bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review of the current situation and prospects for nanofluids to improve solar still performance
Authors: Rashid Farhan Lafta , Al-Obaidi Mudhar A. , Mohammed Hayder I. , Togun Hussein , Ahmad Shabbir , Ameen Arman
Published: August 2024

Drinking water production has been thrust to the forefront of global issues as a direct result of the critical need for access to clean water and the expanding environmental difficulties. Solar stills are becoming an increasingly popular technology for the purification of water since they provide a greener and more cost-effective alternative to the production of distilled water of a high standard. Recent research has focused on the incorporation of nanofluids, which are suspensions of metallic or non-metallic nanoparticles, into base fluids such as water and oil in the hopes of further increasing the effectiveness of solar distillation. This novel technique intends to improve thermophysical and evaporation parameters, which will eventually lead to greater production in solar stills. In this paper, a complete overview of the most recent developments in the use of nanofluids in solar still technology is presented. This research investigates the potential of nanofluid-filled solar still systems by focusing on their one-of-a-kind qualities. These qualities include increased thermophysical properties, better thermal conductivity, and enhanced thermal absorptivity. The innovative nature of this method is highlighted by the fact that the use of nanofluids in active solar stills has proven a decrease in the amount of pumping power that is required. For instance, it has been ascertained that the inclusion of carbon quantum dots nanofluids to a solar still can expressively improve the water production, boosting the output by 57.9% to 823 mL compared to the 521 mL produced by a conventional still. Also, using a concentration of 0.9%, Al2O3, TiO2, CuO nanofluids and multiwall carbon nanotubes can boost the water production by 11.57%, 7.16%, 6.32%, and 4.66%, respectively, if compared to a solar still without nanofluids. This study serves as a pioneering examination of the future possibilities of nanofluid-enabled solar still systems, shining light on a transformational route toward environmentally friendly and effective water purification technologies. In light of these astonishing discoveries, this research serves as a pioneering exploration of the future prospects of nanofluid-enabled solar desalination units.
(-)-Epicatechin metabolites as a GPER ligands: a theoretical perspective
Authors: Ávila-Avilés Rodolfo Daniel , Bahena-Culhuac Erick , Hernández-Hernández J. Manuel
Published: August 2024

Diet habits and nutrition quality significantly impact health and disease. Here is delve into the intricate relationship between diet habits, nutrition quality, and their direct impact on health and homeostasis. Focusing on (-)-Epicatechin, a natural flavanol found in various foods like green tea and cocoa, known for its positive effects on cardiovascular health and diabetes prevention. The investigation encompasses the absorption, metabolism, and distribution of (-)-Epicatechin in the human body, revealing a diverse array of metabolites in the circulatory system. Notably, (-)-Epicatechin demonstrates an ability to activate nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) through the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER). While the precise role of GPER and its interaction with classical estrogen receptors (ERs) remains under scrutiny, the study employs computational methods, including density functional theory, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations, to assess the physicochemical properties and binding affinities of key (-)-Epicatechin metabolites with GPER. DFT analysis revealed distinct physicochemical properties among metabolites, influencing their reactivity and stability. Rigid and flexible molecular docking demonstrated varying binding affinities, with some metabolites surpassing (-)-Epicatechin. Molecular dynamics simulations highlighted potential binding pose variations, while MMGBSA analysis provided insights into the energetics of GPER-metabolite interactions. The outcomes elucidate distinct interactions, providing insights into potential molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of (-)-Epicatechin across varied biological contexts.
Enhancing the communication of an early warning system for drought in the Murray-Darling Basin, Australia
Authors: Graves Tara , Kuleshov Yuriy
Published: August 2024

An Early Warning System (EWS) for drought is a proactive management tool that has the potential to prevent and minimize loss of life, infrastructure, and habitats by providing effective and timely warnings of oncoming hazard. In this study, farmers from the Murray-Darling Basin (MDB), Australia’s most valuable agricultural region, were interviewed to identify the communication needs and barriers of drought early warning information. A qualitative, thematic analysis was conducted on data collected from semi-structured interviews with MDB farming individuals. Six themes emerged from the data: current communication channels, relevance of information, trust in current communication, communication channels for EWSs, community and trust for EWSs. Collectively, the themes highlighted farmers’ needs for accurate, relevant and easy to understand drought information. The need for warning information to be delivered in multiple ways and through multiple mediums was also emphasized. Analysis further found a lack of overall reliance on the current drought information that is provided. Findings of this study highlighted the need for improved user experience in future drought information tools which are localized, demographic specific and involve community consultation. The results obtained in this study will inform future communication strategies for a user-centered integrated EWS for drought.
The Impact of Monetary Policy on REITs: Evidence from FOMC Announcements
Authors: Rosa Carlo
Published: August 2024

