bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weird Brownian motion
Authors: Eliazar Iddo , Arutkin Maxence
Published: July 2023

This paper presents and explores a diffusion model that generalizes Brownian motion (BM). On the one hand, as BM: the model’s mean square displacement grows linearly in time, and the model is Gaussian and selfsimilar (with Hurst exponent

1
2

). On the other hand, in sharp contrast to BM: the model is not Markov, its increments are not stationary, and its non-overlapping increments are not independent. Moreover, the model exhibits a host of statistical properties that are dramatically different than those of BM: aging and anti-aging, positive and negative momenta, correlated velocities, persistence and anti-persistence, aging Wiener–Khinchin spectra, and more. Conventionally, researchers resort to anomalous-diffusion models—e.g. fractional BM and scaled BM (both with Hurst exponents different than

1
2

)—to attain such properties. This model establishes that such properties are attainable well within the realm of diffusion. As it is seemingly Brownian yet highly non-Brownian, the model is termed Weird BM.
Bifurcation analysis of spontaneous flows in active nematic fluids
Authors: Marzorati Arsène , Turzi Stefano
Published: July 2023

Continuum models of active nematic gels have proved successful to describe a number of biological systems consisting of a population of rodlike motile subunits in a fluid environment. One of the prominent features of active systems is their ability to sustain, above a critical threshold of the active parameter, an autonomous collective motion that results in a spontaneous flow of particles. In this paper we show that in a simple channel geometry, the characteristics of this spontaneous motion are largely independent of the model that is used to describe the dynamics of the active system, but are dictated by material symmetry. The natural symmetry for active nematics in a channel is found to be described by the Klein four-groupK4≃Z2×Z2. We perform a Lyapunov–Schmidt reduction and an equivariant bifurcation analysis to show that theK4-equivariance of the problem generically results in two pitchfork bifurcations with four solution branches.
Optimization of Microalgae Biomass Yield using Chlorella Sp. and Spirulina Sp. Cultivation in secondary treated wastewater effluent
Authors: Rassman N H K , Abd Razak N A E , Mohamed R M S R , Al-Gheethi A
Published: July 2023

Conventional method for domestic wastewater treatment could be inefficient due to active organic loadings and high population. Thus, the treated wastewater still contains high nutrient of nitrogen, phosphorus, and ammonia that can lead to the eutrophication and threaten biodiversity in long run. This study is aimed to concentrate on the capability of microalgae, Chlorella sp. and Spirulina sp. cultivated with secondary treated wastewater effluent for nutrients removal and biomass yield. The secondary treated wastewater effluent sample was collected and analysed the nutrient characterization of total nitrogen (TN = 2.78 mg/L) and total phosphorus (TP = 2.13 mg/L) using standard method by APHA. The optimization of the best dilution of secondary treated wastewater effluent and the microalgae ratio of Chlorella sp. and Spirulina sp. were run by Research Surface Methodology (RSM). The optimum results were found which 100% of Chlorella sp. mixed with 50% of Spirulina sp. cultivated with 70% of secondary treated wastewater effluent dilution. The highest results obtained from microalgae biomass yield was 0.22 g/L. While the NPK were analysed using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) obtained 0.6 wt% and 0.3 wt% for phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) respectively. Subsequently, the potential traits as a biofertilizer was positively observed based on these responses. This study shows Chlorella sp. and Spirulina sp. was able to grow in wastewater and have ability to become biofertilizer with phosphorus and potassium content.
Enhancement of distillate quantity and quality of a hybrid solar desalination system
Authors: Isah A S , Shafiai S H , Takaijudin H , Singh B S M , Gilani S I U
Published: July 2023

Clean water is a necessity, yet it is scarce due to the increase in demand. Desalination is the most reliable way of getting clean water. The commonest desalination process used and suitable in rural areas is solar still distillation. Although it faces low clean water production and requires enhancements alongside quality checks. This study aims to develop an improved solar desalination system with improved quantity and quality. This was achieved by introducing a heating water element powered by a photovoltaic system and a pre-treatment system using granulated charcoal with different dosages because of its adsorption properties to reduce pollutant strength before desalination. The results showed a 300% increase in freshwater yield from the conventional system. The pre-treatment system reduces pollutant strength by 25.08%. This indicates significant water quantity and quality improvement. In that regard, the work significantly will contribute to improving water quantity and quality in solar still.
Determination of Silt and Clay soil particle distribution using new Silt-Clay Separation Quick method
Authors: Ibrahim A , Ismail B N , Abdul Razak U K , Osman M H , Akbar N A , Jalil M J
Published: July 2023

