bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discrepant serum creatinine concentrations caused by paraprotein interference preceding diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance
Authors: Kobara Miyuki , Inaba Tohru , Matoba Satoaki , Nakata Tetsuo
Published: April 2024

We report a man in his 70s who presented with discrepant serum creatinine concentrations in different hospitals at the same time. Further examinations of these discrepancies revealed turbidity of the serum sample and, thus, a reagent reaction and false hypercreatinine caused by paraprotein interference were suspected. Serum protein electrophoresis revealed a small amount of monoclonal γ globulin (2.9 g/L), which may have been involved in paraprotein interference. Monoclonal λ-type IgG was detected in the serum, resulting in a diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. Previous studies indicated paraprotein interference in serum containing monoclonal IgM or a large amount of IgG (> 25 g/L). Although this case of paraprotein interference induced by a small amount of IgG is rare, a discrepancy in creatinine results may be an indicator leading to the diagnosis of plasma cell proliferative diseases.
Elevated IL-6 levels in a patient with pheochromocytoma
Authors: Hakke Mahesh , Bhagwat Nikhil M , Gada Jugal Velji , Misra Sukirti
Published: April 2024

Pheochromocytoma is a chromaffin cell-derived adrenal medullary tumour and usually presents with paroxysms of hypertension, palpitations, sweating and headache due to excessive catecholamine release. These tumours can also secrete a variety of bioactive neuropeptides and hormones other than catecholamines, resulting in unusual clinical manifestations. We report a female in her mid-30s who presented with fever, anaemia, thrombocytosis and markedly elevated inflammatory markers. The fever profile, including cultures, was negative. Contrast-enhanced CT of abdomen showed a large solid-cystic right adrenal lesion with elevated plasma-free normetanephrine levels suggestive of pheochromocytoma. The fever persisted despite empirical antibiotics and antipyretics. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were elevated (41.2 pg/mL (3–4 pg/mL)). She was initiated on naproxen (NPX) at a dose of 250 mg two times per day. The patient responded to NPX, and after stabilisation, she underwent an adrenalectomy. There was a complete resolution of fever with normalisation of IL-6 levels postoperatively.
Tumescent solution: a game changer in excising refractory arteriovenous malformation
Authors: Rethinasamy Ramkumar , Penubarthi Lokesh Kumar , Gopalakishnan Srinivasan Dharanya , Alexander Arun
Published: April 2024

Arteriovenous malformations of the head and neck are rare and inborn errors of vascular morphogenesis. They pose therapeutic challenges owing to their bleeding tendency and a high chance of recurrence. Treatment modalities include digital subtraction angiography with embolisation as a primary treatment or can be done preoperatively followed by surgical excision. We present a case of recurrent arteriovenous malformation of the postauricular region in an adolescent male who was taken up for upfront surgical excision with the help of a tumescent solution, thereby eliminating the need for embolisation and drastically reduced intraoperative blood loss.
Anastomosing haemangioma of adrenal gland: an unusual vascular tumour
Authors: Rewari Harshit , Wadhwa Pankaj , Talwar Harkirat , Taneja Divya
Published: April 2024

With only 15 reported cases, anastomosing haemangioma of adrenal is a rare entity and usually presents as adrenal incidentaloma. A hypertensive, diabetic, non-smoker man in his late 60s presented with irritative voiding symptoms. On evaluation, he was found to have a urinary bladder mass and left adrenal incidentaloma measuring 8 cm. Metabolic evaluation confirmed it to be non-functional.

The patient underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumour with left laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Intraoperatively, the adrenal tumour was highly vascular with multiple feeder vessels. Grossly it was soft, encapsulated with focal grey-brown areas. Microscopically, most of adrenal gland was replaced by anastomosing proliferating capillary vessels within framework of non-endothelial supporting cells reminiscent of splenic sinusoids. The tumour was positive for CD-31, CD-34, Glut-1 and SMA.

Anastomosing haemangioma is a benign entity but it must be differentiated from angiosarcoma. Characteristic imaging features are not yet defined and is, therefore, difficult to diagnose preoperatively.
Incidence of acute kidney injury in patients with acute ischaemic stroke undergoing CT angiography (CTA) and CT perfusion (CTP): a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kamran Alishba , Paryani Neha Saleem , Suri Noor Fatima , Khan Javeria , Amir Fahad , Mehmood Marium , Lashkerwala Sehan Siraj , Hayat Javeria , Marsia Shayan
Published: April 2024

Background and purpose

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients undergoing CT angiography (CTA) and CT perfusion (CTP) for acute ischaemic stroke (AIS). Concerns over contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) often lead medical centres to mandate pre-imaging serum creatinine level assessments, causing unnecessary delays. We aim to confirm further the practice of conducting CTA/CTP without first testing creatinine.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Cochrane Central and Scopus from inception until March 2023 for studies reporting on AKI in patients with AIS receiving CTA/CTP. Outcomes of interest were (1) the odds of AKI in patients receiving CTA/CTP versus non-contrast CT and (2) the overall incidence of AKI and haemodialysis in patients with AIS undergoing CTA/CTP.

