bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Federated learning with hybrid differential privacy for secure and reliable cross‐IoT platform knowledge sharing
Authors: Ibrahim Khalaf Oshamah , S.R Ashokkumar , Algburi Sameer , S Anupallavi , Selvaraj Dhanasekaran , Sharif Mhd Saeed , Elmedany Wael
Published: February 2024

The federated learning has gained prominent attention as a collaborative machine learning method, allowing multiple users to jointly train a shared model without directly exchanging raw data. This research addresses the fundamental challenge of balancing data privacy and utility in distributed learning by introducing an innovative hybrid methodology fusing differential privacy with federated learning (HDP‐FL). Through meticulous experimentation on EMNIST and CIFAR‐10 data sets, this hybrid approach yields substantial advancements, showcasing a noteworthy 4.22% and up to 9.39% enhancement in model accuracy for EMNIST and CIFAR‐10, respectively, compared to conventional federated learning methods. Our adjustments to parameters highlighted how noise impacts privacy, showcasing the effectiveness of our hybrid DP approach in striking a balance between privacy and accuracy. Assessments across diverse FL techniques and client counts emphasized this trade‐off, particularly in non‐IID data settings, where our hybrid method effectively countered accuracy declines. Comparative analyses against standard machine learning and state‐of‐the‐art FL approaches consistently showcased the superiority of our proposed model, achieving impressive accuracies of 96.29% for EMNIST and 82.88% for CIFAR‐10. These insights offer a strategic approach to securely collaborate and share knowledge among IoT devices without compromising data privacy, ensuring efficient and reliable learning mechanisms across decentralized networks.
Dissipation kinetics, persistence, and dietary risk assessment of tetraniliprole in two solanaceous vegetables, chilli and brinjal
Authors: Katna Sapna , Kumar Arvind , Banshtu Tanuja , Devi Nisha , Singh Shubhra , Prasad Hema
Published: February 2024

The study was carried out to determine the dissipation kinetics, persistence, and dietary risk assessment of tetraniliprole. Three applications of tetraniliprole were given at 50.00 g a.i./hac (X) and 62.50 g a.i/hac (1.25X) on chilli and brinjal at the fruiting stage. The recoveries in all the matrices were within the acceptable range of 70%–120%. The initial residues of tetraniliprole on chilli fruits were 0.379 and 0.593 μg/g and on brinjal fruits, the residues were 0.559 and 0.916 μg/g at 50.00 and 62.50 g a.i./ha, respectively. In red chilli, chilli field soil, and brinjal field soil the residues were below the limit of quantitation. The tetraniliprole follows first‐order dissipation kinetics with the half‐life (RL50) 1.58 and 1.99 days in chilli and 1.42 and 1.79 days in brinjal at X and 1.25X doses. In chilli, 9.89 and 12.11 days whereas, in brinjal, 10.75 and 13.25 days were recommended for harvesting the crops after the last application of tetraniliprole at X and 1.25 X doses, respectively. The hazard quotient values in chilli and brinjal for both males and females were below 1 indicating that the use of tetraniliprole does not cause any health risk to the consumers.
Nonstoichiometric In–S group yielding efficient carrier transfer pathway in In2S3 photoanode for solar water oxidation
Authors: Chen Runyu , Meng Linxing , Wang Changda , Xu Weiwei , Huang Yulong , Song Li , Li Liang
Published: February 2024

The construction of high‐efficiency photoanodes is essential for developing outstanding photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting cells. Furthermore, insufficient carrier transport capabilities and sluggish surface water oxidation kinetics limit its application. Using a solvothermal annealing strategy, we prepared a nonstoichiometric In–S (NS) group on the surface of an In2S3 photoanode in situ and unexpectedly formed a type II transfer path of carrier, thereby reducing the interfacial recombination and promoting the bulk separation. First‐principles calculations and comprehensive characterizations demonstrated NS group as an excellent oxygen evolution cocatalyst (OEC) that effectively facilitated carrier transport, lowered the surface overpotential, increased the surface active site, and accelerated the surface oxygen evolution reaction kinetics by precisely altering the rate‐determining steps of * to *OH and *O to *OOH. These synergistic effects remarkably enhanced the PEC performance, with a high photocurrent density of 5.02 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode and a negative shift in the onset potential by 310 mV. This work provides a new strategy for the in situ preparation of high‐efficiency OECs and provides ideas for constructing excellent carrier transfer and transport channels.
A taxonomic revision of Neotropical Connarus (Connaraceae)
Authors: Toledo Cássio A.P. , Lucas Eve J. , Forero Enrique , Falcão Marcus J.A. , Shimizu Gustavo H. , Souza Vinicius C.
Published: February 2024

