bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Black-eyed Susan vine (Thunbergia alata): chemical and antifungal potential evaluation of an invasive plant species in Colombia
Authors: Vanegas Romero Miguel Ángel , Chitiva Luis Carlos , Bravo-Chaucanés Claudia Patrícia , Hernández Andrea Ximena , Parra-Giraldo Claudia Marcela , Costa Geison Modesti
Published: August 2023

Thunbergia alata (Black-eyed Susan) is a plant species from East Africa and grows in tropical regions worldwide, including Colombia, being considered an invasive species in some countries. Even though it is used by local communities to treat several illnesses, including malaria, there are few biological and chemical studies on T. alata. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the chemical composition and in vitro antimycotic (against Candida strains) activity of T. alata crude ethanolic stem and leaf extracts. This was achieved via phytochemical analyses and chromatographic profiling (HPTLC, UPLC-DAD, and LC-MS). A two-fold serial microdilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against selected Candida strains. Results showed the presence of saponins, terpenes, and flavonoids in the T. alata crude ethanolic stem and leaf extracts, although rutin and chlorogenic acid were the main components of stem and leaf extracts, respectively. Concerning biological assays, T. alata leaf extracts demonstrated moderate antimycotic activity, with MIC values between 5:00 mg mL-1 and 1:25 mg mL-1 against C. albicans and C. auris strains. The results indicate that T. alata extracts, including some of their major identified compounds, possess promising antifungal properties against two significant microorganisms.
ToF-SIMS in battery research: Advantages, limitations, and best practices
Authors: Lombardo Teo , Walther Felix , Kern Christine , Moryson Yannik , Weintraut Timo , Henss Anja , Rohnke Marcus
Published: August 2023

Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) is a powerful analytical technique whose application has great potential for battery research and that today is not used at its full potential. The goal of this article is to encourage battery researchers to add ToF-SIMS to their research toolbox and to incite ToF-SIMS experts to collaborate more strongly with battery researchers. It is, therefore, addressed to both new and experienced ToF-SIMS operators. First, an introduction to the analysis technique is given, in which the fundamental operating principle and the most common measurement modes are briefly explained. Additionally, we provide information on different machines commercially available. Based on this knowledge, we discuss the suitability of ToF-SIMS for battery research and highlight its method-specific characteristics for corresponding analytical tasks. We show that the high sensitivity of this analytical method (fractions < 10 ppm are detectable) combined with high flexibility for all analyzable materials (organic, inorganic, and hybrid) and sample formats (powders, thin films, electrodes, etc.) make ToF-SIMS particularly relevant for battery research, where the chemical nature of interfaces/interphases and traces of reaction products are of paramount importance. As practical guidance, we introduce and discuss the most common pitfalls when using ToF-SIMS for battery research and give hints on how they could be avoided or minimized. A major goal of this article is to review best practices, focusing on improving data quality, avoiding artifacts, and improving reproducibility.
Cross-scale tracing of nanoparticles and tumors at the single-cell level using the whole-lung atlas
Authors: Cao Zeying , Zhao Yanli , Sun Hongyu , Sun Xian , Zhang Yu , Zhang Shuo , Wang Caifen , Xiong Ting , Naeem Abid , Zhang Jiwen , Yin Xianzhen
Published: August 2023

Currently, the effectiveness of oncotherapy is limited by tumor heterogeneities, which presents a huge challenge for the development of nanotargeted drug delivery systems (DDSs). Therefore, it is important to resolve the spatiotemporal interactions between tumors and nanoparticles. However, targeting evaluation has been limited by particle visualization due to the gap between whole-organ scale and subcellular precision. Here, a high-precision three-dimensional (3D) visualization of tumor structure based on the micro-optical sectioning tomography (MOST) system and fluorescence MOST (fMOST) system is presented to clarify 3D spatial distribution of nanoparticles within the tumor. We demonstrate that through the MOST/fMOST system, it is possible to reveal multidimensional and cross-scale correlations between the tumor structure and nanoparticle distribution to remodel the tumor microenvironment and explore the structural parameters of vasculature. This visualization methodology provides an accurate assessment of the efficacy, distribution, and targeting efficiency of DDSs for oncotherapy compared to available approaches.
Alternative splicing of CEACAM1 by hypoxia-inducible factor–1α enhances tolerance to hepatic ischemia in mice and humans
Authors: Dery Kenneth J. , Kojima Hidenobu , Kageyama Shoichi , Kadono Kentaro , Hirao Hirofumi , Cheng Brian , Zhai Yuan , Farmer Douglas G. , Kaldas Fady M. , Yuan Xiaoyi , Eltzschig Holger K. , Kupiec-Weglinski Jerzy W.
Published: August 2023

