bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gregarious, chemically defended pine sawflies as a new model to study cooperative interactions in an ecological context
Authors: Lindstedt C. , Koskenpato K. , Van Meyel S.
Published: December 2024

One of the key challenges of evolutionary theory is to determine how cooperation is promoted in different environmental contexts. This is because the costs and benefits of cooperation can be difficult to identify as they have many facets and are often highly context-dependent. To address this challenge, we need new study systems where the costs and benefits of cooperative behaviour can be quantified at an individual level under different environmental conditions. Here, we review the opportunities to study this with the herbivorous, haplodiploid gregarious pine sawflies (genera Neodiprion and Diprion from the family Diprionidae, Hymenoptera). These species are social only during the larval stage, when they feed in groups and perform collective chemical defence against predators by deploying their defensive secretions in synchrony. Defence behaviour is costly for individuals, and the extent to which individuals contribute to defence also depends on environmental conditions. Furthermore, there is both individual and sex-biased variation in the secretion of defence fluid. Our review highlights the possibilities of using the pine sawfly system to manipulate both ecological (e.g., diet quality) and social (e.g., kin structure, sex ratio, or group density) conditions during the larval stage and to experimentally quantify the impact of the environment on cooperative interactions. As a result, pine sawflies can tell us what leads to heterogeneity in the expression of cooperation in collective goods and elucidate the role of ecological interactions in promoting or constraining cooperation.
Coarse Correlated Equilibria in Linear Quadratic Mean Field Games and Application to an Emission Abatement Game
Authors: Campi Luciano , Cannerozzi Federico , Cartellier Fanny
Published: December 2024

Coarse correlated equilibria (CCE) are a good alternative to Nash equilibria (NE), as they arise more naturally as outcomes of learning algorithms and as they may exhibit higher payoffs than NE. CCEs include a device which allows players’ strategies to be correlated without any cooperation, only through information sent by a mediator. We develop a methodology to concretely compute mean field CCEs in a linear-quadratic mean field game (MFG) framework. We compare their performance to mean field control solutions and mean field NE (usually named MFG solutions). Our approach is implemented in the mean field version of an emission abatement game between greenhouse gas emitters. In particular, we exhibit a simple and tractable class of mean field CCEs which allows to outperform very significantly the mean field NE payoff and abatement levels, bridging the gap between the mean field NE and the social optimum obtained by mean field control.
Sex-specific outcomes in acute myocardial infarction-associated cardiogenic shock treated with and without V-A ECMO: a retrospective German nationwide analysis from 2014 to 2018
Authors: Beckmeyer Hendrik Willem , Feld Jannik , Köppe Jeanette , Faldum Andreas , Dröge Patrik , Ruhnke Thomas , Günster Christian , Reinecke Holger , Padberg Jan-Sören
Published: December 2024

Acute myocardial infarction-associated cardiogenic shock (AMICS) remains a condition with high mortality. Some patients require mechanical circulatory support (MCS) as their condition deteriorates. Sex-specific differences in risk factors and outcomes of cardiovascular disease have previously been described but are inconclusive regarding the use of MCS in AMICS. We aimed to investigate these with a focus on long-term outcomes. Health claim data from AOK – Die Gesundheitskasse (local health care funds) for patients hospitalized with AMICS between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2015, was descriptively analyzed. Then, a Cox proportional hazards model was used to adjust for confounders. We analyzed 10,023 patients, of which 477 (4.8%) were treated with veno-arterial extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO). In-hospital mortality was high, but similar between treatments (V-A ECMO 59.1%, no V-A ECMO 56.6%). Women had a higher median age (78.9 years, IQR 13.8 vs. 71.8 years, IQR 17.9; p < 0.001), a different cardiovascular risk profile and in the conservatively treated patients underwent revascularization less often (69.2% vs. 77.1%; p < 0.001) than men did. In a multivariate analysis, female sex was not associated with lower survival (HR 1.03, CI 0.98–1.09; p = 0.233). V-A ECMO, however, was associated with lower survival in both sexes. We observed a low overall survival in follow-up after three years (no V-A ECMO: men 28.9% vs. women 21.7%, V-A ECMO: men 18.2% vs. women 17.0%). In conclusion, women with AMICS presented with a different risk profile, especially a higher age, and underwent guideline-recommended therapies such as revascularization less often than men. Female sex, however, was not associated with lower survival in a multivariate analysis. In-hospital mortality was high, regardless of treatment, and V-A ECMO was associated with lower survival in follow-up.
Generalization in multi-objective machine learning
Authors: Súkeník Peter , Lampert Christoph
Published: December 2024