The pantropical genus Connarus is the largest within Connaraceae and comprises ca. 80 species, most of which occur in the Neotropics. The genus is potentially economically important as several taxa produce metabolites of medicinal interest. Morphologically, Connarus differs from other members of the family mainly by the punctate perianth, the single carpel and follicular and relatively broader fruits than in the other genera. In the decades after the publication of the Flora Neotropica monograph of Connaraceae, new botanical collections have become available, especially in American herbaria, allowing identification of overlooked characters and, hence, redefinition of species circumscriptions. In addition, a significant number of typifications were outdated and taxonomic novelties have recently been proposed – all elements that justify a revisional work. After intensive examination of herbarium specimens and field expeditions, the present study recognizes 57 species, 2 varieties and 2 subspecies of Connarus in the Neotropics; about 100 specific names were evaluated, 39 of which are here considered heterotypic synonyms, 11 of them are new synonyms. The distribution of Neotropical Connarus ranges from south Mexico to south Brazil and, although most species occur in dense wet forests, especially in the Amazonia and Atlantic Forest, some are dispersed in savannas from Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela, in Brazilian coastal vegetations or in montane formations; wide distributions are commonly seen in wet forests from Central America to northern South America, while restricted occurrences or endemism are mainly observed in the Atlantic Forest, Peru and Venezuela. Complete morphological descriptions of the species of Neotropical Connarus are provided here, as well as illustrative images, identification keys, and detailed discussions of their taxonomy, nomenclature, distribution and habitat.
In‐Situ Fabrication Process of Bacterial Cellulose compositesfor Soft Robots
Authors: Uchimura Motonori , Tsumori Fujio
Published: February 2024

Bacterial cellulose (BC) produced by acetic acid bacteria is a promising biomaterial that exhibits exceptional mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. In this study, we have successfully fabricated BC composites with various materials such as alumina fibers, zirconia particles, carbon nanotubes, and magnetic particles by adding each material to the culture medium. We also demonstrate the actuation of BC‐magnetic particle composites by a magnetic field. Furthermore, we have achieved the patterning of arbitrarily shaped patterns onto BC pellicles by placing templates in the culture medium. These findings suggest that BC composites have the potential to be applied in various fields such as tissue engineering and drug delivery. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Effects of naringenin on oxidative damage and apoptosis in liver and kidney in rats subjected to chronic mercury chloride
Authors: Kahramanoğullari Merve , Erişir Mine , Yaman Mine , Parlak Ak Tuba
Published: February 2024

Mercury chloride is a type of heavy metal that causes the formation of free radicals, causing hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and apoptosis. In this study, the effects of naringenin on oxidative stress and apoptosis in the liver and kidney of rats exposed to mercury chloride were investigated. In the study, 41 2‐month‐old male Wistar‐Albino rats were divided into five groups. Accordingly, group 1 was set as control group, group 2 as naringenin‐100, group 3 as mercury chloride, group 4 as mercury chloride + naringenin‐50, and group 5 as mercury chloride + naringenin‐100. For the interventions, 1 mL/kg saline was administered to the control, 0.4 mg/kg/day mercury (II) chloride to the mercury chloride groups by i.p., and 50 and 100 mg/kg/day naringenin prepared in corn oil to the naringenin groups by gavage. All the interventions lasted for 20 days. Mercury chloride administration was initiated 1 h following the administration of naringenin. When mercury chloride and the control group were compared, a significant increase in plasma urea, liver and kidney malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, in kidney superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) activities (p < .001), and a significant decrease in liver and kidney glutathione (GSH) levels (p < .001), in liver catalase (CAT) activity (p < .01) were observed. In addition, histopathological changes and a significant increase in caspase‐3 levels were detected (p < .05). When mercury chloride and treatment groups were compared, the administration of naringenin caused a decrease aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (p < .01), urea, creatinine levels (p < .001) in plasma, MDA levels in liver and kidney, SOD, GSH‐Px, GST activities in kidney (p < .001), and increased GSH levels in liver and kidney. The addition of naringenin‐100 increased GSH levels above the control (p < .001). The administration of naringenin was also decreased histopathological changes and caspase‐3 levels (p < .05). Accordingly, it was determined that naringenin is protective and therapeutic against mercury chloride‐induced oxidative damage and apoptosis in the liver and kidney, and 100 mg/kg naringenin is more effective in preventing histopathological changes and apoptosis.
Mobility and Future Trends
Authors: Miraftabzadeh Seyed Mahdi , Longo Michela , Foiadelli Federica
Published: February 2024

The transportation and mobility sector are witnessing a significant transformation, with a growing focus on sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of transportation. One of the most notable trends in the industry is the shift toward electric vehicles (EVs), which produce zero emissions and are becoming a more viable option due to the reduction in battery costs and advancements in charging infrastructure. Another trend is the rise of ride-sharing services, which offer convenient transportation options, particularly in urban areas. Additionally, 5G technology is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of mobility by enabling connected and autonomous vehicles, improving transportation efficiency and safety, and providing new opportunities for innovation and growth in the industry. The continued development and expansion of electric vehicles and ride-sharing services are expected, along with the integration of autonomous and connected vehicle technologies. Other trends like micromobility options, mobility as a service (MaaS), and the possibility of hyperloop technology are also likely to shape the future. This chapter will discuss the electrification of mobility, e-mobility, and future trends, the importance of 5G technology, and the future of mobility.
Closed Battery Systems
Authors: Tsurumaki Akiko , Brutti Sergio , Greco Giorgia , Navarra Maria Assunta
Published: February 2024

Battery technologies are expected to strongly contribute to the global energy storage industry and market. Among the several promising battery technologies, Li-metal batteries, all-solid-state Li batteries, and beyond-lithium systems are discussed in this chapter. Li metal represents a key anode material for boosting the energy density of batteries, but the formation of Li dendrites limits a safe and stable function of the system. The use of solid-state electrolytes allows a safer battery operation, by limiting the electrolyte flammability and dendrite formation, yet the performance is insufficient because of slower kinetics of the lithium ion. Possible solutions against these critical problems, especially through the discovery of new materials, are here discussed. Moreover, other innovative technologies based on Na, Ca, and Mg, so-called beyond-lithium batteries, are presented. Insights into these emerging battery systems, as well as a series of issues that came up with the replacement of lithium, are described in this chapter. Focus is particularly placed on development of battery materials with different perspectives, including performance, stability, and sustainability.
Life Cycle Assessment of Emerging Battery Systems
Authors: Tarroja Brian , Ogunseitan Oladele , Kendall Alissa
Published: February 2024

