bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction of Core–shell Sb2s3@Cds Nanorod with Enhanced Heterointerface Interaction for Chromium‐Containing Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Li Wei , Li Jiayuan , Ma Tenghao , Liao Guocheng , Gao Fanfan , Duan Wen , Luo Keling , Wang Chuanyi
Published: June 2023

How to collaboratively reduce Cr(VI) and break Cr(III) complexes is a technical challenge to solve chromium‐containing wastewater (CCW) pollution. Solar photovoltaic (SPV) technology based on semiconductor materials is a potential strategy to solve this issue. Sb2S3 is a typical semiconductor material with total visible‐light harvesting capacity, but its large‐sized structure highly aggravates disordered photoexciton migration, accelerating the recombination kinetics and resulting low‐efficient photon utilization. Herein, the uniform mesoporous CdS shell is in situ formed on the surface of Sb2S3 nanorods (NRs) to construct the core–shell Sb2S3@CdS heterojunction with high BET surface area and excellent near‐infrared light harvesting capacity via a surface cationic displacement strategy, and density functional theory thermodynamically explains the breaking of SbS bonds and formation of CdS bonds according to the bond energy calculation. The SbSCd bonding interaction and van der Waals force significantly enhance the stability and synergy of Sb2S3/CdS heterointerface throughout the entire surface of Sb2S3 NRs, promoting the Sb2S3‐to‐CdS electron transfer due to the formation of built‐in electric field. Therefore, the optimized Sb2S3@CdS catalyst achieves highly enhanced simulated sunlight‐driven Cr(VI) reduction (0.154 min−1) and decomplexation of complexed Cr(III) in weakly acidic condition, resulting effective CCW treatment under co‐action of photoexcited electrons and active radicals. This study provides a high‐performance heterostructured catalyst for effective CCW treatment by SPV technology.
Novel Nanogels Loaded with Mn(II) Chelates as Effective and Biologically Stable MRI Probes
Authors: Carniato Fabio , Ricci Marco , Tei Lorenzo , Garello Francesca , Furlan Chiara , Terreno Enzo , Ravera Enrico , Parigi Giacomo , Luchinat Claudio , Botta Mauro
Published: June 2023

Here it is described nanogels (NG) based on a chitosan matrix, which are covalently stabilized by a bisamide derivative of Mn‐t‐CDTA (t–CDTA = trans‐1,2‐diaminocyclohexane‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetraacetic acid). the Mn(II) complex acts both as a contrast medium and as a cross‐linking agent. These nanogels are proposed as an alternative to the less stable paramagnetic nanogels obtained by electrostatic interactions between the polymeric matrix and paramagnetic Gd(III) chelates. The present novel nanogels show: i) relaxivity values seven times higher than that of typical monohydrated Mn(II) chelates at the clinical fields, thanks to the combination of a restricted mobility of the complex with a fast exchange of the metal‐bound water molecule; ii) high stability of the formulation over time at pH 5 and under physiological conditions, thus excluding metal leaking or particles aggregation; iii) good extravasation and accumulation, with a maximum contrast achieved at 24 h post‐injection in mice bearing subcutaneous breast cancer tumor; iv) high T1 contrast (1 T) in the tumor 24 h post‐injection. These improved properties pave the way for the use of these paramagnetic nanogels as promising magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) probes for in vitro and in vivo preclinical applications.
Superresolution Fluorescence Microscopy of Platelet Subcellular Structures as a Potential Tumor Liquid Biopsy
Authors: Xu Peng , Deng Huan , Hong Zhenya , Zhong Simei , Chen Feifan , Wang Liangliang , Wang Zhenhao , Mei Yu , Luo Ziying , He Ziliang , Li Haiwen , Gan Chao , Zhang Huaqiu , Ma Yan , Han Zhiqiang , Zhang Yu‐Hui
Published: June 2023

Blood‐based tumor liquid biopsies are promising as an alternative or complement to tissue biopsies due to their noninvasiveness, convenience, and safety, and there is still a great demand for the discovery of new biomarkers for these biopsies. Here, nanoscale distribution patterns of subcellular structures in platelets, as imaged by structured illumination superresolution fluorescence microscopy, as a new type of potential biomarker for tumor liquid biopsies are presented. A standardized protocol for platelet sample preparation and developed an automated high‐throughput image analysis workflow is established. The diagnostic capability based on the statistical analysis of 280 000 superresolution images of individual platelets from a variety of tumor patients, benign mass patients, and healthy volunteers (n = 206) is explored. These results suggest that the nanoscale distribution patterns of α‐granules in platelets have the potential to be biomarkers for several cancers, including glioma and cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancers, facilitating not only diagnosis but also therapeutic monitoring. This study provides a promising novel type of platelet parameter for tumor liquid biopsies at the subcellular level rather than the existing cellular or molecular level and opens up a new avenue for clinical applications of superresolution imaging techniques.
Uniform Coverage Functional Layers Enable High‐Efficient Flexible Perovskite Solar Modules with an Outstanding Fill Factor
Authors: Xu Yibo , Fei Fei , Dong Xu , Li Lvzhou , Li Yue , Yuan Ningyi , Ding Jianning
Published: June 2023