Modern machine learning tasks often require considering not just one but multiple objectives. For example, besides the prediction quality, this could be the efficiency, robustness or fairness of the learned models, or any of their combinations. Multi-objective learning offers a natural framework for handling such problems without having to commit to early trade-offs. Surprisingly, statistical learning theory so far offers almost no insight into the generalization properties of multi-objective learning. In this work, we make first steps to fill this gap: We establish foundational generalization bounds for the multi-objective setting as well as generalization and excess bounds for learning with scalarizations. We also provide the first theoretical analysis of the relation between the Pareto-optimal sets of the true objectives and the Pareto-optimal sets of their empirical approximations from training data. In particular, we show a surprising asymmetry: All Pareto-optimal solutions can be approximated by empirically Pareto-optimal ones, but not vice versa.
Quantification using permutation-invariant networks based on histograms
Authors: Pérez-Mon Olaya , Moreo Alejandro , Coz Juan José del , González Pablo
Published: December 2024

Quantification, also known as class prevalence estimation, is the supervised learning task in which a model is trained to predict the prevalence of each class in a given bag of examples. This paper investigates the application of deep neural networks for tasks of quantification in scenarios where it is possible to apply a symmetric supervised approach that eliminates the need for classification as an intermediate step, thus directly addressing the quantification problem. Additionally, it discusses existing permutation-invariant layers designed for set processing and assesses their suitability for quantification. Based on our analysis, we propose HistNetQ, a novel neural architecture that relies on a permutation-invariant representation based on histograms that is especially suited for quantification problems. Our experiments carried out in two standard competitions, which have become a reference in the quantification field, show that HistNetQ outperforms other deep neural network architectures designed for set processing, as well as the current state-of-the-art quantification methods. Furthermore, HistNetQ offers two significant advantages over traditional quantification methods: i) it does not require the labels of the training examples but only the prevalence values of a collection of training bags, making it applicable to new scenarios; and ii) it is able to optimize any custom quantification-oriented loss function.
FabuLight-ASD: unveiling speech activity via body language
Authors: Carneiro Hugo , Wermter Stefan
Published: December 2024

Active speaker detection (ASD) in multimodal environments is crucial for various applications, from video conferencing to human-robot interaction. This paper introduces FabuLight-ASD, an advanced ASD model that integrates facial, audio, and body pose information to enhance detection accuracy and robustness. Our model builds upon the existing Light-ASD framework by incorporating human pose data, represented through skeleton graphs, which minimises computational overhead. Using the Wilder Active Speaker Detection (WASD) dataset, renowned for reliable face and body bounding box annotations, we demonstrate FabuLight-ASD’s effectiveness in real-world scenarios. Achieving an overall mean average precision (mAP) of 94.3%, FabuLight-ASD outperforms Light-ASD, which has an overall mAP of 93.7% across various challenging scenarios. The incorporation of body pose information shows a particularly advantageous impact, with notable improvements in mAP observed in scenarios with speech impairment, face occlusion, and human voice background noise. Furthermore, efficiency analysis indicates only a modest increase in parameter count (27.3%) and multiply-accumulate operations (up to 2.4%), underscoring the model’s efficiency and feasibility. These findings validate the efficacy of FabuLight-ASD in enhancing ASD performance through the integration of body pose data. FabuLight-ASD’s code and model weights are available at https://github.com/knowledgetechnologyuhh/FabuLight-ASD.
Predictive factors in difficult postoperative airway management of severe odontogenic deep neck infection
Authors: Iwata Eiji , Inokuchi Go , Kawakami Masakazu , Matsui Taiki , Kusumoto Junya , Tachibana Akira , Akashi Masaya
Published: December 2024

In this study, we aimed to identify risk factors that predict the postoperative need for advanced or prolonged airway management in patients with severe odontogenic deep neck infections (DNIs). This retrospective case–control study included patients of both sexes aged ≥ 18 years who had undergone surgical drainage including debridement of necrotic tissues of odontogenic deep neck abscesses and necrotizing soft tissue infection under general anesthesia between April 2016 and September 2023 at a single center. The patients’ characteristics, laboratory tests, and computed tomography (CT) findings were analyzed and compared between the difficult postoperative airway group, which required prolonged intubation or tracheostomy, and the short-term intubation group. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Sixty-four patients required surgical drainage including debridement under general anesthesia. Of them, 7 (10.9%) patients were included in the difficult postoperative airway group. In addition to increased inflammatory markers, the presence of arytenoid edema among laryngeal edema and retro- and parapharyngeal space abscesses on preoperative CT images were identified as risk factors. The presence of pharyngeal space abscesses was significantly associated with laryngeal edema, and the intubation period was longer in patients with more elements relevant to these two factors. Thus, the presence of pharyngeal space abscesses and degree of laryngeal edema on preoperative CT images can be used to predict the complexity of postoperative airway management. Our results suggest that tracheostomy is preferable for patients with retropharyngeal space abscesses, and that patients with parapharyngeal space abscesses and laryngeal edema are desirable to undergo prolonged intubation.
Genomic population structure and diversity of the endangered Aphanius iberus: strategies for killifish conservation
Authors: Nester Tessa Lynn , López-Solano Alfonso , Perea Silvia , Doadrio Ignacio
Published: December 2024

