bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dimer model and holomorphic functions on t‐embeddings of planar graphs
Authors: Chelkak Dmitry , Laslier Benoît , Russkikh Marianna
Published: March 2023

We introduce the framework of discrete holomorphic functions on t‐embeddings of weighted bipartite planar graphs; t‐embeddings also appeared under the name Coulomb gauges in a recent paper (Kenyon, Lam, Ramassamy, and Russkikh, Dimers and circle patterns, 2018). We argue that this framework is particularly relevant for the analysis of scaling limits of the height fluctuations in the corresponding dimer models. In particular, it unifies both Kenyon's interpretation of dimer observables as derivatives of harmonic functions on T‐graphs and the notion of s‐holomorphic functions originated in Smirnov's work on the critical Ising model. We develop an a priori regularity theory for such functions and provide a meta‐theorem on convergence of the height fluctuations to the Gaussian Free Field. We also discuss how several more standard discretizations of complex analysis fit this general framework.
Low frequency attenuation of acoustic waves in a perforated pipe
Authors: Dell A. , Krynkin A. , Horoshenkov K. V. , Sailor G.
Published: March 2023

This paper presents new experimental and numerical evidence that perforations in a pipe wall result in a low-frequency bandgap within which sound waves rapidly attenuate. These perforations are modelled as an acoustically soft boundary condition on the pipe wall and show that a low frequency bandgap is created from 0 Hz. The upper bound of this bandgap is determined by the dimensions and separation of the perforations. An analytical model based on the transfer matrix method is proposed. This model is validated against numerical predictions for the pipe with varying perforation geometries. A numerical study is undertaken to model the effect of perforations with ideal acoustically soft boundary conditions and surrounded with an air gap. Close agreement is found between the numerical and analytical models. Experimental evidence shows that the width of the bandgap is accurately predicted with the numerical and analytical models.
Characterization of regional differences in resting-state fMRI with a data-driven network model of brain dynamics
Authors: Sip Viktor , Hashemi Meysam , Dickscheid Timo , Amunts Katrin , Petkoski Spase , Jirsa Viktor
Published: March 2023

Model-based data analysis of whole-brain dynamics links the observed data to model parameters in a network of neural masses. Recently, studies focused on the role of regional variance of model parameters. Such analyses however necessarily depend on the properties of preselected neural mass model. We introduce a method to infer from the functional data both the neural mass model representing the regional dynamics and the region- and subject-specific parameters while respecting the known network structure. We apply the method to human resting-state fMRI. We find that the underlying dynamics can be described as noisy fluctuations around a single fixed point. The method reliably discovers three regional parameters with clear and distinct role in the dynamics, one of which is strongly correlated with the first principal component of the gene expression spatial map. The present approach opens a novel way to the analysis of resting-state fMRI with possible applications for understanding the brain dynamics during aging or neurodegeneration.
Direct van der Waals simulation (DVS) of phase-transforming fluids
Authors: Hu Tianyi , Wang Hao , Gomez Hector
Published: March 2023

We present the method of direct van der Waals simulation (DVS) to study computationally flows with liquid-vapor phase transformations. Our approach is based on a discretization of the Navier-Stokes-Korteweg equations, which couple flow dynamics with van der Waals’ nonequilibrium thermodynamic theory of phase transformations, and opens an opportunity for first-principles simulation of a wide range of boiling and cavitating flows. The proposed algorithm enables unprecedented simulations of the Navier-Stokes-Korteweg equations involving cavitating flows at strongly under-critical conditions and 𝒪(105) Reynolds number. The proposed technique provides a pathway for a fundamental understanding of phase-transforming flows with multiple applications in science, engineering, and medicine.
A water transport system across the mantle transition zone beneath western North America as imaged by electrical conductivity data
Authors: Li Shiwen , Li Yabin , Guo Junhao , Zhou Zikun , Weng Aihua
Published: March 2023

The stability field of hydrous phases carried by subducting slabs regulates water transport along the subduction pathway. The ultimate vertical distribution of this water at different depths in Earth’s mantle is governed by the thermal state of the slab. A warm slab is considered to lose water mainly in the upper mantle. However, whether a warm slab can carry water into the lower mantle (LM) is uncertain because of the scarcity of geophysical observations. We report an electrical conductivity model of the mantle transition zone (MTZ) and uppermost LM beneath North America to confirm the water-transporting ability of a warm slab. A high-conductivity anomaly was identified beneath the western United States. The LM portion of this anomaly is interpreted as a hydrous region containing rehydrated stishovite, whereas the lower MTZ portion of the anomaly is ascribed to the presence of water (~0.8 wt%) released by the hydrous stishovite. We speculate that warm slabs, such as the Farallon slab, can cause the breakdown of large amounts of dense hydrous magnesium silicates, releasing water mainly into the upper mantle. This water rehydrates stishovite when percolating through the slab, enabling the slab to continue to transport water into the LM. The identified high-conductivity anomaly, together with previously recognized electrical features in the upper mantle, demonstrates the existence of a trans-MTZ water transport system associated with the warm subduction of the Farallon slab.
Macrophage STING signaling promotes NK cell to suppress colorectal cancer liver metastasis via 4-1BBL/4-1BB co-stimulation
Authors: Sun Yu , Hu Haoran , Liu Zheng , Xu Jian , Gao Yiyun , Zhan Xinyu , Zhou Shun , Zhong Weizhe , Wu Dongming , Wang Ping , Rao Zhuqing , Kong Lianbao , Zhou Haoming
Published: March 2023

Background and aims

Macrophage innate immune response plays an important role in tumorigenesis. However, the role and mechanism of macrophage STING signaling in modulating tumor microenvironment to suppress tumor growth at secondary sites remains largely unclear.

