‐section dimensions, ties spacing and the slenderness ratio. In this work the following parameters are investigated: Concrete compressive strength, percentage of steel, and the slenderness ratio. The focus of experimental investigation was to study the influence of carbon fiber reinforced polymer wrapping on the behaviour of plain concrete columns. Following the experimental investigation, a detailed numerical investigation was conducted to study the influence of the above parameters on the behaviour of eccentrically loaded plain and reinforced concrete columns. The influence of carbon fiber reinforced polymer wrapping on the overall performance was also studied using the available models for predicting the load‐moment interaction of columns to confirm the findings of the numerical investigations. Based on the detailed experimental and numerical investigation it was found that the concrete compressive strength significantly influences the overall behaviour of the reinforced concrete columns subjected to eccentric loadings.
Some remarks on the Gronwall integral inequality
Authors: Du Feifei , Lu Jun‐Guo
Published: August 2022

In this paper, a generalized Volterra‐type integral inequality is developed. On the basis of this inequality, the effect of fractional‐order
on the application of the integer‐order Gronwall integral inequality (IOGII) is discussed. Specially speaking, the IOGII cannot be directly used to reckon the solution of integral inequality with the order
. It seems that both the IOGII and the generalized Volterra‐type integral inequality can be applied to estimate the solution of integral inequality with the order
, and results are consistent, but this is just a coincidence.
The external validation of the asthma prediction tool in the French ELFE cohort
Authors: Khan Sadia , Ouaalaya El Hassane , Chamberlain Jonviea D. , Dufourg Marie‐Noëlle , Charles Marie‐Aline , Semjen Chantal R.
Published: August 2022

Background

Existing predictive scores for early identification of children at high risk of developing asthma include invasive procedures, and hence have limited utility in a primary care setting. The Leicestershire respiratory cohort (LRC) has developed a noninvasive asthma prediction tool (APT) for children with promising results. We aimed to perform its external validation in the French general population Étude Longitudinale Française depuis l'Enfance (ELFE) cohort.

Methods

Predictive scores were determined at Age 1 and the primary outcome of asthma was defined as parental reporting of “asthma ever or “wheezing in the past 12 months” at Age 5. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and performance measures, and discriminative performance was reported using the receiver operating curve and area under curve (AUC). Calibration was assessed using Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness‐of‐fit test and visualized with a calibration plot. Overall performance was determined using Brier scores.

Results

Of the 10,689 children analyzed: 84.9% were at low, 13.1% medium, and 2% at high risk of developing asthma at Age 5. Children in the medium‐risk category were three times more likely to develop asthma (OR = 3.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.97–3.78) whereas 13 times more likely in the high‐risk category (OR = 13.8, 95% CI = 10.2–18.8). The tool's AUC was comparable: LRC 0.74 versus ELFE 0.68; as were the Brier scores LRC 0.16 versus ELFE 0.14. The tool's performance was robust to changes in inclusion criteria and outcome definitions.

Conclusions and Relevance

Results of the present study and previous validation studies performed in high‐risk populations provide a comprehensive measure of the effectiveness of the APT, providing encouragement for its application by general practitioners.
Exhausted Cr(VI) Sensing/Removal Aerogels Are Recycled for Water Purification and Solar‐Thermal Energy Generation
Authors: Li Xiaoning , Li Meng , Shi Quanyu , Guo Hongmin , Wang Lidong , Guo Xiaolin , Chen Zhijun , Sessler Jonathan L. , Xiao Huining , James Tony D.
Published: August 2022

Heavy metal pollution has resulted in numerous environmental challenges. However, classic approaches, involving the use of solid adsorbents are subject to limitations, including the high energy consumption required for processing before and after use. Accordingly, strategies that facilitate the use of metal capture media that extends beyond waste remediation are attractive. Herein, a porous fluorescent aerogel (CPC aerogel) is constructed by immersing amino‐based carbon dots (CDs‐NH2) into a polyethyleneimine (PEI)/carboxymethylated cellulose (CMC) aerogel network for the simultaneous detection and adsorption of Cr(VI). Adsorption experiments confirm that the CMC/PEI containing CDs‐NH2 aerogel (CPC aerogel) exhibits good Cr(VI) extraction capacity, and can reach a level that conforms with industrial water safety standards. In addition, the CPC aerogel can continuously detect and remove Cr(VI) at high flux. Following Cr(VI) absorption, the CPC aerogel may be vulcanized (MSx‐CPC gel) and used for solar thermoelectric generation resulting in power generation. Additionally, the MSx‐CPC gel can be used for solar steam generation and exhibits excellent evaporation rates of ≈1.31 kg m–2 h–1 under one sun irradiation. The results serve to underscore how materials designed for metal ion recognition and adsorption once exhausted can be exploited to provide materials for solar thermoelectric power generation and seawater desalination.
Entropy service for secure real‐time mission critical communications
Authors: Zeydan Engin , Turk Yekta , Tasbag Yaman Yagiz
Published: August 2022