The evolutionary potential of a species directly impacts its ability to survive in fluctuating environments. A fundamental goal in wildlife conservation is enhancing this potential since anthropogenic pressures and rapid climate change are shifting environments at an alarming rate. One way to increase a species’ adaptive potential is through the delineation of management units based on population genomic analyses. Such units consist of evolutionarily significant gene pools requiring immediate conservation action. The delineation of priority units is fundamental for species on the brink of extinction, a predicament shared by numerous killifish species worldwide which face human-driven habitat transformations leading to the destruction of functioning ecosystems. The Mediterranean coast of the Iberian Peninsula has undergone one of the greatest human-driven habitat transformations in Europe since the turn of the 20th century as a result of agricultural exploitation and urbanization, imposing novel environmental pressures on various aquatic organisms including killifish species, such as the endangered and endemic Spanish toothcarp (Aphanius iberus Valenciennes, 1846). In the present study, we performed a SNP-based genetic analysis to delineate management units, or Operational Conservation Units (OCUs) for A. iberus, sampling a total of 176 individuals from 18 sample locations and analyzing their genetic structure, diversity, levels of gene flow, and degrees of genetic differentiation. Overall, the populations were highly structured with low genetic diversity values. Little to no gene flow was detected and FST values were high, indicating a large degree of genetic differentiation between populations, most likely attributable to habitat fragmentation. The results of our genetic analyses suggested the recommendation of nine OCUs for A. iberus, which should be implemented immediately into recovery programs to enhance the conservation management of this species. Using A. iberus as a study model, our research exemplifies how to delineate conservation priorities pertinent to killifish species with limited dispersal opportunity as a result of disruptions in population connectivity.
Collaboration failure analysis in cyber-physical system-of-systems using context fuzzy clustering
Authors: Hyun Sangwon , Jee Eunkyoung , Bae Doo-Hwan
Published: December 2024

A cyber-physical system-of-systems (CPSoS) facilitates the achievement of high-level goals, such as efficient traffic management on roads, by designing and developing the collaboration of constituent CPSs. A platooning that groups autonomous vehicles in proximity is an example of collaboration. The intricate collaboration innately causes serious collaboration failures such as collisions. However, limited knowledge and complex dynamics of CPSoS cause several challenges in effectively analyzing the collaboration failures. Existing studies have applied pattern mining techniques to investigate various failures but have limitations when applied to collaboration failures: (1) absence of data model for continuous and discrete logs in CPSoS; (2) information loss problem by not considering the integrated relationship of the data; (3) dependence only on failed logs; (4) limited capability of fixed-size time windows. We propose a fuzzy clustering-based pattern mining approach that consists of a novel data model for CPSoS logs and comprehensive metrics for classifying and mining optimal collaboration failure patterns. In experiments on vehicle platooning, our approach exhibited the highest accuracy on pattern mining and clustering results. Further, we identified five collaboration failure scenarios in the empirical analysis of drone swarming results. The findings of this study can facilitate the effective analysis of CPSoS collaboration failures.
Large scale reuse of microservices using CI/CD and InnerSource practices - a case study
Authors: Badampudi Deepika , Usman Muhammad , Chen Xingru
Published: December 2024

Contemporary practices such as InnerSource (adopting open source practices within an organization), continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD), and the use of microservices promote software reuse. Although the benefits of individual contemporary practices on reuse may be known, the implications of collective contemporary practices, mainly challenges and improvements to mitigate the challenges, are to a large extent unknown. In this study, we investigate the additional effort (cost factors), benefits, challenges, and potential improvements in contemporary reuse at Ericsson. We performed the study in two phases: a) the initial data collection based on a combination of data collection methods (e.g., interviews, discussions, company portals), and b) a follow-up group discussion after a year to understand the status of the challenges and improvements identified in the first phase. Our results indicate that developing reusable assets resulted in upfront cost factors, such as additional effort in ensuring compliance. Furthermore, development with reuse also resulted in cost factors, for example, additional effort in integrating and understanding reusable assets. Ericsson perceived the cost factors as an investment resulting in long-term benefits such as improved quality, productivity, customer experience, and way of working. The main challenge faced by Ericsson was the pressure on the producers of reusable assets. Our study shows how InnerSource can lead to an increase in contributions to reusable assets. Furthermore, Ericsson implemented measures like automating compliance checks that improved the maturity of reusable assets, resulting in an increase in their reuse. In summary, effective use of contemporary practices such as InnerSource and CI/CD, along with the use of microservices, can facilitate large scale reuse.
Governing the commons: code ownership and code-clones in large-scale software development
Authors: Sundelin Anders , Gonzalez-Huerta Javier , Torkar Richard , Wnuk Krzysztof
Published: December 2024

Context

In software development organizations employing weak or collective ownership, different teams are allowed and expected to autonomously perform changes in various components. This creates diversity both in the knowledge of, and in the responsibility for, individual components.

Objective

Our objective is to understand how and why different teams introduce technical debt in the form of code clones as they change different components.

Method

We collected data about change size and clone introductions made by ten teams in eight components which was part of a large industrial software system. We then designed a Multi-Level Generalized Linear Model (MLGLM), to illustrate the teams’ differing behavior. Finally, we discussed the results with three development teams, plus line manager and the architect team, evaluating whether the model inferences aligned with what they expected. Responses were recorded and thematically coded.