Hydrometer method is the standard method that normally used to determine fine particle size distributions for soil classification purposes. This study aims to develop new method that enable quick determination of silt-clay particle distribution compared to the hydrometer method that requires procedure of pretreatment and additional 24 hours required for the complete procedure of the test. The various soil samples were collected from seven different locations including Sunway Carnival (Marine Clay), Suling Hills (Residual Clay), Jawi Quarry (Residual Clay), Kelantan River (River Clay), Batu Kawan (Marine Clay), Kaolin Clay and Sungai Petani (Residual Clay). Three soil samples from each site were prepared for the hydrometer method and additional three samples for the new method silt-clay separation. Sample preparation and testing is repeated for all samples from seven site locations. The results of silt clay particle distribution obtained from both experimental works were compared to analyze the compatibility of data. The data analysis shows that there are no significant differences (P > 0.05) between the two methods in all examined soil samples. This indicates strong evidence to support this research that the silt-clay separation new method is comparable to the standard hydrometer method. Regression analysis between the two methods produced a coefficient of determination (R-square) values of 0.9912 respectively. The straight-line equation generated for all data produced the gradient equal to 0.8465, which is close to 1 indicates stronger evidence to supports the accuracy of the new method. In conclusion, the preliminary results of new method silt-clay separation confirmed its reliability to analyze the particle soil distribution in silt-clay fraction with 99.12% data accuracy compared to the standard hydrometer method.
Determination of non-linear shear strength and volume changes on remolded granitic residual soil due to membrane penetration
Authors: Osman Muhammad Hafeez , Albar Aniza , Nyuin Joe Davylyn
Published: July 2023

Membrane penetration is the term used to describe the displacement of the rubber membrane into the spaces between the cylindrical specimens during triaxial testing in the consolidation stage. Membrane penetration from elevated cell pressure during the consolidation stage might have a negative effect on the interpretation of stress-strain data and specimen volume calculations during the shearing stage. To assist engineers in making knowledgeable judgments, additional study is needed to examine membrane penetration in granitic residual soil. In this study, membrane penetration was investigated using a modified graphical technique. Triaxial tests on grade V granitic residual soil were conducted as part of the study at effective confining pressures of 50 kPa, 100 kPa, 200 kPa, 300 kPa, and 400 kPa. In the tests, real specimens constructed of compacted granitic residual soil with initial diameters of 50mm and 100mm, and dummy specimens made of a thin soil layer containing a solid, rigid cylindrical core, were both employed. Without considering the impact of specimen compression, the behaviour of membrane penetration was only examined in the dummy specimens. The graphical method has to be altered as a result of the fines. The findings demonstrated that the effect of membrane penetration increased with a rise in effective confining pressure and became less relevant at confining pressures of 300 kPa or lower.
Mechanical and thermal characterization of additive manufactured fish scale powder reinforced PLA biocomposites
Authors: Joseph Arockiam A , Rajesh S , Karthikeyan S , Thiagamani Senthil Muthu Kumar , Padmanabhan R G , Hashem Mohamed , Fouad Hassan , Ansari AbuZar
Published: July 2023

This research work is aimed to convert fish scale wastes as an effective reinforcement in polylactic acid (PLA) as a new bio-composite filament for fused deposition-based 3D printing applications. Various concentrations of fish scale particles (0, 10, 20, and 30%) were used to make the filaments. The performance of the developed filaments was assessed by printing the filament into various test specimens to perform tensile, flexural, impact, hardness, and water absorption experiments as per the ASTM standards. The outcomes of the results show that the PLA/fish scale powder (20%) composite has performed well than the remaining composites. Furthermore, the adding 20% fish scale powder increased the tensile strength and flexural strength of the 3D printed PLA composite by 15% and 39.78% respectively. This is evident that the novel bio-composite exhibited better properties than the pure polymer making it a potential replacement as bone-grafting material and scaffolds for bio-engineering applications.
Automatic calibration of electrode arrays for dexterous neuroprostheses: a review
Authors: RaviChandran Narrendar , Aw Kean , McDaid Andrew
Published: July 2023

Background. Electrode arrays can simplify the modulation of shape, size, and position for customized stimulation delivery. However, the intricacy in achieving the desired outcome stems from optimizing for the myriad of possible electrode combinations and stimulation parameters to account for varying physiology across users. Objective. This study reviews automated calibration algorithms that perform such an optimization to realize hand function tasks. Comparing such algorithms for their calibration effort, functional outcome, and clinical acceptance can aid with the development of better algorithms and address technological challenges in their implementation. Methods. A systematic search was conducted across major electronic databases to identify relevant articles. The search yielded 36 suitable articles; among them, 14 articles that met the inclusion criteria were considered for the review. Results. Studies have demonstrated the realization of several hand function tasks and individual digit control using automatic calibration algorithms. These algorithms significantly improved calibration time and functional outcomes across healthy and people with neurological deficits. Also, electrode profiling performed via automated algorithms was very similar to a trained rehabilitation expert. Additionally, emphasis must be given to collecting subject-specific a priori data to improve the optimization routine and simplify calibration effort. Conclusion. With significantly shorter calibration time, delivering personalized stimulation, and obviating the need for an expert, automated algorithms demonstrate the potential for home-based rehabilitation for improved user independence and acceptance.
Ultrathin SrTiO3-based oxide memristor with both drift and diffusive dynamics as versatile synaptic emulators for neuromorphic computing
Authors: Nie Fang , Wang Jie , Fang Hong , Ma Shuanger , Wu Feiyang , Zhao Wenbo , Wei Shizhan , Wang Yuling , Zhao Le , Yan Shishen , Ge Chen , Zheng Limei
Published: July 2023

