bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selectively Enhanced Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution within Nanoscopic Channels Fitting a Specific Reaction Intermediate for Seawater Splitting
Authors: Shin Seokmin , Wi Tae‐Ung , Kong Tae‐Hoon , Park Chanhyun , Lee Hojeong , Jeong Jihong , Lee Eunryeol , Yoon Subhin , Kim Tae‐Hee , Lee Hyun‐Wook , Kwon Youngkook , Song Hyun‐Kon
Published: December 2022

Abundant availability of seawater grants economic and resource‐rich benefits to water electrolysis technology requiring high‐purity water if undesired reactions such as chlorine evolution reaction (CER) competitive to oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are suppressed. Inspired by a conceptual computational work suggesting that OER is kinetically improved via a double activation within 7 Å‐gap nanochannels, RuO2 catalysts are realized to have nanoscopic channels at 7, 11, and 14 Å gap in average (dgap), and preferential activity improvement of OER over CER in seawater by using nanochanneled RuO2 is demonstrated. When the channels are developed to have 7 Å gap, the OER current is maximized with the overpotential required for triggering OER minimized. The gap value guaranteeing the highest OER activity is identical to the value expected from the computational work. The improved OER activity significantly increases the selectivity of OER over CER in seawater since the double activation by the 7 Å‐nanoconfined environments to allow an OER intermediate (*OOH) to be doubly anchored to Ru and O active sites does not work on the CER intermediate (*Cl). Successful operation of direct seawater electrolysis with improved hydrogen production is demonstrated by employing the 7 Å‐nanochanneled RuO2 as the OER electrocatalyst.
Wearable High‐Density MXene‐Bioelectronics for Neuromuscular Diagnostics, Rehabilitation, and Assistive Technologies
Authors: Garg Raghav , Driscoll Nicolette , Shankar Sneha , Hullfish Todd , Anselmino Eugenio , Iberite Francesco , Averbeck Spencer , Rana Manini , Micera Silvestro , Baxter Josh R. , Vitale Flavia
Published: December 2022

High‐density surface electromyography (HDsEMG) allows noninvasive muscle monitoring and disease diagnosis. Clinical translation of current HDsEMG technologies is hampered by cost, limited scalability, low usability, and minimal spatial coverage. Here, this study presents, validates, and demonstrates the broad clinical applicability of dry wearable MXene HDsEMG arrays (MXtrodes) fabricated from safe and scalable liquid‐phase processing of Ti3C2Tx. The fabrication scheme allows easy customization of array geometry to match subject anatomy, while the gel‐free and minimal skin preparation enhance usability and comfort. The low impedance and high conductivity of the MXtrode arrays allow detection of the activity of large muscle groups at higher quality and spatial resolution than state‐of‐the‐art wireless electromyography  sensors, and in realistic clinical scenarios. To demonstrate the clinical applicability of MXtrodes in the context of neuromuscular diagnostics and rehabilitation, simultaneous HDsEMG and biomechanical mapping of muscle groups across the whole calf during various tasks, ranging from controlled contractions to walking is shown. Finally, the integration of HDsEMG acquired with MXtrodes with a machine learning pipeline and the accurate prediction of the phases of human gait are shown. The results underscore the advantages and translatability of MXene‐based wearable bioelectronics for studying neuromuscular function and disease, as well as for precision rehabilitation.
Chondrichthyan (Holocephali, Squalomorphii and Batomorphii) remains from the Badenian of southern Hungary (Tekeres, Mecsek Mountains): the first deepwater cartilaginous fishes from the Middle Miocene of the Central Paratethys
Authors: Szabó Márton , Kocsis László , Tóth Emőke , Szabó Péter , Németh Tamás , Sebe Krisztina
Published: December 2022

Middle Miocene (Badenian) chondrichthyan fossils collected from the Tekeres Schlieren Member of the Baden Formation at Tekeres (southern Hungary, Mecsek Mts) are described here. The chondrichthyan assemblage is exceptionally diverse and well‐preserved, and consists of holocephalans, selachians and batomorphs. Nine taxa are reported for the first time from the Badenian of the Central Paratethys:Ischyodussp.,Hexanchuscf.nakamurai,Centrophorussp.,Isistius triangulus,Pristiophorussp.,Sphyrna integra,Rajacf.gentili,Dasyatiscf.pastinacaandMobula fragilis. The fauna is characterized by many deepwater taxa, making it the first bathyal vertebrate assemblage of the Badenian Central Paratethys. However, typically shallow water, littoral forms are also present, which are worn and often broken, indicating that some of the Tekeres fauna was transported and redeposited from a shallow, coastal setting into deeper water environments. Rapid basin deepening and the resulting steep topography can be linked to ongoing rifting of the south‐west Pannonian Basin. The majority of the studied chondrichthyan fauna have extant representatives in the Mediterranean, which supports an active faunal connection between the Mediterranean and the Central Paratethys via the Slovenian Corridor and the existence of a network of deepwater habitats at least along this pathway.
Hydrolysis of Oat Starch by Amyloglucosidase and Pullulanase
Authors: Başarıcı Ünlü Esra , Aykaç Çiğdem
Published: December 2022

