bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the accuracy of georeferenced landcover data derived from oblique imagery using machine learning
Authors: Tricker James , Wright Claire , Rose Spencer , Rhemtulla Jeanine , Lantz Trevor , Higgs Eric
Published: January 2024

Repeat photography offers distinctive insights into ecological change, with ground‐based oblique photographs often predating early aerial images by decades. However, the oblique angle of the photographs presents challenges for extracting and analyzing ecological information using traditional remote sensing approaches. Several innovative methods have been developed for analyzing repeat photographs, but none offer a comprehensive end‐to‐end workflow incorporating image classification and georeferencing to produce quantifiable landcover data. In this paper, we provide an overview of two new tools, an automated deep learning classifier and intuitive georeferencing tool, and describe how they are used to derive landcover data from 19 images associated with the Mountain Legacy Project, a research team that works with the world's largest collection of systematic high‐resolution historic mountain photographs. We then combined these data to produce a contemporary landcover map for a study area in Jasper National Park, Canada. We assessed georeferencing accuracy by calculating the root‐mean‐square error and mean displacement for a subset of the images, which was 4.6 and 3.7 m, respectively. Overall classification accuracy of the landcover map produced from oblique images was 68%, which was comparable to landcover data produced from aerial imagery using a conventional classification method. The new workflow advances the use of repeat photographs for yielding quantitative landcover data. It has several advantages over existing methods including the ability to produce quick and consistent image classifications with little human input, and accurately georeference and combine these data to generate landcover maps for large areas.
Using multiplatform LiDAR to identify relationships between vegetation structure and the abundance and diversity of woodland reptiles and amphibians
Authors: Shokirov Shukhrat , Jucker Tommaso , Levick Shaun R. , Manning Adrian D. , Youngentob Kara N.
Published: January 2024

Remotely sensed measures of vegetation structure have been shown to explain patterns in the occurrence and diversity of several animal taxa, including birds, mammals, and invertebrates. However, very little research in this area has focused on reptiles and amphibians (herpetofauna). Moreover, most remote sensing studies on animal–habitat associations have relied on airborne or satellite data that provide coverage over relatively large areas but may not have the resolution or viewing angle necessary to measure vegetation features at scales that are meaningful to herpetofauna. Here, we combined terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), unmanned aerial vehicle laser scanning (ULS), and fused (FLS) data to provide the first test of whether vegetation structural attributes can help explain variation in herpetofauna abundance, species richness, and diversity across a woodland landscape. We identified relationships between the abundance and diversity of herpetofauna and several vegetation metrics, including canopy height, skewedness, vertical complexity, volume of vegetation, and coarse woody debris. These relationships varied across species, groups, and sensors. ULS models tended to perform as well or better than TLS or FLS models based on the methods we used in this study. In open woodland landscapes, ULS data may have some benefits over TLS data for modeling relationships between herpetofauna and vegetation structure, which we discuss. However, for some species, only TLS data identified significant predictor variables among the LiDAR‐derived structural metrics. While the overall predictive power of models was relatively low (i.e., at most R2 = 0.32 for ULS overall abundance and R2 = 0.32 for abundance at the individual species level [three‐toed skink (Chalcides striatus)]), the ability to identify relationships between specific LiDAR structural metrics and the abundance and diversity of herpetofauna could be useful for understanding their habitat associations and managing reptile and amphibian populations.
Strategies to Promote the Journey of Nanoparticles Against Biofilm‐Associated Infections
Authors: Wang Xiaobo , Wang Dan , Lu Hongwei , Wang Xiaowei , Wang Xuelei , Su Jiayi , Xia Guimin
Published: January 2024

Biofilm‐associated infections are one of the most challenging healthcare threats for humans, accounting for 80% of bacterial infections, leading to persistent and chronic infections. The conventional antibiotics still face their dilemma of poor therapeutic effects due to the high tolerance and resistance led by bacterial biofilm barriers. Nanotechnology‐based antimicrobials, nanoparticles (NPs), are paid attention extensively and considered as promising alternative. This review focuses on the whole journey of NPs against biofilm‐associated infections, and to clarify it clearly, the journey is divided into four processes in sequence as 1) Targeting biofilms, 2) Penetrating biofilm barrier, 3) Attaching to bacterial cells, and 4) Translocating through bacterial cell envelope. Through outlining the compositions and properties of biofilms and bacteria cells, recent advances and present the strategies of each process are comprehensively discussed to combat biofilm‐associated infections, as well as the combined strategies against these infections with drug resistance, aiming to guide the rational design and facilitate wide application of NPs in biofilm‐associated infections.
In Situ Local Band Engineering of Monolayer Graphene Using Triboelectric Plasma
Authors: Ruan Haoran , Guo Junmeng , Zhang Song , Gao Yanyuan , Shang Wanyu , Liu Yang , Su Meiying , Liu Yabing , Wang Heng , Xie Tianen , Cheng Gang , Du Zuliang
Published: January 2024

