bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Guadeloupe and Haiti's coffee genetic resources reflect the crop's regional and global history
Authors: Millet Claude Patrick , Delahaie Boris , Georget Frédéric , Allinne Clémentine , Solano‐Sánchez William , Zhang Dapeng , Jeune Wesly , Toniutti Lucile , Poncet Valérie
Published: October 2024

Societal Impact Statement

Despite strong historical declines, Guadeloupe and Haiti's coffee sectors remain important to rural communities' livelihood and resilience. Coffee also holds value as part of the islands' historical legacy and cultural identities. Furthermore, it is often grown in agroforestry systems providing important ecosystem services, which will become more important as these vulnerable islands work to adapt to a changing climate. Current efforts to revitalize coffee farms and target strategically important specialty markets would benefit from understanding existing genetic resources and the historical factors that shaped them. Our study reveals the rich history reflected in current coffee stands on the islands.

The West Indies, particularly former French colonies like Haiti and Guadeloupe, were central to the spread of coffee in the Americas. The histories of these Islands are shared until the 19th century, where they diverged significantly. Still, both Islands experienced a strong decline in their coffee sector. Characterizing the genetic and varietal diversity of their coffee resources and understanding historical factors shaping them can help support revitalization efforts.

To that end, we performed Kompetitve Allele‐Specific PCR (KASP) genotyping of 80 informative single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers on field samples from across main coffee‐growing region of Guadeloupe, and two historically important ones in Haiti, as well as 146 reference accessions from international collections. We also compared bioclimatic variables from sampled geographic areas and searched for historical determinants of present coffee resources.

At least five Coffea arabica varietal groups were found in Haiti, versus two in Guadeloupe, with admixed individuals in both. The traditional Typica variety is still present in both islands, growing across a variety of climatic environments. We also found Coffea canephora on both islands, with multiple likely origins, and identified C. liberica var. liberica in Guadeloupe.

These differences are explained by the Islands' respective histories. Overall, Guadeloupe experienced fewer, but older introductions of non‐Typica coffee. By contrast, several recent introductions have taken place in Haiti, driven by local and global factors and reflecting the history of Arabica varietal development and spread. Diversity on these islands is dynamic, and our results reveal opportunities and limits to the future of Guadeloupean and Haitian coffee.
Considerations for the safe handling and processing of unstable materials
Authors: Ott Brian , Welchert Nicholas A. , Delafontaine Laurent , Frajnkovič Matevž , Reza Ali
Published: October 2024

We evaluate the instability hazards of initiators, monomers, and other unstable materials during storage and handling in individual containers, pallets of containers, and storage and process vessels. We propose a simplistic model to analyze the temperature–time profile of an unstable chemical, given heat transfer from/to the environment, heat generation due to decomposition and other reaction kinetics, and heat generated from auxiliary equipment (e.g., agitators/mixers, pumps, vessel jackets). Lumped capacitance‐based heat transfer and decomposition kinetics are integrated to predict self‐accelerating decomposition temperature (SADT), self‐accelerating polymerization temperature (SAPT), and the temperature profile given exposure conditions (e.g., ambient temperature and additional sources of heat). Case studies related to the storage and processing of unstable liquid monomers (i.e., methyl methacrylate, MMA), and organic peroxides, (i.e., tert‐butyl peroxybenzoate, TBPB), are presented. We also provide recommendations on determining safe storage and processing temperatures and steps to prevent emergency situations and include an overview of thermal analysis and data treatment procedures which might affect chemical process safety recommendations.
Complicated gene network for regulating feeding behavior: novel efficient target for pest management
Authors: Zhao Jiajia , Yin Jiaming , Wang Zeng , Shen Jie , Dong Min , Yan Shuo
Published: October 2024

Feeding behavior is a fundamental activity for insects, which is essential for their growth, development and reproduction. The regulation of their feeding behavior is a complicated process influenced by a variety of factors, including external stimuli and internal physiological signals. The current review introduces the signaling pathways in brain, gut and fat body involved in insect feeding behavior, and provides a series of target genes for developing RNA pesticides. Additionally, this review summaries the current challenges for the identification and application of functional genes involved in feeding behavior, and finally proposes the future research direction. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
An exploration of market mechanisms to the wicked problem of space debris
Authors: Ni Anna Ya , Mayala Maureen , Ni Faith Victoria
Published: October 2024

Near‐earth orbits are becoming congested because of a rapid growth in the number of satellites and space debris, which presents a real threat to the sustainable use of space and the safety of the Earth. Despite space scientists and public policymakers having been actively seeking solutions for decades, solving the problem has been put off because of its “wicked” nature. Adopting the lens of the public policy analyst, this research traces the aggravation of the space debris problem, surveys space debris‐mitigation techniques and the existing international and national policy framework for addressing the problem, and analyzes the causes of policy inertia. Market mechanisms (as compared with administrative mechanisms), such as franchise, cap‐and‐trade, liability insurance, as well as corporate social responsibilities, which are made possible due to the prosperity of the commercial space industry in recent years, are explored and their respective impacts are discussed.
Robot Grasping Detection Method Based on Keypoints
Authors: Yan Song , Zhang Lei
Published: October 2024

