bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of Multifunctional Electrocatalysts for ORR/OER/HER/HOR: Janus Makes Difference
Authors: Yang Xinyu , Lin Long , Guo Xiangyu , Zhang Shengli
Published: May 2024

Multifunctional electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) have broad application prospects; However, realization of such kinds of materials remain difficulties because it requires the materials to have not only unique electronic properties, but multiple active centers to deal with different reactions. Here, employing density functional theory (DFT) computations, it is demonstrated that by decorating the Janus‐type 2D transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) of TaSSe with the single atoms, the materials can achieve multifunctionality to catalyze the ORR/OER/HER/HOR. Out of sixteen catalytic systems, Pt‐VS (i.e., Pt atom embedded in the sulfur vacancy), Pd‐VSe, and Pt‐VSe@TaSSe are promising multifunctional catalysts with superior stability. Among them, the Pt‐VS@TaSSe catalyst exhibits the highest activity with theoretical overpotentials ηORR = 0.40 V, ηOER = 0.39 V, and ηHER/HOR = 0.07 V, respectively, better than the traditional Pt (111), IrO2 (110). The interplays between the catalyst and the reaction intermediate over the course of the reaction are then systematically investigated. Generally, this study presents a viable approach for the design and development of advanced multifunctional electrocatalysts. It enriches the application of Janus, a new 2D material, in electrochemical energy storage and conversion technology.
Trag‐ und Verformungsverhalten von Verteilrohrleitungen
Authors: Unterweger Harald , Ecker Alexander , Langwieser Martin
Published: May 2024

Stählerne Druckrohrleitungen von (Pump‐)Speicherkraftwerken weisen unmittelbar vor dem Krafthaus sog. Verteilrohrleitungen (VRL) auf, um das Triebwasser aus dem Hauptrohr auf mehrere Abzweigrohre (Stichrohre) zu verteilen, die dann weiter zur Turbine oder Pumpe führen. Dieser Aufsatz fasst die Ergebnisse eines kürzlich abgeschlossenen zweijährigen Forschungsprojekts zum Trag‐ und Verformungsverhalten von Verteilrohrleitungen zusammen, das federführend von der TU Graz, Institut für Stahlbau bearbeitet wurde. Anhand nichtlinearer Systemberechnungen mit elastischem sowie elastisch‐plastischem Materialverhalten an räumlichen 3D‐FE‐Modellen konnte das reale Tragverhalten von VRL analysiert werden. Es zeigte sich, dass stählerne VRL unerwartet hohe plastische Tragreserven aufweisen. Daher können die bisher als sehr kritisch angesehenen Lagersetzungen im Bereich von VRL nun günstiger beurteilt werden. Eine realitätsnahe Beurteilung der Ermüdungsgefährdung mit dem Strukturspannungskonzept erlaubt auch eine Fokussierung auf wenige maßgebende Bereiche bei Bestandsanlagen, in Hinblick auf gezielte Inspektions‐ und Monitoringmaßnahmen. Weiter erfolgte auch die Beurteilung der Treffsicherheit der in der Vergangenheit üblichen Vorgehensweise bei der System‐ und Spannungsberechnung in Form der Kombination eines globalen Stabmodells mit lokalen 3D‐FE‐Modellen der einzelnen Abzweiger, verglichen mit einer globalen 3D‐FE‐Berechnung der gesamten VRL.
Photoelectromagnetic multimode triggered phase change materials for thermotherapy
Authors: Li Yang , Yu Han , Liu Panpan , Diao Xuemei , Feng Yuhao , Jiang Yu , Chen Xiao
Published: May 2024

Neither pristine phase change materials (PCMs) nor metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) can be driven by optical/electrical/magnetic triggers for multiple energy conversion and thermal storage, which cannot satisfy the requirements of multi‐scenario applications. Herein, a three‐dimensional interconnected forest‐type array carbon network anchored by Co nanoparticles serving as optical/electrical/magnetic multimode triggers was developed through in situ growth of two‐dimensional MOF nanosheet arrays on pre‐carbonized melamine foam and subsequent high‐temperature carbonization. After the encapsulation of polyethylene glycol, the resulting composite PCMs simultaneously integrate fascinating photothermal, electrothermal, magnetothermal conversion and storage for personal thermotherapy. Benefiting from the synergistic enhancement of forest‐type array carbon heterostructure and Co nanoparticles, composite PCMs exhibit high thermal/electrical conduction and strong full‐spectrum absorption capacities. Resultantly, low‐energy photoelectric triggers are sufficient to drive high‐efficiency photothermal/electrothermal conversion and storage of composite PCMs (93.1%, 100 mW/cm2; 92.9%, 2.5 V). Additionally, composite PCMs also exhibit excellent encapsulation stability without liquid phase leakage, long‐term thermal reliability and multiple energy conversion and storage stability after multiple cycles. The proposed photoelectromagnetic multimode triggers are aimed to inspire innovation and accelerate major breakthroughs in advanced responsive composite PCMs toward multiple energy utilization and personal thermotherapy.
An ontology‐based digital test and evaluation master plan (dTEMP) compliant with DoD policy
Authors: Gregory Joe , Salado Alejandro
Published: May 2024