This paper examines the response of equity and mortgage REITs to changes in the stance of monetary policy using an event study with intraday data. Monetary news around Federal Reserve’s announcements are decomposed into three types of surprise: changes in the current federal funds target rate, forward guidance and large-scale asset purchases. Estimation results show that monetary surprises have economically important and significantly negative effects on equity REITs. Around monetary announcements equity REIT returns are mostly spanned by US common stocks, while mortgage REITs maintain some distinct exposure to interest rate risks.
Does it Matter if Competition is “Fair” or “on the Merits”? An Application to Platform Self-Preferencing
Authors: Katz Michael L.
Published: August 2024

Platform self-preferencing is often attacked as being “unfair.” Proponents of the consumer welfare standard complain that a fairness standard is too vague and too untethered from competitive effects to be a useful guide for antitrust enforcement. However, the consumer welfare standard relies on assessment of whether competition is “on the merits,” and the criteria for “merits” substantially overlap with those for “fairness.” Both standards generally condemn: (a) deception; (b) raising rivals’ costs; and (c) gaining too much competitive advantage from past success, especially across markets. This article examines whether these criteria help identify when the competitive effects of self-preferencing are positive or negative. The discussion is framed in terms of a platform that facilitates the interaction of buyers and sellers, and chooses whether to preference certain sellers. As the literature has shown, whether it owns a seller or not, a platform may use preferencing to promote seller competition or to promote seller market power, depending on the circumstances. Given the varying effects of self-preferencing, a blanket prohibition is unwarranted. Unfortunately, the common criteria for fairness and merit do not reliably identify the direction of self-preferencing’s competitive effects. For example, deception by a lagging firm could strengthen competition in the sense of lowering equilibrium purchase prices and raising consumer welfare. And gaining “too much” competitive advantage from past successes could facilitate entry into new markets, thus increasing competition in those markets. Instead of applying criteria for fairness and merit, a case-by-case, fact-intensive analysis of actual competitive effects is needed.
Neuroanatomical and clinical factors predicting future cognitive impairment
Authors: Imms Phoebe , Chaudhari Nikhil N. , Chowdhury Nahian F. , Wang Haoqing , Yu Xiaokun , Amgalan Anar , Irimia Andrei
Published: August 2024

Identifying cognitively normal (CN) older adults who will convert to cognitive impairment (CI) due to Alzheimer’s disease is crucial for early intervention. Clinical and neuroimaging measures were acquired from 301 CN adults who converted to CI within 15 years of baseline, and 294 who did not. Regional volumes and brain age measures were extracted from T1-weighted magnetic resonance images. Linear discriminant analysis compared non-converters’ characteristics against those of short-, mid-, and long-term converters. Conversion was associated with clinical measures such as hearing impairment and self-reported memory decline. Converters’ brain volumes were smaller than non-converters’ across 48 frontal, temporal, and subcortical structures. Brain age measures of 12 structures were correlated with shorter times to conversion. Conversion prediction accuracy increased from 81.5% to 90.5% as time to conversion decreased. Proximity to CI conversion is foreshadowed by anatomic features of brain aging that enhance the accuracy of predicting conversion.
Complexities in supportive care for people with metastatic breast cancer: a qualitative study
Authors: Franklin Marika , Lewis Sophie , Smith Andrea L.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The complexity of metastatic breast cancer, its rapidly evolving treatment, and the changing trajectory toward long-term survivorship create unique challenges for the provision of supportive care. The experiences of health professionals enacting supportive care in contexts of those living long-term with incurable cancer have received limited research attention. This qualitative study aimed to gain further insight into health professionals’ experiences of supportive care in this context.

Method

Semi-structured interviews were conducted via phone and online with 25 health and community-care professionals who support people living with metastatic breast cancer in Australia. A mix of sampling strategies was used. Thematic analysis was undertaken. Findings were interpreted through an ethics of care lens.

Results

Three key themes were identified. First, participants experienced supportive care as highly relational. Second, they encountered numerous moral and ethical dilemmas in enacting supportive care. Finally, enacting supportive care was complicated by fragmented and sporadic provision in a system in which supportive care is differentially valued across professions and settings.

Conclusion

Findings draw attention to complexities in enacting supportive care in the context of metastatic breast cancer, with implications to patients and professionals. To improve the quality of care provided to patients and minimise the risk of professional burnout, greater attention is needed in supportive care guidelines to the ethical, moral, and emotional complexities experienced by professionals in this context.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

People living with metastatic breast cancer are a growing proportion of cancer survivors. The knowledge gained through this study may help professionals to better meet the supportive care needs of people living with metastatic breast cancer, a treatable but not curable condition.
A qualitative study on blood and marrow transplant recipients’ perceptions of health professional roles following BMT and preferences for ongoing care
Authors: McErlean Gemma , Ashley Christine , Pradhan Anisha , Yenson Vanessa , Paterson Alana , Farnham Gai , Owen Fran , Watson Anne-Marie , Presgrave Peter , Kerridge Ian , Halcomb Elizabeth
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Survivors of blood and marrow transplantation (BMT) require life-long follow-up involving both tertiary transplant and primary care services. This paper explores the attitudes and preferences of BMT survivors and their carers regarding the transition from BMT centre care to primary care.

Methods

This qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews with BMT survivors and carers from New South Wales, Australia. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed.

