bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real‐Time Measurements of Photonic Microchips with Femtometer‐Scale Spectral Precision and Ultrahigh Sensitivity
Authors: Dashtabi Mahdi Mozdoor , Khoshmehr Mohammad Talebi , Nikbakht Hamed , Rodriguez Bruno Lopez , Sharma Naresh , Zadeh Iman Esmaeil , Akca B. Imran
Published: April 2024

Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) are enabling breakthroughs in several areas, including quantum computing, neuromorphic processors, wearable devices, and more. Nevertheless, existing PIC measurement methods lack the spectral precision, speed, and sensitivity required for refining current applications and exploring new frontiers such as point‐of‐care or wearable biosensors. Here, the “sweeping optical frequency mixing method (SOHO)” is presented, surpassing traditional PIC measurement methods with real‐time operation, 30 dB higher sensitivity, and over 100 times better spectral resolution. Leveraging the frequency mixing process with a sweeping laser, SOHO excels in simplicity, eliminating the need for advanced optical components and additional calibration procedures. Its superior performance is demonstrated on ultrahigh‐quality factor (Q) fiber‐loop resonators (Q = 46 × 106), as well as microresonators, realized on a new optical waveguide platform. An experimental spectral resolution of 19.1 femtometers is demonstrated using an 85‐meter‐long unbalanced fiber Mach Zehnder Interferometer, constrained by noise resulting from the extended fiber length, while the theoretical resolution is calculated to be 6.2 femtometers, limited by the linewidth of the reference laser. With its excellent performance metrics, SOHO has the potential to become a vital measurement tool in photonics, excelling in high‐speed and high‐resolution measurements of weak optical signals.
Highly Birefringence‐Guided Microfiber Resonator for Ultra‐High Repetition Rate Ultrashort Pulse
Authors: Huang Xiwei , Guo Xiaoxiao , Huang Xiangzhen , Peng Fang , Li Xiaohui , Wei Zhiyi , Wang Qijie
Published: April 2024

In the past, most of the introduced ultrafast pulse lasers have primarily focused on shortening cavity lengths or employing harmonic mode‐locking methods to achieve megahertz and gigahertz coherent pulses. In contrast, lasers generating pulses at terahertz repetition rates seemed to have received less attention. These pulses are crucial for applications in fields such as biological imaging, quantum computing, and atmospheric earth sciences, requiring ultra‐high repetition rates and ultrafast pulses. Here, an all‐fiber laser system is presented that generates ultra‐high repetition rate pulses. It relies on the comb‐like filtering effect of a microfiber resonator and the interaction with high birefringence. This enables the production of terahertz‐class pulses with a pulse interval of ≈290 fs, achieving a remarkable maximum repetition rate of about ≈3.448 THz. To the authors’ knowledge, this stands as the highest pulse repetition rate achievable in an all‐fiber laser. By contrast experiment, the terahertz repetition rate produced by this system is related to the length of the high‐birefringence fiber; the shorter the length, the wider the filtering spacing, and the higher the achievable repetition rate. The overall system's birefringence effect can be adjusted by two polarization controllers, allowing for a wide range of tunability in pulse repetition rates.
Neural‐Optic Co‐Designed Polarization‐Multiplexed Metalens for Compact Computational Spectral Imaging
Authors: Zhang Qiangbo , Lin Peicheng , Wang Chang , Zhang Yang , Yu Zeqing , Liu Xinyu , Lu Yanqing , Xu Ting , Zheng Zhenrong
Published: April 2024

In the expanding fields of mobile technology and augmented reality, there is a growing demand for compact, high‐fidelity spectral imaging systems. Traditional spectral imaging techniques face limitations due to their size and complexity. Diffractive optical elements (DOEs), although helpful in reducing size, primarily modulate the phase of light. Here, an end‐to‐end computational spectral imaging framework based on polarization‐multiplexed metalens is introduced. A distinguishing feature of this approach lies in its capacity to simultaneously modulate orthogonal polarization channels. When harnessed in conjunction with a neural network, it facilitates the attainment of high‐fidelity spectral reconstruction. Importantly, the framework is intrinsically fully differentiable, a feature that permits the joint optimization of both the metalens structure and the parameters governing the neural network. The experimental results presented herein validate the exceptional spatial‐spectral reconstruction performance, underscoring the efficacy of this system in practical, real‐world scenarios. This innovative approach transcends the traditional boundaries separating hardware and software in the realm of computational imaging and holds the promise of substantially propelling the miniaturization of spectral imaging systems.
Factors Influencing Patient Disclosure of Parkinson's Disease Genetic Testing Results to Relatives
Authors: Schulze Jeanine , Dhaliwal Jasmine Kaur , Miller Mandy , Quinn Emily , Wetherill Leah , Cook Lola
Published: April 2024

Background

Persons with Parkinson's disease (PD) who have received genetic test results are faced with the decision of whether, and how, to share that information with family. Studies in other specialties have shown high rates of disclosure motivated by a sense of responsibility. Rates of, and attitudes surrounding, disclosure have yet to be reported in this population.

Objectives

To explore the disclosure practices and motivations of patients with PD regarding genetic test results, allowing insight to guide genetic counseling and navigation of test result discussions.

