bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unraveling the pathogenic potential of the Pentatrichomonas hominis PHGD strain: impact on IPEC-J2 cell growth, adhesion, and gene expression
Authors: Zhu Yibin , Cai Haiming , Fang Siyun , Shen Hanqin , Yan Zhuanqiang , Wang Dingai , Qi Nanshan , Li Juan , Lv Minna , Lin Xuhui , Hu Junjing , Song Yongle , Chen Xiangjie , Yin Lijun , Zhang Jianfei , Liao Shenquan , Sun Mingfei
Published: March 2024

Pentatrichomonas hominis, a flagellated parasitic protozoan, predominantly infects the mammalian digestive tract, often causing symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. However, studies investigating its pathogenicity are limited, and the mechanisms underlying P. hominis-induced diarrhea remain unclear. Establishing an in vitro cell model for P. hominis infection is imperative. This study investigated the interaction between P. hominis and IPEC-J2 cells and its impact on parasite growth, adhesion, morphology, and cell viability. Co-cultivation of P. hominis with IPEC-J2 cells resulted in exponential growth of the parasite, with peak densities reaching approximately 4.8 × 105 cells/mL and 1.2 × 106 cells/mL at 48 h for initial inoculation concentrations of 104 cells/mL and 105 cells/mL, respectively. The adhesion rate of P. hominis to IPEC-J2 cells reached a maximum of 93.82% and 86.57% at 24 h for initial inoculation concentrations of 104 cells/mL and 105 cells/mL, respectively. Morphological changes in IPEC-J2 cells co-cultivated with P. hominis were observed, manifesting as elongated and irregular shapes. The viability of IPEC-J2 cells exhibited a decreasing trend with increasing P. hominis concentration and co-cultivation time. Additionally, the mRNA expression levels of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α were upregulated, whereas those of CAT and CuZn-SOD were downregulated. These findings provide quantitative evidence that P. hominis can promote its growth by adhering to IPEC-J2 cells, inducing morphological changes, reducing cell viability, and triggering inflammatory responses. Further in vivo studies are warranted to confirm these results and enhance our understanding of P. hominis infection.
Characteristics Associated with Trial of Labor among Patients with Twin Pregnancies
Authors: Cipres Danielle T. , Cowherd Rachael B. , Barry Olivia H. , Chen Liqi , Yee Lynn M.
Published: March 2024

Objective This study aimed to identify patient and provider factors associated with undergoing trial of labor (TOL) among eligible patients with twin gestations.

Study Design This retrospective cohort study of patients with twin gestations who received care at a large tertiary care center from 2000 to 2016 included individuals with live pregnancies greater than 23 weeks of gestation and cephalic-presenting twin. Patients with a prior uterine scar or contraindication to vaginal delivery were excluded from analyses. Maternal and clinical characteristics were compared among patients who did and did not undergo TOL. Multivariable logistic regression models included characteristics chosen a priori and those with bivariable associations with p < 0.1. Interactions between parity and other significant variables in the primary models were also investigated.

Results Among 1,888 eligible patients, 80.7% (N = 1,524) underwent TOL. Those undergoing TOL were more likely to be younger, multiparous, and have a maternal–fetal medicine physician as the delivering provider (p < 0.01). Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were less prevalent among patients undergoing TOL (20.2 vs. 27.8%, p < 0.01). In multivariable analysis, advanced maternal age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.40–0.74) and nulliparity (aOR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.25–0.52) conferred a lower odds of TOL, while having a maternal–fetal medicine provider (aOR: 2.74, 95% CI: 1.55–4.83) was associated with higher odds. Interaction analyses demonstrated no significant interaction effects between parity and other characteristics. Among those undergoing a TOL, 76.0% (1,158/1,524) had a successful vaginal delivery of both twins, with 48.1% (557/1,158) having breech extraction of the second twin.

Conclusion In this cohort of twin gestations with a high frequency of TOL, patient and provider characteristics are associated with attempting vaginal delivery. Variation in provider practices suggests differing skills and comfort with twin vaginal delivery may influence route of delivery decision-making in patients with twins.

Keypoints
Milestone Operations in Heart Valve and Aortic Replacement: Anniversaries Worth Remembering
Authors: Bortolotti Uberto , Vendramin Igor , Milano Aldo D. , Livi Ugolino
Published: March 2024

Seventy years ago, in 1952, Charles A. Hufnagel implanted a caged-ball prosthesis into the descending thoracic aorta, to treat a patient with aortic valve insufficiency. In 1962, 60 years ago, the first aortic homograft was implanted in a subcoronary position by Donald N. Ross and Brian G. Barratt-Boyes. Forty years ago, in 1982, the first anticalcification treatment was introduced in commercially manufactured porcine bioprostheses. All such important or even milestone events should be remembered, since they witness efforts made by those who have significantly influenced the clinical history of aortic and valvular diseases.
The Effects of L-Carnitine Supplementation During Concurrent Training on the Functional Capacities and Body Composition in Obese Men
Authors: Zahabi Ghadir , Ilic Vladimir , García-Ramos Amador , Cokorilo Nebojsa
Published: March 2024

Background Despite extensive research, the effects of L-carnitine supplementation in treating obesity are still unclear and equivocal. L-carnitine transports fatty acids into mitochondria for oxidation and is marketed as a weight loss supplement. The purpose of the present research is to investigate the efficacy of L-carnitine during concurrent training on the functional capacities and body composition in obese men.

