bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic Review to Inform a World Health Organization (WHO) Clinical Practice Guideline: Benefits and Harms of Needling Therapies for Chronic Primary Low Back Pain in Adults
Authors: Yu Hainan , Wang Dan , Verville Leslie , Southerst Danielle , Bussières André , Gross Douglas P. , Pereira Paulo , Mior Silvano , Tricco Andrea C. , Cedraschi Christine , Brunton Ginny , Nordin Margareta , Shearer Heather M. , Wong Jessica J. , Connell Gaelan , Myrtos Danny , da Silva-Oolup Sophia , Young James J. , Funabashi Martha , Romanelli Andrew , Lee Joyce G. B. , Stuber Kent , Guist Brett , Muñoz Laguna Javier , Hofstetter Léonie , Murnaghan Kent , Hincapié Cesar A. , Cancelliere Carol
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Evaluate benefits and harms of needling therapies (NT) for chronic primary low back pain (CPLBP) in adults to inform a World Health Organization (WHO) standard clinical guideline.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing NT compared with placebo/sham, usual care, or no intervention (comparing interventions where the attributable effect could be isolated). We conducted meta-analyses where indicated and graded the certainty of evidence.

Results

We screened 1831 citations and 109 full text RCTs, yeilding 37 RCTs. The certainty of evidence was low or very low across all included outcomes. There was little or no difference between NT and comparisons across most outcomes; there may be some benefits for certain outcomes. Compared with sham, NT improved health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (physical) (2 RCTs; SMD = 0.20, 95%CI 0.07; 0.32) at 6 months. Compared with no intervention, NT reduced pain at 2 weeks (21 RCTs; MD = − 1.21, 95%CI − 1.50; − 0.92) and 3 months (9 RCTs; MD = − 1.56, 95%CI − 2.80; − 0.95); and reduced functional limitations at 2 weeks (19 RCTs; SMD = − 1.39, 95%CI − 2.00; − 0.77) and 3 months (8 RCTs; SMD = − 0.57, 95%CI − 0.92; − 0.22). In older adults, NT reduced functional limitations at 2 weeks (SMD = − 1.10, 95%CI − 1.71; − 0.48) and 3 months (SMD = − 1.04, 95%CI − 1.66; − 0.43). Compared with usual care, NT reduced pain (MD = − 1.35, 95%CI − 1.86; − 0.84) and functional limitations (MD = − 2.55, 95%CI − 3.70; − 1.40) at 3 months.

Conclusion

Based on low to very low certainty evidence, adults with CPLBP experienced some benefits in pain, functioning, or HRQoL with NT; however, evidence showed little to no differences for other outcomes.
Scope, content and quality of clinical pharmacy practice guidelines: a systematic review
Authors: Paudyal Vibhu , Okuyan Betul , Henman Martin Charles , Stewart Derek , Fialová Daniela , Hazen Ankie , Lutters Monika , Oleárová Anna , Weidmann Anita E. , Wirth Francesca , Cadogan Cathal A. , Nazar Zachariah
Published: November 2023

Background

Guidelines for pharmacy practitioners regarding various clinical pharmacy activities have been published in a number of countries. There is a need to review the guidelines and identify the scope of activities covered as a prelude to developing internationally acceptable common guidelines.

Aim

To review the scope of clinical pharmacy guidelines and assess the extent to which these guidelines conform to quality standards as per the AGREE II instrument.

Method

Medline, Embase, Guideline Central, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Google Scholar and Google (for grey literature) were searched for the period 2010 to January 2023. Guidelines which focused on any health care setting and any clinical pharmacy activity were included. Data were extracted and quality assessed independently by two reviewers using the English version of the AGREE II instrument.

Results

Thirty-eight guidelines were included, mostly originating from Australia (n = 10), Ireland (n = 8), UK (n = 7) and USA (n = 5). Areas covered included medication reconciliation, medicines optimisation, medication management and transition of care. As per the AGREE II assessment, the highest score was obtained for the scope and purpose domain and the lowest score for rigour of development, mainly due to non-consideration of literature/evidence to inform guideline development.

Conclusion

Clinical pharmacy guidelines development processes need to focus on all quality domains and should take a systematic approach to guideline development. Guidelines need to further emphasise person-centred care and clinical communication. There is a scope to harmonise the guidelines internationally considering the diverse practices, standards and legislations across different geographies.
Optimizing measurements sequences for quantum state verification
Authors: Liang Weichao , Ticozzi Francesco , Vallone Giuseppe
Published: November 2023

We consider the problem of deciding whether a given state preparation, i.e., a source of quantum states, is accurate; namely, it produces states close to a target one within a prescribed threshold. While most of the result in the literature considers the case in which the measurement operators can be arbitrarily chosen depending on the target state, obtaining favorable (Heisenberg) scaling, we focus on the case in which the measurements can be only chosen from a given set. We show that, in this case, the order of measurements is critical for quickly assessing accuracy. We propose and compare different strategies to compute optimal or suboptimal measurement sequences either relying solely on a priori information, i.e., the target state for state preparation, or actively adapting the sequence to the previously obtained measurements. Numerical simulations show that the proposed algorithms reduce significantly the number of measurements needed for verification and indicate an advantage for the adaptive protocol especially assessing faulty preparations.
Circadian alignment of food intake and glycaemic control by time-restricted eating: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rovira-Llopis Susana , Luna-Marco Clara , Perea-Galera Laura , Bañuls Celia , Morillas Carlos , Victor Victor M.
Published: November 2023

