bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiomyocyte differentiation of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells on poly(mannitol sebacate)/multi‐walled carbon nanotube substrate
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Elham , Sigaroodi Faraz , Ganjoury Camellia , Parandakh Azim , Najmoddin Najmeh , Shahriari Shayan , Maymand Maryam Mahmoodinia , Khani Mohammad‐Mehdi
Published: June 2024

Myocardial infarction is one of the main causes of death worldwide. After myocardial infarction, the damaged area is typically occupied with non‐contractile scar tissue owing to the limited ability of cardiac cells to proliferate. Cardiac patches can potentially restore heart function by providing sufficient electrochemical properties to the damaged area and supporting the differentiation into and proliferation of cardiac cells. In this study, we developed for the first time a poly(mannitol sebacate) (PMS) based scaffold combined with 1% (w/w)multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to produce a biocompatible cardiac patch by the solvent casting method. We characterized the resultant PMS‐MWCNT scaffold in terms of chemical, physical, mechanical and electrical properties. The PMS/MWCNT patch revealed appropriate hydrophilicity, elasticity close to that of the target tissue, and electrical conductivity suited for a cardiac patch. The cytocompatibility of the composite was confirmed by the successful attachment and proliferation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUC‐MSCs). The PMS/MWCNTs further contributed to the differentiation of HUC‐MSCs by significant overexpression of cardiac‐specific proteins, i.e. troponin T and connexin 43, in the presence of 5‐azacytidine. The findings of this study could be of assistance in the use and development of PMS‐based composites as cardiac patches for myocardial tissue engineering applications. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Polyols induce acute oxidative stress and mortality in Indian malaria vector Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae): potential for use as sugar‐cum‐toxin source in toxic sugar baits
Authors: Jeena Meenakshi , Kumar Gaurav , Yadav Chander Prakash , Lata Suman , Thakur Yamini , Kaur Jaspreet , Pasi Shweta
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Development of insecticide resistance in the major malaria vectors has necessitated the development of novel vector control tools. One such strategy involves the use of toxic sugar baits that targets the sugar‐feeding behaviour of mosquito vectors. In this study, we investigated the potential of polyols, as a toxic food (sugar) source in toxic sugar baits against the malaria vector Anopheles stephensi Liston. We examined the acute toxicity of six polyols, namely, erythritol, glycerol, mannitol, propylene glycol (PG), sorbitol, and xylitol on adult female An. stephensi mosquitoes at two different concentrations – 2% and 10%. We also studied changes in fecundity, egg hatchability and mid‐gut peroxide levels induced by polyol exposure.

RESULTS

Among the six polyol compounds tested, PG was most toxic and lethal followed by glycerol and erythritol (P < 0.001) compared to the control (sucrose). PG induced acute mortality at different tested concentrations. In the erythritol‐ and glycerol‐fed groups, a dose‐dependent effect on mortality was observed. Glycerol evidently reduced fecundity and egg‐hatchability in gonotrophic cycles G1 and G2. Sucrose was the preferred food source (48%), followed by erythritol (18%), PG (10%) and glycerol (8%). Ingestion of polyols increased peroxide levels in mosquito guts, which persisted for extended durations ultimately resulting in rapid mortality (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The present study highlights the usefulness of sugar polyols for the development of toxic sugar baits with minimal yet effective ingredients. Further research could be focused on field experiments and on the exploration of synergistic effects of different polyols for optimization of field applications. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Osthole accelerates osteoporotic fracture healing by inducing the osteogenesis–angiogenesis coupling of BMSCs via the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Zheng Sheng , Hu Guanyu , Zheng Jia , Li Yikai , Li Junhua
Published: June 2024

Osthole, a natural coumarin derivative, has been shown to have multiple pharmacological activities. However, its effect on osteoporotic fracture has not yet been examined. This research was designed to explore the unknown role and potential mechanism of osthole on osteoporotic fracture healing. We first evaluated the osteogenic and angiogenic abilities of osthole. Then angiogenesis‐related assays were conducted to investigate the relationship between osteogenesis and angiogenesis, and further explore its molecular mechanism. After that, we established osteoporotic fracture model in ovariectomy‐induced osteoporosis rats and treated the rats with osthole or placebo. Radiography, histomorphometry, histology, and sequential fluorescent labeling were used to evaluate the effect of osthole on osteoporotic fracture healing. In vitro research revealed that osthole promoted osteogenesis and up‐regulated the expression of angiogenic‐related markers. Further research found that osthole couldn't facilitate the angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells in a direct manner, but it possessed the ability to induce the osteogenesis–angiogenesis coupling of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Mechanistically, this was conducted through activating the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. Subsequently, using ovariectomy‐induced osteoporosis tibia fracture rat model, we observed that osthole facilitated bone formation and CD31hiEMCNhi type H‐positive capillary formation. Sequential fluorescent labeling confirmed that osthole could effectively accelerate bone formation in the fractured region. The data above indicated that osthole could accelerate osteoporotic fracture healing by inducing the osteogenesis–angiogenesis coupling of BMSCs via the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, which implied that osthole may be a potential drug for treating osteoporosis fracture.
Re‐determination of R(13C/12C) for Vienna Peedee belemnite (VPDB)
Authors: Dunn Philip J. H. , Malinovsky Dmitry , Ogrinc Nives , Potočnik Doris , Flierl Lukas , Rienitz Olaf , Paul Dipayan , Meijer Harro A. J.
Published: June 2024

