bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behaviour of S960 Ultra‐high Strength Steel Press‐braked Channel Sections
Authors: Wang Fangying , Zhao Ou , Young Ben
Published: September 2022

This paper reports a comprehensive experimental and numerical study of the cross‐sectional behaviour and resistances of press‐braked S960 ultra‐high strength steel (UHSS) channel section structural members. The experimental study was conducted on eight different ultra‐high strength steel plain channel sections, and comprised material testing, initial local geometric imperfection measurements, as well as a total of 10 stub column tests and 20 four‐point bending tests performed about the minor principal axes in both the ‘u’ and ‘n’ orientations. The experimental study was then supplemented by a finite element (FE) simulation programme, in which FE models were firstly developed to replicate the test structural responses and subsequently used to generate further numerical data over a wide variety of cross‐section sizes. On the basis of the experimental and numerical results, the assessment of the applicability of the codified provisions and formulations, established in the European code, to the design of S960 UHSS channel section stub columns and beams was conducted.
Patch Loading Resistance of Slender Plate Girders with Multiple Longitudinal Stiffeners
Authors: Kövesdi Balázs , Dunai László
Published: September 2022

There is currently no reliable and simple design method available in international literature for the determination of the patch loading resistance of slender plate girders having multiple longitudinal stiffeners. Previous investigations focused mainly on girders having one longitudinal stiffener, which is not the common case for box‐girder bridges. Therefore, the current research – partly published in this paper – has a focus on the patch loading resistance of slender web girders having multiple longitudinal stiffeners. An advanced numerical model is developed and verified by own laboratory test results to determine the patch loading resistance. A numerical parametric study is executed to investigate the load‐carrying capacity of girders having typical bridge geometries. Analysing the numerical simulation results the structural behavior obtained is classified based on the stiffener stiffness. Effect of the different geometrical parameters on the patch loading resistance is evaluated with special focus on the stiffener stiffness and distance between the longitudinal stiffeners. The failure modes depending on the stiffener stiffness are investigated and the local buckling type failure is characterised by a minimum stiffness. For this specific failure mode an improved design method is developed for girders having multiple longitudinal stiffeners giving reliable resistance for the analysed cases within the analysed parameter range. The presented resistance model is consistent with the design philosophy of EN1993‐1‐5.
Imperfection Sensitivity of Large Cylindrical Shells Under Vacuum Considering Different Geometric Ratios
Authors: Böhm Manuela , Schaumann Peter
Published: September 2022

The prediction of the buckling resistance of shells is subject to uncertainty since it depends significantly on the initial geometric imperfections caused by the fabrication process. However, the load case of vacuum or uniform external pressure has not yet been extensively studied. Stress design approaches implement a reduction factor alpha that accounts for the effect of imperfections. This factor is assumed to be a general lower bound but does not account for different geometric ratios. However, it is to be expected that different imperfection sensitivities prevail for different cylinder lengths or length to thickness ratios. To better understand this aspect, a comprehensive numerical study of buckling resistances of imperfect cylindrical shells is conducted, which covers a range of different length, radius and thickness ratios with focus on thicker and shorter cylinders. Within this study, three different geometric imperfection forms are investigated: linear bifurcation eigenmodes, and ovalisation and weld depressions, which represent typical imperfections of manufacturing processes. Further, a formulation for longitudinal weld depressions is introduced, since this direction of the imperfection is more deleterious than axisymmetric circumferential weld depressions. The results of this comprehensive study contribute to understanding the effect of different imperfection forms and amplitudes on different cylinder dimensions.
The Reduced Stress Method with Stress Shedding for Designing S690 High Strength Steel Slender Plated Girders
Authors: Baguinho Filipa , Biscaya André , Pedro José Oliveira
Published: September 2022

The numerical analysis of S690 high‐strength steel plate girders with welded sections loaded under combined bending, shear, and compression is presented. The ultimate strength of steel plate girders is evaluated using formulations based on the latest standard prEN 1993‐1‐5 for the Reduced Stress Method (RSM). A development of the RSM method that considers the possibility of stress shedding from the web to the flanges, named RSM+S, is introduced. A parametric study is performed to compare the results of these methods with the results of the GMNIA numerical analysis of S690 high‐strength steel plate girders with one longitudinal closed stiffener located at different positions along the compressed part of the web. The scatter and average difference between the FE model results and the RSM+S and RSM results are compared.
Seismic Design of Elevated Silos and Tanks – a Study on Behaviour Factors
Authors: Knoedel Peter , Gkatzogiannis Stefanos , Holtschoppen Britta , Ummenhofer Thomas
Published: September 2022

According to EN 1998‐4:2006 3.4 (4), elevated silos may be designed considering medium or high ductility class for the support structure, abbreviated DCM and DCH respectively, for which an overall behaviour factor q greater than 1,5 may be assumed.

Undoubtedly, when a silo or tank supported by a sway frame or a vessel with integrated legs is considered, it is expected that plasticity will be induced due to the overall system's performance and thus, motion amplitudes will be reduced due to energy dissipation. However, the shell upper‐structure is a very thin‐walled class 4 cross section. Hence, it might fail due to buckling at much smaller motion amplitudes (corresponding to acceleration amplitudes) than those, which the support structure can follow without failing.

