bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tensions between the carbon, employment and value added generated by marine sectors: Triple bottom line analysis using a novel input–output table for the UK
Authors: Roca Florido Alberto , Mair Simon
Published: September 2024

Effective coordination of activities within marine areas is crucial for achieving economic, social and environmental goals. However, the socio‐economic and environmental objectives of the marine economy often come into conflict. Consequently, marine policies need to confront and manage these conflicts. In this paper, we provide empirical insights into conflicts between the marine economy and the marine environment, based on the triple bottom line (TBL) foundations, by constructing a highly detailed marine input–output model for the United Kingdom. The model has 20 marine focussed sectors, including 8 fishing fleet segments. We apply the model to an empirical analysis of potential conflicts between greenhouse emissions, employment and gross value added (GVA) in marine‐focussed industries. Based on this empirical work, we identify various clusters of marine sectors with different connections between environmental and socio‐economic objectives and propose different policy approaches to them. Research findings indicate that certain industries have the capacity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously generating employment opportunities. Conversely, there are specific sectors that may not offer the same potential for expansion without causing significant environmental harm or providing minimal economic benefits in terms of employment or GVA. By examining these clusters, marine planners can better understand how their marine policies affect communities and the environment on a larger scale and prioritise their efforts accordingly.
Structure and Peculiarities of 1H NMR‐Spectra of Palladium(II) Complexes with 3‐(2‐pyridyl)‐5‐Alkyl‐1,2,4‐triazoles
Authors: Ivanova Hanna V. , Khomenko Dmytro M. , Doroshchuk Roman O. , Stoica Alexandru‐Constantin , Zakharchenko Borys V. , Rusanova Julia A. , Raspertova Ilona V. , Shova Sergiu , Lampeka Rostyslav D.
Published: September 2024

A series of chelating N N proligands, 3‐(2‐pyridyl)‐5‐alkyl‐1,2,4‐triazoles (HLAlk), where alkyl=methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl was used as building blocks for designing of coordination compounds. Their reaction with an equimolar amount of [PdCl2(CH3CN)2] led to formation of series of six novel palladium complexes [Pd(HLAlk)Cl2], in which ligands are coordinated in the acid form. New proligands and Pd(II) complexes were characterized by IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The Pd(II) complexes showed an unusual downfield shift in 1H NMR of the aliphatic proton that is the closest to triazole ring, which suggests the C−H…Cl hydrogen bonding, supported by X‐ray data for Pd(HLc−Pr)Cl2 and Pd(HLc−Bu)Cl2.
Review on Recent Advances of Nickel Sulfide Nano Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Haridas Hitha , Somapur Bhargavi , Akkera Harish Sharma , Neella Nagarjuna , Kambhala Nagaiah
Published: September 2024

Hydrogen is an important energy carrier without carbon emissions. To achieve a carbon‐neutral world, the demand for hydrogen is very significant. In the process of producing green hydrogen, water splitting using electrocatalysts is a desirable process among many methods. The ideal electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution is the platinum group of metals; however, the limitations of high cost and low abundance hinder large‐scale hydrogen production. Hence, researchers are trying to develop materials from more abundant and less expensive. Hence, in this review, we focus on the fundamental principles of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and various synthesis methods and strategies. From the material perspective, we focus on nickel sulfide‐based nanomaterials of different phases during the last four years of development. We compared the electrocatalyst parameters concerning the synthesis methods and strategies chosen. Finally, we have also discussed future challenges. Ultimately, by synthesizing the collective knowledge amassed in the field of HER research, this review endeavors to offer a comprehensive resource for researchers, engineers, and policymakers striving to advance hydrogen‐based energy technologies. In doing so, we aspire to foster continued innovation and collaboration toward realizing a sustainable energy future powered by hydrogen.
Relationships between mental toughness, eustress–distress, and mindfulness in adolescents: A network analysis and mediator model testing
Authors: Yazıcı‐Kabadayı Sema
Published: September 2024

The main aim of this study was to investigate adolescents' eustress–distress and mindfulness by examining mental toughness (MT) using network and mediator analyses. The study included 414 adolescents. The results showed that MT was positively related to eustress and mindfulness, but distress was negatively related to MT. Based on the network analysis findings, we tested mindfulness' mediating role in the relationship between eustress–distress and MT. The findings showed that mindfulness played a significant mediating role. However, the mediating role of mindfulness was negative for the relationship between distress and toughness and positive for eustress. These findings advance eustress, distress, and mindfulness as mechanisms for understanding the effects of MT. Considering current knowledge of MT, eustress, distress, and mindfulness, the results are discussed.
ZnS Nanoseeds Sealed in N, P, S Co‐Doped Carbon Hollow Rhombic Dodecahedra as a Superlithiophilic Host for Dendrite‐Free Lithium Metal Anodes
Authors: Liu Ting‐Ting , Ye Zhuo‐Feng , Wang Guanyao , Du Fei‐Hu
Published: September 2024

