bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perspective: Protocells and the Path to Minimal Life
Authors: Deamer David
Published: September 2024

The path to minimal life involves a series of stages that can be understood in terms of incremental, stepwise additions of complexity ranging from simple solutions of organic compounds to systems of encapsulated polymers capable of capturing nutrients and energy to grow and reproduce. This brief review will describe the initial stages that lead to populations of protocells capable of undergoing selection and evolution. The stages incorporate knowledge of chemical and physical properties of organic compounds, self-assembly of membranous compartments, non-enzymatic polymerization of amino acids and nucleotides followed by encapsulation of polymers to produce protocell populations. The results are based on laboratory simulations related to cyclic hydrothermal conditions on the prebiotic Earth. The final portion of the review looks ahead to what remains to be discovered about this process in order to understand the evolutionary path to minimal life.
Evaluation of an automated laminar cartilage T2 relaxation time analysis method in an early osteoarthritis model
Authors: Wirth Wolfgang , Maschek Susanne , Wisser Anna , Eder Jana , Baumgartner Christian F. , Chaudhari Akshay , Berenbaum Francis , Eckstein Felix ,   on behalf of the OA-BIO Consortium
Published: September 2024

Objective

A fully automated laminar cartilage composition (MRI-based T2) analysis method was technically and clinically validated by comparing radiographically normal knees with (CL-JSN) and without contra-lateral joint space narrowing or other signs of radiographic osteoarthritis (OA, CL-noROA).

Materials and methods

2D U-Nets were trained from manually segmented femorotibial cartilages (n = 72) from all 7 echoes (AllE), or from the 1st echo only (1st
E) of multi-echo-spin-echo (MESE) MRIs acquired by the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI). Because of its greater accuracy, only the AllE U-Net was then applied to knees from the OAI healthy reference cohort (n = 10), CL-JSN (n = 39), and (1:1) matched CL-noROA knees (n = 39) that all had manual expert segmentation, and to 982 non-matched CL-noROA knees without expert segmentation.

Results

The agreement (Dice similarity coefficient) between automated vs. manual expert cartilage segmentation was between 0.82 ± 0.05/0.79 ± 0.06 (AllE/1st
E) and 0.88 ± 0.03/0.88 ± 0.03 (AllE/1st
E) across femorotibial cartilage plates. The deviation between automated vs. manually derived laminar T2 reached up to − 2.2 ± 2.6 ms/ + 4.1 ± 10.2 ms (AllE/1st
E). The AllE U-Net showed a similar sensitivity to cross-sectional laminar T2 differences between CL-JSN and CL-noROA knees in the matched (Cohen’s D ≤ 0.54) and the non-matched (D ≤ 0.54) comparison as the matched manual analyses (D ≤ 0.48). Longitudinally, the AllE U-Net also showed a similar sensitivity to CL-JSN vs. CS-noROA differences in the matched (D ≤ 0.51) and the non-matched (D ≤ 0.43) comparison as matched manual analyses (D ≤ 0.41).

Conclusion

The fully automated T2 analysis showed a high agreement, acceptable accuracy, and similar sensitivity to cross-sectional and longitudinal laminar T2 differences in an early OA model, compared with manual expert analysis.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov identification: NCT00080171.
International medical graduates (IMGs) matching into US orthopaedic surgery residency: a fifteen year analysis of trends in applications and geographical distribution
Authors: Hoveidaei Amir Human , Kistler Natalie M. , Jackson Garrett , LaPorte Dawn M. , Chahla Jorge A. , Heckmann Nathanael D.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

International Medical Graduates (IMGs) face challenges in securing orthopaedic surgery residencies in the U.S. This study examines residency matching trends and geographic distribution for U.S. and non-U.S. citizen IMGs.

Methods

The National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) data from 2008 to 2022 were analyzed for USMLE scores, publication counts, and match rates, using linear regression. The proportion of non-US IMGs in orthopaedic surgery residency was compared with the foreign-born population of each region based on the 2021 American Community Survey.

Results

The overall IMG fill rate decreased significantly from 2.04% in 2008 to 1.26% in 2022 (P = 0.002). The number of publications for matched US IMGs was at least three times that of matched MD seniors and about two times that of unmatched US IMGs. Matched non-US IMGs had approximately five and three times the number of publications as matched MD seniors and unmatched non-US IMGs, respectively. Mississippi had the highest IMG-to-all-filled-position ratio (6.7%) and New York matched the most IMGs (36 residents). Although the foreign-born population comprises approximately 13.72% of the US population, non-US IMGs accounted for less than 1% of total matched residents. When compared to the foreign-born population, non-US IMGs were underrepresented in the US. This underrepresentation was observed in all nine geographic divisions, particularly in the West South Central and Pacific regions.