Methods

STING expression was assessed in liver samples from patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastasis. Global or myeloid stimulator of interferon gene (STING)-deficient mice, myeloid NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)-deficient mice, and wild-type (WT) mice were subjected to a mouse model of CRC liver metastasis by intrasplenic injection of murine colon carcinoma cells (MC38). Liver non-parenchymal cells including macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells were isolated for flow cytometry analysis. Bone marrow-derived macrophages pretreated with MC38 were co-cultured with splenic NK cells for in vitro studies.

Results

Significant activation of STING signaling were detected in adjacent and tumor tissues and intrahepatic macrophages. Global or myeloid STING-deficient mice had exacerbated CRC liver metastasis and shorten survival, with decreased intrahepatic infiltration and impaired antitumor function of NK cells. Depletion of NK cells in WT animals increased their metastatic burden, while no significant effects were observed in myeloid STING-deficient mice. STING activation contributed to the secretion of interleukin (IL)-18 and IL-1β by macrophages, which optimized antitumor activity of NK cells by promoting the expression of 4-1BBL in macrophages and 4-1BB in NK cells, respectively. Moreover, MC38 treatment activated macrophage NLRP3 signaling, which was inhibited by STING depletion. Myeloid NLRP3 deficiency increased tumor burden and suppressed activation of NK cells. NLRP3 activation by its agonist effectively suppressed CRC liver metastasis in myeloid SITNG-deficient mice.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that STING signaling promoted NLRP3-mediated IL-18 and IL-1β production of macrophages to optimize the antitumor function of NK cells via the co-stimulation signaling of 4-1BBL/4-1BB.
Development and testing of an alternative responder definition for EULAR Sjögren’s Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI)
Authors: Wratten Samantha , Abetz-Webb Linda , Arenson Ethan , Griffiths Pip , Bowman Simon , Hueber Wolfgang , Ndife Briana , Kuessner Daniel , Goswami Pushpendra
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Dryness, fatigue and joint/muscle pain are typically assessed in Sjögren’s trials using European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology Sjögren’s Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI). A Patient Acceptable Symptom State of <5 and a Minimal Clinically Important Improvement (MCII)/responder definition (RD) of ≥1 point or 15% on ESSPRI have previously been defined. This study explored alternative RDs to better discriminate between active treatment and placebo in trials.

Methods

Anchor-based and distribution-based methods were used to derive RD thresholds in blinded phase IIb trial data (N=190) and confirm these in blinded data pooled from three early phase II trials (N=126). The populations consisted of individuals with moderate-to-severe systemic primary Sjögren’s. Anchors were prioritised by ESSPRI correlations and used in similar conditions. Triangulated estimates were discussed with experts (N=3). The revised RD was compared with the original using unblinded data to assess placebo and treatment responder rates.

Results

Patients were predominantly female (>90%), white (90%), with mean age of 50 years. Receiver operating characteristic estimates supported an MCII threshold of 1.5–1.6 in the phase II data, whereas correlation-weighted mean change estimates supported a low/minimal symptom severity threshold of ≥2. A low/minimal symptom severity of ≤3 showed the greatest sensitivity/specificity balance. Analyses in the pooled data supported these thresholds (MCII: 1.5–2.1; low/minimal symptom severity: 2.7–3.7). Unblinded analyses confirmed the revised RD reduced placebo rates.

Conclusions

Completing a trial with an improvement of ≥1.5 points compared with baseline and an ESSPRI score of ≤3 points is a relevant RD for moderate-to-severe systemic Sjögren’s and reduces placebo rates.
Multi-indicator precautionary approach frameworks for crustacean fisheries
Authors: Mullowney Darrell R. J. , Baker Krista D.
Published: March 2023

Implementation of precautionary approach (PA) management systems has generally proven to be a betterment over historic management practices in sustainable use of fisheries resources. However, PA management systems can minimize the application of holistic assessment advice. Single-indicator approaches, typically featuring a measure of stock biomass or abundance, have emerged as dominant in developing methods for PA frameworks. This often leads to advice generated from these frameworks being applied within narrowly focused decision-making pathways and can minimize management application of important ancillary factors. We argue this outcome is counter to the intent of PA management systems and that multi-indicator PA frameworks are a better approach. In this analysis, we detail the multi-indicator PA system development for demonstrative case studies focused on three lucrative fisheries resources in Newfoundland & Labrador, highlighting how multi-indicator PAs are potentially a better approach for the management of stocks with a contrasting range of ecological roles, socioeconomic importance, and data quality. The work is intended to generate a discussion on how PA frameworks should evolve to best suit management purposes.
Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) spring migration in British Columbia: a comparative study of juveniles and adults
Authors: Howarth Chloe R. , Bishop Christine A. , Larsen Karl W.
Published: March 2023