Lithium (Li) metal is considered a hopeful anode for next‐generation Li‐ion batteries thanks to its ultra‐high theoretical specific capacity, extra‐low theoretical density, and low negative potential. However, the uncontrolled growth of Li dendrites and volume fluctuation during plating/stripping processes severely hamper its commercial application. Herein, ZnS seeds sealed in N, P, S co‐doped carbon hollow rhombic dodecahedra (ZnS@NPS‐C HRD) is fabricated as a superlithiophilic host for Li metal anodes (LMAs) to solve the above problems. In addition, the Li nucleation and deposition mechanism on ZnS@NPS‐C HRD is investigated by in situ optical microscopy, ex‐situ X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and theoretical calculations. Owing to the synergistic strategy of ZnS seeds‐inducing nucleation and Li‐limited growth, the as‐prepared composite exhibits stability for 300 cycles in asymmetric cells and a long lifespan over 1100 h in symmetric cells. Moreover, the ZnS@NPS‐C HRD@Li|LiFePO4 full cell demonstrates a reversible capacity of 100.91 mAh g−1 after 400 cycles at 1 C.
Structural and Compositional Optimization of Fe–Co–Ni Ternary Amorphous Electrocatalysts for Efficient Oxygen Evolution in Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis
Authors: Lee Changsoo , Yun Young Hwa , Kim Se‐Ho , Doo Gisu , Lee Sechan , Park Hyunjeong , Park Youngtae , Shin Jooyoung , Cho Hyun‐Seok , Kim Sang‐Kyung , Cho EunAe , Jung Chanwon , Kim MinJoong
Published: September 2024

Anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) offers a sustainable path for hydrogen production with advantages such as high current density, dynamic responsiveness, and low‐cost electrocatalysts. However, the development of efficient and durable oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts under operating conditions is crucial for achieving the AEMWE. This study systematically investigated Fe–Co–Ni ternary amorphous electrocatalysts for the OER in AEMWE through a comprehensive material library system comprising 21 composition series. The study aims to explore the relationship between composition, degree of crystallinity, and electrocatalytic activity using ternary contours and binary plots to derive optimal catalysts. The findings reveal that higher Co and lower Fe contents lead to increased structural disorder within the Fe–Co–Ni system, whereas an appropriate amount of Fe addition is necessary for OER activity. It is concluded that the amorphous structure of Fe–Co3–Ni possesses an optimal ternary composition and degree of crystallinity to facilitate the OER. Post‐OER analyses reveal that the optimized ternary amorphous structure induces structural reconstruction into an OER‐favorable OOH‐rich surface. The Fe–Co3–Ni electrocatalysts exhibit outstanding performances in both half‐cells and single‐cells, with an overpotential of 256 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a current density of 2.0 A cm−2 at 1.89 V, respectively.
Crack‐Deflecting Lattice Metamaterials Inspired by Precipitation Hardening
Authors: Tong Shuai , Ma Zhichao , Zhang Wei , Li Yicheng , Li Chaofan , Zhao Hongwei , Ren Luquan , Yan Chuliang
Published: September 2024

Lattice structures, comprising nodes and struts arranged in an array, are renowned for their lightweight and unique mechanical deformation characteristics. Previous studies on lattice structures have revealed that failure often originates from stress concentration points and spreads throughout the material. This results in collapse failure, similar to the accumulation of damage at defects in metallic crystals. Here the precipitation hardening mechanism found in crystalline materials is employed to deflect the initial failure path, through the strategic placement of strengthening units at stress concentration points using the finite element method. Both the mesostructure, inspired by the arrangement of crystals, and the inherent microstructure of the base materials have played crucial roles in shaping the mechanical properties of the macro‐lattices. As a result, a groundbreaking multiscale hierarchical design methodology, offering a spectrum of design concepts for engineering materials with desired properties is introduced.
Band Gap Adjustable Antimony Selenosulfide Indoor Photovoltaics with 20% Efficiency
Authors: Gao Huihui , Li Jianyu , Peng Xiaoqi , Huang Yuqian , Zhao Qi , Wang Haolin , Wu Ting , Sheng Shuwei , Tang Rongfeng , Chen Tao
Published: September 2024

Antimony selenosulfide Sb2(SxSe1−x)3 is featured as a stable, environment‐friendly, and low‐cost light‐harvesting material with a tunable bandgap in the range of 1.1–1.8 eV, satisfying the requirement of indoor photovoltaics (IPVs). Up to now, the certified efficiency of Sb2(SxSe1−x)3 solar cell with 1.45 eV bandgap has broken 10% under standard illumination (AM1.5G). However, this bandgap is not suitable for IPVs in terms of spectral matching. Herein, for the first time, the effect of optical bandgap of Sb2(SxSe1−x)3 on photovoltaic performance of the devices under AM1.5G and indoor light conditions is studied systematically. It is discovered that although an appropriate Se/S atomic ratio is beneficial for improving the crystallinity of Sb2(SxSe1−x)3 film and passivating the trap states, the band gap remains a key factor in determining the suitability of this material for IPVs. As a result, solar cells based on Sb2S3 with a large bandgap of 1.74 eV achieve an optimal efficiency of 20.34% under 1000 lux indoor illumination. Moreover, a high IPV efficiency of over 16% can still be maintained within a wide bandgap range from 1.5 to 1.7 eV, demonstrating the great potential of Sb‐based chalcogenide as a light‐harvesting material for IPVs.
The Use of Secondary Metallurgy Slag as Soil Corrective in Agriculture: Approval of Their Application in Italy
Authors: Mombelli Davide , Dall’Osto Gianluca , Scolari Sara , Mapelli Carlo , Moreschi Roberto , Marras Roberto , Morandi Riccardo
Published: September 2024