Methods

A cross‐sectional online survey was distributed to adults with PD and previous genetic test results. Survey questions assessed demographics, genetic testing results and delivery, sharing behaviors, perceptions of PD, and motivations and barriers to family disclosure.

Results

Among respondents, 88.9% shared results with at least one family member, most often a child (73.5%) or sibling (65.4%). Seventy‐four percent reported sharing results with someone outside of their family, most frequently a friend (88.4%). The most common motivation for disclosure was the perception that family members would want to know. Barriers to disclosure were lack of close relationships, understanding results, and perceived utility.

Conclusions

Disclosure rates in this PD population were consistent with those in previously reported populations. Motivations were anchored in perceptions of utility and family desire for information, suggesting a need to adjust patient education to improve retention and to explore family dynamics and perceptions of results.
Further delineation of phenotype and genotype of Kenny–Caffey syndrome type 2 (phenotype and genotype of KCS type 2)
Authors: Chen Xuefei , Zou Chaochun
Published: April 2024

Background

Kenny–Caffey syndrome type 2 (KCS2) is an extremely rare inherited disorder characterized by proportionate short stature, skeletal defects, ocular and dental abnormalities, and transient hypocalcemia. It is caused by variants in FAM111A gene. Diagnosis of KCS2 can be challenging because of its similarities to other syndromes, the absence of clear hallmarks and the deficient number of genetically confirmed cases. Here, we aimed to further delineate and summarize the genotype and phenotype of KCS2, in order to get a better understanding of this rare disorder, and promote early diagnosis and intervention.

Methods

We present clinical and genetic characteristics of eight newly affected individuals with KCS2 from six families, including one family with three individuals found to be a father‐to‐daughter transmission, adding to the limited literature. Furthermore, we performed a review of genetically confirmed KCS2 cases in PubMed, MEDLINE and CNKI databases.

Results

There were six females and two males in our cohort. All the patients presented with short stature (100.0%). Clinical manifestations included ocular defects such as hypermetropia (5/8), dental problems such as defective dentition (3/8) and dental caries (3/8), skeletal and brain anomalies such as delayed closure of anterior fontanelle (6/8), cerebral calcification (3/8), cortical thickening (3/8) and medullary stenosis (4/8) of tubular bones. Endocrinologic abnormalities included hypoparathyroidism (5/8) and hypocalcemia (3/8). One male patient had micropenis and microorchidism. All cases harboured missense variants of FAM111A, and nucleotides c.1706 arose as a mutational hotspot, with seven individuals harbouring a c.1706G>A (p.Arg569His) variant, and one child harbouring a c.1531T>C (p.Tyr511His) variant. Literature review yielded a total of 46 patients from 20 papers. Data analysis showed that short stature, hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia, ocular and dental defects, skeletal features including cortical thickening and medullary stenosis of tubular bones, and seizures/spasms were present in more than 70% of the reported KCS2 cases.

Conclusion

We provide detailed characteristics of the largest KCS2 group in China and present the first genetically confirmed instance of father‐to‐daughter transmission of KCS2. Our study confirms that Arg569His is the hot spot variant and summarizes the typical phenotypes of KCS2, which would help early diagnosis and intervention.
Field encouraged about FCC proposal to improve routing of 988 crisis calls
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: April 2024

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), along with lawmakers and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, last month proposed that wireless calls to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline be routed to ensure that callers in crisis have access to behavioral health resources in the state or territory from which they are calling to ensure privacy.
Analysis of flap thickness to breast projection ratio correlating to body mass index and age in east Asian women: Considerations in flap selection in breast reconstruction
Authors: Kim Hyung Bae , Kim Young Song , Eom Jin Sup , Han Hyun Ho
Published: April 2024

Background

Several alternative flaps have been introduced and used for autologous breast reconstruction. However, as body fat distribution is different among patients, the donor of choice for sufficient breast projection varies between patients.

Methods

Patients who underwent autologous breast reconstruction from Jan 2018 to Sep 2022 were included. Age, body mass index (BMI), smoking history and hypertension, and diabetes occurrence were collected as baseline demographic data. Breast projection with five types of flap thickness was measured based on computed tomography angiography. Analysis was performed for five major autologous flaps for breast reconstruction.

Results

A total of 563 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 47.4 ± 7.9 (standard deviation; SD) years. The mean BMI of the patients was 24.0 ± 3.4 kg/m2. Only the correlation between flap thickness to breast projection ratio and age in the PAP flap illustrated statistical significance (p = .039), but the correlation coefficient was quite low (r = −0.087). Slim patients who had lower BMIs (under 25 kg/m2) had significantly higher sufficient flap thickness for breast reconstruction than patients with higher BMIs over 25 kg/m2 in the profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap (p < .001), the lumbar artery perforator (LAP) flap (p < .001), and the superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flap (p < .001).

