bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of the composition of residential buildings in a renewable energy community based on monitored data
Authors: Schito Eva , Taverni Lorenzo , Conti Paolo , Testi Daniele
Published: September 2024

Energy communities (ECs) are a promising solution to integrate renewable local production with buildings’ systems and services. To exploit renewable energy sources, ECs should be carefully designed, identifying an appropriate mix of prosumers and consumers. In this research, the electrical energy loads of eight dwellings have been monitored for a year. Then, each dwelling is evaluated either as a mere consumer, maintaining its monitored electrical consumption profile as it is, or as a prosumer, thus simulating a photovoltaic system on the roof, sized to provide a given fraction of its energy needs and sharing the surplus with other EC participants. Genetic optimization is employed to seek the optimal mix of consumers and prosumers within the community to optimize the shared energy within the EC. Results show that dwellings with night-time energy requirements are included as prosumers to maximize photovoltaic power sharing during daylight time, and dwellings with regular daily loads are included as consumers.
The performance relationship between the EQ-5D-5L composite “Anxiety/Depression” dimension and anxiety and depression symptoms in a large, general population sample
Authors: Scott Emily Stella , Lubetkin Erica I. , Janssen Mathieu F. , Yfantopolous John N. , Bonsel Gouke J. , Haagsma Juanita A.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This cross-sectional study aims to understand the relationship between responses on the Anxiety/Depression (A/D) dimension of the EQ-5D-5L and symptoms of anxiety and depression on the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 instruments. In doing so, we investigate the comparative performance of the dimension between diagnostic groups (i.e. anxiety (GAD-7); depression (PHQ-9); anxiety & depression versus none). We additionally investigate the discriminatory performance between sub-populations based on gender, age, education and self-reported chronic conditions.

Methods

19,902 general population participants completed a health survey in May/June 2020, from five European countries and the United States. Performance of A/D was calculated using the Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (AUROC), and was compared to having anxiety (GAD-7 ≥ 8), depression (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) and both versus none for the total population and sub-populations. Several additional sensitivity analyses were conducted, including calculations of the optimal A/D cut-off.

Results

The performance in the total sample was good (AUROC > 0.8) and did not differ significantly between diagnostic groups. The performance differed significantly between the age groups, with worse performance in the younger groups, and differed between those with a singular chronic condition, with worse performance in those indicating having an anxiety or depression disorder. The performance did not differ significantly by gender, education, nor total chronic conditions.

Conclusion

The A/D dimension captures symptoms of anxiety, depression or both equally well. Performance is worse in the younger population. Interpretation in those with a self-reported anxiety or depression disorder should be further investigated. This is the first-of-its-kind large population sample performance analysis, where we present evidence that the performance of the A/D dimension differs between ages, and thus intra-age comparative results may be flawed.
Dietary supplementation with a blend composed of carvacrol, tannic acid derived from Castanea sativa and Glycyrrhiza glabra, and glycerides of medium chain fatty acids for weanling piglets raised in commercial farm
Authors: Marchetti Luca , Rebucci Raffaella , Lanzoni Davide , Giromini Carlotta , Aidos Lucia , Di Giancamillo Alessia , Cremonesi Paola , Biscarini Filippo , Castiglioni Bianca , Bontempo Valentino
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the dietary administration of a blend composed of carvacrol, tannic acid derived from Castanea sativa mill and Glycyrrhiza glabra, medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) glycerides for weanling piglets. An in vitro digestion followed by total phenolic content (TPC) and total antioxidant activity (TAC) assessment was performed before the in vivo application. At weaning, a total of 210 piglets were randomly allocated to two experimental treatments (7 replicates/15 piglets for each replicate). Control group (CTR) was fed a standard basal diet while the treated group (T) was fed the basal diet mixed with 1.500 mg/kg of blend. After in vitro digestion, TPC and TAC evidenced peaks at the end of oral and gastric phases in comparison to the intestinal one in line with the high content of phenolic compound (P < 0.05). Treatment conditioned body weight and average daily gain (P < 0.05), fecal score on 6, 7, and 8 d after weaning (P < 0.05). At 35d, the T group showed a decrease in salivary cortisol compared to CTR (P < 0.05). Duodenum and jejunum sections of T piglets revealed higher villi (P < 0.05), deeper crypts (P < 0.01), and increased V/C ratio (P < 0.01). CTR showed a higher expression of duodenal Occludin (P < 0.05). Jejunal E-cadherin and Occludin were more expressed in T jejunum sections (P < 0.05). Twelve differentially abundant genera were identified in T group caecal samples. Potentially harmful Clostridium sensu stricto 13 was reduced by the treatment (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the tested blend positively affected salivary stress markers and the gut health of weaned piglets.
Assessing the efficiency and heritability of blocked tree breeding trials
Authors: Piepho Hans-Peter , Williams Emlyn , Prus Maryna
Published: September 2024