Real Time Mission Critical Communication (RTMCC) in emergency situations can include real‐time video and audio calls between peers and first responders all occurring simultaneously. RTMCC also requires secure end‐to‐end (E2E) group communication (GC) sessions against potential security threats during such incidents. In this paper, we explore all aspects of the possible methods that are suitable for a software implementation of for session key change during GC in E2E encryption of RTMCC. Later, we introduce our Entropy Service concept, which can be very effective in secure E2E RTMCC sessions. The proposed method ensures E2E security in real‐time communication systems while allowing very fast session key change for clients involved in an RTMCC session with a computational complexity of 𝒪(1). Our experimental results show that the proposed Entropy Service can reduce total time by 99.6% and 99.2%, the idle time by 99.4% and 98.99%, and the number of messages by 51.4% and 35.33% compared to the key refreshing and hash methods, respectively, when the number of users in the system increases to 45. These results show that both communication and computation complexity are significantly reduced with the proposed RTMCC session key change.
Whales and dolphins have strong sense of self
Authors: Mills Georgina
Published: August 2022

Georgina Mills reports on a talk discussing the cognitive abilities of cetaceans, which are often kept in captivity
Your voice in the media
Authors: Rossi Nina
Published: August 2022

BVA media manager Nina Rossi explains how recent statistics from the Voice of the Veterinary Profession surveys have helped BVA to promote animal health and welfare issues, such as brachycephalic pets and multicat households, to the media.
Progress in magnetic resonance imaging of autism model mice brain
Authors: Yang Dingding , Zhao Yan , Nie Binbin , An Leiting , Wan Xiangdong , Wang Yazhou , Wang Wenting , Cai Guohong , Wu Shengxi
Published: August 2022

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disease characterized by social disorder and stereotypical behaviors with an increasing incidence. ASD patients are suffering from varying degrees of mental retardation and language development abnormalities. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive imaging technology to detect brain structural and functional dysfunction in vivo, playing an important role in the early diagnosisbasic research of ASD. High‐field, small‐animal MRI in basic research of autism model mice has provided a new approach to research the pathogenesis, characteristics, and intervention efficacy in autism. This article reviews MRI studies of mouse models of autism over the past 20 years. Reduced gray matter, abnormal connections of brain networks, and abnormal development of white matter fibers have been demonstrated in these studies, which are present in different proportions in the various mouse models. This provides a more macroscopic view for subsequent research on autism model mice.

This article is categorized under:

Cognitive Biology > Genes and Environment

Neuroscience > Computation

Neuroscience > Genes, Molecules, and Cells

Neuroscience > Development
Overview of hydrogen economy in Australia
Authors: Kar Sanjay Kumar , Sinha Akhoury Sudhir Kumar , Bansal Rohit , Shabani Bahman , Harichandan Sidhartha
Published: August 2022

The hydrogen economy is on the verge of expansion across the globe. Leading economies like Japan, South Korea, China, the United States of America, Germany, and Australia are steadily pushing for greater hydrogen integration into their energy systems. Australia's thrust on the hydrogen economy becomes prominent with clear strategic actions to enhance clean technology‐based hydrogen production. The paper critically analyses Australia's strategies and policies to expand its hydrogen economy. The paper found that Australia fixed ambitious targets to increase hydrogen penetration in the domestic market and export to Japan, China, and South Korea. Australia's national hydrogen strategy emphasized creating a strong hydrogen value chain to capitalize on abundant renewable resources. This article affirms that Australia has enormous potential for cost‐competitive green hydrogen production and export. Australia's cost‐competitive green hydrogen production with modern supply chain infrastructure will offer competitive advantages over the other exporters. States/regions are trying to align their hydrogen policies and strategies along the lines of the national strategy. However, some concerns demand timely attention from the stakeholders. Australia should address multiple challenges, including a lack of investment, lower public awareness, and insufficient infrastructure to push hydrogen adoption in the domestic market. Further, Australia must utilize its strengths to take advantage of the emerging hydrogen markets in Japan, China, and South Korea.

