bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved SSA‐RBF neural network‐based dynamic 3‐D trajectory tracking model predictive control of autonomous underwater vehicles with external disturbances
Authors: Bao Han , Zhu Haitao , Liu Di
Published: September 2023

This paper studies the three‐dimensional (3‐D) dynamic trajectory tracking control of an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). As AUV is a typical nonlinear system, each degree of freedom is strongly coupled, so the traditional control method based on the nominal model of AUV cannot guarantee the accuracy of the control system. To solve this problem, we first propose a prediction model based on a radial basis function neural network (RBF‐NN). The nonlinearity of AUV is learned and modeled offline by RBF‐NN based on previous data. This model can reflect the time sequence state and control variables of AUV. Secondly, to avoid the overfitting problem in network training based on the traditional gradient descent method, a new adaptive chaotic sparrow search algorithm (ACSSA) is proposed to optimize the network parameters, to improve the full approximation ability of RBF‐NN to nonlinear systems. To eliminate the steady‐state error caused by external interference during AUV trajectory tracking, a nonlinear optimizer is designed by updating the deviation of the NN model output layer. In each sampling period, the predictive control law is calculated online according to the deviation between the predicted value and the actual value. In addition, the stability analysis based on the Lyapunov method proves the asymptotic stability of the controller. Finally, the 3‐D dynamic trajectory tracking the performance of AUV under different external disturbances is verified by MATLAB/Simulink, and the results show that the proposed controller is more efficient and robust than the standard model predictive controller (MPC) controller and the standard NN model predictive controller (NNPC).
Identifying potential emerging invasive non‐native species from the freshwater pet trade
Authors: Dickey James W. E. , Liu Chunlong , Briski Elizabeta , Wolter Christian , Moesch Simon , Jeschke Jonathan M.
Published: September 2023

An increasingly globalised world has facilitated the movement of non‐native species (NNS) via the poorly regulated international pet trade. While focus is increasingly being placed on preventative action to combat invasive NNS—often cheaper and less difficult than the management of established populations—successful prevention requires controlling potential pathways and obtaining baseline knowledge of species' availability.

Here we performed an in‐depth analysis of the freshwater pet trade as one major vector of NNS, compiling its species inventory and deriving threats of NNS release and establishment in the wild. With Germany as our study region, we surveyed pet stores, websites and the country's largest online classified portal, eBay Kleinanzeigen, recording the taxa encountered. For each species, we determined the likelihood of release based on availability and price (cheaper and/or more readily available species have been shown to be of greater risk), and the likelihood of establishment based on ecological niche breadth and niche overlap with environmental conditions in Germany.

The survey revealed 669 species, of which 651 were non‐native to Germany. Looking at release likelihood, more readily available species in pet stores and on websites proved to be cheaper. For websites, there was a significant effect of occurrence status (i.e. released, not released, native) on price, with released and native species being significantly cheaper. Species previously released in Germany and elsewhere demonstrated greater niche breadths and greater niche overlaps between their source regions and Germany; and for species released in Germany, there was a significantly positive relationship between the magnitude of niche overlap and the number of documented occurrences.

Finally, we combined our release and establishment likelihood findings under ‘Release Risk’ metrics to highlight the species most worthy of prioritisation. We propose these metrics as proactive methods for screening species in the trade, which can inform future policy direction and intervention.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Biometric magnetic resonance imaging analysis of fetal brain development in Down syndrome
Authors: Kitano Rie , Madan Neel , Mikami Takahisa , Madankumar Rajeevi , Skotko Brian G. , Santoro Stephanie , Ralston Steven J. , Bianchi Diana W. , Tarui Tomo
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To assess brain development in living fetuses with Down syndrome (DS) by biometric measurements on fetal brain magnetic resonance images (MRI).

Methods

We scanned 10 MRIs of fetuses with confirmed trisomy 21 at birth and 12 control fetal MRIs without any detected anomalies. Fetal brain MRIs were analyzed using 14 fetal brain and skull biometric parameters. We compared measures between DS and controls in both raw MRIs and motion‐corrected and anterior‐posterior commissure‐aligned images.

Results

In the reconstructed images, the measured values of the height of the cerebellar vermis (HV) and anteroposterior diameter of the cerebellar vermis (APDV) were significantly smaller, and the anteroposterior diameter of the fourth ventricle (APDF) was significantly larger in fetuses with DS than controls. In the raw MRIs, the measured values of the right lateral ventricle were significantly larger in fetuses with DS than in controls. Logistic regression analyses revealed that a new parameter, the cerebellar‐to‐fourth‐ventricle ratio (i.e., (APDV * Height of the vermis)/APDF), was significantly smaller in fetuses with DS than controls and was the most predictive to distinguish between fetuses with DS and controls.