Progeny trials in tree breeding are often laid out using blocked experimental designs, in which families are randomly assigned to plots and several trees are planted per plot. Such designs are optimized for the assessment of family effects. However, tree breeders are primarily interested in assessing breeding values of individual trees. This paper considers the assessment of heritability at both the family and tree levels. We assess heritability based on pairwise comparisons among individual trees. The approach shows that there is considerable heterogeneity in pairwise heritabilities, primarily due to the differences in both genetic as well as error variances among within- and between-family comparisons. Our results further show that efficient blocking positively affects all types of comparison except those among trees within the same plot.
Occurrence and health risk assessment of PFAS and possible precursors: a case study in a drinking water treatment plant and bottled water (south Catalonia, Spain)
Authors: Martínez Joana , Picardo Massimo , Peñalver Alejandra , Fabregas Josepa , Aguilar Carme , Borrull Francesc
Published: September 2024

The presence of PFAS in drinking water may pose a serious threat to human health. This study aims to determine the levels of these compounds and their precursors in water samples from a drinking water treatment plant (DWTP) located in l’Ampolla (Spain) and to assess their fate. Additionally, ten Spanish bottled waters were analyzed to compare the occurrence of PFAS in the mentioned matrices and in drinking water. Off-line solid phase extraction (SPE) followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS) was applied to determine 26 PFAS and PFAS precursors after a total oxidizable precursor assay. The analytical method presents low quantification limits (0.25–5 ng/L). A total PFAS concentration of up to 16 ng/L in all the DWTP samples was obtained, and 6:2 FTS was the only precursor detected. Results are close to the quantification limits, resulting in a high degree of uncertainty, and for this, it is difficult to evaluate the DWTP PFAS removal efficiency. Regarding bottled water, total PFAS concentration found was up to 12 ng/L in one of ten samples, with no precursors detected. Exposure assessment revealed that there is no risk associated with the ingestion of the samples analyzed. Moreover, there were no differences in terms of risk between drinking water from l’Ampolla DWTP and bottled water.

Graphical abstract
Activation of the muscle-to-brain axis ameliorates neurocognitive deficits in an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model via enhancing neurotrophic and synaptic signaling
Authors: Taha Hash Brown , Birnbaum Allison , Matthews Ian , Aceituno Karel , Leon Jocelyne , Thorwald Max , Godoy-Lugo Jose , Cortes Constanza J.
Published: September 2024

Skeletal muscle regulates central nervous system (CNS) function and health, activating the muscle-to-brain axis through the secretion of skeletal muscle-originating factors (“myokines”) with neuroprotective properties. However, the precise mechanisms underlying these benefits in the context of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remain poorly understood. To investigate muscle-to-brain axis signaling in response to amyloid β (Aβ)-induced toxicity, we generated 5xFAD transgenic female mice with enhanced skeletal muscle function (5xFAD;cTFEB;HSACre) at prodromal (4-months old) and late (8-months old) symptomatic stages. Skeletal muscle TFEB overexpression reduced Aβ plaque accumulation in the cortex and hippocampus at both ages and rescued behavioral neurocognitive deficits in 8-month-old 5xFAD mice. These changes were associated with transcriptional and protein remodeling of neurotrophic signaling and synaptic integrity, partially due to the CNS-targeting myokine prosaposin (PSAP). Our findings implicate the muscle-to-brain axis as a novel neuroprotective pathway against amyloid pathogenesis in AD.
Online Gaming Disorder and Sports Betting Addiction: Convergences and Divergences
Authors: Ayala-Rojas Rocío-Elena , Granero Roser , Fernández-Aranda Fernando , Gómez-Peña Mónica , Moragas Laura , Perales Iván , Jiménez-Murcia Susana
Published: September 2024

Worldwide estimates of the prevalence of online gaming disorder (OGD) and online sports betting addiction (OSBA) have become exceedingly high, particularly among young people. The objective of this study was to compare the sociodemographic and clinical profiles of treatment-seeking patients for these mental health disorders. The sample included n = 495 patients (n = 108 OGD and n = 387 OSBA) recruited from a tertiary care unit specialized in the treatment of behavioral addictions. Sociodemographic variables, psychopathologic state, impulsivity, emotion regulation, substances, and personality traits were assessed and compared between both these diagnostic subtypes. The prevalence for OGD was 3.82% and for OSBA was 13.01% among the whole sample of n = 3,036 patients. Compared with OGD, OSBA presented a profile characterized by a greater proportion of non-single men with higher levels of education, employed, and of higher socioeconomic status. OSBA was also characterized by older chronological age, later age of onset of the addictive behaviors, worse psychopathology state (greater likelihood of depression and anxiety), higher impulsivity, and higher substance use. The personality profile related to OSBA presented higher novelty seeking, reward dependence and persistence, and lower harm avoidance. Despite the similarities between OGD and OSBA, and even though both behaviors could be perceived by the general population as low-risk leisure activities (as opposed to other gambling types, such as casinos or slot machines), the differences in the clinical profiles should be considered in efforts to improve assessment tools and specialized intervention plans.
NeRF-OR: neural radiance fields for operating room scene reconstruction from sparse-view RGB-D videos
Authors: Gerats Beerend G. A. , Wolterink Jelmer M. , Broeders Ivo A. M. J.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

RGB-D cameras in the operating room (OR) provide synchronized views of complex surgical scenes. Assimilation of this multi-view data into a unified representation allows for downstream tasks such as object detection and tracking, pose estimation, and action recognition. Neural radiance fields (NeRFs) can provide continuous representations of complex scenes with limited memory footprint. However, existing NeRF methods perform poorly in real-world OR settings, where a small set of cameras capture the room from entirely different vantage points. In this work, we propose NeRF-OR, a method for 3D reconstruction of dynamic surgical scenes in the OR.

