bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nickel Molybdenum Selenide (NiMoSe2) Nanostructures: A Binary Transition Metal Dichalcogenide for Regioselective Synthesis of 2,3,5‐Tri Substituted Pyrrole Derivatives
Authors: Verma Rameshwari , Raju Sahana , Verma Santosh Kumar , Verma Shekhar , Ali Mohd Sajid , Al‐Lohedan Hamad A. , Padaki Mahesh , Pramoda K. , Sharath Kumar Kothanahally S.
Published: October 2024

Binary transition metal dichalcogenides (BTMDs) have attracted a lot of researchers to exploit their unique properties for different applications in various fields, mainly in energy and environment. Surprisingly, there are no attempts of utilizing BTMDs materials particularly nickel molybdenum selenide (NiMoSe2) as a catalyst support for organic transformations. Reusable catalysts are better alternatives to the transition metal‐free protocols for the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds. Herein, we report a NiMoSe2 BTMD catalyst with Lewis acidic (transition metal) and strongly basic (selenide) sites for the regioselective synthesis of 2,3,5‐tri(het)aryl‐pyrroles from β‐thioxoketone precursors. The present method is capable of giving the expected products in good to excellent yields (up to 80%). Different substituents like ester, cyano, alkyl, trifluoromethyl, methoxy, and halogens have shown tolerance under optimized reaction conditions. The recyclability and reusability of the catalyst was checked for five catalytic cycles without notable loss in reactivity.
Intravenous pyogenic granuloma of the external jugular vein
Authors: Sirlyn Quanson , Fischer‐Straub Anna , Upton Anthony
Published: October 2024

Intravenous pyogenic granuloma (IVPG) represents a subset of lobular capillary haemangioma. The preoperative diagnosis is complex due to the absence of distinct features specific to a particular diagnosis in the clinical presentation. Physical examination findings closely mimic those of other soft tissue growths. Ultrasound should be the preferred modality for preoperative diagnostic imaging, as the lesion typically exhibits consistent ultrasound characteristics. This knowledge is imperative for an accurate and timely diagnosis. This case report presents a histologically confirmed IVPG localised in the right external jugular vein, which has been present for 2 years and is progressively enlarging.
Resurgence of cloudinomorph fossils with possible cnidarian affinity at the peak of the Cambrian Explosion (Cambrian Series 2, Stage 3) in southern Shaanxi, China
Authors: Luo Jinzhou , Hua Hong , Gong Meng , Hou Yang , Dai Qiaokun , Zhang Song , Wang Xinzi , Bai Lin
Published: October 2024

During the Precambrian–Cambrian transition, tubicolous animals were prevalent among small shelly fossils. These include the oldest‐known skeletal fossil Cloudina from the terminal Ediacaran, and anabarites and hyoliths from the early Cambrian; considered to be possible annelids, cnidarians, and molluscs, respectively. Tubular fossils have important bio‐stratigraphic significance during this period, and their diversity and evolutionary radiation trend herald the Cambrian explosion. However, the relative morphological simplicity of these fossils and lack of preserved soft‐body information has resulted in poor taxonomic constraints. Here, numerous tubular fossils exhibiting multi‐stage cylindrical or conical cups were recovered from the middle–upper Guojiaba Formation of Cambrian Series 2, Stage 3, in Mianxian, South China. One new genus (Mianxiantubus) and three new species (M. cyathiformis, M. obconicus, and M. varius) were established to accommodate the morphological diversity of the fossils. However, their affinities remain contentious and undetermined and have been tentatively ascribed to Cnidaria. The possible morphology and growth patterns of Mianxiantubus suggest a close relationship with cloudinomorph fossils, although it is notably distinct from the quintessential cloudinids owing to the presence of transverse septa. Moreover, many other tubular fossils have been recovered from the same level, which may extend to the overlying Xiannvdong Formation (Stage 3), co‐occurring with archaeocyathids. This suggests that tubicolous organisms continued to diversify and occupied specific ecological niches even during the peak phase of the Cambrian explosion, dominated by bilateral epifaunal vagrants.
Fast Terminal Synergetic Speed Control for SMPMSM Drive System
Authors: Zhao Haonan , Li Hongmei , Yang Liguo , Chen Bin , Zhou Chao
Published: October 2024

For the surface‐mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor (SMPMSM) drive system, a fast terminal synergetic speed control (FTSSC) is proposed to improve its speed dynamic performance and robustness. In the proposed control scheme, the ultra‐local model of SMPMSM drive system, which considers motor parameter uncertainties and unknown disturbances, is set up based on the algebraic parameter identification method. Then, the nonlinear terminal manifold is designed to achieve speed rapid convergence in finite time, moreover, the fast synergetic speed control law that satisfies the voltage and current constraints of SMPMSM drive system is derived. Meanwhile, the Lyapunov function is designed to prove the stability of the proposed fast terminal synergetic speed‐controlled SMPMSM drive system. Finally, the effectiveness and feasibility of proposed control is verified through the experimental research of SMPMSM drive system. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Techno‐Economic Analysis of Additively‐Manufactured Wind Turbine Blade Tips That Enable Technology Integration
Authors: Houchens Brent C. , Sproul Evan G. , Berg Jonathan C. , Caserta Paolo G. , Hernandez Miguel H. , Houck Daniel R. , Lopez Helio , Maniaci David C. , Monroe Graham , Paquette Joshua A. , Rodriguez Sal , Tilles Julia N. , deVelder Nathaniel B. , Williams Michelle , Westergaard Carsten H. , McIntosh Trey , Payant James A. , Wetzel Kyle K.
Published: October 2024