Graphene, a promising material with excellent properties, suffers from a major limitation in electronics due to its zero bandgap. The gas molecules adsorption has proven to be an effective approach for band regulation, which usually requires a harsh environment. Here, O2− ions produced with triboelectric plasma are used for in situ regulation of graphene, and the switching ratio can reach 1010. The O2− ions physical adsorption will reduce the Fermi‐level (EF) of graphene. As the EF of graphene is lower than the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) level of O2−, the adsorption of O2− changes from uniform physical adsorption to local chemical adsorption, thereby realizing the semiconductor properties of graphene. The local graphene bandgap is calculated to be 83.4 meV by the variable‐temperature experiment. Furthermore, annealing treatment can restore to 1/10 of the initial conductance. The C─O bond formed by O2− adsorption has low bond energy and is easy to desorb, while the C═O bond formed by adsorption on defects and edges has higher bond energy and is difficult to desorb. The study proposes a simple in situ method to investigate the microscopic process of O2− adsorption on the graphene surface, demonstrating a new perspective for local energy band engineering of graphene.
New Sight of Renal Toxicity Caused by UV‐Aged Polystyrene Nanoplastics: Induced Ferroptosis via Adsorption of Transferrin
Authors: He Shiyu , Cai Jin , Jia Tianjiang , Mao Zhen , Zhou Lihong , Zhang Xiaodan , Jiang Shuqin , Huang Peili
Published: January 2024

Secondary nanoplastics (NPs) caused by degradation and aging due to environmental factors are the main source of human exposure, and alterations in the physicochemical and biological properties of NPs induced by environmental factors cannot be overlooked. In this study, pristine polystyrene (PS) NPs to obtain ultraviolet (UV)‐aged PS NPs (aPS NPs) as secondary NPs is artificially aged. In a mouse oral exposure model, the nephrotoxicity of PS NPs and aPS NPs is compared, and the results showed that aPS NPs exposure induced more serious destruction of kidney tissue structure and function, along with characteristic changes in ferroptosis. Subsequent in vitro experiments revealed that aPS NPs‐induced cell death in human renal tubular epithelial cells involved ferroptosis, which is supported by the use of ferrostatin‐1, a ferroptosis inhibitor. Notably, it is discovered that aPS NPs can enhance the binding of serum transferrin (TF) to its receptor on the cell membrane by forming an aPS‐TF complex, leading to an increase in intracellular Fe2+ and then exacerbation of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, which render cells more sensitive to ferroptosis. These findings indicated that UV irradiation can alter the physicochemical and biological properties of NPs, enhancing their kidney biological toxicity risk by inducing ferroptosis.
Enhanced Absolute Recovered Energy under Low Electric Field in All‐Inorganic 0–3 Nanocomposition Thick Films
Authors: Shen Bingzhong , Zhang Jia‐Han , Liu Yang , Ma Jinpeng , Li Yong , Hao Xihong , Zhang Rui
Published: January 2024

Inorganic thick‐film dielectric capacitors with ultrahigh absolute recovered energy at low electric fields are extremely desired for their wide application in pulsed power systems. However, a long‐standing technological bottleneck exists between high absolute energy and large recovered energy density. A new strategy is offered to fabricate selected all‐inorganic 0–3 composite thick films up to 10 µm by a modified sol‐slurry method. Here, the ceramic powder is dispersed into the sol‐gel matrix to form a uniform suspension, assisted by powder, therefore, the 2 µm‐thickness after single layer spin coating. To enhance the energy‐storage performances, the composites process is thoroughly optimized by ultrafine powder (<50 nm) technique based on a low‐cost coprecipitation method instead of the solid‐state and sol‐gel methods. 0D coprecipitation powder has a similar dielectric constant to the corresponding 3D films, thus uneven electrical field distributions is overcome. Moreover, the increase of interfacial polarization is realized due to the larger specific surface area. A maximum recoverable energy density of 14.62 J cm−3 is obtained in coprecipitation thick films ≈2.2 times that of the solid‐state powder and ≈1.3 times for sol‐gel powder. This study provides a new paradigm for further guiding the design of composite materials.
In Situ Synthesis of Rare‐Earth Hybridized Functional Core‐Shell Architectures from Microporous Salt Templates and Capacitance‐Adsorption Correlation Mechanisms
Authors: Zheng Zetao , Guo Ming
Published: January 2024

Biochar Porous Carbon (BPC) has become a research hotspot in the fields of energy storage, conversion, catalysis, adsorption, and separation engineering. However, the key problem of pore structure liable to collapse has not yet been addressed effectively. Here, an innovative salt ionic coordination modulation technique is reported to synthesize a new core‐shell structure of BPC (Dual‐doped porous carbonaceous materials, RHPC3@LaYO3) by the asymmetric load of the f orbital ion, which prevents pore structural collapse. The result shows that the novel asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs) with an excellent energy density (193.11 Wh·kg−1) and capacitance (267.14 F·g−1) by assembling the prepared porous BPC carrier and RHPC3@LaYO3, which surpass the typical supercapacitor. In order to elucidate the association between adsorption and capacitance, the adsorption coexistence equation (MACE) is constructed with the aim of providing a comprehensive explanation for the mechanism of single‐multilayer adsorption. Furthermore, a specific linkage mechanism is discovered using adsorption/ desorption properties to validate the pros/cons of capacitive properties. These results demonstrate the potential of renewable biomass materials as ASCs, which can provide new ideas for the construction of an evaluation approach for the performance of future efficient multi‐reaction energy storage devices.
Tuning Redox Behavior of Sulfur Cathodes Via Ternary‐Coordinated Single Fe Atom in Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Cao Guiqiang , Li Xifei , Chen Liping , Duan Ruixian , Li Jun , Jiang Qinting , Wang Jingjing , Li Mengyang , Li Ming , Wang Jing , Xi Yukun , Li Wenbin , Peng Jianhong
Published: January 2024

