bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bison alter the northern Yellowstone ecosystem by breaking aspen saplings
Authors: Painter Luke E. , Beschta Robert L. , Ripple William J.
Published: August 2023

The American bison (Bison bison) is a species that strongly interacts with its environment, yet the effects of this large herbivore on quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) have received little study. We documented bison breaking the stems of aspen saplings (young aspen >2 m tall and ≤5 cm in diameter at breast height) and examined the extent of this effect in northern Yellowstone National Park (YNP). Low densities of Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus canadensis) after about 2004 created conditions conducive for new aspen recruitment in YNP's northern ungulate winter range (northern range). We sampled aspen saplings at local and landscape scales, using random sampling plots in 87 randomly selected aspen stands. Across the YNP northern range, we found that 18% of sapling stems had been broken. The causal attribution to bison was supported by multiple lines of evidence: (1) most broken saplings were in areas of high bison and low elk density; (2) saplings were broken in summer when elk were not foraging on them; (3) we directly observed bison breaking aspen saplings; and (4) mixed‐effects modeling showed a positive association between scat density of bison and the proportion of saplings broken. In a stand heavily used by bison, most aspen saplings had been broken, and portions of the stand were cleared of saplings that were present in previous sampling in 2012. Bison numbers increased more than fourfold between 2004 and 2015, and their ecosystem effects have similarly increased, limiting and in some places reversing the nascent aspen recovery. This situation is further complicated by political constraints that prevent bison from dispersing to areas outside the park. Thus, one important conservation goal, the preservation of bison, is affecting another long‐term conservation goal, the recovery of aspen and other deciduous woody species in northern Yellowstone.
An activity recognition system at home based on illuminance sensors
Authors: Matsubara Hiroyuki
Published: August 2023

A social issue that leads to the safety and security of people is the network that monitors the safety of people living alone in remote areas. Various research and developments of indoor human activity recognition using IoT sensor nodes have been conducted in recent years. In this research, we focus on turning on and off indoor lighting and propose an activity recognition system at home using an illuminance sensor. An IoT sensor node with a built‐in illuminance sensor is attached to the wall near the indoor lighting equipment. The living activities of people in the room are estimated from changes in the illuminance. We assume a significant change in the illuminance of the indoor lighting is observed at least once a day at the sampling interval of the IoT sensor node. In that case, it is possible to estimate the operation of the indoor lighting due to daily activities and to confirm the safety of people living alone in remote areas. The activity recognition system was evaluated for a total of 380 days, excluding the missing period. The estimation of indoor lighting manipulation by daily activities was accurate for 376 days. Precision, Recall, and F‐measure score values, which are evaluation indices for activity estimation, were 94.9%, 98.2%, and 96.5%, respectively.
Vagus nerve stimulation‐induced stromal cell‐derived factor‐l alpha participates in angiogenesis and repair of infarcted hearts
Authors: Wang Yan , Liu Yun , Li Xing‐yuan , Yao Lu‐yuan , Mbadhi MagdaleenaNaemi , Chen Shao‐Juan , Lv Yan‐xia , Bao Xin , Chen Long , Chen Shi‐You , Zhang Jing‐xuan , Wu Yan , Lv Jing , Shi Liu‐liu , Tang Jun‐ming
Published: August 2023

Aims

We aim to explore the role and mechanism of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in coronary endothelial cells and angiogenesis in infarcted hearts.

Methods and results

Seven days after rat myocardial infarction (MI) was prepared by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery, the left cervical vagus nerve was treated with electrical stimulation 1 h after intraperitoneal administration of the α7‐nicotinic acetylcholine inhibitor mecamylamine or the mAChR inhibitor atropine or 3 days after local injection of Ad‐shSDF‐1α into the infarcted heart. Cardiac tissue acetylcholine (ACh) and serum ACh, tumour necrosis factor α (TNF‐α), interleukin 1β (IL‐1β) and interleukin 6 (IL‐6) levels were detected by ELISA to determine whether VNS was successful. An inflammatory injury model in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) was established by lipopolysaccharide and identified by evaluating TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐6 levels and tube formation. Immunohistochemistry staining was performed to evaluate CD31‐positive vessel density and stromal cell‐derived factor‐l alpha (SDF‐1α) expression in the MI heart in vivo and the expression and distribution of SDF‐1α, C‐X‐C motif chemokine receptor 4 and CXCR7 in HCAECs in vitro. Western blotting was used to detect the levels of SDF‐1α, V‐akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog (AKT), phosphorylated AKT (pAKT), specificity protein 1 (Sp1) and phosphorylation of Sp1 in HCAECs. Left ventricular performance, including left ventricular systolic pressure, left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure and rate of the rise and fall of ventricular pressure, should be evaluated 28 days after VNS treatment. VNS was successfully established for MI therapy with decreases in serum TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐6 levels and increases in cardiac tissue and serum ACh levels, leading to increased SDF‐1α expression in coronary endothelial cells of MI hearts, triggering angiogenesis of MI hearts with increased CD31‐positive vessel density, which was abolished by the m/nAChR inhibitors mecamylamine and atropine or knockdown of SDF‐1α by shRNA. ACh promoted SDF‐1α expression and its distribution along with the branch of the formed tube in HCAECs, resulting in an increase in the number of tubes formed in HCAECs. ACh increased the levels of pAKT and phosphorylation of Sp1 in HCAECs, resulting in inducing SDF‐1α expression, and the specific effects could be abolished by mecamylamine, atropine, the PI3K/AKT blocker wortmannin or the Sp1 blocker mithramycin. Functionally, VNS improved left ventricular performance, which could be abolished by Ad‐shSDF‐1α.