This study describes the enzymatic conversion of oat starch to maltose and glucose under laboratory conditions. First, oat starch is isolated by two different extraction methods (alkali and acid‐alkali). Second, enzymatic starch hydrolysis is carried out for 10% and 12.5% starch solutions obtained by both extraction methods. Third, pullulanase usage together with amyloglucosidase is investigated during saccharification. Finally, effects of the extraction method, starch concentration, and use of pullulanase are evaluated. The use of a 12.5% starch solution obtained by the acid‐alkali method results in higher rates of conversion of starch to glucose and maltose, expressing better substrate for syrup production compared to alkali starch. The use of pullulanase increases the rate of starch conversion to glucose and maltose. The highest conversion of starch to glucose is found to be 49.06% when pullulanase (12 U) is used with amyloglucosidase. The highest dextrose equivalence (DE) value is 97.71, and it is obtained by using pullulanase in 10% ​​acid‐alkali starch. The data obtained in the study show that oat starch can be a suitable source for use in sugar syrup production. The 12.5% starch ​​concentration provides high yield, and the use of pullulanase increases both the amount of hydrolysis products and the DE value.
Elucidating the impact of the ionomer equivalent weight on a platinum group metal‐free PEMFC cathode via oxygen limiting current
Authors: Wang Hao , Osmieri Luigi , Yu Haoran , Zachman Michael J. , Park Jae Hyung , Kariuki Nancy N. , Cetinbas Firat C. , Khandavalli Sunilkumar , Mauger Scott , Myers Deborah J. , Cullen David A. , Neyerlin Kenneth C.
Published: December 2022

Leveraging the interactions between ionomer and catalyst can increase the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The impacts of the equivalent weight (EW) of perfluorosulfonic acid–based ionomers on the platinum group metal‐free electrode structure and fuel cell performance have not been fully explored. Four membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) were prepared by using a commercial Fe–N–C catalyst, two perfluorosulfonic acid ionomers with different EWs, that is, Aquivion 720 (A720) and Nafion 1100 (N1100), and two ionomer‐to‐catalyst (I/C) ratios. The four MEAs were characterized to understand the impact of the ionomer EW and content on the capacitance, proton conductivity, and mass transport on the cathode. The mass transport resistance was measured for the first time using a new oxygen reduction reaction limiting current method enabling to couple the effects of oxygen diffusion with liquid water generation. Low EW ionomer combined with a moderate I/C results in improved performance due to its enhanced proton conductivity. However, when used at high I/C, it can cause severe water flooding at high current density due to the enhanced liquid water uptake, especially at high relative humidity, resulting in lower catalyst utilization and higher mass transport resistance.
Breaking down the STEM pathway: Utilizing neighborhood resources to improve Mexican‐origin adolescents' life chances
Authors: Oh Sae Hyun , Leventhal Tama
Published: December 2022

This paper aims to identify neighborhood institutional resources (e.g., nonprofit organizations, libraries, and labor market conditions) that promote Mexican‐origin high school students' progress in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) pathway into postsecondary education. A nationally representative, longitudinal sample of 1340 Mexican‐origin students from the Educational Longitudinal Study of 2002 was used to investigate students' postsecondary education STEM outcomes. Neighborhood institutional resources, assessed during the high school years, were appended from multiple administrative data sources at the zip code level. Multilevel models utilizing the Heckman correction model, to correct for selection bias in postsecondary education pursuits, revealed that neighborhood resources during high school, specifically more minority‐ and immigrant‐serving organizations and a more STEM‐focused local labor market, support Mexican‐origin students' postsecondary STEM degree attainment, after controlling for risks and resources in the family and school contexts. We conclude by calling attention to how neighborhood institutional resources may facilitate Mexican‐origin students' STEM achievement and fulfill the labor market demands within high‐growth sectors of the economy.
Real‐time use of artificial intelligence (CADEYE) in colorectal cancer surveillance of patients with Lynch syndrome—A randomized controlled pilot trial (CADLY)
Authors: Hüneburg Robert , Bucksch Karolin , Schmeißer Friederike , Heling Dominik , Marwitz Tim , Aretz Stefan , Kaczmarek Dominik J. , Kristiansen Glen , Hommerding Oliver , Strassburg Christian P. , Engel Christoph , Nattermann Jacob
Published: December 2022

Background

Lynch syndrome (LS), an autosomal dominant disorder caused by pathogenic germline variants in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes, represents the most common hereditary colorectal cancer (CRC) syndrome. Lynch syndrome patients are at high risk of CRC despite regular endoscopic surveillance.

Objective

Our aim was to investigate the diagnostic performance of artificial intelligence (AI)‐assisted colonoscopy in comparison to High‐Definition white‐light endoscopy (HD‐WLE) for the first time.

Methods

Patients ≥18 years with LS, with a pathogenic germline variant (MLH1, MHS2, MSH6), and at least one previous colonoscopy (interval 10–36 months) were eligible. Patients were stratified by previous CRC and affected MMR gene with a 1:1 allocation ratio (AI‐assisted vs. HD white‐light endoscopy) in this exploratory pilot trial.

