bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple power-law tails in the density and column-density distribution in contracting star-forming clumps
Authors: Veltchev Todor V , Girichidis Philipp , Marinkova Lyubov , Donkov Sava , Stanchev Orlin , Klessen Ralf S
Published: January 2024

We present a numerical study of the evolution of power-law tails (PLTs) in the (column-)density distributions (N-PDF, ρ-PDF) in contracting star-forming clumps in primordial gas, without and with some initial rotational and/or turbulent support. In all considered runs multiple PLTs emerge shortly after the formation of the first protostar. The first PLT (PLT 1) in the ρ-PDF is a stable feature with slope q1 ≃ −1.3 which corresponds – under the condition of preserved spherical symmetry – to the outer envelope of the protostellar object with density profile ρ ∝ l−2 in the classical Larson–Penston collapse model, where l is the radius. The second PLT (PLT 2) in the ρ-PDF is stable in the pure-infall runs but fluctuates significantly in the runs with initial support against gravity as dozens of protostars form and their mutual tidal forces change the density structure. Its mean slope, 〈q2〉 ≃ −2, corresponds to a density profile of ρ ∝ l−3/2 which describes a core in free fall in the classical Larson–Penston collapse model or an attractor solution at scales with dominating protostellar gravity. PLT 1 and PLT 2 in the N-PDFs are generally consistent with the observational data of Galactic low-mass star-forming regions from Herschel data. In the runs with initial support against gravity a third PLT (PLT 3) in the ρ-PDFs appears simultaneously with or after the emergence of PLT 2. It is very shallow, with mean slope of 〈q3〉 ≃ −1, and is associated with the formation of thin protostellar accretion discs.
Disrupted dwarf binary merger as the possible origin of NGC 2419 and Sagittarius stream substructure
Authors: Davies Elliot Y , Belokurov Vasily , Monty Stephanie , Evans N Wyn
Published: January 2024

Using N-body simulations, we demonstrate that satellite dwarf galaxy pairs which undergo significant mixing (∼6 Gyr) can have their respective most bound particles separated great distances upon subsequently merging with a more massive host. This may provide an explanation as to the origin of the complex globular cluster NGC 2419, which is found within the tail of the Sagittarius dwarf spheroidal galaxy, yet separated from its central remnant by over 100 kpc. Dynamical investigations could support the chemical evidence which already points to the NGC 2419 being a nuclear star cluster. Motivated by the distinct nature of NGC 2419, we run a suite of simulations whereby an initial pre-infall merger of two satellites is followed by a post-infall merger of the remnant into a Milky Way-like host potential. We present a striking example from our suite in this work, in which this separation is reproduced by the most bound particles of the two pre-infall satellites. Additionally, this double merger scenario can induce unusual on-sky features in the tidal debris of the post-infall merger, such as clouds, overdensities, and potentially new arms that could resemble the bifurcation observed in Sagittarius.
Meningococcal Disease in Persons With HIV Reported Through Active Surveillance in the United States, 2009–2019
Authors: Rudmann Keegan C , Cooper Gabrielle , Marjuki Henju , Reingold Arthur , Barnes Meghan , Petit Susan , Moore Ashley , Harrison Lee H , Lynfield Ruth , Khanlian Sarah A , Anderson Bridget J , Martin Tasha , Schaffner William , McNamara Lucy A , Rubis Amy B
Published: January 2024

Persons with HIV (PWH) are at increased risk for bacterial infections, and previous publications document an increased risk for invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in particular. This analysis provides evidence that PWH face a 6-fold increase in risk for IMD based on Active Bacterial Core surveillance data collected during 2009–2019.
The Arabidopsis katamari2 Mutant Exhibits a Hypersensitive Seedling Arrest Response at the Phase Transition from Heterotrophic to Autotrophic Growth
Authors: Hosokawa Chika , Yagi Hiroki , Segami Shoji , Nagano Atsushi J , Koumoto Yasuko , Tamura Kentaro , Oka Yoshito , Matsushita Tomonao , Shimada Tomoo
Published: January 2024

Young seedlings use nutrients stored in the seeds to grow and acquire photosynthetic potential. This process, called seedling establishment, involves a developmental phase transition from heterotrophic to autotrophic growth. Some membrane-trafficking mutants of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), such as the katamari2 (kam2) mutant, exhibit growth arrest during seedling development, with a portion of individuals failing to develop true leaves on sucrose-free solid medium. However, the reason for this seedling arrest is unclear. In this study, we show that seedling arrest is a temporal growth arrest response that occurs not only in kam2 but also in wild-type (WT) Arabidopsis; however, the threshold for this response is lower in kam2 than in the WT. A subset of the arrested kam2 seedlings resumed growth after transfer to fresh sucrose-free medium. Growth arrest in kam2 on sucrose-free medium was restored by increasing the gel concentration of the medium or covering the surface of the medium with a perforated plastic sheet. WT Arabidopsis seedlings were also arrested when the gel concentration of sucrose-free medium was reduced. RNA sequencing revealed that transcriptomic changes associated with the rate of seedling establishment were observed as early as 4 d after sowing. Our results suggest that the growth arrest of both kam2 and WT seedlings is an adaptive stress response and is not simply caused by the lack of a carbon source in the medium. This study provides a new perspective on an environmental stress response under unfavorable conditions during the phase transition from heterotrophic to autotrophic growth in Arabidopsis.
Broad Chain-Length Specificity of the Alkane-Forming Enzymes NoCER1A and NoCER3A/B in Nymphaea odorata
Authors: Kojima Hisae , Yamamoto Kanta , Suzuki Takamasa , Hayakawa Yuri , Niwa Tomoko , Tokuhiro Kenro , Katahira Satoshi , Higashiyama Tetsuya , Ishiguro Sumie
Published: January 2024