Daily rhythms of metabolic function are supported by molecular circadian clock systems that are strongly regulated by feeding and fasting. Intermittent fasting diets have been associated with weight loss and improved metabolism. However, the effects of time-restricted eating (TRE) on glycemic parameters are still under debate. In this review, we aim to systematically analyze the effects of TRE on glycemic parameters. We searched on PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for controlled studies in which subjects followed TRE for at least 4 weeks. 20 studies were included in the qualitative systematic review, and 18 studies (n = 1169 subjects) were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, TRE had no significant effect on fasting glucose (Hedges’s g = -0.08; 95% CI:-0.31,0.16; p = 0.52), but it did reduce HbA1c levels (Hedges’s g = -0.27; 95% CI: -0.47, -0.06; p = 0.01). TRE significantly reduced fasting insulin (Hedges’s g = -0.40; 95% CI: -0.73,-0.08; p = 0.01) and showed a tendency to decrease HOMA-IR (Hedges’s g = -0.32; 95% CI:-0.66,0.02; p = 0.06). Interestingly, a cumulative analysis showed that the beneficial effects of TRE regarding glucose levels were less apparent as studies with later TRE windows (lTRE) were being included. Indeed, a subgroup analysis of the early TRE (eTRE) studies revealed that fasting glucose was significantly reduced by eTRE (Hedges’s g = -0.38; 95% CI:-0.62, -0.14; p < 0.01). Our meta-analysis suggests that TRE can reduce HbA1c and insulin levels, and that timing of food intake is a crucial factor in the metabolic benefit of TRE, as only eTRE is capable of reducing fasting glucose levels in subjects with overweight or obesity.

PROSPERO registration number CRD42023405946.
Expert Consensus on SABA Use for Asthma Clinical Decision-Making: A Delphi Approach
Authors: Lugogo Njira , O’Connor Maeve , George Maureen , Merchant Rajan , Bensch Greg , Portnoy Jay , Oppenheimer John , Castro Mario
Published: November 2023

Purpose of Review

A modified Delphi process was undertaken to provide a US expert-led consensus to guide clinical action on short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA) use. This comprised an online survey (Phase 1), forum discussion and statement development (Phase 2), and statement adjudication (Phase 3).

Recent Findings

In Phase 1 (n = 100 clinicians), 12% routinely provided patients with ≥4 SABA prescriptions/year, 73% solicited SABA use frequency at every patient visit, and 21% did not consult asthma guidelines/expert reports. Phase 3 experts (n = 8) reached consensus (median Likert score, interquartile range) that use of ≥3 SABA canisters/year is associated with increased risk of exacerbation and asthma-related death (5, 4.75–5); SABA use history should be solicited at every patient visit (5, 4.75–5); usage patterns over time, not absolute thresholds, should guide response to SABA overuse (5, 4.5–5).

Future asthma guidelines should include clear recommendations regarding SABA usage, using expert-led thresholds for action.
Transcriptional Signatures of a Dynamic Epilepsy Process Reveal Potential Immune Regulation
Authors: Huang Yanruo , Wang Qihang , Liu Xiaoyin , Du Wenjie , Hao Zijian , Wang Yingwei
Published: November 2023

Epilepsy is a progression of development and advancement over time. However, the molecular features of epilepsy were poorly studied from a dynamic developmental perspective. We intend to investigate the key mechanisms in the process of epilepsy by exploring the roles of stage-specifically expressed genes. By using time-course transcriptomic data of epileptic samples, we first analyzed the molecular features of epilepsy in different stages and divided it into progression and remission stages based on their transcriptomic features. 34 stage-specifically expressed genes were then identified by the Tau index and verified in other epileptic datasets. These genes were then enriched for immune-related biological functions. Furthermore, we found that the level of immune infiltration and mechanisms at different stages were different, which may result from different types of immune cells playing leading roles in distinct stages. Our findings indicated an essential role of immune regulation as the potential mechanism of epilepsy development.
Lowering Hippocampal miR-29a Expression Slows Cognitive Decline and Reduces Beta-Amyloid Deposition in 5×FAD Mice
Authors: Mei Zhen , Liu Jiaqi , Schroeder Jason P , Weinshenker David , Duong Duc M. , Seyfried Nicholas T. , Li Yujing , Jin Peng , Wingo Aliza P. , Wingo Thomas S.
Published: November 2023

microRNA-29a (miR-29a) increases with age in humans and mice, and, in the brain, it has a role in neuronal maturation and response to inflammation. We previously found higher miR-29a levels in the human brain to be associated with faster antemortem cognitive decline, suggesting that lowering miR-29a levels could ameliorate memory impairment in the 5×FAD AD mouse model. To test this, we generated an adeno-associated virus (AAV) expressing GFP and a miR-29a “sponge” or empty vector. We found that the AAV expressing miR-29a sponge functionally reduced miR-29a levels and improved measures of memory in the Morris water maze and fear condition paradigms when delivered to the hippocampi of 5×FAD and WT mice. miR-29a sponge significantly reduced hippocampal beta-amyloid deposition in 5×FAD mice and lowered astrocyte and microglia activation in both 5×FAD and WT mice. Using transcriptomic and proteomic sequencing, we identified Plxna1 and Wdfy1 as putative effectors at the transcript and protein level in WT and 5×FAD mice, respectively. These data indicate that lower miR-29a levels mitigate cognitive decline, making miR-29a and its target genes worth further evaluation as targets to mitigate Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
Researching far right extremism—a transdisciplinary, lifeworld, and political culture perspective
Authors: Frankenberger Rolf , Baur Reiner , Rieger-Ladich Markus , Schmid Josef , Stauber Barbara , Thiel Ansgar , Thomas Tanja
Published: November 2023