The large-scale deployment of battery energy storage systems is critical for enabling the electrification of transport and the integration of renewable energy resources into regional electricity systems. Producing these systems, however, can impose various types and extents of environmental impacts and resource requirements. For relatively mature battery technologies, such as lead-acid, nickel-metal hydride, and certain variations of lithium-ion batteries, a robust life cycle assessment (LCA) literature exists that characterizes the environmental impacts and material requirements for these systems. Newer battery technologies, however, are constantly being explored, developed, and refined to improve upon the cost, durability, efficiency, or other performance parameters of relatively mature battery technologies. These newer technologies, including but not limited to solid-state lithium batteries, metal anode-based lithium batteries, non-lithium-based chemistries, flow batteries of different chemistries, and metal-air batteries, show promise from an in-use performance standpoint but do not yet have as robust of an LCA literature that characterizes their environmental impacts and resource requirements at scale. Here, we provide an overview of the present state of the art in the research literature of LCAs that characterize the potential environmental impacts and resource requirements of these emerging technologies as a basis for outlining needs for future research.
Projected Global Demand for Energy Storage
Authors: Schönfisch Max , Dasgupta Amrita , Wanner Brent
Published: February 2024

This chapter describes recent projections for the development of global and European demand for battery storage out to 2050 and analyzes the underlying drivers, drawing primarily on the International Energy Agency’s World Energy Outlook (WEO) 2022. The WEO 2022 projects a dramatic increase in the relevance of battery storage for the energy system. Battery electric vehicles become the dominant technology in the light-duty vehicle segment in all scenarios. In the electricity sector, battery energy storage emerges as one of the key solutions to provide flexibility to a power system that sees sharply rising flexibility needs, driven by the fast-rising share of variable renewables.

The ongoing decline in the cost of battery packs is crucial to this. It enables electric vehicles to compete on cost with their internal combustion engine counterparts in more and more use cases while making stationary battery energy storage a cost-competitive choice for the provision of flexibility and secure capacity.

The projected rise in battery production leads to a strong increase in demand for critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, copper, or manganese. Increasing the supply of these critical minerals in lockstep with demand is essential in order for battery costs to continue to decline.
Performance and Cost
Authors: Büngeler Johannes , Riegel Bernhard
Published: February 2024

Batteries are central to the global push for electrification and decarbonization of our transportation and energy infrastructures. Innovations in battery technologies, being the key enablers, are indispensable in addressing the surging demand for electromobility and seamless integration of renewable energy sources into the power grid. For this cause, we need sustainable batteries that consistently deliver competitive performance throughout their life cycle.

Presently, mainstream battery technologies encompass a variety of chemistries—lead, lithium, nickel, and sodium based. These have a considerable potential for further advancement, driven by a range of application requirements. Yet, it’s clear that no single battery chemistry or technology can meet all the diverse challenges posed by different end-user applications. These challenges span across attributes like high power and energy density, longevity, cost-efficiency, excellent safety standards, and minimal environmental impact. It is through innovative materials, cell component design, and cutting-edge battery management systems that we can enhance service life, performance, and safety.

In the ensuing subchapter, we will emphasize how electrochemical storage systems are typically tailored to match the unique requirements of each application. In essence, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” solution when it comes to battery technology.
Einleitung
Authors: Tokarski Bianca Maria
Published: February 2024

Weiterbildungen an Schweizer Hochschulen unterliegen seit 2017 dem Bundesgesetz über die Weiterbildung (WeBiG), das Weiterbildung als «strukturierte Bildung außerhalb der formalen Bildung» definiert (WeBiG, Artikel 3). Zwar bleibt den Hochschulen eine gewisse Sonderrolle als Anbieter von Weiterbildungen erhalten, indem gemäß Artikel 2, Absatz 2 WeBiG für die Hochschulweiterbildung die Umsetzung der Grundsätze dieses Gesetzes in der Zuständigkeit der gemeinsamen hochschulpolitischen Organe nach dem Hochschulförderungs- und Koordinationsgesetz (HFKG) liegt. Jedoch ist mit der Inkraftsetzung des Weiterbildungsgesetzes eine Wettbewerbsorientierung zwischen Weiterbildungsanbietern bekräftigt worden, die eine Verbesserung bedarfsgerechter, qualitativer und zugleich wirtschaftlicher Weiterbildungen zum Ziel haben soll (vgl. Botschaft zum Bundesgesetz über die Weiterbildung, 2013: 3757).
Desiderate und Ausblick
Authors: Tokarski Bianca Maria
Published: February 2024

Zusammenhänge, für die eine tiefere Klärung wünschenswert wäre, zeigen sich sowohl auf theoretischer als auch auf methodisch-empirischer Ebene.
Zum Stand einer institutionentheoretisch-akteurszentrierten Forschung in der Hochschulweiterbildung
Authors: Tokarski Bianca Maria
Published: February 2024