Methods Thirty nonactive, obese males (age = 37.2 ± 1.5 years; body mass index = 33.8 ± 2.5 kg/m2) participated in this research. The participants were randomly divided into three groups: experimental group 1 (EXP1)—concurrent training with L-carnitine supplementation; experimental group 2 (EXP2)—L-carnitine supplementation without training; and control group—without training or L-carnitine supplementation. Concurrent training was performed for 8 weeks, three sessions per week, with a training intensity ranging from 60 to 75% of the maximum heart rate reserve and one-repetition maximum. Both experimental groups were supplemented with 35 mg L-carnitine supplement per kilogram body weight. Various functional and body composition variables were collected at three time points (pre-test, mid-test, and post-test).

Results A number of variables were significantly improved in EXP1 after 4 and 8 weeks (systolic blood pressure, maximal oxygen consumption, weight, body mass index, and one-repetition maximum) and only after 8-weeks (diastolic blood pressure, resting heart rate, percentage of body fat, and fat-free mass). No significant changes were observed for EXP2 and the control group.

Conclusion L-carnitine supplementation, in conjunction with concurrent training, emerges as a highly effective approach for enhancing body composition and boosting functional capacities in obese adult men. Therefore, it is recommended that overweight male individuals integrate concurrent training into their regimen while taking L-carnitine.
Parenthood wage gaps in multinational enterprises
Authors: van der Straaten Khadija , Pisani Niccolò , Kolk Ans
Published: March 2024

While multinational enterprises (MNEs) are widely recognized for providing employment to a significant number of women around the globe, empirical evidence suggests that existing gender inequalities may be aggravated rather than alleviated in their subsidiaries. We build on gender theory to better understand how gender is construed and enacted differently in MNE subsidiaries compared to domestic firms, particularly with regard to the differential effects of parenthood on wage gaps for male versus female employees. Because of the relatively more demanding working conditions in MNE subsidiaries and their gendered policies and practices, we hypothesize that the motherhood penalty and fatherhood bonus are larger in MNE subsidiaries than in domestic firms. Using an extensive database of micro-level data of over 36,500 employees in 57 countries, we find a larger fatherhood bonus in MNE subsidiaries compared to domestic firms, but no significant difference in the motherhood penalty. Our results suggest that shifting entrenched gendered social beliefs and divisions of household labor is not the only pathway to gender equality, and call for a critical examination of gender-related values, perceptions, policies, and practices in MNEs, beyond a focus on supporting women (with children). We discuss managerial, theoretical, and societal implications accordingly.
Adoption of conservative agricultural practices among rural Chinese farmers
Authors: Yang Qing , Al Mamun Abdullah , Naznen Farzana , Masud Muhammad Mehedi
Published: March 2024

Excessive use of agrochemicals and the misuse of natural resources severely degrade farmlands. In addition to organic farming, conservative agricultural practices are one of the most viable methods for preventing environmental deterioration. Its adoption has remained relatively modest in developing countries as farmers rely exclusively on synthetic inputs to attain high yields and economic returns. Therefore, this study focuses on the factors that influence farmers’ intention and adoption of conservative agricultural practices. This study extended the Value-Belief-Norm (VBN) framework with a new construct (green trust), and empirically evaluated all fundamental VBN components with their chained relationships among constructs. This cross-sectional study collected quantitative data from 349 farmers using structured interviews. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method was used to statistically evaluate the relationship between the constructs. The analysis demonstrates that both biospheric and altruistic values have a positive impact on the new environmental paradigm, which, in turn, has a significant impact on people’s awareness of consequences and personal norms. Although awareness of consequences had a substantial positive influence on the ascription of responsibilities, it was demonstrated to have a statistically insignificant impact on personal norms. In parallel, the ascription of responsibility had a strong impact on personal norms, which, in turn, positively influenced the intention towards conservative agricultural practices. Remarkably, green trust was found to have the greatest effect on farmers’ intentions. Finally, farmers’ actual adoption was significantly influenced by their intention. The findings of this study will contribute to the strengthening of relevant factors among farmers that may enhance eco-friendly farming practices, develop solutions for regulating the protected utilization of natural resources, and effectively prevent environmental deterioration caused by hazardous agrochemicals. The study will also provide guidance to government regulators and other social organizations in the formulation of effective laws, policies, and strategies for the mass adoption of conservation practices and restoration of agricultural ecosystem balance.
Pathos or logos? How governance legitimacy perception influences individual privacy trade-offs during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Meng Xiaoxiao , Li Yungeng , He Qijun
Published: March 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought attention to the delicate balance between individual privacy concerns and the governance of public health emergencies. Governments are leveraging a wide range of digital methodologies to acquire individual-level data for purposes such as contact tracing, isolation protocols, and surveillance, all aimed at effectively mitigating the deleterious consequences of the epidemic. However, the surrender of individual health information depends on individuals’ perception of the legitimacy of governance. In this research, our objective is to examine how individuals’ perceptions of the legitimacy of governance impact their decisions regarding privacy disclosure. This study stands out by dissecting cognitive and moral legitimacy of governance, uniquely examining their influence on individuals’ altruistic privacy disclosure during a crisis. Unlike previous research, our approach offers a more nuanced understanding of the interplay between governance legitimacy and privacy concessions. From July 15th to August 14th, 2022, amid the 2022 lockdown in Shanghai, China, this study utilizes surveys with established measurement scales, alongside structural equation modeling (SEM), to explore the relationship between individuals’ perceptions of government legitimacy in managing the pandemic and their willingness to compromise health information. The study distinguishes between moral legitimacy (pathos) and cognitive legitimacy (logos). The results find that both cognitive and moral legitimacy positively influence altruism, thus enhancing the efficacy of voluntary disclosure of personal health information to government agencies for pandemic governance. However, it is noteworthy that education level moderates the impact of these two dimensions of legitimacy on altruism. This research provides empirical evidence to enhance our understanding of how different dimensions of citizens’ perceptions of governance legitimacy in crisis situations shape their attitudes and behaviors towards privacy trade-offs.
Raman, UV-Vis, MS, and IR characterization of molecular-colloidal solution of hydrated fullerenes C60 obtained using vacuum-sublimation cryogenic deposition method. Is the C60 molecule truly highly hydrophobic?
Authors: Cherednichenko S. V. , Andrievsky G. V. , Vinnikov N. A. , Dolbin A. V. , Kosevich M. V. , Shelkovsky V. S. , Basnukaeva R. M. , Gnatyuk O. P. , Bezkrovnyi O. , Ptak M. , Chaika M. , Kuzema P. O. , Dovbeshko G. I.
Published: March 2024

