bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ПОВЫШЕНИЕ ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ ПОБЕГООБРАЗОВАНИЯ FRAXINUS SOGDIANA В КУЛЬТУРЕ IN VITRO
Authors: Амангельдинова М.К. , Беккужина С.С.
Published: September 2024

Fraxinus sogdiana – редкий, реликтовый вид, занесенный в Красную книгу Казахстана.
Коммерческий успех, а также экологическая и экономическая выгода культивирования Fraxinus sogdiana известны в Европейском союзе с начала 2000-х годов. Одним из важных моментов использования Fraxinus является заготовка древесины, а также некоторые виды привлекают внимание лечебными свойствами. Биохимические особенности Fraxinus отличаются содержанием кумаринов, секойридоидов и фенилэтанолов, секойридоиды встречаются преимущественно в виде глюкозидов и эфиров гидроксифенилэтиловых спиртов, а фенольные соединения присутствуют в ограниченном количестве. Наличие кумаринов отличает род Fraxinus от других родов Oleaceae.
Целью данной работы является получение стерильных микропобегов Fraxinus sogdiana для их дальнейшего размножения и хранения в условиях in vitro. В связи с тем, что семена Fraxinus sogdiana обладают долгим эндогенным покоем, необходимо ускоренное выведение семян из этого состояния. Для того, чтобы ввести в культуру in vitro семена Fraxinus sogdiana обрабатывали холодом, помещая их в камеру со снегом при температуре +4°С. В качестве контроля семена хранились при комнатной температуре (+20°С) в фитокамере «Binder». На контрольных вариантах выход стерильной культуры при комнатной температуре составил 30%, в то время как при холодовой обработке этот показатель выше – 60%, т. е. в два раза выше. Далее при получении стерильных побегов отмечено, что семена в условиях холодовой обработки в 1,5-2 раза меньше подвергались инфицированию.
В следующей серии экспериментов выявлено, что предварительное поранение семян перед введением в питательные среды является более эффективным, чем введение семян без поранений. На III пассаже из семян без поранений на среде MS без добавления фитогормонов получено 22 микропобега, в то время как из пораненных семян получено 39 микропобегов, что выше на 1,77 раза. При рассуждении о влиянии питательных сред на образование дополнительных побегов необходимо отметить, что на среде DKW и MS с добавлением фитогормонов 6-бензиламинопурина и кинетина получено примерно одинаковое количество побегов от 13 до 15 соответственно. Наибольший коэффициент размножения также получен на среде MS без добавления фитогормонов, возможно, использованный нами вид Fraxinus sogdiana обладает высоким содержанием эндогенных фитогормонов, и следовательно этот вид можно размножать без их добавления. Кроме того, необходимо акцентировать внимание на том факте, что Fraxinus sogdiana образует больше побегов с увеличением количества пассажей.
Таким образом, определены условия культивирования Fraxinus sogdiana для дальнейшего микротиражирования и хранения в условиях медленного роста.
Redes científicas y construcción de conocimiento: el caso de la Red Iberoamericana de Investigación en Imaginarios y Representaciones (RIIR)
Authors: Aliaga Sáez Felipe Andrés , Basulto Gallegos Oscar , Romero Soler Laura Ximena
Published: September 2024

Partiendo desde las ciencias sociales, se busca indagar en una serie de variables centrales en el proceso de construcción de conocimiento en red: cultura e identidad; multi, inter y transdisciplinariedad; internacionalización de la academia; formas de comunicación; y conocimiento en red. Por tanto, el objetivo del trabajo es construir significaciones en torno al conocimiento científico desde los propios actores que impulsan el trabajo en red, a partir de una visión iberoamericana e interdisciplinar. Se toma como caso de la Red Iberoamericana de Investigación en Imaginarios y Representaciones (RIIR), entrevistando a veintisiete de sus miembros activos provenientes de Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, España, Honduras, México y Perú. Dentro de los resultados se constata que la red facilitaría la construcción de una identidad científica, se conforma como un espacio favorable para el conocimiento, con dinámicas cooperativas que permitirían la conformación de una academia internacional basada en una activa participación de sus miembros.
El cambio en los sistemas mediáticos: hipótesis y opciones para el análisis en contextos de reforma económica y política
Authors: Olivera Perez Dasniel , Arellano Sánchez José Refugio
Published: September 2024

Se sistematizan los recursos analíticos sobre el cambio en los medios que resultan pertinentes para entender la relación entre política y periodismo, tomando como referente el contexto cubano durante la reforma económica y política de la presidencia de Raúl Castro.
Con base en la revisión de la literatura científica se abordan las hipótesis de la convergencia, democratización, hibridación, continuidad institucional, de personas, prácticas y normas -con centralidad en los argumentos sobre la dependencia de la trayectoria pasada y la continuidad de las élites-, y la hegemonía-contrahegemonía.
La dependencia de la trayectoria pasada resulta la propuesta más pertinente para explicar la historia de cambios en los medios en el contexto referido. Igualmente, en su aplicación se plantea observar de manera diferenciada la agencia negociadora, los discursos y las prácticas de los actores históricamente situados. Tal estrategia se sugiere aplicable para otros países del mundo comunista en el siglo XXI.
Una política de la imagen: fotografías realizadas durante el conflicto armado en Colombia
Authors: Silva Rodríguez Manuel
Published: September 2024

