bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recycling of deep eutectic solvent in the extraction of ferulic acid from oil palm empty fruit bunch
Authors: Ng Mei Han , Nu'man Abdul Hadi , Hasliyanti Alias
Published: February 2024

The study explored ferulic acid extraction from palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) fiber using deep eutectic solvent (DES) of chlorine chloride—acetic acid as the extraction medium and the way to recover and recycle the DES thereafter. Antisolvent was added to selectively precipitate the ferulic acid, which was recovered by filtration thereafter. Recycling the DES without further purification led to increased ferulic acid yield with each subsequent extraction, likely due to retained ferulic acid. The retained ferulic acid and other impurities could be removed by precipitation brought upon by the addition of a second antisolvent. 1H nuclear magnetic resonance revealed that there was no excess ferulic acid in the recycled DES‐treated with two types of antisolvents (ethanol and water). The yield of ferulic acid increased from 0.1367–0.1856 g/g when treated with only one antisolvent to 0.1368–0.2897 g/g with two antisolvent treatments. Oil droplets were also observed in the DES upon the addition of antisolvent 2, with recovered oil ranging from 0.6% to 3%. The study emphasized the significance of using DES as an extraction medium for ferulic acid from oil palm EFB fiber and the method to recycle the DES for subsequent processes.
Effect of signal‐to‐noise ratio on the automatic clustering of X‐ray diffraction patterns from combinatorial libraries
Authors: Zhou Yuanxun , Wu Biao , Wang Jianhao , Wang Hong
Published: February 2024

Hierarchical clustering algorithm has been applied to identify the X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns from a high‐throughput characterization of the combinatorial materials chips. As data quality is usually correlated with acquisition time, it is important to study the hierarchical clustering performance as a function of data quality in order to optimize the efficiency of high‐throughput experiments. This work investigated the effects of signal‐to‐noise ratio on the performance of hierarchical clustering using 29 distance metrics for the XRD patterns from Fe−Co−Ni ternary combinatorial materials chip. It is found that the clustering accuracies evaluated by the F1 score only fluctuate slightly with signal‐to‐noise ratio varying from 15.5 to 22.3 (dB) under the experimental condition. This suggests that although it may take 40–50 s to collect a visually high‐quality diffraction pattern, the measurement time could be significantly reduced to as low as 4 s without substantial loss in phase identification accuracy by hierarchical clustering. Among the 29 distance metrics, Pearson χ2 shows the highest mean F1 score of 0.77 and lowest standard deviation of 0.008. It shows that the distance matrixes calculated by Pearson χ2 are mainly controlled by the XRD peak shifting characteristics and visualized by the metric multidimensional data scaling.
Improving advanced intraoperative MRI methods during pediatric neurosurgery
Authors: Jellema Pien E. J. , Mannsdörfer Lilli M. , Visser Fredy , De Luca Alberto , Smit Cynthia L. E. , Hoving Eelco W. , van Baarsen Kirsten M. , Lindner Thomas , Mutsaerts Henk‐Jan M. M. , Dankbaar Jan Willem , Lequin Maarten H. , Wijnen Jannie P.
Published: February 2024

Advanced intraoperative MR images (ioMRI) acquired during the resection of pediatric brain tumors could offer additional physiological information to preserve healthy tissue. With this work, we aimed to develop a protocol for ioMRI with increased sensitivity for arterial spin labeling (ASL) and diffusion MRI (dMRI), optimized for patient positioning regularly used in the pediatric neurosurgery setting. For ethical reasons, ASL images were acquired in healthy adult subjects that were imaged in the prone and supine position. After this, the ASL cerebral blood flow (CBF) was quantified and compared between both positions. To evaluate the impact of the RF coils setups on image quality, we compared different setups (two vs. four RF coils) by looking at T1‐weighted (T1w) signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR), as well as undertaking a qualitative evaluation of T1w, T2w, ASL, and dMR images. Mean ASL CBF did not differ between the surgical prone and supine positions in any of the investigated regions of interest or the whole brain. T1w SNR (gray matter: p = 0.016, 34% increase; white matter: p = 0.016, 32% increase) and CNR were higher (p = 0.016) in the four versus two RF coils setups (18.0 ± 1.8 vs. 13.9 ± 1.8). Qualitative evaluation of T1w, T2w, ASL, and dMR images resulted in acceptable to good image quality and did not differ statistically significantly between setups. Only the nonweighted diffusion image maps and corticospinal tract reconstructions yielded higher image quality and reduced susceptibility artifacts with four RF coils. Advanced ioMRI metrics were more precise with four RF coils as the standard deviation decreased. Taken together, we have investigated the practical use of advanced ioMRI during pediatric neurosurgery. We conclude that ASL CBF quantification in the surgical prone position is valid and that ASL and dMRI acquisition with two RF coils can be performed adequately for clinical use. With four versus two RF coils, the SNR of the images increases, and the sensitivity to artifacts reduces.
Intracranial pressure is elevated at 24 h post‐stroke in mice
Authors: Warren Kirby E. , Hood Rebecca J. , Walker Fredrick R. , Spratt Neil J.
Published: February 2024

Background

It has long been assumed that post‐stroke intracranial pressure (ICP) elevation occurs because of large infarct and edema volumes. However, we have repeatedly shown ICP elevation at 24 h post‐stroke in the presence of little to no edema in rats. Biological processes are often conserved across species and types of injury. Therefore, we aimed to determine if an ICP rise occurs at 24 h post‐stroke in the presence of small infarct and edema volumes in mice.