Although alternative splicing (AS) drives transcriptional responses and cellular adaptation to environmental stresses, its contributions in organ transplantation have not been appreciated. We have shown that carcinoembryonic antigen–related cell adhesion molecule (Ceacam1;
CD66a
), a transmembrane biliary glycoprotein expressed in epithelial, endothelial, and immune cells, determines donor liver transplant quality. Here, we studied how AS of
Ceacam1
affects ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) in mouse and human livers. We found that the short cytoplasmic isoform
Ceacam1-S
increased during early acute and late resolution phases of warm IRI injury in mice. Transfection of Ceacam1-deficient mouse hepatocytes with adenoviral Ceacam1-S mitigated hypoxia-induced loss of cellular adhesion by repressing the Ask1/p-p38 cell death pathway. Nucleic acid–blocking morpholinos, designed to selectively induce Ceacam1-S, protected hepatocyte cultures against temperature-induced stress in vitro. Luciferase and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays identified direct binding of hypoxia-inducible factor–1α (Hif-1α) to the mouse polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 (
Ptbp1
) promoter region. Dimethyloxalylglycine protected mouse livers from warm IR stress and hepatocellular damage by inhibiting prolyl hydroxylase domain–containing protein 1 and promoting AS of
Ceacam1-S
. Last, analysis of 46 human donor liver grafts revealed that
CEACAM1-S
positively correlated with pretransplant
HIF1A
expression. This also correlated with better transplant outcomes, including reduced
TIMP1
, total bilirubin, proinflammatory
MCP1
,
CXCL10
cytokines, immune activation markers
IL17A
, and incidence of delayed complications from biliary anastomosis. This translational study identified mouse Hif-1α–controlled AS of
Ceacam1
, through transcriptional regulation of
Ptbp1
promoter region, as a functional underpinning of hepatoprotection against IR stress and tissue damage in liver transplantation.
Draft genome sequence of type strain
Streptomyces brasiliscabiei
IBSBF 2867
T
Authors: Corrêa Daniele Bussioli Alves , Vitor Lucas , Amaral Danilo Trabuco do , Ferreira-Tonin Mariana , Destéfano Suzete Aparecida Lanza
Published: August 2023

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Streptomyces
IBSBF 2867
T
, associated with potato scab in Brazil. Genome analysis using the antiSMASH bioinformatics tool showed the presence of phytopathogenic biosynthetic pathways.
Barriers and facilitators in providing home-based rehabilitation for stroke survivors with severe disability in the UK: an online focus group study with multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams
Authors: Fisher Rebecca J , Russell Lal , Riley-Bennett Frances , Cameron Trudi , Walker Marion , Sackley Cath
Published: August 2023

Objectives

In the UK, over 20% of stroke survivors leave hospital with severe disability. Limited evidence-based clinical guidance is available to support the rehabilitation of these individuals. Our previous research has focused on establishing consensus regarding the core components of home-based rehabilitation for this under investigated group. This study explores the barriers of providing rehabilitation and identifies strategies to overcome them.

Design

Three focus group interviews were conducted with n=20. The context coding framework was employed to organise the transcribed data and to facilitate inductive and deductive analysis and synthesis.

Setting

Online, MSTeams, UK.

Participants

A purposive sample of 20 National Health Service clinical staff participants, from 3 multidisciplinary teams providing home-based stroke rehabilitation for this population (n=7, 6 and 7).

Results

High levels of need were reported across multiple domains for survivors including continence, communication and physical function. Interventions often required multiagency collaboration in order to optimise the available resources and specialist skills. There was lack of clarity regarding who was ultimately responsible for providing components of rehabilitation for stroke survivors with severe disability. Teams provide rehabilitation for this population but are insufficiently commissioned or resourced to fully meet their needs. In-complete and disjointed pathways with resultant healthcare inequalities were commonly reported. Teams used a variety of strategies to overcome these barriers and optimise rehabilitation opportunities. These included upskilling a diverse range of partners to capitalise on the skills and resources across health, social care and voluntary sector boundaries employing multiagency collaboration. Teams established and engaged networks of stakeholders in order to advocate on behalf of stroke survivors.

Conclusions

Collaboration and partnership working is important in the delivery of rehabilitation for stroke survivors with severe disability. Commissioners need to be aware that cross-agency multidisciplinary expertise is required, if rehabilitation opportunities are to be realised and existing health inequalities addressed.
Long-term temporal trends in incidence rate and case fatality of sepsis and COVID-19-related sepsis in Norwegian hospitals, 2008–2021: a nationwide registry study
Authors: Skei Nina Vibeche , Nilsen Tom Ivar Lund , Knoop Siri Tandberg , Prescott Hallie , Lydersen Stian , Mohus Randi Marie , Brkic Alen , Liyanarachi Kristin Vardheim , Solligård Erik , Damås Jan Kristian , Gustad Lise Tuset
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To estimate temporal trends in incidence rate (IR) and case fatality during a 14-year period from 2008 to 2021, and to assess possible shifts in these trends during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Setting

All Norwegian hospitals 2008–2021.

Participants

317 705 patients ≥18 year with a sepsis International Classification of Diseases 10th revision code retrieved from The Norwegian Patient Registry.

Primary and secondary measures

Annual age-standardised IRs with 95% CIs. Poisson regression was used to estimate changes in IRs across time, and logistic regression was used to estimate ORs for in-hospital death.