Modulating the coordination configuration of single Fe atom has been an efficient strategy to strengthen the redox dynamics for lithium‐sulfur batteries (LSBs) but remains challenging. Herein, the single Fe atom is functioned with nitrogen and carbon atoms in the first shell, and simultaneously, oxidized sulfur (─SOx) in the second shell, which presents a lower antibonding state and well address the redox activity of sulfur cathodes. In the ternary‐coordinated single Fe atom catalyst (FeN2C2–SOx–NC), the binary structure of FeN2C2 provides a lower Fe–S bonding strength and d–p orbital hybridization, which obviously optimizes the adsorption and desorption behavior of sulfur species during the reduction and oxidation reaction processes. Simultaneously, the ─SOx redistributes the electron density of the coordinating nitrogen atoms, which possesses high electron‐withdrawing ability and develops electrocatalytic activity. As a result, the sulfur cathodes with FeN2C2–SOx–NC present an excellent high‐rate cyclic performance, accompanied by a capacity decay rate of 0.08% per cycle for 500 cycles at 4.0 C. This study provides new insights for optimizing the redox dynamics of sulfur cathodes in LSBs at the atomic level.
Epitaxial Growth of 2D Binary Phosphides
Authors: Gao Wenjin , Dou Wenzhen , Zhou Dechun , Song Biyu , Niu Tianchao , Hua Chenqiang , Wee Andrew Thye Shen , Zhou Miao
Published: January 2024

Combinations of phosphorus with main group III, IV, and V elements are theoretically predicted to generate 2D binary phosphides with extraordinary properties and promising applications. However, experimental synthesis is significantly lacking. Here, a general approach for preparing 2D binary phosphides is reported using single crystalline surfaces containing the constituent element of target 2D materials as the substrate. To validate this, SnP3 and BiP, representing typical 2D binary phosphides, are successfully synthesized on Cu2Sn and bismuthene, respectively. Scanning tunneling microscopy imaging reveals a hexagonal pattern of SnP3 on Cu2Sn, while α‐BiP can be epitaxially grown on the α‐bismuthene domain on Cu2Sb. First‐principles calculations reveal that the formation of SnP3 on Cu2Sn is associated with strong interface bonding and significant charge transfer, while α‐BiP interacts weakly with α‐bismuthene so that its semiconducting property is preserved. The study demonstrates an attractive avenue for the atomic‐scale growth of binary 2D materials via substrate phase engineering.
Biochemical assessment of spironolactone oral suspension in human plasma using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry: Application toward pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Rajendran Karthik , Chekraverthy Bhadram Kalyan , Peraman Ramalingam , Kumar Hem , Devendran Rajendran Sankham , Kaggwa Bruhan , Nagappan Krishnaveni
Published: January 2024

Spironolactone is one of the non‐selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists acting as anti‐diuretic drugs. Spironolactone is reported to possess mild to severe hyperkalemia which could often result in fatal conditions. Although several analytical methods for evaluating spironolactone as tablet dosage forms have been established in human biological systems, it is crucial to highlight that these approaches are still limited to the suspension dosage form. In this study, we have quantified spironolactone suspension in human plasma with an efficient, sensitive, and optimized ultra‐performance liquid chromatography (UPLC)‐tandem mass spectrometry‐based bioanalytical method using a deuterated internal standard method. A reverse phase UPLC analysis and mass spectrometric detection was performed using electrospray ionization in positive ion mode as an interface, and multiple reaction monitoring as a mode of acquisition. The retention of Spironolactone (SL) and Spironolactone d7 (SL‐d7) was found to be around 6.15 and 6.07 min, respectively. The linearity range was 1.007–100.224 ng/mL for SL with 0.1 mL sample volume. The method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of spironolactone in healthy male volunteers by administrating 25 mg/5 mL oral suspension and is in accordance with bioanalytical guidelines.
Analyzing the factors impacting solid waste system among rural areas in Chhattisgarh
Authors: Nigam Anil , Sainy Monica
Published: January 2024

An unorganized solid waste management (SWM) disposal system stresses ecosystems, messes up different natural cycles, and is bad for human health. In developing nations like Chhattisgarh, managing solid waste is seen as a big concern by civil authorities everywhere. Several elements, including social, cultural, economic, political, environmental, physical, and institutional ones, influence the proper management of solid waste. The primary objective of this research is to investigate the key elements that influence the management of solid waste among rural areas of Chhattisgarh as well as to explore their perception toward SWM in Chhattisgarh. Additionally, a measurement model was used to analyze the data, which was gathered from 365 respondents who were polled from every home in Chhattisgarh's rural regions using a basic random sample technique. A quantitative research approach has been used to evaluate the variables influencing successful solid waste management and a confirmatory factor analysis was used to evaluate the reliability as well as validity of the scale of measurement for each construct. The outcome indicated that socioeconomic (p < 0.000), cultural (p < 0.021), physical and technical (p > 0.096), institutional (p < 0.012), and environmental factors (p < 0.017) have a significant influence on the management of solid waste in rural areas of Chhattisgarh. Future studies may take into account a wide range of additional characteristics linked to domestic logistical capabilities, such as garbage collection, task completion time, utilization of cold structures, and product freshness notifications, among others.
Feed Gaps Among Cattle Keepers in Semiarid and Arid Southern African Regions: A Case Study in the Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Lamega Sala Alanda , Klinck Leonhard , Komainda Martin , Odhiambo Jude Julius Owuor , Ayisi Kingsley Kwabena , Isselstein Johannes
Published: January 2024

