bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi‐scale elastic properties of 2.5D woven composites with void defects
Authors: Wang Wang , Shan Zhongde , Sun Zheng , Guo Zitong
Published: September 2024

2.5D woven composite material inevitably produces void defects in its production process, which will seriously reduce its mechanical properties and reduce its service life. In this paper, the effects of void defects on the mechanical properties of 2.5D woven composites were studied by multi‐scale analysis. An improved Halpin‐Tsai semi‐empirical model is proposed to calculate the elastic properties of yarns with porous defects and verified by finite element method. A microscale representative volume unit (RVE) for predicting the elastic constants of composites with pore defects is established. Theoretical analysis and finite element analysis were used to verify the micro scale, and finite element analysis and experiment were used to verify the micro scale. The effect of porosity on the elastic properties of micro‐scale RVE was studied in detail. The results show that the model is reasonable and accurate in predicting the mechanical properties of yarns and composites. In addition, the effect of porosity on the mechanical properties of 2.5D woven composites is significant.

Highlights

An improved Halpin‐Tsai semi‐empirical model is proposed, which makes the microscale theoretical analysis of 2.5D woven composites better consistent with the finite element analysis.

The void position obstructs the stress transfer of the matrix, and the stress concentration phenomenon also occurs.

The void content has an effect on the mechanical properties of composites at both micro and micro scales.
Imaging‐Based Prediction Parameters of Perinatal Morbidity and Mortality for Fetal Occipital Cephaloceles
Authors: Gaulden Amber L. , Nagaraj Usha D. , Emmert A. Scott , Vuong Shawn M. , Kline‐Fath Beth M. , Bierbrauer Karin S. , Patel Smruti K.
Published: September 2024

Objective

Fetal occipital cephaloceles display significant morphologic heterogeneity resulting in variable cognitive and survival outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine if specific imaging findings could provide predictive information on the clinical outcomes of patients with occipital cephalocele.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of fetal occipital cephalocele patients. Fetal and post‐natal imaging studies were evaluated for multiple parameters including: cephalocele size, ellipsoid volume, herniation of various neural tissues, and microcephaly. Based on the presence of certain findings, an imaging score (range: 0–11) and cephalocele grade (range: 0–4) were calculated.

Results

Higher fetal and post‐natal imaging scores were positively correlated with higher cephalocele grade (p < 0.0001). Higher cephalocele grade was positively correlated with cerebellum and occipital lobe involvement (p < 0.05). A higher fetal cephalocele grade was associated with a significantly high risk of mortality (CI: 15.5–22.10; p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Higher imaging scores and cephalocele grade were associated with a greater risk of mortality and verbal and motor delays. Imaging factors that appear to play a role in increasing cephalocele grade include involvement of the cerebellum, occipital lobes, and microcephaly. These findings may help counsel parents regarding the post‐natal course of patients with occipital cephalocele.
RAFT polymerization of 2‐hydroxyethyl vinyl ether and dimethyl maleate
Authors: Yao Jingwen , Tong Jiaying , Zhao Dan , Chen Dong , Ma Yuhong , Yang Wantai
Published: September 2024

The reversible addition‐fragment chain transfer (RAFT) alternating copolymerization of 2‐hydroxyethyl vinyl ether (HEVE) and dimethyl maleate (DMM) is achieved with S‐(cyanomethyl) O‐ethyl carbonodithioate (CMX) as medaitor and 2,2′‐azobis(2‐methylpropionitrile) (AIBN) as radical initiator. The effects of monomer concentrations, comonomer feeding ratios, molar ratio of monomer to CMX and solvent on the copolymerization and copolymer structure are systematically investigated. The living feature of the HEVE and DMM copolymerization is demonstrated by the linear increasement of the molecular weights with the monomer conversions, and relatively narrow molecular weight distributions of the copolymers. With dimethyl carbonate as solvent, poly(HEVE‐alt‐DMM) with Mn = 5200 and Mw/Mn = 1.34 are synthesized at [HEVE]/[DMM]/[CMX]/[AIBN] = 100/100/3/1. The alternating structure of the copolymer is demonstrated by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR). The both α, ω‐end groups are mainly originated from the moiety of CMX. To further demonstrate the living feature of the alternating copolymerization, chain extension and block copolymerization are also carried out. With poly(HEVE‐alt‐DMM) as macro‐CTA (Mn = 5200, Mw/Mn = 1.34), the chain‐extension reaction has been successfully realized (Mn = 9600, Mw/Mn = 1.70), and the block copolymer with vinyl neonanoate as monomer also successfully synthesized (Mn = 9800, Mw/Mn = 1.42).
Methyl jasmonate induced tolerance effect of Pinus koraiensis to Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
Authors: Chen Qiaoli , Zhang Jiawei , Ye Lingfang , Liu Nian , Wang Feng
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) can affect the balance of hormones and regulate the disease resistance of plants. Exploring the application and mechanism of MeJA in inducing the tolerance of Pinus koraiensis to pine wood nematode (PWN) infection is of great significance for developing new strategies for pine wilt disease control.