The Additively‐Manufactured, System‐Integrated Tip (AMSIT) project is leveraging the flexibility of 3D printing to integrate several technologies in a wind turbine blade tip, while reducing the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) produced. The design integration is demonstrated for a 200‐kW–scale turbine with 13‐m blades, with the outer 15% of the blade replaced with a 3D‐printed design. Aerodynamic performance is enhanced without increasing swept area through inclusion of a winglet and surface texturing, both challenging for traditional manufacturing. Longevity and durability are improved through integrated lightning and leading edge erosion protection. Increased power, reduced repair frequency, and ease of repair through blade modularity all contribute to reduced LCOE. The analysis is also extended to modern MW‐scale designs to estimate the impact of the technology at scale, demonstrating the potential to reduce LCOE significantly for modern onshore turbines, with even higher potential savings offshore.
Storm Ciarán – an exceptionally severe windstorm in the Channel Islands
Authors: Winter Matthew , Le Blancq Frank , Le Maistre Adrienne , Plummer Rob
Published: October 2024

Storm Ciarán was an extremely damaging windstorm which affected southern Britain, the Channel Islands and northern France on 1/2 November 2023. Storm force winds with gusts in excess of 90mph (81kn) widely affected Jersey, along with a severe thunderstorm bringing heavy precipitation, large hail and a severe tornado. Due the development of the storm, warnings were issued well in advance giving the island time to prepare. In many ways, Storm Ciarán was comparable to the Great Storm of 1987, both of which left severe damage across Jersey including widespread damage to homes and infrastructure across the island.
On AdS3/ICFT2 with a dynamical scalar field located on the brane
Authors: Liu Yan , Lyu Hong-Da , Wang Chuan-Yi
Published: October 2024

Abstract

We exploit the holographic duality to study the system of a one-dimensional interface contacting two semi-infinite two-dimensional CFTs. Central to our investigation is the introduction of a dynamical scalar field located on the bulk interface brane which breaks the scaling symmetry of the dual interface field theory, along with its consequential backreaction on the system. We define an interface entropy from holographic entanglement entropy, to construct a g-function. At zero temperature we construct several illustrative examples and consistently observe that the g-theorem is always satisfied. These examples also reveal distinct features of the interface entropy that are intricately linked to the scalar potential profiles. At finite temperature we find that the dynamical scalar field enables the bulk theory to have new configurations which would be infeasible solely with a tension term on the interface brane.
Tadpole conjecture in non-geometric backgrounds
Authors: Becker Katrin , Brady Nathan , Graña Mariana , Morros Miguel , Sengupta Anindya , You Qi
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Calabi-Yau compactifications have typically a large number of complex structure and/or Kähler moduli that have to be stabilised in phenomenologically-relevant vacua. The former can in principle be done by fluxes in type IIB solutions. However, the tadpole conjecture proposes that the number of stabilised moduli can at most grow linearly with the tadpole charge of the fluxes required for stabilisation. We scrutinise this conjecture in the 26 Gepner model: a non-geometric background mirror dual to a rigid Calabi-Yau manifold, in the deep interior of moduli space. By constructing an extensive set of supersymmetric Minkowski flux solutions, we spectacularly confirm the linear growth, while achieving a slightly higher ratio of stabilised moduli to flux charge than the conjectured upper bound. As a byproduct, we obtain for the first time a set of solutions within the tadpole bound where all complex structure moduli are massive. Since the 26 model has no Kähler moduli, these show that the massless Minkowski conjecture does not hold beyond supergravity.
Adaptive asymptotic solutions of inflationary models in the Hamilton-Jacobi formalism: application to T-models
Authors: Medina Elena , Álvarez Gabriel
Published: October 2024

Abstract

We develop a method to compute the slow-roll expansion for the Hubble parameter in inflationary models in a flat Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker spacetime that is applicable to a wide class of potentials including monomial, polynomial, or rational functions of the inflaton, as well as polynomial or rational functions of the exponential of the inflaton. The method, formulated within the Hamilton-Jacobi formalism, adapts the form of the slow-roll expansion to the analytic form of the inflationary potential, thus allowing a consistent order-by-order computation amenable to Padé summation. Using T-models as an example, we show that Padé summation extends the domain of validity of this adapted slow-roll expansion to the end of inflation. Likewise, Padé summation extends the domain of validity of kinetic-dominance asymptotic expansions of the Hubble parameter into the fast-roll regime, where they can be matched to the aforesaid Padé-summed slow-roll expansions. This matching in turn determines the relation between the expansions for the number N of e-folds and allows us to compute the total amount of inflation as a function of the initial data or, conversely, to select initial data that correspond to a fixed total amount of inflation. Using the slow-roll stage expansions, we also derive expansions for the corresponding spectral index ns accurate to order 1/N2, and tensor-to-scalar ratio r accurate to order 1/N3 for these T-models.
Ad hoc test functions for homogenization of compressible viscous fluid with application to the obstacle problem in dimension two
Authors: Bravin Marco
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we highlight a set of ad hoc test functions to study the homogenization of viscous compressible fluids in domains with very tiny holes. This set of functions allows to improve previous results in dimensions two and three. As an application, we show that the presence of a small obstacle does not influence the dynamics of a viscous compressible fluid in dimension two.
Discovery of the Alternaria mycotoxins alterperylenol and altertoxin I as novel immunosuppressive and antiestrogenic compounds in vitro
Authors: Crudo Francesco , Partsch Vanessa , Braga Dennis , Blažević Ruzica , Rollinger Judith M. , Varga Elisabeth , Marko Doris
Published: October 2024