Therefore, from the authors' point of view it is not sufficient to settle with a single behaviour factor for the overall structural system. Alternatively, a two‐step approach is recommended: With this two‐step approach it can be verified, that (sudden) buckling of the shell does not happen prior to the introduction of plasticity at the sub‐structure and in extension to the desired energy dissipation.

The proposed two‐step approach is demonstrated by suitable examples with a different range of parameters. Therewith, it will be shown that the assumption of q = 1,5 for elevated silos or tanks can be unsafe. An improvement of the current EC8‐4 rules is proposed in order to enable a practical, safer and more efficient design procedure.
Assessment of the Elastoplastic Nonlinear Static and Dynamic Behavior of Guyed Antenna Towers Subjected to Cable Rupture
Authors: Sequeira Luiz Eduardo Fernandes , Gonçalves Paulo Batista , Roehl Deane
Published: September 2022

Cable‐stayed antenna towers are slender structures composed of a central mast and several cable levels and exhibit a highly non‐linear behavior under static and dynamic loads, due to the mast‐cable interaction and the tower height. Many accidents reported in literature are due to cable rupture. Thus, the aim of the present work is to study the effect of cables rupture and plasticity on the load capacity, stability and nonlinear oscillations of a cable stayed tower considering the influence of both geometric and material nonlinearity. For this, finite element models of cable‐stayed towers with two levels of pre‐tensioned cables are developed, considering both fan and parallel cable distributions. Initially, the linear behavior of the structure is evaluated through the natural frequencies and critical loads. Next, the non‐linear equilibrium paths of each model are obtained, applying the concept of modal imperfection. Finally, forced free and damped vibration analyses are performed. For this, time responses, phase plane projections, Fourier transforms and spectrographs are used. The results confirm and quantify the strong influence of the loss of one or more cables on the response of the guyed tower.
Numerical Assessment of Steel and Concrete Composite Beams with Cold Formed Members
Authors: Silva Talita L. , Valente Isabel B. , Barros Joaquim A. O. , Silva Jorge O.
Published: September 2022

Although steel and concrete composite floors are generally constructed with hot‐rolled steel, there are several benefits of using cold‐formed steel (CFS) in these structures, such as lightness and less susceptibility to corrosion. The main disadvantage of using CFS in the steel beams is its connection to concrete, since the CFS members are thin and commonly used connectors are not suitable for it. This research studied a composite flooring system, which includes an innovative disposition of the CFS profiles and a connection system adapted to CFS elements. The CFS beam is composed of C‐shaped profiles ‐ forming a U‐shape that is filled with concrete, and may be associated with a profiled steel sheeting. The edges of the steel profile placed on the bottom of the beam are embedded in the concrete section, enhancing the composite action. This work was conducted by analytical assessment and numerical modelling based on FEM. The study was developed to verify if the proposed flooring system can be designed for different loading levels and geometrical dimensions and to evaluate its capacity to transfer shear stresses between the CFS and concrete without the use of conventional shear connectors.
Different Profiled Sheeting Configurations in Steel‐Concrete Composite Beams
Authors: Jakovljević Isidora , Spremić Milan , Marković Zlatko , Gluhović Nina
Published: September 2022

For obtaining shear resistance of a welded headed stud in profiled steel sheeting, EN 1994‐1‐1:2004 defines reduction factors that should be multiplied with the resistance of a headed stud in a solid concrete slab. Two reduction factors are prescribed, for sheeting ribs that are parallel and transverse to the supporting beam. However, the design code does not recognise cases when the angle between ribs and the beam is in the range between 0° and 90°. This research is focused on the specific case in the steel‐concrete composite beam design when the angle between profiled sheeting ribs and the beam is 45°. The experimental investigation has been conducted through push‐out tests, comparing the response of the connection with a rib‐to‐beam angle of 45° and the connection with ribs transverse to the supporting beam. In addition, numerical models based on finite element analysis have been made and validated against experimental data. According to the obtained results, similar failure mechanisms manifested through concrete pull‐out failure and separation of the concrete cone are observed in shear connections with rib‐to‐beam angles of 45° and 90°. An increase in the connection resistance is noticed with the decrease of a rib‐to‐beam angle.
Full Length Transverse Stiffener Under Compression
Authors: Bougoffa Sabra , Mezghanni Omar , Durif Sebastien , Bouchair Abdelhamid , Daoud Atef
Published: September 2022

The behavior of web panels in steel elements loaded in compression is characterized by buckling. Thus, their resistance is controlled by local or global buckling according to the slenderness. To limit the risk of instability which tends to reduce the resistance capacity of this type of compressed panels, transverse stiffeners are added. The resistance of the stiffened web panel is evaluated considering the instability of a column element in compression with a cross‐section composed by the stiffener and a part of the web. In order to observe the behavior of these stiffened sections, an experimental campaign was carried out on panels of two different dimensions stiffened over their entire height. Thus, various zones of stiffened or unstiffened panels are tested in double localized compression until failure. These tests are performed on welded panels of two different heights. The stiffeners are either in a central position or at the edge regarding the beam length. The stiffeners are welded over the entire height on both sides of the web and on the flanges of the panel. Some tests are performed on parts of panels without stiffeners to evaluate the unstiffened panel resistance to be used as reference. The results of the experimental tests are compared with those given by the finite element model using shell elements. The comparison makes it possible to calibrate the nonlinear model considering the elastic‐plastic behavior of materials and large displacements. The results are compared on the basis of displacement‐load curves and failure modes that define the behavior of the stiffeners in compression. They can be used to study the global resistance of the stiffened panels in compression zone of beam‐to‐column connections.
Scientific Machine and Deep Learning Investigations of the Local Buckling Behaviour of Hollow Sections
Authors: Müller Andreas , Taras Andreas , Kraus Michael A.
Published: September 2022