Artificial synapses are electronic devices that simulate important functions of biological synapses, and therefore are the basic components of artificial neural morphological networks for brain-like computing. One of the most important objectives for developing artificial synapses is to simulate the characteristics of biological synapses as much as possible, especially their self-adaptive ability to external stimuli. Here, we have successfully developed an artificial synapse with multiple synaptic functions and highly adaptive characteristics based on a simple SrTiO3/Nb: SrTiO3 heterojunction type memristor. Diverse functions of synaptic learning, such as short-term/long-term plasticity (STP/LTP), transition from STP to LTP, learning–forgetting–relearning behaviors, associative learning and dynamic filtering, are all bio-realistically implemented in a single device. The remarkable synaptic performance is attributed to the fascinating inherent dynamics of oxygen vacancy drift and diffusion, which give rise to the coexistence of volatile- and nonvolatile-type resistive switching. This work reports a multi-functional synaptic emulator with advanced computing capability based on a simple heterostructure, showing great application potential for a compact and low-power neuromorphic computing system.
Founder events and subsequent genetic bottlenecks underlie karyotype evolution in the Ibero-North African endemic Carex helodes
Authors: Escudero Marcial , Arroyo Juan Miguel , Sánchez-Ramírez Santiago , Jordano Pedro
Published: July 2023

Background and Aims

Despite chromosomal evolution being one of the major drivers of diversification in plants, we do not yet have a clear view of how new chromosome rearrangements become fixed within populations, which is a crucial step forward for understanding chromosomal speciation.

Methods

In this study, we test the role of genetic drift in the establishment of new chromosomal variants in the context of hybrid dysfunction models of chromosomal speciation. We genotyped 178 individuals from seven populations (plus 25 seeds from one population) across the geographical range of Carex helodes (Cyperaceae). We also characterized karyotype geographical patterns of the species across its distribution range. For one of the populations, we performed a detailed study of the fine-scale, local spatial distribution of its individuals and their genotypes and karyotypes.

Key Results

Synergistically, phylogeographical and karyotypic evidence revealed two main genetic groups: southwestern Iberian Peninsula vs. northwestern African populations; and within Europe our results suggest a west-to-east expansion with signals of genetic bottlenecks. Additionally, we inferred a pattern of descending dysploidy, plausibly as a result of a west-to-east process of post-glacial colonization in Europe.

Conclusions

Our results give experimental support to the role of geographical isolation, drift and inbreeding in the establishment of new karyotypes, which is key in the speciation models of hybrid dysfunction.
Athena: Specialty Certificate Examination case for paediatrics and genetics
Authors: Lim Puo Nen , Jury Catherine , Beattie Paula
Published: July 2023

This is an Athena Specialty Certificate Examination case of a child who presented with marked ichthyosis at birth, alongside clinical features including rhizomelic limb shortening, bilateral cataracts and conductive hearing loss. We discuss the diagnosis, along with potential causes of congenital ichthyoses, highlighting distinguishing features among them.
Analysis of the microbiome of the Bolivian high-altitude Lake Pastos Grandes
Authors: Daga-Quisbert Jeanett , Rajarao Gunaratna Kuttuva , Ugarte Felix , van Maris Antonius J A , Quillaguamán Jorge
Published: July 2023

Lake Pastos Grandes in Bolivia is mainly composed of salt flats, which are sporadically and only partially submerged during the wet season. In the present study, the chemical composition of water samples of the lake and some influent rivers was determined. We found that it is likely that the lake was influenced by the dilution of metals from ancient evaporites. We performed the first metagenomic studies of this lake. Analyses of shotgun metagenomics revealed that the relative abundances of Burkholderiales and Pseudomonadales were noteworthy in the water samples, whereas the archaea belonging to the Halobacteriales and Cyanobacteria from subsection III had high abundances in the salt flat. The eukaryotes Crustacea and Diatomea exhibited the highest abundances in the water samples. We investigated further the potential effect of human activities on the nitrogen cycle mobilization in the lake and the propagation of antimicrobial resistance genes. This is the first report about the cycle in the lake. Additionally, rifamycin resistance genes and genes related to efflux pumps, which are not considered a hazard when identified in metagenomes, had the uppermost relative abundances in all sampling points. We found that Lake Pastos Grandes hitherto does not show an appreciable influence by anthropogenic actions.
Leishmania amazonensis infection impairs VLA-4 clustering and adhesion complex assembly at the adhesion site of J774 cells
Authors: Brito Reginaldo , Hassegawa Erina Masayo , Camardelli Patrick , Elpídio Kalene , de Menezes Juliana , Figueira Cláudio Pereira , dos-Santos Washington L C
Published: July 2023

