bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phytic Acid Customized Hydrogel Polymer Electrolyte and Prussian Blue Analogue Cathode Material for Rechargeable Zinc Metal Hydrogel Batteries
Authors: Dilwale Swati , Puthiyaveetil Priyanka Pandinhare , Babu Athira , Kurungot Sreekumar
Published: April 2024

Zinc anode deterioration in aqueous electrolytes, and Zn dendrite growth is a major concern in the operation of aqueous rechargeable Zn metal batteries (AZMBs). To tackle this, the replacement of aqueous electrolytes with a zinc hydrogel polymer electrolyte (ZHPE) is presented in this study. This method involves structural modifications of the ZHPE by phytic acid through an ultraviolet (UV) light‐induced photopolymerization process. The high membrane flexibility, high ionic conductivity (0.085 S cm−1), improved zinc corrosion overpotential, and enhanced electrochemical stability value of ≈2.3 V versus Zn|Zn2+ show the great potential of ZHPE as an ideal gel electrolyte for rechargeable zinc metal hydrogel batteries (ZMHBs). This is the first time that the dominating effect of chelation of phytic acid with M2+ center over H‐bonding with water is described to tune the gel electrolyte properties for battery applications. The ZHPE shows ultra‐high stability over 360 h with a capacity of 0.50 mAh cm−2 with dendrite‐free plating/stripping in Zn||Zn symmetric cell. The fabrication of the ZMHB with a high‐voltage zinc hexacyanoferrate (ZHF) cathode shows a high‐average voltage of ≈1.6 V and a comparable capacity output of 63 mAh g−1 at 0.10 A g−1 of the current rate validating the potential application of ZHPE.
Strongly‐Confined CsPbBr3 Perovskite Quantum Dots with Ultralow Trap Density and Narrow Size Distribution for Efficient Pure‐Blue Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Wei Shibo , Hu Jingcong , Bi Chenghao , Ren Ke , Wang Xingyu , de de Leeuw Nora H. , Lu Yue , Sui Manling , Wang Wenxin
Published: April 2024

The development of pure‐blue perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) faces challenges of spectral stability and low external quantum efficiency (EQE) due to phase separation in mixed halide compositions. Perovskite quantum dots (QDs) with strong confinement effects are promising alternatives to achieve high‐quality pure‐blue PeLEDs, yet their performance is often hindered by the poor size distribution and high trap density. A strategy combining thermodynamic control with a polishing‐driven ligand exchange process to produce high‐quality QDs is developed. The strongly‐confined pure‐blue (≈470 nm) CsPbBr3 QDs exhibit narrow size distribution (12% dispersion) and are achieved in Br‐rich ion environment based on growth thermodynamic control. Subsequent polishing‐driven ligand exchange process removes imperfect surface sites and replaces initial long‐chain organic ligands with short‐chain benzene ligands. The resulting QDs exhibit high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) to near‐unity. The resulting PeLEDs exhibit a pure‐blue electroluminescence (EL) emission at 472 nm with narrow full‐width at half‐maximum (FWHM) of 25 nm, achieving a maximum EQE of 10.7% and a bright maximum luminance of 7697 cd m−2. The pure‐blue PeLEDs show ultrahigh spectral stability under high voltage, a low roll‐off of EQE, and an operational half‐lifetime (T50) of 127 min at an initial luminance of 103 cd m−2 under continuous operation.
Steering the Selective Production of Glycolic Acid by Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Ethylene Glycol with Nanoengineered PdBi‐Based Heterodimers
Authors: Xia Shiyu , Wu Fengxia , Liu Qixin , Gao Wenping , Guo Chenxi , Wei Haili , Hussain Altaf , Zhang Yue , Xu Guobao , Niu Wenxin
Published: April 2024

Heterodimers of metal nanocrystals (NCs) with tailored elemental distribution have emerged as promising candidates in the field of electrocatalysis, owing to their unique structures featuring heterogeneous interfaces with distinct components. Despite this, the rational synthesis of heterodimer NCs with similar elemental composition remains a formidable challenge, and their impact on electrocatalysis has remained largely elusive. In this study, Pd@Bi‐PdBi heterodimer NCs are synthesized through an underpotential deposition (UPD)‐directed growth pathway. In this pathway, the UPD of Bi promotes a Volmer‐Weber growth mode, allowing for judicious modulation of core‐satellite to heterodimer structures through careful control of supersaturation and growth kinetics. Significantly, the heterodimer NCs are employed in the electrocatalytic process of ethylene glycol (EG) with high activity and selectivity. Compared with pristine Pd octahedra and common PdBi alloy NC, the unique heterodimer structure of the Pd@Bi‐PdBi heterodimer NCs endows them with the highest electrocatalytic performance of EG and the best selectivity (≈93%) in oxidizing EG to glycolic acid (GA). Taken together, this work not only heralds a new strategy for UPD‐directed synthesis of bimetallic NCs, but also provides a new design paradigm for steering the selectivity of electrocatalysts.
Constructing N‐Containing Poly(p‐Phenylene) (PPP) Films Through A Cathodic‐Dehalogenation Polymerization Method
Authors: Wang Xiang , Zhang Lei , Wu Jinghang , Xue Miaomiao , Gu Qianfeng , Qi Junlei , Kang Fangyuan , He Qiyuan , Zhong Xiaoyan , Zhang Qichun
Published: April 2024