Results

Twenty-two BMT survivors and six carers were interviewed. Two themes emerged: (1) ‘Relationships with health professionals’ and (2) ‘Challenges of long-term care’. Participants, particularly rural/regional survivors, had diverse views on the availability of community BMT expertise and identified a range of strategies to optimise care for BMT survivors.

Conclusions

These results highlight the importance BMT survivors and carers place on their relationships with, and ongoing access to, specialised BMT teams for long-term care. While some are happy to receive community-based care, concerns exist about the capacity of primary care providers, particularly in rural and regional areas. Improved support, communication and coordination between BMT centres and primary care may help facilitate a person-centred, sustainable shared care model. Provider education, use of telehealth and clear delineation of roles and responsibilities may assist in this transition.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

As BMT survivors live longer post-treatment, transitions of care and sustainable long-term care models are needed. A shared care approach, integrating specialised BMT teams and local primary care, may optimise outcomes but requires further development to balance accessibility, preferences, and specialised care needs.
Flag Hilbert–Poincaré series and Igusa zeta functions of hyperplane arrangements
Authors: Maglione Joshua , Voll Christopher
Published: August 2024

We introduce and study a class of multivariate rational functions associated with hyperplane arrangements, called flag Hilbert–Poincaré series. These series are intimately connected with Igusa local zeta functions of products of linear polynomials, and their motivic and topological relatives. Our main results include a self-reciprocity result for central arrangements defined over fields of characteristic zero. We also prove combinatorial formulae for a specialization of the flag Hilbert–Poincaré series for irreducible Coxeter arrangements of types A, B, and D in terms of total partitions of the respective types. We show that a different specialization of the flag Hilbert–Poincaré series, which we call the coarse flag Hilbert–Poincaré series, exhibits intriguing nonnegativity features and—in the case of Coxeter arrangements—connections with Eulerian polynomials. For numerous classes and examples of hyperplane arrangements, we determine their (coarse) flag Hilbert–Poincaré series. Some computations were aided by a SageMath package we developed.
Proximal evolutionary strategy: improving deep reinforcement learning through evolutionary policy optimization
Authors: Peng Yiming , Chen Gang , Zhang Mengjie , Xue Bing
Published: August 2024

Evolutionary Algorithms (EAs), including Evolutionary Strategies (ES) and Genetic Algorithms (GAs), have been widely accepted as competitive alternatives to Policy Gradient techniques for Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL). However, they remain eclipsed by cutting-edge DRL algorithms in terms of time efficiency, sample complexity, and learning effectiveness. In this paper, aiming at advancing evolutionary DRL research, we develop an evolutionary policy optimization algorithm with three key technical improvements. First, we design an efficient layer-wise strategy for training DNNs through Covariance Matrix Adaptation Evolutionary Strategies (CMA-ES) in a highly scalable manner. Second, we establish a surrogate model based on proximal performance lower bound for fitness evaluations with low sample complexity. Third, we embed a gradient-based local search technique within the evolutionary policy optimization process to further improve the learning effectiveness. The three technical innovations jointly forge a new EA for DRL method named Proximal Evolutionary Strategies (PES). Our experiments on ten continuous control problems show that PES with layer-wise training can be more computationally efficient than CMA-ES; our surrogate model can remarkably reduce the sample complexity of PES in comparison to latest EAs for DRL including CMA-ES, OpenAI-ES, and Uber-GA; PES with gradient-based local search can significantly outperform several promising DRL algorithms including TRPO, AKCTR, PPO, OpenAI-ES, and Uber-GA.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Related Cerebellar Toxicity: Clinical Features and Comparison with Paraneoplastic Cerebellar Ataxia
Authors: Dentoni Marta , Florean Irene , Farina Antonio , Joubert Bastien , Do Le-Duy , Honnorat Jérôme , Damato Valentina , Fabris Martina , Gigli Gian Luigi , Valente Mariarosaria , Vogrig Alberto
Published: August 2024

﻿Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer therapy, and the association with immune-related adverse events (irAEs) is well-established. However, cerebellar irAEs are poorly defined and their relationship with paraneoplastic disorders remains unclear. Our aim was (i) to characterize cerebellar irAE; (ii) to compare it with paraneoplastic cerebellar ataxia (PCA). We performed a multicenter, retrospective, cohort study of patients developing new-onset, immune-mediated, isolated/predominant cerebellar dysfunction after ICI administration. In addition, a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was performed. Cerebellar irAE cases were compared with a consecutive cohort of patients with PCA. Overall, 35 patients were included, of whom 12 were original cases (males: 25/35 (71%), median age: 65 [range: 20–82]). The most frequent tumor was non-small cell lung cancer (12/35, 34%). Anti-PD1 were adopted in 19/35 (54%). Symptoms developed at a median of 11 weeks after ICI onset. Neuronal antibodies were detected in 15/31 patients tested (48%). Cerebrospinal fluid was inflammatory in 25/30 (83%). Magnetic resonance imaging showed cerebellar hyperintensities in 8/35 (23%). Immunotherapy was applied in 33/35 cases (94%), and most patients improved with residual disability (16/35, 46%). When compared with a series of PCA (n = 15), the cerebellar irAE group was significantly more associated with male sex, lung cancer (rather than gynecological/breast cancers), isolated ataxia, and a better outcome. We provide a detailed characterization of cerebellar irAE. Compared to PCA, differences exist in terms of tumor association, clinical features, and outcome. Clinical presentation-antibody-tumor triad in the ICI group only partially reflects the associations described in paraneoplastic disorders.
Chemical Composition and Carbohydrate Characterization of Beach-Cast Marine Macrophytes from the Mexican Caribbean: Implications for Potential Bioethanol Production
Authors: Yolanda Freile-Pelegrín , Daniel Robledo , Cresencia Chávez-Quintal , Vázquez-Delfín Erika , Hugo Pliego-Cortés , Gilles Bedoux , Nathalie Bourgougnon
Published: August 2024