Uniform and pinhole‐free functional layers are essential for high‐efficient flexible perovskite solar modules (FPSMs). However, the poor wettability of self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) with carbazole bodies and phosphonic acid binding groups usually leads to porous large‐area perovskite films. Herein, a layer of nickel oxide nanoparticles is inserted between sputtered nickel oxide and the SAM to increase the surface energy, and thus simultaneously improving the wettability and nucleation of the perovskite during vacuum‐quenching method. Following this strategy, the best flexible perovskite solar cells with an active area of 0.09 cm2 achieve a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.97% under 1 sun illumination. In addition, FPSMs with the same structure exhibit a high fill factor approach 80% and reach a champion PCE of 19.71% on 58.14 cm2 active area and a certified PCE of 18.17% on 61.26 cm2 aperture area, which is the highest recorded PCE to the best knowledge. Furthermore, the optimized interface also enhances the adhesion between hole‐transport layer and perovskite, and the encapsulated device retains 95% of its initial PCE after 1000 cycles under a 2 cm bending radius.
Long Life and Salt Repellent Evaporator for Efficient Continuous Solar Desalination
Authors: Yu Jinchang , Zhang Wenzhao , Zhi Shaodong , Qi Xinjing , Chen Yan
Published: June 2023

Interfacial solar desalination is widely regarded as a very promising strategy to alleviate global water shortages. In practical application, salting out, poor stability, short service life, complex structure preparation technology, and high cost are always the problems that people intend to solve. Here, a photothermal conversion film with hydrophilic and hydrophobic double‐layer structure is prepared by a simple brush coating process. Among them, the top is used with hydrophobic acetylene black as a photothermal material, and the bottom is used with hydrophilic melamine foam as a carrier. The evaporation rate of the photothermal conversion film can reach 1.6 kg m−2 h−1 during continuous testing at a solar coefficient. At the same time, the photothermal conversion film has a very long service life and can still work after 24 days of continuous testing. A portable desalination device with the photothermal conversion film is designed and the average evaporation rate of water can reach 1.28 kg m−2 h−1 under an average solar illumination of 0.51 kw m−2 in outdoor environments.
Ultrasound of the eye – Part 1: Normal anatomy, technical parameters and scanning technique
Authors: Napier Donna
Published: June 2023

A request for an ultrasound of the eye can be a relatively infrequent occurrence for a sonographer, but ultrasound can play a pivotal role in the detection of vision threatening conditions. In those instances where sonographers are required to perform the occasional ocular ultrasound, a sound knowledge of normal anatomy, scanning techniques, technical parameters and pitfalls is pertinent to ensure pathology is not overlooked. Ultrasound of the eye is commonly performed following trauma or visual disturbance. As such it is a useful diagnostic tool when fundoscopic examination of the eye is limited. The fact that it lacks the use of ionizing radiation, is non‐invasive and readily accessible are just some of its many advantages. However, the greatest advantage is its ability to provide a dynamic assessment of the eye. Ocular structures have a higher sensitivity to ultrasound exposure, which necessitates the correct use of technical parameters so as to not induce any vision affecting biological effects. The purpose of this article is to introduce sonographers to normal ocular anatomy, optimal scanning techniques for enhanced pathology detection, and most importantly the safe use of physical parameters to minimize damage to sensitive ocular structures.
Hot Deformation Behavior of 301L Stainless Steel and Dissolution Behavior of δ‐Ferrite During Heat Treatment
Authors: Li Junchen , Liu Zeyu , Wang Dong , Pan Jixiang , Zhao Mengyu , Geng Shuanglong , Cheng Yugang
Published: June 2023

The hot deformation behavior of 301 L stainless steel is investigated at 1000–1250 °C and 0.1–50 s−1. Deformation characteristics are studied through compressive stress–strain curves and constitutive equations. According to the dynamic material model and a series of diffusion annealing experiments, the hot processing map of 301 L stainless steel is established to determine the suitable processing domain. The results show that the stable domain is located in 1085–1240 °C and high strain rate range of 4.5–50 s−1, and the strain rate is the main factor affecting the machinability. Based on the hot compression tests, δ‐ferrite gradually forms a network structure with the increase of temperature; however, it can be inhibited at high strain rate. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the temperature and increase the strain rate in the actual processing of the machinable area. It is found that diffusion annealing can reduce the content of δ‐ferrite from 12% to 0.67%, and the dissolution of δ‐ferrite is controlled by the diffusion of Cr and Ni, especially noticeable at the interface between γ and δ phase. Finally, the optimum diffusion annealing process parameter is determined at 1300 °C and 10 min.
Automatisierte Schweißnahtnachbehandlung durch höherfrequentes Hämmern
Authors: Wendler Lea , Löschner Daniel , Engelhardt Imke , Telljohann Gerd , Große‐Soetebier Carsten , Sigmund Tilo , Neher Michael
Published: June 2023