Developing the films of N‐containing unsubstituted poly(p‐phenylene) (PPP) films for diverse applications is significant and highly desirable because the replacement of sp2 C atoms with sp2 N atoms will bring novel properties to the as‐prepared polymers. In this research, an electrochemical‐dehalogenation polymerization strategy is employed to construct two N‐containing PPP films under constant potentials, where 2,5‐diiodopyridine (DIPy) and 2,5‐dibromopyrazine (DBPz) are used as starting agents. The corresponding polymers are named CityU‐23 (for polypyridine) and CityU‐24 (for polypyrazine). Moreover, it is found that both polymers can form films in situ on different conductive substrates (i.e., silicon, gold, ITO, and nickel), satisfying potential device fabrication. Furthermore, the as‐obtained thin films of CityU‐23 and CityU‐24 exhibit good performance of alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction with the overpotential of 212.8 and 180.7 mV and the Tafel slope of 157.0 and 122.4 mV dec−1, respectively.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity of Surface‐Modified TiO2 with Bimetallic AuPd Nanoalloys for Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Méndez‐Medrano Ana Andrea , Bahena‐Uribe Daniel , Dragoe Diana , Clavaguéra Carine , Colbeau‐Justin Christophe , Palomares Báez Juan Pedro , Rodríguez‐López José Luis , Remita Hynd
Published: April 2024

Herein, commercial titania (TiO2‐P25) is modified with mono‐ and bi‐metallic (Au, Pd, and AuPd) nanoparticles synthesized by chemical reduction method using NaBH4 as a strong reducing agent at room temperature. Bimetallic AuPd nanoalloys homogeneous in size and well dispersed on the TiO2 surface are obtained. The charge‐carrier dynamics, which is a key factor in photocatalysis, is studied by time‐resolved microwave conductivity. The results reveal that surface modification plays a crucial role in charge‐carrier separation, increasing the activity under UV–vis light irradiation. The bimetallic AuPd nanoalloys formation is confirmed by high‐angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy and corroborated by semiempirical molecular dynamics simulations (Gupta‐LAMMPS). The surface‐modified TiO2 with bimetallic AuPd nanoalloys exhibits higher photocatalytic activity compared to TiO2 modified with their monometallic counterparts. The experimental results are also supported by density functional theory and density functional tight binding calculations, which show that alloying AuPd with low Pd content presents significant synergetic effects for hydrogen generation under UV–vis light from aqueous triethanolamine solutions. Additionally, the AuPd/TiO2 photocatalysts are stable with cycling.
Effects of Pulse Width and Electrical Energy of Low‐Voltage Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Fields on Mitochondria in Cancer Cells
Authors: Ninagawa Yuto , Sugiura Ren , Kato Eiko , Wada Keiji , Yagi Ippei , Uchida Satoshi
Published: April 2024

Nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs) have recently shown promise as a cancer therapy. Although nsPEF‐induced apoptotic responses have been observed, the stress on individual cell components has not been quantified. Therefore, the authors built a cell equivalent circuit, including mitochondria, to quantitatively calculate the voltage, electric field, and electrical energy applied to the cell components in the frequency domain. Additionally, pulse width and electrical energy changed in mitochondrial membrane potential over time. The results indicated that the change of pulsed voltage switched the cell stimulation pathway, resulting in different mitochondrial membrane potentials over time. The frequency response analysis confirmed that the potential on mitochondrial membranes increased under shorter pulse width conditions. This suggested that the frequency analysis provided in this paper is useful for relating the site of cellular stimulation to induce physiological effects. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Point‐of‐care ultrasound in clinical assessment of acute urological emergencies
Authors: Mani Nick , Burkert‐Milone Julia , Warren Hannah
Published: April 2024

There is increasing clinical adoption of focused point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) in community and hospital health care settings. The technology has many potential applications, including enhancing standard clinical assessment and shared decision making. However, governance, administration, infrastructure, quality control, education and research surrounding POCUS are lagging behind with the rapid emergence of this promising field of clinical imaging.
Authoritarian populist politics, politico‐religious extremism, and violence against women in post‐war Sri Lanka
Authors: Jayasundara‐Smits Shyamika , Subedi DB
Published: April 2024

Despite the implementation of progressive national policies and the adherence to numerous international conventions aimed at eradicating gender‐based violence and violence against women, incidents of violence against women in post‐war Sri Lanka are on the rise. This research delves into the intersection of post‐war populist politics supported by religious extremists and the resulting violence perpetrated against women, as well as its repercussions on women's well‐being. We are interested in locating the specific mechanisms through which religious extremism, authoritarian populism, and violence against women are connected. Our findings indicate that post‐war populist politics, backed by Buddhist religious extremists and the post‐war Sinhalese‐Buddhist hegemonic state's re‐building project, have generated dialectical relationships with Sri Lanka's minorities—Tamils and Muslims. These relationships are partially enacted through different forms of gender violence. This has consequences for all women. As successive confrontations deepen, the deterioration of these relationships exacerbates the likelihood of violence and reinforces a culture of impunity.
RETRACTED: Nosological approaches in studying the incidence rate among dental healthcare workers
Authors: Temurov Fazladin T. , Musaeva Aliya A. , Masadikov Shkurulla G. , Allabergenov Sanjar A. , Abdukadirov Shahrukh A.
Published: April 2024