Marine macrophytes are considered promising biomass for bioethanol production. The increases in anthropogenic nutrients and climate change have caused unprecedented blooming of ‘sargasso’ across the Atlantic since 2011. This biomass reaches the Caribbean Sea, stranding in large amounts along shorelines, and creating a serious waste management problem. The knowledge of its chemical composition is important to assess whether this material could serve as feedstock for third-generation bioethanol. The beach-cast marine macrophytes collected on the Mexican Caribbean coast in December 2018 were composed of brown seaweeds and a seagrass (23.5 and 76.5% relative abundance, respectively) including Sargassum fluitans, Sargassum natans I, Sargassum natans VIII, Turbinaria turbinata, and the angiosperm Syringodium filiforme. For valorization purposes, glucans, non-glucans carbohydrates and lignin were determined. Besides its abundance, underutilization, and low-cost this whole biomass may have potential as a promising raw material for third-generation bioethanol because it contains easily fermentable glucose such as mannitol (36.3% in whole biomass and 56% in the Sargassum species) and cellulose (36.3% on average). Other specific carbohydrates such as alginate (20–31%) and fucoidan (9.1–8.2%) were present in smaller amounts but they can also be converted to fermentable sugars with the proper methodology. Some advantages and limitations for the potential production of third-generation bioethanol from this biomass are discussed.
Leveraging deep learning techniques for condition assessment of stormwater pipe network
Authors: Yussuf Abdulgani Nur , Weerasinghe Nilmini Pradeepika , Chen Haosen , Hou Lei , Herath Damayanthi , Rashid Mohammad , Zhang Guomin , Setunge Sujeeva
Published: August 2024

Inspections and condition monitoring of the stormwater pipe networks have become increasingly crucial due to their vast geographical span and complex structure. Unmanaged pipelines present significant risks, such as water leakage and flooding, posing threats to urban infrastructure. However, only a small percentage of pipelines undergo annual inspections. The current practice of CCTV inspections is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and lacks consistency in judgment. Therefore, this study aims to propose a cost-effective and efficient semi-automated approach that integrates computer vision technology with Deep Learning (DL) algorithms. A DL model is developed using YOLOv8 with instance segmentation to identify six types of defects as described in Water Services Association (WSA) Code of Australia. CCTV footage from Banyule City Council was incorporated into the model, achieving a mean average precision (mAP@0.5) of 0.92 for bounding boxes and 0.90 for masks. A cost–benefit analysis is conducted to assess the economic viability of the proposed approach. Despite the high initial development costs, it was observed that the ongoing annual costs decreased by 50%. This model allowed for faster, more accurate, and consistent results, enabling the inspection of additional pipelines each year. This model serves as a tool for every local council to conduct condition monitoring assessments for stormwater pipeline work in Australia, ultimately enhancing resilient and safe infrastructure asset management.
CFD Validation of Forced and Natural Convection for the Open Phase of IAEA Benchmark CRP-I31038
Authors: Batta Abdalla , Class Andreas G.
Published: August 2024

The goal of the IAEA Coordinated Research Project “Benchmark of Transition from Forced to Natural Circulation Experiment with Heavy Liquid Metal Loop” (CRP—I31038) is to develop Member State advanced fast reactor analytical capabilities for simulation and design using system, CFD, and subchannel analysis codes. Here, CFD validation employing the commercial CFD code Star CCM + applied to the fuel pin simulator for forced and natural convection cases in the open phase is presented. Experimental data are provided in the benchmark specification provided by ENEA (Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development) for the NACIE-UP facility (NAtural CIrculation Experiment-UPgrade). Considered is the fuel pin simulator with 19 pins, each consisting of a preheated lower section and heated upper sections, respectively. Three configurations: (i) all pins heated, (ii) inner 7 pins heated and (iii) asymmetric heating, are studied. For each heating configuration data for forced and natural convection are provided. Here, case (i) is studied. Temperatures at three planes are measured near the inlet, in the middle and near the end of the heated section, respectively. In addition, the axial temperature along the wall of one fuel pin simulator (in second row) is measured so that in total 67 thermocouples measure fluid and wall temperatures for validation purposes. The validation confirms that the thermohydraulic inside the fuel pin simulator can be simulated with a good accuracy. Applied is a polyhedral mesh with 2 prism layers, the k-omega SST model with all all-wall treatment and order unity y + values. Moreover, a grid-sensitivity, the importance of conjugate heat transfer inside the fuel pin simulators and the wrapper are studied. The studies indicate that it is possible to implement further simplifications without corrupting the accuracy of the simulation to reduce computational effort.
A Well-Structured Metaheuristic Optimization Technique for Magnetic Data Inversion of 2D Dipping Dyke-like Geological Structures Using the Cuckoo Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Toushmalani Reza , Essa Khalid S. , Ibraheem Ismael M.
Published: August 2024

