bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Windage Torque Reduction in Low-Pressure Turbine Cavities Part II: Experimental and Numerical Results
Authors: Jackson Richard W. , Li Zhihui , Christodoulou Loizos , Ambrose Stephen , Sangan Carl M. , Jefferson-Loveday Richard , Lock Gary D. , Scobie James A.
Published: October 2023

Minimizing the losses within a low-pressure turbine (LPT) system is critical for the design of next-generation ultra-high bypass ratio aero-engines. The stator-well cavity windage torque can be a significant source of loss within the system, influenced by the ingestion of mainstream annulus air with a tangential velocity opposite to that of the rotor. This paper presents experimental and numerical results of three carefully designed Flow Control Concepts (FCCs)—additional geometric features on the stator surfaces, which were optimized to minimize the windage torque within a scaled, engine-representative stator-well cavity. FCC1 and FCC2 featured rows of guide vanes at the inlet to the downstream and upstream wheel-spaces, respectively. FCC3 combined FCC1 and FCC2. Superposed flows were introduced to the upstream section of the cavity, which modelled the low-radius coolant and higher radius leakage between the rotor blades. In addition to torque measurements, total and static pressures were collected, from which the cavity swirl ratio was derived. Additional swirl measurements were collected using a five-hole aerodynamic probe, which traversed radially at the entrance and exit of the cavity. A cavity windage torque reduction of 55% on the baseline (which has no flow control) was measured for FCC3, at the design condition with superposed flow. For this concept, an increase in the cavity swirl in both the upstream and downstream wheel-spaces was demonstrated experimentally and numerically. With increasing superposed flow, the contribution of FCC1 surpassed FCC2, due to more mass flow entering the downstream wheel-space across the rotor fins (passing FCC1), and less ingestion from the annulus into the upstream wheel-space (passing FCC2). The torque changes from the concepts are explained using the fluid dynamic evidence from experimental swirl measurements and computational simulations. The simulations allow translation to engine-operating conditions and practical information to the engine designer.
Design of Aerodynamically Balanced Transonic Compressor Rotors
Authors: Lefas Demetrios , Miller Robert J.
Published: October 2023

This paper describes a simple and efficient physics-based method for designing optimal transonic multistage compressor rotors. The key to this novel method is that the spanwise variation of the parameter which controls the three-dimensional shock structure, the area ratio between the throat and the inlet, “Athroat /Ainlet”, is extracted directly from the 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The spanwise distribution of the area ratio is then adjusted iteratively to balance the shock structure across the blade span. Because of this, the blade design will be called “aerodynamically balanced.” The new design method converges in a few iterations and is physically intuitive because it accounts for the real changes in the 3D area ratio that directly controls the shock structure. Specifically, changes in both the spanwise 3D flow and the rotor’s operating condition; thus aiding designer understanding. To demonstrate this, two example design cases are shown in the paper: a transonic rotor within a multistage civil compressor with variable upstream stator vanes, and an embedded rotor within a multistage military fan. The method is shown to (1) improve both the operating range and the design efficiency while retaining the compressor’s overall matching, and (2) allow a balanced design to be simultaneously achieved at multiple shaft speeds. The result is a method which simplifies the multistage transonic compressor rotor design process and therefore has great practical utility.
Mid-frequency acoustic localization of breaking waves
Authors: Saenger Ryan , Lenain Luc , Hodgkiss William S.
Published: October 2023

During an experiment in deep water off the coast of Southern California, wind speeds ranged from 10 to 15 m/s and wind forcing produced large breaking waves. A mid-frequency vertical planar hydrophone array recorded underwater ambient noise while an airplane equipped with a high-resolution video camera captured images of the sea surface above the array. Beams of ambient noise between 5 and 6 kHz were projected onto the sea surface and synchronized in space and time with the aerial images. Despite the array's limited azimuthal resolution of the surface, due to its modest 1 m horizontal aperture and relatively deep 130 m deployment depth, concentrated areas of high intensity in the acoustic surface projection were observed to match visible breaking events in the aerial images.
Biodegradation of the methylenedioxyphenyl group in piperine and its derivatives: discovery of a novel methylenetransferase in an actinomycete
Authors: Jian Pu , Kumano Takuto , Kimura Mio , Kurisaki Makoto , Hashimoto Yoshiteru , Kobayashi Michihiko
Published: October 2023

Piperine is a methylenedioxyphenyl (MDP) group-containing alkaloid that is found in black pepper. Although piperine has multiple physiological effects on the human body that make it a suitable supplement, little is known about its natural metabolism. In this study, we isolated microorganisms that can grow using piperine as the sole nitrogen source. One of these microorganisms (strain no. 14) was identified as
Rhodococcus ruber
. In this strain, a homolog of a sesamin-metabolizing enzyme (SesA) named PipA was discovered. We succeeded in the cloning and expression of PipA in
Escherichia coli
. PipA was found to be able to decompose the MDP group to produce catechols using tetrahydrofolate as a coenzyme. This enzyme showed the highest specificity toward one of the piperine derivatives, piperonylic acid, among all the substrate candidates examined in the study. The following kinetic parameters of PipA were determined:
K
m
= 0.024 ± 0.004 mM;
V
max
= 1.314 ± 0.059 (μmol·min
−1
·mg
−1
); and
k
cat
= 1.752 ± 0.079 s
−1
. PipA also showed weak activity toward piperine, piperic acid, 3,4-methylenedioxycinnamic acid, and piperonal. A partial amino-acid sequence of PipA exhibited similarity to that of a large protein family of glycine cleavage T-proteins (GcvTs), which catalyze glycine degradation and are present in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. This study provides new insights into the unique functions of GcvT members and the piperine metabolism in nature.