Conclusions

While IMGs constitute a low percentage of matched MDs in orthopaedic surgery, they show three to five times more publications than MD seniors. IMGs should recognize the importance of higher publication numbers in the matching process as well as states with higher IMG matching rates.
Aspergillus calidoustus and Talaromyces columbinus infections in chronic graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Pacini Emanuele , Schelenz Silke , Abdolrasouli Alireza , Mehra Varun , Ceesay M. Mansour , Pagliuca Antonio , Avenoso Daniele
Published: September 2024

Advancements in allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant (alloHSCT) procedures have improved patient outcomes over the last two decades, though invasive fungal infections (IFIs) remain a significant risk. The incidence of IFIs in alloHSCT recipients is estimated at 6%, with a mortality rate of 13%, and Aspergillus species are the most common pathogens involved. Posaconazole is effective in preventing IFIs post-transplant and is standard care during neutropenia or when managing graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) with high-dose steroids. However, azole prophylaxis may cause resistant Aspergillus species like A. calidoustus, which are difficult to treat. We report a case from our institution where a patient developed a dual infection with Aspergillus calidoustus and Talaromyces columbinus after alloHSCT and posaconazole prophylaxis. While A. calidoustus is known to cause IFIs in HSCT recipients, T. columbinus represents a previously unreported occurrence in medical literature. This case underscores the importance of a multifaceted diagnostic strategy, integrating BAL diagnosis, mycological cultures, direct microscopy, fungal speciation, susceptibility testing, and biomarkers. These comprehensive approaches are indispensable for accurate pathogen identification and effective management of IFIs with appropriate antifungal agents.
Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) in children with spinal muscular atrophy type 1: feasibility, swallowing safety and efficacy, and dysphagia phenotype
Authors: Mozzanica Francesco , Pizzorni Nicole , Gitto Marco , Dosi Claudia , Mandelli Anna , Gandolfi Sofia , Campari Alessandro , Masson Riccardo , Schindler Antonio
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Although dysphagia is a common symptom among patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1 (SMA1), scant data exist on the application of Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) in this population. The aim was to analyze FEES feasibility, swallow safety and efficacy, dysphagia phenotype, and agreement with VideoFluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS) in children with symptomatic, medication-treated SMA1 and oral feeding.

Methods

10 children with SMA1 underwent FEES. Six patients had also a VFSS. Two clinicians independently rated FEES and VFSS videos. Swallowing safety was assessed using the Penetration-Aspiration scale (PAS). Dysphagia phenotypes were defined according to the classification defined by Warnecke et al. Swallowing efficacy was evaluated with the Yale Pharyngeal Residue Severity Rating Scale (YPRSRS) in FEES, whereas pharyngeal residue was rated as present or absent in VFSS.

Results

FEES was performed in all children without complications. Four children tolerated bolus trials during FEES, in 4 children swallowing characteristics were inferred based on post-swallow residues, while 2 children refused to eat and only saliva management was assessed. The dysphagia phenotype of predominance of residue in the piriform sinuses was documented in 7/8 children. The PAS score was < 3 in 3 children and > 5 in one child. Swallowing efficacy was impaired in 8/8 children. VFSS showed complete agreement with FEES.

Conclusions

FEES is a feasible examination in children with SMA1. Swallowing safety and efficacy are impaired in nearly all patients with strong agreement between FEES and VFSS. Dysphagia is characterized by the predominance of residue in the piriform sinus.
Diagnosis and management of eosinophilic esophagitis and esophageal food impaction in adults
Authors: Schlager Hansjörg , Baumann-Durchschein Franziska , Steidl Karin , Häfner Michael , Dinkhauser Patrick , Weitersberger Michael , Holzinger Josef , Mader Markus , Gröchenig Hans Peter , Madl Christian , Schreiner Philipp
Published: September 2024

This position paper deals with an expert consensus on diagnosis and management of eosinophilic esophagitis and esophageal food impaction issued by the Austrian Eosinophilic Esophagitis Network, a working group under the patronage of the Austrian Society of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (ÖGGH). In need of a standardized approach on the management of EoE, recommendations were made based on international guidelines and landmark studies.
Implications for spatial non-stationarity and the neighborhood effect averaging problem (NEAP) in green inequality research: evidence from three states in the USA
Authors: Gyanwali Sophiya , Karki Shashank , Jang Kee Moon , Crawford Tom , Zhang Mengxi , Kim Junghwan
Published: September 2024

Recent studies on green space exposure have argued that overlooking human mobility could lead to erroneous exposure estimates and their associated inequality. However, these studies are limited as they focused on single cities and did not investigate multiple cities, which could exhibit variations in people’s mobility patterns and the spatial distribution of green spaces. Moreover, previous studies focused mainly on large-sized cities while overlooking other areas, such as small-sized cities and rural neighborhoods. In other words, it remains unclear the potential spatial non-stationarity issues in estimating green space exposure inequality. To fill these significant research gaps, we utilized commute data of 31,862 people from Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky. The deep learning technique was used to extract green spaces from street-view images to estimate people’s home-based and mobility-based green exposure levels. The results showed that the overall inequality in exposure levels reduced when people’s mobility was considered compared to the inequality based on home-based exposure levels, implying the neighborhood effect averaging problem (NEAP). Correlation coefficients between individual exposure levels and their social vulnerability indices demonstrated mixed and complex patterns regarding neighborhood type and size, demonstrating the presence of spatial non-stationarity. Our results underscore the crucial role of mobility in exposure assessments and the spatial non-stationarity issue when evaluating exposure inequalities. The results imply that local-specific studies are urgently needed to develop local policies to alleviate inequality in exposure precisely.
Out-of-pocket fertility preservation expenses: data from a Japanese nationwide multicenter survey
Authors: Ono Masanori , Takai Yasushi , Harada Miyuki , Horie Akihito , Dai Yidan , Kikuchi Eiji , Miyachi Mitsuru , Yamamoto Tetsuya , Fujii Nobuharu , Kajiyama Hiroaki , Manabe Atsushi , Yasuoka Toshiaki , Katsuragi Shinji , Mekaru Keiko , Maezawa Tadashi , Horage Yuki , Kataoka Shinsuke , Nakayama Robert , Nakajima Takako Eguchi , Kimura Fuminori , Shimizu Chikako , Sugimoto Kohei , Takae Seido , Yumura Yasushi , Nishi Hirotaka , Furui Tatsuro , Morishige Ken-Ichirou , Watanabe Chie , Osuga Yutaka , Suzuki Nao
Published: September 2024