Rationale

The isotope ratio for the internationally agreed but virtual zero‐point of the carbon isotope‐delta scale, Vienna Peedee belemnite (VPDB), plays a critical role in linking carbon isotope delta values to the SI. It is also a quantity used for various data processing procedures including ‘17O correction’, clumped isotope analysis and conversion of carbon isotope delta values into other expressions of isotopic composition. A value for RVPDB(13C/12C) with small uncertainty is therefore desirable to facilitate these procedures.

Methods

The value of RVPDB(13C/12C) was determined by errors‐in‐variables regression of isotope delta values traceable to VPDB measured by isotope ratio mass spectrometry against isotope ratios traceable to the SI by use of gravimetric mixtures of 12C‐ and 13C‐enriched d‐glucose measured by multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

Results

A value of RVPDB(13C/12C) = 0.0111105 ± 0.0000042 (expanded uncertainty, k = 2) was obtained.

Conclusions

The new value for RVPDB(13C/12C) agrees very well with the consensus values calculated from previous measurement results proposed by Kaiser and by ourselves, as well as recent determinations independent of mass spectrometry. The expanded uncertainty of 0.4‰ when expressed as an isotope delta value is a tenfold improvement over the previous best measurement of the isotopic composition of carbon.
Did court dismiss student's negligence claim?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: June 2024

A student‐athlete matriculated to Pennsylvania State University, accepting a scholarship to play football. Later that year, the student‐athlete transferred to the University of California at Berkley due to being repeatedly hazed and sexually harassed by a teammate. A few months after he transferred, he reported the teammate to Penn State campus police. Specifically, he claimed the accused teammate (1) attempted to grab his genitals, (2) tried to “hump” him in the shower, and (3) threatened to rape him. In addition, he said the accused and other players would overpower him, throw him to the ground, and get on top of him while he was unclothed or wrapped only in a towel.
New possibilities available for higher ed in prison
Authors: Elfman Lois
Published: June 2024

The 2024–25 academic year is the first time in 30 years that incarcerated individuals have full access to federal need‐based financial aid to participate in higher education in prison. Pell Grant eligibility was restored in 2023, marking the end of three decades of dramatically decreased college‐in‐prison programs.
High micropore‐utilization carbon aerogel with controlled nanostructures via adjusting aggregation state of polyacrylonitrile for energy storage systems
Authors: Peng Yuanyou , Fu Yihan , Yu Meimei , Zhao Lei , Zeng Huanzhong , Niu Shengtao , Zhang Jie , Chen Junlong , Liu Guang , Wu Youzhi , Ran Fen
Published: June 2024

Designing and optimizing the pore structure of porous carbon electrodes is essential for diverse energy storage systems. In this study, an innovative approach spray phase‐inversion strategy was developed for the rapid and efficient fabrication of controlled porous carbon aerogel. Moreover, the aggregation structure of polyacrylonitrile is controlled by adjusting the Hansen's solubility parameter, thereby regulating the electrode material structure. Furthermore, the theoretical analysis of the spray phase‐inversion process revealed that this regulation process is jointly regulated by solvent hydrodynamic diameter and phase‐inversion kinetics. Through optimization, a novel porous carbon material was obtained that exhibited excellent performance as an electrode material. When utilized in supercapacitors for energy storage, it demonstrated a high specific capacitance of 373.1 F g−1 in a 6 M KOH electrolyte solution. Simultaneously, it has been observed that the preparation strategy for porous electrodes offers notable advantages in terms of excellent designability, broad universality, simplicity, and high efficiency, thereby holding promise for large‐scale fabrication of diverse porous electrode materials and various types of electrodes for diverse energy storage applications.
Recent Progress on Functionalized Nanoporous Heteropoly Acids: From Synthesis to Applications
Authors: Ilbeygi Hamid , Jaafar Juhana
Published: June 2024

Functionalized nanoporous heteropoly acids (HPAs) have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their enhanced surface area and porosity, as well as their potential for low‐cost regeneration compared to bulk materials. This review aims to provide an overview of the recent advancements in the synthesis and applications of functionalized HPAs. We begin by introducing the fundamental properties of HPAs and their unique structure, followed by a comprehensive overview of the various approaches employed for the synthesis of functionalized HPAs, including salts, anchoring onto supports, and implementing mesoporous silica sieves. The potential applications of functionalized HPAs in various fields are also discussed, highlighting their boosted performance in a wide range of applications. Finally, we address the current challenges and present future prospects in the development of functionalized HPAs, particularly in the context of mesoporous HPAs. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the recent progress in the field, highlighting the significant advancements made in the synthesis and applications of functionalized HPAs.
EMI Shielding Properties of Al, Co, and Al/Co Thin Films
Authors: Yaşar Umut Şükrü , Kaya Haydar
Published: June 2024

