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ABSTRACT Floating offshore wind (FOW) is a renewable energy source that is set to play an essential role in addressing climate change and the need for sustainable development. However, due to the increasing threat of climate emergency, more wind turbines are required to be deployed in deep water locations, further offshore. This presents heightened challenges for accessing the turbines and performing maintenance, leading to increased costs. Naturally, methods to reduce operational expenditure (OpEx) are highly desirable. One method that shows potential for reducing OpEx of FOW is LIDAR‐assisted pitch control. This approach uses wind velocity measurements from a nacelle‐mounted LIDAR to enable feedforward control of floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) and can result in reductions to the variations of structural loads. Results obtained from a previous study of combined feedforward collective and individual pitch control (FFCPC + FFIPC) are translated to OpEx reductions via reduced component failure rates for future FOW developments, namely, in locations awarded in the recent ScotWind leasing round. The results indicate that LIDAR‐assisted pitch control may allow for an up to 5% reduction in OpEx, increasing to up to 11% with workability constraints included. The results varied across the three ScotWind sites considered, with sites furthest from shore reaping the greatest benefit from LIDAR‐assisted control. This work highlights the potential savings and reduction in the overall levelised cost of energy for future offshore wind turbine projects deliverable through the implementation of LIDAR‐assisted pitch control.

Photoimmunotherapy (PIT) combines the specificity of antibodies with the cytotoxicity of light activatable photosensitizers (PS) and is a promising new cancer therapy. We designed and synthesized, in a highly convergent manner, the silicon phthalocyanine dye WB692-CB2, which is novel for being the first light-activatable PS that can be directly conjugated via a maleimide linker to cysteines. In the present study we conjugated WB692-CB2 to a humanized antibody with engineered cysteines in the heavy chains that specifically targets the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA). The resulting antibody dye conjugate revealed high affinity and specificity towards PSMA-expressing prostate cancer cells and induced cell death after irradiation with red light. Treated cells exhibited morphological characteristics associated with pyroptosis. Mechanistic studies revealed the generation of reactive oxygen species, triggering a cascade of intracellular events involving lipid peroxidation, caspase-1 activation, gasdermin D cleavage and membrane rupture followed by release of pro-inflammatory cellular contents. In first in vivo experiments, PIT with our antibody dye conjugate led to a significant reduction of tumor growth and enhanced overall survival in mice bearing subcutaneous prostate tumor xenografts. Our study highlights the future potential of the new phthalocyanine dye WB692-CB2 as PS for the fluorescence-based detection and PIT of cancer, including local prostate tumor lesions, and systemic activation of anti-tumor immune responses by the induction of pyroptosis.

Abstract Nacelle‐mounted, forward‐facing light detection and ranging (LIDAR) technology can deliver benefits to rotor speed regulation and loading reductions of floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) when assisting with blade pitch control in above‐rated wind speed conditions. Large‐scale wind turbines may be subject to significant variations in structural loads due to differences in the wind profile across the rotor‐swept area. These loading fluctuations can be mitigated by individual pitch control (IPC). This paper presents a novel LIDAR‐assisted feedforward IPC approach that uses each blade's rotor azimuth position to allocate an individual pitch command from a multi‐beam LIDAR. In this study, the source code of OpenFAST wind turbine modelling software was modified to enable LIDAR simulation and LIDAR‐assisted control. The LIDAR simulation modifications were accepted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and are now present within OpenFAST releases from v3.5 onwards. Simulations of a 15 MW FOWT were performed across the above‐rated wind spectrum. Under a turbulent wind field with an average wind speed of 17 ms−1, the LIDAR‐assisted feedforward IPC delivered up to 54% reductions in the root mean squared errors and standard deviations of key FOWT parameters. Feedforward IPC delivered enhancements of up to 12% over feedforward collective pitch control, relative to the baseline feedback controller. The reductions to the standard deviation and range of the rotor speed may enable structural optimization of the tower, while the reductions in the variations of the loadings present an opportunity for reduced fatigue damage on turbine components and, consequently, a reduction in maintenance expenditure.

Abstract Thicker snow cover in permafrost areas causes deeper active layers and thaw subsidence, which alter local hydrology and may amplify the loss of soil carbon. However, the potential for changes in snow cover and surface runoff to mobilize permafrost carbon remains poorly quantified. In this study, we show that a snow fence experiment on High‐Arctic Svalbard inadvertently led to surface subsidence through warming, and extensive downstream erosion due to increased surface runoff. Within a decade of artificially raised snow depths, several ice wedges collapsed, forming a 50 m long and 1.5 m deep thermo‐erosion gully in the landscape. We estimate that 1.1–3.3 tons C may have eroded, and that the gully is a hotspot for processing of mobilized aquatic carbon. Our results show that interactions among snow, runoff and permafrost thaw form an important driver of soil carbon loss, highlighting the need for improved model representation.

We provide a comprehensive overview of a reconnaissance expedition aimed at identifying new possible meteorite stranding zones in the surrounding of the Belgian Princess Elisabeth Antarctica (PEA) station in the Sør Rondane Mountains during the BELARE 2022-2023 field season. The team was composed of four scientists and one field guide. Several areas of interest were identified and daily searches occurred in two phases, first from a base camp and then from PEA. The first phase was in the Nils Larsenfjellet area, and a camp, accessible from the H.E. Hansenbreen (S72° 13.260' E22° 37.779'; altitude 1640 m), was set up from December 21 to 27, 2022. Systematic searches were performed in moraines and on blue ice areas (BIAs) during day trips, including the Verheyefjellet BIA, several BIAs surrounding an alignment of nunataks south of PEA, centered on S72° 18.403' E23° 13.191', and the Røysane nunatak at the eastern edge of Nils Larsenfjellet. Four meteorites were recovered during the first phase of the expedition, and another one in the second phase, also in the Nils Larsenfjellet area. In addition, nine surface ice samples and 18 kg of micrometeorite-bearing sediments were collected. Preliminary classification, performed on-site using magnetic susceptibility, tentatively indicated H and L chondrites. The recovered meteorites were transported in frozen state to the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences in Brussels to be thawed in vacuum conditions and classified based on their mineralogy. The Nils Larsenfjellet is identified as a potential new Dense Collection Area.

