bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immune profiling-based targeting of pathogenic T cells with ustekinumab in ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis
Authors: Engesser Jonas , Khatri Robin , Schaub Darius P. , Zhao Yu , Paust Hans-Joachim , Sultana Zeba , Asada Nariaki , Riedel Jan-Hendrik , Sivayoganathan Varshi , Peters Anett , Kaffke Anna , Jauch-Speer Saskia-Larissa , Goldbeck-Strieder Thiago , Puelles Victor G. , Wenzel Ulrich O. , Steinmetz Oliver M. , Hoxha Elion , Turner Jan-Eric , Mittrücker Hans-Willi , Wiech Thorsten , Huber Tobias B. , Bonn Stefan , Krebs Christian F. , Panzer Ulf
Published: September 2024

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)–associated vasculitis is a life-threatening autoimmune disease that often results in kidney failure caused by crescentic glomerulonephritis (GN). To date, treatment of most patients with ANCA-GN relies on non-specific immunosuppressive agents, which may have serious adverse effects and be only partially effective. Here, using spatial and single-cell transcriptome analysis, we characterize inflammatory niches in kidney samples from 34 patients with ANCA-GN and identify proinflammatory, cytokine-producing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells as a pathogenic signature. We then utilize these transcriptomic profiles for digital pharmacology and identify ustekinumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting IL-12 and IL-23, as the strongest therapeutic drug to use. Moreover, four patients with relapsing ANCA-GN are treated with ustekinumab in combination with low-dose cyclophosphamide and steroids, with ustekinumab given subcutaneously (90 mg) at weeks 0, 4, 12, and 24. Patients are followed up for 26 weeks to find this treatment well-tolerated and inducing clinical responses, including improved kidney function and Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score, in all ANCA-GN patients. Our findings thus suggest that targeting of pathogenic T cells in ANCA-GN patients with ustekinumab might represent a potential approach and warrants further investigation in clinical trials.
Maintenance and transformation of representational formats during working memory prioritization
Authors: Pacheco-Estefan Daniel , Fellner Marie-Christin , Kunz Lukas , Zhang Hui , Reinacher Peter , Roy Charlotte , Brandt Armin , Schulze-Bonhage Andreas , Yang Linglin , Wang Shuang , Liu Jing , Xue Gui , Axmacher Nikolai
Published: September 2024

Visual working memory depends on both material-specific brain areas in the ventral visual stream (VVS) that support the maintenance of stimulus representations and on regions in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) that control these representations. How executive control prioritizes working memory contents and whether this affects their representational formats remains an open question, however. Here, we analyzed intracranial EEG (iEEG) recordings in epilepsy patients with electrodes in VVS and PFC who performed a multi-item working memory task involving a retro-cue. We employed Representational Similarity Analysis (RSA) with various Deep Neural Network (DNN) architectures to investigate the representational format of prioritized VWM content. While recurrent DNN representations matched PFC representations in the beta band (15–29 Hz) following the retro-cue, they corresponded to VVS representations in a lower frequency range (3–14 Hz) towards the end of the maintenance period. Our findings highlight the distinct coding schemes and representational formats of prioritized content in VVS and PFC.
Echocardiographic screening for heart failure and optimization of the care pathway for individuals with pacemakers: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Paton Maria F. , Gierula John , Jamil Haqeel A. , Straw Sam , Lowry Judith E. , Byrom Rowena , Slater Thomas A. , Fellows Alasdair M. , Gillott Richard G. , Chumun Hemant , Smith Paul , Cubbon Richard M. , Stocken Deborah D. , Kearney Mark T. , Witte Klaus K.
Published: September 2024

Individuals with pacemakers are at increased risk of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD). Whether screening for and optimizing the medical management of LVSD in these individuals can improve clinical outcomes is unknown. In the present study, in a multicenter controlled trial (OPT-PACE), we randomized 1,201 patients (717 men) with a pacemaker to echocardiography screening or usual care. In the screening arm, LVSD was detected in 201 of 600 (34%) patients, who then received management in either primary care or a specialist heart failure (HF) and devices clinic. The primary outcome of the trial was the difference in a composite of time to first HF hospitalization or death. Over 31 months (interquartile range = 30–40 months), the primary outcome occurred in 106 of 600 (18%) patients receiving echocardiography screening, which was not significantly different compared with the occurrence of the primary outcome in 115 of 601 (19%) patients receiving the usual care (hazard ratio = 0.89; 95% confidence interval = 0.69, 1.17). In a prespecified, nonrandomized, exploratory analysis, patients with LVSD managed by the specialist clinic experienced the primary outcome event less frequently than those managed in primary care. The results of this trial indicate that echocardiography screening commonly identifies LVSD in individuals with pacemakers but alone does not alter outcomes. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT01819662.
Oral SARS-CoV-2 host responses predict the early COVID-19 disease course
Authors: Seaman William T. , Keener Olive , Nanayakkara Dinelka , Mollan Katie R. , Premkumar Lakshmanane , Cuadra Edwing Centeno , Jones Corbin D. , Pettifor Audrey , Bowman Natalie M. ,   UNC OBSc Working Group, Wohl David , Wolfgang Matt , Markmann Alena , Hoffman Erin , Kronk Catherine , Mitchem Olivia , O′Reilly Camille , de Silva Aravinda , Lovell Will , Phillips S. T. , Ramsey Kathy , Blake Jo-Ann , Maile Rob , Wang Frank , Webster-Cyriaque Jennifer
Published: September 2024

