bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Threats, Emotions, and Affective Polarization
Authors: Renström Emma A. , Bäck Hanna , Carroll Royce
Published: May 2023

Why do some individuals feel hostility and express bias against supporters of other political parties? Drawing on intergroup threat theory, we examine the role of emotions as a mechanism by which perceived threats against the ingroup are a source of increased affective polarization. In two survey experiments performed in the multiparty contexts of Sweden (N = 505) and Germany (N = 776), we manipulated intergroup threat using simulated online media, presenting participants with content related to immigration, and measured affective polarization using ratings of ingroup and outgroup supporter traits and feeling thermometers. Compared to a control condition, the threatening content evoked fear, anxiety, and anger among participants. However, only when individuals reacted to the threatening content with anger was increased affective polarization observed, in line with research showing that anger is a high‐arousal emotion related to an increased reliance on stereotypes. We conclude that individuals distance themselves from supporters of opposing political parties when they perceive a threat to their ingroup and subsequently react with anger. The findings contribute to the literature on affective polarization by stressing the role of emotional reactions to intergroup threat.
The ‘deer‐men’ and the ‘bowhead‐men’: The colonial co‐optation of Arctic Indigenous knowledge within the ‘origins of the Inuit’ debates
Authors: Martin Peter R.
Published: May 2023

Drawing on recent literatures that explore the complicated role of ‘Indigenous intermediaries’ within histories of geographical exploration, and bringing these into dialogue with research exposing the colonial nature of geographical knowledge, this article studies the ways in which information extracted from an Indigenous Arctic informant named Nocum was crucial in the formation of troubling geographical understandings regarding Inuit ‘origins’ and migration. The article analyses the extractive nature of the intellectual contributions offered by the American traveller and scholar William Healey Dall, and situates them amidst their troubling imperial and racialised context. The article concludes by arguing that geographers must continue to identify and reflect critically on the role of indigenous peoples within the historical (co)production of geographical knowledge, but that they must be equally attentive to the ways this knowledge was regularly used to inform and justify various forms of imperial intervention and colonial violence.
Composition operators on weighted Hilbert spaces of Dirichlet series
Authors: Kouroupis Athanasios , Perfekt Karl‐Mikael
Published: May 2023

We study composition operators of characteristic zero on weighted Hilbert spaces of Dirichlet series. For this purpose, we demonstrate the existence of weighted mean counting functions associated with the Dirichlet series symbol, and provide a corresponding change of variables formula for the composition operator. This leads to natural necessary conditions for the boundedness and compactness. For Bergman‐type spaces, we are able to show that the compactness condition is also sufficient, by employing a Schwarz‐type lemma for Dirichlet series.
Information Embedding for Secure Manufacturing: Challenges and Research Opportunities
Authors: ElSayed Karim A. , Dachowicz Adam , Atallah Mikhail J. , Panchal Jitesh H.
Published: May 2023

The digitization of manufacturing has transformed the product realization process across many industries, from aerospace and automotive to medicine and healthcare. While this progress has accelerated product development cycles and enabled designers to create products with previously unachievable complexity and precision, it has also opened the door to a broad array of unique security concerns, from theft of intellectual property to supply chain attacks and counterfeiting. To address these concerns, information embedding (e.g., watermarks and fingerprints) has emerged as a promising solution that enhances product security and traceability. Information embedding techniques involve storing unique and secure information within parts, making these parts easier to track and to verify for authenticity. However, a successful information embedding scheme requires information to be transmitted in physical parts both securely and in a way that is accessible to end sers. Ensuring these qualities introduces unique computational and engineering challenges. For instance, these qualities require the designer of the embedding scheme to have an accurate model of the cyber-physical processes needed to embed information during manufacturing and read it later in the product life cycle, as well as models of the phenomena that may degrade that information through natural wear-and-tear, or through adversarial attacks. This article discusses challenges and research opportunities for the engineering design and manufacturing community in developing methods for efficient information embedding in manufactured products.
A Path to Solving Robotic Differential Equations Using Quantum Computing
Authors: Gehlot Vinod P. , Balas Mark J. , Quadrelli Marco B. , Bandyopadhyay Saptarshi , Bayard David S. , Rahmani Amir
Published: May 2023

Quantum computing and quantum information science is a burgeoning engineering field at the cusp of solving challenging robotic applications. This paper introduces a hybrid (gate-based) quantum computing and classical computing architecture to solve the motion propagation problem for a robotic system. This paper presents the quantum-classical architecture for linear differential equations defined by two types of linear operators: unitary and non-unitary system matrices, thereby solving any linear ordinary differential equations. The ability to encode information using bits or qubits—is essential in any computation problem. The results in this paper also introduce two novel approaches to encoding any arbitrary state vector or any arbitrary linear operator using qubits. Unlike other algorithms that solve ordinary differential equations (ODEs) using purely quantum or classical architectures, the ODE solver presented in this paper leverages the best of quantum and classical computing paradigms.
Subsequent Jumping Increases the Knee and Hip Abduction Moment, Trunk Lateral Tilt, and Trunk Rotation Motion During Single-Leg Landing in Female Individuals
Authors: Chijimatsu Masato , Ishida Tomoya , Yamanaka Masanori , Taniguchi Shohei , Ueno Ryo , Ikuta Ryohei , Samukawa Mina , Ino Takumi , Kasahara Satoshi , Tohyama Harukazu
Published: May 2023