Conclusions

The study revealed that fetuses with DS have smaller cerebellums and larger fourth ventricles compared to the controls.
Prenatal diagnosis of PORCN‐related developmental syndrome in a fetus: A novel phenotype
Authors: Kilby Mark D. , Castleman James , Allen Stephanie , Doyle Samantha , Williams Denise K.
Published: September 2023

We report a case of a female fetus born to an unrelated couple with a complex fetal phenotype of a pleural effusion, a cardiac malformation, and syndactyly of the toes. Prenatal exome sequencing identified a variant of uncertain significance in the PORCN gene that was upgraded to likely pathogenic following postnatal clinical examination. The phenotype described in cases with variants in the PORCN gene is often associated with findings that cannot be prospectively diagnosed by ultrasonography. This is the first report of a prenatal phenotype involving a fetal effusion associated with variants in the PORCN gene, with skeletal findings identified later in gestation on ultrasonography. The diagnosis was confirmed on neonatal examination.
Halomonas ventosae JPT10 promotes salt tolerance in foxtail millet (Setaria italica) by affecting the levels of multiple antioxidants and phytohormones
Authors: Xiao Shenghui , Wan Yiman , Zheng Yue , Wang Yongdong , Fan Jiayin , Xu Qian , Gao Zheng , Wu Changai
Published: September 2023

Plant growth‐promoting bacterias (PGPBs) can increase crop output under normal and abiotic conditions. However, the mechanisms underlying the plant salt tolerance‐promoting role of PGPBs still remain largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that Halomonas ventosae JPT10 promoted the salt tolerance of both dicots and monocots. Physiological analysis revealed that JPT10 reduced reactive oxygen species accumulation by improving the antioxidant capability of foxtail millet seedlings. The metabolomic analysis of JPT10‐inoculated foxtail millet seedlings led to the identification of 438 diversely accumulated metabolites, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, coumarins, sugar, alkaloids, organic acids, and lipids, under salt stress. Exogenous apigenin and chlorogenic acid increased the salt tolerance of foxtail millet seedlings. Simultaneously, JPT10 led to greater amounts of abscisic acid (ABA), indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA), salicylic acid (SA), and their derivatives but lower levels of 12‐oxo‐phytodienoic acid (OPDA), jasmonate (JA), and JA‐isoleucine (JA‐Ile) under salt stress. Exogenous JA, methyl‐JA, and OPDA intensified, whereas ibuprofen or phenitone, two inhibitors of JA and OPDA biosynthesis, partially reversed, the growth inhibition of foxtail millet seedlings caused by salt stress. Our results shed light on the response of foxtail millet seedlings to H. ventosae under salt stress and provide potential compounds to increase salt tolerance in foxtail millet and other crops.
Ultrasound‐assisted freeze‐drying strategy to enhance nanoparticle dispersion in aerogels: A case study on polyimide/silica nanocomposite aerogel
Authors: Xiao Hang , Zhao Xi , Lv Jiangbo , He Xian , Chen Menghao , Tan Wei , Yang Wenjie , Zeng Ke , Hu Jianghuai , Yang Gang
Published: September 2023

Thermal protection materials should possess light weight, excellent thermal insulation, flame retardant and hydrophobic properties. Aerogel are considered a promising thermal protection material due to its high porosity and low density. Among them, nano‐silica/polyimide composite aerogel has been intensively studied as they can solve the problem of fragility of nano‐silica aerogel while ensuring thermal insulation and flame retardant performance. However, the problems of nanoparticle agglomeration and the tedious preparation process remain unsolved. The ultrasound‐assisted freeze‐drying (UAFD) strategy presented in this paper avoids the tedious silica solution preparation process by hydrolyzing silica precursors to achieve good dispersion of silica. This strategy replaces the traditional approach of functionalized modification of silica nanoparticles to inhibit their agglomeration with a new method of nanoparticle dispersion by ultrasound and rapid freezing to lock the dispersed state. The UAFD strategy enables the rapid and efficient preparation of well‐dispersed nano‐silica/polyimide composite aerogels, and the hierarchical pore structure of the composite aerogels is imparted by this facile preparation strategy that cooperates with the co‐regulation capability of the tert‐butanol on the morphology of the ice template. The aerogels have substantially improved thermal insulation, flame retardant, and hydrophobic properties when compared with those prepared by conventional freeze‐drying methods.

