bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroRNAs as potential biomarkers for monitoring of acquired sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Hu Yaqin , Chen Hongjiang , Zhou Xiaoqing , Luo Xiaoqin , Tu Zailan , Ke Jing , Yuan Wei
Published: March 2024

Presbyacusis, sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), noise‐induced hearing loss, and drug‐induced deafness are the most common types of acquired SNHL. At present, the diagnosis of these hearing disorders is mainly based on the medical history and audiological examination. Due to the lack of diagnostic biomarkers, diagnosis of acquired sensorineural hearing loss is difficult. Previous studies have suggested that microRNAs (miRNAs) serve essential roles in pathophysiological processes, and they are stable, tissue enriched, and could be determined in a quantitative manner. Therefore, they could be potential noninvasive biomarkers for acquired SNHL. This review provided a comprehensive overview of the similarities and differences in altered circulating miRNAs (cimiRNAs) (plasma, serum, whole blood, and perilymph) in various disorders, and highlighted the regulatory functions of cimiRNAs on the development, monitoring and prognosis of the four most common types of acquired SNHL.
Replication of large‐area microstructures by combining movable induction heating and roller hot embossing
Authors: Hung Wei‐Cheng , Chiu Chun‐Yang , He Jyun‐Wei , Ke Kun‐Cheng , Yang Sen‐Yeu
Published: March 2024

Hot embossing is a low‐cost and flexible method for fabricating microstructures and nanostructures on polymers. However, the conventional hot embossing process poses two challenges: First, the plates that are used do not provide uniform pressure, and the size of the chamber limits the imprinting area. Second, heating with thick metal plates significantly lengthens cycle time. Finally, the uniformity of temperature also affects the embossing results. To achieve a high heating rate and uniform pressure over a large area, this study combined an induction heating system and roll‐to‐plate hot embossing. A movable plate was used to move the mold through the induction coil, increasing the heating area and overcoming limitations related to the embossing area posed by the coil length. The imprinting area reached 100 × 100 mm2. In addition, the temperature difference was less than 20°C at each molding temperature range from 150°C to 190°C. The mold and the substrate were placed on a vacuum absorber to prevent deformation and slippage of the mold and provide preloading and packing pressure. Cooling fans were employed to improve cooling efficiency. Experimental replication yielded replication rates higher than 97% at 190°C and 5 kgf/cm2 with a cycle time of approximately 2 minutes. To verify the feasibility of the process, V‐groove microstructures were successfully fabricated using a movable induction heating roller embossing facility.

Highlights

The feasibility of the moving induction heating roller embossing process.

A vacuum movable platform prevents deformation and slippage of the substrate.

Improve the temperature uniformity of the movable platform.
Flame retardancy and mechanical properties of polypropylene composites containing intumescent flame retardants, preceramic polymers, and other additives
Authors: Donmez Sibel , Tuzenli Zeynep , Bayram Goknur , Savaskan Yilmaz Sevil
Published: March 2024

This study aims to investigate the flame retardancy and mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP)‐based intumescent flame retardants (IFRs) consisting of melamine phosphate (MP) and pentaerythritol (PER), and different additives; boron phosphate (BP), antimony oxide (AO), and preceramic polymers, namely poly(dimethylsilane) (PDMS) and poly(methylsilsesquioxane) (PMSQ). The composites were produced by twin‐screw extrusion, and then molded by injection molding. Their characterizations were performed with limiting oxygen index (LOI), horizontal burning tests, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), tensile and impact tests. The total amount of IFRs and the additives in polypropylene was kept constant at 20 wt%. The additive concentration was varied as 1, 3, and 5 wt% in the composites. The highest LOI value of 29% was obtained for PP/MP/PER composite with MP/PER ratio of 3/1. PP/IFR‐based composites with 1 wt% additive exhibited higher LOI and horizontal burning performance than the other composites with 3 and 5 wt% additives. It is revealed that tensile modulus and impact strength of neat PP were improved with the addition of IFRs, and for each type and amount of the additives used in the study.

Highlights

Usage of IFRs, preceramic polymers, BP and AO in PP improved flame retardancy.

Lower amount of additives (1%) in PP/IFR composites led to higher LOI values.

Additive incorporation enhanced tensile modulus and impact strength of neat PP.
Sequential or simultaneous transarterial chemoembolization and radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma within the Milan criteria: A retrospective real‐world study
Authors: Liu Jianwei , Sun Minmin , Hu Zhiliang , Wang Jie , Lu Caixia , Gao Ya , He Cuijuan , Wu Yeye , Zhai Jian , Xia Yong , Pan Xiaorong , Wang Kui
Published: March 2024

Aims

Few studies have investigated differences in sequential transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and simultaneous RFA‐TACE for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using the Milan criteria. This study explored the differences in safety and prognosis between sequential TACE‐RFA and simultaneous RFA‐TACE.

Methods

This retrospective real‐world study included 109 patients with HCC within the Milan criteria who underwent sequential TACE‐RFA (n = 75) or simultaneous RFA‐TACE (n = 34) at the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital between January 2017 and 2021. Postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and long‐term prognosis were compared. The median follow‐up duration of these patients was 39.1 months. Overall survival (OS) and time to tumor recurrence (TTR) curves were plotted using the Kaplan−Meier method and were compared using the logarithmic rank test. Independent risk factors for OS and tumor recurrence (TR) were analyzed using the Cox risk regression model.

