bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Honokiol inhibits Botryosphaeria dothidea, the causal pathogen of kiwifruit soft rot, by targeting membrane lipid biosynthesis
Authors: Zhang Zhuzhu , Chen Tingting , Yin Xianhui , Wang Weizhen , Li Wenzhi , Chen Xuetang , Ma Jiling , Long Youhua
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Kiwifruit soft rot is mainly caused by Botryosphaeria dothidea, representing a considerable threat to kiwifruit industry. This investigation assessed the inhibitory consequences and mechanisms of honokiol against B. dothidea, evaluating the inhibitory effects and underlying mechanism.

RESULTS

A strain of B.dothidea (XFCT‐2) was isolated from infected soft rot kiwifruit. The findings indicate that honokiol hindered the mycelial growth, conidial germination, and pathogenicity of B. dothidea in a dose‐dependent manner, both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, ultrastructural examinations showed that honokiol impaired the integrity of B. dothidea, leading to an elevation in cell membrane permeability, engendering a multitude of intracellular substance extravasations and hampering energy metabolism. Transcriptome analysis exhibited that honokiol‐regulated genes were related to membrane lipid biosynthesis, comprising ACC1, FAS2, Arp2, gk, Cesle, and Etnk1. These findings indicate that honokiol impedes B. dothidea by obstructing lipid biosynthesis within the cell membrane and compromising its integrity, halting the growth of the mycelia, which could potentially cause cellular demise.

CONCLUSION

This investigation illustrates how honokiol functions as an eco‐friendly approach to prevent the occurrence of soft rot in kiwifruits. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Adaptive neural network fixed‐time control for an uncertain robot with input nonlinearity
Authors: Kong Linghuan , Ouyang Yuncheng , Liu Zhijie
Published: November 2023

The article introduces an innovative adaptive fixed‐time control strategy designed for a robot system grappling with challenges like actuator saturation and model uncertainty. Two strategies are explored: model‐based control and neural networks control. In instances of model uncertainty, neural networks are leveraged to contend with the unknown dynamics of the robot system. These networks undergo training to approximate the elusive model parameters. Through this neural network approach, we establish adaptive laws grounded in fixed‐time convergence, ensuring that system tracking errors converge to a confined range near zero within a predetermined time frame. To tackle the issue of actuator saturation, an enhanced auxiliary system is introduced. This auxiliary system is tailored to counterbalance the adverse impacts of actuator saturation, thereby augmenting the tracking performance of the robot system. The proposed control policy is rigorously analyzed using Lyapunov theory, demonstrating that the system's tracking errors converge within a fixed time frame. To validate the efficacy of the proposed methodology, both numerical simulations and practical experiments are conducted, affirming the effectiveness of the approach.
Efficient Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Generation Based on Core Size Effect of Heterostructured Quantum Dots
Authors: Wang Kanghong , Tao Yi , Tang Zikun , Xu Xiaolan , Benetti Daniele , Vidal François , Zhao Haiguang , Rosei Federico , Sun Xuhui
Published: November 2023

Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) are shown to be effective as light‐harvesting sensitizers of metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) photoelectrodes for photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen (H2) generation. The CdSe/CdS core/shell architecture is widely studied due to their tunable absorption range and band alignment via engineering the size of each composition, leading to efficient carrier separation/transfer with proper core/shell band types. However, until now the effect of core size on the PEC performance along with tailoring the core/shell band alignment is not well understood. Here, by regulating four types of CdSe/CdS core/shell QDs with different core sizes (diameter of 2.8, 3.1, 3.5, and 4.8 nm) while the thickness of CdS shell remains the same (thickness of 2.0 ± 0.1 nm), the Type II, Quasi‐Type II, and Type I core/shell architecture are successfully formed. Among these, the optimized CdSe/CdS/TiO2 photoelectrode with core size of 3.5 nm can achieve the saturated photocurrent density (Jph) of 17.4 mA cm−2 under standard one sun irradiation. When such cores are further optimized by capping alloyed shells, the Jph can reach values of 22 mA cm2 which is among the best‐performed electrodes based on colloidal QDs.
Organic–Inorganic Rare‐Earth Double Perovskite Ferroelectric with Large Piezoelectric Response and Ferroelasticity for Flexible Composite Energy Harvesters
Authors: Jia Qiang‐Qiang , Lu Hai‐Feng , Luo Jia‐Qi , Zhang Ying‐Yu , Ni Hao‐Fei , Zhang Feng‐Wen , Wang Jianguo , Fu Da‐Wei , Wang Chang‐Feng , Zhang Yi
Published: November 2023

Hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite (HOIP) ferroelectric materials have great potential for developing self‐powered electronic transducers owing to their impressive piezoelectric performance, structural tunability and low processing temperatures. Nevertheless, their inherent brittle and low elastic moduli limit their application in electromechanical conversion. Integration of HOIP ferroelectrics and soft polymers is a promising solution. In this work, a hybrid organic–inorganic rare‐earth double perovskite ferroelectric, [RM3HQ]2RbPr(NO3)6 (RM3HQ = (R)‐N‐methyl‐3‐hydroxylquinuclidinium) is presented, which possesses multiaxial nature, ferroelasticity and satisfactory piezoelectric properties, including piezoelectric charge coefficient (d33) of 102.3 pC N−1 and piezoelectric voltage coefficient (g33) of 680 × 10−3 V m N−1. The piezoelectric generators (PEG) based on composite films of [RM3HQ]2RbPr(NO3)6@polyurethane (PU) can generate an open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 30 V and short‐circuit current (Isc) of 18 µA, representing one of the state‐of‐the‐art PEGs to date. This work has promoted the exploration of new HOIP ferroelectrics and their development of applications in electromechanical conversion devices.
Cs‐treatments in Kesterite Thin‐Film Solar Cells for Efficient Perovskite Tandems
Authors: Hwang Sun Kyung , Park So Jeong , Park Jae Hyun , Yoon Joo Ho , Yu Cho Jae , Cho Deok Ki , Heo Jaeyeong , Kim Gee Yeong , Kim Jin Young
Published: November 2023

Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) thin film solar cells are an attractive choice for a bottom cell of the low‐cost and environmental tandem solar cells with perovskite. However, the progress in developing efficient perovskite/CZTSSe tandem solar cells has been hindered by the lack of high performance of the CZTSSe bottom cell. Here, an efficient CZTSSe bottom cell is demonstrated by adopting a facile and effective CsF treatment process. It is found that the CsF treatment not only facilitates grain growth and improves phase homogeneity by suppressing the detrimental deep‐level defects and secondary phases, but also induces larger band bending and stronger drift force at the P‐N junction. As a result, the carrier extraction/transport can be effectively accelerated, while reducing the interfacial recombination. These combined effects eventually result in a significant performance enhancement from 8.38% to 10.20%. The CsF‐treated CZTSSe solar cell is finally applied to the mechanically‐stacked perovskite/CZTSSe 4‐terminal tandem cell by coupling a semi‐transparent perovskite top cell, which exhibits the highest reported tandem efficiency of 23.01%.
Nickel Single Atom Density‐Dependent CO2 Efficient Electroreduction
Authors: Zhang Fengwei , Zhang Han , Jia Zhenhe , Chen Shuai , Li Siming , Li Jijie , Zan Wen‐Yan , Wang Qiang , Li Yawei
Published: November 2023

The transition metal–nitrogen–carbon (M─N─C) with MNx sites has shown great potential in CO2 electroreduction (CO2RR) for producing high value‐added C1 products. However, a comprehensive and profound understanding of the intrinsic relationship between the density of metal single atoms and the CO2RR performance is still lacking. Herein, a series of Ni single‐atom catalysts is deliberately designed and prepared, anchored on layered N‐doped graphene‐like carbon (x Ni1@NG‐900, where x represents the Ni loading, 900 refers to the temperature). By modulating the precursor, the density of Ni single atoms (DNi) can be finely tuned from 0.01 to 1.19 atoms nm−2. The CO2RR results demonstrate that the CO faradaic efficiency (FECO) predominantly increases from 13.4% to 96.2% as the DNi increased from 0 to 0.068 atoms nm−2. Then the FECO showed a slow increase from 96.2% to 98.2% at −0.82 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) when DNi increased from 0.068 to 1.19 atoms nm−2. The theoretical calculations are in good agreement with experimental results, indicating a trade‐off relationship between DNi and CO2RR performance. These findings reveal the crucial role of the density of Ni single atoms in determining the CO2RR performance of M─N─C catalysts.
Recent Progress in Mass Spectrometry‐Based Single‐Cell Metabolic Analysis
Authors: Sun Xuming , Yu Yi , Qian Kun , Wang Jiayi , Huang Lin
Published: November 2023

Single‐cell analysis enables the measurement of biomolecules at the level of individual cells, facilitating in‐depth investigations into cellular heterogeneity and precise interpretation of the related biological mechanisms. Among these biomolecules, cellular metabolites exhibit remarkable sensitivity to environmental and biochemical changes, unveiling a hidden world underlying cellular heterogeneity and allowing for the determination of cell physiological states. However, the metabolic analysis of single cells is challenging due to the extremely low concentrations, substantial content variations, and rapid turnover rates of cellular metabolites. Mass spectrometry (MS), characterized by its high sensitivity, wide dynamic range, and excellent selectivity, is employed in single‐cell metabolic analysis. This review focuses on recent advances and applications of MS‐based single‐cell metabolic analysis, encompassing three key steps of single‐cell isolation, detection, and application. It is anticipated that MS will bring profound implications in biomedical practices, serving as advanced tools to depict the single‐cell metabolic landscape.
Investigation of Cogging Torque in Permanent Magnet Homopolar Inductor Machines Based on Air‐Gap Field Modulation Principle
Authors: Wang Yufei , Zhang Guomin
Published: November 2023