Die hier vorliegende Studie widmet sich dem Handeln von Akteur:innen in der Weiterbildungsplanung und -entwicklung im Spannungsfeld von Wissenschaftsinstitution und Weiterbildungsmarkt an Schweizer Hochschulen. Dieses grundlegende Interesse impliziert mehrere Betrachtungsebenen: Die handelnden Akteur:innen, die Hochschule als Institution und Organisation sowie die Umwelt der Hochschulweiterbildung mit besonderem Fokus auf den Weiterbildungsmarkt und seine Anspruchsgruppen. Forschungsaktivitäten im Feld der Hochschulweiterbildung finden sich auf all diesen Ebenen.
Methodologische Überleitung
Authors: Tokarski Bianca Maria
Published: February 2024

Konventionen werden definiert als Handlungslogiken, welche es Akteur:innen situativ ermöglichen, sich zu koordinieren und gemeinsame Handlungsabsichten zu verwirklichen (vgl. Diaz-Bone, 2011a: 23). Dabei besteht eine starke wechselseitige Abhängigkeit zwischen den Akteur:innen sowie Unsicherheit in Bezug auf gegenseitige Erwartungen. Für die Koordination von Handlungen wird als Basis eine Übereinkunft benötigt, was zu tun ist und in welcher Form die Akteur:innen die wechselseitigen Erwartungen erfüllen können (vgl. Storper und Salais, 1997: 15 ff).
Empirische Analyse
Authors: Tokarski Bianca Maria
Published: February 2024

Ausgangspunkt der empirischen Analyse ist die Frage, welchen konventionenbezogenen Handlungslogiken Akteur:innen in der Hochschulweiterbildung in den unterschiedlichen Legitimationskontexten von Wissenschaftsinstitution und Weiterbildungsmarkt folgen. Konventionen sind in sozialen und ökonomischen Kontexten veränderbar und argumentativ. Falls es die Umstände erfordern, sind kompetente Akteur:innen bereit, von einer bestehenden Konvention auf eine andere zu wechseln.
Zusammenfassung und Beantwortung der Forschungsfragen
Authors: Tokarski Bianca Maria
Published: February 2024

Mit dieser Arbeit wurde das Ziel einer akteurszentrierten und konventionenökonomischen Analyse der Weiterbildungsplanung und -entwicklung im Feld der Schweizer Hochschulweiterbildung verfolgt. Dabei lag ein theoretisch-empirisches Erkenntnisinteresse vor. Forschungen in marktlich verwobenen Weiterbildungsinstitutionen, welche zugleich das Akteurshandeln als Forschungsgegenstand einbeziehen, sind an unterschiedliche theoretische Diskurse anschlussfähig.
Reflexion und Diskussion
Authors: Tokarski Bianca Maria
Published: February 2024

Die Interpretation der Ergebnisse führt zu der Schlussfolgerung, dass die Weiterbildung an den befragten Hochschulen einer eigenen Identitätsbildung folgt, welche die institutionellen Bezüge aus Wissenschaft und Forschung zwar mitführt, aber nicht als vordergründige Handlungslogik priorisiert. Deutliche Unterschiede zwischen Universitäten und Fachhochschulen lassen sich dabei nicht aufzeigen. Die in der Studie befragten Weiterbildungsverantwortlichen nehmen ihre Funktion verstärkt im Rückgriff auf Konventionen wahr, die mit dem Weiterbildungsmarkt und dessen Nachfrage korrespondieren.
Einleitung
Authors: Wesche Jörg , Tschopp Silvia Serena , Fromholzer Franz
Published: February 2024

Die Aufwertung der Volkssprachen in der Frühen Neuzeit führte zu einer Intensivierung und internationalen Öffnung der europäischen Übersetzungskultur. Mit Blick auf das unzureichend erforschte deutsch-englische Interaktionsfeld in der Vormoderne erhellt der Band ausgewählte Personen, Institutionen und Wissensfelder sowie Werkübertragungen, Gattungstransformationen und Übersetzungspraktiken, die den dichten Austausch zwischen England und dem Alten Reich prägten. In 19 literatur-, kunst-, philosophie- und frömmigkeitsgeschichtlichen Fallstudien wird die deutsche Rezeption der frühneuzeitlichen englischen Literatur und Kultur untersucht.
Vom Geist der Strafe. Andreas Gryphius’ Carolus Stuardus und die englischen Debatten über den Tod Karls I.
Authors: Bergengruen Maximilian
Published: February 2024

This essay takes as its starting point the debates for and against the death sentence against the English King Charles I in Andreas Gryphius’ ‘Carolus Stuardus.’ These debates were originally conducted in England, but, not least through various translations, had an impact on and throughout Europe. The focus of this essay is the interchangeability of arguments regarding the divine legitimacy of rule claimed by both the royal and independente positions. Led in ‘Carolus Stuardus’, at least on the royal side, by the ghosts (of the past), this debate is a central one. These spirits, a central theme in Gryphius’ theatrical works, demand divine vengeance for Charles’ death. However, this claim is made ‒ unlike by Charles, who claims an imitatio Christi for himself ‒ only on the basis of the Mosaic law of talion, which the opposite side also claims for itself with the same arguments, only directed the other way around. Therefore, the whole undertaking, especially clearly in the B-version, leads into aporia: There are two groups of spirits facing each other, which seek revenge with equal right, but which thus, in the sense of the legal concept of the early modern period reconstructed in the essay, can only be private, but not divine punishment. The search for the spirit, i.e., the legitimation of punitive punishment thus ends, at least in this particular case, in nothingness.
Political Economy Analysis of Factors Influencing the Expansion of Russian International Branch Campuses in Uzbekistan
Authors: Khaydarov Sherzod
Published: February 2024