Results

Multivariate analysis showed that tumor diameter >3 cm (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.201, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.106–4.378, p = 0.025; HR: 2.236, 95% CI: 1.271–3.934, p = 0.005, respectively) and alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) > 400 μg/L (HR: 2.362, 95% CI: 1.195–4.668, p = 0.013; HR: 1.798, 95% CI: 1.048–3.086, p = 0.033, respectively) were independent risk factors for OS and TTR, whereas the presence of multiple tumors (HR: 2.352, 95% CI: 1.127–4.907, p = 0.023) was an independent risk factor for TTR. Simultaneous RFA‐TACE did not have an effect on OS or TTR. After propensity score‐matched, comparable results were obtained and RFA‐TACE still had no effect on OS or TTR. No significant differences were observed in grade III/IV complications (2/75 [2.7%] vs. 1/34 [2.9%], p = 1.000) between the two groups. However, the RFA‐TACE group had fewer complications than the TACE‐RFA group (24/34 [70.6%] vs. 66/75 [88.0%], p = 0.026). The RFA‐TACE group had a shorter hospital stay and less total cost during hospitalization compared with the TACE‐RFA group (6.0 vs. 10.0 days, p < 0.001; 30,000 vs. 35,000 CNY, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

For HCC within the Milan criteria, there was no significant difference in OS and TTR between RFA‐TACE and TACE‐RFA. However, RFA‐TACE could reduce all‐grade complications and shorten the length of hospital stay compared with TACE‐RFA. Therefore, simultaneous RFA‐TACE may be considered for patients with HCC and good liver function falling within the Milan criteria.
Towards targeted Cas9 (CRISPR‐Cas) delivery: Preparation of IgG antibody‐Cas9 conjugates using a split intein
Authors: Pasch Tim , Bäumer Nicole , Bäumer Sebastian , Buchholz Frank , Mootz Henning D.
Published: March 2024

The CRISPR‐Cas9 system has revolutionized the field of genetic engineering, but targeted cellular delivery remains a central problem. The delivery of the preformed ribonuclease‐protein (RNP) complex has the advantages of fewer side effects and avoidance of potential permanent effects. We reasoned that an internalizing IgG antibody as a targeting device could address the delivery of Cas9‐RNP. We opted for protein trans‐splicing mediated by a split intein to facilitate posttranslational conjugation of the two large protein entities. We recently described the cysteine‐less CL split intein that efficiently performs under oxidizing conditions and does not interfere with disulfide bonds or thiol bioconjugation chemistries. Using the CL split intein, we report for the first time the ligation of monoclonal IgG antibody precursors, expressed in mammalian cells, and a Cas9 precursor, obtained from bacterial expression. A purified IgG‐Cas9 conjugate was loaded with sgRNA to form the active RNP complex and introduced a double‐strand break in its target DNA in vitro. Furthermore, a synthetic peptide variant of the short N‐terminal split intein precursor proved useful for chemical modification of Cas9. The split intein ligation procedure reported here for IgG‐Cas9 provides the first step towards a novel CRISPR‐Cas9 targeting approach involving the preformed RNP complex.
A propensity score‐integrated approach for leveraging external data in a randomized controlled trial with time‐to‐event endpoints
Authors: Chen Wei‐Chen , Lu Nelson , Wang Chenguang , Li Heng , Song Changhong , Tiwari Ram , Xu Yunling , Yue Lilly Q.
Published: March 2024

In a randomized controlled trial with time‐to‐event endpoint, some commonly used statistical tests to test for various aspects of survival differences, such as survival probability at a fixed time point, survival function up to a specific time point, and restricted mean survival time, may not be directly applicable when external data are leveraged to augment an arm (or both arms) of an RCT. In this paper, we propose a propensity score‐integrated approach to extend such tests when external data are leveraged. Simulation studies are conducted to evaluate the operating characteristics of three propensity score‐integrated statistical tests, and an illustrative example is given to demonstrate how these proposed procedures can be implemented.
Global finite‐time control for high‐order stochastic nonlinear systems with multiple unknown control directions
Authors: Hua Changchun , Pan Wenlong
Published: March 2024

In this article, a class of global finite‐time stabilization problem for high‐order stochastic nonlinear systems with multiple unknown control directions is studied. In order to solve the difficulties caused by the unknown control directions and at the same time, the system is required to converge to the origin in a limited time. Therefore, a new switching mechanism based on the Lyapunov‐like function is proposed. By adding a power integral technique and utilizing sign function, a finite‐time switching controller is designed. The controller parameters need to be adjusted online according to the proposed switching logic. It is rigorously proved that the designed controller can make the system state converge probabilistically to the origin in a finite‐time. A simulation example shows the effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm.
Multi‐variable and multi‐objective gain‐scheduled control based on Youla‐Kucera parameterization: Application to autonomous vehicles
Authors: Atoui Hussam , Sename Olivier , Milanes Vicente , Martinez‐Molina John‐Jairo
Published: March 2024