This article is categorized under:

Sustainable Energy > Other Renewables

Emerging Technologies > Hydrogen and Fuel Cells

Policy and Economics > Regional and International Strategies
Verified Erasure Correction in Coq with MathComp and VST
Authors: Cohen Joshua M. , Wang Qinshi , Appel Andrew W.
Published: August 2022

Most methods of data transmission and storage are prone to errors, leading to data loss. Forward erasure correction (FEC) is a method to allow data to be recovered in the presence of errors by encoding the data with redundant parity information determined by an error-correcting code. There are dozens of classes of such codes, many based on sophisticated mathematics, making them difficult to verify using automated tools. In this paper, we present a formal, machine-checked proof of a C implementation of FEC based on Reed-Solomon coding. The C code has been actively used in network defenses for over 25 years, but the algorithm it implements was partially unpublished, and it uses certain optimizations whose correctness was unknown even to the code’s authors. We use Coq’s Mathematical Components library to prove the algorithm’s correctness and the Verified Software Toolchain to prove that the C program correctly implements this algorithm, connecting both using a modular, well-encapsulated structure that could easily be used to verify a high-speed, hardware version of this FEC. This is the first end-to-end, formal proof of a real-world FEC implementation; we verified all previously unknown optimizations and found a latent bug in the code.
MoGym: Using Formal Models for Training and Verifying Decision-making Agents
Authors: Gros Timo P. , Hermanns Holger , Hoffmann Jörg , Klauck Michaela , Köhl Maximilian A. , Wolf Verena
Published: August 2022

MoGym, is an integrated toolbox enabling the training and verification of machine-learned decision-making agents based on formal models, for the purpose of sound use in the real world. Given a formal representation of a decision-making problem in the JANI format and a reach-avoid objective, MoGym(a) enables training a decision-making agent with respect to that objective directly on the model using reinforcement learning (RL) techniques, and (b) it supports rigorous assessment of the quality of the induced decision-making agent by means of deep statistical model checking (DSMC). MoGymimplements the standard interface for training environments established by OpenAI Gym, thereby connecting to the vast body of existing work in the RL community. In return, it makes accessible the large set of existing JANI model checking benchmarks to machine learning research. It thereby contributes an efficient feedback mechanism for improving in particular reinforcement learning algorithms. The connective part is implemented on top of Momba. For the DSMC quality assurance of the learned decision-making agents, a variant of the statistical model checkermodesof the ModestToolsetis leveraged, which has been extended by two new resolution strategies for non-determinism when encountered during statistical evaluation.
Verifying Generalised and Structural Soundness of Workflow Nets via Relaxations
Authors: Blondin Michael , Mazowiecki Filip , Offtermatt Philip
Published: August 2022

Workflow nets are a well-established mathematical formalism for the analysis of business processes arising from either modeling tools or process mining. The central decision problems for workflow nets are k-soundness, generalised soundness and structural soundness. Most existing tools focus on k-soundness. In this work, we propose novel scalable semi-procedures for generalised and structural soundness. This is achieved via integral and continuous Petri net reachability relaxations. We show that our approach is competitive against state-of-the-art tools.
Capture, Analyze, Diagnose: Realizability Checking Of Requirements in FRET
Authors: Katis Andreas , Mavridou Anastasia , Giannakopoulou Dimitra , Pressburger Thomas , Schumann Johann
Published: August 2022

Requirements formalization has become increasingly popular in industrial settings as an effort to disambiguate designs and optimize development time and costs for critical system components. Formal requirements elicitation also enables the employment of analysis tools to prove important properties, such as consistency and realizability. In this paper, we present the realizability analysis framework that we developed as part of the Formal Requirements Elicitation Tool (FRET). Our framework prioritizes usability, and employs state-of-the-art analysis algorithms that support infinite theories. We demonstrate the workflow for realizability checking, showcase the diagnosis process that supports visualization of conflicts between requirements and simulation of counterexamples, and discuss results from industrial-level case studies.
Automated Expected Amortised Cost Analysis of Probabilistic Data Structures
Authors: Leutgeb Lorenz , Moser Georg , Zuleger Florian
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we present the first fully-automated expected amortised cost analysis of self-adjusting data structures, that is, of randomised splay trees, randomised splay heaps and randomised meldable heaps, which so far have only (semi-)manually been analysed in the literature. Our analysis is stated as a type-and-effect system for a first-order functional programming language with support for sampling over discrete distributions, non-deterministic choice and a ticking operator. The latter allows for the specification of fine-grained cost models. We state two soundness theorems based on two different—but strongly related—typing rules of ticking, which account differently for the cost of non-terminating computations. Finally we provide a prototype implementation able to fully automatically analyse the aforementioned case studies."Image missing"
Quantum information scrambling and quantum chaos in little string theory
Authors: Mahish Sandip , Sil Karunava
Published: August 2022