This study applies the cuckoo optimization algorithm (COA), inspired by the brood reproduction technique of cuckoo birds, to interpret magnetic anomalies of 2D dipping dyke-like structures. The primary issue addressed is the need for accurate delineation and explanation of dyke parameters, which are crucial for visualizing dyke propagation (important for volcanic hazard assessment), tracing mineralized zones associated with dykes, and understanding their geodynamic significance. Our method identifies dyke parameters at the minimum value of the suggested objective function, ensuring the best fit. The proposed COA method was tested on both noise-free numerical magnetic datasets and datasets with varying levels of random noise (5%, 10%, and 20%), as well as real-case datasets from China and the UK. A comparative analysis with particle swarm optimization (PSO) and genetic algorithm (GA) methods was conducted to evaluate the efficiency and consistency of COA. The results demonstrate that COA aligns well with existing geological and geophysical information, offering superior accuracy and robustness compared to traditional techniques. This study provides a novel and effective approach for subsurface characterization, advancing the precision of geological and geophysical interpretations.
Simple and effective: Superlubricity behaviour of the G-quadruplex hydrogel with high selectivity for K+ ions based on the ocular environment
Authors: Wang Hongdong , Wu Jian , Wang Kunpeng , Su Yunjuan , Zhang Xiacong , Liu Yuhong , Zhang Jianhua
Published: August 2024

Hydrogels have been the subject of significant research in the field of friction due to their exceptional lubricating properties. In this study, the G-quadruplex hydrogel with high selectivity for K+ ions was formed by introducing a mixture of G, 2-formylphenylboronic acid, and polyethylene glycol diamine into simulated artificial tears solution with high transparency, and an ultra-low coefficient of friction (COF) of about 0.004 was obtained based on the simulated ocular environment, thus achieving macroscopic superlubricity. In friction pairs simulating the ocular environment, to assess the frictional performance of the G-quadruplex hydrogel as both a lubricant and a friction pair based on the simulated ocular environment, we conducted experiments considering various factors such as concentration, sliding speed, and stress. Through these experiments, it was found that superlubricity was achieved when the G-quadruplex hydrogel was applied as lubricant or friction pair. This effect was attributed to the three-dimensional network structure and hydrophilicity of the hydrogel, which facilitated the formation of a highly bearing and flowing hydration layer, promoting macroscopic superlubricity. Compared to the G-quadruplex hydrogel with low concentration, the high concentration hydrogel (75 mM) exhibited increased mechanical strength and robustness in superlubricity. Combined with biocompatibility experiments, our synthesized G-quadruplex hydrogel has excellent biocompatibility and offers a novel approach to achieve superlubricity in ocular drug delivery.
Hydrodynamic Response of Channel Flow Confluence to the Tributary Floodplain Topography
Authors: Yan Guanghui , Yuan Saiyu , Tang Hongwu , Xu Dong , Liu Mengyang , Whittaker Colin , Gualtieri Carlo
Published: August 2024

River confluences with a compound‐channel tributary are common in large river networks, for example, the Yangtze River basin and the Amazon basin. They affect the confluence hydrodynamics, nutrient depletion and fish migration in the network, due to the seasonal exposure and submergence of the tributary floodplain. The corresponding influencing mechanisms are critical but poorly understood. This study investigated the hydrodynamic response of channel flow confluence to the tributary floodplain, that is, various widths and heights of the floodplain. Two kinds of secondary circulations were identified: One was due to the tributary streamline curvature, and the other produced by flow separation in the floodplain step. An increase in the floodplain size enhanced the strength of the secondary circulation in the compound tributary channel, but it disappeared near the junction because of the effects of the main channel. The decreased tributary cross‐sectional area amplified the flow momentum, resulting in a larger separation zone near the tributary‐side wall. The strength of floodplain‐induced secondary circulation increased as the floodplain width increased, and it moved toward the tributary‐side bank destroying the separation zone. Moreover, strong upwelling in the secondary circulation caused the rising water surface in the separation zone, which was supposed to be a region of falling water surface caused by energy loss and negative pressure. A conceptual model was proposed to summarize the hydrodynamics of confluence with different tributary floodplain topography. Our results provided a comprehensive knowledge of the confluence hydrodynamics, which have important implication for the flood management and ecological restoration of river basin.
Snowdrift‐Permitting Simulations of Seasonal Snowpack Processes Over Large Mountain Extents
Authors: Marsh Christopher B. , Lv Zhibang , Vionnet Vincent , Harder Phillip , Spiteri Raymond J. , Pomeroy John W.
Published: August 2024