This paper presents a Youla‐Kucera based interpolation between a set of Linear Parameter‐Varying (LPV) controllers, each one being a gain‐scheduled of Linear Time‐Invariant (LTI) controllers designed separately for different operating points. The gain‐scheduling is achieved based on Youla‐Kucera (YK) parameterization. A generalized LPV‐YK control structure is designed to interpolate between various LPV controllers. The closed‐loop system is proved to guarantee the quadratic stability for any continuous/discontinuous interpolating signals in terms of a set of Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMIs). The proposed method can help multi‐variable and multi‐objective systems to achieve high performances at different operating conditions and different critical situations regardless of the interpolation rate. A numerical example is simulated to show the importance of the proposed method to achieve different objectives for lateral control of autonomous vehicles. In addition, the approach has been tested on a real Renault ZOE vehicle to validate its real performance, and compare it with a standard polytopic LPV controller.
Targeted Review of IL36RN Mutations in Patients with Generalised Pustular Psoriasis
Authors: Krueger James G. , Pagotto Anna , Haftel Samuel , Gradl Birgit
Published: March 2024

Background

Generalised pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare and chronic skin disease historically treated with therapies that were originally intended to treat plaque psoriasis (PsO). However, GPP and plaque PsO have distinct pathogeneses and clinical courses.

Objectives

This study aimed to further characterise the unique genetic background of GPP by summarising evidence on the frequency and type of IL36RN gene mutation, a gene that normally suppresses proinflammatory responses, in patients with GPP compared to patients with GPP and plaque PsO, and patients with plaque PsO only.

Methods and Results

A targeted literature review was conducted to identify studies reporting IL36RN mutations and/or HLA-Cw6 allele frequency in patients with GPP. Meta-analyses showed a significantly higher rate of IL36RN mutations in the GPP-only population compared to the GPP + plaque PsO population (OR 3.51; 95% CI 2.29, 5.38). Monoallelic mutations of IL36RN were found in up to 33.3%, and biallelic mutations in up to 73.2% of patients with GPP (GPP-only and GPP + plaque PsO), in contrast with mono- and biallelic frequencies of only 0%–11.9% and 0%, respectively, in patients with plaque PsO only. Mean age-of-onset ranged from 5.9 to 48.9 years old, with most studies reporting a GPP age-of-onset between 20 and 40 years old. Twenty-one mutations were identified in the biallelic state and three in monoallelic. The most reported mutations were c.115 + 6T > C (p. Arg10ArgfsX1) (18 studies); c.227 C > T (p.Pro76Leu) (10 studies); and c.338 C > T (p.Ser113Leu) (8 studies). Mutations varied depending on geography and ethnicity, with the most frequently reported mutation predominantly reported in East Asian studies and international studies that included Asian patients. Rates of HLA-Cw6, the risk allele most strongly associated with plaque PsO, were 0%–28.6% for patients with GPP, similar to rates in the general population (10.5%–20%).

Conclusion

Considering the differences between GPP and plaque PsO in aetiology and disease symptoms, effective, GPP-specific treatment options are needed, and recent research suggests that blockade of IL-36 signalling may be an effective target for treatment of GPP.
Tailoring Advanced CdS Anisotropy‐Driven Charge Spatial Vectorial Separation and Migration via In Situ Dual Co‐Catalyst Synergistic Layout
Authors: Li Teng , Wang Xuanpu , Jin Zhiliang , Tsubaki Noritatsu
Published: March 2024

Tailoring advanced anisotropy‐driven efficient separation and migration of photogenerated carriers is a pivotal stride toward enhancing photocatalytic activity. Here, CdS‐MoS2 binary photocatalysts are tailored into a dumbbell shape by leveraging the rod‐shaped morphology of CdS and employing an in situ tip‐induction strategy. To further enhance the photocatalytic activity, an in situ photo‐deposition strategy is incorporated to cultivate MnOx particles on the dumbbell‐shaped CdS‐MoS2. The in situ deposition of MnOx effectively isolated the oxidatively active sites on the CdS surface, emphasizing the reductively active crystalline face of CdS, specifically the (002) face. Benefiting from its robust activity as a reduction active site, MoS2 adeptly captures photogenerated electrons, facilitating the reduction of H+ to produce hydrogen. The anisotropically driven separation of CdS photogenerated carriers markedly mitigates the Coulomb force or binding force of the photogenerated electrons, thus promoting a smoother migration toward the active site for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. The hydrogen evolution rate of 35MnOx‐CdS‐MoS2‐3 surpasses that of CdS by nearly an order of magnitude, achieving a quantum efficiency of 22.30% at 450 nm. Under simulated solar irradiation, it attains a rate of 42.86 mmol g−1 h−1. This work imparts valuable insights for the design of dual co‐catalysts, anisotropy‐driven spatial vectorial charge separation and migration, and the analysis of migration pathways of photogenerated carriers.
Endogenous Interfacial Mo−C/N−Mo‐S Bonding Regulates the Active Mo Sites for Maximized Li+ Storage Areal Capacity
Authors: Khanam Zeba , Xiong Tuzhi , Yang Fang , Su Hailan , Luo Li , Li Jieqiong , Koroma Malcolm , Zhou Bowen , Mushtaq Muhammad , Huang Yongchao , Ouyang Ting , Balogun M.‐Sadeeq
Published: March 2024