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is an infectious disease that may lead to a single or multiple disseminated cutaneous lesions. The mechanisms involved in Leishmania dissemination to different areas of the skin and the internal organs remain poorly understood. Evidence shows that Very Late Antigen-4 (VLA-4)-dependent phagocyte adhesion is impaired by Leishmania infection, which may be related to the mechanisms of parasite dissemination. We investigated factors potentially associated with decreased VLA-4-mediated adhesion in Leishmania-infected macrophages, including lipid raft-mediated VLA-4 mobilization along the cellular membrane, integrin cluster formation at the cell base (adhesion site), and focal adhesion complex assembly. Phagocytes treated with Methyl-β-Cyclodextrin (MβCD) demonstrated reduced adhesion, similarly to Leishmania amazonensis-infected J774 cells. Infected and MβCD-treated macrophages presented decreased VLA-4 mobilization to the adhesion plane, as well as reduced integrin clustering. Leishmania amazonensis-infected cells exhibited talin depletion, as well as a decreased mobilization of adhesion complex proteins, such as talin and viculin, which were associated with lower VLA-4 concentrations at the adhesion site and limited cell-spreading. Our results suggest that Leishmania infection may modulate the firm adhesion phase of the cell-spreading process, which could contribute to the bloodstream dissemination of infected cells.
Complete genome of the toxic mold Aspergillus pseudotamarii isolate NRRL 25517 reveals genomic instability of the aflatoxin biosynthesis cluster
Authors: Legan Andrew W , Mack Brian M , Mehl Hillary L , Wissotski Marina , Ching’anda Connel , Maxwell Lourena A , Callicott Kenneth A
Published: July 2023

Fungi can synthesize a broad array of secondary metabolite chemicals. The genes underpinning their biosynthesis are typically arranged in tightly linked clusters in the genome. For example, ∼25 genes responsible for the biosynthesis of carcinogenic aflatoxins by Aspergillus section Flavi species are grouped in a ∼70 Kb cluster. Assembly fragmentation prevents assessment of the role of structural genomic variation in secondary metabolite evolution in this clade. More comprehensive analyses of secondary metabolite evolution will be possible by working with more complete and accurate genomes of taxonomically diverse Aspergillus species. Here, we combined short- and long-read DNA sequencing to generate a highly contiguous genome of the aflatoxigenic fungus, Aspergillus pseudotamarii (isolate NRRL 25517 = CBS 766.97; scaffold N50 = 5.5 Mb). The nuclear genome is 39.4 Mb, encompassing 12,639 putative protein-encoding genes and 74–97 candidate secondary metabolite biosynthesis gene clusters. The circular mitogenome is 29.7 Kb and contains 14 protein-encoding genes that are highly conserved across the genus. This highly contiguous A. pseudotamarii genome assembly enables comparisons of genomic rearrangements between Aspergillus section Flavi series Kitamyces and series Flavi. Although the aflatoxin biosynthesis gene cluster of A. pseudotamarii is conserved with Aspergillus flavus, the cluster has an inverted orientation relative to the telomere and occurs on a different chromosome.
The Effect of Methodological Considerations on the Construction of Gene-Based Plant Pan-genomes
Authors: Glick Lior , Mayrose Itay
Published: July 2023

Pan-genomics is an emerging approach for studying the genetic diversity within plant populations. In contrast to common resequencing studies that compare whole genome sequencing data with a single reference genome, the construction of a pan-genome (PG) involves the direct comparison of multiple genomes to one another, thereby enabling the detection of genomic sequences and genes not present in the reference, as well as the analysis of gene content diversity. Although multiple studies describing PGs of various plant species have been published in recent years, a better understanding regarding the effect of the computational procedures used for PG construction could guide researchers in making more informed methodological decisions. Here, we examine the effect of several key methodological factors on the obtained gene pool and on gene presence–absence detections by constructing and comparing multiple PGs of Arabidopsis thaliana and cultivated soybean, as well as conducting a meta-analysis on published PGs. These factors include the construction method, the sequencing depth, and the extent of input data used for gene annotation. We observe substantial differences between PGs constructed using three common procedures (de novo assembly and annotation, map-to-pan, and iterative assembly) and that results are dependent on the extent of the input data. Specifically, we report low agreement between the gene content inferred using different procedures and input data. Our results should increase the awareness of the community to the consequences of methodological decisions made during the process of PG construction and emphasize the need for further investigation of commonly applied methodologies.
Semi-analytical simulation of seismic waves generated by a point source in 1-D layered half-space of double-porosity media
Authors: Jiang Yaochang , Gao Yongxin , Cheng Qianli , Song Yongjia
Published: July 2023

In this study, we present a semi-analytical method to simulate the propagation of seismic waves in horizontally stratified double-porosity media. We solve the governing equations in the frequency–wavenumber domain and then compute the time–space domain solutions by Hankel and fast Fourier transforms. We conduct numerical simulations to study the properties of the seismic waves in the double-porosity media. The results show the existence of three P waves, one fast P wave and two slow P waves. The two slow P waves are highly attenuated and can be observed by assuming a low fluid viscosity. By comparing the fast P wave in a single-porosity medium and that in a double-porosity medium, we find that the double-porosity model predicts much higher attenuation of the fast P wave due to the local fluid flow between the background medium and the inclusions. We also study the parameters affecting the attenuation, such as the radius of the spherical inclusions, the viscosity of the pore fluid, the permeability of the background medium and the porosity of the inclusions. Finally, we present a cross-well survey model to investigate the seismic responses in the double-porosity media and compare them with the responses in the single-porosity media. We find that both the amplitude and velocity of the fast P wave decrease with the increase of the volume ratio of the inclusions.
Consistent edge effect patterns revealed using continuous surveys across an Eastern Mediterranean no-take marine protected area
Authors: Ohayon Sarah , Homma Hikaru , Malamud Shahar , Ostrovsky Ilia , Yahel Ruthy , Mehner Thomas , Kanari Mor , Belmaker Jonathan
Published: July 2023