Methods

Mice were randomized by random number table to either photothrombotic stroke or sham surgery (n = 15). Epidural ICP was recorded using a fiber optic catheter at 1 h post‐stroke (baseline) and between 23 and 24 h post‐stroke.

Results

ICP was significantly higher at 24 h compared to baseline in stroke animals (n = 6; 10.71 ± 6.45 mmHg vs. 3.74 ± 2.20 mmHg, respectively; p = 0.03). ICP at 24 h was also significantly higher in stroke mice compared to sham (n = 6; 3.45 ± 1.43 mmHg; p = 0.02). There was no change in ICP in sham mice (p = 0.9). Edema volumes in stroke animals were small (0.04 ± 0.04 mm3) and unlikely to have caused significant ICP elevation.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence of an edema‐independent ICP elevation following small ischemic stroke in mice. The occurrence of this rise supports our findings in other species and suggests it is caused by a previously undescribed mechanism.
The potential of citizen science to transform science: Lessons for a sustainable future
Authors: Austen K. , Janssen A. , Wittmayer J. M. , Hölker F.
Published: February 2024

Globally, environmental crises are at a critical point. Findings from scientific research are crucial to understand these issues and to inform new policies to address them. Yet the rapidity with which society, industry and lifestyles are changing is not matched in dynamism by institutionalised science, where institutional structures slow the rate of adaptation.

In this paper, we propose that citizen science can act as a bridge between the ideal and the reality of scientific research, structuring the interface of scientific research with its cultural context. In so doing, citizen science can increase science's ability to address complex ecological problems where data is needed alongside public and policy engagement. As part of a wider movement of informal scientific practices, citizen science can broaden institutionalised science's horizon, foster innovation and create more impact.

Drawing on examples of citizen science practice addressing pollution, we specify ways in which citizen science can provide embedded knowledge and foster alternative practices within the sciences.

We identify a clash of logics between citizen science and institutional science practice and suggest avenues that could be pursued to improve dialogue between the two.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Identification and expression of strigolactone biosynthesis and signaling genes and the in vitro effects of strigolactones in olive (Olea europaea L.)
Authors: Özbilen Aslıhan , Sezer Fatih , Taşkin Kemal Melih
Published: February 2024

Strigolactones (SLs), synthesized in plant roots, play a dual role in modulating plant growth and development, and in inducing the germination of parasitic plant seeds and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the rhizosphere. As phytohormones, SLs are crucial in regulating branching and shaping plant architecture. Despite the significant impact of branching strategies on the yield performance of fruit crops, limited research has been conducted on SLs in these crops. In our study, we identified the transcript sequences of SL biosynthesis and signaling genes in olive (Olea europaea L.) using rapid amplification of cDNA ends. We predicted the corresponding protein sequences, analyzed their characteristics, and conducted molecular docking with bioinformatics tools. Furthermore, we quantified the expression levels of these genes in various tissues using quantitative real‐time PCR. Our findings demonstrate the predominant expression of SL biosynthesis and signaling genes (OeD27, OeMAX3, OeMAX4, OeMAX1, OeD14, and OeMAX2) in roots and lateral buds, highlighting their importance in branching. Treatment with rac‐GR24, an SL analog, enhanced the germination frequency of olive seeds in vitro compared with untreated embryos. Conversely, inhibition of SL biosynthesis with TIS108 increased lateral bud formation in a hard‐to‐root cultivar, underscoring the role of SLs as phytohormones in olives. These results suggest that modifying SL biosynthesis and signaling pathways could offer novel approaches for olive breeding, with potential applicability to other fruit crops.
Nano‐Calcium Carbonate with Core–Shell Structure was Prepared by Dopamine Chelation Using Pluronic F‐127 as Template
Authors: Shu Weihan , Gong Jiang , Zhang Hanqing , Zheng Fengling , Zeng Juan , Wang Xue , Qin Siqian , Zhang Chuancai , Xue Haodong , Dai Bin
Published: February 2024

Herein, a new template carbonization method is used to prepare calcite‐type nano‐calcium carbonate (CaCO3) with a core–shell structure using calcium hydroxide as a solute and Pluronic F‐127 as a templating and pore‐forming agent. Dopamine hydrochloride is added to control the size of calcium hydroxide particles. The morphology, particle size, and crystal type of CaCO3 are characterized via transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, nanoparticle size, and zeta potentiometer. The creation of core–shell calcium carbonate nanoparticles is examined in relation to reaction circumstances (i.e., additive sequence, additive amount, and additive mixing time), carbonization temperature, liquid flow rate, and templates with varying chain lengths. Furthermore, a discussion is held regarding the formation mechanism of spherical core–shell calcium carbonate that is created using the innovative template carbonization method. The results show that the order, amount, liquid flow rate, and template type of additives have a significant effect on the crystal shape of calcium carbonate nanoparticles. The mixing time of additives has a significant effect on the particle size of calcium carbonate nanoparticles. Interestingly, the thickness of the shell depends on the carbonization temperature, and too slow or too fast flow rate will lead to the formation of cyclic calcium carbonate nanoparticles.
Inclusion of the radiative effect of deep convective clouds in the Eta model simulations
Authors: Campos Diêgo de Andrade , Chou Sin Chan , Bottino Marcus Jorge , Gomes Jorge Luís , Lyra André
Published: February 2024