Test and evaluation (TE) planning is a critical part of systems engineering. However, it has not received as much attention from digital engineering efforts as early‐stage design and analysis. Digital engineering has the potential to reduce the risk and effort associated with TE, while leveraging existing digital capabilities to add value. One aspect in particular that may benefit from such attention is the Department of Defense's Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP). The purpose of the TEMP is to identify the key processes with respect to the TE of a product, and to specify the roles and responsibilities of key personnel and organizations. Concerns have been raised regarding the document‐based nature of the TEMP and the increased risk and reduced reward that this entails. In this paper, we investigate the potential benefits of digitalizing the TEMP and outline an incremental approach for achieving this. We also present a set of ontologies, collectively known as the Digital TEMP (dTEMP), and investigate potential benefits and limitations by applying the dTEMP to an example test program.
An updated phylogeny of Ainsliaea (Asteraceae: Pertyoideae) and its implications for classification and habit evolution
Authors: Zhang Cai‐Fei , Tian Jing , Cheng Yue‐Hong , Peng Shuai , Chen You‐Sheng , Gao Tian‐Gang , Hu Guang‐Wan , Wang Qing‐Feng
Published: May 2024

Ainsliaea is an Eastern Asian genus with approximately 50 species, and is characterized by two main habit types or leaf arrangements: rosulate with leaves aggregated at the stem base or pseudo‐verticillate with leaves clustered above the stem base. Most species of Ainsliaea have been classified into two sections, A. sect. Ainsliaea and sect. Aggregatae, respectively, based on their habit type. However, recent molecular phylogenetic studies have challenged existing infrageneric classifications for Ainsliaea, and the systematic value of habit needs to be re‐evaluated because the habits of some key species were described differently, leading to taxonomic controversies on infrageneric classifications and species delimitations. To address these issues, this study reconstructed a more comprehensive phylogeny of Ainsliaea with two more samples of the highly variable A. lancifolia and a new sampling of A. nana. Habit variations in Ainsliaea were observed both in the field and in herbarium collections, and habit evolution was reconsidered based on the updated phylogeny. The phylogenetic analysis highly supports that A. uniflora and A. lancifolia form the first‐ and the second‐earliest diverging lineages in Ainsliaea, respectively; A. nana, recently rediscovered by us after more than 60 years, constitutes a distinct lineage sister to a large clade with all leaves aggregated above the stem base; and A. pertyoides forms another large clade with the rosulate‐leaf species. The latter three species have distinct habits: A. lancifolia with leaves sparsely alternate along the stem but often reduced to a basal rosette in rheophytic environments, A. nana with leaves aggregated at and also above the same stem base, and A. pertyoides with rosulate leaves when young. Thus, two new sections, A. sect. Alternae sect. nov. and A. sect. Intermediae sect. nov., are proposed to accommodate A. lancifolia and A. nana, respectively, and A. pertyoides is reasonably kept in A. sect. Ainsliaea. The results of this study provide insights into the evolution of habits in Ainsliaea and suggest that the traditional classification based solely on habit may not accurately mirror the evolutionary history of the genus. The newly proposed A. sect. Alternae and sect. Intermediae reflect a more natural classification of Ainsliaea and provide a framework for future studies on the evolution and ecology of the genus. Combining evidence from phylogeny and morphology, a conspectus of the genus and taxonomic updates for A. lancifolia, A. nana and A. pertyoides are provided. Overall, this study highlights the importance of combining molecular and morphological data to accurately classify and understand the evolutionary history of plant groups.
Estimation of States and Cornering Stiffness of a Vehicle by LPV‐MHE
Authors: Miyakoshi Minoru , Kamano Norihide , Kawano Yu , Yano Yasuhide , Adachi Tomohiko , Wada Nobutaka
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we consider an estimation problem of sideslip angle and cornering stiffness of a vehicle from measurements of yaw rate, lateral acceleration and steering angle. Firstly, a vehicle dynamical model is expressed as a linear parameter‐varying system with cornering stiffness as uncertain parameters. Then, we show a method to estimate the parameters and the state based on moving horizon estimation. We provide a simple algorithm to solve the estimation problem. The effectiveness of the estimation method is evaluated through numerical simulations. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Development of an FPGA‐Based Pulse‐Height Analyzer for Scintillation Detectors in Gamma Energy Spectroscopy
Authors: Hai Vo Hong
Published: May 2024

This study presents the development of a Pulse Height Analyzer (PHA) using an FPGA‐based hardware platform, specifically the National Instruments MyRIO embedded device, for radiation detectors. Electronic pulses generated by the detector when exposed to radiation are triggered, digitized, and transferred to a data buffer. A pulse height analysis tool categorizes these pulses and stores pulse‐height information in registers or channels, enabling the construction of a pulse‐height distribution. The data of pulse‐height distribution is then recorded on a computer via a user‐friendly interface. The Pulse Height Analyzer was implemented using a 3‐inch by 3‐inch NaI(Tl) scintillation detector for gamma energy measurements, employing standard radioisotopes Na‐22 and Co‐60. Gamma energy spectra were acquired and analyzed. Our results demonstrate that the achieved energy resolution is comparable to that of the commercial Pulse Height Analyzers, such as EASY‐MCA 2K, a product of AMETEK Inc. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Irrigation scheduling needs to consider both plant‐available water and soil aeration requirements
Authors: Pragg Beaulah , Deepagoda T. K. K. Chamindu , Cameron Keith , Di Hong , Clough Timothy J. , Carrick Sam
Published: May 2024