Conclusions

VNS promoted angiogenesis to repair the infarcted heart by inducing SDF‐1α expression and redistribution along new branches during angiogenesis, which was associated with the m/nAChR‐AKT‐Sp1 signalling pathway.
Development and validation of a peripheral cell ratio and lactate score for differentiating status epilepticus from prolonged psychogenic nonepileptic seizures
Authors: Tan Tracie H.L. , Sanfilippo Paul , Colman Blake , Perucca Piero , Kwan Patrick , O'Brien Terence J. , Monif Mastura
Published: August 2023

Objective

Differentiating status epilepticus (SE) from prolonged psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (pPNES) can be difficult clinically. We aimed to define the utility of peripheral cell counts, cell ratios, and lactate levels in distinguishing SE from pPNES.

Methods

Retrospective two‐center study investigating the sensitivity and specificity of acute (≤12 h of event offset) peripheral cell counts, cell ratios (neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio, neutrophil–monocyte ratio, monocyte–lymphocyte ratio, platelet–lymphocyte ratio, systemic immune‐inflammatory index [SII], systemic inflammatory response index [SIRI]), and lactate levels in differentiating SE from pPNES. Patients were identified from two tertiary hospitals, with one forming the development cohort and the other the validation cohort. Using generalized additive models to generate biomarker vs time curves, optimal blood collection times were defined for set parameters. Three diagnostic scores combining neutrophil count, SII, or SIRI with lactate levels were developed and validated in separate cohorts.

Results

For the development cohort, 1262 seizure‐like events were reviewed and 79 SE and 44 pPNES events were included. For the validation cohort, 241 events were reviewed and 20 SE and 11 pPNES events were included. Individually, the biomarkers generally had low sensitivity and reasonable specificity for differentiating SE from pPNES, with the neutrophil count, SIRI, and SII performing best with sensitivities of 0.65–0.84, specificities of 0.64–0.89, and ROC AUCs of 0.78–0.79. Lactate levels peaked at 60 min, while cell counts and ratios peaked after 240 min. Combining early peaking lactate levels and later peaking neutrophil count, SIRI or SII resulted in three scores that improved predictive potential with sensitivities of between 0.75 and 0.79, specificities between 0.93 and 1.00, and ROC AUCs of 0.89–0.91.

Significance

Lactate levels peak early post‐SE, whereas cell counts and ratios do so later. The differing post‐event time profiles of lactate levels vs neutrophil count, SIRI, and SII allow incorporation into three separate scores which can assist in differentiating SE from pPNES.
Evaluation of the lodging resistance and the selection of identification indexes of maize inbred lines
Authors: Zheng Yunxiao , Hou Peng , Jia Xiaoyan , Zhu Liying , Zhao Yongfeng , Song Weibin , Song Wei , Guo Jinjie
Published: August 2023

Lodging is one of the main problems affecting the maize production. In this study, 220 maize inbred lines were used for determining the lodging resistance. Analysis methods such as the correlation analysis, the principal component analysis, the cluster analysis, the stepwise discriminate analysis, and the ridge regression analysis were deployed for data interpretation. The results of the correlation analysis showed that 17 characters were correlated with varying degrees. Strong and positive correlations between TID and FID (r = 0.910), TIL and FIL (r = 0.898), NSVB and NLVB (r = 0.775), ASVB and ALVB (r = 0.746), and LC and HC (r = 0.656) were observed. The first six principal components explained 79.13% of the phenotypic variation of the 17 characters, with the contribution rates being 20.77%, 18.12%, 14.09%, 11.17%, 8.66%, and 6.32%, respectively. Five categories were clustered in the 220 inbred lines. The result of stepwise discriminate analysis showed that 211 inbred lines were correctly discriminated and the identification rate was 95.91%, and 9 inbred lines were incorrectly discriminated and the identification rate was 4.09%, which meant that the result of cluster analysis was accurate and reliable. The stalk bending strength, ear height, cellulose content, number of small vascular bundles, and cross‐sectional area were selected, and the regression model of lodging resistance of inbred lines was established by using the ridge regression method. Thirty of the 220 inbred lines, including R1656, 4003, and LD61, showed the highest lodging resistance. The results provide a reference for the selection of lodging‐resistant germplasm resources in breeding for the lodging resistance hybrids.
Collaborative validation of the quantification method for 57 allergens in ready to inject fragrance samples
Authors: Pérès Christophe , Corbi Elise , David Nathalie , Masson Jérôme , Cicchetti Esmeralda , Kupfermann Nikolai , Kuropka Gryta , Tacnet Nicolas , Roach Nick , Delacôte Anne‐Marie , Gervais Gaël , Schippa Christine , Ventura Merixtell , Merle Philippe
Published: August 2023