Many terrestrial plants produce large quantities of alkanes for use in epicuticular wax and the pollen coat. However, their carbon chains must be long to be useful as fuel or as a petrochemical feedstock. Here, we focus on Nymphaea odorata, which produces relatively short alkanes in its anthers. We identified orthologs of the Arabidopsis alkane biosynthesis genes AtCER1 and AtCER3 in N. odorata and designated them NoCER1A, NoCER3A and NoCER3B. Expression analysis of NoCER1A and NoCER3A/B in Arabidopsis cer mutants revealed that the N. odorata enzymes cooperated with the Arabidopsis enzymes and that the NoCER1A produced shorter alkanes than AtCER1, regardless of which CER3 protein it interacted with. These results indicate that AtCER1 frequently uses a C30 substrate, whereas NoCER1A, NoCER3A/B and AtCER3 react with a broad range of substrate chain lengths. The incorporation of shorter alkanes disturbed the formation of wax crystals required for water-repellent activity in stems, suggesting that chain-length specificity is important for surface cleaning. Moreover, cultured tobacco cells expressing NoCER1A and NoCER3A/B effectively produced C19–C23 alkanes, indicating that the introduction of the two enzymes is sufficient to produce alkanes. Taken together, our findings suggest that these N. odorata enzymes may be useful for the biological production of alkanes of specific lengths. 3D modeling revealed that CER1s and CER3s share a similar structure that consists of N- and C-terminal domains, in which their predicted active sites are respectively located. We predicted the complex structure of both enzymes and found a cavity that connects their active sites.
Dicer-Like Protein 4 and RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase 6 Are Involved in Tomato Torrado Virus Pathogenesis in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Wieczorek Przemysław , Burgyán József , Obrępalska-Stęplowska Aleksandra
Published: January 2024

Tomato torrado virus (ToTV) is a type member of the Torradovirus genus in the Secoviridae family known to cause severe necrosis in susceptible tomato varieties. ToTV also infects other Solanaceae plants, including Nicotiana benthamiana, where it induces distinctive disease symptoms: plant growth drop with the emergence of spoon-like malformed systemic leaves. Virus-induced post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) is significant among plant defense mechanisms activated upon virus invasion. The PTGS, however, can be counteracted by suppressors of RNA silencing commonly found in viruses, which efficiently disrupt the antiviral defense of their host. Here, we addressed the question of PTGS antiviral activity and its suppression in N. benthamiana during ToTV infection—a phenomenon not described for any representative from the Torradovirus genus so far. First, we showed that neither the Vp26—a necrosis-inducing pathogenicity determinant of ToTV—nor other structural viral proteins limited the locally induced PTGS similar to p19, a well-characterized potent suppressor of RNA silencing of tombusviruses. Moreover, by employing wild-type and transgenic lines of N. benthamiana with suppressed Dicer-like 2 (DCL2), Dicer-like 4 (DCL4), Argonaute 2 and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase 6 (RDR6) proteins, we proved their involvement in anti-ToTV defense. Additionally, we identified DCL4 as the major processor of ToTV-derived siRNA. More importantly, our results indicate the essential role of the Suppressor of Gene Silencing 3 (SGS3)/RDR6 pathway in anti-ToTV defense. Finally, we conclude that ToTV might not require a potent RNA silencing suppressor during infection of the model plant N. benthamiana.
Reproductive biology, elemental composition and diel vertical migration of the cosmopolitan warm-temperate pelagic tunicate Soestia zonaria
Authors: Lüskow Florian , Bahl Alexis A , Décima Moira , Steinberg Deborah K , Pakhomov Evgeny A
Published: January 2024

Pelagic tunicates (appendicularians, doliolids, pyrosomes, salps) are cosmopolitan members of open-ocean food webs that serve as a link to the microbial loop and play a disproportional role in vertical carbon flux. Soestia zonaria is an oceanic salp species studied for more than a century, but little information exists on its ecology. Specimens of Soestia collected between 2008 and 2021 during four research expeditions (three to the Chatham Rise, New Zealand, and one to the Northeast Atlantic) using MOCNESS-1 net and large midwater trawl were analyzed for reproductive biology, stoichiometry and vertical distribution. Populations at the Chatham Rise sampled in early winter were more developed than in spring/early summer and dominated by small and medium-sized sexually reproducing blastozooids. Whole Soestia specimens had high organic content (mean ± SD = 32.8 ± 7.5%) and carbon-to-nitrogen values (6.8 ± 0.9) compared with other salp species, indicating a stronger dependency on carbon to meet its nutritional needs. Depth-stratified sampling showed that Soestia is primarily a low-amplitude diel vertical migrator occurring in the top 150 m of the water column, but also found at depths exceeding 500 m. Soestia is primarily an epipelagic salp species adapted to living in warm-temperate nutrient-depleted and more productive ocean regions.
Nutrient availability is the main driver of nanophytoplankton phago-mixotrophy in North American lake surface waters
Authors: Le Noac’h Philippe , Cremella Bruno , Kim Jihyeon , Soria-Píriz Sara , del Giorgio Paul A , Pollard Amina I , Huot Yannick , Beisner Beatrix E
Published: January 2024

