bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pediatric Rare Diseases Development in the Pharmaceutical Industry: An International Consortium for Innovation and Quality in Pharmaceutical Development, Clinical Pharmacology Leadership Group‐Pediatrics Working Group, Rare Diseases Subteam Whitepaper Examining the Current Landscape and Recommendations for the Future
Authors: Krishna Rajesh , Sebastien Bernard , Corriol‐Rohou Solange , Cheung S. Y. Amy , Liu Jing , Suryawanshi Satyendra
Published: August 2024

Many new opportunities surround rare pediatric disease drug development, thanks to key advances in regulatory thinking and in the scientific community. As rare disease drug development brings challenges to the developers in terms of limited understanding of natural history, heterogeneity in drug response, as well as difficulty recruiting patients in pivotal trials, there has never been a greater need for quantitative integration. To understand how International Consortium for Innovation and Quality in Pharmaceutical Development (IQ) member companies approach pediatric rare disease drug development, the rare pediatric subteam of the Clinical Pharmacology Leadership Group (CPLG) sponsored Pediatrics Working Group conducted a baseline survey to assess the four main pillars of this quantitative innovation, namely, biomarkers and surrogate end points, statistical methodologies, model‐informed drug development, as well as public–private partnerships. The survey was administered by IQ and yielded 13 evaluable responders from represented companies. This article presents the key findings from this baseline identifying survey, highlighting the key blind spots, and providing insightful expert opinions to address those gaps. In summary, we call an urgent attention to the community on the opportunities to enhance integration and within‐industry learnings from this analysis on aspects related to platform studies, end‐to‐end quantitative integration, and sharing of trial‐level placebo data for better understanding of disease progression and more efficient trial designs. We collectively hope that these findings will stimulate discussion and debate around cross‐industry sharing and collaboration to better delineate principles and further enhance the efficiency of rare pediatric disease drug development.
Hierarchical Taylor quantized kernel least mean square filter for data aggregation in wireless sensor network
Authors: Ilango Poonguzhali , Ravichandran Anitha , Sivarajan Nagarajan , Aiyappan Asha
Published: August 2024

The advanced technology in recent years that has achieved more attention among researchers and the social community is the wireless sensor network (WSN) that includes a number of nodes that are commonly distributed in remote zones. While deploying the WSN in huge areas, WSNs produce a massive amount of data. Thus, there is a significant need to process the data through efficient models. The data aggregation technique is the common solution widely employed to obstruct congestion on large‐scale WSNs. However, the demanding part of the data aggregation scheme is to mitigate the network overhead without affecting the system efficiency. Most of the data transmitted by sensor nodes are repetitious and thus result in high power consumption. Therefore, sensor nodes should utilize an efficient data aggregation model for data transmission that minimizes duplicate data. In order to maintain such complications, this article proposes a hierarchical Taylor quantized kernel least mean square (HTQKLMS) filter for aggregating data in WSN. For this purpose, WSN is initially simulated, and then data aggregation is accomplished using developed HTQKLMS filter. Additionally, the HTQKLMS is derived by amalgamating the hierarchical fractional quantized kernel least mean square (HFQKLMS) filter with the Taylor series. Here, the data prediction mechanism is done by employing HFQKLMS model that is an integration of quantized kernel least mean square (QKLMS) and hierarchical fractional bidirectional least mean square (HFBLMS). Apart from this, data redundancy is achieved by broadcasting needed data utilizing data detected at the destination. Furthermore, HTQKLMS approach has delivered a minimum energy consumption of 0.0333 J and less prediction error of 0.0326.
Hydrogeomorphology of the origin of the Amazon River, the confluence between the Marañón and Ucayali rivers
Authors: Guerrero Leo , Abad Jorge D. , Ortals Collin , Valderde Henry , Estrada Yulissa , Chicchon Hernan , Marin Jesus , Canas‐Alva Carlos
Published: August 2024

The origin of the Amazon River is formed at the confluence of the Marañón and Ucayali rivers. Remote sensing and detailed hydrodynamics, sediment transport and bed morphology analysis under different hydrological conditions have been applied to understand the control mechanisms of the modern confluence, thus informing about ancient confluences. Results showed that: 1) meandering‐meandering confluences existed when bifurcated meandering channels from the Marañón River joined the meandering Ucayali River, 2) far‐field scale provided the boundary conditions for the near‐field scale processes. In the case of the Marañón River, the spatial frequency and displacement of incoming anabranching structures to the confluence location set the boundary conditions for the near‐field scale. In the case of the Ucayali River, the incoming hydrodynamics and bed morphology are governed by far‐field processes such as the occurrence of cutoffs, 3) high intensity secondary flows at large rivers were observed at far‐ and near‐field scales, where previous studies have reported that secondary flows are weak or nonexistence or mainly found downstream of confluences. Finally, 4) even though the Marañón River is larger compared with the Ucayali River, the confluence hydrogeomorphology is governed by the Ucayali River because of more developed and stronger secondary flows.
Relationships between the appearance quality and starch structure of soft rice under different nitrogen levels
Authors: Fan Peng , Zhu Ying , Xu Jian , Hu Qun , Zhang Hongcheng , Wei Haiyan , Liu Guodong
Published: August 2024

