bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding exosomes: Part 3—therapeutic + diagnostic potential in dentistry
Authors: Miron Richard J. , Estrin Nathan E. , Sculean Anton , Zhang Yufeng
Published: March 2024

Exosomes are the smallest subset of extracellular signaling vesicles secreted by most cells with the ability to communicate with other tissues and cell types over long distances. Their use in regenerative medicine has gained tremendous momentum recently due to their ability to be utilized as therapeutic options for a wide array of various diseases. Over 5000 publications are currently being published on this topic yearly, many of which in the dental space. This extensive review article is the first scoping review aimed at summarizing all therapeutic uses of exosomes in regenerative dentistry. A total of 944 articles were identified as using exosomes in the dental field for either their regenerative/therapeutic potential or for diagnostic purposes derived from the oral cavity. In total, 113 research articles were selected for their regenerative potential (102 in vitro, 60 in vivo, 50 studies included both). Therapeutic exosomes were most commonly derived from dental pulps, periodontal ligament cells, gingival fibroblasts, stem cells from exfoliated deciduous teeth, and the apical papilla which have all been shown to facilitate the regenerative potential of a number of tissues including bone, cementum, the periodontal ligament, nerves, aid in orthodontic tooth movement, and relieve temporomandibular joint disorders, among others. Results demonstrate that the use of exosomes led to positive outcomes in 100% of studies. In the bone field, exosomes were found to perform equally as well or better than rhBMP2 while significantly reducing inflammation. Periodontitis animal models were treated with simple gingival injections of exosomes and benefits were even observed when the exosomes were administered intravenously. Exosomes are much more stable than growth factors and were shown to be far more resistant against degradation by periodontal pathogens found routinely in a periodontitis environment. Comparative studies in the field of periodontal regeneration found better outcomes for exosomes even when compared to their native parent stem cells. In total 47 diagnostic studies revealed a role for salivary/crevicular fluid exosomes for the diagnosis of birth defects, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, gingival recession detection, gingivitis, irritable bowel syndrome, neurodegenerative disease, oral lichen planus, oral squamous cell carcinoma, oropharyngeal cancer detection, orthodontic root resorption, pancreatic cancer, periodontitis, peri‐implantitis, Sjögren syndrome, and various systemic diseases. Hence, we characterize the exosomes as possessing “remarkable” potential, serving as a valuable tool for clinicians with significant advantages.
GnRH analogue triptorelin acetate induces ovulation in jennies during oestrus
Authors: Fanelli Diana , Moroni Rebecca , Berti Giovanni , Camillo Francesco , Maltinti Saverio , Rota Alessandra , Panzani Duccio
Published: March 2024

Most of the northern hemisphere donkey breeds are faced with the risk of extinction, thus donkey reproduction is considered an emerging branch of theriogenology, and the management of artificial insemination and induction of ovulation is a crucial point in setting up preservation protocols. For four consecutive cycles, six jennies' ovarian activity was routinely monitored; an ultrasound examination was performed daily from the evidence of a follicle diameter ≥27 mm until ovulation. Upon reaching a follicular diameter ≥32 ± 2 mm (Hour 0), oestrous jennies were treated alternatively with 0.1 mg triptorelin acetate, sc, (TRIP), 0.4 mg/sc of buserelin acetate (BUS) or saline, sc, (CTRL) and examined ultrasonographically at Hours 14, 24, 38, 42, 48, 62 and every 24 h until ovulation. Induction of ovulation was considered successful if ovulation occurred from 24 to 48 h after treatment. 11/12 cycles resulted in ovulation for TRIP and 12/12 for BUS and CTRL groups, respectively. Mean ± SD ovulation time after treatment was 37.3 ± 8.3, 47.1 ± 21.0 and 66.8 ± 25.9 h for BUS, TRIP and CTRL, respectively (p = .0032). Ovulation rates between h24 and h48 were 10/12 (83.3%) for both TRIP/BUS and 2/12 (16.7%) for CTRL, respectively (p = .003). Buserelin and triptorelin‐treated jennies had a 25 times higher probability to ovulate between Hours 24 and 48 than controls (p = .003), while there were no jenny and cycle effects on the ovulatory rate. The results of this study show how triptorelin successfully induced ovulation in jennies, like other GnRH analogues previously evaluated.
Strength in data and collaboration: The EpiGETIF registry
Authors: Brown Michael , Nguyen Phan
Published: March 2024

See related article
Individual legal action as minority activism: Romani Germans in 1950s West Germany
Authors: Greenstein Claire
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Social movement theory argues that activist movements emerge when the political opportunity structure is favorable. This article contributes to the literature on social movements and minority activism by showing that individual‐level activism happens even without a favorable opportunity structure.

Methods

The legal journal Rechtsprechung zum Wiedergutmachungsrecht (Case Law on Reparations Legislation), published from 1949 to 1981, reported on West German courts’ decisions about reparations claims appeals. All issues were examined for decisions on reparations claims appeals that Romani Germans submitted regarding West Germany's 1953 federal reparations law, despite the unfavorable political opportunity structure. The number of these appeals is reported, and select cases are discussed.

