bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Ionic Power Generation via Light‐Driven Active Ion Transport Across 2D Semiconductor Heterostructures
Authors: Zhang Yuhui , Wang Lili , Bian Qing , Zhong Chengcheng , Chen Yupeng , Jiang Lei
Published: June 2024

2D semiconductor heterostructures exhibit broad application prospects. However, regular nanochannels of heterostructures rarely caught the researcher's attention. Herein, a metal–organic framework (i.e., Cu3(HHTP)2) and transition metal dichalcogenides (i.e., MoS2)‐based multilayer van der Waals heterostructure (i.e., Cu3(HHTP)2/MoS2) realized band alignment‐dominated light‐driven ion transport and further light‐enhanced ionic energy generation. High‐density channels of the heterostructure provide high‐speed pathways for ion transmembrane transport. Upon light illumination, a net ionic flow occurs at a symmetric concentration, suggesting a directional cationic transport from Cu3(HHTP)2 to MoS2. This is because Cu3(HHTP)2/MoS2 heterostructures containing type‐II band alignment can generate photovoltaic motive force through light‐induced efficient charge separation to drive ion transport. After introducing into the ionic power generation system, the maximum power density under illumination can achieve notable improvement under different concentration differences. In addition to the photovoltaic motive force, type‐II band alignment and material defect capture‐induced surface charge increase also raise ion selectivity and flux, greatly facilitating ionic energy generation. This work demonstrates that 2D semiconductor heterostructures with rational band alignment can not only be a potential platform for optimizing light‐enhanced ionic energy harvesting but also provide a new thought for biomimetic iontronic devices.
How Plasmon Ag Nanoparticles can Enhance the Power Performance of a Thermoelectric Generator
Authors: Serrano‐Claumarchirant José F. , Cho Chungyeon , Cantarero Andrés , Culebras Mario , Abargues Rafael , Gómez Clara M.
Published: June 2024

The development of wearable thermoelectric generators (wTEG) represents a promising strategy to replace batteries and supercapacitors required to supply electrical energy for portable electronic devices. However, the main drawback of wTEGs is that the thermal gradient between the skin and the ambient is minimal, reducing the power output produced by the generator. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the thermal management of wTEG in order to increase its efficiency. This work deals with the preparation of a thermoelectric generator that harnesses the plasmonic heating effect to enhance the thermal gradient of the final device. The thermoelectric layer is created through the in situ polymerization of terthiophene (3T) within a polyurethane matrix, utilizing silver (Ag) (I) and copper (II) perchlorate as oxidants. The plasmonic film, composed of Ag‐NP (nanoparticles), is formed via photocatalytic reduction of silver nitrate in the presence of titanium oxide. These layers are then meticulously assembled to yield the hybrid plasmonic/thermoelectric generator.
Accelerating resident research within quantitative collaboration units in academic healthcare
Authors: Davenport Clemontina A. , Lee Hui‐Jie , Ruiz‐Esparza Quentin , Janes Nicholas , Neely Megan L. , Rende Lacey , Samsa Gregory P. , Stilley Kelsey , Troy Jesse D. , Truong Tracy , Grambow Steven C. , Pomann Gina‐Maria
Published: June 2024

With increased access to biomedical and electronic health records data and the complexity of research questions, individuals in residency programmes who aim to conduct research require specialized educational programmes and biostatistics support. Biostatistics collaboration units in academic health centres often work with residents to conduct data‐intensive research. These units face numerous challenges related to providing training in statistical literacy and collaborating on resident‐led research within very restricted timelines. Since 2019, the Duke Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design (BERD) Methods Core has supported over 247 resident‐led projects by developing tools and resources to address these challenges. This manuscript presents novel processes and training materials that other institutions can use to help biostatistics collaboration units effectively support resident training programmes. We provide a framework to support the development of collaborative teams, along with specialized training materials for residents who collaborate with these teams.
Calcinosis cutis associated with leptospirosis in a 4‐month‐old dog
Authors: Hsieh Emmelyn , Mathews Kathrina , Wolf Tatiana , Affolter Verena K. , Sykes Jane E.
Published: June 2024

Canine leptospirosis is a multisystemic disease that can affect dogs of all ages and lifestyles. This report describes a 4‐month‐old dog diagnosed with acute leptospirosis and treated with dialysis and antibiotic therapy as well as intensive supportive care for 11 days of hospitalisation. About 10 days after discharge, the dog developed cutaneous lesions that were consistent with calcinosis cutis on histopathology. The lesions resolved within 1 month without specific intervention. This report discusses a potential association between calcinosis cutis and leptospirosis infection and highlights a need for early vaccination to protect young dogs.
The impact of benzoic acid and lactic acid on the treatment efficiency and microbial community in the sulfur autotrophic denitrification process
Authors: Du Jiancheng , Xu Bing , Ma Guangxiang , Ma Liang , Liang Jinhao , Li Ke , Jiao Hui , Tian Binbin , Li Bingxu , Ma Linfeng
Published: June 2024