This study introduces a novel keypoint‐based grasp detection network, denoted as GKSCConv‐Net, which operates on n‐channel input images. The network architecture comprises three SCConv2D layers and three SCConvT2D layers. The SCConvT2D layers facilitate upsampling to maintain consistent dimensions between the output and input images. The resultant output consists of maps indicating left grasp points, right grasp points, and grasp center keypoints. The accuracy of predictions is enhanced through the incorporation of the keypoint refinement module and feature fusion module. To validate the model's generalization and applicability, comprehensive training, testing, and evaluation are conducted on diverse data sets, including the Cornell data set, Jacquard data set, and others representing real‐world scenarios. Furthermore, ablation experiments are employed to substantiate the efficacy of the spatial reconstruction unit (SRU) and channel reconstruction unit (CRU) within the SCConv, exploring their impact on grasp keypoint detection outcomes. Real robotic grasping experiments ultimately affirm the model's outstanding performance in practical settings.
Synergistic Coordination Effect and Metal‐Support Interaction Engineering of Single‐Atom Mn–N2 Sites for Boosting Sensitive and Selective Dopamine Biosensing in Human Serum
Authors: Zhao Aili , Yang Xiaochen , Wang Junjie , Li Guohui , Wang Shuai , Li Ping , Wang Jingui , Hu Wei , Luo Xiliang , Cui Min
Published: October 2024

Coordination environment of metal atoms is core for designing high‐performance single‐atom catalysts (SACs), while metal‐support interaction also has an important effect on structure‐function relationship. Nevertheless, the interaction effect of metal‐support is mostly ignored. Through synergistic regulation of coordination environment and metal‐support interaction, Mn SAC with atom‐dispersed Mn–N2 sites on dopamine (DA) support is synthesized for sensitive and selective DA oxidation based on theoretical calculations and experimental explorations. MnN2 presents the more optimal catalytic site for DA oxidation than other coordination conditions, enhancing sensitivity including a wide range, a low limit of detection, and particularly a very low catalytic potential. The construction of Mn–N2 active sites on DA carbon promotes the coupling between Mn metal atoms and DA support, decreasing work function, facilitating electron exchange, shortening response time, and boosting selectivity. Both the catalytic mechanism of Mn SAC toward DA and the relation construction of catalyst's structure and catalytic function are established.
Dual‐Carbon Dots Composite: A Multifunctional Photo‐Propelled Nanomotor Against Alzheimer's β‐Amyloid
Authors: Lin Xiaoding , Dong Xiaoyan , Sun Yan
Published: October 2024

The abnormal accumulation of β‐amyloid protein (Aβ) is considered as the main pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The design of potent multifunctional theranostic agents targeting Aβ is one of the effective strategies for AD prevention and treatment. Nanomotors as intelligent, advanced, and multifunctional nanoplatforms can perform many complex tasks, but their application in AD theranostics is rare. Herein, sub‐10nm multifunctional dual‐carbon dots composites (ERCD) with photo‐propelled nanomotor behavior are fabricated by conjugating near‐infrared (NIR) carbon dots (RCD) of thermogenic and photodynamic capability with the previously reported epigallocatechin gallate‐derived carbonized polymer dots (ECD). ERCD‐1 (ECD:RCD = 1:2.5) showed potent inhibitory capability similar to ECD in the absence of NIR light, and exhibited photooxygenation activity and nanomotor behavior powered by “self‐thermophoretic force” under NIR irradiation, significantly enhancing the inhibition, disaggregation, and photooxygenation capabilities. The nanomotor suppressed Aβ fibrillization and rapidly disaggregated mature Aβ fibrils at very low concentrations (0.5 µg mL−1). Moreover, the NIR‐activated ERCD‐1 imaged Aβ plaques in vivo and prolonged nematode lifespan by 6 d at 2 µg mL−1. As a proof‐of‐concept, this work opened a new avenue to the design of multifunctional sub‐10nm nanomotors targeting Aβ for AD theranostics.
2D Materials for Potable Water Application: Basic Nanoarchitectonics and Recent Progresses
Authors: Ranjan Pranay , Li Zhixuan , Ansari Arshiya , Ahmed Shahzad , Siddiqui Moin Ali , Zhang Shizhuo , Patole Shashikant P. , Cheng Gary J. , Sadki El Hadi S. , Vinu Ajayan , Kumar Prashant
Published: October 2024

Water polluted by toxic chemicals due to waste from chemical/pharmaceuticals and harmful microbes such as E. Coli bacteria causes several fatal diseases; and therefore, water filtration is crucial for accessing clean and safe water necessary for good health. Conventional water filtration technologies include activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis, and ultrafiltration. However, they face several challenges, including high energy consumption, fouling, limited selectivity, inefficiencies in removing certain contaminants, dimensional control of pores, and structural/chemical changes at higher thermal conditions and upon prolonged usage of water filter. Recently, the advent of 2D materials such as graphene, BN, MoS2, MXenes, and so on opens new avenues for advanced water filtration systems. This review delves into the nanoarchitectonics of 2D materials for water filtration applications. The current state of water filtration technologies is explored, the inherent challenges they face are outlines, and the unique properties and advantages of 2D materials are highlighted. Furthermore, the scope of this review is discussed, which encompasses the synthesis, characterization, and application of various 2D materials in water filtration, providing insights into future research directions and potential industrial applications.
DialTest‐EA: An Enhanced Fuzzing Approach With Energy Adjustment for Dialogue Systems via Metamorphic Testing
Authors: Chen Haibo , Chen Jinfu , Wu Yucheng , Cai Saihua , Ahmad Bilal , Huang Rubing , Wang Shengran , Zhang Chi
Published: October 2024