In this study, ultra‐thin films of Al, Co, and multilayered Al/Co were fabricated using the magnetron sputtering technique on a very thin glass substrate. Subsequently, electromagnetic wave shielding measurements were conducted utilizing the transmission‐reflection line method with the aid of a vector network analyzer. In measurements conducted within the X‐band microwave frequency range within the waveguide, the maximum electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) values obtained were determined as 46 dB for Al, 24 dB for Co, and 48 dB for the multilayered Al/Co film. The structural and morphological analyses of these shielding films were included in the study using x‐ray Diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive x‐ray analysis (EDAX), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) techniques. Scattering parameter results indicated that increasing conductivity values enhance the shielding effectiveness (SE) while also demonstrating an additional positive impact on the SE value for multilayered structures. This finding indicates that nanometer‐thick Al or Al/Co multilayer films could significantly protect electronic devices or individuals exposed to X‐band microwave radiation. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Directed-evolution mutations enhance DNA-binding affinity and protein stability of the adenine base editor ABE8e
Authors: Zhu Haixia , Wang Lei , Wang Ying , Jiang Xinyi , Qin Qin , Song Menghua , Huang Qiang
Published: June 2024

Adenine base editors (ABEs), consisting of CRISPR Cas nickase and deaminase, can chemically convert the A:T base pair to G:C. ABE8e, an evolved variant of the base editor ABE7.10, contains eight directed evolution mutations in its deaminase TadA8e that significantly increase its base editing activity. However, the functional implications of these mutations remain unclear. Here, we combined molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and experimental measurements to investigate the role of the directed-evolution mutations in the base editing catalysis. MD simulations showed that the DNA-binding affinity of TadA8e is higher than that of the original deaminase TadA7.10 in ABE7.10 and is mainly driven by electrostatic interactions. The directed-evolution mutations increase the positive charge density in the DNA-binding region, thereby enhancing the electrostatic attraction of TadA8e to DNA. We identified R111, N119 and N167 as the key mutations for the enhanced DNA binding and confirmed them by microscale thermophoresis (MST) and in vivo reversion mutation experiments. Unexpectedly, we also found that the directed mutations improved the thermal stability of TadA8e by ~ 12 °C (Tm, melting temperature) and that of ABE8e by ~ 9 °C, respectively. Our results demonstrate that the directed-evolution mutations improve the substrate-binding ability and protein stability of ABE8e, thus providing a rational basis for further editing optimisation of the system.
On the Existence and Uniqueness of Stationary Distributions for Some Piecewise Deterministic Markov Processes with State-Dependent Jump Intensity
Authors: Czapla Dawid
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we consider a subclass of piecewise deterministic Markov processes with a Polish state space that involve a deterministic motion punctuated by random jumps, occurring in a Poisson-like fashion with some state-dependent rate, between which the trajectory is driven by one of the given semiflows. We prove that there is a one-to-one correspondence between stationary distributions of such processes and those of the Markov chains given by their post-jump locations. Using this result, we further establish a criterion guaranteeing the existence and uniqueness of the stationary distribution in a particular case, where the post-jump locations result from the action of a random iterated function system with an arbitrary set of transformations.
Intensity-dependent absorption signature for in situ process characterization in laser processing of 316L
Authors: Wittemer Moritz , Wudy Katrin
Published: June 2024

Recent research has introduced custom beam shapes as a novel tool to stabilize laser-based powder bed fusion of metals (PBF-LB/M) and laser welding. To facilitate beam shaping in the future, new processes must be developed. However, the process development in PBF-LB/M and laser welding is time-consuming due to its empirical and iterative approach. In the center of this procedure stands the ex situ analysis of test specimens. The process development could be significantly accelerated by replacing the physical ex situ analysis with digital in situ data analysis. Therefore, this work investigates the possibility of an in situ data-based process characterization under process-near conditions for laser welding and PBF-LB/M. For this, the changes in the degree of absorption over a stepwise increase in laser power are studied for various combinations of laser spot size and beam profiles. The measurements are taken using an integrating sphere within a custom-designed testing setup. Additionally, a high-speed camera was deployed. An intensity-dependent absorption signature was found that describes the changes in the degree of absorption over an increase in mean radiation intensity independent from the beam shapes. This absorption signature contains information about the corresponding process behavior and its characteristic trend. These results are the next steps toward in situ absorption-based process characterization for accelerating process development in PBF-LB/M and laser welding.
Left and right: a tale of two tails of the wealth distribution
Authors: D’Amato Marcello , Di Pietro Christian , Sorge Marco M.
Published: June 2024