This study aims to explore the formation mechanism of starch structure and the relationships between the appearance quality and starch structure of soft rice under different nitrogen levels. We comprehensively investigated the physiological aspects, starch structure variations, and appearance quality of soft rice in response to different nitrogen applications. The results showed that under the moderate nitrogen application (270 N), the soft rice exhibited the highest AGPase activity, the highest large‐starch granule content, and the lowest chalkiness. Under the highest nitrogen application (360 N), the soft rice exhibited the highest GBSS and DBE activity and the lowest SBE activity, the highest content of long‐branched amylopectin, the lowest relative crystallinity, the fewest ordered structures, the most amorphous structures, the largest semi‐crystalline lamellar thicknesses, and the highest transparency of chalk‐free rice. In conclusion, moderate nitrogen fertilization (270 N) improved the AGPase activity, which leaded to fuller starch granules and more compact endosperm in soft rice. Thus, the grain chalkiness of soft rice decreased. Continuous nitrogen application (0‐360 N) constantly increased the GBSS and DBE activity and reduced the SBE activity in soft rice, leading a lower content of short‐branched amylopectin and a higher content of long‐branched amylopectin in soft rice. Thus, the relative crystallinity and ordered structures of soft rice were reduced. These structures improved the transparency phenotype of soft rice.
Upvaluing chlorinated plastic wastes
Authors: Zhang Shuyi , Han Hao , Cao Muhan , Xie Yeping , Chen Jinxing
Published: August 2024

Plastics are a ubiquitous and growing presence in our lives, with chlorinated plastics, like polyvinyl chloride (PVC), playing a pivotal role due to their superior qualities. However, the disposal and recycling of these materials present significant challenges. The chlorine content can harm catalysts, corrode equipment, and create dangerous pollutants, making the management of chlorinated plastic waste a critical issue in recycling efforts. There is a pressing need for green, effective, and atom‐efficient methods to handle this waste responsibly. This review explores the potential for converting chlorinated plastic waste into valuable resources. We examine four key areas for upcycling and reusing PVC waste, including innovative separation techniques, leveraging the PVC molecular structure, and recycling the chlorine and carbon components inherent in PVC. By offering a thorough analysis of current recycling strategies and highlighting existing solutions, our review aims to inform and inspire further research in this crucial field, pushing towards more sustainable waste management practices.
A multicenter, prospective, phase II trial of second‐line aflibercept plus FOLFIRI in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer refractory to an anti‐EGFR antibody: HGCSG1801
Authors: Nakatsumi Hiroshi , Komatsu Yoshito , Harada Kazuaki , Kawamoto Yasuyuki , Yuki Satoshi , Sawada Kentaro , Ishiguro Atsushi , Sogabe Susumu , Ando Takayuki , Sasaki Yusuke , Yoshikawa Ayumu , Nakamura Michio , Dazai Masayoshi , Tateyama Miki , Muto Osamu , Kotaka Masahito , Sagawa Tamotsu , Muranaka Tetsuhito , Hatanaka Kazuteru , Takagi Ryo , Sakata Yu
Published: August 2024

Aflibercept (AFL) plus FOLFIRI prolongs overall survival (OS) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). However, there is limited evidence on the efficacy and safety of AFL plus FOLFIRI previously treated with anti‐epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) agents. Therefore, we conducted a prospective open‐label phase II trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of AFL plus FOLFIRI in Japanese patients with mCRC failing a prior oxaliplatin‐based chemotherapy plus an anti‐EGFR agent. AFL (4 mg/kg iv) followed by FOLFIRI (irinotecan 180 mg/m2, leucovorin 200 mg/m2 iv, bolus 5‐fluorouracil [5‐FU] 400 mg/m2, and infusional 5‐FU 2400 mg/m2/46 h) was given every 2 weeks until progression or unacceptable toxicities. The primary endpoint was progression‐free survival (PFS) rate at 6 months. Forty three patients were enrolled between November 2019 and October 2022. The primary endpoint was met: 6‐month PFS rate was 58.8% (90% confidence interval [CI], 45.7%–72.0%). Median PFS and OS were 7.3 months (95% CI, 5.5–11.0 months) and 18.8 months (95% CI, 12.9–26.6 months), respectively. The overall response rate was 20.9% (95% CI, 10.0–36.0%) and disease control rate was 88.4% (95% CI, 74.9–96.1%). The main grade ≥3 adverse events included hypertension (62.8%), neutropenia (55.8%), leukopenia (25.6%), febrile neutropenia (11.6%), fatigue (9.3%), anorexia (9.3%), proteinuria (9.3%), and diarrhea (7.0%). No deaths and no new safety signals with a causal relation to the study treatment were observed. This study suggests that AFL plus FOLFIRI shows a high response rate and a manageable safety profile in Japanese patients with mCRC who failed prior oxaliplatin‐based chemotherapy plus an anti‐EGFR agent.
Esculin alleviates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)–induced pneumonia by regulating the USP7/MAPK14 axis
Authors: Wang Lijuan , Li Na , Wang Yanan , Chen Xu
Published: August 2024