Oral fluids provide ready detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and host responses. This study sought to evaluate relationships between oral virus, oral and systemic anti-SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies, and symptoms. Oral fluids (saliva/throat wash (saliva/TW)) and serum were collected from asymptomatic and symptomatic, nasopharyngeal (NP) SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR+ human participants (n = 45). SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR and N-antigen detection by immunoblot and lateral flow assay (LFA) were performed. RT-qPCR for subgenomic RNA (sgRNA) was sequence confirmed. SARS-CoV-2-anti-S protein RBD LFA and ELISA assessed IgM and IgG responses. Structural analysis identified host salivary molecules analogous to SARS-CoV-2-N-antigen. At time of enrollment (baseline, BL), LFA-detected N-antigen in 86% of TW and was immunoblot-confirmed. However, only 3/17 were saliva/TW qPCR+ . Sixty percent of saliva and 83% of TW demonstrated persistent N-antigen at 4 weeks. N-antigen LFA signal in three anti-spike sero-negative participants suggested potential cross-detection of 4 structurally analogous salivary RNA binding proteins (alignment 19–29aa, RMSD 1–1.5 Angstroms). At enrollment, symptomatic participants demonstrated replication-associated sgRNA junctions, were IgG+ (94%/100% in saliva/TW), and IgM+ (63%/54%). At 4 weeks, SARS-CoV-2 IgG (100%/83%) and IgM (80%/67%) persisted. Oral and serum IgG correlated 100% with NP+ PCR status. Cough and fatigue severity (p = 0.010 and 0.018 respectively), and presence of weakness, nausea, and composite upper respiratory symptoms (p = 0.037, 0.005, and 0.017, respectively) were negatively associated with saliva IgM but not TW or serum IgM. Throat wash IgM levels were higher in women compared to men, although the association did not reach statistical significance (median: 290 (female) versus 0.697, p = 0.056). Important to transmission and disease course, oral viral replication and persistence showed clear relationships with select symptoms and early oral IgM responses during early infection. N-antigen cross-reactivity may reflect mimicry of structurally analogous host proteins.
Potential negative impacts of climate change outweigh opportunities for the Colombian Pacific Ocean Shrimp Fishery
Authors: Benavides Iván Felipe , Garcés-Vargas José , Selvaraj John Josephraj
Published: September 2024

Climate change brings a range of challenges and opportunities to shrimp fisheries globally. The case of the Colombian Pacific Ocean (CPO) is notable due the crucial role of shrimps in the economy, supporting livelihoods for numerous families. However, the potential impacts of climate change on the distribution of shrimps loom large, making it urgent to scrutinize the prospective alterations that might unfurl across the CPO. Employing the Species Distribution Modeling approach under Global Circulation Model scenarios, we predicted the current and future potential distributions of five commercially important shrimps (Litopenaeus occidentalis, Xiphopenaeus riveti, Solenocera agassizii, Penaeus brevirostris, and Penaeus californiensis) based on an annual cycle, and considering the decades 2030 and 2050 under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways SSP 2.6, SSP 4.5, SSP 7.0, and SSP 8.5. The Bathymetric Projection Method was utilized to obtain spatiotemporal ocean bottom predictors, giving the models more realism for reliable habitat predictions. Six spatiotemporal attributes were computed to gauge the changes in these distributions: area, depth range, spatial aggregation, percentage suitability change, gain or loss of areas, and seasonality. L. occidentalis and X. riveti exhibited favorable shifts during the initial semester for both decades and all scenarios, but unfavorable changes during the latter half of the year, primarily influenced by projected modifications in bottom salinity and bottom temperature. Conversely, for S. agassizii, P. brevirostris, and P. californiensis, predominantly negative changes surfaced across all months, decades, and scenarios, primarily driven by precipitation. These changes pose both threats and opportunities to shrimp fisheries in the CPO. However, their effects are not uniform across space and time. Instead, they form a mosaic of complex interactions that merit careful consideration when seeking practical solutions. These findings hold potential utility for informed decision-making, climate change mitigation, and adaptive strategies within the context of shrimp fisheries management in the CPO.
Radiation and mechanical performance of cementitious materials containing ecofriendly nano laboratory waste glass
Authors: Elsalamawy Mona , Gouda Mona M. , Abdalmawla Israa G. , Abbas Mahmoud I. , El-Khatib Ahmed M.
Published: September 2024

This study helps in managing waste glass and greening the environment by incorporating laboratory waste glass into mortar production to make an eco-friendly shielding material against gamma rays. The efficiency of using waste glass powder as a cement replacement or addition in mortar production was studied by using two waste glass sizes: micro glass (particle size range from 10.09 to 24.73 μm) and nano glass (particle size range from 10.57 to 26.42 nm) to design different mortar specimens with varying percentages of fine glass powder from 0 to 30%. Compressive strength and flexure strength were evaluated to determine mechanical properties. The results indicated that adding WGP to mortar positively affects the characteristics of cementitious composites. The linear and mass attenuation coefficients of the samples were experimentally determined using a NaI detector and various radioactive sources (Am-241, Ba-133, Eu-152, Cs-137, and Co-60) with gamma energies ranging from 59.53 to 1332 keV. The obtained coefficients were then compared to the theoretical values of the composites using XCOM software to verify their accuracy. Additionally, the half-value layer, tenth-value layer, mean free path, and effective atomic number were computed. Furthermore, the results revealed that the mortar sample with 30% nano additive glass was the most effective in reducing gamma radiation.
Fire enhances changes in phosphorus (P) dynamics determining potential post-fire soil recovery in Mediterranean woodlands
Authors: Souza-Alonso P. , Prats S. A. , Merino A. , Guiomar N. , Guijarro M. , Madrigal J.
Published: September 2024