Rural livestock farmers in the semiarid and arid areas of Southern Africa face large uncertainties due to a high intraseasonal and year-to-year variability in rainfall patterns which affect forage resources. Creating resilient communal livestock farming systems will require the understanding of feed gaps as perceived by livestock farmers as well as an assessment of available feed resources. In this chapter, we estimated the annual feed balance (i.e., forage supply minus forage demand) based on statistical data and described the perception of feed gaps across 122 livestock farmers in Limpopo province, South Africa. In addition, we analyzed available feed and soil resources during the dry season across land use types. We found a negative feed balance, an indication of feed gaps for livestock farms, mainly during the winter and spring seasons. Farmers perceived a combination of factors such as drought, infrastructure, capital, and access to land as the major causes of feed gaps. Furthermore, our analyses of feed and soil resources point to low crude protein (e.g., ~5% in rangeland biomass) and poor soil nutrient contents (e.g., %N < 0.1). To support rural policies and improve the performance of communal livestock systems, there is a need to combine the most appropriate site-specific options in optimizing the feed supply.
Observational Support for Regional Policy Implementation: Land Surface Change Under Anthropogenic and Climate Pressure in SALDi Study Sites
Authors: Baade Jussi , Gessner Ursula , Hahndiek Eugene , Harmse Christiaan , Hill Steven , Hirner Andreas , Maruping-Mzileni Nkabeng , Otte Insa , Pathe Carsten , Renner Paul , Schellenberg Konstantin , Selvaraj Shanmugapriya , Smith Chris , Strydom Tercia , Swanepol Annette , Thonfeld Frank , Urban Marcel , Zhang Zhenyu , Schmullius Christiane
Published: January 2024

South Africa is a vast, very diverse and dynamic country experiencing rapidly changing demands for the utilization of its natural resources. At the same time, global climate change and related processes affect the land’s agricultural utilization. The considerable expansion of high-resolution Earth observation systems providing high temporal resolution acquisitions of the land surface free of charge provides the opportunity to monitor land surface dynamics at an unprecedented temporal and spatial resolution. Based on the work in the SPACES II project South Africa Land Degradation Monitor (SALDi), we present examples highlighting the new observational opportunities potentially supporting regional policy implementation. Thus, the main objective of this chapter is to present applied examples from the six SALDi study sites spread across the country illustrating some of the new capabilities providing simultaneously a regional overview of land surface dynamics as well as high-resolution information on specific areas, for example a district, a municipality, a farm or a specific field plot.
Sustainable Geopolymer Bricks Manufacturing Using Rice Husk Ash: An Alternative to Fired Clay Bricks
Authors: Nagaraju T. Vamsi , Bahrami Alireza
Published: January 2024

Fired clay bricks and cement bricks are commonly used in the construction industry. However, the greenhouse gas emissions and high energy use involved in production of fired clay bricks and cement bricks favor the utilization of geopolymer bricks instead. A change to geopolymer bricks would significantly improve the present housing and agricultural biomass waste problems. Using agricultural biomass ash waste to create sustainable products is one alternative. Products that have been alkali-activated are said to be cost-efficient and sustainably produced and contain no Portland cement. In this chapter, geopolymer bricks were prepared with waste brick powder (passed through 300 μm sieve), rice husk ash, and alkaline solution (NaOH and Na2SiO3) with different percentages of precursors. Geopolymer bricks were tested for the bulk density, water absorption, wet compressive strength, and dry compressive strength. This study also deals with the sustainability analysis of geopolymer bricks. Geopolymer bricks achieved a desirable range of the compressive strength, and they technically showed promising results and met the standard specifications for bricks. By utilizing geopolymer bricks as an alternative for burnt bricks in buildings, this recycling technique can have positive environmental benefits.
Two-loop vertices with vacuum polarization insertion
Authors: Ahmed Taushif , Crisanti Giulio , Gasparotto Federico , Hasan Syed Mehedi , Mastrolia Pierpaolo
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We present the analytic evaluation of the second-order corrections to the massive form factors, due to two-loop vertex diagrams with a vacuum polarization insertion, with exact dependence on the external and internal fermion masses, and on the squared momentum transfer. We consider vector, axial-vector, scalar and pseudoscalar interactions between the external fermion and the external field. After renormalization, the finite expressions of the form factors are expressed in terms of polylogarithms up to weight three.
Search for electroweakinos in R-parity violating SUSY with long-lived particles at HL-LHC
Authors: Bhattacherjee Biplob , Solanki Prabhat
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We investigate the R-parity violating (RPV) supersymmetric (SUSY) model at the High-Luminosity Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC) in the context of compact muon solenoid (CMS) experiment assuming a total integrated luminosity of $$ \mathcal{L} $$
L
= 3000 fb−1 at $$ \sqrt{s} $$

s

= 14 TeV. We focus on the pair production of electroweakinos, specifically, $$ {\chi}_2^0 $$

χ
2
0

and $$ {\chi}_1^{\pm } $$

χ
1
±

in wino and higgsino states in a particular scenario where $$ {\chi}_2^0 $$

χ
2
0

and $$ {\chi}_1^{\pm } $$

χ
1
±

decay into a Higgs boson and W boson, respectively, along the long-lived lightest supersymmetric particle (LSP), $$ {\chi}_1^0 $$