Convective clouds play an important role in the local energy budget by directly interacting with solar and terrestrial radiation. However, radiation parameterization schemes of atmospheric models generally consider clouds produced from microphysics schemes or some other grid saturation criteria. Deep convective parameterization schemes tend to rain out the convective cloud before the radiation scheme perceives its water load. This may be a source of the positive bias of the incoming solar radiation at the surface. The objective of this work is to include the effects of deep convective clouds in the radiation scheme of the regional Eta model and to evaluate the impacts on the net radiative energy and other meteorological variables. The radiation scheme is the Rapid Radiative Transfer Model. The work is developed in four stages. The positive bias in the incoming solar radiation was diagnosed in the first stage. In the second stage, the parameters of the convective parameterization scheme were modified to increase convective precipitation. In the third stage, the parameters of the microphysics scheme were modified to increase explicit clouds. In the fourth and last stage, in addition to the previous modifications, the condensates from the convective parameterization were input into the radiation scheme. The runs were performed for a period of one summer rainy month with intense convective activity over South America. Including deep convective cloud condensates into the radiation scheme improved the cloud cover, the diurnal cycle of the surface net radiation, and the 2‐m temperature. However, the reduction of the net radiation at the surface caused the reduction of the available energy for convective instability and, consequently, the precipitation reduction. The results show the importance of including cumulus cloud water load in the radiative scheme for bias reduction in the radiative energy components.
On the indices of the normal modes of Laplace's tidal equations for zonal wavenumber zero
Authors: Castanheira José M.
Published: February 2024

The normal modes of Laplace's tidal equations seem to be a consolidated subject in the literature. However, up until now, no mode for the zonal wavenumber zero, (i.e., independent of longitude) had been identified as a mixed Rossby–gravity mode with physical meaning. Moreover, the meridional structures of westward gravity modes were not considered to be similar to the meridional structures of the corresponding inertio‐gravity modes for non‐zero wavenumbers (k>0). Here, a mixed Rossby–gravity mode with zero zonal wavenumber () is identified for the first time, and a new classification of the normal modes for the zonal wavenumber zero is proposed. Under the new classification, all the meridional structures corresponding to zero wavenumber modes are similar to the meridional structures of their respective non‐zero wavenumber modes. Moreover, using the new classification, all modes of a given type show smooth frequency variations with the zonal wavenumber, which approach asymptotically the analytic dispersion curves from the ‐plane shallow‐water equations as the fluid height tends to zero.
A Proposal of a Novel Automatic Checkout System Reducing Additional Item Information Relearning Cost
Authors: Hanamitsu Daisuke , Mizutani Kimihiro
Published: February 2024

Recently, a retail industry has trended to adopt automatic checkout systems for enhancing customer sales. Typically, an automatic checkout system employs an object detection technique (i.e., image processing) based on a commonly used deep learning model (e.g., Faster R‐CNN and YOLO) that has been trained for items. Therefore, it takes much time to relearn the model whenever an item is added to the system. To save the relearning cost, we propose a novel automatic checkout system reducing the relearning cost of an additional item. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Immune‐mediated polyarthritis and anterior uveitis secondary to zonisamide administration in a dog with refractory epilepsy
Authors: Baya Paula , Press Saya , Istvan Stephanie , Rizzo Kaila
Published: February 2024

The objective of this article is to describe a case of suspected zonisamide‐induced immune‐mediated polyarthritis (IMPA) and anterior uveitis in a dog. A 7‐year‐old male neutered Siberian Husky with a history of refractory idiopathic epilepsy was presented for cluster seizures. Following the addition of zonisamide to the antiepileptic regime, the dog developed new IMPA and anterior uveitis. Within a few weeks of discontinuation of the zonisamide, the dog's IMPA and anterior uveitis resolved. These immune‐mediated conditions were thus presumed to be an idiosyncratic reaction to zonisamide. To our knowledge, this is the first report of IMPA and anterior uveitis in dogs associated with zonisamide administration at its recommended dose.
Surgical and histopathological study of quadruple nostrils in a Holstein calf
Authors: Shokrpoor Sara , Bashiri Alireza , Niasari‐Naslaji Amir
Published: February 2024

A female Holstein calf was presented with quadruple nostrils. In the normal nose, one of the nostrils was normal and another had an abnormal flexible structure in the upper region of the nose. The extra nose included one tube‐like structure, two accessory nostrils and narrow vestibules. Complete surgical removal was selected. Histopathologically, a normal cutaneous region of nostril structure and a small region of immature respiratory tissue were observed. The cutaneous region of the rostral portion was lined by a thick keratinised stratified squamous epithelium. At the caudal cutaneous region, the epithelium was thinner. Collagen fibres, vessels, serous glands, muscle and cartilage were seen in the submucosa. The epithelium lining the immature respiratory region was pseudostratified columnar. No recurrence or wound healing complication was observed 5 months following the surgical procedures.
Pulmonary cryptococcoma in a Friesian horse in the Netherlands
Authors: van Eijk Nadiah M. H. A. , Houben Rosa M. A. C. , Tellegen Anna R. , Hagen Ferry , Ankringa Nynke
Published: February 2024