IMPORTANCE

Pepper is a spice that has been used worldwide since the Age of Discovery. The substance that is responsible for the spiciness in pepper is piperine, a type of alkaloid. It has never been reported how piperine is degraded by microorganisms. In this study, we discovered a bacterium in the soil that is capable of catabolizing piperine as its sole nitrogen source. Furthermore, we discovered the enzyme involved in piperine metabolism. This enzyme decomposed the methylenedioxyphenyl group, which is the common structure in various plant-derived bioactive compounds such as sesamin, piperonal, safrole, and berberin. By utilizing this enzyme, piperine can be converted into a useful antioxidant compound. The findings about previously unknown metabolic pathways in nature can lead to the discovery of new enzymes and provide methods for the enzymatic synthesis of useful compounds.
Polyamine signaling communications play a key role in regulating the pathogenicity of
Dickeya fangzhongdai
Authors: Xie Congcong , Gu Weihan , Chen Zhongqiao , Liang Zhibin , Huang Shufen , Zhang Lian-Hui , Chen Shaohua
Published: October 2023

Dickeya fangzhongdai
is a devastating bacterial pathogen infecting a wide range of crops and ornamental plants worldwide. As a newly identified bacterial species in 2016, the regulatory mechanisms that govern its virulence are still a mystery. In this study, we explored the potential roles of polyamine-mediated cell-to-cell communication in regulation of
D. fangzhongdai
virulence. Null mutation of
speA
and
speC
in
D. fangzhongdai
strain ZXC1, which encodes polyamine biosynthesis through arginine and ornithine pathways, respectively, dramatically reduced bacterial motility, decreased production of plant cell wall degradation (PCWD) enzymes, and attenuated the bacterial virulence on taro and potato. We then tested the effect of various polyamine molecules in the restoration of the mutant phenotypes and showed that putrescine was the most potent signal in the regulation of virulence traits in strain ZXC1. In addition, we found that taro extract contained active signals to rescue putrescine-deficient phenotypes. High-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry analysis validated the
speA
was essential for production of putrescine in
D. fangzhongdai
ZXC1. We further showed that the putrescine transporters PotF and PlaP are required for putrescine-mediated cell-to-cell communication and virulence against taro and potato tubers. quantitative reverse transcription-PCR analysis demonstrated that putrescine influences the pathogenicity of
D. fangzhongdai
ZXC1 by regulating the expression of PCWD enzymes, bacterial chemotaxis, and flagellar-related genes. The findings from this study shed a new light for elucidating the pathogenic mechanisms of
D. fangzhongdai
and present useful clues for developing relevant disease control strategies.

IMPORTANCE

Dickeya fangzhongdai
is a newly identified plant bacterial pathogen with a wide host range. A clear understanding of the cell-to-cell communication systems that modulate the bacterial virulence is of key importance for elucidating its pathogenic mechanisms and for disease control. In this study, we present evidence that putrescine molecules from the pathogen and host plants play an essential role in regulating the bacterial virulence. The significance of this study is in (i) demonstrating that putrescine signaling system regulates
D. fangzhongdai
virulence mainly through modulating the bacterial motility and production of PCWD enzymes, (ii) outlining the signaling and regulatory mechanisms with which putrescine signaling system modulates the above virulence traits, and (iii) validating that
D. fangzhongdai
could use both arginine and ornithine pathways to synthesize putrescine signals. To our knowledge, this is the first report to show that putrescine signaling system plays a key role in modulating the pathogenicity of
D. fangzhongdai
.
Matter growth perturbations and cosmography in modified torsion cosmology
Authors: Usman Muhammad , Jawad Abdul
Published: October 2023

We examine the cosmic evolution of the growth of perturbations with respect to matter content at early and recent past era of the Universe under the framework of non-zero torsion cosmology. Some cosmographic parameters are also discussed. To analyze this cosmic scenario, we formulate the cosmic models with two dark matter considerations and apply spherical collapse formalism. We explore that for model-1 (pressureless matter), the density contrast starts growing in early era of the Universe and with the Universe’s overall expansion, density contrast grows faster for different choices of torsion parameter. In model-2 (matter with non-zero pressure), the density contrast shows enormous growth as compared to overall expansion of the Universe for the perturbed region, which indicates the collapse of the perturbed region and formulation of new large scale matter or galaxy. Further, we analyze the behavior of the growth function for both models with different values of torsion parameter. For model-1, the growth function increases smoothly for different choices of torsion parameter but for the model-2 the behavior of the growth function with nonzero DM and torsion significantly deviates from pressureless DM with zero torsion ($$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM). We also investigate different cosmographic parameters for both models and analyze their behavior with different choices of torsion parameter and $$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM. The results show the power-law expansion rate of the accelerating Universe with respect to redshift function.
Tailoring the Mass Transport to Achieve High-Performing Unitized Regenerative Fuel Cells Considering Practical Operating Conditions
Authors: Wang Shiyi , Taie Zachary , Satjaritanun Pongsarun , Keane Alex , Capuano Christopher , Zenyuk Iryna V. , Danilovic Nemanja , Weber Adam Z. , Peng Xiong
Published: October 2023