En el texto se considera el conflicto armado colombiano como un campo visual conformado por imágenes fotográficas. La noción de campo se asume como la práctica que da origen a las fotografías y como la delimitación de un espacio visible y de construcción de visibilidad. La metodología propone la caracterización y el contraste de elementos de un archivo conformado con fotografías de Google imágenes, reproducciones de la prensa de varios momentos de las décadas de 1950 a 1980 y material cedido por víctimas del conflicto armado y por el Centro Nacional de Memoria Histórica. Los hallazgos y las conclusiones plantean que la producción y la circulación social de fotografías durante el conflicto armado se puede ver como una estética traducida en una política de la imagen.
Multi-Objective Optimization of Diesel Engine Operating Parameters Under Highway Drive Conditions
Authors: Vinod Babu M. , Amba Prasad Rao G.
Published: September 2024

Experimental and optimization work is carried out to study the effects of fuel injection pressure, boost pressure, pilot injection timing, pilot injection quantity, and main injection timing as input parameters. A four-cylinder, automotive model direct injection diesel engine, incorporated with a variable geometry turbocharger, was chosen for the experiment. Engine test runs are conducted at a driving condition of 80.3 N m torque and an engine speed of 1750 rpm, respectively, corresponding to highway driving conditions, using 10% of exhaust gases recirculated. The response surface methodology is employed to design experiments and analyze the experimental data to optimize engine parameters, considering the mentioned parameters as input parameters. A multi-objective response approach is adopted to optimize engine-operating parameters to obtain desired performance and engine-out emissions. Confirmatory tests are conducted at design conditions to validate the results predicted by the model. It is observed that for the chosen engine configuration, the optimum performance and emission characteristics could be obtained with 120 kPa boost pressure, 61.1 MPa fuel injection pressure, and 11.5% of total fuel amount as pilot injection and remaining as main injection quantity at 332 deg and 359 deg crank angle, respectively. Overall, fairly better engine performance was observed with the use of selected ranges. It is noted that with the procedures adopted, improved engine performance and a significant reduction in harmful emissions are obtained without using major add-ons. The investigation revealed excellent potential for a diesel engine to be an effective prime mover.
Reducing Laser Exposure Time of PBF-LB/P by Providing High Energy Without Thermal Degradation and Its Effect on Part Strength and Process Time
Authors: Yamauchi Yuki , Fujii Koichi , Kigure Takashi , Niino Toshiki
Published: September 2024

One of the most promising additive manufacturing technologies for the production of end-use parts is powder bed fusion of polymer with laser beam (PBF-LB/P). This technology can reduce production costs by increasing process efficiency and production speed. As PBF-LB/P is a layer-wise additive manufacturing process, the production speed can be increased by reducing the layering time. Although some operations such as recoating are performed during the layering process, considerable time is spent on laser scanning. To reduce the laser exposure time while maintaining proper powder melting, a high-power beam should be irradiated to the powder layer to prevent energy shortage. However, as the laser beam power increases, the irradiance at the beam center increases significantly, causing powder degradation such as thermal decomposition or sublimation. In this study, an appropriate input energy range was determined by obtaining an input energy limit that does not cause powder deterioration via experimental observations and temperature estimations during the process. Furthermore, the influence of the scanning parameters on the mechanical properties of built specimens was investigated to reduce the layering time within an indicated range. Results show that the mechanical strength of the built parts decreases slightly as the scan spacing increases following the expansion of the beam diameter. This study also validated the effects of scanning parameters on layering time. As a result, by doubling the scan speed and spacing, the layering time can be reduced by up to 1/3.
Managing End-of-Life Photovoltaics: A Tripartite Approach of Technology, Economics, and Politics
Authors: Guo Qi , Rosti Firouz , Liu Qiu
Published: September 2024

This paper focuses on the challenges on managing end-of-life photovoltaic (PV) waste. This paper starts off by providing a comprehensive overview of solar PV panels, including monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film technologies. The exploration includes a discussion of their characteristics, manufacturing processes, and energy-material intensity. Additionally, the study outlines general PV recycling processes. It also summarizes the technologies that have been applied commercially for recycling crystalline silicon and thin-film PV. In the economics perspective, the paper discusses the PV recycling profitability in global and in U.S. markets. It also lists positive and negative policies impacting PV recycling. In the face of the recycling challenges, the paper underscores the critical need for collaborative efforts. Therefore, technology developers, economists, and policymakers should work collaboratively for advancing PV recycling industry.
Analysis of pulsed direct current reactive magnetron sputtering on a silicon target
Authors: Teran-Hinojosa E. , Sanginés R. , Abundiz-Cisneros N. , Aguila-Muñoz J. , Machorro-Mejia R.
Published: September 2024

