bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trade and flow of value in global value chains
Authors: Wang Peijie , Liu Zhiyuan
Published: April 2024

This paper examines flow of value that goes with trade flows in global value chains (GVCs) by a residence‐based domestic value‐added trade measure. Accordingly, the paper puts forward a concept of residence‐based domestic value‐added exports from activity domains and develops a corresponding trade measure. Export activities of G20 economies are scrutinized empirically, with which sizeable differences are observed between figures in the proposed residence‐based domestic value‐added trade measure and the conventional domestic value‐added trade measure. This calls for new measures, to which the present study responds. It has been demonstrated that the developed G20 gains persistently in residence‐based domestic value‐added exports, increasing from the conventional domestic value‐added exports measure. Whereas trade performance of the developing G20 deteriorates with considerably reduced surpluses in the new measure. Considerable additional value flows out from developing to developed economies in GVCs. Developed economies continue to gain from international trade as a matter of fact.
Cytotoxicity and toxicoproteomics analysis of thiazolidinedione exposure in human‐derived cardiomyocytes
Authors: Al Sultan Abdullah , Rattray Zahra , Rattray Nicholas J. W.
Published: April 2024

Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) (e.g. pioglitazone and rosiglitazone), known insulin sensitiser agents for type II diabetes mellitus, exhibit controversial effects on cardiac tissue. Despite consensus on their association with increased heart failure risk, limiting TZD use in diabetes management, the underlying mechanisms remain uncharacterised. Herein, we report a comprehensive in vitro investigation utilising a novel toxicoproteomics pipeline coupled with cytotoxicity assays in human adult cardiomyocytes to elucidate mechanistic insights into TZD cardiotoxicity. The cytotoxicity assay findings showed a significant loss of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate production upon exposure to either TZD agents, which may underpin TZD cardiotoxicity. Our toxicoproteomics analysis revealed that mitochondrial dysfunction primarily stems from oxidative phosphorylation impairment, with distinct signalling mechanisms observed for both agents. The type of cell death differed strikingly between the two agents, with rosiglitazone exhibiting features of caspase‐dependent apoptosis and pioglitazone implicating mitochondrial‐mediated necroptosis, as evidenced by the protein upregulation in the phosphoglycerate mutase family 5–dynamin‐related protein 1 axis. Furthermore, our analysis revealed additional mechanistic aspects of cardiotoxicity, showcasing drug specificity. The downregulation of various proteins involved in protein machinery and protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum was observed in rosiglitazone‐treated cells, implicating proteostasis in the rosiglitazone cardiotoxicity. Regarding pioglitazone, the findings suggested the potential activation of the interplay between the complement and coagulation systems and the disruption of the cytoskeletal architecture, which was primarily mediated through the integrin‐signalling pathways responsible for pioglitazone‐induced myocardial contractile failure. Collectively, this study unlocks substantial mechanistic insight into TZD cardiotoxicity, providing the rationale for future optimisation of antidiabetic therapies.
Nanopore adaptive sampling of a metagenomic sample derived from a human monkeypox case
Authors: Hewel Charlotte , Schmidt Hanno , Runkel Stefan , Kohnen Wolfgang , Schweiger‐Seemann Susann , Michel André , Bikar Sven‐Ernö , Lieb Bettina , Plachter Bodo , Hankeln Thomas , Linke Matthias , Gerber Susanne
Published: April 2024

In 2022, a series of human monkeypox cases in multiple countries led to the largest and most widespread outbreak outside the known endemic areas. Setup of proper genomic surveillance is of utmost importance to control such outbreaks. To this end, we performed Nanopore (PromethION P24) and Illumina (NextSeq. 2000) Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) of a monkeypox sample. Adaptive sampling was applied for in silico depletion of the human host genome, allowing for the enrichment of low abundance viral DNA without a priori knowledge of sample composition. Nanopore sequencing allowed for high viral genome coverage, tracking of sample composition during sequencing, strain determination, and preliminary assessment of mutational pattern. In addition to that, only Nanopore data allowed us to resolve the entire monkeypox virus genome, with respect to two structural variants belonging to the genes OPG015 and OPG208. These SVs in important host range genes seem stable throughout the outbreak and are frequently misassembled and/or misannotated due to the prevalence of short read sequencing or short read first assembly. Ideally, standalone standard Illumina sequencing should not be used for Monkeypox WGS and de novo assembly, since it will obfuscate the structure of the genome, which has an impact on the quality and completeness of the genomes deposited in public databases and thus possibly on the ability to evaluate the complete genetic reason for the host range change of monkeypox in the current pandemic.
4R‐cembranoid suppresses glial cells inflammatory phenotypes and prevents hippocampal neuronal loss in LPS‐treated mice
Authors: Rojas‐Colón Luis A. , Redell John B. , Dash Pramod K. , Vegas Pedro E. , Vélez‐Torres Wanda
Published: April 2024