Global food production relying on irrigated agriculture accounts for >70% of the global freshwater withdrawal. A thorough understanding of soil–water characteristics (SWCs) and critical soil–water values in the soil and subsoil is important for effective management of irrigated water. A critical soil–water “window” for plants is generally taken as the plant‐available water window without considering diffusion‐dominated soil aeration as a co‐requisite. This study examined SWC curves in vadose soil profiles (up to 1.5‐m depth) in eight pasture soils. The soil moisture measurements were made over matric potentials ranging from −1 to −1500 kPa using tension table and pressure plate apparatus. The van Genuchten model was used to parameterize the measured SWC curve, while the Millington‐Quirk model was used to derive soil–gas diffusivity from measured soil physical properties. We defined critical soil–water windows considering the threshold values for both plant‐available water and soil–gas diffusivity to ensure water and aeration corequisites for plant growth. The results clearly distinguished depth‐dependent regimes of gravitational, plant‐available, and unavailable water in selected profiles and their responses to soil structural changes across the depth. In some of the observed soil profiles, only 30%–60% of the plant‐available water window was able to be utilized by plants because the remainder existed under soil conditions where soil aeration was inadequate for plant growth, emphasizing the importance of considering both the plant's water and aeration requirements during irrigation scheduling. Further, the infiltration profiles in two selected soils under simulated irrigation highlighted the importance of a priori knowledge of the soil structure in deeper soil layers for scheduling irrigation.
Compositionality in perception: A framework
Authors: Lande Kevin J.
Published: May 2024

Perception involves the processing of content or information about the world. In what form is this content represented? I argue that perception is widely compositional. The perceptual system represents many stimulus features (including shape, orientation, and motion) in terms of combinations of other features (such as shape parts, slant and tilt, common and residual motion vectors). But compositionality can take a variety of forms. The ways in which perceptual representations compose are markedly different from the ways in which sentences or thoughts are thought to be composed. I suggest that the thesis that perception is compositional is not itself a concrete hypothesis with specific predictions; rather it affords a productive framework for developing and evaluating specific empirical hypotheses about the form and content of perceptual representations. The question is not just whether perception is compositional, but how. Answering this latter question can provide fundamental insights into perception.

This article is categorized under:

Philosophy > Representation

Philosophy > Foundations of Cognitive Science

Psychology > Perception and Psychophysics
Management of intraspecific aggression in two bull giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis ssp. rothschildi)
Authors: Harley Jessica J. , Tracey Roann , Stanley Christina R. , Banks Lindsay
Published: May 2024

Maintaining nonbreeding individuals in zoological collections may sometimes necessitate housing bachelor groups. In turn, intact cohabiting males may express increased intraspecific agonistic behaviors, and management intervention may be indicated. Where castration is deemed inappropriate (e.g., future breeding, or anesthesia and surgery‐related risk), the immune contraceptive gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) is increasingly used as an alternative. When intraspecific aggression (sparring) in two bull giraffes housed as a bachelor pair at Knowsley Safari, UK, escalated in frequency and intensity (despite management interventions), further mediation was warranted to moderate sparring behaviors. The Ex situ Program recommendation was for one giraffe, the (slightly) older, outwardly mature (darker, strong musth) individual, to be treated with the GnRH vaccine Improvac® (Zoetis). To gauge the efficacy of vaccination, behavioral observations were conducted during each vaccination phase to identify changes in the frequency of sparring behaviors. In addition, fecal samples were collected by keepers and sent to Chester Zoo's Endocrine Diagnostic Laboratory for analysis to compare androgen levels between the pre‐ and postvaccination phases. Testicular atrophy was investigated using both visual inspection and photographic images. The GnRH vaccine Improvac® initially appeared to be associated with reduced aggressive behaviors in the two bull giraffes. Sparring behaviors decreased in frequency after each vaccination phase, although these did not significantly diminish until phase 4. Physiological markers were inconclusive as testosterone concentrations varied throughout the phases, although levels remained low after the fourth vaccination phase. Approximately 8 months following the initial vaccination with Improvac®, the unvaccinated bull exhibited heightened aggression, resulting in physical aggression and injury to the vaccinated bull. As a result, both bulls are now on an Improvac® vaccination schedule, which has enabled them to remain housed together as a bachelor pair.
Race, Class, and Student Choice: Negotiating Competing Rationalities
Authors: Hensby Alexander , Adewumi Barbara
Published: May 2024

The previous chapter established the white-BAME attainment gap as a longstanding trend in UK universities, one that intersects with, but is not reducible to, class and educational background. This chapter focuses on BAME student choice in higher education. Though one of the more well-trodden paths in attainment gap research, previous studies have been sometimes guilty of taking a deficit approach which undervalues the personal narratives and motivations which may guide and constrain BAME student action. This chapter uses survey and interview data to explore students’ core decision-making: why study at university, which university, and which degree programme. This reveals the cultural and social capital at students’ disposal, foregrounding higher education as a key instrument for social mobility. Qualitative accounts importantly highlight differences between first- and second-generation immigrant narratives, which in turn shape students’ motivations for, and adaptation to, university study.
Becoming a Higher Education Student: Managing Expectations and Adapting to Independent Learning
Authors: Hensby Alexander , Adewumi Barbara
Published: May 2024