This publication presents the collaborative work conducted in CEN/TC 347/WG4 ‘Fragrance and colophony’ working group to evaluate the robustness of a GC–MS analytical methodology to quantify the extended list of 57 fragrance allergens in ‘ready to inject’ samples. The intention of this group was to provide an updated and consensual standard for the quantification of the extended allergen list. The analytical approach was based on the similar methodology than the original one developed for the 26 allergens, using a universal GC–MS simple quadrupole instrument. A ring test was performed among the different end‐user experiences of the CEN group to test the method on a representative fragrance matrix. Accuracy profile method was used to validate the analytical method within the 2–240 mg/kg concentration range. Thanks to the use of commercial standard mixes and dedicated automation of decisional tree for data treatment, 89% of tolerance intervals of targeted allergens were included into the acceptance limits in the whole 2–240 mg/kg concentration range. The objective of this article was to provide some complementary data to implement the NF EN 16274 standard in an analytical laboratory and to highlight the inherent difficulties linked to extended data treatment and complexity for the recovery of low concentration analytes and potential coelutions in a wide diversity of ready‐to inject samples.
Understanding the concurrence of environmental characteristics in Latino youth: A person‐centered approach
Authors: Gomez Christopher , Baca Selena A. , Ryder Annie , Gudiño Omar G.
Published: August 2023

The current study aimed to identify profiles of youth presenting with a unique combination of environmental characteristics and understand the differential relationship between profile membership, anxiety, and depression symptoms. Data were drawn from 158 Latino youth between the ages of 11 and 13. Youth provided information on community violence exposure, acculturative stress, familial and peer support, and parental supervision. Main analyses included Latent Profile Analysis and Multivariate Analysis of Variance. Support for a four‐profile model was found. Profiles are distinguished by mean levels of community violence exposure, acculturative stress, familial and peer support, and parental supervision. Profile membership was significantly associated with anxiety and depression, separately. Those belonging to the profile with the highest levels of environmental risk reported the highest levels of anxiety and depression. Findings contribute to a personalized understanding of risk and protective experiences in the environment for Latino youth.
Lipoteichoic acid inhibits osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption via interruption of gelsolin‐actin dissociation
Authors: Kwon Yeongkag , Yang Jihyun , Park Ok‐Jin , Park Chaeyeon , Kim Jiseon , Lee Dongwook , Yun Cheol‐Heui , Han Seung Hyun
Published: August 2023

Bone resorption can be caused by excessive differentiation and/or activation of bone‐resorbing osteoclasts. While microbe‐associated molecular patterns can influence the differentiation and activation of bone cells, little is known about the role of lipoteichoic acid (LTA), a major cell wall component of Gram‐positive bacteria, in the regulation of bone metabolism. In this study, we investigated the effect of LTA on bone metabolism using wild‐type Staphylococcus aureus and the LTA‐deficient mutant strain. LTA‐deficient S. aureus induced higher bone loss and osteoclast differentiation than wild‐type S. aureus. LTA isolated from S. aureus (SaLTA) inhibited osteoclast differentiation from committed osteoclast precursors in the presence of various osteoclastogenic factors by downregulating the expression of NFATc1. Remarkably, SaLTA attenuated the osteoclast differentiation from committed osteoclast precursors of TLR2−/− or MyD88−/− mice and from the committed osteoclast precursors transfected with paired immunoglobulin‐like receptor B‐targeting siRNA. SaLTA directly interacted with gelsolin, interrupting the gelsolin‐actin dissociation which is a critical process for osteoclastogenesis. Moreover, SaLTA suppressed the mRNA expression of dendritic cell‐specific transmembrane protein, ATPase H+ transporting V0 subunit D2, and Integrin, which encode proteins involved in cell‐cell fusion of osteoclasts. Notably, LTAs purified from probiotics, including Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, and Lactobacillus species, also suppressed Pam2CSK4‐ or RANKL‐induced osteoclast differentiation. Taken together, these results suggest that LTAs have anti‐resorptive activity through the inhibition of osteoclastogenesis by interfering with the gelsolin‐actin dissociation and may be used as effective therapeutic agents for the prevention or treatment of inflammatory bone diseases.
Antibody response following the fourth SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine dose during the Omicron wave in Brazil
Authors: Silva Maria Francilene Souza , de Oliveira Fátima de Cássia Evangelista , Pinto Ana Carolina M. Dinelly , Luciano Maria Claudia dos S. , Garcia Max Moreira Lizano , Araújo Fernanda Montenegro de C. , Fonseca Marcela H. Gambim
Published: August 2023

We investigated the impact of the fourth dose with ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 (AstraZeneca) in the humoral immune response to SARS‐CoV‐2 during a 9‐month follow‐up period in which Omicron was the predominant variant in Brazil. IgG for the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins were analyzed in samples collected before and after the fourth dose. All participants were tested monthly for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection by RT‐qPCR. The antibody response induced by the fourth dose of the coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine was evaluated and compared with the response induced by the second and third doses. The additional antibody response to the viral S protein after the fourth dose was smaller than those after the third vaccine dose. In contrast, an increase in the N IgG levels could be observed after the fourth dose compared to other vaccine doses. In the comparison of the antibody response before and after the fourth dose, an increase in both S‐and‐N IgG was noted, mainly in the positive qPCR group. We did not observe a significant decline in IgG levels after the fourth dose, as observed after the second and third doses, therefore, a sustained humoral response to both S and N proteins seems to be achieved.
L1/LDG algorithm for time‐Caputo space‐Riesz fractional convection equation in two dimensions
Authors: Cai Min , Li Changpin
Published: August 2023