Reactive sputtering is a very useful technique, particularly, for producing inhomogeneous interference filters, where the refractive index changes smoothly during deposition. In such a context, precise control of deposition parameters is crucial for replicating the desired optical properties. This study employed a pulsed DC power source to investigate the influence of a duty cycle on target poisoning, sputtering plasma characteristics, electric signals, and optical and morphological properties of synthesized films. Reactive pulsed DC magnetron sputtering was characterized by analyzing the behavior of plasma emission via optical emission spectroscopy and voltage-current signals, while modulating parameters such as the oxygen content within the vacuum chamber. A set of thin films was coated on glass substrates under different system conditions. These films underwent characterization employing spectroscopic ellipsometry to ascertain their optical constants, atomic force microscopy for surface morphology analysis, and x-ray diffraction for the determination of crystalline structures. The results indicate that longer duty cycles required higher oxygen levels to poison the target. Additionally, a detailed analysis of electrical signals revealed nonsquare waveforms, whose characteristics were influenced by both the duty cycle and the oxygen content within the sputtering chamber, resulting in higher effective voltages during the on-time of the voltage pulse. Grown films via reactive pulsed DC magnetron sputtering were also compared to films grown via conventional DC magnetron sputtering at equivalent conditions of target poisoning.
Elusive supported surface M2Ox dimer active site (M = Re, W, Mo, Cr, V, Nb, and Ta)
Authors: Wachs Israel E.
Published: September 2024

Supported transition metal oxide catalysts are extensively used as heterogeneous catalysts for various energy, chemical, and environmental applications. The molecular structures of dehydrated surface metal oxide phases are crucial for understanding structure-activity/selectivity relationships that guide the design of enhanced catalysts. Some early studies suggested that dimeric (aka binuclear) surface metal oxide sites were more active/selective than monomeric (aka mononuclear) sites, prompting interest in synthesizing catalysts with supported dimeric metal oxide structures. This review examines the literature on dehydrated silica-based supported group 7-5 MOx catalysts (ReOx, WOx, MoOx, CrOx, VOx, NbOx, and TaOx on SiO2, MCM-41, AlOx/SiO2, and H-ZSM-5) for their surface metal oxide structures. In situ Raman, extended x-ray absorption fine structure, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy indicate that monomeric surface MOx structures predominate in all such catalysts. Therefore, the cursory use of dimeric surface M2Ox sites in catalytic mechanisms and reaction models in heterogeneous catalysis by supported metal oxides is questionable, and moving forward, the invoking of supporting dimeric surface M2Ox sites should be critically examined and backed up with direct spectroscopic methods.
Arsenic-flux dependence of surface morphology in InAs homoepitaxy
Authors: Ohtake Akihiro , Kawazu Takuya , Mano Takaaki
Published: September 2024

Surface morphology in molecular-beam epitaxy of InAs(001), (111)A, and (111)B has been studied using scanning tunneling microscopy. The surface morphologies of InAs strongly depend on substrate temperature, substrate orientation, and As/In flux ratio. The size and density of two-dimensional InAs islands on the (001) surface decreases and increases, respectively, as the As/In flux ratio is increased. On the other hand, island size (density) is increased (decreased) with the increase in As flux on (111)A and (111)B surfaces. Surface reconstructions on growing surfaces strongly affect the diffusion and incorporation kinetics of In atoms, thereby resulting in the observed surface morphologies.
Translation of HIV-1 unspliced RNA is regulated by 5′ untranslated region structure
Authors: Cheng Zetao , Islam Saiful , Kanlong Joseph G. , Sheppard Madeline , Seo Heewon , Nikolaitchik Olga A. , Kearse Michael G. , Pathak Vinay K. , Musier-Forsyth Karin , Hu Wei-Shau
Published: September 2024

HIV-1 must generate infectious virions to spread to new hosts and HIV-1 unspliced RNA (HIV-1 RNA) plays two central roles in this process. HIV-1 RNA serves as an mRNA that is translated to generate proteins essential for particle production and replication, and it is packaged into particles as the viral genome. HIV-1 uses several transcription start sites to generate multiple RNAs that differ by a few nucleotides at the 5′ end, including those with one (1G) or three (3G) 5′ guanosines. The virus relies on host machinery to translate its RNAs in a cap-dependent manner. Here, we demonstrate that the 5′ context of HIV-1 RNA affects the efficiency of translation both
in vitro
and in cells. Although both RNAs are competent for translation, 3G RNA is translated more efficiently than 1G RNA. The 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of 1G and 3G RNAs has previously been shown to fold into distinct structural ensembles. We show that HIV-1 mutants in which the 5′ UTR of 1G and 3G RNAs fold into similar structures were translated at similar efficiencies. Thus, the host machinery translates two 99.9% identical HIV-1 RNAs with different efficiencies, and the translation efficiency is regulated by the 5′ UTR structure.

IMPORTANCE

HIV-1 unspliced RNA contains all the viral genetic information and encodes virion structural proteins and enzymes. Thus, the unspliced RNA serves distinct roles as viral genome and translation template, both critical for viral replication. HIV-1 generates two major unspliced RNAs with a 2-nt difference at the 5′ end (3G RNA and 1G RNA). The 1G transcript is known to be preferentially packaged over the 3G transcript. Here, we showed that 3G RNA is favorably translated over 1G RNA based on its 5′ untranslated region (UTR) RNA structure. In HIV-1 mutants in which the two major transcripts have similar 5′ UTR structures, 1G and 3G RNAs are translated similarly. Therefore, HIV-1 generates two 9-kb RNAs with a 2-nt difference, each serving a distinct role dictated by differential 5′ UTR structures.
Simulation to optimize the laboratory diagnosis of bacteremia
Authors: Gerada Alessandro , Roberts Gareth , Howard Alex , Reza Nada , Velluva Anoop , Rosato Conor , Green Peter L. , Hope William
Published: September 2024