There has been limited research on the abiotic and biotic factors affecting the prevalence of phago-mixotrophy (prevMixo) among nanophytoplankton across freshwater ecosystems. In recent years, large-scale sampling campaigns like the EPA-National Lakes Assessment and the NSERC LakePulse survey have generated surface water community composition data for hundreds of lakes across North America, covering large environmental gradients. We present results from our analyses of the nanophytoplankton community data from these two surveys, focusing on a taxonomic comparison of the mixoplankton communities across ecoregions and multivariate analyses of the environmental drivers of the prevMixo. We identified potentially phago-mixotrophic taxa in the majority of sites and across all ecozones sampled. Lake trophic state was identified as the main predictor of nanophytoplankton resource-acquisition strategy assemblages, with lower prevalence and diversity of mixoplankton communities in more eutrophic lakes. Lake trophic state also controlled the composition of the mixoplankton community and increased total phosphorus levels were associated with a loss of mixoplankton diversity. This study represents the most comprehensive assessment of the prevMixo in lake nanophytoplankton communities to date spanning hundreds of sites and a dozen ecozones.
Hazlitt, Disinterestedness, and the Liberty of the Press
Authors: Michael Timothy
Published: January 2024

Ranging across Hazlitt’s varied body of work—from his earliest philosophical treatise, An Essay on the Principles of Human Action (1805), to his last major work, The Life of Napoleon (1828–1830)—this essay traces some of the shared premises informing Hazlitt’s allied commitments to a particular epistemic and ethical ideal, disinterestedness, and to the liberty of the press. This essay argues that disinterestedness, as initially formulated in the Essay and then modified in his later work, is the ground of Hazlitt’s commitment to the freedom of speech, and that Hazlitt should be understood as a pivotal figure in the Romantic history of the liberty of the press. Hazlitt’s interest in the issue comes to a head in the controversy surrounding the publication of Southey’s Wat Tyler in 1817, an event which spurred Hazlitt to produce some of his sharpest writing on the subject and to return to and refine his earlier concepts of disinterestedness and the discontinuity of the self. With threats to the freedom of speech, across the political spectrum and around the globe, on the rise, Hazlitt’s work provides a valuable perspective of its importance, and its fragility, for liberal societies.
Knowledge and approach towards Helicobacter pylori diagnosis and management among primary care physicians in Cameroon: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tazinkeng Nkengeh , Monteiro Joao Filipe , Mbianyor Bill-Erich , Nowbuth Avis Anya , Ntonifor Monela , Evenge Claudia , Nkhoma Alick , Moss Steven F , Asombang Akwi W
Published: January 2024

Background

Low- and middle-income countries have a high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection (HPI). In Cameroon, the majority of HPIs are diagnosed and treated by primary care physicians (PCPs). We sought to assess the knowledge and practices of PCPs in the diagnosis and management of HPI in Cameroon.

Methods

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out in four randomly selected regions of Cameroon from November 2021 to June 2022. In each of the selected regions, PCPs were recruited by non-probability convenience sampling and interviewed using a pre-structured questionnaire. Chi-squared, Fisher’s exact and Student's t-tests were performed for descriptive analyses. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine associations between knowledge and practice, with the model adjusted by age of the PCP, geographic region, number of patients and years in practice. Analysis was performed in SAS version 9.4 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA).

Results

A total of 382 PCPs were included in the analysis. The majority (60.0%) were males between the ages of 20–29 y (64.1%). Most PCPs (80.9%) reported that HPI is the cause of gastroesophageal reflux disease and 41.8% reported that HPI is the main cause of dyspeptic symptoms. The dominant diagnostic tests used for HPI were serology (52.8%) and stool antigen (30.9%). The most frequently used first-line therapies were amoxicillin (AMX), clarithromycin (CLA), metronidazole (MNZ) and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) concomitant therapy (32.2%), AMX–CLA–PPI triple therapy (18.6%) and AMX–MNZ–PPI triple therapy (13.1%). Half of the practitioners (48.6%) treat HPI empirically, without positive H. pylori testing. About half of the PCPs (48%) do not request laboratory confirmation of H. pylori eradication following treatment.