Results

Between Dec‐2021 and Dec‐2022, 101 LS patients were randomised and 96 patients were finally analyzed after exclusion of 5 patients due to insufficient bowel preparation. In the HD‐WLE arm, adenomas were detected in 12/46 patients compared to 18/50 in the AI arm (26.1% [95% CI 14.3–41.1] vs. 36.0% [22.9–50.8]; p = 0.379). The use of AI‐assisted colonoscopy especially increased detection of flat adenomas (Paris classification 0‐IIb) (examinations with detected flat adenomas: 3/46 [6.5%] vs. 10/50 [20%]; p = 0.07; numbers of detected flat adenomas: 4/20 vs. 17/30, p = 0.018). The median withdrawal time did not differ significantly between HD‐WLE and AI (14 vs. 15 min; p = 0.170).

Conclusion

We here present first data suggesting that real‐time AI‐assisted colonoscopy is a promising approach to optimize endoscopic surveillance in LS patients, in particular to improve the detection of flat adenomas.
The professionalism of forensic science
Authors: Willis Sheila
Published: December 2022

A profession is characterized by specialized knowledge, barriers to entry, and self‐regulation. While these attributes are noted in subdisciplines, forensic science as an entity is not well recognized and does not have these traits. Most forensic science is produced in organizations so a quick review of organizational forms is useful to consider which best suit the nurturing of such traits. Overall tacit forensic science knowledge is neither passed from subdiscipline to subdiscipline or generation to another resulting in lost opportunities in education, research, and practice. Professional bodies could help address this using the definition and principles in the Sydney Declaration and more effectively address some of the issues criticized in forensic science than the existing methods which frequently do not take an overview.

This article is categorized under:

Ethical and Social Implications

Jurisprudence and Regulatory Oversight > Communication Across Science and Law
Cell surface‐nanoengineering for cancer targeting immunoregulation and precise immunotherapy
Authors: Wang Yuhan , Huang Guojun , Hou Qi , Pan Hong , Cai Lintao
Published: December 2022

Living cells have become ideal therapeutic agents for cancer treatment owing to their innate activities, such as efficient tumor targeting and delivery, easy engineering, immunomodulatory properties, and fewer adverse effects. However, cell agents are often fragile to rigorous tumor microenvironment (TME) and limited by inadequate therapeutic responses, leading to unwanted treatment efficacy. Cell nanomodification, particularly the cell surface‐nanoengineering has emerged as reliable and efficient strategy that not only combines cell activity properties with nanomaterials but also endows them with extra novel functions, enabling to achieve remarkable treatment results. In this review, we systematically introduce two major strategies have been adopted to develop cell surface engineering with nanomaterials, mainly including living cell nano‐backpacks and cell membrane‐mimicking nanoparticles (NPs). Based on various functional NPs and cell types, we focus on reviewing the cell‐surface nanoengineering for targeted drug delivery, immune microenvironment regulation, and precisely antitumor therapy. The advances and challenges of cell surface‐nanoengineered antitumor agents for cancer therapy applications are further discussed in future clinical practice. This review provides an overview of the advances in cell surface‐engineering for targeting immunoregulation and treatment and could contribute to the future of advanced cell‐based antitumor therapeutic applications.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Cells at the Nanoscale
Introduction
Authors: Wang Liang , Zhao Jianxin
Published: December 2022

This book introduces Owl, a numerical library we have been developing and maintaining for years. We develop Owl for scientific and engineering computing in the OCaml language. It focuses on providing a comprehensive set of high-level numerical functions so that developers can quickly build up any data analytical applications. Over years of intensive development and continuous optimization, Owl has evolved into a powerful software system with competitive performance compared to mainstream numerical libraries. Meanwhile, Owl’s overall architecture remains simple and elegant. Its small codebase can be easily managed by a small group of developers.
Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Wang Liang , Zhao Jianxin
Published: December 2022

There are many articles teaching people how to build intelligent applications using different frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, etc. However, except those very professional research papers, very few articles can give us a comprehensive understanding on how to develop such frameworks. In this chapter, rather than just “casting spells,” we focus on explaining how to make the magic work in the first place. We will dissect the deep neural network module in Owl, then demonstrate how to assemble different building blocks to build a working framework. Owl’s neural network module is a full-featured DNN framework. You can define a neural network in a very compact and elegant way thanks to OCaml’s expressiveness. The DNN applications built on Owl can achieve state-of-the-art performance.
Barnacle geese Branta leucopsis breeding on Novaya Zemlya: current distribution and population size estimated from tracking data
Authors: Lameris Thomas K. , Pokrovskaya Olga B. , Kondratyev Alexander V. , Anisimov Yuriy A. , Buitendijk Nelleke H. , Glazov Petr M. , van der Jeugd Henk P. , Kampichler Christian , Kruckenberg Helmut , Litvin Konstantin E. , Loshchagina Julia A. , Moonen Sander , Müskens Gerard J. D. , Nolet Bart A. , Schreven Kees H. T. , Sierdsema Henk , Zaynagutdinova Elmira M. , Boom Michiel P.
Published: December 2022