This paper is aimed at a comprehensive study of the incidence of dentists in the Turkestan region of the Republic of Kazakhstan using the screening study method. The study included 200 dentists from 12 outpatient clinics in Shymkent city, Turkestan region (South Kazakhstan). Data on visits to doctors in the period from 2015 to 2022 were used to investigate the incidence. The average long‐term value of morbidity coefficients among the studied medical workers was 995.9 ± 9.9 cases per 1000 people over 7 years. The analysis of the structure of diseases was carried out based on information obtained from sick leave records of the study group of dentists for the period from 2015 to 2022. The dental profession has its own characteristics; the unfavorable factors identified during the study can be divided into three groups: factors related to the treatment process; factors related to the organization of premises in dental clinics; factors related to insufficient ergonomics of dental equipment and instruments; and the quality of filling and dental materials. Six of the same classes of diseases play a leading role in the structure of diseases identified during medical examinations, but their significance is different: in the first place are diseases associated with increased psychological stress (circulatory disorders, psychoneuroses, diseases of the digestive system), diseases associated with forced working position (musculoskeletal diseases).
On the one-dimensional Pompeiu problem
Authors: Barutello Vivina , Costantini Camillo
Published: April 2024

We investigate the Pompeiu property for subsets of the real line, under no assumption of connectedness. In particular we focus our study on finite unions of bounded (disjoint) intervals, and we emphasize the different results corresponding to the cases where the function in question is supposed to have constant integral on all isometric images, or just on all the translation-images of the domain. While no set of the previous kind enjoys the Pompeiu property in the latter sense, we provide a necessary and sufficient condition in order a union of two intervals to have the Pompeiu property in the former sense, and we produce some examples to give an insight of the complexity of the problem for three-interval sets.
Familienrekonstitution und Online-Genealogien zur Analyse der geschlechtsspezifischen differenziellen Sterblichkeit im historischen Kontext
Authors: Stelter Robert
Published: April 2024

Hintergrund

Familienrekonstitutionen und Familienstammbäume genealogischer Online-Plattformen sind 2 mögliche Datenquellen für die Untersuchung der Sterblichkeit in einer Zeit, als noch keine amtlichen Sterbetafeln verfügbar waren. Der vorliegende Artikel diskutiert anhand zweier Beispiele, der Familienrekonstitution aus Imhof und dem auf geni.com beruhenden Datensatz FamiLinx, die geschätzten Verläufe der Lebenserwartung im Deutschen Reich mit einem Fokus auf die geschlechtsspezifische differenzielle Mortalität.

Methoden

Mithilfe der Individualdaten aus der Familienrekonstitution und aus den Online-Genealogien werden die geschlechtsspezifischen Sterbetafeln geschätzt. Aus ihnen wird die bedingte Lebenserwartung ermittelt und die entsprechende geschlechtsspezifische differenzielle Mortalität abgeleitet und mit den amtlichen Sterbetafeln für die Jahre 1871–1910 abgeglichen. Der Beitrag der einzelnen Altersklassen zur differenziellen Sterblichkeit wird mit dem Stepwise Replacement Algorithm bestimmt.

Ergebnisse

Die Ergebnisse der Familienrekonstitution überschätzen die Lebenserwartung nach 1871 weniger stark als die FamiLinx-Schätzungen. Die geringere Sterblichkeit der Frauen in der amtlichen Statistik wird von beiden Quellen nicht abgebildet. Im Gegensatz zur amtlichen Statistik ist die geschätzte Lebenserwartung der Männer höher als die der Frauen. Diese verzerrte geschlechtsspezifische Abbildung der Mortalitätsraten geht insbesondere auf die Altersklassen von 15 bis 45 Jahren zurück.

Diskussion

Der Notability Bias, der patriarchische Ansatz in der Erstellung von Familienstammbäumen und die Müttersterblichkeit sind mögliche Ursachen für diese Beobachtungen in FamiLinx. In der Familienrekonstitution ist die mit der Mobilität einhergehende Zensierung ein Erklärungsansatz.
Optimizing selection based on BLUPs or BLUEs in multiple sets of genotypes differing in their population parameters
Authors: Melchinger Albrecht E. , Fernando Rohan , Melchinger Andreas J. , Schön Chris-Carolin
Published: April 2024

Key message

Selection response in truncation selection across multiple sets of candidates hinges on their post-selection proportions, which can deviate grossly from their initial proportions. For BLUPs, using a uniform threshold for all candidates maximizes the selection response, irrespective of differences in population parameters.