Highlights

Ultrasound‐assisted freeze‐drying (UAFD) enhances nanoparticles dispersion.

UAFD and tert‐butanol synergistically prepared hierarchically pore structure.

Thermal protection performance of aerogels prepared by UAFD is improved.
The solitary versus supported experience: Care inequality between rare and common cancer patients
Authors: de Heus Eline , van de Camp Kalinka , Driehuis Esmee , van der Zwan Jan Maarten , van Herpen Carla M. L. , Merkx Matthias A. W. , Duijts Saskia F. A.
Published: September 2023

Objective

Patients with a rare cancer (RC) often have a more complex disease trajectory than patients with a common cancer. Research involving both patient groups is needed to identify differences and resemblances. In this study, we aimed to explore and compare experiences, needs and quality of life of patients with rare and common cancer throughout the disease trajectory.

Methods

A qualitative focus group study was conducted, including patients with rare and common cancer (n = 25). Participants were purposively selected to reflect heterogeneity of cancer types. A semi‐structured topic list was used. Focus groups (n = 4) were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed, using thematic analysis.

Results

Three themes were identified emphasizing care inequality between patients with rare and common cancer: (1) The solitary experience: lack of information and support impact the RC patient, (2) Sudden impact, but recognition reduces the common cancer burden, and (3) Absence of psychosocial care requires being empowered as a cancer patient.

Conclusions

Patients with RC are faced with enormous challenges due to the high impact of their solitary experience on their quality of life, while patients with common cancer generally experience social support and recognition alleviating their burden. Centralisation of care for patients with RC is needed and tailored psychosocial care should be provided to overcome inequalities.
Recalcitrant maize: Conserving agrobiodiversity in the era of genetically modified organisms
Authors: Fenzi Marianna , Foyer Jean , Boisvert Valérie , Perales Hugo
Published: September 2023

Societal Impact Statement

The problem of genetically modified maize contamination in Mexico is the result of both planned and unplanned consequences of scientific and political choices. We show how a risk management strategy based on the modernist dichotomy between “modern” and “native” has failed to protect Mexican landraces and has marginalized other forms of knowledge that are urgently needed to understand and support the fluidity of Mexican biocultural landscapes. Farmers' seed systems are a fundamental source of crop resilience and evolution. They can constitute safe pathways for creating new maize varieties able to withstand climate and societal changes.

In 2001, an alert on the contamination of Mexican maize landraces by genetically modified (GM) maize spurred new actions to conserve the world's biggest reservoir of maize genetic diversity. We analyze how the largest maize collection effort in Mexican history, and the definition of the conservation procedures employed in it, either involved or marginalized different approaches to this environmental problem.

The article is grounded in the sociohistorical analysis of the controversy of GM maize contamination and brings together new historiographical perspectives on Mexican scientific and political interest in native maize. It also draws on ethnographic approaches, extended fieldwork, and analysis of data from Mexican government agencies.

We show how different epistemological traditions have made the risk of GM maize contamination (in)visible and thereby generated normative choices. We illustrate how the GMO controversy brought the theme of native maize back onto the Mexican political and scientific agenda. The normativity that shaped the controversy in the 2000s influenced current knowledge and how the problem of GM maize introgression is still addressed today.

The entanglements between biotechnology, native landraces, and farmers' practices are too dense to be “scientized” and kept separate to be made manageable as areas of purely technical “risk.” The result is a geography of maize infused with all sorts of temporalities and materiality, which escapes the bounds of technoscientific framings. This intricate environment‐making process calls for new collaborations among epistemic cultures to tackle the possible consequences of GMOs for agrobiodiversity, seed systems, and their resilience.
Hamiltonian Analysis of f(Q)$f(\mathbb {Q})$ Gravity and the Failure of the Dirac–Bergmann Algorithm for Teleparallel Theories of Gravity
Authors: D'Ambrosio Fabio , Heisenberg Lavinia , Zentarra Stefan
Published: September 2023

In recent years, gravity has enjoyed considerable attention in the literature and important results have been obtained. However, the question of how many physical degrees of freedom the theory propagates—and how this number may depend on the form of the function f—has not been answered satisfactorily. In this article it is shown that a Hamiltonian analysis based on the Dirac‐Bergmann algorithm—one of the standard methods to address this type of question—fails. The source of the failure is isolated and it is shown that other commonly considered teleparallel theories of gravity are affected by the same problem. Furthermore, it is pointed out that the number of degrees of freedom obtained in Phys. Rev. D 106 no. 4, (2022) by K. Hu, T. Katsuragawa, and T. Qui (namely eight), based on the Dirac‐Bergmann algorithm, is wrong. Using a different approach, it is shown that the upper bound on the degrees of freedom is seven. Finally, a more promising strategy for settling this important question is proposed.
Semisynthesis of A6–A11 lactam insulin
Authors: Xu Rong , Jap Edwina , Gubbins Ben , Hagemeyer Christoph E. , Karas John A.
Published: September 2023