Nitrate poses a potential threat to aquatic ecosystems. This study focuses on the sulfur autotrophic denitrification mechanism in the process of water culture wastewater treatment, which has been successfully applied to the degradation of nitrogen in water culture farm effluents. However, the coexistence of organic acids in the treatment process is a common environmental challenge, significantly affecting the activity of denitrifying bacteria. This paper aims to explore the effects of adding benzoic acid and lactic acid on denitrification performance, organic acid removal rate, and microbial population abundance in sulfur autotrophic denitrification systems under optimal operating conditions, sulfur deficiency, and high hydraulic load. In experiments with 50 mg·L−1 of benzoic acid or lactic acid alone, the results show that benzoic acid and lactic acid have a stimulating effect on denitrification activity, with the stimulating effect significantly greater than the inhibitory effect. Under optimal operating conditions, the average denitrification rate of the system remained above 99%; under S/N = 1.5 conditions, the average denitrification rate increased from 88.34% to 91.93% and 85.91%; under HRT = 6 h conditions, the average denitrification rate increased from 75.25% to 97.79% and 96.58%. In addition, the addition of organic acids led to a decrease in microbial population abundance. At the phylum level, Proteobacteria has always been the dominant bacterial genus, and its relative abundance significantly increased after the addition of benzoic acid, from 40.2% to 61.5% and 62.4%. At the genus level, Thiobacillus, Sulfurimonas, Chryseobacterium, and Thermomonas maintained high population abundances under different conditions.

Practitioner Points

Employing autotrophic denitrification process for treating high‐nitrate wastewater.

Utilizing organic acids as external carbon sources.

Denitrifying bacteria demonstrate high utilization efficiency towards organic acids.

Organic acids promote denitrification more than they inhibit it.

The promotion is manifested in the enhancement of activity and microbial abundance.
The Virtual: Hybrid Environments and Deepfake Realities
Authors: Angelaki Vicky
Published: June 2024

The chapter analyses the digital milieu as a definitive in-between space, establishing a dialogue between the different stages of the COVID-19 era, and bringing, equally, a reflection of the experiences that have already been shaped within pandemic times and an anticipation of the state we inherit as their legacy. The chapter probes how our electronic footprint has outweighed our physical one and traces the associated risks. It queries how our shifting relationship to the digital provides the basis for the ultimate in-betweenness: of the virtual both as gateway to the world and as destination unto itself, forever oscillating between private and public domains. The case studies in this chapter are Martin Crimp’s Not One of These People and Lucy Kirkwood’s Rapture (both 2022).
Akuter ischämischer Schlaganfall und erhöhter Troponinwert – Update des Mannheimer Algorithmus
Authors: Becker Louisa , Alonso Angelika , Kruska Mathieu , Baumann Stefan , Grassl Niklas , Lesch Hendrik , Eisele Philipp , Sieburg Tina , Behnes Michael , Schupp Tobias , Kayed Hany , Platten Michael , Duerschmied Daniel , Szabo Kristina , Akin Ibrahim , Fastner Christian
Published: June 2024

Bei etwa der Hälfte aller Patienten mit akutem ischämischem Schlaganfall (AIS) dürfen erhöhte Werte des hochsensitiven kardialen Troponins (hs-cTn) erwartet werden. Diese Patienten sind von einer erhöhten Morbidität und Mortalität bedroht, die häufig auf eine kardiale Ursache zurückzuführen ist. Daher bedarf es einer adäquaten Aufarbeitung der zugrundeliegenden Ursache, die nur im Team aus Kardiologen und Neurologen gelingen kann. Da die Ursachen vielfältig, in ihrer klinischen Präsentation beim Patienten mit AIS atypisch oder stumm und einige wie ein begleitender Myokardinfarkt akut lebensbedrohlich sein können, sollte die Abklärung einem standardisierten Algorithmus zur Differenzialdiagnostik folgen. Die überwiegende Zahl der hs-cTn-Erhöhungen wird durch nichtischämische Myokardschäden im Zusammenhang mit dem AIS verursacht. Dieser Artikel stellt einen praxisorientierten Ansatz zur Differenzialdiagnostik mit dem Update des Mannheimer Algorithmus zu akutem ischämischem Schlaganfall und Troponinerhöhung vor.
Nitrogen Removal Performance and Microbial Community Structure of IMTA Ponds (Apostistius japonicus-Penaeus japonicus-Ulva)
Authors: Chen Daiqiang , Tian Chen , Yuan Haiqing , Zhai Wei , Chang Zhiqiang
Published: June 2024

Denitrification and anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) are key processes for nitrogen removal in aquaculture, reducing the accumulated nitrogen nutrients to nitrogen gas or nitrous oxide gas. Complete removal of nitrogen from aquaculture systems is an important measure to solve environmental pollution. In order to evaluate the nitrogen removal potential of marine aquaculture ponds, this study investigated the denitrification and anammox rates, the flux of nitrous oxide (N2O) at the water–air interface, the sediment microbial community structure, and the gene expression associated with the nitrogen removal process in integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) ponds (Apostistius japonicus-Penaeus japonicus-Ulva) with different culture periods. The results showed that the denitrification and anammox rates in sediments increased with the increase of cultivation periods and depth, and there was no significant difference in nitrous oxide gas flux at the water–air interface between different cultivation periods (p > 0.05). At the genus and phylum levels, the abundance of microorganisms related to nitrogen removal reactions in sediments changed significantly with the increase of cultivation period and depth, and was most significantly affected by the concentration of particulate organic nitrogen (PON) in sediments. The expression of denitrification gene (narG, nirS, nosZ) in surface sediments was significantly higher than that in deep sediments (p < 0.05), and was negatively correlated with denitrification rate. All samples had a certain anammox capacity, but no known anammox bacteria were found in the microbial diversity detection, and the expression of gene (hzsB) related to the anammox process was extremely low, which may indicate the existence of an unknown anammox bacterium. The data of this study showed that the IMTA culture pond had a certain potential for nitrogen removal, and whether it could make a contribution to reducing the pollution of culture wastewater still needed additional practice and evaluation, and also provided a theoretical basis for the nitrogen removal research of coastal mariculture ponds.