The recent advent of Machine and Deep Learning (ML/DL) increased interest among applicability of data‐driven methods to design and verification in structural civil engineering concerned, specifically with members made of steel within this paper. Scientific ML (SciML) follows the idea of combining domain knowledge with the abilities of ML and DL algorithms to make the best out of both worlds. This paper investigates the SciML algorithms Random Forrests, XGBoost and a deep neural network model for the prediction of the cross‐section dependent local buckling reduction factor χ for different hot rolled and cold‐formed SHS and RHS profiles made of mild and high strength steel. The process of data collection, cleaning, compilation and model training and evaluation is described. It is found, that especially tree‐based methods can serve as feature importance and selection methods and have similarly high predictive capabilities such as deep neural networks for the case of of the cross‐section dependent local buck‐ling reduction factor χ for different hot rolled and cold‐formed SHS and RHS profiles made of mild and high strength steel. The data of this paper furthermore serve as the initial data‐set for establishing the Github repository “SciML4StructEng_Repository”. This repository which will foster the dissemination of data sets for structural civil engineering to allow the prototyping, development and benchmark testing of scientific machine and deep learning (SciML) algorithms.
Material Properties for Wire‐and‐arc Additively Manufactured Steel
Authors: Tankova Trayana , Zhu Carlos , Branco Ricardo
Published: September 2022

In the era of internet and robots, sophisticated devices and real‐time simulation, the construction sector remains highly dependent on manual labor which is also the main source of delays, lack of quality, and human injuries. The rapid development in technological areas such as mechatronics, computers, sensors, programming, human interfaces, and artificial intelligence offers huge potential for modern applications.

Nowadays, additive manufacturing is rapidly growing, and it could provide efficient solutions for steel construction since it can be executed in any shape and scale. There are a few solutions in additive manufacturing technologies, which can process materials and produce components. However, there is a gap in the market for capacity to link the processed material conditions and characteristics to the production parameters in real‐time. Real‐time and cognitive re‐planning of the process parameters becomes significantly important when components with large‐scale and complex shapes are considered.

In steel construction, material should comply with strict requirements in terms of its strength and ductility. Hence, it is necessary to characterize the material properties before their application in construction. This paper presents material characterization for WAAM fabricated steel coupons, considering different directions with respect to the deposition direction.
„Gemälde verwelken wie Blumen“
Authors: Karl Ulrich
Published: September 2022

„Gemälde verwelken wie Blumen“, musste schon Vincent van Gogh erkennen. Er ist bekannt dafür, wenig stabile Pigmente und Farbstoffe verwendet zu haben. Der Artikel beschreibt anhand von Beispielen, wie chemische Reaktionen und physikalische Einflüsse wie Licht und Wärme zu Farbveränderungen führen. Darüber hinaus verändern aber auch das Dunkeln des Firnis und das Vergilben von Ölbindemitteln das ursprüngliche Aussehen von Gemälden.
Flow‐based Detection of Micropollutants Using a Pillar[5]arene Multilayer Film
Authors: Agashe Chinmayee , Alam Mujeeb , Gill Arshdeep Kaur , Varshney Rohit , Joseph Roymon , Tiwari Naveen , Patra Debabrata
Published: September 2022

A non‐mechanical, self‐powered pillar[5]arene multilayer film‐based micropump was utilised to establish flow‐based detection of micropollutants. The host‐guest interaction between pillar[5]arene and micropollutants turned on fluid flow inside the micropump chamber. We also demonstrate the comparison of fluid pumping velocity of 2 model micropollutants – bisphenol‐A and 2‐naphthol based on thermodynamic as well as numerical modelling. The fluid pumping velocity depends on the concentration of micropollutant solution as well as the number of bilayers of the host multilayer film.
MTF: Cannabis use with vaping goes up, cannabis smoking down
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: September 2022

More and more high schoolers are using marijuana by vaping, and fewer are using it by smoking, according to a recent study of the Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). So the next time you hear someone say that marijuana use in teens is going down, ask them about the route of administration.
Preparation of Fe‐Pt Powders from Ingot by a Simple and Cost‐Effective Spark Erosion Device
Authors: Tozman Pelin , Takahashi Yukiko , Venkatesan Munuswamy , Monzon Lorena , Coey Michael , Kamer Orhan
Published: September 2022