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play a key role in aortic aneurysm formation. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) have been implicated as important regulators of VSMC phenotype, and dysregulation of the BMP pathway has been shown to be associated with vascular diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate for the first time the effects of BMP-4 on the VSMC phenotype and to understand its role in the development of thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs). Using the angiotensin II (AngII) osmotic pump model in mice, aortas from mice with VSMC-specific BMP-4 deficiency showed changes similar to AngII-infused aortas, characterised by a loss of contractile markers, increased fibrosis, and activation of matrix metalloproteinase 9. When BMP-4 deficiency was combined with AngII infusion, there was a significantly higher rate of apoptosis and aortic dilatation. In vitro, VSMCs with mRNA silencing of BMP-4 displayed a dedifferentiated phenotype with activated canonical BMP signalling. In contrast, BMP-2-deficient VSMCs exhibited the opposite phenotype. The compensatory regulation between BMP-2 and BMP-4, with BMP-4 promoting the contractile phenotype, appeared to be independent of the canonical signalling pathway. Taken together, these results demonstrate the impact of VSMC-specific BMP-4 deficiency on TAA development.

Seagrass meadows have a disproportionally high organic carbon (Corg) storage potential within their sediments and thus can play a role in climate change mitigation via their conservation and restoration. However, high spatial heterogeneity is observed in Corg, with wide differences seen globally, regionally, and even locally (within a seagrass meadow). Consequently, it is difficult to determine their contributions to the national remaining carbon dioxide (CO2) budget without introducing a large degree of uncertainty. To address this spatial heterogeneity, we sampled 20 locations across the German Baltic Sea to quantify Corg stocks and sources in Zostera marina seagrass-vegetated and adjacent unvegetated sediments. To predict and integrate the Corg inventory in space, we measured the physical (seawater depth, sediment grain size, current velocity at the seafloor, anthropogenic inputs) and biological (seagrass complexity) environment to determine regional and local drivers of Corg variation. Here we show that seagrass meadows in Germany constitute a significant Corg stock, storing on average 1,920 g C/m2, three times greater than meadows from other parts of the Baltic Sea, and three-fold richer than adjacent unvegetated sediments. Stocks were highly heterogenous; they differed widely between (by 22-fold) and even within (by 1.5 to 31-fold) sites. Regionally, Corg was controlled by seagrass complexity, fine sediment fraction, and seawater depth. Autochthonous material contributed to 12% of the total Corg in seagrass-vegetated sediments and the remaining 88% originated from allochthonous sources (phytoplankton and macroalgae). However, relics of terrestrial peatland material, deposited approximately 6,000 years BP during the last deglaciation, was an unexpected and significant source of Corg. Collectively, German seagrasses in the Baltic Sea are preventing 2.01 Mt of future CO2 emissions. Because Corg is dependent on high seagrass complexity, the richness of this pool may be contingent on seagrass habitat health. Disturbance of this Corg stock could act as a source of CO2 emissions. However, the high spatial heterogeneity warrant site-specific investigations to obtain accurate estimates of blue carbon, and a need to consider millennial timescale deposits of Corg beneath seagrass meadows in Germany and potentially other parts of the southwestern Baltic Sea.

Abstract Recently, floating wind has enjoyed much public and governmental attention and is commonly identified as a crucial next step on the route to net zero targets for many countries. However, there is currently a large gap between the scale and readiness‐level of devices in the water and the end‐of‐ the‐decade aspirational targets of many governments. To facilitate the expansion of the industry, a wider acceptance and agreement of the realistic potential of floating wind and the barriers to the sector's development is required, particularly over this crucial 10‐year period, something currently scarce in published literature. In this work, a stakeholder engagement was performed, with subsequent analysis of the results to quantify industry expectations and identify the predominant technical and financial concerns of key stakeholders. The presented results of the work serve to both provide a point of comparison and updated account of industry‐based expert views in the near term, with further scientific analysis investigating distinctions between different stakeholder types. Secondarily, the key concerns of industry were analysed and compared with a literature review of recent research effort within floating wind, providing a high‐level gap analysis. A knowledge of the gaps can inform future areas for academic enquiry, ensuring the future needs of industry and the focus of research is aligned.

More than 20,000 siderite concretions from the Mazon Creek area of northern Illinois, United States are housed in the paleobotanical collections of the Field Museum. A large proportion contain fossil plants of Middle Pennsylvanian age that often have excellent three-dimensional morphology and sometimes anatomical detail. Approximately eighty plant taxa have been recognized from the Mazon Creek Lagerstätte, but few have been studied in detail, and in some cases the systematic affinities of these fossils need reevaluation. The three-dimensional (3D) preservation of Mazon Creek fossil plants makes them ideal candidates for study using x-ray micro-computed tomography (μCT), and here we apply these techniques to more accurately reconstruct the morphology of specimens of Tetraphyllostrobus Gao et Zodrow and Crossotheca Zeiller. The mineralogical composition of the fossil plant preservation was studied using elemental maps and Raman spectroscopy. In-situ spores were studied with differential interference contrast, Airyscan confocal super-resolution microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, which reveal different features of the spores with different degrees of clarity. Our analyses show that μCT can provide excellent detail on the three-dimensional structure of Mazon Creek plant fossils, with the nature of associated mineralization sometimes enhancing and sometimes obscuring critical information. Results provide guidance for selecting and prioritizing fossil plant specimens preserved in siderite concretions for future research.

An enhancement in the activity of the early young Sun resulting in a high charged particle flux has been invoked to explain excesses in spallation-induced nuclides in primitive planetary materials. Astronomical observations of energetic outbursts of young stellar objects (YSOs) also support the idea of an active young Sun. However, the early solar cosmic-ray (SCR) flux has not been well constrained. Here we use measured concentrations of SCR-produced nuclides that formed and are preserved in meteoritical hibonite and spinel, some of the solar system’s oldest solids, and physical models for dust transport in the early protoplanetary disk to determine the magnitude of the early SCR flux. We focus our attention on cosmogenic neon, which cannot have been inherited from precursors and can only be produced in situ in solids. Our modeled effective exposure time to SCRs for these solids is very short, on the order of years. This indicates that the young Sun’s SCR flux recorded in refractory mineral hibonite was up to ∼7 orders of magnitude higher than the contemporary level. Our flux estimate is consistent with the >10 ^5 × enhanced flux inferred from astronomical observations of greatly enhanced flare activities of YSOs.