Results

Results were pooled using a random effects model. 13 studies were included (5 cohort and 8 single-arm studies) with 5104 patients in total, out of which 4347 patients received CTA/CTP and 757 patients received no contrast. In case–control studies, 4.8% (OR=0.66, 95% CI 0.35 to 1.22, Z=1.32, p=0.19) of patients who received CTA/CTP developed AKI, compared with 7.7% of patients in the control group. Temporary haemodialysis was required for two patients in the analysed studies.

Conclusions

Non-randomised evidence suggests that CTA/CTP is not associated with a statistically significant increase in the risk of AKI in patients with stroke. Further well-designed prospective studies are required to explore potential risk factors of CIN in specific patient populations such as diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease.
TeamSTEPPS improves patient safety
Authors: Shi Yu , Miao Shijian , Fu Yang , Sun Chengjun , Wang Hongsheng , Zhai Xiaowen
Published: April 2024

Background

Examine how Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety (TeamSTEPPS) can be used to manage patient safety and improve the standard of care for patients.

Methods

In order to improve key medical training in areas like surgical safety management, blood transfusion closed-loop management, drug safety management and identity recognition, we apply the TeamSTEPPS teaching methodology. We then examine the effects of this implementation on changes in pertinent indicators.

Results

Our hospital’s perioperative death rate dropped to 0.019%, unscheduled reoperations dropped to 0.11%, and defined daily doses fell to 24.85. Antibiotic usage among hospitalised patients declined to 40.59%, while the percentage of antibacterial medicine prescriptions for outpatient patients decreased to 13.26%. Identity recognition requirements were implemented at a rate of 94.5%, and the low-risk group’s death rate dropped to 0.01%. Critical transfusion episodes were less common, with an incidence of 0.01%. The physician’s TeamSTEPPS Teamwork Perceptions Questionnaire and Teamwork Attitudes Questionnaire scores dramatically improved following the TeamSTEPPS team instruction course.

Conclusion

An evidence-based team collaboration training programme called TeamSTEPPS combines clinical practice with team collaboration skills to enhance team performance in the healthcare industry and raise standards for medical quality, safety, and effectiveness.
Optimal timing for the Modified Early Warning Score for prediction of short-term critical illness in the acute care chain: a prospective observational study
Authors: Veldhuis Lars Ingmar , Kuit Merijn , Karim Liza , Ridderikhof Milan L , Nanayakkara Prabath WB , Ludikhuize Jeroen
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) is an effective tool to identify patients in the acute care chain who are likely to deteriorate. Although it is increasingly being implemented in the ED, the optimal moment to use the MEWS is unknown. This study aimed to determine at what moment in the acute care chain MEWS has the highest accuracy in predicting critical illness.

Methods

Adult patients brought by ambulance to the ED at both locations of the Amsterdam UMC, a level 1 trauma centre, were prospectively included between 11 March and 28 October 2021. MEWS was calculated using vital parameters measured prehospital, at ED presentation, 1 hour and 3 hours thereafter, imputing for missing temperature and/or consciousness, as these values were expected not to deviate. Critical illness was defined as requiring intensive care unit admission, myocardial infarction or death within 72 hours after ED presentation. Accuracy in predicting critical illness was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC).

Results

Of the 790 included patients, critical illness occurred in 90 (11.4%). MEWS based on vital parameters at ED presentation had the highest performance in predicting critical illness with an AUROC of 0.73 (95% CI 0.67 to 0.79) but did not significantly differ compared with other moments. Patients with an increasing MEWS over time are significantly more likely to become critical ill compared with patients with an improving MEWS.

Conclusion

The performance of MEWS is moderate in predicting critical illness using vital parameters measured surrounding ED admission. However, an increase of MEWS during ED admission is correlated with the development of critical illness. Therefore, early recognition of deteriorating patients at the ED may be achieved by frequent MEWS calculation. Further studies should investigate the effect of continuous monitoring of these patients at the ED.
Espousing the innocence of paediatric patients: an innocent act?
Authors: Gebert J Thomas
Published: April 2024

Since the 19th century, innocence has been a hallmark of childhood. The innocence of children is seen as both a sanctity worth defending and a feature that excuses the unavoidable mistakes of adolescence. While beneficial in many settings, notions of childhood innocence are often entangled with values judgements. Inherent in innocence is the notion that that which we are innocent of is undesirable. Further, attributing innocence to some implies the tolerability of blame for others. This has unique implications in a medical setting. This essay explores the implications of espousing the innocence of paediatric patients. Ultimately, because attribution of innocence is both prone to bias and rooted in the same framework as blame, it degrades patient-centred care and compromises the patient–provider relationship. I argue that avoiding such characterisations may allow providers to more effectively promote paediatric health.
Thromboprophylaxis in hospitalized trauma patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of implementation strategies
Authors: Ratnasekera Asanthi , Seng Sirivan S , Ciarmella Marina , Gallagher Alexandria , Poirier Kelly , Harding Eric Shea , Haut Elliott R , Geerts William , Murphy Patrick
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis implementation strategies are well-studied in some hospitalized medical and surgical patients. Although VTE is associated with substantial mortality and morbidity in trauma patients, implementation strategies for the prevention of VTE in trauma appear to be based on limited evidence. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published literature on active implementation strategies for VTE prophylaxis administration in hospitalized trauma patients and the impact on VTE events.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed in adult hospitalized trauma patients to assess if active VTE prevention implementation strategies change the proportion of patients who received VTE prophylaxis, VTE events, and adverse effects such as bleeding or heparin-induced thrombocytopenia as well as hospital length of stay and the cost of care. An academic medical librarian searched Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science until December 2022.