Methods

Where other methods for sparse-view datasets use either time-of-flight sensor depth or dense depth estimated from color images, NeRF-OR uses a combination of both. The depth estimations mitigate the missing values that occur in sensor depth images due to reflective materials and object boundaries. We propose to supervise with surface normals calculated from the estimated depths, because these are largely scale invariant.

Results

We fit NeRF-OR to static surgical scenes in the 4D-OR dataset and show that its representations are geometrically accurate, where state of the art collapses to sub-optimal solutions. Compared to earlier work, NeRF-OR grasps fine scene details while training 30

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×

faster. Additionally, NeRF-OR can capture whole-surgery videos while synthesizing views at intermediate time values with an average PSNR of 24.86 dB. Last, we find that our approach has merit in sparse-view settings beyond those in the OR, by benchmarking on the NVS-RGBD dataset that contains as few as three training views. NeRF-OR synthesizes images with a PSNR of 26.72 dB, a 1.7% improvement over state of the art.

Conclusion

Our results show that NeRF-OR allows for novel view synthesis with videos captured by a small number of cameras with entirely different vantage points, which is the typical camera setting in the OR. Code is available via: github.com/Beerend/NeRF-OR.
The Effect of Silicon Substitution by Boron for the α-Nb5Si3: INSIGHTS into the Constitutive Properties of Nb5Si2B Through Theory and Experimental Approach
Authors: Falkowski Michał , Kaczkowski Jakub , Chełkowska Grażyna , Kowalczyk Andrzej
Published: September 2024

We investigated the structural, elastic, vibrational, and electronic properties of the Nb5Si2B compound combining density functional theory (DFT) calculations and experimental methods. We compared our results with the parent compound Nb5Si3 with two non-equivalent Si sites namely Si(4a) and Si(8h). The analysis of elastic constants and phonon spectra indicate that Nb5Si2B is respectively mechanically and dynamically stable. Based on the phonon calculation we evaluate the theoretical constant volume lattice specific heat (CV) for different site occupancies and compare it with experimental specific heat (Cp) measurements. We found an excellent agreement between theoretical and experimental results for Nb5Si2B with the B at the Si(8h) site, which agrees with the calculated formation energy. In addition, we also performed DFT calculations aimed at showing and comparing the total DOS near the Fermi level (EF) for Nb5Si3 and Nb5Si2B. The XPS valence band (VB) of the Nb5Si2B is largely dominated by two characteristic peaks at − 8.7 and − 1.7 eV, respectively. Based on DFT calculations, it follows that the main sharp peak at − 1.7 eV comes as a contribution from Nb 4d states, while the smaller and broader one located at − 8.7 eV results mainly from Si 3s states weakly hybridized with Nb 4d states. In this connection, the majority contribution in the binding energy range from − 12 eV to the EF comes from Nb 4d states, while the contribution from Si and B atoms is very small in this region. The core levels of Nb 3d, Si 2s, 2p, and B 1s were also identified using the XPS technique.
Effect of Linear Velocity on Magneto-mechanical Properties of Ni-Mn-Ga-Based Melt-Spun Ribbons
Authors: Kowalska Milena , Czaja Paweł , Rogal Łukasz , Szczerba Maciej J.
Published: September 2024

The study brings original data on the effect of linear velocity during melt-spinning process on magneto-mechanical properties of Heusler Ni-Mn-Ga-based melt-spun ribbons. The research revealed that different linear velocity of the copper wheel had a significant impact on the ribbon's geometry resulting in distinct changes in magneto-mechanical properties. X-ray diffraction measurements were used to examine the phase composition, confirming the presence of L21 austenite phase. To assess the mechanical properties of the Ni-Mn-Ga-based melt-spun ribbons, cyclic bending experiments were conducted at a strain rate of 0.1 mm/s. Additionally, experiments involving magnetic field-induced bending were carried out in an external magnetic field ranging from 0 to 0.28 T. Finally, it was observed that there was a proportional relationship between the linear velocity of the copper wheel and magnetic field-induced ribbons deflection. Conversely, the dependence between linear velocity and mechanical bending load was found to be inversely proportional. Electron backscattered diffraction measurements revealed that melt-spun ribbons produced at high linear velocity of 18.5 m/s exhibited fine-grained microstructure in contrast to low linear velocity of 3 m/s. Based on these results it seems feasible to optimize the functional properties of the studied ribbons by varying the linear velocity of the melt-spinning process.
Agro-Waste Biochar Conversion into a Fish Feed Additive: Assessing its Effects on the Health and Performance of Cyprinus carpio
Authors: Amjad Muhammad , Hussain Syed Makhdoom , Ali Shafaqat , Rizwan Muhammad , Ahmad Ajaz , Yong Jean Wan Hong
Published: September 2024

