bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linking microbial carbon‐degrading potential to organic carbon sequestration in fertilized soils: Insights from metagenomics
Authors: Ma Li , Niu Wenquan , Li Guochun , Du Yadan , Sun Jun , Siddique Kadambot H. M.
Published: September 2023

The capacity of soils to store organic carbon (SOC) is vital for agricultural productivity. Soil microorganisms exert a critical role in carbon (C) flow and potentially influence C balance through the decomposition of plant and microbial dead biomass. However, the connection between the microbial degradation potential of plant‐derived and microbial‐derived C and soil organic carbon sequestration (SOCSR) under organic and inorganic nitrogen (N) fertilization treatments remains largely unexplored using metagenomics. In this study, metagenomics was used to investigate the effects of 4 years inorganic (N1: 250 kg N ha−1 yr−1 and N3: 450 kg N ha−1 yr−1) and organic N (O1: N1 + 11,250 kg ha−1 yr−1 sheep manure and O3: N1 + 18,750 kg ha−1 yr−1 sheep manure) fertilizer application on plant biomass decomposition genes, microbial biomass decomposition genes, and microbial properties related to different sources of C decomposition (species composition and diversity). Furthermore, the study explored the relationship between organic matter decomposition genes, microorganisms, and SOCSR. The results revealed that compared with N1 treatment, the increased application of inorganic N fertilizer (N3) significantly enhanced the abundance of genes related to plant and microbial biomass decomposition and microbial diversity involved in SOC decomposition, resulting in reduced SOC content. Conversely, the increased application of organic N fertilizer (O1 and O3) had a minor effect on the abundance of genes related to different sources of C decomposition and C decomposing microbial diversity, but reduced microbial entropy (the ratio of microbial biomass carbon to SOC) and increased SOC content. The random forest model highlighted that plant biomass decomposition genes and bacterial community composition were important factors affecting SOCSR. The Mantel test also indicated that the genes involved in the decomposition of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose were closely related to SOCSR. These findings highlighted that increased inorganic N fertilizers greatly enhanced the microbial capacity for SOC decomposition, resulting in reduced SOC accumulation. While the increased application of organic N fertilizer increased SOC stability and reduced the mineralization potential of SOC, contributing to SOCSR. Overall, these findings provide a greater understanding of the relationship between soil C turnover and microbial C‐degrading potential under short‐term fertilization. And in a long time, they may have important implications for global strategies aimed at increasing SOCSR to restore fertility and facilitate sustainable agricultural development.
Electrospinning Nanofibers as Stretchable Sensors for Wearable Devices
Authors: Zhu Canjie , Zheng Jingxia , Fu Jun
Published: September 2023

Wearable devices attract great attention in intelligent medicine, electronic skin, artificial intelligence robots, and so on. However, boundedness of traditional sensors based on rigid materials unconstrained self‐multilayer structure assembly and dense substrate in stretchability and permeability limits their applications. The network structure of the elastomeric nanofibers gives them excellent air permeability and stretchability. By introducing metal nanofillers, intrinsic conductive polymers, carbon materials, and other methods to construct conductive paths, stretchable conductors can be effectively prepared by elastomeric nanofibers, showing great potential in the field of flexible sensors. This perspective briefly introduces the representative preparations of conductive thermoplastic polyurethane, nylon, and hydrogel nanofibers by electrospinning and the application of integrated electronic devices in biological signal detection. The main challenge is to unify the stretchability and conductivity of the fiber structure.
The risk index as a basis for risk/benefit analyses and protocol optimization in diagnostic nuclear imaging
Authors: Ocampo Ramos Juan C. , Carter Lukas M. , Brown Justin L. , Marquis Harry , Uribe Carlos F. , Zanzonico Pat B. , Bolch Wesley E. , Kesner Adam L.
Published: September 2023

Background

Potential risk associated with low‐dose radiation exposures is often expressed using the effective dose (E) quantity. Other risk‐related quantities have been proposed as alternatives. The recently introduced risk index (RI) shares similarities with E but expands the metric to incorporate medical imaging‐appropriate risks factors including patient‐specific size, age, and sex.

Purpose

The aim of this work is to examine the RI metric for quantifying stochastic radiation risk and demonstrate its applications in nuclear imaging. The advantages in this improved metric may help the field progress toward stratified risk consideration in the course of patient management, improve efforts for procedure optimization, and support an evolution in the science of radiation risk assessment.

Methods

In this study we describe, implement, and calculate RI for various diagnostic nuclear imaging scenarios using reference biokinetics published in ICRP Publication 128 for commonly utilized radiopharmaceuticals. All absorbed dose, E and RI calculations were performed using the freely available MIRDcalc nuclear medicine dosimetry software; the organ specific risk parameters used in the software are also benchmarked in this text. The resulting RI and E values are compared and various trends in RI values identified.

Results

E and RI coefficients were calculated for 3016 use cases. Notably RI values vary depending on patient characteristics. Overall, across the population, global trends in RI values can be identified. In general, RI values were 2.15 times higher for females than males, due to higher risk coefficients and activities being distributed in smaller reference masses. The pediatric patients showed higher RIs than adults, as younger patients generally receive higher absorbed doses per administered activity, and are more radiosensitive, and have a longer projected lifespan at risk. A compendium of E and RI values is also provided in table format to serve as a reference for the community.