The research explores the factors influencing the expansion of Russian international branch campuses (IBCs) in Uzbekistan through a critical discourse analysis of relevant policy documents and interviews with university administration and faculty at three IBCs. The study brings a critical political economy perspective to a field that is framed within a knowledge economy paradigm and highlights the under-researched perspective of the Central Asia region with a focus on Russian IBCs. The study investigates two key questions: (1) What are the policy agendas of Uzbekistan in inviting Russian universities to establish branch campuses and what are the policy agendas of the home country and (2) How do the administrative and academic staff of Russian IBCs perceive the contributions of these branches to the development of higher education in Uzbekistan? The findings indicate that Uzbekistan’s main policy targets included fulfilling the shortage of university places, training professionals for industry purposes, internationalizing and integrating with other countries, and enhancing the Russian language, whereas Russia appears more interested in political influence, supporting the compatriots, and training the labour force for industry sectors.
Islam, Women, and Genderization in Professions: The Case of Uzbekistan
Authors: Abdugafurov Rahimjon
Published: February 2024

This chapter investigates how religious discourses construct women’s participation in higher education and the genderization of professions in Uzbekistan. Qualitative in nature, it analyzes primary sources, namely the texts of four contemporary Uzbekistani Muslim religious figures who enjoy a large audience in the country and, to some extent, in the region. Despite having significant dissimilarities, all four figures share one key element—a male-centered approach to women’s participation in higher education and in choosing professions. The chapter employs Peter Glick and Susan Fiske’s “Ambivalent Sexism Theory” to discuss its findings. While the current chapter does not claim a direct correlation between existing Islamic discourses about women’s participation in higher education and the genderization of professions, it argues that the views of the four selected religious figures are reflective of the Uzbekistani society’s values and that they are mutually constitutive.
Symmetry resolution of the computable cross-norm negativity of two disjoint intervals in the massless Dirac field theory
Authors: Bruno Andrea , Ares Filiberto , Murciano Sara , Calabrese Pasquale
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We investigate how entanglement in the mixed state of a quantum field theory can be described using the cross-computable norm or realignment (CCNR) criterion, employing a recently introduced negativity. We study its symmetry resolution for two disjoint intervals in the ground state of the massless Dirac fermion field theory, extending previous results for the case of adjacent intervals. By applying the replica trick, this problem boils down to computing the charged moments of the realignment matrix. We show that, for two disjoint intervals, they correspond to the partition function of the theory on a torus with a non-contractible charged loop. This confers a great advantage compared to the negativity based on the partial transposition, for which the Riemann surfaces generated by the replica trick have higher genus. This result empowers us to carry out the replica limit, yielding analytic expressions for the symmetry-resolved CCNR negativity. Furthermore, these expressions provide also the symmetry decomposition of other related quantities such as the operator entanglement of the reduced density matrix or the reflected entropy.
The chiral Lagrangian of CP-violating axion-like particles
Authors: Di Luzio Luca , Levati Gabriele , Paradisi Paride
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We discuss the construction of the most general CP-violating chiral Lagrangian for an axion-like particle (ALP). Starting with an effective Lagrangian containing light quarks and gluons, we provide its matching onto a chiral effective Lagrangian at $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(p2) described in terms of mesons and baryons, identifying the correspondence between the Jarlskog invariants of the two theories. After deriving the ALP interactions with mesons and baryons, we analyse a few relevant phenomenological implications such as the permanent electric dipole moments of nucleons and the CP-violating ALP and kaon decays. This work provides the necessary tools for further phenomenological analyses connecting low-energy observables with the couplings of the underlying ultraviolet complete theory.
Perturbative BF Theory in Axial, Anosov Gauge
Authors: Schiavina Michele , Stucker Thomas
Published: February 2024

The twisted Ruelle zeta function of a contact, Anosov vector field, is shown to be equal, as a meromorphic function of the complex parameter $$\hbar \in \mathbb {C}$$

ħ
∈
C

and up to a phase, to the partition function of an $$\hbar $$
ħ
-linear quadratic perturbation of BF theory, using an “axial” gauge fixing condition given by the Anosov vector field. Equivalently, it is also obtained as the expectation value of the same quadratic, $$\hbar $$
ħ
-linear, perturbation, within a perturbative quantisation scheme for BF theory, suitably generalised to work when propagators have distributional kernels.
Dosimetric advantages for cardiac substructures in radiotherapy of esophageal cancer in deep-inspiration breath hold
Authors: Mohamed Ahmed Allam , Douglas Melina Nausikaa , Bruners Philipp , Eble Michael J.
Published: February 2024

Background

Radiotherapy is one of the main treatment options for patients with esophageal cancer; however, it has been linked with an increased risk of cardiac toxicities. In the current study, we evaluated the effect of planning the radiation in deep-inspiration breath hold (DIBH) on the dose sparing of cardiac substructures and lung.

Materials and methods

In this study, we analyzed 30 radiation therapy plans from 15 patients diagnosed with esophageal cancer planned for neoadjuvant radiotherapy. Radiation plans were generated for 41.4 Gy and delivered in 1.8 Gy per fraction for free-breathing (FB) and DIBH techniques. We then conducted a comparative dosimetric analysis, evaluating target volume coverage, the impact on cardiac substructures, and lung doses across the two planning techniques for each patient.