Results

Every time a Romani claimant appealed a denied reparations claim, they were, according to feminist definitions of everyday activism, committing an act of activism. Such appeals appear repeatedly in the Rechtsprechung zum Wiedergutmachungsrecht, demonstrating that if scholars look for activism at an individual level, not a group level, evidence shows that members of marginalized minority groups engage in activism regardless of the political opportunity structure.

Conclusions

These findings show that, if individual‐level activism is included in scholarly analyses, it becomes apparent that minority activism occurs even when the political opportunity structure is unfavorable.
Spread and persistence of antimicrobial resistance genes in wastewater from human and animal sources in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Dropa Milena , da Silva Jéssica Santiago Bispo , Andrade André Furugen César , Nakasone Denis Hideki , Cunha Marcos Paulo Vieira , Ribeiro Gesiane , de Araújo Ronalda Silva , Brandão Carlos Jesus , Ghiglione Barbara , Lincopan Nilton , Sato Maria Inês Zanoli , Knöbl Terezinha
Published: March 2024

The spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through multiple reservoirs is a global concern. Wastewater is a critical AMR dissemination source, so this study aimed to assess the persistence of resistance genetic markers in wastewater using a culture‐independent approach. Raw and treated wastewater samples (n = 121) from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), a human hospital, a veterinary hospital, and a pig farm were monthly collected and concentrated by filtration. DNA was extracted directly from filter membranes, and PCR was used in the qualitative search of 32 antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). Selected genes (blaCTX‐M, blaKPC, qnrB, and mcr‐1) were enumerated by quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR). Twenty‐six ARGs were detected in the qualitative ARGs search, while quantitative data showed a low variation of the ARG's relative abundance (RA) throughout the months, especially at the human hospital and the WWTP. At the WWTP, despite significantly reducing the absolute number of gene copies/L after each treatment stage (p < 0.05), slight increases (p > 0.05) in the RAs of genes blaCTX‐M, qnrB, and mcr‐1 were observed in reused water (tertiary treatment) when compared with secondary effluent. Although the increase is not statistically significant, it is worth noting that there was some level of ARGs concentration after the disinfection process. No significant absolute or relative after‐treatment quantification reductions were observed for any ARGs at the veterinary hospital or the pig farm. The spread of ARGs through sewage needs to be continuously addressed, because their release into natural environments may pose potential risks of exposure to resistant bacteria and impact local ecosystems.
Riesz energy, L2$L^2$ discrepancy, and optimal transport of determinantal point processes on the sphere and the flat torus
Authors: Borda Bence , Grabner Peter , Matzke Ryan W.
Published: March 2024

Determinantal point processes exhibit an inherent repulsive behavior, thus providing examples of very evenly distributed point sets on manifolds. In this paper, we study the so‐called harmonic ensemble, defined in terms of Laplace eigenfunctions on the sphere and the flat torus , and the so‐called spherical ensemble on , which originates in random matrix theory. We extend results of Beltrán, Marzo, and Ortega‐Cerdà on the Riesz ‐energy of the harmonic ensemble to the nonsingular regime , and as a corollary find the expected value of the spherical cap discrepancy via the Stolarsky invariance principle. We find the expected value of the discrepancy with respect to axis‐parallel boxes and Euclidean balls of the harmonic ensemble on . We also show that the spherical ensemble and the harmonic ensemble on and with points attain the optimal rate in expectation in the Wasserstein metric , in contrast to independent and identically distributed random points, which are known to lose a factor of .
Toward Fatigue-Tolerant Design of Additively Manufactured Strut-Based Lattice Metamaterials
Authors: Apetre Nicoleta A. , Michopoulos John G. , Rodriguez Steven N. , Iliopoulos Athanasios , Steuben John C. , Graber Benjamin D. , Arcari Attilio
Published: March 2024

The advent of additive manufacturing (AM) has enabled the prototyping of periodic and non-periodic metamaterials (a.k.a. lattice or cellular structures) that could be deployed in a variety of engineering applications where certain combinations of performance features are desirable. For example, these structures could be used in a variety of naval engineering applications where lightweight, large surface area, energy absorption, heat dissipation, and acoustic bandgap control are desirable. Furthermore, combining the multifunctional design optimization of these structures with progressive degradation due to cyclic loading could lead to fatigue-activated attritable systems with potentially tailorable performances not yet in reach by current conventional systems. Nevertheless, in order to deploy these complex geometry structures their multiphysics response has to be well understood and characterized. The objective of the current effort is to describe an initial approach for designing a uniaxial metamaterial specimen for fatigue testing as the first step toward the design of multi-axial fatigue test coupons. In order to compare bending- and stretching-dominated structures, two strut-based lattices made of Ti-6Al-4V alloy consisting of the octet and tetrakaidecahedron (or Kelvin) cells are examined. The specimens are designed to fail in the central area of the specimen where edge effects are minimized. Finite element results of the relevant structural mechanics are implemented and exercised to compare the performance of the eight relevant geometries and to evaluate the effect of relative density on fatigue life.
Oxygen imaging of hypoxic pockets in the mouse cerebral cortex
Authors: Beinlich Felix R. M. , Asiminas Antonios , Untiet Verena , Bojarowska Zuzanna , Plá Virginia , Sigurdsson Björn , Timmel Vincenzo , Gehrig Lukas , Graber Michael H. , Hirase Hajime , Nedergaard Maiken
Published: March 2024