Pneumonia is a serious and life‐threatening lung inflammation with high morbidity and mortality. Accumulating evidence has suggested that esculin, a derivative of coumarin, possesses potent anti‐inflammatory effects. This study is designed to explore the pharma role and underlying mechanism of esculin against lipopolysaccharides (LPS)‐induced pneumonia. TC‐1 cells were stimulated by LPS to mimic the inflammatory injury model in vitro. Cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis were determined using MTT assay, 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine assay, and flow cytometry. Interleukin‐1β and tumor necrosis factor α levels were analyzed using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Reactive oxygen species and superoxide dismutase were examined using special assay kits. Macrophage polarization was detected using flow cytometry. Mitogen‐activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14) level was detected by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. MAPK14 and ubiquitin‐specific protease 7 (USP7) protein levels were determined using western blot assay. After Ubibrowser database prediction, the interaction between USP7 and MAPK14 was verified using a Co‐immunoprecipitation assay. The biological role of esculin was verified in LPS‐challenged ALI mice in vivo. Here, we found that esculin significantly relieved LPS‐induced TC‐1 cell proliferation inhibition, and apoptosis, inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and M1‐type macrophage polarization promotion. MAPK14 and USP7 expressions were enhanced in LPS‐treated TC‐1 cells, which was partly abolished by esculin treatment. Overexpressing MAPK14 attenuated the repression of esculin on LPS‐triggered TC‐1 cell injury. At the molecular level, USP7 interacted with MAPK14 and maintained its stability by removing ubiquitin. Moreover, esculin repressed the progression of pneumonia in vivo by regulating MAPK14. Taken together, esculin exposure could mitigate LPS‐induced TC‐1 cell injury partly by targeting the USP7/MAPK14 axis, providing a better understanding of the role of esculin in the anti‐inflammatory therapeutics for pneumonia.
Clustering one million molecular structures on GPU within seconds
Authors: Gao Junyong , Wu Mincong , Liao Jun , Meng Fanjun , Chen Changjun
Published: August 2024

Structure clustering is a general but time‐consuming work in the study of life science. Up to now, most published tools do not support the clustering analysis on graphics processing unit (GPU) with root mean square deviation metric. In this work, we specially write codes to do the work. It supports multiple threads on multiple GPUs. To show the performance, we apply the program to a 33‐residue fragment in protein Pin1 WW domain mutant. The dataset contains 1,400,000 snapshots, which are extracted from an enhanced sampling simulation and distribute widely in the conformational space. Various testing results present that our program is quite efficient. Particularly, with two NVIDIA RTX4090 GPUs and single precision data type, the clustering calculation on 1 million snapshots is completed in a few seconds (including the uploading time of data from memory to GPU and neglecting the reading time from hard disk). This is hundreds of times faster than central processing unit. Our program could be a powerful tool for fast extraction of representative states of a molecule among its thousands to millions of candidate structures.
Modeling adsorption reactions of ammonium perchlorate on rutile and anatase surfaces
Authors: Zamora Jerimiah A. , de Rezende Armando , Nieman Reed , Vaz Neil , Demko Andrew R. , Pantoya Michelle L. , Tunega Daniel , Aquino Adelia J. A.
Published: August 2024

In this work, the effects of two TiO2 polymorphs on the decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (NH4ClO4) were studied experimentally and theoretically. The interactions between AP and various surfaces of TiO2 were modeled using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Specifically, the adsorption of AP on three rutile surfaces (1 1 0), (1 0 0), and (0 0 1), as well as two anatase surfaces (1 0 1), and (0 0 1) were modeled using cluster models, along with the decomposition of adsorbed AP into small molecules. The optimized complexes of the AP molecule on TiO2 surfaces were very stable, indicating strong covalent and hydrogen bonding interactions, leading to highly energetic adsorption reactions. The calculated energy of adsorption (ΔEads) ranged from −120.23 to −301.98 kJ/mol, with highly exergonic calculated Gibbs free energy (ΔGads) of reaction, and highly exothermic enthalpy of reaction (ΔHads). The decomposition of adsorbed AP was also found to have very negative ΔEdec values between −199.08 and −380.73 kJ/mol. The values of ΔGdec and ΔHdec reveal exergonic and exothermic reactions. The adsorption of AP on TiO2 surfaces anticipates the heat release of decomposition, in agreement with experimental results. The most common anatase surface, (1 0 1), was predicted to be more reactive for AP decomposition than the most stable rutile surface, (1 1 0), which was confirmed by experiments. DFT calculations show the mechanism for activation of the two TiO2 polymorphs is entropy driven.
Building endoplasmic reticulum stress‐related LncRNAs signatures of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chen Kai , Dai Peiling , Gu Lizhong
Published: August 2024

Background

Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) could be a strategy for treating malignant tumors. Moreover, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) can promote tumorigenesis and progression, and forecast the prognosis of cancers. Nevertheless, the prognostic value of ERS‐related lncRNAs has not been reported in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

Methods

The messenger RNA (mRNA), microRNA (miRNA) and lncRNA expression data related to LUAD were obtained in public databases (TCGA and GEO databases). Prognostic ERS‐related differentially expressed lncRNAs (ERS‐DELs) were obtained and used to build an ERS‐related model by Cox regression analysis. Moreover, we further screened independent prognostic elements and built a nomogram. Furthermore, enrichment analysis of genes was conducted to investigate the functions. A lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA network was built to explore mechanism of lncRNAs. Finally, qRT‐PCR was utilized to examine the expression levels of lncRNAs.