Soil phosphorus (P), which is essential for ecosystem functioning, undergoes notable changes after fire. However, the extent to which fire characteristics affect P dynamics remains largely unknown. This study investigated the impact of type of fire (prescribed burning and natural wildfires) of different levels of severity on P dynamics in Mediterranean soils. Soil P concentrations in the organic layers were strongly affected by fire severity but not fire type. Low severity fire did not have any observable effect, while moderate fire increased soil P levels by 62% and high severity decreased soil P concentration by 19%. After one year, the soil P concentration remained unchanged in the low severity fires, while rather complex recovery was observed after moderate and high severity fires. In the mineral layers, P concentration was reduced (by 25%) immediately after the fires and maintained for one year (at 42%). 31P-NMR spectroscopy revealed almost complete post-fire mineralization of organic P forms (mono- and diesters), large increases in inorganic orthophosphate and a decrease in the organic:inorganic P ratio (Po:Pi). After one year, di-esters and orthophosphate recovered to pre-fire levels at all sites, except those where parent material composition (high pH and Fe concentration) had an enduring effect on orthophosphate retention, and thus, on the total soil P. We showed that fire severity and soil pH (and hence, soil mineralogy) played an essential role in soil P dynamics. These findings are important for reliable assessment of the effects of fire on soil P conservation and for improving the understanding the impact of prescribed burning.
The study of plain CT combined with contrast-enhanced CT-based models in predicting malignancy of solitary solid pulmonary nodules
Authors: Zhang Wenjia , Cui Xiaonan , Wang Jing , Cui Sha , Yang Jianghua , Meng Junjie , Zhu Weijie , Li Zhiqi , Niu Jinliang
Published: September 2024

To compare the diagnostic performance between plain CT-based model and plain plus contrast CT-based modelin the classification of malignancy for solitary solid pulmonary nodules. Between January 2012 and July 2021, 527 patients with pathologically confirmed solitary solid pulmonary nodules were collected at dual centers with similar CT examinations and scanning parameters. Before surgery, all patients underwent both plain and contrast-enhanced chest CT scans. Two clinical characteristics, fifteen plain CT characteristics, and four enhanced characteristics were used to develop two logistic regression models: model 1 (plain CT only) and model 2 (plain + contrast CT). The diagnostic performance of the two models was assessed separately in the development and external validation cohorts using the AUC. 392 patients from Center A were included in the training cohort (median size, 20.0 [IQR, 15.0–24.0] mm; mean age, 55.8 [SD, 9.9] years; male, 53.3%). 135 patients from Center B were included in the external validation cohort (median size, 20.0 [IQR, 16.0–24.0] mm; mean age, 56.4 [SD, 9.6] years; male, 51.9%). Preoperative patients with 201 malignant (adenocarcinoma, 148 [73.6%]; squamous cell carcinoma, 35 [17.4%]; large cell carcinoma,18 [9.0%]) and 326 benign (pulmonary hamartoma, 118 [36.2%]; sclerosing pneumocytoma, 35 [10.7%]; tuberculosis, 104 [31.9%]; inflammatory pseudonodule, 69 [21.2%]) solitary solid pulmonary nodules were gathered from two independent centers. The mean sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, NPV, and AUC (95%CI) of model 1 (Plain CT only) were 0.79, 0.78, 0.79, 0.67, 0.87, and 0.88 (95%CI, 0.82–0.93), the model 2 (Plain + Contrast CT) were 0.88, 0.91, 0.90, 0.84, 0.93, 0.93 (95%CI, 0.88–0.98) in external validation cohort, respectively. A logistic regression model based on plain and contrast-enhanced CT characteristics showed exceptional performance in the evaluation of malignancy for solitary solid lung nodules. Utilizing this contrast-enhanced CT model would provide recommendations concerning follow-up or surgical intervention for preoperative patients presenting with solid lung nodules.
Distribution of euptyctimous mite Phthiracarus longulus (Acari: Oribatida) under future climate change in the Palearctic
Authors: Marquardt Tomasz , Kaczmarek Sławomir , Niedbała Wojciech
Published: September 2024