The Russian breeding population of barnacle geese Branta leucopsis has shown a rapid increase in numbers since 1980, which has coincided with a southwest-wards breeding range expansion within the Russian Arctic. Here barnacle geese also started to occupy coastal and marsh land habitats, in which they were not know to nest on their traditional breeding grounds. While these changes have been well documented by studies and observations throughout the new breeding range of barnacle geese, observations are lacking from the traditional breeding grounds on Novaya Zemlya, as this area is remote and difficult to access. This is especially relevant given rapid climate warming in this area, which may impact local distribution and population size. We used GPS-tracking and behavioural biologging data from 46 individual barnacle geese captured on their wintering grounds to locate nest sites in the Russian Arctic and study nesting distribution in 2008–2010 and 2018–2020. Extrapolating from nest counts on Kolguev Island, we estimate the breeding population on Novaya Zemlya in 2018–2020 to range around 75,250 pairs although the confidence interval around this estimate was large. A comparison with the historical size of the barnacle goose population suggests an increase in the breeding population on Novaya Zemlya, corresponding with changes in other areas of the breeding range. Our results show that many barnacle geese on Novaya Zemlya currently nest on lowland tundra on Gusinaya Zemlya Peninsula. This region has been occupied by barnacle geese only since 1990 and appears to be mainly available for nesting in years with early spring. Tracking data are a valuable tool to increase our knowledge of remote locations, but counts of breeding individuals or nests are needed to further corroborate estimates of breeding populations based on tracking data.
Pedobarographic evaluation of five commonly used orthoses for the lower extremity
Authors: Ehrnthaller C. , Rellensmann K. , Baumbach S. F. , Wuehr M. , Schniepp R. , Saller M. M. , Böcker W. , Polzer Hans
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Orthoses are designed to achieve immobilization or off-loading of certain regions of the foot. Yet, their off-loading capacity for the specific regions has not yet been studied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the plantar pressure distribution of five commonly applied orthoses for foot and ankle in a healthy population.

Materials and Methods

Five orthoses (postoperative shoe, forefoot relief shoe, short walker boot, high walker boot, and calcaneus fracture orthosis) were compared pedobarographically using insoles on a treadmill to a ready-made running shoe in eleven healthy subjects (median age 29 years). Peak pressure, maximum force, force–time integral, contact time, and contact area were evaluated separately for the forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot.

Results

The forefoot relief shoe, the short- and high walker boot significantly reduced the peak pressure at the forefoot with no significant differences between these orthoses. None of the five orthoses off-loaded the midfoot, but the calcaneus fracture orthosis and the short walker boot instead increased midfoot load. For the hindfoot, the calcaneus fracture orthosis was the only device to significantly reduce the peak pressure.

Conclusions

This is the first study to investigate the specific off-loading capacities of different orthoses for specific foot regions in a healthy collective. The knowledge of absolute and relative load shifts for the different orthoses is of fundamental interest for targeted clinical decision-making of physicians.
Comparison between topical cetirizine with minoxidil versus topical placebo with minoxidil in female androgenetic alopecia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Bassiouny Eglal A. , El-Samanoudy Solwan I. , Abbassi Maggie M. , Nada Hanan R. , Farid Samar F.
Published: December 2022

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common cause of hair loss in both genders with a higher psychological impact on females. Currently, topical minoxidil is the only FDA-approved treatment for female AGA and it needs life-long application and causes side effects. Cetirizine is an antihistamine that may be effective in hair loss treatment. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of topical cetirizine with minoxidil (group 1) versus topical minoxidil with placebo (group 2) in female patients with AGA. This was a double-blind, randomized, controlled, parallel study conducted at Dermatology Clinic, Cairo University Teaching Hospital (Kasr- Al- Ainy), Egypt. Sixty-six patients with female AGA, aged 20–50 years, Sinclair (II–IV), were randomly assigned to one of the 2 groups for 24 weeks. The trichoscopic parameters, patients’ self-assessment, side effects and global photographic assessment were evaluated. There was a statistically significant change from baseline in frontal and vertex terminal and vellus hair density (P < 0.0005) with a significant increase in vertex hair shaft thickness and average number of hairs per follicular unit in group 1 (P < 0.05). Patients reported significantly better scores in patient self-assessment in group 1 (P < 0.05). Side effects were not significantly different between groups (P > 0.05). Topical cetirizine increases hair shaft thickness and results in a higher clinical improvement from patients’ perspective with a good safety profile (NCT04481412, study start date: July 2020).
Associations between neuropsychiatric symptoms and incident Alzheimer’s dementia in men versus women
Authors: Liampas Ioannis , Siokas Vasileios , Lyketsos Constantine G. , Dardiotis Efthimios
Published: December 2022

Objective

To examine whether associations between individual neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) and incident Alzheimer’s dementia (AD) differ in men versus women.

Methods

Data were acquired from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC) Uniform Data Set. Two sets of older (≥ 60 years) participants were formed: one of cognitively unimpaired (CU) individuals, and one of participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). NPS were assessed using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire. Cox proportional hazards models examined associations between individual NPS and AD incidence separately for each participant set. These models featured individual NPS, sex, NPS by sex interactions as well as a number of covariates.