Deep neural networks (DNNs) possess potent feature learning capability, enabling them to comprehend natural language, which strongly support developing dialogue systems. However, dialogue systems usually perform incorrect behaviours in some corner cases, which may cause misunderstanding or economic loss. To test and debug dialogue systems, a popular fuzzing framework by metamorphic testing with Gini impurity guidance is proposed, namely, DialTest. However, DialTest treats all seeds (the initial test inputs to generate the mutated test inputs) equally during the fuzzing process and does not differentiate seeds, resulting in a certain limitation to its incorrect behaviour detection capability. In this paper, we propose to enhance the DialTest by applying a lightweight energy adjustment strategy called DialTest with Energy Adjustment (DialTest‐EA). DialTest‐EA employs the ant colony optimization algorithm (ACO) to adjust the mutation energy of each seed adaptively, ensuring that potential seeds have more opportunities to generate subsequent test inputs. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed DialTest‐EA, we conduct a series of comparisons with the original DialTest and random mutation strategy. The experimental results show that the proposed DialTest‐EA outperforms the compared methods both in the intent detection and slot filling tasks. Compared with the original DialTest, the intent detection accuracy of generated test cases by the proposed method is reduced by more than 14%, and the slot filling accuracy is reduced by more than 8%.
The HOPE4MCI study: AGB101 treatment slows progression of entorhinal cortex atrophy in APOE ε4 non‐carriers with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Bakker Arnold , Rani Nisha , Mohs Richard , Gallagher Michela
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Hippocampal hyperactivity is a hallmark of prodromal Alzheimer's disease (AD) that predicts progression in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). AGB101 is an extended‐release formulation of levetiracetam in the dose range previously demonstrated to normalize hippocampal activity and improve cognitive performance in aMCI. The HOPE4MCI study was a 78‐week trial to assess the progression of MCI due to AD. As reported in Mohs et al., the decline in the Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes score (CDR‐SB) was reduced by 40% in apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 non‐carriers over the 78‐week duration of the study with a negligible effect in carriers. Here we report an exploratory analysis of the effects of AGB101 on neuroimaging and biomarker measures in the 44 APOE ε4 non‐carriers who completed the 78‐week protocol.

Methods

Structural magnetic resonance imaging scans obtained at baseline and after 78 weeks were analyzed using the Automated Segmentation of Hippocampal Subfields software providing volume measures of key structures of the medial temporal lobe relevant to AD progression. Blood samples collected at 78 weeks in the study were analyzed for plasma biomarkers.

Results

Treatment with AGB101 significantly reduced atrophy of the left entorhinal cortex (ERC) compared to placebo. This reduction in atrophy was correlated with less decline in the CDR‐SB score over 78 weeks and with lower neurofilament light chain (NfL), a marker of neurodegeneration.

Discussion

The HOPE4MCI study showed that APOE ε4 non‐carriers treated with AGB101 demonstrated a substantially more favorable treatment effect compared to carriers. Here we report that treatment with AGB101 in non‐carriers of APOE ε4 significantly reduced atrophy of the left ERC over 78 weeks. That reduction in atrophy was closely coupled with the change in CDR‐SB and with plasma NfL indicative of neurodegeneration in the brain. These exploratory analyses are consistent with a reduction in neurodegeneration in APOE ε4 non‐carriers treated with AGB101 before a clinical diagnosis of dementia.

Highlights

AGB101 slows entorhinal cortex (ERC) atrophy in apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 non‐carriers with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Slowing ERC atrophy by AGB101 is associated with less Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes decline.

Slowing ERC atrophy by AGB101 is associated with lower neurofilament light chain.

AGB101 treatment reduces neurodegeneration in APOE ε4 non‐carriers with MCI due to AD.
Enhancing efficiency and quality control: The impact of Digital Twins in drinking water networks
Authors: Baena‐Miret Sergi , Puig Marta Alet , Rodes Rafael Bardisa , Farran Laura Bonastre , Durán Santiago , Martí Marta Ganzer , Martínez‐Gomariz Eduardo , Valverde Antonio Carrasco
Published: October 2024

This paper showcases the successful development and implementation of two Digital Twin prototypes within the Lab Digital Twins project, designed to enhance the efficiency and quality control of Aigües de Barcelona's drinking water network. The first prototype focuses on asset management, using (near) real‐time data and statistical models, and achieving a 70% success rate in predicting pump station failures 137 days in advance. The second prototype addresses water quality monitoring, leveraging machine learning to accurately forecast trihalomethane levels at key points in the distribution system, and enabling proactive water quality management strategies, ensuring compliance with stringent safety standards and safeguarding public health. The paper details the methodology of both prototypes, highlighting their potential to revolutionize water network management.

Practitioner Points

Digital representation of assets and processes in the drinking water treatment network

Early fault detection in assets, and predictions of trihalomethane formation in the drinking water distribution network

Reduction on monitoring time and incident response for target assets by means of Digital Twins

Improvement in visualization, prediction, and proactive measures for asset management and water quality control

Contribution to the growing knowledge on Digital Twins and their potential to revolutionize water network operations
Implementation and outcomes of an enhanced recovery after surgery pathway for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in East and Central Africa: A prospective non‐randomized controlled trial in Rwanda's Tertiary Teaching Hospital
Authors: Nyundo Martin , Kayondo King , Gasakure Miguel , Twagirumukiza Jean Damascene , Gashegu Julien , Detry Olivier
Published: October 2024

Background

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs have demonstrated efficacy in optimizing perioperative care and improving patient outcomes in various surgeries. However, their implementation and outcomes in resource‐limited settings remain underexplored. This study aimed to assess the implementation of an ERAS protocol for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in such a setting.

