bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-objective genetic programming strategies for topic-based search with a focus on diversity and global recall
Authors: Baggio Cecilia , Lorenzetti Carlos M. , Cecchini Rocío L. , Maguitman Ana G.
Published: November 2023

Topic-based search systems retrieve items by contextualizing the information seeking process on a topic of interest to the user. A key issue in topic-based search of text resources is how to automatically generate multiple queries that reflect the topic of interest in such a way that precision, recall, and diversity are achieved. The problem of generating topic-based queries can be effectively addressed by Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithms, which have shown promising results. However, two common problems with such an approach are loss of diversity and low global recall when combining results from multiple queries. This work proposes a family of Multi-Objective Genetic Programming strategies based on objective functions that attempt to maximize precision and recall while minimizing the similarity among the retrieved results. To this end, we define three novel objective functions based on result set similarity and on the information theoretic notion of entropy. Extensive experiments allow us to conclude that while the proposed strategies significantly improve precision after a few generations, only some of them are able to maintain or improve global recall. A comparative analysis against previous strategies based on Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithms, indicates that the proposed approach is superior in terms of precision and global recall. Furthermore, when compared to query-term-selection methods based on existing state-of-the-art term-weighting schemes, the presented Multi-Objective Genetic Programming strategies demonstrate significantly higher levels of precision, recall, and F1-score, while maintaining competitive global recall. Finally, we identify the strengths and limitations of the strategies and conclude that the choice of objectives to be maximized or minimized should be guided by the application at hand.
Gene mutation analysis of oral submucous fibrosis cancerization in Hainan Island
Authors: Li Bingxia , Chen Xinyu , Xian Haiyu , Wen Qitao , Wang Tao
Published: November 2023

Objective

The sequencing panel composed of 61 target genes was used to explore the related mutation genes of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) cancerization, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the early diagnosis of oral submucous fibrosis cancerization, find the most important mutations in OSF cancerization, and more targeted prevention of OSF cancerization.

Methods

A total of 74 clinically diagnosed samples were included, including 36 cases of OSCC and 38 cases of OSF cancer patients. DNA was extracted, and targeted gene panel sequencing technology was used to analyze the gene frequency of pathogenic mutation sites in clinical samples.

Results

Gene panel sequencing analysis showed that there were 69 mutations in 18 genes in OSCC and OSF cancerous specimens. The results of gene panel sequencing were screened, and 18 mutant genes were finally screened out and their mutation frequencies in the samples were analyzed. According to the frequency of gene mutations from high to low, they were TP53, FLT4, PIK3CA, CDKN2A, FGFR4, HRAS, BRCA1, PTPN11, NF1, KMT2A, RB1, PTEN, MSH2, MLH1, KMT2D, FLCN, BRCA2, APC. The mutation frequency of FLT4 gene was significantly higher than that of OSCC group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

FLT4 gene may be related to OSF cancerization and is expected to be an early diagnostic biomarker for OSF cancerization.
Morphology and molecular phylogeny of Neolentinus in northern China
Authors: Yue Lei , Tuo Yong-lan , Qi Zheng-xiang , Hu Jia-jun , Liu Ya-jie , Li Xue-fei , Liu Ming-hao , Zhang Bo , Liu Shu-Yan , Li Yu
Published: November 2023

Neolentinus is a significant genus, belonging to Gloeophyllaceae, with important economic and ecological values, which are parasites on decaying wood of broad-leaf or coniferous trees, and will cause brown rot. However, the taxonomic study is lagging behind to other groups of macrofungi, especially in China. In view of this, we conducted morphological and molecular phylogenetic studies on this genus. We have discovered new types of cheilocystidia and with extremely long lamellae in Neolentinus, and, thus proposed it as a new species—Neolentinus longifolius. At the same time, we clarified the distribution of Neolentinus cyathiformis in China and provided a detailed description. Moreover, we also described two common species, viz. Neolentinus lepideus and Neolentinus adhaerens. All the species are described based on the Chinese collections. The key to the reported species of Neolentinus from China is provided. And the phylogeny of Neolentinus from China is reconstructed based on DNA sequences of multiple loci including the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, the large subunit nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (nLSU), and the translation elongation factor 1-α gene (tef-1α). In addition, full morphological descriptions, illustrations, color photographs, taxonomic notes, and all the available sequences of Neolentinus species are provided.
Effect of Surya Namaskar on Autonomic Status and Serum Cortisol Levels in Male Medical Students: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Lamba Pushpa , Dwivedi Deepti , Mann Navpreet , Kaur Harminder , Chamola Sunil Kumar , Chaudhary Pragyashaa
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Stress is an unavoidable and ongoing phenomenon in human life that affects physiological processes in the body. Regular practice of Surya Namaskar, a yogic exercise, has been shown to improve autonomic functions by reducing sympathetic activity, thereby decreasing stress levels and improving cortisol levels. Aim: To evaluate the effects of Surya Namaskar on autonomic status and serum cortisol levels among medical students. in the Department of Physiology at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, SGT University, Gurugram, Haryana, India. The study duration was three months, from November 2021 to January 2022. A total of 30 male medical students, aged between 18 and 21 years, were included in the study. Blood samples for cortisol estimation were collected before the start of the study and after six weeks of regular yogic practice. Parameters such as mean pulse rate, Blood Pressure (BP), and Low Frequency to High Frequency (LF/HF) ratio were also studied during these two time points. Statistical analysis of Heart Rate Variability (HRV) parameters, including Standard deviation of the N-N interval (SDNN), mean Heart Rate (HR), and pNN50, was performed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at baseline and after six weeks. Comparison of serum cortisol levels within the groups was done using paired t-tests. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 20.37 years. Comparison of HRV frequency domain parameters (LF, HF, and LF/HF ratio) at baseline, day one, and after six weeks of yogic practice showed statistically significant variations in LF/ HF ratio after six weeks (p-value=0.001). Baseline serum cortisol levels compared to levels after six weeks of yogic practice were also found to be statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: There is a positive association between cortisol levels and autonomic parameters, as evidenced by the results of the autonomic battery of tests. Incorporating yogic interventions into one’s lifestyle helps reduce sympathetic parameters and shift the balance towards parasympathetic dominance.
Artificial Spawning Techniques for Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) at the Cultivated Fisheries Production Business Service Center, Karawang, Indonesia
Authors: Andriani Yuli , Pratama Rusky I. , Zidni Irfan
Published: November 2023