RESULTS

Different concentrations (0.1, 1, 5 and 10 mm) of MeJA treatment groups showed differences in relative tolerance index and relative anti‐nematode index of P. koraiensis seedlings to PWN infection. The treatment of 5 mm MeJA solution induced the best tolerance effect, followed by the 1 mm MeJA solution. Transcriptome analysis indicated that many plant defense‐related genes upregulated after treatment with 1, 5 and 10 mm MeJA solutions. Among them, genes such as jasmonate ZIM domain‐containing protein, phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase and peroxidase also continuously upregulated after PWN infection. Metabolome analysis indicated that jasmonic acid (JA) was significantly increased at 7 days postinoculation with PWN, and after treatment with both 1 and 5 mm MeJA solutions. Integrated analysis of transcriptome and metabolome indicated that differences in JA accumulation might lead to ubiquitin‐mediated proteolysis, and expression changes in trans‐caffeic acid and trans‐cinnamic acid‐related genes, leading to the abundance differences of these two metabolisms and the formation of multiple lignin and glucosides.

CONCLUSIONS

MeJA treatment could activate the expression of defense‐related genes that correlated with JA, regulate the abundance of defense‐related secondary metabolites, and improve the tolerance of P. koraiensis seedlings to PWN infection. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Attraction of Nicotiana benthamiana to Bemisia tabaci is related to a chemical signal in plant volatile, undecane
Authors: Zhang Xin‐Yue , Han Wen‐Hao , Zhang Feng‐Bin , Wang Jun‐Xia , Liu Shu‐Sheng , Wang Xiao‐Wei
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

The whitefly Bemisia tabaci is one of the world's foremost agricultural pests. Recently, we found that a wild relative of tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana) demonstrates remarkable attractiveness and nearly 100% lethality towards whiteflies. Therefore, it can act as a dead‐end trap crop for whitefly control in the field. However, the underlying mechanism of the significant attractiveness of N. benthamiana towards whiteflies is unclear.

RESULTS

Binary‐choice assays and olfactory experiments showed that compared to common tobacco (N. tabacum), the volatile of N. benthamiana has a greater attraction to whiteflies. Then we analyzed and compared volatiles from these two Nicotiana species by thermal desorption‐gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (TD‐GC–MS). We identified 16 chemical compounds that are more abundant in N. benthamiana than in N. tabacum. Seven compounds were further tested with olfactometer assays and we found that, among them, undecane strongly attracted whiteflies. Further experiments revealed that even 0.005 μg mL−1 undecane is attractive to whiteflies. We also silenced the genes that may influence the biosynthesis of undecane and found the production of undecane decreased after silencing NbCER3, and that N. benthamiana plants with less undecane lost their attraction to whiteflies. In addition, we found that applying 0.005 μg mL−1 undecane on yellow sticky traps can increase the number of stuck insects on the traps by ≈40%.

CONCLUSION

Undecane from the volatile of N. benthamiana is a critical chemical signal that attracts whiteflies and NbCER3 involved in the biosynthesis of undecane. Undecane may be used to improve the efficiency of yellow sticky traps for whitefly control. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
A model‐based approach using GSK3772847, an anti‐interleukin‐33 receptor monoclonal antibody, as a showcase to predict SC administration PK and free target dynamics based on PK and total target measurements after IV administration
Authors: Berkhout Jan , Fairman Dave , van Noort Martijn , van Steeg Tamara J.
Published: September 2024

Integrated modeling of the pharmacokinetic (PK) and target binding, by means of a TMDD model, can provide valuable insights into the expected pharmacodynamic (PD) effects of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Optimal characterization of the human PK and target binding for mAbs requires data obtained after intravenous (IV) administration which can be combined with subcutaneous (SC) data to further this characterization. Integration of free and/or total target measurements in a population TMDD model will allow quantification of target engagement which is the first step in the cascade leading to efficacy. However, the assays for determination of free target concentrations are analytically challenging and are inherently biased to overpredict the true concentrations in the presence of mAb:target complexes. For that reason, the objective of the current research was to evaluate the predictive value of free target concentrations in a TMDD model developed using PK and total target observations only. Further, a secondary objective was to demonstrate that prediction of SC data is feasible, based on an existing IV model and typical values of mAb parameters reported for SC absorption. GSK3772847, a human immunoglobulin G2 sigma isotype (IgG2f) mAb that binds to the extracellular domain of the interleukin‐33 receptor (IL‐33R or ST2) and neutralizes IL‐33‐mediated ST2 signaling, was used as a model compound for mAbs in this study.
Limitations and Challenges of Antioxidant Therapy
Authors: Al‐Madhagi Haitham , Masoud Anwar
Published: September 2024

Our bodies are constantly exposed to or producing free radicals nearly on a daily basis. These highly reactive molecules are generated through a variety of internal and external processes and pathways within the body. If these free radicals are not neutralized by antioxidants, they can lead to a state of oxidative stress, which has been linked to a wide range of severe and debilitating disorders affecting various systems in the human body. This involves neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, atherosclerosis, fatty liver, inflammation, and aging. Thankfully, the human body is armed with a repertoire of powerful antioxidants with different natures and modes of action. The recent decades witnessed the publication of enormous papers proving antioxidant activity of a novel synthesized compound, plant extract, or a purified drug in vitro, in vivo, and even on human beings. However, the efficacy of antioxidant therapies in clinical trials, including selenium, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin A, has been notably inconsistent. This inconsistency can be primarily ascribed to different factors related to the nature of free radical generation, purpose and the specific type of therapy employed, and the intricate oxidative stress connected network, among others. Collectively, these factors will be explored in this review article to decipher the observed shortcomings in the application of antioxidant therapies within clinical settings.
Towards optimal spatio‐temporal decomposition of control‐related sum‐of‐squares programs
Authors: Cibulka Vít , Korda Milan , Haniš Tomáš
Published: September 2024