This paper proposes an L1/LDG algorithm for a time–space fractional convection equation on a bounded rectangular domain
. Here, the temporal partial derivative is in the sense of Caputo with order
, and the spatial partial derivatives are of Riesz type with orders
in
‐ and
‐directions, respectively. L1 approximation is utilized to evaluate the temporal Caputo derivative, while the local discontinuous Galerkin (LDG) method is adopted to deal with the spatial Riesz derivative. The rigorous numerical stability analysis and error estimate are presented which are supported by illustrative numerical examples.
Intercalation of silsesquioxane surfactant in layered double hydroxide for silicone rubber composites: Enhancing interfacial interactions toward improvement of mechanical, thermal, and gas barrier properties
Authors: Li Dongxia , Lin Qiong , Liu Lingli , Song Xuan , Wang Zhongxin , Sun Xiangfeng , Xue Yuxin , Fu Yulin , Shi Yuanhao , Li Zhiqi , Gui Xuefeng , Xu Kai
Published: August 2023

The incorporation of two‐dimensional layered metal hydroxides (LDHs) into nonpolar silicone rubber (SR) is not yet universal, mainly because of their originally hydrophilic surface and limited interlamellar galleries that make nanoparticle dispersion and intercalation of polymer segments more difficult. In this work, we develop a modified Ca‐Mg‐Al LDH form by conjugating the ternary Ca‐Mg‐Al LDH with silsesquioxane (SQ) surfactants containing benzoic acid moieties and polyethylene glycol chains via an in‐situ intercalation process. The bulky anions conjugation to the hydroxide layers dictated both the surface hydrophobicity and interlayer spacing of the modified Ca‐Mg‐Al LDH, enabling strong inter‐constituent interactions within the nanocomposites as well as extensive polymer penetration after incorporation into the SR matrix. The SR/modified LDH nanocomposites show excellent thermal stability and satisfactory mechanical properties due to the homogeneous dispersion and good compatibility of modified Ca‐Mg‐Al LDH. Moreover, we have observed that the shear‐induced orientation of the nano‐layered particles upon application of stress imparts a more notably decreased SR/LDH‐SQ‐40 gas transmission rate (reduced by 55% with respect to that in the unstretched composite films). This result also corroborates the better interfacial bonding and highly efficient load transfer between silsesquioxane‐modified LDH and polymer in melt extrusion mixing of such composites.

Highlights

Modified Ca‐Mg‐Al LDH with increased layer spacing and reduced hydrophilicity.

Modifier enhanced the interfacial adhesion between Ca‐Mg‐Al LDH and SR matrix.

SR/modified LDH showed excellent thermal stability and mechanical properties.

Orientation and exfoliation enhanced gas barrier properties of SR/modified LDH.
Development of light weight transparent bullet proof polymeric laminates
Authors: Kumar A. V. Anil , Pothuraju Kollipaka , Lakshmi K. Rajya , Bhowmik Shantanu
Published: August 2023

Armed vehicles, improvised explosive device blast‐proof vehicles, require their windshields and windows to be transparent and yet be resistant to high‐velocity impact of splinters. Hence, composite which is of ballistic grade and yet transparent is in real need for all these applications. This study is dedicated to finding a practical solution for using transparent polycarbonate (PC) laminate made using solvent vapor bonding for ballistic applications. The solvent that was proved to be best for solvent vapor bonding of polycarbonate sheets was dichloromethane, as the bond strength was observed to be high from the results of lap shear tensile test. The transparency retention is reasonably high when solvent vapor bonding was used and the toughness has increased near to 50% in comparison with nonlaminated PC. In this study, a polycarbonate laminate with dimensions 150 × 150 × 40 mm made using solvent vapor bonding and is tested with two 9‐mm bullets fired with velocity of 430 m/s from a distance of 5 m. The laminae successfully stopped both the bullets without any back face signature and there was no brittle failure as such, rather delamination happened at interface of laminae since it has essentially absorbed the impact energy of bullet.

Highlights

Solvent vapor bonding of polycarbonate laminate.

Transparent ballistic shield with layer of polycarbonate laminate.

Enhancement of mechanical properties of solvent‐vaporized bonding polycarbonate laminate.

Ballistic testing of transparent polycarbonate laminate.
The effects of different taping methods on patellofemoral alignment, pain and function in individuals with patellofemoral pain: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Songur Adil , Demirdel Ertugrul , Kılıc Ozlem , Akin Mustafa Emre , Alkan Afra , Akkaya Mustafa
Published: August 2023

Background

Athletic taping has long been a physiotherapeutic application in individuals with patellofemoral pain (PFP). However, the therapeutic effects of local and proximal taping have not been fully determined.

Objective

To evaluate the effects of two different taping techniques applied in addition to exercise on patellofemoral alignment, pain, and function in individuals with PFP.

Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting

An outpatient hospital clinic.

Participants

Individuals with PFP aged 18–50 years (n = 36).

Interventions

Group 1 underwent only the exercise program. Group 2 underwent the exercise plus McConnell patellar taping (MPT), and Group 3 underwent the exercise plus femoral rotational taping (FRT) (6 weeks).

Main Outcome Measures

Bisect offset index (BOI) and patellar tilt angle (PTA) were measured in relaxed and maximum voluntary contractions of the quadriceps muscle (MVCq) using magnetic resonance imaging. Pain intensity was assessed by the Visual Analog Scale for three conditions: at daytime rest, during activity, and at nighttime. Functional level was assessed by the Kujala Patellofemoral Scoring System.

Results

Significant improvements in the BOI of Group 2 at rest (p = .015; r = 0.593) and in PTA of Group 3 at MVCq (p = .010; r = 0.613) were found. Improvements in pain under all three conditions were significant within groups (all, p values < .050 and r > 0.5). The change in pain was similar between groups (all, p values > .05). All groups showed significant improvement in functional level (all, p values < .010 and r > 0.5). However, the increase in Group 3 was higher than that in Group 1 (p = .019).