One of the primary challenges in the catfish cultivation industry is the uncertainty (mostly due to weather conditions, natural feed availability, pests and diseases), limited availability, and often poor quality of catfish frys. Fry quality is crucial in aquaculture, yet its reliability is hampered by the natural spawning process, which is influenced by seasonal variations. To address this issue, artificial spawning techniques offer a viable solution. This activity aims to comprehend and effectively execute the precise methods of artificial spawning for catfish, ultimately striving for the production of high-quality fingerlings. Data collection involved the acquirement of both primary and secondary data. The artificial spawning process encompasses container and medium preparation, meticulous broodstock selection and breeding, the artificial spawning procedure, larval rearing, and nursery management. Results from the artificial spawning efforts revealed a fecundity of 75,000 individuals, a remarkable 90% fertilization rate, an 89% hatching success, and an impressive 90% survival rate. Notably, catfish fingerlings were found to harbor parasites such as Gyrodactylus sp., Trichodina sp., and Dactylogyrus sp. This occurrence can be attributed to the high population density of fish, which contributes to a decline in water quality, emphasizing the importance of cautious management practices in aquaculture.
Reconfigurable Physical Reservoir Enabled by Polarization of Ferroelectric Polymer P(VDF–TrFE) and Interface Charge‐Trapping/Detrapping in Dual‐Gate IGZO Transistor
Authors: Chu Fang‐Jui , Chen Yu‐Chieh , Shih Li‐Chung , Mao Shi‐Cheng , Chen Jen‐Sue
Published: November 2023

Neuromorphic computers promise to enhance computing efficiency by eliminating conventional von Neumann architecture bottlenecks. Bio‐inspired artificial neural networks, such as feedforward neural networks and reservoir computing (RC), face challenges due to the unique memristor requirements. In this study, a dual‐gate ferroelectric polymer P(VDF–TrFE)‐coupled thin film transistor (DG–TFT) with an IGZO channel is presented. It yields complementary short‐ and long‐term memory functionalities are derived from the charge‐trapping/detrapping process at the IGZO‐SiO2 dielectric interface and ferroelectric polarization. These memory functionalities can be switched using different gated modes to meet the requirements of the reservoir and readout layers in RC. The bottom‐gated mode (BG‐mode) exhibits short‐term memory effects and nonlinear dynamics, whereas the top‐gated mode (TG‐mode) displays improved long‐term memory characteristics. To evaluate the long‐term memory properties, Python is used for pattern recognition. For the nonlinear dynamics and short‐term memory response of the BG‐mode, the DG–TFT is employed as a reservoir layer to handle various temporal tasks. Notably, the polarization level of the ferroelectric layer is coupled to improve the richness of the reservoir states, providing a reconfigurable RC system with an expanded capacity to effectively process and accommodate diverse signals. This holds potential for next‐generation hybrid intelligent applications.
Calming the Nerves via the Immune Instructive Physiochemical Properties of Self‐Assembling Peptide Hydrogels
Authors: Mahmoudi Negar , Mohamed Elmira , Dehnavi Shiva Soltani , Aguilar Lilith M. Caballero , Harvey Alan R. , Parish Clare L. , Williams Richard J. , Nisbet David R.
Published: November 2023

Current therapies for the devastating damage caused by traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are limited. This is in part due to poor drug efficacy to modulate neuroinflammation, angiogenesis and/or promoting neuroprotection and is the combined result of challenges in getting drugs across the blood brain barrier, in a targeted approach. The negative impact of the injured extracellular matrix (ECM) has been identified as a factor in restricting post‐injury plasticity of residual neurons and is shown to reduce the functional integration of grafted cells. Therefore, new strategies are needed to manipulate the extracellular environment at the subacute phase to enhance brain regeneration. In this review, potential strategies are to be discussed for the treatment of TBI by using self‐assembling peptide (SAP) hydrogels, fabricated via the rational design of supramolecular peptide scaffolds, as an artificial ECM which under the appropriate conditions yields a supramolecular hydrogel. Sequence selection of the peptides allows the tuning of these hydrogels' physical and biochemical properties such as charge, hydrophobicity, cell adhesiveness, stiffness, factor presentation, degradation profile and responsiveness to (external) stimuli. This review aims to facilitate the development of more intelligent biomaterials in the future to satisfy the parameters, requirements, and opportunities for the effective treatment of TBI.
Construction of Host Plant Insect‐Resistance Mutant Library by High‐Throughput CRISPR/Cas9 System and Identification of A Broad‐Spectrum Insect Resistance Gene
Authors: Sun Lin , Alariqi Muna , Wang Yaxin , Wang Qiongqiong , Xu Zhongping , Zafar Muhammad Naeem , Yang Guangqin , Jia Ruoyu , Hussain Amjad , Chen Yilin , Ding Xiao , Zhou Jiawei , Wang Guanying , Wang Fuqiu , Li Jianying , Zou Jiawei , Zhu Xiangqian , Yu Lu , Sun Yiwen , Liang Sijia , Hui Fengjiao , Chen Luo , Guo Weifeng , Wang Yanqin , Zhu Huaguo , Lindsey Keith , Nie Xinhui , Zhang Xianlong , Jin Shuangxia
Published: November 2023