This paper presents a method for calculating the Region of Attraction (ROA) of nonlinear dynamical systems, both with and without control. The ROA is determined by solving a hierarchy of semidefinite programs (SDPs) defined on a splitting of the time and state space. Previous works demonstrated that this splitting could significantly enhance approximation accuracy, although the improvement was highly dependent on the ad‐hoc selection of split locations. In this work, we eliminate the need for this ad‐hoc selection by introducing an optimization‐based method that performs the splits through conic differentiation of the underlying semidefinite programming problem. We provide the differentiability conditions for the split ROA problem, prove the absence of a duality gap, and demonstrate the effectiveness of our method through numerical examples.
Recent advances of organic long persistent luminescence: Design strategy and internal mechanism
Authors: Yang Jie , Chen Zhijian , Fang Manman , Li Zhen
Published: September 2024

Organic afterglow materials have drawn increasing attention for their great potential in practical applications. Until now, most of them just show the lifetimes in milliseconds or seconds, while the realization of long persistent luminescence (LPL) lasting for minutes or even hours is difficult. In 2017, Adachi and Kabe successfully realize the LPL with a duration longer than 1 hour in a purely organic system, which can be even comparable to some excellent inorganic materials. However, partially for the unclear structure‐property relationship, organic LPL materials are still rather scarce, especially for the stable ones in air or aqueous solution. In this review, we present the recent progress in organic LPL, mainly focusing on the material design strategy and internal mechanism. It is anticipated that the deep understanding can be beneficial for the further development of organic LPL materials with good stability in air and even aqueous phase.
Nanodiamond‐Assisted High‐Performance Sodium‐Ion Batteries with Weakly Solvated Ether Electrolyte at −40 °C
Authors: Zhang Xin , Zhao Mingyu , Zhai Xiaoli , Sun Xiaochen , Cheng Shaoheng , Li Hongdong
Published: September 2024

Realizing high performances of sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) working at low temperatures is a pressing need for the commercial applications of SIBs. In this work, nanodiamonds (NDs) are introduced in diglyme electrolytes (ND‐Diglyme) to significantly improve the low‐temperature performances of SIBs. The corresponding SIB achieves an initial reversible specific capacity of 324 mA h g−1 at −40 °C (slightly decreased from 357 mA h g−1 at 25 °C) and shows a capacity retention ratio of ≈82% after 100 cycles at 0.1 A g−1. Moreover, it shows a capacity as high as 40 mA h g−1 at 1 A g−1, nearly five times the date of the pure Diglyme electrolyte. Experimentally reveals that introducing NDs is helpful in inhibiting dendrite growth and improving the cyclic stability of anode at LT, because the ND with strong adsorption to sodium ions can not only assist in forming an effective solid electrolyte interface rich with NaF and Na2CO3 but also effectively reduce the activation energy (decreased from 426.68 to 370.51 meV) during the charge transfer processes. Hence, the proposed ND‐assisted weakly ether electrolyte in this study presents a viable electrolyte additive solution to fulfill the rising low‐temperature demands of SIBs.
Natural Language Processing to assess structure and complexity of system requirements
Authors: Vierlboeck Maximilian , Nilchiani Roshanak , Blackburn Mark
Published: September 2024

The development process of a system is shaped by numerous variables that influence its progress and outcome. As a result, complexity can increase throughout the development process, potentially leading to negative consequences, which makes the management of complexity critical. Most development processes begin with the definition of needs and requirements. In this paper, the authors present a novel approach that enables the automated extraction of structure from requirements specifications. The approach uses Natural Language Processing to elicit three structural layers from a set of requirements, which are subsequently analyzed using metrics to assess complexity. In a case study, the approach is demonstrated using a set of 79 requirements, within which 246 individual entities are identified. These entities and the requirements are structured and analyzed using network density and spectral entropy. The metrics allow for interpretation and insight generation, such as identifying an increase in the number of potentially problematic loops. The approach achieved a detection and structural accuracy of over 98% in the given case study and is planned to be expanded with future cases.
SRBD1 Regulates the Cell Cycle, Apoptosis, and M2 Macrophage Polarization via the RPL11‐MDM2‐p53 Pathway in Glioma
Authors: Chen Hongfu , Gao Shuping , Wang Peng , Xie Manyi , Zhang Hui , Fan Yuechao , Nie Er , Lan Qing
Published: September 2024