Die Wirksamkeit der Schweißnahtnachbehandlung durch höherfrequente Hämmerverfahren (HFH) zur Steigerung der Ermüdungsfestigkeit wurde bereits durch eine Vielzahl von Studien belegt. Durch die robotergesteuerte Anwendung der HFH‐Verfahren soll die Schweißnahtnachbehandlung in den Herstellprozess automatisiert geschweißter Bauteile integriert werden können und ein wirtschaftlicher Einsatz der HFH‐Behandlung innerhalb der Serienfertigung ermöglicht werden. Zudem kann eine automatisierte Qualitätskontrolle in den Nachbehandlungsprozess eingebunden werden, die eine genauere Vermessung der Nahtgeometrie als konventionelle Messmethoden ermöglicht. Dieser Beitrag befasst sich mit der gerätespezifischen Entwicklung einer robotergesteuerten Anwendung der HFH‐Nachbehandlung mit dem HiFIT‐Gerät sowie einer automatisierten Qualitätskontrolle. Anschließend wird die Verifizierung der Wirksamkeit der automatisierten HFH‐Nachbehandlung anhand von Ermüdungsversuchen und der Vermessung der Eindruckgeometrie dargestellt.
Belonging in science classrooms: Investigating its relation to students' contributions and influence in knowledge building
Authors: Penuel William R. , Krumm Andrew E. , Pazera Carol , Singleton Corinne , Allen Anna‐Ruth , Deverel‐Rico Clarissa
Published: June 2023

Meaningful participation in science and engineering practices requires that students make their thinking visible to others and build on one another's ideas. But sharing ideas with others in small groups and classrooms carries social risk, particularly for students from nondominant groups and communities. In this paper, we explore how students' perceptions of classrooms shape their contributions to classroom knowledge building in science across a wide range of classrooms. We examine the claim that when students feel a sense of belonging in class, they contribute more and perceive their ideas to be more influential in knowledge building. Data comes from classroom exit tickets (n = 10,194) administered in 146 classrooms as part of a 10‐state field test of a new middle‐school science curriculum, OpenSciEd, which were analyzed using mixed effects models. We found that students' sense of belonging predicted the degree to which they contributed ideas out loud in class (Odds ratio = 1.57) as well as the degree to which they perceived their contributions as influencing others (Odds ratio = 1.53). These relationships were particularly strong for students who reported a lower a sense of belonging. We also found significant differences by both race and gender in whether students said they contributed and believed their ideas influenced those of others. These findings suggest that a learner's sense of belonging in class and willingness to contribute may be mutually reinforcing, highlighting the need to promote content‐specific strategies to foster belonging in ways that support collaborative knowledge building.
PLS3 promotes papillary thyroid carcinoma progression by activating the Notch signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Dongtao , Liu Jingping , Chen Yong , Jia Lanning , Zhao Ke , He Xianghui
Published: June 2023

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy worldwide. Although significant progress has been made in understanding the genetic and molecular alterations that drive thyroid cancer, the mechanisms underlying thyroid tumor progression remain unclear. In this study, we explored the involvement of Plastin‐3 (PLS3) in the progression of papillary thyroid cancer and elucidated the underlying molecular mechanisms. We first analyzed clinical samples from papillary thyroid cancer patients and found that PLS3 expression was significantly upregulated in tumor tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues. Moreover, high PLS3 expression was associated with advanced tumor stage and poor prognosis. Further in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that PLS3 could promote the proliferation, migration, and invasive behavior of papillary thyroid cancer cells, while PLS3 knockdown suppressed these processes. Mechanistically, we found that PLS3 promoted papillary thyroid cancer progression by activating the Notch signaling pathway. Specifically, PLS3 upregulated the expression of Notch receptors (Notch1) and downstream target gene (Hes1) in papillary thyroid cancer cells. In summary, our findings collectively indicate that PLS3 plays a pivotal role in driving the progression of papillary thyroid cancer and holds promise as a viable therapeutic target for the treatment of this disease.
Disclosures 3: Proving dependency
Authors: Rainsberger Richard
Published: June 2023

Colleges and universities may disclose education records to the parents of a student without obtaining the student's prior written consent. The legal basis for that statement is found above. And since I’m going to be spending the next few columns discussing disclosures of education records to parents, it seems logical to start with this FERPA excerpt.
Short‐term effect of the prone masturbation training on premature ejaculation
Authors: Ma Gongchao , Wang Chunlin , Chen Xiaohong , Xi Yu , Lai Yufen , Zhang Yan
Published: June 2023

Background

Whether conventional behavioral therapies for premature ejaculation can significantly improve the intravaginal ejaculatory latency time is still controversial. Prone masturbation is rare and observed in some patients with delayed ejaculation. Therefore, we tried to verify whether the regular prone masturbation training method had a therapeutic effect on premature ejaculation.

Methods

From July to December 2018, a total of 21 patients met the enrollment criteria and volunteered to participate. Participants were diagnosed with premature ejaculation with an intravaginal ejaculatory latency time of less than 3 min and a Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool score greater than 9. Participants performed 12‐week prone masturbation training.