Managing agro-waste effectively and sustainably is a significant challenge today. In this study, various waste-derived biochar (BC) derived from agricultural origins such as cotton, wheat, corn, grass, household and green wastes, were used as supplements in the various fish meal formulation. Cyprinus carpio fishes were fed with the different diets to investigate their effects on growth, nutrient and mineral digestibility, hematology and body composition. A basal diet of sunflower meal was fed for a period of 60 days. Seven experimental diets were prepared, consisting of a control diet and six test diets, each containing 2% of a distinct biochar sources: household waste (HW), cotton stick (CS), green waste (Gw) wheat straw (WS), corn cob (CC), and grass waste (GW). There were 15 fingerlings in each tank; with three replicas of each test diet and they were fed at 5% with respect to the body weight. The findings demonstrated that supplementing with CCBC substantially (p < 0.05) increased the growth performance, digestibility and carcass of Common carp, C. carpio, while HWBC showed negative results. The highest efficiency in mineral absorption was observed in the test fishes when with the supplementation of 2% corn cob biochar (CCBC) in the diet. Moreover, the fish blood profiles showed significant improvements (p < 0.05) when fed with CCBC. Conclusively, CCBC was found to be the most effective supplementation for improving growth, hematology, carcass, digestibility, and mineral status of C. carpio.
In-office Procedures for Dermatologists Managing Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Authors: Gomez Jason , Fonjungo Fonette , Chen Stella X. , Aleshin Maria A. , Naik Haley B. , Wadhera Akhil , Sayed Christopher J. , Barnes Leandra A.
Published: September 2024

Purpose of Review

This review aims to assess the landscape of in-office procedural management of HS. It evaluates the role of simple office procedures, such as steroid injections and incision and drainage (I&D), to the more complicated office surgical procedures, including deroofing and excisions with secondary intention healing, and innovative light and laser-based therapies.

Recent Findings

Punch debridement (mini-deroofing) remains an underutilized in-office procedure for HS. While the neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd: YAG) laser continues to be preferred for laser hair removal (LHR), recent evidence highlights the effectiveness of Alexandrite lasers. Minimally invasive approaches such as cryoinsufflation and intralesional photodynamic therapy (PDT) may be helpful for patients reluctant to undergo more invasive surgical procedures.

In-office procedures are integral to managing HS in conjunction with medical therapies. These procedures enable a personalized approach to addressing the chronic and challenging nature of HS and improving quality of life.
“Health is Just the Basic Requirement for Optimal Performance and Winning”: Stakeholders’ Perceptions on Testing and Training in Competitive Alpine Skiing, Snowboarding and Freestyle Skiing
Authors: Bonell Monsonís Oriol , Balsiger Peter , Verhagen Evert , Gouttebarge Vincent , Spörri Jörg , Bolling Caroline
Published: September 2024

Background and Objective

Competitive alpine skiing, snowboarding and freestyle skiing, all different in nature and risks, are known for their high injury and illness burden. Testing measures and training methods may be considered for athletes’ preparation to support performance enhancement while safeguarding their health. We explored the perspectives and perceptions of competitive alpine skiing, snowboarding and freestyle skiing stakeholders regarding testing and training practices in their competitive snow sports.

Methods

We conducted an exploratory qualitative study based on grounded theory principles through 13 semi-structured interviews about testing and training practices with athletes, on-snow and off-snow coaches, managers and healthcare providers from different national teams. The interviews were inductively analysed through a constant comparative data analysis.

Results

Participants described winning as the end goal of testing and training practices, which requires athletes to perform in their best condition. To do so, they mentioned two main targets: performance enhancement and health protection. Participants acknowledged health as a premise to perform optimally, considering testing and monitoring approaches, goal setting, and training to support and protect athlete performance. This continuous cyclic process is driven by communication and shared decision making among all stakeholders, using testing and monitoring outputs to inform goal setting, training (e.g. on-snow and off-snow) and injury prevention. Such an approach helps athletes achieve their goal of winning while being fit and healthy throughout their short-term and long-term athletic career development.

Conclusions

The ultimate goal of testing measures and training methods in such competitive snow sports is winning. Performance enhancement and health protection act as pillars in systematic, tailored and flexible processes to guarantee athletes’ best preparation to perform. Moreover, athletes’ assessments, goal setting, monitoring tools, open communication and shared decision making strongly guide this cyclic process.
Setting-Less Differential Protection of Power Transformers Based on Wavelet Transform
Authors: Bakhshipour M. , Namdari F. , Rezaeealam B. , Sedaghat M.
Published: September 2024

This paper presents a novel algorithm for power transformer differential protection based on wavelet transform (WT) and introduces new indices to distinguish internal faults from normal operating conditions and the occurrence of the inrush current. The proposed setting-less algorithm has no limits on the structure, dimension, capacity, and core type of the transformer. For this purpose, six indices based on fault detection functions extracted from WT transform are presented. Then, weighting factors for the indices by using the least squares method are calculated. In order to validate the proposed method, the approach has been evaluated on four transformers with 2 kVA, 10 kVA, 400 kVA, and 125 MVA. The success rate of fault detection in 10 kVA, and 125 MVA transformers was 100% and in 2 kVA and 400 kVA transformers was 93.33% and 94.44%, respectively. Also, the proposed algorithm has a remarkable capability in fast fault detection to protect the power transformer.
Religious coping with contingency as a resource for democracy?
Authors: Roleder Felix
Published: September 2024