Low expression of certain ribosomal proteins leads to the inactivation of p53, which is mediated mainly by RPL5 or RPL11 (ribosomal protein L11). It is also unknown what mechanisms drive aberrant ribosomal proteins expression in tumor. SRBD1 (S1 RNA‐binding domain 1), as a highly conserved RNA‐binding protein, is lowly expressed in glioma tissues and correlated with glioma prognosis. In this study, we observed that SRBD1 was closely related to p53 signaling. The upregulation of SRBD1 elevated p53 levels, thereby activating the p53 signaling pathway. As an RNA bind protein, SRBD1 could bind to the 5′‐UTR of target genes and regulate RNA translation. We further conducted RNA immunoprecipitation using anti‐SRDB1 antibody and noticed 29 hub RNA, including RPL11. RPL11 could inhibit MDM2‐mediated p53 ubiquitination. SRBD1 upregulation promoted RPL11 binding to MDM2 via elevating RPL11 protein levels, which in turn activated the p53 signaling. Disrupting the p53 signaling blocked SRBD1‐induced glioma suppression. In mouse xenograft model, SRBD1 ectopic expression was effective in reducing the total M2 tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) density and suppressed glioma tumor growth. In summary, these data show that SRBD1 has a critical role in inhibition of glioma tumor growth and M2 macrophage polarization, and targeting RPL11‐MDM2‐p53 signaling may be an effective strategy to improve therapy and survival for glioma patients.
Elephant Gestation: Insights Into Idiopathic Abortions and Stillbirth
Authors: Huijsmans Tim E. R. G. , Van Soom Ann , Smits Katrien , Wauters Jella , Hagan David , Hildebrandt Thomas B.
Published: September 2024

The declining African and Asian elephant populations emphasize the importance of a backup population. Successful reproduction in captivity plays a key role in maintaining such a genetically diverse ex situ population but is challenged by reproductive loss in the form of abortions and stillbirths. The elephants’ biphasic prolactin pattern led us to predict a higher incidence of abortions during the time of reduced prolactin concentrations. Therefore, this study focuses on the identification of months during elephant gestation which are prone to loss of pregnancy. A metric was developed to identify the fetal age of aborted calves based on the fetal mass using a regression model. Data on idiopathic abortions in captive and wild elephants collected from zoos, tourist camps, semi‐captive, and free‐ranging populations since 1974 were analyzed, revealing a significantly higher prevalence of abortions during the 15th and 17th month of gestation. Additionally, the prevalence of stillbirths in the 22nd month of gestation between 2000 and 2023 was assessed. Although stillbirths showed a declining trend over time, the average prevalence between 2019 and 2023 was still 2.8%. Consequently, the 15th, 17th, and 22nd month of gestation were identified as stages prone to pregnancy loss. These findings underscore the necessity of researching risk factors and preventative measures for pregnancy loss in these 3 months, especially exploring a possible link with prolactin during the 15th and 17th month of gestation. The identification of stages prone to fetal loss is a key step towards enhancing elephant reproductive success and welfare.
Prediction of Fatigue Lifetime Using a Wavelet Transformation Induced Multi-time Scaling Method and Xfem
Authors: Sun Jian , Löhnert Stefan , Lyu Tengfei
Published: September 2024

Fatigue lifetime prediction due to dynamic crack growth is a significant issue for design and manufacture of engineering components. Damage accumulation in a material on the micro-scale is a main physical mechanism governing crack initiation. For high-cycle fatigue, the number of loading cycles leading to catastrophic fatigue failure can be of the order of millions. The simulation of such processes would be extremely expensive and time-consuming using conventional single time scale methods. In order to overcome this challenging requirement, a wavelet-transformation based multi-time scaling method is successfully adopted in this research to accelerate the prediction of accumulated damage for a large number loading cycles. In this work, the WATMUS technique is coupled with gradient- enhanced damage and the extended finite element method to simulate dynamic crack propagation for a turbine blade.
Modeling, Configuration and Assessment of Regeneration Supply Chains
Authors: Lucht Torben , Heuer Tammo , Kuprat Thorben , Eickemeyer Steffen C. , Nyhuis Peter
Published: September 2024

In contrast to the conventional manufacturing industry, the regeneration of complex capital goods is subject to additional information uncertainty and disturbances throughout the order processing phase. To achieve a high logistics performance despite these constraints, supply chain configurations and appropriate tools are required to address the resulting challenges. Along a roadmap, this report presents measures and tools that support the reduction of information uncertainty, the description of effects of uncertainty within regeneration planning and control and in regeneration logistics as well as a superordinate assessment and configuration of regeneration supply chains. For forecasting a Bayesian Network based approach is presented. The planning quality that is achieved based on these forecasts is assessed using a descriptive model based on the classic milestone trend analysis. To support logistics oriented regeneration supply chain assessment and configuration an extensive simulation model as well as a model for pool stock dimensioning is presented. These tools and models represent the results of the subproject D1 of the CRC871 that had the overall goal to empower regeneration service providers to establish robust regeneration supply chains.
Backgrounds and Key Characteristics of Japanese Public Administration
Authors: Agata Koichiro , Inatsugu Hiroaki , Shiroyama Hideaki
Published: September 2024

The framework of the modern Japanese administrative system was formed by two major reforms after the 250-year reign of the Edo Shogunate from the early seventeenth century: the Meiji Restoration and the postwar reforms following World War II. This section first looks at these two reforms.
Public Finance
Authors: Mabuchi Masaru
Published: September 2024

In this chapter, I will discuss public finance and particularly the general account budget of the country.

First, I will examine the positioning of budgets in Japan by way of comparing it with other laws. Budgets have points in common with and points of difference from laws. The former includes the fact that neither a budget nor a law can be enacted unless the Diet, as the highest organ of state power, adopts a resolution (Article 86 of the Constitution).