Plant breeding programs typically involve multiple families from either the same or different populations, varying in means, genetic variances and prediction accuracy of BLUPs or BLUEs for true genetic values (TGVs) of candidates. We extend the classical breeder's equation for truncation selection from single to multiple sets of genotypes, indicating that the expected overall selection response$$({\Delta G}_{{\text{Tot}}})$$(ΔGTot)for TGVs depends on the selection response within individual sets and their post-selection proportions. For BLUEs, we show that maximizing$${\Delta G}_{{\text{Tot}}}$$ΔGTotrequires thresholds optimally tailored for each set, contingent on their population parameters. For BLUPs, we prove that$${\Delta G}_{{\text{Tot}}}$$ΔGTotis maximized by applying a uniform threshold across all candidates from all sets. We provide explicit formulas for the origin of the selected candidates from different sets and show that their proportions before and after selection can differ substantially, especially for sets with inferior properties and low proportion. We discuss implications of these results for (a) optimum allocation of resources to training and prediction sets and (b) the need to counteract narrowing the genetic variation under genomic selection. For genomic selection of hybrids based on BLUPs of GCA of their parent lines, selecting distinct proportions in the two parent populations can be advantageous, if these differ substantially in the variance and/or prediction accuracy of GCA. Our study sheds light on the complex interplay of selection thresholds and population parameters for the selection response in plant breeding programs, offering insights into the effective resource management and prudent application of genomic selection for improved crop development.
Moving mountains: reevaluating the elevations of Colorado mountain summits using modern geodetic techniques
Authors: Ahlgren Kevin , van Westrum Derek , Shaw Brian
Published: April 2024

One of the most challenging environments for accurate geoid models is in high, rugged mountain areas. Orthometric heights derived from GNSS and a geoid model can easily have errors at the decimeter level. To investigate the effect of geoid model variability on the elevations of peaks in high, rugged mountain areas, this paper is focused on the “Fourteeners” of Colorado, USA (a group of about 60 peaks that are above 14,000 feet = 4267.2 m). Airborne LiDAR data are used to determine geometric (ellipsoidal) heights, which first requires removing a hybrid geoid model, as the LiDAR data is originally provided as orthometric heights. We quantify a significant improvement when using these derived ellipsoidal heights compared with the original orthometric heights: from ± 0.074 to ± 0.054 m (RMSE), an improvement of 28%. Next, a mean geoid model is determined with a relative accuracy of ± 0.06 to 0.08 m and used as a “stand in” realization of the future, official geopotential datum of the USA, NAPGD2022. Using the LiDAR ellipsoidal heights and geoid model, elevations (and uncertainties) for each of the Fourteener summits are determined and found to be, on average, 1.6 m lower than currently published values. This is a much larger change than the 0.5 m decrease expected from the new datum shift alone. The bulk of the difference is due to the original treatments of the vertical angle, triangulation data. A reanalysis of 32 of the 60 peaks shows that the historic data were indeed too high by about 1.0 m or more. Ultimately, no peak falls below the 14,000-foot level nor are any peaks elevated above this level.
Impact of an AI software on the diagnostic performance and reading time for the detection of cerebral aneurysms on time of flight MR-angiography
Authors: Lehnen Nils C. , Schievelkamp Arndt-Hendrik , Gronemann Christian , Haase Robert , Krause Inga , Gansen Max , Fleckenstein Tobias , Dorn Franziska , Radbruch Alexander , Paech Daniel
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of an AI-based software trained to detect cerebral aneurysms on TOF-MRA on the diagnostic performance and reading times across readers with varying experience levels.

Methods

One hundred eighty-six MRI studies were reviewed by six readers to detect cerebral aneurysms. Initially, readings were assisted by the CNN-based software mdbrain. After 6 weeks, a second reading was conducted without software assistance. The results were compared to the consensus reading of two neuroradiological specialists and sensitivity (lesion and patient level), specificity (patient level), and false positives per case were calculated for the group of all readers, for the subgroup of physicians, and for each individual reader. Also, reading times for each reader were measured.

Results

The dataset contained 54 aneurysms. The readers had no experience (three medical students), 2 years experience (resident in neuroradiology), 6 years experience (radiologist), and 12 years (neuroradiologist). Significant improvements of overall specificity and the overall number of false positives per case were observed in the reading with AI support. For the physicians, we found significant improvements of sensitivity on lesion and patient level and false positives per case. Four readers experienced reduced reading times with the software, while two encountered increased times.

Conclusion

In the reading with the AI-based software, we observed significant improvements in terms of specificity and false positives per case for the group of all readers and significant improvements of sensitivity and false positives per case for the physicians. Further studies are needed to investigate the effects of the AI-based software in a prospective setting.
“Hidden” biodiversity: a new amphipod genus dominates epifauna in association with a mesophotic black coral forest
Authors: Navarro-Mayoral Sandra , Gouillieux Benoit , Fernandez-Gonzalez Victoria , Tuya Fernando , Lecoquierre Ninon , Bramanti Lorenzo , Terrana Lucas , Espino Fernando , Flot Jean-François , Haroun Ricardo , Otero-Ferrer Francisco
Published: April 2024

Black corals are important components of mesophotic and deep-water marine habitats. Their presence at great depths (e.g., 50 to 200 m) makes accessibility difficult, limiting our understanding of the associated biodiversity. Amphipods dominate vagile epifauna in marine habitats around the world, fulfilling important ecosystem functions. However, there are no studies on amphipods exclusively associated with black corals, including relationships between their ecological patterns (e.g., abundances) and the size of coral colonies. We investigated the epifaunal composition and abundance associated with black coral colonies of Antipathella wollastoni in the subtropical eastern Atlantic Ocean. In total, 1,736 epifaunal individuals were identified, of which 1,706 (98.27%) were amphipods, belonging to 6 taxa. We identified and described a new amphipod genus and species within the Stenothoidae family, Wollastenothoe minuta gen. nov., sp. nov., which outnumbered the amphipod assemblage (86.15%) and provided a complete taxonomic key of Stenothoidae family including this new finding. For the first time, the association between an amphipod species and a black coral was described, including a strong correlation between coral colony size and amphipod abundances. This study demonstrates that epifauna associated with mesophotic black corals remains largely undescribed.
Early diagnosis of solitary functioning kidney: comparing the prognosis of kidney agenesis and multicystic dysplastic kidney
Authors: Flogelova Hana , Bouchalova Katerina , Smakal Oldrich , Halek Jan , Langova Katerina , Cizkova Katerina
Published: April 2024