Single-leg landings with or without subsequent jumping are frequently used to evaluate landing biomechanics. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of subsequent jumping on the external knee abduction moment and trunk and hip biomechanics during single-leg landing. Thirty young adult female participants performed a single-leg drop vertical jumping (SDVJ; landing with subsequent jumping) and single-leg drop landing (SDL; landing without subsequent jumping). Trunk, hip, and knee biomechanics were evaluated using a 3-dimensional motion analysis system. The peak knee abduction moment was significantly larger during SDVJ than during SDL (SDVJ 0.08 [0.10] N·m·kg−1·m−1, SDL 0.05 [0.10] N·m·kg−1·m−1, P = .002). The trunk lateral tilt and rotation angles toward the support-leg side and external hip abduction moment were significantly larger during SDVJ than during SDL (P < .05). The difference in the peak hip abduction moment between SDVJ and SDL predicted the difference in the peak knee abduction moment (P = .003, R2 = .252). Landing tasks with subsequent jumping would have advantages for evaluating trunk and hip control as well as knee abduction moment. In particular, evaluating hip abduction moment may be important because of its association with the knee abduction moment.
A meta-analysis suggests that tACS improves cognition in healthy, aging, and psychiatric populations
Authors: Grover Shrey , Fayzullina Renata , Bullard Breanna M. , Levina Victoria , Reinhart Robert M. G.
Published: May 2023

Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) has attracted interest as a technique for causal investigations into how rhythmic fluctuations in brain neural activity influence cognition and for promoting cognitive rehabilitation. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of tACS on cognitive function across 102 published studies, which included 2893 individuals in healthy, aging, and neuropsychiatric populations. A total of 304 effects were extracted from these 102 studies. We found modest to moderate improvements in cognitive function with tACS treatment that were evident in several cognitive domains, including working memory, long-term memory, attention, executive control, and fluid intelligence. Improvements in cognitive function were generally stronger after completion of tACS (“offline” effects) than during tACS treatment (“online” effects). Improvements in cognitive function were greater in studies that used current flow models to optimize or confirm neuromodulation targets by stimulating electric fields generated in the brain by tACS protocols. In studies targeting multiple brain regions concurrently, cognitive function changed bidirectionally (improved or decreased) according to the relative phase, or alignment, of the alternating current in the two brain regions (in phase versus antiphase). We also noted improvements in cognitive function separately in older adults and in individuals with neuropsychiatric illnesses. Overall, our findings contribute to the debate surrounding the effectiveness of tACS for cognitive rehabilitation, quantitatively demonstrate its potential, and indicate further directions for optimal tACS clinical study design.
Characterization of ConE, the VirB4 Homolog of the Integrative and Conjugative Element ICE
Bs1
of Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Murthy Anastasia C. , Aleksanyan Naira , Morton Georgeanna M. , Toyoda Hunter C. , Kalashyan Meri , Chen Sirui , Ragucci Adelyn E. , Broulidakis Matthew P. , Swerdlow Kyle J. , Bui Minh N. N. , Muccioli Maria , Berkmen Melanie B.
Published: May 2023

Conjugation is a major form of horizontal gene transfer and involves the transfer of DNA from one bacterium to another through the conjugation machinery. Conjugation contributes to bacterial evolution by disseminating genes involved in antibiotic resistance, metabolism, and virulence.
Childhood/adolescent Sydenham’s chorea in the UK and Ireland: a BPSU/CAPSS surveillance study
Authors: Wooding Eva Louise , Morton Michael John Stuart , Lim Ming , Mitrofan Oana , Mushet Nadine , Sie Adrian , Knight Brodie , Ford Tamsin , Newlove-Delgado Tamsin
Published: May 2023

Objective

To conduct the first prospective surveillance study of Sydenham’s chorea (SC) in the UK and Ireland, and to describe the current paediatric and child psychiatric service-related incidence, presentation and management of SC in children and young people aged 0–16 years.

Design

Surveillance study of first presentations of SC reported by paediatricians via the British Paediatric Surveillance Unit (BPSU) and all presentations of SC reported by child and adolescent psychiatrists through the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Surveillance System (CAPSS).

Results

Over 24 months from November 2018, 72 reports were made via BPSU, of which 43 met the surveillance case definition of being eligible cases of suspected or confirmed SC. This translates to an estimated paediatric service-related incidence rate of new SC cases of 0.16 per 100 000 children aged 0–16 per year in the UK. No reports were made via CAPSS over the 18-month reporting period, although over 75% of BPSU cases presented with emotional and/or behavioural symptoms. Almost all cases were prescribed courses of antibiotics of varying duration, and around a quarter of cases (22%) received immunomodulatory treatment.

Conclusions

SC remains a rare condition in the UK and Ireland but has not disappeared. Our findings emphasise the impact that the condition can have on children’s functioning and confirm that paediatricians and child psychiatrists should remain vigilant to its presenting features, which commonly include emotional and behavioural symptoms. There is a further need for development of consensus around identification, diagnosis and management across child health settings.
Changes in the epidemiological profile of SARS-CoV-2-positive individuals in Mexico across pandemic waves as an explanation of fatality reduction: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Gutierrez Juan Pablo , López Daniel , Ascencio Iván , Juárez Arturo , Olaiz Gustavo , Bertozzi Stefano M.
Published: May 2023

Objectives

We aim to quantify shifts in hospitalisation and mortality and how those were related to the first three phases of the epidemic and individuals’ demographics and health profile among those with a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 treated at the Mexican Social Security Institute’s facilities from March 2020 to October 2021.