The melt of seasonal snowpack in mountain regions provides downstream river basins with a critical supply of freshwater. Snowdrift‐permitting models have been proposed as a way to accurately simulate snowpack heterogeneity that stems from differences in energy inputs, over winter redistribution, sublimation, melt, and variations in precipitation. However, these spatial scales can be computationally intractable for large extents. In this work, the multiscale Canadian Hydrological Model (CHM) was applied to simulate snowpacks at snowdrift‐permitting scales (≈50 m) across the Canadian Cordillera and adjacent regions (1.37 million km2) forced by downscaled atmospheric data. The use of a multiscale land surface representation resulted in a reduction of computational elements of 98% while preserving land‐surface heterogeneity. CHM includes complex terrain windflow and radiative transfer calculations, lapses temperature, humidity, and precipitation with elevation, redistributes snow by avalanching, wind transport and forest canopy interception and calculates the energetics of canopy and surface snowpacks. Model outputs were compared to a set of multiscale observations including snow‐covered area (SCA) from Sentinel and Landsat imagery, snow depth from uncrewed aerial system lidar, and point surface observations of depth and density. Including snow redistribution and sublimation processes improved the summer SCA r2 from 0.7 to 0.9. At larger scales, inclusion of snow redistribution processes delayed full snowpack ablation by an average of 33 days, demonstrating process emergence with scale. These simulations show how multiscale modeling can improve snowpack predictions to support prediction of water supply, droughts, and floods.
Corals Are Simplistic When Conditions Are Acidic
Authors: Chandrasekaran Anupama
Published: August 2024

Increasing ocean acidity could spell trouble for fish that depend on corals’ many branches for protection.
Spinal cord injury in high-risk complex adult spinal deformity surgery: review of incidence and outcomes from the Scoli-RISK-1 study
Authors: Jiang Fan , Joshi Hetshree , Badhiwala Jetan H. , Wilson Jamie R. F. , Lenke Lawrence G. , Shaffrey Christopher I. , Cheung Kenneth M. C. , Carreon Leah Y. , Dekutoski Mark B. , Schwab Frank J. , Boachie-Adjei Oheneba , Kebaish Khaled M. , Ames Christopher P. , Berven Sigurd H. , Qiu Yong , Matsuyama Yukihiro , Dahl Benny T. , Mehdian Hossein , Pellisé Ferran , Lewis Stephen J. , Fehlings Michael G.
Published: August 2024

Study design

Clinical case series.

Objective

To describe the cause, treatment and outcome of 6 cases of perioperative spinal cord injury (SCI) in high-risk adult deformity surgery.

Setting

Adult spinal deformity patients were enrolled in the multi-center Scoli-RISK-1 cohort study.

Methods

A total of 272 patients who underwent complex adult deformity surgery were enrolled in the prospective, multi-center Scoli-RISK-1 cohort study. Clinical follow up data were available up to a maximum of 2 years after index surgery. Cases of perioperative SCI were identified and an extensive case review was performed.

Results

Six individuals with SCI were identified from the Scoli-RISK-1 database (2.2%). Two cases occurred intraoperatively and four cases occurred postoperatively. The first case was an incomplete SCI due to a direct intraoperative insult and was treated postoperatively with Riluzole. The second SCI case was caused by a compression injury due to overcorrection of the deformity. Three cases of incomplete SCI occurred; one case of postoperative hematoma, one case of proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) and one case of adjacent segment disc herniation. All cases of post-operative incomplete SCI were managed with revision decompression and resulted in excellent clinical recovery. One case of incomplete SCI resulted from infection and PJK. The patient’s treatment was complicated by a delay in revision and the patient suffered persistent neurological deficits up to six weeks following the onset of SCI.

Conclusion

Despite the low incidence in high-risk adult deformity surgeries, perioperative SCI can result in devastating consequences. Thus, appropriate postoperative care, follow up and timely management of SCI are essential.
TLR9 activation in large wound induces tissue repair and hair follicle regeneration via γδT cells
Authors: Li Xinhui , An Tiantian , Yang Yang , Xu Zhaoyu , Chen Shuaidong , Yi Zumu , Deng Chen , Zhou Feng , Man Yi , Hu Chen
Published: August 2024