Active sites, mass loading, and Li‐ion diffusion coefficient are the benchmarks for boosting the areal capacity and storage capability of electrode materials for lithium‐ion batteries. However, simultaneously modulating these criteria to achieve high areal capacity in LIBs remains challenging. Herein, MoS2 is considered as a suitable electroactive host material for reversible Li‐ion storage and establish an endogenous multi‐heterojunction strategy with interfacial Mo−C/N−Mo‐S coordination bonding that enables the concurrent regulation of these benchmarks. This strategy involves architecting 3D integrated conductive nanostructured frameworks composed of Mo2C‐MoN@MoS2 on carbon cloth (denoted as C/MMMS) and refining the sluggish kinetics in the MoS2‐based anodes. Benefiting from the rich hetero‐interface active sites, optimized Li adsorption energy, and low diffusion barrier, C/MMMS reaches a mass loading of 12.11 mg cm−2 and showcases high areal capacity and remarkable rate capability of 9.6 mAh cm−2@0.4 mA cm−2 and 2.7 mAh cm−2@6.0 mA cm−2, respectively, alongside excellent stability after 500 electrochemical cycles. Moreover, this work not only affirms the outstanding performance of the optimized C/MMMS as an anode material for supercapacitors, underscoring its bifunctionality but also offers valuable insight into developing endogenous transition metal compound electrodes with high mass loading for the next‐generation high areal capacity energy storage devices.
Optimization of the Form Factors of Advanced Li‐S Pouch Cells
Authors: Das Sayan , Bhuyan MSA , Gupta Krish Naresh , Okpowe Omena , Choi Austin , Sweeny Jeremiah , Olawale David , Pol Vilas G.
Published: March 2024

Lithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries hold immense promise as next‐generation energy storage due to their high theoretical energy density (2600 Wh kg⁻¹), low cost, and non‐toxic nature. However, practical implementation faces challenges, primarily from Li polysulfide (LiPS) shuttling within the cathode and Li dendrite growth at the anode. Optimized electrodes/electrolytes design effectively confines LiPS to the cathode, boosting cycling performance in coin cells to up to hundreds of cycles. Scaling up to larger pouch cells presents new obstacles, requiring further research for long‐term stability. A 1.45 Ah pouch cell, with optimized sulfur loading and electrolyte/sulfur ratio is developed, which delivers an energy density of 151 Wh kg−1 with 70% capacity retention up to 100 cycles. Targeting higher energy density (180 Wh kg−1), the developed 1Ah pouch cell exhibits 68% capacity retention after 50 cycles. Morphological analysis reveals that pouch cell failure is primarily from Li metal powdering and resulting polarization, rather than LiPS shuttling. This occurs for continuous Li ion stripping/plating during cycling, leading to dendrite growth and formation of non‐reactive Li powder, especially under high currents. These issues increase ion diffusion resistance and reduce coulombic efficiency over time. Therefore, the study highlights the importance of a protected Li metal anode for achieving high‐energy‐dense batteries.
Printing 3D Metallic Structures in Porous Matrix
Authors: Fan Xiaolin , Wang Xue , Ye Yuanxiang , Ye Ying , Su Yuming , Zhang Yusheng , Wang Cheng
Published: March 2024

The fabrication of metallic micro/nanostructures has great potential for advancing optoelectronic microdevices. Over the past decade, femtosecond laser direct writing (FsLDW) technology has played a crucial role in driving progress in this field. In this study, silica gel glass is used as a supporting medium, and FsLDW is employed to reduce gold and palladium ions using 7‐Diethylamino‐3‐thenoylcoumarin (DETC) as a two‐photon sensitizer, enabling the printing of conductive multilayered and 3D metallic structures. How the pore size of the silica gel glass affects the electrical conductivity of printed metal wires is systematically examined. This 3D printing method is versatile and offers expanded opportunities for applying metallic micro/nanostructures in optoelectronic devices.
A Hydrogel Electrolyte with High Adaptability over a Wide Temperature Range and Mechanical Stress for Long‐Life Flexible Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Jingran , Lin Chuyuan , Zeng Lingxing , Lin Hui , He Lingjun , Xiao Fuyu , Luo Luteng , Xiong Peixun , Yang Xuhui , Chen Qinghua , Qian Qingrong
Published: March 2024

Flexible zinc‐ion batteries have garnered significant attention in the realm of wearable technology. However, the instability of hydrogel electrolytes in a wide‐temperature range and uncontrollable side reactions of the Zn electrode have become the main problems for practical applications. Herein, N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) to design a binary solvent (H2O‐DMF) is introduced and combined it with polyacrylamide (PAM) and ZnSO4 to synthesize a hydrogel electrolyte (denoted as PZD). The synergistic effect of DMF and PAM not only guides Zn2+ deposition on Zn(002) crystal plane and isolates H2O from the Zn anode, but also breaks the hydrogen bonding network between water to improve the wide‐temperature range stability of hydrogel electrolytes. Consequently, the symmetric cell utilizing PZD can stably cycle over 5600 h at 0.5 mA cm−2@0.5 mAh cm−2. Furthermore, the Zn//PZD//MnO2 full cell exhibits favorable wide‐temperature range adaptability (for 16000 cycles at 3 A g−1 under 25 °C, 750 cycles with 98 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 under ‐20 °C) and outstanding mechanical properties (for lighting up the LEDs under conditions of pressure, bending, cutting, and puncture). This work proposes a useful modification for designing a high‐performance hydrogel electrolyte, which provides a reference for investigating the practical flexible aqueous batteries.
Integrating FMI and ML/AI models on the open‐source digital twin framework OpenTwins
Authors: Infante Sergio , Martín Cristian , Robles Julia , Rubio Bartolomé , Díaz Manuel , Perea Rafael González , Montesinos Pilar , Poyato Emilio Camacho
Published: March 2024