Results

30 ERS‐DELs were identified, and an ERS‐related signature was built based on AF131215.2, LINC00472, LINC01352, RP1‐78O14.1, RP11‐253E3.3, RP11‐98D18.9, and SNHG12. Gene set enrichment analysis indicated that genes in the high‐risk group were chiefly focused on the regulation of mRNA binding, and genes in the low‐risk group were significantly focused on protein localization to cilia. A lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA network, containing 7 signature lncRNAs, 23 miRNAs, and 128 mRNAs, was also established. Eventually, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used to confirm that seven prognostic lncRNAs had a consistent expression with the analysis.

Conclusions

An ERS‐related signature containing seven prognostic lncRNAs was built, which offered new thinking concerning the role of ERS‐related lncRNAs in LUAD.
Cutaneous presentations of systemic sclerosis in skin of colour: A systematic review
Authors: Podwojniak Alicia , Tan Isabella J. , Leiter Aliza , Ghani Hira , Cohen Bernard A.
Published: August 2024

Systemic sclerosis (SSc), a rheumatologic autoimmune disease, can present diversely, especially in patients with skin of colour (SOC). Differences in clinical manifestations among SOC individuals compared to predominantly White populations require a comprehensive examination to optimize diagnosis and treatment. This systematic review aims to explore the differences in SSc manifestations among individuals with SOC, identifying variations in disease severity, clinical features and psychosocial impacts. A systematic review of the literature was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Databases searched included PubMed, SCOPUS, Cochrane and Web of Science, focusing on studies published within the last 10 years. Nine studies were selected and qualitatively analysed due to the heterogeneity of study types. Key findings highlight significant variations in disease severity and cutaneous clinical features among SOC cohorts compared to predominantly White populations. Raynaud's phenomenon was prevalent across all ethnicities; however, SOC groups exhibited fewer hallmark features of scleroderma, such as telangiectasias, calcinosis and digital swelling, which complicates diagnosis. SOC individuals showed a higher propensity for severe pulmonary complications and increased mortality rates. Atypical cutaneous presentations in SOC were associated with disease progression. Psychosocial impacts were more pronounced in SOC individuals, with greater awareness and dissatisfaction over cutaneous symptoms. Recognizing the atypical presentations of SSc in SOC is critical for early diagnosis and optimizing patient outcomes. The study underscores the need for further research to determine if observed differences are due to variations in prevalence, genetic factors or insufficient training in recognizing cutaneous manifestations in SOC. Enhanced awareness and targeted training for healthcare providers are essential to address these diagnostic challenges and improve care for SOC patients with SSc.
Contract preference of an online intermediary in the presence of online reviews and cross‐channel spillover
Authors: Tong Yang , Li Yina , Ye Fei , Kumar Ajay , Tan Kim Hua
Published: August 2024

In e‐commerce, online intermediaries give suppliers ready access to consumers and have thereby become an important distribution channel. They can operate as resellers (under a reselling contract) or marketplaces (under an agency contract) for suppliers. This study analyzes the most effective contract arrangement between an online intermediary and two competing suppliers. The suppliers receive online reviews of their products and also be affected by the spillover effect of the intermediary's channel on their own direct sales channels. The intermediary can offer a reselling contract to one supplier and an agency contract to the other or offer the same contract type to both suppliers. We find that when the cross‐channel spillover is positive or only moderately negative, the intermediary offers different contract types if the difference in the review ratings of the two suppliers' products is considerable; otherwise, a reselling contract is offered to both. However, when the cross‐channel spillover is highly negative, the intermediary may offer an agency contract to both suppliers. Our research provides practical guidance for intermediaries on the most effective contract strategies to use when collaborating with suppliers who receive varied online reviews, depending on the cross‐channel spillover scenarios.
A nonlocal convection–diffusion model with Gaussian‐type kernels and meshfree discretization
Authors: Tian Hao , Liu Xiaojuan , Liu Chenguang , Ju Lili
Published: August 2024

Nonlocal models have demonstrated their indispensability in numerical simulations across a spectrum of critical domains, ranging from analyzing crack and fracture behavior in structural engineering to modeling anomalous diffusion phenomena in materials science and simulating convection processes in heterogeneous environments. In this study, we present a novel framework for constructing nonlocal convection–diffusion models using Gaussian‐type kernels. Our framework uniquely formulates the diffusion term by correlating the constant diffusion coefficient with the variance of the Gaussian kernel. Simultaneously, the convection term is defined by integrating the variable velocity field into the kernel as the expectation of a multivariate Gaussian distribution, facilitating a comprehensive representation of convective transport phenomena. We rigorously establish the well‐posedness of the proposed nonlocal model and derive a maximum principle to ensure its stability and reliability in numerical simulations. Furthermore, we develop a meshfree discretization scheme tailored for numerically simulating our model, designed to uphold both the discrete maximum principle and asymptotic compatibility. Through extensive numerical experiments, we validate the efficacy and versatility of our framework, demonstrating its superior performance compared to existing approaches.
Asymptotically compatible schemes for nonlocal Ohta–Kawasaki model
Authors: Luo Wangbo , Zhao Yanxiang
Published: August 2024