Design

Retrospective observational study using interrupted time series analysis to identify changes in hospitalisation rate and case fatality rate (CFR) by epidemic wave.

Setting

Data from the Mexican Institute of Social Security’s (IMSS) Online Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance System (SINOLAVE) that include all individuals that sought care at IMSS facilities all over Mexico.

Participants

All individuals included in the SINOLAVE with a positive PCR or rapid test for SARS-CoV-2.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Monthly test positivity rates, hospitalisation rates, CFRs and prevalence of relevant comorbidities by age group.

Results

From March 2020 to October 2021, the CFR declined between 1% and 3.5%; the declines were significant for those 0–9, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49 and 70 and older. The decline was steep during the first wave and was less steep or was temporarily reversed at the beginning of the second and third waves (changes in the trend of about 0.3% and 3.8%, and between 0.7% and 3.8%, respectively, for some age groups), but then continued to the end of the analytical period. Prevalence of diabetes, hypertension and obesity among patients testing positive also declined—two for most age groups (reductions of up to 10 percentage points for diabetes, 12 percentage points for hypertension and 19 percentage points for obesity).

Conclusion

Data suggest that the decrease in COVID-19 fatality rate is at least partially explained by a change in the profile of those contracting the disease, that is, a falling proportion of individuals with comorbidities across all age groups.
Investigating the characteristics and correlates of systemic inflammation after traumatic brain injury: the TBI-BraINFLAMM study
Authors: Li Lucia M , Heslegrave Amanda , Soreq Eyal , Nattino Giovanni , Rosnati Margherita , Garbero Elena , Zimmerman Karl A , Graham Neil S N , Moro Federico , Novelli Deborah , Gradisek Primoz , Magnoni Sandra , Glocker Ben , Zetterberg Henrik , Bertolini Guido , Sharp David J
Published: May 2023

Introduction

A significant environmental risk factor for neurodegenerative disease is traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, it is not clear how TBI results in ongoing chronic neurodegeneration. Animal studies show that systemic inflammation is signalled to the brain. This can result in sustained and aggressive microglial activation, which in turn is associated with widespread neurodegeneration. We aim to evaluate systemic inflammation as a mediator of ongoing neurodegeneration after TBI.

Methods and analysis

TBI-braINFLAMM will combine data already collected from two large prospective TBI studies. The CREACTIVE study, a broad consortium which enrolled >8000 patients with TBI to have CT scans and blood samples in the hyperacute period, has data available from 854 patients. The BIO-AX-TBI study recruited 311 patients to have acute CT scans, longitudinal blood samples and longitudinal MRI brain scans. The BIO-AX-TBI study also has data from 102 healthy and 24 non-TBI trauma controls, comprising blood samples (both control groups) and MRI scans (healthy controls only). All blood samples from BIO-AX-TBI and CREACTIVE have already been tested for neuronal injury markers (GFAP, tau and NfL), and CREACTIVE blood samples have been tested for inflammatory cytokines. We will additionally test inflammatory cytokine levels from the already collected longitudinal blood samples in the BIO-AX-TBI study, as well as matched microdialysate and blood samples taken during the acute period from a subgroup of patients with TBI (n=18).

We will use this unique dataset to characterise post-TBI systemic inflammation, and its relationships with injury severity and ongoing neurodegeneration.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for this study has been granted by the London—Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee (17/LO/2066). Results will be submitted for publication in peer-review journals, presented at conferences and inform the design of larger observational and experimental medicine studies assessing the role and management of post-TBI systemic inflammation.
Ureteropelvic junction obstruction with primary lymphoedema associated withCELSR1variants
Authors: Alpaslan Murat , Mestré-Godin Sandrine , Lay Aurélie , Giacalone Guido , Helaers Raphaël , Adham Salma , Kovacsik Hélène , Guillemard Sophie , Mercier Erick , Boon Laurence , Revencu Nicole , Brouillard Pascal , Quere Isabelle , Vikkula Miikka
Published: May 2023

Background

Primary lymphoedema (PL) is a chronic, debilitating disease caused by developmental and functional defects of the lymphatic system. It is marked by an accumulation of interstitial fluid, fat and tissue fibrosis. There is no cure. More than 50 genes and genetic loci have been linked to PL. We sought to study systematically cell polarity signalling proteinCadherin Epidermal Growth Factor Laminin G Seven-pass G-type Receptor 1(CELSR1) variants linked to PL.

Methods

We investigated 742 index patients from our PL cohort using exome sequencing.

Results

We identified nine variants predicted to causeCELSR1loss of function. Four of them were tested for nonsense-mediated mRNA decay, but none was observed. Most of the truncated CELSR1 proteins would lack the transmembrane domain, if produced. The affected individuals had puberty/late-onset PL on lower extremities. The variants had a statistically significant difference in penetrance between female patients (87%) and male patients (20%). Eight variant carriers had a kidney anomaly, mostly in the form of ureteropelvic junction obstruction, which has not been associated withCELSR1before.CELSR1is located in the 22q13.3 deletion locus of the Phelan-McDermid syndrome. As variable renal defects are often seen in patients with the Phelan-McDermid syndrome,CELSR1may be the long-sought gene for the renal defects.