Insulin replacement therapy is essential for the management of diabetes. However, despite the relative success of this therapeutic strategy, there is still a need to improve glycaemic control and the overall quality of life of patients. This need has driven research into orally available, glucose‐responsive and rapid‐acting insulins. A key consideration during analogue development is formulation stability, which can be improved via the replacement of insulin's A6–A11 disulfide bond with stable mimetics. Unfortunately, analogues such as these require extensive chemical synthesis to incorporate the nonnative cross‐links, which is not a scalable synthetic approach. To address this issue, we demonstrate proof of principle for the semisynthesis of insulin analogues bearing nonnative A6–A11 cystine isosteres. The key feature of our synthetic strategy involves the use of several biosynthetically derived peptide precursors which can be produced at scale cost‐effectively and a small, chemically synthesised A6–A11 macrocyclic lactam fragment. Although the assembled A6–A11 lactam insulin possesses poor biological activity in vitro, our synthetic strategy can be applied to other disulfide mimetics that have been shown to improve thermal stability without significantly affecting activity and structure. Moreover, we envisage that this new semisynthetic approach will underpin a new generation of hyperstable proteomimetics.
Ethanol extract of Pueraria lobata improve acute myocardial infarction in rats via regulating gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism
Authors: Zhang Pin , Fang Zhengyu , Zhao Min , Yi Bojiao , Huang Yihe , Yang Hongjun , Guo Na , Zhao Chunjie
Published: September 2023

Background and Aim

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a multifactorial disease with high mortality rate worldwide. Ethanol extract of Pueraria lobata (EEPL) has been widely used in treating cardiovascular diseases in China. This study aimed to explore the underlying therapeutic mechanism of EEPL in AMI rats.

Experimental Procedure

We first evaluated the anti‐AMI efficacy of EEPL through immunohistochemistry staining and biochemical indexes. Then, UPLC‐MS/MS, 16S rDNA, and shotgun metagenomic sequencing were used to analyze the alterations in bile acid metabolism and intestinal flora. Finally, the influence of EEPL on ilem bile acid metabolism, related enzymes expression, and transporter proteins expression in rats were verified by mass spectrometry image and ELISA.

Key Results

The results showed that EEPL can reduce cardiac impairment in AMI rats. Besides, EEPL effectively increased bile acid levels and regulated gut microbiota disturbance in AMI rats via increasing CYP7A1 expression and restoring intestinal microbiota diversity, separately. Moreover, it can increase bile acids reabsorption and fecal excretion through inhibiting FXR‐FGF15 signaling pathway and increasing OST‐α expression, which associated with Lachnoclostridium.

Conclusions and Implications

Our findings demonstrated that EEPL alleviated AMI partially by remediating intestinal dysbiosis and promoting bile acid biosynthesis, which provided new targets for AMI treatment.
Human immunodeficiency virus transmission—Mechanisms underlying the cell‐to‐cell spread of human immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Calado Marta , Pires David , Conceição Carolina , Santos‐Costa Quirina , Anes Elsa , Azevedo‐Pereira José Miguel
Published: September 2023

Despite the success of combined antiretroviral therapy in controlling viral load and reducing the risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission, an estimated 1.5 million new infections occurred worldwide in 2021. These new infections are mainly the result of sexual intercourse and thus involve cells present on the genital mucosa, such as dendritic cells (DCs), macrophages (Mø) and CD4+ T lymphocytes. Understanding the mechanisms by which HIV interacts with these cells and how HIV exploits these interactions to establish infection in a new human host is critical to the development of strategies to prevent and control HIV transmission. In this review, we explore how HIV has evolved to manipulate some of the physiological roles of these cells, thereby gaining access to strategic cellular niches that are critical for the spread and pathogenesis of HIV infection. The interaction of HIV with DCs, Mø and CD4+ T lymphocytes, and the role of the intercellular transfer of viral particles through the establishment of the infectious or virological synapses, but also through membrane protrusions such as filopodia and tunnelling nanotubes (TNTs), and cell fusion or cell engulfment processes are presented and discussed.
Reactivity Insights of Methoxyphenyl Boronic Acids in Rieche Formylation Reaction
Authors: Santarsiere Alessandro , Funicello Maria , Lupattelli Paolo , Choppin Sabine , Colobert Françoise , Hanquet Gilles , Chiummiento Lucia
Published: September 2023