The aim of this paper is to prepare, describe and discuss the models of the current and future distribution of Phthiracarus longulus (Koch, 1841) (Acari: Oribatida: Euptyctima), the oribatid mite species widely distributed within the Palearctic. We used the maximum entropy (MAXENT) method to predict its current and future (until the year 2100) distribution based on macroclimatic bio-variables. To our best knowledge, this is the first-ever prediction of distribution in mite species using environmental niche modelling. The main thermal variables that shape the current distribution of P. longulus are the temperature annual range, mean temperature of the coldest quarter and the annual mean temperature, while for precipitation variables the most important is precipitation of the driest quarter. Regardless of the climatic change scenario (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP5-8.5) our models show generally the northward shift of species range, and in Southern Europe the loss of most habitats with parallel upslope shift. According to our current model, the most of suitable habitats for P. longulus are located in the European part of Palearctic. In general, the species range is mostly affected in Europe. The most stable areas of P. longulus distribution were the Jutland with surrounding southern coasts of Scandinavia, islands of the Danish Straits and the region of Trondheim Fjord.
Hair cortisol concentrations in clipped and combed hair and associations with characteristics, health status and stress in domestic cats
Authors: Rothlin-Zachrisson Ninni , Röcklinsberg Helena , Jettel Emma , Bergqvist Felicia Johansson , Stadig Sarah , Öhlund Malin , Mariti Chiara , Holst Bodil Ström
Published: September 2024

Hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) are measured to assess long-term HPA-axis activity and may represent a valuable non-invasive tool to evaluate chronic stress in cats. This study investigated combing as a novel, low-stress method for HCC assessment, as well as possible associations between HCC and cat characteristics in 167 owned cats. Hair was sampled at veterinary clinics through clipping and/or combing the cat, or at home by the owner combing the cat. A questionnaire was sent to cat owners, including inquiries about the cat’s sex, health status, and exposure to stress. HCC was quantified using a commercial cortisol assay kit. Despite variations within and between sampling methods, Spearman’s correlation and Bland–Altman plots revealed a moderate correlation between clipped and combed samples (rs = 0.61, LOA -5.51 ± 22.54). In multiple linear regression, variations in HCC were observed based on sex, health status and cat group size. No associations were found between HCC and stress as assessed by owners. Despite study limitations and remaining uncertainty regarding factors influencing HCC, combing presents a convenient approach for evaluating long-term HPA-axis activity in clinical settings. The association between health and HCC suggests alterations in cortisol levels that are related to disease processes and stress-inducing events associated with the disease.
Astrocyte allocation during brain development is controlled by Tcf4-mediated fate restriction
Authors: Zhang Yandong , Li Dan , Cai Yuqun , Zou Rui , Zhang Yilan , Deng Xin , Wang Yafei , Tang Tianxiang , Ma Yuanyuan , Wu Feizhen , Xie Yunli
Published: September 2024

Astrocytes in the brain exhibit regional heterogeneity contributing to regional circuits involved in higher-order brain functions, yet the mechanisms controlling their distribution remain unclear. Here, we show that the precise allocation of astrocytes to specific brain regions during development is achieved through transcription factor 4 (Tcf4)-mediated fate restriction based on their embryonic origin. Loss of Tcf4 in ventral telencephalic neural progenitor cells alters the fate of oligodendrocyte precursor cells to transient intermediate astrocyte precursor cells, resulting in mislocalized astrocytes in the dorsal neocortex. These ectopic astrocytes engage with neocortical neurons and acquire features reminiscent of dorsal neocortical astrocytes. Furthermore, Tcf4 functions as a suppressor of astrocyte fate during the differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells derived from the ventral telencephalon, thereby restricting the fate to the oligodendrocyte lineage in the dorsal neocortex. Together, our findings highlight a previously unappreciated role for Tcf4 in regulating astrocyte allocation, offering additional insights into the mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders linked to Tcf4 mutations.
Programmability of dual-color DNA-templated silver nanoclusters for modular design of FRET aptasensors toward multiplexed detection
Authors: Hussain Mustafa , Liu Yue , Wang Chengquan , Yang Huiyuan , Ettayri Kawtar , Chen Yu , Wang Kun , Long Lingliang , Qian Jing
Published: September 2024

The programmability of dual-color DNA-templated Ag nanoclusters as label-free fluorescent probes can facilitate the modular design of FRET aptasensors for multiplexed detection, making them easily switch their applications in diverse fields.
Enhanced thermoluminescence of sodium-doped lithium–magnesium fluorophosphate Li9Mg3[PO4]4F3
Authors: Akulov D. A. , Kalinkin M. O. , Chufarov A. Y. , Tyutyunnik A. P. , Semkin M. A. , Medvedeva N. I. , Zhuravlev N. A. , Abashev R. M. , Surdo A. I. , Kellerman D. G.
Published: September 2024

Li9Mg3[PO4]4F3 is a new promising material for luminescence dosimetry. Doping with sodium does not create novel types of traps, but rather changes their number, and significantly increases the thermoluminescence intensity of the fluorophosphate.
Enhancing thermal transport of epoxy composites with vertically aligned graphene in situ grown on the thermal interface
Authors: Liao Jiaqiang , Chen Shijie , Huang Minjin , Rui Tao , Tian Zhi Qun , Li Changzheng
Published: September 2024

It is shown that an epoxy composite integrated with vertically aligned graphene (VG-EP) can effectively enhance the interface heat transfer.
Modification of porous bismuth molybdate for high removal of antibiotics and H2O2 production
Authors: Li Shilin , Tian Yunhui , Zhang Guangxin
Published: September 2024