Conclusion

PL associated with a renal anomaly suggests aCELSR1-related cause.
HnRNPR strongly represses splicing of a critical exon associated with spinal muscular atrophy through binding to an exonic AU-rich element
Authors: Jiang Tao , Qu Ruobing , Liu Xuan , Hou Yanjun , Wang Li , Hua Yimin
Published: May 2023

Background

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a motor neuron disease caused by mutations of survival of motor neuron 1(SMN1) gene, which encodes the SMN protein.SMN2, a nearly identical copy ofSMN1, with several single-nucleotide substitutions leading to predominant skipping of its exon 7, is insufficient to compensate for loss ofSMN1. Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein R (hnRNPR) has been previously shown to interact with SMN in the 7SK complex in motoneuron axons and is implicated in the pathogenesis of SMA. Here, we show that hnRNPR also interacts withSMN1/2pre-mRNAs and potently inhibits exon 7 inclusion.

Methods

In this study, to examine the mechanism that hnRNPR regulatesSMN1/2splicing, deletion analysis in anSMN2minigene system, RNA-affinity chromatography, co-overexpression analysis and tethering assay were performed. We screened antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) in a minigene system and identified a few that markedly promotedSMN2exon 7 splicing.

Results

We pinpointed an AU-rich element located towards the 3′ end of the exon that mediates splicing repression by hnRNPR. We uncovered that both hnRNPR and Sam68 bind to the element in a competitive manner, and the inhibitory effect of hnRNPR is much stronger than Sam68. Moreover, we found that, among the four hnRNPR splicing isoforms, the exon 5-skipped one has the minimal inhibitory effect, and ASOs inducinghnRNPRexon 5 skipping also promoteSMN2exon 7 inclusion.

Conclusion

We identified a novel mechanism that contributes to mis-splicing ofSMN2exon 7.
Genotype–phenotype correlation and treatment effects in young patients withGNAO1-associated disorders
Authors: Thiel Moritz , Bamborschke Daniel , Janzarik Wibke G. , Assmann Birgit , Zittel Simone , Patzer Steffi , Auhuber Andrea , Opp Joachim , Matzker Eva , Bevot Andrea , Seeger Juergen , van Baalen Andreas , Stüve Burkhard , Brockmann Knut , Cirak Sebahattin , Koy Anne
Published: May 2023

Background

Patients carrying pathogenic variants inGNAO1often present with early-onset central hypotonia and global developmental delay, with or without epilepsy. As the disorder progresses, a complex hypertonic and hyperkinetic movement disorder is a common phenotype. A genotype–phenotype correlation has not yet been described and there are no evidence-based therapeutic recommendations.

Methods

To improve understanding of the clinical course and pathophysiology of this ultra-rare disorder, we built up a registry forGNAO1patients in Germany. In this retrospective, multicentre cohort study, we collected detailed clinical data, treatment effects and genetic data for 25 affected patients.

Results

The main clinical features were symptom onset within the first months of life, with central hypotonia or seizures. Within the first year of life, nearly all patients developed a movement disorder comprising dystonia (84%) and choreoathetosis (52%). Twelve (48%) patients suffered life-threatening hyperkinetic crises. Fifteen (60%) patients had epilepsy with poor treatment response. Two patients showed an atypical phenotype and seven novel pathogenic variants inGNAO1were identified. Nine (38%) patients were treated with bilateral deep brain stimulation of the globus pallidus internus. Deep brain stimulation reduced hyperkinetic symptoms and prevented further hyperkinetic crises. The in silico prediction programmes did not predict the phenotype by the genotype.

Conclusion

The broad clinical spectrum and genetic findings expand the phenotypical spectrum ofGNAO1-associated disorder and therefore disprove the assumption that there are only two main phenotypes. No specific overall genotype–phenotype correlation was identified. We highlight deep brain stimulation as a useful treatment option in this disorder.
Understanding bud rot development, caused by Botrytis cinerea, on cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) plants grown under greenhouse conditions
Authors: Mahmoud Mohannad , BenRejeb Ines , Punja Zamir K. , Buirs Liam , Jabaji Suha
Published: May 2023

Botrytis cinerea is a widespread necrotrophic plant pathogen that causes diseases on >1000 plant species, including vegetables and ornamental greenhouse crops. On cannabis ( Cannabis sativ a L.), the pathogen is responsible for causing “bud rot”, a major disease affecting the inflorescences (compound flowers), as well as seedling damping-off and leaf blight under certain conditions. During greenhouse cultivation, Botrytis cinerea can destroy cannabis inflorescences rapidly under optimal relative humidity conditions (>70%) and moderate temperatures (17–24 °C). Little is currently known about the host–pathogen interactions of Botrytis cinerea on cannabis. Information gleaned from other hosts can provide valuable insights for comparative purposes to understand disease development, epidemiology, and pathogenicity of Botrytis cinerea on cannabis crops. This review describes the pathogenesis and host responses to Botrytis infection and assesses potential mechanisms involved in disease resistance. The effects of microclimatic and other environmental conditions on disease development, strategies for early disease detection using prediction models, and the application of biological control agents that can prevent Botrytis cinerea development on cannabis are discussed. Other potential disease management approaches to reduce the impact of Botrytis bud rot are also reviewed. Numerous opportunities for conducting additional research to better understand the cannabis– Botrytis cinerea interaction are identified.
Temporal community structure and seasonal climatic migration of coastal sharks and large teleost fishes in the northeast Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Peterson Cheston T. , Grubbs R. Dean
Published: May 2023