Methods

This prospective non‐randomized controlled trial involved 100 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, Rwanda. The first 50 patients on the ERAS pathway were prospectively evaluated and retrospectively compared to the last 50 patients operated on before ERAS implementation. Data on demographics, preoperative information, intraoperative compliance, postoperative events, and patient feedback were collected and analyzed.

Results

ERAS implementation resulted in a significant reduction in hospital length of stay (LOS) (p < 0.001) without increase in complications. Compliance with ERAS principles, including preoperative education and perioperative management, was more than 90%. ERAS also reduced costs due to quicker recovery and shorter hospital LOS.

Conclusion

The implementation of ERAS for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a limited‐resource setting is feasible and safe, suggesting the possibility of its potential adoption in other abdominal procedures. A high level of adherence to the ERAS pathway can be achieved with effective patient education and the dedication of healthcare providers.
Note on higher-group structure in 6d self-dual gauge theory
Authors: Nakajima Tatsuki , Nakamura Kikyo , Sakai Tadakatsu
Published: October 2024

Abstract

We analyze higher-group structure of a 6d model coupled with a self-dual 2-form gauge field. This model is defined from 6d axion-electrodynamics with a 1-form Chern-Weil(CW) symmetry gauged dynamically. The gauging leads to a Green-Schwarz-West-Sagnotti(GSWS) term, which gives rise to an anomaly through a GSWS transformation acting on the 2-form gauge field. We cancel this anomaly by gauging a 3-form CW symmetry in 6d axion-electrodynamics. We find out the global symmetries in the resultant model and derive the gauge invariant action in the presence of the background gauge fields. It is argued that a discrete 1-form symmetry is anomalous because turning on the associated background gauge field causes quantum inconsistency due to an operator-valued ambiguity. Higher-group structure in this model that is manifested as a Green-Schwarz-like transformation for CW background gauge fields is discussed.
Erratum to: Elliptic deformation of the Gaiotto-Rapčák corner VOA and the associated partially symmetric polynomials
Authors: Cheewaphutthisakun Panupong , Shiraishi Jun’ichi , Wiboonton Keng
Published: October 2024

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/JHEP08(2024)233
Time-reversal anomalies of QCD3 and QED3
Authors: Hsin Po-Shen
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Anomalies of global symmetry provide powerful tool to constrain the dynamics of quantum systems, such as anomaly matching in the renormalization group flow and obstruction to symmetric mass generation. In this note we compute the anomalies in 2+1d time-reversal symmetric gauge theories with massless fermions in the fundamental and rank-two tensor representations, where the gauge groups are SU(N), SO(N), Sp(N), U(1). The fermion parity is part of the gauge group and the theories are bosonic. The time-reversal symmetry satisfies T2 = 1 or T2 = $$ \mathcal{M} $$
M
where $$ \mathcal{M} $$
M
is an internal magnetic symmetry. We show that some of the bosonic gauge theories have time-reversal anomaly with c− ≠ 0 mod 8 that is absent in fermionic systems. The anomalies of the gauge theories can be nontrivial even when the number of Majorana fermions is a multiple of 16 and ν = 0.
Elliptic fourth-order operators with Wentzell boundary conditions on Lipschitz domains
Authors: Ploß David
Published: October 2024

For bounded domains $$\Omega $$
Ω
with Lipschitz boundary $$\Gamma $$
Γ
, we investigate boundary value problems for elliptic operators with variable coefficients of fourth-order subject to Wentzell (or dynamic) boundary conditions. Using form methods, we begin by showing general results for an even wider class of operators of type $$\begin{aligned} {\mathcal {A}}=\begin{pmatrix} B^*B & 0 \\ -{\mathscr {N}}^{\mathfrak {b}}B & \gamma \end{pmatrix}, \end{aligned}$$

A
=

B
∗

B

0

-

N

b

B

γ

,

where B is associated to a quadratic form $${\mathfrak {b}}$$
b
and $${\mathscr {N}}^{{\mathfrak {b}}}$$

N

b

an abstractly defined co-normal Neumann trace. Even in this general setting, we prove generation of an analytic semigroup on the product space $${\mathcal {H}}:=L^2(\Omega ) \times L^2(\Gamma )$$

H
:
=

L
2

(
Ω
)

×

L
2

(
Γ
)

. Using recent results concerning weak co-normal traces, we apply our abstract theory to the elliptic fourth-order case and are able to fully characterize the domain in terms of Sobolev regularity for operators in divergence form $$B=-\mathop {{div} }Q \nabla $$

B
=
-

div

Q
∇

with $$Q \in C^{1,1}({\overline{\Omega }},{\mathbb {R}}^{d\times d}),$$

Q
∈

C

1
,
1

(

Ω
¯

,

R

d
×
d

)

,

also obtaining Hölder-regularity of solutions. Finally, we also discuss asymptotic behavior and (eventual) positivity.
Well-posedness for the NLS hierarchy
Authors: Adams Joseph
Published: October 2024

We prove well-posedness for higher-order equations in the so-called NLS hierarchy (also known as part of the AKNS hierarchy) in almost critical Fourier–Lebesgue spaces and in modulation spaces. We show the jth equation in the hierarchy is locally well-posed for initial data in $${{\hat{H}}}^s_r({\mathbb {R}})$$

H
^

r
s

(
R
)

for $$s \ge \frac{j-1}{r'}$$

s
≥

j
-
1

r
′

and $$1 < r \le 2$$

1
<
r
≤
2

and also in $$M^s_{2, p}({\mathbb {R}})$$

M

2
,
p

s

(
R
)

for $$s = \frac{j-1}{2}$$

s
=

j
-
1

2

and $$2 \le p < \infty $$

2
≤
p
<
∞

. Supplementing our results with corresponding ill-posedness results in Fourier–Lebesgue and modulation spaces shows optimality. Using the conserved quantities derived in Koch and Tataru (Duke Math J 167(17), 3207–3313, 2018), we argue that the hierarchy equations are globally well-posed for data in $$H^s({\mathbb {R}})$$