The realm of digital twins is experiencing rapid growth and presents a wealth of opportunities for Industry 4.0. In conjunction with traditional simulation methods, digital twins offer a diverse range of possibilities. However, many existing tools in the domain of open‐source digital twins concentrate on specific use cases and do not provide a versatile framework. In contrast, the open‐source digital twin framework, OpenTwins, aims to provide a versatile framework that can be applied to a wide range of digital twin applications. In this article, we introduce a re‐definition of the original OpenTwins platform that enables the management of custom simulation services and the management of FMI simulation services, which is one of the most widely used simulation standards in the industry and its coexistence with machine learning models, which enables the definition of the next‐gen digital twins. Thanks to this integration, digital twins that reflect reality better can be developed, through hybrid models, where simulation data can feed the scarcity of machine learning data and so forth. As part of this project, a simulation model developed through the hydraulic software Epanet was validated in OpenTwins, in addition to an FMI simulation service. The hydraulic model was implemented and tested in an agricultural use case in collaboration with the University of Córdoba, Spain. A machine learning model has been developed to assess the behavior of an FMI simulation through machine learning.
Table inference for combinatorial origin‐destination choices in agent‐based population synthesis
Authors: Zachos Ioannis , Damoulas Theodoros , Girolami Mark
Published: March 2024

A key challenge in agent‐based mobility simulations is the synthesis of individual agent socioeconomic profiles. Such profiles include locations of agent activities, which dictate the quality of the simulated travel patterns. These locations are typically represented in origin‐destination matrices that are sampled using coarse travel surveys. This is because fine‐grained trip profiles are scarce and fragmented due to privacy and cost reasons. The discrepancy between data and sampling resolutions renders agent traits nonidentifiable due to the combinatorial space of data‐consistent individual attributes. This problem is pertinent to any agent‐based inference setting where the latent state is discrete. Existing approaches have used continuous relaxations of the underlying location assignments and subsequent ad hoc discretisation thereof. We propose a framework to efficiently navigate this space offering improved reconstruction and coverage as well as linear‐time sampling of the ground truth origin‐destination table. This allows us to avoid factorially growing rejection rates and poor summary statistic consistency inherent in discrete choice modelling. We achieve this by introducing joint sampling schemes for the continuous intensity and discrete table of agent trips, as well as Markov bases that can efficiently traverse this combinatorial space subject to summary statistic constraints. Our framework's benefits are demonstrated in multiple controlled experiments and a large‐scale application to agent work trip reconstruction in Cambridge, UK.
Report of the General Committee: 29
Authors: Wilson Karen L.
Published: March 2024

Decisions of the General Committee are reported on proposals and requests in Report 74 of the Permanent Nomenclature Committee for Vascular Plants and on two older proposals: 2550 (Plagiomnium) and 2786 (Ipomoea). The General Committee has approved the list of institutional votes for the Nomenclature Section of the XX International Botanical Congress in Madrid.
Morphometric analysis of the skulls of a ram and ewe Romanov sheep (Ovis aries) with 3D modelling
Authors: Güzel Barış Can , İşbilir Fatma
Published: March 2024

Background

With the development of technology, 2D images have left their place for 3D models. The 3D modelling technique is widely used in plastic surgery, orthopaedic surgery, neurosurgery, traumatology, dentistry and medical education. The skull is important in terms of containing the starting parts of systems with vital functions.

Objective

The aim of the study is to reveal the difference between male and female and other species by 3D (three‐dimensional) modelling and craniometric measurements of Romanov heads.

Methods

In our study, skulls of Romanov sheep (10 females and 10 males) older than 1‐year‐old were used. The heads of Romanov sheep were scanned with computed tomography and modelled in 3D.

Results and Conclusions

In the study, it was determined that there was a statistically significant difference between male and female sheep in terms of the largest nose length, facial width, molar row length, viscerocranium length, and foramen magnum height parameters (p < 0.05). It was determined that the greatest width of the foramen magnum measurement parameter and the skull index showed statistically significant differences between the genders at the p < 0.01 level. No statistically significant difference was found in other measurements (p > 0.05). The data obtained as a result of the study will help in the racial discrimination and classification of bones obtained from zoo archaeological excavations.
Toward a common methodological framework for the sampling, extraction, and isotopic analysis of water in the Critical Zone to study vegetation water use
Authors: Ceperley Natalie , Gimeno Teresa E. , Jacobs Suzanne R. , Beyer Matthias , Dubbert Maren , Fischer Benjamin , Geris Josie , Holko Ladislav , Kübert Angelika , Le Gall Samuel , Lehmann Marco M. , Llorens Pilar , Millar Cody , Penna Daniele , Prieto Iván , Radolinski Jesse , Scandellari Francesca , Stockinger Michael , Stumpp Christine , Tetzlaff Dörthe , van Meerveld Ilja , Werner Christiane , Yildiz Oktay , Zuecco Giulia , Barbeta Adrià , Orlowski Natalie , Rothfuss Youri
Published: March 2024