We study a model of wealth accumulation in altruistic lineages, in which households face uninsurable risk, investment indivisibilities and borrowing constraints. A thick upper tail of the stationary distribution of wealth is shown to emerge as a robust prediction, irrespective of (1) the presence of multidimensional (wealth and ability) heterogeneity and non-convexities in human capital formation, and (2) the nature of parental bequest motives (joy-of-giving vs. paternalism). Additionally, (3) we identify conditions under which the unique, ergodic wealth distribution exhibits a mass point at the bottom of its support, where credit market imperfections continue to affect, along the convergence process, the structure of wealth transitions at the lineage level. Motivated by these results, we then analyze the sensitivity of the left tail to various frictions and fiscal instruments that affect bequest strategies and the ensuing transmission of wealth across generations. In particular, capital income or bequest taxes with no redistribution may reinforce economic mechanisms underpinning mobility traps in the left tail, thereby increasing the persistence of households in the lowest tiers of the wealth distribution.
In vitro structure–activity relationships and forensic case series of emerging 2-benzylbenzimidazole ‘nitazene’ opioids
Authors: De Vrieze Liam M. , Walton Sara E. , Pottie Eline , Papsun Donna , Logan Barry K. , Krotulski Alex J. , Stove Christophe P. , Vandeputte Marthe M.
Published: June 2024

2-Benzylbenzimidazole ‘nitazene’ opioids are presenting a growing threat to public health. Although various nitazenes were previously studied, systematic comparisons of the effects of different structural modifications to the 2-benzylbenzimidazole core structure on μ-opioid receptor (MOR) activity are limited. Here, we assessed in vitro structure–activity relationships of 9 previously uncharacterized nitazenes alongside known structural analogues. Specifically, we focused on MOR activation by ‘ring’ substituted analogues (i.e., N-pyrrolidino and N-piperidinyl modifications), ‘desnitazene’ analogues (lacking the 5-nitro group), and N-desethyl analogues. The results from two in vitro MOR activation assays (β-arrestin 2 recruitment and inhibition of cAMP accumulation) showed that ‘ring’ modifications overall yield highly active drugs. With the exception of 4′-OH analogues (which are metabolites), N-pyrrolidino substitutions were generally more favorable for MOR activation than N-piperidine substitutions. Furthermore, removal of the 5-nitro group on the benzimidazole ring consistently caused a pronounced decrease in potency. The N-desethyl modifications showed important MOR activity, and generally resulted in a slightly lowered potency than comparator nitazenes. Intriguingly, N-desethyl isotonitazene was the exception and was consistently more potent than isotonitazene. Complementing the in vitro findings and demonstrating the high harm potential associated with many of these compounds, we describe 85 forensic cases from North America and the United Kingdom involving etodesnitazene, N-desethyl etonitazene, N-desethyl isotonitazene, N-pyrrolidino metonitazene, and N-pyrrolidino protonitazene. The low-to-sub ng/mL blood concentrations observed in most cases underscore the drugs’ high potencies. Taken together, by bridging pharmacology and case data, this study may aid to increase awareness and guide legislative and public health efforts.
Methanol as a co-substrate with CO2 enhances butyrate production in microbial electrosynthesis
Authors: Yao Hui , Rinta-Kanto Johanna M. , Vassilev Igor , Kokko Marika
Published: June 2024

Methanol is a promising feedstock for the bio-based economy as it can be derived from organic waste streams or produced electrochemically from CO2. Acetate production from CO2 in microbial electrosynthesis (MES) has been widely studied, while more valuable compounds such as butyrate are currently attracting attention. In this study, methanol was used as a co-substrate with CO2 to enhance butyrate production in MES. Feeding with CO2 and methanol resulted in the highest butyrate production rates and titres of 0.36 ± 0.01 g L−1 d−1 and 8.6 ± 0.2 g L−1, respectively, outperforming reactors with only CO2 feeding (0.20 ± 0.03 g L−1 d−1 and 5.2 ± 0.1 g L−1, respectively). Methanol acted as electron donor and as carbon source, both of which contributed ca. 50% of the carbon in the products. Eubacterium was the dominant genus with 52.6 ± 2.5% relative abundance. Thus, we demonstrate attractive route for the use of the C1 substrates, CO2 and methanol, to produce mainly butyrate.

Key points

• Butyrate was the main product from methanol and CO2in MES

• Methanol acted as both carbon and electron source in MES

• Eubacterium dominating microbial culture was enriched in MES

Graphical Abstract
Nano-superhydrophilic and bioactive surface in poor bone environment. Part 1: transition from primary to secondary stability. A controlled clinical trial
Authors: Canullo Luigi , Menini Maria , Pesce Paolo , Iacono Roberta , Sculean Anton , Del Fabbro Massimo
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Bioactive surfaces were designed to increase the interaction between the surface and the cells. This may speed up the biological stability and loading protocols.