Unitized regenerative fuel cells (URFCs) convert electrical energy to chemical bonds in hydrogen during charge and convert chemical energy to output electricity during discharge, offering a promising solution to long-term energy storage. Recent studies indicate that the round-trip-voltaic efficiency (RTE) and longevity of URFCs are limited by complex mass transport during charging and discharging. Here, we first investigate how different porous transport layer (PTL) structures can impact URFC performance. The preferred PTL has a low tortuosity and high porosity, leading to a high RTE above 50% at 1 A cm−2 using Nafion 212. Moreover, thicker membranes, such as Solvay 90, are required to ensure mechanical stability and minimize H2 crossover when operating under high differential pressure. Although this assembly inevitably leads to a higher ohmic loss, the RTE can be improved by further tailoring the electrode structures to facilitate mass transport by using supported catalyst, which still achieves over 50% RTEs at 1 A cm−2. Optimization of porous structure to mitigate mass transport resistance with appropriate materials down selection considering practical application requirements can be a key design principle for achieving high-performing URFCs.
Hollow Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Spheres with Presiding Graphitic Nitrogen for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Haider Rizwan , Wan Yi , Huang Yu , Muzammil Ayaz , Li Renhuan , Zahid Muhammad , Mahmood Asif , Fan Yi , Yuan Xianxia
Published: October 2023

Hollow nitrogen-doped carbons, a class of metal free electrocatalysts, offer a wide range of modifications due to their tunable diameter and carbon wall thickness. Herein, hollow nitrogen-doped carbon spheres (HNCS-1000) with numerous structural defects, thin carbon wall of about 8 nm, high (sp2-sp3)/sp3 bond ratio of 3.11 and graphitic-N proportion of 71.4% are prepared using a double pyrolysis strategy. When employed as ORR catalyst in O2-saturated 0.1 M KOH solution, HNCS-1000 retains high onset and halfwave potentials of 1.03 V and 0.88 V, respectively. In addition, it also demonstrates excellent stability/durability with 90.25% current density retention after 84000 s continuous chronoamperometric operation and only 33 mV loss in halfwave potential after 7000 CV cycles. Overall, the ORR performance of HNCS-1000 surpasses most of the previously reported nitrogen-doped carbon catalysts, and it is among the best catalysts for ORR in alkaline environment.
Selective inhibition of hepatic stellate cell and fibroblast-derived LOXL1 attenuates BDL- and Mdr2−/−-induced cholestatic liver fibrosis
Authors: Yan Xuzhen , Zhang Ning , Wei Luyang , Zhang Wen , Huang Tao , Li Weiyu , Chen Wei , Yang Aiting , You Hong
Published: October 2023

Selectively, inhibition of HSC/fibroblasts-derived LOXL1 by AAV2/6-shLoxl1 could reduce collagen deposition, HSC/fibroblasts proliferation, and cholestatic liver fibrosis progression. In addition, overexpression of LOXL1 significantly promoted HSC/fibroblast proliferation by activating the PDGFRß/PI3K and ERK signaling pathways in vitro.
Improvement of Tardive Dyskinesias with Olanzapine
Authors: Echater S. , Oneib B.
Published: October 2023

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is characterized by abnormal and involuntary movements that generally occur after prolonged exposure to neuroleptic medications. In this article, we present the case of a 29-year-old man with schizophrenia who developed TD following treatment with haloperidol. Despite various attempts with benzodiazepines, amantadine, and anticholinergics, the dyskinesias persisted. However, after 2 years of treatment with olanzapine alone, a progressive improvement occurred, leading to the complete disappearance of the dyskinesias. We also provide a brief review of reported cases of antipsychotic-induced TD that has improved with olanzapine.
Supplementary Table 4 from Ewing Sarcoma Single-cell Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Functionally Impaired Antigen-presenting Cells
Authors: Visser Lindy L. , Bleijs Margit , Margaritis Thanasis , van de Wetering Marc , Holstege Frank C. P. , Clevers Hans
Published: October 2023

Correlation interactions and dysfunction score CD8+ T cells
Supplementary Table 3 from Ewing Sarcoma Single-cell Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Functionally Impaired Antigen-presenting Cells
Authors: Visser Lindy L. , Bleijs Margit , Margaritis Thanasis , van de Wetering Marc , Holstege Frank C. P. , Clevers Hans
Published: October 2023

Cell-cell interaction output T/NK vs. myeloid cells
Supplementary Table 2 from Ewing Sarcoma Single-cell Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Functionally Impaired Antigen-presenting Cells
Authors: Visser Lindy L. , Bleijs Margit , Margaritis Thanasis , van de Wetering Marc , Holstege Frank C. P. , Clevers Hans
Published: October 2023

Interactions literature references
Supplementary Table 1 from Ewing Sarcoma Single-cell Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Functionally Impaired Antigen-presenting Cells
Authors: Visser Lindy L. , Bleijs Margit , Margaritis Thanasis , van de Wetering Marc , Holstege Frank C. P. , Clevers Hans
Published: October 2023