In this study, mono‐ or poly‐methoxylated phenyl boronic acids, were subjected to Rieche formylation. Unexpectedly the corresponding ipso‐substituted aryl aldehydes were obtained in excellent yields and, for some of these substrates, the formylated arylboronic acids were also synthesized in moderate yields. These findings provide new insights into the general reactivity and versatility of arylboronic acids.
Human resource redeployability and entrepreneurial hiring strategy
Authors: Hietaniemi Liinus , Santamaria Simone , Kacperczyk Aleksandra , Peltonen Juhana
Published: September 2023

Research Summary

The timing of talent acquisition is a central decision for new ventures. On one hand, hiring after demand is proven minimizes losses. On the other hand, hiring before demand is proven allows new ventures to start developing unique capabilities. We resolve this tension by proposing that the timing depends on human resource redeployability. We test our theory with the population of Finnish ventures showing that portfolio entrepreneurs hire more employees early on because of higher redeployment potential and that they hire employees with more transferable skills in order to benefit from the redeployment option. To probe our mechanisms, we examine how talent acquisition strategies in portfolio and standalone ventures vary with external conditions that reduce or amplify the benefits of redeployment.

Managerial Summary

This paper explores when startups begin scaling their team. Our findings suggest that the potential to redeploy employees (to another startup, for example) motivates entrepreneurs to scale earlier. At the same time, we find that the entrepreneurs who scale earlier due to redeployment potential tend to hire employees with skills that can be transferred more easily. We further show that our results are affected by the level of rigidity in the labor market. When labor markets become more flexible, the impact of easy redeployment on an entrepreneur's hiring strategy becomes less important. Our findings provide important insights into how the external environment and policy changes can affect the trajectory of startups even at their earliest stages.
Nanotrap Grafted Anionic MOF for Superior Uranium Extraction from Seawater
Authors: More Yogeshwar D. , Mollick Samraj , Saurabh Satyam , Fajal Sahel , Tricarico Michele , Dutta Subhajit , Shirolkar Mandar M. , Mandal Writakshi , Tan Jin‐Chong , Ghosh Sujit K.
Published: September 2023

On‐demand uranium extraction from seawater (UES) can mitigate growing sustainable energy needs, while high salinity and low concentration hinder its recovery. A novel anionic metal‐organic framework (iMOF‐1A) is demonstrated adorned with rare Lewis basic pyrazinic sites as uranyl‐specific nanotrap serving as robust ion exchange material for selective uranium extraction, rendering its intrinsic ionic characteristics to minimize leaching. Ionic adsorbents sequestrate 99.8% of the uranium in 120 mins (from 20,000 ppb to 24 ppb) and adsorb large amounts of 1336.8 mg g−1 and 625.6 mg g−1 from uranium‐spiked deionized water and artificial seawater, respectively, with high distribution coefficient, KdU ≥ 0.97 × 106 mL g−1. The material offers a very high enrichment index of ≈5754 and it achieves the UES standard of 6.0 mg g−1 in 16 days, and harvests 9.42 mg g−1 in 30 days from natural seawater. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) studies quantify thermodynamic parameters, previously uncharted in uranium sorption experiments. Infrared nearfield nanospectroscopy (nano‐FTIR) and tip‐force microscopy (TFM) enable chemical and mechanical elucidation of host‐guest interaction at atomic level in sub‐micron crystals revealing extant capture events throughout the crystal rather than surface solely. Comprehensive experimentally guided computational studies reveal ultrahigh‐selectivity for uranium from seawater, marking mechanistic insight.
Excellent Nonlinear Optical M[M4Cl][Ga11S20] (M = A/Ba, A = K, Rb) Achieved by Unusual Cationic Substitution Strategy
Authors: Lou Xiao‐Yu , Jiang Xiao‐Ming , Liu Bin‐Wen , Guo Guo‐Cong
Published: September 2023