This chapter traces the BAME students’ adaptation to university learning and experience of studying for a degree. Survey and interview data capture the pressures many students feel to ‘make good’ on their parents’ sacrifices and investment in education by achieving a first-class degree result. However, these expectations come into conflict with the transition from college as universities expect students to adapt as proactive independent learners while tacitly and unreflexively reproducing social norms of whiteness. Resultant feelings of racial and class unbelonging self-protection see independent learning effectively repurposed as self-reliance for BAME students. Though some are able to accumulate and deploy forms of Black cultural capital to claim racial agency within a predominantly white learning environment, others seek to build forms of bonding capital through the establishing of peer networks. These can help students collectively accrue knowledge while managing the pressures to achieve academically.
The Role of Motivation in Student Engagement and Attainment
Authors: Earl Stephen R.
Published: May 2024

Self-determination theory (SDT) foregrounds the role of individual agency and the provision of students’ basic psychological experiences for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. This is particularly helpful as a means of moving away from a ‘deficit’ reading of white-BAME and A-level-BTEC awarding gaps, and towards a framework which focuses on how university institutions can best respond to the needs of their students. This chapter uncovers specific differences in the motivational experiences of distinct student groups and offers new psychological and social insights into attainment disparities. Notably, lower feelings of relatedness at university emerged as a distinct issue for Black African students, whereas BTEC students reported higher levels of amotivation and stress which was accompanied by a lack of competence satisfaction. Findings point to unique motivational experiences for different student groups which may help inform institutionally wide initiatives to better accommodate students’ cultural norms and educational needs.
Academic Advising in the Massified University: Facilitating Meaningful Staff–Student Interactions
Authors: Hensby Alexander , Naylor Louise
Published: May 2024

This chapter assesses the contemporary role and purpose of academic advisers as a resource for sharing academic capital and developing institutional belonging. Drawing on interviews with staff and students, Hensby and Naylor find that massification has inhibited the establishing of meaningful staff–student interactions. With students able to access specialist support from a range of professional services comparatively little attention has been paid to redrawing and promoting the adviser’s role and value. Meanwhile, systemic issues reinforce a perception among students from BAME and ‘non-traditional’ backgrounds that academic staff are remote and unapproachable. Moreover, recalling findings from chapter 3, reluctance to approach staff further fuels student misconceptions about the ‘self-reliant’ independent learner. The chapter argues for the importance of academic advising as a resource for engaging with minority students’ experience of university. The authors identify strategies and resources that can facilitate meaningful interactions and foster effective independent learning for students.
Reflections on Teaching and Negotiating Race in Social Work and Sociology
Authors: Ng’andu Bridget , Adewumi Barbara
Published: May 2024

This chapter draws on the authors’ personal reflections on teaching race and ethnicity to white and BAME students in sociology and social work. Very little has been written about the emotional labour and consciousness of teaching race within and beyond what W.E.B Du Bois has labelled ‘the veil’ (2007). Focus is paid to the pedagogical considerations used to avoid pathologising BAME home students, international and Black working-class students who are commonly situated as a problem and the victim (Gilroy, 1992). The authors observe that BAME students seek assurance and advice more often from BAME academics, however, the educational issues encountered between student and teacher are not homogenous. The authors tell of their lived experiences through a critical race theory lens using the method of storytelling. This chapter explores the authors’ negotiation of race and culturally sensitive thought processes which continue to encompass their everyday role as teachers in higher education.
Conservative scattering of Reissner-Nordström black holes at third post-Minkowskian order
Authors: Wilson-Gerow Jordan
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Using a recently developed effective field theory formalism for extreme mass ratios arXiv:2308.14832, we present a calculation of charged black hole scattering at third post-Minkowskian order. The charges and masses are kept arbitrary, and the result interpolates from the scattering of Schwarzschild to extremal charged black holes, and beyond to charged particles in electrodynamics — agreeing with previously reported results in all such limits. The computation of the radial action is neatly organized in powers of the mass ratio. The probe (0SF) contributions are readily computed by direct integration of the radial momentum, and we use the effective field theory to compute the subleading (1SF) contributions via background-field Feynman rules supplemented by an operator encoding recoil of the background. Together these contributions completely determine the conservative physics at order$$ \mathcal{O}\left({G}^3\right) $$OG3.
Light thermal dark matter beyond p-wave annihilation in minimal Higgs portal model
Authors: Chen Yu-Tong , Matsumoto Shigeki , Tang Tian-Peng , Tsai Yue-Lin Sming , Wu Lei
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This study explores a minimal renormalizable dark matter (DM) model, incorporating a sub-GeV Majorana DM and a singlet scalar particle ϕ. Using scalar and pseudo-scalar interactions (couplings cs and cp), we investigate implications for DM detection, considering s-wave, p-wave, and combined (s+p wave) contributions in DM annihilation cross-section, as well as loop-correction contributions to DM-nucleon elastic scattering. Identifying a broad parameter space (10 MeV < mχ ≲ mϕ) within the 2σ allowed region, we explore scenarios (|cs| ≫ |cp|, |cs| ≪ |cp|, and |cs| ≈ |cp|). We find that (i) a non-zero pseudo-scalar coupling alleviates direct detection constraints as a comparison with the previous pure scalar coupling case; (ii) CMB observations set stringent limits on pseudo-scalar interaction dominant cases, making s-wave annihilation viable only for mχ > 1 GeV; (iii) the preferred ϕ-resonance region can be tested in the future indirect detection experiments, such as e-ASTROGAM.
Unveiling the underlying structure of axial-vector bottom-charm tetraquarks in the light of their magnetic moments
Authors: Özdem Ulaş
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The magnetic moment yields an excellent framework to explore the inner structure of particles determined by the quark-gluon dynamics of QCD, as it is the leading-order response of a bound system to a weak external magnetic field. Motivated by this, in this study, the magnetic moments of possible axial-vector $$ {T}_{bc\overline{u}\overline{u}} $$