Cogging torque can affect the performance of permanent magnet (PM) homopolar inductor machines (HIMs). In order to find the reduction methods of the PM HIM cogging torque, it is necessary to investigate its production mechanism and analytical model. In this paper, the production mechanism of the PM HIM cogging torque is revealed from the perspective of air‐gap field modulation principle. It is found that the air‐gap permeance of PM HIMs can modulate their air‐gap magneto‐motive force (MMF) and then a large number of modulated air‐gap magnetic fields are generated. These magnetic fields with identical production condition but different rotation speeds or rotation directions can interact with each other, hence the production of the PM HIM cogging torque. By the combination of energy method and air‐gap field modulation principle, the cogging torque analytical model of PM HIMs is derived. Based on the obtained analytical model, the methods for reducing the PM HIM cogging torque are further analyzed. Finally, a 48‐slot/4‐pole (48S4P) PM HIM is designed and exampled. The air‐gap flux density of the 48S4P PM HIM is simulated by three‐dimensional (3‐D) finite element analysis (FEA). Based on the harmonic analysis for the simulated results, the correctness of the proposed cogging torque production mechanism is validated. In addition, a prototype of the 48S4P PM HIM is manufactured. The cogging torque in the prototype is obtained by the analytical model, 3‐D FEA and experiments, respectively. The simulation and measurement results verify the correctness of the cogging torque analytical model. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Predicting de‐novo portal vein thrombosis after HCV eradication: A long‐term competing risk analysis in the ongoing PITER cohort
Authors: Kondili Loreta A. , Zanetto Alberto , Quaranta Maria Giovanna , Ferrigno Luigina , Panetta Valentina , Calvaruso Vincenza , Zignego Anna Linda , Brunetto Maurizia R. , Raimondo Giovanni , Biliotti Elisa , Ieluzzi Donatella , Iannone Andrea , Madonia Salvatore , Chemello Liliana , Cavalletto Luisa , Coppola Carmine , Morisco Filomena , Barbaro Francesco , Licata Anna , Federico Alessandro , Cerini Federica , Persico Marcello , Pompili Maurizio , Ciancio Alessia , Piscaglia Fabio , Chessa Luchino , Giacometti Andrea , Invernizzi Pietro , Brancaccio Giuseppina , Benedetti Antonio , Baiocchi Leonardo , Gentile Ivan , Coppola Nicola , Nardone Gerardo , Craxì Antonio , Russo Francesco Paolo ,   PITER Collaborating Investigators
Published: November 2023

Background & Aims

Sustained virological response (SVR) by direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) may reverse the hypercoagulable state of HCV cirrhosis and the portal vein thrombosis (PVT) risk. We evaluated the incidence and predictive factors of de novo, non‐tumoral PVT in patients with cirrhosis after HCV eradication.

Methods

Patients with HCV‐related cirrhosis, consecutively enrolled in the multi‐center ongoing PITER cohort, who achieved the SVR using DAAs, were prospectively evaluated. Kaplan‐Meier and competing risk regression analyses were performed.

Results

During a median time of 38.3 months (IQR: 25.1–48.7 months) after the end of treatment (EOT), among 1609 SVR patients, 32 (2.0%) developed de novo PVT. A platelet count ≤120,000/μL, albumin levels ≤3.5 mg/dL, bilirubin >1.1 mg/dL, a previous liver decompensation, ALBI, Baveno, FIB‐4, and RESIST scores were significantly different (p < 0.001), among patients who developed PVT versus those who did not. Considering death and liver transplantation as competing risk events, esophageal varices (subHR: 10.40; CI 95% 4.33–24.99) and pre‐treatment ALBI grade ≥2 (subHR: 4.32; CI 95% 1.36–13.74) were independent predictors of PVT. After HCV eradication, a significant variation in PLT count, albumin, and bilirubin (p < 0.001) versus pre‐treatment values was observed in patients who did not develop PVT, whereas no significant differences were observed in those who developed PVT (p > 0.05). After the EOT, esophageal varices and ALBI grade ≥2, remained associated with de novo PVT (subHR: 9.32; CI 95% 3.16–27.53 and subHR: 5.50; CI 95% 1.67–18.13, respectively).

Conclusions

In patients with HCV‐related cirrhosis, a more advanced liver disease and significant portal hypertension are independently associated with the de novo PVT risk after SVR.
Canine cutaneous epitheliotropic T‐cell lymphoma: Mucosal lesions found in a Pembroke Welsh corgi
Authors: Hayes Leah , Fales‐Williams Amanda , Mulherin Brenda L.
Published: November 2023

A 12‐year‐old Pembroke Welsh corgi presented with lesions analogous to those seen in canine chronic ulcerative stomatitis. Advanced diagnostic methods revealed the mucosal lesions to be representative of canine cutaneous epitheliotropic T‐cell lymphoma—a disease process usually seen in the cutaneous form, not solely isolated to mucosal lesions. Minimal aberrant clinical signs were shown by the patient apart from lip‐smacking and a decreased appetite. Histological evaluation of the mucosal tissue demonstrated by the overwhelming presence of CD3+ lymphocytes helped confirm the diagnosis in this case. A poor prognosis is generally associated with cutaneous epitheliotropic T‐cell lymphoma with a median survival time of approximately 1 year. Although limited treatment options are traditionally available, complete remission was achieved within several weeks using a protocol of lomustine and corticosteroids.
Alternative treatment of olive mill wastewater by combined sulfate radical‐based advanced electrocoagulation processes
Authors: Yazici Guvenc Senem , Tunc Sinan
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study is to investigate the performance of advanced electrocoagulation (EC) process for the treatment of olive mill wastewater. In EC process, iron plates were used as electrodes, and peroxydisulfate (PS) and peroxymonosulfate (PMS) were added as oxidants. The effects of the initial pH value, current density, oxidant dose, and electrolysis time were optimized for pollutant removal from olive mill wastewater by EC‐PS and EC‐PMS processes. Control experiments showed that addition of oxidants to the conventional EC process increased the pollutant removal efficiency. Classical optimization method was used to determine optimum conditions, which were initial pH 4, current density 40 mA/cm2, oxidant dose 5 g/L, and electrolysis time 30 min for both processes. Under these conditions, EC‐PS and EC‐PMS processes achieved 50.5% and 48.9% chemical oxygen demand (COD), 93.8% and 89.3% total phenol, 87.7% and 83% UV254, and 74.5% and 64.1% total suspended solid removal efficiencies. Quenching experiments were performed to determine the dominant radical species participating in the processes. It was observed that hydroxyl and sulfate radicals were involved in both processes but hydroxyl radicals were more active. Specific energy consumption was calculated as 5.90 kWh/kg COD for EC process, 4.95 kWh/kg COD for EC‐PS process, and 5.20 kWh/kg COD for EC‐PMS process. The organic removal/sludge ratio of EC‐PS process was found to be higher with 17.5 g/L value. Although the application of EC‐PS and EC‐PMS processes alone is insufficient to meet the discharge limits, they have been found to be effective in olive mill wastewater treatment.