The typical chalcopyrite AgGaQ2 (Q = S, Se) are commercial infrared (IR) second‐order nonlinear optical (NLO) materials; however, they suffer from unexpected laser‐induced damage thresholds (LIDTs) primairy due to their narrow band gaps. Herein, what sets this apart from previously reported chemical substitutions is the utilization of an unusual cationic substitution strategy, represented by [[SZn4]S12 + [S4Zn13]S24 + 11ZnS4 ⇒ MS12+ [M4Cl]S24 + 11GaS4], in which the covalent SxZny units in the diamond‐like sphalerite ZnS are synergistically replaced by cationic MxCly units, resulting in two novel salt‐inclusion sulfides, M[M4Cl][Ga11S20] (M = A/Ba, A = K, 1; Rb, 2). As expected, the introduction of mixed cations in the GaS4 anionic frameworks of 1 and 2 leads to wide band gaps (3.04 and 3.01 eV), which exceeds the value of AgGaS2, facilitating the improvement of high LIDTs (9.4 and 10.3 × AgGaS2@1.06 µm, respectively). Furthermore, compounds 1 and 2 exhibit moderate second‐harmonic generation intensities (0.84 and 0.78 × AgGaS2@2.9 µm, respectively), mainly originating from the orderly packing tetrahedral GaS4 units. Importantly, this study demonstrates the successful application of the cationic substitution strategy based on diamond‐like structures to provide a feasible chemical design insight for constructing high‐performance NLO materials.
The effect of using steel fibers reinforced concrete layer in compression zone on the flexural behavior of over‐reinforced concrete beams
Authors: Duhaim Hussein M. , Mashrei Mohammed A.
Published: September 2023

Ductility is one of the most important requirements of RC design besides other requirements such as strength and stiffness. In recent years, concrete beams with a large amount of tensile reinforcement ratio (ρ) have been required in large projects, such as high‐rise buildings and bridges. Using high (ρ) increases the strength and stiffness of the beams and leads to a decrease the ductility. This paper aimed to investigate the effect of using steel fibers reinforced concrete (SFRC) layer in compression zone on the flexural behavior of over‐reinforced concrete beams. Partial replacement of concrete with SFRC layer in compression zone was used to avoid the brittle compression failure of concrete. For this purpose, 12 over‐reinforced concrete beams with a span of 1300 mm and a cross‐section of 120 mm × 180 mm were cast and tested under a three‐point loading. The first beam was used as a reference beam and others as strengthened beams using SFRC layer. The effects of thickness and length of strengthening layer, (ρ), volume fractions of steel fibers, and strengthening methods on flexural performance of tested beams were investigated. The flexural capacity, failure modes, crack patterns, load–deflection relationships, load–strain relationships, ductility index, and toughness were evaluated. The results showed that the suggested technique (SFRC layer in the compression zone) is an effective technique to increase ultimate load, ductility, and toughness by up to 35.72%, 121.01%, and 349.16%, respectively, compared to the reference beam. Furthermore, the failure mode changed from brittle to ductile failure. Also, one of the main advantages of this technique is allows to increase of (ρ) up to 8.55% (4.15ρb) without needing the compressive reinforcement. The results of this study indicate that the using SFRC layer in the compression zone is an appropriate and economical method to provide high flexural capacity and ductility over‐reinforced concrete beams.
Recent progress in melt pyrolysis: Fabrication and applications of high‐value carbon materials from abundant sources
Authors: Zhang Kuikui , Huang Zeai , Yang Mingkai , Liu Mengying , Zhou Yunxiao , Zhan Junjie , Zhou Ying
Published: September 2023

The escalating demand for sophisticated carbon products, including carbon black, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and graphene, has yet to be adequately addressed by conventional techniques with respect to large‐scale, efficient, and controllable carbon material synthesis. Molten pyrolysis emerges as a propitious strategy for generating such high‐value carbon materials. Abundant carbon sources encompassing methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), biomass, and plastics can undergo thermal decomposition into carbon constituents within molten metal or salt media. This methodology not only obviates dependence on traditional fossil fuels but additionally enables modulation of carbon material morphologies by varying the molten media, thereby presenting substantial potential for effective and controlled carbon material fabrication. In this review, we examine the capacity of molten pyrolysis in producing high‐value carbon materials derived from CH4, CO2, biomass, and plastics. Concurrently, we present a detailed overview of the potential applications of this novel methodology, particularly emphasizing its relevance in the fields of supercapacitors, flexible materials, and electrochemical cells. Furthermore, we contemplate future trajectories for molten pyrolysis, accentuating that amalgamation with auxiliary processes or technologies—like renewable energy systems and carbon capture and storage—represents a remarkably promising route for continued investigation.
Using Literature to Facilitate Restorative Conversations that Foster Conflict Resolution
Authors: Kelly Katie , Siekman Madison , Mahan Reilly
Published: September 2023