The regulations of the Bi2MoO6 structure, such as dopant incorporation, composite formation, and synthesis condition modification, have garnered significant attention due to their implications for enhancing photocatalytic activity.
Biocatalysis as a versatile tool for macrolactonization: comparative evaluation of catalytic and stoichiometric approaches
Authors: Guerrero-Morales Javier , Collins Shawn K.
Published: September 2024

A comparitive evaluation of macrolactonization methods highlights the advantages of biocatalysis.
Light-driven ultrafast dual C–C cleavage and coupling of dihydroxyacetone into high-purity carbon monoxide and ethylene glycol
Authors: Kong Fanhao , Zhou Hongru , Chen Zhiwei , Dou Zhaolin , Wang Min
Published: September 2024

Reforming of biomass-based dihydroxyacetone to produce high-purity CO and ethylene glycol is achieved via a distinctive photochemical process under ambient conditions.
Titanomagnetite, a new potential geochronometer for in situ U–Pb dating
Authors: Tang Yanwen , Liu Na , Gao Jianfeng , Han Junjie , Bai Zhongjie , Lan Tingguang
Published: September 2024

Titanomagnetite is a new potential U–Pb geochronometer. Our calibration method using cassiterite AY-4 as an external standard and titanomagnetite HG79c as a quality control is reliable for in situ U–Pb dating of titanomagnetite.
Stereoselective synthetic approach toward β-trifluoromethyl vinyl ethers and diethers via reaction of (E)-1,2-dichloro-3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-ene with phenols
Authors: An Yu , Tang Xiao-Bo , Sun Dong-Wei , Meng Ting-Ting , Zhao Bo , Han Sheng , Yang Zhi-Qiang , Zhang Wei , Tang Nian , Zeng Ji-Jun , Lu Jian
Published: September 2024

We developed a facile approach to synthesize β-trifluoromethyl vinyl ethers and diethers through the base-catalyzed C–O coupling of (E)-1,2-dichloro-3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-ene and phenols with perfect regioselectivity and stereoselectivity.
Precision phenylalanine sensing in blood with nanomaterial-enhanced electrodes
Authors: Akyilmaz Ipek , Demir Naim Yagiz , Bas Deniz , Duman Memed
Published: September 2024

Modified screen-printed gold electrodes (Au-ERGO) increase sensitivity and reduce LOD and LOQ of the quantitation of Phenylalanine in human whole blood.
Copper catalyzed benzylic sp3 C–H alkenylation
Authors: Chen Ting-An , Staples Richard J. , Warren Timothy H.
Published: September 2024

Copper catalyzed benzylic C–H alkenylation with an alkenylboronic ester enables net prenylation of aromatic rings via a highly reactive copper(ii) alkenyl intermediate.
Visible light-induced Mallory reaction of tertiary benzanilides via iminium intermediates
Authors: Ma Xiaoqiang , Wang Si , Tang Zhanyong , Huang Jialin , Jia Tianhao , Zhao Xingda , Zhao Depeng
Published: September 2024

We report the first Mallory reaction of tertiary benzanilides promoted by visible-light via iminium intermediates formed in situ from tertiary benzanilide, Tf2O and pyridine. A wide range of substrates are compatible with this method.
Electron transport chain-inspired coordination polymers for macroscopic spatiotemporal scales of charge separation and transport in photocatalysis
Authors: Ma Lin , Zhang Tiexin , Li Mochen , Zhang Xu , Li Lanqiao , Shi Yusheng , Cai Rui , Yang Xueming , Duan Chunying
Published: September 2024

Inspired by electron transport chain, segregated dye stacking was assembled in a coordination polymer, which endowed photocatalysis with macroscopic spatiotemporal charge separation and transport for reactions in separated biomimetic compartments.
Torque ripple suppression method of high saturation permanent magnet synchronous motor based on current injection method
Authors: Zhang Wenjuan , Yu Qitao , Li Chengxu , Gao Jian , Liu Kun
Published: September 2024

Torque ripple is an important factor affecting the smoothness of permanent magnet synchronous motor. However, for high saturation permanent magnet synchronous motor (HSPMSM), the flux linkage of permanent magnet is nonlinear, which leads to poor effect of traditional torque ripple suppression methods. Therefore, by systematically considering the amplitude and phase changes of the permanent magnet flux link‐age for the first time, this paper analyzes the torque ripple mechanism of high saturation motors and establishes a corresponding mathematical model. To minimize the loss caused by harmonic currents, two torque ripple suppression methods are proposed: one based on the NSGA‐II algorithm and the other based on an analytical method. Finally, the effectiveness of the two algorithms is verified by the experimental comparison. The experimental results show that compared with the traditional methods, the two algorithms can effectively suppress the torque ripple under the premise of considering the influence of the motor magnetic saturation on the flux linkage and inductance, and improve the output torque smoothness of HSPMSM.
Design of non‐contact capacitive displacement detection methods for magnetic levitated sphere
Authors: Huang Xing , Hua Guoxiang , Li Weiwei , Yan Jiyuan
Published: September 2024