Alternaria mycotoxins may pose significant challenges to food safety and public health due to the wide spectrum of reported adverse effects. Despite this, critical information on the immunomodulatory and antiestrogenic properties of most of these contaminants is still lacking. The present study aimed to identify the mycotoxins responsible for the immunosuppressive and antiestrogenic effects of a complex extract of Alternaria mycotoxins (CE) obtained by growing an Alternaria alternata strain on rice. Through a toxicity-guided fractionation procedure involving the production of CE-fractions by supercritical fluid chromatography and mycotoxin quantification by LC–MS/MS, the mycotoxins alternariol (AOH), tenuazonic acid (TeA), altertoxin I (ATX-I), and alterperylenol (ALTP) were identified as potential toxicologically relevant constituents contributing to the in vitro effects exerted by the extract. The assessment of the immunomodulatory effects, performed by applying the NF-κB reporter gene assay in THP1-Lucia™ monocytes, revealed the scarce contribution of AOH to the effects exerted by the CE. TeA showed no effect on the NF-κB pathway up to 250 µM, whereas ATX-I and ALTP suppressed the LPS-mediated pathway activation at concentrations ≥ 1 µM. The evaluation of antiestrogenic effects, performed in Ishikawa cells by applying the alkaline phosphatase assay, revealed the ability of ALTP (≥ 0.4 µM) and ATX-I (≥ 2 µM) to suppress the estrogen-dependent expression of enzyme activity. Given the risk of detrimental impacts stemming from alterations in endocrine and systemic immune responses by the investigated mycotoxins, further studies are needed to elucidate their underlying mechanisms of action and comprehensively evaluate the health risks posed by these toxins.
Volumetric wake investigation of a free-flying quadcopter using Shake-The-Box Lagrangian particle tracking
Authors: Wolf C. Christian , Schanz Daniel , Schwarz Clemens , Heintz Alexander , Bosbach Johannes , Strübing Tobias , Schröder Andreas
Published: October 2024

The Shake-The-Box technique was applied to experimentally quantify the time-resolved volumetric flow field around a free-flying quadcopter UAV with an overall span of about 0.5 m. State-of-the-art LED illumination and high-speed camera equipment was combined with modern Lagrangian tracer particle tracking and data assimilation techniques, facilitating a measurement volume larger than $${1.5}\,{\hbox {m}^3}$$

1.5

m
3

. The setup allowed for both hover and limited maneuvering of the quadcopter, while resolving even small details of the complex interactional aerodynamics. In hover out of ground effect, the four individual rotor wakes merged into a single jet within a few rotor radii below the rotor planes. Evaluating the mass and momentum fluxes over suitable control volumes yields accurate estimates for the quadcopter’s total thrust, the asymmetric thrust distribution between front and back rotors, and the entrainment of external flow through turbulent mixing. Hover in ground effect decreases the power requirement and induces recirculating flow in the center of the four rotors. The outwash pattern is non-uniform with jets developing between the rotors and pointing in radially outward directions. Forward flight cases result in a skewed, rapidly merging wake flanked by the roll-up of two “supervortices” similar to the wingtip vortices of fixed-wing vehicles.
Risk of metachronous colorectal cancer associated with polypectomy during endoscopic diagnosis of colorectal cancer
Authors: Fiori James Giulian , Kim Steven , Wallace Marina Helen , Rankin Samantha , Ayonrinde Oyekoya Taiwo
Published: October 2024

Background and aim

There are conflicting reports regarding the risk of metachronous colorectal cancer (CRC) subsequent to colonoscopy with polypectomy or biopsy performed concurrently with diagnostic biopsies for CRC. We aimed to establish the 5-year risk of CRC in patients who had synchronous polypectomy or biopsies during the colonoscopy at which CRC was diagnosed.

Methods

This is a single-centre retrospective case–control study of adults who underwent surgical resection for CRC over a 2-year period (January 2016 to December 2017). Colonoscopy details of interest were the location of the CRC, polypectomy and non-CRC biopsy sites. In patients with CRC at index colonoscopy, we sought associations between the occurrence of metachronous CRC and the sites from which endoscopic specimens had been obtained.

Results

Our study population comprised 225 patients with a median (IQR) age of 71 (60–77) years. Polypectomy or biopsy at a non-CRC site had been performed during the index colonoscopy in 108 patients (48%), including 83 (37%) polypectomies outside the surgical resection field. There were 8 (3.6%) metachronous CRCs: 1 (0.4%) at the site of endoscopic mucosal resection for a 15-mm sessile serrated lesion, 3 (1.3%) anastomotic site CRCs and 4 (1.8%) at other sites within the colon. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of metachronous CRC in patients who underwent polypectomy/biopsy at the index colonoscopy compared with those who did not (1.9% vs. 5.1%, p = 0.283).