Far right extremism, understood as both an ideology of inequality and exclusion that manifests itself in attitudes and behavior as well as a heterogeneous movement, partially with affinity to violence, challenges and even threatens democratic societies. We argue that social science research on far right extremism contributes to strengthen democracy and civil society against this threat. By adopting a transdisciplinary, lifeworld (Lebenswelt) and political culture perspective, social science can contribute to this task and also help to overcome the fragmentation of the research field. In this article, we first provide an overview of current developments in social science research on far right extremism with a focus on Germany. Second, we outline five premises for such a transdisciplinary research perspective on far right extremism. Thus, we argue for adopting both a theoretical perspective built around the lifeword’ concept and methodological pluralism. Third, we propose four interrelated thematic clusters as a taxonomy of transdisciplinary research perspectives on far right extremism: a) Far right ideologies and knowledge constructions; b) Far right actors, organizations, and networks; c) Far right extremist discourses, (digital) media, and strategies in the public sphere; and d) political education, transfer, and implementation research regarding projects against far right extremism. Fourth, we argue that further institutionalization research on far right extremism is indispensable to make research on far right extremism more sustainable, to connect research with societal actors, and to utilize research results to strengthen society’s democratic resilience.
Analysis, Design, and Optimization of Robust Trajectories in Cislunar Environment for Limited-Capability Spacecraft
Authors: Giordano Carmine , Topputo Francesco
Published: November 2023

Nowadays, the space exploration is going in the direction of exploiting small platforms to get high scientific return at significantly lower costs. However, miniaturized spacecraft pose different challenges both from the technological and mission analysis point of view. While the former is in constant evolution due to the manufacturers, the latter is an open point, since it is still based on a traditional approach, not able to cope with the new platforms’ peculiarities. In this work, a revised preliminary mission analysis approach, merging the nominal trajectory optimization with a complete navigation assessment, is formulated in a general form and three main blocks composing it are identified. Then, the integrated approach is specialized for a cislunar test case scenario, represented by the transfer trajectory from a low lunar orbit to an halo orbit of the CubeSat LUMIO, and each block is modeled with mathematical means. Eventually, optimal solutions, minimizing the total costs, are sought, showing the benefits of an integrated approach.
A sequential quadratic programming based strategy for particle swarm optimization on single-objective numerical optimization
Authors: Hong Libin , Yu Xinmeng , Tao Guofang , Özcan Ender , Woodward John
Published: November 2023

Over the last decade, particle swarm optimization has become increasingly sophisticated because well-balanced exploration and exploitation mechanisms have been proposed. The sequential quadratic programming method, which is widely used for real-parameter optimization problems, demonstrates its outstanding local search capability. In this study, two mechanisms are proposed and integrated into particle swarm optimization for single-objective numerical optimization. A novel ratio adaptation scheme is utilized for calculating the proportion of subpopulations and intermittently invoking the sequential quadratic programming for local search start from the best particle to seek a better solution. The novel particle swarm optimization variant was validated on CEC2013, CEC2014, and CEC2017 benchmark functions. The experimental results demonstrate impressive performance compared with the state-of-the-art particle swarm optimization-based algorithms. Furthermore, the results also illustrate the effectiveness of the two mechanisms when cooperating to achieve significant improvement.
Evaluating land use impacts on water quality: perspectives for watershed management
Authors: Siqueira Taís da Silva , Pessoa Leonardo Antunes , Vieira Luciane , Cionek Vivian de Mello , Singh Sudhir Kumar , Benedito Evanilde , do Couto Edivando Vitor
Published: November 2023