Abstract Background Suture anchors (SAs) made of human allogenic mineralized cortical bone matrix are among the newest developments in orthopaedic and trauma surgery. Biomechanical properties of an allogenic mineralized suture anchor (AMSA) are not investigated until now. The primary objective was the biomechanical investigation of AMSA and comparing it to a metallic suture anchor (MSA) and a bioabsorbable suture anchor (BSA) placed at the greater tuberosity of the humeral head of cadaver humeri. Additionally, we assessed the biomechanical properties of the SAs with bone microarchitecture parameters. Methods First, bone microarchitecture of 12 fresh frozen human cadaver humeri from six donors was analyzed by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography. In total, 18 AMSAs, 9 MSAs, and 9 BSAs were implanted at a 60° angle. All three SA systems were systematically implanted alternating in three positions within the greater tuberosity (position 1: anterior, position 2: central, position 3: posterior) with a distance of 15 mm to each other. Biomechanical load to failure was measured in a uniaxial direction at 135°. Results Mean age of all specimens was 53.6 ± 9.1 years. For all bone microarchitecture measurements, linear regression slope estimates were negative which implies decreasing values with increasing age of specimens. Positioning of all three SA systems at the greater tuberosity was equally distributed (p = 0.827). Mean load to failure rates were higher for AMSA compared to MSA and BSA without reaching statistical significance between the groups (p = 0.427). Anchor displacement was comparable for all three SA systems, while there were significant differences regarding failure mode between all three SA systems (p

Renewable energy allows electricity generation with lower environmental and resource impact than generation from fossil fuels. However, the manufacture, use and ultimate disposal of the equipment used to capture this energy has an environmental impact, which should be minimised. Tidal turbine blades are currently primarily manufactured from glass-fibre reinforced polymers. Such blades cannot be recycled at the end of their life, and are disposed of in landfill or by incineration. As the tidal energy industry grows, the volume of non-recyclable waste is a potential problem. Here we consider the environmental impact of ten combinations of material and disposal method for tidal stream turbine blades, including recyclable options. Our findings suggest that glass fibre blades have greenhouse gas emissions of around 15,500 kgCO2e for the scope considered, and a significant environmental impact in all impact categories, which would be increased by changing to carbon fibre (99% mean increase from glass fibre across impact categories) or steel (134% mean increase from glass fibre across impact categories) blades, but that composite materials using flax fibre and recyclable resin may have lower impact (26% mean decrease from glass fibre across impact categories), provided they are treated correctly after use. These materials may also offer the potential for lower cost blades in future.

Seagrass meadows have a disproportionally high organic carbon (Corg) storage potential within their sediments and thus can play a role in climate change mitigation via their conservation and restoration. However, high spatial heterogeneity is observed in Corg, with wide differences seen globally, regionally, and even locally (within a seagrass meadow). Consequently, it is difficult to determine their contributions to the national remaining carbon dioxide (CO2) budget without introducing a large degree of uncertainty. To address this spatial heterogeneity, we sampled 20 locations across the German Baltic Sea to quantify Corg stocks and sources in Zostera marina seagrass-vegetated and adjacent unvegetated sediments. To predict and integrate the Corg inventory in space, we measured the physical (seawater depth, sediment grain size, current velocity at the seafloor, anthropogenic inputs) and biological (seagrass complexity) environments to determine regional and local drivers of Corg variation. Here, we show that seagrass meadows in Germany constitute a significant Corg stock, storing on average 7,785 g C/m2, 13 times greater than meadows from other parts of the Baltic Sea, and fourfold richer than adjacent unvegetated sediments. Stocks were highly heterogenous; they differed widely between (by 10-fold) and even within (by 3- to 55-fold) sites. Regionally, Corg was controlled by seagrass complexity, fine sediment fraction, and seawater depth. Autochthonous material contributed to 78% of the total Corg in seagrass-vegetated sediments, and the remaining 22% originated from allochthonous sources (phytoplankton and macroalgae). However, relic terrestrial peatland material, deposited approximately 6,000 years BP during the last deglaciation, was an unexpected and significant source of Corg. Collectively, German seagrasses in the Baltic Sea are preventing 8.14 Mt of future CO2 emissions. Because Corg is mostly produced on-site and not imported from outside the meadow boundaries, the richness of this pool may be contingent on seagrass habitat health. Disturbance of this Corg stock could act as a source of CO2 emissions. However, the high spatial heterogeneity warrants site-specific investigations to obtain accurate estimates of blue carbon and a need to consider millennial timescale deposits of Corg beneath seagrass meadows in Germany and potentially other parts of the southwestern Baltic Sea.

Waterlogging is one major stress for crops and causes multiple problems for plants, for example low gas diffusion, changes in redox potential and accumulation of toxic metabolites. Brassica napus is an important oil crop with high waterlogging sensitivity, which may cause severe yield losses. Its reactions to the stress are not fully understood. In this work the transcriptional response of rapeseed to one aspect of waterlogging, hypoxia in the root zone, was analyzed by RNAseq, including two rapeseed cultivars from different origin, Avatar from Europe and Zhongshuang 9 from Asia. Both cultivars showed a high number of differentially expressed genes in roots after 4 and 24 h of hypoxia. The response included many well-known hypoxia-induced genes such as genes coding for glycolytic and fermentative enzymes, and strongly resembled the hypoxia response of the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana. The carbohydrate status of roots, however, was minimally affected by root hypoxia, with a tendency of carbohydrate accumulation rather than a carbon starvation. Leaves did not respond to the root stress after a 24-h treatment. In agreement with the gene expression data, subsequent experiments with soil waterlogging for up to 14 days revealed no differences in response or tolerance to waterlogging between the two genotypes used in this study. Interestingly, using a 0.1% starch solution for waterlogging, which caused a lowered soil redox potential, resulted in much stronger effects of the stress treatment than using pure water suggesting a new screening method for rapeseed cultivars in future experiments.