Materials and methods

36 patients with D3-D4 bone density were recruited and allocated into two groups. 30 bioactive (test group) and 30 traditional (control group) surfaced implants were placed. Insertion torque value (Ncm), insertion torque curve integral (cumulative torque, Ncm), torque density (Ncm/sec), implant stability quotient (ISQ) measured at three timepoints (baseline (T0), 30 (T30) and 45 (T45) days after surgery), and marginal bone loss (MBL) at 6 months of loading were assessed.

Results

The mean ISQ and standard deviation at T0, T30, T45 were respectively 74.57 ± 7.85, 74.78 ± 7.31, 74.97 ± 6.34 in test group, and 77.12 ± 5.83, 73.33 ± 6.13, 73.44 ± 7.89 in control group, respectively. Data analysis showed significant differences between groups in ΔISQ at T0-T30 (p = 0.005) and T30-T45 (p = 0.012). Control group showed a significant decrease in ISQ at T30 (p = 0.01) and T45 (p = 0.03) compared to baseline, while no significant change was observed in test group. Due to the stability of the ISQ value ≥ 70, 26 test group and 23 control group implants were functionally loaded after 45 days. Conversely, due to the ISQ < 70 at T45, four test group implants and one control group implant were loaded after 90 days, and 6 control group implants were loaded after 180 days. Neither insertion torque nor ISQ at baseline were correlated with bone density (in Hounsfield units). There was no significant correlation between cumulative torque and ISQ at baseline. There was a significant positive slope in the correlation between torque density and ISQ at baseline, more accentuated in D3 than D4. This correlation remained significant for the test group in D3 bone at day 30 and 45 (p < 0.01 in both time frames), but not in D4 bone, and it was not significant in CG.

Conclusions

The bioactive surface showed better behavior in terms of implant stability in D3-D4 bone quality in the early stages of bone healing. Clinical relevance This study demonstrated that the transition from primary to secondary stability is improved using bioactive surface, especially in cases of poor bone environment (D3/D4 bone).
Epicardial adipose tissue defined by initial polytrauma CT of mechanically ventilated trauma patients: retrospective single-center cohort study to predict short-term outcomes
Authors: Meyer Hans-Jonas , Dermendzhiev Tihomir , Kirsten Holger , Hetz Michael , Kleber Christian , Denecke Timm , Metze Michael , Werdehausen Robert , Hempel Gunther , Struck Manuel F.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) detected by computed tomography (CT) is associated with morbidity and mortality in patients with COVID-19 and other critical care patient cohorts, whereas their prognostic relevance in trauma patients remains unclear. The present study explored associations with four potential short-term outcomes in trauma patients.

Methods

All consecutive trauma patients requiring emergency tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation before initial whole-body CT imaging at a level-1 trauma center over a 12-year period (2008–2019) were reanalyzed for this study. EAT was measured semiquantitatively in initial CT and analyzed regarding associations with 24-hour and 30-day mortality using Cox proportional hazard models. In survivors, associations of EAT with intensive care unit length of stay (ICU LOS) and mechanical ventilation duration were analyzed using linear regression analyses.

Results

Four hundred fifty-five patients (74.7% male) with a median age of 49 years, and a median injury severity score (ISS) of 26 points were analyzed. In univariable analysis, EAT index was significantly associated with 24-hour and 30-day mortality (p = 0.007, and p = 0.013, respectively). After adjustment for significant predictors age, body mass index, and ISS, no significant associations were confirmed (p = 0.622, and p = 0.903, respectively). In a subanalysis of 353 survivors, EAT index was significantly associated with ICU LOS and mechanical ventilation duration in univariable analyses (p = 0.031, and p = 0.014, respectively), but not in multivariable analyses (p = 0.81 and p = 0.46, respectively).

Conclusion

EAT index was associated with short-term outcomes in severely injured trauma patients, which not remained significant in multivariable analysis, suggesting that its prognostic capability is limited.
Scenario analysis tool for estimating future waste composition and amounts toward a circular economy
Authors: Birgen Cansu , Grytli Tuva , Becidan Michaël
Published: June 2024

Municipal solid waste management has a potential to increase circularity by reduction of virgin material extraction and use of secondary materials. A scenario analysis tool was developed to assess whether circular economy goals are attainable with the existing infrastructure and technologies by calculating sorting and recycling rates using waste amount and composition estimations. Three scenarios, Current Road (business as usual), Circular Road (improved sorting) and Frugal Road (waste reduction), were developed and implemented. Sorting rates targets for food waste are achieved in all scenarios. For plastic, sorting rate targets are achieved only for Circular and Frugal, while European Union recycling targets are not reached in any, showing the important role of recycling efficiency. Policy makers can use the scenario development approach of this study to evaluate if circular economy goals are attainable with the current system and assess the impact of key factors such as waste generation and sorting behavior. The scenario analysis tool can be utilized to simulate the effects of different measures in the waste amounts and composition, which is crucial for the planning of the future management system. Further, sorting and recycling rates provide quantitative information about the circularity gap and qualitative information on bottlenecks and opportunities.
Habitat selection and movement patterns of the Raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) in Denmark using GPS telemetry data
Authors: Wooldridge Brittany , Svenning Jens-Christian , Pagh Sussie
Published: June 2024