Results

Four studies with a total of 1723 patients in the active implementation strategy group (strategies included education, reminders, human and computer alerts, audit and feedback, preprinted orders, and/or root cause analysis) and 1324 in the no active implementation strategy group (guideline creation and dissemination) were included in the analysis. A higher proportion of patients received VTE prophylaxis with an active implementation strategy (OR=2.94, 95% CI (1.68 to 5.15), p<0.01). No significant difference was found in VTE events. Quality was deemed to be low due to bias and inconsistency of studies.

Conclusions

Active implementation strategies appeared to improve the proportion of major trauma patients who received VTE prophylaxis. Further implementation studies are needed in trauma to determine effective, sustainable strategies for VTE prevention and to assess secondary outcomes such as bleeding and costs.

Level of evidence

Systematic review/meta-analysis, level III.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023390538.
First evidence of nitrogen fixation associated with bryophytes from coastal Wabanaki–Acadian forests
Authors: Jean Mélanie , Bellenger Jean-Philippe
Published: April 2024

Associations between bryophytes and dinitrogen (N2)-fixing bacteria are a significant source of exogenous N in unmanaged boreal and possibly temperate ecosystems. However, the extent to which biological N2-fixation (BNF) applies to the boreal–temperate ecotone remains elusive. The current focus on common species limits our understanding of BNF at the community level. Our objective was to characterize the presence of cyanobacteria and BNF activity associated with bryophytes in the coastal forests of Fundy National Park (New Brunswick, Canada). In 2021, we harvested three liverwort and 11 moss species from two sites (71 samples) and measured environmental covariates (e.g., canopy composition and soil pH). We used stable isotope incubations with 15N2 gas in growth chambers to quantify potential BNF activity and used phycocyanin extractions as a cyanobacteria abundance proxy. Many species presented detectable BNF rates, which were similar to or higher than those of well-studied feather mosses. These included species that have rarely been found to contribute to BNF. While cyanobacteria were present on most samples, we found no positive association between abundance and BNF. Our findings are among the first records for bryophyte-associated BNF in the boreal–temperate ecotone of eastern Canada and offer insights into the potential role of this process in N cycling in coastal conifer-dominated forests.
Three helmet-orchid species share abundant fungi of Serendipitaceae regardless of altitude
Authors: Qin Jiao , Han Zhou-Dong , Wu You , Wang Hong , Zhang Shi-Bao
Published: April 2024

The tiny terrestrial orchids (plant height less than 8 cm) in the genus Corybas dependent on mycorrhizal fungal (OMF) partners for seed germination and seedling development. The OMF community of the Corybas remains poorly understood, although the relevant knowledge is very important for in situ and ex situ conservation of these orchids. In this study, we characterized OMF richness and compositions of three helmet-orchid species, i.e., Corybas geminigibbus, C. himalaicus, and C. shanlinshiensis, from their natural habitats by using Illumina sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer 2 region. We found that fungal colonization was restricted in the rhizomes of the helmet-orchids instead of their tuberoids, and serendipitoid fungi were predominant, while tulasnelloid were absent in the three investigated Corybas species regardless of their altitude. The three Corybas species shared 27 serendipitoid operational taxonomic units that are different to those of their related orchids, the genera of Cyrtostylis and Stigmatodactylus. Corybas shanlinshiensis alone had a range of ectomycorrhizal fungi (mainly russuloid and thelephoroid) broader than C. himalaicus and C. geminigibbus. Our study provides new information about terrestrial orchid–fungi associations and may further contribute to orchid conservation.
Transformations de la composition forestière dans les forêts boréales mixtes soumises à une forte influence humaine : une analyse de la région de Rouyn-Noranda de 1910 à 2020 (Québec, Canada)
Authors: Egande Nathan , Danneyrolles Victor , Arseneault Dominique , Sigouin Marie-Eve , Bergeron Yves
Published: April 2024