The analysis of the stable isotopic composition of hydrogen and oxygen in water samples from soils and plants can help to identify sources of vegetation water uptake. This approach requires that the heterogeneous nature of plant and soil matrices is carefully accounted for during experimental design, sample collection, water extraction and analyses. The comparability and shortcomings of the different methods for extracting water and analyzing isotopic composition have been discussed in specialized literature. Yet, despite insightful comparisons of extraction methods and benchmarking methodologies of laboratories worldwide, the community still lacks a roadmap to guide sample collection, extraction, and isotopic analyses, and many practical issues for potential users remain unresolved: for example, which (soil or plant) water pool(s) does the extracted water represent? These constitute a hurdle for the implementation of the approach by newcomers. Here, we summarize discussions led in the framework of the COST Action WATSON (“WATer isotopeS in the critical zONe: from groundwater recharge to plant transpiration”—CA19120). We provide guidelines for (1) sampling soil and plant material for isotopic analysis, (2) methods for laboratory or in situ water extraction, and (3) measurements of isotopic composition. We highlight the importance of considering the process chain as a whole, from experimental design to isotopic analysis to minimize biased estimates of the relative contribution of different water sources to plant water uptake. We conclude by acknowledging some of the limitations of this methodology and advice on the collection of key environmental parameters prior to sample collection for isotopic analyses.

This article is categorized under:

Science of Water > Hydrological Processes

Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change

Science of Water > Water Extremes
Communicating socially acceptable risk judgments: The role of impression information insufficiency in the risk information seeking and processing model
Authors: Fung Timothy K. F. , Lai Po Yan , Griffin Robert J.
Published: March 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic has created uncertainty and controversy around risk‐related issues such as vaccine mandates. People expressing their opinions on these issues to important others, such as employers, may face significant consequences, such as rewards or rejection. Therefore, people may try to find, avoid, or use information in a way that helps them express risk judgments that are socially acceptable in different social situations. This study investigated how people seek, avoid, and process risk information when they are concerned about their impression management. It also introduced the concept of impression information insufficiency (the perceived gap between the information one has and the information one needs to convey socially acceptable judgments and meet interpersonal needs in social situations) and examined its antecedents and outcomes within the risk information seeking and processing model. We conducted an online survey with 1673 Hong Kong adults during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The results showed that fear and social norms related to greater impression information insufficiency, which thereby was associated with biased risk information seeking, avoidance, and processing.
Educating Students to Think, Feel and Behave Democratically: Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF)—A Magical Space of Possibility
Authors: Sahni Urvashi
Published: March 2024

In the Indian context democratic learning means building democratic mindsets and living practices in an inclusive environment where everyone is included and all voices are heard equally.
Building Student Agency One Book at a Time
Authors: Froggatt Deborah Lang
Published: March 2024

The “informationally underserved” are students who learn without access to effective school library pedagogy, which empowers students to engage in the exchange of intellectual content, “essential to the functioning of a democracy” Jaeger and Burnett (New Directions in Information Behavior, Emerald, 2011, p. 165).
The Galaxy Belongs to Them: Interests, Agency, and Democratic Schools
Authors: Petty Jeff
Published: March 2024

What does it mean that small children don’t see their interests in school, and older ones struggle even to engage the concept of interest while at school? This chapter explores what happens when we focus too much on accountability at the expense of learning who our students are and what they’re most curious about.
With Our Eyes on the Students. City of Berlin School: Keys to a Democratic Transformation
Authors: Flores Carla Varas , Vergara Francisco Madrid
Published: March 2024

In our context, democratic education means offering our community a school that fosters students’ learning and autonomy despite the difficulties and barriers they might encounter in their daily life. It’s about building social justice through education.
Coco: A Nomad Learning Experience for Digital Inclusion in the Peruvian Amazon
Authors: Hadzich Girola Luis Miguel
Published: March 2024

Design skills and digital literacy are necessary competencies to ensure young indigenous learners can equitably participate in today’s democracy and lead their communities for the future.
BirdHouse: A Wholesome and Joyful Homeschool Co-op
Authors: Cao Lydia
Published: March 2024

Democratic education means giving parents and children the agency to choose their educational experiences, supporting diverse forms of schooling (e.g. homeschooling), and empowering parents to be great educators for their children.
A Systemic Approach to Promoting Democratic Education in Schools
Authors: Zahedi Siamack
Published: March 2024

Democratic schools are characterized by an intentional alignment of key systems-level elements, including curriculum that promotes equitable opportunities for learning; a positive work environment driven by the values of transparency and honesty, trust, and collaboration; and distributed leadership that builds stakeholder capacity and provides opportunities to engage in data-driven decision-making and problem-solving.
Good Trouble Report
Authors: Anwar Selam , Daghmouri Shirine , Duverglas Carlie , Erickson Hannah , Friedman-Wellisch Jeremy , Friedman-Wellisch Samantha , Keutsch Yasmina
Published: March 2024