Conclusion

This study shows that MPT and FRT applications increase functionality and can affect patellofemoral alignment in different ways. In the treatment of PFP, more successful results can be obtained with appropriate taping techniques for the local and proximal region.
Applicability of the Global Lung Function Initiative prediction equations in Hong Kong Chinese children
Authors: Chan Kate C. , Zhu Huichen , Yu Michelle , Yuen Hoi‐Man , Dai Siyu , Chin Hui‐Yen , Choy Jonathan , Chan Jeffrey , Tsoi Dana , Siu Brian , Au Chun T. , Li Albert M.
Published: August 2023

Background and Objective

This study aimed to assess the applicability of the Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) prediction equations for spirometry in Hong Kong children and to develop prediction equations based on the Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale, and Shape (GAMLSS) modeling.

Methods

Healthy Chinese children and adolescents aged 6–17 years old were recruited from randomly selected schools to undergo spirometry. The measurements were transformed to z‐score according to the GLI‐2012 equations for South East (SE) Asians and the GLI‐2022 global race‐neutral equations. Prediction equations for spirometric indices were developed with GAMLSS modeling to identify predictors.

Results

A total of 886 children (477 boys) with a mean age of 12.5 years (standard deviation [SD] 3.3 years) were included. By the GLI‐2012 SE Asian equations, positive mean z‐scores were observed in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (boys: 0.138 ± SD 0.828; girls: 0.206 ± 0.823) and forced vital capacity (FVC) (boys: 0.160 ± 0.930; girls: 0.310 ± 0.895) in both sexes. Negative mean z‐scores were observed in FEV1/FVC ratio (boys: −0.018 ± 0.998; girls: −0.223 ± 0.897). In contrast, negative mean z‐scores in FEV1 and FVC, and positive mean z‐scores in FEV1/FVC were observed when adopting the GLI‐2022 race‐neutral equations. The mean z‐scores were all within the range of ±0.5. By GAMLSS models, age and height were significant predictors for all four spirometric indices, while weight was an additional predictor for FVC and FEV1.

Conclusion

Our study provided data supporting the applicability of the GLI prediction equations in Hong Kong Chinese children. The GLI‐2012 equations may underestimate FEV1 and FVC, while the GLI‐2022 equations may overestimate the parameters, but the differences lie within the physiological limits. By GAMLSS modeling, weight was an additional predictor for FVC and FEV1.
Iridium/Silicon Ultrathin Film for Ultraviolet Photodetection: Harnessing Hot Plasmonic Effects
Authors: Basyooni Mohamed A. , Tihtih Mohammed , Boukhoubza Issam , Ibrahim Jamal Eldin F. M. , En-nadir Redouane , Abdelbar Ahmed M. , Rahmani Khalid , Zaki Shrouk E. , Ateş Şule , Eker Yasin Ramazan
Published: August 2023

The phenomenon of hot carriers, which are generated through the nonradiative decay of surface plasmons in ultrathin metallic films, offers an intriguing opportunity for subbandgap photodetection even at room temperature. These hot carriers possess sufficient energy to inject into the conduction band of a semiconductor material. The groundbreaking use of iridium (Ir) ultrathin film as an ultraviolet (UV) plasmonic material on silicon (Si) for high‐performance photodetectors (PHDs) has been successfully demonstrated. Elevating the thickness of the sputtered Ir film to 4 nm yields a notable surge in photocurrent, registering an impressive 600 μA under 365 nm UV illumination with electron mobility of 1.37E3 cm2 V−1 s. This PHD exhibits excellent OFF‐ON photoresponses at various applied voltages ranging from 0 to 5 V, maintaining a stable photocurrent. Under UV illumination, it displays exceptional performance, achieving a high detectivity of 1.25E14 Jones and a responsivity of 1.28 A W−1. These outstanding results underscore the significant advantages of increasing the thickness of the Ir film in PHDs, leading to improvements in conductivity, detectivity, external quantum efficiency, responsivity, as well as superior sensitivity for light detection.
Overview of the research gaps in the rainfall simulator study
Authors: Lazarus Robberta Renuka , Wan Jaafar Wan Zurina , Alengaram U. Johnson , Hin Lai Sai
Published: August 2023

Urban flooding, soil erosion, and water pollution are common issues nowadays. The hydrological cycle is being disrupted due to improper planning of development that necessitates extensive studies conducted globally to study ways to address these issues. Significant and accurate data are required to rectify and amend the current situation. Rainfall simulators (RSs) are widely applied in research as they replicate the natural rainfall under controlled conditions and are repeatable. However, based on the published research, it is found that there are significant gaps. The RS has no standardization to cater different environmental conditions, yet vital rainfall characteristics and aspects have to be carried out wisely for better accuracy and data analysis. This review article discusses the gaps and parameters required in RS experiments.
Tailoring the Growth and Morphology of Lithium Peroxide: Nickel Sulfide/Nickel Phosphate Nanotubes with Optimized Electronic Structure for Lithium–Oxygen Batteries
Authors: Li Se‐Si , Liu Yu‐Si , Wu Xue‐Yan , Wang Kai‐Xue , Chen Jie‐Sheng
Published: August 2023