Results

The analysis involved 9,854 CU individuals followed for 5.5 ± 3.8 years and 6,369 participants with MCI followed for 3.8 ± 3.0 years. NPS were comparably associated with future AD in men and women with MCI. Regarding CU participants, the following significant sex by NPS interactions were noted: female sex moderated the risk conferred by moderate/severe apathy (HR = 7.36, 3.25–16.64) by 74%, mitigated the risk conferred by moderate/severe depression (HR = 3.61, 2.08–6.28) by 52%, and augmented the risks conferred by mild depression (HR = 1.00, 0.60–1.68) and agitation (HR = 0.81, 0.40–1.64) by 83% and 243%, respectively.

Conclusions

Apathy, depression and agitation were differentially associated with incident AD in CU men and women. No individual NPS was associated with different risks of future AD in men versus women with MCI.
Subchronic tolerance trials of graded oral supplementation with ornithine hydrochloride or citrulline in healthy adults
Authors: Miura Naoki , Morishita Koji , Yasuda Takamasa , Akiduki Saori , Matsumoto Hideki
Published: December 2022

Ornithine and citrulline are amino acids used in dietary supplements and nutritional products consumed by healthy consumers, but the safe supplementation levels of these compounds are unknown. The objective of this study was to conduct two 4-week clinical trials to evaluate the safety and tolerability of graded dosages of oral ornithine (as hydrochloride) and citrulline. Healthy male adults (n = 60, age 41.4 ± 1.5 years) completed graded dosages of either ornithine hydrochloride (3.2, 6, 9.2, and 12 g/day) or citrulline (6, 12, 18, and 24 g/day) supplement for 4 weeks with 2-week wash-out periods in between. Primary outcomes included vitals, a broad spectrum of circulating biochemical analytes, body weight, sleep quality, and mental self-assessment. In the ornithine hydrochloride supplementation group, minor increase in plasma aspartic acid and glutamic acid concentrations was observed at the highest intake dosages. In the citrulline supplementation group, minor changes in laboratory data for serum lactate dehydrogenase and plasma amino acid concentration of lysine, methionine, threonine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glutamine and ornithine, arginine, and citrulline itself were measured. No other changes in measured parameters were observed, and study subjects tolerated 4-week-long oral supplementation of ornithine hydrochloride or citrulline without treatment-related adverse events. A clinical, no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) of ornithine hydrochloride and citrulline supplementation in healthy adult males was determined to be 12 g/day and 24 g/day (4 weeks), respectively.
A low-cost AR application to control arm prosthesis
Authors: Sanchez-Rocamora Alvaro , Martinez-Martin Ester , Costa Angelo
Published: December 2022

This paper presents an augmented reality application to assist with myoelectric prostheses control for people with limb amputations. For that, we use the low-cost Myo armband coupled with low-level signal processing methods specifically built to control filters’ levels and processing chain. In particular, we use deep learning techniques to process the signals and to accurately identify seven different hand gestures. From that, we have built an augmented reality projection of a hand based on AprilTag markers that displays the gesture identified by the deep learning techniques. With the aim to properly train the gesture recognition system, we have built our own dataset with nine subjects. This dataset was combined with one publicly available to work with the data of 24 subjects in total. Finally, three different deep learning architectures have been comparatively studied, achieving high accuracy values (being 95.56% the best one). This validates our hypothesis that it is possible to have an adaptive platform able to fast learn personalized hand/arm gestures while projecting a virtual hand in real-time. This can reduce the adaptation time to myoelectric prostheses and improve the acceptance levels.
Utilization study on red brick waste as novel reinforcing and economical filler for acrylonitrile butadiene rubber composite
Authors: Shafik Emad S. , Tharwat C. , Abd-El-Messieh Salwa L.
Published: December 2022

Red brick waste (RBW) powder was used as a reinforcing filler for acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) for preparing eco-friendly composites. The main constituent of this waste is silica which is considered to be one of the traditional fillers used in the rubber industry. So it was worthwhile to get (RBW) in a suitable manner by using this waste as a filler for NBR. Physicomechanical properties were evaluated, including tensile strength, elongation at break, hardness shore A, and change in mechanical properties after thermal-oxidative aging for seven days at 90 °C. In addition, equilibrium swelling in toluene for prepared composites was also included. Moreover, cross-linking density was measured according to Flory Rehner's equation. From physicomechanical measurements, it is observed that the tensile strength and hardness (shore A) increased with increasing the waste filler content because of the red brick filler's stiffness. In contrast, the elongation at break and equilibrium swelling degree decreased with increasing the waste filler content. The morphology of the polymeric composites was monitored using a scanning electron microscope which reflects the uniform distribution of the filler inside the NBR matrix. The electrical and magnetic properties of NBR/RBW composites were evaluated. The electrical measurements revealed that the values of ε′ increase by increasing red brick waste while ε'' decreases by increasing filler content. The dc conductivity σdc values lie in the order of 10–11 S/cm. This finding recommends that such composites could be used for insulation and antistatic applications. In addition, the magnetic measurements show superparamagnetic behavior in NBR/RBW composites. Therefore, the obtained composites be used as electromagnetic composites based on electrical and magnetic measurements.