Conclusions

The deep inferior epigastric perforator flap provided sufficient thickness and was not usually affected by age and BMI. The PAP, LAP, and SGAP flaps tended to maintain the thickness of the flap even when BMI decreased, so they are advantageous for reconstruction in slim patients. This study contributes evidence in consideration of flap selection in autologous breast reconstruction.
A New Insight into Fatty Acid Binding Protein 4 Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications in Obesity‐Associated Diseases: A Mini Review
Authors: Başarır Sivri Feyza Nur , Çiftçi Seda
Published: April 2024

Fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs), such as FABP4 (aP2, A‐FABP), are essential for cellular lipid regulation, membrane–protein interactions, and the modulation of metabolic and inflammatory pathways. FABP4, primarily expressed in adipocytes, monocytes, and macrophages, is integrated into signaling networks that influence immune responses and insulin activity. It has been linked to obesity, inflammation, lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Inhibition of FABP4 is emerging as a promising strategy for treating obesity‐related conditions, particularly insulin resistance and diabetes. Elevated FABP4 levels in individuals with a BMI above 30 underscore its association with obesity. Furthermore, FABP4 levels are higher not only in the tissues but also in the blood, promoting the onset and development of various cancers. Understanding its broader role reveals involvement in the mechanisms underlying metabolic syndrome, contributing to various metabolic and inflammatory responses. While blocking FABP4 offers an alternative therapeutic approach, a comprehensive understanding of potential side effects is crucial before clinical use. This review aims to provide concise insights into FABP4, elucidating its mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications in obesity and associated disorders, contributing to innovative interventions against metabolic syndrome and obesity.
Numerical modelling of diaphragm wall construction
Authors: Kmeid Maria , Casaux‐Ginestet Géraldine , Escadeillas Gilles , Armengaud Julie
Published: April 2024

Diaphragm walls are rectangular shaped cast in place deep foundations. There are two critical phenomena occurring, according to which the final quality can be affected: bentonite suspension exfiltration and concrete placement. Some imperfections seem to appear recurrently on the surface of the final wall. The defects are known as shadowing pathologies. The main reasons can be attributed to the dual effect of exfiltration mechanisms and kinematics of concrete flow. The objective of this study is developing a numerical tool to prevent the appearance of shadowing pathologies by visualizing the concrete flow in the presence of a bentonite suspension. This paper presents the results obtained from 2D and 3D models of diaphragm wall construction using COMSOL Multiphysics. The CFD model helped in solving a multifluid and particularly a two‐phase flow. The 2D modeling has considered a fresh slurry and an exfiltrated (or polluted) suspension neighboring soil and followed concrete flow with two rheological behaviors in two reinforcement configurations. Then, 3D simulations were compared to actual experimentation results, which were undertaken to construct diaphragm walls in the laboratory. By comparing the results of the simulations to the experimental outcomes, it has been possible to validate the model. The resulting simulations could clearly explain the occurrence of the pathology where the flow pattern and volume fraction of the fluid flow were determined. From the results obtained, it can be conducted that a compliant concrete mix but at the lower limit for the consistency recommendations, leads to pathologies, just like a polluted slurry.
Vortioxetine‐induced syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone: A case report
Authors: Sasaki Taro , Shindo Yunosuke , Kikuchi Kota , Kawamata Yasushi , Sugawara Norio , Yasui‐Furukori Norio
Published: April 2024

Background

Vortioxetine, known for its efficacy in treating depression through its effects on various neurotransmitters, has not been previously reported to induce syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH).

Case Presentation

This case report describes a 74‐year‐old man with major depressive disorder who developed SIADH 1 week after starting treatment with vortioxetine. SIADH is characterized by symptoms such as headache, nausea, disorientation, and seizures, stemming from hyponatremia (123 mEq/L), without dehydration or edema. Vortioxetine was discontinued, and an alternative drug, mianserin, was initiated. The patient was restricted from drinking water due to hyponatremia. The serum Na concentration improved over time to within the normal range by the second week after admission.

Conclusion

This is the first case report of vortioxetine‐induced SIADH.
Deep reinforcement learning for PMSG wind turbine control via twin delayed deep deterministic policy gradient (TD3)
Authors: Zholtayev Darkhan , Rubagotti Matteo , Do Ton Duc
Published: April 2024

This article proposes the use of a deep reinforcement learning method—and precisely a variant of the deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) method known as twin delayed DDPG, or TD3—for maximum power point tracking in wind energy conversion systems that use permanent magnet synchronous generators (PMSGs). An overview of the TD3 algorithm is provided, together with a detailed description of its implementation and training for the considered application. Simulation results are provided, also including a comparison with a model‐based control method based on feedback linearization and linear‐quadratic regulation. The proposed TD3‐based controller achieves a satisfactory control performance and is more robust to PMSG parameter variations as compared to the presented model‐based method. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this article presents for the first time an approach for generating both speed and current control loops using DRL for wind energy conversion systems.
Transformation of waste carbon fiber prepreg into sustainable composites: Application in the automotive industry components
Authors: Irez Alaeddin Burak , Yakar Hasan
Published: April 2024

Carbon fiber (CF) prepregs are employed in the manufacture of many different aeronautical structural and non‐structural components. Following the cure of the prepregs in molds, trimming is generally used to give the final shape to the components. Considering the aircraft's vast surface area and the use of multiple prepreg layers in each component, an extensive amount of carbon fiber prepreg is discarded. The unique characteristics of carbon fibers render this CF waste highly valuable and requires its efficient recycling. Cured waste CF prepregs were milled and processed in this research to produce chopped carbon fibers for use in the novel composite development. The matrix material used in the composites was selected as recycled polypropylene sourced from old surgical masks, which highlighted the sustainability of the developed composites. To enhance the quality of the fiber‐matrix interface and improve the impact resistance of the composites an anhydride‐grafted polyethylene (Fusabond) was employed in small quantities. From mechanical characterizations, synergistic effects of the fillers were observed. Besides, compositions containing CF and Fusabond are found more impact resistant than neat matrix. In addition, the use of carbon fibers increased fracture toughness of the matrix through various mechanisms including fiber bridging, fiber pullout, and matrix plastic deformation identified by scanning electron microscopy fractography. Thermomechanical characterizations using dynamic mechanical analysis revealed that carbon fiber raises the neat matrix's glass transition temperature. The developed materials are intended to be employed in the automotive industry to produce inner fender liners, with an optimal composition determined by an optimization research.