Results

There was no significant disparity in target volume dose coverage between DIBH and FB plans. However, the Dmean, D2%, and V30% of the heart experienced substantial reductions in DIBH relative to FB, with values of 6.21 versus 7.02 Gy (p = 0.011), 35.28 versus 35.84 Gy (p = 0.047), and 5% versus 5.8% (p = 0.048), respectively. The Dmean of the left ventricle was notably lower in DIBH compared to FB (4.27 vs. 5.12 Gy, p = 0.0018), accompanied by significant improvements in V10. Additionally, the Dmean and D2% of the left coronary artery, as well as the D2% of the right coronary artery, were significantly lower in DIBH. The dosimetric impact of DIBH on cardiac substructures proved more advantageous for middle esophageal (ME) than distal esophageal (DE) tumors.

Conclusion

Radiotherapy in DIBH could provide a method to reduce the radiation dose to the left ventricle and coronaries, which could reduce the cardiac toxicity of the modality.
Inzidenz, Behandlung und Prognose des Prostatakarzinoms in Baden-Württemberg: Analyse anhand von Krebsregisterdaten
Authors: Worst Thomas Stefan , Surovtsova Irina , Vogel Tilo , Zauser Martin , Neuberger Manuel Christian , Wessels Frederik , Michel Maurice Stephan , Nuhn Philipp , Morakis Philipp
Published: February 2024

Hintergrund

Das Prostatakarzinom (PCa) ist die häufigste solide Tumorerkrankung des Mannes in Deutschland. Die Erfassung epidemiologischer und klinischer Daten erfolgt seit mehreren Jahren aufgrund gesetzlicher Vorgaben zentralisiert über die Landeskrebsregister. Damit ist die Meldung von Erstdiagnosen (ED), Therapien und Verläufen von Krebserkrankungen in Deutschland verpflichtend. Entsprechend der Fragestellungen der Behandler müssen diese Daten aufbereitet werden.

Ziele

Intention dieser Arbeit war die Darstellung der Entwicklung von Neuerkrankungen, Erkrankungsstadien, Behandlungsverfahren und Prognose des PCa in Baden-Württemberg (BW).

Methoden

Ausgewertet wurden hierfür die Daten des Krebsregisters BW von Patienten mit PCa in den ED-Jahren 2013 bis 2021. Die Auswertung erfolgte mittels deskriptiver Statistik, χ2-Test und Kaplan-Meier-Analysen.

Ergebnisse

Gemeldet wurden 84.347 PCa-ED. Bei 55,3 % der Patienten lag das klinische Stadium und bei 75,7 % das ISUP-Grading vor. Bis 2019 zeigte sich ein Anstieg der ED. Der Anteil primär metastasierter Erkrankungen war rückläufig (2013: 19,6 %, 2021: 12,0 %), der Anteil lokalisierter Tumoren (2013: 65,5 %, 2021: 77,1 %) nahm zu. Bei der Therapie lokal begrenzter Tumoren dominierte die radikale Prostatektomie (RP) mit im Mittel 60,1 %. Der Anteil der roboterassistierten Operationen stieg von 23,7 % (2013) auf 60,8 % (2021) bei einem Rückgang der R1-Rate von 34,8 % auf 26,2 %. Das progressionsfreie Überleben korrelierte mit dem Tumorstadium und der ISUP-Gruppe.

Schlussfolgerung

Es zeigte sich ein Anstieg der gemeldeten PCa-Fälle, wobei der Anteil der spät diagnostizierten Tumoren abnahm. Die Behandlung erfolgte in lokalisierten Stadien zumeist operativ, mit steigendem Anteil der roboterassistierten RP. Langfristig prognoseentscheidend sind die frühzeitige Diagnosestellung und Behandlung.

Graphic abstract
Warming-induced flowering and fruiting in the seagrass Posidonia oceanica and uncertainties due to context-dependent features
Authors: Stipcich Patrizia , La Manna Gabriella , Ceccherelli Giulia
Published: February 2024

This study explores the impacts of global warming on the reproductive efforts of Posidonia oceanica, a key seagrass species endemic to the Mediterranean Sea. By analyzing data from five areas in Sardinia in February 2023, we have investigated the relationship between thermal descriptors and P. oceanica flowering and fruiting variables. In fact, whether climate change has been affected the distribution of seagrasses by changing their reproductive efforts is still controversial and our findings contribute to this ongoing debate, highlighting a noticeable increase in reproductive events potentially affected by rising temperature. Overall, mean summer sea surface temperature (SST) was positively associated to inflorescence density, presence of living fruits and fruit size; living fruits and fruit size were also influenced positively by the maximum SST within 3 months before sampling (November–February). Both flowering and fruiting were negatively affected by the maximum SST within 1 month before inflorescence observation and mean winter SST, respectively, suggesting that P. oceanica reproductive effort depends on the duration and the temporal context in which the anomaly occurs. However, the high variability between meadows of the same area highlights the need of future studies to focus on the uncertainties related to local factors.
Recombinant mannan-binding lectin magnetic beads increase pathogen detection in immunocompromised patients
Authors: Xiao-Ping Chen , Hao Zheng , Ru-Li Feng , Jin-Xing Lu , Yu-Jun Dong , Ze-Yin Liang
Published: February 2024