A 6‐year‐old female Friesian horse was admitted with pyrexia, dullness, weight loss, watery faeces and mild bilateral mucoid nasal discharge. Radiographic and ultrasonographic examination of the thorax indicated a large mid‐thoracic soft tissue mass, and the horse was euthanased because of a poor prognosis. At postmortem examination, it was found that the lung tissue was partly replaced by multiple to coalescing soft tissue lesions with a yellow gelatinous aspect, varying in size up to 15 × 15 × 20 cm. Histologically, the mass showed mild pyogranulomatous inflammation associated with large numbers of globular encapsulated 10–20 μm yeasts with or without narrow‐based budding, consistent with multiple coalescing cryptococcomas. Quantitative PCR testing of formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue led to the identification of Cryptococcus gattii species complex. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case reported in the Netherlands of pulmonary cryptococcomas due to C. gattii sensu lato in a horse that had never travelled abroad.
Successful medical management of septic pericardial effusion in a dog
Authors: Vastano Mario , Holmes Andrea , Linney Chris
Published: February 2024

A 5‐year‐old, male, neutered cocker spaniel diagnosed with presumed immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia 9 weeks previously, and treated with immunosuppressive medications with subsequent resolution of anaemia was presented for hyporexia, lethargy and tachypnoea of 48‐hour duration. Point‐of‐care thoracic ultrasonography revealed pericardial effusion causing cardiac tamponade. Cytological examination of the pericardial fluid showed an exudate with intracellular cocci chains and degenerate neutrophils, consistent with septic pericardial effusion. The culture of the effusion revealed a profuse growth of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. Antibiotic and supportive therapy were instituted, immunosuppressant medications were tapered and stopped, the patient's clinical status progressively improved, and a full recovery ensued without need of further surgical and interventional procedures. Dual immunosuppression with prednisolone and ciclosporin was considered to be the most likely cause for the patient's clinical condition.
The importance of the space force: Where strategic doctrine meets grand strategy
Authors: Colucci Lamont C. , Fulmer Colonel J. D.
Published: February 2024

This article demonstrates the importance, roles, and responsibilities of the United States Space Force. It focuses on the need for its creation and its role as the fundamental lynchpin to American national security and prosperity now and in the future. The road ahead can only be successful while working with America's allies and ensuring that there are norms and rules of civilized behavior in, from, and to space. The authors propose 11 enduring principles for the Space Force that interconnect and enhance American grand strategy while dealing with potential adversaries and the need to bond this mission to the American public.
Recent advances in sonodynamic therapy strategies for pancreatic cancer
Authors: Cheng Peng , Ming Shuai , Cao Wei , Wu Jixiao , Tian Qiwei , Zhu Jing , Wei Wei
Published: February 2024

Pancreatic cancer, a prevalent malignancy of the digestive system, has a poor 5‐year survival rate of around 10%. Although numerous minimally invasive alternative treatments, including photothermal therapy and photodynamic therapy, have shown effectiveness compared with traditional surgical procedures, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. However, the application of these alternative treatments is constrained by their depth of penetration, making it challenging to treat pancreatic cancer situated deep within the tissue. Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has emerged as a promising minimally invasive therapy method that is particularly potent against deep‐seated tumors such as pancreatic cancer. However, the unique characteristics of pancreatic cancer, including a dense surrounding matrix, high reductivity, and a hypoxic tumor microenvironment, impede the efficient application of SDT. Thus, to guide the evolution of SDT for pancreatic cancer therapy, this review addresses these challenges, examines current strategies for effective SDT enhancement for pancreatic cancer, and investigates potential future advances to boost clinical applicability.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease
Carl Stumpf and Control Groups
Authors: Kursell Julia
Published: February 2024

In the secondary literature, the notion of control group has so far been traced to two important moments in history of the life sciences: thinking in populations and applying statistics to these. This chapter proposes an additional lineage in the reduction of variation among the members of two paired groups in philosopher Carl Stumpf’s experimental psychology. His method of comparing the conditions of judgment in these groups is traced to three stages, the earliest being his research with individuals that do or do not have musical ability, followed by the stage of being confronted with non-European music, to the final stage of reaching a fully controlled and technically supported setting in which individuals are put in the position to judge either with or without previous knowledge about chosen sounds under scrutiny. The chapter uses Stumpf’s own notion of “practical epistemology” to align his experimental practice with his parallel elaborations of Brentanian logic.
Controlling Nature in the Lab and Beyond: Methodological Predicaments in Nineteenth-Century Botany
Authors: Nickelsen Kärin
Published: February 2024