Heterogeneous crystalline‐amorphous structures, with tunable electronic structures and morphology, hold immense promise as catalysts for lithium‐oxygen batteries (LOBs). Herein, a nanotube network constructed by crystalline nickel sulfide/amorphous nickel phosphate (NiS/NiPO) heterostructure is prepared on Ni foam through the sulfurization of the precursor generated hydrothermally. Used as cathodes, the NiS/NiPO nanotubes with optimized electronic structure can induce the deposition of the highly porous and interconnected structure of Li2O2 with rich Li2O2–electrolyte interfaces. Abundant active sites can be created on NiS/NiPO through the charge redistribution for the uniform nucleation and growth of Li2O2. Moreover, nanotube networks endow cathodes with efficient transport channels and sufficient space for the accommodation of Li2O2. A high discharge capacity of 27 003.6 mAh g−1 and a low charge overpotential of 0.58 V at 1000 mAh g−1 can be achieved at 200 mA g−1. This work provides valuable insight into the unique role of the electronic structure and morphology of catalysts in the formation mechanisms of Li2O2 and the performances of LOBs.
Improving Efficiency and Stability of p–i–n Perovskite Solar Cells by Capsaicin‐Based Antisolvent Additive Engineering
Authors: Zhang Han-Wen , Bi Yan-Gang , Shan Dong-Ming , Wang Yi-Fan , Zheng Xin , Liu Yue-Feng , Feng Jing
Published: August 2023

Improving the morphology and crystallinity of polycrystalline perovskite films is essential for perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with high efficiency and stability. Herein, capsaicin‐based antisolvent additive engineering (AAE) is proposed to fabricate MAPbI3‐based p–i–n PSCs by simply adding capsaicin into antisolvent to simultaneously regulate crystallization and passivate defects of perovskite films. Meanwhile, a more n‐type surface is formed by the spatially confined distribution of capsaicin at grain boundaries and top interfaces of perovskite induced by the proposed AAE process, which facilitates the transport of charge carriers. As a result, the MAPbI3‐based PSCs with p–i–n architecture achieve a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.85% with negligible hysteresis (active area of 0.07 cm2), as well as an improved stability by maintaining 70.7% of the initial PCE after monitoring for over 400 h under ambient environment (25%–35% relative humidity) without encapsulation. In this work, a facile and effective strategy is proposed to prepare high‐quality perovskite films, which improves the efficiency and stability of PSCs and paves the way for further commercialization of PSCs.
Erosion modelling on reconstructed rough surfaces of wind turbine blades
Authors: Tempelis Antonios , Mishnaevsky Jr. Leon
Published: August 2023

Numerical simulations of rain droplet impacts on real rough surfaces of leading edges of wind turbine blades are presented. The effect of rough blade surface conditions during liquid impacts on the stress distribution in the protective coating is studied. Realistic rough surfaces of wind turbine blades, obtained from 3D reconstruction of real blades with photogrammetry, as well as artificially generated rough surfaces were introduced into finite element models of the droplet/blade coating interaction. Stress distributions in the protective coating with rough and flat surfaces were studied and compared. The results of the simulations suggest that roughness on the surface of the blade leads to increased stresses in the protective coating.
Impact of bioconvection on Darcy‐Forchheimer flow of MHD Carreau fluid with Arrhenius activation energy
Authors: Rehman M. Israr Ur , Chen Haibo , Hamid Aamir
Published: August 2023

This research examines the bioconvection impact on mixed convective Carreau fluid flowing toward permeable stretched surface with joule heating and Darcy‐Forchheimer effect. The evaluation has been attained in the presence of convective conditions, Joule heating, thermal radiative, mixed convective and motile microorganisms, which have not been dreamed before. Flow in permeable medium is characterized by utilizing Darcy‐Forchheimer model. Appropriate similarity factors are utilized to obtain the ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The derived mathematical formulation is now numerically solved with the help of R‐K 4th order scheme based on shooting approach. The results of the motile microorganism number, velocity, Sherwood number, temperature, motile density number, drag coefficient, concentration, and local Nusselt number are revealed graphically. The effect of bioconvection Lewis number on the motile microorganisms and motile density profile are quite inverse. Further, higher values of Schmidt number decrease the concentration field.
On Extended Reality Objective Performance Metrics for Neurosurgical Training
Authors: Iop Alessandro , Viberg Olga , Elmi-Terander Adrian , Edström Erik , Romero Mario
Published: August 2023

The adoption of Extended Reality (XR) technologies for supporting learning processes is an increasingly popular research topic for a wide variety of domains, including medical education. Currently, within this community, the metrics applied to quantify the potential impact these technologies have on procedural knowledge acquisition are inconsistent. This paper proposes a practical definition of standard metrics for the learning goals in the application of XR to surgical training. Their value in the context of previous research in neurosurgical training is also discussed. Objective metrics of performance include: spatial accuracy and precision, time-to-task completion, number of attempts. The objective definition of what the learner’s aims are enables the creation of comparable XR systems that track progress during training. The first impact is to provide a community-wide metric of progress that allows for consistent measurements. Furthermore, a measurable target opens the possibility for automated performance assessments with constructive feedback.
Implementing a Desktop VR Tool in a European University: Priorities and Challenges
Authors: Holubinka Kateryna , Urlings Corrie , Stoyanov Slavi , del Pilar Sosa-Fernández Rocío , Méndez-Fernández Roi , Castelló-Mayo Enrique , Klemke Roland , de Groot Renate
Published: August 2023