Among the steelmaking slag, secondary metallurgy slag (SMS) is the most problematic to be recycled. Several attempts to recover such slag as lime replacement, slag flux, pozzolanic materials have been made for long time with pros and cons. However, the amount of recyclable slag is limited and often their employment requires higher energy demand than traditional materials. Nevertheless, the use of SMS in agriculture is poorly or never considered. In this article, the legal and technical evaluation of SMS as raw material for fertilizers production is investigated. Compliance of technical specification, toxic metals concentration, and leaching behavior allows to confirm the technical feasibility of SMS use as a raw material for fertilizers manufacture. Both from the literature data and the experimental results on 16 industrial SMS samples, the requirements for calcium‐magnesium‐sulfur‐based fertilizers, soil correctives and for sanitizing agricultural sewage sludge, appear fully satisfied. The CaO concentration in SMS (35–60 wt%) is abundantly higher than the requirements (≥15 wt%) and CaO is present in most part as water‐soluble complexes such as calcium aluminates (70 wt%), silicates (10 wt%), and sulfide (4 wt%). The pH of the SMS samples leachate is comparable to that of fresh lime (12.35 vs 12.46), highlighting a better behavior for sewage sludge sanitation with respect to limestone (9.98). The measured toxic metals and leachate elements concentration over the corresponding admittable threshold are always lower than 0.5 and 1.0 (mg kg−1/mg kg−1) for liming materials. Finally, these results lead to officially approve the use of SMS as soil corrective according to the Italian Fertilizer Regulation.
Industrial Trials on the Cleanliness Improvement, Microstructure Refinement and Performance Enhancement of Rare‐Earth‐Treated 75Cr1 Steel
Authors: Zhang Pengzhao , Meng Ze , Li Guangqiang , Liu Chang , Wang Xijie , Liu Yu
Published: September 2024

The effects of rare‐earth treatment on cleanliness, corrosion resistance, microstructure, and mechanical properties of 75Cr1 steel are investigated by industrial trial. In the results, it is shown that the appropriate La–Ce addition can effectively remove oxygen and sulfur elements in steel, and total oxygen (T.O) and S contents decrease by 45% and 33%, respectively. After La–Ce treatment, the typical inclusions in steel are transformed from (Mg–Al–O)–CaS composite inclusions to RExSy–CaS inclusion with a small amount of Al2O3. The number and average size of inclusions in steel are significantly reduced, and the morphology of inclusions changes from irregular shape to spherical shape, which contributes to the improvement of the corrosion resistance of 75Cr1 steel. Furthermore, the pearlite spacing and the grain size are refined, the tensile and yield strengths are significantly enhanced in the test of La–Ce‐treated steel. The 75Cr1 steels are fabricated in small batches, which avoids the nozzle clogging resulted by rare‐earth treatment during continuous casting. It implies that rare‐earth treatment to improve the quality of 75Cr1 steel shows the strong industrial applicability.
Rapid Fluorescence Assay for Polyphosphate in Yeast Extracts Using JC‐D7
Authors: Deitert Alexander , Fees Jana , Mertens Anna , Nguyen Van Duc , Maares Maria , Haase Hajo , Blank Lars Mathias , Keil Claudia
Published: September 2024

Polyphosphate (polyP) is an intriguing molecule that is found in almost any organism, covering a multitude of cellular functions. In industry, polyP is used due to its unique physiochemical properties, including pH buffering, water binding, and bacteriostatic activities. Despite the importance of polyP, its analytics is still challenging, with the gold standard being 31P NMR. Here, we present a simple staining method using the fluorescent dye JC‐D7 for the semi‐quantitative polyP evaluation in yeast extracts. Notably, fluorescence response was affected by polyP concentration and polymer chain length in the 0.5–500 µg/mL polyP concentration range. Hence, for polyP samples of unknown chain compositions, JC‐D7 cannot be used for absolute quantification. Fluorescence of JC‐D7 was unaffected by inorganic phosphate up to 50 mM. Trace elements (FeSO4 > CuSO4 > CoCl2 > ZnSO4) and toxic mineral salts (PbNO3 and HgCl2) diminished polyP–induced JC‐D7 fluorescence, affecting its applicability to samples containing polyP–metal complexes. The fluorescence was only marginally affected by other parameters, such as pH and temperature. After validation, this simple assay was used to elucidate the degree of polyP production by yeast strains carrying gene deletions in (poly)phosphate homeostasis. The results suggest that staining with JC‐D7 provides a robust and sensitive method for detecting polyP in yeast extracts and likely in extracts of other microbes. The simplicity of the assay enables high‐throughput screening of microbes to fully elucidate and potentially enhance biotechnological polyP production, ultimately contributing to a sustainable phosphorus utilization.
CauMon: An Informative Online Monitor for Signal Temporal Logic
Authors: Zhang Zhenya , An Jie , Arcaini Paolo , Hasuo Ichiro
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we present a tool for monitoring the traces of cyber-physical systems (CPS) at runtime, with respect to Signal Temporal Logic (STL) specifications. Our tool is based on the recent advances of causation monitoring, which reports not only whether an executing trace violates the specification, but also how relevant the increment of the trace at each instant is to the specification violation. In this way, it can deliver more information about system evolution than classic online robust monitors. Moreover, by adapting two dynamic programming strategies, our implementation significantly improves the efficiency of causation monitoring, allowing its deployment in practice. The tool is implemented as a executable and can be easily adapted to monitor CPS in different formalisms. We evaluate the efficiency of the proposed monitoring tool, and demonstrate its superiority over existing robust monitors in terms of the information it can deliver about system evolution.
Beyond the Bottleneck: Enhancing High-Concurrency Systems with Lock Tuning
Authors: Ji Juntao , Gu Yinyou , Fu Yubao , Lin Qingshan
Published: September 2024