Botany changed dramatically in the nineteenth century, particularly in German-speaking countries, and an important part of this change was the development of new methodological principles. Many botanists were deeply concerned with making observations accurate, experimental design meaningful, and inferences safe—in other words, they struggled to define “control strategies” and implement “control practices.” This essay specifically examines the work of Julius Wiesner (1838–1916), acclaimed plant physiologist in Vienna and protagonist of the new scientific botany. When Wiesner studied the influence of light on plants in his laboratory, he took care that all experimental circumstances were controlled meticulously; but the essay shows that when Wiesner moved his studies into the field, he had to adapt to entirely new conditions. The questions emerging from these studies ultimately demanded a different set of methodological principles and control strategies—so different the essay argues, that Wiesner helped to found a new sub-discipline: the “Biology of Plants”.
Digitale Medien und Schlaf bei Kindern und Jugendlichen: Grundlagen
Authors: Paulus Frank W.
Published: February 2024

Jugendliche und Kinder bis hin zu Säuglingen wachsen in einem medial geprägten Umfeld auf. Digitale Hardware (Smartphones, Computer, Tablets, Spielekonsolen und Fernseher) und deren Anwendungen (zum Spielen, zur sozialen Kommunikation, zur Wissensvermittlung) sind längst fester Bestandteil des Alltags von Kindern und Jugendlichen, sei es zu Hause, in der Schule bzw. dem Kindergarten oder in der Freizeit. Die COVID-19-Pandemie hat die Verwendung digitaler Medien weiter intensiviert. Das Kinder-(Schlaf)zimmer ist inzwischen ein Ort digitaler medialer Nutzung geworden, tagsüber, am Abend und in der Nacht. Die Nutzung digitaler Technologien wirkt sich negativ auf den Schlaf aus und führt zu einer verkürzten Gesamtschlafdauer, verminderter Schlafqualität, Schlafstörungen, einer verzögerten Einschlafzeit oder einem gestörten Schlafrhythmus bis hin zu einer Tag-Nacht-Umkehr. Als potenzielle Wirkmechanismen und Moderatoren in der Beziehung zwischen Mediennutzung und Schlaf wirken erstens die direkte Ersetzung des Schlafes durch die digitale Mediennutzung, zweitens ein erhöhtes Arousal, drittens eine Verzögerung des zirkadianen Rhythmus, ausgelöst durch die Lichtexposition bei Bildschirmtätigkeit, viertens eine (defizitäre) Selbstkontrolle und fünftens eine dysfunktionale Emotionsregulation.
Am I a math person? Linking math identity with students’ motivation for mathematics and achievement
Authors: Radišić Jelena , Krstić Ksenija , Blažanin Barbara , Mićić Katarina , Baucal Aleksandar , Peixoto Francisco , Schukajlow Stanislaw
Published: February 2024

Based on the expectancy-value perspective on identity and identity formation, this paper explores the relationship between math identity (MI) and the dimensions of motivation (i.e. intrinsic value, attainment value, utility value and perceived competence) and math achievement in primary school. An additional aim of our research was to explore these relationships in different cultural contexts and investigate potential gender and grade differences concerning MI. The participants were 11,782 primary school students from Norway, Sweden, Estonia, Finland, Portugal and Serbia. All predictors from the motivation spectrum were significant for students’ MI across the examined countries and had a stronger association with MI than math achievement. Among the motivational dimensions, intrinsic value had the strongest association with students’ MI. Boys had significantly more positive math identities than girls in Estonia, Finland, Norway and Portugal. The results showed that the grade 4 students perceived themselves less as “math persons” than their grade 3 peers in all countries.
From Siberia to Indonesia: tracking the migration of the Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis
Authors: Heim Wieland , Bourski Oleg , Shchemeleva Katya , Tøttrup Anders P. , Thorup Kasper
Published: February 2024

Little is known regarding the migration routes of Siberian songbird populations. Here we provide the first geolocator tracking data for an Arctic Warbler breeding in Central Siberia and compare its movements with eight long-distance ring recoveries of this species. In autumn, the tracked individual migrated eastward to a stopover site in eastern Siberia, before migrating southward through Taiwan to its non-breeding sites in the Philippines and Indonesia. During spring migration, the bird spent at least one month at stopover sites in Mongolia, before migrating to its breeding site in June. Ring recovery data confirmed the movement between the Central Siberian breeding grounds and stopover sites in northern Mongolia.
A Review on the Mullins Effect in Tough Elastomers and Gels
Authors: Zhan Lin , Qu Shaoxing , Xiao Rui
Published: February 2024

Tough elastomers and gels have garnered broad research interest due to their wide-ranging potential applications. However, during the loading and unloading cycles, a clear stress softening behavior can be observed in many material systems, which is also named as the Mullins effect. In this work, we aim to provide a complete review of the Mullins effect in soft yet tough materials, specifically focusing on nanocomposite gels, double-network hydrogels, and multi-network elastomers. We first revisit the experimental observations for these soft materials. We then discuss the recent developments of constitutive models, emphasizing novel developments in the damage mechanisms or network representations. Some phenomenological models will also be briefly introduced. Particular attention is then placed on the anisotropic and multiaxial modeling aspects. It is demonstrated that most of the existing models fail to accurately predict the multiaxial data, posing a significant challenge for developing future anisotropic models tailored for tough gels and elastomers.
Investigating the readability of test code
Authors: Winkler Dietmar , Urbanke Pirmin , Ramler Rudolf
Published: February 2024

Context

The readability of source code is key for understanding and maintaining software systems and tests. Although several studies investigate the readability of source code, there is limited research specifically on the readability of test code and related influence factors.