Consciousness is lost within seconds upon cessation of cerebral blood flow. The brain cannot store oxygen, and interruption of oxidative phosphorylation is fatal within minutes. Yet only rudimentary knowledge exists regarding cortical partial oxygen tension (
P
o
2
) dynamics under physiological conditions. Here we introduce Green enhanced Nano-lantern (GeNL), a genetically encoded bioluminescent oxygen indicator for
P
o
2
imaging. In awake behaving mice, we uncover the existence of spontaneous, spatially defined “hypoxic pockets” and demonstrate their linkage to the abrogation of local capillary flow. Exercise reduced the burden of hypoxic pockets by 52% compared with rest. The study provides insight into cortical oxygen dynamics in awake behaving animals and concurrently establishes a tool to delineate the importance of oxygen tension in physiological processes and neurological diseases.
Transgenic marmosets mimic Parkinson’s symptoms
Authors: Normile Dennis
Published: March 2024

New monkey models promise insight into early stages of degenerative brain disease
The
Staphylococcus aureus
regulatory program in a human skin-like environment
Authors: Costa Flavia G. , Mills Krista B. , Crosby Heidi A. , Horswill Alexander R.
Published: March 2024

Staphylococcus aureus
is a Gram-positive pathogen responsible for the majority of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs).
S. aureus
colonizes the anterior nares of approximately 20%–30% of the population and transiently colonizes the skin, thereby increasing the risk of developing SSTIs and more serious infections. Current laboratory models that mimic the skin surface environment are expensive, require substantial infrastructure, and limit the scope of bacterial physiology studies under human skin conditions. To overcome these limitations, we developed a cost-effective, open-source, chemically defined media recipe termed skin-like medium (SLM) that incorporates key aspects of the human skin surface environment and supports growth of several staphylococcal species. We utilized SLM to investigate the transcriptional response of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) following growth in SLM compared to a commonly used laboratory media. Through RNA-seq analysis, we observed the upregulation of several virulence factors, including genes encoding functions involved in adhesion, proteolysis, and cytotoxicity. To further explore these findings, we conducted quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) experiments to determine the influence of media composition, pH, and temperature on the transcriptional response of key factors involved in adhesion and virulence. We also demonstrated that MRSA primed in SLM adhered better to human corneocytes and demonstrated adhesin-specific phenotypes that previously required genetic manipulation. This improved adherence to corneocytes was dependent on both acidic pH and growth in SLM. These results support the potential utility of SLM as an
in vitro
model for assessing staphylococcal physiology and metabolism on human skin.

IMPORTANCE

Staphylococcus aureus
is the major cause of skin diseases, and its increased prevalence in skin colonization and infections present a need to understand its physiology in this environment. The work presented here outlines
S. aureus
upregulation of colonization and virulence factors using a newly developed medium that strives to replicate the human skin surface environment and demonstrates roles for adhesins clumping factor A (ClfA), serine-rich repeat glycoprotein adhesin (SraP), and the fibronectin binding proteins (Fnbps) in human corneocyte adherence.
Use of progestogens and the risk of intracranial meningioma: national case-control study
Authors: Roland Noémie , Neumann Anke , Hoisnard Léa , Duranteau Lise , Froelich Sébastien , Zureik Mahmoud , Weill Alain
Published: March 2024

Objective

To assess the risk of intracranial meningioma associated with the use of selected progestogens.

Design

National case-control study.

Setting

French National Health Data System (ie,
Système National des Données de Santé
).

Participants

Of 108 366 women overall, 18 061 women living in France who had intracranial surgery for meningioma between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2018 (restricted inclusion periods for intrauterine systems) were deemed to be in the case group. Each case was matched to five controls for year of birth and area of residence (90 305 controls).

Main outcome measures

Selected progestogens were used: progesterone, hydroxyprogesterone, dydrogesterone, medrogestone, medroxyprogesterone acetate, promegestone, dienogest, and intrauterine levonorgestrel. For each progestogen, use was defined by at least one dispensation within the year before the index date (within three years for 13.5 mg levonorgestrel intrauterine systems and five years for 52 mg). Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratio for each progestogen meningioma association.