Graphical Abstract
The essential role of aggregation for the emulsifying ability of a fungal CYS-rich protein
Authors: Pitocchi Rossana , Cicatiello Paola , Illiano Anna , Fontanarosa Carolina , Spina Federica , Varese Giovanna Cristina , Amoresano Angela , Piscitelli Alessandra , Giardina Paola
Published: June 2024

Biosurfactants are in demand by the global market as natural commodities suitable for incorporation into commercial products or utilization in environmental applications. Fungi are promising producers of these molecules and have garnered interest also for their metabolic capabilities in efficiently utilizing recalcitrant and complex substrates, like hydrocarbons, plastic, etc. Within this framework, biosurfactants produced by two Fusarium solani fungal strains, isolated from plastic waste-contaminated landfill soils, were analyzed. Mycelia of these fungi were grown in the presence of 5% olive oil to drive biosurfactant production. The characterization of the emulsifying and surfactant capacity of these extracts highlighted that two different components are involved. A protein was purified and identified as a CFEM (common in fungal extracellular membrane) containing domain, revealing a good propensity to stabilize emulsions only in its aggregate form. On the other hand, an unidentified cationic smaller molecule exhibits the ability to reduce surface tension. Based on the 3D structural model of the protein, a plausible mechanism for the formation of very stable aggregates, endowed with the emulsifying ability, is proposed.

Key points

• Two Fusarium solani strains are analyzed for their surfactant production.

• A cationic surfactant is produced, exhibiting the ability to remarkably reduce surface tension.

• An identified protein reveals a good propensity to stabilize emulsions only in its aggregate form.
Thoracoscopic primary repair is useful for esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula in neonates with low body weight
Authors: Gohda Yousuke , Uchida Hiroo , Shirota Chiyoe , Tainaka Takahisa , Sumida Wataru , Makita Satoshi , Satomi Miwa , Yasui Akihiro , Kanou Yoko , Nakagawa Yoichi , Kato Daiki , Maeda Takuya , Guo Yaohui , Liu Jiahui , Ishii Hiroki , Ota Kazuki , Hinoki Akinari
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The surgical indication of thoracoscopic primary repair for esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula is under debate. The current study aimed to investigate the outcome of thoracoscopic primary repair for esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula in patients weighing < 2000 g and those who underwent emergency surgery at the age of 0 day.

Methods

The surgical outcomes were compared between patients weighing < 2000 g and those weighing > 2000 g at surgery and between patients who underwent surgery at the age of 0 day and those who underwent surgery at age ≥ 1 day.

Results

In total, 43 patients underwent thoracoscopic primary repair for esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula. The surgical outcomes according to body weight were similar. Patients who underwent surgery at the age of 0 day were more likely to develop anastomotic leakage than those who underwent surgery at the age of ≥ 1 day (2 vs. 0 case, p = 0.02). Anastomotic leakage was treated with conservative therapy.

Conclusion

Thoracoscopic primary repair is safe and useful for esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula even in newborns weighing < 2000 g. However, emergency surgery at the age of 0 day should be cautiously performed due to the risk of anastomotic leakage.
Clinical validation of the accuracy of an intra-operative assessment tool using 3D ultrasound compared to histopathology in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue
Authors: Bekedam N. M. , Koot E. L. , de Cuba E. M. V. , van Alphen M. J. A. , van Veen R. L. P. , Karssemakers L. H. E. , Smeele L. E. , Karakullukcu M. B.
Published: June 2024

Background

Histopathological analysis often shows close resection margins after surgical removal of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). This study aimed to investigate the agreement between intraoperative 3D ultrasound (US) margin assessment and postoperative histopathology of resected TSCC.

Methods

In this study, ten patients were prospectively included. Three fiducial cannulas were inserted into the specimen. To acquire a motorized 3D US volume, the resected specimen was submerged in saline, after which images were acquired while the probe moved over the specimen. The US volumes were annotated twice: (1) automatically and (2) manually, with the automatic segmentation as initialization. After standardized histopathological processing, all hematoxylin-eosin whole slide images (WSI) were included for analysis. Corresponding US images were found based on the known WSI spacing and fiducials. Blinded observers measured the tumor thickness and the margin in the caudal, deep, and cranial directions on every slide. The anterior and posterior margin was measured per specimen.

Results

The mean difference in all measurements between manually segmented US and histopathology was 2.34 (SD: ±3.34) mm, and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was 0.733 (p < 0.001). The smallest mean difference was in the tumor thickness with 0.80 (SD: ±2.44) mm and a correlation of 0.836 (p < 0.001). Limitations were observed in the caudal region, where no correlation was found.