Highlights

Carbon fiber (CF) derived from aerospace fresh scraps significantly improved the mechanical properties of the polymer matrix.

Anhydride‐grafted polyethylene incorporation remarkably enhanced the impact resistance of the polymer.

CF demonstrated a bridge effect and improved the fracture toughness of the composites.

The use of recycled CF presents encouraging prospects in the automotive industry for the production of inner fender liners.
Myxococcus xanthus translesion DNA synthesis protein ImuA is an ATPase enhanced by DNA
Authors: Lichimo Kristi , Sowa Dana J. , Tetenych Andriana , Warner Monica M. , Doubleday Caitlin , Dev Harman S. , Luck Catie , Andres Sara N.
Published: April 2024

Translesion DNA synthesis pathways are necessary to ensure bacterial replication in the presence of DNA damage. Translesion DNA synthesis carried out by the PolV mutasome is well‐studied in Escherichia coli, but ~one third of bacteria use a functionally homologous protein complex, consisting of ImuA, ImuB, and ImuC (also called DnaE2). Numerous in vivo studies have shown that all three proteins are required for translesion DNA synthesis and that ImuC is the error‐prone polymerase, but the roles of ImuA and ImuB are unclear. Here we carry out biochemical characterization of ImuA and a truncation of ImuB from Myxococcus xanthus. We find that ImuA is an ATPase, with ATPase activity enhanced in the presence of DNA. The ATPase activity is likely regulated by the C‐terminus, as loss of the ImuA C‐terminus results in DNA‐independent ATP hydrolysis. We also find that ImuA binds a variety of DNA substrates, with DNA binding affinity affected by the addition of ADP or adenylyl‐imidodiphosphate. An ImuB truncation also binds DNA, with lower affinity than ImuA. In the absence of DNA, ImuA directly binds ImuB with moderate affinity. Finally, we show that ImuA and ImuB self‐interact, but that ImuA is predominantly a monomer, while truncated ImuB is a trimer in vitro. Together, with our findings and the current literature in the field, we suggest a model for translesion DNA synthesis, where a trimeric ImuB would provide sufficient binding sites for DNA, the β‐clamp, ImuC, and ImuA, and where ImuA ATPase activity may regulate assembly and disassembly of the translesion DNA synthesis complex.
Disruption of Ca2+/calmodulin:KSR1 interaction lowers ERK activation
Authors: Thines Louise , Jang Hyunbum , Li Zhigang , Sayedyahossein Samar , Maloney Ryan , Nussinov Ruth , Sacks David B.
Published: April 2024

KSR1, a key scaffold protein for the MAPK pathway, facilitates ERK activation upon growth factor stimulation. We recently demonstrated that KSR1 binds the Ca2+‐binding protein calmodulin (CaM), thereby providing an intersection between KSR1‐mediated and Ca2+ signaling. In this study, we set out to generate a KSR1 point mutant with reduced Ca2+/CaM binding in order to unravel the functional implications of their interaction. To do so, we solved the structural determinants of complex formation. Using purified fragments of KSR1, we showed that Ca2+/CaM binds to the CA3 domain of KSR1. We then used in silico molecular modeling to predict contact residues for binding. This approach identified two possible modes of interaction: (1) binding of extended Ca2+/CaM to a globular conformation of KSR1‐CA3 via electrostatic interactions or (2) binding of collapsed Ca2+/CaM to α‐helical KSR1‐CA3 via hydrophobic interactions. Experimentally, site‐directed mutagenesis of the predicted contact residues for the two binding models favored that where collapsed Ca2+/CaM binds to the α‐helical conformation of KSR1‐CA3. Importantly, replacing KSR1‐Phe355 with Asp reduces Ca2+/CaM binding by 76%. The KSR1‐F355D mutation also significantly impairs the ability of EGF to activate ERK, which reveals that Ca2+/CaM binding promotes KSR1‐mediated MAPK signaling. This work, by uncovering structural insight into the binding of KSR1 to Ca2+/CaM, identifies a KSR1 single‐point mutant as a bioreagent to selectively study the crosstalk between Ca2+ and KSR1‐mediated signaling.
Designer tryptophan‐rich peptide modulates structural dynamics of HIF‐1α DNA i‐motif DNA
Authors: Ghosh Debasis , Pratihar Sumon , Govindaraju Thimmaiah
Published: April 2024