Conclusions

RI is a rational quantity that could be used for justification, risk communication and protocol optimization in medical imaging. It has some advantages when compared to the long‐utilized E value with respect to personalization, since accounts for patient size, age, sex, and natural incidence of cancer risk.
Comparison of linear and angular measurements in mandibular symphyseal region using lateral cephalometric and cone beam CT images
Authors: Baydar Oguzhan , Onem Erinc , Baksi B. Guniz
Published: September 2023

Aim

To compare the linear and angular measurements of the mandibular symphyseal region using lateral cephalometric (LC) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.

Materials and Methods

One hundred patients justifying both LC and CBCT exposures were included. Both lateral cephalometric and CBCT images of the patients were used for angular and linear measurements. Angular measurements included vestibular concavity and lingual and tooth inclination angles. Vestibular and lingual cortical bone and total bone thickness measurements were obtained for the comparison of linear measurements. Three radiologists performed the measurements on 200 images. Comparison of the measurements and the imaging methods were done using paired‐ and Wilcoxon t‐tests. Inter‐observer reliability was evaluated with the intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

A significant difference was observed between measurements of two imaging methods for tooth inclination and vestibular concavity angles; however, no difference was found between LC and CBCT measurements for lingual inclination angle (p > 0.05). Vestibular cortical bone and total bone thickness measurements showed a significant difference (p < 0.05), whereas no difference was obtained in lingual bone thickness measurements of two imaging methods (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

CBCT imaging is recommended in selected patients where recipient bone or bone augmentation site(s) reveal suspect in clinical examination and lateral cephalometric imaging may not reveal the true anatomic structure and relationships.
Bifurcation analysis of a wheel‐slip control loop under low wheel‐slip regulation considering time‐delay
Authors: Horváth Ádám , Béda Péter
Published: September 2023

Safety and efficiency are key aspects of research and development in the automotive industry, especially in the field of safety‐critical subsystems, such as brake systems. The effect of time delay arise in brake systems, this adverse effect can cause performance degradations or make the brake system unstable. In this study, the bifurcation analysis of a wheel slip control feedback loop is presented. The control system consists of a wheel and a tyre, delayed actuator dynamics, and an LQR (linear quadratic regulator) that is designed to operate under relatively low wheel slip, during service braking. As a result, it is shown, that if time delay is neglected, the steady‐state solution of the model is globally stable using the LQ optimal controller gains. However, considering nonzero time‐delay may cause a subcritical Hopf‐bifurcation, and an unstable limit‐cycle exists around the steady‐state solution in a large domain of time‐delay parameters. Critical bifurcation maps and simulation results with more detailed system models are generated and shown in the study.
Energy transition with green hydrogen: Toward computational design of comprehensive proton exchange membrane water electrolysis stacks
Authors: Aldakheel Fadi , Hanke‐Rauschenbach Richard
Published: September 2023

In this work, we propose a targeted computational optimization method for the effective designing of the PTL (porous transport layer)/CL (porous catalyst layer)/MEM (membrane) interfaces (components) in proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) cells to lower hydrogen production price. This advanced computational modeling framework will be investigated across various disciplines and scales toward enhancing the reliability, durability, and performance of hydrogen technologies.
Moxifloxacin monotherapy for treatment of uncomplicated pelvic inflammatory disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis with trial sequential analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Chen Feng , Dong Qin , Hong Weilan , Zhao Jing , Li Yingran
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of moxifloxacin monotherapy for the treatment of uncomplicated pelvic inflammatory disease (uPID).

Methods

The literatures from PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Cochrane library and the http://clinicaltrials.gov/ were retrieved until February 2023. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy and safety of moxifloxacin with other antibiotics for treating uPID were included. The primary outcomes were clinical cure rate (CCR), bacteriological success rates (BSR) and risk of drug‐related adverse events (AEs). We used random‐effects modelled meta‐analysis, trial sequential analysis, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. This study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (registration number: CRD42023428751).

Results

A total of four RCTs that enrolled 3201 women patients with uPID were included. In the per‐protocol populations, no significant difference was observed between patients given moxifloxacin and those given other antibiotics with regard to CCR at test‐of‐cure (TOC) (2485 patients, odds ratio [OR] = 0.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.68–1.04, p = 0.12). Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference between patients given moxifloxacin and those given other antibiotics in terms of BSR at TOC (471 patients, OR = 1.17, 95% CI 0.70–1.96, p = 0.56) in the microbiologically valid population. However, drug‐related AEs occurred less frequently with moxifloxacin than with other antibiotics (2973 patients, OR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.64–0.86, p < 0.0001), especially gastrointestinal AEs (2973 patients, OR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.47–0.74, p < 0.00001).