To meet the demand for non‐contact displacement detection of magnetic levitation spheres, single‐ended and differential variable electrode distance capacitance displacement detection schemes are designed in this paper. For these two schemes, finite element simulation models are established in COMSOL Multiphysics software to obtain the relationship between the test capacitance and the displacement of the magnetic levitation sphere. In the single‐ended scheme, there is a non‐linear relationship between the test capacitance and the position of the levitated sphere, and this non‐linearity becomes more significant as the sphere moves away from the electrode plate. In contrast, in the differential scheme, the test capacitance and the displacement of the levitated sphere follow a linear relationship, but the test sensitivity decreases with the expansion of the measuring range. The simulation results of the differential scheme have been verified by building a spherical displacement detection simulator, and thanks to the mature development of capacitive detection circuits, the scheme is expected to achieve better than nanoscale displacement detection resolution in the 6.6 mm displacement range of a magnetic levitation sphere in the future.
Le boom du cacao au Liberia, répétition de quatre siècles de migrations. La « déforestation importée » face à l’histoire
Authors: Ruf François , Galo Abelle
Published: September 2024

Un nouveau boom du cacao a commencé au Liberia. La forêt primaire du pays régresse de jour en jour pour être convertie en cacaoyères alors que le règlement européen interdisant la « déforestation importée » est censé s’appliquer en janvier 2025. L’objectif ici est de comprendre la nature de ce boom. Suit-il le modèle universel des cycles du cacao, à base de migrations massives ? Si c’est le cas, ce règlement européen aura-t-il un effet sur les défrichements de forêts au Liberia ? L’analyse s’appuie sur une première enquête réalisée au Liberia en 2021–2022 auprès de 93 planteurs de cacao, dans des villages proches de la frontière ivoirienne (70 migrants et 23 autochtones), puis d’une rapide enquête complémentaire auprès de 34 planteurs migrants en 2024. Quelques entretiens ouverts réalisés dans des villages ivoiriens complètent la compréhension du processus en cours au Liberia. Le boom cacaoyer du Liberia présente quelques spécificités, notamment l’adoption précoce d’intrants chimiques, mais il suit clairement les règles de quatre siècles d’histoire du cacao. Le boom repose avant tout sur des migrations massives depuis la Côte d’Ivoire, principalement de la communauté des Burkinabé installés en Côte d’Ivoire. Les planteurs et fils de planteurs cherchent désespérément des terres et des forêts, qu’ils trouvent désormais au Liberia. L’histoire nous enseigne qu’un tel boom est inarrêtable. Le fossé entre le règlement européen et les réalités locales ne peut que s’élargir.
Tensile and puncture behaviour of a woven geotextile submitted to laboratory mechanical damage tests with incinerator bottom ash
Authors: Almeida Filipe , Carneiro José Ricardo , Lopes Maria de Lurdes
Published: September 2024

Incinerator bottom ash can be used as recycled aggregate in some engineering applications, where it may be in contact with geotextiles. In this work, a woven geotextile (made of high-density polyethylene filaments) was submitted to mechanical damage under repeated loading tests with different aggregates, namely: incinerator bottom ash, two aggregates of natural origin (tout-venant and gravel 4/8) and a synthetic aggregate (corundum). The damage suffered by the geotextile was assessed by monitoring changes on its tensile and puncture behaviour. The mechanical damage under repeated loading tests induced some reductions in the tensile and puncture properties of the geotextile. The impact of IBA was not exaggeratedly pronounced, and did not differ greatly from that of tout-venant, which was the least damaging aggregate. Gravel 4/8 had a slightly higher impact than incinerator bottom ash, with corundum being the aggregate that induced the most pronounced reductions in the tensile and puncture properties of the geotextile. The use of incinerator bottom ash as recycled aggregate in contact with geotextiles may be a viable option, promoting its valorisation and contributing to more sustainable geotechnical engineering.
Shear strength of geomembrane-cohesive soil interfaces
Authors: Lopes Henrique Rodrigues , Da Silva Jefferson Lins
Published: September 2024

Despite the increasing use of geosynthetics, the behavior of polymeric materials inserted in the soil is complex, and the wide availability of products on the market makes it difficult to standardize and predict the behavior of the interaction. Therefore, understanding the fundamental mechanisms that involve each type of geosynthetic and its use is a way of directing test conditions to obtain accurate parameters to investigate the behavior of interactions between soil-geosynthetic. In this article, tests were carried out to estimate the interface strength of the soil-smooth geomembrane and soil-textured geomembrane were conducted with cohesive lateritic soil in direct shear equipment with a shear box measuring 300 mm x 300 mm and a reduced area model. The objective of the study was to investigate the influence of soil particle size distribution, the type of geomembrane surface (smooth or textured), and the filling in the lower halfbox (with soil or rigid base) on the resistance of the soil-geosynthetic interface. The results demonstrated the efficiency of the interaction between cohesive soil and a textured geomembrane. For the interaction with a smooth geomembrane, cohesive soil did not exhibit significant mobilization of resistance.
The use of drainage geocomposites in cold regions
Authors: Ferrara Marianna , Trovato Fabrizia
Published: September 2024

When designing road structures in cold climates, engineers must consider frost heave, a natural process that involves the cyclic freezing and thawing of water in soil or rock. The formation of ice lenses as water separates from the soil when the ground freezes is the primary cause of frost heave, and its effect on road structures depends largely on soil particle size. Frost heave damage is more noticeable in fine-textured soils that promote capillary uplift and is more destructive in the spring due to the influx of water from melting snow and ice. One possible solution to prevent road structure deformations caused by frost heave effects is the use of drainage geocomposites. Polymeric geocomposites have been widely studied and used worldwide in transportation infrastructure for drainage or as an anticapillarity layer. It is important to note that their performance is affected by temperature variations, and while many studies and regulations have focused on temperatures above 20°C, there is limited information available for cold climates.
Geocell design criteria for river protection projects
Authors: Fierro Gustavo
Published: September 2024