Objective

In this paper, we aim at investigating the factors that influence the readability of test code from an academic perspective based on scientific literature sources and complemented by practical views, as discussed in grey literature.

Methods

First, we perform a Systematic Mapping Study (SMS) with a focus on scientific literature. Second, we extend this study by reviewing grey literature sources for practical aspects on test code readability and understandability. Finally, we conduct a controlled experiment on the readability of a selected set of test cases to collect additional knowledge on influence factors discussed in practice.

Results

The result set of the SMS includes 19 primary studies from the scientific literature for further analysis. The grey literature search reveals 62 sources for information on test code readability. Based on an analysis of these sources, we identified a combined set of 14 factors that influence the readability of test code. 7 of these factors were found in scientific and grey literature, while some factors were mainly discussed in academia (2) or industry (5) with only limited overlap. The controlled experiment on practically relevant influence factors showed that the investigated factors have a significant impact on readability for half of the selected test cases.

Conclusion

Our review of scientific and grey literature showed that test code readability is of interest for academia and industry with a consensus on key influence factors. However, we also found factors only discussed by practitioners. For some of these factors we were able to confirm an impact on readability in a first experiment. Therefore, we see the need to bring together academic and industry viewpoints to achieve a common view on the readability of software test code.
ControlPULP: A RISC-V On-Chip Parallel Power Controller for Many-Core HPC Processors with FPGA-Based Hardware-In-The-Loop Power and Thermal Emulation
Authors: Ottaviano Alessandro , Balas Robert , Bambini Giovanni , Del Vecchio Antonio , Ciani Maicol , Rossi Davide , Benini Luca , Bartolini Andrea
Published: February 2024

High-performance computing (HPC) processors are nowadays integrated cyber-physical systems demanding complex and high-bandwidth closed-loop power and thermal control strategies. To efficiently satisfy real-time multi-input multi-output (MIMO) optimal power requirements, high-end processors integrate an on-die power controller system (PCS). While traditional PCSs are based on a simple microcontroller (MCU)-class core, more scalable and flexible PCS architectures are required to support advanced MIMO control algorithms for managing the ever-increasing number of cores, power states, and process, voltage, and temperature variability. This paper presents ControlPULP, an open-source, HW/SW RISC-V parallel PCS platform consisting of a single-core MCU with fast interrupt handling coupled with a scalable multi-core programmable cluster accelerator and a specialized DMA engine for the parallel acceleration of real-time power management policies. ControlPULP relies on FreeRTOS to schedule a reactive power control firmware (PCF) application layer. We demonstrate ControlPULP in a power management use-case targeting a next-generation 72-core HPC processor. We first show that the multi-core cluster accelerates the PCF, achieving 4.9x speedup compared to single-core execution, enabling more advanced power management algorithms within the control hyper-period at a shallow area overhead, about 0.1% the area of a modern HPC CPU die. We then assess the PCS and PCF by designing an FPGA-based, closed-loop emulation framework that leverages the heterogeneous SoCs paradigm, achieving DVFS tracking with a mean deviation within 3% the plant’s thermal design power (TDP) against a software-equivalent model-in-the-loop approach. Finally, we show that the proposed PCF compares favorably with an industry-grade control algorithm under computational-intensive workloads.
Assessment of URANS-Type Turbulent Flow Modeling of a Single Port Submerged Entry Nozzle (SEN) for Thin Slab Continuous Casting (TSC) Process
Authors: Vakhrushev Alexander , Karimi-Sibaki Ebrahim , Wu Menghuai , Ludwig Andreas , Nitzl Gerald , Tang Yong , Hackl Gernot , Watzinger Josef , Bohacek Jan , Kharicha Abdellah
Published: February 2024

The numerical methods based on the unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) equations are robust tools to model the turbulent flow for the industrial processes. They allow an acceptable grid resolution along with reasonable calculation time. Herein, the URANS approach is validated against a water model experiment for the special single port submerged entry nozzle (SEN) design used in the thin slab casting (TSC) process. A 1-to-2 under-scaled water model was constructed, including the SEN, mold, and strand Plexiglas segments. Paddle-type sensors were instrumented to measure the submeniscus velocity supported by videorecording of the dye injections to provide both qualitative and quantitative verification of the SEN flow simulations. Two advanced URANS-type models (realizablek–εand shear stress transportk–ω) were applied to calculate velocity pattern on meshes with various resolutions. An oscillating single jet flow was detected in the experiment, which the URANS simulations initially struggled to reflect. The dimensionless analysis of the mesh properties and corresponding adjustment of the boundary layers inside the SEN allowed to resolve the flow pattern. The performed fast Fourier transform (FFT) verified a good numerical prediction of the flow frequency spectrum. The corresponding simulation strategy is proposed for the industrial CC process using the URANS approach.
A structure theorem for fundamental solutions of analytic multipliers in $${\mathbb {R}}^n$$
Authors: Winterrose David Scott
Published: February 2024

Using a version of Hironaka’s resolution of singularities for real-analytic functions, any elliptic multiplier $$\text {Op}(p)$$

Op
(
p
)

of order $$d>0$$

d
>
0

, real-analytic near $$p^{-1}(0)$$

p

-
1

(
0
)