Conclusion

There was no significant increased risk of metachronous CRC subsequent to synchronous polypectomy or biopsy during the colonoscopy at which CRC was diagnosed.
Physiological regulation of oral saliva ion composition and flow rate are not coupled in healthy humans—Partial revision of our current knowledge required
Authors: Schwerdt Gerald , Schulz Marie-Christin , Kopf Michael , Mildenberger Sigrid , Reime Sarah , Gekle Michael
Published: October 2024

Appropriate composition of oral saliva is essential for a healthy milieu that protects mucosa and teeth. Only few studies, with small sample numbers, investigated physiological saliva ion composition in humans. We determined saliva ion composition in a sufficiently large cohort of healthy adults and analyzed the effect of physiological stimulation. We collected saliva from 102 adults under non-stimulated and physiologically stimulated conditions (chewing). Individual flow rates, pH, osmolality, Na+, K+, Cl−, and HCO3− concentrations under both conditions as well as the individual changes due to stimulation (Δvalues) were determined. Non-stimulated saliva was hypoosmolal and acidic. Na+, Cl−, and HCO3− concentrations remained well below physiological plasma values, whereas K+ concentrations exceeded plasma values more than twofold. Stimulation resulted in a doubling of flow rates and substantial increases in pH, HCO3−, and Na+ concentrations. Overall, stimulation did not considerably affect osmolality nor K+ or Cl− concentrations of saliva. An in-depth analysis of stimulation effects, using individual Δvalues, showed no correlation of Δflow rate with Δion concentrations, indicating independent regulation of acinar volume and ductal ion transport. Stimulation-induced Δ[Na+] correlated with Δ[HCO3−] and Δ[Cl−] but not with Δ[K+], indicating common regulation of ductal Na+, Cl−, and HCO3− transport. We present a robust data set of human oral saliva ion composition in healthy adults and functional insights into physiological stimulation. Our data show (i) that flow-dependence exists for Na+ and HCO3− but not for K+ and Cl− concentrations, (ii) osmolality is flow-independent, (iii) regulation of Na+, Cl−, and HCO3− transport is coupled, (iv) regulation of flow rate and ion concentrations are independent and (v) spatially separated between acini and ducts, respectively.
Carlos Asensio and the dawn of molecular microbial ecology
Authors: de Lorenzo Víctor , Baquero Fernando , Aguilar Alfredo
Published: October 2024

At near 50 years of the discovery of microcins, this article highlights the pivotal—but under-recognised—influence of Spanish biochemist Carlos Asensio (1925–1982) in contemporary microbiology, featuring the epistemological, sociological, and cultural impact of his scientific achievements. At a time when the intestinal microbiome is central to current biomedical research, it is due to emphasise his role in the establishment of new scientific fields that are now considered fundamental. Despite his premature death at the peak of his conceptual and experimental creativity, many of his ideas about microbial communication in complex communities inspired a generation of researchers and opened new topics reach to this day. Asensio was also a trailblazer in Spain, advocating for fundamental research within the socio-economic context of his time. He foresaw the shift towards what is now termed the knowledge-based bioeconomy, recognised the need for multidisciplinary research teams, and advocated integration science into societal and political agendas. These facets became evident during his research on microcins, low molecular weight bioactive compounds produced by enterobacteria. These molecules were hypothesised as mediators of microbial interactions in the human gut and were considered potential new antibiotics and even antitumoral agents. His research mobilised young talent and attracted unprecedented resources in Spain during the late 1970s–early 1980s. It underscored the medical value of microbial ecology and exemplified the benefits of collaboration between academia and industry. Asensio played a pivotal role in the emergence of molecular microbial ecology as a research discipline and its foundational and applied significance in biotechnology.
Automated Neural Architecture Search for Cardiac Amyloidosis Classification from [18F]-Florbetaben PET Images
Authors: Bargagna Filippo , Zigrino Donato , De Santi Lisa Anita , Genovesi Dario , Scipioni Michele , Favilli Brunella , Vergaro Giuseppe , Emdin Michele , Giorgetti Assuero , Positano Vincenzo , Santarelli Maria Filomena
Published: October 2024

Medical image classification using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) is promising but often requires extensive manual tuning for optimal model definition. Neural architecture search (NAS) automates this process, reducing human intervention significantly. This study applies NAS to [18F]-Florbetaben PET cardiac images for classifying cardiac amyloidosis (CA) sub-types (amyloid light chain (AL) and transthyretin amyloid (ATTR)) and controls. Following data preprocessing and augmentation, an evolutionary cell-based NAS approach with a fixed network macro-structure is employed, automatically deriving cells’ micro-structure. The algorithm is executed five times, evaluating 100 mutating architectures per run on an augmented dataset of 4048 images (originally 597), totaling 5000 architectures evaluated. The best network (NAS-Net) achieves 76.95% overall accuracy. K-fold analysis yields mean ± SD percentages of sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy on the test dataset: AL subjects (98.7 ± 2.9, 99.3 ± 1.1, 99.7 ± 0.7), ATTR-CA subjects (93.3 ± 7.8, 78.0 ± 2.9, 70.9 ± 3.7), and controls (35.8 ± 14.6, 77.1 ± 2.0, 96.7 ± 4.4). NAS-derived network performance rivals manually determined networks in the literature while using fewer parameters, validating its automatic approach’s efficacy.
The Social Implication of a “mixed” Ceramic Assemblage: Understanding the Predynastic Community of Nag el-Qarmila (First Nile Cataract, Egypt) Through Pottery Technology
Authors: Bajeot Jade , Ownby Mary , Gatto Maria Carmela
Published: October 2024