The mechanisms underlying tissue repair in response to damage have been one of main subjects of investigation. Here we leverage the wound-induced hair neogenesis (WIHN) models in adult mice to explore the correlation between degree of damage and the healing process and outcome. The multimodal analysis, in combination with single-cell RNA sequencing help to explore the difference in wounds of gentle and heavy damage degrees, identifying the potential role of toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) in sensing the injury and regulating the immune reaction by promoting the migration of γδT cells. The TLR9 deficient mice or wounds injected with TLR9 antagonist have greatly impaired healing and lower WIHN levels. Inhibiting the migration of γδT cells or knockout of γδT cells also suppress the wound healing and regeneration, which can’t be rescued by TLR9agonist. Finally, the amphiregulin (AREG) is shown as one of most important effectors secreted by γδT cells and keratinocytes both in silicon or in the laboratory, whose expression influences WIHN levels and the expression of stem cell markers. In total, our findings reveal a previously unrecognized role for TLR9 in sensing skin injury and influencing the tissue repair and regeneration by modulation of the migration of γδT cells, and identify the TLR9-γδT cells-areg axis as new potential targets for enhancing tissue regeneration.
Prediction-error signals in anterior cingulate cortex drive task-switching
Authors: Cole Nicholas , Harvey Matthew , Myers-Joseph Dylan , Gilra Aditya , Khan Adil G.
Published: August 2024

Task-switching is a fundamental cognitive ability that allows animals to update their knowledge of current rules or contexts. Detecting discrepancies between predicted and observed events is essential for this process. However, little is known about how the brain computes cognitive prediction-errors and whether neural prediction-error signals are causally related to task-switching behaviours. Here we trained mice to use a prediction-error to switch, in a single trial, between responding to the same stimuli using two distinct rules. Optogenetic silencing and un-silencing, together with widefield and two-photon calcium imaging revealed that the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) was specifically required for this rapid task-switching, but only when it exhibited neural prediction-error signals. These prediction-error signals were projection-target dependent and were larger preceding successful behavioural transitions. An all-optical approach revealed a disinhibitory interneuron circuit required for successful prediction-error computation. These results reveal a circuit mechanism for computing prediction-errors and transitioning between distinct cognitive states.
Quantifying biomolecular organisation in membranes with brightness-transit statistics
Authors: Schneider Falk , Cespedes Pablo F. , Karedla Narain , Dustin Michael L. , Fritzsche Marco
Published: August 2024

Cells crucially rely on the interactions of biomolecules at their plasma membrane to maintain homeostasis. Yet, a methodology to systematically quantify biomolecular organisation, measuring diffusion dynamics and oligomerisation, represents an unmet need. Here, we introduce the brightness-transit statistics (BTS) method based on fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy and combine information from brightness and transit times to elucidate biomolecular diffusion and oligomerisation in both cell-free in vitro and in vitro systems incorporating living cells. We validate our approach in silico with computer simulations and experimentally using oligomerisation of EGFP tethered to supported lipid bilayers. We apply our pipeline to study the oligomerisation of CD40 ectodomain in vitro and endogenous CD40 on primary B cells. While we find a potential for CD40 to oligomerize in a concentration or ligand depended manner, we do not observe mobile oligomers on B cells. The BTS method combines sensitive analysis, quantification, and intuitive visualisation of dynamic biomolecular organisation.
Machine learning discovery of cost-efficient dry cooler designs for concentrated solar power plants
Authors: Narasiah Hansley , Kitouni Ouail , Scorsoglio Andrea , Sturdza Bernd K. , Hatcher Shawn , Katcher Kelsi , Khalesi Javad , Garcia Dolores , Kusner Matt J.
Published: August 2024

Concentrated solar power (CSP) is one of the few sustainable energy technologies that offers day-to-night energy storage. Recent development of the supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) Brayton cycle has made CSP a potentially cost-competitive energy source. However, as CSP plants are most efficient in desert regions, where there is high solar irradiance and low land cost, careful design of a dry cooling system is crucial to make CSP practical. In this work, we present a machine learning system to optimize the factory design and configuration of a dry cooling system for an sCO2 Brayton cycle CSP plant. For this, we develop a physics-based simulation of the cooling properties of an air-cooled heat exchanger. The simulator is able to construct a dry cooling system satisfying a wide variety of power cycle requirements (e.g., 10–100 MW) for any surface air temperature. Using this simulator, we leverage recent results in high-dimensional Bayesian optimization to optimize dry cooler designs that minimize lifetime cost for a given location, reducing this cost by 67% compared to recently proposed designs. Our simulation and optimization framework can increase the development pace of economically-viable sustainable energy generation systems.
Racial and social-economic inequalities in systemic chemotherapy use among adult glioblastoma patients following surgery and radiotherapy
Authors: Xu Fei , Hua Xin , Wang Mengdi , Cao Weiguo , Wang Shubei , Xu Cheng , Chen Jiayi , Gao Yunsheng , Chen Linlin , Ni Weiqiong
Published: August 2024