Cytosine‐rich DNA sequences can fold into intercalated motifs known as i‐motifs, through noncanonical hydrogen bonding interactions. Molecular probes can provide valuable insights into the conformational stability and potential cellular functions of i‐motifs. W5K5, a decapeptide composed of alternating tryptophan (W) and lysine (K) units, has been identified as a lead candidate to modulate the structural dynamics of the hypoxia‐inducible factor 1‐alpha (HIF‐1α) DNA i‐motif. This finding is expected to facilitate the rational design of peptide‐based probes for studying the structure and functional dynamics of i‐motifs.
Hydrogen Role on the Properties of Silicon Nitride for Flexible Thin Film Encapsulation
Authors: Wu Majiaqi , Yang Xiaoni , Zhang Chi , Jian Maoliang , Yang Lianqiao
Published: April 2024

High transmittance, high density, and good mechanical properties of silicon nitride (SiNx) make it a potential candidate for barrier layers of flexible organic light emission diodes (FOLEDs). However, the overall characteristics and water oxygen barrier properties of the films are easily affected by the dangling bonds in the films. After adding hydrogen flow rate to the deposition conditions of SiNx films, the hydrogen content interacts with the dangling bonds in amorphous SiNx, which could reduce the number of dangling bonds and improve the density of the hydrogenated amorphous silicon nitride (SiNxHy) films. The high‐density film layer could effectively prevent the invasion of water vapor due to its smaller pinhole density. Therefore, the water oxygen barrier performance of SiNxHy is significantly improved, the maximum decrease in water vapor transmittance rate (WVTR) value is approximately 22.4%. In addition, the increase of hydrogen content also changed the overall properties of the films, including transmittance, elastic modulus, hardness, residual stress, and fracture strain. Therefore, compared with SiNx films, SiNxHy films have more excellent mechanical and optical properties. The SiNxHy films featuring a simplified preparation process with high efficiency, low cost, and superior barrier performance is of great potential for the commercial applications.
Dynamic borrowing of historical controls adjusting for covariates in vaccine efficacy clinical trials
Authors: Callegaro Andrea , Luo Yongyi , Karkada Naveen , Zahaf Toufik
Published: April 2024

Traditional vaccine efficacy trials usually use fixed designs and often require large sample sizes. Recruiting a large number of subjects can make the trial expensive, long, and difficult to conduct. A possible approach to reduce the sample size and speed up the development is to use historical controls. In this paper, we extend the robust mixture prior (RMP) approach (a well established approach for Bayesian dynamic borrowing of historical controls) to adjust for covariates. The adjustment is done using classical methods from causal inference: inverse probability of treatment weighting, G‐computation and double‐robust estimation. We evaluate these covariate‐adjusted RMP approaches using a comprehensive simulation study and demonstrate their use by performing a retrospective analysis of a prophylactic human papillomavirus vaccine efficacy trial. Adjusting for covariates reduces the drift between current and historical controls, with a beneficial effect on bias, control of type I error and power.
Efficient estimation of the reliability functions in a multicomponent stress‐strength set‐up for a generalized family of distributions under progressive type II censoring
Authors: Kumari Taruna , Pathak Anupam
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we have introduced the concept of a new multicomponent reliability function Estimation procedures are developed for under progressive type II censoring scheme, which is subsequently used to develop the estimation procedures for the multicomponent stress‐strength reliability function . Herein, we consider a system having k statistically independent and identically distributed strength components, , say, which are exposed to a common random stress Y. Both strength and stress variables are independent and follow different scaled proportional hazard rate family of distributions with common scale parameter. The reliability functions and are estimated by using maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods of estimation. The performances of these estimators are studied on the basis of their mean squared errors through Monte Carlo simulation technique. Finally, the utility of the proposed estimators is examined and explained through two different real data sets.
Leveraging understandings of biogeomorphic river recovery to reframe river management philosophy and communication strategies
Authors: Fryirs Kirstie
Published: April 2024

A philosophical and communication shift is needed in river management if we are to meet sustainable development goals and tackle environmental challenges brought about by ongoing anthropogenic and climate change. In some parts of the world, recovery‐enhancement approaches to river management have been adopted, communicated and used for many years. At the heart of these approaches lies an understanding of the biogeomorphic forms, processes and evolutionary trajectories of rivers that differs philosophically from notions of restoration, rewilding or creation of a utopian natural state. Instead, recovery‐enhancement approaches aim to improve the biogeomorphic condition of rivers, recognising that they are dynamic entities and new evolutionary trajectories and novel ecosystems are being created that are now part of the environment. Accepting shifting baselines and moving targets is inherent as boundary conditions (water, sediment and vegetation interactions) continue to be altered under the influence of anthropogenic and climate change, and the impacts of ‘unprecedented’ wildfires, floods, heatwaves and drought are manifested on the ground. The river management sector has not yet fully adapted to this reality with large amounts of applied science and on‐ground practice still focussed on restoration, re‐engineering and rewilding, words which in themselves produce a false impression of the aims, visions and achievability of river management. Embracing recovery‐enhancement approaches to river management requires a conscious shift in communication strategies and terminology to present more realistic expectations and possibilities for river condition improvement, a responsibility that is incumbent upon us, the scientists and practitioners, who work in the applied science and river management profession. In this Short Communication, I use a case study from eastern Australia to illustrate what biogeomorphic river recovery can look like. I use this to discuss the potential for adoption of a recovery‐enhancement approach to river management more broadly, and call on scientists and practitioners to make a conscious philosophical and communications shift when working in applied science and river management.
The role of environmental knowledge, policies and regulations toward water resource management: A mediated‐moderation of attitudes, perception, and sustainable consumption patterns
Authors: Kherazi Fatima Zahra , Sun Dongying , Sohu Jan Muhammad , Junejo Ikramuddin , Naveed Hafiz Muhammad , Khan Asadullah , Shaikh Sonia Najam
Published: April 2024