This quantitative study empirically examines the mediating factors between Christian religiosity, political trust, and populist attitudes. As a novel approach, we ask whether religious coping with contingency reduces anxiety among religious citizens. Given that anxiety can reduce institutional trust and increase the appeal of populism, religiously reduced anxiety could support democratic attitudes. In addition, generalized social trust and acceptance of immigration are tested as further mediators between Christian religiosity and its political outcomes. Based on a recent representative sample of the German population (6th Membership Survey of the Protestant and Roman Catholic Churches in Germany), regression analyses find limited evidence for the coping thesis. Overall, religious coping, generalized social trust, and acceptance of immigration together explain to a large extent the higher prevalence of political trust and the lower prevalence of populist attitudes among liberal Christians in Germany.
Miocene magmatism in Northern Tunisia and its geodynamic implications
Authors: Abdallah Randa Ben , Abdelmalak Mansour M. , Augland Lars Eivind , Lazaar Sonia , Polteau Stephane , Callegaro Sara , Rossetti Lucas M.
Published: September 2024

The Nefza igneous rocks in Northern Tunisia belong to the Miocene magmatic belt extending from Northern Tunisia to Morocco and consist mainly of Serravallian–Tortonian granodiorite and rhyodacite (~ 14–8 Ma) and Messinian basalts (~ 8–6 Ma). Differences in geochemical composition between units have been interpreted to be the result of geodynamic processes in the upper mantle below the Western Mediterranean area, but their implications for Northern Tunisia are unclear due to limited data. In this contribution, we present an updated geodynamic model for Northern Tunisia based on new petrographic and whole-rock geochemical results from the Nefza magmatic suite from outcrop and OB45 drill core samples. Petrographic observations show that rhyodacites display a microlithic texture with quartz, plagioclase, K-feldspar, biotite, and glass, whilst granodiorite contains plagioclase, quartz and exhibits fine-grained texture with a 2–3 mm crystal size. The Nefza magmatic rocks are overprinted by multiple weathering and alteration processes with loss of ignition (LOI) ranging between 0.88 and more than 5 wt%. The linear relationships between mobile elements (Ca, Na, P, K, Mg, Si), large-ion lithophile elements (LILE), and LOI suggest element mobilisation during alteration. Major and trace element compositions show the Nefza magmatic rocks plot in the rhyolite, dacite, and trachydacite fields for felsic rocks and plot in the basalt and trachybasalt fields for mafic rocks. Granodiorite and rhyodacite rocks exhibit negative Eu anomalies and a LILE enrichment (Rb, Ba, Pb) relative to high-field-strength elements (HFSE: Nb, Ta, Hf, Zr, REE). Mafic rocks enriched in LILE show geochemical characteristics between calc-alkaline and alkaline trends. Comparison with nearby regions suggests that the generation of calc-alkaline magmas resulted from the partial melting of the lithospheric mantle due to slab break-off or tearing in Eastern Algeria. The upward flow of asthenospheric material through the widening tear in the sinking slab leads to partial melting of the mantle and shallowing of the lithosphere–asthenosphere boundary, ultimately leading to the formation of alkaline magma. The Nefza geochemical variations underscore Mediterranean upper mantle heterogeneity, offering crucial insights into Mediterranean geodynamics. More studies are needed to constrain mantle dynamics and the region’s complex geological history.
Bakterien, deine Freunde und Helfer?
Authors: Manzini Roberto , Scharl Michael
Published: September 2024

Das intestinale Mikrobiom ist eine Gemeinschaft an Mikroorganismen, welche den Verdauungstrakt besiedeln und Schlüsselfunktionen in der Verdauung, Immunregulation und Homöostase der Darmschleimhaut übernehmen. Störungen oder Veränderungen des Mikrobioms – eine Dysbiose – sind mit zahlreichen Erkrankungen assoziiert, darunter metabolische, neurologische, maligne oder immunologische Erkrankungen. Unter Probiotika versteht man Präparate, welche Mikroorganismen enthalten und einen positiven Effekt auf das intestinale Mikrobiom ausüben können. Probiotika gelten als Nahrungsergänzungsmittel und werden als supportive Therapie für eine Vielzahl an Erkrankungen eingesetzt. Die Studienlage und Evidenz bleibt jedoch aktuell in vielen Indikationen noch gering, ist jedoch insbesondere bei der Antibiotika-assoziierten Diarrhoe schon durchaus weit fortgeschritten. Somit bleibt das intestinale Mikrobiom weiterhin von grossem Forschungsinteresse. Produkte, darunter Probiotika, welche das Mikrobiom positiv beeinflussen, könnten in Zukunft wichtige präventive und therapeutische Ansätze darstellen.
Operation of a plasma thruster featuring a 1.1 T high temperature superconducting magnet
Authors: Acheson Chris R. , Kinefuchi Kiyoshi , Ichihara Daisuke , Maeshima Daiki , Mori Ryoyu , Nakano Ryota , Takagi Ryohei , Bouloukakis Konstantinos , Glowacki Jakub , Goddard-Winchester Max , Long Nicholas J. , Olatunji Jamal R. , Pavri Betina , Pollock Randy , Shellard Cameron , Strickland Nicholas M. , Wimbush Stuart C.
Published: September 2024