Vacuum-sublimation cryogenic deposition (VS-CD) method is successfully applied to produce fullerene water colloidal solution (FWCS): the melting of the solid phase of the mixture obtained by joint condensation of C60 fullerene and water vapors onto a surface cooled with liquid nitrogen results in formation of a stable colloidal solution. The results of the FWCS characterization by means of Raman, IR, and UV-Vis spectroscopy and their comparison with known literature data on hydrated fullerenes give the authors an opportunity to make conclusion that the FWCS contains C60@{H2O}n complexes of hydrated C60 fullerene. Transmission electron microscopy shows that the VS-CD-produced material contains predominantly small C60 clusters of about 2–5 nm size, while mass spectrometry with laser desorption/ionization has demonstrated the presence of pure fullerene C60 and the absence of any products of its transformation. The performed analysis reveals a close similarity of the stable C60@{H2O}n complexes generated by VS-CD with the previously known highly hydrophilic hydrated fullerene obtained by ultrasonication method.
Frequency-mode-stable regenerative amplification at terahertz burst rates
Authors: Stummer V. , Flöry T. , Schneller M. , Kaksis E. , Zeiler M. , Pugžlys A. , Baltuška A.
Published: March 2024

Generation of high-fidelity amplified pulse bursts with a regular interpulse interval yields, in the spectral domain, an equidistant pattern of narrowband spectral modes, similar to frequency combs produced by cw mode-locked lasers but with greatly increased pulse energy. Despite their great potential for nonlinear spectroscopy, material processing, etc., such long frequency-stable bursts are difficult to generate and amplify because of prominent temporal intensity modulation even after strong dispersive pulse stretching. This study presents a burst generation method based on a master-oscillator regenerative-amplifier system that allows for chirped-pulse amplification (CPA) with high scalability in pulse number. A gradual smoothing of temporal intensity profiles at an increasing number of pulses is discovered, demonstrating an unexpected recovery of the CPA performance at terahertz intraburst repetition rates. In consequence, a self-referenced stable burst spectral peak structure with megahertz peak width is generated without risk of amplifier damage caused by interference of chirped pulses. This result eliminates limitations in burst amplification and paves the way for advancements in ultrashort-pulse burst technology, particularly for its use in nonlinear optical applications.
Investigation of ALD HfSiOx as gate dielectric on
β
-Ga2O3 (001)
Authors: Zhai Xin , Wen Zhuoqun , Odabasi Oguz , Achamyeleh Eyosyas , Sun Kai , Ahmadi Elaheh
Published: March 2024

The interface and bulk properties of ∼20 nm hafnium-silicon-oxide (HfSiOx) dielectric deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) on (001) β-Ga2O3 were investigated systematically using deep ultraviolet photo-assisted capacitance–voltage (C–V) and current–voltage (I–V) measurements. The ALD HfSiOx dielectric constant, bulk, and HfSiOx/Ga2O3 interface quality and breakdown field were determined, and the impact of post-deposition annealing (PDA) on these parameters was studied. PDA reduced near-interface traps resulting in a smaller hysteresis without changing the dielectric constant. An average trap density of 2.72 × 1012 and 1.06 × 1012 cm−2 eV−1 was measured on samples with PDA at 400 and 900 °C, respectively. In addition, a high dielectric constant of 9.28 and breakdown field as high as 8.7 MV/cm were achieved on these devices.
Lattice Boltzmann simulations of quasi-steady film and axisymmetric nucleate boiling
Authors: Alsadik Tahani , Welch Samuel W. J. , Premnath Kannan N.
Published: March 2024