Results

Ten patients completed the entire treatment regimen. The mean age of the 10 participants was 30.4 ± 6.1 years, the mean frequency of sexual intercourse was 1.9 ± 0.83 times a week, and the median duration of premature ejaculation was 1.5 years. After 3 months of prone masturbation training, the median self‐reported intravaginal ejaculatory latency time significantly increased from 60 to 105 s (p = 0.011), and the mean Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool scores decreased from 15.0 ± 3.7 to 12.7 ± 3.7 points (p = 0.119).

Conclusions

The regular prone masturbation training method, as a novel behavioral therapy, probably has a therapeutic effect on premature ejaculation.
Penile mass formation after neglected penile fracture: Surgical management with pericardial graft reinforcement
Authors: Thompson Laura , Khalafalla Kareim , Wang Run
Published: June 2023

Background

Penile fracture is defined as the rupture of the tunica albuginea of the corpora cavernosa while in an erect state, during mostly intercourse or masturbation. Diagnosis of such condition is mainly clinical, while on the other hand, seeking medical attention is often delayed, and treatment options depend upon the time of presentation.

Methods

This case report details a patient who developed a penile cystic fibro‐hematoma lesion, 2 months after a neglected penile fracture. After proper assessment including detailed history, physical exam and a penile doppler ultrasound, patient was elected for surgery.

Results

The patient underwent surgical removal of the mass, correction of the curvature, and reinforcement of the weakened tunica albuginea with a pericardium graft. Postoperative course was uneventful. At follow‐up, he reported normal erectile function with resolved penile curvature.

Conclusion

This highlights the importance of seeking prompt medical attention for suspected penile fractures to avoid potential long‐term complications.
Providing power reserve for secondary grid frequency regulation of offshore wind farms through yaw control
Authors: Oudich Younes , Gyselinck Johan , De Belie Frederik , Kinnaert Michel
Published: June 2023

The ability to significantly contribute to the frequency regulation and provide valuable ancillary services to the transmission system operator (TSO) is one of the present wind farm (WF) challenges, due to the limitations of wind speed forecasting and insufficient power reserve in certain operating conditions notably. In this work, the feasibility of WFs to participate in frequency restoration reserve (FRR) through yaw control is assessed. To this end, a distributed yaw optimization method is developed to evaluate the power gain achieved by yaw redirection based on wind turbine cooperation and compared with a greedy approach. The method relies on a static wake model whose parameters are estimated in a systematic way from simulation data generated with FAST.Farm. Through a case study based on a scaled version of the Belgian Mermaid offshore WF, it is demonstrated that the requirements of the TSO are fulfilled both in terms of response time and level of power reserve for most wind directions. The assessment is limited to wind speeds below the rated speed of the considered wind turbines.
Digital forensics challenges and readiness for 6G Internet of Things (IoT) networks
Authors: Akinbi Alex Olushola
Published: June 2023

The development of sixth‐generation (6G) wireless communication technology is expected to provide super high‐speed data transmission, and advanced network performance than the current fifth‐generation (5G) and be fully functional by the 2030s. This development will have a significant impact and add improvements to digital extended reality (XR), autonomous systems, vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs), artificial intelligence (AI), underwater communications, blockchain technology, pervasive biomedical informatics and smart cities built on the digital infrastructure backbone of the Internet of Things (IoT). The ubiquitous nature of this large‐scale 6G‐enabled IoT that offers faster connectivity capabilities and integrates both terrestrial and non‐terrestrial networks will not only create new data security and privacy issues but also provide a treasure trove of digital evidence useful for digital forensic examiners investigating security incidents and cybercrime. However, for digital forensic examiners, evidence collection, preservation and analysis will become a priority in the successful deployment of 6G IoT networks. In this study, we define key applications of 6G network technology to the Internet of Things and its existing architectures. The survey introduces potential digital forensic challenges and related issues affecting digital forensic investigations specific to 6G IoT networks. Finally, we highlight and discuss forensic readiness and future research directions for identified challenges within the 6G IoT network environments.

This article is categorized under:

Digital and Multimedia Science > IoT Forensics
Equivalences between 2D dilaton gravities, their asymptotic symmetries, and their holographic duals
Authors: Ecker Florian , Grumiller Daniel , Valcárcel Carlos , Vassilevich Dmitri
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Dilaton gravities in two dimensions can be formulated as particular Poisson sigma models. Target space diffeomorphisms map different models to each other and establish a one-to-one correspondence between their classical solutions. We obtain a general form of such diffeomorphisms in Lorentzian and Euclidean signatures and use them to extend known holographic results, including the Schwarzian action on the asymptotic boundary, from JT to a large class of dilaton gravity models.
Wilson loops and defect RG flows in ABJM
Authors: Castiglioni Luigi , Penati Silvia , Tenser Marcia , Trancanelli Diego
Published: June 2023