Blood cultures are central to the management of patients with sepsis and bloodstream infection. Clinical decisions depend on the timely availability of laboratory information, which, in turn, depends on the optimal laboratory processing of specimens. Discrete event simulation (DES) offers insights into where optimization efforts can be targeted. Here, we generate a detailed process map of blood culture processing within a laboratory and use it to build a simulator. Direct observation of laboratory staff processing blood cultures was used to generate a flowchart of the blood culture laboratory pathway. Retrospective routinely collected data were combined with direct observations to generate probability distributions over the time taken for each event. These data were used to inform the DES model. A sensitivity analysis explored the impact of staff availability on turnaround times. A flowchart of the blood culture pathway was constructed, spanning labeling, incubation, organism identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Thirteen processes in earlier stages of the pathway, not otherwise captured by routinely collected data, were timed using direct observations. Observations revealed that specimen processing is predominantly batched. Another eight processes were timed using retrospective data. A simulator was built using DES. Sensitivity analysis revealed that specimen progression through the simulation was especially sensitive to laboratory technician availability. Gram stain reporting time was also sensitive to laboratory scientist availability. Our laboratory simulation model has wide-ranging applications for the optimization of laboratory processes and effective implementation of the changes required for faster and more accurate results.

IMPORTANCE

Optimization of laboratory pathways and resource availability has a direct impact on the clinical management of patients with bloodstream infection. This research offers an insight into the laboratory processing of blood cultures at a system level and allows clinical microbiology laboratories to explore the impact of changes to processes and resources.
Seismic discontinuity in the Martian crust possibly caused by water-filled cracks
Authors: Katayama Ikuo , Akamatsu Yuya
Published: September 2024

Recent seismic data acquired by the InSight lander have revealed seismic discontinuities in the Martian crust that have been interpreted as sharp transitions in porosity or chemical composition. Here we propose an alternative model in which the transition from dry cracks to water-filled cracks could explain the observed seismic discontinuity in the Martian crust. Our model can explain sharp increases in seismic velocity and Vp/Vs at ∼10 km depth with no associated changes in porosity or chemical composition. The present model suggests the local existence of liquid water in the Martian crust, which could potentially serve as a subsurface habitat for life.
Effects of resveratrol on aortic growth in patients with Marfan syndrome: a single-arm open-label multicentre trial
Authors: van Andel Mitzi Marlotte , Bosshardt Daan , Schrauben Eric M , Merton Renske , van Kimmenade Roland R L , Scholte Arthur , Dickinson Michael G , Robbers-Visser Danielle , Zwinderman Aeilko H , Mulder Barbara , Nederveen Aart J , van Ooij Pim , Groenink Maarten , de Waard Vivian
Published: September 2024

Background

Resveratrol, a dietary supplement that intervenes in cellular metabolism, has been shown to reduce aortic growth rate in a mouse model of Marfan syndrome (MFS), a condition associated in humans with life-threatening aortic complications, often preceded by aortic dilatation. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the effects of resveratrol on aortic growth rate in patients with MFS .

Methods

In this investigator-initiated, single-arm open-label multicentre trial, we analysed resveratrol treatment in adults aged 18–50 years with MFS. The primary endpoint was the change in estimated annual aortic growth at five predefined levels in the thoracic aorta after 1 year of resveratrol treatment, evaluated using a linear mixed model. Aortic diameters were measured by cardiac MRI at three time points to analyse the annual aortic expansion rate before and after initiation of treatment. Additionally, annual aortic growth was compared with growth in a previously conducted losartan randomised clinical trial.

Results

898 patients were screened of which 19% (168/898) patients met the inclusion criteria.

36% (61/168) patients signed informed consent and 93% (57/61) aged 37±9 years, of which 28 males (49%) were included in the final analysis of the study. 46% (26/57) had undergone aortic root replacement prior to the study. Aortic root diameters remained stable after 1.2±0.3 years of resveratrol administration. A trend towards a decrease in estimated growth rate (mm/year) was observed in the aortic root (from 0.39±0.06 to −0.13±0.23, p=0.072), ascending aorta (from 0.40±0.05 to −0.01±0.18, p=0.072) and distal descending aorta (from 0.32±0.04 to 0.01±0.14, p=0.072).

Conclusion

Resveratrol treatment for 1 year may stabilise the aortic growth rate in adult patients with MFS. However, a subsequent randomised clinical trial with a longer follow-up duration and a larger study cohort is needed to establish an actual long-term beneficial effect of this dietary supplement in patients with MFS.

Trial registration number

NL66127.018.18.
Implications of the 2022 lung function update and GLI global reference equations among patients with interstitial lung disease
Authors: Li Andrew , Teoh Alan , Troy Lauren , Glaspole Ian , Wilsher Margaret L , de Boer Sally , Wrobel Jeremy , Moodley Yuben P , Thien Francis , Gallagher Henry , Galbraith Michelle , Chambers Daniel C , Mackintosh John , Goh Nicole , Khor Yet Hong , Edwards Adrienne , Royals Karen , Grainge Christopher , Kwan Benjamin , Keir Gregory J , Ong Chong , Reynolds Paul N , Veitch Elizabeth , Chai Gin Tsen , Ng Ziqin , Tan Geak Poh , Jackson Dan , Corte Tamera , Jo Helen
Published: September 2024

Background

Lung function testing remains a cornerstone in the assessment and management of interstitial lung disease (ILD) patients. The clinical implications of the Global Lung function Initiative (GLI) reference equations and the updated interpretation strategies remain uncertain.