High-concurrency systems often suffer from performance bottlenecks  [1]. This is often caused by waiting and context switching caused by fierce competition between threads for locks. As a cloud computing company, we place great emphasis on maximizing performance. In this regard, we transform the lightweight spin-lock and propose a concise parameter fine-tuning strategy, which can break through the system performance bottleneck with minimal risk conditions. This strategy has been validated in Apache RocketMQ [2], a high-throughput message queue system. Through this strategy, we achieved performance improvements of up to 37.58% on X86 CPU and up to 32.82% on ARM CPU. Furthermore, we confirmed the method’s consistent effectiveness across different code versions and IO flush strategies, demonstrating its broad applicability in real-world settings. This work offers not only a practical tool for addressing performance issues in high-concurrency systems but also highlights the practical value of formal techniques in solving engineering problems.
Constructing all BPS black hole microstates from the gravitational path integral
Authors: Boruch Jan , Iliesiu Luca V. , Yan Cynthia
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Understanding how to prepare and count black hole micro-states by using the gravitational path integral is one of the most important problems in quantum gravity. Nevertheless, a state-by-state count of black hole microstates is difficult because the apparent number of degrees of freedom available in the gravitational effective theory can vastly exceed the entropy of the black hole, even in the special case of BPS black holes. In this paper, we show that we can use the gravitational path integral to prepare a basis for the Hilbert space of all BPS black hole microstates. We find that the dimension of this Hilbert space computed by an explicit state count is in complete agreement with the degeneracy obtained from the Gibbons-Hawking prescription. Specifically, this match includes all non-perturbative corrections in 1/GN. Such corrections are, in turn, necessary in order for this degeneracy of BPS states to match the non-perturbative terms in the 1/GN expansion in the string theory count of such microstates.
Cartan-like formulation of electric Carrollian gravity
Authors: Pekar Simon , Pérez Alfredo , Salgado-Rebolledo Patricio
Published: September 2024

Abstract

We present a Cartan-like first-order action principle for electric Carrollian gravity. The action is invariant under the local homogeneous Carroll group, albeit in a different representation than the one obtained by gauging the Carroll algebra. Additionally, we show that this first-order action can be derived from a smooth Carrollian limit of the Einstein-Cartan action. The connection with the Hamiltonian and metric forms of the action for electric Carrollian gravity, as well as with previous works in the literature, is also discussed.
Prevalence of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder among paramedic students: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alzahrani Adnan , Keyworth Chris , Alshahrani Khalid Mufleh , Alkhelaifi Rayan , Johnson Judith
Published: September 2024

Purpose

There are elevated mental health concerns in paramedic students, but estimates vary between studies and countries, and no review has established the overall prevalence. This systematic review addressed this by estimating the global prevalence of common mental health disorders, namely anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), in paramedic students internationally.

Methods

A systematic search of six databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, and medRxiv, was conducted to identify studies relating to mental health among paramedicine students. The search encompassed studies from inception until February 2023. To be considered for inclusion in the review, the studies had to report prevalence data on at least one symptom of anxiety, depression, or PTSD in paramedicine students, using quantitative validated scales. The quality of the studies was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Checklist, which is a specific methodological tool for assessing prevalence studies. Subgroup analyses were not conducted due to insufficient data.

Results

1638 articles were identified from the searches, and 193 full texts were screened, resulting in 13 papers for the systematic review and meta-analysis. The total number of participants was 1064 from 10 countries. The pooled prevalence of moderate PTSD was 17.9% (95% CI 14.8–21.6%), anxiety was 56.4% (95% CI 35,9–75%), and depression was at 34.7% (95% CI 23.4–48.1%).