Because marine protected areas (MPAs) are not equally effective across their areas, monitoring should progress from dichotomic (within vs. outside) to a finer spatial resolution. Here, we examine the effect of an Eastern Mediterranean no-take MPA on fishes across the MPA and into fished areas, using three methods: underwater visual censuses, acoustic surveys, and towed-diver surveys. The Eastern Mediterranean includes non-indigenous species, so the effect of the MPA was also evaluated for its resistance to invasion. The fine-scale analysis revealed ecological phenomena that could not be captured by dichotomic sampling, such as the edge effect, a reduction of fish biomass along the MPA periphery. Despite their differences, all three methods revealed similar spatial patterns. The fine-scale analysis did not support a biotic resistance of the MPA to non-indigenous species. Our study supports the prevalence of edge effects even in well-enforced no-take MPAs and highlights the need for continuous monitoring to reveal these patterns.
High-precision and high-efficiency first-arrival slope tomography via eikonal solvers and the adjoint-state method
Authors: Li Yong , Zhang Gulan , Hu Guanghui , Li Ke , Luo Yiliang , Liang Chenxi , Duan Jing
Published: July 2023

First-arrival slope tomography (FAST) introduces first-arrival slopes, corresponding to the horizontal components of the slowness vectors at the receiver and source positions to supplement first-arrival traveltime for better guiding ray propagation in the media until the best match is achieved with the observed data. FAST can recover the velocity model with higher resolution and precision than first-arrival traveltime tomography (FATT) but is computationally intensive. In this context, we propose an improved approach, referred to as high-precision and high-efficiency first-arrival slope tomography (HFAST). HFAST redefines one of the slopes using the reciprocity principle and simultaneously employs the first-arrival traveltime and slopes to ensure high-quality model building. On the other hand, HFAST extracts calculated data and derives the gradient of the misfit function from the solutions of relatively limited forward and inverse problems, resulting in a low computational cost. The cost of HFAST is proportional to the minimum between the receivers and sources, whereas the cost of FAST is scaled to the sum of the receivers and sources. Numerical experiments involving the checkerboard and SEAM II Foothill models demonstrate that HFAST can achieve a higher inversion precision than FATT, especially in the recovery of small-scale anomalies and the presence of velocity reversal. Moreover, HFAST is more computationally efficient than FAST and suitable for managing large data sets. Therefore, HFAST can be regarded as a valuable supplement to current first-arrival-based model building methods and has the potential to be applied in static corrections, prestack depth migration and waveform inversion in the future.
GAMA/DEVILS: cosmic star formation and AGN activity over 12.5 billion years
Authors: D’Silva Jordan C J , Driver Simon P , Lagos Claudia D P , Robotham Aaron S G , Bellstedt Sabine , Davies Luke J M , Thorne Jessica E , Bland-Hawthorn Joss , Bravo Matias , Holwerda Benne , Phillipps Steven , Seymour Nick , Siudek Malgorzata , Windhorst Rogier A
Published: July 2023

We use the Galaxy and Mass Assembly (GAMA) and the Deep Extragalactic Visible Legacy Survey (DEVILS) observational data sets to calculate the cosmic star formation rate (SFR) and active galactic nuclei (AGN) bolometric luminosity history (CSFH/CAGNH) over the last 12.5 billion years. SFRs and AGN bolometric luminosities were derived using the spectral energy distribution fitting code ProSpect, which includes an AGN prescription to self-consistently model the contribution from both AGN and stellar emission to the observed rest-frame ultra-violet to far-infrared photometry. We find that both the CSFH and CAGNH evolve similarly, rising in the early Universe up to a peak at look-back time ≈10 Gyr (z ≈ 2), before declining towards the present day. The key result of this work is that we find the ratio of CAGNH to CSFH has been flat ($\approx 10^{42.5}\, \mathrm{erg \, s^{-1}\, {\rm M}_{\odot }^{-1}\, yr}$) for 11 Gyr up to the present day, indicating that star formation and AGN activity have been coeval over this time period. We find that the stellar masses of the galaxies that contribute most to the CSFH and CAGNH are similar, implying a common cause, which is likely gas inflow. The depletion of the gas supply suppresses cosmic star formation and AGN activity equivalently to ensure that they have experienced similar declines over the last 10 Gyr. These results are an important milestone for reconciling the role of star formation and AGN activity in the life cycle of galaxies.
Astreaks: astrometry of NEOs with trailed background stars
Authors: Sharma Kritti , Kumar Harsh , Choudhary Harsh , Bhalerao Varun , Swain Vishwajeet , Bolin Bryce , Anupama G C , Barway Sudhanshu , Joharle Simran , Shenoy Vedant
Published: July 2023