Methods

Adult patients with ILD with baseline forced vital capacity (FVC) were included from the Australasian ILD registry and the National Healthcare Group ILD registry, Singapore.

The European Coal and Steel Community and Miller reference equations were compared with the GLI reference equations to assess (a) differences in lung function percent predicted values; (b) ILD risk prediction models and (c) eligibility for ILD clinical trial enrolment.

Results

Among 2219 patients with ILD, 1712 (77.2%) were white individuals. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), connective tissue disease-associated ILD and unclassifiable ILD predominated.

Median FVC was 2.60 (2.01–3.36) L, forced expiratory volume in 1 s was 2.09 (1.67–2.66) L and diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) was 13.60 (10.16–17.60) mL/min/mm Hg. When applying the GLI reference equations, the mean FVC percentage predicted was 8.8% lower (87.7% vs 78.9%, p<0.01) while the mean DLCO percentage predicted was 4.9% higher (58.5% vs 63.4%, p<0.01). There was a decrease in 19 IPF and 119 non-IPF patients who qualified for the nintedanib clinical trials when the GLI reference equations were applied. Risk prediction models performed similarly in predicting mortality using both reference equations.

Conclusion

Applying the GLI reference equations in patients with ILD leads to higher DLCO percentage predicted values and smaller lung volume percentage predicted values. While applying the GLI reference equations did not impact on prognostication, fewer patients met the clinical trial criteria for antifibrotic agents.
A compositional analysis of time spent in physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep with quality of life in Canadian older adults aged 65 years and above: findings from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: Hakimi Shawn , Martin Luc J. , Rosenberg Mark W.
Published: September 2024

Associations between daily time spent in physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviour (SB), and sleep (collectively referred to as “movement behaviour”) and quality of life (QOL) are typically studied without considering they are compositional, co-dependant variables. Study objectives were to use compositional data analysis to: (1) examine the relationship between movement behaviour composition and QOL, (2) estimate the degree to which changing time spent in any movement behaviour within the movement behaviour composition is associated with QOL. 7918 older Canadian adults ≥65 years of age from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging were studied using a quasi-longitudinal study design. Daily time spent in PA and SB were derived from self-reported Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly responses. Nighttime sleep was self-reported separately. QOL was assessed through the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Movement behaviour composition was significantly associated with QOL. Relative time spent in SB was negatively associated with QOL (HR = 0.89 (95% CI: 0.86–0.93)). Relative time spent in sleep was positively associated with QOL (HR = 1.10 (95% CI: 1.05–1.16)). Time displacement estimates revealed that greatest change in QOL occurred when time spent in PA was decreased and replaced with SB (HR = 0.96 (95% CI: 0.92–0.99) for 45 min/day displacement). Using compositional data analysis is advantageous because it shows how reduction in SB and increase in PA and sleep can lead to improvements in QOL for older Canadian adults.
Influence of anisotropic consolidation on the instability of loose granular soils under undrained and drained loading
Authors: Bokkisa Srinivas Vivek , Macedo Jorge
Published: September 2024

Previous studies, mostly experimental, have reported conflicting observations on the effect of the initial anisotropic consolidation stress ratio (η0) on the stress ratio at the onset of instability (η f) for drained and undrained loadings that involve static liquefaction. They indicate that as η0 increases, η f could decrease, increase, or remain invariant, albeit without providing potential mechanistic factors. In this study, the anisotropic critical state theory (ACST) is used to investigate potential factors, including compressibility, state, and fabric anisotropy, that can explain the influence of η0 on η f under undrained and drained loading. The assessments consider numerical simulations with the ACST-based SANISAND-F model, insights from SANISAND-F-based instability criteria, the instability surface concept, and available experimental observations. Our findings show that compressibility and fabric anisotropy (and its evolution) are key factors in explaining the influence of η0 on η f. In particular, the results show that if fabric evolution is not substantial, an increase in η0 decreases η f for materials with significant compressibility, whereas the effect of η0 in low compressibility materials is minimal. On the other hand, for materials that promote fabric evolution, the results suggest that the effect of fabric changes counteract compressibility effects, potentially increasing η f. Finally, the study also highlights the need for further research to better understand potential coupled effects of compressibility and fabric evolution on materials prone to significant loading-induced fabric changes.
Unveiling the secrets of new physics through top quark tagging
Authors: Sahu Rameswar , Ashanujjaman Saiyad , Ghosh Kirtiman
Published: September 2024

The ubiquity of top-rich final states in the context of beyond the Standard Model (BSM) searches has led to their status as extensively studied signatures at the LHC. Over the past decade, numerous endeavours have been undertaken in the literature to develop methods for efficiently distinguishing boosted top quark jets from QCD jets. Although cut-based strategies for boosted top tagging, which rely on substructure information from fat jets resulting from the hadronic decay of boosted top quarks, were introduced in the literature as early as 2008, recent years have witnessed a surge in the utilization of machine learning-based approaches for the classification of top-jets from QCD jets. The review focuses on the present status of boosted top tagging and its application for BSM searchers.
AUTOMATED GESTURE RECOGNITION USING ARTIFICIAL RABBITS OPTIMIZATION WITH DEEP LEARNING FOR ASSISTING VISUALLY CHALLENGED PEOPLE
Authors: MARZOUK RADWA , ALDEHIM GHADAH , AL-HAGERY MOHAMMED ABDULLAH , HILAL ANWER MUSTAFA , ALNEIL AMANI A.
Published: September 2024