Virtual reality technologies in educational settings have demonstrated their potential to improve understanding, engagement, motivation and learning outcomes. However, there are multiple technical, pedagogical, and institutional challenges on the way of technology adoption in the education sector. In this group-concept-mapping study within the CloudClass project we aim at identifying the requirements for implementing a desktop VR tool (CloudClass) for education in the university context. Teachers, multimedia experts and managers from a Spanish and a Dutch university (a face-to-face and a distance learning one) were asked to complete the focus prompt “To use/implement CloudClass in education it is required/ needed that.…”. The generated statements were classified thematically and rated for importance and feasibility. 95 unique statements were generated and sorted statistically into 5 clusters: Evaluation, Institutional Requirements, Maintenance and Training, Student Requirements, Affordances and infrastructure. A strong correlation was identified between the importance and feasibility of the identified clusters. To ensure a sustainable implementation of a desktop VR tool like CloudClass in a university setting a holistic approach considering all identified clusters is needed. Clusters Maintenance and Training and Institutional requirements are the low-hanging fruits to invest in, as both clusters scored highest on importance and feasibility.
Das politische System und Gesetzgebungsprozesse in der (halb-)direkten, föderalen Demokratie
Authors: Kehl Konstantin
Published: August 2023

Das Kapitel thematisiert, wie ausgebaute Volksrechte in der (halb-)direkten Demokratie und konsequente Subsidiarität im Föderalismus ein konsensdemokratisches Institutionengefüge begründen, das weltweit seinesgleichen sucht. Der dreiteilige Staatsaufbau der Schweiz wird vor diesem Hintergrund ebenso beleuchtet wie die vier idealtypischen Phasen des Gesetzgebungsprozesses. Beispielhaft vertiefen wir die Pflegeinitiative, mit der 2021 erstmals eine Volksinitiative aus Kreisen der Gewerkschaften und Berufsverbände schweizweit eine Mehrheit bekam.
Corner Structure of Four-Dimensional General Relativity in the Coframe Formalism
Authors: Canepa Giovanni , Cattaneo Alberto S.
Published: August 2023

This note describes a local Poisson structure (up to homotopy) associated with corners in four-dimensional gravity in the coframe (Palatini–Cartan) formalism. This is achieved through the use of the BFV formalism. The corner structure contains in particular an Atiyah algebroid that couples the internal symmetries to diffeomorphisms. The relation with BF theory is also described.
Long-Term Effect of Mechanical Thrombectomy in Stroke Patients According to Advanced Imaging Characteristics.
Authors: Beyeler Morin , Pohle Fabienne , Weber Loris , Mueller Madlaine , Kurmann Christoph C. , Mujanovic Adnan , Clénin Leander , Piechowiak Eike Immo , Meinel Thomas Raphael , Bücke Philipp , Jung Simon , Seiffge David , Pilgram-Pastor Sara M. , Dobrocky Tomas , Arnold Marcel , Gralla Jan , Fischer Urs , Mordasini Pasquale , Kaesmacher Johannes
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Data on long-term effect of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients with large ischemic cores (≥ 70 ml) are scarce. Our study aimed to assess the long-term outcomes in MT-patients according to baseline advanced imaging parameters.

Methods

We performed a single-centre retrospective cohort study of stroke patients receiving MT between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2018. We assessed baseline imaging to determine core and mismatch volumes and hypoperfusion intensity ratio (with low ratio reflecting good collateral status) using RAPID automated post-processing software. Main outcomes were cross-sectional long-term mortality, functional outcome and quality of life by May 2020. Analysis were stratified by the final reperfusion status.

Results

In total 519 patients were included of whom 288 (55.5%) have deceased at follow-up (median follow-up time 28 months, interquartile range 1–55). Successful reperfusion was associated with lower long-term mortality in patients with ischemic core volumes ≥ 70 ml (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.20; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.10–0.44) and ≥ 100 ml (aHR 0.26; 95% CI 0.08–0.87). The effect of successful reperfusion on long-term mortality was significant only in the presence of relevant mismatch (aHR 0.17; 95% CI 0.01–0.44). Increasing reperfusion grade was associated with a higher rate of favorable outcomes (mRS 0–3) also in patients with ischemic core volume ≥ 70 ml (aOR 3.58, 95% CI 1.64–7.83).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated a sustainable benefit of better reperfusion status in patients with large ischemic core volumes. Our results suggest that patient deselection based on large ischemic cores alone is not advisable.
Current situation in radiation oncology residency—Results of a national survey performed by the working group Young DEGRO of the German Society of Radiation Oncology
Authors: Fleischmann Daniel F. , Büttner Marcel , Oertel Michael , Waltenberger Maria , Süß Christoph , Ziegler Sonia , Käsmann Lukas , Jazmati Danny , Schröder Annemarie , Mäurer Matthias , Linde Philipp
Published: August 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the current status of the radiation oncology (RO) residency programs in Germany. For this, RO residents and RO specialists were surveyed regarding the current situation of the RO residency training and the working conditions in Germany.

Methods

The Continuing Education Section of the Young DEGRO (yDEGRO) Working Group of the German Society of Radiation Oncology (DEGRO) developed a survey to assess (1) the overall satisfaction, learning objectives, and teaching methods used during training; and (2) the perception of the importance of specific disease patterns in RO training. Open-ended questions were also asked to elicit opinions on areas for improvement. From 21 November to 27 December 2022, RO residents registered with DEGRO and/or in the working group yDEGRO were invited to participate anonymously in an online questionnaire.