Results

Among 12 619 803 adult hospitalisations, a total of 317 705 (2.5%) hospitalisations in 222 832 (70.0%) unique patients met the sepsis criteria. The overall age-standardised IR of a first sepsis admission was 246/100 000 (95% CI 245 to 247), whereas the age-standardised IR of all sepsis admissions was 352/100 000 (95% CI 351 to 354). In the period 2009–2019, the annual IR for a first sepsis episode was stable (IR ratio (IRR) per year, 0.999; 95% CI 0.994 to 1.004), whereas for recurrent sepsis the IR increased (annual IRR, 1.048; 95% CI 1.037 to 1.059). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the IRR for a first sepsis was 0.877 (95% CI 0.829 to 0.927) in 2020 and 0.929 (95% CI 0.870 to 0.992) in 2021, and for all sepsis it was 0.870 (95% CI 0.810 to 0.935) in 2020 and 0.908 (95% CI 0.840 to 0.980) in 2021, compared with the previous 11-year period. Case fatality among first sepsis admissions declined in the period 2009–2019 (annual OR 0.954 (95% CI 0.950 to 0.958)), whereas case fatality increased during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 (OR 1.061 (95% CI 1.001 to 1.124) and in 2021 (OR 1.164 (95% CI 1.098 to 1.233)).

Conclusion

The overall IR of sepsis increased from 2009 to 2019, due to an increasing IR of recurrent sepsis, and indicates that sepsis awareness with updated guidelines and education must continue.
Problems with accessing healthcare and associated factors among reproductive-aged women in the Gambia using Gambia Demographic and Health Survey 2019/2020: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tsegaw Menen , Mulat Bezawit , Shitu Kegnie
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To assess problems with accessing healthcare and its associated factors among reproductived-age women in the Gambia using the Gambia Demographic and Health Survey 2019/2020.

Design

A community-based cross-sectional study.

Setting

This study was based on a large, community-based cross-sectional survey, conducted from 2019 to 2020 in the Gambia. The survey employed a stratified two-stage cluster sampling technique to recruit study participants. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used to summarise descriptive data and identify factors associated with problems of accessing healthcare, respectively. A p value of less than 0.05 and 95% CI were used to determine statistical significance.

Participants

A total of 11 865 reproductive-aged women (15–49 years) were included in the study. The mean age of the women was 28.21 with an SD of 9.33 and ranges 15–49 years. Regarding marital status, 7526 (63.43%) were married.

Results

The magnitude of problems with accessing healthcare among reproductive-aged women in the Gambia was 45.5% (95% CI: 44.6%, 46.4%). Age (adjusted OR (AOR)=1.48, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.95), being from rural residence (AOR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.53), parity (AOR=1.07, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.12), middle (AOR=0.54, 95% CI: 0.46, 0.64) and greater wealth (AOR=0.30, 95% CI: 0.25, 0.37), giving birth at health institutions (AOR=0.69, 95% CI: 0.58, 0.80), currently working (AOR=0.77, 95% CI: 0.68, 0.86) and geographical region were significantly associated with problems of accessing healthcare.

Conclusion

Problems of accessing healthcare among women of reproductive age were high in the Gambia. Age, region, working status, parity, residence, wealth and place of delivery were the identified factors associated with problems of accessing healthcare. Policymakers and public health experts should consider those factors while designing maternal healthcare programmes. Affordable healthcare service programmes should be designed to increase healthcare access in the Gambia.
Multisystem recovery after sport-related concussion in adolescent rugby players: a prospective study protocol
Authors: McKee Connor Shane , Matthews Mark , Rankin Alan , Bleakley Chris
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Sport-related concussion is one of the most common injuries in adolescent rugby players with evidence of prolonged recovery in some concussed athletes. Concussion is a complex pathophysiological process that can affect a variety of subsystems with multifactorial presentation. Most research on adolescents recovery after concussion focuses on neurocognitive functioning and symptom outcomes over the short term. There is a need to explore concussion recovery over time across multiple subsystems in adolescent rugby players.

Methods and analysis

This prospective study will use sensorimotor and oculomotor outcomes in adolescent male and female rugby players aged 16–18 years. Players will be recruited from school or club rugby teams across the province of Ulster. Baseline assessment will be undertaken at the start of the playing season and will include questionnaires, Quantified Y Balance Test and Pupillary Light Reflex. Players who sustain a concussive event will be reassessed on all outcomes at 3 days, 7 days, 14 days, 23 days, 90 days, 180 days and 365 days postconcussion. For serial outcome data, we will examine response curves for each participant and make comparisons between known groups. We will use logistic regression to explore any association between demographic variables and recovery. The strength of the predictive model will be determined using R2, p values and ORs, with 95% CIs.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been granted for this study from Ulster University Research Ethics Committee (REC/14/0060). This study will be published in an open-access research journal on completion.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12622000931774p.
Surgical denervation as a treatment strategy for pain in hand osteoarthritis: a systematic literature review
Authors: van der Meulen Coen , van de Stadt Lotte A , Claassen Aniek , Kroon Féline P B , Ritt Marco J P F , Rosendaal Frits R , Terpstra Sietse E S , Vochteloo Anne J H , Kloppenburg Margreet
Published: August 2023

Objective

Surgical denervation has been proposed as a treatment for pain in hand osteoarthritis (OA). This review aimed to summarise the available evidence and to propose a research agenda.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed up to September 2022. Two investigators independently identified studies that reported on denervation for OA of the proximal interphalangeal, distal interphalangeal, metacarpophalangeal or carpometacarpal joints. Quality of studies was assessed and study characteristics, patient characteristics, details of the surgical technique and outcomes of the surgery were extracted.