The microbiological diagnosis of infection for hematological malignancy patients receiving chemotherapy or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) patients relies primarily on standard microbial culture, especially blood culture, which has many shortcomings, such as having low positive rates, being time-consuming and having a limited pathogenic spectrum. In this prospective observational self-controlled test accuracy study, blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were collected from chemotherapy or allo-HSCT patients with clinical symptoms of infections who were hospitalized at Peking University First Hospital. Possible pathogens were detected by the method based on recombinant mannan-binding lectin (MBL) magnetic bead enrichment (M1 method) and simultaneously by a standard method. The analytical sensitivity of M1 method was close to that of standard culture method. Besides, the turn-around time of M1-method was significantly shorter than that of standard culture method. Moreover, the M1 method also added diagnostic value through the detection of some clinically relevant microbes missed by the standard method. M1 method could significantly increase the detection efficiency of pathogens (including bacteria and fungi) in immunocompromised patients.

Key points

• The detection results of M1-method had a high coincidence rate with that of standard method

• M1 method detected many pathogens which had not been found by standard clinic method
Quality assessment of the MRI-radiomics studies for MGMT promoter methylation prediction in glioma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Doniselli Fabio M. , Pascuzzo Riccardo , Mazzi Federica , Padelli Francesco , Moscatelli Marco , Akinci D’Antonoli Tugba , Cuocolo Renato , Aquino Domenico , Cuccarini Valeria , Sconfienza Luca Maria
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the methodological quality and diagnostic accuracy of MRI-based radiomic studies predicting O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation status in gliomas.

Methods

PubMed Medline, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched to identify MRI-based radiomic studies on MGMT methylation in gliomas published until December 31, 2022. Three raters evaluated the study methodological quality with Radiomics Quality Score (RQS, 16 components) and Transparent Reporting of a Multivariable Prediction Model for Individual Prognosis Or Diagnosis (TRIPOD, 22 items) scales. Risk of bias and applicability concerns were assessed with QUADAS-2 tool. A meta-analysis was performed to estimate the pooled area under the curve (AUC) and to assess inter-study heterogeneity.

Results

We included 26 studies, published from 2016. The median RQS total score was 8 out of 36 (22%, range 8–44%). Thirteen studies performed external validation. All studies reported AUC or accuracy, but only 4 (15%) performed calibration and decision curve analysis. No studies performed phantom analysis, cost-effectiveness analysis, and prospective validation. The overall TRIPOD adherence score was between 50% and 70% in 16 studies and below 50% in 10 studies. The pooled AUC was 0.78 (95% CI, 0.73–0.83, I2 = 94.1%) with a high inter-study heterogeneity. Studies with external validation and including only WHO-grade IV gliomas had significantly lower AUC values (0.65; 95% CI, 0.57–0.73, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Study RQS and adherence to TRIPOD guidelines was generally low. Radiomic prediction of MGMT methylation status showed great heterogeneity of results and lower performances in grade IV gliomas, which hinders its current implementation in clinical practice.

Clinical relevance statement

MGMT promoter methylation status appears to be variably correlated with MRI radiomic features; radiomic models are not sufficiently robust to be integrated into clinical practice to accurately predict MGMT promoter methylation status in patients with glioma before surgery.

Key Points

• Adherence to the indications of TRIPOD guidelines was generally low, as was RQS total score.

• MGMT promoter methylation status prediction with MRI radiomic features provided heterogeneous diagnostic accuracy results across studies.

• Studies that included grade IV glioma only and performed external validation had significantly lower diagnostic accuracy than others.
Neurological sphincter deficiency: is there a place for artificial urinary sphincter?
Authors: Vrijens Desiree , Kendall Harry , Hervé François
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Neurogenic stress urinary incontinence (N-SUI) is a condition with serious impact on the quality of life. There are several treatment modalities of which the artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) stands out as the most suitable technique for addressing sphincter insufficiency. In this article, the purpose is to describe practical considerations, outcomes, and complications of the artificial urinary sphincter in neurological sphincter deficiency in both males and females.

Methods

A narrative review of the current literature.

Results

The outcomes of AUS are reasonably good in patients with NLUTD, the surgical technique is discussed as well as the limitations and special considerations in this complex and heterogeneous patient population.

Conclusion

The available evidence suggests that its efficacy and functional durability may be lower in patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) compared to those without neurological deficits. However, studies have shown that AUS can still provide effective and safe continence outcomes in both male and female patients, with long-term device survival rates ranging from several years to over a decade.
Involvement of sodium–glucose cotransporter-1 activities in maintaining oscillatory Cl− currents from mouse submandibular acinar cells
Authors: Takeyasu Misa , Kozai Katsuyuki , Sugita Makoto
Published: February 2024