Patient and sample characteristics
Supplementary Figure S7 from Ewing Sarcoma Single-cell Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Functionally Impaired Antigen-presenting Cells
Authors: Visser Lindy L. , Bleijs Margit , Margaritis Thanasis , van de Wetering Marc , Holstege Frank C. P. , Clevers Hans
Published: October 2023

Immunosuppressed and functionally impaired myeloid cells in Ewing sarcoma
Supplementary Figure S5 from Ewing Sarcoma Single-cell Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Functionally Impaired Antigen-presenting Cells
Authors: Visser Lindy L. , Bleijs Margit , Margaritis Thanasis , van de Wetering Marc , Holstege Frank C. P. , Clevers Hans
Published: October 2023

Immune cell landscape of Ewing sarcoma
Supplementary Figure S3 from Ewing Sarcoma Single-cell Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Functionally Impaired Antigen-presenting Cells
Authors: Visser Lindy L. , Bleijs Margit , Margaritis Thanasis , van de Wetering Marc , Holstege Frank C. P. , Clevers Hans
Published: October 2023

Cancer-associated fibroblast subsets in Ewing sarcoma
FIGURE 5 from Ewing Sarcoma Single-cell Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Functionally Impaired Antigen-presenting Cells
Authors: Visser Lindy L. , Bleijs Margit , Margaritis Thanasis , van de Wetering Marc , Holstege Frank C. P. , Clevers Hans
Published: October 2023

Schematic overview mechanism of Ewing sarcoma cells shaping the immune microenvironment into an immunosuppressive niche. (1) Immunomodulatory interactions between Ewing sarcoma cells and myeloid cells induce polarization of macrophages to an immunosuppressive, M2-like, phenotype and induce tolerogenic DCs. (2) Immunosuppressive macrophage interacts with T cell, where, for example, TIGIT–NECTIN2 interactions leads to the inhibition of T-cell activation resulting in a suppressed/dysfunctional T cell. (3) Tolerogenic DC interacts with naïve T cells but is lacking expression of costimulatory molecules, important for T-cell priming, resulting in a tolerogenic T cell. (4) T cell interacts with Ewing sarcoma cell, but because of it tolerogenic state the T cell is unable to activate, produce cytokines, and proliferate which are essential for cancer cell killing. Image created using BioRender.
FIGURE 4 from Ewing Sarcoma Single-cell Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Functionally Impaired Antigen-presenting Cells
Authors: Visser Lindy L. , Bleijs Margit , Margaritis Thanasis , van de Wetering Marc , Holstege Frank C. P. , Clevers Hans
Published: October 2023

Immunoregulatory interactions shape the immunosuppressive microenvironment of Ewing sarcoma. A, Number of unique interactions between tumor cells and indicated main cell types. B, Bubble plot of predicted immunosuppressive interactions between indicated myeloid subsets and tumor cells. For full overview see Supplementary Fig. S9A. C, Dotplot of genes included in the selected, predicted interactions, shown in B, and expressed by the main cell types and per-patient tumor cells. D, Number of unique interactions between T/NK cells and indicated main cell types. E, Bubble plot of predicted interactions between indicated myeloid subsets and CD8+ T cells and are correlating (>0.5) with CD8+ T-cell dysfunction score. F, Dotplot of genes included in T cell dysfunction–promoting interactions, highlighted in orange in E, and expressed by the myeloid cells.
FIGURE 3 from Ewing Sarcoma Single-cell Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Functionally Impaired Antigen-presenting Cells
Authors: Visser Lindy L. , Bleijs Margit , Margaritis Thanasis , van de Wetering Marc , Holstege Frank C. P. , Clevers Hans
Published: October 2023

Ewing sarcoma is infiltrated by immunosuppressive macrophages and functionally impaired APCs. A, UMAP and dotplot of the myeloid compartment, showing conventional dendritic cells type 1 and 2 (cDC1, cDC2), undifferentiated macrophages (Mo), and differentiated macrophage populations (Mφ) and a selection of their marker genes. B, Macrophage-specific scores for proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory signatures as well as M1 and M2 signatures. C, Antigen presentation and costimulatory capacity score as constructed with genes shown in Supplementary Fig. S7D. *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.001 versus Mo. D, Barplot showing percentage of costimulatory gene-expressing Mo, Mφ, and cDCs. Neuroblastoma (NBL; Kildisiute and colleagues) data included as comparative group. Mean percentages and error bars are plotted for individual samples. Samples with <5 cells per group were excluded. *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.001. E, Violin plot depicting DC maturation score for Ewing sarcoma and NBL cDCs. Z-scores were calculated using a curated MSigDB gene set (“LINDSTEDT_DENDRITIC_CELL_MATURATION_B”). This gene set includes upregulated genes both at 8 and 48 hours in response to inflammatory stimuli. ***, P < 0.001. F, Violin plots showing the STAT3 and NFKB1 gene expression levels of Ewing sarcoma and NBL cDCs. ***, P < 0.001 with Bonferroni correction.
FIGURE 2 from Ewing Sarcoma Single-cell Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Functionally Impaired Antigen-presenting Cells
Authors: Visser Lindy L. , Bleijs Margit , Margaritis Thanasis , van de Wetering Marc , Holstege Frank C. P. , Clevers Hans
Published: October 2023