Insects pose significant challenges in cotton‐producing regions. Here, they describe a high‐throughput CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated large‐scale mutagenesis library targeting endogenous insect‐resistance‐related genes in cotton. This library targeted 502 previously identified genes using 968 sgRNAs, generated ≈2000 T0 plants and achieved 97.29% genome editing with efficient heredity, reaching upto 84.78%. Several potential resistance‐related mutants (10% of 200 lines) their identified that may contribute to cotton‐insect molecular interaction. Among these, they selected 139 and 144 lines showing decreased resistance to pest infestation and targeting major latex‐like protein 423 (GhMLP423) for in‐depth study. Overexpression of GhMLP423 enhanced insect resistance by activating the plant systemic acquired resistance (SAR) of salicylic acid (SA) and pathogenesis‐related (PR) genes. This activation is induced by an elevation of cytosolic calcium [Ca2+]cyt flux eliciting reactive oxygen species (ROS), which their demoted in GhMLP423 knockout (CR) plants. Protein‐protein interaction assays revealed that GhMLP423 interacted with a human epidermal growth factor receptor substrate15 (EPS15) protein at the cell membrane. Together, they regulated the systemically propagating waves of Ca2+ and ROS, which in turn induced SAR. Collectively, this large‐scale mutagenesis library provides an efficient strategy for functional genomics research of polyploid plant species and serves as a solid platform for genetic engineering of insect resistance.
Interfacial Double‐Coordination Effect Guiding Uniform Electrodeposition for Reversible Zinc Metal Anode
Authors: Cao Jin , Sun Yongxin , Zhang Dongdong , Luo Ding , Zhang Lulu , Chanajaree Rungroj , Qin Jiaqian , Yang Xuelin , Lu Jun
Published: November 2023

The long‐term reversible plating/stripping of Zn metal anode is a critical aspect within aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs). However, it is limited by uncontrolled electrodeposition and side reactions occurring at the anode/electrolyte interface. Guided by the metal‐coordination chemistry, a novel additive, sodium diphenylamine sulfonate (DASS), is added into ZnSO4 electrolyte to guide stably invertible zinc deposition. Theoretical calculations and experimental results reveal that the DASS can adsorbed on the Zn anode surface due to the strong double coordination effect between N, S sites and Zn (Zn─N, Zn─S), and this adsorbed DASS layer can not only prevent the intimate contact between H2O and anode to inhibit interfacial side reactions, but also guide the 3D Zn2+ion diffusion and uniform electrodeposition to inhibit zinc dendrites. Consequently, the DASS additive enables an ultra‐long stable cycling up to 2400 h at 1 mA cm−2 (1 mAh cm−2), even at an ultra‐high current density of 20 mA cm−2, a stable cycling of 250 h is demonstrated, highlighting the reliable coordination effect at the anode/electrolyte interface. This study offers a new perspective on the interfacial double‐coordination effect for achieving highly reversible Zn metal anodes in aqueous rechargeable zinc‐ion batteries.
Long‐term biocrust responses to wildfires in Washington, USA
Authors: Root Heather T. , Chan Julian , Ponzetti Jeanne , Pyke David A. , McCune Bruce
Published: November 2023

Premise

Dryland ecosystems in the western United States are affected by invasive species, wildfires, livestock grazing, and climate change in ways that are difficult to distinguish. Biocrusts perform important ecological roles in these systems and are sensitive to all of these pressures.

Methods

We revisited a Washington, USA, site sampled for biocrusts in 1999 to focus on effects of exotic annual grass invasion and wildfires in the absence of livestock grazing. We examined changes between 1999 and 2020 using a Bayesian directed acyclic graph (DAG) to interpret direct and indirect causal impacts of wildfire on perennial bunchgrasses, exotic annual grasses, and biocrusts.

Results

Between 1999 and 2020, exotic annual grass cover increased in all plots and in unburned plots by 16% and 18%, respectively, bunchgrass cover decreased by 21% and 25%, and biocrust cover decreased by 8.9% and 9.8%. Our DAG suggested that decreases in bunchgrass increased exotic annual grass, which reduced biocrust cover. Wildfires did not directly influence changes in bunchgrass, exotic annual grass, or biocrust cover. Areas dominated by exotic annual grass had less abundant and diverse biocrusts than areas with less exotic annual grass.