Background

The expenses related to fertility preservation or subsequent assisted reproductive treatments are significant for adolescents and young adult patients in Japan’s current healthcare system. With fertility preservation becoming more widespread in developed countries, it is expected that these costs will be covered by insurance or subsidies. It is critical for patients, healthcare providers, and the government to know the costs that patients will be responsible for. In Japan, the costs of fertility preservation and subsequent assisted reproductive technology are not covered by insurance, but patients can apply for subsidies from the local and central governments if certain conditions are met. Presently, the above-mentioned costs, as well as the amount paid by the patient, vary by facility. Therefore, it is essential to ensure patients’ continued access to necessary medical care despite the associated costs.

Methods

In this study, questionnaires were mailed to 186 certified fertility preservation facilities in Japan to assess patients who had undergone fertility preservation or assisted reproduction. The questionnaires were sent between October 27, 2023 and March 31, 2024, with 140 of the 186 facilities responding (response rate: 75.3%).

Results

Our findings show that approximately one-third of the costs was borne by the patients.

Conclusion

Given these circumstances, sustainable pricing and insurance coverage are necessary for both patients and facilities.
Financial inclusion and environmental pollution in sub-Saharan Africa: moderating effects of economic growth and renewable energy
Authors: Said Rabie
Published: September 2024

A thriving literature exists about the role of financial inclusion in socio-economic development. Nevertheless, the environmental effects of financial inclusion are largely unknown in the literature, especially in sub-Saharan African countries. Therefore, this study explores the association between financial inclusion and CO2 emissions utilizing data from 23 sub-Saharan Africa for the period 2004–2019. Based on different estimation methods such as dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS), fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS), canonical correlation regression (CCR), and an instrumental variable generalized-method of moment (IV-GMM), the results show that financial inclusion is responsible for a substantial increase in CO2 emissions. In addition, financial inclusion moderates economic growth, resulting in higher CO2 emissions. Alternatively, financial inclusion moderates renewable energy use to lower CO2 emissions. The outcomes also verify the presence of the Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis (EKC). This study proposes uniting financial inclusion and environmental policies as a strategy for reducing CO2 emissions in sub-Saharan Africa.
Do Election Pledges Matter? The Effects of Broken and Kept Election Pledges on Citizens’ Trust in Government
Authors: Bytzek Evelyn , Dupont Julia C. , Steffens Melanie C. , Knab Nadine , Schneider Frank M.
Published: September 2024

The functioning of representative democracy depends on a “responsible electorate” that rewards and punishes parties according to their promises. Holding representatives accountable is the only way for voters to keep control over the government. This article draws on the normative assumption of accountability theory to investigate the impact of information on pledge fulfillment on citizens’ trust in government, taking into account moderators of this relationship. In a two-wave panel experiment (N = 841; broken pledges, fulfilled pledges, control group), results supported the hypotheses that fulfilled election pledges resulted in increased trust in the government, whereas broken pledges decreased trust. However, only when citizens had been satisfied with the government’s performance in the past or when they attributed relevance to governmental pledge fulfillment did trust levels depend on pledge fulfillment. These findings provide insights into the process of democratic accountability and highlight the relevance of trust in studying the effects of election pledges. Additionally, our study makes a case for the use of repeated measurements in experimental research, as examining intraindividual changes can provide a more comprehensive understanding, such as by assessing effect sizes.
Current and Emerging Sleep Interventions for Older Adults with or without Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Suraev Anastasia , Kong Shawn Dexiao , Menczel Schrire Zoe , Tran Bonnie A. , Cross Nathan , Matar Elie , Naismith Sharon L.
Published: September 2024

Purpose of Review

This systematic scoping review examines evidence from the last five years on sleep interventions in cognitive healthy older adults and those with mild cognitive impairment.

Recent Findings

Sleep disturbance has been identified as a potential early, modifiable risk factor for dementia, making it crucial to investigate if these interventions also enhance cognitive function and neurodegenerative biomarkers.

Since 2019, research on sleep interventions in older adults with or without cognitive impairment has gradually expanded, especially on non-pharmacological treatments including CBT-I, exercise, and multi-modal interventions, which show promise but require further study to confirm cognitive benefits. Pharmacological interventions have primarily focused on melatonin and orexin antagonists, with long-term safety remaining a concern. Tailored, clinically effective interventions that consider the presence of Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers, such as amyloid, tau, cerebrovascular disease, or alpha-synuclein in key sleep-related circuits, are essential to developing feasible, cost-effective, and scalable treatments for older adults with or without cognitive impairment.
Dual-functional application of Ca2Ta2O7:Bi3+/Eu3+ phosphors in multicolor tunable optical thermometry and WLED
Authors: Ru Jingjing , Zhao Bing , Zeng Fan , Guo Feiyun , Liu Jinhua , Chen Jianzhong
Published: September 2024