Human activities threaten the integrity of watersheds. We aimed to investigate the impact of land use on water quality, adopting a multiscale approach. We collected water samples from twelve streams in Southern Brazil and conducted limnological analyses (physical, chemical, and biological) during the dry season. We used the water quality index based on the quality standards of Canada and Brazil. Land use percentage was measured in two groups (local scale and network scale). Environmental variables were summarized through Principal Component Analysis, and we organized them into Linear Models, integrating the percentage of land use classes and terrain slope in the Multifit formula. Statistical analyses were performed using the R software. Results indicated contamination by lead, chromium, copper, nitrogen, andEscherichia coliin water samples. The Canadian Water Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Life resulted in an index ranging from 23.3 to 47.3, compared to the Brazilian Resolution No. 357/2005 for Class 2, which had an index ranging from 47.5 to 100. This disparity is attributed to the more rigorous and sensitive monitoring approach adopted by the Canadian guidelines. Riparian forests which are up to 50 m wide are associated with improved water quality. Agricultural and urban activities were the main contributors to water quality degradation in an area extending up to 1000 m from the watershed. We emphasize the importance of a multiscale approach in watershed management and public policies, considering not only riparian forest preservation, but also human activities throughout the watershed. It is crucial to prioritize science-based environmental public policies and strengthen enforcement to prevent increasingly pronounced environmental collapses. We have identified the urgency to reformulate CONAMA Resolution No. 357/2005 with a more conservationist and ecosystem-oriented approach, as well as to propose modifications to the Brazilian Forest Code, particularly regarding the buffer zones of permanent preservation areas. Thus, this study can provide insights, such as incorporating the “effect scale,” to enhance water resource management in landscapes heavily influenced by human action, contributing to the advancement of future research in freshwater ecosystems.
Response surface optimization and sensitive analysis on biomagnetic blood Carreau nanofluid flow in stenotic artery with motile gyrotactic microorganisms
Authors: Tang Tao-Qian , Shah Zahir , Thumma Thirupathi , Rooman Muhammad , Vrinceanu Narcisa , Alshehri Mansoor H.
Published: November 2023

In this study, we investigate blood flow in a small artery with a constriction using gold nanoparticles (Au) in the presence of microorganisms, mass, and heat transfer. The non-Newtonian behavior of blood fluid in slight arteries is quantitatively inspected by simulating blood flow using the Carreau fluid model. Momentum equations incorporating magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) and Darcy–Forchheimer porous media are used to model the fluid flow. Heat transfer properties, including thermal radiation, joule dissipation, and bio-convective microorganisms, are investigated. Blood serves as the base fluid for the nanofluid, which contains gold nanoparticles. The system's nonlinear partial differential equations are transformed into nonlinear ODEs through suitable transformations. To obtain numerical solutions for these ODEs, the homotopy analysis method is used. The physical implications of flow restrictions are compared with fictitious fluid flow using physical interpretations. Additionally, investigations into the interpretations of blood flow based on drag force and heat transfer are being conducted. ANOVA, or analysis of variance, is a dependable statistical tool used to evaluate regression models and a variety of statistical tests. These investigations include error assessments, total error evaluations, F-values, p-values, and model fit assessments. These statistical investigations were applied to the dataset at hand, with the goal of achieving a robust 95% level of confidence. We investigate the effects of minute adjustments in parameters on both the heat transfer rate and the friction factor rate using these analyses. The study intends to dive deeper into the potential effects of minor changes in one or more factors on the overall effectiveness of surface friction rate and the larger domain of thermal energy transfer. This will be performed by employing sensitivity analysis approaches. This strategy allows us to obtain a better understanding of how minor changes to specific parameters might affect the speed of thermal energy conveyance and fluid flow management. Furthermore, it lays the framework for future studies aimed at optimising system designs.

Article highlights

We examined blood based MHD Au-nanofluid flow in the presence of microorganisms applying Carreau fluid model.

To model the nanofluid flow we used, Darcy-Forchheimer porous media and heat transfer properties.

Analysis of variance is a dependable statistical tool is used for the finding of regression models and a variety of statistical tests.
Erosion patterns, drainage dynamics, and their environmental implications: a case study of the hammamet basin using advanced geospatial and morphometric analysis
Authors: Taib Hassan , Hadji Riheb , Hamed Younes
Published: November 2023

Understanding erosion patterns and drainage conditions is crucial for optimizing agricultural productivity and for addressing the challenges of wastewater treatment. To achieve this, we employed a comprehensive approach, combining the morphometric method with weighted sum and Geospatial techniques. Utilizing a 30-m-wide Digital Elevation Model (DEM), specifically the Aster DEM, and leveraging ArcGIS software, we meticulously delineated drainage systems and watershed boundaries. Through the application of standard formulas, we calculated areal, linear, and relief parameters to effectively rank and prioritize the sub-watersheds. Our examination led to the calculation of a composite factor, determined through an assessment of 18 morphometric criteria employing a weighted summation approach for each subcatchment. The outcomes of our research unveiled a wide range of compound factor values, spanning from − 0.128 to 9.28. This study underscores the pivotal role of the minimal compound factor value in determining the sustainability of sub-watersheds. As a practical illustration, we found that Basin 3 exhibited superior sustainability when compared to Basin 4, primarily attributable to soil erosion issues in the latter. Sub-watersheds were additionally grouped into classes according to their composite factor values, commonly characterized as highly favorable, favorable, intermediate, or unfavorable, providing insights into their vulnerability to erosion. Moreover, our research pinpointed Basin 4 and Basin 7 as highly vulner able to soil erosion, with a combined area of 294.9 km2. The implications for wastewater treatment are significant in these areas, as proper water and soil conservation techniques are imperative not only for the sustainable management of these lands but also for mitigating the environmental impact of the wastewater treatment process.
Porous carbon material production from microwave-assisted pyrolysis of peanut shell
Authors: Qiu Tianhao , Li Chengxiang , Guang Mengmeng , Zhang Yaning
Published: November 2023