On the other hand, there are several points of difference between budgets and laws. First, a draft budget must first be submitted to the House of Representatives (Article 60 of the Constitution). This is known as the House of Representatives’ priority in budgetary discussions. In draft budget deliberations, once the House of Representatives adopts a resolution, the budget will be automatically enacted thirty days later even if the House of Councilors has not yet completed its deliberations.

Second, it is required that the budget for the following FY be enacted by the end of the current FY and implemented from the beginning of the new FY. If a budget is not enacted before the start of the new FY, a stopgap budget will be submitted to prevent government activities from shutting down. However, since a stopgap budget can only cover minimally necessary administrative expenses, administrative delays will be caused, which means that a government should try to pass a main budget as much as possible.

Third, the Cabinet alone, and not the Diet, has the right to propose a draft budget, unlike bills.
Politics and Administration in Japan
Authors: Izumo Akiko
Published: September 2024

This chapter examines the relationship between ‘politics’ and ‘administration’ in Japan from the perspective of two relationships: (1) the executive system and the policy process, and (2) the executive and civil service systems. From the first perspective, this chapter underlines the strengthened role of political parties in the policy process as opposed to traditional bureaucratic leadership. Bureaucrats and politicians competing and cooperating in the policy process have been highlighted in the literature as a characteristic of Japanese politics. Since the 2000s, the influence of the Prime Minister’s Office has increased with the strengthening of its leadership over the ruling party and bureaucracy and has led policy. Regarding the relationship between the executive and civil service systems, political appointments were institutionally limited. However, in collaborative political-bureaucratic relations, senior bureaucrats have coordinated the policy process with politicians. The new procedure for appointing senior bureaucrats established in 2014 increased the tendency to emphasise the political responsiveness of the bureaucrats. Finally, the relationship between politics and the administration of local governments is explained through the network of human resource exchange in intergovernmental relations and the choice of local leaders.
Timelike Kasner singularities and Floquet states in 2+1d AdS/CFT
Authors: Albrychiewicz Emil , Ganor Ori J.
Published: September 2024

Abstract

We consider a model of a holographic 2+1d CFT interacting with an oscillating background gauge field. It is solved by an AdS-Vaidya metric describing Ohmic heating of the boundary field theory. However, we also show that if timelike singularities of Kasner type are permitted then a time independent solution that may be interpreted as a Floquet state of the system can be constructed. In this state the system exhibits either Hall conductivity or kinetic induction, and we numerically evaluate the Kasner exponents for a range of boundary conditions. This model may contribute to the ongoing discussion on the validity and meaning of the Kasner metric in the AdS/CFT correspondence and its application in cosmology.
High sugar diet promotes tumor progression paradoxically through aberrant upregulation of pepck1
Authors: Chang Che-Wei , Chin Yu-Hshun , Liu Meng-Syuan , Shen Yu-Chia , Yan Shian-Jang
Published: September 2024

High dietary sugar (HDS), a contemporary dietary concern due to excessive intake of added sugars and carbohydrates, escalates the risk of metabolic disorders and concomitant cancers. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying HDS-induced cancer progression are not completely understood. We found that phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PEPCK1), a pivotal enzyme in gluconeogenesis, is paradoxically upregulated in tumors by HDS, but not by normal dietary sugar (NDS), during tumor progression. Targeted knockdown of pepck1, but not pepck2, specifically in tumor tissue in Drosophila in vivo, not only attenuates HDS-induced tumor growth but also significantly improves the survival of Ras/Src tumor-bearing animals fed HDS. Interestingly, HP1a-mediated heterochromatin interacts directly with the pepck1 gene and downregulates pepck1 gene expression in wild-type Drosophila. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that, under HDS conditions, pepck1 knockdown reduces both wingless and TOR signaling, decreases evasion of apoptosis, reduces genome instability, and suppresses glucose uptake and trehalose levels in tumor cells in vivo. Moreover, rational pharmacological inhibition of PEPCK1, using hydrazinium sulfate, greatly improves the survival of tumor-bearing animals with pepck1 knockdown under HDS. This study is the first to show that elevated levels of dietary sugar induce aberrant upregulation of PEPCK1, which promotes tumor progression through altered cell signaling, evasion of apoptosis, genome instability, and reprogramming of carbohydrate metabolism. These findings contribute to our understanding of the complex relationship between diet and cancer at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels and reveal PEPCK1 as a potential target for the prevention and treatment of cancers associated with metabolic disorders.
Space Quasi-Periodic Steady Euler Flows Close to the Inviscid Couette Flow
Authors: Franzoi Luca , Masmoudi Nader , Montalto Riccardo
Published: September 2024

We prove the existence of steady space quasi-periodic stream functions, solutions for the Euler equation in a vorticity-stream function formulation in the two dimensional channel $${{\mathbb {R}}}\times [-1,1]$$

R
×
[
-
1
,
1
]

. These solutions bifurcate from a prescribed shear equilibrium near the Couette flow, whose profile induces finitely many modes of oscillations in the horizontal direction for the linearized problem. Using a Nash–Moser implicit function iterative scheme, near such equilibrium we construct small amplitude, space reversible stream functions, slightly deforming the linear solutions and retaining the horizontal quasi-periodic structure. These solutions exist for most values of the parameters characterizing the shear equilibrium. As a by-product, the streamlines of the nonlinear flow exhibit Kelvin’s cat eye-like trajectories arising from the finitely many stagnation lines of the shear equilibrium.
Hygro-mechanical long-term behaviour of spruce, pine and lime wood: parameter identification and model validation
Authors: Stöcklein Josef , Grajcarek Gerald , Konopka Daniel , Kaliske Michael
Published: September 2024