H
s

(
R
)

for $$s \ge \frac{j-1}{2}$$

s
≥

j
-
1

2

. Our arguments are based on the Fourier restriction norm method in Bourgain spaces adapted to our data spaces and bi- and trilinear refinements of Strichartz estimates.
Boundary vorticity of incompressible 2D flows
Authors: Franzina Giovanni
Published: October 2024

For a homogeneous incompressible 2D fluid confined within a bounded Lipschitz simply connected domain, homogeneous Neumann pressure boundary conditions are equivalent to a constant boundary vorticity. We investigate the rigidity of such conditions.
Digitale Tools in der Fort- und Weiterbildung im Rahmen eines Digital-Media-Konzepts
Authors: Schlüter Ulrike , Sowa Ralf , Finkenzeller Ingmar , Mencke Thomas , Reuter Daniel A.
Published: October 2024

Heutzutage gibt es viele Online-Angebote zu Aus- und Weiterbildung in der Anästhesiologie, Intensivtherapie, Schmerz‑, Notfall- und Palliativmedizin. Von traditionellen Lehrbüchern und Präsenzveranstaltungen über Lernplattformen, Applikationen und Podcasts bis zum Training im Simulationszentrum und Virtual-Reality-Szenarien; es gibt viele Wege, sich fort- und weiterzubilden. Insbesondere durch die Coronapandemie gab es große Fortschritte, medizinische Lerninhalte besser zugänglich zu gestalten, um u. a. auch die Übertragung von Wissen zu beschleunigen.

Um Kollegen auf das Ziel des Life-long Learning mitzunehmen und alle modernen Tools miteinzubeziehen, empfehlen wir die Entwicklung eines Digital-Media-Konzepts, welches auf jede anästhesiologische Abteilung zugeschnitten ist. Zunächst gilt es, die Ziele einer Abteilung zu erfassen, z. B. ob vorhandene Lehr- und Lernmaterialien digital zugänglicher gemacht werden können, im Sinne des asynchronen Lernens. Danach sollten die Ressourcen dieser Abteilung erfasst werden, z. B. welche Lernplattform schon genutzt wird, oder ob/wie Social Media eine Rolle spielen soll. Eine oder mehrere verantwortliche Personen sollten dann für die Erhaltung des Konzepts bestimmt werden. In diesem Zuge empfiehlt es sich, einheitliche Qualitätskriterien, mit denen digitale Inhalte überprüft werden, zu entwickeln.

Durch die Unterstützung der eigenen Abteilung kann konventionelle Fort- und Weiterbildung mit neuen digitalen Möglichkeiten gut kombiniert werden. Hiermit können speziell individuelle Dienstmodelle, wechselnde Beteiligung an Präsenzveranstaltungen und verschiedene Lerntypen berücksichtigt werden. Digitale Tools sind vielfältig, stellen eine großartige Bereicherung für die Aus- und Weiterbildung jedes Teammitgliedes einer anästhesiologischen Abteilung dar und werden uns in die Zukunft begleiten.
Empfehlung zur Versorgung von Frühgeborenen an der Grenze der Lebensfähigkeit
Authors: Berger Angelika , Simma Burkhard , Kiechl-Kohlendorfer Ursula , Urlesberger Berndt , Wald Martin , Wald Martin , Csillag Bernhard , Badinger-Sobotka Barbara , Kletecka-Pulker Maria , Salzer Hans
Published: October 2024

Die österreichische Empfehlung zum Vorgehen bei extrem unreifen Frühgeborenen an der Grenze der Lebensfähigkeit wurde zuletzt 2017 aktualisiert und empfahl unter anderem in SSW 220–6 aufgrund extrem niedriger Überlebensraten einen primär palliativen Behandlungsansatz.

Zwischenzeitlich wurden aus verschiedenen Ländern und Institutionen Daten veröffentlicht, die ein deutlich verbessertes, über 50 %iges Überleben in SSW 220–6 in spezialisierten Zentren zeigten. Die aktualisierte Empfehlung berücksichtigt diese neuen Erkenntnisse und trägt den Fortschritten in der neonatologischen Intensivmedizin Rechnung.

Als wichtigste Änderung zur Vorversion wird eine Erweiterung der Grauzone von SSW 230–6 auf SSW 22+0–23+6 auf Basis rezenter Literatur empfohlen. Die Bedeutung des Antenataltransfers in wenige, darauf spezialisierte Zentren und die Praxis des „shared decision-making“, bei der Eltern in den Entscheidungsprozess eingebunden werden, wird betont.

In dem Beitrag werden ethische, rechtliche und medizinische Aspekte abgehandelt. Es wird eine individuelle Empfehlung für das postnatale Management von extrem unreifen Frühgeborenen in den Schwangerschaftswochen 220–6, 230–6 und 240–6 ausgesprochen, mit dem Ziel, den Entscheidungsprozess im individuellen Fall zu unterstützen.
Preclinical evaluation of 225Ac-labeled minigastrin analog DOTA-CCK-66 for Targeted Alpha Therapy
Authors: Holzleitner Nadine , Vilangattil Meryl , Swaidan Abir , Garcia-Prada Clara Diaz , Taddio Marco F. , Jeanjean Pauline , Mona Christine E. , Lapa Constantin , Casini Angela , Günther Thomas , Carlucci Giuseppe
Published: October 2024

The recently developed metabolically more stable minigastrin derivative, DOTA-CCK-66, displayed promising preclinical data when labeled either with 68Ga or 177Lu. First positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging using [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-CCK-66 in two patients suffering from medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) displayed a favorable biodistribution profile. Here, we aim to investigate the therapeutic potential of [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-CCK-66 as a targeted α-therapy (TAT) agent in a comparative treatment study of [177Lu]Lu- versus [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-CCK-66.