In salivary acinar cells, cholinergic stimulation induces elevations of cytosolic [Ca2+]i to activate the apical exit of Cl− through TMEM16A Cl− channels, which acts as a driving force for fluid secretion. To sustain the Cl− secretion, [Cl−]i must be maintained to levels that are greater than the electrochemical equilibrium mainly by Na+-K+-2Cl− cotransporter-mediated Cl− entry in basolateral membrane. Glucose transporters carry glucose into the cytoplasm, enabling the cells to produce ATP to maintain Cl− and fluid secretion. Sodium–glucose cotransporter-1 is a glucose transporter highly expressed in acinar cells. The salivary flow is suppressed by the sodium–glucose cotransporter-1 inhibitor phlorizin. However, it remains elusive how sodium–glucose cotransporter-1 contributes to maintaining salivary fluid secretion. To examine if sodium–glucose cotransporter-1 activity is required for sustaining Cl− secretion to drive fluid secretion, we analyzed the Cl− currents activated by the cholinergic agonist, carbachol, in submandibular acinar cells while comparing the effect of phlorizin on the currents between the whole-cell patch and the gramicidin-perforated patch configurations. Phlorizin suppressed carbachol-induced oscillatory Cl− currents by reducing the Cl− efflux dependent on the Na+-K+-2Cl− cotransporter-mediated Cl− entry in addition to affecting TMEM16A activity. Our results suggest that the sodium–glucose cotransporter-1 activity is necessary for maintaining the oscillatory Cl− secretion supported by the Na+-K+-2Cl− cotransporter activity in real time to drive fluid secretion. The concerted effort of sodium–glucose cotransporter-1, Na+-K+-2Cl− cotransporter, and apically located Cl− channels might underlie the efficient driving of Cl− secretion in different secretory epithelia from a variety of animal species.
Atmospheric responses to the interannual variability of sea surface temperature front in the summertime Southern Ocean
Authors: Rao Qian-Rong , Zhang Li , Ren Xuya , Wu Lixin
Published: February 2024

Air–sea interactions in mid-latitudes and their climatic effects have long been a research focus. However, the influence of the variability of the Southern Oceanic Front (SOF) on atmospheric processes at interannual timescales remains somewhat ambiguous from existing studies. Using reanalysis data, our findings reveal that the SOF reaches its maximum intensity during the austral summer, characterized by pronounced interannual variability and an insignificant trend. On the one hand, an enhanced SOF intensifies the meridional temperature gradient and atmospheric baroclinicity, accompanied by increased local and downstream baroclinic energy conversion. This amplifies storm track activities in both the lower and upper troposphere. On the other hand, the atmospheric circulation in mid- and high-latitudes exhibits an equivalent barotropic response. This is attributed to the feedback of storm tracks on the mean flow, dominated by the transient eddy vorticity forcing. Moreover, we compare the relative contributions of the South Indian Oceanic Front (SIOF) and South Atlantic Oceanic Front (SAOF) variability to storm track and atmospheric circulation. Results indicate that the SIOF variability dominates the downstream development of storm track response and modulates the anomalous atmospheric circulation around the Antarctic, while the SAOF variability produces only a limited local atmospheric response.
Quality indicators for ambulatory colectomy: literature search and expert consensus
Authors: Coeckelberghs Ellen , Bislenghi Gabriele , Wolthuis Albert , Teunkens An , Dewinter Geertrui , Coppens Steve , Vanhaecht Kris , D’Hoore André
Published: February 2024

Background

Care for patients undergoing elective colectomy has become increasingly standardized using Enhanced Recovery Programs (ERP). ERP, encorporating minimally invasive surgery (MIS), decreased postoperative morbidity and length of stay (LOS). However, disruptive changes are needed to safely introduce colectomy in an ambulatory or same-day discharge (SDD) setting. Few research groups showed the feasibility of ambulatory colectomy. So far, no minimum standards for the quality of care of this procedure have been defined. This study aims to identify quality indicators (QIs) that assess the quality of care for ambulatory colectomy.

Methods

A literature search was performed to identify recommendations for ambulatory colectomy. Based on that search, a set of QIs was identified and categorized into seven domains: preparation of the patient (pre-admission), anesthesia, surgery, in-hospital monitoring, home monitoring, feasibility, and clinical outcomes. This list was presented to a panel of international experts (surgeons and anesthesiologists) in a 1 round Delphi to assess the relevance of the proposed indicators.

Results

Based on the literature search (2010–2021), 3841 results were screened on title and abstract for relevant information. Nine papers were withheld to identify the first set of QIs (n = 155). After excluding duplicates and outdated QIs, this longlist was narrowed down to 88 indicators. Afterward, consensus was reached in a 1 round Delphi on a final list of 32 QIs, aiming to be a comprehensive set to evaluate the quality of ambulatory colectomy care.

Conclusion

We propose a list of 32 QI to guide and evaluate the implementation of ambulatory colectomy.
Construction of A-stable explicit last-stage diagonal implicit Runge–Kutta (ELDIRK) methods
Authors: Mahnken Rolf , Westermann Hendrik
Published: February 2024

ELDIRK methods are defined to have an Explicit Last stage in the general Butcher array of Diagonal Implicit Runge-Kutta methods, with the consequence, that no additional system of equations must be solved, compared to the embedded RK method. Two general formulations for second- and third-order ELDIRK methods have been obtained recently in Mahnken [21] with specific schemes, e.g. for the embedded implicit Euler method, the embedded trapezoidal-rule and the embedded Ellsiepen method. In the first part of this paper, we investigate some general stability characteristics of ELDIRK methods, and it will be shown that the above specific RK schemes are not A-stable. Therefore, in the second part, the above-mentioned general formulations are used for further stability investigations, with the aim to construct new second- and third-order ELDIRK methods which simultaneously are A-stable. Two numerical examples are concerned with the curing for a thermosetting material and phase-field RVE modeling for crystallinity and orientation. The numerical results confirm the theoretical results on convergence order and stability.