Conclusion

This systematic review and meta-analysis has found that paramedicine students globally exhibit a high prevalence of moderate PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The prevalence of these mental health conditions surpasses those among paramedic providers and the general population, as indicated by previous reviews. Further research is therefore warranted to determine appropriate support and interventions for this group.
Distributed design optimization of multi-component systems using meta models and topology optimization
Authors: Krischer Lukas , Endress Felix , Wanninger Tobias , Zimmermann Markus
Published: September 2024

Distributed optimization architectures decompose large monolithic optimization problems into sets of smaller and more manageable optimization subproblems. To ensure consistency and convergence towards a global optimum, however, cumbersome coordination is necessary and often not sufficient. A distributed optimization architecture was previously proposed that does not require coordination. This so-called Informed Decomposition is based on two types of optimization problems: (1) one for system optimization to produce stiffness requirements on components using pre-trained meta models and (2) one for the optimization of components with two interfaces to produce detailed geometries that satisfy the stiffness requirements. Each component optimization problem can be carried out independently and in parallel. This paper extends the approach to three-dimensional structures consisting of components with six degrees of freedom per interface, thus significantly increasing the applicability to practical problems. For this, an 8-dimensional representation of the general 12 x 12 interface stiffness matrix for components is derived. Meta models for mass estimation and physical feasibility of stiffness targets are trained using an active-learning strategy. A simple two-component structure and a large robot structure consisting of four components subject to constraints for 100 different loading scenarios are optimized. The example results are at most 12.9% heavier than those of a monolithic optimization.
Using the Krylov subspace formulation to improve regularisation and interpretation in partial least squares regression
Authors: Löfstedt Tommy
Published: September 2024

Partial least squares regression (PLS-R) has been an important regression method in the life sciences and many other fields for decades. However, PLS-R is typically solved using an opaque algorithmic approach, rather than through an optimisation formulation and procedure. There is a clear optimisation formulation of the PLS-R problem based on a Krylov subspace formulation, but it is only rarely considered. The popularity of PLS-R is attributed to the ability to interpret the data through the model components, but the model components are not available when solving the PLS-R problem using the Krylov subspace formulation. We therefore highlight a simple reformulation of the PLS-R problem using the Krylov subspace formulation as a promising modelling framework for PLS-R, and illustrate one of the main benefits of this reformulation—that it allows arbitrary penalties of the regression coefficients in the PLS-R model. Further, we propose an approach to estimate the PLS-R model components for the solution found through the Krylov subspace formulation, that are those we would have obtained had we been able to use the common algorithms for estimating the PLS-R model. We illustrate the utility of the proposed method on simulated and real data.
A calcification subtraction method for postmortem coronary computed tomography angiography
Authors: Inokuchi Go , Kojima Masatoshi , Chiba Fumiko , Hoshioka Yumi , Yoshida Maiko , Tsuneya Shigeki , Iwase Hirotaro
Published: September 2024

Although coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography is a useful tool for evaluating coronary artery lesions both ante- and postmortem, accurate evaluation of the lumen is difficult when highly calcified lesions are present, owing to overestimation of stenosis caused by blooming and partial volume artifacts. In clinical practice, to overcome this diagnostic problem, a subtraction method has been devised to remove calcification by subtracting the precontrast image from the contrast image. In this report, we describe a calcification subtraction method using image analysis software for postmortem coronary CT angiography. This method was devised based on preliminary experimental results showing that the most accurate subtraction was achieved using images reconstructed with a narrower field of view and bone kernel, resulting in higher spatial resolution. This subtraction method allowed evaluation of lumen patency and the degree of stenosis on contrast-enhanced images in a verification using actual specimens where evaluation of the lumen had been difficult because of high calcification. The results were morphologically similar to the macroscopic findings. This method allows more rapid and reliable lesion retrieval and is expected to be useful for postmortem coronary angiography in forensic practice.
Pharmacogenomics of clinical response to Natalizumab in multiple sclerosis: a genome-wide multi-centric association study
Authors: Clarelli Ferdinando , Corona Andrea , Pääkkönen Kimmo , Sorosina Melissa , Zollo Alen , Piehl Fredrik , Olsson Tomas , Stridh Pernilla , Jagodic Maja , Hemmer Bernhard , Gasperi Christiane , Harroud Adil , Shchetynsky Klementy , Mingione Alessandra , Mascia Elisabetta , Misra Kaalindi , Giordano Antonino , Mazzieri Maria Laura Terzi , Priori Alberto , Saarela Janna , Kockum Ingrid , Filippi Massimo , Esposito Federica , Boneschi Filippo Giovanni Martinelli
Published: September 2024

Background

Inter-individual differences in treatment response are marked in multiple sclerosis (MS). This is true for Natalizumab (NTZ), to which a subset of patients displays sub-optimal treatment response. We conducted a multi-centric genome-wide association study (GWAS), with additional pathway and network analysis to identify genetic predictors of response to NTZ.

Methods

MS patients from three different centers were included. Response to NTZ was dichotomized, nominating responders (R) relapse-free patients and non-responders (NR) all the others, over a follow-up of 4 years. Association analysis on ~ 4.7 M imputed autosomal common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was performed fitting logistic regression models, adjusted for baseline covariates, followed by meta-analysis at SNP and gene level. Finally, these signals were projected onto STRING interactome, to elicit modules and hub genes linked to response.