Methods

Treatment studies were performed (3 groups, n = 5, AR42J tumor-bearing 394-NOD SCID mice). Control group animals were injected with [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-CCK-66 (1.1 MBq, PET/CT imaging), while treatment group animals received a single dose of either [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-CCK-66 (37 MBq, radioligand therapy (RLT)) or [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-CCK-66 (37 kBq, TAT). All animals' tumor volume and body weight were monitored twice a week until end-point criteria were reached. Blood samples were evaluated (VetScan VS2, Abaxis) once mice were sacrificed.

Results

Upon treatment, an initial decline in tumor volume, followed by a significantly delayed tumor growth of treated cohorts, was observed. Mean survival of 177Lu- as well as 225Ac-treated animals was increased by 3- (37 ± 3 d) and 4.5-fold (54 ± 6 d), respectively, when compared to non-treated animals (12 ± 3 d). Blood sample analysis did not indicate toxic side effects to the liver, kidney, or stomach upon 177Lu and 225Ac-treatment.

Conclusion

We demonstrated a substantial therapeutic efficacy of 177Lu- and 225Ac-labeled DOTA-CCK-66. As expected, treatment with the latter resulted in the highest mean survival rates. These results indicate a high therapeutic potential of 225Ac-labeled DOTA-CCK-66 for TAT in MTC patient management.

Graphical abstract
Vocal-visual combinations in wild chimpanzees
Authors: Mine Joseph G. , Wilke Claudia , Zulberti Chiara , Behjati Melika , Bosshard Alexandra B. , Stoll Sabine , Machanda Zarin P. , Manser Andri , Slocombe Katie E. , Townsend Simon W.
Published: October 2024

Living organisms throughout the animal kingdom habitually communicate with multi-modal signals that use multiple sensory channels. Such composite signals vary in their communicative function, as well as the extent to which they are recombined freely. Humans typically display complex forms of multi-modal communication, yet the evolution of this capacity remains unknown. One of our two closest living relatives, chimpanzees, also produce multi-modal combinations and therefore may offer a valuable window into the evolutionary roots of human communication. However, a currently neglected step in describing multi-modal systems is to disentangle non-random combinations from those that occur simply by chance. Here we aimed to provide a systematic quantification of communicative behaviour in our closest living relatives, describing non-random combinations produced across auditory and visual modalities. Through recording the behaviour of wild chimpanzees from the Kibale forest, Uganda we generated the first repertoire of non-random combined vocal and visual components. Using collocation analysis, we identified more than 100 vocal-visual combinations which occurred more frequently than expected by chance. We also probed how multi-modal production varied in the population, finding no differences in the number of visual components produced with vocalisations as a function of age, sex or rank. As expected, chimpanzees produced more visual components alongside vocalizations during longer vocalization bouts, however, this was only the case for some vocalization types, not others. We demonstrate that chimpanzees produce a vast array of combined vocal and visual components, exhibiting a hitherto underappreciated level of multi-modal complexity.
A role for plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPases in regulation of cellular Ca2+ homeostasis by sphingosine kinase-1
Authors: Volk Luisa Michelle , Bruun Jan-Erik , Trautmann Sandra , Thomas Dominique , Schwalm Stephanie , Pfeilschifter Josef , zu Heringdorf Dagmar Meyer
Published: October 2024

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a ubiquitous lipid mediator, acting via specific G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) and intracellularly. Previous work has shown that deletion of S1P lyase caused a chronic elevation of cytosolic [Ca2+]i and enhanced Ca2+ storage in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Here, we studied the role of sphingosine kinase (SphK)-1 in Ca2+ signaling, using two independently generated EA.hy926 cell lines with stable knockdown of SphK1 (SphK1-KD1/2). Resting [Ca2+]i and thapsigargin-induced [Ca2+]i increases were reduced in both SphK1-KD1 and -KD2 cells. Agonist-induced [Ca2+]i increases, measured in SphK1-KD1, were blunted. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, thapsigargin-induced [Ca2+]i increases declined rapidly, indicating enhanced removal of Ca2+ from the cytosol. In agreement, plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPase (PMCA)-1 and -4 and their auxiliary subunit, basigin, were strongly upregulated. Activation of S1P-GPCR by specific agonists or extracellular S1P did not rescue the effects of SphK1 knockdown, indicating that S1P-GPCR were not involved. Lipid measurements indicated that not only S1P but also dihydro-sphingosine, ceramides, and lactosylceramides were markedly depleted in SphK1-KD2 cells. SphK2 and S1P lyase were upregulated, suggesting enhanced flux via the sphingolipid degradation pathway. Finally, histone acetylation was enhanced in SphK1-KD2 cells, and the histone deacetylase inhibitor, vorinostat, induced upregulation of PMCA1 and basigin on mRNA and protein levels in EA.hy926 cells. These data show for the first time a transcriptional regulation of PMCA1 and basigin by S1P metabolism. It is concluded that SphK1 knockdown in EA.hy926 cells caused long-term alterations in cellular Ca2+ homeostasis by upregulating PMCA via increased histone acetylation.
Sohlstabilisierung, Gewässerökologie und Wasserkraft: Die Sanierungsvariante E1+ „Mehr Fluss“ an der Unteren Salzach
Authors: Jähnel Christian , Zöschg Hannes , Wesemann Johannes , Aufleger Markus
Published: October 2024