Conclusions

In the treatment of uPID, moxifloxacin monotherapy can achieve similar efficacy as other combination therapy regimens. Moreover, moxifloxacin had a better safety profile than that of comparators. Based on its additional advantages (i.e., better safety profile, no dosage adjustment and better compliance), moxifloxacin may be a more fascinating option compared with the currently used regimens.
Ensuring permanence of optics for ultrafast laser applications
Authors: Ceizaris Lukas , Batavičiūtė Gintarė
Published: September 2023

Ultrafast lasers in various applications suffer from short lifetime optics due to high power levels and intense pulses. Typical laser damage testing methods are often limited to short exposure doses, which sometimes do not match real‐life application requirements. To ensure long‐term failure‐free operation, lifetime estimation and low‐loss absorptance testing should be used instead. Low‐absorption dielectric coatings increase the lifetime and lower the total cost of ownership, benefiting the manufacturing, research, and medical sectors.
Cover Image
Authors: Phetsuk Sawarot , Molloy Robert , Topham Paul D , Tighe Brian J , Meepowpan Puttinan , Limwanich Wanich , Punyodom Winita
Published: September 2023

The cover image is based on the Research Article Use of non‐isothermal DSC in comparative studies of tin(II) systems for the ring‐opening polymerization of D‐lactide by Sawarot Phetsuk et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/pi.6517.

image
Longitudinal trajectories of children's social skills: Examining variability in teacher ratings as a function of child demographics
Authors: Hajovsky Daniel B. , Chesnut Steven R. , Sekula Morgan K. , Olsen Sunny
Published: September 2023

Although the trajectories of children's social skills have been examined across biological sexes, less research has examined these patterns for racially and ethnically diverse children in the United States. The purpose of this study was to estimate the longitudinal growth trajectories of social skills, while examining the influence of biological sex, race, and ethnic identities using an adaptation of the commonly used Social Skills Rating Scale. A large nationally representative sample of elementary school children in the United States were assessed annually from kindergarten through fifth grade (N = 11,792). Structural equation modeling was used to examine latent growth curve models of teacher‐rated interpersonal skills and self‐control. After finding evidence of longitudinal invariance, results suggested a quadratic growth pattern best represented the trajectories of social skills ratings. Teacher ratings for African American children demonstrated a moderate declining linear trajectory throughout elementary school when compared with White children (reference group) and their Asian and Hispanic peers. Children from families with higher socioeconomic status and girls showed moderate to large differences in social skills ratings in kindergarten and stronger growth across time. Implications of the findings with future directions for research are discussed.
Antifungal activity of Ligusticum chuanxiong essential oil and its active composition butylidenephthalide against Sclerotium rolfsii
Authors: Cui Kaidi , He Ya , Wang Mengke , Li Min , Jiang Chaofan , Wang Meizi , He Leiming , Zhang Fulong , Zhou Lin
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Peanut stem rot caused by Sclerotium rolfsii is an epidemic disastrous soil‐borne disease. Recently, natural products tend to be safe alternative antifungal agents to combat pathogens.

RESULTS

This work determined the preliminary antifungal activity of 29 essential oils against S. rolfsii and found that Ligusticum chuanxiong essential oil (LCEO) showed the best antifungal activity, with an EC50 value of 81.79 mg L−1. Sixteen components (98.78%) were identified in LCEO by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis, the majority by volume comprising five phthalides (93.14%). Among these five phthalides, butylidenephthalide was the most effective compound against S. rolfsii. Butylidenephthalide not only exhibited favorable in vitro antifungal activity against the mycelial growth, sclerotia production and germination of S. rolfsi, but also presented efficient in vivo efficacy in the control of peanut stem rot. Seven days after application in the glasshouse, the protective and curative efficacy of butylidenephthalide at 300 mg L−1 (52.02%, 44.88%) and LCEO at 1000 mg L−1 (49.60%, 44.29%) against S. rolfsii were similar to that of the reference fungicide polyoxin at 300 mg L−1 (54.61%, 48.28%). Butylidenephthalide also significantly decreased the oxalic acid and polygalacturonase content of S. rolfsii, suggesting a decreased infection ability on plants. Results of biochemical actions indicated that butylidenephthalide did not have any effect on the cell membrane integrity and permeability but significantly decreased nutrient contents, disrupted the mitochondrial membrane, inhibited energy metabolism and induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation of S. rolfsii.

CONCLUSION

Our results could provide an important reference for understanding the application potential and mechanisms of butylidenephthalide in the control of S. rolfsii. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Mid‐dosing interval concentration is important for polymyxin B exposure and acute kidney injury in critically ill patients
Authors: Wang Jing , Li Yuanchen , Huang Siqi , Wang Min , Jin Lu , Luo Xuemei , Cheng Xiaoliang , Yang Na , Zhu Huaijun
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the association between polymyxin B (PMB) exposure and acute kidney injury (AKI) and analyze the risk factors for PMB‐induced AKI in critically ill patients. Plasma concentrations of PMB were determined using an ultraperformance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometer in intensive care unit patients who were administered PMB. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify risk factors. A receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed to assess the discriminant power of the factors and to identify the cutoff value for AKI. The white blood cell count and estimated area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) of patients administered PMB were independent risk factors for PMB‐induced AKI, where AUC were calculated using a first‐order pharmacokinetic equation based on the mid‐dosing interval concentration (C1/2t) and peak concentration. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the final model was 0.805 (95% confidence interval, 0.690–0.921). The cutoff value for the combined predictor was 0.57. Alternatively, when using C1/2t, which was strongly correlated with AUC, as the only independent risk factor, the analysis showed that the 3.47 μg/ml threshold provides favorable differentiation between the AKI and non‐AKI groups. These results provide insightful information for therapeutic drug monitoring–guiding PMB dosing in clinical practice.
Iterative learning consensus control for one‐sided Lipschitz multi‐agent systems
Authors: Gu Panpan , Wang Hong , Chen Liping , Chu Zhaobi , Tian Senping
Published: September 2023