Increasingly ambitious space missions rely upon the advancement of propulsion systems, and innovations in electric propulsion represent a vital step toward potential solutions. Electric propulsion research has indicated improved thruster performance at higher magnetic fields, but real-world implementations have been encumbered by available magnet technology. In this study, a new class of superconducting magnet designed for such space applications is demonstrated. A central cathode electrostatic thruster was paired with a conduction cooled high temperature superconducting magnet operated in non-pulsed mode. Using Xe propellant, thrust of 38–73 mN was measured at a central bore magnetic field of 1.13 T and on-anode field of 1.28 T, and the thruster’s specific impulse was throttled between 1050s and 1450s. The peak thruster efficiency was 18.7%, inclusive of the power consumption of the magnet subsystems. This was performed without the onset of plasma instabilities, and is the first case in the literature of a high temperature superconducting plasma thruster operating at >1 T.
Acute kidney injury, fluid balance, and continuous renal replacement therapy in children and neonates treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Gist Katja M , Bastero Patricia , Ricci Zaccaria , Kaddourah Ahmad , Strong Amy , Chanchlani Rahul , Steflik Heidi J. , Arikan Ayse Akcan , Fuhrman Dana Y , Gelbart Ben , Menon Shina , Beck Tara , Bridges Brian , Lafever Sarah Fernandez , Schmitt Claus Peter , Gorga Stephen M , Salloo Asma , Basu Rajit K , Paden Matthew , Selewski David T
Published: September 2024

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a lifesaving therapy used primarily for reversible cardiopulmonary failure across the lifespan. Mortality from multiple organ failure on ECMO is high, and unfortunately, complications such as acute kidney injury (AKI) and disorders of fluid balance such as fluid overload (FO) necessitating continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) are also common. The largest series of AKI, FO and ECMO related outcomes has been published by the Kidney Interventions During Membrane Oxygenation (KIDMO) multicenter study, which demonstrated patients with AKI and FO have worse outcomes, corroborating with findings from previous single center studies. There are multiple ways to perform CRRT during ECMO, but integration of a CRRT machine in series is the most common approach in neonates and children. The optimal timing of when to initiate CRRT, and how fast to remove fluid during ECMO remain unknown, and there is an urgent need to design studies with these research questions in mind. The disposition and clearance of drugs on ECMO also require urgent study, as drugs metabolism not only is disproportionately affected by the presence of AKI and FO, but also by CRRT prescription and the rate of fluid removal. In this review, we discuss the contemporary epidemiology and outcomes of AKI and FO during ECMO, as well as the use of concurrent CRRT and highlight evidence gaps as a research map.
L-Thyroxin bei Hypothyreose – absetzen oder nicht?
Authors: Kramer Martin Richard , Bleckwenn Markus , Deutsch Tobias , Voigt Karen , Schübel Jeannine
Published: September 2024

Hintergrund

L‑Thyroxin ist eines der am häufigsten verordneten Arzneimittel in Deutschland. Es wird hauptsächlich zur Behandlung der Hypothyreose eingesetzt. Aufgrund von Verordnungsdaten ist davon auszugehen, dass L‑Thyroxin häufiger verordnet wird als es medizinisch indiziert ist.

Ziel der Arbeit

Sind hausärztlich Tätige bereit, Dosisreduktionen oder Absetzversuche von L‑Thyroxin vorzunehmen?

Methodik

Auf der Jahrestagung der Sächsischen Gesellschaft für Allgemeinmedizin erfolgte eine Querschnittserhebung mittels Fragebogen. Dieser beinhaltete 3 konstruierte Fälle, deren L‑Thyroxin-Therapie auf Änderungspotenzial zu bewerten war. Es erfolgte eine deskriptive Analyse der quantitativen Daten sowie eine qualitative Inhaltsanalyse.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt nahmen 33 hausärztlich Tätige an der Befragung teil. Am häufigsten wurde eine Beibehaltung der Dosis oder sogar eine Dosiserhöhung favorisiert. Dies wurde mit guter Therapieeinstellung, mutmaßlich fehlendem Nachteil einer geringen Dosis oder der Vermeidung von Komplikationen begründet. Selten wurde eine Reduktion oder ein Absetzen vorgeschlagen. Für das Absetzen oder Dosisreduktion wurde sich mit Verweis auf die fehlende medizinische Indikation ausgesprochen.