The Asiatic raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) has successfully colonized Northern, Eastern, and Central Europe, following 20th century introductions. While subject to eradication campaigns, its ecological impacts remain incompletely understood and debated. This study aims to examine the habitat preference and movement patterns of raccoon dogs in Denmark using GPS telemetry data. Habitat selection patterns were examined seasonally using Jacob’s electivity index. Movement intensity (travel speed) was examined according to temporal and environmental predictors such as time of day, time of year and habitat type. Raccoon dogs showed an overall preference for peatbogs, marshes, and broadleaf tree cover, and an overall avoidance of water bodies (per se), artificial surfaces and constructions, natural material surfaces (e.g., river pebble banks, beaches, sand dunes), cultivated areas, coniferous tree cover and herbaceous vegetation, and a close to neutral selection pattern for moors and heathland. Habitat usage was generally consistent throughout the seasons for all habitat types, apart from minor shifts observed, particularly from November to February. The raccoon dog exhibited a unimodal nocturnal activity pattern throughout all seasons, with highest mean travel speeds occurring during spring and lowest during winter. Prolonged periods of higher mean daily speeds were observed during autumn. Mean speed levels also varied according to habitat type, with raccoon dogs moving slower in habitats they preferred and faster in those they did not prefer. These results indicate that raccoon dogs in Denmark adjust their habitat selection and movement patterns throughout the year, with a general preference for moist and high tree coverage areas. This information can be utilized in forecasting models for their potential future range and area use in different regions.
“Your Thoughts are (were) Free!“: Brain-Computer-Interfaces, Neurofeedback, Detection of Deception, and the Future of Mind-Reading
Authors: Birbaumer Niels
Published: June 2024

This review describes the historical developement and rationale of clinically relevant research on neurophysiological „mind reading“ paradims: Brain- Computer-Interfaces, detection of deception, brain stimulation and neurofeedback and the clinical applications in drug resistant epilepsy, chronic stroke, and communication with paralyzed locked-in persons. The emphasis lies on completely locked-in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using non-invasive and invasive brain computer interfaces and neurofeedback to restore verbal communication with the social environment. In the second part of the article we argue that success and failure of neurophysiological „mind reading“ paradigms may be explained with a motor theory of thinking and emotion in combination with learning theory. The ethical implications of brain computer interface and neurofeedback approaches, particularly for severe chronic paralysis and loss of communication diseases and decisions on hastened death and euthanasia are discussed.
A Multi-solution Study on GDPR AI-enabled Completeness Checking of DPAs
Authors: Azeem Muhammad Ilyas , Abualhaija Sallam
Published: June 2024

Specifying legal requirements for software systems to ensure their compliance with the applicable regulations is a major concern of requirements engineering. Personal data which is collected by an organization is often shared with other organizations to perform certain processing activities. In such cases, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requires issuing a data processing agreement (DPA) which regulates the processing and further ensures that personal data remains protected. Violating GDPR can lead to huge fines reaching to billions of Euros. Software systems involving personal data processing must adhere to the legal obligations stipulated both at a general level in GDPR as well as the obligations outlined in DPAs highlighting specific business. In other words, a DPA is yet another source from which requirements engineers can elicit legal requirements. However, the DPA must be complete according to GDPR to ensure that the elicited requirements cover the complete set of obligations. Therefore, checking the completeness of DPAs is a prerequisite step towards developing a compliant system. Analyzing DPAs with respect to GDPR entirely manually is time consuming and requires adequate legal expertise. In this paper, we propose an automation strategy that addresses the completeness checking of DPAs against GDPR provisions as a text classification problem. Specifically, we pursue ten alternative solutions which are enabled by different technologies, namely traditional machine learning, deep learning, language modeling, and few-shot learning. The goal of our work is to empirically examine how these different technologies fare in the legal domain. We computed F$$_2$$

2

score on a set of 30 real DPAs. Our evaluation shows that best-performing solutions yield F$$_2$$

2

score of 86.7% and 89.7% are based on pre-trained BERT and RoBERTa language models. Our analysis further shows that other alternative solutions based on deep learning (e.g., BiLSTM) and few-shot learning (e.g., SetFit) can achieve comparable accuracy, yet are more efficient to develop.
Hypophosphatemia attenuates improvements in vitality after intravenous iron treatment in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Bjorner J. B. , Kennedy N. , Lindgren S. , Pollock R. F.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Iron deficiency anemia is common in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), causing deterioration in quality of life, which can be reversed by treatment that increases iron stores and hemoglobin levels. The present post hoc analyses estimate health state utility values for patients with IBD after treatment with ferric derisomaltose or ferric carboxymaltose and evaluate the health domains driving the changes.

Methods

SF-36v2 responses were recorded at baseline and day 14, 35, 49, and 70 from 97 patients enrolled in the randomized, double-blind, PHOSPHARE-IBD trial (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03466983), in which patients with IBD across five European countries were randomly allocated to either ferric derisomaltose or ferric carboxymaltose. Changes in SF-36v2 scale scores and SF-6Dv2 health utility values were analyzed by mixed models.