In many species, the spatial ecology of early age classes can differ significantly from adults. Adult Western Rattlesnakes ( Crotalus oreganus Holbrook, 1840) at the northern extent of their range undertake small-scale but important seasonal migrations between communal hibernacula and summer foraging and mating grounds. Mature snakes also show annual fidelity to their migratory paths, providing a useful system to examine the development of migratory behaviour. We examined and compared spring outbound migratory movements of juveniles and adults at a site in southern British Columbia, Canada, using radiotelemetry data collected between 2011 and 2016 (adult snakes) and in 2021 (juvenile snakes). We found that compared with adult rattlesnakes, juveniles displayed similar directional orientation, direction of vertical migration, and path sinuosity, but initiated spring migrations later and exhibited shorter movements in terms of distances and rates. For example, juvenile straight-line migration distance (262 ± 90 m) was significantly shorter than that for adults (1069 ± 134 m; P < 0.001). We provide a starting point in attempting to understand an important question in migration—how individuals early on in their lives adopt different tactics—while contributing to our growing understanding of the complexity of patterns and variation in the movement ecology of a far-ranging snake.
IMPACT OF IMPORTED INTERMEDIATE GOODS ON ENERGY-ENVIRONMENTAL EFFICIENCY: FIRM-LEVEL EVIDENCE FROM CHINA
Authors: LIU SU , DAKOUO CYPRIEN , WANG RONGBO , XIONG HANYU
Published: March 2023

Improving energy-environmental efficiency (EEE) is an important way to achieve China’s carbon peak, carbon-neutral goals and green transformational development. The scale of imports of intermediate goods has been increasing rapidly with the deepening of China’s opening up to the outside world, which has played a positive role in promoting high-quality development. Considering that enterprises are the main players in transforming energy consumption patterns and high-quality development, we investigated the impact of imported intermediate goods on EEE from a microfield perspective. The empirical results showed that imported intermediate goods significantly contributed to EEE and that firms’ innovation capacity and productivity are the corresponding influencing mechanisms. The effects of importing intermediate goods in foreign-invested enterprises, enterprises in the eastern and coastal regions and capital-intensive enterprises are more obvious in improving EEE. Further expansion of imports of intermediate goods, enhancement of enterprises’ capacity for independent innovation, deepening structural reforms and accelerated development of the digital economy can help enhance the promotional effect of imports of intermediate goods on enterprises’ EEE.
Nonmonotone Alternative Direction Method Based on Simple Conic Model for Unconstrained Optimization
Authors: Zhao Lijuan
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we propose a nonmonotone Alternative Direction Method (ADM) based on simple conic model for unconstrained optimization. Unlike traditional trust region method, the subproblem in our method is a simple conic model, where the Hessian of the objective function is replaced by a scalar approximation, the trust region subproblem is solved by ADM which was first proposed by Zhu and Ni. When the trial point isn’t accepted by trust region, line search technique is used to find an acceptable point instead of resolving the trust region subproblem. The new method needs less memory capacitance and computational complexity. The global convergence of the algorithm is established under some mild conditions. Numerical results on a series of standard test problems are reported to show the new method is effective and robust.
Design of Fruit-Carrying Monitoring System for Monorail Transporter in Mountain Orchard
Authors: Li Zhen , Zhou Yuehuai , Lyu Shilei , Huang Ying , Yi Yuanfei , Zhao Chonghai
Published: March 2023

The real-time monitoring and detection of the fruit carrying for monorail transporter in the mountain orchard are significant for the transporter scheduling and safety. In this paper, we present a fruit carrying monitoring system, including the pan-tilt camera platform, AI edge computing platform, improved detection algorithm and the web client. The system used a pan-tilt camera to capture images of the truck body of the monorail transporter, realizing monitoring of fruit carrying. Besides, we present an improved fruit carrying detection algorithm based on YOLOv5s, taking the “basket”, “orange” and “fullbasket” as the object. We introduced the improved attention mechanism E-CBAM (Efficient-Convolutional Block Attention Module) based on CBAM, into the C3 module in the neck network of YOLOv5s. Focal loss was introduced to improve the classification and confidence loss to improve detection accuracy; to deploy the model on the embedded platform better, we compressed the model through the EagleEye pruning algorithm to reduce the parameters and improve the detection speed. The experiment was performed on the custom fruit-carrying datasets, the mAP was 91.5%, which was 9.6%, 9.9% and 12.0% higher than that of Faster-RCNN, RetinaNet-Res50 and YOLOv3-tiny, respectively, and detection speed at Jetson Nano was 72[Formula: see text]ms/img. The monitoring system and detection algorithm proposed in the paper can provide technical support for the safe transportation of monorail transporter and scheduling transportation equipment more efficiently.
Bi-Legendrian rack colorings of Legendrian knots
Authors: Kimura Naoki
Published: March 2023

We introduce a bi-Legendrian rack and show that a bi-Legendrian rack coloring number is an invariant of Legendrian knots. We prove that bi-Legendrian rack coloring numbers can distinguish all Legendrian unknots with the same Thurston–Bennequin number. We also consider pairs of Legendrian knots which cannot be distinguished by bi-Legendrian rack coloring numbers.
Logarithmic gravity model
Authors: Kruglov S. I.
Published: March 2023