Practitioner Points

Peroxydisulfate (PS) and peroxymonosulfate (PMS)‐based advanced electrocoagulation (EC) was used in olive mill wastewater treatment.

50.5% chemical oxygen demand (COD), 93.8% TP, 87.7% UV254, and 74.5% TSS removals were achieved by EC‐PS.

48.9% COD, 89.3% TP, 83% UV254, and 64.1% TSS removals were obtained by EC‐PMS.

Hydroxyl and sulfate radicals were involved in both processes.
Culture and Happiness: An Interdependent Approach
Authors: Uchida Yukiko , Rappleye Jeremy
Published: November 2023

Previous chapters have progressively prepared the way for the core contribution of the current volume: the explication of an interdependent mode of happiness and well-being. In the current chapter, we examine interdependent happiness in detail, exploring its relation to culture, looking at what it means, what causes it, and the way it shapes motivation. In the course of this discussion, we necessarily discuss the definition of culture and the relationship between, say, culture and environment and biology. We contrast this interdependent mode with the independent mode that, in many ways, has become the default mode for global measurements of happiness. To further bring the interdependent mode into relief, we summarize several key studies and other empirical data built up by cultural psychologists. The current chapter sets the stage, in turn, for the next chapter in which we explore how this alternative mode of happiness leads to clear differences in actual cultural practices (e.g., education), social organization, and approaches to measurement.
The Rise of Mono-disciplinarity: Learning, Economics and the Production of Non-knowledge
Authors: Grek Sotiria
Published: November 2023

Michael Gibbons, Helga Nowotny and their colleagues saw the transition from Mode 1 to Mode 2 as a process of transcending disciplinary boundaries and structures. They suggested that Mode 1 knowledge production was happening predominantly in academic silos—university departments, schools or research councils. On the contrary, Mode 2 was seen as a mode of knowledge production that would bring different disciplines together in the search of answers to complex social problems; this was the advent of multidisciplinary, or even interdisciplinary, knowledge-making. Policy problems were seen as inherently interdisciplinary—hence the production of knowledge to understand and manage them had to span disciplinary boundaries in order to be useful. This chapter analyses the ways that the production of data for education over the last three decades, despite the complexity and interdependency of policy problems in education, has not been inter- but mono-disciplinary: it has primarily been dependent on the discipline of economics and the ensuing economisation of education policy as the preferred mode of producing knowledge for governing.
Optimally-Fair Exchange of Secrets via Delay Encryption and Commutative Blinding
Authors: Maffei Ivo , Roscoe Andrew W.
Published: November 2023

We propose a new fair exchange protocol that takes advantage of delay encryption and commutative encryption to achieve optimal partial fairness among all protocols involving one-way messages. Our protocol consists of 3 setup messages and $$2N+1$$

2
N
+
1

exchange messages and it is fair against covert adversaries with probability $$1- \frac{1}{2N}$$

1
-

1

2
N

. We prove that this is optimal up to shortening the setup phase which is notably more efficient than existing protocols.
ℤN duality and parafermions revisited
Authors: Duan Zhihao , Jia Qiang , Lee Sungjay
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Given a two-dimensional bosonic theory with a non-anomalous ℤ2 symmetry, the orbifolding and fermionization can be understood holographically using three-dimensional BF theory with level 2. From a Hamiltonian perspective, the information of dualities is encoded in a topological boundary state which is defined as an eigenstate of certain Wilson loop operators (anyons) in the bulk. We generalize this story to two-dimensional theories with non-anomalous ℤN symmetry, focusing on parafermionization. We find the generic operators defining different topological boundary states including orbifolding and parafermionization with ℤN or subgroups of ℤN, and discuss their algebraic properties as well as the ℤN duality web.
Neutrinos, dark matter and Higgs vacua in parity solutions of the strong CP problem
Authors: Redi Michele , Tesi Andrea
Published: November 2023

Abstract

The strong CP problem can be solved if the laws of nature are invariant under a space-time parity exchanging the Standard Model with its mirror copy. We review and extend different realizations of this idea with the aim of discussing Dark Matter, neutrino physics, leptogenesis and collider physics within the same context. In the minimal realization of ref. [1] the mirror world contains a massless dark photon, which leads to a rather interesting cosmology. Mirror electrons reproduce the dark matter abundance for masses between 500–1000 GeV with traces of strongly interacting dark matter. This scenario also predicts deviations from cold dark matter, sizable ∆Neff and colored states in the TeV range that will be tested in a variety of upcoming experiments. We also explore scenarios where the mirror photon is massive and the mirror particles are charged under ordinary electromagnetism with very different phenomenology. We also show that, for the measured values of the SM parameters, the Higgs effective potential can give rise to a second minimum at large field value as required to break spontaneously the parity symmetry.
Scattering amplitudes of fermions on monopoles
Authors: Khoze Valentin V.
Published: November 2023