Results

In both treatment arms, SF-6Dv2 utility values and all SF-36v2 scale scores, except Bodily Pain, improved significantly (p =  < 0.0001). The improvement in SF-6Dv2 utility values showed no significant treatment group difference. The improvement in utility values was completely explained by improvement in Vitality scores. Vitality scores showed significantly larger improvement with ferric derisomaltose versus ferric carboxymaltose (p = 0.026). Patients with the smallest decrease in phosphate had significantly larger improvements in Vitality scores at each time point (p =  < 0.05 for all comparisons) and overall (p = 0.0006).

Conclusions

Utility values improved significantly with intravenous iron treatment. Improvement in utility values was primarily driven by Vitality scores, which showed significantly greater improvement in the ferric derisomaltose arm. Smaller decreases in phosphate were associated with significantly higher Vitality scores, suggesting that quality of life improvement is attenuated by hypophosphatemia. The utility values can inform future cost-utility analysis.
Environmental behaviour of iron and steel slags in coastal settings
Authors: Riley Alex L. , Cameron James , Burke Ian T. , Onnis Patrizia , MacDonald John M. , Gandy Catherine J. , Crane Richard A. , Byrne Patrick , Comber Sean , Jarvis Adam P. , Hudson-Edwards Karen A. , Mayes William M.
Published: June 2024

Iron and steel slags have a long history of both disposal and beneficial use in the coastal zone. Despite the large volumes of slag deposited, comprehensive assessments of potential risks associated with metal(loid) leaching from iron and steel by-products are rare for coastal systems. This study provides a national-scale overview of the 14 known slag deposits in the coastal environment of Great Britain (those within 100 m of the mean high-water mark), comprising geochemical characterisation and leaching test data (using both low and high ionic strength waters) to assess potential leaching risks. The seaward facing length of slag deposits totalled at least 76 km, and are predominantly composed of blast furnace (iron-making) slags from the early to mid-20th Century. Some of these form tidal barriers and formal coastal defence structures, but larger deposits are associated with historical coastal disposal in many former areas of iron and steel production, notably the Cumbrian coast of England. Slag deposits are dominated by melilite phases (e.g. gehlenite), with evidence of secondary mineral formation (e.g. gypsum, calcite) indicative of weathering. Leaching tests typically show lower element (e.g. Ba, V, Cr, Fe) release under seawater leaching scenarios compared to deionised water, largely ascribable to the pH buffering provided by the former. Only Mn and Mo showed elevated leaching concentrations in seawater treatments, though at modest levels (<3 mg/L and 0.01 mg/L, respectively). No significant leaching of potentially ecotoxic elements such as Cr and V (mean leachate concentrations <0.006 mg/L for both) were apparent in seawater, which micro-X-Ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (μXANES) analysis show are both present in slags in low valence (and low toxicity) forms. Although there may be physical hazards posed by extensive erosion of deposits in high-energy coastlines, the data suggest seawater leaching of coastal iron and steel slags in the UK is likely to pose minimal environmental risk.
Universal Basic Income and Autonomous Work Motivation: Influences on Trajectories of Mental Health in Employees
Authors: Malinka Julia , Mitte Kristin , Ziegler Matthias
Published: June 2024

The study contributes to research on Universal Basic Income (UBI) by examining mental health trajectories in working individuals who received a monthly UBI payment of €1,000 for the duration of one year. We assessed data from 357 recipients of additional income provided by a crowdfunding association in Germany. Participants reported their life satisfaction, well-being, work motivation, and needs satisfaction at up to three semi-annual measurement occasions, the first of which was scheduled at the onset of UBI payments. Specifically, we focused on the effects of autonomous work motivation as (a) a predictor of change in life satisfaction and well-being and (b) a mediator between needs satisfaction at work and mental health. We conducted Latent Growth Curve Models (LGCM) and Random Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Models (RI-CLPM). Results of the LGCM indicated growth in life satisfaction and well-being during UBI payment. Autonomous motivation was a robust, positive predictor of initial levels of life satisfaction and well-being, both as time-invariant covariate (TIC) and time-varying covariate (TVC). Moreover, low initial autonomous motivation was associated with greater increase of life satisfaction and well-being. Using a RI-CLPM, we found strong support for the mediating effect of autonomous motivation. Furthermore, gender and income were significant predictors of initial life satisfaction and well-being in most of our models. Women and low-income earners tended to report lower levels of life satisfaction and well-being. The results are discussed focusing on the role of autonomous motivation for psychological health in the context of UBI and occupational health promotion more generally.
Machine-Learning Methods for Estimating Performance of Structural Concrete Members Reinforced with Fiber-Reinforced Polymers
Authors: Kazemi Farzin , Asgarkhani Neda , Shafighfard Torkan , Jankowski Robert , Yoo Doo-Yeol
Published: June 2024