Conclusions

There is inadequate knowledge and significant differences in the clinical approach towards HPI among PCPs in Cameroon. We recommend more teaching programs and continuous medical education on HPI.
Effect of Moderate and Radical Rules on High-Caste Behavior and Norms in India
Authors: Govindan Pavitra
Published: January 2024

Development and legal researchers hypothesize that a moderate law may be more effective than a radical one in changing behavior. This study tests this hypothesis in the context of discriminatory sharing norms practiced by high-caste individuals against low-caste individuals in India. The study employs a lab-in-the-field experiment in which it influences (a) high-caste participants’ social norms of sharing money with a low-caste participant and (b) introduces either a “moderate” or a “radical” rule, that is, a rule that is closer or further away from the social norm and requires high-caste participants to share a minimum amount of their money with the low-caste participant. Breaking the rule entails incurring a small fine. This study finds that the effectiveness of the moderate versus radical rule in changing behavior and norms depends on the status quo social norm. This paper provides causal empirical evidence on how social norms influence laws’ effectiveness in inducing behavioral and norm change.
An integrative taxonomic and phylogenetic approach reveals a new genus of Australasian Cycas-pollinating weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Cossoninae)
Authors: Hsiao Yun , Oberprieler Rolf G
Published: January 2024

Cycas is the second-largest genus of cycads in Australia and the sole cycad genus in Papua New Guinea. In contrast to the other Australian cycads, which are mainly pollinated by weevils of the Tranes group of Molytinae, the Australian Cycas species are pollinated by tiny weevils belonging to the subfamily Cossoninae but representing an unnamed genus. This study evaluates the taxonomic status of these weevils by combining morphological examination with molecular phylogenetic analyses and species delineation based on mitochondrial DNA. The results reveal that the Cycas-pollinating weevils in Australia comprise only one species, here described as Zimmiodes australis gen. et sp. nov., with another species in Papua New Guinea, described as Zimmiodes papuanus sp. nov. The phylogenetic analyses and morphological comparison reveal that Zimmiodes belongs in the tribe Pentarthrini of Cossoninae and that the related Tychiodes group includes not only Tychiodes Wollaston, Tychiosoma Wollaston and Nanoplaxes Heller but also Tyrpetes Heller and is also assignable to Pentarthrini. The conspecificity of Zimmiodes weevils from all Australian Cycas species sampled suggests the likely taxonomic oversplitting of the Australian Cycas species and thus provides new insights into the taxonomy of the Australian cycads.
Regional Comparisons of Sensitivities of Phytophthora citrophthora and P. syringae Causing Citrus Brown Rot in California to Four New and Two Older Fungicides
Authors: Riley Nathan M. , Förster Helga , Adaskaveg James E.
Published: January 2024

Isolates of the citrus brown rot pathogens Phytophthora citrophthora and P. syringae from the Inland Empire (IE) and Ventura Co. (VE) regions of southern California were evaluated for their sensitivity to ethaboxam, fluopicolide, mandipropamid, and oxathiapiprolin, and the previously published baselines that were generated for Central Valley (CV) isolates of California were expanded. Fungicides were generally more toxic to CV isolates of both species for all four fungicides. Specific differences were found in the toxicity of ethaboxam to P. syringae where CV isolates on average were 6.8 or 8.2 times more sensitive than those from the VE or IE regions, respectively. Based on the grouping of isolates in an unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) dendrogram, as well as fastStructure analyses and plotting of principal component analyses (PCAs), differences in ethaboxam sensitivity could be related to differences in genetic background of the isolates. Isolates of P. citrophthora from the IE and VE had slightly reduced (i.e., 1.5×) sensitivity to mandipropamid as compared with isolates from the CV and were found on distinct branches in the UPGMA dendrogram. Differences in genetic background of less sensitive isolates within each species indicate that these two phenotypes emerged multiple times independently. IE and VE isolates of both species were sensitive to mefenoxam. Moderate resistance to potassium phosphite (EC50 values of 25 to 75 μg/ml) was present in IE and VE isolates of P. syringae, whereas some IE isolates of P. citrophthora were considered resistant with EC50 values of up to 113.69 μg/ml. Resistance to potassium phosphite did not relate to distinct genotypes.
Determining the Main Infection Courts in Sweet Cherry Trees of the Canker Pathogens Calosphaeria pulchella, Cytospora sorbicola, and Eutypa lata
Authors: Li Sampson , Travadon Renaud , Nouri Mohamed T. , Trouillas Florent P.
Published: January 2024