In this paper, the modified [Formula: see text] gravity theory with the function [Formula: see text] is studied. The action at small coupling [Formula: see text] becomes Einstein–Hilbert action. The bound on the parameter [Formula: see text] from local tests is [Formula: see text] cm2. We find the constant curvature solutions and it was shown that the de Sitter space is unstable but a solution with zero Ricci scalar is stable. The potential and the mass of the scalar field (scalaron) are obtained in Einstein’s frame. The slow-roll cosmological parameters are studied and e-folds number is evaluated. The critical points of autonomous equations are analyzed. The function [Formula: see text] that describes the deviation from the [Formula: see text]CDM model is calculated.
NUMERICAL SIMULATION STUDY ON THE REACTION PERFORMANCE OF A METHANOL STEAM REFORMING TO HYDROGEN MICROREACTOR
Authors: CHEN XUEYE , YUAN ZHANPENG
Published: March 2023

Hydrogen has received widespread attention as a new clean energy in order to reduce the carbon emissions of fuel vehicles. This paper studies a tubular microreactor based on methanol steam reforming. Methanol and steam are mixed in proportion and the chemical reaction takes place in a porous catalytic bed. For heating purposes, hot gas from the burner penetrates the reactor bed through heating tubes. Energy is supplied through the heating tubes to drive the endothermic reaction system. The microreactor is enclosed in an insulated jacket. In this paper, parameters such as methanol conversion and hydrogen concentration are evaluated by considering microreactor materials, heating gas temperature and flow direction, heating tube distribution, pressure drop and reaction channel length. First of all, choosing a microreactor material with a smaller thermal conductivity can avoid excessive heat loss, and improve heat transfer performance. Increasing the heating gas temperature leads to an increase in the temperature of the reaction zone, thereby increasing the CH3OH conversion rate and H2 mass fraction. Changing the flow direction of the heating gas affects the reaction rate, but has little effect on the reaction result. Through the research on the distribution of the heating tubes, the results show that the hydrogen production rate is higher when the contact area between the heating tubes and the reaction zone is larger. Secondly, through the comparison of the data under different pressure drops, the best parameter [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]pa is obtained, and the CH3OH conversion rate is 80.6% at this time. Finally, increasing the length of the reaction channel can make the reaction more complete. For example, when the reaction channel length [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m, the CH3OH conversion rate is as high as 83.7%.
Fear and delay effects on a food chain system with two kinds of different functional responses
Authors: Shao Yuanfu
Published: March 2023

For food chain system with three populations, direct predation is the basic interaction between species. Different species often have different predation functional responses, so a food chain system with Holling-II response for middle predator and Beddinton–DeAngelis response for top predator is proposed. Apart from direct predation, predator population can significantly impact the survival of prey population by inducing the prey’s fear, but the impact often possesses a time delay. This paper is concentrated to explore how the fear and time delay affect the system stability and the species persistence. By use of Lyapunov functional method and bifurcation theory, the positiveness and boundedness of solutions, local and global behavior of species, the system stability around the equilibrium states and various kinds of bifurcation are investigated. Numerically, some simulations are carried out to validate the main findings and the critical values of the bifurcation parameters of fear and conversion rate are obtained. It is observed that fear and delay can not only stabilize, but also destabilize the system, which depends on the magnitude of the fear and delay. The system varies from unstable to stable due to the continuous increase of the prey’s fear by middle predator. Small fear induced by top predator or small delay of the prey’s fear can stabilize the system, while they are sufficiently large, the system stability is to be destroyed. Simultaneously, the conversion rate can also change the stability and even make the species to be extinct. Some rich dynamics like multiple stabilities and various types of bistability behaviors are also exhibited, which results in the convergence of the species from one stable equilibrium to another.
The reflexive vertex strength on cycle and generalized friendship graph
Authors: Agustin Ika Hesti , Utoyo M. Imam , Dafik  , Mohanapriya N. , Slamin
Published: March 2023

Let [Formula: see text] be a simple, un-directed and connected graph. The graph [Formula: see text] has a pair of sets [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is nonempty vertex set and [Formula: see text] is an unordered pair of sets with two distinct vertices [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text]. A total [Formula: see text]-labeling is defined as a function [Formula: see text] from the edge set to a set [Formula: see text] and a function [Formula: see text] from the vertex set to a set [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text]. The total [Formula: see text]-labeling is a vertex irregular reflexive[Formula: see text]-labeling of the graph [Formula: see text], if for every two different vertices [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text]. The reflexive vertex strength of the graph [Formula: see text], denoted by [Formula: see text] is the minimum [Formula: see text] for graph [Formula: see text] which has a vertex irregular reflexive [Formula: see text]-labeling. In this paper, we determined the exact value of the reflexive vertex strength of cycle and generalized friendship graph.
An ODE to Nanoparticles in Catalysis
Authors: Nath Ipsita , Chakraborty Jeet , Kumari Nidhi , Verpoort Francis , Roy Soumyajit
Published: March 2023