The detection and accurate astrometry of fast-moving near-Earth objects (NEOs) has been a challenge for the follow-up community. Their fast apparent motion results in streaks in sidereal images, thus affecting the telescope’s limiting magnitude and astrometric accuracy. A widely adopted technique to mitigate trailing losses is non-sidereal tracking, which transfers the streaking to background reference stars. However, no existing publicly available astrometry software is configured to detect such elongated stars. We present Astreaks, a streaking source detection algorithm, to obtain accurate astrometry of NEOs in non-sidereal data. We validate the astrometric accuracy of Astreaks on 371 non-sidereally tracked images for 115 NEOs with two instrument set-ups of the GROWTH-India Telescope. The observed NEOs had V-band magnitude in the range [15, 22] with proper motion up to 140 arcsec min−1, thus resulting in stellar streaks as high as 6.5 arcmin (582 pixels) in our data. Our method obtained astrometric solutions for all images with 100 per cent success rate. The standard deviation in observed-minus-computed (O–C) residuals is 0.52 arcsec with O–C residuals <2 arcsec (<1 arcsec) for 98.4 per cent (84.4 per cent) of our measurements. These are appreciable, given the pixel scale of ∼0.3 and ∼0.7 arcsec of our two instrument set-ups. This demonstrates that our modular and fully automated algorithm helps improve the telescope system’s limiting magnitude without compromising astrometric accuracy by enabling non-sidereal tracking on the target. This will help the NEO follow-up community cope with the accelerated discovery rates and improved sensitivity of the next-generation NEO surveys. Astreaks has been made available to the community under an open-source license.
Expressive Procedure
Authors: Assy Rabeea
Published: July 2023

This article explores the expressive dimension of procedural law, arguing that some procedural rules can be usefully understood as instruments of expression: they can express, or be employed to express, values, preferences and attitudes—independently of the economic incentives such rules create and regardless of the specific substantive law that governs the dispute. This is illustrated through two case studies that demonstrate how expressive considerations can underlie procedural rules, court decisions in relation to procedural matters and procedural choices that litigants make. The first is the requirement that litigants conduct civil proceedings in a diligent, honest and otherwise appropriate manner, which operates in part as an expressive norm, allowing courts to impose procedural sanctions as a way to condemn litigants’ behaviour. The second case study is the right to self-representation, which has been used by litigants in certain contexts as an act of protest against the legitimacy of the proceedings.
Schwinger–Dyson equation in the complex plane: Two simple models
Authors: Tanaka Hidekazu , Sasagawa Shuji
Published: July 2023

Effective mass and energy are investigated using the Schwinger–Dyson equation (SDE) in the complex plane. As simple examples, we solve the SDE for the (1+1)-dimensional model and strongly coupled quantum electrodynamics (QED). We also study some properties of the effective mass and energy in the complex plane.
Investigation of oxidative stress status and apoptotic markers of juvenile trout exposed to arsenic toxicity
Authors: Saç Hasan , Yeltekin Aslı Ç
Published: July 2023

Arsenic is one of the most abundant elements on earth. Arsenic, also called metalloid, is used as a raw material in many industries. Arsenic causes the acceleration of free radical production in the body and the resulting oxidative stress. In juvenile trout, the interactions of arsenic with metacomposition, biochemical analysis, and apoptosis stimuli were investigated. Results were demonstrated by several marker applications, including oxidative stress parameters, proinflammatory cytokine expressions, DNA damage, and apoptosis markers. In our study, arsenic was applied to juvenile trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) at concentrations of 25, 50, and 75 mg/L for 96 h. After exposure, the brain tissues of the fish were collected and homogenized. SOD the GSH-Px, CAT, and MDA levels were determined by spectrophotometric methods in the supernatants from the brain tissues of the juvenile trout. Levels of NF-kB, TNF-α, IL-6, Nrf-2, GSH, caspase-3, AChE, and 8-OHdG were determined with an ELISA kit. When the brain tissues of the fish were examined after the study, it was found that the levels of NF-kB, TNF-α, IL-6, Nrf-2, Caspza-3, MDA, and 8-OHdG increased, and the levels of GSH, CAT, SOD, AChE, and GSH-Px decreased. It was found that oxidative stress occurred as a result of the effect of the heavy metal arsenic in the brain tissues of the fish after application.
VIIIRenaissance Drama: Excluding Shakespeare
Authors: Fell Christopher , Paravano Cristina , Ragni Cristiano , Enjo Yuri
Published: July 2023

This chapter has three sections: 1. Editions and Textual Matters; 2. Theatre History; 3. Criticism. Section 1 is by Christopher Fell; section 2 is by Cristina Paravano; section 3(a) is by Cristiano Ragni; section 3(b) is by Yuri Enjo.
First Report of Cockscomb Root Rot Caused by Fusarium solani in Iraq
Authors: Shehan Safa J. , Abdalmoohsin Rajaa G. , Jeddoa Zuhair M. A. , Lahuf Adnan A.
Published: July 2023

Cockscomb ( Celosia argentea L.) is one of the most important ornamental plants in Iraq. In August 2021, severe root rot of cockscomb plants was observed, with an incidence of 30%, in all of the nurseries surveyed in the Karbala and Babylon provinces, Iraq. The symptoms appeared as severe leaf chlorosis and wilting with brown discoloration of the stem vascular bundle associated with dark brown lesions on the root that extended to the root collar and became extensive rot. The morphological features of 50% of the fungal colonies were identical and similar to those of Fusarium spp. The internal transcribed spacer, translation elongation factor, RNA polymerase I and II, beta-tubulin 1, and mitochondrial small-subunit ribosomal RNA genes were amplified and sequenced. BLASTn analysis of these genetic markers’ sequences found 99.84 to 100% similarity with the corresponding global sequences of Fusarium solani (Mart.). This identification was confirmed by phylogenetic analysis of the concatenated sequences of the genetic markers. Although F. solani has caused economic damage to a broad range of commercially important plants in Iraq, to our knowledge, this is the first report of F. solani causing root rot of cockscomb ( C. argentea) in Iraq.
Nur77 is involved in the regulation of obesity‐related lower muscle mass by promoting Pten degradation
Authors: Chen Feng , Yu Yang , Tian Huanlian , Ma Guojing , Ma Ruze , Tian Tingting , Wang Difei
Published: July 2023