Abstract

We consider scattering processes involving massless fermions and ’t Hooft-Polyakov magnetic monopoles in a minimal SU(2) model and in the Grand Unified SU(5) theory. We construct expressions for on-shell amplitudes for these processes in the J = 0 partial wave using the spinor helicity basis consisting of single-particle and pairwise helicities. These processes are unsuppressed and are relevant for the monopole catalysis of proton decay. The amplitudes for the minimal processes involving a single fermion scattering on a monopole in the initial state and half-fermion solitons in the final state are presented for the first time and are used to obtain the amplitudes for processes involving more fermions in the initial state and integer fermion numbers in the final state. A number of such anomalous and non-anomalous processes, along with their amplitude expressions, are written down for the SU(5) GUT model.
Hidden U(N) symmetry behind $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 1 superamplitudes
Authors: Delgado Antonio , Martin Adam , Wang Runqing
Published: November 2023

Abstract

In this paper we develop a Young diagram approach to constructing higher dimensional operators formed from massless superfields and their superderivatives in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 supersymmetry. These operators are in one-to-one correspondence with non-factorizable terms in on-shell superamplitudes, which can be studied with massless spinor helicity techniques. By relating all spin-helicity variables to certain representations under a hidden U(N) symmetry behind the theory, we show each non-factorizable superamplitude can be identified with a specific Young tableau. The desired tableau is picked out of a more general set of U(N) tensor products by enforcing the supersymmetric Ward identities. We then relate these Young tableaux to higher dimensional superfield operators and list the rules to read operators directly from Young tableau. Using this method, we present several illustrative examples.
Soft-gluon effective coupling: perturbative results and the large-nF limit to all orders
Authors: Catani Stefano , de Florian Daniel , Devoto Simone , Grazzini Massimiliano , Mazzitelli Javier
Published: November 2023

Abstract

We consider extensions of the soft-gluon effective coupling that generalize the Catani-Marchesini-Webber (CMW) coupling in the context of soft-gluon resummation beyond the next-to-leading logarithmic accuracy. Starting from the probability density of correlated soft emission in d dimensions we introduce a class of soft couplings relevant for resummed QCD calculations of hard-scattering observables. We show that at the conformal point, where the d-dimensional QCD β function vanishes, all these effective couplings are equal and they are also equal to the cusp anomalous dimension. We present explicit results in d dimensions for the soft-emission probability density and the soft couplings at the second-order in the QCD coupling αS. In d = 4 dimensions we obtain the explicit relation between the soft couplings at $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
($$ {\alpha}_{\textrm{S}}^3 $$

α
S
3

). Finally, we study the structure of the soft coupling in the large-nF limit and we present explicit expressions to all orders in perturbation theory. We also check that, at the conformal point, our large-nF results agree with the known result of the cusp anomalous dimension.
Dyslipidaemia as a target for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease prevention in children with type 1 diabetes: lessons learned from familial hypercholesterolaemia
Authors: Corpeleijn Willemijn E. , de Waal Wouter J. , Schipper Henk S. , Wiegman Albert
Published: November 2023

In the last few decades, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk has decreased dramatically among individuals affected by familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) as a result of the early initiation of statin treatment in childhood. Contemporaneously important improvements in care for people with diabetes have also been made, such as the prevention of mortality from acute diabetic complications. However, individuals with type 1 diabetes still have a two to eight times higher risk of death than the general population. In the last 20 years, a few landmark studies on excess mortality in people with type 1 diabetes, in particular young adults, have been published. Although these studies were carried out in different populations, all reached the same conclusion: individuals with type 1 diabetes have a pronounced increased risk of ASCVD. In this review, we address the role of lipid abnormalities in the development of ASCVD in type 1 diabetes and FH. Although type 1 diabetes and FH are different diseases, lessons could be learned from the early initiation of statins in children with FH, which may provide a rationale for more stringent control of dyslipidaemia in children with type 1 diabetes.

Graphical Abstract
(Un)Reliable detection of menstrual blood in forensic casework — evaluation of the Seratec® PMB test with mock samples
Authors: Konrad Helen , Hartung Benno , Poetsch Micaela
Published: November 2023

The identification of the type of body fluid in crime scene evidence may be crucial, so that the efforts are high to reduce the complexity of these analyses and to minimize time and costs. Reliable immunochromatographic rapid tests for specific and sensitive identification of blood, saliva, urine and sperm secretions are already routinely used in forensic genetics. The recently introduced Seratec® PMB test is said to detect not only hemoglobin, but also differentiate menstrual blood from other secretions containing blood (cells) by detecting D-dimers. In our experimental set-up, menstrual blood could be reliably detected in mock forensic samples. Here, the result was independent of sample age and extraction buffer volume. It was also successfully demonstrated that all secretions without blood cells were negative for both, hemoglobin (P) and D-dimer (M). However, several blood cell–containing secretions/tissues comprising blood (injury), nasal blood, postmortem blood and wound crust also demonstrated positive results for D-dimer (M) and were therefore false positives. For blood (injury) and nasal blood, this result was reproduced for different extraction buffer volumes. The results of this study clearly demonstrate that the Seratec® PMB test is neither useful nor suitable for use in forensic genetics because of the great risk of false positive results which can lead to false conclusions, especially in sexual offense or violent acts.
Novel ultrasound neuromodulation therapy with transcranial pulse stimulation (TPS) in Parkinson’s disease: a first retrospective analysis
Authors: Osou Sarah , Radjenovic Sonja , Bender Lena , Gaal Martin , Zettl Anna , Dörl Gregor , Matt Eva , Beisteiner Roland
Published: November 2023