FePt powders with 1 µm average particle size have been synthesized from bulk ingot with no need for cryogenic temperatures or conventional powder processing. This is achieved with a compact, cost‐effective spark erosion device which is simple to assemble, with no need of a mechanical workshop. The as‐synthesized powders show a disordered A1 phase with curie temperature, Tc = 300 °C. The effect of annealing on the transition from the disordered to the ordered phase and on the magnetic properties are investigated in situ by magnetic susceptibility measurements. The phase transition to the L10 phase (Tc = 445 °C) is complete at 630 °C where the coercivity increases from 0 to 0.3 T. A urther increase of the heating temperature has no effect on the magnetic and crystallographic properties.
Predicting Munsell color for turfgrass leaves
Authors: Berndt William L. , Gaussoin Roch E.
Published: September 2022

Linking turfgrass color to hue, value, chroma (H V/C) in the Munsell Plant Tissue Color Book is a visual comparison process for specifying and communicating plant color. If subjectivity of visual comparison can be mitigated, then the accuracy of color matching may be improved. Research was conducted to develop an algorithm predicting H V/C from CIE‐xyY color (xyY) in digital images of leaves of four turfgrasses. First, value‐chroma (V/C) arrays for Munsell hue groups 5Y, 2.5GY, 5GY, 7.5GY, 10GY, and 2.5G were converted to xyY. Next, chromaticity (xy) plots from each array were fitted with 95% prediction bands. Then, xy points for leaves (N = 60) for each turfgrass were plotted versus prediction bands. The prediction interval containing the most leaf xy points specified leaf H. Pairing each V from each hue group (N = 98) with its corresponding Y regressing log10V on log10Y predicted leaf V from leaf Y (log10V = 0.0715 + 0.5303logY – 0.0332logY2). Pairing each C (N = 98) with its corresponding xy predicted leaf C from leaf xy (C = −11.6021 − 11.2908x + 48.0880y). Predicted H V/C for “Champion” and “TifEagle” hybrid bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. var. dactylon × Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt‐Davy] was 10GY 8/4 and 7.5GY 8/4 mirroring H V/C predicted from xyY using open‐source algorithms in R and Python. The experimental algorithm predicted H V/C accurately, and objectively advancing the way turfgrass color is specified and communicated. Specifying turfgrass color in situ could be possible by interfacing the algorithm with smartphone technology.
Nano‐optogenetic immunotherapy
Authors: Huang Kai , Liu Xiaoxuan , Han Gang , Zhou Yubin
Published: September 2022

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell‐based immunotherapy has been increasingly used in the clinic for cancer intervention over the past 5 years. CAR T‐cell therapy takes advantage of genetically‐modified T cells to express synthetic CAR molecules on the cell surface. To date, up to six CAR T cell therapy products have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of leukaemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. In addition, hundreds of CAR‐T products are currently under clinical trials to treat solid tumours. In both the fundamental research and clinical applications, CAR T cell immunotherapy has achieved exciting progress with remarkable remission or suppression of cancers. However, CAR T cell‐based immunotherapy still faces significant safety issues, as exemplified by “on‐target off‐tumour” cytotoxicity due to lack of strict antigen specificity. In addition, uncontrolled massive activation of infused CAR T cells may create severe systemic inflammation with cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity. These challenges call for a need to combine nanotechnology and optogenetics with immunoengineering to develop spatiotemporally‐controllable CAR T cells, which enable wireless photo‐tunable activation of therapeutic immune cells to deliver personalised therapy in the tumour microenvironment.
Hepatic interleukin‐1 receptor type 1 signalling regulates insulin sensitivity in the early phases of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Gehrke Nadine , Hofmann Lea J. , Straub Beate K. , Rühle Frank , Waisman Ari , Galle Peter R. , Schattenberg Jörn M.
Published: September 2022

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with hepatic as well as systemic insulin resistance even in the absence of type 2 diabetes. The extent and pathways through which hepatic inflammation modulates insulin sensitivity in NAFLD are only partially understood. We explored the contribution of hepatic interleukin (IL)‐1 signalling in a novel conditional knockout mouse model and expand the knowledge on this signalling pathway with regard to its liver‐specific functions.

Methods

A high‐fat, high‐carbohydrate diet (HFD) over 12 weeks was used in male hepatocyte‐specific IL‐1 receptor type 1 (IL‐1R1) knockout mice (Il1r1Hep−/–) and wild‐type (WT) littermates.

Results

Both genotypes developed an obese phenotype and accompanying macrovesicular hepatic steatosis. In contrast to WT mice, microvesicular steatosis and ballooning injury was less pronounced in HFD‐fed Il1r1Hep−/– mice, and alanine aminotransferase remained in the normal range. This was paralleled by the suppression of injurious and proinflammatory hepatic c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases and extracellular signal‐regulated kinases signalling, stable peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma coactivator‐1alpha and farnesoid X receptor‐alpha expression and preservation of mitochondrial function. Strikingly, despite HFD‐feeding Il1r1Hep−/– mice remained highly insulin sensitive as indicated by lower insulin levels, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, higher glucose tolerance, more stable hepatic insulin signalling cascade, and less adipose tissue inflammation compared to the WT.