χ
1
0

, which decays to three quarks via λ′′ RPV couplings leading to the prompt as well as displaced signatures in the final state. To select events at the level-1 (L1) trigger system, we employ dedicated and standard triggers followed by an offline analysis integrating information from the tracker, electromagnetic calorimeter (ECAL) and minimum ionising particle (MIP) timing detector (MTD). We observe that wino-like $$ {\chi}_2^0/{\chi}_1^{\pm } $$

χ
2
0

/

χ
1
±

with a mass of 1900 GeV and $$ {\chi}_1^0 $$

χ
1
0

with a mass greater than 800 GeV can be probed across a decay length ranging from 1 cm to 200 cm. In the case of higgsino-like pair production of $$ {\chi}_2^0/{\chi}_1^{\pm } $$

χ
2
0

/

χ
1
±

, we can probe $$ {\chi}_2^0/{\chi}_1^{\pm } $$

χ
2
0

/

χ
1
±

with a mass of 1600 GeV, and $$ {\chi}_1^0 $$

χ
1
0

with a mass greater than 700 GeV, across a decay length range of 1 cm to 200 cm.
Pseudo-Goldstone dark matter in a radiative inverse seesaw scenario
Authors: Kannike K. , Kubarski A. , Marzola L. , Racioppi A.
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We consider a scale-invariant inverse seesaw model with dynamical breaking of gauge symmetry and lepton number. In some regions of the parameter space, the Majoron — the pseudo-Goldstone of lepton number breaking — is a viable dark matter candidate. The bound on the Majoron decay rate implies a very large dilaton vacuum expectation value, which also results in a suppression of other dark matter couplings. Because of that, the observed dark matter relic abundance can only be matched via the freeze-in mechanism. The scalar field which gives mass to heavy neutrinos can play the role of the inflaton, resulting in a tensor-to-scalar ratio r ≲ 0.01 for metric inflation and r ≲ 0.21 for Palatini gravity.
Phases of Wilson lines: conformality and screening
Authors: Aharony Ofer , Cuomo Gabriel , Komargodski Zohar , Mezei Márk , Raviv-Moshe Avia
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We study the rich dynamics resulting from introducing static charged particles (Wilson lines) in 2+1 and 3+1 dimensional gauge theories. Depending on the charges of the external particles, there may be multiple defect fixed points with interesting renormalization group flows connecting them, or an exponentially large screening cloud can develop (defining a new emergent length scale), screening the bare charge entirely or partially. We investigate several examples where the dynamics can be solved in various weak coupling or double scaling limits. Sometimes even the elementary Wilson lines, corresponding to the lowest nontrivial charge, are screened. We consider Wilson lines in 3+1 dimensional gauge theories including massless scalar and fermionic QED4, and also in the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory. We also consider Wilson lines in 2+1 dimensional conformal gauge theories such as QED3 with bosons or fermions, Chern-Simons-Matter theories, and the effective theory of graphene. Our results in 2+1 dimensions have potential implications for graphene, second-order superconducting phase transitions, etc. Finally, we comment on magnetic line operators in 3+1 dimensions (’t Hooft lines) and argue that our results for the infrared dynamics of electric and magnetic lines are consistent with non-Abelian electric-magnetic duality.
Z3 and (×Z3)3 symmetry protected topological paramagnets
Authors: Topchyan Hrant , Iugov Vasilii , Mirumyan Mkhitar , Khachatryan Shahane , Hakobyan Tigran , Sedrakyan Tigran
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We identify two-dimensional three-state Potts paramagnets with gapless edge modes on a triangular lattice protected by (×Z3)3 ≡ Z3 × Z3 × Z3 symmetry and smaller Z3 symmetry. We derive microscopic models for the gapless edge, uncover their symmetries and analyze the conformal properties. We study the properties of the gapless edge by employing the numerical density-matrix renormalization group (DMRG) simulation and exact diagonalization. We discuss the corresponding conformal field theory, its central charge, and the scaling dimension of the corresponding primary field. We argue, that the low energy limit of our edge modes defined by the SUk(3)/SUk(2) coset conformal field theory with the level k = 2. The discussed two-dimensional models realize a variety of symmetry-protected topological phases, opening a window for studies of the unconventional quantum criticalities between them.
Transkranielle Gleichstromstimulation zur Verbesserung der Trainingseffektivität bei chronischer Aphasie nach Schlaganfall – wie gelingt die Studienrekrutierung Betroffener?
Authors: Unger Nina , Stahl Benjamin , Darkow Robert , Scholz Veronika , Weinmar Isabel , Schmidt Johanna , Breitenstein Caterina , Meinzer Marcus , Grewe Tanja , Flöel Agnes
Published: January 2024

Einleitung/Hintergrund

DC_TRAIN_APHASIA ist eine multizentrische, randomisiert-kontrollierte Studie, die seit November 2019 unter Federführung der Universitätsmedizin Greifswald durchgeführt wird (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03930121). Die Studie untersucht, ob adjuvante transkranielle Gleichstromstimulation („transcranial direct current stimulation“, tDCS) den Erfolg einer 3‑wöchigen intensiven Sprachtherapie bei chronischer Aphasie steigern kann.