Conclusions

Biocrust community changes were more strongly related to increasing exotic annual grasses than to wildfires. Changes may relate to other soil disturbances or broad‐scale changes in climate or air quality. The minimal influence of wildfire on exotic annual grass and biocrusts suggests that apparent negative impacts of wildfire at other sites may be due to exacerbation by livestock grazing or other surface disturbance.
Braiding Three‐Dimensional Paper‐Based Microfluidic Devices
Authors: Jia Cuiyun , Li Bin , Pan Jie , Zhu Fengjiao , Bai Xue , Liu Xianming , Lin Bingcheng , Chen Yahong , Lu Yao
Published: November 2023

Three‐dimensional paper‐based microfluidic devices have shown great potential in various applications, including point‐of‐care diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and tissue engineering. However, their fabrication is still limited to stacking and origami methods. Inspired by the art of bamboo braiding in China, we developed a novel fabrication technique based on the braiding concept to create three‐dimensional paper‐based microfluidic devices with PDMS‐impregnated paper substrate as the building units. The resulting three‐dimensional paper device brings unique advantages, including compactness, facile disassembly, and real‐time flow visualization. The multiplexed glucose analysis with a braided device integrated with 16‐switchable valves for flow control was further fabricated to demonstrate the device‘s applicability. We envision braiding‐based fabrication technology opening new possibilities and bringing broad applications for three‐dimensional paper microfluidic devices.
Mechanically robust and thermally enhanced sand‐polyacrylamide‐2D nanofiller composite hydrogels for water shutoff applications
Authors: Krishnan Mohan Raj , Almohsin Ayman , Alsharaeh Edreese H.
Published: November 2023

Herein, we report a facile preparation method for mechanically robust and thermally enhanced sand‐polyacrylamide (PAM)‐2D‐nanofillers composite hydrogels and their application in water shutoff. To prepare the sample, 4 wt% of aqueous PAM solution is mixed with organic cross‐linkers of hydroquinone (HQ) and hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) in a 1:1 weight ratio and aqueous potassium chloride (KCl) solution and with a specific amount of 2D‐nanofillers such as commercial graphene (CG) nanosheets or boron nitride nanoparticles (BN NPs). A specific amount of the above solution is added to sand, well mixed, and subsequently cured at 150°C for 8 h. The prepared composite hydrogels were characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) for chemical composition and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) for successful hydrogel coating onto the sand particles. Thermal stabilities of the samples have been evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Mechanical properties (storage modulus [G′]; loss modulus [G″]; gel strength (G′/G″); and damping factor [G″/G′]) of the samples were determined using dynamic mechanical analyses. The thermal stability of the samples has reached as high as 193.4°C, while the gel strength is found to be a maximum of 16.2. The water swelling ratio for the composite hydrogel has reached a maximum of 1100% within 1 h.
Analyse von Umweltauswirkungen infolge eingeerdeter Hoch‐ und Höchstspannungskabel unter natürlichen Bedingungen
Authors: Rizvi Zarghaam H. , Beck‐Broichsitter Steffen , Wuttke Frank
Published: November 2023

Der grüne Offshore‐Windstrom wird vorrangig dezentral im Norden Deutschlands erzeugt. Um eine sichere Stromversorgung zu gewährleisten, muss der grüne Strom in die übrigen Landesteile transportiert werden. Bezogen auf den Stromtransport sind die 525‐kV‐Gleichstrom‐Erdkabelvorhaben SuedOstLink und SuedLink zu nennen. Gekoppelte thermisch‐hydraulische Modelle sind effektive Planungstools, um Hochspannungs‐Gleichstrom‐Übertragungs‐Erdkabeltrassen (HGÜ) technisch zu planen und umweltgerecht zu gestalten. Damit verbunden ist die Bewertung der Auswirkungen der betriebsbedingten Wärmeimmissionen auf die Schutzgüter Boden, Wasser, Flora und Fauna sowie die landwirtschaftlichen Belange. Die Lösung der mit einem Modell einhergehenden zeitabhängigen und nichtlinearen wärme‐, dichte‐, porenraum‐ und wassergehaltsabhängigen Differenzialgleichungen erfordert spezielle numerische Lösungsansätze und ‐prozesse, um eine entsprechende örtliche und zeitliche Auflösung zu erhalten. Für die korrekte Berechnung des Wärme‐ und hydraulischen Massentransports im Boden müssen – neben der Bodenwärme und dem gekoppelten Wasser‐ und Wasserdampftransport – auch die atmosphärischen Randbedingungen, die vegetationsabhängigen Verdunstungsparameter und die vom HGÜ‐Erdkabel ausgehenden Wärmeimmissionen berücksichtigt werden. Zusätzlich zur Simulation ist eine Analyse der Sensitivität der Modellparameter und Modellrandbedingungen zu berücksichtigen, um realitätsnahe Modellergebnisse zu erhalten. Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit werden die Prozessabläufe eines thermisch‐hydraulischen Modells anhand eines synthetischen Beispiels eines 525‐kV‐Gleichstrom‐Erdkabelvorhabens zusammenhängend dargestellt.
Anti‐Entropy Aggregation of Minority Groups in Polymers: Design and Applications
Authors: Gao Longcheng
Published: November 2023

Minority groups are non‐repeating units with very low content that inevitably exist in polymers. Typically, these minority groups are easily surrounded by the majority of repeating units and randomly dispersed, maximizing the entropy of minority groups. In the concept, anti‐entropy aggregation (AEA) of minority groups is described, and different pathways are outlined. They are polymer crystallization‐driven AEA, supramolecular interaction‐induced AEA, phase separation‐confined AEA, and hierarchical interactions‐driven AEA. Typical applications of AEA materials are also presented, including fluorescence probes, self‐healing materials, ion transporting regulation, and osmotic energy conversion. The concept of AEA is expected to inspire the fabrication of novel functional systems.
Solar‐Driven Continuous CO2 Reduction to CO and CH4 using Heterogeneous Photothermal Catalysts: Recent Progress and Remaining Challenges
Authors: Schuurmans Jasper H. A. , Masson Tom M. , Zondag Stefan D. A. , Buskens Pascal , Noël Timothy
Published: November 2023