Die fortschreitende globale Erwärmung erfordert eine Reduktion der Treibhausgasemissionen. In diesem Zusammenhang kommt der Wasserkraft eine zentrale Rolle in der regenerativen Energieerzeugung zu, insbesondere in Österreich. Wasserkraftanlagen zeichnen sich durch zahlreiche Vorteile wie hohe Energieeffizienz, niedrige CO2-Äquivalentemissionen und hohe Erntefaktoren aus. Gleichzeitig sind jedoch große Teile der heimischen Fließgewässer durch anthropogene Einflüsse wie Wasserkraftanlagen sowohl in ihrer gewässerökologischen als auch morphologischen Beschaffenheit beeinträchtigt.

Ein Beispiel hierfür ist die Untere Salzach an der Grenze zwischen Österreich und Deutschland. Durch Begradigungen und Befestigungen der Ufer weist der Fluss hier kaum Strukturvielfalt auf und befindet sich, auch bedingt durch Geschieberückhalt im Einzugsgebiet und Oberlauf, in einem Eintiefungsprozess. Der Fokus der flussbaulichen Sanierung liegt hier in der langfristigen Stabilisierung der Sohle und ökologischen Verbesserung nach dem Leitbild eines eigendynamischen voralpinen Kiesflusses. An einem derart stark anthropogen beeinflussten Gewässerabschnitt, an dem ohnehin flussbauliche Anpassungen erforderlich sind, erweist sich ein integratives Konzept zur Verbindung von Renaturierungsmaßnahmen mit klimaneutraler Energiegewinnung als besonders vielversprechend. Die Sanierungsvariante E1+ „Mehr Fluss“ an der Unteren Salzach stellt ein solches integratives Konzept dar, welches die Aspekte der notwendigen Sohlstabilisierung und Verbesserung der Gewässerökologie mit erneuerbarer Energienutzung kombiniert. Neben der Sohlstabilisierung durch eine aufgelöste asymmetrische Rampe sind Initialmaßnahmen zur eigendynamischen Aufweitung im Unterwasser geplant. Die durch die Rampe entstehende Fallhöhe soll durch ein Fließgewässerkraftwerk energetisch genutzt werden. Dieses ist so konzipiert, dass potenziell negative Auswirkungen herkömmlicher Flusskraftwerke, wie Störungen in der biologischen Durchgängigkeit, Sedimentrückhalt oder Verlust des Fließgewässercharakters, weitestgehend vermieden werden können.

Das Konzept kann so einen Beitrag zum Klimaschutz leisten und gleichzeitig zu einer Verbesserung der Gewässer- und Gesamtökologie beitragen, während die Sohle der Unteren Salzach sofort nachhaltig stabilisiert und angehoben wird.
Arbeit mit Persönlichkeitsanteilen in der psychodynamischen Psychotherapie
Authors: Harrer Michael E. , Oswald Wolfgang , Pollani Eva
Published: October 2024

Der Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über Theorie und Anwendung von Teilemodellen in der psychodynamisch fundierten Hypnosepsychotherapie in ihren Modi der Konfliktbearbeitung und Strukturbildung, aber auch im ressourcenorientierten bzw. lösungsorientierten Modus und in traumatherapeutischen Ansätzen. Mit der Metapher der Vielstimmigkeit tragen Teilemodelle zum Verständnis der therapeutischen Beziehung, der Gegenübertragung und von korrigierenden emotionalen Erfahrungen bei. Teilesprache erleichtert die Bearbeitung von Allianzrupturen und das Ansprechen psychodynamischer Hypothesen. Die Metapher von Anteilen, für die es zu sorgen gilt, kann auch zur Selbstfürsorge hilfreich sein.
Highly dynamic force control for experimental vibration analysis with an electrodynamic shaker
Authors: Lüke Christopher , Trächtler Ansgar
Published: October 2024

A new control method aims at the precise high dynamic control of the force signal for experimental vibration analysis, which is generated by an electrodynamic shaker. A bending beam is used as a nonlinear test object. A design and a surrogate model of the test rig are shown and parameterized based on test rig measurements. The force control algorithm using input/output linearisation is described and implemented in Matlab/Simulink for simulative validation studies. Conclusions drawn from the mathematical description of the problem as well as simulation results show that the design of the contact between shaker and test object is crucial to achieve a high control bandwidth and at the same time reduce the energy consumption of the shaker. This leads to the practical application using a novel damping contact element. Finally, experimental test rig results are presented which show a closed loop bandwidth of at least 250 Hz for sinusoidal excitation signals.
Integrating unplugged and plugged activities for holistic AI education: An embodied constructionist pedagogical approach
Authors: Dai Yun
Published: October 2024