Results

The results show that teams do behave differently in different components, and the feedback from the teams indicates that this method of illustrating team behavior can be useful as a complement to traditional summary statistics of ownership.

Conclusions

We find that our model-based approach produces useful visualizations of team introductions of code clones as they change different components. Practitioners stated that the visualizations gave them insights that were useful, and by comparing with an average team, inter-team comparisons can be avoided. Thus, this has the potential to be a useful feedback tool for teams in software development organizations that employ weak or collective ownership.
Effects of Gender-Fair Language on the Cognitive Representation of Women in Stereotypically Masculine Occupations and Occupational Self-Efficacy Among Primary School Girls and Boys
Authors: Lenhart Jan , Heckel Franziska
Published: December 2024

Based on the assumption that language influences thinking, the present study investigated the effect of gender-fair language in German, a grammatically gendered language among primary school children. Specifically, in a single-study experiment, we compared 218 German third and fourth graders on the effects of the generic masculine (e.g., der Polizist; English: the policeman) and gender-fair language in terms of the feminine and masculine form (e.g., die Polizistin/der Polizist; English: the policewoman/the policeman) on the cognitive representation of women in stereotypically masculine occupations and occupational self-efficacy. General self-efficacy was examined as a moderator variable, assumed to influence the effect of gender-fair language on occupational self-efficacy. The results indicate that the gender-fair form led to a higher cognitive representation of women in stereotypically masculine occupations for girls and increased girls’ occupational self-efficacy for stereotypically masculine occupations. In contrast, the use of gender-fair language did not significantly influence boys’ cognitive representation of women and their occupational self-efficacy. General self-efficacy did not affect the effect of gender-fair language on occupational self-efficacy. Thus, even as early as in primary school, gender-fair language could help attracting girls to stereotypically masculine occupations.
Neuroprotective Effects of Dexamethasone in a Neuromelanin-Driven Parkinson’s Disease Model
Authors: Garcia-Gomara M. , Juan-Palencia A. , Alfaro M. , Cuadrado-Tejedor M. , Garcia-Osta A.
Published: December 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra that primarily affects movement control. Neuroinflammation plays a pivotal role in driving the disease’s progression. The persistent inflammatory state in the brain exacerbates neuronal damage, creating a cycle that perpetuates the neurodegenerative process. Glucocorticoids, such as dexamethasone, have potent anti-inflammatory properties and have been studied for their neuroprotective potential in different neurodegenerative diseases. However, their specific impact on PD remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of dexamethasone on a neuromelanin (NM)-driven model of PD. We demonstrated that dexamethasone administration significantly improved motor function and preserved dopaminergic neuron compared to untreated controls in our study. These neuroprotective effects were mediated, at least in part, by suppressing reactive microglia and reducing the infiltration of peripheral immune cells into the brain. Our findings underscore the potential therapeutic benefits of dexamethasone in mitigating neuroinflammation and maintaining neuronal integrity in a NM-driven model of PD. These results advocate for further investigation into glucocorticoid-based therapies as adjunctive treatments for PD, particularly in scenarios where neuroinflammation contributes prominently to disease progression.
“We Will Die Having Sex”–Gender, Health and Cultural Influences on Sexual Practices Among Older People in South Africa
Authors: Nyirenda M. , Sukazi S. , Buthelezi C. , Hanass-Hancock J.
Published: December 2024

As the global population's ageing accelerates, especially in low-middle-income countries (LMICs), an increase in age-related and sexual health challenges can be expected. However, a focus on reproductive ages, ageism, taboos, stigma and limited resources, has contributed to a neglect of older adults’ sexuality as broadly defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). We used qualitative methods to explore the attitudes and perceptions of sexuality and sexual behaviour among older adults aged 50 years and above. Focus group discussions with 37 South African men and women (aged 50–78) were thematically analysed using an ethnographic and phenomenological naturalistic paradigm. Four major themes emerged: 1) Importance of sexuality and sexual activity, 2) gendered perspectives on sexual activity, 3) health state as a barrier to sexual activity, and 4) cultural influences on sexuality and behaviour. Study highlights the significant role cultural norms and beliefs can play in old-age sexuality, with distinct gender differences in sexual practices. Health conditions, including chronic illnesses, disabilities, frailty and HIV status can act as barriers to sexual activities in old age. Understanding these barriers and facilitators is crucial to addressing the sexual health concerns of older adults. A holistic approach and further research for a nuanced understanding of older adults’ need for and enjoyment of sexual activity to inform policy and programmes is needed. The scarcity of data and evidence on this subject in LMICs hinders the development of policies and targeted interventions for successful healthy ageing.
Stackelberg Evolutionary Games of Cancer Treatment: What Treatment Strategy to Choose if Cancer Can be Stabilized?
Authors: Salvioli Monica , Garjani Hasti , Satouri Mohammadreza , Broom Mark , Viossat Yannick , Brown Joel S. , Dubbeldam Johan , Staňková Kateřina
Published: December 2024