Results

Of 169 references, 17 articles reporting on 384 denervations in 351 patients were selected. Sixteen case series reported positive outcomes with respect to pain, function and patient satisfaction. One non-randomised clinical trial reported no difference in outcome when comparing denervation of the first carpometacarpal (CMC I) joint to trapeziectomy. Adverse events were frequent, with sensory abnormalities occurring the most, followed by the need for revision surgery. All studies had significant risk of bias.

Conclusion

Surgical denervation for pain in hand OA shows some promise, but the available evidence does not allow any conclusions of efficacy and higher-quality research is needed. Techniques should be harmonised and more data regarding how denervation compares to current usual care, other denervation methods or placebo in terms of outcomes and adverse events are needed.
Effect of saline–alkaline stresses on the interspecific competition between Aegilops tauschii and Triticum aestivum
Authors: Wang Ning , Chen Hao
Published: August 2023

Soil salinization has produced severe consequences on global agricultural production and ecological environment. Based on the features of saline soils in China, through mixed NaCl, NaHCO3, Na2SO4, and Na2CO3 at varying ratios to simulate the salinity–alkalinity stress and conducted a controlled pot experiment using De Wit replacement method. The effects of salinity–alkalinity stress on the growth of Aegilops tauschii and its competition with wheat were explored to provide a reference for the study of invasion mechanism of A. tauschii. The result showed that, the salinity–alkalinity stress inhibited the growth and development of both the species, which was reflected in plant height, leaf area and total biomass indicators. Secondly, the tolerance of both plant species to salinity–alkalinity stress was improved by increasing the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and the proline content. However, as the salinity–alkalinity stress was exacerbated, the relative conductivity and thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) content increased significantly in both the species. As suggested by the level of increase in SOD activity, proline content, relative conductivity, and TBARS content, A. tauschii was more tolerant to the salinity–alkalinity stress than wheat. Finally, it can be seen from the value of the competition balance index, A. tauschii was still more competitive than wheat even under salinity–alkalinity stress. In summary, A. tauschii was more tolerant of the salinity–alkalinity stress than wheat through the favorable adjustment of morphology, biomass allocation pattern, and physiological features, which is expected to increase its invasion damage to wheat.
Viscoelastic effects on the double-diffusive oscillatory flow in a fluid-saturated porous layer
Authors: Raghunatha K. R. , Vinod Y. , Inc Mustafa , Yildirim Elif Nuray
Published: August 2023

The viscoelastic effects on the double diffusive oscillatory flow in a fluid-saturated porous layer are investigated. A modified Darcy–Oldroyd-B model is used to characterize the non-Newtonian fluid behavior flow in a porous layer. Analytic solutions of the dimensionless governing equations of fluid flow are obtained and the effects of the flow parameters on temperature, concentration, velocity profiles, skin friction and rate of heat transfer are discussed and shown graphically. It is interesting to note that skin friction increases on both channel plates as injection increases on the heated plate. Increase in the strain retardation parameter is to decrease the fluid velocity, while an opposite trend is noticed with increasing stress relaxation parameter. The study reiterates that the consideration of viscoelastic fluid is very important in proper considerate of oscillatory flow in double diffusive fluid systems.
Bayesian Analysis for Dependent Progressively Censored Weibull Competing Risks Using Copulas
Authors: Salem Maram Magdy
Published: August 2023

In many reliability studies, the experimental units may fail due to one of several causes of failure. It is usually assumed that the competing risks of failure are independent. In many practical situations, however, the interpretation of the failure modes makes the assumption of independence unreasonable. Copulas are considered an effective tool for modeling the dependence structure among the multiple competing risks. This paper presents Bayesian analysis of progressively Type-II censored dependent competing risks data using copulas. The analysis is performed under the assumption of binomial progressive random removals and Weibull failure times, where unit failure occurs due to only one of the competing risks. Bayesian point and interval estimates of the unknown parameters are derived using different Archimedean copulas with non-conjugate prior distributions. A simulation study is carried out to assess the performance of the proposed techniques under different dependence structures. A real data set is analyzed for illustrative purposes.
Investment certificates pricing using a Quasi-Monte Carlo framework: Case-studies based on the Italian market
Authors: Bottasso Anna , Fusaro Michelangelo , Giribone Pier Giuseppe , Tissone Alessio
Published: August 2023

The Monte Carlo method, thanks to its flexibility in designing even extremely complex payoffs, is assuming an increasingly important role in quantitative analysis. Its main limitation is the high computational cost linked to its modest speed of convergence to the fair value of the product. One of the best-known statistical techniques is to replace the random number generator with “low discrepancy” deterministic numerical sequences, producing a Quasi-Monte Carlo. Through its implementation for the analysis of three investment certificates featuring different characteristics and different stochastic processes used for the underlying simulation, the study demonstrates the possibility of achieving interesting results in terms of performance even for pricing these structured products ever more popular in the financial industry.
Optimizing Homomorphic Evaluation Circuits by Program Synthesis and Time-bounded Exhaustive Search
Authors: Lee Dongkwon , Lee Woosuk , Oh Hakjoo , Yi Kwangkeun
Published: August 2023