Obesity may impair muscle function and is sometimes associated with lower muscle mass. However, the internal regulatory mechanism is still unclear. Nur77 has been reported to improve obesity phenotype by regulating glucose and lipid metabolism and inhibiting the production of inflammatory factors and reactive oxygen species. Concurrently, Nur77 also plays an important role in muscle differentiation and development. We aimed to investigate the role of Nur77 in obesity‐related lower muscle mass. Our in vivo and in vitro experiments illustrated that the reduction of obesity‐related Nur77 accelerated the occurrence of lower muscle mass by interfering with the signaling pathways involved in the regulation of myoprotein synthesis and degradation. We further demonstrated that Nur77 activates the PI3K/Akt pathway by promoting Pten degradation, which enhances the phosphorylation of the Akt/mTOR/p70S6K pathway and inhibits the expression of skeletal muscle‐specific E3 ligases (MAFbx/MuRF1). Nur77 induces Pten degradation by increasing the transcription of its specific E3 ligase Syvn1. Our study confirms that Nur77 is a key factor in ameliorating obesity‐related lower muscle mass, providing a new therapeutic target and theoretical basis for the treatment of obesity‐related lower muscle mass.
Micrometastases in the sentinel node after neoadjuvant therapy. Is axillary dissection still required?
Authors: Di Micco Rosa , Fontana Sabrina K.R. , Gentilini Oreste D. , Galimberti Viviana
Published: July 2023

The present review intends to discuss the controversies and strengths in clinically node-positive patients with axillary nodal status ypNi+/mi after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Over the past 20 years, a de-escalation approach toward axillary surgery has been observed in patients with breast cancer. The worldwide use of sentinel node biopsy in the upfront setting and after primary systemic therapy substantially reduced surgical complications or late sequelae and eventually improving quality of life of patients. However, the role of axillary dissection is still unclear in patients with low residual disease post-chemotherapy, namely those with micrometastases in the sentinel node, and its prognostic role is still not very clear. The aim of the present narrative review is to report the available evidence on this topic, discussing the pros and cons of performing axillary lymph node dissection in the infrequent finding of micrometastases in the sentinel node after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We will also describe the ongoing prospective studies which are expected to shed light and guide future decisions.
The complexity of genitourinary syndrome of menopause: number, severity, and frequency of vulvovaginal discomfort symptoms in women enrolled in a randomized trial evaluating treatment for genitourinary syndrome of menopause
Authors: Mitchell Caroline M. , Larson Joseph C. , Reed Susan D. , Guthrie Katherine A.
Published: July 2023

Objective

The aim of the study is to describe the location, severity, and frequency of genitourinary symptoms in postmenopausal women enrolled in a randomized trial of treatment for vulvovaginal discomfort.

Methods

This is a post hoc analysis of enrollment responses for participants in the MsFLASH Vaginal Health Trial. Participants were asked about the severity (0-3), frequency (in days per week) and location (vulvar or vaginal) of itch, dryness, pain/soreness, irritation, as well as severity and frequency of pain with penetration, vaginal discharge, urinary incontinence, and urinary urgency.

Results

A total of 302 participants were enrolled, with a mean age of 60.9 ± 4.1 years. The mean number of moderate-severe vulvovaginal symptoms experienced by trial participants in the month before enrollment was 3.4 ± 1.5, with a range from 1 to 7. The most commonly reported symptom across all severity categories was vaginal dryness (285/302, 94%), but the one most frequently rated as severe was pain with vaginal penetration (121/302, 40%). Vaginal dryness was the symptom with highest frequency; 53% of participants with that symptom reported experiencing it ≥4 d/wk. For vaginal symptoms, 80% of participants (241/302) reported that at least one of these symptoms occurred during or after sex while only 43% (158/302) reported that at least one vulvar symptom occurred during or after sex. Urinary incontinence (202/302, 67%) and urinary frequency (128/302, 43%) were the two most commonly reported urinary issues.