Chronic neuroinflammation has been implicated in neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis. A key feature of neuroinflammation is neuronal loss and glial activation, including microglia and astrocytes. 4R‐cembranoid (4R) is a natural compound that inhibits hippocampal pro‐inflammatory cytokines and increases memory function in mice. We used the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection model to study the effect of 4R on neuronal density and microglia and astrocyte activation. C57BL/6J wild‐type mice were injected with LPS (5 mg/kg) and 2 h later received either 4R (6 mg/kg) or vehicle. Mice were sacrificed after 72 h for analysis of brain pathology. Confocal images of brain sections immunostained for microglial, astrocyte, and neuronal markers were used to quantify cellular hippocampal phenotypes and neurons. Hippocampal lysates were used to measure the expression levels of neuronal nuclear protein (NeuN), inducible nitrous oxide synthase (iNOS), arginase‐1, thrombospondin‐1 (THBS1), glial cell‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and orosomucoid‐2 (ORM2) by western blot. iNOS and arginase‐1 are widely used protein markers of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory microglia, respectively. GDNF promotes neuronal survival, and ORM2 and THBS1 are astrocytic proteins that regulate synaptic plasticity and inhibit microglial activation. 4R administration significantly reduced neuronal loss and the number of pro‐inflammatory microglia 72 h after LPS injection. It also decreased the expression of the pro‐inflammatory protein iNOS while increasing arginase‐1 expression, supporting its anti‐inflammatory role. The protein expression of THBS1, GDNF, and ORM2 was increased by 4R. Our data show that 4R preserves the integrity of hippocampal neurons against LPS‐induced neuroinflammation in mice.
Analyzing the impact of flexible shells and sound absorbent lining on acoustic wave behavior in ducts
Authors: Afzal Muhammad , Safdar Muhammad , Alahmadi Hani Nami
Published: April 2024

This study focuses on investigating the propagation of acoustic waves in a cylindrical waveguide with higher‐order derivative‐based boundary conditions and a sound absorbent lining. The mode‐matching method is employed to solve the governing boundary value problem, utilizing continuity conditions for pressure and velocity at waveguide interfaces. The objective is to establish a theoretical framework for analyzing and optimizing the acoustic performance of the waveguide, considering the influence of crucial parameters. The study's findings hold significant practical implications in acoustic engineering and noise control, enabling accurate prediction of acoustic wave behavior and facilitating the design of effective noise reduction measures and optimized sound‐absorbing materials in various applications. Additionally, the numerical techniques developed here can be extended to address more complex waveguide geometries and boundary conditions.
A coupled finite difference‐spectral boundary integral method with applications to fluid diffusion in fault structures
Authors: Wang Yuhan , Heimisson Elías Rafn
Published: April 2024

Fluid migration in geological materials, a subject of great interest in various geophysical applications, has been interpreted through multiple numerical methods. Taking advantage of both a volume‐based method and a boundary integral method, we innovate a hybrid spectral‐boundary‐integral and finite‐difference method (SBI‐FDM) to describe the fluid injection and propagation in the fault structure. The coupling of the two methods is established from the consistent exchange of the pressure gradient from the volume‐based method and the boundary flux applied in the SBI boundary. The hybrid method benefits from its capability to truncate the domain and capture the fluid‐induced pore pressure in geological systems without modeling the whole bulk. After establishing the numerical framework, we verify the SBI‐FDM under both homogeneous and heterogeneous mediums using an analytical solution and the FDM results, respectively. After model verification, a sensitivity test showcases the stability of the numerical scheme. A speedup comparison of the SBI‐FDM against the FDM is presented. We observe that the proposed method can achieve better computational efficiency with up to one thousand times speedup in our test. Utilizing the proposed hybrid method, we also perform parametric studies to reveal the significance of mobility contrast between the damage zone and host rock, as well as the role of fault width during fault injection.
Numerical investigation on the influence of secondary flaw lengths on the mechanical characteristics and cracking behaviour of red sandstone containing orthogonal cross flaws
Authors: Xu Rongchao , Dou Baoyang , Zhao Ying , Peng Wenbin , Li Zhen
Published: April 2024

Flaw length has a significant effect on the cracking behaviour of fractured rock. PFC2D was used to simulate the uniaxial compression of red sandstone samples with secondary flaw lengths L2 of 0 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 and 20 mm under different primary flaw angles α(α = 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, and 90°). Based on the simulation results, the effects of the secondary flaw length on the mechanical parameters, crack initiation location and crack evolution process of the fractured rock were analysed. Then, a method for judging the initiation location of the first cracks was proposed. Finally, the characteristics of the particle displacement field at preexisting flaw tips during first and secondary crack initiation were analysed. The results of this study are helpful for more deeply understanding the cracking behaviour of fractured rock.
Semi‐implicit material point method for simulating infiltration‐induced failure of unsaturated soil structures
Authors: Hidano Soma , Yamaguchi Yuya , Takase Shinsuke , Moriguchi Shuji , Kaneko Kenji , Terada Kenjiro
Published: April 2024