A series of Bi3+/Eu3+ co-doped Ca2Ta2O7 (CTO:Bi3+/Eu3+) phosphors were prepared by high-temperature solid-state method for dual-emission center optical thermometers and white light-emitting diode (WLED) device. By modulating the doping ratio of Bi3+/Eu3+ and utilizing the energy transfer from Bi3+ to Eu3+, the tunable color emission ranging from green to reddish-orange was realized. The designed CTO:0.04Bi3+/Eu3+ optical thermometers exhibit significant thermochromism, superior stability, and repeatability, with maximum sensitivities of Sa = 0.055 K−1 (at 510 K) and Sr = 1.298% K−1 (at 480 K) within the temperature range of 300−510 K, owing to the different thermal quenching behaviors between Bi3+ and Eu3+ ions. These features indicate the potential application prospects of the prepared samples in visualized thermometer or high-temperature safety marking. Furthermore, leveraging the excellent zero-thermal-quenching performance, outstanding acid/alkali resistance, and color stability of CTO:0.04Bi3+/0.16Eu3+ phosphor, a WLED device with a high Ra value of 95.3 has been realized through its combination with commercially available blue and green phosphors, thereby demonstrating the potential application of CTO:0.04Bi3+/0.16Eu3+ in near-UV pumped WLED devices.

Graphical abstract
The OPAT opportunity for beta-lactam individualization
Authors: Childs-Kean Lindsey M. , Rivera Christina G. , Venugopalan Veena , Johnson Madelyn J. , Barreto Erin F.
Published: September 2024

Beta-lactam therapeutic drug monitoring has been growing in prevalence in the acute care hospital setting. Expansion of its use to outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy requires careful consideration of potential logistical and therapeutic barriers.
Distinct trajectories of neuropsychiatric symptoms in the 12 months following traumatic brain injury (TBI): a TRACK-TBI study
Authors: Martinez Karen A. , Ryu Ehri , Patrick Christopher J. , Temkin Nancy R. , Stein Murray B. , Magnus Brooke E. , McCrea Michael A. , Manley Geoffrey T. , Nelson Lindsay D. ,   the TRACK-TBI Investigators
Published: September 2024

Background

Neuropsychiatric symptoms are common after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and often resolve within 3 months post-injury. However, the degree to which individual patients follow this course is unknown. We characterized trajectories of neuropsychiatric symptoms over 12 months post-TBI. We hypothesized that a substantial proportion of individuals would display trajectories distinct from the group-average course, with some exhibiting less favorable courses.

Methods

Participants were level 1 trauma center patients with TBI (n = 1943), orthopedic trauma controls (n = 257), and non-injured friend controls (n = 300). Trajectories of six symptom dimensions (Depression, Anxiety, Fear, Sleep, Physical, and Pain) were identified using growth mixture modeling from 2 weeks to 12 months post-injury.

Results

Depression, Anxiety, Fear, and Physical symptoms displayed three trajectories: Stable-Low (86.2–88.6%), Worsening (5.6–10.9%), and Improving (2.6–6.4%). Among symptomatic trajectories (Worsening, Improving), lower-severity TBI was associated with higher prevalence of elevated symptoms at 2 weeks that steadily resolved over 12 months compared to all other groups, whereas higher-severity TBI was associated with higher prevalence of symptoms that gradually worsened from 3–12 months. Sleep and Pain displayed more variable recovery courses, and the most common trajectory entailed an average level of problems that remained stable over time (Stable-Average; 46.7–82.6%). Symptomatic Sleep and Pain trajectories (Stable-Average, Improving) were more common in traumatically injured groups.

Conclusions

Findings illustrate the nature and rates of distinct neuropsychiatric symptom trajectories and their relationship to traumatic injuries. Providers may use these results as a referent for gauging typical v. atypical recovery in the first 12 months post-injury.
On the Variability of Phytoplankton Photophysiology Along a Latitudinal Transect in the North Atlantic Surface Ocean
Authors: Aardema Hedy M. , Slagter Hans A. , Hrabe de Angelis Isabella , Calleja Maria Ll. , Dragoneas Antonis , Moretti Simone , Schuback Nina , Heins Lena , Walter David , Weis Ulrike , Haug Gerald H. , Schiebel Ralf
Published: September 2024

Phytoplankton photosynthesis is the first step of energy capture in the open ocean and is therefore fundamental for global biogeochemical processes and ecosystem functioning. High‐resolution methods are required to fully capture the variability of marine photosynthesis and its environmental drivers. Here, we combine two high‐resolution underway methods to study phytoplankton photophysiology, Fast Repetition Rate fluorometry and Flow Cytometry, along a transect in the North‐East Atlantic Ocean from the polar circle to the equator. Significant spatial distinctions in photophysiological strategies were found between biogeographical provinces. The most pronounced distinction was present between the subarctic North Atlantic and the oligotrophic subtropical gyre, where the latter was typified by high photosystem II (PSII) turnover rates, low pigment‐to‐cell volume ratios, low PSII quantum efficiency and low absorption cross sections for photochemistry in PSII. Small‐scale variability along the transect results from varying diel cycles in photophysiology, possibly governed by light availability and cell metabolism. In general, we found that variability in PSII photochemistry was associated with variability in sea surface temperature, whereas the median mixed layer irradiance could explain more of the variation in the light harvesting capacity of the phytoplankton community. This implies that the expected climate change driven shoaling of the mixed layer may impact phytoplankton light harvesting strategies.
Solar Flares and the Intricate Response of Earth's Outer Geomagnetic Field Variation
Authors: Fagundes P. R. , Pillat V. G. , Habarulema J. B. , Tardelli A. , Muella M. T. A. H.
Published: September 2024