T

bc

u
¯

u
¯

, $$ {T}_{bc\overline{d}\overline{d}} $$

T

bc

d
¯

d
¯

, and $$ {T}_{bc\overline{u}\overline{d}} $$

T

bc

u
¯

d
¯

tetraquarks are obtained with the help of light-cone QCD sum rules. For this purpose, we assume that these states are represented as a diquark-antidiquark picture with different structures and interpolating currents. The magnetic moment results derived using different diquark-antidiquark configurations differ substantially from each other. This can be translated into more than one tetraquark state with the same quantum number and quark content yet possessing different magnetic moments. From the numerical results obtained, we have concluded that the magnetic moments of the Tbc states can project their inner structure, which can be used for their quantum numbers and quark-gluon organization. The contribution of individual quarks to the magnetic moments is also analyzed for completeness. We hope that our predictions of the magnetic moments of the Tbc tetraquarks, together with the results of other theoretical investigations of the spectroscopic parameters and decay widths of these interesting tetraquarks, may be valuable in the search for these states in future experiments and in unraveling the internal structure of these tetraquarks.
Projection predictive variable selection for discrete response families with finite support
Authors: Weber Frank , Glass Änne , Vehtari Aki
Published: May 2024

The projection predictive variable selection is a decision-theoretically justified Bayesian variable selection approach achieving an outstanding trade-off between predictive performance and sparsity. Its projection problem is not easy to solve in general because it is based on the Kullback–Leibler divergence from a restricted posterior predictive distribution of the so-called reference model to the parameter-conditional predictive distribution of a candidate model. Previous work showed how this projection problem can be solved for response families employed in generalized linear models and how an approximate latent-space approach can be used for many other response families. Here, we present an exact projection method for all response families with discrete and finite support, called the augmented-data projection. A simulation study for an ordinal response family shows that the proposed method performs better than or similarly to the previously proposed approximate latent-space projection. The cost of the slightly better performance of the augmented-data projection is a substantial increase in runtime. Thus, if the augmented-data projection’s runtime is too high, we recommend the latent projection in the early phase of the model-building workflow and the augmented-data projection for final results. The ordinal response family from our simulation study is supported by both projection methods, but we also include a real-world cancer subtyping example with a nominal response family, a case that is not supported by the latent projection.
A Maximisation Technique for Solitary Waves: The Case of the Nonlocally Dispersive Whitham Equation
Authors: Arnesen Mathias Nikolai , Ehrnström Mats , Stefanov Atanas G.
Published: May 2024

Recently, two different proofs for large and intermediate-size solitary waves of the nonlocally dispersive Whitham equation have been presented, using either global bifurcation theory or the limit of waves of large period. We give here a different approach by maximising directly the dispersive part of the energy functional, while keeping the remaining nonlinear terms fixed with an Orlicz-space constraint. This method is, to the best of our knowledge new in the setting of water waves. The constructed solutions are bell-shaped in the sense that they are even, one-sided monotone, and attain their maximum at the origin. The method initially considers weaker solutions than in earlier works, and is not limited to small waves: a family of solutions is obtained, along which the dispersive energy is continuous and increasing. In general, our construction admits more than one solution for each energy level, and waves with the same energy level may have different heights. Although a transformation in the construction hinders us from concluding the family with an extreme wave, we give a quantitative proof that the set reaches ‘large’ or ‘intermediate-sized’ waves.
Eventual concavity properties of the heat flow
Authors: Ishige Kazuhiro
Published: May 2024

The eventual concavity properties are useful to characterize geometric properties of the final state of solutions to parabolic equations. In this paper we give characterizations of the eventual concavity properties of the heat flow for nonnegative, bounded measurable initial functions with compact support.
Eco-friendly optical sensor for precise detection of gold ions in diverse matrices through the integration of β-2-hydroxybenzyl-3-methoxy-2-hydroxyazastyrene in a PVC membrane
Authors: Hemdan Mohamed , Ali Mohamed A. , Amin Alaa S.
Published: May 2024