Diskussion

Auch bei fehlender medizinischer Indikation waren die Teilnehmenden zurückhaltend, eine bestehende Therapie zu verändern. Dies deckt sich mit Angaben aus der existierenden Literatur. Die Annahme der Vermeidung von Folgeerkrankungen, begrenzte Zeit für Beratungsgespräche und mangelnde Kommunikation zwischen Verordnenden wurden in anderen Studien als Ursachen identifiziert. Dabei gibt es Hinweise auf den Nutzen von Deprescribing. Es besteht diesbezüglich im deutschen primärärztlichen Bereich noch großer Forschungsbedarf.
The intrinsic scaling relation between pressure fluctuations and Mach number in compressible turbulent boundary layers
Authors: Zhang Peng-Jun-Yi , Wan Zhen-Hua , Sun De-Jun , Lu Xi-Yun
Published: September 2024

The scaling relations mapping the turbulence statistics in compressible turbulent boundary layers (TBLs) onto their incompressible counterparts are of fundamental significance for turbulence modelling, such as the Morkovin scaling for velocity fields, while for pressure fluctuation fields, a corresponding scaling relation is currently absent. In this work, the underlying scaling relations of pressure fluctuations about Mach number (

$M$

) contained in their generation mechanisms are explored by analysing a series of direct numerical simulation data of compressible TBLs over a wide Mach number range

$(0.5\leq M \leq 8.0)$

. Based on the governing equation of pressure fluctuations, they are decomposed into components according to the properties of source terms. It is notable that the intensity of the compressible component, predominantly originating from the acoustic mode, obeys a monotonic distribution about the Mach number and wall distance; further, the intensity of the rest of the pressure components, which are mainly generated by the vorticity mode, demonstrates a uniform distribution consistent with its incompressible counterpart. Moreover, the coupling between the two components is negligibly weak. Based on the scaling relations, semiempirical models for the fluctuation intensity of both pressure and its components are constructed. Hence, a mapping relation is obtained that the profiles of pressure fluctuation intensities in compressible TBLs can be mapped onto their incompressible counterparts by removing the contribution from the acoustic mode, which can be provided by the model. The intrinsic scaling relation can provide some basic insight for pressure fluctuation modelling.
Unified mobility expressions for externally driven and self-phoretic propulsion of particles
Authors: Ganguly Arkava , Roychowdhury Souradeep , Gupta Ankur
Published: September 2024

The mobility of externally driven phoretic propulsion of particles is evaluated by simultaneously solving the solute conservation equation, interaction potential equation and the modified Stokes equation. While accurate, this approach is cumbersome, especially when the interaction potential decays slowly compared with the particle size. In contrast to external phoresis, the motion of self-phoretic particles is typically estimated by relating the translation and rotation velocities with the local slip velocity. While this approach is convenient and thus widely used, it is only valid when the interaction decay length is significantly smaller than the particle size. Here, by taking inspiration from Brady (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 922, 2021, A10), which combines the benefits of two approaches, we reproduce their unified mobility expressions with arbitrary interaction potentials and show that these expressions can conveniently recover the well-known mobility relationships of external electrophoresis and diffusiophoresis for arbitrary double-layer thickness. Additionally, we show that for a spherical microswimmer, the derived expressions relax to the slip velocity calculations in the limit of the thin interaction length scales. We also employ the derived mobility expressions to calculate the velocities of an autophoretic Janus particle. We find that there is significant dampening in the translation velocity even when the interaction length is an order of magnitude larger than the particle size. Finally, we study the motion of a catalytically self-propelled particle, while it also propels due to external concentration gradients, and demonstrate how the two propulsion modes compete with each other.
Particle motion in a bed under a rigid plate, submerged and oscillated over its surface, and bed morphologies induced by flexible plates
Authors: Prati Anna , Larcher Michele , Jenkins James T. , La Ragione Luigi
Published: September 2024

We study the behaviour of a particle bed immersed in water when a flow generated by an oscillating plate is induced above it. We first consider a rigid plate submerged and oscillated over a particle bed. During upward motion of the plate, a portion of the bed fails, allowing particle displacement, and the bed surface to deform into a heap. We have already determined the flow of the fluid above and within the bed. This work describes the particle motion within the failed region of the bed: when the particles are mobile, they follow the fluid. We depth average the balance of mass and obtain an evolution equation for the displacement of the bed surface. We solve this equation and compare the predictions with the measurements of surface displacement in earlier experiments on rigid square plates. We carry out new experiments to measure the surface displacements under elongated plates. Elongated rigid plates behave similarly to the rigid square ones. Flexible plates produce multiple heaps. We determine that the peaks of these heaps are correlated with the flexural modes of the plates and occur at points along the bed at which the fluid pressure has its extreme values. Different plate flexural modes, resulting in different numbers of heaps, are produced by driving the plate at different frequencies. The particle motion within the bed and heap evolution under a flexible plate can be roughly described by regarding it as two or more rigid plates. We test the predictions of the theory against experiments.
Dual formulation of constrained solutions of the multi-state Choquard equation
Authors: Wolansky Gershon
Published: September 2024

The Choquard equation is a partial differential equation that has gained significant interest and attention in recent decades. It is a nonlinear equation that combines elements of both the Laplace and Schrödinger operators, and it arises frequently in the study of numerous physical phenomena, from condensed matter physics to nonlinear optics.

In particular, the steady states of the Choquard equation were thoroughly investigated using a variational functional acting on the wave functions.