The major fungal canker pathogens causing branch dieback of sweet cherry trees in California include Calosphaeria pulchella, Cytospora sorbicola, and Eutypa lata. These pathogens have long been known to infect cherry trees mainly through pruning wounds. However, recent field observations revealed numerous shoots and fruiting spurs exhibiting dieback symptoms with no apparent pruning wounds or mechanical injuries. Accordingly, this study was conducted to assess the incidence of the three pathogens in symptomatic terminal shoots and dying fruiting spurs, in addition to the wood below pruning wounds in branches. Surveys were conducted in five sweet cherry orchards across three counties in California. We also investigated the possibility that leaf scars, bud scars, and wounds resulting from fruit picking could serve as infection courts for Cal. pulchella, Cyt. sorbicola, and E. lata by means of artificial inoculations in the field. Orchard surveys revealed that Cal. pulchella had the highest pathogen incidence below pruning wounds in branch samples, followed by Cyt. sorbicola and E. lata. Among terminal shoots with dieback symptoms and dying fruiting spurs, Cyt. sorbicola was the most prevalent, followed by Cal. pulchella. Results from field inoculations indicated that fruit-picking wounds could serve as important infection courts for Cal. pulchella, Cyt. sorbicola, and E. lata, with average pathogen recovery of 41.5, 63, and 36.2%, respectively. Results also indicated that leaf and bud scars could serve as an entry site for Cyt. sorbicola, although recovery was relatively low. The present study is the first to identify harvest-induced wounds on fruiting spurs of sweet cherry as an important infection court of Cal. pulchella, Cyt. sorbicola, and E. lata.
A novel fully human anti‐NT‐ANGPTL3 antibody from phage display library exhibits potent ApoB, TG, and LDL‐C lowering activities in hyperlipidemia mice
Authors: Zhang Panpan , Wang Ke , Hu Tuo , Xu Menglong , You Xiangyan , Chen Manman , Tang Xuan , Hu Huajing , Jiang Yiwei , Zhao Wenfeng , Tan Shuhua
Published: January 2024

Dyslipidemia is characterized by elevated plasma levels of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), triglycerides (TG), and TG‐rich lipoprotein (TGRLs) in circulation, and is closely associated with the incidence and development of cardiovascular disease. Angiopoietin‐like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) deficiency has been identified as a cause of familial combined hypolipidemia in humans, which allows it to be an important therapeutic target for reducing plasma lipids. Here, we report the discovery and characterization of a novel fully human antibody F1519‐D95aA against N‐terminal ANGPTL3 (NT‐ANGPTL3), which potently inhibits NT‐ANGPTL3 with a KD as low as 9.21 nM. In hyperlipidemic mice, F1519‐D95aA shows higher apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and TG‐lowering, and similar LDL‐C reducing activity as compared to positive control Evinacumab (56.50% vs 26.01% decrease in serum ApoB levels, 30.84% vs 25.28% decrease in serum TG levels, 23.32% vs 22.52% decrease in serum LDLC levels, relative to vehicle group). Molecular docking and binding energy calculations reveal that the F1519‐D95aA‐ANGPTL3 complex (10 hydrogen bonds, −65.51 kcal/mol) is more stable than the Evinacumab‐ANGPTL3 complex (4 hydrogen bonds, −63.76 kcal/mol). Importantly, F1519‐D95aA binds to ANGPTL3 with different residues in ANGPTL3 from Evinacumab, suggesting that F1519‐D95aA may be useful for the treatment of patients resistant to Evinacumab. In conclusion, F1519‐D95aA is a novel fully human anti‐NT‐ANGPTL3 antibody with potent plasma ApoB, TG, and LDL‐C lowering activities, which can potentially serve as a therapeutic agent for hyperlipidemia and relevant cardiovascular diseases.
Successful treatment of refractory interstitial lung disease with cyclophosphamide and pirfenidone in a new onset of juvenile SLE: a case report
Authors: Ibrahim Raghad , Khalayli Naram , Ibrahim Rahaf , Fahda Tarek , Salman Bassel , Kudsi Maysoun
Published: January 2024

Introduction and importance:

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic immune disease, presented with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. The occurrence of interstitial lung disease (ILD) as the initial manifestation of SLE is very rare.

Case presentation:

The authors present the case of a 6-year-old girl who presented with symptoms of fatigue, fever, oral ulcers, and dry cough with difficulty breathing. On physical examination, the patient had fever and oral ulcers, in addition of acute phase reactant analysis, positive ANA, and double-stranded DNA. Chest computed tomography images showed nonspecific interstitial pneumonia + organizing pneumonia pattern, leading to the diagnosis of onset of SLE with ILD. The patient was treated with steroids and azathioprine for 1 year, and the radiological and immunological resolution was noted. However, the patient continued to cough, have difficulty breathing, and was readmitted to the hospital due to SLE recurrence after 1 year of follow-up. Despite continued corticosteroid therapy and monthly administration of steroids and cyclophosphamide for 6 months, the patient’s respiratory symptoms and chest radiography results did not improve significantly. The patient was then prescribed a daily regimen of cyclophosphamide and pirfenidone, which was found to be effective in reducing the steroid dose and achieving remission after 1 year of follow-up.

Clinical discussion:

Treatment of connective tissue disease-associated ILD is difficult due to a lack of treatment data.

Conclusion:

This case provided evidence of the efficacy of combination therapy of pirfenidone and cyclophosphamide for refractory connective tissue disease-associated ILD in young children.
Screening of diagnostic biomarkers for ferroptosis-related osteoarthritis and construction of a risk-prognosis model
Authors: Yan Yiqun , He Junyan , Cheng Wendan
Published: January 2024

Background:

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent and commonly chronic joint disease that frequently develops among the elderly population. It is not just a single tissue that is affected, but rather a pathology involving the entire joint. Among them, synovitis is a key pathological change in OA. Ferroptosis is a newly discovered form of cell death that results from the buildup of lipid peroxidation. However, the role and impact of it in OA are yet to be explored.

Objective:

The key to this work is to uncover the mechanisms of ferroptosis-related OA pathogenesis and develop more novel diagnostic biomarkers to facilitate the diagnostic and therapeutic of OA.