An axisymmetric multiple relaxation time lattice Boltzmann method utilizing the Shan-Chen pseudo-potential model is developed and combined with an axisymmetric finite difference approximation of the energy equation to form a hybrid method with a view toward studying axisymmetric nucleate boiling. The mechanism of phase change in the Shan–Chen model is investigated, and the model is validated by simulating a Stefan problem as well as simulations of quasi-steady film boiling with comparisons to established results. Axisymmetric quasi-steady nucleate boiling is then investigated including examining the effect of the wetting properties of surfaces by varying the wettability force to vary the dynamic contact angle.
Quantitative assessment of selenium diffusion and passivation in CdSeTe solar cells probed by spatially resolved cathodoluminescence
Authors: Frouin Bérengère , Bidaud Thomas , Pirotta Stefano , Ablekim Tursun , Moseley John , Metzger Wyatt K. , Collin Stéphane
Published: March 2024

The introduction of selenium in CdSeTe/CdTe solar cells has led to improved device performances attributed to the passivation of bulk defects. In this work, high-resolution cathodoluminescence experiments are performed on a series of CdSeTe/CdTe thin films with different Se concentrations to quantify the mechanisms and the passivation role of Se. We demonstrate a universal dependence between the Se concentration and the radiative efficiency and a ten-fold enhancement of the luminescence between CdTe and CdSe0.4Te0.6. Raw luminescence maps are converted into maps of the Se concentration, revealing its graded profile within the stack. We demonstrate the diffusion of Se along CdTe grain boundaries induced by the cadmium chloride annealing treatment and determine the diffusion coefficients, which are more than eight times higher at grain boundaries than in grain interiors. These results provide microscopic insights into the distribution of Se and its impact on the passivation of CdSeTe/CdTe solar cells.
3D-structured photodetectors based on 2D materials
Authors: Li Yuning , Chen Danke , Tang Xiaoqiu , Kong Lingbing , Li Linan , Deng Tao
Published: March 2024

The progressive reduction in feature size presents significant challenges such as crosstalk, heat dissipation, and high-power consumption, which impede the advancement of Moore's Law. To overcome the limitations of silicon materials, it is crucial to identify subsequent iterations of innovative semiconductor materials or alternative structures. The integration of two-dimensional (2D) materials and three-dimensional (3D) structures offers a promising platform for exploring novel photodetectors and alternative pathways toward “More than Moore” technologies. In this study, we present a comprehensive evaluation of the underlying mechanisms governing the formation of diverse 3D structures, along with their corresponding preparation methodologies. We focus our evaluation on the distinctive optical properties arising from the incorporation of a self-rolled-up 3D structure into 2D materials and heterojunctions photodetector. Finally, we address some of the challenges and outlook that persist in the development and application of 3D-structured photodetectors based on 2D materials.
Streaming potential of viscoelastic fluids with the pressure-dependent viscosity in nanochannel
Authors: Chen Xingyu , Xie Zhiyong , Jian Yongjun
Published: March 2024

The plane Poiseuille flow of viscoelastic fluids with pressure-dependent viscosity is analyzed through a narrow nanochannel, combining with the electrokinetic effect. When the fluid viscosity depends on pressure, the common assumption of unidirectional flow is unsuitable since the secondary flow may exist. In this case, we must solve the continuity equation and two-dimensional (2D) momentum equation simultaneously. It is difficult to obtain the analytical electrokinetic flow characteristics due to the nonlinearity of governing equations. Based on the real applications, we use the regular perturbation expansion method and give the second-order asymptotic solutions of electrokinetic velocity field, streaming potential, pressure field, and electrokinetic energy conversion (EKEC) efficiency. The result reveals a threshold value of Weissenberg number (Wi) exists. The strength of streaming potential increases with the pressure-viscosity coefficient when Wi is smaller than the threshold value. An opposite trend appears when Wi exceeds this threshold value. Besides, the Weissenberg number has no effect on the zero-order flow velocity, but a significant effect on the velocity deviation. A classical parabolic velocity profile transforms into a wavelike velocity profile with the further increase in Wi. Finally, the EKEC efficiency reduces when pressure-dependent viscosity is considered. Present results are helpful to understand the streaming potential and electrokinetic flow in the case of the fluid viscosity depending on pressure.
Intermixing of iron and cobalt with oxygen-rich magnesium oxide in CoFeB/MgO/CoFeB magnetic tunneling junctions
Authors: Gribelyuk Michael A. , Kalitsov Alan , Jung Wonjoon , Wang Yudi , Tran Michael , Xu Xiaoyu , Santos Tiffany
Published: March 2024

Atomic-scale spectroscopic imaging of sputtered magnetic tunnel junction structures with a thick oxygen-rich MgO barrier reveals the diffusion of iron and cobalt into the MgO barrier from CoFeB electrodes. First principles calculations are performed to (1) confirm that Fe diffusion through Mg vacancies is energetically favorable, (2) quantify the reduction of interfacial perpendicular magnetic anisotropy due to Fe diffusion into MgO, and (3) predict that the presence of Fe impurities in MgO causes an increased leakage and a tunneling magnetoresistance decrease. Through the chemical shift of the Fe L3 edge and the peak ratio Fe L3/Fe L2 measured by electron energy loss spectroscopy, we suggest that, within MgO, iron with mixed oxidation state Fe2+ and Fe3+ or higher is found in the as-grown structure, which is reduced by annealing to Fe2+. These results indicate that the stoichiometry of as-deposited MgO barrier layers plays an important role in controlling the microstructure and optimizing the performance of magnetic tunnel junctions.
Innate-like T cell subset commitment in the murine thymus is independent of TCR characteristics and occurs during proliferation
Authors: Karnaukhov Vadim K. , Le Gac Anne-Laure , Bilonda Mutala Linda , Darbois Aurélie , Perrin Laetitia , Legoux Francois , Walczak Aleksandra M. , Mora Thierry , Lantz Olivier
Published: March 2024