By applying iterative learning control approach, the consensus is studied for multi‐agent systems (MASs) with one‐sided Lipschitz (OSL) nonlinearity. Firstly, the P‐type and D‐type learning schemes with initial state learning are introduced for such MASs. Then, utilizing the OSL and the quadratically inner‐bounded constraints, the convergence conditions of the consensus algorithms are presented and analyzed under a directed communication graph. We show that both algorithms, on a fixed finite‐time interval, can achieve perfect consensus tracking. Finally, the correctness of the obtained results is illustrated with simulation examples.
Correcting prevalence estimation for biased sampling with testing errors
Authors: Zhou Lili , Díaz‐Pachón Daniel Andrés , Zhao Chen , Rao J. Sunil , Hössjer Ola
Published: September 2023

Sampling for prevalence estimation of infection is subject to bias by both oversampling of symptomatic individuals and error‐prone tests. This results in naïve estimators of prevalence (ie, proportion of observed infected individuals in the sample) that can be very far from the true proportion of infected. In this work, we present a method of prevalence estimation that reduces both the effect of bias due to testing errors and oversampling of symptomatic individuals, eliminating it altogether in some scenarios. Moreover, this procedure considers stratified errors in which tests have different error rate profiles for symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. This results in easily implementable algorithms, for which code is provided, that produce better prevalence estimates than other methods (in terms of reducing and/or removing bias), as demonstrated by formal results, simulations, and on COVID‐19 data from the Israeli Ministry of Health.
A Bacterial Nanomedicine Combines Photodynamic‐Immunotherapy and Chemotherapy for Enhanced Treatment of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Shi Enyu , Shan Tianhe , Wang Hanping , Mao Lujia , Liang Yanjie , Cao Mingxin , Wu Qiqi , Li Changyi , Wang Yue , Wang Yinsong
Published: September 2023

Bacterial therapy is an emerging hotspot in tumor immunotherapy, which can initiate antitumor immune activation through multiple mechanisms. Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), a pathogenic bacterium inhabiting the oral cavity, contains a great deal of pathogen associated molecular patterns that can activate various innate immune cells to promote antitumor immunity. Owing to the presence of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), Pg is also an excellent photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy (PDT) via the in situ generation of reactive oxygen species. This study reports a bacterial nanomedicine (nmPg) fabricated from Pg through lysozyme degradation, ammonium chloride lysis, and nanoextrusion, which has potent PDT and immune activation performances for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) treatment. To further promote the tumoricidal efficacy, a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX) is efficiently encapsulated into nmPg through a simple incubation method. nmPg/DOX thus prepared exhibits significant synergistic effects on inhibiting the growth and metastasis of OSCC both in vitro and in vivo via photodynamic‐immunotherapy and chemotherapy. In summary, this work develops a promising bacterial nanomedicine for enhanced treatment of OSCC.
A Novel Temperature Rise Calculation Method of Electromagnet DC Coil
Authors: Song Yanhe , Yang Liu , Chen Xin , Gao Tianxiong , Hao Yueyue , Ai Chao , Kong Xiangdong
Published: September 2023

The commonly used DC coil wounded around the electromagnet winding skeleton, acts as the key electro‐magnetic conversion element, is formed by enameled wire with poor heat dissipation. The electric conductivity of the conductors will be greatly influenced by the high temperature generated from coil's internal heat, especially for long‐term work conditions. Thus, in order to calculate the DC coil's temperature accurately and effectively during the primary design process of the electromagnet, a novel temperature rise calculation method for the steady and transient is proposed in this paper. First, the geometric and resistance models of the enameled wire are established, according to the spatial arrangement and the resistance‐temperature characteristics. Secondly, the temperature rise of the electromagnet coil is calculated theoretically, based on the steady and transient heat dissipation equations. Thirdly, the Thermal‐Electric simulation model is established, which is used to simulate and analyze the temperature of the electromagnet coil changing with excitation voltage. Finally, a temperature rise test platform of the electromagnet coil is established, the steady and transient temperature rise under various conditions is measured. The temperature rise results of theoretical calculation, simulation and experiment show good agreement with each other. It gives significant guidelines to the design and optimization processes of such electromagnet DC coil. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Prevalence and incidence of canine visceral leishmaniasis and its clinical–immunological features in an endemic area of the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Carneiro Liliane A. , Lima Luciana V. , Campos Marliane B. , Vasconcelos dos Santos Thiago , Ramos Patrícia K. , Laurenti Márcia D. , Silveira Fernando T.
Published: September 2023

Background

A cohort study for 2 years period analysed the prevalence, incidence and clinical–immunological features of canine Leishmania (L.) chagasi‐infection in 316 mongrel dogs in a visceral leishmaniasis‐endemic area in Pará State, Brazil.

Objective/Methods

Diagnosis of infection was performed by the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT‐IgG), the leishmanin skin test (LST) and a parasite search (from the popliteal lymph node aspiration) at the beginning of the study and at 6, 12 and 24 months intervals.