Going down the particle size to nanodomain opens up innovative allies to expedite the physical and chemical properties of materials, and in turn, facilitates the manipulation of their catalytic propensity. Herein, we provide a succinct perspective of the wide spectrum of nanoparticles (NPs) in catalysis highlighting the underlying chemistry of different aspects, the introspective thread connecting them, and the ways to devise operando algorithms for exploiting such inter-connected systems. Following an introductory section discussing the generic miens of NPs, we went on to discuss the role of nanocrystals, especially various crystal facets and morphological anomalies in catalysis. The electronic shuttling involved in these catalysis vis-à-vis surface plasmon effect, Mott–Schottky contact, and Z-scheme systems, all in the nanodomain, was then explained. Following this, we introduced the concept of “Soft Matter” and “Active Matter”, essentially the ones exploiting previously discussed chemistry, and explained the role of their in situ morphological precedence and stimuli-induced motility in catalysis. Finally, the emerging concept of Operando Systems Chemistry Algorithm (OSCA) was instituted discussing the devising strategies of tandem compartmentalized chemical arrays as individual algorithm analogs to sequentially impact the properties of aforementioned soft and active matters for targeted catalytic assays.
An EOQ Model with Time-Dependent Demand and Holding Cost Under the Effect of Inspection on Deterioration Rate
Authors: Verma Rohit , Narang Pankaj , Kanti De Pijus
Published: March 2023

This paper presents an inventory system for deteriorating products taking into account the effect of the number of inspections at the time of replenishment on the average rate of deterioration. In the real world, some products’ deterioration rate may be affected by other adjacent products. Therefore, the effect of deteriorated products can be reduced by removing them from other items through complete inspection. The product’s demand is taken as a linear function of time. Two holding cost scenarios are suggested. Holding cost is constant in the first scenario and time-dependent in the second. The average deterioration rate depends on each product’s rate of deterioration and the number of inspections. The total average cost of the seller is constructed under two different functions of holding cost. The major goal of this work is to obtain the optimal number of inspections and cycle time to reduce the total cost of the seller. The model is illustrated numerically and a sensitivity analysis is performed to determine the impact of different parameter values.
A Novel Mechanical Design of a Wearable Fingertip Haptic Device for Remote Meniscus Palpation
Authors: Morad Samir , Jaffer Zainab , Dogramadzi Sanja
Published: March 2023

A pneumatic model of a fingertip haptic device (FHD) had been previously tested in virtual reality allowing the perception of different materials with a promising result. However, numerous drawbacks were noted in this design, including bulky size, less portability, and discomfort. In this paper, FHD is redesigned to provide haptic feedback for human meniscus palpation. A user study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the redesigned FHD. The study showed that the redesigned model could successfully provide a more evident perception of different stiffness levels but it compromised the comfort of the user when mounted on the finger for long periods.
Building a Sustainable Future: Exploring Green Finance, Regenerative Finance, and Green Financial Technology
Authors: Shih Chia Mei , Gwizdalski Andrzej , Deng Xin
Published: March 2023

This paper presents an overview of sustainable finance and focuses on the crucial role of green and regenerative finance in promoting sustainability in the contemporary world. It discusses how green financial technology (green fintech) leverages technology to support sustainable finance and reviews the latest advancements in green technologies, and how they are utilized to mitigate the effects of climate change. In addition, it highlights the importance of governance in these two areas of sustainable finance. Several real-life case stories are also presented to illustrate the successful applications of green technologies by organizations and individuals to mitigate the effects of climate change and achieve sustainability goals. In sum, the overarching goal of this paper is to demonstrate how harnessing the power of green and regenerative finance and green fintech is crucial in ensuring a sustainable future for all.
An In-depth Guide to Cross-chain Protocols under a Multi-chain World
Authors: Zheng Jincheng , Lee David Kuo Chuen , Qian Dejun
Published: March 2023

In 2021, public blockchains have made remarkable progress with the support of investors and developers, ushering in the era of the multi-chain world, which represents a paradigm shift that is unlikely to be reversed. Cross-chain protocols have become an essential infrastructure in this new world, referring to a standardized set of rules and processes that enable the secure transfer of assets or information between different blockchain networks. To help researchers and industry practitioners better understand the concepts, advantages, and limitations of cross-chain technologies, this paper presents a comprehensive guide to cross-chain protocols. We cover a range of topics, including message transmission protocols, leading cross-chain bridges, and other cross-chain applications. Additionally, we discuss potential risks and challenges associated with cross-chain protocols and explore the future of cross-chain protocol development. Our work is intended to offer valuable insights and references for anyone looking to delve deeper into cross-chain protocols, whether they are academic researchers or industry professionals.
About this title - The Triassic and Jurassic of the Junggar Basin, China: Advances in Palaeontology and Environments
Authors: Sha J. , Slater S. M. , Vajda V. , Olsen P. E. , Zhang H.
Published: March 2023

This volume presents recent advances in our understanding of Mesozoic palaeontology, sedimentology and geochemistry of the Junggar Basin, China. This basin is of particular interest because it provides rare insights into life on the continents from a region that was at high latitudes during the Triassic and Jurassic.
Networks of Migrants’ Narratives: A Post-authentic Approach to Heritage Visualisation
Authors: Viola Lorella
Published: March 2023