Results

Overall, 1834 patients were included: 119 from Italy (R = 94, NR = 25), 81 from Germany (R = 61, NR = 20), and 1634 from Sweden (R = 1349, NR = 285). The top-associated variant was rs11132400T (p = 1.33 × 10–6, OR = 0.58), affecting expression of several genes in the locus, like KLKB1. The interactome analysis implicated a module of 135 genes, with over-representation of terms like canonical WNT signaling pathway (padjust = 7.08 × 10–6). Response-associated genes like GRB2 and LRP6, already implicated in MS pathogenesis, were topologically prioritized within the module.

Conclusion

This GWAS, the largest pharmacogenomic study of response to NTZ, suggested MS-implicated genes and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, an essential component for blood–brain barrier formation and maintenance, to be related to treatment response.
Toxic pollution and labour markets: uncovering Europe’s left-behind places
Authors: Bez Charlotte , Virgillito Maria Enrica
Published: September 2024

This paper looks at the co-evolution of toxic industrial pollution and economic deprivation by means of spillovers from the plant’s production activities. Geolocalised facility-level data from the European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (E-PRTR) are used to calculate annual chemical-specific pollution, weighted by its toxicity. We combine the latter with regional data on employment, wages, and demographics sourced from Cambridge Econometrics, covering more than 1200 NUTS‑3 regions in 15 countries, over the period 2007–2018. We employ quantile regressions to detect the heterogeneity across regions and understand the specificities of the 10th and 25th percentiles. Our first contribution consists in giving a novel and comprehensive account of the geography of toxic pollution in Europe, both at facility and regional level, disaggregated by sectors. Second, we regress toxic pollution (intensity effect) and pollutant concentration (composition effect) on labour market dimensions of left-behind places. Our results point to the existence of economic dependence on noxious industrialisation in left-behind places. In addition, whenever environmental efficiency-enhancing production technologies are adopted we observe associated labour-saving effects in industrial employment, but positive regional spillovers. Through the lens of economic geography, our results call for a new political economy of left-behind places within the realm of sustainable development.
Automated Three-Dimensional Imaging and Pfirrmann Classification of Intervertebral Disc Using a Graphical Neural Network in Sagittal Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Lumbar Spine
Authors: Baur David , Bieck Richard , Berger Johann , Schöfer Patrick , Stelzner Tim , Neumann Juliane , Neumuth Thomas , Heyde Christoph-E. , Voelker Anna
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to develop a graph neural network (GNN) for automated three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) visualization and Pfirrmann grading of intervertebral discs (IVDs), and benchmark it against manual classifications. Lumbar IVD MRI data from 300 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Two clinicians assessed the manual segmentation and grading for inter-rater reliability using Cohen's kappa. The IVDs were then processed and classified using an automated convolutional neural network (CNN)–GNN pipeline, and their performance was evaluated using F1 scores. Manual Pfirrmann grading exhibited moderate agreement (κ = 0.455–0.565) among the clinicians, with higher exact match frequencies at lower lumbar levels. Single-grade discrepancies were prevalent except at L5/S1. Automated segmentation of IVDs using a pretrained U-Net model achieved an F1 score of 0.85, with a precision and recall of 0.83 and 0.88, respectively. Following 3D reconstruction of the automatically segmented IVD into a 3D point-cloud representation of the target intervertebral disc, the GNN model demonstrated moderate performance in Pfirrmann classification. The highest precision (0.81) and F1 score (0.71) were observed at L2/3, whereas the overall metrics indicated moderate performance (precision: 0.46, recall: 0.47, and F1 score: 0.46), with variability across spinal levels. The integration of CNN and GNN offers a new perspective for automating IVD analysis in MRI. Although the current performance highlights the need for further refinement, the moderate accuracy of the model, combined with its 3D visualization capabilities, establishes a promising foundation for more advanced grading systems.
Gravity and trade in video on demand services
Authors: Broocks Annette , Studnicka Zuzanna
Published: September 2024

Over the last decade, online video consumption has become one of the primary uses of the internet, with streaming services accounting for more than 65% of global internet traffic. In this paper, we use a novel data set on Netflix, the largest streaming platform worldwide, to estimate the patterns of catalogue availability (extensive margin) and the number of clicks per title (intensive margin) across twenty countries. This data set also gives us a unique opportunity to estimate the importance of quality in viewing patterns. Our results show evidence of the gravity framework explaining both margins of Netflix watching. In addition, we find that viewers have a preference for domestic content, better-rated titles, and Netflix Original foreign productions. These insights suggest that as Netflix continues to expand its content library, it will further leverage its streaming dominance in reaching viewers and promoting specific content.
Characterization of Ultrathin Conductive Films Using a Simplified Approach for Terahertz Time-Domain Spectroscopic Ellipsometry
Authors: Nagai Masaya , Watanabe Sou , Imamura Ryosuke , Ashida Masaaki , Shimoyama Kohei , Li Haobo , Hattori Azusa N. , Tanaka Hidekazu
Published: September 2024