Background

Individuals with congenital solitary functioning kidney (SFK) are at an increased risk of kidney damage. According to some studies, the risk is higher in unilateral kidney agenesis (UKA) than in unilateral multicystic dysplastic kidney (UMCDK). We hypothesized that with early detection of children with UKA and UMCDK, there would be no difference in the presence of hypertension, proteinuria, and reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) between UKA and UMCDK.

Methods

Based on a long-term follow-up protocol, we evaluated a cohort of 160 children followed from birth for SFK (84 with UKA and 76 with UMCDK) detected by prenatal or routine neonatal ultrasound screening. Hypertension, proteinuria, and reduced GFR were monitored as markers of kidney damage. We compared the characteristics and outcomes of the subgroups of children with UKA and UMCDK.

Results

GFR was reduced in 42 (26.2%) children, of whom 41 showed only mild reduction. Hypertension and proteinuria were found in 22 (13.8%) and 14 (8.8%) children, respectively. Combined kidney damage was present in 57 (35.6%) children. The UMCDK and UKA subgroups differed in GFR at final examination, with UMCDK patients being significantly more likely to have normal GFR compared to UKA patients (82% vs. 67%; p = 0.039).

Conclusions

One third of the children showed signs of SFK damage, albeit mild. Patients with UKA had reduced GFR significantly more often than those with UMCDK, but did not differ in the rates of hyperfiltration injury or congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT) in SFK.

Graphical Abstract
Small Subgraphs with Large Average Degree
Authors: Janzer Oliver , Sudakov Benny , Tomon István
Published: April 2024

In this paper we study the fundamental problem of finding small dense subgraphs in a given graph. For a real number$$s>2$$s>2, we prove that every graph onnvertices with average degree$$d\ge s$$d≥scontains a subgraph of average degree at leastson at most$$nd^{-\frac{s}{s-2}}(\log d)^{O_s(1)}$$nd-ss-2(logd)Os(1)vertices. This is optimal up to the polylogarithmic factor, and resolves a conjecture of Feige and Wagner. In addition, we show that every graph withnvertices and average degree at least$$n^{1-\frac{2}{s}+\varepsilon }$$n1-2s+εcontains a subgraph of average degree at leastson$$O_{\varepsilon ,s}(1)$$Oε,s(1)vertices, which is also optimal up to the constant hidden in theO(.) notation, and resolves a conjecture of Verstraëte.
Is the Yermak Plateau a continental fragment from North America? Constraints from Cretaceous and early Eocene magmatic events
Authors: Estrada Solveig , Koglin Nikola , Riefstahl Florian , Nopper Hannah , Geissler Wolfram , Spiegel Cornelia
Published: April 2024

The Yermak Plateau (YP) north of Svalbard is a prominent bathymetric feature in the Eurasia Basin of the Arctic Ocean, forming the northwesternmost margin of the Eurasian plate. Seismic data indicate that the YP comprises continental basement; however, little is known about its geology. New petrographic, geochemical, Sr–Nd isotopic, and Ar–Ar geochronological data were obtained on rock fragments, which were previously recovered from basement highs of the northeastern and southwestern YP and are dominantly of magmatic origin. These new data combined with available literature data, and comparisons with volcanic and sedimentary rocks from onshore and offshore areas adjacent to the YP indicate that the northeastern YP and the southwestern YP are different regarding their geological evolution. The southwestern YP comprises an alkaline basaltic suite for which an Ar–Ar biotite age of 51 Ma was previously reported. The suite was formed in a continental extensional regime offshore northern Svalbard. Associated sedimentary rocks (sandstone, several limestones) show petrographic similarity with rocks of the Devonian Old Red Sandstone on Svalbard. From the northeastern YP, in contrast, we recovered mildly alkaline basaltic rocks with mid-Cretaceous Ar–Ar ages (102 ± 3 and 98 ± 3 Ma). The rocks show certain geochemical characteristics (partial enrichments of P, Ba, and Eu), which overlap with similar-aged Cretaceous basaltic rocks from northern Ellesmere Island of Canada and North Greenland. We suggest that the northeastern YP is a continental fragment derived from the North American plate, which was separated from the conjugate Morris Jesup Rise and juxtaposed to the geologically distinct southwestern YP by the propagation of the Gakkel Ridge spreading center since the early Oligocene.