Ewing sarcoma–associated lymphocytes display variable degrees of dysfunctionality and immune suppression. A, UMAP and dotplot of the T- and NK-cell subsets and a selection of their marker genes. B, Heat map showing average expression of inhibitory receptors in the T- and NK-cell subsets. *Significantly upregulated with P < 0.0001 using Wilcoxon rank-sum test with Bonferroni correction. C, Dysfunction scores constructed using genes from B. Cell types ordered from high to low score. *, P < 0.05; ***, P < 0.001 versus Naïve T.
Extended Methods from Ewing Sarcoma Single-cell Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Functionally Impaired Antigen-presenting Cells
Authors: Visser Lindy L. , Bleijs Margit , Margaritis Thanasis , van de Wetering Marc , Holstege Frank C. P. , Clevers Hans
Published: October 2023

Extension of the methods related to the scRNA-seq data analysis
Data from Ewing Sarcoma Single-cell Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Functionally Impaired Antigen-presenting Cells
Authors: Visser Lindy L. , Bleijs Margit , Margaritis Thanasis , van de Wetering Marc , Holstege Frank C. P. , Clevers Hans
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed for patients with high-risk Ewing sarcoma and for the reduction of severe side effects for all patients. Immunotherapy may fill this need, but its successful application has been hampered by a lack of knowledge on the composition and function of the Ewing sarcoma immune microenvironment. Here, we explore the immune microenvironment of Ewing sarcoma, by single-cell RNA sequencing of 18 Ewing sarcoma primary tissue samples. Ewing sarcoma is infiltrated by natural killer, T, and B cells, dendritic cells, and immunosuppressive macrophages. Ewing sarcoma–associated T cells show various degrees of dysfunction. The antigen-presenting cells found in Ewing sarcoma lack costimulatory gene expression, implying functional impairment. Interaction analysis reveals a clear role for Ewing sarcoma tumor cells in turning the Ewing sarcoma immune microenvironment into an immunosuppressive niche. These results provide novel insights into the functional state of immune cells in the Ewing sarcoma tumor microenvironment and suggest mechanisms by which Ewing sarcoma tumor cells interact with, and shape, the immune microenvironment.
Significance:
This study is the first presenting a detailed analysis of the Ewing sarcoma microenvironment using single-cell RNA sequencing. We provide novel insight into the functional state of immune cells and suggests mechanisms by which Ewing tumor cells interact with, and shape, their immune microenvironment. These insights provide help in understanding the failures and successes of immunotherapy in Ewing sarcoma and may guide novel targeted (immuno) therapeutic approaches.
Expanding Phenotype of SYT1-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Cesaroni Carlo Alberto , Spagnoli Carlotta , Baga Margherita , Rizzi Susanna , Frattini Daniele , Caraffi Stefano Giuseppe , Pollazzon Marzia , Garavelli Livia , Fusco Carlo
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Synaptotagmin 1 (SYT1), the predominant SYT isoform in the central nervous system, likely acts by promoting vesicle docking, deforming the plasma membrane via Ca2+-dependent membrane penetration. Case Presentation: Here, we describe a 21-year-old woman harboring a novel variant in the SYT1 gene, who presents with a complex phenotype, featuring severe intellectual disability, absent speech, behavioral abnormalities, motor stereotypies, dystonic posturing of her hands, a hyperkinetic movement disorder in her childhood, infantile hypotonia, sialorrhea, mild dysmorphic features, epilepsy, peculiar EEG findings, and severe scoliosis. Discussion: Based on our case and literature review on the 22 previously described patients, we can confirm a complex neurodevelopmental disorder in which, unlike other synaptopathies, epilepsy is present in a subset of cases (including our patient: 5/23, 22%), although characteristic EEG changes are far more common (10/23, 43.5%). Our patient’s age allows us to provide long-term follow-up data and thus better delineate the SYT1-related clinical phenotype.
THD analysis and small AC signal analysis of trans-Z-source and quasi-Z-source inverter for linear and non-linear load
Authors: Bharat Manish , Murty ASR , Dash Ritesh
Published: October 2023

The paper primarily focuses on the ongoing research related to Z source inverter technologies (ZSITs) used in the transportation industry, particularly for electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electrical vehicles (HEVs). It analyzes various topologies of ZSITs based on their mode of operation, capacitor voltage stress during active states and non-active state operations, DC link voltage before inverter module and line to line output voltage across the load. The paper compares the conventional trans-z source and two port quasi-Z source inverter model networks for multiple parameters and derives mathematical equations for both linear and non-linear loads. Practical and theoretical calculations match when using a modulation index of M=0.85 and a duty ratio of 1.414. The result obtained in this paper indicates that the proposed solution is better in terms of reduction in total total harmonics distortions (THD) percentage of 18.14% during the transition condition. All the analysis has been carried out with MATLAB based Simulink model.
Adult sex ratios affect mating behaviour in the common housefly Musca domestica L. (Diptera; Muscidae)
Authors: ter Haar Stefan , Francuski Ljubinka , Billeter Jean-Christophe , Schenkel Martijn A. , Beukeboom Leo W.
Published: October 2023