Background

Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS) has been recently introduced as a novel ultrasound neuromodulation therapy with the potential to stimulate the human brain in a focal and targeted manner. Here, we present a first retrospective analysis of TPS as an add-on therapy for Parkinson’s disease (PD), focusing on feasibility, safety, and clinical effects. We also discuss the placebo response in non-invasive brain stimulation studies as an important context.

Methods

This retrospective clinical data analysis included 20 PD patients who received ten sessions of TPS intervention focused on the individual motor network. Safety evaluations were conducted throughout the intervention period. We analyzed changes in motor symptoms before and after TPS treatment using Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale part III (UPDRS-III).

Results

We found significant improvement in UPDRS-III scores after treatment compared to baseline (pre-TPS: 16.70 ± 8.85, post-TPS: 12.95 ± 8.55; p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 1.38). Adverse events monitoring revealed no major side effects.

Conclusion

These preliminary findings suggest that TPS can further improve motor symptoms in PD patients already on optimized standard therapy. Findings have to be evaluated in context with the current literature on placebo effects.
The incidence of retinopathy of prematurity in neonates in Germany in 2019; a nationwide epidemiological cohort study
Authors: Alfaar Ahmad Samir , Parlak Melih , Hassanain Omneya , Abdelmaksoud Eman , Wolf Armin
Published: November 2023

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of childhood blindness in preterm infants. The incidence of ROP varies widely across countries, with rates as high as 30% in some regions. This study investigated the incidence, risk factors, treatment, and mortality of ROP patients in Germany. Data were extracted from the German Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) diagnosis-related group (DRG) and Institute for the Remuneration System in Hospitals (InEK) databases. Patients with a secondary diagnosis of ROP (ICD-10 code H35.1) in the first 28 days of life were included. Data were extracted for patients admitted between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019. The diagnoses and procedures were determined using the German version of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10-GM) and the German procedure coding system (OPS). The codes 5–154.xx, 5–155.xx, 8–020.xx, 5–156.9, 6–003.(c&d), 6–007.(2&8) were utilised to denote different ocular treatments. Patient Clinical Complexity Levels were extracted and used to compare ROP with non-ROP patients. A total of 1326 patients with ROP were identified. The incidence of ROP is estimated to be 17.04 per 10,000 live births. The incidence was highest in infants with birth weights less than 500 g and decreased with increasing birth weight. The most common risk factors for ROP were low birth weight, male sex, and prematurity. Of the infants with ROP, 7.2% required ocular treatment. The most common treatment was intraocular injections, followed by photocoagulation. No surgical treatment was required for any of the infants during the study period. The mortality rate for infants with ROP was 60.33 per 10,000. This is higher than the overall neonatal death rate of 24.2 per 10,000.

Conclusions: This study found that the incidence of ROP in Germany is similar to that in other developed countries. The study also found that the mortality rate for infants with ROP is higher than the overall neonatal death rate. These findings highlight the importance of early detection and treatment of ROP in preterm infants.

What is Known:• ROP is a severe eye condition often affecting preterm infants.• Previous data are limited in scope and generalizability.

What is New:• Based on a national database, our study found ROP incidence to be 17.04 per 10,000 new births, higher in males (17.71) than in females (16.34).• 7.2% of ROP cases required ocular treatment, inversely correlated with birth weight.• High rates of multimorbidity such as neonatal jaundice (84.69%), respiratory distress syndrome (80.84%), and apnea (78.88%) were observed.
A network intrusion detection framework on sparse deep denoising auto-encoder for dimensionality reduction
Authors: Manjunatha B. A. , Shastry K. Aditya , Naresh E. , Pareek Piyush Kumar , Reddy Kadiri Thirupal
Published: November 2023

In today's internet-driven world, a multitude of attacks occurs daily, propelled by a vast user base. The effective detection of these numerous attacks is a growing area of research, primarily accomplished through intrusion detection systems (IDS). IDS are vital for monitoring network traffic to identify malicious activities, such as Denial of Service, Probe, Remote-to-Local, and User-to-Root attacks. Our research focused on evaluating different auto-encoders for enhancing network intrusion detection. The proposed method sparse deep denoising auto-encoder approach produces the dimensionality reduction used to predict and classify attacks in datasets. With the most records among the datasets by training the auto-encoder on normal network data, this utilized reconstruction error as an indicator of anomalies. We tested our approach using standard datasets like KDDCup99, NSL-KDD, UNSW-NB15, and NMITIDS. Remarkably, our sparse deep denoising auto-encoder achieved an accuracy of over 96% based solely on reconstruction error. The primary aim of this work is to improve intrusion detection by achieving higher detection accuracy compared to existing methods.
Improved Tasmanian devil optimization algorithm for parameter identification of electric transformers
Authors: Rizk-Allah Rizk M. , El-Sehiemy Ragab A. , Abdelwanis Mohamed I.
Published: November 2023