How T-cell receptor (TCR) characteristics determine subset commitment during T-cell development is still unclear. Here, we addressed this question for innate-like T cells, mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, and invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells. MAIT and iNKT cells have similar developmental paths, leading in mice to two effector subsets, cytotoxic (MAIT1/iNKT1) and IL17-secreting (MAIT17/iNKT17). For iNKT1 vs iNKT17 fate choice, an instructive role for TCR affinity was proposed but recent data argue against this model. Herein, we examined TCR role in MAIT and iNKT subset commitment through scRNAseq and TCR repertoire analysis. In our dataset of thymic MAIT cells, we found pairs of T-cell clones with identical amino acid TCR sequences originating from distinct precursors, one of which committed to MAIT1 and the other to MAIT17 fates. Quantitative in silico simulations indicated that the number of such cases is best explained by lineage choice being independent of TCR characteristics. Comparison of TCR features of MAIT1 and MAIT17 clonotypes demonstrated that the subsets cannot be distinguished based on TCR sequence. To pinpoint the developmental stage associated with MAIT sublineage choice, we demonstrated that proliferation takes place both before and after MAIT fate commitment. Altogether, we propose a model of MAIT cell development in which noncommitted, intermediate-stage MAIT cells undergo a first round of proliferation, followed by TCR characteristics-independent commitment to MAIT1 or MAIT17 lineage, followed by an additional round of proliferation. Reanalyzing a published iNKT TCR dataset, we showed that this model is also relevant for iNKT cell development.
Distilling dynamical knowledge from stochastic reaction networks
Authors: Liu Chuanbo , Wang Jin
Published: March 2024

Stochastic reaction networks are widely used in the modeling of stochastic systems across diverse domains such as biology, chemistry, physics, and ecology. However, the comprehension of the dynamic behaviors inherent in stochastic reaction networks is a formidable undertaking, primarily due to the exponential growth in the number of possible states or trajectories as the state space dimension increases. In this study, we introduce a knowledge distillation method based on reinforcement learning principles, aimed at compressing the dynamical knowledge encoded in stochastic reaction networks into a singular neural network construct. The trained neural network possesses the capability to accurately predict the state conditional joint probability distribution that corresponds to the given query contexts, when prompted with rate parameters, initial conditions, and time values. This obviates the need to track the dynamical process, enabling the direct estimation of normalized state and trajectory probabilities, without necessitating the integration over the complete state space. By applying our method to representative examples, we have observed a high degree of accuracy in both multimodal and high-dimensional systems. Additionally, the trained neural network can serve as a foundational model for developing efficient algorithms for parameter inference and trajectory ensemble generation. These results collectively underscore the efficacy of our approach as a universal means of distilling knowledge from stochastic reaction networks. Importantly, our methodology also spotlights the potential utility in harnessing a singular, pretrained, large-scale model to encapsulate the solution space underpinning a wide spectrum of stochastic dynamical systems.
Pragmatics in the Minimalist framework
Authors: Giorgi Alessandra
Published: March 2024

This article explores the relationship between pragmatics and the other components of grammar. Specifically, it
aims to determine whether pragmatics is a distinct module of grammar coming into play at some point in the derivation process to
connect the sentence with the context. The conclusion is that, based on the phenomena considered in this work, pragmatics rather
than being a separate module, is distributed in the various components. It is shown in fact that the context
immediately intervenes at the representative level to yield the correct syntax to be fed to the sensorimotor system on one side,
and to the conceptual one on the other. The empirical focus of the article is on a specific type of questions in Italian, namely
surprise and surprise-disapproval questions, because they are most sensitive to pragmatic factors. The syntactic, prosodic, and
gestural components of these constructions will be examined, highlighting their most important characteristics.
Raising to object
Authors: Krivochen Diego Gabriel
Published: March 2024

In this paper we provide an introduction to a set of tools for
syntactic analysis based on graph theory, and apply them to the study of some
properties of English accusativus cum infinitivo constructions,
more commonly known as raising to object or exceptional
case marking structures. We focus on puzzling extraction
asymmetries between base-generated objects and ‘raised’ objects and on the
interaction between raising to object and Right Wrap. We argue
that a lexicalised derivational grammar with grammatical functions as primitives
delivers empirically adequate analyses.
Pain Assessment in Cattle during Castration Using Facial Expressions as a Promising Tool
Authors: Farghal Mostafa
Published: March 2024

Pain is a significant welfare issue in farm animals including cattle, impacting their wellbeing and normal behaviors. The frequent occurrence of pain in cattle is due to husbandry procedures, injuries, and diseases. Cattle, as a prey species, avoid expressing pain which makes pain identification a challenging issue. Rapid pain recognition is crucial to its effective treatment. Several pain assessment tools have been developed, and some of them rely on observing alterations in animal behaviors such as activity, locomotion, feeding, play, and grooming. Moreover, changes in physiological parameters including blood biomarkers and heart rate have been used as indicators of pain. Furthermore, grimace scales, which rely on evaluating facial expressions of animals, have been developed and proven to be accurate pain assessment tool in multiple species. To reliably identify pain in cattle, it is preferred to employ a combination of diagnostic methods, as no single approach can stand alone in assessing pain accurately. Mitigation strategies become imperative when pain is anticipated during husbandry procedures such as castration. Prompt application of treatment strategies is paramount to avoid transition of acute to chronic pain which is hard to be treated.