Gesture recognition technology has become a transformative solution to enhance accessibility for people with vision impairments. This innovation enables the interpretation of body and hand movements, transforming them into meaningful information or commands by applying advanced computer vision sensors and algorithms. This technology serves as an intuitive interface for the visually impaired, enabling them to access information seamlessly, navigate digital devices, and interact with their surroundings, fostering more independence and inclusivity in day-to-day activities. Gesture recognition solutions using deep learning (DL) leverage neural networks (NN) to understand intricate patterns in human gestures. DL algorithms can identify and classify different hand and body movements accurately by training on extensive datasets. Therefore, this study develops an automated gesture recognition using artificial rabbits optimization with deep learning (AGR-ARODL) technique for assisting visually challenged persons. The AGR-ARODL technique mainly intends to assist visually challenged people in the recognition of various kinds of hand gestures. In accomplishing this, the AGR-ARODL technique primarily pre-processes the input images using a median filtering (MF) approach. Next, the AGR-ARODL technique involves the SE-ResNet-50 model to derive feature patterns and its hyperparameter selection process is carried out by the use of the artificial rabbit optimization (ARO) algorithm. The AGR-ARODL technique applies a deep belief network (DBN) model for the detection of various hand gestures. The simulation results of the AGR-ARODL method are tested under the benchmark gesture recognition dataset. Widespread experimental analysis underscored the betterment of the AGR-ARODL technique compared to recent DL models.
Overview of Digital Quantum Simulator: Applications and Comparison with Latest Methods
Authors: Tang Hao , Simancas-García José Leonardo , Mai Jianming , Cheng Minghao , Iqbal Imran , Por Lip Yee
Published: September 2024

In recent years, the rapidly advancing field of quantum computing has become a focal point of attention. However, issues such as scarcity of quantum hardware and noise pose challenges, leading to the reliance on quantum simulators running on classical computers for tasks like researching quantum algorithms and validating quantum chips. This paper discusses the main simulation methods used by different quantum simulators and explores various optimizations for mainstream full-amplitude state vector simulators and tensor network-based quantum simulators. Finally, we summarize the current status and future directions of quantum simulators. This paper also discusses algorithm-level and system-level optimizations that enhance simulator performance. Looking ahead, the development of quantum simulators faces challenges such as maximizing the use of quantum state properties and creating algorithms to overcome exponential growth issues in simulations. The future will likely focus on integrating high-performance computing resources, advancing optimization strategies, and tailoring simulations to specific applications, aiming for higher efficiency and precision in quantum simulations.
Prompt-Based Modality Bridging for Unified Text-to-Face Generation and Manipulation
Authors: Ma Yiyang , Kuang Haowei , Yang Huan , Fu Jianlong , Liu Jiaying
Published: September 2024

Text-driven face image generation and manipulation are significant tasks. However, such tasks are quite challenging due to the gap between text and image modalities. It is difficult to utilize current methods to deal with both of the two problems because these methods are usually designed for one certain task, limiting their application in real scenarios. To address the two problems in one framework, we propose a
Unified Prompt-based Cross-Modal Framework (UPCM-Frame)
to bridge the gap between the text modality and image modality with CLIP and StyleGAN, which are two large-scale pre-trained models. The proposed framework is combined with two main modules: a Text Embedding-to-Image Embedding projection module based on a special prompt embedding pair, and a projection module mapping Image Embeddings to semantically aligned StyleGAN Embeddings which can be used in both image generation and manipulation. The proposed framework is able to handle complicated descriptions and generate impressive results with high quality due to the utilization of large-scale pre-trained models. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in the two tasks, we conduct experiments to evaluate the results of our method both quantitatively and qualitatively.
Establishing Trust and Security in Decentralized Metaverse: A Web 3.0 Approach
Authors: Gebre Daniel , Hadish Siem , Sbhatu Aron , Aloqaily Moayad , Guizani Mohsen
Published: September 2024

The integration of blockchain and Web 3.0 technologies offers significant advancements in identity management and trust within decentralized Metaverse environments. Despite the rapid development of numerous Metaverse platforms, these environments often operate in isolation, lacking interoperability and cohesive security measures. This article proposes a novel architecture leveraging self-sovereign identity (SSI) principles and blockchain technology to achieve secure and interoperable interactions across different Metaverse platforms. Our framework encompasses a digital wallet application, an interactive virtual environment, and a secure blockchain-based backend infrastructure. We detail the system architecture, operational specifics, and demonstrate significant improvements in scalability, efficiency, and security through comprehensive performance evaluations. Additionally, we address the challenges of real-world implementation and propose viable solutions. By enhancing user control over personal data and enabling secure cross-platform interactions, our approach aims to foster a more secure, interoperable, and user-centric decentralized Metaverse.
From Moscow to the Fifth Dimension: Memoir of a Slow Learner
Authors: Cole Michael
Published: September 2024