In this study, we investigate the intricate electrodynamics of the Earth's horizontal component of the geomagnetic field (ΔH) in response to two significant solar flares (SF) occurring on 03 July and 28 October 2021. These flares are classified as X1.59 and X1.0, respectively. It is noted that the ΔH follows the X‐ray variation during the SF, but there is a time lag of a few minutes between the X‐ray and ΔH. A possible explanation for the time lag is the neutral atmosphere and ionosphere coupling, via ion drag.
Latent Heating Effect on the Intensification of Southwest Vortices Over the Downstream Area of the Second‐Step Terrain in China
Authors: Li Chao , Jiang Xingwen , Fu Shenming , Wang Xiaofang , Sun Yue , Sun Jianhua , Zhang Yuanchun , Yang Nan
Published: September 2024

The eastward displacement of Southwest Vortices (SWVs) profoundly impacts the precipitation in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River Basin (YRB) in summer. At present, the feedback mechanism of latent heating on the persistent eastward movement of SWVs under the influence of the orographic effect of the second‐step terrain in China remains unclear. Therefore, this study focused on clarifying the relationship between orographic effects and the mechanisms governing the persistent eastward movements of SWVs, as well as the feedback effect of latent heating on the eastward‐moving SWVs. In this study, it is revealed that discontinuous maintenance of closed vortex circulation occurs when eastward‐moving SWVs pass over the second‐step terrain region. Specifically, eastward‐moving SWVs first experience dissolution on the windward side, followed by substantial reconstruction of closed vortex circulation on the leeward side when passing over the second‐step terrain region. Moreover, the reconstruction of closed vortex circulation on the leeward side is closely associated with the feedback effect of latent heating, and the microphysical property of cold clouds identified during the vortex intensification determines the dual‐peak feature observed in the vertical constitution of the total latent heating, which is related to two major phase‐transition processes: the condensation of water vapor into liquid‐phase hydrometeors (LCP_vapor) process and the desublimation of water vapor into ice‐phase hydrometeors (LSP_vapor) process. From a potential vorticity (PV) perspective, latent heating promotes the genesis of PV anomalies, which accordingly facilitates the maintenance of a positive “vorticity tower” (i.e., total budget of vorticity) via the tilting effect and the horizontal advection effect of local vorticity. Further sensitivity experiments of latent heating indicated that latent heating associated with the LCP_vapor process fulfills a more important role in sustaining the positive “vorticity tower” than does that associated with the LSP_vapor process during the vortex intensification.
Study on the Characteristics and the Parameterization of Effective Radius in Stratiform Precipitation Warm Cloud of Southeastern China Based on WRF‐SBM Simulation
Authors: Cai Hengjia , Liu Xiaoli , Li Yi
Published: September 2024

The study on the characteristic and the parameterization of cloud droplet effective radius (re) is important for the optimization of warm cloud microphysical schemes in numerical models. Based on numerical simulations combined with the four aircraft observations of stratiform warm clouds in Jiangxi, China, this work investigated their microphysical properties, focusing on the evolutionary pattern and the parameterization of re, as well as the correlation between re and the number concentration (Nc) of cloud droplet and liquid water path (LWP). It is found that there is a negative correlation between re and Nc, and the rate of the decrease could be increased by 2–4 times with a strengthening of collision‐coalescence process. What's more, the direct introduction of collision‐coalescence is conducted based on the existing re parameterization schemes, and the results show that it can perform well in most of collision‐coalescence intensities. It is also found that LWP is positively correlated with re when re is less than 12 μm, after which the relationship changes to a negative correlation due to the impact of rainfall intensity.
Impact of NGOs’ undercover videos on citizens’ emotions and pro-social behaviors
Authors: Espinosa Romain , Borau Sylvie , Treich Nicolas
Published: September 2024

Undercover videos have become a popular tool among NGOs to influence public opinion and generate engagement for the NGO’s cause. These videos are seen as a powerful and cost-effective way of bringing about social change, as they provide first-hand evidence and generate a strong emotional response among those who see them. In this paper, we empirically assess the impact of undercover videos on support for the cause. We in addition analyze whether the increased engagement among viewers is driven by the negative emotional reactions produced by the video. To do so, we design an online experiment that enables us to estimate both the total and emotion-mediated treatment effects on engagement by randomly exposing participants to an undercover video (of animal abuse) and randomly introducing a cooling-off period. Using a representative sample of the French population (N=3,310), we find that the video successfully increases actions in favor of animals (i.e., donations to NGOs and petitions), but we fail to prove that this effect is due to the presence of primary emotions induced by the video. Last, we investigate whether activists correctly anticipate their undercover videos’ (emotional) impact via a prediction study involving activists (exploratory analysis).