Abstract

We continue our study of renormalization group (RG) flows on Wilson loop defects in ABJM theory, which we have initiated in arXiv:2211.16501. We generalize that analysis by including non-supersymmetric fixed points and RG trajectories. To this end, we first determine the “ordinary”, non-supersymmetric Wilson loops, which turn out to be two and to include an R-symmetry preserving coupling to the scalar fields of the theory, contrary to their four-dimensional counterpart defined solely in terms of the gauge field holonomy. We then deform these operators by turning on bosonic and/or fermionic couplings, which trigger an elaborate, multi-dimensional network of possible RG trajectories connecting a large spectrum of fixed points classified in terms of the amount (possibly zero) of supersymmetry and R-symmetry preserved. The β-functions are computed to leading order in the ABJM coupling but exactly in the deformation parameters, using an auxiliary one-dimensional theory on the defect and a dimensional regularization scheme. A striking result is the different behavior of the two ordinary Wilson loops, of which one turns out to be a UV unstable point while the other is IR stable. The same is true for the two 1/2 BPS Wilson loops. We interpret our results from a defect CFT (dCFT) point of view, computing the anomalous dimensions of the operators associated to the deformations and establishing appropriate g-theorems. In particular, the fermionic unstable fixed point is associated to a dCFT which is not reflection positive.
Additively manufactured cure tools for composites manufacture
Authors: Valentine Max D. A. , Radhakrishnan Arjun , Maes Vincent K. , Pegg Elise C. , Valero Maria D. R. , Kratz James , Dhokia Vimal
Published: June 2023

This research presents a novel framework for the design of additively manufactured (AM) composite tooling for the manufacture of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic composites. Through the rigorous design and manufacture of 30 unique AM tools, the viability of a design for AM framework was evaluated through measuring the performance with respect to geometrical accuracy and thermal responsiveness, and simulating the tool specific stiffness. The AM components consisted of a thin layup facesheet, stiffened by a low density lattice geometry. These tools were successfully used to layup and cure small composite components. The tooling was highly thermally responsive, reaching above 93% of the applied oven heating rate and up to 17% faster heating rates compared to similar mass monolithic tools. The results indicate that thermal overshoot has a greater dependence on the lattice density while the heating rate was more sensitive to the facesheet thickness. Lattice densities of as little as 5% were manufactured and the best overall geometry was a graded gyroid lattice with thicker walls near the surface and thinner walls at the base, attached to a 0.7 mm thick facesheet. The outputs from this research can provide a new route to the design and manufacture of mould tools, which could have significant impacts in the composites sector with new, lighter, more energy efficient tooling.
Investigation of die designs on welding quality and billet material utilisation for multi-container extrusion of wide stiffened aluminium panels
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Zhou Wenbin , Shi Zhusheng , Lin Jianguo
Published: June 2023

Wide stiffened aluminium panels are extensively used in aerospace, marine, and civil industries due to their light-weight structure and high stiffness. In this paper, a wide stiffened aluminium panel was manufactured using the principle of the multi-container extrusion, and a comparative study was conducted using two different die designs at the same extrusion condition, in which metal flow behaviour, extrusion force, welding quality, and billet material utilisation have been investigated numerically. Additionally, the effect of extrusion speed on the extrusion process was evaluated with the modified design. It was shown that, compared with the initial design, better metal flow behaviour can be obtained in the modified design. Multi-container extrusion greatly reduces the extrusion force, and the modified design results in a more uniform extrusion force for each extrusion container. The total extrusion force for the modified design is slightly higher compared with the initial die design, due to the increased friction in the upper die channels and the second-step welding chamber. Besides, the modified design of the multi-container extrusion can obtain better welding quality evaluated by different welding criteria, and the extrusion speed has a minor effect on the welding quality. The most notable feature is that the modified design greatly improves the material utilisation, which could save 39.5% material compared to the initial design.
Winter, spring, summer or fall: temporal patterns in placenta-mediated pregnancy complications—an exploratory analysis
Authors: Jeppegaard Maria , Rasmussen Steen C. , Anhøj Jacob , Krebs Lone
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Placenta-mediated pregnancy complications, like growth restriction and hypertensive disorders, are leading causes of maternal, fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in high-income countries. The purpose was to investigate if there is a seasonal variation in placenta-mediated pregnancy complications (small for gestational age, intrauterine growth restriction, preeclampsia, preterm birth and intrauterine fetal death).

Methods

This is a Danish cohort study including all singleton deliveries at gestational week 22 up to and including week 41 conceived from December 2006 to November 2016 (N = 555,459). We used statistical process control charts to visualize data and to test for patterns of non-random variation in data over time for pregnancies with risk factors (BMI, diabetes, in vitro fertilization, maternal age > 40 years, primipara, previous caesarean and smoking) and each of the following outcome: fetal growth restriction, hypertensive disorders, preterm birth and intrauterine fetal death. The study was approved by the Danish Data Protection agency; REG-039-2019.

Results

We found a seasonal pattern in hypertensive disorders during pregnancy with dips in pregnancies conceived in the fall season and highest risk by conception in the spring and summer season. We found no apparent seasonality in cases of preterm delivery, small for gestational age and intrauterine mortality. Individual risk factors (e.g. smoking and obesity) for placenta-mediated complicated over time were in consistency with the general trends.