We study the asymptotical compatibility of the Fourier spectral method in multidimensional space for the nonlocal Ohta–Kawasaka model, a more generalized version of the model proposed in our previous work (Y. Zhao and W. Luo, Physica D 458 (2024), 133989). By introducing the Fourier collocation discretization for the spatial variable, we show that the asymptotical compatibility holds in 2D and 3D over a periodic domain. For the temporal discretization, we adopt the second‐order backward differentiation formula method. We prove that for certain nonlocal kernels, the proposed time discretization schemes inherit the energy dissipation law. In the numerical experiments, we verify the asymptotical compatibility, the second‐order temporal convergence rate, and the energy stability of the proposed schemes. More importantly, we discover a novel square lattice pattern when certain nonlocal kernel are applied in the model. In addition, our numerical experiments confirm the existence of an upper bound for the optimal number of bubbles in 2D for some specific nonlocal kernels. Finally, we numerically explore the promotion/demotion effect induced by the nonlocal horizon , which is consistent with the theoretical studies presented in our earlier work (Y. Zhao and W. Luo, Physica D 458 (2024), 133989).
Drones Clean Water Storage Tanks Safely and Efficiently
Authors: Mcgee Jason , Fernandez Jacqueline
Published: August 2024

Drone‐based technology provides safety‐enhancing, time‐saving maintenance benefits for water storage tanks.
Estimation of minimal clinically important difference for 6‐minute walking distance in patients with acute stroke using anchor‐based methods and credibility instruments
Authors: Hayashi Shota , Takeda Ren , Miyata Kazuhiro , Iizuka Takamitsu , Igarashi Tatsuya , Usuda Shigeru
Published: August 2024

Background and Purpose

Stroke impairs a patient's ability to walk. In patients with acute stroke, a 6‐min walking distance (6MWD) is recommended to assess walking function. Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) is used to determine the effectiveness of rehabilitation; however, the MCID for 6MWD has not been adequately validated. This study aimed to estimate the MCID of 6MWD, a measure of walking endurance, in patients with acute stroke using anchor‐based methods.

Methods

Based on the change in 6MWD from baseline to the follow‐up measurement 2 weeks later, the MCID was estimated using anchor‐based methods (receiver operator operating characteristic curves, predictive and adjustment models) with a patient‐ and therapist‐rated global rating of change scale (p‐GRC, t‐GRC) as external anchors. The accuracy of “meaningful change” was estimated from the area under the curve. Using MCID's credibility instruments, the credibility of each anchor was evaluated. Using the credibility instrument, high credibility was defined as satisfying 3/5 of the Core criteria and 6/9 of all criteria.

Results

The analysis included 58 patients. The MCID for each anchor was 78.7–100.0 m for p‐GRC, and 95.2–99.5 m for t‐GRC. The p‐GRC demonstrated excellent accuracy (area under the curve >0.8). With p‐GRC as anchors, over 50% of patients showed improvement. The p‐GRC satisfied the core criterion of 3/5 and all criteria of 6/9 on the reliability instrument. The t‐GRC demonstrated low reliability and satisfied the core criterion of 2/5 and all criteria of 3/9.

Discussion

Since the percentage of improved groups exceeded 50%, the adjusted model was useful in the anchor‐based method. Therapists may not accurately capture patient fatigue and subjective symptoms, potentially affecting the correlation between the 6MWD change score and the t‐GRC and, consequently, the reliability instrument. The p‐GRC showed high accuracy and reliability; therefore, the MCID was estimated to be 78.7 m.
Optical Response of a Position‐Dependent Optomechanical System With N‐Type Four‐Level Atoms
Authors: Qayyum A.
Published: August 2024

Cavity optomechanics explores the interaction between light and mechanical systems through radiation pressure. This interdisciplinary field merges principles from quantum mechanics and quantum optics provides powerful tools for generating and controlling quantum states. In this research, we theoretically investigated a four‐level N‐atomic system within the context of optomechanics. The oscillating mirror possesses a mass that varies with position and exhibits a singularity. We analyzed the dynamics using Heisenberg–Langevin equations and calculated steady‐state solutions, studied optical response through both analytical and numerical methods. The main focus of this study was optical response within the domain of position‐dependent effective mass. Our findings revealed that the output field representing transmission exhibits variations and shift with , the nonlinear parameter of the position dependent effective mass. These variations not only impact transmission but also alter the dispersion and phase of the output field.
Empyema necessitans
Authors: Menon Anu , Wisa David , Zhan Chenyang , Chawla Mohit , Kalchiem‐Dekel Or
Published: August 2024

Key message

Empyema necessitans should be suspected in any patient presenting with constitutional symptoms, pleural effusion, and a subcutaneous chest wall mass. Thoracic sonography is a readily available tool, which can expedite diagnosis and timely management.
Accurate trajectory tracking control for AUV under state constraints with a rapid stability dimensionality‐augmented state observer
Authors: Wang Jianhui , Wang Haoyuan , Hu Zikai , Liu Jiarui , Chen Kairui
Published: August 2024