Information

© The Author 2024
Electric Mountain Bikes, Ableism, and ‘Enwheelment’ in Outdoor Leisure
Authors: Cherrington James
Published: March 2024

Electric mountain bikes combine user pedalling with electronic and motorised assistance to propel riders within off-road landscapes. Physically, this reduces the amount of effort required on behalf of the user, while allowing riders to cover longer distances in shorter amounts of time. This case study on electric mountain bikers in England analyses objections to electric mountain bike use, arguing that these are often constructed in ways that exclude disabled bodies. In light of these criticisms, the case provides an alternative perspective which shows how, through a process of ‘enwheelment’, disabled e-mountain bike users develop affirmative relationships with cycling technologies and environments that can help make outdoor leisure more inclusive and accessible.

Information

© CAB International 2024
Reconfiguring Cartesian Dualism through Pain and Place in a Disabled Body: A Personal Case Study on the Meaning of Adventure and the Outdoors
Authors: Jackson Mary A.
Published: March 2024

Can an embodiment with place reconfigure what it means to be outdoors, whose body belongs? Through an autoethnographic narrative of lived experiences with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and pain, this case study explores how the colonial and outdated meanings of adventure may exclude disabled outdoor practitioners. Remembering a lifetime of outdoor experiences, from childhood backpacking trips in the Sierra Nevada to working in the field in remote regions of the world, and finally, through field research in the Himalaya, the concept of embodiment of place and pain is examined. In this way, understanding embodiment leads to a dissolving of the Cartesian dualisms that so intently create expectations of what it means to be outdoors. Shifting from pushing through pain to embracing disability reconfigures these dominant narratives. As such, the meaning of adventure is subjective for any body who exists in the outdoors, as we are the apparatus of our experiences, contextual in space and time.

Information

© CAB International 2024
Monolithically integrated multimode interference coupler-based master oscillator power amplifier with dual-wavelength emission around 830 nm
Authors: Müller André , Koester Jan-Philipp , Theurer Lara Sophie , Fricke Jörg , Wenzel Hans , Knigge Andrea , Sumpf Bernd
Published: March 2024

A monolithically integrated dual-wavelength multimode interference coupler-based master oscillator power amplifier is presented. It consists of two shallowly etched, laterally separated ridge waveguide laser cavities as master oscillators with individual distributed Bragg reflector gratings as cavity mirrors. A deeply etched coupling section containing S-bend shaped waveguides and a multimode interference coupler is used to couple the laser emission of the master oscillators into a shallowly etched single waveguide serving as power amplifier. Changing the etch depth for the coupling section enables a compact device layout. In addition, increased radiation angles of modes not coupled into the power amplifier help to suppress beam steering, otherwise indicated by laterally separated far-field intensity distributions. The device provides 0.5 W of dual-wavelength emission around 830 nm in individual and common operation. As designed, both emission wavelengths are separated by 0.5 nm with spectral widths below 20 pm, limited by the spectral resolution of the spectrometer. Both peak wavelengths remain within spectral windows of 50 pm within the available power range. This enables full flexibility selecting operating points for applications such as shifted excitation Raman difference spectroscopy and the generation of THz emission by photomixing. The emission wavelengths can additionally be non-continuously tuned by applying a heater current to resistors implemented next to the distributed Bragg reflector gratings. As an example, selected spectral distances of 0.5 nm, 1.0 nm, 1.5 nm, and 2.0 nm are demonstrated. Near field widths of 5 μm and far field angles of 17° result in beam propagation ratios of 1.4 (1/e2) in all operation modes and enable easy beam shaping or optical single-mode fiber coupling.
Convergence proof for the GenCol algorithm in the case of two-marginal optimal transport
Authors: Friesecke Gero , Penka Maximilian
Published: March 2024

The recently introduced Genetic Column Generation (GenCol) algorithm has been numerically observed to efficiently and accurately compute high-dimensional optimal transport (OT) plans for general multi-marginal problems, but theoretical results on the algorithm have hitherto been lacking. The algorithm solves the OT linear program on a dynamically updated low-dimensional submanifold consisting of sparse plans. The submanifold dimension exceeds the sparse support of optimal plans only by a fixed factor

β
\beta

. Here we prove that for

β
≥
2

\beta \geq 2

and in the two-marginal case, GenCol always converges to an exact solution, for arbitrary costs and marginals. The proof relies on the concept of c-cyclical monotonicity. As an offshoot, GenCol rigorously reduces the data complexity of numerically solving two-marginal OT problems from

O
(

ℓ
2

)

O(\ell ^2)

to

O
(
ℓ
)