, has a fundamental solution $$\mu _0$$

μ
0

. We give an integral representation of $$\mu _0$$

μ
0

in terms of the resolutions supplied by Hironaka’s theorem. This $$\mu _0$$

μ
0

is weakly approximated in $$H^t_{\text {loc}}({\mathbb {R}}^n)$$

H
loc
t

(

R

n

)

for $$t<d-\frac{n}{2}$$

t
<
d
-

n
2

by a sequence from a Paley-Wiener space. In special cases of global symmetry, the obtained integral representation can be made fully explicit, and we use this to compute fundamental solutions for two non-polynomial symbols.
Bone Regeneration with Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Scaffolds: Systematic Review of Human Clinical Trials
Authors: Theodosaki Astero Maria , Tzemi Maria , Galanis Nikiforos , Bakopoulou Athina , Kotsiomiti Eleni , Aggelidou Eleni , Kritis Aristeidis
Published: February 2024

The aim of the study is to determine the effectiveness of stem cells in scaffolds in the treatment of bone deficits, in regard of bone regeneration, safety, rehabilitation and quality of life in humans. The systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020. A systematic search was conducted in three search engines and two registries lastly in 29-9-2022.for studies of the last 15 years. The risk of bias was assessed with RoB-2, ROBINS- I and NIH Quality of Before-After (Pre-Post) Studies with no Control group. The certainty of the results was assessed with the GRADE assessment tool. Due to heterogeneity, the results were reported in tables, graphs and narratively. The study protocol was published in PROSPERO with registration number CRD42022359049. Of the 10,091 studies retrieved, 14 were meeting the inclusion criteria, and were qualitatively analyzed. 138 patients were treated with mesenchymal stem cells in scaffolds, showing bone healing in all cases, and even with better results than the standard care. The adverse events were mild in most cases and in accordance with the surgery received. When assessed, there was a rehabilitation of the deficit and a gain in quality of life was detected. Although the heterogeneity between the studies and the small number of patients, the administration of mesenchymal stem cells in scaffolds seems safe and effective in the regeneration of bone defects. These results pave the way for the conduction of more clinical trials, with greater number of participants, with more standardized procedures.

Graphical Abstract
Prey consumption and conversion efficiency in females of two feral populations of Macrolophus pygmaeus, a biocontrol agent of Tuta absoluta
Authors: Borges Isabel , Oliveira Luísa , Barbosa Francisco , Figueiredo Elisabete , Franco José Carlos , Durão Ana C. , Soares António Onofre
Published: February 2024

Macrolophus pygmaeus(Rambur, 1839) (Hemiptera: Miridae) is a polyphagous predator used in programs of biological control and integrated pest management as a natural enemy against small arthropod pests including whiteflies, thrips, spider mites and aphid. This mirid is also successfully mass reared under factitious prey for commercial purposes. In the present study we assessed and compared the prey consumption, weight gain and conversion efficiency in females of two populations ofM. pygmaeus, from mainland Portugal and the Azores, fed on single prey diets ofEphestia kuehniellaZeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs, orTuta absoluta(Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) eggs. We found that female’s prey consumption on eggs ofT. absolutawas higher than that ofE. kuehniella, presumably due to the comparative size/amount of biomass of the eggs. Translating prey consumption in biomass ingested, we only found a significant difference for consumption onE. kuehniellaeggs byM. pygmaeusfrom the Azores. Despite the smaller size of females from the Azores, they were able to consume more prey and ultimately reaching a similar body weight and conversion efficiency compared with females from mainland, independently of the prey provided. Our results are in line with a previous study, showing differences in the life-history traits ofM. pygmaeusfrom mainland Portugal and Azorean populations fed on alternative prey. From an applied perspective, our results are a contribution to the decision-making on the use of the most effective biocontrol agents for different prey and/or agroecosystem contexts.
The prognostic effect of tumor-associated macrophages in stage I-III colorectal cancer depends on T cell infiltration
Authors: Majid Umair , Bergsland Christian Holst , Sveen Anita , Bruun Jarle , Eilertsen Ina Andrassy , Bækkevold Espen S. , Nesbakken Arild , Yaqub Sheraz , Jahnsen Frode L. , Lothe Ragnhild A.
Published: February 2024

Background

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are associated with unfavorable patient prognosis in many cancer types. However, TAMs are a heterogeneous cell population and subsets have been shown to activate tumor-infiltrating T cells and confer a good patient prognosis. Data on the prognostic value of TAMs in colorectal cancer are conflicting. We investigated the prognostic effect of TAMs in relation to tumor-infiltrating T cells in colorectal cancers.

Methods

The TAM markers CD68 and CD163 were analyzed by multiplex fluorescence immunohistochemistry and digital image analysis on tissue microarrays of 1720 primary colorectal cancers. TAM density in the tumor stroma was scored in relation to T cell density (stromal CD3+ and epithelial CD8+ cells) and analyzed in Cox proportional hazards models of 5-year relapse-free survival. Multivariable survival models included clinicopathological factors, MSI status and BRAFV600E mutation status.