A rapid stability dimensionality‐augmented state observer (RSDASO) based event‐driven control strategy is presented for the autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) trajectory tracking issue, addressing state constraints, model uncertainty, limited communication resources and unknown external time‐varying disturbances. The first step is to develop a fast stability extended state observer to estimate the lumped disturbances and unmeasurable states of the system and ensure the estimation error converges in fixed time. Secondly, a fixed‐time AUV trajectory tracking control method is proposed to ensure that the tracking error of the system converges within a fixed time, based on the mentioned observer. Simultaneously, to reduce the communication resource usage by the system, an event‐triggered mechanism (ETM) is included in the control law. Lastly, simulation experiments verify the effectiveness of the process.
Assessing sustainable development goal 7 implementation and its nexus with social, economic and ecological factors in EU countries
Authors: Kuc‐Czarnecka Marta , Markowicz Iwona , Sompolska‐Rzechuła Agnieszka , Stundziene Alina
Published: August 2024

This research paper delves into the captivating realm of sustainable development, specifically focusing on assessing the degree of implementation of sustainable development goal 7 (SDG7) and its intricate relationship with social, economic and ecological factors within European Union (EU) countries. By comprehensively unravelling the interplay between SDG7 and these multifaceted factors, this study provides invaluable insights into the ongoing sustainable energy revolution within the EU. To verify the research hypotheses, composite indicators (CI) were estimated for SDG7 and selected groups of indicators, employing a methodology grounded in sensitivity analysis. Our findings notably highlight the distinct significance of ecological factors in driving the development of clean energy systems. In contrast, the data did not support our hypothesis, which posited a significant relationship between economic factors and the implementation of SDG7. This evolving perspective underscores the growing recognition of the fundamental role that ecological factors play in shaping our sustainable energy future. Consequently, as we prioritise preserving and conserving our environment, the need to balance economic prosperity with environmental well‐being becomes increasingly evident.
Harmony in diplomacy, convergence in choices: Low fertility diffusion through Sino‐Korean normalization
Authors: Chung Seung‐Hun , Mobariz Ahmad Shah
Published: August 2024

Does fertility preference spill over to other countries? This paper investigates the influence of South Korea's exceptionally low fertility rate on neighboring China, particularly the Korean Chinese community. Through an analysis of historical events, including the diplomatic restoration between China and South Korea in 1992, it examines how this reconciliation affected fertility and marriage rates among Korean Chinese. The findings reveal a notable decline in both fertility and marriage rates post‐reconnection, suggesting a potential adoption of South Korea's fertility norms within the Korean Chinese community.
Bulk reconstruction from generalized free fields
Authors: Nebabu Tamra , Qi Xiao-Liang
Published: August 2024

Abstract

We propose a generalized protocol for constructing a dual free bulk theory from any boundary model of generalized free fields (GFFs). To construct the bulk operators, we employ a linear ansatz similar to the Hamilton-Kabat-Liftschytz-Lowe (HKLL) construction. However, unlike the HKLL construction, our protocol relies only on boundary data with no presupposed form for the bulk equations of motion, so our reconstructed bulk is fully emergent. For a (1+1)d bulk, imposing the bulk operator algebra as well as a causal structure is sufficient to determine the bulk operators and dynamics uniquely up to an unimportant local basis choice. We study the bulk construction for several two-sided SYK models with and without coupling between the two sides, and find good agreement with known results in the low-temperature conformal limit. In particular, we find bulk features consistent with the presence of a black hole horizon for the TFD state, and characterize the infalling fermion modes. We are also able to extract bulk quantities such as the curvature and bulk state correlators in terms of boundary quantities. In the presence of coupling between the two SYK models, we are able to observe evidence of the shockwave geometry and the traversable wormhole geometry using the two-sided mutual information between the reconstructed bulk operators. Our results show evidence that features of the geometric bulk can survive away from the low temperature conformal limit. Furthermore, the generality of the protocol allows it to be applied to other boundary theories with no canonical holographic bulk.
Flavor phenomenology of light dark vectors
Authors: Eguren Jordi Folch , Klingel Sophie , Stamou Emmanuel , Tabet Mustafa , Ziegler Robert
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Light dark matter with flavor-violating couplings to fermions may be copiously produced in the laboratory as missing energy from decays of SM particles. Here we study the effective Lagrangian of a light dark vector with generic dipole or vector couplings. We calculate the resulting two-body decay rates of mesons, baryons and leptons as a function of the dark vector mass and show that existing experimental limits probe UV scales as large as 1012 GeV. We also derive the general RGEs in order to constrain the flavor-universal UV scenario, where all flavor violation arises radiatively proportional to the CKM matrix.
Higgs interference effects in top-quark pair production in the 1HSM
Authors: Banfi Andrea , Kauer Nikolas , Lind Alexander , Lindert Jonas M. , Wood Ryan
Published: August 2024

Abstract

We present a next-to-leading-order (NLO) study of the process pp (→ {h1, h2}) →$$ t\overline{t} $$
t