O(\ell )

without any loss in accuracy, where

ℓ
\ell

is the number of discretization points for a single marginal. At the end of the paper we also present some insights into the convergence behavior in the multi-marginal case.
1H and 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy reveals potential pathogenic and biomarker metabolite alterations in Lafora disease
Authors: Chan Kimberly L , Panatpur Aparna , Messahel Souad , Dahshi Hamza , Johnson Talon , Henning Anke , Ren Jimin , Minassian Berge A
Published: March 2024

Lafora disease is a fatal teenage-onset progressive myoclonus epilepsy and neurodegenerative disease associated with polyglucosan bodies. Polyglucosans are long-branched and as a result precipitation- and aggregation-prone glycogen. In mouse models, downregulation of glycogen synthase, the enzyme that elongates glycogen branches, prevents polyglucosan formation and rescues Lafora disease. Mouse work, however, has not yet revealed the mechanisms of polyglucosan generation, and few in vivo human studies have been performed. Here, non-invasive in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H and 31P) was applied to test scan feasibility and assess neurotransmitter balance and energy metabolism in Lafora disease towards a better understanding of pathogenesis. Macromolecule-suppressed gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-edited 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy and 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 3 and 7 tesla, respectively, were performed in 4 Lafora disease patients and a total of 21 healthy controls (12 for the 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy and 9 for the 31PMRS). Spectra were processed using in-house software and fit to extract metabolite concentrations. From the 1H spectra, we found 33% lower GABA concentrations (P = 0.013), 34% higher glutamate + glutamine concentrations (P = 0.011) and 24% lower N-acetylaspartate concentrations (P = 0.0043) in Lafora disease patients compared with controls. From the 31P spectra, we found 34% higher phosphoethanolamine concentrations (P = 0.016), 23% lower nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide concentrations (P = 0.003), 50% higher uridine diphosphate glucose concentrations (P = 0.004) and 225% higher glucose 6-phosphate concentrations in Lafora disease patients versus controls (P = 0.004). Uridine diphosphate glucose is the substrate of glycogen synthase, and glucose 6-phosphate is its extremely potent allosteric activator. The observed elevated uridine diphosphate glucose and glucose 6-phosphate levels are expected to hyperactivate glycogen synthase and may underlie the generation of polyglucosans in Lafora disease. The increased glutamate + glutamine and reduced GABA indicate altered neurotransmission and energy metabolism, which may contribute to the disease’s intractable epilepsy. These results suggest a possible basis of polyglucosan formation and potential contributions to the epilepsy of Lafora disease. If confirmed in larger human and animal model studies, measurements of the dysregulated metabolites by magnetic resonance spectroscopy could be developed into non-invasive biomarkers for clinical trials.
Household Transmission Dynamics of Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2–Infected Children: A Multinational, Controlled Case-Ascertained Prospective Study
Authors: Funk Anna , Florin Todd A , Kuppermann Nathan , Finkelstein Yaron , Kazakoff Alissa , Baldovsky Michael , Tancredi Daniel J , Breslin Kristen , Bergmann Kelly R , Gardiner Michael , Pruitt Christopher M , Liu Deborah R , Neuman Mark I , Wilkinson Matthew , Ambroggio Lilliam , Pang Xiao-Li , Cauchemez Simon , Malley Richard , Klassen Terry P , Lee Bonita E , Payne Daniel C , Mahmud Salaheddin M , Freedman Stephen B
Published: March 2024

Background

Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in children is highly prevalent but its acute and chronic implications have been minimally described.

Methods

In this controlled case-ascertained household transmission study, we recruited asymptomatic children <18 years with SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid testing performed at 12 tertiary care pediatric institutions in Canada and the United States. We attempted to recruit all test-positive children and 1 to 3 test-negative, site-matched controls. After 14 days’ follow-up we assessed the clinical (ie, symptomatic) and combined (ie, test-positive, or symptomatic) secondary attack rates (SARs) among household contacts. Additionally, post–COVID-19 condition (PCC) was assessed in SARS-CoV-2–positive participating children after 90 days’ follow-up.

Results

A total of 111 test-positive and 256 SARS-CoV-2 test-negative asymptomatic children were enrolled between January 2021 and April 2022. After 14 days, excluding households with co-primary cases, the clinical SAR among household contacts of SARS-CoV-2–positive and –negative index children was 10.6% (19/179; 95% CI: 6.5%–16.1%) and 2.0% (13/663; 95% CI: 1.0%–3.3%), respectively (relative risk = 5.4; 95% CI: 2.7–10.7). In households with a SARS-CoV-2–positive index child, age <5 years, being pre-symptomatic (ie, developed symptoms after test), and testing positive during Omicron and Delta circulation periods (vs earlier) were associated with increased clinical and combined SARs among household contacts. Among 77 asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2–infected children with 90-day follow-up, 6 (7.8%; 95% CI: 2.9%–16.2%) reported PCC.