Abstract

In the current manuscript we perform a systematic investigation about the effects of nonlocal interaction to the spread of quantum information in many body system. In particular, we have studied how nonlocality influence the existing bound on the growth rate of the commutator involving two local operators, the butterfly velocity. For this purpose, we consider the nonlocal theory on the worldvolume of N ≫ 1, NS5 branes arising in the limit of vanishing string coupling, the ‘little string theory’. A direct evidence of nonlocality can be realized from the ‘volume law’ behavior for the most dominant part of holographic entanglement entropy. We obtain the butterfly velocity by studying the dynamics of the near horizon geometry backreacted by a high energy quanta in the form of a shockwave resulting from an early perturbation on the corresponding thermofield double state. We observe that the butterfly velocity increases with the nonlocal scale of little string theory, the inverse Hagedorn temperature βh, indicating a faster rate of information spread due to the nonlocal interaction. The same conclusion follows as the disruption of two sided mutual information is observed to occur at a faster rate for higher values of βh. Finally, we realize a direct connection between the parameters of quantum chaos and the quasinormal modes for collective excitations through the phenomenon of ‘pole skipping’.
Multipoint correlators on the supersymmetric Wilson line defect CFT
Authors: Barrat Julien , Liendo Pedro , Peveri Giulia , Plefka Jan
Published: August 2022

Abstract

We study multipoint correlators of protected scalars on the Maldacena-Wilson line in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SYM. Working at weak coupling in the planar limit, we derive an explicit recursion relation that captures next-to-leading order correlators with an arbitrary number of insertions of the fundamental scalar field. By pinching fundamental scalars together, we can build composite protected operators with higher values of the R-charge. Our result then encompasses arbitrary n-point correlators of protected operators with arbitrary weight. As a demonstration of our method, we give explicit formulae for correlators with up to six points. Using these results we observe that all our correlators are annihilated by a special class of differential operators. We conjecture that these differential operators are non-perturbative constraints and can be considered a multipoint extension of the superconformal Ward identities satisfied by four-point functions.
Constraining new physics with SModelS version 2
Authors: Alguero Gaël , Heisig Jan , Khosa Charanjit K. , Kraml Sabine , Kulkarni Suchita , Lessa Andre , Reyes-González Humberto , Waltenberger Wolfgang , Wongel Alicia
Published: August 2022

Abstract

We present version 2 of SModelS, a program package for the fast reinterpretation of LHC searches for new physics on the basis of simplified model results. The major novelty of the SModelS v2 series is an extended topology description with a flexible number of particle attributes, such as spin, charge, decay width, etc. This enables, in particular, the treatment of a wide range of signatures with long-lived particles. Moreover, constraints from prompt and long-lived searches can be evaluated simultaneously in the same run. The current database includes results from searches for heavy stable charged particles, disappearing tracks, displaced jets and displaced leptons, in addition to a large number of prompt searches. The capabilities of the program are demonstrated by two physics applications: constraints on long-lived charged scalars in the scotogenic model, and constraints on the electroweak-ino sector in the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model.
Spontaneously broken supersymmetric fracton phases with fermionic subsystem symmetries
Authors: Katsura Hosho , Nakayama Yu
Published: August 2022

Abstract

We construct a purely fermionic system with spontaneously broken supersymmetry that shares the common feature with a fracton phase of matter. Our model is gapless due to the Nambu-Goldstone mechanism. It shows a ground-state degeneracy with the “Area-law” entropy due to fermionic subsystem symmetries. In the strongly coupled limit, it becomes a variant of the Nicolai model, and we conjecture that the ground-state degeneracy shows the “Volume-law” entropy. Gauging the fermionic subsystem symmetry has an t’Hooft anomaly by itself, but the would-be gauged theory may possess a fermionic defect that is immobile in certain spatial directions.
Topology optimization of multi-story buildings under fully non-stationary stochastic seismic ground motion
Authors: Angelucci Giulia , Quaranta Giuseppe , Mollaioli Fabrizio
Published: August 2022