This study presents a semi‐implicit MPM to adequately characterize the mechanical behavior of unsaturated soil based on Biot's mixture theory. To represent the dependency of the degree of saturation on the suction, we employ the VG model along with a soil‐water characteristic curve, which determines a functional form of permeability called the Mualem model. Hencky's hyperelastic model and the Drucker‐Prager model assuming nonassociativity are adopted for elastic and plastic deformations, respectively. The novelty of this study is the incorporation of the fractional‐step method into the MPM framework so that the pore water pressure is obtained by implicitly solving the pressure Poisson's equation, which reduces numerical instability and improves computational efficiency. Also, because the drag force between solid and liquid phases is evaluated using the intermediate velocity of pore water relative to the intermediate velocity of solid skeleton, the time increment can be chosen without considering the magnitude of water permeability. In addition, to suppress “odd‐even” oscillation, we employ a sub‐grid method in which two grids with different spatial resolutions are used for the velocities and pore water pressure. Furthermore, considering the advantages and disadvantages of two different interpolation schemes for pore water pressure, we suggest switching the schemes depending on the model conditions. Several numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the performance of the proposed method. Specifically, unidirectional consolidation and leak flow analyses are performed for verification purposes, followed by validation analysis of a model experiment of infiltration‐induced landslides.
Numerical modelling of thermal jet assisted rock cutting with double PDC cutters
Authors: Saksala Timo
Published: April 2024

Preconditioning of rock for drilling operations is a potential method to facilitate the mechanical breakage and mitigate the tool wear. This paper numerically investigates one such preconditioning technique, namely, the thermal jet assisted rock cutting. For this end, a numerical method for solving the governing thermo‐mechanical problem is developed and validated. The continuum approach is chosen to describe the rock failure, being based on a damage‐viscoplasticity model with the Drucker–Prager yield surface and the modified Rankine surface as the tensile cut‐off. In the damage part, separate scalar damage variables are employed for tension and compression. The cutters are modelled as rigid bodies and their interaction with the rock is modelled by imposing contact constraints by the forward increment Lagrange multiplier method, which is compatible with the chosen explicit time integration scheme. A damage‐based erosion criterion is applied to remove the contact nodes surrounded by heavily damaged elements. The thermal jets are modelled with a moving external heat flux boundary condition. The global thermo‐mechanical problem is solved with a staggered approach explicitly in time while applying mass scaling to increase the critical time step. The novel 3D numerical simulations involving two cutters demonstrate the capabilities of the method with a special emphasis on cutter‐thermal jet configurations. Therefore, the present method provides a potential tool for the bit design in thermal jet assisted drilling.
Analysis of laterally loaded floating piles using a refined Tajimi model
Authors: Zheng Changjie , Kouretzis George , Ding Xuanming
Published: April 2024

This paper presents a novel mathematical model for the analysis of laterally loaded floating piles embedded in a homogeneous soil layer of finite thickness. The governing equations of the soil surrounding the pile are established by treating soil as a Tajimi‐type continuum, and their solution yields a closed‐form expression that provides the lateral force developing to resist pile deflection. Accordingly, analytical expressions are obtained for the swaying, swaying‐rocking and rocking pile head stiffness, as well as for pile displacement and rotation along its length. The derived expressions are functions of parameters that have direct physical meaning, such as pile and soil elastic stiffness. As such, they pose as an attractive alternative to numerical methods for the low‐cost calibration of Winkler‐based model empirical parameters associated with small pile deflections. The presentation concludes with a parametric study focused on exploring the sensitivity of pile stiffness and deformations to the main problem parameters, and on highlighting differences in the lateral response of floating and end‐bearing piles.
A first‐order hyperbolic arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian conservation formulation for non‐linear solid dynamics
Authors: Di Giusto Thomas B. J. , Lee Chun Hean , Gil Antonio J. , Bonet Javier , Giacomini Matteo
Published: April 2024

The paper introduces a computational framework using a novel Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) formalism in the form of a system of first‐order conservation laws. In addition to the usual material and spatial configurations, an additional referential (intrinsic) configuration is introduced in order to disassociate material particles from mesh positions. Using isothermal hyperelasticity as a starting point, mass, linear momentum and total energy conservation equations are written and solved with respect to the reference configuration. In addition, with the purpose of guaranteeing equal order of convergence of strains/stresses and velocities/displacements, the computation of the standard deformation gradient tensor (measured from material to spatial configuration) is obtained via its multiplicative decomposition into two auxiliary deformation gradient tensors, both computed via additional first‐order conservation laws. Crucially, the new ALE conservative formulation will be shown to degenerate elegantly into alternative mixed systems of conservation laws such as Total Lagrangian, Eulerian and Updated Reference Lagrangian. Hyperbolicity of the system of conservation laws will be shown and the accurate wave speed bounds will be presented, the latter critical to ensure stability of explicit time integrators. For spatial discretisation, a vertex‐based Finite Volume method is employed and suitably adapted. To guarantee stability from both the continuum and the semi‐discretisation standpoints, an appropriate numerical interface flux (by means of the Rankine–Hugoniot jump conditions) is carefully designed and presented. Stability is demonstrated via the use of the time variation of the Hamiltonian of the system, seeking to ensure the positive production of numerical entropy. A range of three dimensional benchmark problems will be presented in order to demonstrate the robustness and reliability of the framework. Examples will be restricted to the case of isothermal reversible elasticity to demonstrate the potential of the new formulation.
Weight management in rural health clinics: Results from the randomized midwest diet and exercise trial
Authors: Gorczyca Anna M. , Washburn Richard A. , Ptomey Lauren T. , Mayo Matthew S. , Krebill Ron , Sullivan Debra K. , Gibson Cheryl A. , Stolte Sarah , Donnelly Joseph E.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Rural living adults have higher rates of obesity compared with their urban counterparts and less access to weight management programs. Previous research studies have demonstrated clinically relevant weight loss in rural living adults who complete weight management programs delivered by university affiliated interventionists. However, this approach limits the potential reach, adoption, implementation, and maintenance of weight management programs for rural residents. Weight management delivered through rural health clinics by non‐physician clinic associated staff, for example, nurses, registered dieticians, allied health professionals, etc. has the potential to improve access to weight management for rural living adults. This trial compared the effectiveness of a 6‐month multicomponent weight management intervention for rural living adults delivered using group phone calls (GP), individual phone calls (IP) or an enhanced usual care control (EUC) by rural clinic associated staff trained by our research team.