Graphical Abstract
The biochemical pattern defines MASLD phenotypes linked to distinct histology and prognosis
Authors: Ampuero Javier , Aller Rocío , Gallego-Durán Rocío , Crespo Javier , Calleja Jose Luis , García-Monzón Carmelo , Gómez-Camarero Judith , Caballería Joan , Lo Iacono Oreste , Ibañez Luis , García-Samaniego Javier , Albillos Agustín , Francés Rubén , Fernández-Rodríguez Conrado , Maya-Miles Douglas , Diago Moisés , Poca Maria , Andrade Raúl J. , Latorre Raquel , Jorquera Francisco , Morillas Rosa María , Escudero Desamparados , Hernández-Guerra Manuel , Pareja-Megia María Jesús , Banales Jesús M. , Aspichueta Patricia , Benlloch Salvador , Rosales José Miguel , Turnes Juan , Romero-Gómez Manuel ,   on behalf of HEPAmet Registry
Published: April 2024

Background

MASLD can manifest as hepatocellular damage, which can result in mild elevation of aminotransferases. However, in some patients, MASLD presents with cholestatic pattern.

Objective

To assess the impact of the biochemical pattern on the natural course of MASLD, including liver damage in histology, the accuracy of non-invasive tests(NITs), and prognosis.

Methods

Multicenter study enrolling 2156 patients with biopsy-proven MASLD, who were classified based on their[ALT/ULN)]/[(ALP/ULN)] levels at the time of biopsy: (a) hepatocellular pattern(H), > 5; (b) mixed pattern(M),2–5; (c) cholestatic pattern(C), < 2. Outcomes: (a) histological evaluation of the single components of NAS, MASH, and fibrosis; (b) NITs and transient elastography assessing advanced fibrosis; (c) prognosis determined by the appearance of decompensated cirrhosis and death.

Results

Out of the 2156 patients, 22.9% exhibited the H-pattern, whilst 31.7% exhibited the C-pattern. Severe steatosis, ballooning, lobular inflammation, and MASH (56.4% H vs. 41.9% M vs. 31.9% C) were more common in H-pattern (p = 0.0001),whilst C-pattern was linked to cirrhosis (5.8% H vs. 5.6% M vs. 10.9% C; p = 0.0001). FIB-4(0.74(95% CI 0.69–0.79) vs. 0.83 (95% CI 0.80–0.85); p = 0.005) and Hepamet Fibrosis Score(0.77 (95% CI 0.69–0.85) vs. 0.84 (95% CI 0.80–0.87); p = 0.044)exhibited lower AUROCs in the H-pattern. The C-pattern[HR 2.37 (95% CI 1.12–5.02); p = 0.024], along with age, diabetes, and cirrhosis were independently associated with mortality. Most patients maintained their initial biochemical pattern during the second evaluation.

Conclusions

The H-pattern exhibited greater necro-inflammation in the histology than the C-pattern, whereas the latter showed more cirrhosis. The accuracy of NITs in detecting fibrosis was decreased in H-pattern. The occurrence of decompensated events and mortality was predominant in C-pattern. Therefore, identifying MASLD phenotypes based on the biochemical presentation could be relevant for clinical practice.
Effect of different positive end expiratory pressure levels on optic nerve sheath diameter in patients with or without midline shift who are undergoing supratentorial craniotomy
Authors: Fenerci Adem , Akcil Eren Fatma , Tunali Yusuf , Dilmen Ozlem Korkmaz
Published: April 2024

Purpose

In general, high levels of PEEP application is avoided in patients undergoing craniotomy to prevent a rise in ICP. But that approach would increase the risk of secondary brain injury especially in hypoxemic patients. Because the optic nerve sheath is distensible, a rise in ICP is associated with an increase in the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD). The cutoff value for elevated ICP assessed by ONSD is between 5.6 and 6.3 mm. We aimed to evaluate the effect of different PEEP levels on ONSD and compare the effect of different PEEP levels in patients with and without intracranial midline shift.

Methods

This prospective observational study was performed in aged 18–70 years, ASA I–III, 80 patients who were undergoing supratentorial craniotomy. After the induction of general anesthesia, the ONSD’s were measured by the linear transducer from 3 mm below the globe at PEEP values of 0–5–10 cmH2O. The ONSD were compered between patients with (n = 7) and without midline shift (n = 73) at different PEEP values.

Results

The increases in ONSD due to increase in PEEP level were determined (p < 0.001). No difference was found in the comparison of ONSD between patients with and without midline shift in different PEEP values (p = 0.329, 0.535, 0.410 respectively). But application of 10 cmH2O PEEP in patients with a midline shift increased the mean ONSD value to 5.73 mm. This value is roughly 0.1 mm higher than the lower limit of the ONSD cutoff value.

Conclusions

The ONSD in adults undergoing supratentorial tumor craniotomy, PEEP values up to 5 cmH2O, appears not to be associated with an ICP increase; however, the ONSD exceeded the cutoff for increased ICP when a PEEP of 10 cmH2O was applied in patients with midline shift.
Spatio-temporal trajectory data modeling for fishing gear classification
Authors: Rodriguez-Albala Juan Manuel , Peña Alejandro , Melzi Pietro , Morales Aythami , Tolosana Ruben , Fierrez Julian , Vera-Rodriguez Ruben , Ortega-Garcia Javier
Published: April 2024