We conducted monthly fishery-independent sampling using scientific gillnets and longlines at two seagrass shoals and surrounding soft-bottom habitat in the northeast Gulf of Mexico. Using non-metric multidimensional scaling, we explored the effects of abiotic variables on temporal patterns of fish community structure, analyzed temporal patterns using permutational multivariate analysis of variance, and tested for cyclicity in community structure. Additionally, we used generalized additive models to explore the effects of environmental variables on immigration and emigration phases of dominant taxa. We found strong seasonality and cyclicity in assemblages captured by both gear types, with depauperate winter communities and diverse assemblages in warmer month. Our results suggest that temperature may determine the timing of immigration and duration of the residency period of dominant taxa, but photoperiod may cue immigration and emigration in adults when the purpose of those migrations includes predicable reproductive functions (e.g., parturition). We found evidence of partial migration in juvenile life stages of some coastal sharks and hypothesize that rising temperatures due to climate change may have variable effects on residency patterns over ontogeny.
Effects of Pleioblastus viridistriatus expansion on species diversity of understory vegetation and soil bacterial community in subtropical forests
Authors: Qiu Lu , Lei Gang , Yan Zhipeng , Deng Bo
Published: May 2023

As one of the most widely used dwarf bamboos, Pleioblastus viridistriatus has well-developed rhizome and root systems, which can rapidly expand into forest stands. However, little is known about the influence of P. viridistriatus expansion on the undergrowth diversity in subtropical forests of China and its association with the diversity of soil bacterial microbiota. The species diversity and soil bacterial community structure were investigated in a forest where P. viridistriatus was expanding into coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest. We found that P. viridistriatus expansion reduced species diversity in the shrub and herbaceous layers and had significant effects on major soil physicochemical properties. In addition, the alpha diversity indexes were significantly increased and the abundance of Actinobacteria and Candidatus Saccharibacteria increased, while the abundance of Nitrospirae and Deinococcus-Thermus decreased with the increasing expansion. At the genus level, a total of 25 genera of soil bacteria showed significant difference in abundance. Overall, expansion of P. viridistriatus reduced forest species diversity, while increased soil nutrient accumulation and specific bacterial abundance to improve nutrient acquisition. Our results can provide guidance for controlling dwarf bamboo expansion and help the sustainable forest management.
Protective effects of diclofenac on liver graft preservation
Authors: Chaabani Roua , Bejaoui Mohamed , Zaouali Mohamed Amine , Ben Abdennebi Hassen
Published: May 2023

This study aims to evaluate the effect of diclofenac addition to the preservation solution Celsior on liver graft preservation. Liver from Wistar rats were cold flushed in situ, harvested, and then stored in Celsior solution (24 h, 4 °C) supplemented or not with 50 mg/L of diclofenac sodium salt. Reperfusion was performed (120 min, 37 °C) using the isolated perfusion rat liver model. Perfusate samples were collected to evaluate transaminases’ activities after cold storage and by the end of reperfusion. To evaluate liver function, bile flow, hepatic clearance of bromosulfophthalein, and vascular resistance were assessed. Diclofenac scavenging property (DPPH assay) as well as oxidative stress parameters (SOD and MPO activities and the concentration of glutathione, conjugated dienes, MDA, and carbonylated proteins) were measured. Transcription factors (PPAR-γ and NF-κB), inflammation (COX-2, IL-6, HMGB-1, and TLR-4), as well as apoptosis markers (Bcl-2 and Bax) were determined by quantitative RT-PCR. Enriching the preservation solution Celsior with diclofenac sodium salt attenuated liver injuries and improved graft function. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis were significantly reduced in Celsior + Diclo solution. Also, diclofenac activated PPAR-γ and inhibited NF-κB transcription factors. To decrease graft damage and improve transplant recovery, diclofenac sodium salt may be a promising additive to preservation solution.
Viscous attenuation of gravitational waves propagating through an inhomogeneous background
Authors: Pandey Shashank Shekhar , Sarkar Arnab , Ali Amna , Majumdar Archan S.
Published: May 2023

We consider the propagation of gravitational waves in the late-time Universe in the presence of matter distribution inhomogeneities, and we also consider the cosmic fluid to be viscous. In this work, we investigate the cumulative effect of inhomogeneities and viscosity of the cosmic-fluid on the observables associated with the sources of the gravitational waves. Employing Buchert’s averaging procedure in the backreaction framework, we consider a model of spacetime in which matter is distributed in-homogeneously across space. Using the modified redshift versus distance relation, through the averaging process in the context of the model, we study the variation of the redshift-dependent part of the observed gravitational wave amplitude for different combinations of our model parameters while simultaneously considering damping of the gravitational wave amplitude due to viscosity of the cosmic-fluid. Then, we investigate the differences occurring in the variation of the redshift-dependent part of the observed gravitational wave amplitude due to consideration of viscous attenuation. We show that there are significant deviations after the inclusion of viscous attenuation in our analysis, depending on the chosen value of the coefficient of viscosity. Our result signifies the importance of the effect of viscosity, within the model of an inhomogeneous Universe, on precision measurements of parameters of compact-binary sources of gravitational waves.
Genus expansion of matrix models and $$\hbar $$ expansion of BKP hierarchy
Authors: Drachov Yaroslav , Zhabin Aleksandr
Published: May 2023