Conclusion

This study shows that 3D US and histopathology have a moderate to strong statistically significant correlation (r = 0.733; p < 0.001) and a mean difference between the modalities of 2.3 mm (95%CI: -4.2; 8.9). Future research should focus on patient outcomes regarding resection margins.
Effectiveness of Ti-in-amphibole thermometry and performance of different thermometers across lower continental crust up to UHT metamorphism
Authors: Bartoli Omar , Carvalho Bruna B. , Farina Federico
Published: June 2024

Metabasites are important constituents of deep crustal sections and are the favored rock type for studying lower crustal amphibolite to granulite transitions. However, metapelites may develop a larger number of temperature-sensitive mineral assemblages and are particular useful when extreme ultrahigh temperature (UHT) conditions are envisaged. A recent calibration of the Ti-in-amphibole thermometer by Liao et al. (2021) was supposed to make thermometry on metabasites quick and easy to apply. However, their calibration is based on experiments which were not originally designed to investigate in detail the temperature dependence of Ti in amphibole. In addition, a possible effect of aTiO2 and/or pressure on the Ti content of amphibole was not fully taken into account. This resulted in a calibration uncertainty of ± 70 °C (2σ), much higher than that of other single-mineral thermometers. In this study we firstly test the newly calibrated Ti-in-amphibole thermometer across the mid to lower crustal section of the Ivrea–Verbano Zone (IVZ; NW Italy) and compare the performance of different thermometric techniques across the sequence. Ti-in-amphibole thermometry records increasing peak temperatures from amphibolite (600–700 °C), transition (750–800 °C) and granulite (850–950 °C) zones. Titanium content of amphibole may be modified by retrograde fluid influx returning temperatures c. 200–300 °C lower than in non-altered domains. The comparison reveals that Zr-in-rutile thermometer in pelitic granulites seems to be more prone to post-peak resetting than the Ti-in-amphibole thermometry in nearby mafic rocks. This behavior is also confirmed by amphibole analyses from other UHT localities, where the performance of Ti-in-amphibole thermometry is comparable with that of Al-in-orthopyroxene in pelitic granulites. However, Ti-in-amphibole temperatures are underestimated in rutile-bearing samples and this limitation is not solely restricted to rocks containing high H2O contents as previously thought. Derived constraints on the diffusivity of Ti through amphibole demonstrate the robustness of the Ti-in-amphibole thermometer to later thermal disturbances. However, ad-hoc experiments are still necessary to improve the accuracy and precision of calibration and to extend its applicability. This advance will make mafic granulites routine targets for studies devoted to understanding the regional extent of UHT metamorphism.
The anion exchanger slc26a3 regulates colonic mucus expansion during steady state and in response to prostaglandin E2, while Cftr regulates de novo mucus release in response to carbamylcholine
Authors: Ljungholm Penny L. , Ermund Anna , Söderlund Garsveden Molly M. , Pettersson Victor L. , Gustafsson Jenny K.
Published: June 2024

The intestinal epithelium is covered by mucus that protects the tissue from the luminal content. Studies have shown that anion secretion via the cystic fibrosis conductance regulator (Cftr) regulates mucus formation in the small intestine. However, mechanisms regulating mucus formation in the colon are less understood. The aim of this study was to explore the role of anion transport in the regulation of mucus formation during steady state and in response to carbamylcholine (CCh) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). The broad-spectrum anion transport inhibitor 4,4′-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2′-disulfonate (DIDS), CftrdF508 (CF) mice, and the slc26a3 inhibitor SLC26A3-IN-2 were used to inhibit anion transport. In the distal colon, steady-state mucus expansion was reduced by SLC26A3-IN-2 and normal in CF mice. PGE2 stimulated mucus expansion without de novo mucus release in wild type (WT) and CF colon via slc26a3 sensitive mechanisms, while CCh induced de novo mucus secretion in WT but not in CF colon. However, when added simultaneously, CCh and PGE2 stimulated de novo mucus secretion in the CF colon via DIDS-sensitive pathways. A similar response was observed in CF ileum that responded to CCh and PGE2 with DIDS-sensitive de novo mucus secretion. In conclusion, this study suggests that slc26a3 regulates colonic mucus expansion, while Cftr regulates CCh-induced de novo mucus secretion from ileal and distal colon crypts. Furthermore, these findings demonstrate that in the absence of a functional Cftr channel, parallel stimulation with CCh and PGE2 activates additional anion transport processes that help release mucus from intestinal goblet cells.
Design cost minimization of a reinforced concrete column section using overnew swarm-based optimization algorithms
Authors: Tunca Osman , Carbas Serdar
Published: June 2024