This essay contains an account of my professional life from its beginnings as a third-generation, Skinnerian, mathematical learning theorist to its current state as an interdisciplinary developmentalist. Following completion of my PhD at Indiana University, I spent the academic year at Moscow State University where I worked under the direction of Alexander Luria, whose ideas led to my lifelong interest in cultural-historical approaches to human development. For more than a decade, I conducted cross-cultural research on the role of formal schooling in the cognitive development of children growing up in a variety of sociocultural conditions. Since the late 1970s, my research has focused on the design of educational activities involving partnerships between institutions of higher learning and their communities. A constant concern throughout this work has been the inappropriate use of psychological methods when comparing people from different culture backgrounds and a search for the means required to remediate the resulting difficulties.
The Marginal Value of Cash: Corporate Savings, Investment, and Financing
Authors: Bolton Patrick , Chen Hui , Wang Neng
Published: September 2024

The fact that internal liquidity is a key source of corporate funding puts the marginal value of cash at the center of a variety of firm decisions, including investment, payout, financing, savings, and risk management policies. The marginal value of cash is inherently a dynamic concept, because a firm facing financing frictions has to be forward-looking, managing its asset and liability structures in a unified framework and carefully trading off the use of liquidity across time and states. We present a dynamic framework for corporate liquidity management and survey the related literature, with a focus on the determinants of the marginal value of cash and its ubiquitous role in firm decisions.
Absolute Metabolite Quantification in Individuals with Glioma and Healthy Individuals Using Whole-Brain Three-dimensional MR Spectroscopic and Echo-planar Time-resolved Imaging
Authors: Baboli Mehran , Wang Fuyixue , Dong Zijing , Dietrich Jorg , Uhlmann Erik J. , Batchelor Tracy T. , Cahill Daniel P. , Andronesi Ovidiu C.
Published: September 2024

Fast super-resolution whole-brain MR spectroscopic imaging integrated with multiparametric echo-planar time-resolved imaging for relaxation and proton density correction yielded absolute metabolite quantification at 2.4-mm isotropic resolution in human gliomas and healthy brains.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa ExoY infection of pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells releases cyclic nucleotides into the extracellular compartment
Authors: Stone Madeline , Choi Chung-Sik , Dey Nandita , Swain Grace , Stevens Troy , Sayner Sarah L.
Published: September 2024

P. aeruginosa exoenzyme Y (ExoY) infection increases cyclic nucleotides intracellularly, but an overabundance of cAMP and cGMP is also detected in the extracellular space and reveals a greater capacity of pulmonary endothelial cells to generate cAMP and cGMP. P. aeruginosa infection or treatment with sterile media supernatants derived from a primary infection suppresses the β-adrenergic-induced cAMP response in pulmonary endothelial cells, which is exacerbated by the expression of functional ExoY.
MAP2K1 dampens cigarette smoke-induced inflammation via suppression of type I interferon pathway activation
Authors: Gong Ke-Qin , Brune Jourdan E. , Guo Xiaoyun , Manicone Anne M.
Published: September 2024

Activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK)-ERK1/2 pathway is present in COPD lung tissue compared with healthy lungs. Our study using mice deficient in myeloid Map2k1 reveals that Map2k1 is a critical determinant in modulating the severity of CS-induced lung inflammation via suppression of type I interferon responses, and its expression is protective.
Senescence of lung mesenchymal stem cells of preterm infants by cyclic stretch and hyperoxia via p21
Authors: Behnke Judith , Goetz Maurizio J. , Holzfurtner Lena , Korte Pauline , Weiss Astrid , Shahzad Tayyab , Wilhelm Jochen , Schermuly Ralph T. , Rivetti Stefano , Bellusci Saverio , Ehrhardt Harald
Published: September 2024

Rarefication of lung mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) due to exposure to cyclic mechanical stretch (CMS) during mechanical ventilation with oxygen-rich gas is a hallmark of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants, but the pathomechanistic understanding is incomplete. Our studies identify a common signaling mechanism mediated by p21 accumulation, leading to cellular senescence and cell death, most pronounced during the combined exposure with in principle reversible phenotype change depending on strength and duration of exposures.
The misuse of respiratory resistive loading during aerobic exercises: revisiting mechanisms of “standalone” inspiratory muscle training
Authors: Rodrigues Gabriel Dias , McConnell Alison K.
Published: September 2024

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses support the benefits of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) for sports and clinical populations. A typical application of “standalone” IMT intervention consists of breathing against an inspiratory load (IRL), twice daily, for 5–7 days/wk, for 4–12 wk. However, the application of IRL during aerobic exercise is often seen in a training routine of sports and rehabilitation centers with no evidence-based guide. In this Perspective, we will revisit putative mechanisms underlying the established benefits of “standalone” IMT to support our contention that IMT need not and should not be used during aerobic exercise.
Supplementary Figure S3 from Durvalumab ± Tremelimumab + Platinum-Etoposide in Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer (CASPIAN): Outcomes by PD-L1 Expression and Tissue Tumor Mutational Burden
Authors: Paz-Ares Luis , Garassino Marina Chiara , Chen Yuanbin , Reinmuth Niels , Hotta Katsuyuki , Poltoratskiy Artem , Trukhin Dmytro , Hochmair Maximilian J. , Özgüroğlu Mustafa , Ji Jun Ho , Statsenko Galina , Conev Nikolay , Bondarenko Igor , Havel Libor , Losonczy György , Xie Mingchao , Lai Zhongwu , Godin-Heymann Nadia , Mann Helen , Jiang Haiyi , Shrestha Yashaswi , Goldman Jonathan W.
Published: September 2024