Results

IFAT/LST revealed three immune profiles of infection: (I) IFAT(+)/LST(−) (81), (II) IFAT(−)/LST(+) (17) and (III) IFAT(+)/LST(+) (13). Prevalence of profiles I, II and III were 25.6, 5.4 and 4.1%, and an overall prevalence 35.1%. Incidence of profiles I, II and III were 5.4, 0.3 and 0.0%, and an overall incidence 5.7% dogs per month. Incidence at the age ranges <1 year, ≥1 year, <7 years and ≥7 years evidenced a highest rate in the age range <1 year (6.6% dogs per month). Parasitological diagnosis was positive in 19% dogs at the prevalence (85.7% profile I), and in 11% at the incidence (100% profile I). The clinical picture of 179 infected dogs showed 145 (81%) of profile I (82% subclinical); 21 (11.7%) of profile II (100% subclinical); and 13 (7.3%) of profile III (84.6% subclinical). Conversion from subclinical to sick dogs was higher (p < 0.05) in profile I (40.2%) than in profiles II (5.8%) and III (9%). Immunological conversion showed that only 3.2% of profile I dogs (prevalence) converted to LST(+) (two at the end of the first 6 months and 1 after 24 months), while 82.3% of profile II dogs converted to IFAT(+) (11 in the first 6 months, whereas three after 12 months). A 100% death rate was observed in dogs from profile I alone.

Conclusion

These results reinforce the need of adopting preventive strategies against CVL as early as in the first semester of the dog's life.
Rangeland Songbirds
Authors: Chalfoun Anna D. , Johnson Tracey N. , Shaffer Jill A.
Published: September 2023

Songbirds that occur across the diverse types of North American rangelands constitute many families within the Order Passeriformes, and hundreds of species. Most are declining, and many are considered potential indicator species for rangeland ecosystems. We synthesized information on the natural and life history, habitat requirements, conservation status, and responses to management of songbirds associated with North American grasslands and sagebrush steppe, two of the most geographically extensive types of rangelands. We provide a more targeted examination of the habitat associations and management considerations for two focal species, the grassland-obligate grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) and sagebrush-obligate Brewer’s sparrow (Spizella breweri). Grassland- and sagebrush-obligate species rely on expansive stands of grasslands and sagebrush, respectively, and we discuss how key ecological processes and rangeland management approaches—grazing, fire, and mechanical treatments—influence rangeland songbirds. Rangeland management practices can affect breeding songbirds considerably, primarily through the resultant structure and composition of vegetation, which influences the availability of preferred nesting substrates, refugia from predators, and foraging success. Optimal management strategies to limit negative consequences to rangeland songbirds will depend on the target species and local topoedaphic and climatic conditions. The maintenance of large, contiguous patches of native habitats and restoration of previously degraded areas will help facilitate the population persistence of rangeland-associated songbirds. Maintaining structural heterogeneity of habitats within landscapes, moreover, can facilitate local species diversity. Information pertaining to periods outside of the nesting stage is severely lacking for most species, which is concerning because effective management necessitates understanding of threats and limiting factors across the full annual life cycle. Moreover, information on disease effects and prevalence, the effects of a changing climate, and how both may interact with management strategies, also comprise key gaps in knowledge.
Amphibians and Reptiles
Authors: Pilliod David S. , Esque Todd C.
Published: September 2023

Amphibians and reptiles are a diverse group of ectothermic vertebrates that occupy a variety of habitats in rangelands of North America, from wetlands to the driest deserts. These two classes of vertebrates are often referred to as herpetofauna and are studied under the field of herpetology. In U.S. rangelands, there are approximately 66 species of frogs and toads, 58 salamanders, 98 lizards, 111 snakes, and 27 turtles and tortoises. Herpetofauna tend to be poorly studied compared with other vertebrates, which creates a challenge for biologists and landowners who are trying to manage rangeland activities for this diverse group of animals and their habitats. Degradation of habitats from human land use and alteration of natural processes, like wildfire, are primary threats to herpetofauna populations. Disease, non-native predators, collection for the pet trade, and persecution are also conservation concerns for some species. Properly managed livestock grazing is generally compatible with herpetofauna conservation, and private and public rangelands provide crucial habitat for many species. Climate change also poses a threat to herpetofauna, but we have an incomplete understanding of the potential effects on species. Dispersal and adaptation could provide some capacity for species to persist on rangelands as climates, disturbance regimes, and habitats change. However, inadequate information and considerable uncertainty will make climate mitigation planning difficult for the foreseeable future. Planning for and mitigating effects of climate change, and interactions with other stressors, is an urgent area for research. Maintaining large, heterogeneous land areas as rangelands will certainly be an important part of the conservation strategy for herpetofauna in North America.
The Future of Rangeland Wildlife Conservation—Synopsis
Authors: Dahlgren David K. , McNew Lance B. , Beck Jeffrey L.
Published: September 2023