Material und Methode

Bis Ende 2024 sollen bundesweit 130 Patient:innen eingeschlossen werden. Die Entwicklung innovativer Rekrutierungsstrategien stellt seit Beginn der Studie eine Herausforderung dar. Neben gängigen Rekrutierungsmethoden wie der direkten Ansprache von Menschen mit Aphasie in Kliniken, Logopädiepraxen, Rehabilitationseinrichtungen und Selbsthilfegruppen wurden Radiowerbespots, Fernsehbeiträge und Auftritte in sozialen Medien erprobt.

Zwischenergebnisse

Bis zum aktuellen Zeitpunkt konnten 110 Patient:innen in die Studie eingeschlossen werden. Zum größten kurzzeitigen Rücklauf führte die Rekrutierung über einen Fernseh- bzw. Radiobeitrag. Den größten langfristigen Rücklauf ergab die Rekrutierung über Logopädie- und Neurologiepraxen, Selbsthilfegruppen und soziale Medien. Teilnehmer:innen berichteten als „Testimonials“ positiv von der Sprachtherapie und der Anwendung von tDCS, die sich als gut verträglich erwies.

Diskussion

Die multizentrische Studie DC_TRAIN_APHASIA prüft die Wirksamkeit von tDCS als adjuvante Applikation für intensive Sprachtherapie bei chronischer Aphasie. Die vorliegende Übersicht soll künftigen Studien als Leitfaden zur Rekrutierung von Stichproben dienen, die Menschen mit eingeschränkten kommunikativen Fähigkeiten umfassen.
Development of a high-performance thin-layer chromatography-based method for targeted glycerolipidome profiling of microalgae
Authors: Makay Kolos , Griehl Carola , Grewe Claudia
Published: January 2024

The conditionally essential very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLC-PUFAs), such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5 n-3), play a vital role in human nutrition. Their biological activity is thereby greatly influenced by the distinct glycerolipid molecule that they are esterified to. Here, microalgae differ from the conventional source, fish oil, both in quantity and distribution of VLC-PUFAs among the glycerolipidome. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a fast and reliable one-dimensional high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC)-based method that allows the separation and quantification of the main microalgal glycerolipid classes (e.g., monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG), sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol (SQDG), phosphatidylglycerol (PG)), as well as the subsequent analysis of their respective fatty acid distribution via gas chromatography (GC) coupled to mass spectrometry (MS). Following optimization, method validation was carried out for 13 different lipid classes, based on the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. In HPTLC, linearity was effective between 100 and 2100 ng, with a limit of quantification between 62.99 and 90.09 ng depending on the glycerolipid class, with strong correlation coefficients (R2 > 0.995). The recovery varied between 93.17 and 108.12%, while the inter-day precision measurements showed coefficients of variation of less than 8.85%, close to the limit of detection. Applying this method to crude lipid extracts of four EPA producing microalgae of commercial interest, the content of different glycerolipid classes was assessed together with the respective FA distribution subsequent to band elution. The results showed that the described precise and accurate HPTLC method offers the possibility to be used routinely to follow variations in the glycerolipid class levels throughout strain screening, cultivation, or bioprocessing. Thus, additional quantitative analytical information on the complex lipidome of microalgae can be obtained, especially for n-3 and n-6 enriched lipid fractions.

Graphical Abstract
Yeast Biodiversity of Karst Waters: Interest of Four Culture Media and an Improved MALDI-TOF MS Database
Authors: Grandhay Clément , Prétot Emma , Klaba Victor , Celle Hélène , Normand Anne-Cécile , Bertrand Xavier , Grenouillet Frédéric
Published: January 2024

Karst aquifers are a significant source of drinking water and highly vulnerable to pollution and microbial contamination. Microbiological regulations for the quality of drinking water mostly focus on bacterial levels and lack guidance concerning fungal contamination. Moreover, there is no standardised microbial analysis methodology for identifying fungi in water. Our main objective was to establish the most effective culture and identification methodology to examine yeast diversity in karst waters. We assessed the comparative efficacy of four culture media (CHROMagar Candida, dichloran glycerol 18% [DG18], dichloran rose Bengal chloramphenicol [DRBC], and SYMPHONY agar) for yeast isolation from karst water samples. Furthermore, we investigated the comprehensiveness of databases used in MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for identifying environmental yeast species. In total, we analysed 162 water samples, allowing the identification of 2479 yeast isolates. We demonstrate that a combination of four culture media, each with distinct specifications, more efficiently covers a wide range of yeast species in karst water than a combination of only two or three. Supplementation of a MALDI-TOF MS database is also critical for analysing environmental microbial samples and improved the identification of yeast biodiversity. This study is an initial step towards standardising the analysis of fungal biodiversity in karst waters, enabling a better understanding of the significance of this environmental reservoir in relation to public health.
Real-world outcomes of nivolumab plus ipilimumab and pembrolizumab with platinum-based chemotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a multicenter retrospective comparative study
Authors: Matsumoto Kinnosuke , Shiroyama Takayuki , Tamiya Motohiro , Minami Toshiyuki , Kinehara Yuhei , Tamiya Akihiro , Suga Yasuhiko , Kuge Tomoki , Mori Masahide , Suzuki Hidekazu , Tobita Satoshi , Ueno Kiyonobu , Namba Yoshinobu , Tetsumoto Satoshi , Niki Toshie , Morimura Osamu , Osa Akio , Nishino Kazumi , Nagatomo Izumi , Takeda Yoshito , Kijima Takashi , Kumanogoh Atsushi
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Nivolumab plus ipilimumab with chemotherapy (NICT) and pembrolizumab with chemotherapy (PCT) are commonly used in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Compared with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) monotherapy, ICI combination therapy can increase immune-related toxicity instead of prolonging survival. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of NICT and PCT to decide on the favorable treatment.