Water is the lifeblood of our Earth, and sustainable water consumption is the key to preserving this scarce resource for future generations and upholding environmental sustainability. In this study, we investigate the relationship between environmental knowledge (EK), environmental policies and regulations (EPR), attitudes toward water resource management programs (APWRMP), perceived water quality (PWQ), and sustainable consumption (SC), enriching the existing literature by integrating the theoretical framework of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) alongside water management program (WMP) concepts. This integration forms a comprehensive model clarifying the influences on SC. Furthermore, this study investigates these relationships within the specific context of select regions in China, addressing a geographical gap in the current literature. With a sample size of (N = 336) participants, we employ partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM) to explore the complex relationships within the proposed model. The finding confirms the hypothesized associations, validating the substantial positive impact of EK and EPR on APWRMP and SC. Additionally, we observe that PWQ notably strengthens the link between the perception and attitude of villagers toward SC of water. Our study explains the multifaceted dynamics underlying individuals' behavior and attitude in making decisions concerning sustainable water consumption.
Near Room Temperature Production of Segregated Network Composites of Carbon Nanotubes and Regolith as Multifunctional, Extra‐Terrestrial Building Materials
Authors: Garcia James , Caffrey Eoin , Doolan Luke , Horvath Dominik V. , Carey Tian , Gabbett Cian , Coleman Jonathan N.
Published: April 2024

Constructing a semi‐permanent base on the moon or Mars will require maximal use of materials found in situ and minimization of materials and equipment transported from Earth. This will mean a heavy reliance on regolith (Lunar or Marian soil) and water, supplemented by small quantities of additives fabricated on Earth. Here it is shown that SiO2‐based powders, as well as Lunar and Martian regolith simulants, can be fabricated into building materials at near‐ambient temperatures using only a few weight‐percent of carbon nanotubes as a binder. These composites have compressive strength and toughness up to 100 MPa and 3 MPa respectively, higher than the best terrestrial concretes. They are electrically conductive (>20 S m−1) and display an extremely large piezoresistive response (gauge factor >600), allowing these composites to be used as internal sensors to monitor the structural health of extra‐terrestrial buildings.
SPOOC (Sensor for Periodic Observation of Choline): An Integrated Lab‐on‐a‐Spoon Platform for At‐Home Quantification of Choline in Infant Formula
Authors: Al‐Shami Abdulrahman , Amirghasemi Farbod , Soleimani Ali , Khazaee Nejad Sina , Ong Victor , Berkmen Alara , Ainla Alar , Mousavi Maral P.S.
Published: April 2024

Choline is an essential micronutrient for infants' brain development and health. To ensure that infants receive the needed daily dose of choline, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set requirements for choline levels in commercialized infant formulas. Unfortunately, not all families can access well‐regulated formulas, leading to potential inadequacies in choline intake. Economic constraints or difficulties in obtaining formulas, exacerbated by situations like COVID‐19, prompt families to stretch formulas. Accurate measurement of choline in infant formulas becomes imperative to guarantee that infants receive the necessary nutritional support. Yet, accessible tools for this purpose are lacking. An innovative integrated sensor for the periodic observation of choline (SPOOC) designed for at‐home quantification of choline in infants' formulas and milk powders is reported. This system is composed of a choline potentiometric sensor and ionic‐liquid reference electrode developed on laser‐induced graphene (LIG) and integrated into a spoon‐like device. SPOOC includes a micro‐potentiometer that conducts the measurements and transmits results wirelessly to parents' mobile devices. SPOOC demonstrated rapid and accurate assessment of choline levels directly in pre‐consuming infant formulas without any sample treatment. This work empowers parents with a user‐friendly tool for choline monitoring promoting informed nutritional decision‐making in the care of infants.
Electrospun Aligned Nanofiber Yarns Constructed Biomimetic M‐Type Interface Integrated into Precise Co‐Culture System as Muscle‐Tendon Junction‐on‐a‐Chip for Drug Development
Authors: Su Weiwei , Yang Qiao , Li Ting , Xu Jie , Yin Panjing , Han Mingying , Lin Zhuosheng , Deng Yuping , Wu Yaobin , Huang Wenhua , Wang Ling
Published: April 2024