Rangeland Wildlife Ecology and Conservation provides a broad array of information on rangeland ecology in association with rangeland-dependent wildlife species. Management of land-use practices from livestock grazing to vegetation manipulation are addressed, as well as ecosystem threats that put the future of rangeland-wildlife at risk. Large-scale pervasive issues, such as climate change and land-use alterations, increase uncertainty for the future of our rangeland resources. Ecosystem services that are essential to sustaining human life may be the most concerning issue as we continue to face further resource degradation. However, such concerns could provide the impetus for general societal support of future conservation actions. Our book addresses emerging topics, such as the interaction of rangelands with riparian habitat, biodiversity, insects, wetland birds, herpetofauna, meso- and large carnivores, and avian predators, subjects that have previously received less attention in relation to rangeland ecosystems. Future conservation of rangeland-wildlife will require more integration from the rangeland and wildlife professions, from academic efforts to individual practitioners. The objective of Rangeland Wildlife Ecology and Conservation is to provide a valuable information resource and encourage increased integration for students and early professionals from both disciplines.
Rangeland Biodiversity
Authors: Hovick Torre J. , Duchardt Courtney J. , Duquette Cameron A.
Published: September 2023

In its simplest form, biodiversity is defined as species richness (the number of species in a given area). More complex definitions include the variety of life on Earth, from genes to ecosystems, and include the ecological and evolutionary processes that sustain that life. As in other ecosystems, biological communities in rangelands are influenced by a number of different abiotic and biotic drivers or “filters” at both broad and fine scales, and an understanding of these processes is critical for maintaining ecosystem services as well as addressing widespread biodiversity declines. In rangeland ecosystems specifically, the primary threats to biodiversity are habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation through mismanagement, which includes suppression or mis-application of historical disturbance regimes. Restoring heterogeneity to rangelands by mimicking historical disturbance regimes has been shown to benefit biodiversity, but the exact role of disturbance varies widely throughout North American rangelands. As such, careful consideration of the type, duration/periodicity, intensity, and spatial and temporal extent and configuration of these disturbances is necessary when managing for site-specific biodiversity outcomes. It is important to consider the effects of both inherent (i.e., either natural or historical) and human-caused variability on rangeland plant and wildlife communities. In the future, practitioners should promote management practices that maintain and enhance biodiversity to maximize ecosystem functions and services that improve the quality and quantity of economic (e.g., livestock production, carbon banking) and ecological (e.g., biodiversity, sustainability) outcomes in North American rangelands.
A Theory of Cartesian Arrays (with Applications in Quantum Circuit Verification)
Authors: Chen Yu-Fang , Rümmer Philipp , Tsai Wei-Lun
Published: September 2023

We present a theory of Cartesian arrays, which are multi-dimensional arrays with support for the projection of arrays to sub-arrays, as well as for updating sub-arrays. The resulting logic is an extension of Combinatorial Array Logic (CAL) and is motivated by the analysis of quantum circuits: using projection, we can succinctly encode the semantics of quantum gates as quantifier-free formulas and verify the end-to-end correctness of quantum circuits. Since the logic is expressive enough to represent quantum circuits succinctly, it necessarily has a high complexity; as we show, it suffices to encode thek-color problem of a graph under a succinct circuit representation, an NEXPTIME-complete problem. We present an NEXPTIME decision procedure for the logic and report on preliminary experiments with the analysis of quantum circuits using this decision procedure.
SAT-Based Subsumption Resolution
Authors: Coutelier Robin , Kovács Laura , Rawson Michael , Rath Jakob
Published: September 2023

Subsumption resolution is an expensive but highly effective simplifying inference for first-order saturation theorem provers. We present a new SAT-based reasoning technique for subsumption resolution, without requiring radical changes to the underlying saturation algorithm. We implemented our work in the theorem proverVampire, and show that it is noticeably faster than the state of the art.
Proving Non-Termination by Acceleration Driven Clause Learning (Short Paper)
Authors: Frohn Florian , Giesl Jürgen
Published: September 2023

We recently proposed Acceleration Driven Clause Learning (ADCL), a novel calculus to analyze satisfiability of Constrained Horn Clauses (CHCs). Here, we adapt ADCL to transition systems and introduce ADCL-NT, a variant for disproving termination. We implemented ADCL-NT in our tool and evaluate it against the state of the art.
Buy One Get 14 Free: Evaluating Local Reductions for Modal Logic
Authors: Nalon Cláudia , Hustadt Ullrich , Papacchini Fabio , Dixon Clare
Published: September 2023

We are interested in widening the reasoning support for propositional modal logics in the so-called modal cube. The modal cube consists of extensions of the basic modal logic $$\textsf{K}_{}$$

K

with an arbitrary combination of the modal axioms $$\textsf{B}$$
B
, $$\textsf{D}$$
D
, $$\textsf{T}$$
T
, $$\textsf{4}$$
4
and $$\textsf{5}$$
5
. We revisit recently developed local reductions from all logics in the modal cube to a normal form comprising sets of clausal formulae with associated modal levels. We extend these reductions further to the basic modal logic $$\textsf{K}_{}$$

K

, called definitional reductions. This enables any prover for $$\textsf{K}_{}$$

K

to be used to solve the satisfiability problem for all logics in the modal cube. We also present alternative, axiomatic, reductions based on ideas originally proposed by Kracht, providing new theoretical results and improved bounds on the size of the reductions. We compare both sets of reductions combined with state-of-the-art provers for $$\textsf{K}_{}$$