We present a new and general method for optimizing homomorphic evaluation circuits. Although fully homomorphic encryption (FHE) holds the promise of enabling safe and secure third party computation, building FHE applications has been challenging due to their high computational costs. Domain-specific optimizations require a great deal of expertise on the underlying FHE schemes and FHE compilers that aim to lower the hurdle, generate outcomes that are typically sub-optimal, as they rely on manually-developed optimization rules. In this article, based on the prior work of FHE compilers, we propose a method for automatically learning and using optimization rules for FHE circuits. Our method focuses on reducing the maximum multiplicative depth, the decisive performance bottleneck, of FHE circuits by combining program synthesis, term rewriting, and equality saturation. It first uses program synthesis to learn equivalences of small circuits as rewrite rules from a set of training circuits. Then, we perform term rewriting on the input circuit to obtain a new circuit that has lower multiplicative depth. Our rewriting method uses the equational matching with generalized version of the learned rules, and its soundness property is formally proven. Our optimizations also try to explore every possible alternative order of applying rewrite rules by time-bounded exhaustive search technique called equality saturation. Experimental results show that our method generates circuits that can be homomorphically evaluated 1.08×–3.17× faster (with the geometric mean of 1.56×) than the state-of-the-art method. Our method is also orthogonal to existing domain-specific optimizations.
Urban Crowdsourcing Platforms across the World: A Systematic Review
Authors: Fornaroli Alessandro , Gatica-Perez Daniel
Published: August 2023

Urban crowdsourcing platforms are becoming increasingly important, especially considering the relevance of citizen-centricity in smart cities. This systematic review aims at analyzing existing academic literature on urban crowdsourcing platforms to gather citizen-generated data and shed light on the state of research and development of these tools. Studies describing data-gathering urban crowdsourcing platforms were selected following the PRISMA protocol, for a total of 30 studies, corresponding to 32 platforms. After analyzing the studies at large, this review then proceeds to examine and catalogue the platforms, focusing on their location, purpose, and public data availability. While providing valuable information on existing platforms, the catalogue is subject to different types of bias, including a geographical one, which derive primarily from the chosen methodology to identify platforms worldwide. The article also discusses the implications of such choices.
Geographic-Region Monitoring by Drones in Adversarial Environments
Authors: Wolfson Ouri , Giri Prabin , Jajodia Sushil , Trajcevski Goce
Published: August 2023

We consider surveillance of a geographic region by a collaborative system of drones. The drones assist each other in identifying and managing activities of interest on the ground. We also consider an adversary who can create both genuine and fake activities on the ground. The objective of the adversary is to use fake activities to maximize the response time to genuine activities. We present two collaboration algorithms and analyze their response times, as well as the adversary’s efforts in terms of the number of fake activities required to achieve a certain response time.
The Human Side of Fuzzing: Challenges Faced by Developers during Fuzzing Activities
Authors: Nourry Olivier , Kashiwa Yutaro , Lin Bin , Bavota Gabriele , Lanza Michele , Kamei Yasutaka
Published: August 2023

Fuzz testing, also known as fuzzing, is a software testing technique aimed at identifying software vulnerabilities. In recent decades, fuzzing has gained increasing popularity in the research community. However, existing studies led by fuzzing experts mainly focus on improving the coverage and performance of fuzzing techniques. That is, there is still a gap in empirical knowledge regarding fuzzing, especially about the challenges developers face when they adopt fuzzing. Understanding these challenges can provide valuable insights to both practitioners and researchers on how to further improve fuzzing processes and techniques.

We conducted a study to understand the challenges encountered by developers during fuzzing. More specifically, we first manually analyzed 829 randomly sampled fuzzing-related GitHub issues and constructed a taxonomy consisting of 39 types of challenges (22 related to the fuzzing process itself, 17 related to using external fuzzing providers). We then surveyed 106 fuzzing practitioners to verify the validity of our taxonomy and collected feedback on how the fuzzing process can be improved. Our taxonomy, accompanied with representative examples and highlighted implications, can serve as a reference point on how to better adopt fuzzing techniques for practitioners, and indicates potential directions researchers can work on toward better fuzzing approaches and practices.
Modified Decoupled Sense Amplifier with Improved Sensing Speed for Low-Voltage Differential SRAM
Authors: Dahiya Ayush , Mittal Poornima , Rohilla Rajesh
Published: August 2023

A modified decoupled sense amplifier (MDSA) and modified decoupled sense amplifier with NMOS foot-switch is proposed for improved sensing in differential SRAM for low-voltage operation at the 22-nm technology node. The MDSA and MDSANF both offer notable improvements to read delay over conventional voltage and current sense amplifiers. At an operating voltage of 0.8 V, the MDSA exhibited a reduced delay of 28.6%, 41.79%, 37.74%, and 30.94% compared to modified clamped sense amplifier (MCSA), double tail sense amplifier (DTSA), modified hybrid sense amplifier (MHSA), and conventional latch-type sense amplifier (LSA), respectively. Similarly, the MDSANF demonstrated a delay reduction of 26.13%, 39.78%, 35.58%, and 28.55% over MCSA, DTSA, MHSA, and LSA, respectively. To validate the performance, the MDSA and MDSANF are evaluated using the variation in delay and power consumption across various supply voltages, process corners, input differential bit line voltage (ΔV
BL
), bit line capacitance (C
BL
), and the sizing of decoupling transistors. Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to analyse the impact of voltage threshold variations on transistor mismatch which leads to an increased occurrence of read failures and a decline in SRAM yield. The performance analysis of various voltage and current sense amplifiers is presented along with MDSA and MDSANF. Area consideration for selection of sensing scheme is important and as such layout of MDSA and MDSANF was performed conforming to the design rules and estimated area for MDSA is 0.297 μm
2
whereas MDSANF occupies 0.5192 μm
2
.
Rational Selection of Sodium Layered Oxides for High Performance Na-Ion Batteries: P2 vs O3 vs P2-O3 Intergrowths
Authors: Grépin Elisa , Moiseev Ivan A. , Abakumov Artem M. , Tarascon Jean-Marie , Mariyappan Sathiya
Published: August 2023