Materials and methods:

Download ferroptosis-related genes and OA synovial chip datasets separately from the FerrDB and Gene Expression Omnibus databases. Identify ferroptosis differentially expressed genes using R software, obtain the intersection genes through two machine learning algorithms, and obtain diagnostic biomarkers after logistic regression analysis. Verify the diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy of specific genes for OA through the construction of clinical risk prognostic models using ROC curves and nomogram. Simultaneously, correlations between specific genes and OA immune cell infiltration co-expression were constructed. Finally, verify the differential presentation of specific genes in OA and health control synovium.

Results:

Obtain 38 ferroptosis differentially expressed genes through screening. Based on machine learning algorithms and logistic regression analysis, select AGPS, BRD4, RBMS1, and EGR1 as diagnostic biomarker genes. The diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy of the four specific genes for OA has been validated by ROC curves and nomogram of clinical risk prognostic models. The analysis of immune cell infiltration and correlation suggests a close association between specific genes and OA immune cell infiltration. Further revealing the diagnostic value of specific genes for OA by the differential presentation analysis of their differential presentation in synovial tissue from OA and health control.

Conclusion:

This study identified four diagnostic biomarkers for OA that are associated with iron death. The establishment of a risk-prognostic model is conducive to the premature diagnosis of OA, evaluating functional recovery during rehabilitation, and guidance for subsequent treatment.
Generalized Ginsparg-Wilson relations
Authors: Clancy Michael , Kaplan David B. , Singh Hersh
Published: January 2024

We give a general derivation of Ginsparg-Wilson relations for both Dirac and Majorana fermions in any dimension. These relations encode continuous and discrete chiral, parity and time-reversal anomalies and will apply to the various classes of free-fermion topological insulators and superconductors (in the framework of a relativistic quantum field theory in Euclidean spacetime). We show how to formulate the exact symmetries of the lattice action and the relevant index theorems for the anomalies.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Granular solids transmit stress as two-phase composites
Authors: Blumenfeld Raphael
Published: January 2024

A basic problem in the science of realistic granular matter is the plethora of heuristic models of the stress field in the absence of a first-principles theory. Such a theory is formulated here, based on the idea that static granular assemblies can be regarded as two-phase composites. A thought experiment is described, demonstrating that the state of such materials can be varied continuously from marginal stability, via a two-phase granular assembly, then porous structure, and finally be made perfectly elastic. For completeness, I review briefly the condition for marginal stability in infinitely large assemblies. The general solution for the stress equations in d=2 is reviewed in detail and shown to be consistent with the two-phase idea. A method for identifying the phases of finite regions in larger systems is constructed, providing a stability parameter that quantifies the “proximity” to the marginally stable state. The difficulty involved in deriving stress fields in such composites is a unique constraint on the boundary between phases, and, to highlight it, a simple case of a stack of plates of alternating phase is solved explicitly. An effective medium approximation, which satisfies this constraint, is then developed and analyzed in detail. This approach forms a basis for the extension of the stress theory to general granular solids that are not marginally stable or at the yield threshold.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Fluctuation-driven self-trapping in Bose-Bose mixtures
Authors: Liu Zheng-Yan , Ji An-Chun , Sun Qing
Published: January 2024

We investigate the collective dynamics of two-component Bose-Einstein condensates in a double well potential. By taking into account the Lee-Huang-Yang (LHY) correction from quantum fluctuation, we find that the LHY term, though much smaller than the mean field interactions, can significantly change the coherent oscillating behaviors of the bosonic Josephson junction in the regime of g12≃−g11g22. Besides the quantitative renormalization to the plasma frequencies of the Josephson oscillations, a series of unexpected nonzero fixed points beyond mean field emerges in the stationary state. More remarkably, unique macroscopic self-trapping states, which are usually absent in the mean field dynamics, can be sustained by the LHY nonlinearity. Our results reveal the nontrivial LHY effect on the Josephson dynamics, which can be tested in the current experiment.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Multilevel variational spectroscopy using a programmable quantum simulator
Authors: Han Zhikun , Lyu Chufan , Zhou Yuxuan , Yuan Jiahao , Chu Ji , Nuerbolati Wuerkaixi , Jia Hao , Nie Lifu , Wei Weiwei , Yang Zusheng , Zhang Libo , Zhang Ziyan , Hu Chang-Kang , Hu Ling , Li Jian , Tan Dian , Bayat Abolfazl , Liu Song , Yan Fei , Yu Dapeng
Published: January 2024