International Organizations urge the protection of our oceans and their ecosystems due to their immeasurable importance to humankind. Since illegal fishing activities, commonly known as IUU fishing, cause irreparable damage to these ecosystems, concerned organisms are pushing to detect and combat IUU fishing practices. The automatic identification system allows to locate the position and trajectory of fishing vessels. In this study we address the task of detecting vessels’ fishing gears based on the trajectory behavior defined by GPS position data, a useful task to prevent the proliferation of IUU fishing practices. We present a new database including trajectories that span 7 different fishing gears and analyze these as in a time sequence analysis problem. We leverage from feature extraction techniques from the online signature verification domain to model vessel trajectories, and extract relevant information in the form of both local and global feature sets. We show how, based on these sets of features, the kinematics of vessels according to different fishing gears can be effectively classified using common supervised learning algorithms with accuracies up to $$90\%$$

90
%

. Furthermore, motivated by the concerns raised by several organizations on the adverse impact of bottom trawling on marine biodiversity, we present a binary classification experiment in which we were able to distinguish this kind of fishing gear with an accuracy of $$99\%$$

99
%

. We also illustrate in an ablation study the relevance of factors such as data availability and the sampling period to perform fishing gear classification. Compared to existing works, we highlight these factors, especially the importance of using sampling periods in the order of minutes instead of hours.
Figure-ground segmentation based on motion in the archerfish
Authors: Volotsky Svetlana , Segev Ronen
Published: April 2024

Figure-ground segmentation is a fundamental process in visual perception that involves separating visual stimuli into distinct meaningful objects and their surrounding context, thus allowing the brain to interpret and understand complex visual scenes. Mammals exhibit varying figure-ground segmentation capabilities, ranging from primates that can perform well on figure-ground segmentation tasks to rodents that perform poorly. To explore figure-ground segmentation capabilities in teleost fish, we studied how the archerfish, an expert visual hunter, performs figure-ground segmentation. We trained archerfish to discriminate foreground objects from the background, where the figures were defined by motion as well as by discontinuities in intensity and texture. Specifically, the figures were defined by grating, naturalistic texture, and random noise moving in counterphase with the background. The archerfish performed the task well and could distinguish between all three types of figures and grounds. Their performance was comparable to that of primates and outperformed rodents. These findings suggest the existence of a complex visual process in the archerfish visual system that enables the delineation of figures as distinct from backgrounds, and provide insights into object recognition in this animal.
Determining a musculoskeletal system’s pre-stretched state using continuum–mechanical forward modelling and joint range optimization
Authors: Avci Okan , Röhrle Oliver
Published: April 2024

The subject-specific range of motion (RoM) of a musculoskeletal joint system is balanced by pre-tension levels of individual muscles, which affects their contraction capability. Such an inherent pre-tension or pre-stretch of muscles is not measureable with in vivo experiments. Using a 3D continuum mechanical forward simulation approach for motion analysis of the musculoskeletal system of the forearm with 3 flexor and 2 extensor muscles, we developed an optimization process to determine the muscle fibre pre-stretches for an initial arm position, which is given human dataset. We used RoM values of a healthy person to balance the motion in extension and flexion. The performed sensitivity study shows that the fibre pre-stretches of the m. brachialis, m. biceps brachii and m. triceps brachii with $$91\%$$

91
%

dominate the objective flexion ratio, while m. brachiradialis and m. anconeus amount $$7.8\%$$

7.8
%

and $$1.2\%$$

1.2
%

. Within the multi-dimensional space of the surrogate model, 3D sub-spaces of primary variables, namely the dominant muscles and the global objective, flexion ratio, exhibit a path of optimal solutions. Within this optimal path, the muscle fibre pre-stretch of two flexors demonstrate a negative correlation, while, in contrast, the primary extensor, m. triceps brachii correlates positively to each of the flexors. Comparing the global optimum with four other designs along the optimal path, we saw large deviations, e.g., up to 15$$^{\circ }$$

∘

in motion and up to 40% in muscle force. This underlines the importance of accurate determination of fibre pre-stretch in muscles, especially, their role in pathological muscular disorders and surgical applications such as free muscle or tendon transfer.
Transitional chelal digit patterns in saprophagous astigmatan mites
Authors: Bowman Clive E.
Published: April 2024

Changes in the functional shape of astigmatan mite moveable digit profiles are examined to test if Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Acaridae) is a trophic intermediate between a typical micro-saprophagous carpoglyphid (Carpoglyphus lactis) and a common macro-saprophagous glycyphagid (Glycyphagus domesticus). Digit tip elongation in these mites is decoupled from the basic physics of optimising moveable digit inertia. Investment in the basal ramus/coronoid process compared to that for the moveable digit mastication length varies with feeding style. A differentiated ascending ramus is indicated in C. lactis and in T. putrescentiae for different trophic reasons. Culturing affects relative investments in C. lactis. A markedly different style of feeding is inferred for the carpoglyphid. The micro-saprophagous acarid does not have an intermediate pattern of trophic functional form between the other two species. Mastication surface shape complexity confirms the acarid to be heterodontous. T. putrescentiae is a particularly variably formed species trophically. A plausible evolutionary path for the gradation of forms is illustrated. Digit form and strengthening to resist bending under occlusive loads is explored in detail. Extensions to the analytical approach are suggested to confirm the decoupling of moveable digit pattern from cheliceral and chelal adaptations. Caution is expressed when interpreting ordinations of multidimensional data in mites.
Altered lactate/pyruvate ratio may be responsible for aging-associated intestinal barrier dysfunction in male rats
Authors: Papila Berrin , Karimova Ayla , Onaran Ilhan
Published: April 2024