An environmentally conscious methodology is investigated for the precise and discerning identification of trace concentrations of gold ions in diverse matrices. A novel optical sensor membrane is proposed for the determination of Au3+ ions, utilizing the immobilization of β-2-hydroxybenzyl-3-methoxy-2-hydroxyazastyrene (HMHS) entrapped in polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The sensor incorporates sodium tetraphenylborate (Na-TPB) as the ionic additive and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) as a plasticizer. Under optimal conditions, the suggested sensor exhibits a linear calibration response to Au3+ ions within a concentration range of 5.0 to 165 ng mL−1. Detection and quantification limits are specified as 1.5 and 4.8 ng mL−1, respectively, with a rapid response time of 5.0 min. Upon presentation, this optical sensor not only affirms high reproducibility, stability, and an extended operational lifespan but also showcases exceptional selectivity for Au3+ ions. Notably, no discernible interference is observed when assessing the potential influence of other cations and anions on Au3+ ion detection. The adaptability of this optical sensor is validated through its successful application in determining Au3+ ion concentrations across various sample types, including water, environmental, cosmetics, and soil matrices.

Graphical Abstract
Flood effects on estuarine fish are mediated by seascape composition and context
Authors: Henderson Christopher J. , Olds Andrew D. , Goodridge Gaines Lucy A. , Mosman Jesse D. , Perry Hannah J. , Borland Hayden P. , Gilby Ben L.
Published: May 2024

Estuaries are crucial feeding, nursery and resting sites for fish but can also be subject to the impacts of severe flooding. The environmental features of estuaries can mediate how they respond to these impacts. For example, the size, configuration, and context of estuarine habitats across seascapes affects the value of patches for fish, and so fish assemblages at sites with a greater habitat extent or closer to the mouth of an estuary may rebound more quickly from flooding. We investigated how a once in 100-year flood event affected fish assemblages at approximately 600 sites across 13 estuaries and six estuarine habitats (bare sediments, log snags, mangrove forests, rocky structures, saltmarsh and seagrass meadows) in southeast Queensland, Australia, and determined whether flood impacts were mediated by the position of sites within the broader estuarine seascape. Sites were surveyed annually in 2020/2021 (pre-flood) and 2022 (6 months post-flood) using underwater videography. Flooding modified the structure of the fish community and reduced the abundance of fish targeted by local fisheries in all six habitats. Crucially, flood effects on fish were greater at sites near more expansive urbanisation in some ecosystems, but lower at sites nearer to the estuary mouth. Maximising the extent of natural habitats across estuaries can mediate the effects of floods and should be priorities for restoration and management plans seeking to maintain biodiversity and fisheries productivity in the face of increasing climate-related disturbances.
Kinetics and products of Thermotoga maritima β-glucosidase with lactose and cellobiose
Authors: ten Kate Geert A. , Sanders Peter , Dijkhuizen Lubbert , van Leeuwen Sander S.
Published: May 2024

Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) are prebiotic compounds that are mainly used in infant formula to mimic bifidogenic effects of mother’s milk. They are synthesized by β-galactosidase enzymes in a trans-glycosylation reaction with lactose. Many β-galactosidase enzymes from different sources have been studied, resulting in varying GOS product compositions and yields. The in vivo role of these enzymes is in lactose hydrolysis. Therefore, the best GOS yields were achieved at high lactose concentrations up to 60%wt, which require a relatively high temperature to dissolve. Some thermostable β-glucosidase enzymes from thermophilic bacteria are also capable of using lactose or para nitrophenyl-galactose as a substrate. Here, we describe the use of the β-glucosidase BglA from Thermotoga maritima for synthesis of oligosaccharides derived from lactose and cellobiose and their detailed structural characterization. Also, the BglA enzyme kinetics and yields were determined, showing highest productivity at higher lactose and cellobiose concentrations. The BglA trans-glycosylation/hydrolysis ratio was higher with 57%wt lactose than with a nearly saturated cellobiose (20%wt) solution. The yield of GOS was very high, reaching 72.1%wt GOS from lactose. Structural elucidation of the products showed mainly β(1 → 3) and β(1 → 6) elongating activity, but also some β(1 → 4) elongation was observed. The β-glucosidase BglA from T. maritima was shown to be a very versatile enzyme, producing high yields of oligosaccharides, particularly GOS from lactose.

Key points

• β-Glucosidase of Thermotoga maritima synthesizes GOS from lactose at very high yield.

• Thermotoga maritima β-glucosidase has high activity and high thermostability.

• Thermotoga maritima β-glucosidase GOS contains mainly (β1-3) and (β1-6) linkages.