Pragmatic planning juxtaposed with conflicting agendas has led to metropolitan territories with little quality for urban life. Rapidly growing urban agglomeration, synchronous with the Great Acceleration of the global society, is causing massive landscape change leading to radical breaks with traditional landscapes. By drawing from the formal properties of the environment that include existing qualities, it is possible to develop solutions that respond to both a broader and more specific context. The method resorts to laser scanning technology to produce three-dimensional point cloud models and use them as a prospective medium to perform informed transformations in the landscape. Laser-scanned 3D models can help take advantage of subtle topographic differences to support water management, capture significant site features, and provide an accurate site inventory that could reduce the cost of displaced terrain and replanted trees. The article discusses how point cloud models can support the site investigation as part of a digital design method in the field of landscape design. The approach engages formal characteristics of a physical landscape and results in a transformative workflow linked to the survey and the analysis of the site. By using modes of visualization and coloring to emphasize shapes, densities, and heights, the model can reveal relevant landscape features and patterns that are otherwise not noticeable. Section 1 introduces the methods used in other disciplines; Section 2 provides explanations about how the methods apply to a case study in landscape design; Section 3 presents the possibilities offered by the approach to integrate formal characteristics of the environment during the design process. Design development based on documented features in the point cloud model increases the control to shape environments that contribute to the process of accumulation occurring in the landscape.

Abstract Purpose Arthroscopic isolated biceps tenotomy is a procedure successfully performed in patients with degenerative rotator cuff tears which offers good clinical results. With this article, we describe the technique of biceps tenotomy with needle arthroscopy in local anesthesia and the results of first patients treated from 2018. Methods Thirteen patients with irreparable rotator cuff tear treated with arthroscopic needle biceps tenotomy under local anesthesia were included. Constant score and active/passive flexion were recorded preoperatively and at 3 months postoperatively. Results The average age of the patients was 71 ± 7 year old. All the patients were available for the follow‐up. The Constant score significantly improved from pre‐ to postoperatively (44 ± 8.9 to 63.1 ± 14.2, p

Acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is a life-threatening complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT), a potentially curative treatment for leukemia. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress occurs when the protein folding capacity of the ER is oversaturated. How ER stress modulates tissue homeostasis in the context of alloimmunity is not well understood. We show that ER stress contributes to intestinal tissue injury during GvHD and can be targeted pharmacologically. We observed high levels of ER stress upon GvHD onset in a murine allo- HCT model and in human biopsies. These levels correlated with GvHD severity, underscoring a novel therapeutic potential. Elevated ER stress resulted in increased cell death of intestinal organoids. In a conditional knockout model, deletion of the ER stress regulator transcription factor Xbp1 in intestinal epithelial cells induced a general ER stress signaling disruption and aggravated GvHD lethality. This phenotype was mediated by changes in the production of antimicrobial peptides and the microbiome composition as well as activation of pro-apoptotic signaling. Inhibition of inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α), the most conserved signaling branch in ER stress, reduced GvHD development in mice. IRE1α blockade by the small molecule inhibitor 4m8c improved intestinal cell viability, without impairing hematopoietic regeneration and T-cell activity against tumor cells. Our findings in patient samples and mice indicate that excessive ER stress propagates tissue injury during GvHD. Reducing ER stress could improve the outcome of patients suffering from GvHD.

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to compare restoration of mechanical limb alignment and three-dimensional component-positioning between conventional and patient-specific instrumentation in total knee arthroplasty. Methods Radiographic data of patients undergoing mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty (n = 1257), using either conventional (n = 442) or patient-specific instrumentation (n = 812), were analyzed. To evaluate accuracy of axis restoration and 3D-component-positioning between conventional and patient-specific instrumentation, absolute deviations from the targeted neutral mechanical limb alignment and planned implant positions were determined. Measurements were performed on standardized coronal long-leg and sagittal knee radiographs. CT-scans were evaluated for accuracy of axial femoral implant rotation. Outliers were defined as deviations from the targeted neutral mechanical axis of > ± 3° or from the intraoperative component-positioning goals of > ± 2°. Deviations greater than ± 5° from set targets were considered to be severe outliers. Results Deviations from a neutral mechanical axis (conventional instrumentation: 2.3°± 1.7° vs. patient-specific instrumentation: 1.7°± 1.2°; p < 0.001) and numbers of outliers (conventional instrumentation: 25.8% vs. patient-specific instrumentation: 10.1%; p < 0.001) were significantly lower in the patient-specific instrumentation group. Significantly lower mean deviations and less outliers were detected regarding 3D-component-positioning in the patient-specific instrumentation compared to the conventional instrumentation group (all p < 0.05). Conclusions Patient-specific instrumentation prevented from severe limb malalignment and component-positioning outliers (> ± 5° deviation). Use of patient-specific instrumentation proved to be superior to conventional instrumentation in achieving more accurate limb alignment and 3D-component positioning, particularly regarding femoral component rotation. Furthermore, the use of patient-specific instrumentation successfully prevented severe (> 5° deviation) outliers.