Results

Mean age was 57.6 years (standard deviation 12.8). Analyses showed excess risk of meningioma with use of medrogestone (42 exposed cases/18 061 cases (0.2%)
v
79 exposed controls/90 305 controls (0.1%), odds ratio 3.49 (95% confidence interval 2.38 to 5.10)), medroxyprogesterone acetate (injectable, 9/18 061 (0.05%)
v
11/90 305 (0.01%), 5.55 (2.27 to 13.56)), and promegestone (83/18 061 (0.5%)
v
225/90 305 (0.2 %), 2.39 (1.85 to 3.09)). This excess risk was driven by prolonged use (≥one year). Results showed no excess risk of intracranial meningioma for progesterone, dydrogesterone, or levonorgestrel intrauterine systems. No conclusions could be drawn concerning dienogest or hydroxyprogesterone because of the small number of individuals who received these drugs. A highly increased risk of meningioma was observed for cyproterone acetate (891/18 061 (4.9%)
v
256/90 305 (0.3%), odds ratio 19.21 (95% confidence interval 16.61 to 22.22)), nomegestrol acetate (925/18 061 (5.1%)
v
1121/90 305 (1.2%), 4.93 (4.50 to 5.41)), and chlormadinone acetate (628/18 061 (3.5%)
v
946/90 305 (1.0%), 3.87 (3.48 to 4.30)), which were used as positive controls for use.

Conclusions

Prolonged use of medrogestone, medroxyprogesterone acetate, and promegestone was found to increase the risk of intracranial meningioma. The increased risk associated with the use of injectable medroxyprogesterone acetate, a widely used contraceptive, and the safety of levonorgestrel intrauterine systems are important new findings.
Boltzmann’s mean entropy formula for unbounded spin systems
Authors: Kajisa Takahiro
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we rigorously prove Boltzmann’s entropy formula [Formula: see text] log [Formula: see text] in classical unbounded spin systems. By restricting our consideration to negatively interacting super-stable potentials, we prove the existence of pressure and the concavity of micro-canonical entropy corresponding to log [Formula: see text]. Notably, the lattice [Formula: see text] model becomes a feasible example through the exploitation of the physical equivalence of potentials. Our proof is mostly based on a cut-off technique for configuration spaces that enables us to lift-up the results for bounded systems. This approach is independent of the existence of Gibbs states and, moreover, holds a clear mathematical conciseness.
Scattering theory for some non-self-adjoint operators
Authors: Frantz Nicolas
Published: March 2024

We consider a non-self-adjoint [Formula: see text] acting on a complex Hilbert space. We suppose that [Formula: see text] is of the form [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is a bounded, positive definite and relatively compact with respect to [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] is bounded. We suppose that [Formula: see text] is uniformly bounded in [Formula: see text]. We define the regularized wave operators associated to [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] by [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is the projection onto the direct sum of all the generalized eigenspaces associated to eigenvalues of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is a rational function that regularizes the “incoming/outgoing spectral singularities” of [Formula: see text]. We prove the existence and study the properties of the regularized wave operators. In particular, we show that they are asymptotically complete if [Formula: see text] does not have any spectral singularity.
Influence of Two-Frequency Rotational Modulation on the Dynamics of the Rayleigh–Bénard Convection in Water-Based Nanoliquids with Either AA7072 or AA7075 Nanoparticles
Authors: Kanchana C. , Siddheshwar P. G. , Laroze D.
Published: March 2024

The effect of time-periodic two-frequency rotation modulation on Rayleigh–Bénard convection in water with either AA7072 or AA7075 nanoparticles is investigated. The single-phase description of the Khanafer–Vafai–Lightstone model is used for modeling the nanoliquids. An asymptotic expansion procedure is adopted in the case of the linear stability to obtain the correction (due to modulation) to the Rayleigh number at marginal stability of unmodulated convection. A nonlinear regime of convection is considered with a nonautonomous generalized Lorenz model as the governing equation. The method of multiscales is then employed to obtain the coupled nonautonomous Ginzburg–Landau equations with cubic nonlinearity from the Lorenz model. These equations are presented in the phase-amplitude form and the amplitude is used to quantify the heat transport. The modulation amplitude is considered to be small (of order less than unity) and moderate frequencies of modulation are considered. We found that there is a threshold frequency beyond which the system behavior reverses. At frequencies below the threshold, the mean Nusselt number increases with an increase in the amplitude of modulation while an opposite influence is seen for values above the threshold. Such a behavior is a consequence of what is analogously seen in the case of the critical Rayleigh number. The influence of two-frequency modulation is more pronounced on the results of the linear and nonlinear regimes compared to that of the single-frequency one. The heat transport is enhanced due to the presence of dilute concentration of suspended nanoparticles (either AA7072 or AA7075 nanoalloys) in water. The influence of nanoparticles is to modify the threshold values generating chaos but it does not qualitatively alter the dynamical behavior of the system. The plots of Lyapunov exponents reveal that there is no possibility of hyper-chaos in the generalized Lorenz model when there is a rotational modulation.
Reliability Assessment for a Stochastic Air Transport Network with Multiple Demands
Authors: Niu Yifeng , Cai Wancui , Xu Xiuzhen
Published: March 2024