Tasmanian devil optimization (TDO) algorithm represents one of the most recent optimization algorithms that were introduced based on the nature behavior of Tasmanian devil behavior. However, as a recent optimizer, its performance may provide inadequate balance among the exploitation and exploration abilities, especially when dealing with the multimodal and high-dimensional natures of optimization tasks. To overcome this shortage, a novel variant of the TDO, called improved Tasmanian devil optimization (ITDO), is introduced in this paper. In ITDO, two competitive strategies are embedded into TDO to enrich the scope of the searching capability with the aim of improving the diversification and identification of the algorithm. The effectiveness of the ITDO algorithm is examined by validating its performance on CEC 2020 benchmark functions with different landscape natures. The recorded results proved that the ITDO is very competitive with other counterparts. After ITDO exhibited a sufficient performance, then, it was applied to estimate the parameters of the 1 kVA, 230/230 V, single-phase transformer. Some assessment metrics along with convergence analysis are conducted to affirm the performance of the proposed algorithm. The recorded results confirm the competitive performance of the proposed method in comparison with the other optimization methods for the benchmark functions and can identify the accurate parameters for the single-phase transformer as the estimated parameters by ITDO are highly coincident with the experimental parameters.
The potential of polycyclic aromatic compounds as indicators for soil contamination by open-pit mining and utilization of lignite: a case study at Ptolemaida basin, Greece
Authors: Schwarzbauer Jan , Vossen Johannes
Published: November 2023

The majority of Greek lignite fields and coal-fired power plants is accumulated in the centre of Western Macedonia in the Ptolemais-Amynteo region of Northern Greece (Ptolemaida basin). The corresponding environmental impact dominantly caused by the mining process itself but also due to the burning process of lignites needs to be considered. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the potential of PAHs to trace the environmental impact of power plant and coal mining emissions on soil pollution in the Ptolemaida basin. Noteworthy, the study area exhibits some special features (e.g. geomorphological and meteorological conditions, well-defined emission sources) that allow to prove the suitability of PAHs as indicators for specific petrogenic contaminations. The different sets of PAH emission sources followed in this study (fly ashes, lignite dust, charred woody material) reflected the pollution as derived from the coal mining activities as well as agricultural measures. Different approaches from simple (total amount) to more complex fingerprinting (ring member classification; profiles of sulphur-/nitrogen- and oxygen-containing PACs) as well as the application of established specific PAH ratios revealed no significant correlation with the detected soil contamination or rather soil PAH profiles. However, the microscopic analyses contradicted this assumption, since relevant particle concentrations were evident for fly ash as well as lignite particles. Hence, a huge superimposition by a further PAH emission source is assumed, probably the exhaust fumes of car traffic. In general, the study demonstrated that the application of PAHs as source indicators in soil systems is very complex and needs a very thorough interpretation. Hence, the need of using additionally complementary parameters for an unambiguous emission source apportionment seems obvious.

Graphical abstract
Numerical Simulation of Turbulent Fluid Flow in Rough Rock Fracture: 3D Case
Authors: Finenko M. , Konietzky H.
Published: November 2023

We investigate both laminar and turbulent flow regimes in a 3D rock fracture via numerical CFD simulations. We construct our realistic fracture model from 3D scan data of a fractured rock sample and implement changes in both shear displacement and contact ratio, examining their effect on fracture permeability and friction factor. While previous studies were investigating either fully viscous Darcy or inertial Forchheimer laminar flow regimes, we chose to cover the wide Reynolds number range of 0.1–$$10^6$$

10
6

. We introduce CFD simulation of a turbulent flow for realistic 3D fractures, implementing the RANS approach to turbulence modeling. We focus on 3D fracture geometries and implement changes in both shear displacement and contact ratio, systematically examining their effect on fracture permeability and friction factor in a manner similar to the fundamental studies of the flow in rough-walled pipes. Growing Re leads to first stationary–non-stationary and then laminar–turbulent transitions. The presence of contact spots severely disrupts the flow pattern and adversely affects the overall permeability of the fracture. Regardless of shear displacement, ‘no contact’ 3D models can be reasonably approximated by the 2D profiles. Depending on the fracture geometry, Forchheimer $$\beta$$
β
fitting for both laminar and turbulent regimes can be performed either by a single or by two parameter values.
Irrigation Should be Explored as a Sustainable Management Solution to the Acid Mine Drainage Legacy of the Witwatersrand Goldfields
Authors: Annandale John , du Plessis Meiring , Tanner Phil , Heuer Sarah , Madiseng Lesego
Published: November 2023

Mine closure in the Witwatersrand Goldfields of South Africa has resulted in an acid mine drainage (AMD) legacy that is difficult to manage and costly to address. As a short-term measure, three large high-density sludge (HDS) plants were erected that treat 185 megalitres of AMD per day (ML/day), at great cost to taxpayers. Longer-term solutions are sought, as the salt load to the Vaal River System is unacceptable. Long-term modelling was used to assess whether the untreated and HDS-treated AMD could be used for irrigation and to determine the scale of the potential opportunity. The Goldfields waters are not very acidic, and simulations indicate it should be feasible to utilise even the untreated water for irrigation, especially if growers commit to applying limestone to their fields. HDS treatment lowers the corrosivity and trace element concentrations, and because the water is gypsiferous, double cropping will precipitate more than a third of the salts in solution as gypsum in the soil profile, thereby reducing salt load to the water environment. The potential irrigated area depends on the cropping system; it is about 9000 ha for rotational cropping and 30,000 ha for supplemental maize irrigation. It is prudent to seriously consider irrigation as a potential long-term water management option for the Goldfields AMD.
Chicumbane Connections: Lower Limpopo Valley During the First Millennium AD
Authors: Ekblom Anneli , Notelid Michel , Lindahl Anders , Mtetwa Ezekia
Published: November 2023