This article investigates the social landscape of the First Nile Cataract region in the 4th mill. BCE through the application of petrographic and technological approaches to pottery analysis. The study focuses on the ceramic assemblages from the settlement WK15 and the necropolis WK14 at Nag el-Qarmila and identifies for the first time three technical traditions along with their synchronic and diachronic interaction. It provides new data on the more ancient phases of the so-called Naqadan productions and their relationship with the Shale Ware and the Nubian Black-Mouthed Ware. The results allow us to better frame the mixed assemblage that characterizes a site far from the elite centers and where relations between mobile and sedentary groups were, therefore, more fluid. The data obtained also constitute a comparative nucleus for the growth of technological and petrographic studies at other sites and periods, and the numerous insights that emerged will be useful for directing future research.
A Robotic Clamped-Kinematic System to Study Knee Ligament Injury
Authors: Herve Ophelie M. , Flanagan Will , Kanetis Jake , Mooney Bailey , Kremen Thomas J. , McAllister David R. , Clites Tyler R.
Published: October 2024

Knee ligament injury is among the most common sports injuries and is associated with long recovery periods and low return-to-sport rates. Unfortunately, the mechanics of ligament injury are difficult to study in vivo, and computational studies provide limited insight. The objective of this study was to implement and validate a robotic system capable of reproducing natural six degree-of-freedom clamped-kinematic trajectories on human cadaver knees (meaning that positions and orientations are rigidly controlled and resultant loads are measured). To accomplish this, we leveraged the field’s recent access to high-fidelity bone kinematics from dynamic biplanar radiography (DBR), and implemented these kinematics in a coordinate frame built around the knee’s natural flexion–extension axis. We assessed our system’s capabilities in the context of ACL injury, by moving seven cadaveric knee specimens through kinematics derived from walking, running, drop jump, and ACL injury. We then used robotically simulated clinical stability tests to evaluate the hypothesis that knee stability would be only reduced by the motions intended to injure the knee. Our results show that the structural integrity of the knee was not compromised by non-injurious motions, while the injury motion produced a clinically relevant ACL injury with characteristic anterior and valgus instability. We also demonstrated that our robotic system can provide direct measurements of reaction loads during a variety of motions, and facilitate gross evaluation of ligament failure mechanisms. Clamped-kinematic robotic evaluation of cadaver knees has the potential to deepen understanding of the mechanics of knee ligament injury.
Ozone-loaded bacterial cellulose hydrogel: a sustainable antimicrobial solution for stone cleaning
Authors: Sonaglia Erica , Schifano Emily , Augello Simone , Sharbaf Mohammad , Marra Fabrizio , Montanari Arianna , Dini Luciana , Sarto Maria Sabrina , Uccelletti Daniela , Santarelli Maria Laura
Published: October 2024

The use of biocide-loaded hydrogels has recently been exploited for cleaning the biological attacks of cultural heritage and architectural stone materials. However, considering the drawbacks of traditional biocides, and the high costs of synthetic polymers, growing research for innovative and sustainable solutions are taking place. The aim of this work is to explore a bacterial cellulose (BC) hydrogel functionalized with ozone as a renewable, biodegradable, and easy-to-use antimicrobial remedy for stone biodeterioration. The BC microstructure was characterized by Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscopy observation and high crystallinity was detected by X-ray diffraction analysis. Ozonated BC (OBC) hydrogels were tested against selected biodeteriogenic microorganisms in water suspension abolishing their viability, with its complete suppression after a 10-min and a 24-h treatment with OBC, for bacterial and fungal spores, respectively. Furthermore, the OBC was assessed on contaminated marble, brick, and biocalcarenitic stone specimens for simulating in situ conditions. A 100% reduction of microbial viability after a 24-h treatment was obtained. Successively, the shelf-life of the hydrogel and the antimicrobial activity were also evaluated after 30 days, demonstrating a subsequent cleaning efficiency along time. This research highlights the potential of the new ozonated BC hydrogel as a green and highly effective antimicrobial treatment, with advantages in sustainability.
Intentional identity, mental files, and coordination: a DRT account of anaphora in attitude contexts
Authors: Fujikawa Naoya
Published: October 2024

This paper proposes a semantics of anaphora in attitude contexts within the framework of Discourse Representation Theory (DRT). The paper first focuses on intentional identity, a special kind of cross-attitudinal anaphora. Based on the DRT semantics of attitude reports summarized by Kamp et al. (in: D. Gabbay and F. Guenthner (Eds.), Handbook of philosophical logic, 2011), the author proposes a semantics of intentional identity that implements the following two ideas: (1) indefinites and pronouns appearing in attitude contexts introduce metadiscourse referents, which represent one’s mental files and record appearances of discourse referents in attitude contexts; and (2) what underlies the relevant kind of anaphoric links between indefinites and pronouns across attitude contexts is the coordination relation between mental files, which is represented by using metadiscourse referents. Next, the paper expands the semantics to cover de re anaphora, in which an anaphoric pronoun in an attitude context takes as its antecedent an expression appearing outside any attitude context.
Assimilation and morpheme boundaries in Mgira
Authors: Brown Jason , Meyer Johanna
Published: October 2024