Conclusions

We found a significant seasonal variation in the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy with highest risk by conception in the spring and summer season. This study found no seasonal variation in other placenta-mediated complications.
A model of privately funded public research
Authors: Greve Thomas , Keiding Hans
Published: June 2023

We present a simple model of research, in which it is possible to compare the cost of private versus public research activity. The principal aim is to find conditions under which private firms might decide to provide funding, partially or fully, for research carried out by public research organizations. Since the underlying research problem is given, differences in cost depend mainly on the contracts between the firm or the public organization on one side and the researchers employed in the project on the other, together with the incentives which are implied by these contracts. We find that under suitable assumptions it is advantageous for the private firm to outsource its research to a public organization. The free access for the general public to research results obtained by public research organizations may however be an obstacle to outsourcing, unless some public funding is forthcoming.
The impact of passive alveolar molding vs. nasoalveolar molding on cleft width and other parameters of maxillary growth in unilateral cleft lip palate
Authors: Parhofer Robert , Rau Andrea , Strobel Karin , Gölz Lina , Stark Renée , Ritschl Lucas M. , Wolff Klaus-Dietrich , Kesting Marco R. , Grill Florian D. , Seidel Corinna L.
Published: June 2023

Objective

Passive alveolar molding (PAM) and nasoalveolar molding (NAM) are established presurgical infant orthodontic (PSIO) therapies for cleft lip palate (CLP) patients. PAM guides maxillary growth with a modified Hotz appliance, while NAM also uses extraoral taping and includes nasal stents. The effects of these techniques on alveolar arch growth have rarely been compared.

Material and methods

We retrospectively compared 3D-scanned maxillary models obtained before and after PSIO from infants with unilateral, non-syndromic CLP treated with PAM (n = 16) versus NAM (n = 13). Nine anatomical points were set digitally by four raters and transversal/sagittal distances and rotations of the maxilla were measured.

Results

Both appliances reduced the anterior cleft, but NAM percentage wise more. NAM decreased the anterior and medial transversal width compared to PAM, which led to no change. With both appliances, the posterior width increased. The alveolar arch length of the great and small segments and the sagittal length of the maxilla increased with PAM but only partially with NAM. However, NAM induced a significant greater medial rotation of the larger and smaller segment compared to PAM with respect to the lateral angle.

Conclusions

NAM and PAM presented some significant differences regarding maxillary growth. While NAM reduced the anterior cleft and effectively rotated the segments medially, PAM allowed more transversal and sagittal growth.

Clinical relevance

The results of this study should be taken into consideration when to decide whether to use PAM or NAM, since they show a different outcome within the first few months. Further studies are necessary regarding long-term differences.
Assessing of the Italian version of the Memory Strategy Test (TMS) in people with Parkinson disease: a preliminary descriptive psychometric study
Authors: Vaccaro Maria Grazia , Pullano Luca , Canino Silvia , Pastore Massimiliano , Sarica Alessia , Quattrone Andrea , Fernandes Sara Margarida , Migliorini Filippo , Maestu Fernando , Quattrone Aldo
Published: June 2023

Background

Previous literature has shown that executive functions (EF) are related to performance in memory (M) tasks. The Test of Memory strategies (TMS) is a psychometric test that examines EF and M simultaneously and it was recently validated on an Italian healthy cohort. The first aim of the study was to apply TMS, for the first time, on a sample of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), who are characterized by mild cognitive impairment. The second aim is to investigate whether TMS scores can discriminate PD patients from healthy controls.

Method

Ninety-eight subjects were enrolled, including 68 patients with PD, and 30 Italian healthy controls (HC), who also underwent a memory evaluation through well-known tests.

Results

Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) demonstrated that TMS of PD patients had a bi-dimensional structure as previously found in healthy cohort. In detail, The TMS-1 and TMS-2 lists require greater involvement of the EF factor, while TMS-3, TMS-4 and TMS-5 the M factor. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and precision-recall (PR) curves showed that the M subscale can distinguish between HC and PD, while EF had poor discrimination power.

Conclusion

The hypothesized prediction model of TMS test seems to have adequate ability to discriminate PD from HC especially for the M function.
Heterologous Expression and Biochemical Characterization of a New Chloroperoxidase Isolated from the Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vent Black Yeast Hortaea werneckii UBOCC-A-208029
Authors: Cochereau Bastien , Le Strat Yoran , Ji Qiaolin , Pawtowski Audrey , Delage Ludovic , Weill Amélie , Mazéas Lisa , Hervé Cécile , Burgaud Gaëtan , Gunde-Cimerman Nina , Pouchus Yves François , Demont-Caulet Nathalie , Roullier Catherine , Meslet-Cladiere Laurence
Published: June 2023

The initiation of this study relies on a targeted genome-mining approach to highlight the presence of a putative vanadium-dependent haloperoxidase-encoding gene in the deep-sea hydrothermal vent fungus Hortaea werneckii UBOCC-A-208029. To date, only three fungal vanadium-dependent haloperoxidases have been described, one from the terrestrial species Curvularia inaequalis, one from the fungal plant pathogen Botrytis cinerea, and one from a marine derived isolate identified as Alternaria didymospora. In this study, we describe a new vanadium chloroperoxidase from the black yeast H. werneckii, successfully cloned and overexpressed in a bacterial host, which possesses higher affinity for bromide (Km = 26 µM) than chloride (Km = 237 mM). The enzyme was biochemically characterized, and we have evaluated its potential for biocatalysis by determining its stability and tolerance in organic solvents. We also describe its potential three-dimensional structure by building a model using the AlphaFold 2 artificial intelligence tool. This model shows some conservation of the 3D structure of the active site compared to the vanadium chloroperoxidase from C. inaequalis but it also highlights some differences in the active site entrance and the volume of the active site pocket, underlining its originality.
The link between physician motivation and care
Authors: Oxholm Anne Sophie , Gyrd-Hansen Dorte , Jacobsen Christian Bøtcher , Jensen Ulrich Thy , Pedersen Line Bjørnskov
Published: June 2023