Methods

Rural living adults with overweight/obesity (n = 187, age ∼ 50 years 82% female, body mass index ∼35 kg/m2) were randomized (2:2:1) to 1 of 3 intervention arms: GP, which included weekly ∼ 45 min sessions with 7–14 participants (n = 71), IP, which included weekly ∼ 15 min individual sessions (n = 80), or EUC, which included one‐45 min in‐person session at baseline.

Results

Weight loss at 6 months was clinically relevant, that is, ≥5% in the GP (−11.4 kg, 11.7%) and the IP arms (−9.1 kg, 9.2%) but not in the EUC arm (−2.6%, −2.5% kg). Specifically, 6 month weight loss was significantly greater in the IP versus EUC arms (−6.5 kg. p ≤ 0.025) but did not differ between the GP and IP arms (−2.4 kg, p > 0.025). The per participant cost per kg. weight loss for implementing the intervention was $93 and $60 for the IP and GP arms, respectively.

Conclusions

Weight management delivered by interventionists associated with rural health clinics using both group and IP calls results in clinically relevant 6 months weight loss in rural dwelling adults with overweight/obesity with the group format offering the most cost‐effective strategy.

Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02932748).
Coordination as the flagship to the efficacy of humanitarian aid: Research on the influence of different coordination types on the efficacy of humanitarian aid operations in Africa
Authors: Ruiter David , de Vries Michiel S.
Published: April 2024

Annually, global populations need humanitarian aid due to various crises. Whilst numerous actors aim to provide assistance in these critical situations, this aid is often deemed ineffective due to duplication of efforts and a failure to ensure that all individuals in need are reached. This research aims to raise awareness of the significance of coordination in this field, as well as setting the stage for further research of issues and potential solutions within this policy domain. While “Coordination” is a widely accepted term that is regarded as a comprehensive solution, it lacks specificity regarding the type of coordination required. This research uses a meta‐evaluation to contend that despite extensive research on coordination within humanitarian interventions, there is still considerable room for improvement in this area. The findings, drawing on evaluations of humanitarian assistance in Africa, indicate that the success of coordination efforts varies depending on the type of coordination employed. They emphasize that humanitarian coordination positively impacts effectiveness, but this influence is contingent on the operationalization of the concept and the presence of various conditional factors. Several recommendations follow from these findings, including improvements on information exchange, short‐ and long‐term strategies and joint resource mobilization.
Nano clay treated jute fiber reinforced epoxy composites: Thermo‐kinetic, morphological and mechanical analysis
Authors: Yadav Brijesh Kumar , Vandna  , Gond Devendra Kumar , Yadav Vijay Laxmi
Published: April 2024

Current scientific research prioritizes sustainable and cost‐effective materials due to the depletion of traditional non‐renewable sources. Natural fiber reinforced composite materials emerge as promising solutions. However natural fibers being hydrophilic in nature are less compatible with hydrophobic epoxy matrix, to address this issue nano clay treatment of jute fibers have been done and epoxy composites were formed with their reinforcement. Through FT‐IR, thermal, mechanical, and morphological analyses, both treated and untreated composites are evaluated. The treated composites exhibit a notable 19% increase in activation energy (FWO and KAS methods) compared to untreated ones (217.5–259 KJ/mol), indicating improved thermal stability. Moreover, the treated composite demonstrates a significant 38% boost in tensile strength (30–41.4 MPa) and a 28% enhancement in flexural strength (50–64 MPa), highlighting the impact of alkali‐nano clay treatment in reinforcing structural integrity. These enhancements suggest the potential applicability of composites manufactured with alkali‐nano clay treated jute fibers (A/NC/J fiber) across various industries. This innovative approach not only bridges the gap in sustainable material development but also offers cost‐effective solutions for commercial utilization.

Highlights

Analyzed alkali‐nano clay treatment effects on jute fiber in epoxy composites.

Studied activation energy (FWO, KAS) for untreated and treated composites.