Background: Missense mutations in keratin 5 and 14 genes cause the severe skin fragility disorder epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS) by collapsing of the keratin cytoskeleton into cytoplasmic protein aggregates. Despite intense efforts, no molecular therapies are available, mostly due to the complex phenotype of EBS, comprising cell fragility, diminished adhesion, skin inflammation and itch. Methods: We extensively characterized KRT5 and KRT14 mutant keratinocytes from patients with severe generalized EBS following exposure to the chemical chaperone 4-phenylbutyrate (4-PBA). Findings: 4-PBA diminished keratin aggregates within EBS cells and ameliorated their inflammatory phenotype. Chemoproteomics of 4-PBA-treated and untreated EBS cells revealed reduced IL1β expression- but also showed activation of Wnt/β-catenin and NF-kB pathways. The abundance of extracellular matrix and cytoskeletal proteins was significantly altered, coinciding with diminished keratinocyte adhesion and migration in a 4-PBA dose-dependent manner. Interpretation: Together, our study reveals a complex interplay of benefits and disadvantages that challenge the use of 4-PBA in skin fragility disorders. Keywords: Keratins, Skin blistering, Keratinocyte, Epidermolysis bullosa, 4-PBA

This paper presents a methodology for the reliability and power flow analysis of islands or off-grid power networks for situations of scarce data and information. It offers a new and pragmatic approach to derive the required power network information, including the power cable parameters and the load at each power node. The paper aims to present the developed methodology, and to illustrate its application, using Ushant Island as a case study. The assessment of the current power network status and the reliability analysis are presented. Grid performance parameters are further compared for conventional diesel generator operation and renewable energy generation scenarios, demonstrating the advantages of replacing the existing diesel units with renewable energy sources in terms of system reliability. The analysis shows that by introducing renewable energy systems to the island’s grid, the reliability of the grid increases by up to 50% and cable capacity usage reduces by up to 30%. Furthermore, this work suggests that it would not be necessary to modify the grid cables when substituting the diesel generator. The paper will be of interest to network planners, community stakeholders, project developers and decision-makers concerned with renewable energy investment on islands and in remote rural areas.

Purpose: To review clinical and subjective outcomes in patients with deep infections after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Methods: All patients in whom deep infections developed after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair at a single center between 2002 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data, clinical and microbiological findings, and treatment were analyzed. Clinical and subjective outcomes included the Constant score, visual analog scale score for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and Simple Shoulder Test score. Results: Thirty patients could be identified and included in the study. The most commonly isolated pathogens were Staphylococcus epidermidis (36.7%) and Cutibacterium acnes (30.0%). In 26 of 30 patients (86.7%), the infection was treated initially with an open surgical approach, whereas 4 patients (13.3%) underwent arthroscopic revision. A transosseous rotator cuff repair could be performed in 20.0% of patients. A single reoperation was sufficient in 80% of patients, whereas 13.3% required 2 revisions and 6.7% required 3. At the final follow-up of 8.3 years (range, 4-14 years), 26 patients (1 woman and 25 men) were available for outcome evaluation. Significant improvement from the initial surgical procedure to final follow-up was detected in the Constant score (25.7 vs 65.7, P < .001), visual analog scale score for pain (7.0 vs 1.7, P < .001), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (38.0 vs 76.7, P < .001), and Simple Shoulder Test score (4.0 vs 8.3, P < .001). Conclusions: Patients with deep infections after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair showed moderate mid- to long-term outcomes. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Purpose: To report mid- to long-term clinical and radiological outcomes after microfracturing for symptomatic chondral defects of the glenohumeral joint Methods: All patients who underwent glenohumeral arthroscopic microfracturing between 2002 and 2012 at a single center were considered for inclusion in this retrospective study. Clinical outcome was evaluated using the Constant Score, Oxford Shoulder Score, and Subjective Shoulder Value. Progression of joint space narrowing, sclerosis, marginal osteophytes, and presence of cysts over time were assessed using 4 different radiological grading systems Results: A total of 16 patients (n = 9 female, n = 7 male) with a mean age of 51.8 ± 12.6 years at the time of surgery and a mean follow-up of 122 ± 51.2 months (range, 61-204 months) were included in this retrospective study. Nine patients (56.3%) showed an isolated chondral defect, while 7 patients (43.8%) had concomitant pathologies. Constant Score (60.3 ± 12.7 vs. 85.9 ± 9.3; P < .001), Oxford Shoulder Score (29.0 ± 5.8 vs. 42.4 ± 4.5; P < .001), and Subjective Shoulder Value (23.9 ± 7.4 vs. 84.3 ± 10.9; P < .001) changed significantly from pre- to postoperative. The majority of patients (88%) were able to return to their preoperative level of activity. Three patients (19.8%) developed radiological signs of progressive glenohumeral degeneration during the study period. However, only 1 patient (6.25%) showed a progression of arthritic changes of more than 1 grade according to radiographic classifications. Two patients (12.5%) underwent revision surgery to a hemi shoulder arthroplasty during the study period at 12 and 36 months after the initial procedure Conclusions: Glenohumeral microfracturing is commonly performed together with other procedures, but seems to be a feasible treatment option for contained cartilage lesions in active patients reproducibly yielding good mid- to long-term outcome. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Acute graft-versus-host disease causes significant mortality in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Immunosuppressive treatment for graft-versus-host disease can impair the beneficial graft-versus-leukemia effect and facilitate malignancy relapse. Therefore, novel approaches that protect and regenerate injured tissues without impeding the donor immune system are needed. Bile acids regulate multiple cellular processes and are in close contact with the intestinal epithelium, a major target of acute graft-versus-host disease. Here, we found that the bile acid pool is reduced following graft-versus-host disease induction in a preclinical model. We evaluated the efficacy of bile acids to protect the intestinal epithelium without reducing anti-tumor immunity. We observed that application of bile acids decreased cytokine-induced cell death in intestinal organoids and cell lines. Systemic prophylactic administration of tauroursodeoxycholic acid, the most potent compound in our in vitro studies, reduced graft-versus-host disease severity in three different murine transplantation models. This effect was mediated by decreased activity of the antigen presentation machinery and subsequent prevention of apoptosis of the intestinal epithelium. Moreover, bile acid administration did not alter the bacterial composition in the intestine suggesting that its effects are cell-specific and independent of the microbiome. Treatment of human and murine leukemic cell lines with tauroursodeoxycholic acid did not interfere with the expression of antigen presentation-related molecules. Systemic T cell expansion and especially their cytotoxic capacity against leukemic cells remained intact. This study establishes a role for bile acids in the prevention of acute graft-versus-host disease without impairing the graft-versus-leukemia effect. In particular, we provide a scientific rationale for the systematic use of tauroursodeoxycholic acid in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Abstract Background Commonly used contemporary orthopaedic sutures have been identified as a potential causative factor in the development of post-arthroscopic glenohumeral chondrolysis. Currently, little is known about the body’s immune response to these materials. The aim of this study was to examine the biological response of synovial tissue to three commonly used orthopaedic sutures, using a murine airpouch model. Methods Fifty rats were used in this study (ten per group). An airpouch was created in each rat, and test materials were implanted. Test materials consisted of an intact polyethylene terephthalate suture with a polybutilate coating (suture A), an intact polyethylene suture braided around a central polydiaxannone core (suture B), an intact polyethylene/polyester cobraid suture with a silicone coating (suture C), and particles of suture C (particles C). Rats were sacrificed at 1 or 4 weeks following implantation. Histological (multinucleated giant cell count) and immunohistochemical (expression of matrix metalloproteinases MMP-1,-2,-3,-9,-13) markers of inflammation were examined. Results Multinucleated giant cells were present in all specimens containing suture material but not in the control specimens. No significant differences were found in the number of giant cells between the intact suture groups at either time point. Significantly higher numbers of giant cells were noted in the particles C group compared to the intact suture C group at both time points (p = 0.021 at 1 week, p = 0.003 at 4 weeks). Quantitative analysis of immunohistochemical staining expression at 4 weeks showed that significantly more MMP (-1,-2,-9,-13) was expressed in the particles C group than the intact suture C group (p = 0.024, p = 0.009, p = 0.002, and p = 0.007 for MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, and MMP-13, respectively). No significant difference was seen in the expression of MMP-3 (p = 0.058). Conclusions There were no differences observed between the biological reactivity of commonly used intact orthopaedic sutures A, B, and C. However, wear particles of suture C elicited a significantly greater inflammatory response than intact suture alone. This was confirmed by increased numbers of multinucleated giant cells as well as MMP ( -1,-2,-9,-13) expression. Further studies are needed to determine whether this inflammatory response may play a role in the development of post-arthroscopic glenohumeral chondrolysis or interfere with biological healing. These findings have important clinical implications relating to surgical technique and surgical implant design.