Air transport networks play a significant role in the modern tourism industry, and their operational performance and stability can be measured by reliability analysis. This study, from the perspective of a travel agency, attempts to assess the reliability of a stochastic air transport network (SATN) by considering multiple passenger demands generated by both the starting airport and several connection airports. The SATN is modeled as a stochastic flow network comprised of several nodes and arcs where nodes represent airports, and arcs represent flights connecting two airports. Each flight is associated with a predetermined stochastic capacity following a specific probability distribution, departure time, arrival time, and discount fare. Accordingly, network reliability refers to the probability that the network can successfully transport passengers from their respective source airports to the destination airport within the given travel time and travel cost limit. An algorithm in terms of the concept of lower boundary point is developed to compute network reliability. Furthermore, a simple example and a case study are presented to demonstrate the proposed reliability method and the managerial implications of reliability for travel agencies.
Reconstruction of F(T,TG) gravity model with scalar fields
Authors: Dixit Archana , Gupta Sanjeev , Pradhan Anirudh
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we investigate the scalar field dark energy (DE) models within the context of [Formula: see text] gravity. Scalar field models are known for their dynamic nature. Parameters in the dynamical equation of state are responsible for the acceleration of the cosmos in recent epochs. We determined that the power-law cosmology fits the OHD and Pantheon data nicely. Using the Bayesian analysis and likelihood function in conjunction with the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method, we examine the three sets of the model parameters [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] obtained by 57 points of the [Formula: see text] data, [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] 1048 points of the Pantheon data and [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] by using joint data ([Formula: see text]), respectively. We solved the modified Einstein’s field equations by taking the bulk-viscosity component [Formula: see text]. We also establish a correspondence between the [Formula: see text] gravity model and scalar field DE models such as quintessence, [Formula: see text]-essence, and DBI-essence. The nature of scalar fields and their corresponding potentials are being graphically analyzed. To check the validity of [Formula: see text] gravity model, we also analyze the behavior of energy conditions.
A generalized Wintgen inequality in quaternion Kähler geometry
Authors: Siddiqi Mohd. Danish , Siddiqui Aliya Naaz , Ahmad Kamran
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we establish a generalized Wintgen inequality for quaternionic bi-slant submanifolds and QR-submanifolds (with minimal codimension) in quaternion space forms. We also aim to characterize the second fundamental form of those submanifolds for which the equality cases can hold. Finally, we provide examples of submanifolds embedded in quaternion space forms to support our results.
Fatigue Life Prediction and Verification of Railway Fastener Clip Based on Critical Plane Method
Authors: Xie Meng , Wei Kai , Liu Yanbin , Li Jiansen , Zhao Zeming , Wang Ping
Published: March 2024

Accurately predicting the fatigue life of fastener clips is crucial for improving material processing technology, enhancing the anti-fatigue design level, and guiding the maintenance and repair of track structures. Conventional methods that solely evaluate the fatigue life of fastener clips based on the uniaxial stress index under displacement loads may lead to significant errors. In this paper, the stress field of a type-III clip under displacement loading conditions was numerically simulated based on fatigue test standards, and the fatigue life of the clip was analyzed using the Fatemi–Socie (FS) multiaxial fatigue criterion based on the critical plane method. A comparison with standard fatigue test results revealed that, under non-resonance conditions, the predicted position of the fatigue critical plane of the fastener clip coincided with the fracture surface observed at the middle of the measured small arc, with a life prediction error of 7.3%. To further investigate the predictive capability of the FS multiaxial fatigue criterion for the fatigue life of the fastener clip under resonance conditions, the stress levels of the clip under non-resonance and resonance conditions were compared through on-site testing, and the effects of inertial loads caused by vertical and lateral vibration acceleration on the stress field of the clip were analyzed in numerical simulation according to the results of clip acceleration tests; the fastener clip’s resonance fracture position and fatigue life were also predicted based on the aforementioned multiaxial fatigue criterion. To verify the accuracy of the predicted results, a testing method was proposed that equates the high-frequency resonant inertial load of the fastener clip to a low-frequency additional preload under the premise of consistent stress fields. A comparison with the numerical simulation results shows that considering only vertical inertial loads would result in a discrepancy between the measured fracture location and the actual one. Considering both vertical and lateral inertial loads, the fracture location (at the heel of the small arc) under resonance conditions could be accurately determined, with a life prediction error of 13.8%. Compared to the non-resonant displacement loading condition, the inertial loads caused by acceleration under resonance conditions led to a reduction in fatigue life of approximately 77.8%.
Mechanical Behavior of a Double-Layer Supported Large-Span Tunnel Excavated in Squeezing Rocks Employing Stress Release Technology
Authors: Xu Chen , Zheng Lingxiao , Xia Caichu
Published: March 2024