Sodium ion batteries (NIBs) are gaining importance as an energy storage technology complementary to the Li-ion batteries. In this regard, sodium-based layered oxides are recognized as one of the most suitable positive electrode candidate for NIBs, but vast variety of their chemical compositions and crystal structures complicates the selection of the best material. To shed light on different figures of merit that control the selection of layered oxide material for NIB applications, we compare here a P2, P2-O3 intergrowth and two O3 sodium layered oxides composed of the same transition metals (Ni, Mn, Ti and Zn) but in differing stoichiometries. The results show that the new P2-type Na0.67Ni0.3Zn0.03Mn0.52Ti0.15O2 phase reported here combines most of the advantages, such as stability towards moisture, reduced surface reactivity, better thermal stability and high rate capability, which are essential for commercialization, except for a limited capacity (∼125 mAh g−1) compared to the O3 NaNi0.45Zn0.05Mn0.4Ti0.1O2 phase (∼180 mAh g−1), reported by our group previously. Altogether, this work enlarges the family of attractive Na-based positive electrodes and teaches us that we should not solely be obsessed with the capacity of a material to decide of its applicability.
Influence of Single-Crystalline Morphology on the Electrochemical Behavior of High-Nickel Layered Oxide Cathodes
Authors: Mesnier Alex , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: August 2023

High-Nickel layered oxides are being pursued for their high specific capacities. With increasing nickel content, the layered oxides also suffer from structural and morphological instabilities, which degrade the electrochemical performance. Single-crystalline morphology presents an attractive solution to these problems, simultaneously reducing surface area available for parasitic reactions and preventing electrolyte penetration into the bulk with the removal of grain boundaries. Single-crystal cathodes have already shown promising results with NMC composition cathodes, but there are still gaps in the fundamental understanding of how single-crystalline morphology alters electrochemical behavior. We attempt to fill some of these gaps by studying in detail the electrochemical operation of polycrystalline and single-crystalline LiNiO2 (LNO). Single-crystal LNO is prepared through a molten salt method yielding high-quality, distinct crystals with comparable lattice chemistry to polycrystalline LNO. The single-crystal LNO achieves far greater stability during long-term cycling, reaching 500 cycles with 82.5% capacity retention. Interestingly, the single-crystalline LNO also displays superior rate performance, delivering 157 mA h g−1 at 10C discharge rate. Investigation of the phase evolution behavior during cycling strongly suggests that the absence of grain boundaries in single-crystalline LNO is responsible for the superior performance.
Kirchhoff Graphs and Stoichiometry
Authors: Fehribach Joseph D.
Published: August 2023

This short article discusses the connections between reaction network stoichiometry and Kirchhoff graphs. In particular, the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) network and a Kirchhoff graph built based on it are used as an example to demonstrate this connection. The main features that can be seen in a Kirchhoff graph are the reaction pathways and the rate balances that are dictated by the stoichiometry.
Leveraging Molecular Dynamics to Improve Porous Electrode Theory Modeling Predictions of Lithium-Ion Battery Cells
Authors: Dix Sean T. , Lowe Jeffrey S. , Avei Mehdi Rashvand , Garrick Taylor R.
Published: August 2023

Lithium-ion battery cell modeling using physics-based approaches such as porous electrode theory is a powerful tool for battery design and analysis. Cell metrics such as resistance and thermal performance can be quickly calculated in a pseudo-two-dimensional (P2D) framework. For engineering of electric vehicle batteries, speed and fidelity of electrochemical models is paramount in a competitive landscape. Physics-based models allow for high fidelity but require detailed knowledge of the cell component material properties. Acquiring these material characteristics typically requires time-consuming and expensive experiments limiting the ability to quickly screen through cell designs. One approach to circumvent costly experiments is to use molecular dynamics to calculate electrolyte transport properties. We demonstrate how cell modeling using simulated transport properties enables predictions of cell level metrics, allowing for experiment-free component screening. We also show how the variation in transport property predictions from molecular dynamics affects the final cell level performance predictions.
Ingestion of mycoprotein, pea protein, and their blend support comparable postexercise myofibrillar protein synthesis rates in resistance-trained individuals
Authors: West Sam , Monteyne Alistair J. , Whelehan Gráinne , van der Heijden Ino , Abdelrahman Doaa R. , Murton Andrew J. , Finnigan Tim J. A. , Stephens Francis B. , Wall Benjamin T.
Published: August 2023