Graphical Abstract
A menu of measures to manage trade-related plant pest risks, and a review of methods for demonstrating measure efficacy
Authors: van Klinken Rieks D. , Kingham Lloyd , Hill Matthew P. , Collins Kerry
Published: December 2022

Ever-increasing global trade is one of the most important introduction pathways for plant pests. A diverse range of risk-reducing measures can be applied depending on the pest, the commodity and the import requirements. We used a review of over 1,800 risk reduction measures to extend a risk framework and menu of measures, previously developed for horticulture, to be applied to any commodity. We also reviewed how the efficacy of risk reduction measures is demonstrated, and assessed the maturity of the supporting science. We identified 39 unique risk reduction measures that were classified according to how they reduce risk. These were grouped under ten measure categories and four risk reduction objectives (minimising exposure to pest, minimising vulnerability of the commodity, reducing infestation rate and reducing establishment risk). These could then be applied against one or more consignment stages (production, post-production and post-border). Measures covered both commercial activities that reduce risk and may contribute to pest risk assessment, and regulated measures mandated to address unrestricted risk. Almost 90% of citations included measures that minimised exposure to pests or reduced infestation. Some measures were rarely reported, and some commodity classes had few measures associated with them, suggesting that available measures are being underutilised. Clear guidance was apparent for demonstrating efficacy of some measures (e.g., kill treatments), but lacking for many others. Compiling a ‘menu of risk reduction measures’ according to how they reduce risk, accompanied by clear guidelines for demonstrating efficacy, provides a robust basis for agreement between jurisdictions, and the further development, refinement and communication of efforts to both assess and manage the risk of global, trade-related pest movement. Agreement on how efficacy can be demonstrated for less utilised measures identified in this study will contribute to the further development of risk-based trade.
Alzheimer’s-Associated Upregulation of Mitochondria-Associated ER Membranes After Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Agrawal Rishi R. , Larrea Delfina , Xu Yimeng , Shi Lingyan , Zirpoli Hylde , Cummins Leslie G. , Emmanuele Valentina , Song Donghui , Yun Taekyung D. , Macaluso Frank P. , Min Wei , Kernie Steven G. , Deckelbaum Richard J. , Area-Gomez Estela
Published: December 2022

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) through mechanisms that remain incompletely characterized. Similar to AD, TBI models present with cellular metabolic alterations and modulated cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP). Specifically, AD and TBI tissues display increases in amyloid-β as well as its precursor, the APP C-terminal fragment of 99 a.a. (C99). Our recent data in cell models of AD indicate that C99, due to its affinity for cholesterol, induces the formation of transient lipid raft domains in the ER known as mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes (“MAM” domains). The formation of these domains recruits and activates specific lipid metabolic enzymes that regulate cellular cholesterol trafficking and sphingolipid turnover. Increased C99 levels in AD cell models promote MAM formation and significantly modulate cellular lipid homeostasis. Here, these phenotypes were recapitulated in the controlled cortical impact (CCI) model of TBI in adult mice. Specifically, the injured cortex and hippocampus displayed significant increases in C99 and MAM activity, as measured by phospholipid synthesis, sphingomyelinase activity and cholesterol turnover. In addition, our cell type-specific lipidomics analyses revealed significant changes in microglial lipid composition that are consistent with the observed alterations in MAM-resident enzymes. Altogether, we propose that alterations in the regulation of MAM and relevant lipid metabolic pathways could contribute to the epidemiological connection between TBI and AD.

Graphical Abstract
Riparian detritus vs. stream detritus: food quality determines fitness of juveniles of the highly endangered freshwater pearl mussels (Margaritifera margaritifera)
Authors: Grunicke Felix , Wagner Annekatrin , von Elert Eric , Weitere Markus , Berendonk Thomas
Published: December 2022

Detritus is an important energy source of stream food webs. Being a mix of allochthonous and autochthonous sources, it is often unknown, which components contribute to the growth of stream organisms. This study focussed on the comparison of two different detritus types (riparian detritus and stream detritus) with respect to food quality and effects on growth as a fitness parameter of juvenile freshwater pearl mussels (FPM). We performed feeding experiments with juvenile FPM under laboratory conditions using the two detritus types from four different natural sources each. Food quality was determined by analysing the fatty acid composition. Stream detritus (conditioned to stream environment including autochthonous microbes) resulted in significantly higher growth rates of juvenile FPM than predominately terrestrial-based riparian detritus indicating higher food quality. Significantly positive correlations were found between mussel growth and different groups of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). This suggests that especially trace substances such as long-chained n-3 PUFAs and a high ratio of n-3 to n-6 PUFAs enhance the food quality of stream detritus for juvenile FPM. These results highlight the importance of instream conditioning of detritus for the food mix in headwater streams and the importance of PUFAs for the development of juvenile FPM.
Terahertz Electromodulation Spectroscopy for Characterizing Electronic Transport in Organic Semiconductor Thin Films
Authors: Riederer Philipp , Kersting Roland
Published: December 2022