Abstract Background Stemless shoulder arthroplasty is a fairly new concept. Clinical and radiological follow-up is essential to prove implant safety and concept. This prospective single-centre study was performed to evaluate the influence of radiological changes on clinical mid-term outcome following stemless humeral head replacement with hollow screw fixation. Methods Short- and mid-term radiological and clinical evaluations were performed in 73 consecutive shoulders treated mainly for idiopathic and posttraumatic osteoarthritis with stemless humeral head arthroplasty including 40 hemi- (HSA) and 33 total shoulder arthroplasties (TSA). Operating times of stemless implantations were compared to 110 stemmed anatomical shoulder prostheses. Appearances of humeral radiolucencies or radiological signs of osteolysis or stress shielding were assessed on standardized radiographs. Patients’ clinical outcome was evaluated using the Constant score and patients’ satisfaction was documented. Results Radiological changes, detected in 37.0%, did not affect clinical outcome. Constant scores significantly improved from baseline to short and mid-term follow-up (p

Marine renewable energy (MRE) is still an emerging technology. As such, there is still a lack of mature standards and guidance for the development and testing of these devices. The sector covers a wide range of disciplines, so there is a need for more comprehensive guidance to cover these. This paper builds on a study undertaken in the MaRINET2 project to summarise recommendations and guidance for testing MRE devices and components, by reviewing the recently published guidance. Perceived gaps in the guidance are then discussed, expanding on the previous study. Results from an industry survey are also used to help quantify and validate these gaps. The main themes identified can be summarised as: the development progression from concept to commercialisation, including more complex environmental conditions in testing, accurately modelling and quantifying the power generated, including grid integration, plus modelling and testing of novel moorings and foundation solutions. A pathway to a standardised approach to MRE testing is presented, building on recommendations learnt from the MaRINET2 round-robin testing, showing how these recommendations are being incorporated into the guidance and ultimately feeding into the development of international standards for the marine renewable energy sector.

Abstract Background Acromial morphology has previously been defined as a risk factor for some shoulder pathologies. Yet, study results are inconclusive and not all major shoulder diseases have been sufficiently investigated. Thus, the aim of the present study was to analyze predictive value of three radiological parameters including the critical shoulder angle, acromion index, and lateral acromion angle in relationship to symptomatic patients with either cuff tear arthropathy, glenohumeral osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tear, impingement, and tendinitis calcarea. Methods A total of 1000 patients’ standardized true-anteroposterior radiographs were retrospectively assessed. Receiver-operating curve analyses and multinomial logistic regression were used to examine the association between shoulder pathologies and acromion morphology. The prediction model was derived from a development cohort and applied to a validation cohort. Prediction model’s performance was statistically evaluated. Results The majority of radiological measurements were significantly different between shoulder pathologies, but the critical shoulder angle was an overall better parameter to predict and distinguish between the different pathologies than the acromion index or lateral acromion angle. Typical critical shoulder angle-age patterns for the different shoulder pathologies could be detected. Patients diagnosed with rotator cuff tears had the highest, whereas patients with osteoarthritis had the lowest critical shoulder angle. The youngest patients were in the tendinitis calcarea and the oldest in the cuff tear arthropathy group. Conclusions The present study showed that critical shoulder angle and age, two easily assessable variables, adequately predict different shoulder pathologies in patients with shoulder complaints.

Numerical modeling of currents and waves is used throughout the marine energy industry for resource assessment. This study compared the output of numerical flow simulations run both as a standalone model and as a two-way coupled wave–current simulation. A regional coupled flow-wave model was established covering the English Channel using the Delft D-Flow 2D model coupled with a SWAN spectral wave model. Outputs were analyzed at three tidal energy sites: Alderney Race, Big Roussel (Guernsey), and PTEC (Isle of Wight). The difference in the power in the tidal flow between coupled and standalone model runs was strongly correlated to the relative direction of the waves and currents. The net difference between the coupled and standalone runs was less than 2.5%. However, when wave and current directions were aligned, the mean flow power was increased by up to 7%, whereas, when the directions were opposed, the mean flow power was reduced by as much as 9.6%. The D-Flow Flexible Mesh model incorporates the effects of waves into the flow calculations in three areas: Stokes drift, forcing by radiation stress gradients, and enhancement of the bed shear stress. Each of these mechanisms is discussed. Forcing from radiation stress gradients is shown to be the dominant mechanism affecting the flow conditions at the sites considered, primarily caused by dissipation of wave energy due to white-capping. Wave action is an important consideration at tidal energy sites. Although the net impact on the flow power was found to be small for the present sites, the effect is site specific and may be significant at sites with large wave exposure or strong asymmetry in the flow conditions and should thus be considered for detailed resource and engineering assessments.