This study provides evidence that pea protein (PEA), mycoprotein (MYC), and their blend (BLEND) can support postexercise myofibrillar protein synthesis rates following a bout of whole body resistance exercise. Furthermore, these data suggest that a methionine deficiency in pea may not limit its capacity to stimulate an acute increase in muscle protein synthesis (MPS).
Motor neurons within a network use cell-type specific feedback mechanisms to constrain relationships among ion channel mRNAs
Authors: Viteri Jose A. , Schulz David J.
Published: August 2023

Neurons use various feedback mechanisms to adjust and maintain their output. Here, we demonstrate that different neurons within the same network can use distinct signaling mechanisms to regulate the same ion channel mRNA relationships.
Impact of unilateral and bilateral impairments on bimanual force production following stroke
Authors: Nguyen Hien , Phan Thanh , Shadmehr Reza , Lee Sang Wook
Published: August 2023

We studied how unilateral and bilateral impairments in stroke survivors affect their bimanual task performance. Unilateral impairments of the more-impaired limb, both weakness and loss of directional control, mainly contribute to bimanual asymmetry, but stroke survivors generally produce higher force with their more-impaired limb than their relative capacity. Bilateral force coordination was significantly impaired in stroke survivors, but its degree of impairment was not related to their unilateral impairments.
Intrinsically Noncombustible Thermosets from Sulfur-Containing Epoxy Resin and Benzoxazines: Evaluation of Thermal and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Lyu Ya , Fan Haibo , Qiu Liliang
Published: August 2023

Benzoxazine (BZ)-epoxy copolymers exhibit favorable mechanical properties, but their thermal and flame-retardant characteristics are impaired at high epoxy fractions. Here, we report a new type of sulfur-containing epoxy resin (EPS), which we synthesized using 4,4’-thiobisphenol (TBP) instead of bisphenol A (BA) and then blended with three sulfur-containing BZs (TBP-a, TBP-fa, and TBP-tma). The polymerization behavior of the resins was analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry for determining the optimal curing procedure. This analysis revealed that the oxazine and epoxy rings undergo ring-opening and cross-linking reactions at the same time and that double-substituted structures originating from the furan and thiophene rings appeared during the curing process. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the addition of EPS increased the initial decomposition temperature by hindering the formation of double-substituted structures. The char yield at 800°C decreased owing to the unstable C–O–C–C–O groups derived from the ring-opening of EPS. To prepare the self-extinguishing copolymers with a char yield of 24%, a smaller quantity of BZ was needed for the EPS-based blends than for the BA-based ones. The heat release capacities—measured using micro-combustion calorimetry—of all copolymers except TBP-a/EPS were less than 300 J/g·K, demonstrating that the presence of thioether bonds and double-substituted structures resulted in excellent flame retardancy. The TBP-fa/EPS copolymer also exhibited excellent flame retardancy in cone calorimeter measurement. Finally, the glass transition temperature of the TBP-fa/EPS copolymer at a ratio of 5 : 5 (w/w) reached as high as 289°C. A TBP-fa/EPS copolymer with an epoxy content of 70% had nearly the same storage modulus (2,206 MPa) at 50°C as poly(BA-a) and thus similar mechanical properties. In summary, BZ-epoxy copolymers prepared from sulfur-containing epoxy combine the advantages of the constituent components and extend their areas of application.
Preparation of Tetra Pak-Based Hydrochars for Cleaning Water Polluted by Heavy Metal Ions: Physicochemical Properties and Removal Mechanism
Authors: Valdés-Rodríguez Evelyn Mirelle , Frias-Gasparri Leonardo , Ileana Mendoza-Castillo Didilia , Landin-Sandoval Verónica Janeth , Bonilla-Petriciolet Adrián
Published: August 2023

This paper addresses the analysis of hydrothermal carbonization of Tetra Pak residues using diluted sulfuric acid to obtain hydrochars for cleaning water polluted by heavy metal ions. The hydrochar samples were prepared under different carbonization conditions, and a detailed study of their composition, textural parameters, and surface functionalities was performed. It was found that the hydrothermal carbonization and dwell time of the Tetra Pak wastes significantly affected the composition of the hydrochars. These hydrochar samples contained oxygenated functional groups and aluminum-silicon moieties that were responsible for the Pb2+, Zn2+, and Hg2+ adsorption. The removal of these heavy metal ions using Tetra Pak hydrochars was an endothermic and multi-ionic process. Hydrothermal carbonization is a promising approach to improve Tetra Pak waste management, generating materials with interesting properties for addressing the problem of wastewater and industrial effluent depollution.
Generalized Ideals of BCK/BCI-Algebras Based on MQHF Soft Set with Application in Decision Making
Authors: Alshayea Maryam Abdullah , Alsager Kholood Mohammad
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this study is to generalize the concept of

Q

-hesitant fuzzy sets and soft set theory to

Q

-hesitant fuzzy soft sets. The

Q

-hesitant fuzzy set is an admirable hybrid property, specially developed by the new generalized hybrid structure of hesitant fuzzy sets. Our goal is to provide a formal structure for the

m

-polar

Q

-hesitant fuzzy soft (MQHFS) set. First, by combining m-pole fuzzy sets, soft set models, and

Q

-hesitant fuzzy sets, we introduce the concept of MQHFS and apply it to deal with multiple theories in