Energy spectroscopy is a powerful tool with diverse applications across various disciplines. Variational quantum-classical algorithms based on programmable digital quantum simulators have emerged as promising approaches for conducting spectroscopy on various models using a single device, despite facing significant quantum and classical resource overheads. Here, we experimentally demonstrate multilevel variational spectroscopy for fundamental many-body Hamiltonians using a superconducting digital quantum simulator. By exploiting symmetries and the subspace search method, we achieve full spectroscopy for a four-qubit Heisenberg spin chain, yielding an average energy deviation as small as 0.13 from the theoretical values, assuming unity coupling strength. Our method, when extended to eight-qubit Heisenberg and transverse-field Ising Hamiltonians, successfully determines the three lowest-energy levels. In achieving the above, we introduce a circuit-agnostic compilation method that enhances the robustness of our simulator against signal crosstalk. Our study highlights the combination of the subspace search method and symmetry-assisted resource efficiency in variational quantum algorithms and lays the foundation for practical spectroscopy on near-term quantum simulators, with potential applications in quantum chemistry and condensed matter physics.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Bridging the Reality Gap in Quantum Devices with Physics-Aware Machine Learning
Authors: Craig D. L. , Moon H. , Fedele F. , Lennon D. T. , van Straaten B. , Vigneau F. , Camenzind L. C. , Zumbühl D. M. , Briggs G. A. D. , Osborne M. A. , Sejdinovic D. , Ares N.
Published: January 2024

The discrepancies between reality and simulation impede the optimization and scalability of solid-state quantum devices. Disorder induced by the unpredictable distribution of material defects is one of the major contributions to the reality gap. We bridge this gap using physics-aware machine learning, in particular, using an approach combining a physical model, deep learning, Gaussian random field, and Bayesian inference. This approach enables us to infer the disorder potential of a nanoscale electronic device from electron-transport data. This inference is validated by verifying the algorithm’s predictions about the gate-voltage values required for a laterally defined quantum-dot device in AlGaAs/GaAs to produce current features corresponding to a double-quantum-dot regime.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Atmospheric corrosion acceleration effect on commercial aluminum alloys in current-carrying condition
Authors: Gao Yan , Li Qiubo , Wu Wei , Wang Qiwei , Su Yizhe , Zhang Junxi , Lin Deyuan , Xia Xiaojian
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of current-carrying condition on the electrochemical process and atmospheric corrosion behavior of the commercial aluminum alloys.

Design/methodology/approach

Potentiodynamic polarization tests were performed to study the electrochemical process of the aluminum alloys. Salt spray tests and weight loss tests were carried out to study the atmospheric corrosion behavior. The corrosion morphology of the alloys was observed, and the products were analyzed.

Findings

The corrosion process of four aluminum alloys was accelerated in the current-carrying condition. Moreover, the acceleration effect on A2024 and A7075 was much stronger than that on A1050 and A5052. The main factors would be the differences in microstructure and corrosion resistance between these alloys. As the carried current increased, the corrosion rate and corrosion current density of the aluminum alloys gradually increased, with the protection of the corrosion product film decreasing linearly.

Originality/value

This is a recent study on the corrosion behavior of conductors under current-carrying condition, which truly understands the corrosion status of power grid materials. Relevant results provide support for the corrosion protection and safe service of aluminum alloy in power systems.
The moderating role of face on value co-creation behavior and co-creation attitude in online health communities
Authors: Latif Muhammad Salman , Wang Jian-Jun
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Given the progressive rise of online health communities (OHC) that have predominantly changed health delivery services, healthcare organizations still face tremendous challenges of low patient participation and lack of high-quality contribution to OHC. Prior scholars indicated that inducing patient value co-creation behavior (VCB) is substantially beneficial for the sustainable growth of OHCs. However, what drives patients' behavior to co-create value is still unknown. To fill this important gap, this study used the service-dominant logic of value co-creation theory and face (mianzi in Chinese) literature to discover how patient co-creation attitude (CA) affects patient VCB. Also, this study aimed to explore the joint mechanism of how face gain (FG) and face loss (FL) impact patients' VCB in OHCs.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey data of 322 patients actively using OHC in China were analyzed via partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA).

Findings

The results revealed that patient CA positively influences VCB, that is participation behavior (PB) and citizenship behavior (CB). Face gain (FG) strengthens the impact of CA and patient PB and CB, whereas face loss (FL) weakens the impact of CA and patient PB and CB. Furthermore, the fsQCA findings signify the robustness of the study model.

Originality/value

This study explores the multifaceted mechanism of patient value co-creation in OHC and discloses the crucial role of face for the first time. Further, the novel findings of this study provide a robust framework for advancing the understanding of important drivers of patient VCBs that significantly helps healthcare service providers and OHC managers to sustain OHCs.
A systematic literature review of technological developments and challenges for inland waterways freight transport in intermodal supply chain management
Authors: Gbako Shekwoyemi , Paraskevadakis Dimitrios , Ren Jun , Wang Jin , Radmilovic Zoran
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Inland shipping has been extensively recognised as a sustainable, efficient and good alternative to rail and road modes of transportation. In recent years, various authorities and academic researchers have advocated shifting from road to other sustainable modes like inland waterway transport (IWT) or rail transport. Academic work on modernisation and technological innovations to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of waterborne transportation is becoming apparent as a growing body of literature caused by the need to achieve a sustainable transport system. Thus, it became apparent to explore the research trends on IWT.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic and structured literature review study was employed in this paper to identify the challenges and concepts in modernising inland waterways for freight transportation. The review analysed 94 articles published in 54 journals from six well-known databases between 2010 and 2022.