Adult sex ratio determines the level of mate availability and intrasexual competition for each sex. Sex ratio biases have been proposed to enhance the productivity of animal rearing procedures. However, behaviour may change in response to sex ratio manipulations that may counteract potential benefits. We investigated how sex ratios affected mating behaviour of the housefly Musca domestica, a species used in the animal feed industry. We hypothesized a reduced courtship effort and mating latency and increased ejaculate allocation (copulation duration) under male-biased sex ratios, whereas female-biased sex ratios would lead to the opposite effects. However, courtship effort was reduced in female-biased groups, implying reduced male harassment. Mating latency was lower and copulation lasted longer in female-biased groups, which may reduce reproduction time and increase female fecundity and lifespan. Our results indicate that in houseflies, female-biased sex ratios cause behavioural changes in both sexes that could positively contribute to reproductive output.
Vulnerable Landscapes
Authors: Kisiel Michał
Published: October 2023

This article focuses on Samuel Beckett’s selected short prose works “The Lost Ones” and “Ping,” which both present ruinous landscapes that have witnessed an unspeakable catastrophe. Both texts attempt to reflect such deterioration in the collapse of language. Following environmental criticism and new materialism, this paper analyses Beckett’s texts as potential representatives of a poetics for the Anthropocene. Such a project withdraws from evoking spectacular images of an ecocide witnessed by narrators unaffected by the deteriorating reality; instead, it grasps the necessary crisis of narration as a part of a world that is falling apart.
Nickel-related hypersensitivity reactions following endovascular interventions: A review of current evidence
Authors: Tjen Vanessa H , Yang Paul Zichu
Published: October 2023

Introduction:

Nickel is a principal alloying agent in the production of vascular endoprostheses, despite persisting as the most habitually identified allergen. Variable nickel-related hypersensitivity manifestations following endovascular intervention were reported, challenging established paradigms in treatment and accuracy of prognostic assessments. The objective of this review is to critically evaluate current metrics to maximise patient-related outcomes.

Methods:

A literature review was conducted in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2009 statement. Patients indicative of nickel hypersensitivity reaction following endovascular intervention were discerned. A positive reaction was defined by patch testing, histological analysis, or anamnesis indicative of nickel hypersensitivity. Morphology of implicating prostheses, adverse events and postoperative complications, clinical course, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies alongside patient prognosis were recorded.

Results:

Nickel-related hypersensitivity reactions following endovascular repair were identified in 36 patients with a median age of 44.5 years. 20 patients received nitinol-containing intervention. 28 (77.8%) patients are female. Multi-organ adverse reactions occurred in 21 (58.3%) patients with variable latency. 14 (38.9%) patients were presented with neurological adverse reactions manifesting mainly as unilateral hemiparesis. Dermatological reactions implicated 16 (44.4%) patients. Miscellaneous manifestations include suicidal ideation. 13 (36.1%) patients displayed previous metal intolerance and 32 (88.9%) patients had positive patch testing for nickel. Histological analysis of lesions and prostheses indicated lymphocytic infiltration. 5 (13.9%) patients experienced device-specific reactions as in-stent restenosis or auxiliary distal vessel stenosis. 11 (30.1%) patients received solely medical therapy and 5 (13.9%) patients received solely surgical therapy. 19 (52.7%) patients underwent both medical (oral corticosteroid) and surgical therapy (device retrieval). 26 (77.1%) patients achieved symptomatic cessation, 6 (16.7%) patients exhibited symptomatic persistence and 0 patients died.

Conclusion:

Prophylactic pre-assessment for a history of metal allergy and consideration of prostheses alternatives is recommended to minimise reaction risk and severity. Despite nickel's predominant usage, information paucity urges additional studies to emphasise its implications and maximise patient outcomes.
Coping Strategies to Mitigate Food Insecurity at Household Level: Evidence From Urban Setting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Biadgilign Sibhatu
Published: October 2023

Food insecurity is the limited or uncertain ability of households to acquire nutritionally adequate and safe foods in socially acceptable ways. There is paucity of empirical evidence on household food insecurity, level of expenditure, and coping strategies in urban setting of Ethiopia. The objective of this paper is to examine the coping strategies of food insecure households in an urban area setting of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This study is based on data collected from 632 mothers interviewed in 2017. Multi-stage sampling techniques were carried out to identify the study unit from selected sub-cites. From each sub-city, proportion to population sampling was applied to obtain the sample size. Simple random sampling method was used to select districts in each sub-city. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with food security status. The most common coping strategies households used in response to food insecurity were: rely on less preferred and less expensive foods, borrow food, or borrow money to buy food and purchase of food on credit. Food insecure households were 3 times more likely to rely on help from a relative or friend outside the household [AOR = 2.37; 95% CI: (1.01, 5.53); P < .047] compared to food secure households. Similarly, food insecure households were approximately 4 times more likely to limit portions at mealtimes [AOR = 3.55; 95% CI: (1.36, 9.30); P < .010] compared to food secure households. Furthermore, households with no access to a bank or microfinance savings account were 3 times [AOR = 2.62; 95%: (1.21, 5.66); P < .014] more likely to become food insecure compared to those with access to financial services. Households rely on less preferred cheap foods or lending to cope with food insecurity in urban settings of Ethiopia. Encouraging households to practice urban gardening, social protection through integrated national safety net programs, and improving access to microfinance services would be vital to address food insecurity among urban households of the country to bring successful social and economic development.
Parental involvement and academic achievement of adolescents: The mediating roles of school adjustment
Authors: Park Gum-Ryeong , Kim Jinho
Published: October 2023