The urgent need to reduce the carbon dioxide level in the atmosphere and keep the effects of climate change manageable has brought the concept of carbon capture and utilization to the forefront of scientific research. Amongst the promising pathways for this conversion, sunlight‐powered photothermal processes, synergistically using both thermal and non‐thermal effects of light, have gained significant attention. Research in this field focuses both on the development of catalysts and continuous‐flow photoreactors, which offer significant advantages over batch reactors, particularly for scale‐up. Here, we focus on sunlight‐driven photothermal conversion of CO2 to chemical feedstock CO and CH4 as synthetic fuel. This review provides an overview of the recent progress in the development of photothermal catalysts and continuous‐flow photoreactors and outlines the remaining challenges in these areas. Furthermore, it provides insight in additional components required to complete photothermal reaction systems for continuous production (e. g., solar concentrators, sensors and artificial light sources). In addition, our review emphasizes the necessity of integrated collaboration between different research areas, like chemistry, material science, chemical engineering, and optics, to establish optimized systems and reach the full potential of this technology.
A novel on high voltage conversion ratio DC‐DC converter for EV‐fed fuel cell application with hybrid MPPT controller
Authors: Eswaraiah Bongani , Balakrishna Kethineni
Published: November 2023

As of now, nonrenewable energy sources are not used for automotive industrial applications because their disadvantages are high installation costs, more maintenance costs, and less adaptability all over the places in the world. Also, these sources produce highly flammable gasses in the environment. So, in this work, a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Stack (PEMFS) is used as an input source for the proposed system. The PEMFS generated voltage value is very low which is improved by integrating the proposed Single Switch High Voltage Conversion Ratio (SSHVCR) DC‐DC converter. The properties of this SSHVCR converter are less component utilization for reducing the ripple ratio, more flexibility, less voltage stress, and high voltage conversion ratio. In the second objective, a Differential Step‐Grey Wolf Optimization (DSGWO) with Adaptive Fuzzy Logic (AFL) controller is used for generating switching pulses to the DC‐DC converter. The merits of DSGWO‐AFL controller are quick dynamic response, moderate design complexity, good adaptability, and needed few number iterations for identifying the MPP of PEMFS. The overall proposed system is studied by applying the MATLAB/Simulink tool at rapid changes in the operating temperature of the fuel cell stack.
Research and implementation of an innovative modular non‐isolated step‐down DC‐DC structure with continuous input current based on the Ćuk converter
Authors: Ghabeli Sani Sajad , Banaei Mohamad Reza , Hosseini Seyed Hossein
Published: November 2023

This study proposes a new design for a non‐isolated buck converter with continuous input current. As required, the integration of additional modules into the existing structure permits a significant decrease in the converter's gain to attain significantly lower values. In order to create the proposed converter, the input voltage connections to the Ćuk converter were changed. In this configuration, the operational state of the Ćuk converter has been changed from buck‐boost to step‐down by connecting the input power source's negative polarity to the inductor's terminal. In addition, the proposed converter benefits from a common ground between the input source and output port. Moreover, it can achieve a significant reduction in gain by increasing the number of series modules. Finally, the compact converter was smoothly incorporated onto a printed circuit board (PCB) and afterward validated by an output power of 80 watts.
Distortions to the passage of time during chronic pain: A mixed method study
Authors: Ogden Ruth , Moore David , Piovesan Andrea , Poole Helen
Published: November 2023

Background

A core aspect of the clinical assessment of pain is establishing how long pain has been present for. The reported length of pain can therefore influence diagnosis and treatment. Despite this, little is known about how chronic pain affects the passage of time.

Methods

A mixed‐methods cross‐sectional study examined experiences of the passage of time in people identifying as living with chronic pain (n = 398).

Results

Experiencing chronic pain slows the passage of time for most people. Greater pain intensity, rumination about pain, helplessness and identifying as disabled were associated with a greater slowing of the passage of time. Thematic analysis of responses to open‐ended questions suggested that a slowing of time during pain was associated with (1) pain intrusion preventing activities which would otherwise enable time to pass quickly, (2) increased attention to time and (3) as sense that in retrospect, time throughout life was ‘lost’ to chronic pain.

Conclusion

Chronic pain causes widespread distortion to the passage of time. The slowing of time during pain means that periods of pain feel subjectively longer than periods without, exacerbating patient distress.

Significance

This study examined how chronic pain impacts on the experience of time. Chronic pain substantially slowed the passage of time for most people, subjectively lengthening the period of time that pain lasted for, exacerbating distress. Given the importance of time processing in clinical assessments of pain, medication adherence and therapeutic interventions, these findings underscore the importance of raising awareness about altered temporal processing in patients and clinicians.
Expert accuracy and inter‐rater agreement of “must‐know” EEG findings for adult and child neurology residents
Authors: Nascimento Fábio A. , Katyal Roohi , Olandoski Marcia , Gao Hong , Yap Samantha , Matthews Rebecca , Rampp Stefan , Tatum William , Strowd Roy , Beniczky Sándor
Published: November 2023

Objective

We published a list of “must‐know” routine EEG (rEEG) findings for trainees based on expert opinion. Here, we studied the accuracy and inter‐rater agreement (IRA) of these “must‐know” rEEG findings among international experts.