Due to the complex porous structure, biochar usually has good adsorption capacity. Therefore, compared with direct combustion, conversion of peanut shell into biochar by pyrolysis is considered to be an environmentally friendly and efficient method for agricultural solid waste disposal. In this study, biochar production from microwave-assisted pyrolysis of peanut shell was detailed. The yields, surface topographies, and pore structures (pore size distribution and micropore volume) of biochars prepared at different pyrolysis temperatures (700, 750, 800, 850, 900, and 950 °C), microwave powers (350, 400, 450, 500, and 550 W), and residence times (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 3.0 h) were elaborated. The results showed that the biochar yield gradually decreased and finally stabilized to around 30% while the specific surface area improved within the range of 4.68–67.29 m2/g when the pyrolysis temperature, microwave power, or residence time increased. Biochar with micropore was first obtained at pyrolysis temperature of 800 °C, microwave power of 500 W, and residence time of 2.0 h. This study further proposed quantitative relationships between the pore structures of peanut shell based biochars and experimental conditions (pyrolysis temperature, microwave power and residence time). The results presented in this study can provide guidance for the reuse of peanut shell and the production of porous biochar. The peanut shell biochar prepared in this study can be used in soil remediation, air purification, liquid purification and other fields for its porous structural characteristics.
ON THE EXISTENCE OF STRONG PROOF COMPLEXITY GENERATORS
Authors: KRAJÍČEK JAN
Published: November 2023

Cook and Reckhow [5] pointed out that
$\mathcal {N}\mathcal {P} \neq co\mathcal {N}\mathcal {P}$
iff there is no propositional proof system that admits polynomial size proofs of all tautologies. The theory of proof complexity generators aims at constructing sets of tautologies hard for strong and possibly for all proof systems. We focus on a conjecture from [16] in foundations of the theory that there is a proof complexity generator hard for all proof systems. This can be equivalently formulated (for p-time generators) without a reference to proof complexity notions as follows:

•

There exists a p-time function g stretching each input by one bit such that its range
$rng(g)$
intersects all infinite
$\mathcal {N}\mathcal {P}$
sets.

We consider several facets of this conjecture, including its links to bounded arithmetic (witnessing and independence results), to time-bounded Kolmogorov complexity, to feasible disjunction property of propositional proof systems and to complexity of proof search. We argue that a specific gadget generator from [18] is a good candidate for g. We define a new hardness property of generators, the
$\bigvee $
-hardness, and show that one specific gadget generator is the
$\bigvee $
-hardest (w.r.t. any sufficiently strong proof system). We define the class of feasibly infinite
$\mathcal {N}\mathcal {P}$
sets and show, assuming a hypothesis from circuit complexity, that the conjecture holds for all feasibly infinite
$\mathcal {N}\mathcal {P}$
sets.
We can be more, but first, who are we?
Authors: Blacksmith Nikki , Schmittzehe Tom
Published: November 2023

This commentary argues that industrial-organizational psychology can be a conduit for greater good by focusing on the United Nations sustainable development goal number 8 which calls for decent work for all. However, before industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology can truly be used for the greater good it must reckon with our identity crisis: who does I-O psychology serve, the worker or organization? We argue that under a capitalistic model, there is no clear path to working with organizations to provide decent work and economic growth simultaneously. Thus, it is critical that the I-O psychology field clarifies its purpose and identity.
Effects of reverberating waves and interface coupling on a divergent Richtmyer–Meshkov instability
Authors: Zhang Duo , Ding Juchun , Li Ming , Zou Liyong , Luo Xisheng
Published: November 2023

Shock-tube experiments on Richtmyer–Meshkov (RM) instability at a perturbed SF

$_6$

layer surrounded by air, induced by a cylindrical divergent shock, are reported. To explore the effects of reverberating waves and interface coupling on instability growth, gas layers with various shapes are created: unperturbed inner interface and sinusoidal outer interface (case US); sinusoidal inner and outer interfaces that have identical phase (case IP); sinusoidal inner and outer interfaces that have opposite phase (case AP). For each case, three thicknesses are considered. Results show that reverberating waves inside the layer dominate the early-stage instability growth, while interface coupling dominates the late-stage growth. The influences of waves on divergent RM instability are more pronounced than the planar and convergent counterparts, which are estimated accurately based on gas dynamics theory. Both the wave influence and interface coupling depend heavily on the layer shape, leading to diverse growth rates: the quickest growth for case AP, medium growth for case US, the slowest growth for case IP. In particular, for the IP case, there exists a critical thickness below which the instability growth is suppressed by both the reverberating waves and interface coupling. This provides an efficient way to modulate the growth of divergent RM instability. It is found that divergent RM instability involves weak nonlinearity and strong interface coupling such that the linear theory of Mikaelian (Phys. Fluids, vol. 17, 2005, 094105) can well reproduce the instability growth at late stages for all cases. This constitutes the first experimental confirmation of the Mikaelian theory.
Breakup of planar liquid sheets injected at high speed in a quiescent gas environment
Authors: Ananth Mohan , Trujillo Mario F.
Published: November 2023

Using a combination of mean flow spatial linear stability and two-dimensional volume-of-fluid (VoF) simulations, the physics governing the instability of high-speed liquid sheets being injected into a quiescent gas environment is studied. It is found that the gas shear layer thickness

$\delta _G$

plays an influential role, where for values

$\delta _G/H\lesssim 1/8$

, the growth of sinuous and varicose modes is nearly indistinguishable. Here,

$H$

is the liquid sheet thickness. With larger values of

$\delta _G/H$

, a second peak develops in the lower wavenumber region of the dispersion relation, and becomes increasingly dominant. This second peak corresponds to a large-scale sinuous mode, and its critical wavelength