Studies report an unexplained variation in physicians’ care. This variation may to some extent be explained by differences in their work motivation. However, empirical evidence on the link between physician motivation and care is scarce. We estimate the associations between different types of work motivation and care. Motivation is measured using validated questions from a nation-wide survey of Danish general practices and linked to high-quality register data on their care in 2019. Using a series of regression models, we find that more financially motivated practices generate more fee-for-services per patient, whereas practices characterised by greater altruistic motivation towards the patient serve a larger share of high-need patients and issue more prescriptions for antibiotics per patient. Practices with higher altruism towards society generate lower medication costs per patient and prescribe a higher rate of narrow-spectrum penicillin, thereby reducing the risk of antimicrobial resistance in the population. Together, our results suggest that practices’ motivation is associated with several dimensions of healthcare, and that both their financial motivation and altruism towards patients and society play a role. Policymakers should, therefore, consider targeting all provider motivations when introducing organisational changes and incentive schemes; for example, by paying physicians to adhere to clinical guidelines, while at the same time clearly communicating the guidelines’ value from both a patient and societal perspective.
Inertial instability and phase error in Euler forward predictor-corrector time integration schemes: Improvement of modeling Great Lakes thermal structure and circulation using FVCOM
Authors: Wang Jia , Fujisaki-Manome Ayumi , Kessler James , Cannon David , Chu Philip
Published: June 2023

This study investigates the inertial stability properties and phase error of numerical time integration schemes in several widely-used ocean and atmospheric models. These schemes include the most widely used centered differencing (i.e., leapfrog scheme or the 3-time step scheme at n-1, n, n+1) and 2-time step (n, n+1) 1st-order Euler forward schemes, as well as 2nd-stage and 3rd- and 4th-stage Euler predictor-corrector (PC) schemes. Previous work has proved that the leapfrog scheme is neutrally stable with respect to the Coriolis force, with perfect inertial motion preservation, an amplification factor (AF) equal to unity, and a minor overestimation of the phase speed. The 1st-order Euler forward scheme, on the other hand, is known to be unconditionally inertially unstable since its AF is always greater than unity. In this study, it is shown that 3rd- and 4th-order predictor-corrector schemes 1) are inertially stable with weak damping if the Coriolis terms are equally split to n+1 (new value) and n (old value); and 2) introduce an artificial computational mode. The inevitable phase error associated with the Coriolis parameter is analyzed in depth for all numerical schemes. Some schemes (leapfrog and 2nd-stage PC schemes) overestimate the phase speed, while the others (1st-order Euler forward, 3rd- and 4th-stage PC schemes) underestimate it. To preserve phase speed as best as possible in a numerical model, alternating a scheme that overestimates the phase speed with a scheme that underestimates the phase speed is recommended. Considering all properties investigated, the leapfrog scheme is still highly recommended for a time integration scheme. As an example, a comparison between a leapfrog scheme and a 1st-order Euler forward scheme is presented to show that the leapfrog scheme reproduces much better vertical thermal stratification and circulation in the weakly-stratified Great Lakes.
On the role of lidar measurements in speeding up precise point positioning convergence
Authors: Zhang Junjie , Khodabandeh Amir , Khoshelham Kourosh
Published: June 2023

Global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and light detection and ranging (lidar) are well known to be complementary for vehicle positioning in urban canyons, where GNSS observations are prone to signal blockage and multi-path. As one of the most common carrier-phase-based precise positioning techniques, precise point positioning (PPP) enables single-receiver positioning as it utilizes state-space representation corrections for satellite orbits and clocks and does not require a nearby reference station. Yet PPP suffers from a long positioning convergence time. In this contribution, we propose to reduce the PPP convergence using an observation-level integration of GNSS and lidar. Lidar measurements, in the form of 3D keypoints, are generated by registering online scans to a pre-built high-definition map through deep learning and are then combined with dual-frequency PPP (DF-PPP) observations in an extended Kalman filter implementing the constant-velocity model that captures the vehicle dynamics. We realize real-time PPP (RT-PPP) in this integration using the IGS real-time service products for vehicle positioning. Comprehensive analyses are provided to evaluate different combinations of measurements and PPP corrections in both static and simulated kinematic modes using data captured by multiple receivers. Experimental results show that the integration achieves cm-level accuracy and instantaneous convergence by using redundant measurements. Accordingly, for classical PPP accuracy of 10 cm and convergence within minutes, respectively, lidar input is only required once every 10 s.
A risk-targeted approach for the seismic design of bridge piers
Authors: Turchetti Francesca , Tubaldi Enrico , Douglas John , Zanini Mariano Angelo , Dall’Asta Andrea
Published: June 2023