Phonological assimilation phenomena are often restricted by morphological boundaries. This paper presents data from Mgira in order to argue that both root boundaries and affix boundaries serve to block assimilation processes such as nasal place assimilation and postnasal voicing. The result is that assimilation may obtain, but only within morphemes, not across them. This is analysed as confirmation of the power of the CrispEdge constraints proposed by Itô and Mester (1999) to take precedence over general markedness constraints, blocking feature spreading across morphological boundaries. The analysis is claimed to yield the same effect as a Morpheme Structure Constraint, limiting the force of a constraint to within the boundaries of morphemes.
Highly divergent satellitomes of two barley species of agronomic importance, Hordeum chilense and H. vulgare
Authors: Gálvez-Galván Ana , Barea Lorena , Garrido-Ramos Manuel A. , Prieto Pilar
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we have performed an in-depth study of the complete set of the satellite DNA (satDNA) families (i.e. the satellitomes) in the genome of two barley species of agronomic value in a breeding framework, H. chilense (H1 and H7 accessions) and H. vulgare (H106 accession), which can be useful tools for studying chromosome associations during meiosis. The study has led to the analysis of a total of 18 satDNA families in H. vulgare, 25 satDNA families in H. chilense (accession H1) and 27 satDNA families in H. chilense (accession H7) that constitute 46 different satDNA families forming 36 homology groups. Our study highlights different important contributions of evolutionary and applied interests. Thus, both barley species show very divergent satDNA profiles, which could be partly explained by the differential effects of domestication versus wildlife. Divergence derives from the differential amplification of different common ancestral satellites and the emergence of new satellites in H. chilense, usually from pre-existing ones but also random sequences. There are also differences between the two H. chilense accessions, which support genetically distinct groups. The fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) patterns of some satDNAs yield distinctive genetic markers for the identification of specific H. chilense or H. vulgare chromosomes. Some of the satellites have peculiar structures or are related to transposable elements which provide information about their origin and expansion. Among these, we discuss the existence of different (peri)centromeric satellites that supply this region with some plasticity important for centromere evolution. These peri(centromeric) satDNAs and the set of subtelomeric satDNAs (a total of 38 different families) are analyzed in the framework of breeding as the high diversity found in the subtelomeric regions might support their putative implication in chromosome recognition and pairing during meiosis, a key point in the production of addition/substitution lines and hybrids.
Sharp Trace and Korn Inequalities for Differential Operators
Authors: Diening Lars , Gmeineder Franz
Published: October 2024

We establish sharp trace and Korn-type inequalities that involve vectorial differential operators, the focus being on situations where global singular integral estimates are not available. Starting from a novel approach to sharp Besov boundary traces by Riesz potentials and oscillations that equally applies to $$p=1$$

p
=
1

, a case difficult to be handled by harmonic analysis techniques, we then classify boundary trace- and Korn-type inequalities. For $$p=1$$

p
=
1

and so despite the failure of the Calderón-Zygmund theory, we prove that sharp trace estimates can be systematically reduced to full k-th order gradient estimates. Moreover, for $$1<p<\infty $$

1
<
p
<
∞

, where sharp trace estimates yield Korn-type inequalities on smooth domains, we show for the basically optimal class of John domains that Korn-type inequalities persist – even though the reduction to global Calderón-Zygmund estimates by extension operators might not be possible.
The perils of cybersecurity regulation
Authors: Hodgins Mark W.
Published: October 2024

Cybersecurity is a major U.S. policy issue with a sizable coalition advocating for greater government intervention due to perceived information challenges. Most proposals, however, do not assess whether the prescription actually improves the transmission of relevant knowledge and appropriately channels motivations towards producing socially optimal cybersecurity. In fact, knowledge and incentive problems associated with regulatory regimes may imperil the market’s ability to innovate, which is critical due to the dynamics of cyberspace. I employ Israel Kirzner’s (University of Chicago Press, 1985) market process framework to investigate these regulatory perils, highlighting analogous policies that have resulted in worse information security outcomes. Incorrect policy prescriptions, regime uncertainty, procedural rigidity, increased barriers to entry, and perverse incentives are among the leading threats to cybersecurity market entrepreneurialism from state intervention.
The role of causal manipulability in the manifestation of time biases
Authors: Hodroj Batoul , Latham Andrew J. , Miller Kristie , Pedersen Rasmus , Wang Danqi
Published: October 2024

We investigate the causal manipulability hypothesis, according to which what partly explains (a) why people tend to prefer negative events to be in their further future rather than their nearer future and positive events to be in their nearer future rather than their further future and (b) why people tend to prefer that negative events be located in their past not their future and that positive events be located in their future not their past, is that people tend to discount the value of events they are less able causally to manipulate. If people discount the value of events they are less able to causally manipulate, then since often temporally nearer future events are more causally manipulable than further ones, and since future events are manipulable whereas past ones aren’t, this could explain both (a) and (b). In turn, if the causal manipulability hypothesis is correct, this might suggest that insofar as people’s preferences are explained in this manner, those preferences are rationally permissible, since relative causal manipulability is normatively relevant. Thus, ascertaining whether the causal manipulability hypothesis is true may shed light on the normative status of such preferences. We investigate the cognitively mediated version of the causal manipulability hypothesis, according to which people’s consciously held beliefs about the relative causal manipulability of events explains (a) and (b). Contrary to expectations, we found no evidence in favour of this view. We suggest that either relative causal manipulability plays an explanatory role, but one that is not cognitively mediated, or that it does not play any role, even if it is sometimes associated with other factors, such as probability, that may play a role in explaining some time biased preferences.
Influence of tailing dust contamination in drinking water on the health status of goats in subtropical Regions
Authors: Serakalala William Ntshete , Mdletshe Zwelethu Mfanafuthi
Published: October 2024