Terahertz (THz) spectroscopy is a well-established tool for measuring the high-frequency conductance of inorganic semiconductors. Its application to organic semiconductors, however, is challenging, because of the low carrier mobilities in organic materials, which rarely exceed 10cm2/Vs. Furthermore, low charge carrier densities in organic field-effect devices lead to sheet conductivities that are often far-below the detection limits of conventional THz techniques. In this contribution, we present the application of THz electromodulation spectroscopy for characterizing charge transport in organic semiconductors. Pulses of THz radiation are transmitted through organic field-effect devices and are time-resolved by electro-optic sampling. A differential transmission signal is obtained by modulating the gate voltage of the devices. This controls charge injection into the semiconductors, where the charge carriers reduce the THz transmission by their Drude response. Advantageous is that a nearly noise-free differential transmission can be obtained. Furthermore, electromodulation allows to sense specifically either injected electrons or holes. Because the method exclusively probes transport of mobile carriers, it provides access to fundamental transport properties, which are difficult to access with conventional characterization methods, such as conductance measurements of organic field-effect transistors. The outstanding property that a relative differential signal is measured allows to obtain charge carrier mobilities with high reliability. Mobilities as small as 1cm2/Vs can be probed, which makes THz electromodulation spectroscopy an attractive tool for studying charge transport in most technologically relevant organic semiconductors.
Numerical analysis of a problem of elasticity with several dissipation mechanisms
Authors: Bazarra Noelia , Fernández José R. , Quintanilla Ramón
Published: December 2022

In this work, we numerically study a problem including several dissipative mechanisms. A particular case involving the symmetry of the coupling matrix and three mechanisms is considered, leading to the exponential decay of the corresponding solutions. Then, a fully discrete approximation of the general case in two dimensions is introduced by using the finite element method and the implicit Euler scheme. A priori error estimates are obtained and the linear convergence is derived under some appropriate regularity conditions on the continuous solution. Finally, some numerical simulations are performed to illustrate the numerical convergence and the behavior of the discrete energy depending on the number of dissipative mechanisms.
The not-yet-conscious
Authors: Fuchs Thomas
Published: December 2022

Not only our conscious expectations, wishes and intentions are directed towards the future, but also pre- or unconscious tendencies, hunches and anticipations. Using a term of Ernst Bloch, they can be summarized as the not-yet-conscious. This not-yet-conscious mostly unfolds spontaneously and without plan; it is not directly anticipated or aimed at, but rather comes to awareness in such a way that the subject is, as it were, surprised by itself. Thus it gives rise to phenomena such as the striking, the coincidental, the new, and the improvised, which are particularly important for understanding creative and therapeutic processes. The paper aims at providing a general phenomenological framework for the understanding of not-yet-conscious dynamics and their unfolding in different contexts. To this end, the structure of the not-yet-conscious is examined in light of protention, in which the phenomenon is fundamentally to be located. I propose to describe the general structure of protention as a future-directed horizon of graded probabilities, i.e., as a “protentional cone”. This cone is fed by current experiences and bodily tendencies and is focused to varying degrees by attention. This results in either more focused or rather defocused states of anticipation, the latter giving space to the not-yet-conscious as a meaning “in statu nascendi”. On this basis, selected manifestations of the not-yet-conscious are analyzed, including extemporaneous speech, artistic improvisation and creativity, bodily meaning implicates, decision-making, and meaningful coincidence.
Structure-based hyperparameter selection with Bayesian optimization in multidimensional scaling
Authors: Rusch Thomas , Mair Patrick , Hornik Kurt
Published: December 2022

We introduce the structure optimized proximity scaling (STOPS) framework for hyperparameter selection in parametrized multidimensional scaling and extensions (proximity scaling; PS). The selection process for hyperparameters is based on the idea that we want the configuration to show a certain structural quality (c-structuredness). A number of structures and how to measure them are discussed. We combine the structural quality by means of c-structuredness indices with the PS badness-of-fit measure in a multi-objective scalarization approach, yielding the Stoploss objective. Computationally we suggest a profile-type algorithm that first solves the PS problem and then uses Stoploss in an outer step to optimize over the hyperparameters. Bayesian optimization with treed Gaussian processes as a an apt and efficient strategy for carrying out the outer optimization is recommended. This way, hyperparameter tuning for many instances of PS is covered in a single conceptual framework. We illustrate the use of the STOPS framework with three data examples.
Irregular alignment of arbitrarily long DNA sequences on GPU
Authors: Perez-Wohlfeil Esteban , Trelles Oswaldo , Guil Nicolás
Published: December 2022

The use of Graphics Processing Units to accelerate computational applications is increasingly being adopted due to its affordability, flexibility and performance. However, achieving top performance comes at the price of restricted data-parallelism models. In the case of sequence alignment, most GPU-based approaches focus on accelerating the Smith-Waterman dynamic programming algorithm due to its regularity. Nevertheless, because of its quadratic complexity, it becomes impractical when comparing long sequences, and therefore heuristic methods are required to reduce the search space. We present GPUGECKO, a CUDA implementation for the sequential, seed-and-extend sequence-comparison algorithm, GECKO. Our proposal includes optimized kernels based on collective operations capable of producing arbitrarily long alignments while dealing with heterogeneous and unpredictable load. Contrary to other state-of-the-art methods, GPUGECKO employs a batching mechanism that prevents memory exhaustion by not requiring to fit all alignments at once into the device memory, therefore enabling to run massive comparisons exhaustively with improved sensitivity while also providing up to 6x average speedup w.r.t. the CUDA acceleration of BLASTN.
Influence of Defects in Graphene-Like Network of Diamond-Like Carbon on Silica Scale Adhesion
Authors: Nakashima Y. , Umehara N. , Kousaka H. , Tokoroyama T. , Murashima M. , Murakami K.
Published: December 2022