Conclusions

The current data highlights that hepatocyte IL‐1R1 contributes to hepatic and extrahepatic insulin resistance. Future liver‐directed therapies in NAFLD could have effects on insulin sensitivity when improving hepatic inflammation and IL‐1R1 signalling.
Is there a common latent cognitive construct for dementia estimation across two Chinese cohorts?
Authors: Liu Yuyang , Wu Yanjuan , Cai Jingheng , Huang Yun , Chen Yuntao , Venkatraman Tishya M. , Lobanov‐Rostovsky Sophia , Bandosz Piotr , Yang Yung‐Jen , Wu Yu‐Tzu , Liao Jing , Hao Yuantao , Brunner Eric J.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

It is valuable to identify common latent cognitive constructs for dementia prevalence estimation across Chinese aging cohorts.

Methods

Based on cognitive measures of 12015 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS; 13 items) and 6623 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS; 9 items) participants aged 65 to 99 in 2018, confirmatory factor analysis was applied to identify latent cognitive constructs, and to estimate dementia prevalence compared to Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) and nationwide estimates of the literature.

Results

A common three‐factor cognitive construct of orientation, memory, and executive function and language was found for both cohorts with adequate model fits. Crude dementia prevalence estimated by factor scores was similar to MMSE in CLHLS, and was more reliable in CHARLS. Age‐standardized dementia estimates of CLHLS were lower than CHARLS among those aged 70+, which were close to the nationwide prevalence reported by the COAST study and Global Burden of Disease.

Discussion

We verified common three‐factor cognitive constructs for both cohorts, providing an approach to estimate dementia prevalence at the national level.

Highlights

Common three‐factor cognitive constructs were identified in Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) and China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS).

Crude dementia estimates using factor scores were reliable in both cohorts.

Estimates of CHARLS were close to current evidence, but higher than that of CLHLS.
Medicare's Annual Wellness Visit and diagnoses of dementias and cognitive impairment
Authors: Thunell Johanna A. , Jacobson Mireille , Joe Elizabeth B. , Zissimopoulos Julie M.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Early detection of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias allows clinicians and patients to prepare for future needs and identify treatment options. Medicare's Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) requires detection of cognitive impairment and may increase dementia diagnosis. We estimated the relationship between AWV receipt and incident dementia.

Methods

Using a retrospective cohort of Medicare Fee‐For‐Service (FFS) beneficiaries enrolled for at least 3 years from 2009 to 2016 and two‐stage least squares, we quantified the relationship between AWV and incident diagnosis of cognitive impairment/dementia, and by race/ethnicity. The county‐level change in percent of beneficiaries receiving AWVs was used as an instrumental variable to account for unobserved factors associated with individuals’ AWV receipt and diagnosis. Sample included 3,333,617 beneficiaries ages 67 years and older, without dementia at the beginning of the study.

Results

Beneficiaries included 2,713,573 White, 251,958 Black, 196,845 Hispanic, 95,719 Asian, 11,727 American Indian/Alaska Native, and 63,795 of other race/ethnicity. Using ordinary least squares, dementia incidence was ‐0.79 percentage points (95% CI ‐0.81 to ‐0.76) lower for persons receiving an AWV compared to no AWV. Using instrumental variables reversed the direction of the effect: AWV receipt increased dementia diagnoses by 0.47 percentage points (95% CI 0.14 to 0.80), 15% over baseline. AWVs increased diagnoses 2.0 percentage points (95% CI 0.05 to 3.94) among Blacks, 0.40 percentage points (95% CI 0.05 to 0.75) among Whites, but est were imprecise for Hispanics and Asians.

Discussion

Increasing AWV take‐up and supporting physicians’ performance of cognitive assessment may further improve dementia detection in the population and among groups at higher risk of undiagnosed dementia.
Leaf litter decomposition and its drivers differ between an invasive and a native plant: Management implications
Authors: Cheng Cai , Liu Zixia , Zhang Youzheng , He Qiang , Li Bo , Wu Jihua
Published: September 2022

Litter decomposition is a key process of the carbon cycle in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The dominant conceptual model of litter decomposition assumes that environmental conditions, litter traits, and decomposer composition control litter decomposition in a decreasing order, yet whether this hierarchical model applies to both invasive and native plant species is unknown. Here, by comparing a widespread invasive plant and its native counterpart in Chinese coastal saltmarshes, we aimed to examine whether the hierarchy of factors controlling litter decomposition varies with plant species in the face of plant invasions. Leaf litter of invasive Spartina alterniflora and native Phragmites australis was collected across an 18° latitudinal range to capture wide variation in litter traits. These leaf litter samples were transported to three saltmarsh sites of different latitudes and were incubated in litterbags varying in mesh size (0.1, 2, and 5 mm) to manipulate decomposer composition. After 90‐day incubation, we found a parallel latitudinal pattern in leaf litter decomposition rate (k) between S. alterniflora and P. australis regardless of saltmarsh site and mesh size. Nonetheless, the k value of S. alterniflora was 2.2‐fold higher than that of P. australis. Moreover, there was a shift in the hierarchy of factors controlling k values between S. alterniflora and P. australis: environmental conditions (climate and soil) dominated other factors in P. australis, whereas litter traits contributed more than environmental conditions in S. alterniflora. Overall, our findings show that leaf litter decomposition and its dominant controlling factors across broad geographical ranges can vary with plant invasions, having important implications for managing invasive plants in the context of conserving coastal blue carbon.
Does perception of female cues modulate male short‐term fitness components in Drosophila melanogaster?
Authors: Corbel Quentin , Londoño‐Nieto Claudia , Carazo Pau
Published: September 2022