When excavating a large-span tunnel in squeezing rock, the tunnel support is subjected to significant loads. Therefore, the support structure must have enough stiffness and strength to withstand the pressure exerted by the ground. Various stress relief techniques can be used to reduce the ground pressure acting on the support and utilize the bearing capacity of the surrounding rock. One such technique is Deformation Reserved (DR). It involves reserving space outside the excavation boundary or between the two support layers. The proposed solution for the interaction between the double-layer tunnel support and the surrounding rock takes into account the excavation process and stress relief. The expressions for stress and deformation of the tunnel support and surrounding rock are provided in an elastoplastic solution. Parametric studies were conducted to investigate the effectiveness of a double-layer support structure with stress relief techniques. The monitoring data from the Lianchengshan Tunnel were compared with the proposed analytical solution. The results indicate that a larger reserved deformation behind the outer layer support is much more beneficial to tunnel stability when the total reserved deformation is constant. The ground pressure will be significantly reduced, thereby decreasing the force on the inner layer support.
Design and Evaluation of a New Nanoscale and Cost-Efficient Coplanar Digital Parity Generator Based on Quantum Dots
Authors: Wu Zichen , Wang Yicheng , Gu Bin
Published: March 2024

A parity generator as a combinational logic circuit in digital circuits can generate the parity bit in the transmitter. It is very applicable in digital networking and communications. Also, rather than diodes and transistors, quantum dots will be used in the next-generation circuits. Quantum-dot Cellular Automata (QCA) offers a new platform where binary data is represented by polarized cells that are defined by the electron configurations. Therefore, a coplanar 4-bit parity generator is suggested in this work. This new arrangement eliminates complicated crossovers and provides complete access to all input and output pins. An XOR gate is used to implement the suggested architecture. Simulation waveforms and performance data confirm the proposed circuits’ functioning and advantages. The suggested four-bit parity generator uses less overhead than its equivalents. We simulated and tested the suggested circuit with the assistance of the QCADesigner 2.0.3 simulator. The QCADesigner software findings demonstrate that the suggested design is simpler and less expensive than earlier designs. Compared to the present best design, the suggested four-bit parity generator reduces cell number and latency by 55.29% and 40%, respectively.
Smart City Wildfire Risk Analysis with Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision-Making
Authors: Rani Rekha , Potika Katerina
Published: March 2024

Uncontrolled wildfires pose a significant threat, potentially causing extensive damage to biodiversity, soil quality and human resources. It’s crucial to swiftly detect and predict these wildfires to minimize their catastrophic consequences. To address this, our research introduces a wildfire prediction model that ranks cities based on risk leveraging multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) to systematically assess conflicting factors in decision-making. This model integrates wildfire risks into a city’s resilience strategy, utilizing fuzzy set theory to manage imprecise data and uncertainties. As part of this approach, we compile a new dataset encompassing weather patterns, vegetation types, terrain features and population density across various Californian cities. Ultimately, the model assesses and ranks the wildfire risk for each city in California.
Leveraging Community Health Workers for Predicting Emergency Department Readmissions
Authors: Hernandez Nuvia , Karam Kate , Baugh Nicole , Musale Shilpa , Moses Aditya Patrick , Raicu Daniela , Furst Jacob , McCabe Kelly , Tchoua Roselyne
Published: March 2024

As the capabilities of machine learning have developed, more researchers and health care providers are beginning to consider applications for health informatics to improve health care outcomes and address issues of health equity. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services considers 30-day readmission rates to the Emergency Department (ED) to be an “outcome of care” measure. Such measures show how well a hospital is doing in preventing complications, educating patients about their care needs, and helping patients make a smooth transition from the hospital to home or other care facilities. While certain readmissions are medically necessary, hospitals usually aim to decrease the rate of 30-day ED readmissions by decreasing the number of avoidable unplanned revisits. This work is an evidential study that demonstrates the positive impact of integrating Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) in decreasing the 30-day unplanned hospital ED readmissions at Sinai Chicago. Using data from the Sinai Urban Health Institute, we compare predicting the readmissions of patients with and without data pertaining to CHWs and SDoH, characterize the improvement in predictions, and discuss lessons learned in the process. We show that when CHWs engage with patients, the predictive accuracy of the classifier is higher by 13.0%–15.2%. Importantly, we show that the features (data characteristics) related to the CHWs are important to the classification, pointing to the importance of the program. We optimize the classifier for engaged patients and demonstrate the improvement in predictive capabilities of the classier using multiple metrics and sets of features. We use our results to make recommendations for improving patient care, discuss limitations and future work. Notably, our work points directly to the human connection between patients and CHWs as an important feature predictive of readmission rate.
Real-Time Sampling Strategies for Regression with Irrelevant Features
Authors: Cacciarelli Davide , Tyssedal John Sølve , Kulahci Murat
Published: March 2024

In the era of big data, companies are increasingly driven to amass vast amounts of data, particularly in process industries where advanced sensor technologies are prevalent. However, obtaining accurate labels or product information through quality inspections can be prohibitively expensive. Active learning emerges as a promising approach to optimize data sampling by prioritizing the most informative data points. Nevertheless, active learning strategies heavily rely on predictive models that are iteratively updated. Aligning with the principles of data-centric AI, this study highlights the detrimental effects of passively incorporating all available process variables into a predictive model for guiding data collection. Specifically, in real-time sampling strategies based on online active learning, the inclusion of irrelevant features significantly hampers the efficiency of the learning process.
A microsphere-structure flexible pressure sensor for monitoring keyboard typing behavior
Authors: Song Rui , Huang Yi , Wang Xue , Luo Haijun
Published: March 2024