$\lambda _{crit,sinuous}$

is found to scale as

$\lambda _{crit,sinuous}/H = 14.26 (\delta _G/H)^{0.766}$

. This scaling behaviour collapses onto a single curve for various combinations of the liquid-based Reynolds (

$Re_L$

) and Weber (

$We_L$

) numbers, provided that

$\delta _G/H > O({10^{-1}})$

. For the varicose modes, the shape of the dispersion relation does not change with variations in

$\delta _G/H$

, and the liquid shear layer thickness has an almost negligible influence on the growth of instabilities. Two-dimensional VoF simulations are employed to examine the validity of the linear stability assumptions. These simulations also show that the dominant sinuous mode remains active as the process transitions into the nonlinear regime, and that this mode is ultimately responsible for fragmenting the sheet. Based on an energy budget analysis, the most influential contributors to the growth of the sinuous mode are the gas Reynolds shear stress and the lateral working of pressure on the gas side.
Heat transport and flow morphology of geostrophic rotating Rayleigh–Bénard convection in the presence of boundary flow
Authors: Ding Guang-Yu , Xia Ke-Qing
Published: November 2023

Using direct numerical simulations, we investigate the heat transport in bulk and boundary flows separately in rotating Rayleigh–Bénard convection in cylindrical cells. In the bulk we observe a steep scaling relationship between the Nusselt number (

$Nu$

) and the Rayleigh number (

$Ra$

), which is consistent with the results from simulations using periodic boundary conditions. For the boundary flow, we observe a power law

$Nu_{BF}\sim (Ra/Ra_w)^1$

at the leading order, where

$Nu_{BF}$

is the local Nusselt number of the boundary flow and

$Ra_w$

is the onset Rayleigh number of the wall mode. We develop a model using the boundary layer marginal stability theory to explain this power law, and further show that a more precise description of the data can be obtained if a higher-order correction is introduced. A striking finding of our study is the observation of a sharp transition in flow state, manifested by a sudden drop in

$Nu_{BF}$

with a corresponding collapse of the boundary flow coherency. After the transition, the boundary flow breaks into vortices, leading to a reduction in flow coherency and heat transport efficiency. As the physical properties of the vortices should not depend on the aspect ratio,

$Nu_{BF}$

for all aspect ratios collapse together after the transition. Moreover, the centrifugal force helps trigger the breakdown of the coherent boundary flow state. For this reason,

$Nu_{BF}$

for the cases with non-zero centrifugal force collapse together. We further develop a method that enables us to separate the contributions from the bulk and boundary flows in the global Nusselt number using only the global

$Nu$

and it does not require the centrifugal force to be absent.
“The Pandemic Was a Global Exam, and Our Country Came in First”: Autocratic Performance Legitimacy in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Schmidt-Feuerheerd Bruno
Published: November 2023

Existing scholarship establishes that authoritarian regimes make claims about their legitimacy yet does not tell us what makes these claims effective. This article argues that authoritarian legitimation is more effective when coproduced by the government, media, and progovernment supporters, rather than just being centrally disseminated talking points. This article uses the effective handling of the COVID-19 pandemic by the Saudi government to demonstrate how this narration translated trust in state capacity into performance legitimacy of the Saudi regime and system of governance. Saudi media figures and progovernment supporters expanded basic government talking points for audiences and discussed successful policies in relation to countries with higher international status (chiefly in the West) and higher state capacity (such as China). This article evaluates statements by the government, original media sources, and more than 90 interviews with Saudi nationalists, intellectuals, and entrepreneurs, while speaking to the relational character of performance legitimation beyond Saudi Arabia.
Measuring Carbon’s Flow from Land to Sea
Authors: Owen Rebecca
Published: November 2023

A new study catalogs how dissolved inorganic carbon moves through southeast Alaska’s waterways.
Divergent Behavior of Hydrothermal Plumes in Fresh Versus Salty Icy Ocean Worlds
Authors: Bire Suyash , Mittal Tushar , Kang Wanying , Ramadhan Ali , Tuckman Philip J. , German Christopher R. , Thurnherr Andreas M. , Marshall John
Published: November 2023

Water parcels close to their freezing point contract and become heavy on warming if they are sufficiently fresh (salinity less than 22g kg−1 for earth's ocean), but expand and become buoyant when salty (salinity greater than 22g kg−1). We explore the resulting divergent behavior of hydrothermal plumes in fresh versus salty icy ocean worlds, with particular emphasis on Europa and Enceladus. Large, salty, putative Europa‐like oceans, develop buoyant plumes which rise upwards in the water column when energized by localized hydrothermal vents. Instead, small, fresher, putative Enceladus‐like oceans, can develop bottom‐hugging gravity currents when heated near the freezing point, due to the anomalous contraction of fluid parcels on warming. Such a bottom‐filling regime would most likely be a transient stage in the evolution of an icy moon over geological time. The contrasting dynamics are highlighted and rationalized in terms of key non‐dimensional numbers with a focus on the ability of ocean to carry bio‐markers from the hydrothermal activity at the bottom to the ice shell at the top. Finally, the implications of our study for prioritizing future missions to icy moons are discussed. An advantage of a mission to a large icy moon (e.g., Europa), rather than a smaller target (e.g., Enceladus), is that a larger moon's ocean would likely support buoyant convection, which could bring signatures of seafloor venting to the outer ice‐shell regardless of that ocean's salinity. For smaller icy moons, the nature of convection would hinge on its assumed salinity.
Nighttime Geomagnetic Response to Jumps of Solar Wind Dynamic Pressure: A Possible Cause of Québec Blackout in March 1989
Authors: Zhang T. , Ebihara Y. , Tanaka T.
Published: November 2023