Methods

A previously validated online rEEG examination was disseminated to EEG experts. It consisted of a survey and 30 multiple‐choice questions predicated on the previously published “must‐know” rEEG findings divided into four domains: normal, abnormal, normal variants, and artifacts. Questions contained de‐identified 10–20‐s epochs of EEG that were considered unequivocal examples by five EEG experts.

Results

The examination was completed by 258 international EEG experts. Overall mean accuracy and IRA (AC1) were 81% and substantial (0.632), respectively. The domain‐specific mean accuracies and IRA were: 76%, moderate (0.558) (normal); 78%, moderate (0.575) (abnormal); 85%, substantial (0.678) (normal variants); 85%, substantial (0.740) (artifacts). Academic experts had a higher accuracy than private practice experts (82% vs. 77%; p = .035). Country‐specific overall mean accuracies and IRA were: 92%, almost perfect (0.836) (U.S.); 86%, substantial (0.762) (Brazil); 79%, substantial (0.646) (Italy); and 72%, moderate (0.496) (India). In conclusion, collective expert accuracy and IRA of “must‐know” rEEG findings are suboptimal and heterogeneous.

Significance

We recommend the development and implementation of pragmatic, accessible, country‐specific ways to measure and improve the expert accuracy and IRA.
Forecasting air passenger travel: A case study of Norwegian aviation industry
Authors: Anupam Angesh , Lawal Isah A.
Published: November 2023

Accurate forecasting of airline passenger traffic is important for facilitating the effective management and planning of aviation resources. In this study, we explore the air passenger traffic in the Norwegian aviation industry by collecting the passenger flow data and the corresponding measurements of the weather conditions affecting the flow from the different airports in Norway. We then proposed nonlinear autoregressive with exogenous input (NARX) forecasting models to predict air passenger traffic in advance. The NARX models account for the nonlinearity and nonstationarity in the passenger flow and allow the accurate forecasting of air passenger traffic. We perform experiments to demonstrate the effectiveness of two variants of the NARX model and compare their performances against long short‐term memory (LSTM), a deep learning method. We show that the proposed NARX model achieves the best prediction accuracy compared to LSTM, which is considered as a state‐of‐the‐art approach for fitting sequential data.
‘Paleoenvironmental study of modern charcoal making activity on forest soils in the Northern Vosges Mountains (Bitche, France): A multidisciplinary study of two remaining charcoal platforms and associated soils sequences’
Authors: Gebhardt Anne , Poszwa Anne , Mansuy‐Huault Laurence , Robin Vincent , Vrydaghs Luc , Lorgeoux Catherine
Published: November 2023

This multidisciplinary study aims to decipher the impact of ancient charcoal production on past and present‐day soils in the northern Vosges Mountains. Soil observations in the field and laboratory were complemented by charcoal and phytolith studies on large thin sections, molecular analyses of organic pollutants, and phytolith analysis on bulk samples. The complex technosol platform records an ancient natural soil sequence buried by a human‐made platform on which charcoal accumulated. The current upslope soil is an entic Podzol. Palaeoecological data collected in the buried soil are reliable owing to low bioactivity due to soil acidity. Podzolisation predated the platform construction. The presence of ashes induced low soil alkalisation developed in the charcoal hearth remains and appears to have generated the migration of subsequent iron/clay/organic bands throughout the platform sediment and the buried soil. Charcoal studied in thin sections revealed mainly Quercus and Fagus taxa. Phytolith studies suggest that a less dense or degraded forest preceded platform construction, probably due to former woodland coppicing or earlier disorganised wood gathering. The specific distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons sorbed on charcoal has persisted in soils throughout centuries, but we have no evidence that charcoal‐making activities contributed to diffuse global pollution.
A High‐Tryptophan Diet Alleviated Cognitive Impairment and Neuroinflammation in APP/PS1 Mice through Activating Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor via the Regulation of Gut Microbiota
Authors: Pan Sipei , Zhang Yuhe , Ye Tao , Kong Yu , Cui Xiaorui , Yuan Shushu , Liu Jiaming , Zhang Yang
Published: November 2023

Scope

Recent studies have highlighted the vital role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the effect of the regulation of gut microbiota by dietary components on AD remains unknown. Thus, the study explored that a high‐tryptophan (Trp) diet alleviates cognitive impairment by regulating microbiota.

Methods and results

Male APP/PS1 mice are fed 0.5% Trp diet for 4 weeks, and then cognitive function, amyloid‐β (Aβ) deposition, microglial activation, proinflammatory cytokines production, and gut microbiota are detected. Moreover, the level of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and NF‐κB pathway related protein are determined. The results show that high‐Trp diet significantly alleviates cognitive impairment and Aβ deposits. Moreover, high‐Trp diet significantly inhibits activation of microglia, decreases the level of cluster of differentiation 11b (CD11b), and restrains the activation markers of microglia, such as cyclooxygenase‐2 (Cox‐2), interleukin (IL)‐1β, and IL‐6. Notably, high‐Trp diet significantly activates AhR, inhibits the phosphorylation of p65, and improves microbiota dysbiosis.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrated that high‐Trp diet exerts anti‐inflammatory effects via upregulating AhR and suppressing NF‐κB pathway, and its mechanisms may be mediated by regulating gut microbiota, suggesting that Trp diet may be a potential strategy for AD intervention.
Immunosuppression in solid organ–transplant recipients and impact on nutrition support
Authors: Wilson Nicole K. , Kataria Ann D.
Published: November 2023