Treated composites show a 19% increase in activation energy: Thermal stability

Significant improvements: 38% rise in tensile, 28% increase in flexural strength.
The role of arousal in the estimation of time‐to‐collision of threatening stimuli
Authors: Li Caiwen , Xuan Yuming , Bruns Patrick , Fu Xiaolan
Published: April 2024

The accurate estimation of time‐to‐collision (TTC) is essential for the survival of organisms. Previous studies have revealed that the emotional properties of approaching stimuli can influence the estimation of TTC, indicating that approaching threatening stimuli are perceived to collide with the observers earlier than they actually do, and earlier than non‐threatening stimuli. However, not only are threatening stimuli more negative in valence, but they also have higher arousal compared to non‐threatening stimuli. Up to now, the effect of arousal on TTC estimation remains unclear. In addition, inconsistent findings may result from the different experimental settings employed in previous studies. To investigate whether the underestimation of TTC is attributed to threat or high arousal, three experiments with the same settings were conducted. In Experiment 1, the underestimation of TTC estimation of threatening stimuli was replicated when arousal was not controlled, in comparison to non‐threatening stimuli. In Experiments 2 and 3, the underestimation effect of threatening stimuli disappeared when compared to positive stimuli with similar arousal. These findings suggest that being threatening alone is not sufficient to explain the underestimation effect, and arousal also plays a significant role in the TTC estimation of approaching stimuli. Further studies are required to validate the effect of arousal on TTC estimation, as no difference was observed in Experiment 3 between the estimated TTC of high and low arousal stimuli.
The synthesis of polymers with ultra‐high molecular weight by combining ROMP and acyclic metathesis reaction
Authors: Xie Linzhi , Zhou Yunfeng , Zhu Xiaoming , Huang Geng , Xiao Lifen , Li Wei
Published: April 2024

Ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) is widely used to prepare functional materials with various topological structures. However, it is difficult to prepare polymers with ultra‐high molecular weight (UHMW) directly. We found a new method to prepare UHMW polymers by combining ROMP and acyclic metathesis reaction. First, monomer NB‐2OH was polymerized by ROMP with different feed ratio of NB‐2OH/G3, and obtained well‐defined polymers P(NB‐2OH)n (n = 50, 200, and 463). Then acyclic metathesis reaction was used to synthesize UHMW polymers. The results indicated that polymer P(NB‐2OH)z with higher molecular weight (Mw = 6067.3 kg mol−1) and narrower distribution (PDI = 1.58) could be obtained at 80°C for 5 min, when P(NB‐2OH)463 was used as raw material with H2SO4/G3 = 10/1. Compared with polymer P(NB‐2OH)1990 (Mw = 5343.1 kg mol−1, PDI = 1.61) prepared by ROMP directly, the new method tremendously shortens reaction time, lowers the requirement for the purity of monomer and produces UHMW polymers with narrower distribution. The compositions of prepared polymers were also confirmed clearly by post‐modification and 1H NMR characterization.
Static ignition hazards with plastic containers
Authors: Snyder Mike , Robinson Kelly
Published: April 2024

Plastic containers present unique challenges in flammable liquid service, as most plastics are highly electrically insulating, cannot be grounded, and can easily accumulate electrostatic charges. These electrostatic charges result in elevated risks of electrostatic ignitions where the potential for ignitable mixtures exists, including unique and different exposures on the inside and outside surfaces of plastic containers. In this primer, four specific ignition risks are overviewed: (1) flow electrification, (2) splash filling, (3) triboelectrification, and (4) charge accumulation on workers.
Sequential sampling for functional estimation via Sieve
Authors: Benevento Alessia , Ahadi Pouya , Gupta Swati , Pacella Massimo , Paynabar Kamran
Published: April 2024

Sequential sampling methods are often used to estimate functions describing models subjected to time‐intensive simulations or expensive experiments. These methods provide guidelines for point selection in the domain to capture maximum information about the function. However, in most sequential sampling methods, determining a new point is a time‐consuming process. In this paper, we propose a new method, named Sieve, to sequentially select points of an initially unknown function based on the definition of proper intervals. In contrast with existing methods, Sieve does not involve function estimation at each iteration. Therefore, it presents a greater computational efficiency for achieving a given accuracy in estimation. Sieve brings in tools from computational geometry to subdivide regions of the domain efficiently. Further, we validate our proposed method through numerical simulations and two case studies on the calibration of internal combustion engines and the optimal exploration of an unknown environment by a mobile robot.
Transport Spectroscopy of Donor/Quantum Dot Interactive System in Silicon Nano‐Transistors
Authors: Chakraborty Soumya , Yadav Pooja , Moraru Daniel , Samanta Arup
Published: April 2024

Donor‐atom‐based nano‐devices in silicon represent a breakthrough for individual control of electrons at atomic scale. Here, a finite‐bias characterization of electrical transport through such a device, fabricated on a silicon‐on‐insulator (SOI) wafer with low phosphorus (P) doping, is presented. In this device, multiple quasi‐periodic current peaks are observed at low temperatures in the electrical transfer characteristics. Such behavior of the transport characteristics is generally observed in devices having high doping concentration or with selective doping in the channel region to form a multi‐donor cluster quantum dot. However, in the present device donor–cluster formation is highly improbable owing to low doping concentration. The observed electrical transport characteristics of the device are explained with a model of two non‐interacting donors coupled in series with an unintentionally larger quantum dot, likely formed within the channel due to roughness. Theoretical simulation is also presented here for such a circuit supporting the experimental observations.
Respiratory maze: An anatomical variant of tracheal bronchus
Authors: Gullapalli Dedeepya , Tangutoori Shivendra , Ganti Subramanya Shyam
Published: April 2024