Designing a structure to resist earthquakes by targeting an explicit failure risk has been a key research topic over the past two decades. In this article, a risk-targeted design approach is developed for circular reinforced concrete bridge piers, based on a probabilistic optimization procedure aimed at minimising the design resisting moment at the pier base. In order to reduce the computational effort, a surrogate model is developed to describe the influence of two key design parameter (i.e., the pier diameter and the longitudinal reinforcement ratio) on the structural behaviour and performance. The proposed approach is applied in a case study for Italy for target mean annual frequencies of failure selected according to European codes using a probabilistic seismic hazard assessment for average spectral acceleration across a wide range of structural periods. The variation in the design parameters across Italy is considerable because of the large variation in seismic hazard. It is found that in areas of low seismic hazard the level of seismic design required is near the minimum allowed by Eurocode 8 in terms of reinforcement ratio. In areas of the highest seismic hazard much higher reinforcement ratios and pier diameters are required to meet the risk targets. If both pier diameter and longitudinal reinforcement ratios are considered as design parameters then the optimisation procedure may mean adjacent sites have significant different pairs of these parameters as the target can be reached in multiple ways. This problem can be solved by fixing one parameter and optimising the other.
APP-BACE1 Interaction and Intracellular Localization Regulate Aβ Production in iPSC-Derived Cortical Neurons
Authors: Roselli Sandra , Satir Tugce Munise , Camacho Rafael , Fruhwürth Stefanie , Bergström Petra , Zetterberg Henrik , Agholme Lotta
Published: June 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized pathologically by amyloid β (Aβ)-containing plaques. Generation of Aβ from amyloid precursor protein (APP) by two enzymes, β- and γ-secretase, has therefore been in the AD research spotlight for decades. Despite this, how the physical interaction of APP with the secretases influences APP processing is not fully understood. Herein, we compared two genetically identical human iPSC-derived neuronal cell types: low Aβ-secreting neuroprogenitor cells (NPCs) and high Aβ-secreting mature neurons, as models of low versus high Aβ production. We investigated levels of substrate, enzymes and products of APP amyloidogenic processing and correlated them with the proximity of APP to β- and γ-secretase in endo-lysosomal organelles. In mature neurons, increased colocalization of full-length APP with the β-secretase BACE1 correlated with increased β-cleavage product sAPPβ. Increased flAPP/BACE1 colocalization was mainly found in early endosomes. In the same way, increased colocalization of APP-derived C-terminal fragment (CTF) with presenilin-1 (PSEN1), the catalytic subunit of γ-secretase, was seen in neurons as compared to NPCs. Furthermore, most of the interaction of APP with BACE1 in low Aβ-secreting NPCs seemed to derive from CTF, the remaining APP part after BACE1 cleavage, indicating a possible novel product-enzyme inhibition. In conclusion, our results suggest that interaction of APP and APP cleavage products with their secretases can regulate Aβ production both positively and negatively. β- and γ-Secretases are difficult targets for AD treatment due to their ubiquitous nature and wide range of substrates. Therefore, targeting APP-secretase interactions could be a novel treatment strategy for AD.

Graphical Abstract

Colocalization of APP species with BACE1 in a novel model of low- versus high-Aβ secretion—Two genetically identical human iPSC-derived neuronal cell types: low Aβ-secreting neuroprogenitor cells (NPCs) and high Aβ secreting mature neurons, were compared. Increased full-length APP (flAPP)/BACE1 colocalization in early endosomes was seen in neurons, while APP-CTF/BACE1 colocalization was much higher than flAPP/BACE1 colocalization in NPCs, although the cellular location was not determined.
Intra-Acting Food Citizenship in Community-Supported Agriculture in Finland
Authors: Turunen Anni , Aro Riikka , Huttunen Suvi
Published: June 2023

Citizens are called upon to become active participants in creating a more sustainable food system. As food citizens, people participate in defining and constructing their food systems according to their needs and values. In food policies, the concept of food citizenship is often left undefined or with reference only to individual activities. In the food citizenship literature, the role of nonhuman agency in constituting food citizenship needs more examination. Here we investigate food citizenship activities in a citizen-led community-supported agriculture group and explore the role of materiality in constituting food citizenship. We ask (1) what is the role of material-discursive arrangements in community-supported agriculture activities, and (2) how does materiality constitute food citizenship? We analyze semi-structured interviews, as well as observation and visual material, using qualitative content analysis. Our findings indicate that materialities, such as the field, time, and body, play a central role in community-supported agriculture activities. With materialities, food citizenship is understood as collective and active doing, aiming to change the food system. Instead of endorsing food citizenship as a human trait or status, we claim that it is more productive to regard it as a phenomenon, produced in intra-action with(in) material-discursive arrangements. Acknowledging nonhuman agency emphasizes the political, collective, and responsible nature of citizenship as well as the power relations behind the constitution of citizenship. We conclude that in food policies more attention should be paid to collective ways of civic participation and to the materiality of becoming a food citizen.