Digital tools, technologies, and infrastructures have increasingly shaped how knowledge is understood, created, managed, maintained, and shared. In sectors such as cultural heritage, for example, curators and scholars now widely apply computer science approaches to their collections for tasks such as enriching content and providing users with visual access. Although there has been an increasing interest in critical digital visual design and cultural heritage, what still seems to be largely missing is a problematised and critical approach to the application of these techniques. Drawing on critical posthumanities, in this article I propose a new critical framework, the post-authentic framework to digital objects and cultural heritage. The framework advocates transparency and openness as well as the active and reflexive participation of the scholar/curator in the process of knowledge production. To exemplify how the post-authentic framework may be applied to digital research, I explore two use cases: critical visualisation design and critical digital heritage research. For the first use case, I examine the design choices for developing the tool DeXTER, an interactive visualisation app that allows users to explore enriched cultural heritage material interactively. I specifically emphasise the challenges facing product design, with a focus on visualising the ambiguities and uncertainties of Network Analysis and Sentiment Analysis. For the second use case, I explore the potential of DeXTER for testing hypotheses on large textual collections, for example by accessing the layers of meaning attached to referential entities. The use case is the Italian American labour movement from 1898 to 1936. The article concludes with key concepts and methods for applying the post-authentic framework to digital heritage practices and knowledge creation more widely.
NeuroHSMD: Neuromorphic Hybrid Spiking Motion Detector
Authors: Machado Pedro , Ferreira João Filipe , Oikonomou Andreas , McGinnity T. M.
Published: March 2023

Vertebrate retinas are highly-efficient in processing trivial visual tasks such as detecting moving objects, which still represent complex challenges for modern computers. In vertebrates, the detection of object motion is performed by specialised retinal cells named Object Motion Sensitive Ganglion Cells (OMS-GC). OMS-GC process continuous visual signals and generate spike patterns that are post-processed by the Visual Cortex. Our previous Hybrid Sensitive Motion Detector (HSMD) algorithm was the first hybrid algorithm to enhance Background subtraction (BS) algorithms with a customised 3-layer Spiking Neural Network (SNN) that generates OMS-GC spiking-like responses. In this work, we present a Neuromorphic Hybrid Sensitive Motion Detector (NeuroHSMD) algorithm that accelerates our HSMD algorithm using Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). The NeuroHSMD was compared against the HSMD algorithm, using the same 2012 Change Detection (CDnet2012) and 2014 Change Detection (CDnet2014) benchmark datasets. When tested against the CDnet2012 and CDnet2014 datasets, NeuroHSMD performs object motion detection at 720 × 480 at 28.06 Frames Per Second (fps) and 720 × 480 at 28.71 fps, respectively, with no degradation of quality. Moreover, the NeuroHSMD proposed in this article was completely implemented in Open Computer Language (OpenCL) and therefore is easily replicated in other devices such as Graphical Processing Units (GPUs) and clusters of Central Processing Units (CPUs).
High-plasma soluble prorenin receptor is associated with vascular damage in male, but not female, mice fed a high-fat diet
Authors: Visniauskas Bruna , Reverte Virginia , Abshire Caleb M. , Ogola Benard O. , Rosales Carla B. , Galeas-Pena Michelle , Sure Venkata N. , Sakamuri Siva S. V. P. , Harris Nicholas R. , Kilanowski-Doroh Isabella , Mcnally Alexandra B. , Horton Alec C. , Zimmerman Margaret , Katakam Prasad V. G. , Lindsey Sarah H. , Prieto Minolfa C.
Published: March 2023

High-fat diet (HFD) for 28 wk leads to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) phenotype, concomitant with increased plasma soluble prorenin receptor (sPRR), nondipping blood pressure, and vascular stiffness in male mice. HFD-fed female mice exhibiting a preserved cardiometabolic phenotype until ovariectomy revealed increased plasma sPRR and blood pressure. Plasma sPRR may indicate the status of systemic renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) activation and the onset of vascular complications during T2DM in a sex-dependent manner.
A simulation of skin mitochondrial Po2 in circulatory shock
Authors: Hilderink Bashar N. , Crane Reinier F. , Baysan Meryem , Arbous Sesmu M. , van den Bogaard Bas , Mik Egbert G. , Ince Can , Pillay Janesh , Juffermans Nicole P.
Published: March 2023

This is the first paper to simulate mitochondrial oxygen tension in skin in circulatory shock. The relationships of mitoPo2 with parameters of (microcirculatory) oxygen delivery aid in the understanding of noninvasive bedside measurement of mitoPo2 values and show that mitochondrial oxygen tension is two orders of magnitude higher than classically assumed. The model can be used to enhance clinical trial design investigating mitoPo2 as a resuscitation target in circulatory shock.
Pharmacological modulation of adrenergic tone alters the vasodilatory response to passive leg movement in young but not in old adults
Authors: Fermoyle Caitlin C. , La Salle D. Taylor , Alpenglow Jeremy K. , Craig Jesse C. , Jarrett Catherine L. , Broxterman Ryan M. , McKenzie Alec I. , Morgan David E. , Birgenheier Nathaniel M. , Wray D. Walter , Richardson Russell S. , Trinity Joel D.
Published: March 2023