Graphical Abstract
Evaluation of the frequency and risk factors of spontaneous intramuscular hemorrhage associated with dermatomyositis
Authors: Cansu Döndü Üsküdar , Yildirim Reşit , Uludoğan Burcu Ceren , Bilgin Muzaffer , Korkmaz Cengiz
Published: May 2024

Dermatomyositis (DM) is an idiopathic inflammatory myositis (IIM) characterized by skin manifestations and muscle involvement. Spontaneous intramuscular hemorrhage (SIH) is a fatal complication that is very rare in the course of DM, but not well known to rheumatologists. Our aim was to determine the frequency and possible risk factors of DM-related SIH. A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of DM patients who were observed in the rheumatology department of the university hospital between 1998 and January 2024. The clinical, laboratory, radiological data of the patients and the treatments they received during the follow-up were analyzed. To determine possible risk factors for the development of SIH in the course of DM, our patients with DM were analyzed together with other rare SIH cases in the literature. The study included 42 of our DM patients. 32 of the patients (76.2%) were female. The median age of the patients was 53 (24–82) years, the median age of DM diagnosis of the patients was 47 (18–75) years, and the median duration of DM of the patients was 36 (2-276) months. 7.1% of patients had dysphagia, and 16.7% had intertitial lung disease (ILD). 5 (11.9%) patients were diagnosed with malignancy. The incidence rate of SIH development in our DM cohort was 0.238/100 patient years (95% CI 0.006–1.256). We tried to identify independent risk factors for SIH development by comparing our 41 DM patients without SIH with the data of patients with 23 DM-related SIH collected from the literature by adding our 1 patient (24 pts). Male sex (OR 4.97, 95% CI 1.66–14.92, p = 0.003), ILD presence (OR 9.71, 95% CI 2.99–31.47, p < 0.001), anti-MDA5 positivity (OR 16.0, 95% CI 1.60-159.3, p = 0.006), anti-Ro52 positivity (OR 11.6, 95% CI 2.93–46.34, p < 0.001), heparin use (OR 4.42, 95% CI 2.68–7.24, p < 0.001), intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) use (OR 11.7, 95% CI 2.26–60.54, p < 0.001), and steroid dose (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00-1.05, p = 0.005) were identified as risk factors for the development of SIH in the univariate analysis. The death rate due to hemorrhage was 50%. No single risk factor was found to be associated with death. As a result, SIH may occasionally arise in patients with DM. Rheumatologists should be aware that patients with dysphagia and/or ILD, who are on heparin, getting high doses of steroids, and test positive for anti-MDA5 and/or anti-Ro52 antibodies may develop SIH in the early stages of DM.
A new notable compression source of left renal vein entrapment: right renal artery
Authors: Sun Zhanfeng , Wang Haitao , Jiang Huijie , Shen Yongbin , Shi Ziming , Wang Qingxiao , Wang Han , Jiang Weiliang , Du Xuanyi
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To estimate the incidences of left renal vein (LRV) entrapment by right renal artery (RRA), a phenomenon primarily reported as case reports.

Methods

The cross-sectional study consecutively screened renal vessel CT data of 38 (Renal) patients with nephropathy and 305 (Non-renal) patients with peripheral arterial diseases in a teaching hospital in northeast China between November 2018 and March 2023. The LRV compression by adjacent anatomical structures, including but not limited to RRA and multiple compression-related parameters, were investigated through multiplanar analysis of the CT data.

Results

The overall LRV entrapment rates by adjacent structures were 41.93% (12/31) and 24.00% (6/25), the rates of RRA-sourced LRV compression 22.58% (7/31) and 20.00% (5/25), and the rates of compression by superior mesenteric artery (SMA) 16.13% (5/31) and 4.00% (1/25) in the Renal and Non-renal groups, respectively, with no significance. The venous segments distal to the RRA-compressed site had a significantly larger transectional lumen area than those of the non-compressed veins in both groups (3.09 ± 1.29 vs. 1.82 ± 0.23, p < 0.001 and 4.30 ± 2.65 vs. 2.12 ± 0.55, p = 0.006; maximum-to-minimum area ratios in Renal and Non-renal groups, respectively). Nearly 80% of RRAs were found arising anteriorly rightwards instead of passing straight to the right.

Conclusion

RRA-sourced LRV compression was not rare, and its incidence was higher than that of the compression by SMA in both patient cohorts. RRA could be a more common compression source than SMA concerning LRV entrapment. Further investigations involving different populations, including healthy individuals, are needed.
PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors for early and middle stage microsatellite high-instability and stable colorectal cancer: a review
Authors: Wu Huiming , Deng Min , Xue Dingwen , Guo Renkai , Zhang Chenyu , Gao Jiaqi , Li Huiyu
Published: May 2024

Background

Programmed cell death receptor 1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) are important immune checkpoint molecules that contribute to tumor immune evasion. However, the main treatment modalities for patients with early and intermediate stage colorectal cancer (CRC) are surgery, and the role of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in these patients is not yet clear. Therefore, this study aims to review the treatment progress of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors for early- and intermediate-stage microsatellite high-instability (MSI-H) and stable (MSS) colorectal cancer, in order to provide more options for patients with early- and intermediate-stage colorectal cancer.

Materials and methods

A scoping review of clinical trial registries (Clinicaltrials.gov and EU clinical trial registers) and PubMed/Medline database of trials on PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors for early and middle-stage MSI-H and MSS CRC was done up to March 2024.