The incorporation of engineered muscle‐tendon junction (MTJ) with organ‐on‐a‐chip technology provides promising in vitro models for the understanding of cell‐cell interaction at the interface between muscle and tendon tissues. However, developing engineered MTJ tissue with biomimetic anatomical interface structure remains challenging, and the precise co‐culture of engineered interface tissue is further regarded as a remarkable obstacle. Herein, an interwoven waving approach is presented to develop engineered MTJ tissue with a biomimetic “M‐type” interface structure, and further integrated into a precise co‐culture microfluidic device for functional MTJ‐on‐a‐chip fabrication. These multiscale MTJ scaffolds based on electrospun nanofiber yarns enabled 3D cellular alignment and differentiation, and the “M‐type” structure led to cellular organization and interaction at the interface zone. Crucially, a compartmentalized co‐culture system is integrated into an MTJ‐on‐a‐chip device for the precise co‐culture of muscle and tendon zones using their medium at the same time. Such an MTJ‐on‐a‐chip device is further served for drug‐associated MTJ toxic or protective efficacy investigations. These results highlight that these interwoven nanofibrous scaffolds with biomimetic “M‐type” interface are beneficial for engineered MTJ tissue development, and MTJ‐on‐a‐chip with precise co‐culture system indicated their promising potential as in vitro musculoskeletal models for drug development and biological mechanism studies.
Exploring microrotational effects and temperature variations in electroosmotic peristalsis in tapered microchannel
Authors: Batool Sidra , Noreen Saima , Chamkha Ali J.
Published: April 2024

The current study is based on the effects of microrotational dynamics, microinertial effects, and temperature changes on electroosmotic peristalsis in a tapered microchannel. This has been addressed by an analytical study of heat transfer in the setting of electroosmotic peristaltic flow involving a micropolar fluid, specifically considering a symmetrically tapered channel. The Navier–Stokes equation, the Poisson–Boltzmann equation, the energy equation, and the micropolar fluid model are all included in the mathematical model. On the flow and temperature fields, a thorough parametric analysis is carried out, investigating the impacts of numerous variables, including the micropolar parameter, Prandtl number, Brinkman number, Grashof number, thermal conductivity ratio, and channel aspect ratio. The findings show that peristalsis and electroosmosis both contribute to higher heat transfer rates. Notably, the electroosmotic parameter and Brinkman number have a substantial impact on the distribution of temperature. The micropolar parameter and Brinkman number have a significant effect on the flow and temperature fields. Furthermore, electrokinetic phenomena are crucial in controlling the axial and spin velocities of the micropolar fluid. These findings have significant ramifications for the design and optimization of microfluidic devices in engineering and biomedical applications that employ the electroosmotic peristaltic flow of micropolar fluids.
Seismic Discrimination Between Nuclear Explosions and Natural Earthquakes using Multi-Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Elkhouly Shimaa. H. , Ali Ghada
Published: April 2024

In the field of seismic signal analysis, it is of utmost importance to accurately differentiate between earthquakes and underground nuclear explosions. As a contribution for the verification regime of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), Various methods have been employed for this purpose, including Complexity, Spectral ratio, mb—Ms (body wave and surface wave magnitudes), and corner frequency of P and S waves. These discrimination techniques have been examined to manually identify natural seismic events from nuclear explosions across different regions worldwide, such as China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and the United States. To gather the necessary data, a comprehensive dataset comprising nuclear explosions and earthquakes of the same magnitude range (4 ≤ mb ≤ 6.5) of 35 seismic events from 1945 to 2017 has been compiled from the International Research Institute for Seismology (IRIS) using broadband and long period seismic stations. The objective of this study is to employ a range of linear and nonlinear Machine Learning (ML) models with the aim of automatically distinguishing between underground nuclear explosions and large earthquakes to enhance the accuracy of manual feature extraction. For this purpose, time domain waveforms and different classifier techniques focused on feature extraction have been used. The ML models employed include logistic regression, K-nearest neighbours classifier, decision tree classifier, random forest classifier, voting classifier, and Naive Bayes. The outcomes of the ROC and AUC analyses were employed to validate the validity of our proposed discrimination algorithm. The results show that the Random Forest Classifier is the most effective model, obtaining 100% accuracy in the case of feature extraction, while the best model for the time domain waveform classifier that achieved 75.5% accuracy is the voting classifier.
Cranio-cervical and traumatic brain injury patterns—do they differ between electric bicycle, bicycle, and motorcycle-induced accidents?
Authors: Rauer Thomas , Klingebiel Felix Karl-Ludwig , Lühring Adrian , Küffer Alexander , Hofer Anna-Sophie , Ferrari Raphael Marco , Kupka Michael , Pape Hans-Christoph
Published: April 2024

Purpose

With the growing technical options of power transmission and energy-saving options in electric drives, the number of E-bike-related accidents especially in an elderly population has increased. The aim of the current study was to compare if the increased velocity in comparison to conventional bikes translates into different injury patterns in the cranio-cervical and head region.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed in patients admitted to our level one trauma center between 2009 and 2019 after being involved in an accident with either an E-bike, bicycle, or motorcycle and suffered cranio-cervical or traumatic brain injury. Outcomes: cranio-cervical/intracranial injury pattern. Data interpretation was conducted in an interdisciplinary approach.

Results

From 3292 patients treated in this period, we included 1068 patients. E-bikers were significantly older than bicyclists (or motorcyclists) and lay between the other two groups in terms of helmet use. Overall injury patterns of E-bikers resembled those found in motorcyclists rather than in bicyclists. E-bikers had a higher incidence of different cerebral bleedings, especially if no helmet was worn. Helmet protection of E-bikers resulted in a comparable frequency of intracranial bleeding to the helmeted bicyclists.