Subgroup analysis of PFS by PD-L1 TC and IC expression for (A) durvalumab plus tremelimumab plus EP versus EP and (B) durvalumab plus EP versus EP. In each panel, the shaded band shows the confidence interval for the ITT population; circle sizes are proportional to the number of events.
Supplementary Figure 2 from Engineering Oncogenic Hotspot Mutations on SF3B1 via CRISPR-Directed PRECIS Mutagenesis
Authors: Fernandez Mike M. , Yu Lei , Jia Qiong , Wang Xuesong , Hart Kevyn L. , Jia Zhenyu , Lin Ren-Jang , Wang Lili
Published: September 2024

PE2 and PE3 outperform base editing in engineering the K700E mutation
Figure 3 from Engineering Oncogenic Hotspot Mutations on SF3B1 via CRISPR-Directed PRECIS Mutagenesis
Authors: Fernandez Mike M. , Yu Lei , Jia Qiong , Wang Xuesong , Hart Kevyn L. , Jia Zhenyu , Lin Ren-Jang , Wang Lili
Published: September 2024

CLL SF3B1 mutant cell lines recapitulates the altered splicing profile of primary CLL. A, Unsupervised clustering analysis and (B) PCA plot based on alternative splicing events of RNA sequencing data derived from primary CLL patient samples (n = 36) and cell lines with and without SF3B1 mutation. C, Density plot showing the position and frequency of cryptic 3′SS for SF3B1-mutated primary CLL samples and cell lines vs. average distance to the first AG from RefSeq reference of all canonical 3′SS. The number of cryptic 3′SS events used to calculate each density plot is indicated. D, Overlap analysis of significant splicing events associated with SF3B1 mutation (PSI > 0.1 or < −0.1 with P value < 0.05) among CLL, HG-3, MEC-1, and Nalm-6 cells. Events common to all samples or specific only to CLL and CLL cell lines are indicated. E, Stacked bar plot representation of the type of alternative splicing events found in common and CLL only splice variants. F, Heatmap showing the splicing profiles of 64 common and 33 CLL only splice variants. G, Splice variant qPCR analysis of GSAP and APBB3 alternative splicing in CLL, HG-3, MEC-1, and Nalm-6 with and without SF3B1 mutation in biological triplicates. Student unpaired t-test was used (*, P ≤ 0.05; **, P ≤ 0.01). Some figures created with BioRender.com.
Figure 2 from Engineering Oncogenic Hotspot Mutations on SF3B1 via CRISPR-Directed PRECIS Mutagenesis
Authors: Fernandez Mike M. , Yu Lei , Jia Qiong , Wang Xuesong , Hart Kevyn L. , Jia Zhenyu , Lin Ren-Jang , Wang Lili
Published: September 2024

SF3B1 mutation-responsive reporter allows for facile isolation of SF3B1 mutant clones. A, The design of the K700E reporter. GFP is bisected by synMTERFD3i1-150 (30) and co-expressed with a blasticidin selection marker. The entire cassette is flanked by loxP signals to enable Cre recombinase-mediated deletion of reporter post-editing. B, Flow cytometry plots (left) and histograms (right) of Nalm-6 and K562 SF3B1 K700K and K700E cell lines stably transduced with the K700E reporter. C, Workflow for engineering cell lines with the K700E mutation. D, Flow cytometry plots (left) and histograms (right) of HG-3 and MEC-1 control cells or cells electroporated and sorted for PE5max K700E. E, Sanger sequencing results for HG-3 and MEC-1 control cells, cells sorted for RFP (PE5max K700E), and cells sorted for GFP (K700E reporter). F, K700E frequency measured through Sanger sequencing for each sample in biological triplicates. G, Sanger sequencing results for isogenic HG-3 and MEC-1 SF3B1 WT and K700E clones. H, Splice variant qPCR analysis of MAP3K7 and DVL2 alternative splicing in CLL, HG-3, and MEC-1 with and without SF3B1 mutation in biological triplicates. Student unpaired t-test was used (*, P ≤ 0.05; **, P ≤ 0.01). All negative controls are parental, unedited cells. Some figures created with BioRender.com.
Toward Senior-Friendly Hospitals: An Overview of Programs, Their Elements and Effectiveness in Improving Care
Authors: Scheerman Kira , Klaverweide Julio R. , Meskers Carel G.M. , Maier Andrea B.
Published: September 2024

Background: Comprehensive “senior-friendly hospital” (SFH)-programs have been developed to counteract negative health outcomes in hospitalized older adults. The aim of this narrative review was to provide an overview of published SFH-programs and their elements and to summarize evidence of their effect on quality of care and patient satisfaction. Summary: A search of the databases Pubmed/Medline from inception to July 2023 and of governmental, regional, and hospital websites was performed. Programs were earmarked as SFH-programs if they primarily focused on the hospital setting, and comprised a hospital wide, multilevel approach and consisted of multiple elements. Articles and reports were included if participants were hospitalized and aged 60 years and older, and described the effect on quality of care or patient satisfaction. Articles focusing on specific patient groups or wards or on a health system or network were excluded. Ten SFH-programs were identified, with mutual elements like “organizational support,” “social climate and services,” “processes of care,” and “physical environment.” Only for the “Acute Care for Elders” program (USA), evidence was found showing positive effects on functional abilities, falls, delirium, length of stay, and patient satisfaction; effectiveness of other SFH-programs could not be found. Key Message: Elements of SFH-programs may improve care for hospitalized older adults, but the evidence of their effectiveness is scarce.