Lime wood, spruce and pine are investigated with regard to its hygro-mechanical long-term behaviour. Experiments are conducted for an identification of model parameters and for model validation. Swelling and shrinkage coefficients, dry density, sorption characteristics and parameters for visco-elasticity, visco-plasticity and mechano-sorption are determined for the main material directions. Supplemented by literature values, a complete set of parameters for long-term hygro-mechanical modelling of wood species is found. Constrained swelling and shrinkage are analysed and the origin of the stress development is investigated. It is demonstrated, that creep phenomena lead to significant stress reduction by relaxation, in case of moisture changes especially due to mechano-sorption. The influence of different model parts is investigated. A numerical parameter study shows the influence of several material parameters on the stress evolution. Experimental material investigations such as those presented here are essential for the application of numerical simulation methods for the prediction of material behaviour and for the assessment of deformations, stresses and damage potential of climatically loaded timber structures.
Impact of upgrading from a 25-cm to a 30-cm z-axis field of view digital PET/CT in a pediatric hospital
Authors: Meier Joseph G. , Trout Andrew T. , Abu Ata Nadeen , Sharp Susan E. , Anton Christopher G. , Somasundaram Elanchezhian , Brady Samuel L.
Published: September 2024

Background

Increased positron emission tomography (PET) scanner z-axis coverage provides an opportunity in pediatrics to reduce dose, anesthesia, or repeat scans due to motion.

Objective

Recently, our digital PET scanner was upgraded from a 25-cm to a 30-cm z-axis coverage. We compare the two systems through National Electrical Manufacturing Association (NEMA) testing and evaluation of paired images from patients scanned on both systems.

Materials and methods

NEMA testing and a retrospective review of pediatric patients who underwent clinically indicated 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET computed tomography (PET/CT) on both systems with unchanged acquisition parameters were performed. Image quality was assessed with liver signal to noise ratio (SNR-liver) and contrast to noise ratio (CNR) in the thigh muscle and liver with results compared with an unpaired t-test. Three readers independently reviewed paired (25 cm and 30 cm) images from the same patient, blinded to scanner configuration.

Results

Expansion to 30 cm increased system sensitivity to 29.8% (23.4 cps/kBq to 30.4 cps/kBq). Seventeen patients (6 male/11 female, median age 12.5 (IQR 8.3–15.0) years, median weight 53.7 (IQR 34.2–68.7) kg) were included. SNR-liver and CNR increased by 35.1% (IQR 19.0–48.4%) and 43.1% (IQR 6.2–50.2%) (P-value <0.001), respectively. All readers preferred images from the 30-cm configuration. A median of 1 (IQR 1–1) for fewer bed positions was required with the 30-cm configuration allowing a median of 91 (IQR 47–136) s for shorter scans.

Conclusion

Increasing z-axis coverage from 25 to 30 cm on a current-generation digital PET scanner significantly improved PET system performance and patient image quality, and reduced scan duration.
Non-invasive assessment of esophageal and fundic varices in patients with primary biliary cholangitis
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Huang Chunyang , Meng Fankun , Hu Xing , Huang Xiaojie , Chang Jing , Han Xue , Zhang Tieying , Han Jing , Ge Huiyu
Published: September 2024

Objectives

The Baveno VII consensus recommends endoscopic screening for varicose veins in cases of liver stiffness measurement (LSM) ≥ 20 kPa or platelet count ≤ 150 × 109/L. Whether this approach was appropriate for patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) remains uncertain. This study expanded the observed risk factors by adding analysis of ultrasound images as a non-invasive tool to predict the risk of esophageal or fundic varices.

Methods

We enrolled 111 patients with PBC whose complete ultrasound images, measurement data, and LSM data were available. The value of the periportal hypoechoic band (PHB), splenic area, and LSM in determining the risk of varicose veins and variceal rupture was analyzed. A prospective cohort of 67 patients provided external validation.

Results

The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for predicting varicose veins using LSM > 12.1 kPa or splenic areas > 41.2 cm2 was 0.806 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.720–0.875) and 0.852 (95% CI: 0.772–0.912), respectively. This finding could assist in avoiding endoscopic screening by 76.6% and 83.8%, respectively, with diagnostic accuracy surpassing that suggested by Baveno VII guidelines. The AUCs for predicting variceal rupture using splenic areas > 56.8 cm2 was 0.717 (95% CI: 0.623–0.798). The diagnostic accuracy of PHB for variceal rupture was higher than LSM and splenic areas (75.7% vs. 50.5% vs. 68.5%).

Conclusion

We recommend LSM > 12.1 kPa as a cutoff value to predict the risk of varicosity presence in patients with PBC. Additionally, the splenic area demonstrated high accuracy and relevance for predicting varicose veins and variceal rupture, respectively. The method is simple and reproducible, allowing endoscopy to be safely avoided.

Clinical relevance statement

The measurement of the splenic area and identification of the periportal hypoechoic band (PHB) on ultrasound demonstrated high accuracy and relevance for predicting the risk of esophageal or fundic varices presence and variceal rupture, respectively.