A key component to nutrition support is to consider immunosuppressive agents, the interaction with nutrients, and how the side effects of the medications influence nutrition support. The immunosuppression of the solid organ–transplant recipient involves the individualized titration of multiple therapeutic agents to prevent allorecognition and, thus, rejection of the transplanted organ. Induction immunosuppression includes the agents used at the time of transplant to prevent early rejection. Maintenance immunosuppression typically consists of oral medications taken for life. Regular therapeutic monitoring of immunosuppression is necessary to balance the risk of rejection with that of infections and malignancy. In the acute‐care setting, multidisciplinary collaboration, including pharmacy and nutrition, is needed to optimize the route of administration, titration, and side effects of immunosuppression. Long‐term nutrition management after transplant is also vital to prevent exacerbating adverse effects of immunosuppressive therapies, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, and bone loss. This review summarizes common immunosuppressive agents currently utilized in solid organ–transplant recipients and factors that may influence decisions on nutrition support.
Preparation and characterization of polymer blend electrolyte membranes based on lithium acetate‐complexed carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCh) blend
Authors: Ndruru Sun Theo Constan Lotebulo , Marlina Anita , Nugroho Bangun Satrio , Pramono Edi , Sabrina Qolby , Yulianti Evi , Arcana I Made , Wahyuningrum Deana
Published: November 2023

This work aimed to prepare solid polymer blend electrolytes based on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCh) complexed with lithium acetate (LiCH3COO) for lithium‐ion batteries application. The solid polymer blend electrolytes of LiCH3COO‐complexed CMC/CMCh (50/50) polymer blend electrolyte were prepared by using the casting solution technique, where various weight percentages of LiCH3COO were mixed into CMC/CMCh (50/50) blend as host polymer. Solid polymer blend electrolytes of CMC/CMCh + 30wt% LiCH3COO had the highest ionic conductivity as much as 2.24 × 10−5 S cm−1 among others. The CMC/CMCh blend (50/50) + 30wt% LiCH3COO degraded at temperature interval 256–473°C. Linear sweep voltammetry method shows that CMC/CMCh (50/50) + 30wt% LiCH3COO reached a decomposition voltage around 2.54 V, while CMC/CMCh (50/50) + 10wt% LiCH3COO was decomposed at a lower voltage around 1.55 V. Based on the transference number measurement appeared that the initial and final current values of 0.84 for the CMC/CMCh (50/50) + 30wt% LiCH3COO is higher than that of the CMC/CMCh (50/50) + 10wt% LiCH3COO (0.8). Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that the CMC/CMCh blend (50/50) + 30wt% LiCH3COO meets the minimum requirements for the main parameters of ion conductivity and thermal stability as a solid electrolyte polymer membrane but needs improvement and attention to its mechanical properties.

Highlights

CMC and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCh) have polar groups for ionic conduction.

The CMC/CMCh blend (50/50) + 30wt% LiCH3COO has good ionic conductivity of 2.24 × 10−5 S cm−1.

The CMC/CMCh blend (50/50) + 30wt% LiCH3COO has high thermal stability 256–473°C.

The CMC/CMCh blend (50/50) + 30wt% LiCH3COO has high decomposition voltage around 2.54 V.

The CMC/CMCh blend (50/50) + 30wt% LiCH3COO has higher transference number (0.84).
Inert Group‐Containing Electrolyte Additive Enabling Stable Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Liang Hanhao , Wu Jian , Xu Jiancheng , Li Jiaming , Wang Jianglin , Cai Jingbo , Long Yini , Yu Xiao , Yang Zhanhong
Published: November 2023

Aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) are considered promising energy storage devices because of their high theoretical energy density and cost‐effectiveness. However, the ongoing side reactions and zinc dendrite growth during cycling limit their practical application. Herein, trisodium methylglycine diacetate (Na3MGDA) additive containing the additional inert group methyl is introduced for Zn anode protection, and the contribution of methyl as an inert group to the Zn anode stability is discussed. Experimental results reveal that the methyl group with various effects enhances the interaction between the polar groups in Na3MGDA and the Zn2+/Zn anode. Thus, the polar carboxylate negative ions in MGDA anions can more easily modify the solvation structure and adsorb on the anode surface in situ to establish a hydrophobic electrical double layer (EDL) layer with steric hindrance effects. Such the EDL layer exhibits a robust selectivity for Zn deposition and a significant inhibition of parasitic reactions. Consequently, the Zn||Zn symmetric battery presents 2375 h at 1 mA cm−2, 1 mAh cm−2, and the Zn||V6O13 full battery provides 91% capacity retention after 1300 cycles at 3 A g−1. This study emphasizes the significant role of inert groups of the additive on the interfacial stability during the plating/stripping of high‐performance AZIBs.
Novel Interlayer Boosting the Performance of Evaporated Cu2O Hole‐Selective Contacts in Si Solar Cells
Authors: Bartholazzi Gabriel , Shehata Mohamed M. , Basnet Rabin , Samundsett Christian , Macdonald Daniel H. , Black Lachlan E.
Published: November 2023