t
¯

+ X in the 1-Higgs-singlet extension of the Standard Model with an additional heavy Higgs boson h2 that mixes with the light Higgs boson h1. This process is subject to large interference effects between loop-induced Higgs-mediated amplitudes and the QCD continuum background which tend to overcompensate any resonance contributions. A reliable modelling of the resulting top-pair invariant mass shapes requires the inclusion of higher-order QCD corrections, which are presented here. The computation of these NLO corrections is exact in all contributions but in the class of non-factorisable two-loop diagrams which are included in an approximate way such that all infrared singular limits are preserved. We present numerical results for several benchmark points with heavy Higgs masses in the range 700–3000 GeV considering the production of stable top quarks. We find that the interference effects dominate the BSM signal yielding sharp dip structures instead of resonance peaks. The significance and excludability of the BSM effect is explored for the LHC Run 2, Run 3 and HL-LHC.
The imprint of conservation laws on correlated particle production
Authors: Braun-Munzinger P. , Redlich K. , Rustamov A. , Stachel J.
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The study of event-by-event fluctuations of net-baryon number in a subspace of full phase space is a promising direction for deciphering the structure of strongly interacting matter created in collisions of relativistic heavy nuclei. Such fluctuations are generally suppressed by exact baryon number conservation. Moreover, the suppression is stronger if baryon number is conserved locally. In this report we present a conceptually new approach to quantify correlations in rapidity space between baryon-antibaryon, baryon-baryon, and antibaryon-antibaryon pairs and demonstrate their impact on net-baryon number fluctuations. For the special case of Gaussian rapidity distributions, we use the Cholesky factorization of the covariance matrix, while the general case is introduced by exploiting the well-known Metropolis and Simulated Annealing methods. The approach is based on the use of the canonical ensemble of statistical mechanics for baryon number and can be applied to study correlations between baryons as well as strange and/or charm hadrons. It can also be applied to describe relativistic nuclear collisions leading to the production of multi-particle final states. One application of our method is the search for formation of proton clusters at low collision energies emerging as a harbinger of the anticipated first-order chiral phase transition. In a first step, the results obtained are compared to the recent measurements from the CERN ALICE collaboration. Such investigations are key to explore the phase diagram of strongly interacting matter and baryon production mechanisms at energy scales from several GeV to several TeV.
Coupled free fermion conformal field theories
Authors: Bouwknegt Peter , Han Bolin
Published: August 2024

Abstract

We study a specific class of CFTs that involve coupled free fermions, arising from parafermion CFTs and lattice constructions. We analyse their representation spaces and the underlying exclusion statistics of coupled free fermions using specific bases. In one particular case, we reveal an unexpected connection between the coset construction of parafermions, the lattice construction, and the orbifold thereof. This connection is supported by proving a range of character identities within the context of coupled free fermions. Simultaneously, we obtain explicit expressions of certain string functions in terms of Dedekind eta functions.
RNA or DNA? Revisiting the Chemical Nature of the Cenancestral Genome
Authors: Cottom-Salas Wolfgang , Becerra Arturo , Lazcano Antonio
Published: August 2024

One of the central issues in the understanding of early cellular evolution is the characterisation of the cenancestor. This includes the description of the chemical nature of its genome. The disagreements on this question comprise several proposals, including the possibility that AlkB-mediated methylation repair of alkylated RNA molecules may be interpreted as evidence of a cenancestral RNA genome. We present here an evolutionary analysis of the cupin-like protein superfamily based on tertiary structure-based phylogenies that includes the oxygen-dependent AlkB and its homologs. Our results suggest that the repair of methylated RNA molecules is the outcome of the enzyme substrate ambiguity, and doesn´t necessarily indicates that the last common ancestor was endowed with an RNA genome.
Photosynthetic physiology and antioxidant compounds in Gracilaria cornea (Rhodophyta) under light modulation
Authors: Zepeda Enrique , Vásquez-Elizondo Román Manuel , Freile-Pelegrín Yolanda , Pliego-Cortés Hugo , Bourgougnon Nathalie , Robledo Daniel
Published: August 2024

Gracilaria cornea was exposed to different irradiance intensities (low, moderate, and high) and light qualities (white and white + blue) in experimental cultures. Photosynthetic physiology was measured through daily growth rate, maximum photosynthesis, maximum photochemical efficiency, pigment content (chlorophyll a, phycobiliproteins, carotenoids), and elemental content of carbon and nitrogen. Gracilaria cornea effectively acclimated to low irradiance conditions and displayed tolerance to moderate irradiance, whereas high irradiance resulted in the deterioration of thalli. A decrease in maximum photochemical efficiency and maximum photosynthesis rate under high irradiance conditions was observed. Pigment content decreased during the acclimation period at high irradiance levels but increased when blue light was added under moderate irradiance conditions. The antioxidant capacity decreased in thalli exposed to high irradiance conditions, whereas the addition of blue light increased antioxidant capacity. Overall, the combination of white and blue light stimulated the accumulation of all evaluated compounds in G. cornea. Interestingly, higher values for photosynthesis, pigments, and certain antioxidants were observed under low irradiance conditions. These findings enhance our understanding of the adaptation strategies employed by G. cornea, potentially leading to improvements in indoor cultivation and the control of chemical compound production for nutraceutical applications.
Acceleration of Final Residual Solvent Extraction From Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) Microparticles
Authors: Kias Florian , Bodmeier Roland
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The removal of the residual solvent dichloromethane from biodegradable poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles was investigated by aqueous or alcoholic wet extraction or vacuum-drying.

Methods

Microparticles were prepared by the O/W solvent extraction/evaporation method. The solidified microparticles were separated by filtration and the effect of subsequent drying and wet extraction methods were investigated. The residual solvent content was analysed with gas chromatography (organic solvents) and Karl Fischer titration (water). The effect of extraction conditions on microparticle aggregation, surface morphology and encapsulation of the drugs dexamethasone and risperidone was investigated.