It is very tiresome for a practiser to detect the best feasible sizing design of structural members including reinforced concrete columns that is a highly nonlinear and complicated structural engineering optimization problem. This is due to such a design is practically conducted via conventional trial-and-error computing methods in which resistance to external loads, cost efficiency, and aesthetic factors, etc. have to be considered. This study focuses on minimizing the design cost of primarily proposed reinforced concrete column design problem via three overnew swarm-based optimizers such as Coati Optimization Algorithm, Fox Optimizer and Pelican Optimization Algorithm (POA) that are firstly utilized for this purpose. In this regard, the type of steel rebar distribution, the characteristic strength of the concrete, the height and width of the column section, and the number and diameter of the rebars are treated as discrete design variables of the newly proposed complex reinforced concrete column design cost optimization problem. In solution, the design requirements specified in practice code provisions should also be met. Here, Turkish Building Earthquake Code 2018 specifications are considered as practice structural design constraints. Consequently, the algorithmic performances of three overnew swarm-based metaheuristic optimization algorithms are compared and evaluated in detail. Amongst them, the POA shows most fruitful algorithmic design solution performance.
Methodik zur Analyse des Lagerringwanderns mithilfe von Ansatzvektoren
Authors: Graneß Henry
Published: June 2024

Der Schadensmechanismus Lagerringwandern stellt Maschinenbaufirmen vor große Herausforderungen, da gängige Berechnungswerkzeuge wichtige Systemeinflüsse aufgrund hoher Berechnungszeiten nicht einbeziehen können. Der Schadensmechanismus ist damit zumeist ein unvermeidliches Problem und kann die Betriebszeit von Antrieben erheblich limitieren. Basierend auf dieser Problemstellung wird im Beitrag ein Ansatzvektorverfahren untersucht, welches mithilfe einer nichtlinearen Modellordnungsreduktion die Berechnungszeiten bisheriger Methoden reduzieren und somit den Weg zur Analyse des Lagerringwanderns innerhalb von Systemsimulationen ebnen kann. Der Fokus liegt dabei auf der Vorstellung des Verfahrens sowie einer grundlegenden Studie hinsichtlich Ergebnisqualität und Performanz.
Development of a measurement system to determine the circumferential force on a feather key
Authors: Chen Chen , Muhammedi Benjamin , Bäcker Dennis , Drossel Welf-Gundram , Seltmann Stephanie , Nowak Alexander , Hasse Alexander
Published: June 2024

Shaft-hub-connections are essential for the transmission of torques in drivetrains. In particular, feather key connections are frequently used due to their ease of assembly and disassembly and the resulting interchangeability. The purpose of the study is to develop a measuring system for recording the strains occurring on the feather key end face, whereby the feather key is designed as a sensor-integrated machine element. The subject of this article is the integration of a sensor into the feather key in order to record the torques transmitting across the connection. Feather keys are subjected to uneven surface pressures, which leads to complex deformation. In order to record this deformation, measurements with many strain gauges would normally be necessary. In preliminary work, the geometry of the feather key was adapted based on topology optimisation methods such that it always deforms according to a linear combination of two desired deformation modes, regardless of the surface pressure. Thus, the deformation can be recorded with just two strain gauges applied to the face of the feather key. The present work presents the development of a measurement circuit consisting of one Wheatstone quarter bridge, a micro controller and a Bluetooth transmitter unit. Torsion tests are carried out to test the functionality of the measuring circuit.
hp-Multigrid Preconditioner for a Divergence-Conforming HDG Scheme for the Incompressible Flow Problems
Authors: Fu Guosheng , Kuang Wenzheng
Published: June 2024

In this study, we present anhp-multigrid preconditioner for a divergence-conforming HDG scheme for the generalized Stokes and the Navier–Stokes equations using an augmented Lagrangian formulation. Our method relies on conforming simplicial meshes in two- and three-dimensions. Thehp-multigrid algorithm is a multiplicative auxiliary space preconditioner that employs the lowest-order space as the auxiliary space, and we develop a geometric multigrid method as the auxiliary space solver. For the generalized Stokes problem, the crucial ingredient of the geometric multigrid method is the equivalence between the condensed lowest-order divergence-conforming HDG scheme and a Crouzeix–Raviart discretization with a pressure-robust treatment as introduced in Linke and Merdon (Comput Methods Appl Mech Engrg 311:304–326, 2022), which allows for the direct application of geometric multigrid theory on the Crouzeix–Raviart discretization. The numerical experiments demonstrate the robustness of the proposedhp-multigrid preconditioner with respect to mesh size and augmented Lagrangian parameter, with iteration counts insensitivity to polynomial order increase. Inspired by the works by Benzi and Olshanskii (SIAM J Sci Comput 28:2095–2113, 2006) and Farrell et al. (SIAM J Sci Comput 41:A3073–A3096, 2019), we further test the proposed preconditioner on the divergence-conforming HDG scheme for the Navier–Stokes equations. Numerical experiments show a mild increase in the iteration counts of the preconditioned GMRes solver with the rise in Reynolds number up to$$10^3$$103.
Third Order Dynamical Systems for the Sum of Two Generalized Monotone Operators
Authors: Hai Pham Viet , Vuong Phan Tu
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we propose and analyze a third-order dynamical system for finding zeros of the sum of two generalized operators in a Hilbert space $$\mathcal {H}$$
H
. We establish the existence and uniqueness of the trajectories generated by the system under appropriate continuity conditions, and prove exponential convergence to the unique zero when the sum of the operators is strongly monotone. Additionally, we derive an explicit discretization of the dynamical system, which results in a forward–backward algorithm with double inertial effects and larger range of stepsize. We establish the linear convergence of the iterates to the unique solution using this algorithm. Furthermore, we provide convergence analysis for the class of strongly pseudo-monotone variational inequalities. We illustrate the effectiveness of our approach by applying it to structured optimization and pseudo-convex optimization problems.
Capsule Network Based on Double-layer Attention Mechanism and Multi-scale Feature Extraction for Remaining Life Prediction
Authors: Shang Zhiwu , Feng Zehua , Li Wanxiang , Wu Zhihua , Cheng Hongchuan
Published: June 2024