Les caractéristiques des forêts préindustrielles permettent d’établir des états de référence pour l'aménagement durable des forêts. Cette approche historique est particulièrement pertinente pour les régions soumises à une forte influence humaine, dans lesquelles les forêts naturelles sont rares. C'est le cas de la région de Rouyn-Noranda, à l'ouest du Québec. Nous avons utilisé les archives d'arpentage disponibles pour reconstituer la composition préindustrielle des forêts boréales mixtes de cette région. À partir d'une base de données comportant 3621 observations sur la composition historique des forêts (1909–1940), nous dressons un portrait des forêts préindustrielles et des changements survenus dans la région. À l’époque préindustrielle, les épinettes représentaient les espèces les plus abondantes: elles étaient présentes dans 85,5 % des observations, et étaient identifiées comme dominantes (c.-à-d., les plus abondantes localement) dans 63,9 % des observations. Les épinettes tendaient à être abondantes sur l'ensemble du territoire et des types de dépôts de surface. Entre les époques préindustrielle et moderne (1980–2020), nos résultats montrent une augmentation de la fréquence des feuillus de début de succession, dont principalement le peuplier faux tremble (+28 %). Ces changements de composition semblent attribuables à la combinaison de perturbations (feux, coupes, agriculture, etc.). Nous discutons finalement des implications de ces résultats pour les stratégies d'aménagement écosystémique dans la région.
Precision nuclear physics experiments and theory
Authors: Blaum K. , Borge M. J. G.
Published: April 2024

The advances in technology mainly concerning ion traps, storage rings, lasers, high-precision frequency measurements, detectors, and particle beams as well as advances in atom and ion manipulation have allowed for a considerable progress in the determination of fundamental parameters and quantities of radionuclides such as masses, electromagnetic moments, lifetimes and beta decay correlations. The main subjects covered by this topical collection are: high-precision mass measurements both with Penning traps and storage rings for neutrino physics, nuclear structure, astrophysics, and decay studies. Laser spectroscopy is applied for the determination of other ground state properties like spins, moments, and nuclear charge radii. Furthermore, results from decay studies of highly charged ions and reactions in storage rings are presented.
Electromagnetic field and chaotic charged-particle motion around hairy black holes in Horndeski gravity
Authors: Cao Wenfu , Wu Xin , Lyu Jun
Published: April 2024

The Wald vector potential is an exact solution of the source-less Maxwell equations regarding an electromagnetic field of a vacuum uncharged black hole like the Kerr background black hole in an asymptotically uniform magnetic field. However, it is not if the black hole is a nonvacuum solution in a theory of modified gravity with extra fields or a charged Kerr–Newman spacetime. To satisfy the source-less Maxwell equations in this case, the Wald vector potential must be modified and generalized appropriately. Following this idea, we derive an expression for the vector potential of an electromagnetic field surrounding a hairy black hole in the Horndeski modified gravity theory. Explicit symplectic integrators with excellent long-term behaviour are used to simulate the motion of charged particles around the hairy black hole immersed in the external magnetic field. The recurrence plot method based on the recurrence quantification analysis uses diagonal structures parallel to the main diagonal to show regular dynamics, but adopts no diagonal structures to indicate chaotic dynamics. The method is efficient to detect chaos from order in the curved spacetime, as the Poincaré map and the fast Lyapunov indicator are.
Shape stability of a microbubble in a power–law liquid
Authors: Kaykanat S. Ilke , Uguz Kerem
Published: April 2024

The onset of non-spherical oscillations of a microbubble in an unbounded power–law liquid, important for biomedical ultrasound applications, is studied. Two sets of evolution equations are obtained from the equation of motion: a Rayleigh Plesset-type equation for the spherical oscillations and an equation for the non-spherical oscillations. The non-spherical oscillations are modeled using the perturbation method via the Legendre polynomials. Two kinds of instabilities, namely parametric and Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities, are investigated. A higher power–law index causes the damping of the oscillations for both spherical and non-spherical oscillations. The power–law index damping effect depends on the ultrasonic drive frequency. At natural frequency, the amplitude of the perturbations is high compared to the non-resonant cases. At a low consistency index, the damping effect of the power–law index decreases. Unlike Newtonian liquids, the viscosity of power–law liquids is affected by the frequency of the acoustic field, thereby affecting Rayleigh-Taylor instability.
Bridging Imaging and Clinical Scores in Parkinson’s Progression via Multimodal Self-Supervised Deep Learning
Authors: Martinez-Murcia Francisco J. , Arco Juan Eloy , Jimenez-Mesa Carmen , Segovia Fermin , Illan Ignacio A. , Ramirez Javier , Gorriz Juan Manuel
Published: April 2024

Neurodegenerative diseases pose a formidable challenge to medical research, demanding a nuanced understanding of their progressive nature. In this regard, latent generative models can effectively be used in a data-driven modeling of different dimensions of neurodegeneration, framed within the context of the manifold hypothesis. This paper proposes a joint framework for a multi-modal, common latent generative model to address the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the neurodegenerative landscape in the context of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The proposed architecture uses coupled variational autoencoders (VAEs) to joint model a common latent space to both neuroimaging and clinical data from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI). Alternative loss functions, different normalization procedures, and the interpretability and explainability of latent generative models are addressed, leading to a model that was able to predict clinical symptomatology in the test set, as measured by the unified Parkinson’s disease rating scale (UPDRS), with R2 up to 0.86 for same-modality and 0.441 cross-modality (using solely neuroimaging). The findings provide a foundation for further advancements in the field of clinical research and practice, with potential applications in decision-making processes for PD. The study also highlights the limitations and capabilities of the proposed model, emphasizing its direct interpretability and potential impact on understanding and interpreting neuroimaging patterns associated with PD symptomatology.
ADOPTION OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES IN MALAYSIA — CONSUMER PREFERENCES AND COST-BENEFIT CONSIDERATIONS
Authors: CHENAYAH SANTHA , DEVADASON EVELYN S. , GOH LIM THYE
Published: April 2024