Methods

We conducted a multi-center retrospective cohort study on patients who underwent NICT or PCT between December 2018 and May 2022. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed with the variables age, sex, smoking status, performance status, stage, histology, and programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1). The Kaplan–Meier method was used to compare survival for the matched patients.

Results

Six hundred consecutive patients were included. After PSM, 81 and 162 patients were enrolled in the NICT and PCT groups, respectively. The baseline characteristics were well-balanced. The median progression-free survival was equivalent (11.6 vs. 7.4 months; P = 0.582); however, the median overall survival (OS) was significantly longer in the NICT group than in the PCT group (26.0 vs. 16.8 months; P = 0.005). Furthermore, OS was better in PD-L1-negative patients who underwent NICT than in those who underwent PCT (26.0 vs. 16.8 months; P = 0.045). Safety profiles did not differ significantly in terms of severe adverse event and treatment-related death rates (P = 0.560, and 0.722, respectively).

Conclusions

Real-world data suggests that NICT could be a favorable treatment option compared with PCT for patients with advanced NSCLC. Further follow-up is needed to determine the long-term prognostic benefit.
Geriatric distal femoral fractures: post-operative complications and nine-year mortality—a retrospective analysis of two tertiary trauma centres
Authors: Delgadillo Camilo A. , Rojas Lievano Jorge , Olarte Carlos M.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to estimate the mortality at various post-operative intervals and explore influential variables for these outcomes in elderly patients with distal femur fractures (DFF).

Methods

A retrospective observational study was conducted across two tertiary care institutions, between 2014 and 2020. The primary outcomes were mortality rates at 30-day, six month, and one year post-surgery. Secondary outcomes included 1-year readmission and reintervention rates along with their correlated complications.

Results

A total of 37 DFF in 35 patients was analyzed; average age was 83.6 years (range, 65–98 years). The overall mortality rate at a maximum follow-up of 8.8 years was 74% (26/35 patients). The median survival time was 3.2 years and the survival probability at five years was 27% (95% confidence interval [CI], 13 to 43%). Mortality rates at 30 days, six months, and one year after surgery were 8.6% (3 patients), 23% (8 patients), and 34% (12 patients), respectively. Overall mortality rate was 64% (15/24 patients) for native distal femur fractures, and 92% (13/14 patients) for periprosthetic fractures (p = 0.109). Patients older than 85 years and male gender were identified as risk factors for mortality within the first year post-operatively.

Conclusion

Elderly fractures have a high mortality at eight years of follow-up. Mortality at one year was much higher than in other studies of the same nature. We did not find statistically significant differences when comparing native bone fractures with periprosthetic fractures. Factors that impact mortality were being a man, advanced age, elevated index comorbidity, and dementia. There is no relationship between the time to be taken to the surgical procedure and mortality results.
Comparison of novel flexible and traditional ureteral access sheath in retrograde intrarenal surgery
Authors: Yu Yue , Chen Yujun , Zhou Xiaochen , Li Xunwen , Liu Wei , Cheng Xiaofeng , Chen Luyao , Yang Heng , Wang Gongxian , Xi Haibo
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To compare the efficiency and safety of a novel flexible ureteral access sheath (f-UAS) and traditional ureteral access sheath (UAS) during retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS).

Patients and methods

Between January 2022 and September 2022, a total of 152 consecutive cases with renal stones underwent RIRS with the f-UAS. Their outcomes were compared with those of another 152 consecutive cases undergoing RIRS with traditional UAS using a 1:1 scenario matched-pair analysis, with matching parameters including age and stone size. The f-UAS is a novel UAS with a 10-cm-long tube at the tip that can follow the bends of flexible ureteroscope (f-URS).

Results

Baseline characteristics were found to be similar between the two groups. The f-UAS group demonstrated significantly higher SFR (76.3% vs. 7.2%; P < 0.001) at 1 day postoperatively and a higher clearance rate of stone volume (98.11% vs. 91.78%; P < 0.001). The f-UAS group also had lower total complications rate (9.9% vs. 22.4%; P = 0.003), lower incidence of fever (5.9% vs 11.9%; P = 0.001), shorter operative times (56.5 min vs. 59.9 min; P = 0.047), and lower usage rate of baskets (17.1% vs. 100%; P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in SFR at 1 month postoperatively (P = 0.627) and in the length of postoperative hospital stay between the two groups (P = 0.225).