Conclusions

Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2–infected children, especially those <5 years, are important contributors to household transmission, with 1 in 10 exposed household contacts developing symptomatic illness within 14 days. Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2–infected children may develop PCC.
LSTM vs CNN in real ship trajectory classification
Authors: Llerena Juan Pedro , García Jesús , Molina José Manuel
Published: March 2024

Ship-type identification in a maritime context can be critical to the authorities to control the activities being carried out. Although Automatic Identification Systems has been mandatory for certain vessels, if a vessel does not have them voluntarily or not, it can lead to a whole set of problems, which is why the use of tracking alternatives such as radar is fully complementary for a vessel monitoring systems. However, radars provide positions, but not what they are detecting. Having systems capable of adding categorical information to radar detections of vessels makes it possible to increase control of the activities being carried out, improve safety in maritime traffic, and optimize on-site inspection resources on the part of the authorities. This paper addresses the binary classification problem (fishing ships versus all other vessels) using unbalanced data from real vessel trajectories. It is performed from a deep learning approach comparing two of the main trends, Convolutional Neural Networks and Long Short-Term Memory. In this paper, it is proposed the weighted cross-entropy methodology and compared with classical data balancing strategies. Both networks show high performance when applying weighted cross-entropy compared with the classical machine learning approaches and classical balancing techniques. This work is shown to be a novel approach to the international problem of identifying fishing ships without context.
Tabu search and genetic algorithm in rims production process assignment
Authors: Burduk Anna , Bocewicz Grzegorz , Łampika Łukasz , Łapczyńska Dagmara , Musiał Kamil
Published: March 2024

The paper discusses the problem of assignment production resources in executing a production order on the example of the car rims manufacturing process. The more resources are involved in implementing the manufacturing process and the more they can be used interchangeably, the more complex and problematic the scheduling process becomes. Special attention is paid to the effective scheduling and assignment of rim machining operations to production stations in the considered manufacturing process. In this case, the use of traditional scheduling methods based on simple calculations, or the know-how of process engineers often turns out to be insufficient to achieve the intended results. Due to the scale of the problems faced in practice, the methods based on approximate approaches (Genetic and Tabu Search) were used to solve them. In this perspective, the problem under consideration involves the extension of the classic assignment problem with the possibility of taking into account: the times of operations, potential changeovers and the capacity of production resources.
Metformin boosts antitumor immunity and improves prognosis in upfront resected pancreatic cancer: an observational study
Authors: van Eijck Casper W F , Vadgama Disha , van Eijck Casper H J , Wilmink Johanna W ,   for the Dutch Pancreatic Cancer Group (DPCG), Lips Daan J , van der Harst Erwin , Kazemier Geert , Patijn Gijs A , de Hingh Ignace H , Wijsman Jan H , Erdmann Joris I , Festen Sebastiaan , Koerkamp Bas Groot , Mieog J Sven D , den Dulk Marcel , Stommel Martijn W J , Busch Olivier R , de Wilde Roeland F , de Meijer Vincent E , te Riele Wouter , Molenaar I Quintus , Draaisma Werner , Manusama Eric , Lutchman Kishan R D , van Dieren Susan , Vlijm Anniek , Bonsing Bert A , Nio C Yung , de Groot Derik-Jan , Gootjes Elske C , van Veldhuisen Eran , Wit Fenny , Daams Freek , Cirkel Geert , van Tienhoven Geertjan , van Hellemond Irene E G , Wilmink Johanna W , de Vos-Geelen Judith , Bosscha Koop , Mekenkamp Leonie J , Nijkamp Maarten W , Los Maartje , van der Kolk Marion B , Homs Marjolein , Ramaekers Mark , Liem Mike S , Wumkes Miriam L , Michiels Nynke , van Dam Ronald , Theijse Rutger T , Luelmo Saskia , Bollen Thomas L , Neumann Ulf , Nieuwenhuijs Vincent
Published: March 2024

Background

Beyond demographic and immune factors, metabolic considerations, particularly metformin’s recognized impact in oncology, warrant exploration in treating pancreatic cancer. This study aimed to investigate the influence of metformin on patient survival and its potential correlation with distinct immune profiles in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumors.

Methods

We included 82 upfront resected and 66 gemcitabine-based neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT)-treated patients from the PREOPANC randomized controlled trial (RCT). Transcriptomic NanoString immunoprofiling was performed for a subset of 96 available resected specimens.

Results

Disparities in survival outcomes and immune profiles were apparent between metformin and non-metformin users in upfront resected patients but lacking in nCRT-treated patients. Compared to non-metformin users, upfront resected metformin users showed a higher median overall survival (OS) of 29 vs 14 months and a better 5-year OS rate of 19% vs 5%. Furthermore, metformin use was a favorable prognostic factor for OS in the upfront surgery group (HR = 0.56; 95% CI = 0.32 to 0.99). Transcriptomic data revealed that metformin users significantly underexpressed genes related to pro-tumoral immunity, including monocyte to M2 macrophage polarization and activation. Furthermore, the relative abundance of anti-inflammatory CD163+ MRC1+ M2 macrophages in non-metformin users and immune-activating CD1A+ CD1C+ dendritic cells in metformin users was heightened (P < .001).

Conclusion

This study unveils immune profile changes resulting from metformin use in upfront resected pancreatic cancer patients, possibly contributing to prolonged survival outcomes. Specifically, metformin use may decrease the abundance and activity of pro-tumoral M2 macrophages and increase the recruitment and function of tumor-resolving DCs, favoring antitumor immunity.

[PREOPANC trial EudraCT: 2012-003181-40]