During recess a conflict occurred between two fourth graders. A peer attempted to mediate unsuccessfully. Frustrated, the student protested, “[Teachers] never listen to us!” The student felt unheard and sought to play a more active role in conflict resolution. This article explores the use of literature to facilitate restorative conversations to foster conflict resolution by honoring all students' voices, perspectives, and experiences. Centering students' voices creates environments that disrupt oppressive systems and cultivate equitable anti‐racist learning spaces.
The geomorphological and ecological functioning of the Silala River
Authors: Mao Luca
Published: September 2023

Perennial rivers in desert regions are relevant environments that tend to concentrate most ecosystem services and values, but are not as studied as much as intermittent and ephemeral rivers. This article reports on the main morphological and ecological features of the Silala River, a narrow permanent river in the arid region of Antofagasta, in the north of Chile. The study was motivated by the dispute between Chile and Bolivia concerning the status of the Silala as an international watercourse. Field surveys of sediment transport using traps and marked sediments (colored and tagged clasts) revealed that finer sediments are moved in higher percentages and for longer distances than coarser sediment fractions, which corroborates the size‐selective nature of sediment dynamics in the river. The stream features the typical step/pool‐plane bed morphology that is to be expected in an alluvial river with the given boundary conditions of slope, grain size of sediments, and lateral confinement. Furthermore, the Morphological Quality Index (MQI) classifies the river as featuring overall good morphological conditions and the river hosts an abundant population of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Although this is a non‐native species, their presence shows that the general conditions of the river (availability of food and presence of aquatic habitats) are able to sustain a population of resident fish. Overall, the morphological forms, geomorphic processes, and ecological features of the Silala River are typical of an alluvial stream with a permanent flow regime.

This article is categorized under:

Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change

Human Water > Rights to Water

Science of Water > Hydrological Processes

Water and Life > Nature of Freshwater Ecosystems
Regulation of alternative splicing: Functional interplay with epigenetic modifications and its implication to cancer
Authors: Wang Ning , Hu Yue , Wang Zefeng
Published: September 2023

Eukaryotic gene expression is intricately regulated at multiple levels. The protein‐coding genes are first transcribed as pre‐mRNAs in the nucleus and undergo a series of RNA processing steps before being transported into the cytoplasm for translation. During RNA processing, most human genes (>95%) undergo alternative splicing to generate multiple mRNA isoforms from a single gene, which effectively diversifies the genome complexity. Since the splicing of most genes occurs co‐transcriptionally, the regulation layers of gene expression often show functional interactions with each other. In this review, we provide a brief overview of alternative splicing regulation in three different layers (controlled by the splicing machinery, transcription process, and chromatin structure), emphasizing the regulatory roles of epigenetic modifications and the crosstalk between these layers. Specifically, we categorize the major effects of the epigenetic modifications on alternative splicing into three different types: by affecting transcription rate, splicing factor recruitment, or the expression/activity of splicing factor. The dysregulation of epigenetics and splicing are extremely common in cancer, we also discuss the potential mechanisms of how epigenetic changes can lead to splicing dysregulation and their functional consequences. We aim to provide insights into the complicated regulation of different gene expression layers, which will shed light on the novel approaches to modulate disease‐related splicing dysregulation.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > 3′ End Processing

RNA Processing > Splicing Mechanisms

RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
A passive control of magnetohydrodynamic flow of a blood‐based Casson hybrid nanofluid over a convectively heated bi‐directional stretching surface
Authors: Abas Syed Arshad , Ullah Hakeem , Islam Saeed , Fiza Mehreen
Published: September 2023