B
C
K
/

B
C
I

-algebra. We then develop a framework including MQHFS subalgebras, MQHFS ideals, closed MQHFS ideals, and MQHFS exchange ideals in

B
C
K
/

B
C
I

-algebras. Furthermore, we prove some relevant properties and theorems studied in our work. Finally, the application of MQHFS-based multicriteria decision-making in the Ministry of Health system is illustrated through a recent case study to demonstrate the effectiveness of MQHFS through the use of horizontal soft sets in decision-making.
Supplementary Table 4 from Telomerase Upregulation Induces Progression of Mouse BrafV600E-Driven Thyroid Cancers and Triggers Nontelomeric Effects
Authors: Landa Iñigo , Thornton Caitlin E.M. , Xu Bin , Haase Jacob , Krishnamoorthy Gnana P. , Hao Jingzhu , Knauf Jeffrey A. , Herbert Zachary T. , Martínez Paula , Blasco María A. , Ghossein Ronald , Fagin James A.
Published: August 2023

Differentially expressed genes from RNAseq data when comparing BrafV600E vs. BrafV600E+K5-Tert tumors from 20-week animals.
Supplementary Table 3 from Telomerase Upregulation Induces Progression of Mouse BrafV600E-Driven Thyroid Cancers and Triggers Nontelomeric Effects
Authors: Landa Iñigo , Thornton Caitlin E.M. , Xu Bin , Haase Jacob , Krishnamoorthy Gnana P. , Hao Jingzhu , Knauf Jeffrey A. , Herbert Zachary T. , Martínez Paula , Blasco María A. , Ghossein Ronald , Fagin James A.
Published: August 2023

Differentially expressed genes from RNAseq data
Supplementary Figure 12 from Podoplanin Drives Amoeboid Invasion in Canine and Human Mucosal Melanoma
Authors: Shinada Masahiro , Kato Daiki , Motegi Tomoki , Tsuboi Masaya , Ikeda Namiko , Aoki Susumu , Iguchi Takaaki , Li Toshio , Kodera Yuka , Ota Ryosuke , Hashimoto Yuko , Takahashi Yosuke , Chambers James , Uchida Kazuyuki , Kato Yukinari , Nishimura Ryohei , Nakagawa Takayuki
Published: August 2023

Human mucosal melanomas with PDPN high expression demonstrate enrichment of gene signatures associated with amoeboid invasion.
Supplementary Figure 11 from Podoplanin Drives Amoeboid Invasion in Canine and Human Mucosal Melanoma
Authors: Shinada Masahiro , Kato Daiki , Motegi Tomoki , Tsuboi Masaya , Ikeda Namiko , Aoki Susumu , Iguchi Takaaki , Li Toshio , Kodera Yuka , Ota Ryosuke , Hashimoto Yuko , Takahashi Yosuke , Chambers James , Uchida Kazuyuki , Kato Yukinari , Nishimura Ryohei , Nakagawa Takayuki
Published: August 2023

Canine mucosal melanomas with PDPN high expression demonstrate enrichment of gene signatures associated with amoeboid invasion.
Supplementary Figure S7 from Overlaid Transcriptional and Proteome Analyses Identify Mitotic Kinesins as Important Targets of Arylsulfonamide-Mediated RBM39 Degradation
Authors: Coomar Seemon , Mota Pedro , Penson Alexander , Schwaller Jürg , Abdel-Wahab Omar , Gillingham Dennis
Published: August 2023

Supplementary Figure S7
Supplementary Figure S2 from Overlaid Transcriptional and Proteome Analyses Identify Mitotic Kinesins as Important Targets of Arylsulfonamide-Mediated RBM39 Degradation
Authors: Coomar Seemon , Mota Pedro , Penson Alexander , Schwaller Jürg , Abdel-Wahab Omar , Gillingham Dennis
Published: August 2023

Supplementary Figure S2
Data from Overlaid Transcriptional and Proteome Analyses Identify Mitotic Kinesins as Important Targets of Arylsulfonamide-Mediated RBM39 Degradation
Authors: Coomar Seemon , Mota Pedro , Penson Alexander , Schwaller Jürg , Abdel-Wahab Omar , Gillingham Dennis
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Certain arylsulfonamides (ArSulf) induce an interaction between the E3 ligase substrate adaptor DCAF15 and the critical splicing factor RBM39, ultimately causing its degradation. However, degradation of a splicing factor introduces complex pleiotropic effects that are difficult to untangle, since, aside from direct protein degradation, downstream transcriptional effects also influence the proteome. By overlaying transcriptional data and proteome datasets, we distinguish transcriptional from direct degradation effects, pinpointing those proteins most impacted by splicing changes. Using our workflow, we identify and validate the upregulation of the arginine-and-serine rich protein (RSRP1) and the downregulation of the key kinesin motor proteins KIF20A and KIF20B due to altered splicing in the absence of RBM39. We further show that kinesin downregulation is connected to the multinucleation phenotype observed upon RBM39 depletion by ArSulfs. Our approach should be helpful in the assessment of potential cancer drug candidates which target splicing factors.
Implications:
Our approach provides a workflow for identifying and studying the most strongly modulated proteins when splicing is altered. The work also uncovers a splicing-based approach toward pharmacologic targeting of mitotic kinesins.