The electric vehicles (EVs) market in Malaysia, though growing remains relatively small. Previous related studies on Malaysia focused mainly on consumer preferences and the country’s readiness towards a higher adoption of environmentally friendly alternative vehicles. This study extends previous work to examine consumer preferences towards EVs through a market survey conducted in Klang Valley. Then follows a comparative economic and environmental cost-benefit analysis of EVs relative to conventional vehicles and hybrid vehicles to provide some understanding on the market diffusion of the former. The key findings from the survey suggest that pricing and the maintenance costs of EVs negatively influence the uptake of EVs despite the positive environmental attitudes of consumers. The cost-benefit analysis, in turn, implies that the EV transition will accelerate with rising petrol prices and falling battery costs. The study concludes with some implications for sustainability based on the adoption of EVs.
MODELING SINO–US POLITICAL RELATION: EVIDENCE FROM GEOPOLITICAL ECONOMIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL ASPECTS
Authors: ZHANG LINGLAN , WANG KAI-HUA , LIU HONG-WEN , PAN XIANGYU
Published: April 2024

This paper investigates Sino–US political relation (SUR) from global economic policy uncertainty (EPU), geopolitical risk (GPR), and technological innovation progress (TIP), using time-varying parameter-stochastic volatility-vector auto-regression (TVP-SV-VAR) model. The empirical results show that the relationship between SUR and the other three variables is unstable and time-varying. In detail, both EPU and TIP exert negative impacts on SUR, reflecting the US’s apprehension regarding its leading position in both economic and technological domains. Conversely, GPR shows a positive correlation with SUR, attributed to the necessity for China and the US to collaborate in international security events such as terrorism. A significant contribution lies in the development of a multi-dimensional theoretical framework centered on the Sino–US relationship. This framework effectively captures the dynamic nature of their relations across various time frequencies and points in time. Further, this paper provides advice that China should independently develop its technology and enhance economic strength, and is willing to compete with the US, while also seeking cooperation amidst competition.
Searching for lepton flavor violation with the CMS experiment
Authors: Wang Jian
Published: April 2024

Searches for Lepton Flavor Violation (LFV) stand at the forefront of experimental particle physics research, offering a sensitive probe to many scenarios of physics beyond the Standard Model. The high proton–proton collision energy and luminosity provided by the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and the excellent CMS detector performance allow for an extensive program of LFV searches. This paper reviews a broad range of LFV searches conducted at the CMS experiment using data collected in LHC Run 2, including [Formula: see text]  decays, Higgs boson decays, and top quark production and decays. In each analysis, the online and offline event selections, signal modeling, background suppression and estimation, and statistical interpretation are elucidated. These searches involve various final state particles in a large transverse momentum range, showcasing the capability of the CMS experiment in exploring fundamental questions in particle physics.
Generalized ghost dark energy model in Brans–Dicke theory with logarithmic scalar field
Authors: Pinki  , Kumar Pankaj , Singh C. P.
Published: April 2024

We study generalized ghost dark energy model in Brans–Dicke theory within the framework of flat Friedmann–Lemaitre–Robertson–Walker Universe. We assume the well-motivated logarithmic form of Brans–Dicke scalar field in terms of the scale factor to find the observational parameters such as equation of state parameter [Formula: see text] and deceleration parameter q. It is observed that the equation of state parameter crosses the phantom divide line [Formula: see text] for a suitable range of model parameters. We observe that the deceleration parameter is time-dependent which shows the recent phase transition from decelerated to accelerated expansion of the Universe. Moreover, the model shows that the Universe will go through two future phase transitions, recent accelerated expansion to decelerated expansion and again decelerated expansion to accelerated expansion. We have also plotted the trajectories of the model in the [Formula: see text] plane for different values of parameters and explored the freezing and thawing regions. Further, we apply the sound squared speed method to check the stability of the model and found that the model is stable for suitable range of parameters.
An approach to complex network analysis on pp collisions at LHC energies
Authors: Ahmed Azharuddin , Biswas Tumpa , Subba Nirpat , Paul Subhadeep , Tawfik Abdel Nasser , Kalam Mehedi , Ghosh Dipak , Haldar Prabir Kr.
Published: April 2024