Keyboard input is a commonplace activity in daily work that greatly enhances office efficiency. However, wrong typing posture over a prolonged period can lead to tenosynovitis or even tenosynovial cysts. Flexible sensors are widely utilized in human motion detection, but further in-depth research is required to identify typing posture accurately. Herein, a triboelectric-based pressure sensor with a microsphere structure was developed in this paper. Microsphere structures were fabricated onto the surface of silica gel (SG) to increase the friction coefficient and enhance the sensor’s performance. To establish a tight fit between the sensor and the skin, a flexible and adhesive polyacrylamide hydrogel was prepared. The microsphere-structured sensor holds a sensitivity of 0.903 V/N and a frequency response range of 0-20 Hz. It also exhibits good mechanical stability up to 18,000 cycles. It can monitor not only large-scale movements but also subtle muscle activities. By affixing the sensor to the skin surface on the wrist, it can effectively capture the motion signals generated during an individual’s typing and ascertain the correctness of the typing posture. This work provides technical support for the early prevention of tenosynovitis and tenosynovial cysts and exhibits promising applications in the long-term correction of typing posture.
Ideal lattices in semigroup of doubly stochastic matrices
Authors: Jose Riya , Romeo P. G.
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we illustrate the rule for finding number of idempotents in the doubly stochastic matrix semigroup [Formula: see text] and also locate the idempotents in the case of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Further, we describe idempotent generated ideals of these semigroups and it is shown that the idempotent generated ideals form a lattice.
Modified Zagreb index and total domination in trees
Authors: Kumar H. Naresh , Senthilkumar B. , Balachandran S. , Venkatakrishnan Y. B.
Published: March 2024

Let [Formula: see text] be a simple connected graph. The modified first Zagreb index is denoted by [Formula: see text] is defined as [Formula: see text]. We present a lower bound for [Formula: see text] in terms of order and total domination number for trees and characterize the extremal trees attaining the bound.
ISF-GAN: Imagine, Select, and Fuse with GPT-Based Text Enrichment for Text-to-Image Synthesis
Authors: Sheng Yefei , Tao Ming , Wang Jie , Bao* Bing-Kun
Published: March 2024

Text-to-Image synthesis aims to generate an accurate and semantically consistent image from a given text description. However, it is difficult for existing generative methods to generate semantically complete images from a single piece of text. Some works try to expand the input text to multiple captions via retrieving similar descriptions of the input text from the training set but still fail to fill in missing image semantics. In this article, we propose a GAN-based approach to Imagine, Select, and Fuse for Text-to-image synthesis, named ISF-GAN. The proposed ISF-GAN contains Imagine Stage and Select and Fuse Stage to solve the above problems. First, the Imagine Stage proposes a text completion and enrichment module. This module guides a GPT-based model to enrich the text expression beyond the original dataset. Second, the Select and Fuse Stage selects qualified text descriptions and then introduces a cross-modal attentional mechanism to interact these different sentence embeddings with the image features at different scales. In short, our proposed model enriches the input text information for completing missing semantics and introduces a cross-modal attentional mechanism to maximize the utilization of enriched text information to generate semantically consistent images. Experimental results on CUB, Oxford-102, and CelebA-HQ datasets prove the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed network. Code is available at
https://github.com/Feilingg/ISF-GAN
Unsupported Pt Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Deactivation, and Hydrogen Electrocatalysis in Unpurified Electrolytes
Authors: Patil Rituja B. , Roenigk Samantha L. , Shirwalkar Advay N. , Meng Qiudi , McKone James R.
Published: March 2024

Platinum is ubiquitous in electrochemical catalysis owing to its ability to accelerate redox reactions involving surface-bound hydrogen and oxygen. Accordingly, Pt is used as a calibration standard and activity benchmark against which novel electrocatalysts are compared. These measurements are often executed in unpurified, reagent grade electrolytes where Pt is also susceptible to deactivation by several routes. This constitutes a challenge where the ease of making measurements with Pt-based catalysts must be balanced against the difficulty of obtaining accurate and consistent results. We report herein a synthetic procedure for unsupported Pt nanoparticles that uses readily available reagents and laboratory apparatus, with the goal of making high-quality control experiments in electrocatalysis as accessible as possible. We also identified conditions under which these particles deactivate in unpurified aqueous acid and base and differentiated between mechanisms involving catalyst poisoning, which dominates at more negative applied potentials, and particle growth, which dominates at positive potentials where Pt-oxide species are produced. Finally, we demonstrated that unsupported Pt nanoparticle films can be used to good effect for reference electrode calibration and benchmarking of hydrogen evolution/oxidation electrocatalysts, even in unpurified electrolytes, provided steps are taken to minimize the impact of deactivation.
Development of Intelligent Indicators Based on Cellulose and Prunus domestica Extracted Anthocyanins for Monitoring the Freshness of Packaged Chicken
Authors: Ahmed Mustafa , Bose Ipsheta , Nousheen  , Roy Swarup
Published: March 2024