By performing a global magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulation, we investigated magnetic disturbances on the ground at high‐latitudes in response to jumps in the solar wind dynamic pressure, namely a sudden commencement (SC). After the arrival of the jump, a pair of field‐aligned currents (FACs), related to the preliminary impulse, develop and travel in the anti‐sunward direction. Soon after another pair related to the main impulse (MI) appears and travels in the anti‐sunward direction. The horizontal ionospheric current associated with the MI remains strong when propagating to the nightside. On the dawnside the MI current flows sunward (anti‐sunward) resulting in northward (southward) ground magnetic disturbance at higher (lower) latitude in the post‐midnight sector. These features are similar to those observed in Canada in the high‐latitude post‐midnight sector when the Québec blackout took place on 13 March 1989. The nighttime geomagnetic perturbations associated with the MI occur regardless of the magnitude of the solar wind dynamic pressure and IMF orientation. The amplitude of the geoelectric field, which is closely related to the geomagnetically induced currents (GICs), reaches the maximum value just before and around the maximum of the southward magnetic disturbance. This is consistent with the moment at which the blackout occurred during the southward magnetic perturbation. We suggest that the blackout in Québec could be caused by the MI‐associated Hall current passing over the Hydro‐Québec power system on the nightside. The nighttime polar region is shown to be sensitive to hazardous GICs for large‐amplitude jumps in the solar wind dynamic pressure.
Variability of Ionosphere Over Indian Longitudes to a Variety of Space Weather Events During December 2006
Authors: Ranjan Alok Kuman , Sunil Krishna M. V. , Amory‐Mazaudier C. , Fleury R. , Sripathi S. , Vichare Geeta , Younas W.
Published: November 2023

This paper highlights the impact of intense solar events over India during 3–20 December 2006. Ionospheric effects of a major solar flare (X9) on December 5 (10:35 UT) have been investigated by using dayside and nightside magnetometer data, dayside ionosondes, and dayside GPS vTEC observations. On the next day, a stream of fast solar wind hits the magnetosphere, causing a HILDCAA (High Intensity Long Duration Continuous Auroral Activity) preceded by moderate geomagnetic storm. The origin and characteristics of a positive ionospheric storm which occurred over Tirunelveli (TIR, geomagnetic latitude: −0.18°N) in the recovery phase of storm due to simultaneous presence of enhanced O/N2 and WEJ or weakened EEJ during the HILDCAA (7th and 8th of December) is investigated. Subsequently, on December 14, the most powerful CME since the Halloween event impacts the Earth, and three SSCs are recorded on December 14, 16, and 18. The variability of the ionosphere over the Indian longitude sector due to these intense space weather fluctuations is presented by utilizing the magnetometers, ionosonde, GPS vTEC, and satellite‐based observations in the same region. This study reports the influence of prompt penetration of the magnetospheric convection electric field and the disturbance dynamo on several key ionospheric and magnetic parameters within the Indian longitude sector.
Nickel-catalyzed direct stereoselective α-allylation of ketones with non-conjugated dienes
Authors: Cao Yi-Xuan , Wodrich Matthew D. , Cramer Nicolai
Published: November 2023

The development of efficient and sustainable methods for the construction of carbon-carbon bonds with the simultaneous stereoselective generation of vicinal stereogenic centers is a longstanding goal in organic chemistry. Low-valent nickel(0) complexes which promote α-functionalization of carbonyls leveraging its pro-nucleophilic character in conjunction with suitable olefin acceptors are scarce. We report a Ni(0)NHC catalyst which selectively converts ketones and non-conjugated dienes to synthetically highly valuable α-allylated products. The catalyst directly activates the α-hydrogen atom of the carbonyl substrate transferring it to the olefin acceptor. The transformation creates adjacent quaternary and tertiary stereogenic centers in a highly diastereoselective and enantioselective manner. Computational studies indicate the ability of the Ni(0)NHC catalyst to trigger a ligand-to-ligand hydrogen transfer process from the ketone α-hydrogen atom to the olefin substrate, setting the selectivity of the process. The shown selective functionalization of the α-C-H bond of carbonyl groups by the Ni(0)NHC catalyst opens up new opportunities to exploit sustainable 3d-metal catalysis for a stereoselective access to valuable chiral building blocks.
Mechanistic study on the side arm effect in a palladium/Xu-Phos-catalyzed enantioselective alkoxyalkenylation of γ-hydroxyalkenes
Authors: Zhu Shuai , Ye Zihao , Chen Ming-Jie , Wang Lei , Wang Yu-Zhuo , Zhang Ke-Nan , Li Wen-Bo , Ding Han-Ming , Li Zhiming , Zhang Junliang
Published: November 2023