Protocol registration

This manuscript is a Stage-2 working paper of a Registered Report that received
In-Principle-Acceptance from Scientific Reports on November 20th, 2023 [Link to Stage-1]. The Stage-1 that received In-Principal-Acceptance can be found here: https://osf.io/8cg2d.
Optimal techno-economic assessment of isolated microgrid integrated with fast charging stations using radial basis deep learning
Authors: Draz Abdelmonem , Othman Ahmed M. , El-Fergany Attia A.
Published: September 2024

The global transportation electrification commerce sector is now booming. Stakeholders are paying an increased attention to the integration of electric vehicles and electric buses into  the transportation networks. As a result, there is an urgent need to invest in public charging infrastructure, particularly for fast charging facilities. Consequently, and to complete the portfolio of the green environment, these fast-charging stations (FCSs) are designed using 100% of renewable energy sources (RESs). Thus, this paper proposes an optimization model for the techno-economic assessment of FCSs comprising photovoltaic and wind turbines with various energy storage devices (ESDs). In this regard, the FCS performance is evaluated using flywheels and super capacitors due to their high-power density and charging/discharging cycles and rates. Then, optimal sizing of these distributed generators is attained considering diverse technical and economical key performance indicators. Afterwards, the problem gets more sophisticated by investigating the effect of RES’s uncertainties on the selection criterion of the FCS’s components, design and capacity. Eventually, as an effort dedicated to an online energy management approach, a deep learning methodology based on radial basis network (RBN) is implemented, validated, and carried out. In stark contrast to conventional optimization approaches, RBN demonstrates its superiority by obtaining the optimum solutions in a relatively short amount of time.
Atomic force microscopy based micro and nano sidewall imaging
Authors: Hussain Danish , Awan Saif Ullah , Rehman Masood Ur , uz Zaman Uzair Khaleeq , Hui Xie
Published: September 2024

In the semiconductor industry, micro and nano sidewall structures imaging has high importance for nanomechanical characterization, critical dimension (CD) metrology and fabrication process optimization. Various tools and techniques are used for this purpose e.g. scatterometry, CD-scanning electron microscope, small angle X-ray scattering and atomic force microscope (AFM). Due to its important traits such as high spatial resolution and non-destructive nature, AFM has emerged as an important sidewall structures imaging tool. In this chapter, we will cover AFM-based imaging of micro and nano sidewalls. Conventional AFM has limitations in imaging sidewalls due to the top-down scanning approach. Over the years, several AFM methods have been developed to access the sidewall which includes imaging with shaped AFM probes, tilt-scanning, dual-probe AFM, orthogonal scanning and specialized AFM methods. In addition, the recently developed orthogonal probing sidewall imaging technique has ushered its importance in nanomaterial characterization on the sidewalls while obtaining force–distance curves on the micro and nano sidewalls.
Sonochemistry for materials synthesis and catalysis
Authors: Qayyum Abdul , Giannakoudakis Dimitrios A. , Colmenares-Quintero Ramón Fernando , Sudrajat Hanggara , Hsu Hsien-Yi , Colmenares Juan Carlos
Published: September 2024

Sonochemistry is linked with the physical and chemical processes resulting due to mechanical energy produced upon ultrasound irradiation in frequencies ranging from 20 kHz to 2 MHz. The key phenomena of sonication are the generation, growth and collapse of the acoustic cavitation which can result in the formation of localized hot spots, with the temperature and pressure reaching up to 5000 °C and 1000 bars, respectively. The enhancement of de-aggregation, better mass transfer, formation of microjets as well as free radicals play essential roles during the synthesis of nanomaterials. The utilization of ultrasound for materials synthesis can help in regulating on-demand specific physicochemical properties of various materials’ classes, such as metals, metal oxides, metal sulfides and metal carbides. Sonochemistry can also potentially give rise to unique properties of materials, often inaccessible with conventional synthesis methods. Moreover, sonolysis, sonocatalysis and the coupling of sonocatalysis with photocatalysis (sonophotocatalysis) as modern catalytic methods have demonstrated promising potential for either selective redox reactions or unselective decomposition of recalcitrant organics.
Energy Internet: Redefinition and categories
Authors: Sun Hongbin , Guo Qinglai , Shen Xinwei , Xue Yixun , Shahidehpour Mohammad , Hatziargyriou Nikos
Published: September 2024

The concept of ‘Energy Internet’ (EI) has been widely accepted by both academic and industry experts after more than a decade of development. Since it was proposed, EI has been discussed and applied to many technical works in power and energy areas. Some specific definitions were proposed for EI by those who have applied it to respective fields of engineering, but a comprehensive and widely accepted definition of EI is still being debated. In this paper, we propose the redefinition of EI, based on a comprehensive literature review, some latest trends and driving forces in the global energy industry, as well as its development in the past decade. In addition, we summarise the EI framework and features for future applications, where EI is categorised by its scale into local‐ and wide‐area applications to manifest its effectiveness in power and energy.
Development of industry 4.0 based technology selection index using multi criteria decision making
Authors: Vohra Karan , Sinha Amit Kumar , Anand Ankush
Published: September 2024

Selecting an appropriate technology to perform a specific operation has always been an uphill task while setting up a new industry. There exist a large number of decision making challenges, while selecting a technology related to industry 4.0 in a manufacturing environment, as it augments the analysis of various technological elements, which are otherwise not considered in traditional manufacturing systems. The analysis of attributes is a holistic exercise, which needs understanding the co-relationship among the identified attributes from industry 4.0 perspective (i.e., data analysis, cloud, IIoT, real time data monitoring, sensors, etc). In this research paper, an effort has been made to address the issue of selecting appropriate technology using graph theory based multi criteria decision making approach in industry 4.0 environment. The proposed methodology has been applied to two case studies. The first case study is for illustration purpose. However, to validate the concept, the second case study has been included for the benefit of readers.
Multi-Strategy Improvement of Sparrow Search Algorithm for Cloud Manufacturing Service Composition
Authors: ZHOU Liliang , LI Ben , YU Qing , DAI Guilan , ZHOU Guofu
Published: September 2024