There is a growing consensus that AI literacy requires a holistic lens, including not only technical knowledge and skills but also social and ethical considerations. Yet, providing holistic AI education for upper-primary students remains challenging due to the abstract and complex nature of AI and a lack of pedagogical experiences in schools. Against this backdrop, this study employs a design-based research (DBR) methodology to develop pedagogical solutions and theoretical knowledge. Drawing upon theories about AI literacy and learning sciences, this study proposes a novel pedagogical approach, namely, the embodied constructionist approach. This approach, by integrating embodied analogies and constructionist making, forges a cyclical understand–make–reflect process. Through this process, students gradually comprehend the conceptual, technical, and ethical dimensions of AI, towards holistic development in AI literacy. This approach was implemented and fine-tuned in authentic classrooms with 107 sixth graders over two years. During the implementation, a variety of qualitative data were collected from classroom observation, video-recording, student interviews and artifacts, and debriefings with the teacher. Using a case studies method, this study uncovered the overall learning progress demonstrated by the class in AI knowledge, skills, and ethical and critical reflections, as well as the reflections and struggles experienced by individual students. This study offers an age-appropriate pedagogy to promote inclusive, holistic AI education in the crucial, yet under-examined upper primary context. It highlights the potential of integrating AI literacy and computational thinking (CT) in K-12 education, while contributing to theoretical knowledge about embodied cognition and constructionism in the context of AI education.
Development and validation of teacher artificial intelligence (AI) competence self-efficacy (TAICS) scale
Authors: Chiu Thomas K. F. , Ahmad Zubair , Çoban Murat
Published: October 2024

Evaluating teacher AI competence levels and building effective, safe, and healthy learning environment are crucial steps in transitioning to AI-based education. Current established digital competence frameworks may indirectly address AI competence but often overlook the impact of AI on society, ethics, and assessment. Research on teacher AI competence is at its first stage, primarily focusing on theoretical and professional discussions, along with qualitative investigations. This study aims to propose and confirm the reliability and validity of a scale measuring teacher AI competence self-efficacy (TAICS) in K-12 education. The scale was developed using a Delphi method, and includes six dimensions: AI knowledge, AI pedagogy, AI assessments, AI ethics, human-centered education, and professional engagement. Each dimension contains four items. The scale was evaluated on a sample of 434 K-12 teachers through confirmatory factor analysis and model comparisons. The analyses showed that the scale is consistent across male and female teachers, as well as scientific and non-science teachers. The completed TAICS scale consists of 24 items and encompasses six dimensions of AI competence. It can be used to examine interventions and correlational research, as well as to inform the creation of new strategies and policies for AI in relation to teacher AI competence development.
Assessing the relationship between river water pollution and the LULC composition of a basin in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Oaxaca, Mexico
Authors: Tapia-Silva Felipe-Omar , García-Hernández José
Published: October 2024

Water pollution originating from land use and land cover (LULC) can disrupt river ecosystems, posing a threat to public health, safety, and socioeconomic sustainability. Although the interactions between terrestrial and aquatic systems have been investigated for decades, the scale at which land use practices, whether in the entire basin or separately in parts, significantly impact water quality still needs to be determined. In this research, we used multitemporal data (field measurements, Sentinel 2 images, and elevation data) to investigate how the LULC composition in the catchment area (CA) of each water pollution measurement station located in the river course of the Los Perros Basin affects water pollution indicators (WPIs). We examined whether the CAs form a sequential runoff aggregation system for certain pollutants from the highest to the lowest part of the basin. Our research applied statistical (correlation, time series analysis, and canonical correspondence analysis) and geo-visual analyses to identify relationships at the CA level between satellite-based LULC composition and WPI concentrations. We observed that pollutants such as nitrogen, phosphorus, coliforms, and water temperature form a sequential runoff aggregation system from the highest to the lowest part of the basin. We concluded that the observed decrease in natural cover and increase in built-up and agricultural cover in the upper CAs of the study basin between the study period (2016 to 2020) are related to elevated WPI values for suspended solids and coliforms, which exceeded the allowed limits on all CAs and measured dates.
Widening access and participation: Exploring discourses in academic writing from the USA and the UK
Authors: Case Jennifer M.
Published: October 2024

Widening access and participation feature prominently in higher education policy globally, and there are now significant academic communities engaged with implementing and interrogating initiatives aimed towards these goals. Despite an apparent global homogeneity in the use of this terminology, this study explores whether differing structural arrangements for higher education in different contexts might lead to subtly different meanings for the same terms. To investigate this question, this article analyses the discourses on expanding access to higher education in the Anglo-American world, focusing on the USA and the UK. While both countries have been at the forefront of higher education research on widening access, they exhibit starkly different systems concerning their structures, governance, and levels of youth participation. Using a discourse analysis of an exemplar academic text from each context, the article identifies key differences in how widening access to higher education is conceptualized across these two settings. Two structural features that are shown to significantly influence the discourses on widening access are the centralized admissions system in the UK (compared to the USA), and the theoretically open ‘system’ of access in the USA by virtue of the non-selective community college sector.
The chronobiology of human heart failure: clinical implications and therapeutic opportunities
Authors: Gentile Francesco , Emdin Michele , Passino Claudio , Montuoro Sabrina , Tognini Paola , Floras John S. , O’Neill John , Giannoni Alberto
Published: October 2024

Circadian variation in cardiovascular and metabolic dynamics arises from interactions between intrinsic rhythms and extrinsic cues. By anticipating and accommodating adaptation to awakening and activity, their synthesis maintains homeostasis and maximizes efficiency, flexibility, and resilience. The dyssynchrony of cardiovascular load and energetic capacity arising from attenuation or loss of such rhythms is strongly associated with incident heart failure (HF). Once established, molecular, neurohormonal, and metabolic rhythms are frequently misaligned with each other and with extrinsic cycles, contributing to HF progression and adverse outcomes. Realignment of biological rhythms via lifestyle interventions, chronotherapy, and time-tailored autonomic modulation represents an appealing potential strategy for improving HF-related morbidity and mortality.