Stimulation of α1-adrenergic receptors eliminated age-related differences in passive leg movement (PLM) by decreasing PLM-induced vasodilation in the young. Systemic β-blockade attenuated the central hemodynamic component of the PLM response in young individuals. Inhibition of α-adrenergic receptors did not improve the PLM response in older individuals, though withdrawal of α-adrenergic modulation augmented baseline and maximal vasodilation in both groups. Accordingly, α-adrenergic signaling plays a role in modulating the PLM vasodilatory response in young but not in old adults, and elevated α-adrenergic tone does not appear to contribute to the attenuated vascular function with age identified by PLM.
Clinical Significance of NKD Inhibitor of WNT Signaling Pathway 1 (NKD1) in Glioblastoma
Authors: Li Lijun , Gao Ruiying , Huangfu Weizhong , Zhang Fang , Wang Ruixia
Published: March 2023

Introduction. As the most malignant type of gliomas, glioblastoma is characterized with disappointing prognosis. Here, we aimed to investigate expression and function of NKD inhibitor of Wnt signaling pathway 1 (NKD1), an antagonist of Wnt-beta-catenin signaling pathways, in glioblastoma. Methods. The mRNA level of NKD1 was firstly retrieved from TCGA glioma dataset to evaluate its correlation with clinical characteristics and its value in prognosis prediction. Then, its protein expression level in glioblastoma was tested by immunohistochemistry staining in a retrospectively cohort collected from our medical center (n = 66). Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were conducted to assess its effect on glioma prognosis. Two glioblastoma cell lines, U87 and U251, were used to further investigate the tumor-related role of NKD1 through overexpression strategy in combination with cell proliferation assays. Immune cell enrichment in glioblastoma and its correlation with NKD1 level was finally assessed using bioinformatics analyses. Results. NKD1 shows a lower expression level in glioblastoma compared to that in the normal brain or other glioma subtypes, which is independently correlated to a worse prognosis in both the TCGA cohort and our retrospective cohort. Overexpressing NKD1 in glioblastoma cell lines can significantly attenuate cell proliferation. In addition, expression of NKD1 in glioblastoma is negatively correlated to the T cell infiltration, indicating it may have crosstalk with the tumor immune microenvironment. Conclusions. NKD1 inhibits glioblastoma progression and its downregulated expression indicates a poor prognosis.
Structural-Electromagnetic-Thermal Coupling Technology for Active Phased Array Antenna
Authors: Xu Pengying , Wang Yan , Xu Xiaoxian , Wang Longyang , Wang Zhihai , Yu Kunpeng , Wu Wenzhi , Wang Meng , Leng Guojun , Ge Dongming , Ma Xiaofei , Wang Congsi
Published: March 2023

Active phased array antenna (APAA) is a representative of complex electronic equipment, and it plays significant roles in scenarios such as battlefield situation perception, aviation guidance, and communication. It has become the core equipment in land, navigation, and aeronautical applications. With the continuous improvement of technical changes and military requirements, the working frequency band, pointing accuracy, gain, and low sidelobe level of APAA increase, and the multi-disciplinary design contradiction between antenna electrical performance and structure and temperature becomes increasingly prominent. As a result, the electrical performance of APAA in service is prone to be affected by the external complex environments. The structural-electromagnetic-thermal (SET) coupling problem has become a key problem restricting the development of APAA. This paper has summarized the structural features and environmental loads of advanced APAA on different platforms and provided design basis and principle for antenna designer. And then the SET coupling theory of APAA has been introduced, which can be applied in both the design and manufacturing stage, as well as the performance control technology in service environment of APAA. This theory helps to analyze the impact of environmental factors, such as antenna structure deformation, radome high-temperature ablation, and feed errors, on the antenna's performance. For 128 × 768 spaceborne array antenna, in the range of 25∼85°C, the gain of antenna decreases with the increase of operating temperature and decreases by 0.015 dB with each increase of 1°C. The key design parameters in the fields of antenna manufacturing accuracy, efficient heat dissipation, and lightweight design are also analysed; for 32 × 32 rectangular planar phased array antenna, the gain of antenna decreases by 2.715 dB when the random error of installation position in x, y, and z direction reaches 1/10 of the wavelength. In addition, condition monitoring, displacement field reconstruction, and electrical performance compensation of APAA have also been touched to help engineers maintain and guarantee the antenna performance throughout its life cycle. Finally, the future research direction of SET technology of APAA has been discussed, and SET technology is extended to more fields such as antenna parameter uncertainty, high-frequency circuit electronics manufacturing, and electronic equipment performance guarantee.
A Comparative Study on Growth Performance, Body Composition, and Liver Tissue Metabolism Rearing on Soybean Lecithin-Enriched Artemia Nauplii and Microdiet in Rock Bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus) Larvae
Authors: Zhang Pian , Tan Peng , Zhang Lei , Zhu Wenliang , Chen Ruiyi , Wang Ligai , Xu Dongdong
Published: March 2023

This study is aimed at establishing optimal soybean lecithin (SL) enrichment protocols in Artemia nauplii and at comparing the growth performance, body composition, and liver tissue metabolism in rock bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus) larvae reared on SL-enriched Artemia nauplii or SL-enriched microdiet (MD). The enrichment protocol experiment results indicated 12 h enrichment, and 10 g SL/m3 seawater could obtain desirable results. Rock bream larvae (25 days posthatching (dph)) were fed Artemia nauplii or MD for 30 days with three replicates. At stage 1 (larval 25–40 dph), significantly higher growth performance was observed in larvae fed the live prey (