Phenotypic plasticity in reproductive behavior can be a strong driver of individual fitness. In species with high intra‐sexual competition, changes in socio‐sexual context can trigger quick adaptive plastic responses in males. In particular, a recent study in the vinegar fly (Drosophila melanogaster) shows that males derive net fitness benefits from being shortly exposed to female cues ahead of access to mating (termed sexual perception), but the underlying mechanisms of this phenomenon remain unknown. Here, we investigated the short‐term effects of female perception on male pre‐ and post‐copulatory components of reproductive performance: (a) mating success, (b) mating latency and duration, (c) sperm competitiveness, and (d) ejaculate effects on female receptivity and reproductive rate. We found that brief sexual perception increased mating duration, but had no effect on the other main pre‐ and post‐copulatory fitness proxies recorded. This suggests that perception of female cues may not yield net fitness benefits for males in the short‐term, but we discuss alternative explanations and future avenues of research.
Precipitation, vegetation productivity, and human impacts control home range size of elephants in dryland systems in northern Namibia
Authors: Benitez Lorena , Kilian J. Werner , Wittemyer George , Hughey Lacey F. , Fleming Chris H. , Leimgruber Peter , du Preez Pierre , Stabach Jared A.
Published: September 2022

Climatic variability, resource availability, and anthropogenic impacts heavily influence an animal's home range. This makes home range size an effective metric for understanding how variation in environmental factors alter the behavior and spatial distribution of animals. In this study, we estimated home range size of African elephants (Loxodonta africana) across four sites in Namibia, along a gradient of precipitation and human impact, and investigated how these gradients influence the home range size on regional and site scales. Additionally, we estimated the time individuals spent within protected area boundaries. The mean 50% autocorrelated kernel density estimate for home range was 2200 km2 [95% CI:1500–3100 km2]. Regionally, precipitation and vegetation were the strongest predictors of home range size, accounting for a combined 53% of observed variation. However, different environmental covariates explained home range variation at each site. Precipitation predicted most variation (up to 74%) in home range sizes (n = 66) in the drier western sites, while human impacts explained 71% of the variation in home range sizes (n = 10) in Namibia's portion of the Kavango‐Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area. Elephants in all study areas maintained high fidelity to protected areas, spending an average of 85% of time tracked on protected lands. These results suggest that while most elephant space use in Namibia is driven by natural dynamics, some elephants are experiencing changes in space use due to human modification.
Metal–Organic Framework Enabling Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride)‐Based Polymer Electrolyte for Dendrite‐Free and Long‐Lifespan Sodium Metal Batteries
Authors: Lei Yusi , Yue Liang , Qi Yuruo , Niu Yubin , Bao Shujuan , Song Jie , Xu Maowen
Published: September 2022

Sodium dentrite formed by uneven plating/stripping can reduce the utilization of active sodium with poor cyclic stability and, more importantly, cause internal short circuit and lead to thermal runaway and fire. Therefore, sodium dendrites and their related problems seriously hinder the practical application of sodium metal batteries (SMBs). Herein, a design concept for the incorporation of metal–organic framework (MOF) in polymer matrix (polyvinylidene fluoride‐hexafluoropropylene) is practiced to prepare a novel gel polymer electrolyte (PH@MOF polymer‐based electrolyte [GPE]) and thus to achieve high‐performance SMBs. The addition of the MOF particles can not only reduce the movement hindrance of polymer chains to promote the transfer of Na+ but also anchor anions by virtue of their negative charge to reduce polarization during electrochemical reaction. A stable cycling performance with tiny overpotential for over 800 h at a current density of 5 mA cm−2 with areal capacity of 5 mA h cm−2 is achieved by symmetric cells based on the resulted GPE while the Na3V2O2(PO4)2F@rGO (NVOPF)|PH@MOF|Na cell also displays impressive specific cycling capacity (113.3 mA h g−1 at 1 C) and rate capability with considerable capacity retention.
Association between periodontitis and heart failure in the general population
Authors: Walther Carolin , Wenzel Jan‐Per , Schnabel Renate B. , Heydecke Guido , Seedorf Udo , Beikler Thomas , Borof Katrin , Nikorowitsch Julius , Schrage Benedikt , Blankenberg Stefan , Twerenbold Raphael , Zeller Tanja , Magnussen Christina , Aarabi Ghazal
Published: September 2022

Aims

Data on the association between periodontitis and preclinical cardiac alterations remain scarce. The aim of the current study is to determine if periodontitis is associated with morphological and functional cardiac changes measured by transthoracic echocardiography as well as different heart failure (HF) phenotypes.

Methods

Participants from the population‐based Hamburg City Health Study [ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT03934957)], who underwent transthoracic echocardiography and periodontal screening were included. Periodontitis was classified according to Eke and Page (none/mild, moderate, severe). The 2021 ESC HF guidelines were applied and HF was classified into HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF, ejection fraction ≥50%), HF with mid‐range and reduced ejection fraction [HF(m)rEF, ejection fraction <50%], and HF in general [HFpEF and HF(m)rEF]. Due to limited size, all subjects with LVEF <50% and symptoms or signs of HF were classified as HF with reduced and mildly reduced ejection fraction [HF(m)rEF].