The contamination of river systems by tailing dust remains a constraint to goat productivity in communal farming systems. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate how resource-limited households in subtropical regions assessed the effects of tailing dust contamination in drinking water on the health status of goats. In a study conducted in the Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality, 200 households from two villages were randomly selected and interviewed using a questionnaire. Forty-eight percent (n = 96) of the households were located in contaminated areas, while 52% (n = 104) were from uncontaminated areas. The study found that poor water quality, caused by tailing dust contamination, as well as a high incidence of diseases, were key factors affecting goat productivity. Water contamination was most severe during the hot and cool dry seasons. It was also noted that goats rely on freshwater as their primary source of supplemental water during dry seasons. Urine colour, oedema of the eyelids, and kid survival were indicators for assessing the health status of goats. Nominal binary logistic regression revealed that water contamination was 2.96 more likely to be reported by youth compared to elderly members. Farmers who received informal education were 37 times more likely to report contamination than those who received formal education. High kid mortality as a health status indicator was 50 times less likely to be reported in uncontaminated areas. Intervention strategies for reducing the adverse health effects of tailing dust in contaminated areas should focus primarily on the health of goats during dry seasons.
Review of Innovative Cavity Designs in Metal–Insulator-Metal Waveguide-Based Plasmonic Sensors
Authors: Butt Muhammad Ali
Published: October 2024

Plasmonic sensors utilizing metal–insulator-metal (MIM) waveguides represent a significant advancement in sensing technology due to their high sensitivity and versatility. These sensors leverage surface plasmon polaritons to detect minute changes in the surrounding environment, making them highly effective for a range of applications. For instance, they can precisely measure variations in the Refractive Index, which is crucial for monitoring chemical concentrations and biological interactions. Additionally, MIM waveguides can be adapted to sense temperature fluctuations, pressure changes, and the presence of specific gases, providing valuable insights in fields such as environmental surveillance, medical diagnostics, and industrial processes. In recent years, a variety of sensor cavity shapes have been proposed to enhance sensor performance. This review examines how these innovative geometries optimize sensor cavities to achieve unprecedented levels of resolution and sensitivity, underscoring their transformative potential across a broad spectrum of scientific and practical applications.
Applications of artificial intelligence in interventional oncology: An up-to-date review of the literature
Authors: Matsui Yusuke , Ueda Daiju , Fujita Shohei , Fushimi Yasutaka , Tsuboyama Takahiro , Kamagata Koji , Ito Rintaro , Yanagawa Masahiro , Yamada Akira , Kawamura Mariko , Nakaura Takeshi , Fujima Noriyuki , Nozaki Taiki , Tatsugami Fuminari , Fujioka Tomoyuki , Hirata Kenji , Naganawa Shinji
Published: October 2024

Interventional oncology provides image-guided therapies, including transarterial tumor embolization and percutaneous tumor ablation, for malignant tumors in a minimally invasive manner. As in other medical fields, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in interventional oncology has garnered significant attention. This narrative review describes the current state of AI applications in interventional oncology based on recent literature. A literature search revealed a rapid increase in the number of studies relevant to this topic recently. Investigators have attempted to use AI for various tasks, including automatic segmentation of organs, tumors, and treatment areas; treatment simulation; improvement of intraprocedural image quality; prediction of treatment outcomes; and detection of post-treatment recurrence. Among these, the AI-based prediction of treatment outcomes has been the most studied. Various deep and conventional machine learning algorithms have been proposed for these tasks. Radiomics has often been incorporated into prediction and detection models. Current literature suggests that AI is potentially useful in various aspects of interventional oncology, from treatment planning to post-treatment follow-up. However, most AI-based methods discussed in this review are still at the research stage, and few have been implemented in clinical practice. To achieve widespread adoption of AI technologies in interventional oncology procedures, further research on their reliability and clinical utility is necessary. Nevertheless, considering the rapid research progress in this field, various AI technologies will be integrated into interventional oncology practices in the near future.
Risk Factors for Empiric Treatment Failure in US Female Outpatients with Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection: an Observational Study
Authors: Fromer Debra L. , Luck Meghan E. , Cheng Wendy Y. , Mahendran Malena , da Costa Wilson L. , Pinaire Megan , Duh Mei Sheng , Preib Madison T. , Ellis Jeffrey J.
Published: October 2024

Background

Treatment failure (TF) in uncomplicated urinary tract infection (uUTI) increases disease burden and risk of antimicrobial resistance. Identification of risk factors for TF could inform empiric treatment decisions and reduce suboptimal outcomes.

Objective

To evaluate the incidence of TF to empirically prescribed oral antibiotics and identify risk factors for TF in females with uUTI in the United States (US).

Design

This retrospective cohort study used Optum’s de-identified Electronic Health Record dataset (January 2017–September 2022).