In this article, we introduce a dual formulation for the variational functional in terms of the potential induced by the wave function, and use it to explore the existence of steady states of a multi-state version the Choquard equation in critical and sub-critical cases.
DDPG-based path planning for cable-driven manipulators in multi-obstacle environments
Authors: Zhang Dong , Ju Renjie , Cao Zhengcai
Published: September 2024

Hyper-redundant cable-driven manipulators (CDMs) are widely used for operations in confined spaces due to their slender bodies and multiple degrees of freedom. Most research focuses on their path following but not path planning. This work investigates a deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG)-based path-planning algorithm for CDMs in multi-obstacle environments. To plan passable paths under many constraints, a DDPG algorithm is modified according to features of CDMs. To improve adaptability of planned paths, a specialized reward function is newly designed. In this function, such factors as smoothness, arrival time and distance are taken into account. Results of simulations and physical experiments are presented to demonstrate the performances of the proposed methods for planning paths of CDMs.
The Symbol And The Ant
Authors: Editor The
Published: September 2024

Elsewhere in this issue the reader will find several references to the need for the symbol in human and Christian life. The emphasis is nothing new to this review, which has for some years past pointed to the central place of the signs evoked naturally by man so as to bind him at once to the universe of which he is a part and to God of whom he is a dependant. The signs have been made into vehicles of grace by the Incarnation—the unique and central sign—with the result that the Bible, the Liturgy and all the sacraments are unifying, integrating and health-giving (i-e. salutary) in a physical, psychological and spiritual manner all at once. In this way the sciences of archaeology, anthropology, comparative religions and many others can serve to broaden and deepen the life of the spirit so long as the student clings firmly in faith to the fact of the Word made flesh.
Saint Bernard
Authors: Editor The
Published: September 2024

All over the world in this year of grace 1953 the figure of St Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux, has stood out in great prominence. The immediate cause of this sudden limelight was the eighth centenary of his death; but a deeper reason must be sought in the fact that today men are turning to him and his Cistercian movement in a way that can hardly be equalled since the twelfth century in which he lived. He is the saint for today. It is surely more than a coincidence that the men of the U.S.A. are flocking to his standard in numbers as great as those of the saint's own lifetime. The unexpected popularity of the American Cistercian, Fr Thomas Merton, is not explained by the presence of an accomplished journalist within the silencebound walls of Gethsemane Abbey, as though he happened there by accident.
St Aelred And The Assumption
Authors: Dumont Charles
Published: September 2024

A Number of things have been written of late on the opinion held by St Aelred on the Assumption of Mary. Since an unknown sermon of the saint, found recntly and published by Dr C. H. Talbot, contains a decisive allusion to the point, it may be interesting to resume the discussion and set it against its true background. To those who have studied the sources likely to afford some evidence for the belief, the apparent hesitation of the Cistercians seems surprising, having due regard to their outstanding devotion to our Lady. A remarkable study by Fr E. Wellens of the Abbey of Westmalle (Belgium), throws some light on the real situation.1

To begin with, a charming legend told by Caesar of Heisterbach will explain the circumstances. In a monastery of our Order in Lombardy, there was a noble and well- educated monk named Bertram, who could no longer endure hearing doubts about the bodily assumption of Mary.
The Seat of Gold
Authors: Simpson Gabrielle
Published: September 2024

Contemplative life produces an all-embracing love of God and our neighbour. We see this in a study of the Carmelite Rule and in a reading of the great Carmelite mystics. ‘To love’, says Saint John of the Cross, is to labour to divest ourselves and to detach ourselves from all that is not God. (Ascent, 2). We are to be detached from ourselves, from self-love, thus only shall we come to love God, and to love our neighbour for his sake. A Carmelite writer tells us. ‘Saint John is the Doctor of the Cross because he is the Doctor of Love. It is a cross radiating love, a tremendous love of God, and of man and of all the beauty that God has created. The same writer continues: Throughout his works John of the Cross has sung of the depths of beauty, the demands, the sufferings, the triumphs of love'.
Optimal design via polynomial Euler function for UAV applications
Authors: Chen Z. Y. , Meng Yahui , Wang Ruei-Yuan , Chen Timothy
Published: September 2024

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have recently been widely applied in a comprehensive realm. By enhancing computer photography and artificial intelligence, UAVs can automatically discriminate against environmental objectives and detect events that occur in the real scene. The application of collaborative UAVs will offer diverse interpretations which support a multiperspective view of the scene. Due to the diverse interpretations of UAVs usually deviating, UAVs require a consensus interpretation for the scenario. This study presents an original consensus-based method to pilot multi-UAV systems for achieving consensus on their observation as well as constructing a group situation-based depiction of the scenario. Taylor series are used to describe the fuzzy nonlinear plant and derive the stability analysis using polynomial functions, which have the representations

$V(x )={m_{\textrm{1} \le l \le N}}({{V_\textrm{l}}(x )} )$

and

${V_l}(x )={x^T}{P_l}(x )x$

. Due to the fact that the

${\dot{P}_l}(x )$

in

${\dot{V}_l}(x )={\dot{x}^T}{P_l}(x )x + {x^T}{\dot{P}_l}(x )x + {x^T}{P_l}(x )\dot{x}$

will yield intricate terms to ensure a stability criterion, we aim to avoid these kinds of issues by proposing a polynomial homogeneous framework and using Euler's functions for homogeneous systems. First, this method permits each UAV to establish high-level conditions from the probed events via a fuzzy-based aggregation event. The evaluated consensus indicates how suitable is the scenario collective interpretation for every UAV perspective.