Operation and maintenance constitute a substantial share of the lifecycle expenditures of an offshore renewable energy farm. A noteworthy number of methods and techniques have been developed to provide decision-making support in strategic planning and asset management. Condition monitoring instrumentation is commonly used, especially in offshore wind farms, due to the benefits it provides in terms of fault identification and performance evaluation and improvement. Incorporating technology advancements, a shift towards automation and digitalisation is taking place in the offshore maintenance sector. This paper reviews the existing literature and novel approaches in the operation and maintenance planning and the condition monitoring of offshore renewable energy farms, with an emphasis on the offshore wind sector, discussing their benefits and limitations. The state-of-the-art in industrial condition-based maintenance is reviewed, together with deterioration models and fault diagnosis and prognosis techniques. Future scenarios in robotics, artificial intelligence and data processing are investigated. The application challenges of these strategies and Industry 4.0 concepts in the offshore renewables sector are scrutinised, together with the potential implications of early-stage project integration. The identified technologies are ranked against a series of indicators, providing a reference for a range of industry stakeholders.

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling of wave interaction with thin perforated structures is of interest in a range of engineering applications. When large-scale effects such as forces and the overall flow behaviour are of interest, a microstructural resolution of the perforated geometry can be excessive or prohibitive in terms of computational cost. More efficiently, a thin porous structure can be represented by its macro-scale effects by means of a quadratic momentum source or pressure-drop respectively. In the context of regular wave interaction with thin porous structures and within an incompressible, two-phase Navier–Stokes and volume-of-fluid framework (based on interFoam of OpenFOAM®), this work investigates porosity representation as a porous surface with a pressure-jump condition and as volumetric isotropic and anisotropic porous media. Potential differences between these three types of macro-scale porosity implementations are assessed in terms of qualitative flow visualizations, velocity profiles along the water column, the wave elevation near the structures and the horizontal force on the structures. The comparison shows that all three types of implementation are capable of reproducing large-scale effects of the wave-structure interaction and that the differences between all obtained results are relatively small. It was found that the isotropic porous media implementation is numerically the most stable and requires the shortest computation times. The pressure-jump implementation requires the smallest time steps for stability and thus the longest computation times. This is likely due to the spurious local velocities at the air-water interface as a result of the volume-of-fluid interface capturing method combined with interFoam’s segregated pressure-velocity coupling algorithm. This paper provides useful insights and recommendations for effective macro-scale modelling of thin porous structures.

Innovation in materials and test protocols, as well as physical and numerical investigations, is required to address the technical challenges arising due to the novel application of components from conventional industries to the marine renewable energy (MRE) industry. Synthetic fibre ropes, widely used for offshore station-keeping, have potential application in the MRE industry to reduce peak mooring line loads. This paper presents the results of a physical characterisation study of a novel hybrid polyester-polyolefin rope for MRE mooring applications through a round robin testing (RRT) approach at two test facilities. The RRT was performed using standard guidelines for offshore mooring lines and the results are verified through the numerical modelling of the rope tensile behaviour. The physical testing provides quantifiable margins for the strength and stiffness properties of the hybrid rope, increases confidence in the test protocols and assesses facility-specific influences on test outcomes. The results indicate that the adopted guidance is suitable for rope testing in mooring applications and there is good agreement between stiffness characterisation at both facilities. Additionally, the numerical model provides a satisfactory prediction of the rope tensile behaviour and it can be used for further parametric studies.

Rotator cuff repairs are the most common procedures in shoulder surgery, but still show long-term retear rates of up to 70%. Nonanatomic reconstruction is one possible cause of repair failure. The rotator cuff histologically consists of 5 separate layers of which 2 are macroscopically identifiable: the superior or tendinous layer and the inferior or capsule-ligamentous layer. In case of rotator cuff tears, these layers are often retracted to different degrees. The intraoperative detectable prevalence of rotator cuff delamination reaches up to 85%. Anatomical rotator cuff repair, which also includes restoration of the layered structure, could re-establish native tendon morphology and thus potentially decreases retear rates. The use of a knotless construct to avoid cuff strangulation and maintaining tendon perfusion could further decrease the risk of repair failure. Double-layer reconstructions are challenging and time consuming because each layer needs to be penetrated separately. Only few studies reported about double-layer reconstruction of the posterosuperior rotator cuff. This Technical Note is the first to present an arthroscopic knotless transosseous-equivalent double-layer repair technique.

Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) are a widely used metric of technology maturity and risk for marine renewable energy (MRE) devices. To-date, a large number of device concepts have been proposed which have reached the early validation stages of development (TRLs 1–3). Only a handful of mature designs have attained pre-commercial development status following prototype sea trials (TRLs 7–8). In order to navigate through the aptly named “valley of death” (TRLs 4–6) towards commercial realisation, it is necessary for new technologies to be de-risked in terms of component durability and reliability. In this paper the scope of the reliability assessment module of the DTOcean Design Tool is outlined including aspects of Tool integration, data provision and how prediction uncertainties are accounted for. In addition, two case studies are reported of mooring component fatigue testing providing insight into long-term component use and system design for MRE devices. The case studies are used to highlight how test data could be utilised to improve the prediction capabilities of statistical reliability assessment approaches, such as the bottom–up statistical method.