K

on a large set of parametric benchmarks for all logics in the modal cube. The results show that the provers perform better with reductions based on the clausal normal form than the axiomatic reductions.
Left-Linear Completion with AC Axioms
Authors: Niederhauser Johannes , Hirokawa Nao , Middeldorp Aart
Published: September 2023

We revisit AC completion for left-linear term rewrite systems where AC unification is avoided and the normal rewrite relation can be used in order to decide validity questions. To that end, we give a new correctness proof for finite runs and establish a simulation result between the two inference systems known from the literature. Furthermore, we show how left-linear AC completion can be simulated by general AC completion. In particular, this result allows us to switch from the former to the latter at any point during a completion process. Finally, we present experimental results for our implementation of left-linear AC completion in the tool .
On P-Interpolation in Local Theory Extensions and Applications to the Study of Interpolation in the Description Logics $$\mathcal{E}\mathcal{L}, \mathcal{E}\mathcal{L}^+$$
Authors: Peuter Dennis , Sofronie-Stokkermans Viorica , Thunert Sebastian
Published: September 2023

We study theP-interpolation property for certain local theory extensions, and use these results for proving$$\le $$≤-interpolation in classes of semilattices with monotone operators. For computing the$$\le $$≤-interpolating terms, we use a hierarchic approach. We use these results for the study of$$\sqsubseteq $$⊑-interpolation in the description logics$$\mathcal{E}\mathcal{L}$$ELand$$\mathcal{E}\mathcal{L}^+$$EL+.
Theorem Proving in Dependently-Typed Higher-Order Logic
Authors: Rothgang Colin , Rabe Florian , Benzmüller Christoph
Published: September 2023

Higher-order logic HOL offers a very simple syntax and semantics for representing and reasoning about typed data structures. But its type system lacks advanced features where types may depend on terms. Dependent type theory offers such a rich type system, but has rather substantial conceptual differences to HOL, as well as comparatively poor proof automation support.

We introduce a dependently-typed extension DHOL of HOL that retains the style and conceptual framework of HOL. Moreover, we build a translation from DHOL to HOL and implement it as a preprocessor to a HOL theorem prover, thereby obtaining a theorem prover for DHOL.
Iscalc: An Interactive Symbolic Computation Framework (System Description)
Authors: Zhan Bohua , Fan Yuheng , Xiong Weiqiang , Xu Runqing
Published: September 2023

The need to verify symbolic computation arises in diverse application areas. In this paper, based on earlier work on verifying computation of definite integrals in , we present a tool for performing a variety of symbolic computations interactively, taking a middle ground in terms of easy of use and rigor between computer algebra systems and interactive theorem provers. The tool supports user-level definitions and dependency among computations, allowing construction and reuse of custom theories. Side conditions are checked on a best-effort basis. The tool is applied to highly non-trivial computations from the textbook Inside Interesting Integrals.
Verified Given Clause Procedures
Authors: Blanchette Jasmin , Qiu Qi , Tourret Sophie
Published: September 2023

Resolution and superposition provers rely on the given clause procedure to saturate clause sets. Using Isabelle/HOL, we formally verify four variants of the procedure: the well-known Otter and DISCOUNT loops as well as the newer iProver and Zipperposition loops. For each of the variants, we show that the procedure guarantees saturation, given a fair data structure to store the formulas that wait to be selected. Our formalization of the Zipperposition loop clarifies some fine points previously misunderstood in the literature.
QSMA: A New Algorithm for Quantified Satisfiability Modulo Theory and Assignment
Authors: Bonacina Maria Paola , Graham-Lengrand Stéphane , Vauthier Christophe
Published: September 2023

This paper presents and proves totally correct a new algorithm, called$$\textsf{QSMA}$$QSMA, for the satisfiability of a quantified formula modulo a complete theory and an initial assignment. The optimized variant of$$\textsf{QSMA}$$QSMAimplemented in YicesQS is described and shown to preserve total correctness. A report on the performance of YicesQS at the 2022 SMT competition is included. YicesQS ran in the$$\textsf{LIA}$$LIA,$$\textsf{NIA}$$NIA,$$\textsf{LRA}$$LRA,$$\textsf{NRA}$$NRA, and$$\textsf{BV}$$BVcategories and ranked second for the “largest contribution” award (single queries). It was the only solver to solve all$$\textsf{LRA}$$LRAinstances, where it was about two orders of magnitude faster than the second best solver (Z3).
Urbane Bioökonomie als Bestandteil resilienter Stadtentwicklung
Authors: Bezama Alberto , Hildebrandt Jakob , Thrän Daniela
Published: September 2023

Betrachtet man die Bioökonomie aus einer Systemperspektive, so lassen sich die Zusammenhänge zwischen den Ressourcen und den Herstellungs- und Fertigungssektoren sowie deren Verbindung mit der Gesellschaft modellieren und verstehen. Ein besonderer Fall ist die Analyse von Städten, da sie die kleinste Systemeinheit darstellen, an der all diese Komponenten beteiligt sind. Ziel dieses Beitrags ist es, die Definition eines urbanen Bioökonomie-Stoffwechsels zu erörtern, der dazu beitragen kann, die Stoffströme innerhalb der Stadtgrenzen in Verbindung mit den biobasierten Ressourcen der Stadtregion adäquat zu managen und so eine resilientere Stadt zu schaffen.
Quartier und urbane Resilienz: Themenfelder, Befunde und Forschungsbedarf
Authors: Schmidt Anika , Pößneck Janine , Haase Annegret , Kabisch Sigrun
Published: September 2023