Passivating contacts based on transition metal oxides are of great interest for applications in crystalline silicon (c‐Si) solar cells due to their improved optical transparency and potential cost reduction. In this work, the contact resistivity and passivation for thermally evaporated Cu2O are investigated and optimized, with and without an Al2O3 interlayer, as a hole‐selective contact to c‐Si. Additionally, we implement an Al
y
TiO
x
/TiO2 stack as a novel passivating tunnel interlayer for hole‐selective contacts, achieving an implied open‐circuit voltage iV
oc of 630 mV and a record‐low J
0 of 212 fA cm−2 while maintaining a contact resistivity ρ
c of 62 mΩ cm2. A record‐low ρ
c of 8 mΩ cm2 for Cu2O‐based contacts is also demonstrated at the expense of passivation. The addition of the interlayer resulted in a 2% absolute improvement in the efficiency of proof‐of‐concept c‐Si cells with full‐area rear Cu2O contacts, reaching 19.1%.The demonstration of this novel interlayer stack provides new avenues to improve the performance also of other hole‐selective passivating contacts.
Relative contribution of lateral vestibular neuron and abducens internuclear neuron inputs to the discharge activity of medial rectus motoneurons
Authors: Hernández Rosendo G. , Benítez-Temiño Beatriz , de la Cruz Rosa R. , Pastor Angel M.
Published: November 2023

Medial rectus motoneurons mediate nasally directed horizontal eye movements. These motoneurons receive two major excitatory inputs, from the abducens internuclear neurons (ABD Ints) and neurons of the lateral vestibular nucleus whose axons course through the ascending tract of Deiters (ATD). In the present work, we have recorded in the alert chronic cat preparation the discharge activity of these two premotor neurons simultaneously with eye movements, to discern their relative contribution to the firing pattern of medial rectus motoneurons. ABD Int discharge was accurately correlated with eye movements, displaying high sensitivities to eye position and eye velocity. ATD neurons also discharged in relation to spontaneous and vestibular eye movements but showed significantly lower eye position and eye velocity sensitivities. Outstandingly, ATD neurons presented a significantly lower eye position threshold for recruitment compared to both ABD Ints and medial rectus motoneurons. Therefore, ATD neurons exhibited eye position and velocity signals during spontaneous and vestibular eye movements, which were of lower magnitude than those of ABD Ints, but due to their low recruitment threshold, they could play a significant role in facilitating ABD Int signal transmission onto medial rectus motoneurons.
Julia Sets, Jordan Curves and Quasi-circles
Authors: Steinmetz Norbert
Published: November 2023

In this paper, the classification of rational functions whose Julia sets are Jordan arcs or curves, which started in (Carleson and Gamelin in Complex dynamics, Springer, Berlin, 1993; Steinmetz in Math Ann 307:531–541, 1997), will be completed. The method of proof is based on two quasi-conformal surgery procedures, which enables shifting the critical points in simply connected (super-)attracting and parabolic basins into a single critical point of highest possible multiplicity.
Schoenberg: ‘Night Music' – Verklärte Nacht and Erwartung
Authors: Whittall Arnold
Published: November 2023

Arnold Schoenberg (1874–1951) is often portrayed as a composer who began as a heart-on-sleeve late Romantic only to evolve during the First World War into an austere, mathematically-obsessed deviser of musical puzzles. Yet to claim that in his music he replaced tonality with its absolute opposite, atonality, as the twelve-tone method swept away all trace of traditional harmonic and thematic processes, is as misleading as to argue that romantic warmth and humanity morphed into the purest and most austerely modernistic spirituality. This handbook refocuses the wealth of recent research into two of Schoenberg's major compositions; the expressive character of those relatively early works which centre on nocturnal images of darkness and despair is at its most original and powerful in Verklärte Nacht and Erwartung, where the dramatic interplay between stabilising continuities and disorientating fragmentations reveals the elements of a modernist aesthetics that remained fundamental to Schoenberg's musical thought.
Examining the publicness of spaces on European social housing estates: a position paper
Authors: Braae Ellen , Steiner Henriette , Riesto Svava , Glaser Marie , Althaus Eveline , Christensen Liv , Knudtzon Lillin , Murphy Melissa Anne , Saglie Inger-Lise , Sirowy Beata , Lamm Bettina , Berruti Gilda , Cerreta Maria , Lieto Laura , Scala Paola , Palestino Maria Federica , Prisco Marilena , Tietjen Anne
Published: November 2023

The concept of ‘publicness’ addresses the intersection between people and their physical surroundings, and the ways in which they affect each other in an ongoing process. This point of relational exchange is the core concept behind ‘Public Space in European Social Housing’ (PuSH), a three-year HERA-funded project conducted by a transnational, multidisciplinary team of researchers. Large-scale modernist postwar housing estates, often used for social, cooperative, or mass rental housing, tend to be problematised as places of segregation and disintegration in European cities. Yet they are potentially also primary sites for integration between people of different cultural origins and social backgrounds. By investigating publicness in relation to social housing, including cooperative housing and mass rental housing estates, PuSH aims to better understand how cultural encounters happen, and ultimately to reflect on how integration can be better sustained. In this paper, we take a relational conception of publicness as our point of departure to explore the differentiations and intersections between sites and modes of public life in relation to our approach and the social housing estates we investigate. Moreover, we present our conceptual contribution to the concept of publicness, both theoretically and methodologically using multidisciplinary theories and methodologies, and four analytical categories: heritage, practices/policies, democracy, informality, and moreover exhibitions are used as a research tool. This paper is a collaborative output whereby different researchers on the project present their theoretical developments and positions, identify the analytical categories and theoretical vocabularies on which they daw, and reflect on potential ways in which these concepts can be operationalised, and on the synergies that may develop between them. Taken together, our approach offers significant interpretations of publicness in relation to questions of public space, and tackles some of the most pronounced tensions in discussions of public space.