We continue the investigation of the connection between the genus expansion of matrix models and the $$\hbar $$
ħ
expansion of integrable hierarchies. In this paper, we focus on the BKP hierarchy, which corresponds to the infinite-dimensional Lie algebra of type B. We consider the genus expansion of such important solutions as Brézin–Gross–Witten (BGW) model, Kontsevich model, and generating functions for spin Hurwitz numbers with completed cycles. We show that these partition functions with inserted parameter $$\hbar $$
ħ
, which controls the genus expansion, are solutions of the $$\hbar $$
ħ
-BKP hierarchy with good quasi-classical behavior. $$\hbar $$
ħ
-BKP language implies the algorithmic prescription for $$\hbar $$
ħ
-deformation of the mentioned models in terms of hypergeometric BKP $$\tau $$
τ
-functions and gives insight into the similarities and differences between the models. Firstly, the insertion of $$\hbar $$
ħ
into the Kontsevich model is similar to the one in the BGW model, though the Kontsevich model seems to be a very specific example of hypergeometric $$\tau $$
τ
-function. Secondly, generating functions for spin Hurwitz numbers appear to possess a different prescription for genus expansion. This property of spin Hurwitz numbers is not the unique feature of BKP: already in the KP hierarchy, one can observe that generating functions for ordinary Hurwitz numbers with completed cycles are deformed differently from the standard matrix model examples.
Possible molecular dibaryons with csssqq quarks and their baryon–antibaryon partners
Authors: Kong Shu-Yi , Zhu Jun-Tao , He Jun
Published: May 2023

In this work, we systematically investigate the charmed–strange dibaryon systems with csssqq quarks and their baryon–antibaryon partners from the interactions $$\varXi ^{(',*)}_{c}\varXi ^{(*)}$$

Ξ
c

(
′

,

∗
)

Ξ

(

∗
)

, $$\varOmega ^{(*)}_c\varLambda $$

Ω
c

(

∗
)

Λ

, $$\varOmega ^{(*)}_c\varSigma ^{(*)}$$

Ω
c

(

∗
)

Σ

(

∗
)

, $$\varLambda _c\varOmega $$

Λ
c

Ω

and $$\varSigma ^{(*)}_c\varOmega $$

Σ
c

(

∗
)

Ω

and their baryon–antibaryon partners from interactions $$\varXi ^{(',*)}_{c}\bar{\varXi }^{(*)}$$

Ξ
c

(
′

,

∗
)

Ξ

¯

(

∗
)

, $$\varOmega ^{(*)}_c\bar{\varLambda }$$

Ω
c

(

∗
)

Λ

¯

, $$\varOmega ^{(*)}_c\bar{\varSigma }^{(*)}$$

Ω
c

(

∗
)

Σ

¯

(

∗
)

, $$\varLambda _c\bar{\varOmega }$$

Λ
c

Ω

¯

and $$\varSigma ^{(*)}_c\bar{\varOmega }$$

Σ
c

(

∗
)

Ω

¯

. The potential kernels are constructed with the help of effective Lagrangians under SU(3), heavy quark, and chiral symmetries to describe these interactions. To search for possible molecular states, the kernels are inserted into the quasipotential Bethe–Salpeter equation, which is solved to find poles from scattering amplitude. The results suggest that 36 and 24 bound states can be found in the baryon–baryon and baryon–antibaryon interactions, respectively. However, much large values of parameter $$\alpha $$
α
are required to produce the bound states from the baryon–antibaryon interactions, which questions the existence of these bound states. Possible coupled-channel effect are considered in the current work to estimate the couplings of the molecular states to the channels considered.
Legendre scalarization in gravity and cosmology
Authors: Cotsakis Spiros , Mimoso Jose P. , Miritzis John
Published: May 2023

We propose a new formulation of f(R) gravity, dubbed scalarized f(R) gravity, in which the Legendre transform is included as a dynamical term. This leads to a theory with second-order field equations that describes general relativity with a self-interacting scalar field, without requiring the introduction of conformal frames. We demonstrate that the quadratic version of scalarized f(R) gravity reduces to general relativity with a massive scalar field, and we explore its implications for Friedmann cosmology. Our findings suggest that scalarized f(R) gravity may lead to simplified descriptions of cosmological applications, while the proposed formulation could offer a new perspective on the relationship between f(R) gravity and scalar–tensor theories.
A Kernel Fractional Low-Power Chaotic Time Series Prediction Algorithm Based on Lncosh Function
Authors: Huo Yuanlian , Liu Jie , Qi Yongfeng , Ding Ruibo , Xu Tianci
Published: May 2023