Silica scale adhesion onto geothermal power plant equipment reduces the power efficiency. In our previous study, diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings with low sp2 fractions and high hydrogen contents were found to suppress silica adhesion. Therefore, the present study was aimed at clarifying the mechanism of silica adhesion onto the graphene-like network of DLC. In-lens scanning electron microscopic imaging of silica adhered onto defective graphene indicated that the adhesion occurred on defects in the graphene-like network. First-principles calculations revealed that the graphene with hydrogen-terminated defects exhibited reduced adsorption energy between silica and the graphene-like network. Overall, the simulations and experiments helped establish a silica adhesion model in which defects in the graphene-like network of DLC behave as silica adhesion sites.

Graphical Abstract
Analysis of the efficacy and risk factors of surgical treatment of recurrent UPJO in adults
Authors: Gao Wenzhi , Zhang Lei , He Yuhui , Tian Tai , Li Zhihua , Bai Liangliang , Shen Ying , Huang Chen , Wang Bing , Zhang Peng , Feng Ninghan , Li Xuechao , Guo Yuexian , Li Xuesong
Published: December 2022

Background

To compare the efficacy of secondary pyeloplasty and balloon dilation and to analyze the risk factors for secondary surgical failure in patients with recurrent uretero-pelvic junction obstruction (UPJO).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 65 patients with recurrent UPJO who underwent secondary surgery between September 2011 and March 2019, of whom 33 had complete baseline data and follow-up data. General clinical information, perioperative data, and follow-up results were collected from patients. Risk factors for surgical failure in patients with recurrent UPJO were analyzed using logistic regression.

Results

The failure rates of secondary pyeloplasty and balloon dilation in secondary surgery were 16.7% and 33.3%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that ureteral stenosis length and operative time were associated with secondary pyeloplasty and balloon dilatation failure (p < 0.05), and ureteral stenosis length was an independent risk factor for secondary pyeloplasty failure (OR = 0.074, 95% CI: 0.006–0.864, p = 0.038). In the balloon dilation group, treatment failure rates were significantly lower in patients with stenotic segment lengths less than 1 ± 0.32 cm than in patients with stenotic segment lengths greater than 1 ± 0.32 cm (p = 0.019).

Conclusions

The secondary pyeloplasty may provide better benefit. Ureteral stricture length is an independent risk factor for failure of secondary pyeloplasty and a potential risk factor for balloon dilatation. Operation time is a potential risk factor for pyeloplasty and balloon dilatation.
New update to the guidelines on testing predictive biomarkers in non-small-cell lung cancer: a National Consensus of the Spanish Society of Pathology and the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology
Authors: Isla Dolores , Lozano Maria D. , Paz-Ares Luis , Salas Clara , de Castro Javier , Conde Esther , Felip Enriqueta , Gómez-Román Javier , Garrido Pilar , Enguita Ana Belén
Published: December 2022

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) presents the greatest number of identified therapeutic targets, some of which have therapeutic utility. Currently, detecting EGFR, BRAF, KRAS and MET mutations, ALK, ROS1, NTRK and RET translocations, and PD-L1 expression in these patients is considered essential. The use of next-generation sequencing facilitates precise molecular diagnosis and allows the detection of other emerging mutations, such as the HER2 mutation and predictive biomarkers for immunotherapy responses. In this consensus, a group of experts in the diagnosis and treatment of NSCLC selected by the Spanish Society of Pathology and the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology have evaluated currently available information and propose a series of recommendations to optimize the detection and use of biomarkers in daily clinical practice.
WDR62-deficiency Causes Autism-like Behaviors Independent of Microcephaly in Mice
Authors: Xu Dan , Zhi Yiqiang , Liu Xinyi , Guan Le , Yu Jurui , Zhang Dan , Zhang Weiya , Wang Yaqing , Tao Wucheng , Xu Zhiheng
Published: December 2022

Brain size abnormality is correlated with an increased frequency of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring. Genetic analysis indicates that heterozygous mutations of the WD repeat domain 62 (WDR62) are associated with ASD. However, biological evidence is still lacking. Our study showed that Wdr62 knockout (KO) led to reduced brain size with impaired learning and memory, as well as ASD-like behaviors in mice. Interestingly, Wdr62 Nex-cKO mice (depletion of WDR62 in differentiated neurons) had a largely normal brain size but with aberrant social interactions and repetitive behaviors. WDR62 regulated dendritic spinogenesis and excitatory synaptic transmission in cortical pyramidal neurons. Finally, we revealed that retinoic acid gavages significantly alleviated ASD-like behaviors in mice with WDR62 haploinsufficiency, probably by complementing the expression of ASD and synapse-related genes. Our findings provide a new perspective on the relationship between the microcephaly gene WDR62 and ASD etiology that will benefit clinical diagnosis and intervention of ASD.