In Anbetracht einer verstärkten Rezeption des Resilienzkonzepts in Forschung, Planung und kommunaler Praxis gibt der Beitrag einen Überblick zu aktuellen Bezügen zwischen Quartier und urbaner Resilienz. Diese werden für die Themenfelder Klimaanpassung, grün-blaue Infrastruktur, Energie- und Wärmewende, Gesundheit, Mobilität, Innovation und Reallabore sowie Wohnen skizziert. Am Beispiel der Coronakrise werden die multiplen Dimensionen von Krisen und ihre Wirkungsweisen im Quartier aufgezeigt. Der Beitrag betont damit, dass urbane Resilienz als multidimensionales Konzept und Querschnittsthema quartiersbezogener Forschung und Planung aufgefasst werden sollte. Er endet mit Hinweisen für eine kritische Analyse von Resilienz im Quartier und benennt weiteren Forschungsbedarf.
Three-dimensional hypergravity theories and semigroup expansion method
Authors: Caroca Ricardo , Concha Patrick , Matulich Javier , Rodríguez Evelyn , Tempo David
Published: September 2023

Abstract

In this work, we apply the semigroup expansion method of Lie algebras to construct novel and known three-dimensional hypergravity theories. We show that the expansion procedure considered here yields a consistent way of coupling different three-dimensional Chern-Simons gravity theories with massless spin-$$ \frac{5}{2} $$

5
2

gauge fields. First, by expanding the $$ \mathfrak{osp} $$
osp
(1|4) superalgebra with a particular semigroup a generalized hyper-Poincaré algebra is found. Interestingly, the hyper-Poincaré and hyper-Maxwell algebras appear as subalgebras of this generalized hypersymmetry algebra. Then, we show that the generalized hyper-Poincaré CS gravity action can be written as a sum of diverse hypergravity CS Lagrangians. We extend our study to a generalized hyper-AdS gravity theory by considering a different semigroup. Both generalized hyperalgebras are then found to be related through an Inönü-Wigner contraction which can be seen as a generalization of the existing vanishing cosmological constant limit between the hyper-AdS and hyper-Poincaré gravity theories.
A toolkit for ortho-symplectic dualities
Authors: Benvenuti Sergio , Monaco Gabriele Lo
Published: September 2023

Abstract

We propose new confining dualities in 3d$$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 gauge theories with orthogonal gauge groups, with and without monopole superpotentials. Deriving some of those dualities requires a sequence of gauging and Higgsing for a ℤ2 symmetry. This prevents the gauge theory from developing a smooth quantum moduli space and affects the global structure of the gauge group, muting it from SO to O+.

The confining dualities provide tools to deconfine fields transforming in the symmetric rank-2 representation of classical gauge groups. As an application, we propose and derive S-confining dualities for SO(N) (Sp(N)) gauge theories with an adjoint and 1 (2) fundamentals, respectively. From these S-confining dualities, we readily obtain various duality appetizers and the 3d mirror of A2N Argyres-Douglas theories.
Frühe Quellen eines Sexualmediziners aus urologischer Sicht
Authors: Moll Friedrich H. , Mildenberger Florian G.
Published: September 2023

Die Sexualmedizin entwickelte sich im deutschsprachigen Raum im letzten Viertel des langen 19. Jahrhunderts entlang einer Grenzlinie zu den klinischen Fächern Urologie, Venerologie, Frauenheilkunde, Neurologie/Psychiatrie und Innere Medizin, woraus sich vielfältige Befruchtungen, Verflechtungen, Abgrenzungsbemühungen und Überschneidungen ergaben. Wir konnten hier als einen weiteren frühen Protagonisten Max Marcuse evaluieren, der als einziger der besonders bekannten Berliner Sexualwissenschaftler Magnus Hirschfeld, Ivan Bloch und Albert Moll den Holocaust überlebte und dessen 60. Todestag in diesem Jahr ist.
The governance of regional innovation policy and its economic implications
Authors: Gianelle Carlo , Guzzo Fabrizio , Barbero Javier , Salotti Simone
Published: September 2023

This paper provides insights on the potential macroeconomic impact of the governance of the European innovation policy called Smart Specialisation. We use original empirical data on the implementation of the policy, which is funded through a dedicated financial envelope of the 2014–2020 EU cohesion policy, in a spatial macroeconomic modelling framework capable of gauging the general equilibrium effects of varying degrees of governance quality. Our contribution aims at narrowing the gap between the abstraction of ex-ante impact assessment exercises based on macroeconomic simulations and the reality of how policy interventions may take place. By using data for all Italian NUTS 2 regions, we find that the measured quality of Smart Specialisation governance could increase the pure investment-related impact of the policy by up to 40 percent. At the same time, we estimate that further potential GDP gains—in the order of an additional 40–50 percent over what was achieved with the observed levels of governance—would not materialise because of the comparatively low quality of governance in some regions.