We present two ideas to simplify the measurement and analysis of terahertz time-domain spectroscopic ellipsometry data of ultrathin films. The measurement is simplified by using a specially designed sample holder with mirrors, which can be mounted on a cryostat. It allows us to perform spectroscopic ellipsometry by simply inserting the holder into a conventional terahertz spectroscopy system for measurements in transmission geometry. The analysis of the obtained data is simplified by considering a single interface with a certain sheet conductivity $${\sigma }_{s}$$

σ
s

(since the film thickness is significantly smaller than the wavelength of the terahertz light). We demonstrate the application of these ideas by evaluating the sheet conductivities of two perovskite rare-earth nickelate thin films in the temperature range 78–478 K. The use of this particular analytical method and the sample holder design will help to establish terahertz time-domain spectroscopic ellipsometry as a characterization technique for ultrathin films.
Complementizer agreement is clitic doubling
Authors: van Alem Astrid
Published: September 2024

Complementizer agreement in minority and nonstandard West Germanic languages is well-known and frequently studied, but there is little agreement on its analysis. In this paper, I add to this debate by presenting novel and underdiscussed data from Frisian and Limburgian on intervention effects: what happens to complementizer agreement when the complementizer and the subject are separated by an intervening element. In Frisian, intervention leads to ungrammaticality, and in Limburgian, it leads to the realization of complementizer agreement between the intervener and the subject. These effects cannot be accounted for by existing Agree and PF analyses of complementizer agreement. Instead, I argue that the complementizer agreement morpheme is a clitic. Adopting the approach to clitic doubling of van Craenenbroeck and van Koppen (2008), I develop an analysis of complementizer agreement as clitic doubling. The intervention effects in Frisian and Limburgian follow from an interplay of the structural size of the clitic and restrictions on movement. Specifically, the ungrammaticality of intervention in Frisian is the result of competition between the clitic and the intervener for the same structural position, and the subject-internal realization of complementizer agreement in Limburgian is the result of movement of the clitic below the intervener.
Interpersonal scaffoldings for shared emotions: how social interaction supports emotional sharing
Authors: Rinne Ida
Published: September 2024

In this article, I consider the interpersonal support, i.e., scaffolding, that agents provide to one another to share emotions. Moreover, the main target of this paper is to identify those scaffolds and their features that effectively function to boost, support, or enable emotional sharing interactions. To do so, I engage with the “multi-dimensional framework of environmental scaffolding” proposed by Sterelny (Phenomenology and the Cognitive Sciences 9:465–481, 2010). This framework highlights various types of environmental resources, including social and interpersonal factors, that serve as scaffolds for human cognitive agency. Furthermore, the model identifies the functional characteristics associated with these resources, which significantly contribute to scaffolding cognitive (and emotional) performance and skillfulness. Mainly concentrating on social interaction, I argue that individual, familiar social interaction behaviors, shared references, and shared bodily-affective and habitual patterns scaffold the interacting individuals allowing them to effectively share emotions. By examining the functional relationship between these particularly interpersonal scaffolds and shared emotions, I suggest that we can better understand the complex, situationally unfolding dynamics and the versatility of conditions that can boost emotional sharing. As a result, my analysis reveals that there are different types of social interactional scaffolds that vary in familiarity, predictability, robustness, individualization, and mutual adaptation. These features boost and trigger emotional sharing in degrees and different functions and different degrees of these functional features; therefore, different types of social interaction scaffolds are required depending on the situation to situation.
Julian Hirniak, an early proponent of periodic chemical reactions
Authors: Manz Niklas , Holovatch Yurij , Tyson John
Published: September 2024

In this article we present and discuss the work and scientific legacy of Julian Hirniak, the Ukrainian chemist and physicist who published two articles in 1908 and 1911 about periodic chemical reactions. Over the last 110+ years, his theoretical work has often been cited favorably in connection with Alfred Lotka’s theoretical model of an oscillating reaction system. Other authors have pointed out thermodynamic problems in Hirniak’s reaction scheme. Based on English translations of his 1908 Ukrainian and 1911 German articles, we show that Hirniak’s claim (that a cycle of inter-conversions of three chemical isomers in a closed reaction vessel can show damped periodic behavior) violates the Principle of Detailed Balance (i.e., the Second Law of Thermodynamics), and that Hirniak was aware of this Principle. We also discuss his results in relation to Lotka’s first model of damped oscillations in an open system of chemical reactions involving an auto-catalytic reaction operating far from equilibrium. Taking hints from both Hirniak and Lotka, we show that the mundane case of a kinase enzyme catalyzing the phosphorylation of a sugar can satisfy Hirniak’s conditions for damped oscillations to its steady state flux (i.e., the Michaelis–Menten rate law), but that the oscillations are so highly damped as to be unobservable. Finally, we examine historical and factual misunderstandings related to Julian Hirniak and his publications.
Deconstructing the Retained Austenite Stability: In Situ Observations on the Austenite Stability in One- and Two-Phase Bulk Microstructures During Uniaxial Tensile Tests
Authors: Kumpati Joshua , Rolland Manon Bonvalet , Hasan Sk. Md. , Shanks Katherine S. , Hedström Peter , Borgenstam Annika
Published: September 2024