We have introduced the complex network analysis techniques such as Visibility Graph (VG), Horizontal Visibility Graph (HVG) and Sandbox (SB) algorithm as a mapping between complex network and time series measurements. This study explores the application of complex network-based analysis techniques to proton–proton [Formula: see text] collisions data at [Formula: see text], 7, 5.02 and 2.76[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]TeV to unravel the underlying dynamics of the particles and their interactions. To ensure the robustness and comprehensive analysis, we have incorporated UrQMD-, PYTHIA- and AMPT-simulated data sets of [Formula: see text] interactions at LHC energies that enable a thorough investigation of the underlying phenomena of the interactions. We have analyzed the fluctuations in pseudorapidity densities of singly charged particles created in [Formula: see text] interactions at LHC energies. We have also investigated some properties like symmetry scaling, correlation, clustering and scale-freeness among the produced particles. The findings from this study contribute to our understanding of the complex dynamics within [Formula: see text] collisions and have implications for the field of high-energy physics and particle phenomenology.
Structural Vibration Identification in Ancient Buildings Based on Multi-Feature and Multi-Sensor
Authors: Yang Yulong , Qian Chen , Zhang Yumiao , Pan Jiafu , Wang Jintao , Tan Yang , Zhou Jiawei
Published: April 2024

Ancient buildings have strict standards for vibration control. Effectively identifying vibration types and controlling construction vibrations during construction activities is advantageous to the structural safety of ancient buildings. This study is based on an analysis of vibration data from the top, foundation, and bedrock of the White Pagoda in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, which is an ancient building. Considering the surrounding construction and wind environment, this study focuses on analyzing the data features of tower vibrations under three types of structural vibration. We propose a support vector machine (SVM) vibration identification method that incorporates multi-feature parameters and multi-sensor signal correlation. This method effectively identifies the source of structural vibration by distinguishing between typical wind-induced vibrations, typical construction vibrations, and typical mixed vibrations. The application of this method could guide construction activities and mitigate the safety impacts of construction and mixed vibrations on historical building structures.
The Effect of Hyperelasticity and Nonlinearity on the Dynamic Behaviors of Hyperelastic Functionally Graded Beams on Nonlinear Elastic Foundation
Authors: Chen Jun , Qu Wenchao , Ye Chao , Zhao Zinan , Wang Huiming
Published: April 2024

Hyperelastic functionally graded materials have a wide range of application prospects in soft robotics and biomedical fields. This paper investigates the nonlinear free and forced vibrations of a hyperelastic functionally graded beam (HFGB) based on higher-order shear deformation beam theory. The geometrical nonlinearity is considered by using the von-Kármán’s nonlinear theory. The three-material-parameter free energy function named as Ishihara model is employed to characterize the hyperelastic material. The power-law gradient form along the thickness direction is adopted. The HFGB is resting on the elastic foundation. The Winkler, Pasternak and nonlinear stiffness coefficients are considered. The time-harmonic external force is applied to the HFGB. The nonlinear governing equations for the vibration of the HFGB are derived by using Hamilton’s principle, and are subsequently transformed into ordinary differential equations via Galerkin’s method. The nonlinear free vibration and primary resonance of the HFGB are investigated analytically by employing the extended Hamiltonian method and multiple scales method, respectively. The results indicate that the power-law index, slenderness ratio, material properties, and elastic foundation parameters have significant influences on the nonlinear frequency of free vibration as well as the frequency–response and force–response curves of forced vibration. The phase plane method is employed to analyze the system’s stability states under various excitation amplitudes. The relative error between the results of the current computational model and the published literature is less than 0.1 percent.
Effect of Thickness Stretching on Bending, Buckling, and Free Vibration of Functionally Graded Porous Beams
Authors: Wang Zhuangzhuang , Ma Liansheng
Published: April 2024

In this paper, the bending, buckling, and free vibration of functionally graded porous (FGP) beams are studied based on two beam theories (with or without considering thickness stretching, respectively). The effect of thickness stretching is obtained by comparing the results of the two theories. Two symmetrical distributions and one asymmetrical distribution of pores are considered. Both Young’s modulus and mass density of the FGP beams are in gradient variation in the thickness direction. The governing equations are constructed using Hamilton’s principle. The analytical solutions are obtained by Navier’s method. The effects of slenderness ratios, pore distribution, porosity and thickness stretching on FGP beams have been investigated. The results show that the inhomogeneity of FGP beams in the thickness direction is positively correlated with the effect of thickness stretching.
A Frequency Identification Approach for Damaged Heavy-Haul Railway Bridge with Bogie Accelerations
Authors: Shi Jiaqi , Shi Hongmei , Zhang Nan , Li Jianbo
Published: April 2024

Bridge structural health monitoring (BSHM) is extensively employed to assess whether bridge damage exceeds maintenance limits and helps maintenance decision-making. Frequency identification is an essential part of BSHM, which utilizes the first-order modal frequency as an evaluation indicator of bridge health status. This paper proposes a method for bridge damage identification based on extracting the first-order modal frequency of the bridge from dynamic responses of vehicle bogies. Firstly, the feasibility of extracting bridge modal frequency from bogie accelerations is theoretically deduced via a vehicle–bridge interaction model. The result indicates that the bogie accelerations encompass three frequency components, namely vehicle driving frequency, vehicle pitching frequency and bridge first-order modal frequency. Then, a multi-domain conjoint analysis method incorporating the time domain, frequency domain and time–frequency domain is proposed to extract the first-order frequency of damaged bridge from bogie accelerations. By defining a damage sensitivity index of the sliding window, the time-domain sensitive boundaries of bogie acceleration to bridge damage are pinpointed. Leveraging prior knowledge of the bridge modal frequency range, the frequency-domain sensitive boundaries bogie acceleration to bridge frequency are determined. On this basis, the sensitive region of bogie acceleration to bridge frequency can be precisely localized in the Hilbert Huang transform spectrum, ultimately identifying bridge frequency through searching local maximum instantaneous energy points within this region. Finally, comprehensive experiments, considering different vehicle speeds and track spectra scenarios, are carried out to investigate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method. The results affirm the performance of the method to accurately identify the first-order modal frequency of the damaged bridge, further underscoring the promising prospect of on-board BSHM.
Heterogeneous Internet of Things Big Data Analysis System Based on Mobile Edge Computing
Authors: Yang Lin
Published: April 2024