Results

Within 6209 participants with full periodontal examination, we identified an overlap of n = 167 participants with periodontitis and HF. Participants with severe periodontitis showed a higher burden of cardiovascular risk factors (men at advanced age, diabetes mellitus, hypertension) when compared with participants with none/mild periodontitis. After adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and coronary artery disease, severe periodontitis was significantly associated with HF(m)rEF (odds ratio: 3.16; 95% CI: 1.21, 8.22; P = 0.019), although no association was found for HFpEF and HF in general.

Conclusions

The current study demonstrated that severe periodontitis was significantly associated with HF(m)rEF, although no relevant associations were found with HFpEF and HF in general as well as echocardiographic variables. The results implicate a potential target group, who need special attention from cooperating physicians and dentists. Future studies are warranted to verify whether systemic inflammation could be the link between the two diseases.
Chemical Evolution in Solutions of Ir Complex [H(dmso)2]2[IrCl6]. Structures of [H(dmso)2]2[IrCl6], [H(dmso)][IrCl4(dmso)2], [Me2SCH2C(O)Me][IrCl4(dmso)2], [Me2SCH2C(O)Me]2[IrCl6] and Its Os Analogue
Authors: Rudnitskaya Olga V. , Tereshina Tatiana A. , Dobrokhotova Ekaterina V. , Kultyshkina Ekaterina K. , Yakushev Ilya A. , Chumakova Natalia A. , Kokorin Alexander I. , Zubavichus Yan V. , Khrustalev Victor N.
Published: September 2022

An iridium complex [H(dmso)2]2[IrCl6] (1) is synthesized via the reaction of H2IrCl6 with DMSO in an acetone solution. The substance is thoroughly characterized using UV‐Vis, ATR‐FTIR, NMR, and EPR spectroscopies, single‐crystal and powder X‐ray diffraction. Iridium undergoes a slow spontaneous reduction to the chemical state +3 when solutions of 1 in water, hydrochloric acid, or acetone (CIr=n ⋅ 10−2−n ⋅ 10−4 M) are allowed to age in ambience. In the case of acetone solutions, the reduction is accompanied by the incorporation of DMSO molecules into the coordination sphere of Ir giving rise to trans‐[IrIIICl4(dmso)2]−. In parallel, protonated DMSO shows reactivity towards acetone to afford dimethylacetonylsulfonium cations. Red crystals of [Me2SCH2C(O)Me]2[IrCl6] (2), orange crystals of [Me2SCH2C(O)Me][IrCl4(dmso)2] (3), and yellow crystals of [H(dmso)][IrCl4(dmso)2] (4) were isolated from aged acetone solutions of 1 and studied by X‐ray crystallography. In the crystal structures of 2 and 3, dimethylacetonylsulfonium act as the cationic parts of the complexes. Meanwhile, the protonated form of DMSO, hydroxy(dimethyl)sulfonium, is found in 4. A similar aging procedure applied to an acetone solution of Os‐based analogue [H(dmso)2]2[OsCl6] afforded a novel osmium complex [Me2SCH2C(O)Me]2[OsCl6] (5), which was proven to be isostructural to 2.
Quantifying the long‐term slip rate of Liupan Shan thrust fault through the low‐temperature thermochronology
Authors: Liu Fangbin , Cai Shun
Published: September 2022

Liupan Shan thrust fault (LPSF), one of the outmost boundaries of the NE Tibetan Plateau, is crucial for understanding the dynamics of the outward and upward growth of the plateau. However, little is known about the long‐term (~10‐Myr timescale) fault‐slip history along the LPSF. Here we estimate the kinematic process of the LPSF using the 2‐D thermal history and 3‐D thermo‐kinematic modellings which are constrained by previously published apatite fission‐track thermochronological data. Inverse modellings confirm previous findings that the Cenozoic uplift in Liupan Shan initiated in the Late Miocene, which was controlled by thrusting of the LPSF. In addition, we also constrain the geometry of the thrust as being steep (54°) at the surface, consistent with field observations and seismic reflection data. Thrusting motion on the fault shows an average long‐term slip rate of ~0.54 km/Myr, yielding a total of ~4.7 km exhumation and ~3.4 km crustal shortening. Together with previous results show that the Late Miocene deformation is not only by local but also regional events driven by the India‐Asia collision.
Early effect of thrombolysis on structural brain network organisation after anterior‐circulation stroke in the randomized WAKE‐UP trial
Authors: Schlemm Eckhard , Jensen Märit , Kuceyeski Amy , Jamison Keith , Ingwersen Thies , Mayer Carola , Königsberg Alina , Boutitie Florent , Ebinger Martin , Endres Matthias , Fiebach Jochen B. , Fiehler Jens , Galinovic Ivana , Lemmens Robin , Muir Keith W. , Nighoghossian Norbert , Pedraza Salvador , Puig Josep , Simonsen Claus Z. , Thijs Vincent , Wouters Anke , Gerloff Christian , Thomalla Götz , Cheng Bastian
Published: September 2022