Recently, the asymmetric bifunctionalization of alkenes has received much attention. However, the development of enantioselective alkoxyalkenylation has posed a considerable challenge and has lagged largely behind. Herein, we report a new palladium-catalyzed enantioselective alkoxyalkenylation reaction, using a range of primary, secondary, and tertiary γ-hydroxy-alkenes with alkenyl halides. By employing newly identified Xu-Phos (Xu8 and Xu9) with a suitable side-arm adjacent to the PCy2 motif, a series of allyl-substituted tetrahydrofurans were obtained in good yields with up to 95% ee. Besides (E)-alkenyl halides, (Z)-alkenyl halide was also examined and provided the corresponding (Z)-product as a single diastereomer, supporting a stereospecific oxidative addition and reductive elimination step. Moreover, deuterium labeling and VCD experiments were employed to determine a cis-oxypalladation mechanism. DFT calculations helped us gain deeper insight into the side-arm effect on the chiral ligand. Finally, the practicability of this method is further demonstrated through a gram-scale synthesis and versatile transformations of the products.
Anhydrous interfacial polymerization of sub-1 Å sieving polyamide membrane
Authors: Zhao Guangjin , Gao Haiqi , Qu Zhou , Fan Hongwei , Meng Hong
Published: November 2023

Highly permeable polyamide (PA) membrane capable of precise ionic sieving can be utilized for many energy-efficient chemical separations. To fulfill this target, it is crucial to innovate membrane-forming process to induce a narrow pore-size distribution. Herein, we report an anhydrous interfacial polymerization (AIP) at a solid-liquid interface where the amine layer sublimated is in direct contact with the alkane containing acyl chlorides. In such a heterophase interface, water-caused side reactions are eliminated, and the amines in compact arrangement enable an intensive and orderly IP reaction, leading to a unique PA layer with an ionic sieving accuracy of 0.5 Å. The AIP-PA membrane demonstrates excellent separation selectivities of monovalent and divalent cations such as Mg2+/Li+ (78.3) and anions such as Cl-/SO42- (29.2) together with a high water flux up to 13.6 L m−2 h−1 bar−1. Our AIP strategy may provide inspirations for engineering high-precision PA membranes available in various advanced separations.
Mirabegron displays anticancer effects by globally browning adipose tissues
Authors: Sun Xiaoting , Sui Wenhai , Mu Zepeng , Xie Sisi , Deng Jinxiu , Li Sen , Seki Takahiro , Wu Jieyu , Jing Xu , He Xingkang , Wang Yangang , Li Xiaokun , Yang Yunlong , Huang Ping , Ge Minghua , Cao Yihai
Published: November 2023

Metabolic reprogramming in malignant cells is a hallmark of cancer that relies on augmented glycolytic metabolism to support their growth, invasion, and metastasis. However, the impact of global adipose metabolism on tumor growth and the drug development by targeting adipose metabolism remain largely unexplored. Here we show that a therapeutic paradigm of drugs is effective for treating various cancer types by browning adipose tissues. Mirabegron, a clinically available drug for overactive bladders, displays potent anticancer effects in various animal cancer models, including untreatable cancers such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma, via the browning of adipose tissues. Genetic deletion of the uncoupling protein 1, a key thermogenic protein in adipose tissues, ablates the anticancer effect. Similarly, the removal of brown adipose tissue, which is responsible for non-shivering thermogenesis, attenuates the anticancer activity of mirabegron. These findings demonstrate that mirabegron represents a paradigm of anticancer drugs with a distinct mechanism for the effective treatment of multiple cancers.
Genomic profiling of subcutaneous patient-derived xenografts reveals immune constraints on tumor evolution in childhood solid cancer
Authors: He Funan , Bandyopadhyay Abhik M. , Klesse Laura J. , Rogojina Anna , Chun Sang H. , Butler Erin , Hartshorne Taylor , Holland Trevor , Garcia Dawn , Weldon Korri , Prado Luz-Nereida Perez , Langevin Anne-Marie , Grimes Allison C. , Sugalski Aaron , Shah Shafqat , Assanasen Chatchawin , Lai Zhao , Zou Yi , Kurmashev Dias , Xu Lin , Xie Yang , Chen Yidong , Wang Xiaojing , Tomlinson Gail E. , Skapek Stephen X. , Houghton Peter J. , Kurmasheva Raushan T. , Zheng Siyuan
Published: November 2023

Subcutaneous patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) are an important tool for childhood cancer research. Here, we describe a resource of 68 early passage PDXs established from 65 pediatric solid tumor patients. Through genomic profiling of paired PDXs and patient tumors (PTs), we observe low mutational similarity in about 30% of the PT/PDX pairs. Clonal analysis in these pairs show an aggressive PT minor subclone seeds the major clone in the PDX. We show evidence that this subclone is more immunogenic and is likely suppressed by immune responses in the PT. These results suggest interplay between intratumoral heterogeneity and antitumor immunity may underlie the genetic disparity between PTs and PDXs. We further show that PDXs generally recapitulate PTs in copy number and transcriptomic profiles. Finally, we report a gene fusion LRPAP1-PDGFRA. In summary, we report a childhood cancer PDX resource and our study highlights the role of immune constraints on tumor evolution.