The era of big data provides a platform for high-precision RUL prediction, but the existing RUL prediction methods, which effectively extract key degradation information, remain a challenge. Existing methods ignore the influence of sensor and degradation moment variability, and instead assign weights to them equally, which affects the final prediction accuracy. In addition, convolutional networks lose key information due to downsampling operations and also suffer from the drawback of insufficient feature extraction capability. To address these issues, the two-layer attention mechanism and the Inception module are embedded in the capsule structure (mai-capsule model) for lifetime prediction. The first layer of the channel attention mechanism (CAM) evaluates the influence of various sensor information on the forecast; the second layer adds a time-step attention (TSAM) mechanism to the LSTM network to weigh the contribution of different moments of the engine's whole life cycle to the prediction, while weakening the influence of environmental noise on the prediction. The Inception module is introduced to perform multi-scale feature extraction on the weighted data to capture the degradation information to the maximum extent. Lastly, we are inspired to employ the capsule network to capture important position information of high and low-dimensional features, given its capacity to facilitate a more effective rendition of the overall features of the time-series data. The efficacy of the suggested model is assessed against other approaches and verified using the publicly accessible C-MPASS dataset. The end findings demonstrate the excellent prediction precision of the suggested approach.
Temporal Diversity-Aware Micro-Video Recommendation with Long- and Short-Term Interests Modeling
Authors: Gu Pan , Hu Haiyang , Wang Dongjing , Yu Dongjin , Xu Guandong
Published: June 2024

Recommender systems have become indispensable for addressing information overload for micro-video services. They are used to characterize users’ preferences from their historical interactions and recommend micro-videos accordingly. Existing works largely leverage the multi-modal contents of micro-videos to enhance recommendation performance. However, limited efforts have been made to understand users’ complex behavior patterns, including their long- and short-term interests, as well as their temporal diversity preferences. In micro-video recommendation scenarios, users tend to have both stable long-term interests and dynamic short-term interests, and may feel tired after incessantly receiving numerous similar recommendations. In this paper, we propose a Temporal Diversity-aware micro-videorecommender (TD-VideoRec) for user behavior modeling, simultaneously capturing users’ long- and short-term preferences. Specifically, we first adopt a user-centric attention mechanism to cope with long-term interests. Then, we utilize an attention network on top of a long-short term memory network to obtain users’ short-term interests. Finally, a temporal diversity coefficient is introduced to characterize the temporal diversity preferences of users’ click behaviors. The value of the coefficient depends on the distinction between users’ long- and short-term interests extracted by vector orthogonal projection. Extensive experiments on two real-world datasets demonstrate that TD-VideoRec outperforms state-of-the-art methods.
The role of scenarios in paradoxes
Authors: Mezzadri Angelica
Published: June 2024

This paper fills a gap in the existing metaphilosophical research on paradoxes by focusing on the role of scenarios. Typical philosophical paradoxes contain a scenario description whose contribution to paradoxes remains unexplored. I argue that scenarios are examples or instantiations of the abstract schema of paradoxes. As such, scenarios contribute to paradoxes on two levels. First, they make the argument more concrete, thus enhancing the dialectical force of paradoxes and facilitating their understanding, especially for non-experts. This function is external to the paradox itself, but has important practical implications for the use of paradoxes and their effect on philosophical debates, and it contributes to explaining why philosophical paradoxes are usually introduced by a scenario. Second, and more crucially, scenarios are essential to the epistemic dimension of paradoxes. By definition, paradoxes have two necessary components: the argumentative structure and the plausibility/implausibility of the premises/conclusion. By providing examples of the abstract schema, scenarios contribute to making the premises plausible. In particular, scenarios are the source of plausibility and justification for those premises that contain an empirically grounded assertion of existence. Examples of such paradoxes are the Sorites paradox, the Lottery paradox, and the Grue paradox. Contrary to the dialectical role, the epistemic function of scenarios is indispensable, as it connects paradoxes to the real world and underscores their significance in specific debates.
Virtual Reality and Charitable Giving: The Influence of Space, Presence, and Attention
Authors: Gugenishvili Ilia , Nyström Anna-Greta
Published: June 2024