The development of new ways of protecting riverbanks has evolved over time. At present, from the entire range of geosynthetics used as riverside protection works, the geocell stands out as an alternative that allows combining the established knowledge of river protections with traditional materials, to a hybrid form in which the polymer is mixed in a three-dimensional way, giving us the confinement effect, with the purpose of withstanding large deflections due to scour, high tractive resistance, and high flow velocities. For the hydraulic specialist, the lack of information on the key criteria to consider for a design with geocells for river protections, has limited their extended use. Currently there are general specifications from the Geosynthetic Institute, as well as ASTM Guides on geocells, so it is now possible to use standard or normalized Geocells for public and private works. This work presents research results and explains key concepts for the use of geocells for river protections, in order to covering the information gap in this regard. Examples of application and experiences of works already built with these criteria are presented for a complete transmission of the state of the art on this technique of geocells for hydraulic projects.
Geosynthetic solutions for river and coastal protection works
Authors: Vyas Saurabhh , Garg Shailesh , Hasilkar Nirali
Published: September 2024

Riverine floods and coastal erosion are some of the most frequent natural calamities in India that affect millions of people, cause loss of lives, and damage infrastructure and agriculture. Application of geosynthetic products provides a sustainable, eco-friendly, quick & economical solution among all the conventional river and coastal protection works. This paper focuses on geosynthetic solutions to the river and coastal erosion with the help of case studies. To safeguard against the frequent floods, the banks of the river Brahmaputra near Lakhimpur were strengthened while providing geosynthetic anti-erosion measures. A sandfilled geotextile mattress of 0.1m thickness was provided on the river bank slopes of the Brahmaputra River, Assam. Also, this paper reveals the successful application of specially engineered nonwoven geotextile bags with high abrasion resistance, to mitigate the effects of erosion of the banks of Churni River, West Bengal. This solution reinforces the embankment's edge and increases the factor of safety against repeated floods. The third case study discusses the coastal protection work at Kattupalli, Tamilnadu where a 620ms long shoreline was protected against progressive beach erosion. An embankment was formed using 6 numbers of 3.0m theoretical diameter and 20.0m long high-performance geotextile tubes in crosssection and a small geotextile tube was used for scour protection ahead of the structure. The embankment thus formed also provided ways for beach nourishment and land reclamation at the site.
The state of Electrical Leak Location: New technologies and improved methodologies
Authors: Gilson Abigail
Published: September 2024

The introduction of installed geomembranes revolutionized containment system effectiveness for the protection of groundwater quality and water resources. After over six decades of installing geomembranes and evaluating their performance, it has become clear that simply specifying the use of a geomembrane is not enough. Even the addition of Construction Quality Assurance (CQA) is often not enough. In order to ensure that an installed geomembrane will perform in accordance with its design intent, it must be tested for leaks before operation and sometimes even during operation. Several decades after the introduction of geomembranes, Electrical Leak Location (ELL) methods were developed in order to locate leaks in them once installed. The methods have undergone many stages of evolution since their inception and continue to be improved today. This paper details where the technologies began and the current state of the practice as well as the currently available state of the art. Newly developed technologies from across the globe are presented in order to showcase cutting edge capabilities. The spectrum of methodologies used by various practitioners is also presented and detailed. This paper will assist designers and facility owners to choose the best ELL solution in order to ensure containment facility performance, which is critical to the sustainability of the modern world.
Study pertaining to leak simulations in electrical leak location dipole testing. A better understanding of dipole testing calibration using various plate sizes and shapes
Authors: Labonté Francis , Charpentier Carl
Published: September 2024

According to standard ASTM D7007 for geoelectrical leak location (ELL) surveys on earth materials, a hole simulation or calibration must be performed before starting the actual survey. The standard also states that a 1/4 in diameter metal plate must be detectable based on specific signal strengths, if not, the survey cannot be considered completed by the ASTM standard and must be conducted on a 1 m x 1 m grid. Most ELL companies only perform the 1/4 inch test to see if the surveying speed will be fast or slow. The better the signal, the larger the grid, the faster the survey. Usually, leak location practitioners will then proceed to the leak location either way. The number of projects that fail the 1/4 inch test is quite important, so how do we push things further to ensure the best efficiency on site? What information is necessary to understand how the site responds to the test and what can we do to improve the quality of the survey? Here we will compare data gathered within 11 years with various calibration plate sizes and will explain the effects of field specific parameters, such as the simulation’s position, moisture, thickness, cover material homogeneity, and the most important factor of all: peripherical electrical isolation.
Impact of differential settlement on leakage through geomembranes in waste covers: A field and numerical investigation
Authors: Fan Y-H. , Rowe R. Kerry , Brachman R.W.I. , Van Gulck J.
Published: September 2024