Patients

Eligible female patients aged ≥ 12 years had ≥ 1 diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI) in an outpatient ambulatory/emergency department (ED) setting, ≥ 1 empiric oral antibiotic prescription, and no evidence of complicated UTI (cUTI).

Main Measures

TF was defined as having a new/repeat oral antibiotic prescription, IV antibiotic administration or acute UTI diagnosis ≤ 28 days following initial empiric oral antibiotic prescription​. Risk factors of TF were selected using LASSO and reported using adjusted risk ratios (aRR) and 95% CIs.

Key Results

Of 376,004 patients with uUTI, 62,873 (16.7%) experienced TF. Incidence of TF was highest in patients with history of antibiotic TF (33.9%) or fosfomycin prescription (30.1%). Significant risk factors of TF included ≥ 3 prior antibiotic prescriptions (aRR [95% CI]: 1.60 [1.56–1.64]); fosfomycin prescription (1.60 [1.38–1.86]); uUTI diagnosis in ED (1.49 [1.46–1.52]), Southern US residence (1.37 [1.35–1.40]), age ≥ 75 years (1.35 [1.29–1.41]), recurrent UTI (1.12 [1.10–1.14]) and obesity (1.06 [1.04–1.08]).

Conclusions

Incidence of TF to empirically prescribed oral antibiotics for uUTI is considerable. Prior infections requiring antibiotic prescription and location of care are key risk factors for TF in female outpatients with uUTI. Knowledge of these TF risk factors can inform shared-decision making and supplement existing guidance on uUTI treatment.
Variation of the Passive Film on Compositionally Concentrated Dual-Phase Al0.3Cr0.5Fe2Mn0.25Mo0.15Ni1.5Ti0.3 and Implications for Corrosion
Authors: Inman S. B. , Wischhusen M. A. , Qi J. , Poon S. J. , Agnew S. R. , Scully J. R.
Published: October 2024

The passive film on a dual-phase Al0.3Cr0.5Fe2Mn0.25Mo0.15Ni1.5Ti0.3 FCC + Heusler (L21) compositionally concentrated alloy formed during extended exposure to an applied potential in the passive range in dilute chloride solution was characterized. Each phase, with its own distinct composition of passivating elements, formed unique passive films separated by a heterophase interface. High-resolution, surface sensitive characterization enabled chemical analysis of the passive film formed over individual phases. The film formed over the L21 phase had a higher concentration of Al, Ni, and Ti, while the film formed over FCC phase was of similar thickness but contained comparatively higher Cr, Fe, and Mo concentrations, consistent with the differences in bulk microstructure composition. The passive film was continuous across phase boundaries and the distribution of passivating elements (Al, Cr, and Ti) indicated both phases were independently passivated. Spatially resolved analysis of the surface chemistry of the dual-phase CCA revealed that the cation with the highest composition in passive film formed on the FCC phase was Cr (52.4 at. pct) and for the L21 phase was Ti (53.1 at. pct) despite the bulk concentration of each element being below 20 at. pct in their respective phases. Al, Cr, and Ti were enriched in both phases within the passive film relative to their respective bulk compositions. In parallel studies, single-phase alloys with compositions representative of the FCC and L21 phases were synthesized to evaluate the corrosion behavior of each phase in isolation. The corrosion behavior of the dual-phase alloy showed passivity evidenced by a pitting potential of 0.615 VSCE in 0.01 M NaCl. The pitting potential and other electrochemical parameters suggested a combination of behaviors of both single-phase samples, suggesting that the global corrosion behavior may be represented by a composite theory applied to phases, their area fractions, and interphase length. However, the interphase in the dual-phase CCA was a local corrosion initiation site and may limit localized corrosion protectiveness. The alloy design implications for optimization of second phase structure and morphology are discussed.
Sugarcane Response to Two Different Application Methods of Nano-Iron and Nano-Zinc
Authors: Abou-Baker N. H. , Hussein M. M. , Zaky A. , Hashesh Wafaa M.
Published: October 2024

There are many publications over the past 20 years comparing nano-nutrients with their traditional forms. Differently, this study examined the effect of applying nano-Fe and nano-Zn—in two different ways (foliar and soil application)—on sugarcane development, yield, and mineral status using a greenhouse experiment at the National Research Centre. The study results of first yield (plant cane crop) showed that nano-Fe caused an increase in plant height, number of leaves, fresh weight (FW) of leaves, FW of stalk, and total FW by 5.3%, 20.3%, 38.0%, 27.4%, and 33.3%, respectively, compared to nano-Zn. Despite the majority of growth metrics showed to be improved by using either of the two nano-sources, both nano-Fe and nano-Zn have been demonstrated to negatively impact nutrient ratios. The foliar application method was found to be superior, and the second application of nano-Zn to soil effectively halted the growth of all treated replicates. The data of the first ratoon (second yield) showed that FW of leaves, FW of stalk, total FW, and dried weight (DW) of stalk followed one trend line (nano-Fe–soil > control-foliar (sprayed distilled water) > nano-Zn-foliar > nano-Fe-foliar > control-soil (distilled water added to soil)). In conclusion it can be noticed that using nanoparticles as a fertilizer could be a weapon with double-edges, since this may induce unexpected harmful effects. It is recommended to conduct additional research to comprehend the mechanisms underlying why a nano-source that benefits plants may harm them after the second addition.