Given the critical role that metastable retained austenite (RA) plays in advanced high-strength steel (AHSS), there is significant interest in obtaining a comprehensive understanding of its stability, to achieve excellent mechanical properties. Despite considerable attention and numerous studies, the significance of individual contributions of various microstructural factors (size, crystallographic orientation, surrounding phases, etc.) on the stability of RA remain unclear, partly due to the difficulty of isolating the direct effects of these factors. In this study, we examined the influence of microstructural factors while minimizing the effect of chemical composition on the mechanical stability of RA. We accomplished this by comparing the austenite (γ) stability in two distinct microstructures: a two-phase RA/martensite microstructure and a one-phase γ microstructure, both with nearly identical γ compositions. We employed in situ high-energy X-ray diffraction during uniaxial tensile testing conducted at both room temperature and 100 °C, facilitating the continuous monitoring of microstructural changes during the deformation process. By establishing a direct correlation between the macroscopic tensile load, phase load partitioning, and the γ/RA transformation, we aimed to understand the significance of the microstructural factors on the mechanical stability of the RA. The results indicate that very fine RA size and the surrounding hard martensitic matrix (aside from contributing to load partitioning) contribute less significantly to RA stability during deformation than expected. The findings of this study emphasize the critical and distinct influence of microstructure on γ/RA stability.
Geometric physically-based simulation of microfinishing: tool design impact on workpiece shape
Authors: Siebrecht Tobias , Bergmann Jim A. , Heining Ines , Tilger Meik , Biermann Dirk , Wiederkehr Petra
Published: September 2024

Due to complex interrelations between process configurations, tool characteristics and process results, the design of microfinishing operations is challenging. Microfinishing is often conducted to generate high surface qualities and shape accuracies of highly loaded components. For some applications, e.g. bearing seats, the contact surface is desired to provide a convex shape in order to optimise the contact condition of the bearing ring and the shaft shoulder. In this paper, new models for a geometric physically-based simulation system are presented and applied to predict workpiece topographies and shapes resulting from the use of different tool designs in microfinishing operations. These models include a process-specific force control based on modelling the engagement of single grains, the consideration of the initial tool condition as well as the modelling of wear-related breakouts of individual grains. The developed simulation system was validated by a comparison of the results to experimental investigations.
The Role of Population Receptive Field Sizes in Higher-Order Visual Dysfunction
Authors: Elul Deena , Levin Netta
Published: September 2024

Purpose of Review

Population receptive field (pRF) modeling is an fMRI technique used to retinotopically map visual cortex, with pRF size characterizing the degree of spatial integration. In clinical populations, most pRF mapping research has focused on damage to visual system inputs. Herein, we highlight recent work using pRF modeling to study high-level visual dysfunctions.

Recent Findings

Larger pRF sizes, indicating coarser spatial processing, were observed in homonymous visual field deficits, aging, and autism spectrum disorder. Smaller pRF sizes, indicating finer processing, were observed in Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia. In posterior cortical atrophy, a unique pattern was found in which pRF size changes depended on eccentricity.

Changes to pRF properties were observed in clinical populations, even in high-order impairments, explaining visual behavior. These pRF changes likely stem from altered interactions between brain regions. Furthermore, some studies suggested that pRF sizes change as part of cortical reorganization, and they can point towards future prognosis.
How Psychologists Communicate about Symptom and Performance Validity Testing in Their Reports: Room for Improvement
Authors: Dandachi-FitzGerald Brechje , Peters Maarten J. V. , Merten Thomas , Roor Jeroen J. , Ponds Rudolf W. H. M. , Merckelbach Harald
Published: September 2024

This archival study sought to determine whether psychological reports adequately communicate the results of Symptom Validity Tests (SVTs) and Performance Validity Tests (PVTs). We collected reports from a pool of 469 clinical psychological and neuropsychological assessments conducted across five Dutch hospitals. To be included, the administered SVT (i.e., Structured Inventory of Malingered Symptomatology; SIMS) and/or PVT (Amsterdam Short-Term Memory test, ASTM) needed to be either passed or failed. Additionally, we selected reports from psychologists who, prior to conducting the assessments, anticipated either problematic or unproblematic validity. A total of 146 reports (57 clinical psychological and 89 neuropsychological reports), authored by 36 psychologists from five different hospitals, were analyzed. Invalid range scores on SIMS and/or ASTM occurred in 48% of the sample. Two researchers independently reviewed and coded reports, resolving mismatches through consensus and crosschecking with original test data. The majority of clinical psychological reports (89.5%) did not reference the SIMS or accurately describe the SIMS results, despite its use. In contrast, most neuropsychological reports mentioned the SIMS and ASTM, and adequately described their results (77.5%). Approximately half of the reports with invalid range scores on these instruments included interpretative statements, often suggesting overreporting and/or underperformance. In about one-third of cases, a fail on the validity test was attributed to factors such as anxiety, fatigue, depression, or pain. Other cognitive tests and psychological questionnaires were frequently interpreted without considering these invalid scores. Treatment recommendations seldom took SVT/PVT fails into account. The findings indicate that a non-negligible number of reports do not accurately report and discuss SVT/PVT results, underscoring the need for enhancing the quality and precision of psychological reports concerning validity testing.