We present a game-theoretic model of a polymorphic cancer cell population where the treatment-induced resistance is a quantitative evolving trait. When stabilization of the tumor burden is possible, we expand the model into a Stackelberg evolutionary game, where the physician is the leader and the cancer cells are followers. The physician chooses a treatment dose to maximize an objective function that is a proxy of the patient’s quality of life. In response, the cancer cells evolve a resistance level that maximizes their proliferation and survival. Assuming that cancer is in its ecological equilibrium, we compare the outcomes of three different treatment strategies: giving the maximum tolerable dose throughout, corresponding to the standard of care for most metastatic cancers, an ecologically enlightened therapy, where the physician anticipates the short-run, ecological response of cancer cells to their treatment, but not the evolution of resistance to treatment, and an evolutionarily enlightened therapy, where the physician anticipates both ecological and evolutionary consequences of the treatment. Of the three therapeutic strategies, the evolutionarily enlightened therapy leads to the highest values of the objective function, the lowest treatment dose, and the lowest treatment-induced resistance. Conversely, in our model, the maximum tolerable dose leads to the worst values of the objective function, the highest treatment dose, and the highest treatment-induced resistance.
Pervasive Indigenous and local knowledge of tropical wild species
Authors: Takasaki Yoshito , Coomes Oliver T. , Abizaid Christian
Published: December 2024

The promise of Indigenous and local knowledge (ILK) for conservation policy depends on how pervasively ILK is held among local people. In the Peruvian Amazon, we conducted a landscape-scale concordance analysis between (1) ILK for game, timber, and fish species collected by the largest representative ILK survey as yet undertaken in tropical forests, and (2) remotely sensed land cover as proxies for species habitat. From our survey among 4000 households in 235 communities, we find that concordant ILK is highly pervasive across gender, age, place of origin, and social status, irrespective of species and people’s indigeneity. Resource users possess more concordant knowledge than nonusers for timber and fish, not game. Concordance between ILK for fish and remote sensing is associated with cooperative forest clearing in shifting cultivation—an informal community institution in which forest peoples engage with nature. Our findings point to the promise of ILK for large-scale tropical conservation.
Physical simulation-based analysis of multipass welding in S500 shipbuilding steel
Authors: Gáspár M. , Kovács J. , Sainio J. , Tervo H. , Javaheri V. , Kaijalainen A.
Published: December 2024

Novel generations of shipbuilding steels have outstanding toughness due to the improved steel producing processes. Their microstructure mainly consists of ferrite and bainite, while the presence of acicular ferrite has a role in high impact energy of the welded joint. This research aims to analyze the effect of multipass welding on weld characteristics of S500 shipbuilding steel. A Gleeble 3500 simulator machine is used to produce the welding thermal cycles by the Rykalin-3D model on 70

$$\times$$

×

10

$$\times$$

×

10 mm samples manufactured in transversal direction from a submerged arc welded joint of 16 mm plate. Temperatures for the simulations were set at 1350 °C for the coarse-grained zone forming in the weld metal (CGHAZ-W), 815 °C for the intercritical zone (ICHAZ-W), and a combination of these peak temperatures for the intercritically reheated coarse-grained zone (ICCGHAZ-W). The examined t8/5 interval was 5–30 s. The weld properties were examined by microstructural examination, hardness test, and instrumented Charpy V-notch impact toughness test. The impact energy values of subzones were below the unaffected weld metal. Longer cooling time resulted in lower impact energy in ICHAZ-W. However, this tendency was not observed in CGHAZ-W. ICHAZ-W and ICCGHAZ-W resulted in the lowest impact toughness, which was indicated by the large unstable crack propagation.
A Finite Element Analysis Comparing an Additive Manufacturing Lattice-Structured PEEK Implant to a Commercial Ball-and-Socket Design for Cervical Total Disc Replacement
Authors: Hsieh Ming-Kai , Kao Fu-Cheng , Li Yun-Da , Lee De-Mei , Jin Hui , Tai Ching-Lung , Tsai Tsung-Ting , Lai Po-Liang , Chen Weng-Pin
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Cervical total disc replacement (TDR) is commonly performed to treat degenerative cervical spondylosis, but it often faces challenges such as implant wear and migration. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a novel 3D-printed TDR featuring a titanium endplate and a lattice-structured poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) design. The primary objective was to replicate the natural motion of the cervical disc while addressing complications associated with conventional TDRs.

Methods

The novel implant was created using additive manufacturing techniques, incorporating three lattice-structured PEEK designs (Cross, Octet, and Ventiles) for the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus components. A finite element analysis was conducted to compare the biomechanical performance of the novel TDR with an intact cervical disc and a commercially available TDR (Baguera®C, Spineart SA, Geneva, Switzerland). Key parameters, including maximal von Mises stresses, range of motion, paths of the instantaneous center of rotation, and facet joint stresses, were evaluated under physiological loads (100 N follower load and 1.5 Nm pure moments).