Results

High TAM density was associated with a favorable 5-year relapse-free survival in a multivariable model of patients with stage I–III tumors (p = 0.004, hazard ratio 0.94, 95% confidence interval 0.90–0.98). However, the prognostic effect was dependent on tumoral T-cell density. High TAM density was associated with a good prognosis in patients who also had high T-cell levels in their tumors, while high TAM density was associated with poorer prognosis in patients with low T-cell levels (pinteraction = 0.0006). This prognostic heterogeneity was found for microsatellite stable tumors separately.

Conclusions

This study supported a phenotypic heterogeneity of TAMs in colorectal cancer, and showed that combined tumor immunophenotyping of multiple immune cell types improved the prediction of patient prognosis.
Libertellenone C attenuates oxidative stress and neuroinflammation with the capacity of NLRP3 inhibition
Authors: Cao Jie , Li Lanqin , Zhang Runge , Shu Zhou , Zhang Yaxin , Sun Weiguang , Zhang Yonghui , Hu Zhengxi
Published: February 2024

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are common chronic diseases arising from progressive damage to the nervous system. Here, in-house natural product database screening revealed that libertellenone C (LC) obtained from the fermentation products of Arthrinium arundinis separated from the gut of a centipede collected in our Tongji campus, showed a remarkable neuroprotective effect. Further investigation was conducted to clarify the specific mechanism. LC dose-dependently reversed glutamate-induced decreased viability, accumulated reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial membrane potential loss, and apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells. Network pharmacology analysis predicted that the targets of LC were most likely directly related to oxidative stress and the regulation of inflammatory factor-associated signaling pathways. Further study demonstrated that LC attenuated nitrite, TNF-α, and IL-1β production and decreased inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase expression in lipopolysaccharide-induced BV-2 cells. LC could directly inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation by decreasing the expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, cleaved Caspase-1, and NF-κB p65. Our results provide a new understanding of how LC inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome in microglia, providing neuroprotection. These findings might guide the development of effective LC-based therapeutic strategies for NDs.
Applying Earth Observation Technologies to Economic Consequence Modeling: A Case Study of COVID-19 in Los Angeles County, California
Authors: Prager Fynnwin , Mendoza Marina T. , Huyck Charles K. , Rose Adam , Amyx Paul , Yetman Gregory , Tiampo Kristy F.
Published: February 2024

Earth observation (EO) technologies, such as very high-resolution optical satellite data available from Maxar, can enhance economic consequence modeling of disasters by capturing the fine-grained and real-time behavioral responses of businesses and the public. We investigated this unique approach to economic consequence modeling to determine whether crowd-sourced interpretations of EO data can be used to illuminate key economic behavioral responses that could be used for computable general equilibrium modeling of supply chain repercussions and resilience effects. We applied our methodology to the COVID-19 pandemic experience in Los Angeles County, California as a case study. We also proposed a dynamic adjustment approach to account for the changing character of EO through longer-term disasters in the economic modeling context. We found that despite limitations, EO data can increase sectoral and temporal resolution, which leads to significant differences from other data sources in terms of direct and total impact results. The findings from this analytical approach have important implications for economic consequence modeling of disasters, as well as providing useful information to policymakers and emergency managers, whose goal is to reduce disaster costs and to improve economic resilience.
Invecchiamento ed esercizio fisico
Authors: Vitale Giovanni , Giugnini Bianca , Farina Sara , Persani Luca
Published: February 2024

Sommario

L’invecchiamento si associa a un progressivo cambiamento della composizione corporea. Ciò è dovuto, almeno in parte, al fisiologico declino funzionale di alcuni assi ormonali ed è, a sua volta, causa dell’insorgenza di alcune malattie endocrine, come l’osteoporosi, la sarcopenia, l’obesità e il diabete mellito di tipo 2. Questa rassegna descrive l’effetto dell’attività fisica nel promuovere un invecchiamento in buona salute, svolgendo un ruolo chiave nella prevenzione e nel trattamento di tali patologie.
Linfoma surrenalico primitivo: l’importanza di riconoscere una patologia spesso dimenticata
Authors: Bovo Giulia , Ceccato Filippo , Voltan Giacomo
Published: February 2024

Sommario

Il linfoma surrenalico primitivo (PAL) rappresenta un linfoma che coinvolge primitivamente uno o entrambi i surreni. Nonostante si tratti di una patologia rara con una prognosi spesso infausta, il PAL presenta una potenziale buona risposta alla chemio/immunoterapia per cui è fondamentale effettuare un corretto inquadramento diagnostico allo scopo di effettuare una diagnosi precoce.
Hyper-reduction for parametrized transport dominated problems via adaptive reduced meshes
Authors: Grundel Sara , Sarna Neeraj
Published: February 2024

We propose an efficient residual minimization technique for the nonlinear model-order reduction of parameterized hyperbolic partial differential equations. Our nonlinear approximation space is spanned by snapshots functions over spatial transformations, and we compute our reduced approximation via residual minimization. To speedup the residual minimization, we compute and minimize the residual on a (preferably small) subset of the mesh, the so-called reduced mesh. We show that, similar to the solution, the residual also exhibits transport-type behaviour. To account for this behaviour, we introduce adaptivity in the reduced mesh by “moving” it along the spatial domain depending on the parameter value. Numerical experiments showcase the effectiveness of our method and the inaccuracies resulting from a non-adaptive reduced mesh.