Virtual reality (VR) can boost charitable attitudes and behavior. In an experiment with 100 participants viewing the content in VR vs. desktop computer, the VR group exhibited significantly higher levels of spatial presence (MD = 1.24, p < .001), attention allocation (MD = . 58, p < .001), spatial situation model building (MD = .47, p = .01), and empathy (MD = .46, p = .049). Donation behavior did not differ between the two groups (p = .36). Both computer and VR viewers shared similar emotions, but VR users felt greater immersion and emotional intensity, perceiving themselves as active participants, while computer viewers took a more passive role. This study generated insights for nonprofits considering VR in their marketing strategies, shedding light on the potential of VR storytelling and its effects on charitable giving.
Linking peripheral atherosclerosis to blood–brain barrier disruption: elucidating its role as a manifestation of cerebral small vessel disease in vascular cognitive impairment
Authors: Nyúl-Tóth Ádám , Patai Roland , Csiszar Anna , Ungvari Anna , Gulej Rafal , Mukli Peter , Yabluchanskiy Andriy , Benyo Zoltan , Sotonyi Peter , Prodan Calin I. , Liotta Eric M. , Toth Peter , Elahi Fanny , Barsi Péter , Maurovich-Horvat Pál , Sorond Farzaneh A. , Tarantini Stefano , Ungvari Zoltan
Published: June 2024

Aging plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), contributing to the onset and progression of vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). In older adults, CSVD often leads to significant pathological outcomes, including blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption, which in turn triggers neuroinflammation and white matter damage. This damage is frequently observed as white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) in neuroimaging studies. There is mounting evidence that older adults with atherosclerotic vascular diseases, such as peripheral artery disease, ischemic heart disease, and carotid artery stenosis, face a heightened risk of developing CSVD and VCID. This review explores the complex relationship between peripheral atherosclerosis, the pathogenesis of CSVD, and BBB disruption. It explores the continuum of vascular aging, emphasizing the shared pathomechanisms that underlie atherosclerosis in large arteries and BBB disruption in the cerebral microcirculation, exacerbating both CSVD and VCID. By reviewing current evidence, this paper discusses the impact of endothelial dysfunction, cellular senescence, inflammation, and oxidative stress on vascular and neurovascular health. This review aims to enhance understanding of these complex interactions and advocate for integrated approaches to manage vascular health, thereby mitigating the risk and progression of CSVD and VCID.
Law Awareness and Abidance and Radicalism Prevention Among Hong Kong Youth
Authors: Cheung Chau-kiu , Jia Cindy Xinshan
Published: June 2024

Social influence through awareness of law abidance and enforcement is uncertain in preventing youth radicalism. Accordingly, the effects of the social norm for law abidance and deterrence on radicalism are unclear or debatable. To clarify these effects, this study randomly surveyed 883 Chinese youth in Hong Kong, where the national security law has recently launched to tackle radicalism. Results show the significant inverse effects of awareness of national security law enforcement, awareness of support for law abidance, and agreement on law abidance on radicalism. Nevertheless, the effect of awareness of the enforcement slightly weakened with education, the agreement, or awareness of the support. This weakening suggests situational deterrence. These results imply the preventability of youth radicalism by law, including its awareness, abidance, and enforcement.
Combined transarterial chemoembolization and thermal ablation in candidates to liver transplantation with hepatocellular carcinoma: pathological findings and post-transplant outcome
Authors: Fronda Marco , Susanna Eleonora , Doriguzzi Breatta Andrea , Gazzera Carlo , Patrono Damiano , Piccione Federica , Bertero Luca , Ciferri Fernanda , Carucci Patrizia , Gaia Silvia , Rolle Emanuela , Vocino Trucco Giulia , Bergamasco Laura , Tandoi Francesco , Cassoni Paola , Romagnoli Renato , Fonio Paolo , Calandri Marco
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Evaluating the pathological response and the survival outcomes of combined thermal ablation (TA) and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) as a bridge or downstaging for liver transplantation (LT) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) > 3 cm.

Materials and methods

A retrospective review encompassed 36 consecutive patients who underwent combined TA-TACE as bridging or downstaging before LT. Primary objectives included necrosis of the target lesion at explant pathology, post-LT overall survival (OS) and post-LT recurrence-free survival (RFS). For OS and RFS, a comparison with 170 patients subjected to TA alone for nodules <3 cm in size was also made.

Results

Out of the 36 patients, 63.9% underwent TA-TACE as bridging, while 36.1% required downstaging. The average node size was 4.25 cm. All cases were discussed in a multidisciplinary tumor board to assess the best treatment for each patient. Half received radiofrequency (RF), and the other half underwent microwave (MW). All nodes underwent drug-eluting beads (DEB) TACE with epirubicin. The mean necrosis percentage was 65.9% in the RF+TACE group and 83.3% in the MW+TACE group (p-value = 0.099). OS was 100% at 1 year, 100% at 3 years and 94.7% at 5 years. RFS was 97.2% at 1 year, 94.4% at 3 years and 90% at 5 years. Despite the different sizes of the lesions, OS and RFS did not show significant differences with the cohort of patients subjected to TA alone.