Results

The novel 3D-printed TDR maintained structural integrity, with stresses remaining within the yield strength of PEEK. The biomechanical performance closely resembled that of an intact cervical disc, demonstrating similar ranges of motion, instantaneous center of rotation paths, and facet joint stress distributions.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that the innovative 3D-printed TDR may restore normal cervical spinal kinematics more effectively than existing commercial options, potentially reducing the risk of post-operative facet joint syndrome. Further experimental and clinical studies are recommended to validate these results.
Lithospheric Foundering in Progress Imaged Under an Extinct Continental Arc
Authors: Schulte‐Pelkum Vera , Kilb Deborah
Published: December 2024

A long‐standing question is how felsic continental crust is differentiated from its mafic parent mantle magmas. One currently proposed fundamental mechanism is lithospheric foundering and loss of dense material into the mantle. A type locality is the young extinct arc forming the Sierra Nevada, California. Here, we image a distinct anisotropic shear layer below the crust‐mantle boundary using receiver functions. The sense of shear is consistent with west‐ to southwestward removal of lithosphere. The shear signal is strongest in the southern Sierra, where lithospheric foundering was proposed to have concluded several million years ago, and is deeper and less pronounced in the central Sierra, where ongoing lithospheric foundering is corroborated by a band of unusually deep (40+ km) seismicity along the western foothills. Our observations provide progressive snapshots of a lithospheric foundering process spanning several million years and hundreds of kilometers, illuminating a fundamental differentiation process by which continents are built.
Seasonal Snow Cycles and Their Possible Influence on Seismic Velocity Changes and Eruptive Activity at Ruapehu Volcano, New Zealand
Authors: Yates Alexander S. , Caudron Corentin , Mordret Aurélien , Lesage Philippe , Pinel Virginie , Lecocq Thomas , Miller Craig A. , Lamb Oliver D. , Fournier Nicolas
Published: December 2024

Understanding volcanic eruption triggers is critical toward anticipating future activity. While internal magma dynamics typically receive more attention, the influence of external processes remains less understood. In this context, we explore the relationship between seasonal snow cycles and eruptive activity at Ruapehu, New Zealand. This is motivated by apparent seasonality in the eruptive record, where a higher than expected proportion of eruptions (post‐1960) occur in spring (including the two previous eruptions of 2006 and 2007). Employing recent advancements in passive seismic interferometry, we compute sub‐surface seismic velocity changes between 2005 and 2009 using the cross‐wavelet transform approach. Stations on the volcano record a higher velocity in winter, closely correlated with the presence of snow. Inverting for depth suggests these changes occur within the upper 300 m. Notably, we observe that the timing of the previous two eruptions coincides with a period associated with an earlier velocity decrease at approximately 200–300 m depth relative to the surface. Reduced water infiltration (as precipitation falls as snow) is considered a likely control of seasonal velocities, while modeling also points to a contribution from snow‐loading. We hypothesize that this latter process may play a role toward explaining seasonality in the eruptive record. Our findings shed light on the complex interactions between volcanoes and external environmental processes, highlighting the need for more focused research in this area. Pursuing this line of inquiry has significant implications toward improved risk and hazard assessments at not just Ruapehu, but also other volcanoes globally that experience seasonal snow cover.
Changes in the Deep Convective Structures of Tropical Cyclones Associated With the Diurnal Pulse
Authors: Zhang Xinyan , Xu Weixin
Published: December 2024

This study uses satellite passive microwave (PMW) and spaceborne precipitation radar (PR) observations to investigate changes in the cloud and precipitation structures of tropical cyclones (TCs) experiencing diurnal pulses (DPs). A total of 4677 PMW and 3074 PR snapshots are matched with DP and non‐DP events of TCs objectively identified from infrared satellite images. The PMW observations suggest that compared to non‐DP events, the inner‐core (0–100 km) cold clouds containing both ice and liquid particles become more frequent and widespread when DP occurs. The greatest DP‐associated enhancement of cold clouds occurs in the downshear left quadrant of weak TCs (tropical storms) and in the upshear region of moderate‐to‐strong (≥ CAT 1) hurricanes, respectively. Also, the inner‐core cold clouds of DP events still maintain a relatively symmetric distribution under high‐shear (>10 ms−1) environments compared to non‐DP counterparts. The inner‐core warm cloud, dominated by liquid hydrometeors, increases in regions right of the shear but decreases left of the shear during DP events. Similarly, PR echo‐top height statistics show significant increases of moderate‐to‐deep convection in the TC inner region (0–300 km) on DP events especially for weak TCs. Particularly, the upshear‐right quadrant has the greatest increase in moderate‐to‐deep convection during DP events. These changes lead to a deeper and more symmetric convective structure of TCs' inner region with the occurrence of DPs.
Ionospheric Response to the Extreme 2024 Mother's Day Geomagnetic Storm Over the Latin American Sector
Authors: Carmo C. S. , Dai L. , Wrasse C. M. , Barros D. , Takahashi H. , Figueiredo C. A. O. B. , Wang C. , Li H. , Liu Z.
Published: December 2024