Conclusions

Our data highlight the complexity of genitourinary syndrome of menopause symptoms in quantity, severity, and frequency, suggesting that measuring distress, bother, or interference may be the most comprehensive measure.
Evaluation of Atmospheric Conditions Leading to a Fumigation Event
Authors: Viner Brian , Weinbeck Steve , Sobecki Christopher
Published: July 2023

During the afternoon of 30 January 2022, the Savannah River Site experienced unusual temperature conditions leading to a fumigation event that triggered safety alarms and caused considerable confusion about the cause of the event. Normally, it is assumed that fumigation events occur early in the day once surface heating has begun. While most fumigation events are related to the breakup of a nocturnal inversion, this event was related to synoptic atmospheric conditions, which provided a more unique scenario that led to the fumigation event. The unusual synoptic atmospheric conditions led to the downwash and fumigation of the elevated plume, causing a pollutant to mix rapidly to the surface. These conditions could have potentially harmed workers within the facility, since the plume was directed toward a building air intake system. We seek to outline the conditions that led to this unusual fumigation event and provide results of two-dimensional (2D) wind modeling of the event to characterize these conditions for future operational guidance of the facility air intake systems. This work sets the groundwork for future high-resolution modeling to explore the mechanisms and thresholds affecting fumigation on the facility-specific short distance scales and improve forecasting of non-standard fumigation events to protect human health.
Association Between Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Level and Bell's Palsy
Authors: Stahl Avishai , Biadsee Ameen , Hornik-Lurie Tzipi , Nageris Benny
Published: July 2023

Objective

To investigate whether dysregulated thyroid hormone function is associated with Bell's palsy.

Study Design

Cross-sectional.

Setting

Electronic medical record database of Clalit Health Services (CHS). CHS is an Israeli payer-provider, integrated health care system, serving >4.5 million members (54% of the Israeli population).

Patients

Older than 18 years with Bell's palsy, during 2002 to 2019.

Interventions

None.

Methods

A total of 1,374 patients with Bell's palsy who had thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) blood levels measured up to 60 days before the palsy were matched (1:2) for age and sex with 2,748 controls who had TSH blood levels and no history of Bell's palsy.

Results

Retrospective review of the CHS database, from 2002 to 2019 yielded 11,268 patients with Bell's palsy, of which, 1,374 met the inclusion criteria. Mean age was 57.9 years, and 61.4% were female. A higher percentage of patients in the Bell's palsy group had low TSH (≤0.55 mIU/L) compared with controls (5.7% vs. 3.6%, p < 0.001). Low TSH compared with TSH > 0.55 mIU/L, was independently associated with 1.45-fold increased odds for having Bell's palsy (95% CI 1.11–2.02, p < 0.001), when controlled for age, sex, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, prior cerebrovascular accident, hemoglobin level, and purchasing thyroid hormone drugs. Among the patients with TSH ≤ 0.55 mIU/L, 95.5% had normal free thyroxin and 97.7% had normal free triiodothyronine levels (subclinical hyperthyroidism). For 47.1% of patients, TSH remained ≤0.55 mIU/L, 3 to 12 months after the Bell's palsy occurred and most patients had normal free thyroxin (95.4%) and normal free triiodothyronine (91.8%).

Conclusions

Subclinical hyperthyroidism is independently associated with Bell's palsy after controlling for multiple confounding factors.
Characteristics and Possible Mechanisms of Direction-Reversing Nystagmus During Positional Testing in Patients With Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Authors: Li Xiang , Si Lihong , Song Ning , Wu Yuexia , Zhang Menglu , Feng Yufei , Yang Xu
Published: July 2023

Objectives

The occurrence of direction-reversing nystagmus during positional testing in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is not uncommon. Further in-depth analysis of the characteristics and possible mechanisms of direction-reversing nystagmus will help us to diagnose and treat BPPV more precisely. The study aimed to analyze the incidence and characteristics of direction-reversing nystagmus during positional testing in BPPV patients, evaluate the outcomes of canalith repositioning procedure for these patients, and further explore the possible mechanism of reversal nystagmus in BPPV patients.

Study design

Retrospective study.

Setting

Single-center study.

Patients

A total of 575 patients with BPPV who visited the Vertigo Clinic of our hospital between April 2017 and June 2021 were enrolled.

Main outcome measures

Dix-Hallpike and supine roll tests were performed. The nystagmus was recorded using videonystagmography. The characteristics of direction-reversing nystagmus and the possible underlying mechanism were analyzed.

Results

Patients with BPPV who showed reversal nystagmus accounted for 9.39% (54 of 575) of all BPPV patients visiting our hospital during the same period, of which 5.57% (32 of 575) had horizontal semicircular canal BPPV (HC-BPPV), and 3.83% (22 of 575) had posterior semicircular canal BPPV (PC-BPPV). The maximum slow-phase velocities (mSPVs) of the first-phase nystagmus were greater in HC-BPPV and PC-BPPV patients with reversal nystagmus than those without (p = 0.04 and p = 0.01, respectively). In all HC-BPPV and PC-BPPV patients with reversal nystagmus, the mSPV of the first-phase nystagmus was greater than that of the second-phase nystagmus (p < 0.01). The duration of the second-phase nystagmus was longer than 60 seconds in 93.75% (30 of 32) of the HC-BPPV patients and 77.27% (17 of 22) of the PC-BPPV patients (p = 0.107, Fisher exact test). HC-BPPV and PC-BPPV patients with reversal nystagmus both required more than one canalith repositioning procedure compared with those without (HC-BPPV: 75 versus 28.13%, p < 0.001; PC-BPPV: 59.09 versus 13.64%, p = 0.002).

Conclusions

The cause of second-phase nystagmus in BPPV patients with direction-reversing nystagmus may be related to the involvement of central adaptation mechanisms secondary to the overpowering mSPV of the first-phase nystagmus.