Since its founding in the summer of 2020, Good Trouble, a student-run collective, has aimed to amplify the voices of Cambridge students to improve the experiences of students who come after us. In 2022, when Good Trouble hit a roadblock, we turned to our peers, asking them what issues they saw in school that never seemed to be addressed. This led to the creation of our teacher-student feedback cycles.
The Hope of the HOMies
Authors: Fuller Demetrius
Published: March 2024

By building a school around the framework of the HOMies, 8 characters that embody shared habits of mind for all subjects, we can create a culture of curiosity where thinking, creativity, and expression are enticing to students. This is real democracy: encouraging all students and teachers’ innate love of discovery and expression.
Building Democracy Through Norms Creation: The Chelsea Public Schools, a District Revitalized
Authors: Aronson Adam
Published: March 2024

Student voice in the creation of school rules builds student agency, student autonomy, and independent learning.
Introduction
Authors: Hoffmann Andrea Ribeiro , Sandrin Paula , Doukas Yannis E.
Published: March 2024

This edited volume has two main objectives: the first is to critically analyse and compare the role of regions in addressing environmental and climate change challenges in Europe and Latin America. The second objective is to assess the initiatives developed among these regions and formulate recommendations, contributing, therefore, to the mutual understanding of the issues at stake. Given these objectives, the book is structured in three main sections. In the first section, the authors discuss cooperation and perspectives on climate change within and among the EU and Latin American regional organizations. The second section addresses the challenges to finance development and a ‘greener’ economy in both regions, reflecting on the existing mechanisms and potential innovations. The chapters of the third section critically assess so-called new green solutions to climate change within these two regions, illustrating the challenges of fostering consensus on priorities, and most appropriate mechanisms, policies, and projects on the ground.
Climate Change Cooperation in Latin American Regionalism
Authors: Ribeiro Hoffmann Andrea
Published: March 2024

This chapter analyses the norms, agendas, and initiatives implemented by regional organizations in Latin America regarding climate change, and focuses on the Southern Cone Market (MERCOSUR), the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), the Forum for the Progress and Integration of South America (PROSUR), and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC). Drawing on the secondary literature and official documents and the concepts of path dependence and unintended consequences from historical institutionalism, the chapter explores the role that these regional organizations have played so far in addressing climate change, as well as the key actors promoting and hindering environmental and climate change commitments. The conclusions advance recommendations based on the premise that climate change should be a key area in a new cycle of regionalism following the period of paralysis and disintegration that culminated at the end of the decade of 2010s.
An “Aggressive” Cooperation: Environment as a Hot Issue in EU-LAC Relations
Authors: Castiglioni Federico
Published: March 2024

The main objective of this chapter is to analyse the significance of environmental concerns in the most recent diplomatic relations between the European Union (EU) and Latin America. The chapter begins with a discussion of theoretical premises addressing the relationship between environmental preservation from the perspective of philosophy of global ethics. The analysis then employs a comparative perspective between the EU and Mercosur to determine if the two regional blocs act as “normative powers” and “ethical agents” in green policies, either in their respective spheres of influence or in international relations. The chapter also analyses the relations between the EU and Latin America, and the EU-CELAC Action Plan. The final section of the article focuses more narrowly on the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, examining the environmental provisions of the agreement and exploring why green policy in particular is dragging down the ongoing negotiations.
The Role of European Investment Bank (EIB) and National and Regional Development Banks in the Green Transformation
Authors: Griffith-Jones Stephany , Carreras Marco
Published: March 2024

This chapter examines the important role that can be played by national and regional development banks in the green transformation. Our focus is on the European Investment Bank (EIB), but we argue that EIB’s effective mechanisms to fund the initiatives of the European Green Deal can be diffused worldwide to other regional and national banks, including in Latin America. Carbon shadow carbon pricing, green taxonomy, climate roadmap, and new instruments such as venture debt constitute experiences that can be drawn on by Latin American and other countries.
Climate Change Concerns and the Role of Research and Innovation in the Agricultural Sector: The European Union Context
Authors: Maravegias Napoleon , Doukas Yannis E. , Petides Pavlos
Published: March 2024

Climate change poses a challenging and distinct problem for agriculture as it is a sector especially vulnerable because it depends heavily on weather and climate. On the other hand, a considerable portion of global greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) are caused by agriculture itself, both directly and indirectly. Since climate change impacts every region, Development Goal 13 for Climate Change, endorsed by the EU28 and all other UN members in 2015, calls for “urgent action to tackle climate change and its impacts” within the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Responding to the above conditions, the European Union (EU), in the context of the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which is into effect in 2023, aims to foster an agricultural sector that is competitive, resilient, and climate-neutral. The challenges of dealing with the agricultural sector and climate change will be addressed in this chapter, along with the efforts to achieve global climate goals. Finally, the role of research and innovation (R&I) in achieving the above goals and the opportunities and threats involved in the global and the EU context will be addressed.
Hebelpunkte der Kommunalpolitik und -verwaltung zur nachhaltigen Gestaltung lokaler Ernährungssysteme
Authors: Sipple David , Schanz Heiner
Published: March 2024