Key Points

Predicting varices in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) can reduce the morbidity and mortality of gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

Transient elastography (TE) and ultrasound play an important role in predicting patients with PBC with varices.

TE and ultrasound can predict varicose veins and variceal rupture. Liver stiffness measurement and splenic area measurements can allow endoscopy to be safely avoided.
Extremal Polynomials and Sets of Minimal Capacity
Authors: Christiansen Jacob S. , Eichinger Benjamin , Rubin Olof
Published: September 2024

This article examines the asymptotic behavior of the Widom factors, denoted $${\mathcal {W}}_n$$

W
n

, for Chebyshev polynomials of finite unions of Jordan arcs. We prove that, in contrast to Widom’s proposal in Widom (Adv Math 3:127–232, 1969), when dealing with a single smooth Jordan arc, $${\mathcal {W}}_n$$

W
n

converges to 2 exclusively when the arc is a straight line segment. Our main focus is on analysing polynomial preimages of the interval $$[-2,2]$$

[
-
2
,
2
]

, and we provide a complete description of the asymptotic behavior of $${\mathcal {W}}_n$$

W
n

for symmetric star graphs and quadratic preimages of $$[-2,2]$$

[
-
2
,
2
]

. We observe that in the case of star graphs, the Chebyshev polynomials and the polynomials orthogonal with respect to equilibrium measure share the same norm asymptotics, suggesting a potential extension of the conjecture posed in Christiansen et al. (Oper Theory Adv Appl 289:301–319, 2022). Lastly, we propose a possible connection between the S-property and Widom factors converging to 2.
International consensus-based ranking of definitions for poor response to primary total knee arthroplasty: a Delphi study
Authors: te Molder Malou E.M. , van Onsem Stefaan , Smolders José M.H. , Dowsey Michelle M. , Rolfson Ola , Singh Jasvinder A. , de Kleuver Marinus , Heesterbeek Petra J.C. , van den Ende Cornelia H.M.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to rank definitions for measuring poor response one year after TKA, after assessing the face validity and feasibility of existing or newly proposed definitions.

Materials and methods

An international, three-round, online modified Delphi study was conducted with sixty-nine panelists from twenty-three countries. Definitions were derived from a literature review or were newly proposed by an expert group. Panelists rated the face validity and feasibility of definitions, and could propose additional new definitions in round 1. Panelists reconsidered their rating of existing definitions, and rated newly suggested definitions (round 2). Definitions with a median score for face validity < 6.5 were removed from the list, and panelists distributed 100 points among the remaining definitions for ranking (round 3).

Results

Fifty-one panelists completed all three rounds (response rate 74%), and the prioritized list of definitions in round 3 comprised seventeen definitions. The single-item definition of (dis)satisfaction with the outcome of TKA obtained the highest scores for face validity and feasibility (7.5, and 8.5 respectively), and the definition “No improvement in pain OR daily knee functioning compared to pre-operative status” was the highest prioritized. In general, definitions reflecting change from the perception of patients were higher ranked than definitions requiring both preoperative and postoperative assessment of validated questionnaires.

Conclusions

This study identified seventeen potential definitions of poor response to TKA, offering valuable options for integration into quality assessment investigations. Remarkably, all identified definitions were patient-centered and none were clinician-centered. Single-item questions, capturing change from the patient’s viewpoint, appear to be the most practicable format to assess response.
What are the age-related factors linked to aseptic revisions in constrained and unconstrained TKA as well as UKA? A register-based study from the German arthroplasty registry (EPRD)
Authors: Straub Josina , Szymski Dominik , Walter Nike , Wu Yinan , Melsheimer Oliver , Grimberg Alexander , Alt Volker , Steinbrueck Arnd , Rupp Markus
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The implantation rate of total knee arthroplasties (TKA) is continuously growing. Aseptic problems are a major cause of revision. The aim of the following study was to determinate the incidence of aseptic revisions in primary knee arthroplasty as well as aseptic revision rates and influencing factors according to the patients’ age and type of procedure.

Methods

Data collection was performed using the German Arthroplasty Registry. Influencing factors were analyzed according to the patients’ age and type of procedure. Risk factors were calculated using multiple Log-rank test with the Holm’s method. Incidence and comparison of aseptic revisions according to the patients’ age and type of procedure were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier-estimates. Cox regression was applied to calculate the hazard ratio.

Results

Overall, 300,998 knee arthroplasties with 254,144 (84.4%) unconstrained TKA, 9,993 (3.3%) constrained TKA and 36,861 (12.3%) unicondylar knee arthroplasties (UKA) were analyzed. Patients younger than 65 years suffered a significantly higher aseptic revision rate than older patients (p < 0.0001). After one year, a revision rate of 1.1% was recorded for patients 65–74 years, 1.6% for patients under 65 years, and 1.3% for patients beyond 74 years. After seven years, patients younger than 65 years sustained in 5.0%, patients 65–74 years in 2.9% and patients beyond 74 years in 2.4% revision. In unconstrained TKA, an increased Elixhauser-score (HR = 1,75; HR = 1,54; HR = 1,7; p < 0,001) was a risk factor regardless the age. A TKA volume of 101–250 regardless the age (HR = 0,66; HR = 0,69; HR = 0,79) and > 250 under 75 years (< 65: HR = 0,72; 65–74: HR = 0,78; p = 0,001) were protective for aseptic revision. In UKA, male gender (HR = 0,81; HR = 0,72; HR = 0,57; p < 0,001), a UKA volume ≥ 51 for patients under 75 years (< 65: HR = 0,62; 65–74: HR = 0,59; p = 0,003) as well as cemented UKA for patients younger than 75 years (< 65: HR = 0,37; 65–74: HR = 0,37; p < 0,001) were detected as preventive factors.