Key message

This case highlights an uncommon anatomical variation in the airway known as Tracheal bronchus, which can sometimes lead to recurrent pneumonia. It is crucial to exercise caution during intubation in patients with this condition.
Effect of corrugated steel angle on the damage characteristics and anti‐explosion performance of corrugated steel–concrete composite structures
Authors: Cao Kelei , Fu Qiaofeng , Zhang Jianwei , Tang Changxing , Huang Jinlin , Wang Chao , Bai Weifeng
Published: April 2024

A three‐dimensional refined numerical simulation model of a corrugated steel–concrete slab composite structure under contact explosion load was established by the finite element model and smoothed particle hydrodynamics(FEM‐SPH) coupling method to explore the anti‐knock properties of corrugated steel reinforced concrete slabs with different angles. The effects of corrugated steel angle on the dynamic response, damage evolution characteristics, damage mode, anti‐knock property, and propagation mechanism of the shock wave in the composite structure were investigated, and the damage prediction and anti‐knock property evaluation of the composite structure were carried out. The results show that the simulation results of the mid‐span displacement of the corrugated steel are consistent with the experimental results, and the maximum error is 2.3%, which verifies the effectiveness of the contact explosion simulation process. The mid‐span displacement, peak stress, acceleration at the center point, and energy absorption value of 90° corrugated steel are 17.9%, 70.5%, 88.6%, and 59.4% lower than those of 30° corrugated steel. The damage range of the composite structure gradually decreases with increasing angle of the corrugated steel. The failure volume of the concrete slab reinforced by corrugated steel with different angles decreases with increasing angle of the corrugated steel, and the energy absorption value of the composite structure increases with increasing of angle of the corrugated steel, mainly because the corrugated steel increases the number of reflections of the stress wave. The research results can provide a theoretical basis for the application of composite structures in the field of structural anti‐explosion protection.
Physicochemical studies of adenosine in the presence of aqueous caffeine and theophylline solutions, & sodium valproate with γ‐amino butyric acid in aqueous medium at T = (288.15–318.15) K and at p = 1 × 105 Pa
Authors: Beri Aashima , Kant Rishi , Banipal Tarlok Singh
Published: April 2024

In human body, drug‐neurotransmitter interactions have been the most significant process. Whereas, adverse reactions may be accompanied by unexpected interaction, which puts an individual in danger of life. Thus, the interactions between adenosine (ADN) and sodium valproate (SV) with caffeine (CAF), theophylline (TPY) and γ‐amino butyric acid (GABA) have been studied. Various properties like densities, ρ and speed of sound, u, have been used to calculate apparent molar volumes (V2,ϕ) and apparent molar isentropic compression (Ks,2,ϕ) for ADN and SV in aqueous (5, 10, 15 and 20 mmol kg−1) CAF, TPY and GABA solutions at T = (288.15–318.15) K and at pressure p = 1 × 105 Pa. The results of various interactions that occurred by mixing the solutions have been interpreted. Exothermicity is indicated by the negative values of standard molar enthalpy of transfer, ΔtrΔdilH0, obtained from the calorimetry. UV‐absorption and 1H NMR studies suggest that there is a dominance of solute‐cosolute interactions due to hyperchromic shift and shielding effect.
Isolation and characterisation of Staphylococcus saprophyticus responsible for the death of two six‐banded armadillos (Euphractus sexcinctus)
Authors: Guo Chuangen , Sun Weitao , Cheng Wangkun , Chen Nan , Lv Yingjun
Published: April 2024

Two six‐banded armadillos (Euphractus sexcinctus) suddenly died in a zoo in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China, after exhibiting weak breath, high temperature and nasal bleeding. Postmortem examination revealed dark brown appearance and enlargement of the visceral organs, and several granular white necrotic foci in the spleen and liver of the armadillos. Histological analysis revealed serious congestion, haemorrhage and multiple necrotic foci in the spleen and liver; the lungs exhibited congestion. A bacterium suspected to be responsible for the death of the armadillos was observed in the spleen and lung tissue samples. Several Gram‐positive cocci were observed in impression smear of liver tissue samples. Biochemical analysis and 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that the isolated bacterium was Staphylococcus saprophyticus, and the strain was designated S.S NH2021. Strain S.S NH2021 was resistant only to penicillin. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of S. saprophyticus infection in armadillo.
Fusion category symmetry. Part I. Anomaly in-flow and gapped phases
Authors: Thorngren Ryan , Wang Yifan
Published: April 2024