In existing research, the optimization of algorithms applied to cloud manufacturing service composition based on the quality of service often suffers from decreased convergence rates and solution quality due to single-population searches in fixed spaces and insufficient information exchange. In this paper, we introduce an improved Sparrow Search Algorithm (ISSA) to address these issues. The fixed solution space is divided into multiple subspaces, allowing for parallel searches that expedite the discovery of target solutions. To enhance search efficiency within these subspaces and significantly improve population diversity, we employ multiple group evolution mechanisms and chaotic perturbation strategies. Furthermore, we incorporate adaptive weights and a global capture strategy based on the golden sine to guide individual discoverers more effectively. Finally, differential Cauchy mutation perturbation is utilized during sparrow position updates to strengthen the algorithm's global optimization capabilities. Simulation experiments on benchmark problems and service composition optimization problems show that the ISSA delivers superior optimization accuracy and convergence stability compared to other methods. These results demonstrate that our approach effectively balances global and local search abilities, leading to enhanced performance in cloud manufacturing service composition.
Microsporum canis – eine seltene Ursache des Kerion Celsi
Authors: Nenoff Pietro , Pérez Anne Ramos , Klonowski Esther , Uhrlaß Silke , Zurek Marlen , Thöle Markus
Published: September 2024

Bei einem 8-jährigen, aus Venezuela eingewanderten Jungen bestand am Hinterkopf eine abszedierende, purulente und schmerzhafte Läsion. Da differenzialdiagnostisch auch an eine bakterielle Hautinfektion gedacht wurde, kam zunächst intravenös Cefuroxim zur Anwendung. Die gleichzeitig erfolgte mykologische Diagnostik aus Abstrichen, Kopfschuppen und Haarwurzeln erbrachte den Nachweis des zoophilen Dermatophyten Microsporum canis. Dem entsprach der anamnestische Hinweis auf Katzenkontakt noch im Heimatland Venezuela. Das Kerion Celsi (Tinea capitis profunda) wurde oral antimykotisch mit Terbinafin behandelt, topisch mit Clotrimazol und Ciclopiroxolamin. Nach 2 Monaten oraler Therapie mit Terbinafin heilte das Kerion Celsi narbenlos ab. Microsporum canis ist in Deutschland ein seltener Erreger des Kerion Celsi. Leitliniengerecht muss kombiniert oral und topisch antimykotisch behandelt werden.
Expressão dos biomarcadores osteopontin, WNT3A e ABCB5 em pacientes com osteossarcoma
Authors: Mello Glauco José Pauka , Bittelbrunn Cleima Coltri , Mello Glauco Vinicius Bittelbrunn Pauka , Garcia Fernanda Pinto , Rigolino Ana Valéria Brunetti , Anzuatégui Pedro Reggiani
Published: September 2024

Objetivo Correlacionar a expressão, por imunoistoquímica, das proteínas OPN, ABCB5 e WNT3A de material anatomopatológico, obtido de blocos de parafina e/ou lâminas, em pacientes com osteossarcoma (OS), analisando as características epidemiológicas, sua presença e influência na evolução e progressão da doença.

Métodos Após a seleção inicial dos casos, ocorreu a busca dos respectivos blocos de parafina, dentre os quais foram selecionados somente aqueles que possuíam massa tumoral suficiente para serem realizados cortes adicionais sem que todo o material biológico fosse utilizado. Foram identificadas áreas do sarcoma nos blocos de parafina representativos para a confecção de blocos multiamostrais (microarranjo de tecidos, ou tissue microarray [TMA], em inglês), realizada em instrumento BenchMark ULTRA (Roche Diagnostics Corporation, Indianapolis, IN, USA). Foi então analisada a associação entre a expressão dos marcadores ABCB5, WNT3A e OPN com as variáveis idade, localização e tipo de tecido (teste exato de Fisher/Qui-quadrado).

Resultados A média de idade foi de 23 anos, e a incidência de pacientes dos sexos masculino e feminino foi a mesma; foram analisadas 40 lâminas de 28 pacientes com OS, entre 2005 e 2017, com tempo de segmento de 80,0 meses, e o tempo de sobrevida foi de 46,7% em 5 anos. Metástases ocorreram em tecido pulmonar (92,9%). Quanto aos marcadores ABCB5, OPN e WNT3A, não apresentaram significância estatísticas quando comparados com faixa etária, neo-adjuvância e/ou adjuvância quimioterápica, localização, sobrevida ou óbito. O OPN mostrou-se negativo em todas as amostras. E o WNT3A expressou-se nos pacientes com óbitos precoces.