Highly-dynamic floating bodies such as wave energy convertors require mooring lines with particular mechanical properties; the mooring system must achieve adequate station keeping whilst controlling mooring tensions within acceptable limits. Optimised compliant mooring systems can meet these requirements but where compliance is achieved through system architecture, the complexity of the system increases together with the mooring footprint. This work introduces the “Exeter Tether”, a novel fibre rope mooring tether providing advantages over conventional fibre ropes. The tether concept aims to provide a significantly lower axial stiffness by de-coupling this attribute from the minimum breaking load of the line. A benefit of reduced axial stiffness is the reduction of mooring system stiffness providing a reduction of peak and fatigue loads, without increasing mooring system complexity. Reducing these loads improves system reliability and allows a reduction in mass of both the mooring system and the floating body, thus reducing costs. The principles behind the novel tether design are presented here, along with an outline of eight prototype tether variants. Results from the proof of concept study are given together with preliminary findings from sea trials conducted in Falmouth Bay. Results demonstrate that the Exeter Tether can be configured to achieve a significantly lower axial stiffness than conventional fibre rope and that the stiffness is selectable within limits for a given breaking strength. Strain values greater than 0.35 are achieved at 30% of line breaking strength; this represents more than a threefold increase of the strain achievable with a conventional rope of the same material. The tether was subjected to six months of sea trials to establish any threats to its own reliability and to inform future design enhancements in this respect.

The reaction of anhydrous lanthanide chlorides together with 4,4′-bipyridine yields the MOFs 2∞[Ln2Cl6(bipy)3]·2bipy, with Ln = Pr − Yb, bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine, and 3∞[La2Cl6(bipy)5]·4bipy. Post-synthetic thermal treatment in combination with different vacuum conditions was successfully used to shape the porosity of the MOFs. In addition to the MOFs microporosity, a tuneable mesoporosity can be implemented depending on the treatment conditions as a surface morphological modification. Furthermore, thermal treatment without vacuum results in several identifiable crystalline high-temperature phases. Instead of collapse of the frameworks upon heating, further aggregation under release of bipy is observed. 3∞[LaCl3(bipy)] and 2∞[Ln3Cl9(bipy)3], with Ln = La, Pr, Sm, and 1∞[Ho2Cl6(bipy)2] were identified and characterized, which can also exhibit luminescence. Besides being released upon heating, the linker 4,4′-bipyridine can undergo activation of C-C bonding in ortho-position leading to the in-situ formation of 4,4′:2′,2′′:4′′,4′′′-quaterpyridine (qtpy). qtpy can thereby function as linker itself, as shown for the formation of the network 2∞[Gd2Cl6(qtpy)2(bipy)2]·bipy. Altogether, the manuscript elaborates the influence of thermal treatment beyond the usual activation procedures reported for MOFs.

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) associated diarrhea is responsible for roughly half a million deaths per year, the majority taking place in developing countries. The main agent responsible for these diseases is the bacterial heat-stable enterotoxin STa. STa is secreted by ETEC and after secretion binds to the intestinal receptor guanylyl cyclase C (GC-C), thus triggering a signaling cascade that eventually leads to the release of electrolytes and water in the intestine. Additionally, GC-C is a specific marker for colorectal carcinoma and STa is suggested to have an inhibitory effect on intestinal carcinogenesis. To understand the conformational events involved in ligand binding to GC-C and to devise therapeutic strategies to treat both diarrheal diseases and colorectal cancer, it is paramount to obtain structural information on the receptor ligand system. Here we summarize the currently available structural data and report on physiological consequences of STa binding to GC-C in intestinal epithelia and colorectal carcinoma cells.

Foram interrompidas já na administração Dutra as relações diplomáticas entre o Brasil e a União Soviética. Seguindo as primeiras atividades comerciais durante o segundo governo Vargas que intensificavam-se nos próximos dois governos, estas relações bilaterais só foram reestabelecidas por João Goulart em 1961. A intensa cooperação, não só no setor econômico mas também nas esferas culturais e políticas, deixou presunçosos os entreguistas/direitistas ligados tradicionalmente aos Estados Unidos. O golpe militar em 1964 piorava as relações Brasil-União Soviética mas, ao contrário do que ocorreu com as relações com Cuba, não foram descartadas. Os EUA recompensavam a virada política e a privatização de estatais e o Brasil posicionou-se novamente como sátelite privelegiado no hemisfério. As cooperações, porém, não foram prorrogadas e a administração Carter distanciou-se do Brasil. Começaram-se então a retomar os contatos com o bloco comunista para diversificar o comércio exterior. O suposto milagre econômico durante o governo Médici chamou a atenção para um mútuo benefício da USSR nas negociações com o Brasil. Até 1982 puderam ser registrados intensos intercâmbios tecno-econômicos entre os dois países e também a conformidade na diplomacia internacional. O trabalho tem por objetivo mostrar exemplos dessa cooperação, predominantemente entre os setores de energia (úsinas hidrelétricas, exploração petrolífera, ethanol), analisar as relações do Brasil com as duas superpotências e, ligado a isso, examinar as aspirações do Estado-nação. Por isso são usadas de um lado a teoria da hegemonia gramsciana, e, de outro lado, a percepção high modernity de James C. Scott para compreender a dinâmica ideológica do desenvolvimentismo.

The Arctic is one of the ecosystems most affected by climate change; in particular, winter temperatures and precipitation are predicted to increase with consequent changes to snow cover depth and duration. Whether the snow-free period will be shortened or prolonged depends on the extent and temporal patterns of the temperature and precipitation rise; resulting changes will likely affect plant growth with cascading effects throughout the ecosystem. We experimentally manipulated snow regimes using snow fences and shoveling and assessed aboveground size of eight common high arctic plant species weekly throughout the summer. We demonstrated that plant growth responded to snow regime, and that air temperature sum during the snow free period was the best predictor for plant size. The majority of our studied species showed periodic growth; increases in plant size stopped after certain cumulative temperatures were obtained. Plants in early snow-free treatments without additional spring warming were smaller than controls. Response to deeper snow with later melt-out varied between species and categorizing responses by growth forms or habitat associations did not reveal generic trends. We therefore stress the importance of examining responses at the species level, since generalized predictions of aboveground growth responses to changing snow regimes cannot be made.