Not all patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) eligible for systemic chemotherapy after upfront surgery and radiotherapy finally receive it. The information on patients with GBM was retrieved from the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results database. Patients who underwent upfront surgery or biopsy and external beam radiotherapy between 2010 and 2019 were eligible for systemic chemotherapy. The available patient and tumor characteristics were assessed using multivariable logistic regression and chi-squared test. Out of the 16,682 patients eligible, 92.1% underwent systemic chemotherapy. The characteristics linked to the lowest systemic chemotherapy utilization included tumors of the brain stem/cerebellum (P = 0.01), former years of diagnosis (P = 0.001), ≥ 80 years of age (P < 0.001), Hispanic, Non-Hispanic Asian, Pacific Islander, or Black race (P < 0.001), non-partnered status (P < 0.001), and low median household income (P = 0.006). Primary tumor site, year of diagnosis, age, race, partnered status, and median household income correlated with the omission of systemic chemotherapy in GBM in adult patients.
Electronic data capture in resource-limited settings using the lightweight clinical data acquisition and recording system
Authors: Vielhauer Jakob , Mahajan Ujjwal Mukund , Adorjan Kristina , Benesch Christopher , Oehrle Bettina , Beyer Georg , Sirtl Simon , Johlke Anna-Lena , Allgeier Julian , Pernpruner Anna , Erber Johanna , Shamsrizi Parichehr , Schulz Christian , Albashiti Fady , Hinske Ludwig Christian , Mayerle Julia , Stubbe Hans Christian
Published: August 2024

Our prototype system designed for clinical data acquisition and recording of studies is a novel electronic data capture (EDC) software for simple and lightweight data capture in clinical research. Existing software tools are either costly or suffer from very limited features. To overcome these shortcomings, we designed an EDC software together with a mobile client. We aimed at making it easy to set-up, modifiable, scalable and thereby facilitating research. We wrote the software in R using a modular approach and implemented existing data standards along with a meta data driven interface and database structure. The prototype is an adaptable open-source software, which can be installed locally or in the cloud without advanced IT-knowledge. A mobile web interface and progressive web app for mobile use and desktop computers is added. We show the software’s capability, by demonstrating four clinical studies with over 1600 participants and 679 variables per participant. We delineate a simple deployment approach for a server-installation and indicate further use-cases. The software is available under the MIT open-source license. Conclusively the software is versatile, easily deployable, highly modifiable, and extremely scalable for clinical studies. As an open-source R-software it is accessible, open to community-driven development and improvement in the future.
Synthesis and quality assessment of combined time-series and static medical data using a real-world time-series generative adversarial network
Authors: Kim Jaewon , Choo Hyunwoo , Shin Soo-Yong , Song Kyoung Doo
Published: August 2024

This study addresses challenges related to privacy issues in utilizing medical data, particularly the protection of personal information. To overcome this obstacle, the research focuses on data synthesis using real-world time-series generative adversarial networks (RTSGAN). A total of 53,005 data were synthesized using the dataset of 15,799 patients with colorectal cancer. The results of the quantitative evaluation of the synthetic data’s quality are as follows: the Hellinger distance ranged from 0 to 0.25; the train on synthetic, test on real (TSTR) and train on real, test on synthetic (TRTS) results showed an average area under the curve of 0.99 and 0.98; a propensity mean squared error was 0.223. The synthetic and real data were similar in the qualitative methods including t-SNE and histogram analyses. The application of synthetic data in predicting five-year survival in colorectal cancer patients demonstrates comparable performance to models based on real data. This study employs distance to closest records and membership inference test to assess potential privacy exposure, revealing minimal risk. This study demonstrated that it is feasible to synthesize medical data, including time-series data, using the RTSGAN, and the synthetic data can be evaluated to accurately reflect the characteristics of real data through quantitative and qualitative methods as well as by utilizing real-world artificial intelligence models.
Hydrogenation of CO2 to formate catalyzed by a Ru catalyst supported on a copolymerized porous organic polymer
Authors: Ding Yang , Yang Yuxuan , Huo Kefan , Li Yang , Wang Jiasheng , Himeda Yuichiro , Wang Wan-Hui , Bao Ming
Published: August 2024

A simple copolymerization strategy was employed to enhance the porosity and activity of a POP-supported Ru catalyst for CO2 hydrogenation.
A systematic review of dietary and circulating carotenoids and liver disease
Authors: Hu Bihuan , Sui Jing , Wang Ying , Li Lihua , Gong Daochen , Zhu Zixuan , Liao Wang , Sun Guiju , Xia Hui
Published: August 2024

Due to the high incidence of liver disease and the severity of adverse outcomes, liver disease has become a serious public health problem, bringing a huge disease burden to individuals, families, and society.
A molecular electron density theory study of the bimolecular nucleophilic substitution reactions on monosubstituted methyl compounds
Authors: Domingo Luis R. , Pérez Patricia , Ríos-Gutiérrez Mar , Aurell M. José
Published: August 2024

ELF and AIM topological analyses of the electron density in the transition state structures of the SN2 reactions of monosubstituted methyl compounds reveal a central CH3+ carbocation strongly stabilized by the two adjacent nucleophilic species.
Breaking the diffusion coefficient limitation of bismuth oxide anodes for aqueous alkaline batteries with ultra-high rate capability
Authors: Zhou Fengming , Wang Xiaodong , Gu Shiyu , Li Mingjie , Xia Ranqiang , Li Xinyu , Li Zhenjiang , Zhang Qi , Xiao Zhenyu , Wang Lei
Published: August 2024

In this study, the double-high hierarchical porous amorphous Bi2O3 anode material (HPAM Bi2O3) is firstly synthesized by ion exchange strategy via employing Bi-BTC nanorod as the precursor.