Abstract

We study generalized discrete symmetries of quantum field theories in 1+1D generated by topological defect lines with no inverse. In particular, we describe ’t Hooft anomalies and classify gapped phases stabilized by these symmetries, including new 1+1D topological phases. The algebra of these operators is not a group but rather is described by their fusion ring and crossing relations, captured algebraically as a fusion category. Such data defines a Turaev-Viro/Levin-Wen model in 2+1D, while a 1+1D system with this fusion category acting as a global symmetry defines a boundary condition. This is akin to gauging a discrete global symmetry at the boundary of Dijkgraaf-Witten theory. We describe how to “ungauge” the fusion category symmetry in these boundary conditions and separate the symmetry-preserving phases from the symmetry-breaking ones. For Tambara-Yamagami categories and their generalizations, which are associated with Kramers-Wannier-like self-dualities under orbifolding, we develop gauge theoretic techniques which simplify the analysis. We include some examples of CFTs with fusion category symmetry derived from Kramers-Wannier-like dualities as an appetizer for the Part II companion paper.
Regulation of Notch signaling by non-muscle myosin II Zipper in Drosophila
Authors: Verma Dipti , Singh Ankita , Singh Jyoti , Mutsuddi Mousumi , Mukherjee Ashim
Published: April 2024

The Notch pathway is an evolutionarily conserved signaling system that is intricately regulated at multiple levels and it influences different aspects of development. In an effort to identify novel components involved in Notch signaling and its regulation, we carried out protein interaction screens which identified non-muscle myosin II Zipper (Zip) as an interacting partner of Notch. Physical interaction between Notch and Zip was further validated by co-immunoprecipitation studies. Immunocytochemical analyses revealed that Notch and Zip co-localize within same cytoplasmic compartment. Different alleles of zip also showed strong genetic interactions with Notch pathway components. Downregulation of Zip resulted in wing phenotypes that were reminiscent of Notch loss-of-function phenotypes and a perturbed expression of Notch downstream targets, Cut and Deadpan. Further, synergistic interaction between Notch and Zip resulted in highly ectopic expression of these Notch targets. Activated Notch-induced tumorous phenotype of larval tissues was enhanced by over-expression of Zip. Notch-Zip synergy resulted in the activation of JNK pathway that consequently lead to MMP activation and proliferation. Taken together, our results suggest that Zip may play an important role in regulation of Notch signaling.
Morbus Castleman-assoziierter paraneoplastischer Pemphigus bei einer 16-jährigen Patientin
Authors: Bender Sebastian T. , Balakirski Galina , Kteiche Walid , Schmidt Enno , Hofmann Silke C.
Published: April 2024

Der paraneoplastische Pemphigus ist eine seltene, lebensbedrohliche Autoimmunerkrankung, die klinisch durch meist ausgedehnte und therapierefraktäre Schleimhauterosionen und polymorphe Hautveränderungen charakterisiert ist. Wir berichten hier über eine 16-jährige Patientin mit isolierten oralen Erosionen, bei der zunächst ein Schleimhautpemphigoid vermutet wurde und es unter Therapie mit Prednisolon und Dapson zu einer deutlichen Befundbesserung kam. Allerdings entwickelte die Patientin einige Monate später eine massive respiratorische Insuffizienz infolge einer Bronchiolitis obliterans, sodass eine Lungentransplantation geplant wurde. Im Rahmen der vorbereitenden Diagnostik wurde ein unizentrischer, abdominell lokalisierter Morbus Castleman diagnostiziert, was schließlich zu der Diagnose eines paraneoplastischen Pemphigus mit Nachweis von Envoplakin-Autoantikörpern führte. Durch die Tumorresektion und anschließende Lungentransplantation konnte ein guter Allgemeinzustand wiederhergestellt werden bei anhaltender mukokutaner Remission.
Analysis of the action mechanisms and targets of herbal anticonvulsants highlights opportunities for therapeutic engagement with refractory epilepsy
Authors: Tabassum Sobia , Shorter Susan , Ovsepian Saak V.
Published: April 2024

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by spontaneous and recurring seizures. It poses significant therapeutic challenges due to diverse etiology, pathobiology, and pharmacotherapy-resistant variants. The anticonvulsive effects of herbal leads with biocompatibility and toxicity considerations have attracted much interest, inspiring mechanistic analysis with the view of their use for engagement of new targets and combination with antiseizure pharmacotherapies. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the key molecular players and putative action mechanisms of the most common antiepileptic herbals demonstrated in tissue culture and preclinical models. From the review of the literature, it emerges that their effects are mediated via five distinct mechanisms: (1) reduction of membrane excitability through inhibition of cation channels, (2) improvement of mitochondrial functions with antioxidant effects, (3) enhancement in synaptic transmission mediated by GABAA receptors, (4) improvement of immune response with anti-inflammatory action, and (5) suppression of protein synthesis and metabolism. While some of the primary targets and action mechanisms of herbal anticonvulsants (1, 3) are shared with antiseizure pharmacotherapies, herbal leads also engage with distinct mechanisms (2, 4, and 5), suggesting new drug targets and opportunities for their integration with antiseizure medications. Addressing outstanding questions through research and in silico modeling should facilitate the future use of herbals as auxiliary therapy in epilepsy and guide the development of treatment of pharmacoresistant seizures through rigorous trials and regulatory approval.
On the unification of centralized and decentralized clearing mechanisms in financial networks
Authors: Ketelaars Martijn W. , Borm Peter
Published: April 2024