In this paper, a kernel fraction low-power adaptive filtering algorithm based on lncosh function (KFLP-LHCF) is proposed for chaotic time series prediction. The algorithm combines the lncosh function with the kernel fractional low-power algorithm. The nonlinear saturation characteristic of the lncosh function is used to achieve resistance to impulse noise, and the fractional low power is used to suppress the influence of error mutation on the performance of the algorithm. In addition, by adjusting the scale factor, a balance can be achieved between convergence speed as well as steady-state performance. In the alpha noise environment, the proposed algorithm is used to predict and simulate two typical chaotic time series of Lorenz and Mackey–Glass. Experimental results show that the algorithm has better steady-state performance and lower steady-state error than other kernel adaptive filtering algorithms, provided that the convergence speed is similar.
Automated Fish Detection and Tracking System Using Pre-Trained Mask R-CNN for Ecological Biodiversity
Authors: Mana Suja Cherukullapurath , Sasipraba T.
Published: May 2023

Introduce a new dynamic classifying algorithm in this paper to recognize and monitor fish activity to simultaneously better comprehend their synapomorphies. The pre-trained Mask Regional Convolutional Neural Network (Mask-R-CNN) is trained using a set of test models extracted from recorded video recording. The approach suggested subsequently yields well-enhanced feature vectors. The system’s automatic fish detection and tracking capabilities are improved, enhancing underwater investigation for supervising ecological biodiversity. The publicly accessible field-truth dataset assesses recall, F1-score, and classification and tracking precision. Utilizing current tracking R-CNN algorithms like Lowest Output Sum of Siamese Mask (SiamMask), Sequential Non-Maximum Suppression (Seq-NMS), and Squared Errors (MOSSE), comparative performance testing is conducted. In comparison to Siam-Mask (84%), Seq-NMS (78%) and MOSSE (75%), more than 120 of 170 specific bream were detected using the pre-trained Mask-R-CNN of the proposed algorithm (87%). This pre-trained Mask R-CNN system was used in the evaluation, and it was discovered that detection and tracking accuracy had increased significantly. This suggests that the ocean ecosystem could benefit from applying the proposed approach for management of ecology.
Novel Development of Fuzzy Controller Based Multi-Agent System for Efficient Navigation of Autonomous Robots
Authors: Emil Selvan G. S. R. , Jagadeesh Kannan R. , Sangapu Sreenivasa Chakravarthi , Shalini S. , Pandurangan Raji , Raj E. Fantin Irudaya
Published: May 2023

This study investigates a fuzzy controller technique for autonomous robot navigation in both the static and dynamic environmental conditions and an excessive number of pathways to the destination. The design and implementation of a novel obstacle avoidance technique for autonomous robots are developed using the fuzzy controller-based multi-agent system. This method allows the Robot to identify dynamic or static unidentified objects while directing the Robot to prevent collisions and advance toward the objective. The Robot is capable of moving in a variety of environments. The Robot may communicate and travel in dynamic space by perceiving its surroundings and pursuing a free-collision route. This study covers creating a multi-agent system that includes fuzzy logic to regulate the robotic movements along a path reactive for effective Navigation. This project aims to develop an algorithm that allows the Robot to do distinct tasks to accomplish a unified objective, autonomous Navigation in a slightly unfamiliar environment. Under such a situation, the usage of a multi-agent system is advantageous. As a result, we created a framework made up of four agents responsible for sensing, Navigation, dynamic, and static obstacle avoidance. These agents communicate with one another via a coordinating mechanism.
Enhancement of Kernel Clustering Based on Pigeon Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Thamer Mathil K. , Algamal Zakariya Yahya , Zine Raoudha
Published: May 2023

Clustering is one of the essential branches of data mining, which has numerous practical uses in real-time applications.The Kernel K-means method (KK-means) is an extended operative clustering algorithm. However, this algorithm entirely dependent on the kernel function’s hyper-parameter. Techniques that adequately explore the search spaces are needed for real optimization problems and to get optimal answers. This paper proposes an enhanced kernel K-means clustering by employing a pigeon optimization algorithm in clustering. The suggested algorithm finds the best solution by tuning the kernel function’s hyper-parameter and alters the number of clusters simultaneously. Based on five biological and chemical datasets, the results acquired the potential result from the suggested algorithm that is compared to other approaches based on intra-cluster distances and the Rand index. Moreover, findings confirm that the suggested KK-means algorithm achieves the best computation time. The proposed algorithm achieves the necessary support for data clustering.
Adopting Social Banking: A Socio-Technical Innovation of Service-Oriented Social Commerce
Authors: Pouti Nasibeh , Taghavifard Mohammad Taghi , Taghva Mohammad Reza , Fathian Mohammad
Published: May 2023

This study develops a research model to explain the acceptance of social banking. In order to find the antecedents of social banking intention, a meta-combination has been used. The results of a systematic review of the last decade of social commerce acceptance studies and the use of fuzzy Delphi and fuzzy DEMATEL methods led to the development of the model. The obtained model was investigated by the partial least squares method in the statistical community of banking customers. Then, by analyzing intermediate variables, the final results were obtained. Based on the obtained model, three types of effects were investigated: direct effects with the presence of the mediating factor or factors, direct effects by removing the mediating factor or factors, and indirect effect by considering the mediating factor or factors. The results show that except for privacy considerations, other factors including trust, attitude, social support, social commerce constructs, word of mouth, social influence, customer social responsibility and perceived usefulness have a direct and indirect effect on social banking intention. The privacy consideration factor has only indirect effect on social banking intention through the full mediation of the trust factor. Except for the effect of factors on the intention of social banking, based on the model obtained from meta-combination, the effect of factors on each other was also investigated and some were confirmed. This research introduces a socio-technical innovation by combining the application of social banking with a social commerce platform and presents a comprehensive model of the willingness to accept this innovation.
Temperature effects on electrochemical performance of Li4Ti5O12
Authors: Ou Yinjun , Li Songjie , Gao Jiazhe , Wang Wenze , Zhang Qian , Gao Shangfu , Lin Chunfu
Published: May 2023