Geomagnetic storms affect Earth in various severe ways, including damaging satellites, disrupting power grids, and inducing prompt penetration electric fields (PPEF) through Joule heating in the auroral region. They also cause disturbance dynamo electric fields (DDEF), generate or suppress equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs), and lead to other significant effects. The extreme geomagnetic storm on 10 May 2024, altered the dynamics of the ionosphere. The ionospheric response was investigated in this study. Our methodology utilized a combined data set, including GNSS receivers in the Latin American sector, and data from ionosondes in São Luis (SALU) and Cachoeira Paulista (CHPI). CHPI also features a Fabry‐Pérot interferometer (FPI) and an All‐Sky Imager (ASI). Super EPB was observed in the American sector. This structure drifted westward at a velocity of ∼140 m/s and had a large latitudinal extension, reaching about 36° geomagnetic latitude, this corresponds to an apex height of around 4,500 km. The depletion lasted for a long duration of 12 hr, from 22:30 to 10:30 UT. The geomagnetic storm caused a super fountain effect, propelling plasma from the equator to a distance of ∼35° latitude, and depositing high‐density plasma on the crest of the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA).
Continuous flow solvent-free and catalyst-free mechanochemical production of rhodamine B dyes and their derivatives
Authors: Purohit Mukesh , Shaikh Tabrez Rafique , Kulkarni Amol A.
Published: December 2024

In this communication, we have described a simple and efficient, catalyst free and solvent-free protocol for the continuous flow synthesis of rhodamine B dyes developed from 3-diethyl amino phenol and phthalic anhydride.
The redox aspects of lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Peljo Pekka , Villevieille Claire , Girault Hubert H.
Published: December 2024

We are considering fundamental questions of how redox reactions take place and charge is conducted in redox solids. Redox properties of electrode materials can be explained by considering the Nernst equations for homogeneous or segregated materials.
High current density heterojunction bipolar transistors with 3D-GaN/2D-WSe2 as emitter junctions
Authors: Xu Mingjun , Li Guoxin , Guo Zhonghong , Shang Jianbo , Li Xiaohang , Gao Fangliang , Li Shuti
Published: December 2024

With the continuous advancement of electronic technology, there is an increasing demand for high-speed, high-frequency, and high-power devices.
Improvement of the weight update and retention characteristics of Pr0.7Ca0.3MnO3−x ECRAM via elevated temperature training
Authors: Lee Chuljun , Kim Dongmin , Cho Seojin , Lee Daeseok
Published: December 2024

To achieve both excellent analog switching for training and retention for inference simultaneously, we investigated elevated-temperature (ET) training of Pr0.7Ca0.3MnO3−x (PCMO) electrochemical random access memory (ECRAM).
Enhanced electrochemical performance of CTAB-assisted Zn-doped perovskite NiMnO3 nanocrystals on reduced graphene oxide for supercapacitors and oxygen evolution reactions
Authors: Dhas Suprimkumar D. , Kim Geunchul , Thonge Pragati N. , Patil Amar M. , Mendhe Avinash C. , Batool Rabia , Kim Daewon
Published: December 2024

This paper introduces a novel chemical reduction synthesis method for preparing bimetallic Zn-doped perovskite NiMnO3 ultrafine nanocrystals, which are further supported on reduced graphene oxide (rGO).
Feasibility of video‐based skill assessment for percutaneous nephrostomy training in Senegal
Authors: Hisey Rebecca , Ndiaye Fatou Bintou , Sunderland Kyle , Seck Idrissa , Mbaye Moustapha , Keita Mohammed , Diahame Mamadou , Kikinis Ron , Diao Babacar , Fichtinger Gabor , Camara Mamadou
Published: December 2024

Percutaneous nephrostomy can be an effective means of preventing irreparable renal damage from obstructive renal disease thereby providing patients with more time to access treatment to remove the source of the blockage. In sub‐Saharan Africa, where there is limited access to treatments such as dialysis and transplantation, a nephrostomy can be life‐saving. Training this procedure in simulation can allow trainees to develop their technical skills without risking patient safety, but still requires an ex‐pert observer to provide performative feedback. In this study, the feasibility of using video as an accessible method to assess skill in simulated percutaneous nephrostomy is evaluated. Six novice urology residents and six expert urologists from Ouakam Military Hospital in Dakar, Senegal performed 4 nephrostomies each using the setup. Motion‐based metrics were computed for each trial from the predicted bounding boxes of a trained object detection network, and these metrics were compared between novices and experts. The authors were able to measure significant differences in both ultrasound and needle handling between novice and expert participants. Additionally, performance changes could be measured within each group over multiple trials. Conclusions: Video‐based skill assessment is a feasible and accessible option for providing trainees with quantitative performance feedback in sub‐Saharan Africa.
Enhanced performance of secondary surveillance radar system in dense UAV environments using CDMA techniques
Authors: Chen Haonan , Guo Rui , Chen Zengping
Published: December 2024