Results

Residual dichloromethane was reduced to 2.43% (w/w) (20 °C) or 0.03% (w/w) (35 °C) by aqueous wet extraction. With vacuum-drying, residual dichloromethane only decreased from about 5% (w/w) to 4.34% (w/w) (20 °C) or 3.20% (w/w) (35 °C) due to the lack of the plasticizing effect of water. Redispersion of filtered, wet microparticles in alcoholic media significantly improved the extraction due to an increased PLGA plasticization. The potential of different extractants was explained with the Gordon-Taylor equation and Hansen solubility parameters. Extraction in methanol: or ethanol:water mixtures reduced residual dichloromethane from 4 - 7% (w/w) to 0.5 - 2.3% (w/w) within 1 h and 0.08 - 0.18% (w/w) within 6 h. Higher alcohol contents and higher temperature resulted in aggregation of microparticles and lower drug loadings.

Conclusion

The final removal of residual dichloromethane was more efficient with alcoholic wet extraction followed by aqueous wet extraction at elevated temperature and vacuum drying of the microparticles.
Molecular detection of some zoonotic tick-borne pathogens in ticks collected from camels (Camelus dromedarius) as hosts and wild rodents as potential reservoirs
Authors: Yousery Ayat , Soliman Doaa E. , Samy A. A. , Allam Ahmad M. , Shaalan Mona G. , Abdel Hamid Amira E.
Published: August 2024

Ticks and tick-borne pathogens pose a great threat to human and animal health. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of ticks that infest camels and investigate the presence of tick-borne pathogens in the blood of camels, associated ticks, and surrounding rodents as reservoirs. From 100 inspected camels, from different localities in the Giza governorate, 1000 ixodid ticks were collected; these ticks belonged to three genera: Hyalomma, Amblyomma, and Rhipicephalus. The genus Hyalomma was represented by four species, Hyalomma dromedarii was the most prevalent species (55.4%), followed by Hyalomma excavatum (22%), Hyalomma impeltatum (11.6%) and Hyalomma rufipes (2.8%). The genus Amblyomma was represented by two species, Amblyomma gemma (2.8%) and Amblyomma marmoreum (2.7%), while the genus Rhipicephalus was represented by only one species, Rhipicephalus pulchellus (2.7%). Ticks, camel blood, and rodents (total number 100 brown rats) are screened for tick-borne pathogens (Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia miyamotoi, Babesia sp., and Coxiella burnetii) using PCR. Camel blood was found to be infected with Borrelia burgdorferi (66.6%), Borrelia miyamotoi (55%), and Babesia sp. (11.6%). Coxiella burnetii DNA was detected in all the collected ticks but was not detected in the blood of camels or rodents. Borrelia miyamotoi was detected in 12.5% of H. impeltatum, 55% of Camels, and 6% of the rodents, which may indicate a proposed risk of dispersal of B. miyamotoi, the agent of tick-borne relapsing fever.
Napping and Obesity in Adults – What do we Know?
Authors: Wannamethee Sasiwarang Goya
Published: August 2024

Purpose of Review

To review the evidence on the relationship between daytime napping and obesity.

Recent Findings

There is concern that napping may be harmful to metabolic health. Prospective studies have shown long time daytime napping (> 1 h) is associated with increased diabetes risk which may be partly associated with obesity. Evidence from numerous cross-sectional studies and meta-analyses of cross-sectional studies have shown that long time napping (> 1 h) but not short time napping is associated with increased risk of obesity, and this is seen worldwide. Inference regarding the nature of association from cross-sectional studies is limited; it is suggested the association is bidirectional. Prospective studies on the association between daytime napping and obesity are few and results unclear.

Large longitudinal studies integrating daytime napping duration and night-time sleep behaviour and detailed information on lifestyle influences is needed to help elucidate further the associations of long time napping with obesity.
Rapid deterioration of steatotic liver disease due to portal vein stenosis after pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Ohta Mineto , Kanba Rikiya , Fukushima Keisuke , Takahashi Kazutomi , Nishimaki Hiroyasu , Sasaki Tatsuya , Fujita Ai , Kanno Maika , Ogasawara Yuki , Namiki Kenji
Published: August 2024

Steatotic liver disease after pancreatoduodenectomy occurs due to various factors, such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, impaired intestinal absorption, and malnutrition. The mechanism of steatogenesis differs to that of conventional steatotic liver disease associated with obesity and insulin resistance. We experienced a rare case of rapidly progressive steatotic liver disease accompanied by portal vein stenosis in the early postoperative period after subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy for distal cholangiocarcinoma. Although there was a complication due to postoperative drain infection, the patient was discharged from hospital with no nutritional problems. Two months postoperatively, the patient presented to the emergency room with dyspnea. CT showed a markedly steatotic liver, ascites, and portal vein stenosis. A portal vein stent was inserted transhepatically and the steatotic liver disease gradually improved. During the postoperative course, there were no problems indicated by nutritional markers; although the patient had diarrhea associated with postoperative pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, the symptoms were mild and improved after administration of oral pancrelipase. Before the intervention, the patient had intestinal edema, exacerbation of diarrhea, and a low serum zinc concentration, suggesting that impaired absorption caused by intestinal blood stasis and gut barrier dysfunction contributed to the development of steatotic liver disease.