Li4Ti5O12(LTO) is one of the most popular [Formula: see text]-storage anode materials. However, the influences of different operating temperatures on the electrochemical performance of LTO and the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Herein, we systematically investigate its temperature-dependent electrochemical performance, electrochemical kinetics, and crystal-structural evolution at −10[Formula: see text]C, [Formula: see text]C, [Formula: see text]C, [Formula: see text]C, and [Formula: see text]C. When the operation temperature increases from −10[Formula: see text]C to [Formula: see text]C, more intensive electrolyte decomposition increases the irreversible capacity in the first cycle, which decreases the initial Coulombic efficiency. Meanwhile, the electrochemical kinetics becomes faster, leading to reduced electrode polarization, faster [Formula: see text]Transport, and higher rate capability. Finally, the maximum unit-cell-volume shrinkage enlarges, resulting in the decay of the cyclic stability. However, when the temperature further rises to 60°C, the rate capacity and cyclic stability rapidly decay due to the severe electrolyte decomposition catalyzed by [Formula: see text] and the formation of thick solid electrolyte interface (SEI) films.
Corporate Taxation
Authors: Fuest Clemens , Neumeier Florian
Published: May 2023

This article reviews economic research on business taxation, with a focus on corporate income taxation. We discuss what this research can contribute to current debates about corporate tax policy and where existing research is incomplete or inconclusive, so that clarification is needed. The issues we discuss include the incidence of the corporate income tax, its effect on investment and economic growth, the problem of international tax avoidance, and the role of corporate taxes in economic crises, including the current debate about taxes on windfall profits.
Multi-Week Cycling of a Nonaqueous Flow Battery Using Tris-Bipyridine Iron (II) Triflate without Additional Supporting Electrolyte
Authors: Smith Kirk P. , Rungta Rohit , Wang Andrew A. , Monroe Charles W.
Published: May 2023

Tris-bipyridine iron (II) triflate was synthesized and used as an active species to demonstrate a symmetric disproportionation redox-flow-battery chemistry that works without a supporting electrolyte. Solutions of this coordination complex salt (0.1 M in acetonitrile), in which the cation provides the redox activity, were qualitatively characterized with cyclic voltammetry and used to perform extended full-cell charge/discharge cycling and impedance testing in reactors containing a porous Daramic 175 separator membrane. The cell, based on 10 ml reservoirs of active liquid, survived for more than eight hundred cycles, with charge/discharge cycling taking place over a period of more than two weeks. Four cycling protocols were evaluated to investigate the effects of applied current and depth-of-discharge on cell performance. The system allows for hundreds of cycles above 50% state-of-charge and is capable of exceeding 80% round-trip energy efficiency.
On-Wafer Wide-Pore Anodic Aluminum Oxide
Authors: Kim Nam , Casareto Marco , Mowbray Miles , Henry Robert , Hayden John , Rubloff Gary , Lee Sang Bok , Gregorczyk Keith E.
Published: May 2023

Anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) has been used as nanotemplates for nanomaterials and nanodevice fabrications. Microfabrication techniques are attracting attention for nanodevice synthesis. However, AAO requires a microfabrication-compatible substrate due to its brittleness. While there are studies that already show AAO on compatible substrates, the pore sizes may not be applicable for multicomponent nanodevices. In this study, wide pore AAOs with ohmic bottom contacts are fabricated on 76 mm Si wafers. Sputtering was used to deposit Al along with supporting layers to achieve this goal. A quiescent electropolishing technique was used to smooth the surface of Al. Standard photolithography was used to define the active area on the Al for anodization. Then 195 V two-step anodization was performed to fabricate wide pore AAOs with pore diameters ranging from 130 ± 32 nm to 400 ± 31 nm with interpore distance of 480 ± 47 nm. It also showed that the ordering of the pores depended on the current density over the more conventional anodization time.
Electrodeposition of Manganese-Based Cathode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Manjum Marjanul , Jalilvand Golareh , Mustain William E.
Published: May 2023

To reduce the cost of electrode fabrication and provide a pathway for facile recycling of battery active materials, electrochemical deposition and lithiation of manganese (Mn) oxide cathodes have been proposed in the literature. However, without sufficient physicochemical characterization, many works have postulated that the active lithium manganese oxide (LMO) phase is created from crystalline MnO2 or Mn3O4. This work shows that neither of those phases nor other well-known stoichiometric crystalline phases (i.e., MnO and Mn2O3), lead to the formation of LMO. This work confirms the specific active surface features obtained by the potentiostatic deposition of Mn oxide, their chemical lithiation, and heat treatment. The resulting LMO electrodes were incorporated into coin cells, cycled—achieving a capacity over 250 mAh g−1—and post-characterized.