Conclusion

The overall pattern of head and cervical injuries in E-bikers resembles more to that of motorcyclists than that of bicyclists. As they are used by a more senior population, multiple risk factors apply in terms of complications and secondary intracranial bleeding. Our study suggests that preventive measures should be reinforced, i.e., use of helmets to prevent from intracranial injury.
Erhöhte Befundvollständigkeit und gesteigerte Zuweiserzufriedenheit bei strukturierter neurootologischer Befunderhebung in der interdisziplinären Schwindelabklärung
Authors: Lasrich M. , Helling K. , Strieth S. , Bahr-Hamm K. , Vogt T. J. , Fröhlich L. , Send T. , Hill K. , Nitsch L. , Rader T. , Bärhold F. , Becker S. , Ernst B. P.
Published: April 2024

Hintergrund

Befundberichte neurootologischer Funktionsdiagnostik im Rahmen der interdisziplinären Schwindelabklärung werden meist als Freitextbefunde („free text reports“, FTR) formuliert. Diese unterliegen häufig einer großen Variabilität, sodass hier Informationsverluste möglich sind. Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war es, die Befundvollständigkeit strukturierter Befunde („structured reports“, SR) und die Zuweiserzufriedenheit im Rahmen der neurootologischen Funktionsdiagnostik zu evaluieren.

Material und Methoden

Retrospektiv wurden konsiliarisch durchgeführte neurootologische Funktionsdiagnostiken (n = 88) ausgewertet. Anhand der vorliegenden Rohdaten erfolgte mittels einer spezifischen Befunderhebungsmaske für neurootologische Funktionsdiagnostik die Erstellung korrespondierender SR zu den FTR aus der klinischen Routine. FTR und SR wurden auf Vollständigkeit und die Zufriedenheit der zuweisenden Ärzte (n = 8) mittels eines Fragebogens mit visueller Analogskala (VAS) untersucht.

Ergebnisse

Im Vergleich zu den FTR zeigten die SR eine signifikant erhöhte Gesamtvollständigkeit (73,7 vs. 51,7 %; p < 0,001), insbesondere in Bezug auf die Anamnese (92,5 vs. 66,7 %; p < 0,001), Beschreibung von Vorbefunden (87,5 vs. 38 %; p < 0,001) und die neurootologische (33,5 vs. 26,7 %; p < 0,001) und audiometrische Funktionsdiagnostik (58 vs. 32,3 %; p < 0,001). Zudem zeigte sich mittels SR eine deutlich gesteigerte Zuweiserzufriedenheit (VAS 8,8 vs. 4,9; p < 0,001).

Schlussfolgerung

Neurootologische SR ermöglichen eine deutlich gesteigerte Vollständigkeit der Befunde bei höherer Zufriedenheit der Zuweiser im Kontext der interdisziplinären Schwindelabklärung. Darüber hinaus eignen sich SR ideal zur wissenschaftlichen Datenanalyse, insbesondere im Rahmen von Big-Data-Analysen.
Lunar ground segmentation using a modified U-net neural network
Authors: Petrakis Georgios , Partsinevelos Panagiotis
Published: April 2024

Semantic segmentation plays a significant role in unstructured and planetary scene understanding, offering to a robotic system or a planetary rover valuable knowledge about its surroundings. Several studies investigate rover-based scene recognition planetary-like environments but there is a lack of a semantic segmentation architecture, focused on computing systems with low resources and tested on the lunar surface. In this study, a lightweight encoder-decoder neural network (NN) architecture is proposed for rover-based ground segmentation on the lunar surface. The proposed architecture is composed by a modified MobilenetV2 as encoder and a lightweight U-net decoder while the training and evaluation process were conducted using a publicly available synthetic dataset with lunar landscape images. The proposed model provides robust segmentation results, allowing the lunar scene understanding focused on rocks and boulders. It achieves similar accuracy, compared with original U-net and U-net-based architectures which are 110–140 times larger than the proposed architecture. This study, aims to contribute in lunar landscape segmentation utilizing deep learning techniques, while it proves a great potential in autonomous lunar navigation ensuring a safer and smoother navigation on the moon. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study which propose a lightweight semantic segmentation architecture for the lunar surface, aiming to reinforce the autonomous rover navigation.
Manifold turnpikes of nonlinear port-Hamiltonian descriptor systems under minimal energy supply
Authors: Karsai Attila
Published: April 2024

Turnpike phenomena of nonlinear port-Hamiltonian descriptor systems under minimal energy supply are studied. Under assumptions on the smoothness of the system nonlinearities, it is shown that the optimal control problem is dissipative with respect to a manifold. Then, under controllability assumptions, it is shown that the optimal control problem exhibits a manifold turnpike property.
Non-convex scenario optimization
Authors: Garatti Simone , Campi Marco C.
Published: April 2024

Scenario optimization is an approach to data-driven decision-making that has been introduced some fifteen years ago and has ever since then grown fast. Its most remarkable feature is that it blends the heuristic nature of data-driven methods with a rigorous theory that allows one to gain factual, reliable, insight in the solution. The usability of the scenario theory, however, has been restrained thus far by the obstacle that most results are standing on the assumption of convexity. With this paper, we aim to free the theory from this limitation. Specifically, we focus on the body of results that are known under the name of “wait-and-judge” and show that its fundamental achievements maintain their validity in a non-convex setup. While optimization is a major center of attention, this paper travels beyond it and into data-driven decision making. Adopting such a broad framework opens the door to building a new theory of truly vast applicability.