In recent years, fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) in reinforced concrete (RC) members have gained significant attention due to their exceptional properties, including lightweight construction, high specific strength, and stiffness. These attributes have found application in structures, infrastructures, wind power equipment, and various advanced civil products. However, the production process and the extensive testing required for assessing their suitability incur significant time and cost. The emergence of Industry 4.0 has presented opportunities to address these drawbacks by leveraging machine learning (ML) methods. ML techniques have recently been used to forecast the properties and assess the importance of process parameters for efficient structural design and their broad applications. Given their wide range of applications, this work aims to perform a comprehensive analysis of ML algorithms used for predicting the mechanical properties of FRPs. The performance evaluation of various models was discussed, and a detailed analysis of their pros and cons was provided. Finally, the limitations that currently exist in these techniques were pinpointed, and suggestions were given to improve their prediction precision suitable for evaluating the mechanical properties of FRP components.
Explainable Histopathology Image Classification with Self-organizing Maps: A Granular Computing Perspective
Authors: Amato Domenico , Calderaro Salvatore , Lo Bosco Giosué , Rizzo Riccardo , Vella Filippo
Published: June 2024

The automatic analysis of histology images is an open research field where machine learning techniques and neural networks, especially deep architectures, are considered successful tools due to their abilities in image classification. This paper proposes a granular computing methodology for histopathological image classification. It is based on embedding tiles of histopathology images using deep metric learning, where a self-organizing map is adopted to generate the granular structure in this learned embedding space. The SOM enables the implementation of an explainable mechanism by visualizing a knowledge space that the experts can use to analyze and classify the new images. Additionally, it provides confidence in the classification results while highlighting each important image fragment, with the benefit of reducing the number of false negatives. An exemplary case is when an image detail is indicated, with small confidence, as malignant in an image globally classified as benign. Another implemented feature is the proposal of additional labelled image tiles sharing the same characteristics to specify the context of the output decision. The proposed system was tested using three histopathology image datasets, obtaining the accuracy of the state-of-the-art black-box methods based on deep learning neural networks. Differently from the methodologies proposed so far for the same purpose, this paper introduces a novel explainable method for medical image analysis where the advantages of the deep learning neural networks used to build the embedding space for the image tiles are combined with the intrinsic explainability of the granular process obtained using the clustering property of a self-organizing map.
Leveraging Extremal Dependence to Better Characterize the 2021 Pacific Northwest Heatwave
Authors: Zhang Likun , Risser Mark D. , Wehner Michael F. , O’Brien Travis A.
Published: June 2024

In late June, 2021, a devastating heatwave affected the US Pacific Northwest and western Canada, breaking numerous all-time temperature records by large margins and directly causing hundreds of fatalities. The observed 2021 daily maximum temperature across much of the U.S. Pacific Northwest exceeded upper bound estimates obtained from single-station temperature records even after accounting for anthropogenic climate change, meaning that the event could not have been predicted under standard univariate extreme value analysis assumptions. In this work, we utilize a flexible spatial extremes model that considers all stations across the Pacific Northwest domain and accounts for the fact that many stations simultaneously experience extreme temperatures. Our analysis incorporates the effects of anthropogenic forcing and natural climate variability in order to better characterize time-varying changes in the distribution of daily temperature extremes. We show that greenhouse gas forcing, drought conditions and large-scale atmospheric modes of variability all have significant impact on summertime maximum temperatures in this region. Our model represents a significant improvement over corresponding single-station analysis, and our posterior medians of the upper bounds are able to anticipate more than 96% of the observed 2021 high station temperatures after properly accounting for extremal dependence. Supplementary materials accompanying this paper appear online.
M4X3 MXenes: Application in Energy Storage Devices
Authors: Hussain Iftikhar , Arifeen Waqas Ul , Khan Shahid Ali , Aftab Sikandar , Javed Muhammad Sufyan , Hussain Sajjad , Ahmad Muhammad , Chen Xi , Zhao Jiyun , Rosaiah P. , Fawy Khaled Fahmi , Younis Adnan , Sahoo Sumanta , Zhang Kaili
Published: June 2024

MXene has garnered widespread recognition in the scientific community due to its remarkable properties, including excellent thermal stability, high conductivity, good hydrophilicity and dispersibility, easy processability, tunable surface properties, and admirable flexibility. MXenes have been categorized into different families based on the number of M and X layers in Mn+1Xn, such as M2X, M3X2, M4X3, and, recently, M5X4. Among these families, M2X and M3X2, particularly Ti3C2, have been greatly explored while limited studies have been given to M5X4 MXene synthesis. Meanwhile, studies on the M4X3 MXene family have developed recently, hence, demanding a compilation of evaluated studies. Herein, this review provides a systematic overview of the latest advancements in M4X3 MXenes, focusing on their properties and applications in energy storage devices. The objective of this review is to provide guidance to researchers on fostering M4X3 MXene-based nanomaterials, not only for energy storage devices but also for broader applications.