Conclusão As proteínas ABCB5, OPN e WNT3A, em estudo imunoistoquímico, não se mostraram presentes com significância estatística. Nos parâmetros analisados, não surgem como sendo fatores preditivos ou de agressividade para o OS.
Lesões irreparáveis do manguito: Opções de tratamento e desfechos clínicos
Authors: Vilela José Carlos Souza , Medeiros Filho João Felipe de , Barbosa Tadeu Fonseca , Deligne Lucas de Castro Melo , Machado Thalles Leandro de Abreu
Published: September 2024

A lesão do manguito rotador é uma fonte frequente de dor e incapacidade funcional na população em geral, e sua prevalência aumenta com o envelhecimento. O tratamento não cirúrgico é adequado para muitos pacientes, e, quando necessário, o reparo cirúrgico resulta em alívio da dor e bons resultados funcionais. Entretanto, lesões extensas e não reparáveis devido ao tamanho da lesão, grau de retração, atrofia muscular e substituição gordurosa apresentam desafios ao tratamento. Nos casos de lesões irreparáveis que coexistem com degeneração articular/osteoartrite (artropatia do manguito rotador), a indicação de artroplastia reversa é o padrão ouro. Porém, nos casos de pacientes mais jovens e sem osteoartrite, as indicações que preservam a articulação, desde o debridamento até as transferências tendinosas, são preferíveis. A escolha do tratamento mais apropriado não está claramente estratificado na literatura e cada modalidade tem suas indicações, vantagens e desvantagens.
Microevolutionary change in wild stickleback: Using integrative time-series data to infer responses to selection
Authors: Strickland Kasha , Matthews Blake , Jónsson Zophonías O. , Kristjánsson Bjarni K. , Phillips Joseph S. , Einarsson Árni , Räsänen Katja
Published: September 2024

A central goal in evolutionary biology is to understand how different evolutionary processes cause trait change in wild populations. However, quantifying evolutionary change in the wild requires linking trait change to shifts in allele frequencies at causal loci. Nevertheless, datasets that allow for such tests are extremely rare and existing theoretical approaches poorly account for the evolutionary dynamics that likely occur in ecological settings. Using a decade-long integrative phenome-to-genome time-series dataset on wild threespine stickleback (
Gasterosteus aculeatus
), we identified how different modes of selection (directional, episodic, and balancing) drive microevolutionary change in correlated traits over time. Most strikingly, we show that feeding traits changed by as much 25% across 10 generations which was driven by changes in the genetic architecture (i.e., in both genomic breeding values and allele frequencies at genetic loci for feeding traits). Importantly, allele frequencies at genetic loci related to feeding traits changed at a rate greater than expected under drift, suggesting that the observed change was a result of directional selection. Allele frequency dynamics of loci related to swimming traits appeared to be under fluctuating selection evident in periodic population crashes in this system. Our results show that microevolutionary change in a wild population is characterized by different modes of selection acting simultaneously on different traits, which likely has important consequences for the evolution of correlated traits. Our study provides one of the most thorough descriptions to date of how microevolutionary processes result in trait change in a natural population.
Semiquantum private comparison based on Bell states without quantum measurements from the classical user
Authors: Geng Mao-Jie , Li Xia , Ye Tian-Yu
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we propose a novel semiquantum private comparison (SQPC) protocol based on Bell states, which enables one quantum user and one classical user to compare the equality of their private inputs with the help of a semi-honest quantum third party (TP). TP is assumed to be semi-honest in the sense that she may take all possible attacks to steal users’ private inputs except conspiring with anyone. The security analysis validates that our protocol can resist not only the attacks from internal participants but also the attacks from an external eavesdropper. Besides, our protocol only asks TP to perform Bell basis measurements but does not need quantum entanglement swapping; and it releases the classical user from conducting quantum measurements and having a quantum memory. Moreover, our protocol can take advantage over previous SQPC protocols based on Bell states in qubit efficiency. Finally, our protocol can be generalized into its counterpart of the collective-dephasing noise quantum channel.
Relationship between polyhedral structures formed by tangent planes of ellipsoidal particles and system sound velocity
Authors: Li 李 Cheng-Bo 成波 , Bao 鲍 Lin 琳 , Zhao 赵 Chuang 闯
Published: September 2024

Internal polyhedral structures of a granular system can be investigated using the Voronoi tessellations. This technique has gained increasing recognition in research of kinetic properties of granular flows. For systems with mono-sized spherical particles, Voronoi tessellations can be utilized, while radial Voronoi tessellations are necessary for analyzing systems with multi-sized spherical particles. However, research about polyhedral structures of non-spherical particle systems is limited. We utilize the discrete element method to simulate a system of ellipsoidal particles, defined by the equation

(

x
α

)

2

+

(

y
1

)

2

+

(

z

1
/
α

)

2

=
1

, where α ranges from 1.1 to 2.0. The system is then dissected by using tangent planes at the contact points, and the geometric quantities of the resulting polyhedra in different shaped systems, such as surface area, volume, number of vertices, number of edges, and number of faces, are calculated. Meanwhile, the longitudinal and transverse wave velocities within the system are calculated with the time-of-flight method. The results demonstrate a strong correlation between the sound velocity of the system and the geometry of the dissected polyhedra. The sound velocity of the system increases with the increase in α, peaking at α = 1.3, and then decreases as α continues to increase. The average volume, surface area, number of vertices, number of edges, and number of faces of the polyhedra decrease with the increase in sound velocity. That is, these quantities initially decrease with the increase in α, reaching minima at α = 1.3, and then increase with further increase of α. The relationship between sound velocity and the geometric quantities of the dissected polyhedra can serve as a reference for acoustic material design.