Results

Overall, 97 participants completed the survey, including 65 RO residents (67%) and 32 RO specialists (33%); 66 (68%) of the respondents reported being employed in the university setting, 23 (23.7%) in the non-university setting, and 8 (8.3%) in private practice. Within the training, heterogeneity was found in the teaching methods used. In terms of knowledge transfer, the greatest importance was accorded to annual continuing education discussions with the head of the residency training (92.8%), participation in tumor boards (85.6%), written training concepts (81.4%), and evaluations at the beginning (76.3%) and end of a rotation (80.4%). The arithmetic mean of satisfaction with specialist training was 6/10 points (SD: 1.99); 88.7% of respondents would like to see a nationally uniform and mandatory curriculum in RO residency training.

Conclusion

The study provides suggestions for improving RO medical training in Germany: further development of accompanying education and training programs in cooperation with professional associations, e.g., the DEGRO, structured feedback, and supervision.
Investigating biochemical and structural changes of glycated collagen using multimodal multiphoton imaging, Raman spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy
Authors: Quansah Elsie , Shaik Tanveer Ahmed , Çevik Ecehan , Wang Xinyue , Höppener Christiane , Meyer-Zedler Tobias , Deckert Volker , Schmitt Michael , Popp Jürgen , Krafft Christoph
Published: August 2023

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) form extracellular crosslinking with collagenous proteins, which contributes to the development of diabetic complications. In this study, AGEs-related pentosidine (PENT) crosslinks-induced structural and biochemical changes are studied using multimodal multiphoton imaging, Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Decellularized equine pericardium (EP) was glycated with four ribose concentrations ranging between 5 and 200 mM and monitored for up to 30 days. Two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) and second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopic imaging probed elastin and collagen fibers, respectively. The glycated EP showed a decrease in the SHG intensities associated with loss of non-centrosymmetry of collagen and an increase of TPEF intensities associated with PENT crosslinks upon glycation. TPEF signals from elastin fibers were unaffected. A three-dimensional reconstruction with SHG + TPEF z-stack images visualized the distribution of collagen and elastin within the EP volume matrix. In addition, Raman spectroscopy (RS) detected changes in collagen-related bands and discriminated glycated from untreated EP. Furthermore, AFM scans showed that the roughness increases and the D-unit structure of fibers remained unchanged during glycation. The PENT crosslinked-induced changes are discussed in the context of previous studies of glutaraldehyde- and genipin-induced crosslinking and collagenase-induced digestion of collagen. We conclude that TPEF, SHG, RS, and AFM are effective, label-free, and non-destructive methods to investigate glycated tissues, differentiate crosslinking processes, and characterize general collagen-associated and disease-related changes, in particular by their RS fingerprints.
First experience with Walrus balloon guide catheter in a whole-body flow model
Authors: Guerreiro Helena , Flottmann Fabian A , Kyselyova Anna A. , Wagner Maximilian , Brekenfeld Caspar , Eckert Bernd , Illies Till , Wodarg Fritz , Fiehler Jens , Bester Maxim
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Flow arrest using a balloon guide catheter (BGC) in mechanical thrombectomy (MT) due to large vessel occlusion has been associated with better outcomes. Known limitations of currently commercially available BGCs are incompatibility with large bore aspiration catheters (AC) and lack of distal flexibility. Walrus presents variable stiffness and compatibility with large bore AC. The goal of this study is to describe the first experience with Walrus in a realistic stroke simulation model.

Methods

A full-length modular vascular model under physiological conditions was used. 8F+-Walrus inner-diameter (ID) 0.087in 95 cm combined with 6F-Sofia AC ID 0.070in 131 cm and an 8F-Flowgate2 BGC ID 0.084in 95 cm with a 5F-Sofia AC ID 0.055in 125 cm were used to perform aspiration MT. User surveys, access to target and occlusion site, technique, time of delivery, anatomical change, and catheter kick-back were assessed.

Results

Seven neuroradiologists with average of 10 years-experience in MT performed primary aspiration using the above-mentioned combinations in three different anatomies (N = 41). All operators would likely (29%) or very likely (71%) use again Walrus in combination with large bore AC and the majority (86%) found its navigability easier than with other BGCs. Time to reach final BGC position and catheter kick-back did not differ significantly among anatomies or catheter combinations (p > 0.05). However, Walrus was more likely to reach ICA petrous segment (p < 0.05) and intracranial occlusion with AC (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The Walrus combined with large bore AC presented significantly better distal access and navigability for primary aspiration in an in vitro stroke model.
Mammalian Nudt15 hydrolytic and binding activity on methylated guanosine mononucleotides
Authors: Lukaszewicz Maciej , Ferenc-Mrozek Aleksandra , Kokosza Julia , Stefaniuk Anna , Stepinski Janusz , Bojarska Elzbieta , Darzynkiewicz Edward
Published: August 2023

The Nudt15 enzyme of the NUDIX protein family is the subject of extensive study due to its action on thiopurine drugs used in the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases. In addition to thiopurines, Nudt15 is enzymatically active in vitro on several nucleotide substrates. It has also been suggested that this enzyme may play a role in 5′RNA turnover by hydrolyzing m7GDP, a product of mRNA decapping. However, no detailed studies on this substrate with Nudt15 are available. Here, we analyzed the enzymatic activity of Nudt15 with m7GDP, its triphosphate form m7GTP, and the trimethylated counterparts (m32,2,7GDP and m32,2,7GTP). Kinetic data revealed a moderate activity of Nudt15 toward these methylated mononucleotides compared to the dGTP substrate. However m7GDP and m32,2,7GDP showed a distinct stabilization of Nudt15 upon ligand binding, in the same range as dGTP, and thus these two mononucleotides may be used as leading structures in the design of small molecule binders of Nudt15.