This study examines the relationship between parental involvement and academic achievement among adolescents and potential mechanisms underlying this relationship. Using data from six waves of the Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey, this study estimated fixed effects models to account for individual-level heterogeneity. Sobel mediation tests were employed to examine the mediating roles of four aspects of school adjustment, namely: (a) academic engagement, (b) compliance with school rules, (c) positive peer relationships, and (d) positive teacher–student relationships. Results revealed that parental involvement is positively associated with adolescents’ academic achievement ( b = 0.172). Proposed mechanism variables explain approximately 68.6% of the association, with academic engagement being the most salient pathway. The findings highlight the importance of parental involvement in helping adolescents adjust to school environments and improve their academic performance.
Changes in cardiac-driven perivascular fluid movement around the MCA in a pharmacological model of acute hypertension detected with non-invasive MRI
Authors: Evans Phoebe G , Sajic Maria , Yu Yichao , Harrison Ian F , Hosford Patrick S , Smith Ken J , Lythgoe Mark F , Stuckey Daniel J , Wells Jack A
Published: October 2023

Perivascular spaces mediate a complex interaction between cerebrospinal fluid and brain tissue that may be an important pathway for solute waste clearance. Their structural or functional derangement may contribute to the development of age-related neurogenerative conditions. Here, we employed a non-invasive low b-value diffusion-weighted ECG-gated MRI method to capture perivascular fluid movement around the middle cerebral artery of the anaesthetised rat brain. Using this method, we show that such MRI estimates of perivascular fluid movement directionality are highly sensitive to the cardiac cycle. We then show that these measures of fluid movement directionality are decreased in the angiotensin-II pharmacological model of acute hypertension, with an associated dampening of vessel pulsatility. This translational MRI method may, therefore, be useful to monitor derangement of perivascular fluid movement associated with cardiovascular pathologies, such as hypertension, in order to further our understanding of perivascular function in neurology.
From “Cycad Hell” to Sacred Landscapes: Tracing the Cultural Significance of Cycads in the Ryukyu Islands and Japan
Authors: Englehardt Joshua D. , Carrasco Michael D.
Published: October 2023

This article explores the place of Cycas revoluta in Japanese culture, with a specific focus on the Ryukyu archipelago. Although never domesticated, worldwide evidence points to the sustained alimentary, ethnoecological, and symbolic significance of this ancient order of plants since at least the Pleistocene-Holocene transition. Their millennial use in the Ryukyu Islands is a key example of this pattern. Despite this fact, the role of cycads in Ryukyuan and wider Japanese and East Asian cultural systems remains understudied; the broader features of this intriguing aspect of regional culture are virtually unknown outside Japan. This article reviews the social and environmental roles of cycads in ancient and modern Ryukyuan and Japanese cultures, with particular emphasis on their position in indigenous agroecological systems and their incorporation in the sacred landscapes of Buddhist and Shintō religious complexes. In doing so, this article highlights a unique biocultural patrimony and set of ancestral traditions that are in danger of being lost, as cycad habitats succumb to development and as the symbolic significance of cycad use fades from social memory. It concludes with a discussion of how the study of cycads may contribute to contemporary interdisciplinary research and wider heritage discourse to enhance the preservation of the practices, histories, and values related to Japanese cycad culture.
Living to Work (from Home): Overwork, Remote Work, and Gendered Dual Devotion to Work and Family
Authors: de Laat Kim
Published: October 2023

Contemporary North American work culture is characterized by experts as one of overwork. Throughout much of the previous century, many parents devoted themselves either to their careers, or to their families. These “competing devotions” served as a cultural model for making sense of the world and alleviated the tension between overwork and family life. Data from interviews with 84 IT workers are used to examine whether devotion to work and family is still experienced as oppositional for working parents. I find that interviewees report feeling devoted both to their families and their careers, which I refer to as dual devotion. Such espousals of dual devotion are facilitated by the use of flexible work policies—remote work and flextime—which enable those with dual devotions to accomplish work–life integration. However, whereas men perceive remote work as allowing them to dedicate more time to childcare, women perceive it as allowing them to dedicate more time to work. These findings advance our understanding of the relationship between gender inequality and the experiential dimensions of work and family time: the practices that enable dual devotions, in particular remote work, help parents maintain an orientation to time that makes overwork more palatable. In either case, workplaces win since women are working long hours and men are not sacrificing paid work hours to take on more childcare or housework.
Rethinking Social Rights as Social Property: Alternatives to Private Property, and the Democratisation of Public Politics
Authors: van Dyk Silke , Kip Markus
Published: October 2023

Although the transformation of welfare states carries far-reaching implications for property relations, there is an astonishing amnesia regarding property in research concerning the welfare state. To date, the French sociologist Robert Castel is the only thinker to have illuminated the connection between property and social rights: he understands transfer payments and public infrastructures as social property and describes them as rehabilitation of the previously propertyless. Starting out from Castel’s concept of social property, the article discusses its strengths and weaknesses and elaborates conceptually on what it would mean to think of social rights consistently as social property. The authors argue that it is a worthwhile endeavour to think further with and go beyond Castel’s concept of social property. This allows not only to think about public alternatives to private property and to theorise the dismantling of social rights as expropriation, but also to think further on the democratisation of social rights.
Advocates of Research-Supported Treatments for PTSD are Losing in Lots of Ways: What Are We Going to Do About It?
Authors: Cox Keith S. , Codd R. Trent
Published: October 2023