P
<
0.05

). Conversely, at stage 2 (41–55 dph), feeding with MD significantly increased larval standard length, and specific growth rate compared with those of larvae fed live prey. Larvae fed a MD showed decreased lipolysis-related lipase activity as well as decreased amino acid catabolism-related alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase enzyme activities in liver tissue. RNA sequencing revealed that feeding with the MD primarily increased the expression of lipogenesis-related genes and protein translation-related gene expression in the liver tissue. Notably, feeding with MD significantly increased ribosome biogenesis-related genes as well as mitochondria synthesis-related gene expression, indicating a high protein anabolism rate and high energy production in liver tissue. In conclusion, 10 g SL/m3 seawater and 12 h could effectively enrich SL in Artemia nauplii. Retard weaning onto MD led to lower growth performance, which was likely due to the diversity of lipid and protein metabolism.
Novel Designed Surgical Drapes Reducing Fluid Permeability in the Surgical Critical Area of a Sterile Operation Interface: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Liu Chang-qing , Ren Hong-fei , Wang Chen , Li Ji , Tang Li , An Jing-jing , Li Ka , Luo Yan-li
Published: March 2023

Aim. To compare the impact and cost effects of medical long fiber polyester drapes and cotton fabric drapes on operative sterile operation interfaces. Background. The comparison of the properties of the commonly used surgical drapes materials in terms of leakage, device slip, and prevention of intraoperative adverse events is not clear. Method. A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted in the operating room of a tertiary hospital in Chengdu, China. A total of 400 patients who underwent urology surgery were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups by computer, the study group (200 cases) selected the new long-fiber polyester cloth, while the control group (200 cases) selected conventional cotton fabric surgical drapes during the operation to maintain a sterile operating interface. The impermeability and water absorption of surgical drapes, the rate of device slip and skin scald in surgical patients, and the cost effect of the two kinds of surgical drapes were compared. Results. The long fiber polyester surgical drapes were superior to conventional cotton cloth in water absorption (g/m2) (835 ± 15.8 VS 225 ± 21.0, t = 328.261,

P
<
0.001

), preventing surgical site infections (2.5% VS 8.0%, χ2 = 6.081,

P
=
0.014

), device slip (7.5% VS 17.0%, χ2 = 8.396,

P
=
0.004

), patients from burning (0 VS 1, Fisher

P
=
1.0

), and total cost per use ($) (0.83 VS 0.96–1.09). Conclusion. Long fiber polyester fabric has a stronger antipenetration ability of fluid and microorganisms thus forming an effective protective barrier. It also has strong hygroscopicity, and its special design can prevent the occurrence of sliding of surface instruments and skin scald in patients. In addition, its cost effect is superior. Implications for Nursing Management. Operating room nursing managers can introduce long fiber polyester drapes into the selection of medical textiles to construct aseptic surgical barriers and prevent surgical site infection.
UBE2C-mediated Autophagy Inhibition via Ubiquitination of SIRT1 Contributes to Endometrial Cancer Progression
Authors: Zhao Rong , Liu Yan , Wang Ziwei , Zhang Jun , Zhang Wei , Zhou Xing , Tsedendorj Sevjid , Enkhtur Amarsanaa , Feng Dilu , Wang Hongbo
Published: March 2023

Recent studies have shown that autophagy plays an important role in gynecologic tumors, and ubiquitin modification of autophagy regulatory components is essential to regulate autophagic flux. In this study, we found that the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2C (UBE2C) affects endometrial cancer cell apoptosis and proliferation by inhibiting autophagy. Electron microscopy observation of cell ultrastructure and experimental biochemical analysis showed that endometrial cancer cells with UBE2C expression knocked down display typical autophagic characteristics. Cells were cotreated with the autophagy pharmacologic inhibitors chloroquine and/or bafilomycin A1, and mRFP-GFP-LC3 assays were performed to monitor autophagic flux and determine whether UBE2C suppresses the autophagy program. Investigation of the corresponding mechanism by which UBE2C inhibits autophagy revealed that UBE2C induces K48-linked SIRT1 ubiquitination and promotes ubiquitination-dependent degradation of SIRT1, subsequently reducing H4K16 deacetylation levels and epigenetically inhibiting the expression of autophagy-related genes. The results of cell counting kit-8, Hoechst staining, and immunofluorescence assays further indicated that deletion of the autophagy-related gene BECN1 significantly attenuates UBE2C knockdown–induced cell apoptosis. Moreover, overexpression of UBE2C promoted tumor growth in the xenograft mice model. While, the introduction of rapamycin, an agonist of autophagy, successfully reversed tumor growth and apoptosis inhibition mediated by UBE2C overexpression in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, our results suggested that UBE2C-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of SIRT1 contribute to the malignant progression of endometrial cancer through epigenetic inhibition of autophagy.

Implications:

Our study highlights the tumorigenic role and regulatory mechanism of UBE2C in endometrial cancer; UBE2C inhibits endometrial cancer cell apoptosis through autophagy-related mechanisms and our findings provide new insights into the treatment of endometrial cancer.