Meat is a widely consumed food globally; however, variations in storage conditions along its supply chain can pose a potential food safety risk for consumers. Addressing this concern, we have developed freshness indicators designed to monitor the condition of packaged chicken. In this study, anthocyanins were infused with cellulose paper measuring 2 × 2 cm, and subsequent analysis focused on examining color changes concerning deteriorating chicken stored at 30°C for 48 h, with varying sample sizes being considered. The rise in total volatile nitrogen (TVB-N) compounds from an initial value of 3.64 ± 0.39 mg/100 g to 28.17 ± 1.46 mg/100 g acted as the stimulus for the color change in the indicator, simultaneously influencing the pH from the initial 7.03 ± 0.16 to 8.12 ± 0.39. The microbial load (aerobic plate count) of the chicken samples was also significantly increased. This collective shift in various parameters strongly suggests the occurrence of spoilage in chicken meat. The pH indicators exhibited a dark pink to red color for fresh chicken. As the chicken meat turned towards spoilage, the indicators changed to a dark blue and then a pale green color. FTIR spectroscopy results confirmed the presence of cellulose and anthocyanins. The FTIR analysis also validated the immobilization of plum anthocyanins within the cellulose paper and assessed their stability after 8 months of storage. Notably, the indicators demonstrated rapid sensitivity, showing a 20.5% response within one minute of ammonia exposure, which further increased to 29.5% after 3 min of exposure. The total color difference (ΔE) steadily rose in all the examined samples and also under various storage conditions. Overall, the indicators developed in this study exhibited a highly pronounced color transition, capable of distinguishing between fresh and spoiled chicken samples depending on the extent of spoilage and the specific day of observation.
Synthesis, Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamic Simulation Studies, and Antitubercular Activity Evaluation of Substituted Benzimidazole Derivatives
Authors: Thapa Shankar , Biradar Mahalakshmi Suresha , Nargund Shachindra L. , Ahmad Iqrar , Agrawal Mohit , Patel Harun , Lamsal Ashish
Published: March 2024

Tuberculosis, also known as TB, is a widespread bacterial infection that remains a significant global health issue. This study focuses on conducting a thorough investigation into the synthesis, evaluation of anti-Tb activity, molecular docking, and molecular dynamic simulation of substituted benzimidazole derivatives. A series of twelve substituted benzimidazole derivatives (1–12) were successfully synthesized, employing a scaffold consisting of electron-withdrawing and electron-donating groups. The newly synthesized compounds were defined by their FTIR, 1H NMR, and mass spectra. The microplate Alamar blue assay (MABA) was used to evaluate the antimycobacterial activity of the synthesized compound against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Compounds 7 (MIC = 0.8 g/mL) and 8 (MIC = 0.8 g/mL) demonstrated exceptional potential to inhibit M. tuberculosis compared to the standard drug (isoniazid). In addition, the synthesized compounds were docked with the Mtb KasA protein (PDB ID: 6P9K), and the results of molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation confirmed the experimental results, as compounds 7 and 8 exhibited the highest binding energy of −7.36 and −7.17 kcal/mol, respectively. The simulation results such as the RMSD value, RMSF value, radius of gyration, and hydrogen bond analysis illustrated the optimum potential of compounds 7 and 8 to inhibit the M. tuberculosis strain. Hydrogen bond analysis suggested that compound 7 has greater stability and affinity towards the KasA protein compared to compound 8. Moreover, both compounds (7 and 8) were safe for acute inhalation and cutaneous sensitization. These two compounds have the potential to be potent M. tuberculosis​ inhibitors.
Expanding the Differential Diagnosis of the Painful Nail: A Case of an Onychopapilloma with Neuroma
Authors: Conway Jade , Magro Cynthia M. , Lipner Shari R.
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Onychopapilloma most commonly presents as longitudinal erythronychia, but diagnosis may be challenging in some cases due to varied clinical presentations. Most patients with onychopapillomas do not report associated pain but instead more commonly report functional interference. Case Report: We present a case of a 74-year-old female with a 5-year history of splitting and lifting of the right thumbnail, accompanied by nail sensitivity and intermittent painful throbbing. Clinical examination was significant for a less than 1 mm red line with distal onycholysis. Love’s test and a cold test performed with ice pack were negative. X-ray of the right thumb was negative for erosion or exostosis. Nail biopsy was performed, and dermatopathology was consistent with onychopapilloma with a concomitant traumatic neuroma. Conclusion: We report a case of onychopapilloma with a concomitant traumatic neuroma. Subungual neuromas are extremely rare and have not previously been associated with onychopapilloma. Our case supports the expansion of the differential diagnosis for a painful nail and demonstrates the importance of diagnostic confirmation with biopsy and histopathology.