Most individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) do not receive science-based treatment. This is a massive problem and the systems and individuals best able to address it misunderstand key components of the problem. Advocates of Research Supported Treatments (ARSTs) have substantial influence/authority in federal agencies, university settings, and medical centers and limited influence/authority with the public at large and with many providers, especially those in private practice settings. Figures such as Bessel van der Kolk and Peter Levine, who are not consistently science-based, have limited influence in government and research settings and enormous influence with the public and many individual providers. We see such figures as a main contributor to the problem. We consider four responses, (1) ARST collective action, (2) aim to reduce influence of non-ARSTs, (3) dialogue with non-ARSTs, and (4) maintain current practices. We argue for prioritizing ARST collective action. This could increase usage of high-quality PTSD treatment.
State Coordinator Perceptions of Linkages Between Newborn Screening and Early Intervention
Authors: Reynolds Elizabeth , Andrews Sara M. , Blanchard Sheresa , Scott Samantha , Isiaq Aminah , Bailey Donald B.
Published: October 2023

Early Intervention (EI) aims to lessen the effects of developmental delay by providing services to infants and young children. Newborn screening (NBS) is a public health program that identifies infants with treatable conditions, although many conditions put children at risk of developmental delay even after medical intervention. The purpose of this study is to explore the extent to which these programs coordinate to identify, refer, and qualify children for EI services after an NBS diagnosis. A survey of state EI ( n = 30) and NBS ( n = 39) program leaders (i.e., coordinators) demonstrated variability in familiarity and collaboration; however, most coordinators were willing to pursue future collaboration. We discuss the implications of the survey results and propose policy changes that would facilitate future collaboration and, ultimately, benefit children and families.
Evidence-based Management of Major Bleeding in Patients Receiving Direct Oral Anticoagulants: An Updated Narrative Review on the Role of Specific Reversal Agents
Authors: Al Aseri Zohair , AlGahtani Farjah H. , Bakheet Majid F. , Al-Jedai Ahmed H. , Almubrik Sarah
Published: October 2023

The indications of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have expanded over the past 15 years. DOACs are effective and safe oral anticoagulants associated with lower bleeding risks and mortality than vitamin K antagonists. However, DOAC users are prone to a considerable bleeding risk, which can occur at critical sites or lead to severe life-threatening conditions. Recent statistics indicated that major bleeding occurs in up to 6.62 DOAC users per 100 treatment years. With the increased use of DOACs in clinical practice, DOAC-associated major bleeding is expected to be encountered more frequently in the emergency department. The current international guidelines recommend specific reversal agents for the management of DOAC users with severe bleeding to reverse the anticoagulant effect and restore normal hemostasis. An individualized assessment was incorporated in specific clinical situations to guide the decision pathway of major bleeding management. However, specific reversal agents are unavailable or have limited availability in many countries, which is expected to negatively impact the clinical outcomes of DOAC-associated major bleeding. Limited real-world evidence is available from these countries regarding the clinical outcomes of patients with DOAC-associated major bleeding. This narrative review provided an updated assessment of the evidence-based approaches for the management of major bleeding in DOAC users. We also explored the clinical outcomes of patients with major bleeding from clinical settings where specific reversal agents are unavailable.
Analysis of rigid-flexible coupled torsional vibration and vibration suppression of crankshaft system under multiple working conditions
Authors: Wang Jie , Huang Zhiqiang , Li Jian , Li Tao , Mu Dequan , Wang Shuo
Published: October 2023

With the rapid development of shale gas resources in China, there is an increasing demand for large and multiple column compressors. However, this development has brought to light the issue of torsional vibration in compressor crankshaft systems, particularly under variable loads and multiple working conditions. In order to reduce the torsional vibration of the compressor crankshaft and ensure the safe and stable operation of the compressor unit, this study proposes a method for calculating and suppressing torsional vibration in the crankshaft system of a shale gas compressor, which takes into account the flexibility effect of various parts and considers multiple working conditions. The analysis focused on the rigid-flexible coupling torsional vibration characteristics of the crankshaft system under multiple working conditions, considering the flexible deformation of the main bearing, connecting rod, and crankshaft. The study successfully determined the torsional vibration response of the crankshaft system under seven typical working conditions. Furthermore, for the worst conditions, a detailed analysis of the vibration response of the crankshaft system was conducted and carried out a study on suppressing crankshaft torsional vibration through response surface optimization design. The study findings indicate that the compressor system exhibits low-frequency vibrations during operation. The maximum torsional angular deformation at the crank pin of the fourth column is measured to be 0.052°. Following structural optimization, the relative torsional angular deformation of the crank pin is reduced by 25.61% under the worst operating conditions. Moreover, the peak angular velocity of the center of mass is reduced by 22.17%. These results demonstrate a significant suppression effect on torsional vibrations in the compressor crankshaft system, leading to improved working safety.