This study evaluates the impact of differential settlement on leakage through geomembrane holes in landfill and mine tailings covers. Conducted at the Queen’s University Experimental Liner Test Site, the research spanned two sections with 4H:1V slopes over 13 months. Section B, featuring a 3 m x 2 m depression (0.12 - 0.17 m deep), exhibited a 51- fold increase in leakage compared to the uniform Section A without depression (493L vs 11.1 L). Intriguingly, during colder months with lower precipitation, leakage in Section B surged by 43%, contrary to the lesser leakage observed during warmer, wetter months. 3D numerical models corroborate these findings, attributing the increased leakage during cold periods to reduced temperature-induced hydraulic conductivity of the cover sand. The research provides insights for design and inspection to effectively manage contaminant leakage in waste covers.
Rehabilitation of rail track facing cross-level issues using polymeric geocell
Authors: Chatterjee Arghya , Pokharel Sanat , Breault Marc
Published: September 2024

One of the issues with the existing rail network is the cross-level issue, where the two parallel tracks have unwanted elevation differences, risking train derailment. The speed of trains is typically reduced in those identified areas but still, the geometric irregularity causes train body vibrations reduces the riding comfort. Once that elevation difference exceeds a design limit operation ceases for safety. Conventional solutions to this are jacking up the track by re-filling material inside and injecting expandable foam. None of those temporary techniques have a significant contribution to eliminating the root cause; rather invite additional risks with unpredictable differential stiffness. An enduring solution is rebuilding the embankment with the use of strong geocell reinforcement. The threedimensional confinement along with the high tensile strength of reinforcing polymeric geocell introduces a stiffer layer. Through this paper, a design approach utilizing the tensile strength, stiffness, and geometric properties of the geocell has been established to provide a dependable solution. Three projects have been discussed where a high-strength novel polymeric alloy geocell with the established design method was successfully used. The effective theoretical reduction of bearing pressure was from 38% to 55%. Observation over a year indicated the effectiveness of the design methodology.
Evaluation of intermixing application of geotextiles at subgrade-base interface using accelerated pavement testing
Authors: Sicha Gino , Zornberg Jorge
Published: September 2024

This study focuses on identifying and quantifying the potential benefits of a geotextile separator in flexible pavements placed at the interface between a granular base and an underlying soft subgrade with high water content and a granular base. While benefits of using separators in roadway applications have been generally acknowledged, quantification of such benefits has been limited. The evaluation in this study is based on the results from two accelerated pavement tests using a one-third scale Model Mobile Load Simulator (MMLS3) device. Both models have identical configuration except that a non-woven geotextile was placed at the interface between the subgrade and base layer to serve as a separator in one of the pavement models. The subgrade material used in this study involved a soil mixture containing fifty percent kaolin and fifty percent Monterey sand #30. The base material was an angular AASHTO #8 aggregate. Additionally, an instrumentation program was implemented involving sensors to track the earth pressure distribution, the subgrade excess pore pressures generation, the change in moisture content of the subgrade and the horizontal particle displacement of the base layer. During exhumation of the pavement models, base and subgrade samples were collected to quantify the levels of intermixing. The results of the APT were quantified in terms of the traffic benefit ratio (TBR), which was as high as 6.4 for 25.4 mm rutting showing the significant benefit of using a non-woven geotextile as a separator to extend the design life of flexible pavements. The differences in performance observed between the control and the separation pavement models were found to correlate well with the amount of intermixing observed at the interface between subgrade and base layers. A series of soil columns were tested using cyclic loading to extend the intermixing analysis to different subgrade types with different fine content and geotextiles. The study concluded that higher levels of fine contain in the subgrade would lead to higher levels of intermixing. A correlation between the pore size of the geotextiles and the pumping of subgrade into the base was identified suggesting that smaller pore size would mitigate the pumping intermixing mechanism more efficiently.
Influence of temperature and stress in the transmissivity of GCD used in landfills
Authors: Reinert Juliana , Rowe R. Kerry
Published: September 2024

Twenty-one transmissivity tests were performed in a double composite liner contaminant barrier for landfills. The secondary drainage system was tested with three geocomposite drains with different geonet core structures, biplanar, triplanar, and triaxial. Half of the tests were conducted under normal applied load of 250 kPa and varying temperatures of 30, 65, 75 and 85oC, to simulate different temperatures commonly found in the liner. The other half was performed at 30oC and varying applied stresses of 50, 150, 250 and 350 kPa, to simulate different heights of waste on top of the liner. The triaxial and triplanar GCDs presented similar but higher than the biplanar, rate of decrease in the flow rate with increasing temperature at 250 kPa. The highest the temperature of the liner, the smallest the flow rate of the geocomposite drain, but with a faster rate between 30-65oC than between 65-85oC.
Sustainability aspects of geosynthetic landfill final cover systems
Authors: Joshi Rutuparna , Zhu Ming
Published: September 2024

Progressively, geosynthetics have been used in combination with and in lieu of natural materials to solve complex geotechnical problems while offering a drastic reduction in carbon emissions and minimizing environmental impacts. Commonly used final cover systems for landfills and containment areas include soil-only, soil-geosynthetic, engineered turf cover (ETC), and evapotranspiration (ET) cover system. This presentation provides a detailed review of various sustainability aspects of a geosynthetic ETC including comparisons with traditional covers. Sustainability aspects considered include carbon emissions; deforestation, land use change and borrow areas; land, soil and water conservation; run-off water quality and downstream impacts; reduction in fugitive landfill gas emissions; and beneficial reuse opportunities.