Conclusion

A significant increased rate of aseptic revisions was reported for patients younger than 65 years compared to older patients. An increased Elixhauser score was a risk factor, whereas male and a high volume of performed UKA or TKA could be identified as preventive factors.

Level of evidence

III, cohort study.
Quantitative metrics commonly derived from diffusion tractography covary with streamline length: a characterization and method of adjustment
Authors: Carson Richard G. , Leemans Alexander
Published: September 2024

Tractography algorithms are used extensively to delineate white matter structures, by operating on the voxel-wise information generated through the application of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) or other models to diffusion weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. Through statistical modelling, we demonstrate that these methods commonly yield substantial and systematic associations between streamline length and several tractography derived quantitative metrics, such as fractional anisotropy (FA). These associations may be described as piecewise linear. For streamlines shorter than an inflection point (determined for a group of tracts delineated for each individual brain), estimates of FA exhibit a positive linear relation with streamline length. For streamlines longer than the point of inflection, the association is weaker, with the slope of the relationship between streamline length and FA differing only marginally from zero. As the association is most pronounced for a range of streamline lengths encountered typically in DW imaging of the human brain (less than ~ 100 mm), our results suggest that some quantitative metrics derived from diffusion tractography have the potential to mislead, if variations in streamline length are not considered. A method is described, whereby an Akaike information weighted average of linear, Blackman and piecewise linear model predictions, may be used to compensate effectively for the association of FA (and other quantitative metrics) with streamline length, across the entire range of streamline lengths present in each specimen.
Diamond-like carbon (DLC) surface treatment decreases biofilm burden by S. aureus on titanium alloy in vitro— a pilot study
Authors: Visperas Anabelle , Cui Kaixi , Alam Md. Masud , Subramanian Shonali , Butsch Evan , Klika Alison K. , Samia Anna Cristina , Piuzzi Nicolas S.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Periprosthetic joint infection is a complication of total joint arthroplasty with treatment costs over $1.6 billion dollars per year in the US with high failure rates. Therefore, generation of coatings that can prevent infection is paramount. Diamond-like carbon (DLC) is an ideal coating for implants as they are wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant, inert, and have a low friction coefficient. The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of DLC surface treatment in prevention of biofilm on titanium discs infected with Staphylococcus aureus in vitro.

Methods

Titanium alloy discs (n = 4 non-coated and n = 4 DLC-coated) were infected with 5 × 105 colony-forming units (CFU) of S. aureus for 2 weeks then analysed via crystal violet and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Results

Crystal violet analysis yielded differences in the appearance of biofilm on implant surface where DLC-coated had a clumpier appearance but no difference in biofilm quantification. Interestingly, this clumpy appearance did lead to differences in SEM biofilm coverage where significantly less biofilm coverage was found on DLC-coated discs (81.78% vs. 54.17%, p < 0.003).

Conclusion

DLC-coated titanium alloy implants may have preventative properties in S. aureus infection. Observing differences in biofilm coverage does warrant additional testing including CFU titration and biofilm kinetics with eventual use in an animal model of periprosthetic joint infection.
Laws of nature according to some philosophers of science and according to chemists
Authors: Scerri Eric
Published: September 2024

The article contrasts the way that laws are regarded by some philosophers of science with the way that they are regarded by scientists and science educators. After a brief review of the Humean and necessitarian views of scienfic laws, I highlight difference between scientists who regard laws as being merely descriptive and philosophers who generally regard them as being explanatory and, in some cases, as being necessary. I also discuss the views of two prominent philosophers of science who deny any role for scienfic laws. I conclude that science educators should be wary of adopng the necessitarian view of scienfic laws.
Expansivity of Fused Quartz Glass Measured Within $$6 \times 10^{-10}\,\text{K}^{-1}$$
Authors: Egan Patrick F.
Published: September 2024

A method is described to measure the thermal expansion coefficient of fused quartz glass. The measurement principle is to monitor the change in resonance frequency of a Fabry–Perot cavity as its temperature changes; the Fabry–Perot cavity is made from fused quartz glass. The standard uncertainty in the measurement was less than 0.6 $$(\textrm{nm}{\cdot } \textrm{m}^{-1}){\cdot }\textrm{K}^{-1}$$

(
nm
·

m

-
1

)

·

K

-
1

, or 0.15 %. The limit on performance is arguably uncertainty in the reflection phase-shift temperature dependence, because neither thermooptic nor thermal expansion coefficients of thin-film coatings are reliably known. However, several other uncertainty contributors are at the same level of magnitude, and so any improvement in performance would entail significant effort. Furthermore, measurements of three different samples revealed that material inhomogeneity leads to differences in the effective thermal expansion coefficient of fused quartz; inhomogeneity in thermal expansion among samples is 24 times larger than the measurement uncertainty in a single sample.