Conclusion

Compared to the traditional UAS during RIRS, the f-UAS showed several advantages, including higher SFR at 1 day postoperatively, shorter operative times, lower incidence of complications, and less use of basket.
Improved Breitung and Roling estimator for mixed-frequency models with application to forecasting inflation rates
Authors: Omer Talha , Månsson Kristofer , Sjölander Pär , Kibria B. M. Golam
Published: January 2024

Instead of applying the commonly used parametric Almon or Beta lag distribution of MIDAS, Breitung and Roling (J Forecast 34:588–603, 2015) suggested a nonparametric smoothed least-squares shrinkage estimator (henceforth $${SLS}_{1}$$

SLS

1

) for estimating mixed-frequency models. This $${SLS}_{1}$$

SLS

1

approach ensures a flexible smooth trending lag distribution. However, even if the biasing parameter in $${SLS}_{1}$$

SLS

1

solves the overparameterization problem, the cost is a decreased goodness-of-fit. Therefore, we suggest a modification of this shrinkage regression into a two-parameter smoothed least-squares estimator ($${SLS}_{2}$$

SLS

2

). This estimator solves the overparameterization problem, and it has superior properties since it ensures that the orthogonality assumption between residuals and the predicted dependent variable holds, which leads to an increased goodness-of-fit. Our theoretical comparisons, supported by simulations, demonstrate that the increase in goodness-of-fit of the proposed two-parameter estimator also leads to a decrease in the mean square error of $${SLS}_{2},$$

SLS

2

,

compared to that of $${SLS}_{1}$$

SLS

1

. Empirical results, where the inflation rate is forecasted based on the oil returns, demonstrate that our proposed $${SLS}_{2}$$

SLS

2

estimator for mixed-frequency models provides better estimates in terms of decreased MSE and improved R2, which in turn leads to better forecasts.
Task performance errors and rewards affect voluntary task choices
Authors: Spitzer Markus Wolfgang Hermann , Musslick Sebastian , Janz Janina , Kiesel Andrea , Dignath David
Published: January 2024

Humans are remarkably flexible in adapting their behavior to current demands. It has been suggested that the decision which of multiple tasks to perform is based on a variety of factors pertaining to the rewards associated with each task as well as task performance (e.g., error rates associated with each task and/or error commission on the previous trial). However, further empirical investigation is needed to examine whether task performance still influences task choices if task choices are rewarded but task performance is not. Accordingly, we exposed participants to a novel reward-varying voluntary task switching paradigm where the reward for the performed task gradually decreased while the reward associated for the alternative task was unchanged. Importantly, we rewarded participants’ task choices before participants performed the task to investigate the effect of rewards independent from task performance. We examined the effect of (i) reward, (ii) error rates associated with each of the two tasks, and (iii) error commission in the previous trial on voluntary task choices. As expected, we found that participants’ task selection was influenced by reward differences between task choices. In addition, error rates associated with a task also influenced task selection, with participants requiring larger reward differences to switch to a task associated with relatively higher error rates, compared to switching to a task with relatively lower error rates. However, errors in n − 1 did not influence participants’ probability to switch to the alternative task. These findings contribute to an ongoing discussion on the influence of task performance on task selection.
Annealed quantitative estimates for the quadratic 2D-discrete random matching problem
Authors: Clozeau Nicolas , Mattesini Francesco
Published: January 2024

We study a random matching problem on closed compact 2-dimensional Riemannian manifolds (with respect to the squared Riemannian distance), with samples of random points whose common law is absolutely continuous with respect to the volume measure with strictly positive and bounded density. We show that given two sequences of numbers n and $$m=m(n)$$

m
=
m
(
n
)

of points, asymptotically equivalent as n goes to infinity, the optimal transport plan between the two empirical measures $$\mu ^n$$

μ
n

and $$\nu ^{m}$$

ν
m

is quantitatively well-approximated by $$\big (\text {Id},\exp (\nabla h^{n})\big )_\#\mu ^n$$

(

Id
,
exp

(
∇

h
n

)

)

#

μ
n

where $$h^{n}$$

h
n

solves a linear elliptic PDE obtained by a regularized first-order linearization of the Monge–Ampère equation. This is obtained in the case of samples of correlated random points for which a stretched exponential decay of the $$\alpha $$
α
-mixing coefficient holds and for a class of discrete-time sub-geometrically ergodic Markov chains having a unique absolutely continuous invariant measure with respect to the volume measure.
Accuracy of augmented reality-assisted pedicle screw placement: a systematic review
Authors: Youssef Salma , McDonnell Jake M. , Wilson Kielan V. , Turley Luke , Cunniffe Gráinne , Morris Seamus , Darwish Stacey , Butler Joseph S.
Published: January 2024

Objective

Conventional freehand methods of pedicle screw placement are associated with significant complications due to close proximity to neural and vascular structures. Recent advances in augmented reality surgical navigation (ARSN) have led to its adoption into spine surgery. However, little is known regarding its overall accuracy. The purpose of this study is to delineate the overall accuracy of ARSN pedicle screw placement across various models.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted of Medline/PubMed, Cochrane and Embase Library databases according to the PRISMA guidelines. Relevant data extracted included reports of pedicle screw placement accuracy and breaches, as defined by the Gertzbein–Robbins classification, in addition to deviation from pre-planned trajectory and entry point. Accuracy was defined as the summation of grade 0 and grade 1 events per the Gertzbein–Robbins classification.

Results

Twenty studies reported clinically accurate placed screws. The range of clinically accurate placed screws was 26.3–100%, with 2095 screws (93.1%) being deemed clinically accurate. Furthermore, 5.4% (112/2088) of screws were reported as grade two breaches, 1.6% (33/2088) grade 3 breaches, 3.1% (29/926) medial breaches and 2.3% (21/926) lateral breaches. Mean linear deviation ranged from 1.3 to 5.99 mm, while mean angular/trajectory deviation ranged 1.6°–5.88°.

Conclusion

The results of this study highlight the overall accuracy of ARSN pedicle screw placement. However, further robust prospective studies are needed to accurately compare to conventional methods of pedicle screw placement.