The big data heterogeneous Internet of Things (IoT) requires mobile edge computing (MEC) to process some data, and the data analysis system of MEC often has the problem of excessive terminal energy consumption (ECS) or long delay. So this study designed an energy-saving optimization algorithm for the task offloading processing module in the big data heterogeneous IoT analysis system, and designed and conducted simulation experiments to verify the application performance of the algorithm. The experimental results show that the #04 scheme of the designed algorithm has the lowest terminal ECS under the same conditions. Choosing the #04 scheme to build the algorithm, comparative analysis shows that when the edge server (ES) computing rate is 10 cycles/s, the weighted sum values of terminal ECS for EOPU, MPCO, exhaustive search, and local computing methods are 23.6 J, 23.9 J, 28.5 J and 84.5 J, respectively. Moreover, the algorithm possesses a significantly higher percentage of remaining time under different conditions of total SMD devices and total subchannels compared to other methods. This indicates that the designed algorithm can markedly enhance the processing performance of the task offloading model of the big data heterogeneous IoT data analysis system, and can also effectively reduce terminal ECS and system latency. The research results can provide reference for improving the processing ability of heterogeneous IoT big data analysis systems. The contribution of this study to the academic field lies in providing a model that can effectively reduce the operational ECS and time consumption of heterogeneous IoT big data analysis systems containing mobile animal networking devices. Moreover, from an industrial perspective, the results of this study contribute to improving the efficiency of information exchange and processing in the field of IoT computing, thereby promoting the promotion of IoT technology.
Andrews-Beck type congruences modulo arbitrary powers of 5 for 2-colored partitions
Authors: Lin Yang , Yao Olivia X. M.
Published: April 2024

Recently, Andrews proved two conjectures on a partition statistic introduced by Beck. Chern established some results on weighted rank and crank moments and proved many Andrews–Beck type congruences. Motivated by Andrews and Chern’s work, Lin, Peng and Toh introduced a partition statistic of k-colored partitions [Formula: see text] which counts the total number of parts of the first component in each k-colored partition [Formula: see text] of n with [Formula: see text] congruent to r modulo m and proved many congruences for [Formula: see text]. Very recently, Du and Tang proved a number of Andrews–Beck type congruences for [Formula: see text] and confirmed all conjectures posed by Lin, Peng and Toh. Motivated by their work, we establish the generating functions of [Formula: see text] and prove several families of congruences modulo arbitrary powers of 5 for [Formula: see text]. In particular, we generalize a congruence modulo 5 for [Formula: see text] due to Lin, Peng and Toh.
A function related to the Mordell–Weil rank of elliptic curves
Authors: Dixit Anup Biswanath , Murty M. Ram , Pathak Siddhi S.
Published: April 2024

Let p be a prime number. For each natural number n, we study the behavior of the function [Formula: see text] which enumerates the number of factorizations [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] a perfect square (mod p). The study of this function is inspired by the cognate function [Formula: see text] which enumerates the number of factorizations [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] a perfect square. The descent theory of elliptic curves would show that if [Formula: see text] is unbounded for squarefree values of n, then there are elliptic curves over the rational number field with arbitrarily large rank. In this note, we show for every prime p, [Formula: see text] is unbounded as n ranges over squarefree values, thus providing some evidence for the conjecture that [Formula: see text] is unbounded for squarefree n.
Synthesis of Nanohydroxyapatite of Different Morphologies and Their Effects on MC3T3-E1 Cell Behavior
Authors: Jia Xiu , Mu Sen , Wang Peijun , He Shengteng , Dai Jiayin , Bi Liangjia
Published: April 2024

Hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanoparticles, nanowires and nanosheets with hierarchical interfaces were prepared by hydrothermal method. The SEM, TEM and XRD characterizations of the materials showed that they are all pure hydroxyapatite phase, and only have differences in the microstructure. Using the thiazole blue (MTT) test, cell adhesion rate test and acridine orange staining techniques, we evaluated the adhesion and proliferation promotion ability of the three materials on mouse pre-embryonic osteoblasts (MC3T3-E1), and the effects of different nanostructures on cell activity and adhesion proliferation. The results suggested that the three materials had favorable biocompatibility, and HAP nanowires were superior to the other two materials in promoting cell adhesion and proliferation ([Formula: see text]).
Machine Learning Approaches to Predict the Selectivity of Compounds against HDAC1 and HDAC6
Authors: Dogan Berna
Published: April 2024