We analyze clearing mechanisms in financial networks in which agents may have both monetary individual assets and mutual liabilities. A clearing mechanism prescribes mutual payments between agents in a financial network to settle their mutual liabilities. The corresponding payments, summarized in a payment matrix, are made in accordance with agent-specific claims rules that stem from the vast literature on claims situations. The bottom payment matrix is the payment matrix that contains the minimal amount of payments required to clear the network. We explicitly characterize the bottom payment matrix as the result of a recursive centralized mechanism. We subsequently show that several types of decentralized clearing mechanisms lead to the bottom payment matrix as well. In fact, we show that this unification of centralized and decentralized clearing mechanisms relies on the composition property of the underlying agent-specific claims rules that dictate the payment mechanism.
Dietary Intake and Symptom Severity in Women with Fecal Incontinence
Authors: Andy Uduak U. , Iriondo-Perez Jeniffer , Carper Benjamin , Richter Holly E. , Dyer Keisha Y. , Florian-Rodriguez Maria , Napoe G. Sarah , Myers Deborah , O’Shea Michele , Mazloomdoost Donna , Gantz Marie G. ,   the Pelvic Floor Disorders Network
Published: April 2024

Introduction and Hypothesis

The goal of this study was to determine whether dietary fat/fiber intake was associated with fecal incontinence (FI) severity.

Methods

Planned supplemental analysis of a randomized clinical trial evaluating the impact of 12-week treatment with percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation versus sham in reducing FI severity in women. All subjects completed a food screener questionnaire at baseline. FI severity was measured using the seven-item validated St. Mark’s (Vaizey) FI severity scale. Participants also completed a 7-day bowel diary capturing the number of FI-free days, FI events, and bowel movements per week. Spearman’s correlations were calculated between dietary, St. Mark’s score, and bowel diary measures.

Results

One hundred and eighty-six women were included in this analysis. Mean calories from fats were 32% (interquartile range [IQR] 30–35%). Mean dietary fiber intake was 13.9 ± 4.3 g. The percentage of calories from fats was at the higher end of recommended values, whereas fiber intake was lower than recommended for adult women (recommended values: calories from fat 20–35% and 22–28 g of fiber/day). There was no correlation between St. Mark’s score and fat intake (r = 0.11, p = 0.14) or dietary fiber intake (r = −0.01, p = 0.90). There was a weak negative correlation between the number of FI-free days and total fat intake (r = −0.20, p = 0.008). Other correlations between dietary fat/fiber intake and bowel diary measures were negligible or nonsignificant.

Conclusion

Overall, in women with moderate to severe FI, there was no association between FI severity and dietary fat/fiber intake. Weak associations between FI frequency and fat intake may suggest a role for dietary assessment in the evaluation of women with FI.
Chaotic Phenomena for Generalised N-centre Problems
Authors: Baranzini Stefano , Canneori Gian Marco
Published: April 2024

We study a class of singular dynamical systems which generalise the classical N-centre problem of Celestial Mechanics to the case in which the configuration space is a Riemannian surface. We investigate the existence of topological conjugation with the archetypal chaotic dynamical system, the Bernoulli shift. After providing infinitely many geometrically distinct and collision-less periodic solutions, we encode them in bi-infinite sequences of symbols. Solutions are obtained as minimisers of the Maupertuis functional in suitable free homotopy classes of the punctured surface, without any collision regularisation. For any sufficiently large value of the energy, we prove that the generalised N-centre problem admits a symbolic dynamics. Moreover, when the Jacobi-Maupertuis metric curvature is negative, we construct chaotic invariant subsets.
Identifying Gut Microbiome Features that Predict Responsiveness Toward a Prebiotic Capable of Increasing Calcium Absorption: A Pilot Study
Authors: Ma Owen , Dutta Arindam , Bliss Daniel W. , Nakatsu Cindy H. , Weaver Connie M. , Whisner Corrie M.
Published: April 2024

Previously, we demonstrated that prebiotics may provide a complementary strategy for increasing calcium (Ca) absorption in adolescents which may improve long-term bone health. However, not all children responded to prebiotic intervention. We determine if certain baseline characteristics of gut microbiome composition predict prebiotic responsiveness. In this secondary analysis, we compared differences in relative microbiota taxa abundance between responders (greater than or equal to 3% increase in Ca absorption) and non-responders (less than 3% increase). Dual stable isotope methodologies were used to assess fractional Ca absorption at the end of crossover treatments with placebo, 10, and 20 g/day of soluble corn fiber (SCF). Microbial DNA was obtained from stool samples collected before and after each intervention. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was used to taxonomically characterize the gut microbiome. Machine learning techniques were used to build a predictive model for identifying responders based on baseline relative taxa abundances. Model output was used to infer which features contributed most to prediction accuracy. We identified 19 microbial features out of the 221 observed that predicted responsiveness with 96.0% average accuracy. The results suggest a simplified prescreening can be performed to determine if a subject’s bone health may benefit from a prebiotic. Additionally, the findings provide insight and prompt further investigation into the metabolic and genetic underpinnings affecting calcium absorption during pubertal bone development.