The discussion of the transition to farming in southern Africa and the formation of Early Iron Age society, referred to in Mozambican archaeology as the Early Farming Communities (EFC), is complicated by the lack of surveys in key areas of intensive contacts. This article presents the results of excavations at the EFC site Chicumbane in the eastern lower Limpopo Valley, dated 500–800 AD. The variation of ceramic styles in terms of decoration and shape suggests predominantly interior influences (Gokomere and Zhizo facies), but there are also decoration elements similar to what is found on the coast. A wide variety of ceramic technologies were used in terms of clay sources, temper, and ways of building the pot. Here, we reconstruct possible social interactions based on these differences. Together with the other artifact categories, such as slag, metal, and shell beads, the results show some aspects of regional interactions among Early Farming Communities. The combined ceramic analyses suggest a mix of traditions by female potters who, through marriage, moved between regions, bringing new ways of decorating, tempering, and building pots.
A quantitative and qualitative study of gas generation observed in LiFePO4–TiNb2O7 cells
Authors: Mercier-Guyon Benjamin , Colin Jean-François , Profatilova Irina , Martinet Sébastien
Published: November 2023

Since 20 years, titanium oxide materials and in particular, lithium titanate spinel Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) were considered as promising negative electrode materials for lithium-ion cells. In the case of the TiNb2O7 compound (TNO), which has a larger theoretical lithiation capacity of 388 mAh g−1, few studies have focused on the outgassing of the material. In this work, we quantified the volume produced as a function of different cycling parameters and then characterized the produced species and show a prevalence of H2 gas. The use of carbon coating as a mitigation strategy and its limitation is also discussed.

Graphical abstract
Different journeys, same struggle: practitioner experiences in environmental justice policy, assessment, and decision-making
Authors: Yarbrough Collin , Smith-Colin Janille
Published: November 2023

Over the past two decades, environmental justice (EJ) has been seen as an important concept for ensuring transportation infrastructure planning does not perpetuate a legacy of disproportionately impacting low income and/or minority communities in the United States. However, state-centered EJ research often focuses on quantitative methods for carrying out EJ analysis, focusing less on qualitative assessments of agency practitioners responsible for performing EJ work. We present a qualitative case study grounded in semi-structured interviews with nineteen EJ and community impact assessment practitioners at state departments of transportation (DOTs) across the United States. Four major themes arose surrounding practitioner role specialization, agency context, tool and data availability, and assessment of disproportionate impacts. Challenges and opportunities identified in the study provide practitioners and state DOTs with operational lenses to evaluate how to further justice and equity in the transportation project delivery process.
The Lucy Long Range Reconnaissance Imager (L’LORRI)
Authors: Weaver H. A. , Wilson J. P. , Conard S. J. , Adams J. D. , Begley S. , Burgum J. , Darlington E. H. , Dello Russo N. , Hacala R. , London S. , Morgan M. F. , Murphy G. , Nelson T. , Shah A. , Spencer J. R. , Taylor H. , Boehmer T. , Burke L. , Drabenstadt C. , Henry C. , Ling S. , Porter C. , Yin J.
Published: November 2023

NASA’sLucymission spacecraft was launched on 16 October 2021 and will perform the initial in situ investigation of the Jovian Trojan asteroids (Levison et al. 2021, 2024). The Lucy LOng Range Reconnaissance Imager (L’LORRI) is a panchromatic visible light (420–795 nm, 50% QE points), narrow-angle (field of view = 0.29°), high spatial resolution (1.0′′pixel−1) imager used on theLucymission for both science observations and optical navigation. L’LORRI is designed to provide maps of the sunlit portions of the Trojan surfaces to a resolution of ∼10 m (after deconvolution), which will enable crater counting to constrain the surface ages. L’LORRI’s high sensitivity and large dynamic range permits imaging of the low albedo Trojans at moderately large phase angles (down to I/F values of ∼0.0014 with SNR ≈ 30 using an exposure time of 100 ms), as well as providing early acquisitions of the Trojans during the approach phase, searches for Trojan activity that are ∼10× better than can be obtained from Earth, and deep searches for potential Trojan satellites down to$V \approx 20.4$V≈20.4at spatial resolutions far surpassing that available from Earth. This paper describes the L’LORRI instrument design and the requirements that drove the design. We present results from L’LORRI’s ground calibration campaign, summarize the L’LORRI in-flight calibration plan, and describe typical L’LORRI operations scenarios during the Trojan flybys. We also present an analysis of in-flight data taken during the first year ofLucyoperations, which show that most aspects of L’LORRI’s performance are nominal (i.e., as predicted), but the telescope’s point spread function is slightly degraded relative to pre-flight predictions. Nevertheless, L’LORRI is still expected to fulfill all of its scientific objectives, which should revolutionize our view of the Jovian Trojans.