In future battlefield scenarios, the high density of platforms often leads to multiple responses from existing secondary surveillance radar (SSR) systems, causing collision interference of response signals in the time domain. The frame slotted ALOHA (FSA) algorithm originally used by the system cannot ensure a high identification probability and has a long identification time. In response to these problems, this paper explores the problems of current SSR systems under the urgent need for precise multi‐target identification in dense environments. It investigates how to integrate code division multiple access (CDMA) technology with the ALOHA algorithm to enhance the system's target identification probability. The authors propose an improved workflow and signal transceiver principles for the SSR system and validate the excellent performance of the SSR system in multi‐target identification within dense environments through simulation experiments based on the proposed composite anti‐collision algorithm.
Stationary properties of quasi-one-dimensional variable-thickness bridges
Authors: Kupriyanov M. Yu. , Lukichev V. F.
Published: December 2024

The temperature dependence of the characteristic voltage Vc of variable-thickness bridges with identical bank and weak link materials is computed on the basis of the Usadel equations for different values of the bridge length L. It is shown that bridges with L ∼ (4−6) ξ* must be used to achieve the maximal values of Vc and that operation must be in the temperature range T ∼0.5Tc.
Transient effects in thin aluminum films in the resistive state
Authors: Stupakov V. V. , Tarenkov V. Yu.
Published: December 2024

Results of an experimental study are presented pertaining to anomalies in the static characteristics of “dirty” aluminum films at temperatures near the superconducting transition point. Processes of interaction of such films with intrinsic and external electromagnetic fields were studied. Here the causes of and the conditions for the existence of a coherent structure are analyzed.
Pinning forces and the scaling law in superconducting niobium films
Authors: Pan V. M. , Belous M. V. , Basyul V. A. , Kaminskii G. G. , Prokhorov V. G.
Published: December 2024

A study was made of niobium films of varying thickness to determine the effect of their artificial aging on the dependence of the pinning volume force on the magnetic field intensity. Two processes are found to occur during oxidation of niobium in air which affect the magnitudes of the critical current and the critical magnetic field intensity, as well as the form of the curves giving the dependence of the pinning volume force on the field: First, the oxidized grain boundaries extend, becoming the dominant type of defects to which vortex filaments are pinned, and second, quasigranulation takes place in thin films. The applicability of the scaling law to such films in a parallel magnetic field is also examined here.
Temperature dependence of the size effect in the electrical resistance of thin metallic specimens
Authors: Kogan E. M. , Ustinov V. V.
Published: December 2024

The temperature and thickness dependence of the electrical resistance of thin metallic specimens is studied at temperatures significantly below the Debye temperature θ under conditions of a strong size effect. It is shown that this dependence is determined by the character of surface scattering. Within the framework of the Fuchs model (P = const) the temperature-dependent component of the resistance Δρ of a thin wire of thickness L varies as Δρ (T)∼ T5/3L‒2/3, which is close to experimental values. Using a model which considers the decrease in probability of surface scattering with decrease in electron grazing angle, calculations of the resistance of wires and films are presented.
Kinetics of an impurity spin in magnetic materials
Authors: Los’ V. F.
Published: December 2024

The effective spin Hamiltonian is used to derive a closed system of differential equations describing the kinetics of an impurity spin in magnetic materials for the case where the Hamiltonian is weakly nonlinear in the impurity spin operator. It is shown that in the general case the impurity spin may be described by a superposition of 2S0 exponents (where S0 is the spin of the impurity atom).
Van der Waals interaction constants of inert atoms
Authors: Ratner A. M.
Published: December 2024

The Van der Waals interaction constants of inert atoms in crystalline lattices and in the gas phase are determined on the basis of literature data characterizing their interaction. We employ the approximate interaction potential obtained previously by construction of the surface on which the wave function goes to zero. Such an approximation contains only two adjustable parameters, including the constant sought, which guarantees the reliability of its determination due to the large number of experimental data used. The constants obtained differ significantly from those reported by Bell and Kingston, which were obtained by analysis of experimental data on the refraction of the gas phase.
Theory of wide dirty SNS junctions
Authors: Zaikin A. D. , Zharkov G. F.
Published: December 2024

The stationary Josephson effect in wide SNS junctions with a high concentration of nonmagnetic impurities is studied from a microscopic point of view. An expression is obtained for the current density for T≫D/d2 When the opposite inequality is satisfied, the current as a function of phase differs noticeably from a sinusoidal function.
Spin echo damping in the case of low-dimensional quantum diffusion
Authors: Mikheev V. A. , Slyusarev V. A.
Published: December 2024

Damping of a pulse NMR spin echo signal is computed for impurity diffusion along dislocations (one-dimensional diffusion) in quantum crystals, or over intercrystalline boundaries (two-dimensional diffusion). It is shown that for an arbitrary arrangement of dislocations and boundaries in the crystal, the echo signal damping as a function of the magnetic field gradient and the time between high-frequency pulses is not an exponential function that is characteristic for three-dimensional diffusion. Expressions are obtained for echo-signal amplitude damping for one-dimensional restricted diffusion.