Findings

The key findings of this review are that despite various challenges confronting the sector, there have been successful cases of technological advancement in the industry. The main interest among scholars is improving technical and economic performance, digitalisation, and safety and environmental issues. The review revealed that most of the literature is fragmented despite growing interest from practitioners and academic scholars. Academic research to address the strategic objectives, including strengthening competitiveness (shipbuilding, hydrodynamics, incorporating artificial intelligence into the decision-making process, adopting blockchain technology to ensure transparency and security in the transactions, new technologies for fleets adaptation to climate change, more effective handling, maintenance and rehabilitation technologies), matching growth and changing trade patterns (intermodal solutions and new logistics approaches) are major causes of concerns.

Originality/value

By employing the approach of reviewing previously available literature on IWT review papers, this review complements the existing body of literature in the field of IWT by providing in a single paper a consolidation of recent state-of-the-art research on technological developments and challenges for inland waterways freight transport in the intermodal supply chain that can act as a single resource to keep researchers up to date with the most recent advancements in research in the domain of inland waterway freight transport. Additionally, this review identified gaps in the literature that may inspire new research themes in the field of IWT.
Delivering the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship: what are the challenges and implications for good practice?
Authors: Horackova Clare , Bloomfield Sarah , Pereira Carla Roberta , Mutwarasibo Fidèle
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA) was approved for delivery in the UK in 2015 (IfATE, 2023). The CMDA offers future managers the opportunity to gain a recognised degree as well as the practical skills to thrive in today's competitive job market. A number of studies have been written on the development phase of the CMDA in various institutions, but to date no systematic review exists to provide an overview of commonalities and insights gained across these studies. This review aims to fill this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review (SLR) was used to identify studies written on the CMDA since its introduction. In total, 12 papers met the authors' selection criteria, and thematic coding was used to analyse and present the findings.

Findings

Findings were grouped into five themes: (1) curriculum design; (2) programme delivery and support for apprentices; (3) portfolio of evidence and End Point Assessment (EPA); (4) working with employers and (5) recruitment and onboarding.

Originality/value

This review is the first synthesis to date of literature written on the CMDA. The authors' analysis has allowed them to formulate recommendations for future practice that will be of use to providers in the next phase of the CMDA's development.
Tolerating newcomers by hazing
Authors: Kristensen Anette Kaagaard
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how experienced nurses relate to hazing and uncover the underlying limits of tolerance for newcomers.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through eight qualitative focus group interviews (n = 35) and analysed using reflexive thematic coding.

Findings

The analysis revealed three themes in the limits of experienced nurses’ tolerance of newcomers: “Don’t be sensitive”, “Prove your respectability” and “Accept your inequality of rights”.

Originality/value

The paper challenges existing perspectives on hazing motivation since tolerating newcomers is motivated by defending the status quo against threatening and challenging newcomers.
Trade-based money laundering: a systematic literature review
Authors: Tiwari Milind , Ferrill Jamie , Allan Douglas M.C.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to offer the first known synthesis of peer-reviewed literature on trade-based money laundering (TBML). Given the topic is in its nascent stage yet gaining prominence across scholarship and practice, this foundation is pertinent for future TBML research.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was undertaken with a formulaic search string. Both qualitative (thematic) and quantitative (meta) analysis methods were used to illustrate the findings.

Findings

The systematic literature review, using qualitative and quantitative synthesis, led to a thematic categorization of extant TBML literature into four categories: TBML risk assessment, TBML detection, the role of professionals and understanding of TBML. Due to the limited number of studies, insights that can be drawn from the extant literature on the best way to combat TBML are also limited.

Originality/value

As the first systematic literature review on TBML, this study identified that the existing TBML literature has focused on increasing the understanding of the phenomenon in terms of its definition and mechanisms, detection, linkage with other crimes, such as organized crime and terrorism financing, and risk assessment frameworks. The originality of these findings lies in identifying areas future researchers might explore to broaden the academic literature.
A multidimensional appraisal of domestic investment, external debt and economic development nexus: evidence from SSA
Authors: Dinga Gildas Dohba , Fonchamnyo Dobdinga Cletus , Afumbom Nges Shamaine
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study examines the effect of external debt and domestic capital formation on economic development in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) economies.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the Dynamic Common Correlation Effects (DCCE) technique and the Driscoll and Kraay fixed-effect technique, this paper conducts a multidimensional assessment of external debt and domestic investment on economic development across a panel of 35 SSA countries from 1995 to 2018. The data utilized are sourced from the World Development Indicators (2021) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) database (2021).

Findings

The results reveal that domestic investment has a positive impact on economic development in SSA countries, consistent across all three dimensions of the human development index (income, education and life expectancy). However, external debt exhibits an adverse effect on economic development, consistently yielding negative outcomes for life expectancy, education and income.

Practical implications

Based on these findings, the authors recommend that SSA economies implement appropriate policies, such as reducing bureaucratic requirements and addressing corruption, to enhance domestic capital investment. Additionally, efforts should be directed toward channeling contracted debt into productive sectors like road construction and electricity provision.

Originality/value

This study is among the first to assess the impact of domestic investment and external debt on the three dimensions of human development outlined by the UNDP. Furthermore, it employs a robust econometric method that considers cross-sectional dependence (CD).