Conclusions

The study highlights the effectiveness of combined TA-TACE for HCC>3 cm, particularly for bridging and downstaging to LT, achieving OS and RFS rates significantly exceeding 80% at 1, 3 and 5 years.
Poaceascoma zborayi sp. nov. and Agrorhizomyces patris gen. et spec. nov. – Two novel dark septate endophytes colonizing wheat (Triticum aestivum) roots from a cropland in Hungary
Authors: Imrefi Ildikó , Knapp Dániel G. , Kovács Gábor M.
Published: June 2024

In this study, we investigated two distinct new phylogenetic lineages of root-colonizing dark septate endophytic fungi colonizing wheat (Triticum aestivum) roots from a long-term agricultural experimental site in Hungary. According to four-locus (internal transcribed spacer, partial large and small subunit regions of nuclear ribosomal DNA, and partial translation elongation factor 1-alpha) phylogenetic analyses, the isolates belong to the Lentitheciaceae and Didymosphaeriaceae of the Pleosporales (Dothideomycetes). We studied the morphology and culture characteristics of the strains. We carried out in vitro resynthesis pot experiments with their original hosts and found no overall negative effect of the inoculation with different isolates of the new taxa. One of the lineages belonged to the genus Poaceascoma (Lentitheciaceae) and represented a novel species described here as Poaceascoma zborayi. We could describe conidia-like structures from this species. Isolates of the other lineage represented a monotypic novel genus in the Didymosphaeriaceae. Accordingly, the new genus, Agrorhizomyces, represented by the species A. patris, is introduced. Sterile, globose structures resembling immature sporocarps were detected. Sequence similarity searches indicated that P. zborayi might be widely distributed, while no sequence similar to A. patris was found outside the sampling area.
Evaluation and Modeling of the Rate of Formation of Lath Martensite in Fe-C Alloys, Extracted from Ultra-Rapid Quenching Experiments
Authors: Kumpati Joshua , Hillert Mats , Borgenstam Annika
Published: June 2024

Isothermal information is rarely available for the formation of martensite in Fe or Fe alloys due to a very high rate of transformation compared to the rate of heat conduction. Such information has now been extracted for lath martensite in some sets of Fe alloys from available information on ultra-rapid quenching but only at a single temperature for each alloy, related to its two MS temperatures. The temperature dependence could, thus, be studied only on binary sets of alloys. Those results have been applied to mathematical models based on the Arrhenius equation and illustrated with Arrhenius plots. For three sets of binary Fe alloys, a large group of rates came close to the rate of an almost pure and carbon-free Fe-C alloy. It illustrated that Cr, Ni, and Ru in low contents have relatively small effects on the rate of formation of lath martensite in Fe. It also demonstrated that the present measurements have considerable reproducibility. In contrast, a set of Fe-C alloys did not give a straight line in the Arrhenius plot. Using a new mathematical model based on the concept of the Arrhenius equation to express the effect of carbon, it was possible to predict the rate of formation of lath martensite for Fe-C alloys with fixed C content and their temperature dependencies which are not available experimentally due to the very high rate of formation.
Liquid phase oxidation of cyclopentanone over metal-free carbon catalysts
Authors: Gašparovičová Dana , Králik Milan , Horváth Blažej , Soták Tomáš , Hudec Pavol
Published: June 2024

Oxidation of cyclopentanone (CPO) was studied over metal-free carbon catalysts in solvent-free conditions. Norit SX plus (900 m2 g−1) and Vulcan XC72 (240 m2 g−1) were used as pristine materials. Catalysts were prepared by activation in nitrogen and by treatment with urea, calcined in nitrogen at 500 °C and 950 °C. SEM, EDX, XPS, X-ray powder diffraction, nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms, acid–base titration, FTIR and Raman techniques were used for characterization. Catalytic tests carried out at 0.45 MPa and 80–110 °C enabled to find the best results: 30% selectivity to glutaric acid (GA) and 3% to succinic acid at 25% conversion of CPO, over Vulcan type catalysts. A low activity, selectivity and strong deactivation of Norit type catalysts can be ascribed to a higher specific surface in a disordered arrangement providing a high concentration of unselective catalytic sites. A higher extent of side reactions can yield in higher molar mass products, which stick on the surface and block catalytic sites. Optimum amount of accessible planar domains, represented by graphene and/or graphitic plates with some disorders present in Vulcan type catalysts classified them superior to Norit catalysts. A redox reaction scheme of oxidation of CPO to GA is also proposed.

Graphical abstract
Dismantle and rebuild: the importance of preparedness and self-efficacy before, during and after allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Holmberg Katarina , Bergkvist Karin , Wengström Yvonne , Hagelin Carina Lundh
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to explore patients’ experiences of being prepared for allogenic haematopoietic cell transplantation and to explore their perceived self-efficacy and preparedness for self-care after allogenic haematopoietic cell transplantation.

Methods

Nine participants, who recently underwent allo-HCT, were interviewed regarding their views on preparedness, self-efficacy and self-care. The interviews were analysed using inductive qualitative content analysis.

Results

An overarching theme, Life is taken apart, then you have to know how to put the pieces together, and four sub-themes: Convert information into something understandable; Taking responsibility, maintaining and preparing for an uncertain time in life; Balancing vigilance with independence; and Reorientating in an altered body places new demands on self-care illustrate the dismantlement of life during treatment and how actions and approaches can build a new life.

Conclusions

Both participants and healthcare professionals prioritised preparing for allo-HCT in the period before admission. However, during admission, preparation decreased and the time was not used for preparatory learning. This meant that participants were well prepared for the acute phase but unprepared for life after completion of treatment. Among the participants, self-efficacy was good. They sought information about taking care of their health before and in the aftermath of allo-HCT.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

This study provides insight into, and knowledge about, how patients prepare before, during and after treatment. This knowledge should primarily be directed towards healthcare professionals to be used for future patients who may need advice and support, as well as continued preparation for a life after transplantation.