The design of compounds selectively binding to specific isoforms of histone deacetylases (HDACs) is ongoing research to prevent adverse side effects. Two of the most studied isoforms are HDAC1 and HDAC6 which are important targets in various disease conditions. Here, various machine learning (ML) approaches were built and tested to predict the bioactivity and selectivity towards specific isoforms. The selectivities of compounds were precited using two different approaches: selectivity profiling and selectivity window approaches. The bioactivity models of HDAC1 and HDAC6 were used to determine the selectivities of compounds in the selectivity profiling approach. In the selectivity window approach, models were developed by directly training on the bioactivity differences of tested compounds against HDAC1 and HDAC6. In this study, firstly all available classification and regression ML algorithms in Python package were tested to find suitable algorithms. Five ML algorithms were selected based on their performances and algorithm differences. These models were compared to each other by using traditional evaluation metrics. Then, a consensus approach of the selected ML models was employed to compare the selectivity window and selectivity profiling approaches regarding their ability to distinguish HDAC1- and HDAC6-selective compounds from others. Here, the performances were also tested against an external set and it was seen that the selectivity window approach was performing slightly better in categorizing selective compounds than the selectivity profiling approach. The approaches presented in this study could be an important step to utilize for screening molecular libraries to discover selective inhibitors for targets.
Cyanobacterial Metabolites as Promising Neuroprotective Agents by Targeting Phosphoglycerate Kinase 1: Dynamic In Silico Approaches
Authors: Prabhu Srinivasan , Kalaimathi Karunanithi , Jayasree Shesadri , Ayyanar Muniappan , Kadaikunnan Shine , Thiruvengadam Muthu , Amalraj Singamoorthy , Ceasar Stanislaus Antony , Alharbi Naiyf S. , Sanjeevi Baskara , Priya Sivan Padma
Published: April 2024

Phosphoglycerate kinase-1 (PGK1) is an enzyme found in the cells and tissues of the human body. Deficiency of this enzyme leads to deadly neurodegenerative diseases, such as stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease and apoptosis. Since there is no ideal drug candidate to cure such diseases by activating this enzyme, this study aimed to discover a new potent candidate from cyanobacteria using in silico pharmacological applications. The preparation of both the protein and the ligands was performed in Maestro 13.2, followed by docking using a range of modules, including Prepwizard, Ligprep, Sitemap, Glidgrid and Glide Dock, with different modes, such as HTVS, SP, XP and Desmond v6.8. Among the 240 docked cyanobacterial metabolites, lyngbyastatin, hoiamide D, lyngbyastatin 4, lyngbyastatin I, lyngbyastatin 7, tigicamide A, hoiamide and symlocamid A, showed remarkable docking and energy values. These compounds exhibit better potency as promising drugs at the target residues than reference molecules, as evidenced by better docking scores, energies, lower root mean square deviation (RMSD) with stronger binding affinities in molecular docking and MD simulations. The study demonstrated that these compounds are the first to be identified as triggers of PGK1, and it was anticipated that these metabolites would show beneficial effects when tested in both in vitro and in vivo studies of such deadly neurodegenerative diseases. The results obtained in the study suggested that these metabolites may provide a beneficial drug effect to reduce the complications associated with PGK1.
History of the Discovery of Adamantane (The First Diamondoid Molecule)
Authors: Wichterle Ivan , Mansoori G. Ali
Published: April 2024

This is a short description of the historical discovery of adamantane, the first diamondoid molecules, by Stanislav Landa of Czechoslovakia.
A synthetic chronostratigraphy for the upper Campanian–Maastrichtian of the Boreal Realm based on the Danish and German basins
Authors: Thibault Nicolas , Sheldon Emma , Morigi Caterina , Lauridsen Bodil W. , Springer Emilie G. , Schovsbo Niels H. , Korte Christoph , Stemmerik Lars , Surlyk Finn
Published: April 2024

New carbon isotope results obtained from cores from the Fehmarn Belt (German Basin), along with hitherto unpublished detailed results obtained from brachiopods collected in the 1970s from the Hemmoor section, NW Germany, present the opportunity to revise the holostratigraphy of the Danish Basin and erect a complete chronostratigraphical scheme for the upper Campanian–Maastrichtian of the Boreal Realm based on records from the Danish and North German basins. The correlation of all studied sections is ensured by previously erected high-resolution bulk carbonate carbon isotope records. A number of issues arising from the standard Upper Cretaceous (UC) calcareous nannofossil biozonation scheme for the Boreal Realm are discussed and lead us to propose a new subzonation for the Danish Basin. Carbon isotope records allow correlation to Gubbio, Italy, the Tethyan bio-magnetostratigraphic reference, and to the astronomically calibrated ODP site 762C, Indian Ocean. Revised correlations ensure the application of magnetostratigraphy, a numeric timescale and stacking of 405 kyr cycles to the new scheme, thus erecting a detailed chronostratigraphy for the upper Campanian–Maaatrichtian of the Boreal Realm.