Some evidence points to a link between aging-related increased intestinal permeability and mitochondrial dysfunction in in-vivo models. Several studies have also demonstrated age-related accumulation of the of specific deletion 4834-bp of “common” mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in various rat tissues and suggest that this deletion may disrupt mitochondrial metabolism. The present study aimed to investigate possible associations among the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) common deletion, mitochondrial function, intestinal permeability, and aging in rats. The study was performed on the intestinal tissue from (24 months) and young (4 months) rats. mtDNA4834 deletion, mtDNA copy number, mitochondrial membrane potential, and ATP, lactate and pyruvate levels were analyzed in tissue samples. Zonulin and intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) levels were also evaluated in serum. Serum zonulin and I-FABP levels were significantly higher in 24-month-old rats than 4-month-old rats (p = 0.04, p = 0.026, respectively). There is not significant difference in mtDNA4834 copy levels was observed between the old and young intestinal tissues (p > 0.05). The intestinal mitochondrial DNA copy number was similar between the two age groups (p > 0.05). No significant difference was observed in ATP levels in the intestinal tissue lysates between old and young rats (p > 0.05). ATP levels in isolated mitochondria from both groups were also similar. Analysis of MMP using JC-10 in intestinal tissue mitochondria showed that mitochondrial membrane potentials (red/green ratios) were similar between the two age groups (p > 0.05). Pyruvate tended to be higher in the 24-month-old rat group and the L/P ratio was found to be approximately threefold lower in the intestinal tissue of the older rats compared to the younger rats (p < 0.002). The tissue lactate/pyruvate ratio (L/P) was three times lower in old rats than in young rats. Additionally, there were significant negative correlations between intestinal permeability parameters and L/P ratios. The intestinal tissues of aged rats are not prone to accumulate mtDNA common deletion, we suggest that this mutation does not explain the age-related increase in intestinal permeability. It seems to be more likely that altered glycolytic capacity could be a link to increased intestinal permeability with age. This observation strengthens assertions that the balance between glycolysis and mitochondrial metabolism may play a critical role in intestinal barrier functions.
The Design of Emission Taxes in Markets with New Firm Acquisitions
Authors: Gautier Luis , Fikru Mahelet G.
Published: April 2024

In the 1990s there was a great deal of interest in the study of the role of endogenous market structure under oligopoly in the characterization of emission taxes. This interest was instrumental in providing policy guidance on the design of emission taxes based on market characteristics. However, the literature has been silent on offering policy recommendations on the design of emission taxes under endogenous market structure in the presence of new firm acquisitions. We build a model where new firms enter the market where some are acquired by an incumbent multi-plant firm, altering the initial market structure. In this framework, we characterize the second-best emission tax and examine the role of the resulting market structure, in particular the role of acquiring more/fewer of the new firms, in the optimal design of emission tax. We argue that, under certain conditions, the acquisition of new firms may lead to higher taxation consistent with the Pigouvian rule or even exceed marginal damages. Our contribution is at the intersection of emission tax design and M &A (new firm acquisition) literature.
The impact of law on moral and social norms: evidence from facemask fines in the UK
Authors: Berneri Chiara , Larcom Shaun , Peng Congmin , She Po-Wen
Published: April 2024

We measure the extent that a prevailing law can affect moral and social norms. We use variations in facemask fines in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic as a case study, as it presents us with many features of a natural experiment. Our analysis provides two important findings. First, we find that the legal status of a behaviour, that is whether the behaviour is illegal or not, is important in influencing stated compliance and moral and social norms. In contrast we find no evidence that a variation in penalties has any effect on stated compliance or moral or social norms. We consider these results are important for law makers and society, as both moral and social norms are known to be important drivers of social change, and our results show that legality influences both—thus highlighting an endogenous relationship between the law—and moral and social norms.
Clinical features of prostate cancer by polygenic risk score
Authors: Spears Christina , Xu Menglin , Shoben Abigail , Dason Shawn , Toland Amanda Ewart , Byrne Lindsey
Published: April 2024

Genome-wide association studies have identified more than 290 single nucleotide variants (SNVs) associated with prostate cancer. These SNVs can be combined to generate a Polygenic Risk Score (PRS), which estimates an individual’s risk to develop prostate cancer. Identifying individuals at higher risk for prostate cancer using PRS could allow for personalized screening recommendations, improve current screening tools, and potentially result in improved survival rates, but more research is needed before incorporating them into clinical use. Our study aimed to investigate associations between PRS and clinical factors in affected individuals, including age of diagnosis, metastases, histology, International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) Grade Group (GG) and family history of prostate cancer, while taking into account germline genetic testing in known prostate cancer related genes. To evaluate the relationship between these clinical factors and PRS, a quantitative retrospective chart review of 250 individuals of European ancestry diagnosed with prostate cancer who received genetic counseling services at The Ohio State University’s Genitourinary Cancer Genetics Clinic and a 72-SNV PRS through Ambry Genetics, was performed. We found significant associations between higher PRS and younger age of diagnosis (p = 0.002), lower frequency of metastases (p = 0.006), and having a first-degree relative diagnosed with prostate cancer (p = 0.024). We did not observe significant associations between PRS and ISUP GG, histology or a having a second-degree relative with prostate cancer. These findings provide insights into features associated with higher PRS, but larger multi-ancestral studies using PRS that are informative across populations are needed to understand its clinical utility.