Topology optimization has been mainly addressed for structures under static loads using a deterministic setting. Nonetheless, many structural systems are subjected to uncertain dynamic loads, and thus efficient approaches are required to evaluate the optimal topology in such kind of applications. Within this framework, the present paper deals with the topology optimization of multi-story buildings subjected to seismic ground motion. Because of the inherent randomness of the earthquakes, the uncertain system response is determined through a random vibration-based approach in which the seismic ground motion is described as filtered white Gaussian noise with time-varying amplitude and frequency content (i.e., fully non-stationary seismic ground motion). The paper is especially concerned with the assessment of the dynamic response sensitivity for the gradient-based numerical solution of the optimization problem. To this end, an approximated construction of the gradient is proposed in which explicit, exact derivatives with respect to the design variables are computed analytically through direct differentiation for a sub-assembly of elements (up to a single element) resulting from the discretization of the optimizable domain. The proposed strategy is first validated for the simpler case of stationary base excitation by comparing the results with those obtained using an exact approach based on the adjoint method, and its correctness is ultimately verified for the more general case of non-stationary seismic ground motion. Overall, this validation demonstrates that the proposed approach leads to accurate results at low computational effort. Further numerical investigations are finally presented to highlight to what extent the features of the non-stationary seismic ground motion influence the optimal topology.
The foramen magnum in scaphocephaly
Authors: Skadorwa Tymon , Wierzbieniec Olga
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The foramen magnum (FM) presents various alterations in craniosynostoses, such as brachycephaly or Crouzon syndrome. However, to date, no study has been devoted to its morphology and morphometry in scaphocephaly, which is the most common of cranial deformities resulting from premature fusion of cranial sutures.

Methods

We assessed the morphology and morphometry of FM using preoperative thin-cut CT scans of 107 children with non-syndromic sagittal craniosynostosis aged 1–12 months (mean age 5.38 months). A series of sagittal and transverse dimensions were taken and the FM area was calculated in each case. Obtained data were compared to the age-matched control group of 101 normocephalic children.

Results

Dolichotrematous type of FM was dominant in the scaphocephaly group and observed in 63/107 cases (58.9%). The mean FM area in the scaphocephaly group was 519.64 mm2 and was significantly smaller compared to the control group (p = 0.0011). The transverse diameter and anterior sagittal diameter were also significantly smaller (p = 0.0112 and p = 0.0003, respectively).

Conclusion

The area of FM in scaphocephaly is smaller compared to normal individuals. This is associated with a significant reduction of the width of FM in children with sagittal craniosynostosis. FM in scaphocephaly is larger than in other reported series of children with brachycephaly or Crouzon syndrome.
Prospective association of family members’ sugar-sweetened beverages intake with children’s sugar-sweetened beverages consumption in China
Authors: Liu Xue-Ting , Xiong Jing-Yuan , Xu Yu-Jie , Zhao Li , Libuda Lars , Cheng Guo
Published: August 2022

Purpose

We aimed to investigate whether parental and siblings’ sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake had prospective impact on children’s SSB consumption, and the potential sex difference in these associations.

Methods

This study included a total of 904 children and their parents enrolled from 2004 to 2011 China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) cohort study. SSB consumption information was estimated using a short dietary questionnaire and total energy intake was assessed with three-day 24-h dietary assessments at recruitment and follow-up surveys. Multivariate logistic or linear regression analyses were used to assess the association for SSB consumption between parents, siblings and children after adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI) z-score, household income and parental educational level.

Results

In this study, a majority (87.6%) of children consumed SSB. Among them, the median consumption of SSB was 70.3 ml/day per capita and 205.4 ml/day per consumer. Parental SSB consumption was relevant to children’s SSB consumption, and this association was more pronounced in boys than in girls. Meanwhile, fathers seemed to have a stronger impact on whether children consume SSB than mothers which was reflected by lower P and higher OR. Additionally, children’s SSB intake was prospectively associated with their older siblings’ SSB consumption (Pfor trend < 0.03).

Conclusions

Parental and older siblings’ SSB consumption was relevant to children’s SSB intake. Particularly, boys were more susceptible to parental impact than girls, and fathers seemed to have a greater influence on children than mothers.