The symptoms of acute ischemic stroke can be attributed to disruption of the brain network architecture. Systemic thrombolysis is an effective treatment that preserves structural connectivity in the first days after the event. Its effect on the evolution of global network organisation is, however, not well understood. We present a secondary analysis of 269 patients from the randomized WAKE‐UP trial, comparing 127 imaging‐selected patients treated with alteplase with 142 controls who received placebo. We used indirect network mapping to quantify the impact of ischemic lesions on structural brain network organisation in terms of both global parameters of segregation and integration, and local disruption of individual connections. Network damage was estimated before randomization and again 22 to 36 h after administration of either alteplase or placebo. Evolution of structural network organisation was characterised by a loss in integration and gain in segregation, and this trajectory was attenuated by the administration of alteplase. Preserved brain network organization was associated with excellent functional outcome. Furthermore, the protective effect of alteplase was spatio‐topologically nonuniform, concentrating on a subnetwork of high centrality supported in the salvageable white matter surrounding the ischemic cores. This interplay between the location of the lesion, the pathophysiology of the ischemic penumbra, and the spatial embedding of the brain network explains the observed potential of thrombolysis to attenuate topological network damage early after stroke. Our findings might, in the future, lead to new brain network‐informed imaging biomarkers and improved prognostication in ischemic stroke.
The alcohol industry—A commercial determinant of poor health for Rainbow communities
Authors: Adams Jeffery , Asiasiga Lanuola , Neville Stephen
Published: September 2022

Background

Alcohol use is an area of challenge for health promotion internationally. The alcohol industry operates as a key commercial determinant of health in that its actions contribute to alcohol misuse, resulting in a range of health and social harms to individuals, families and communities. Rainbow people (including those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or gender diverse) are one group experiencing considerable harm from alcohol use.

Methods

Data from 24 focus groups involving 131 people held in six cities in New Zealand during 2018, were used to explore local understandings of the ways in which the alcohol industry operates as a commercial determinant of health for Rainbow communities. The focus group discussions were analysed thematically.

Results

Three key themes were identified. First, the alcohol industry was identified as present in the ‘everyday’, through targeted alcohol promotion to Rainbow people, and due to the centrality of bars to their social and cultural landscapes. Second, participants recognised the benefits of alcohol industry support for Rainbow communities. Last, an opposing view was articulated, with the alcohol industry and its commercial activities viewed negatively.

Conclusions

These findings highlight that alcohol as a commodity and the alcohol industry are successfully and firmly embedded within Rainbow communities. Overall, given alcohol is widely regarded in a positive way, this is likely to create difficulties for health promotion efforts to reduce alcohol related harm in these communities.
Does economic complexity influence environmental performance? Empirical evidence from OECD countries
Authors: Lee Chien‐Chiang , Olasehinde‐Williams Godwin
Published: September 2022

Environmental degradation is a major challenge facing the world. Our view is that a country's productive structure, reflected through its knowledge content and technical capabilities (economic complexity), is strongly correlated with its environmental performance. To empirically confirm this view, the link between economic complexity and environmental performance in member countries of the Organization for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) was examined within a modified version of the Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence and Technology (STIRPAT) model incorporating two alternative measures of economic complexity. The model was estimated using the fixed effects extension proposed by Driscoll and Kraay (DK‐FE) and Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimation techniques. Granger causality testing in frequency domain was also employed to examine country‐specific relationships. The sample period extended from 2007 to 2016. The study findings provided reliable empirical justification for our position. The coefficients for economic complexity in the long‐run estimations revealed that economic complexity positively impacted on environmental performance in the OECD countries. Granger causality outcomes also indicated economic complexity as a meaningful predictor of environmental performance in most of the OECD countries.
Automatic semantic segmentation for dental restorations in panoramic radiography images using U‐Net model
Authors: Oztekin Faruk , Katar Oguzhan , Sadak Ferhat , Aydogan Murat , Yildirim Tuba Talo , Plawiak Pawel , Yildirim Ozal , Talo Muhammed , Karabatak Murat
Published: September 2022

The automated segmentation of dental restorations is a critical step in diagnosing dental problems and suggesting the best treatment. Some restorations may be missed during a dental examination, depending on the number of patients, the dentist's experience, and fatigue. Automatic detection of dental restorations based on deep learning has the potential to provide a quick radiological assessment based on the patient's treatment history and pre‐diagnosis. This study presents a deep learning‐based method for automatic detection and classification of amalgam and composite fillings on panoramic images. A total of 250 anonymized panoramic images with amalgam and composite fillings with a resolution of 2048 × 1024 px were used. In this study, U‐Net models with various backbones were employed. The ResNext50 model has achieved the highest pixel accuracy and intersection over union (IoU) performance based on the evaluation of various ResNet and ResNext backbones. The mean IoU value obtained by the model on the test images is 0.767 while the Pixel Accuracy of 99.81% was achieved. Our proposed method demonstrated superior performance compared to similarly conducted studies in the literature. The proposed method can potentially be employed in clinical settings to detect dental restorations automatically. The classification and detection of dental restorations with this model can aid dentistry education at higher institutions as an education tool and make the reporting easier for the dentist.