Results

A total of 19 trials related to early to mid-stage MSH-I or MSS CRC were included. Among them, 6 trials are in recruiting status, 3 trials are in active, not recruiting status, 3 trials are completed, 1 trial is terminated, and 1 trial is unknown. Of these, 9 trials involve MSI-H type CRC, and 10 trials involve MSS type CRC. Preclinical phase I/II trials are predominant, with only 3 clinical phase III trials. In trials related to MSI-H type CRC, 4 studies involve PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors combined with neoadjuvant therapy, and 5 studies involve combination therapy. In trials related to MSS type CRC, 3 studies involve PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors combined with targeted therapy, 2 studies involve PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors combined with chemotherapy, 1 study involves PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor combined immunotherapy, 1 study involves PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors combined with bacterial therapy, and 3 studies involve PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors combined with comprehensive therapy. As for primary outcome measures, 4 trials select pathological complete response rates, 3 trials select progression-free survival rate, 3 trials select objective response rate, 3 trials select overall survival rate, 4 trials select disease-free survival rate, 1 trial selects clinical complete response rate, and 1 trial selects percentage of participants with a dose-limiting toxicity.

Conclusion

For early- and middle-stage MSI-H and MSS CRC, PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors have shown some therapeutic efficacy, as evidenced by phase I/II studies. However, contemporary trial designs exhibit heterogeneity, with relatively few inclusion criteria, the use of various drug combinations and regimens, and significant variations in reported endpoints. Nevertheless, more double-arm, multicenter, randomized controlled trials are still needed to confirm the efficacy of immunotherapy.
Komplett arterielle Revaskularisation mittels bilateraler Arteria mammaria
Authors: Rieß Friedrich-Christian , Awwad N. , Hansen L. , Haselbach T. , Lehmann C. , Rubi A. , Silva D. , Stripling J.-H. , Thomsen M. , Winkel S. , Löwer C.
Published: May 2024

Die Offenheitsrate der A. mammaria ist in der Koronarchirurgie denen aller anderen Bypass-Grafts überlegen. Dieser Beitrag beschreibt die komplett arterielle Revaskularisation unter Verwendung der bilateralen A. mammaria als universelles Verfahren in der Koronarchirurgie, inklusive der T‑ und I‑Graft-Technik. Neben möglichen Kontraindikationen werden Einzelheiten des Operationsprotokolls und das Vorgehen bei eingeschränktem A.-mammaria-Material beschrieben. Außerdem werden Besonderheiten der Antikoagulation in der Off-pump-Koronarchirurgie herausgestellt.
Geochemical processes in the roots of the Azores magmatic systems
Authors: Zanon Vittorio , Métrich Nicole , D’Oriano Claudia
Published: May 2024

The Azores archipelago, situated east of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, comprises volcanic islands arranged along sub-parallel spreading systems and rests on a thick oceanic crust. Magma is supplied directly from the roots of the volcanic systems. Located at or nearby the boundary between the crust and the mantle, they consist of mafic cumulates and mafic mush layers. This work focuses on tephra samples and a submarine lava younger than 40.000 years, collected from both central volcanoes and fissure zones. Our report details a new dataset of major, trace, and volatile elements analysed in glassy melt inclusions trapped in olivine (Fo75.8–85.6) which are extracted from cumulative bodies at the vicinity of the crust-mantle boundary. Their compositions cover a range from subalkaline to mildly alkaline basalt, and trachybasalt, which match those of Azores lavas. They registered a chemical evolution through fractional crystallisation of olivine alone, as well as olivine and clinopyroxene, as both the FeOt/MgO (1.4–3.1) and CaO/Al2O3 (0.4–1.0) ratios of the melt decrease. Incompatible element ratios of Zr (40–352 ppm), Ba (135–612 ppm), and Rb (5–77 ppm), as compared to Nb (5–82 ppm), exhibit variability within a limited but significant range of values. The ranges in the Nb/Zr, Ba/Nb and Rb/Nb ratios recorded by melt inclusions possibly reveal distinct geochemical sources (at least two), and mixing between partial melts as they move upward. The halogen signature is characteristic of the shallow mantle. The majority of melt inclusions show Cl/K ratio (0.06) similar to E-MORB, although some of them are comparable to N-MORB (Cl/K = 0.03). Their F/Nd ratio may achieve a rather high value (27.8).
Efficient and accurate uncertainty quantification in engineering simulations using time-separated stochastic mechanics
Authors: Geisler Hendrik , Junker Philipp
Published: May 2024

A robust method for uncertainty quantification is undeniably leading to a greater certainty in simulation results and more sustainable designs. The inherent uncertainties of the world around us render everything stochastic, from material parameters, over geometries, up to forces. Consequently, the results of engineering simulations should reflect this randomness. Many methods have been developed for uncertainty quantification for linear elastic material behavior. However, real-life structure often exhibit inelastic material behavior such as visco-plasticity. Inelastic material behavior is described by additional internal variables with accompanying differential equations. This increases the complexity for the computation of stochastic quantities, e.g., expectation and standard deviation, drastically. The time-separated stochastic mechanics is a novel method for the uncertainty quantification of inelastic materials. It is based on a separation of all fields into a sum of products of time-dependent but deterministic and stochastic but time-independent terms. Only a low number of deterministic finite element simulations are then required to track the effect of (in)homogeneous material fluctuations on stress and internal variables. Despite the low computational effort the results are often indistinguishable from reference Monte Carlo simulations for a variety of boundary conditions and loading scenarios.