Lokale Ernährungssysteme sind von komplexen Ursache-Wirkungs-Zusammenhängen und Dynamiken geprägt, wie empirische Analysen zeigen. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird ein lokales Ernährungssystem als idealtypisches Kausalschleifendiagramm modelliert und analysiert. Damit lassen sich spezifische Hebelpunkte für die Kommunalpolitik und -verwaltung ableiten, durch deren Ansteuerung kommunale Nachhaltigkeitsziele im Themenfeld Ernährung erreicht werden können.
Odd strength spherical designs attaining the Fazekas–Levenshtein bound for covering and universal minima of potentials
Authors: Borodachov Sergiy
Published: March 2024

We characterize the cases of existence of spherical designs of an odd strength attaining the Fazekas–Levenshtein bound for covering and prove some of their properties. We also find all universal minima of the potential of regular spherical configurations in two new cases: the demihypercube on $$S^d$$

S
d

, $$d\ge 4$$

d
≥
4

, and the $$2_{41}$$

2
41

polytope on $$S^7$$

S
7

(which is dual to the $$E_8$$

E
8

lattice).
Collision Resistance from Multi-collision Resistance
Authors: Rothblum Ron D. , Vasudevan Prashant Nalini
Published: March 2024

Collision-resistant hash functions ($$\textsf{CRH}$$
CRH
) are a fundamental and ubiquitous cryptographic primitive. Several recent works have studied a relaxation of $$\textsf{CRH}$$
CRH
called t-way multi-collision-resistant hash functions ($$t\text {-}\textsf{MCRH}$$

t
-
MCRH

). These are families of functions for which it is computationally hard to find a t-way collision, even though such collisions are abundant (and even $$(t-1)$$

(
t
-
1
)

-way collisions may be easy to find). The case of $$t=2$$

t
=
2

corresponds to standard $$\textsf{CRH}$$
CRH
, but it is natural to study t-$$\textsf{MCRH}$$
MCRH
for larger values of t. Multi-collision resistance seems to be a qualitatively weaker property than standard collision resistance. Nevertheless, in this work we show a non-blackbox transformation of any moderately shrinking t-$$\textsf{MCRH}$$
MCRH
, for $$t \in \{3,4\}$$

t
∈
{
3
,
4
}

, into an (infinitely often secure) $$\textsf{CRH}$$
CRH
. This transformation is non-constructive—we can prove the existence of a $$\textsf{CRH}$$
CRH
but cannot explicitly point out a construction. Our result partially extends to larger values of t. In particular, we show that for suitable values of $$t>t'$$

t
>

t
′

, we can transform a t-$$\textsf{MCRH}$$
MCRH
into a $$t'$$

t
′

-$$\textsf{MCRH}$$
MCRH
, at the cost of reducing the shrinkage of the resulting hash function family and settling for infinitely often security. This result utilizes the list-decodability properties of Reed–Solomon codes.
A-series agent A-234: initial in vitro and in vivo characterization
Authors: Hrabinova Martina , Pejchal Jaroslav , Hepnarova Vendula , Muckova Lubica , Junova Lucie , Opravil Jakub , Zdarova Karasova Jana , Rozsypal Tomas , Dlabkova Alzbeta , Rehulkova Helena , Kucera Tomas , Vecera Zbyněk , Caisberger Filip , Schmidt Monika , Soukup Ondrej , Jun Daniel
Published: March 2024

A-series agent A-234 belongs to a new generation of nerve agents. The poisoning of a former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury, England, in March 2018 led to the inclusion of A-234 and other A-series agents into the Chemical Weapons Convention. Even though five years have already passed, there is still very little information on its chemical properties, biological activities, and treatment options with established antidotes. In this article, we first assessed A-234 stability in neutral pH for subsequent experiments. Then, we determined its inhibitory potential towards human recombinant acetylcholinesterase (HssAChE; EC 3.1.1.7) and butyrylcholinesterase (HssBChE; EC 3.1.1.8), the ability of HI-6, obidoxime, pralidoxime, methoxime, and trimedoxime to reactivate inhibited cholinesterases (ChEs), its toxicity in rats and therapeutic effects of different antidotal approaches. Finally, we utilized molecular dynamics to explain our findings. The results of spontaneous A-234 hydrolysis showed a slow process with a reaction rate displaying a triphasic course during the first 72 h (the residual concentration 86.2%). A-234 was found to be a potent inhibitor of both human ChEs (HssAChE IC50 = 0.101 ± 0.003 µM and HssBChE IC50 = 0.036 ± 0.002 µM), whereas the five marketed oximes have negligible reactivation ability toward A-234-inhibited HssAChE and HssBChE. The acute toxicity of A-234 is comparable to that of VX and in the context of therapy, atropine and diazepam effectively mitigate A-234 lethality. Even though oxime administration may induce minor improvements, selected oximes (HI-6 and methoxime) do not reactivate ChEs in vivo. Molecular dynamics implies that all marketed oximes are weak nucleophiles, which may explain the failure to reactivate the A-234 phosphorus-serine oxygen bond characterized by low partial charge, in particular, HI-6 and trimedoxime oxime oxygen may not be able to effectively approach the A-234 phosphorus, while pralidoxime displayed low interaction energy. This study is the first to provide essential experimental preclinical data on the A-234 compound.