Hybrid nanofluids, which are used in nanotechnology, are advanced fluid classes with enriched thermal properties that produce superior outcomes than nanofluids. There are too many applications of hybrid nanofluids in engineering cosmetics, the automotive industry, the home industry, cancer treatment, textiles, paper plastics, paints, and soaps. The purpose of this study is to investigate the heat transfer rate of magnetohydrodynamic flow of Casson hybrid non‐Newtonian nanofluid across an enlarging surface. The current work focuses on magnetohydrodynamic hybrid nanoliquid flow across an extending 3‐D sheet. Additionally, zero mass flux and an adequate convective heating procedure are used as boundary conditions in this investigation. Blood serves as the base fluid, into which copper and alumina nanoparticles are dissolved to form a hybrid nanofluid. Adjusting the applicable similarity transformation, the present modeled equations are converted into dimensionless form. The Homotopy analysis approach (HAM) computes the resulting systems and illustrates them graphically to explain the flow behavior at the extending electrically conducting surface. Additionally, for changes in the non‐dimensional physical constraint values, the variations in physical quantities such as the skin friction, temperature, Nusselt number and velocity profiles are explained. The results of the current investigation demonstrated that a magnetic field and a non‐Newtonian parameter reduce the hybrid nanoliquid's velocity. The temperature profile goes up with thermophoresis and Brownian motion. The component of velocity is found to fall as the stretching ratio parameter rises, while the component of velocity in the direction experiences the opposite impact. When the parameters of a chemical reaction are adjusted upwards, the concentration profile deteriorates. It is originated that the rate at which heat is transferred by hybrid nanofluids is significantly more progressive than that of nanofluids.
Dissipative Lorentz force influence on mass flow over a micro‐cantilever sensor sheet under magnetic Ohmic heating
Authors: Basha Hussain , Nandeppanavar Mahantesh M. , Reddy Gudala Janardhana
Published: September 2023

The novelty and main aim of the present numerical analysis is to explore the magneto‐thermo‐fluid characteristic features of incompressible, time‐dependent electrically conducting second‐grade fluid flow about a micro‐cantilever sensor sheet suspended in a squeezed regime between two parallel plates under the influence of Lorentz force field and viscous dissipation effects. Pertaining to this physical situation, the primitive forms of produced coupled nonlinear partial differential equations are rendered to non‐dimensional ordinary differential equations through appropriate scaling transformations. The resultant coupled nonlinear boundary value physical problem is solved by deploying a robust BVP4C Matlab function. The key features of the emerged different fluid flow parameters are documented in terms of extensive graphical visualization and tabular discussion. The current numerical investigation showed that, the increasing second‐grade fluid parameter significantly decreases the flow field and enhances the thermal and mass diffusion fields. Magnifying permeable velocity number decreases the velocity and increases the heat and concentration transport process. The thermal distribution over a sensor region is boosted with increasing Eckert number through viscous dissipation and magnetic Ohmic heating. Further, the elevating squeezing number decreases the skin friction and enhancing second‐grade fluid number boosted the skin‐friction coefficient. In addition to this, the increasing Schmidt and squeezing parameters decreases the local Sherwood number. Finally, a reasonable agreement between the present numerical solutions with the former results is presented.
Introduction
Authors: Sun Jiayue , Xu Shun , Liu Yang , Zhang Huaguang
Published: September 2023

The stability analysis of dynamical systems, which are ubiquitous in nature, has long been a hot topic of research and several approaches have been proposed. However, control scientists often demand optimality in addition to the stability of the control system. In the 1950s and 1960s, motivated by the development of space technology and the practical use of digital computers, the theory of optimization of dynamical systems developed rapidly, forming an important branch of the discipline: optimal control.
Optimal Regulation Strategy for Nonzero-Sum Games of the Immune System Using Adaptive Dynamic Programming
Authors: Sun Jiayue , Xu Shun , Liu Yang , Zhang Huaguang
Published: September 2023

This chapter investigates the optimal control strategy problem for nonzero-sum games of the immune system based on adaptive dynamic programming. Firstly, the main objective is approximating a Nash equilibrium between the tumor cells and the immune cell population, which is governed through chemotherapy drugs and immunoagents guided by the mathematical growth model of the tumor cells. Secondly, a novel intelligent nonzero-sum games-based ADP is put forward to solve optimization control problem through reducing the growth rate of tumor cells and minimizing chemotherapy drugs and immunotherapy drugs. Meanwhile, convergence analysis and iterative ADP algorithm are specified to prove feasibility. Finally, simulation examples are listed to account for availability and effectiveness of the research methodology.
Evolutionary Dynamics Optimal Research-Oriented Tumor Immunity Architecture
Authors: Sun Jiayue , Xu Shun , Liu Yang , Zhang Huaguang
Published: September 2023

This chapter devotes to evolutionary dynamics optimal control oriented tumor immune differential game system. Firstly, the mathematical model covering immune cells and tumor cells considering the effects of chemotherapy drugs and immune agents. Secondly, the bounded optimal control problem covering is transformed into solving HJB equation considering the actual constraints and infinite-horizon performance index based on minimize the amount of medication administered. Finally, approximate optimal control strategy is acquired through iteration dual heuristic dynamic programming algorithm avoiding dimensional disaster effectively and providing optimal treatment scheme for clinical applications.
Adaptive Virotherapy Strategy for Organism with Constrained Input Using Medicine Dosage Regulation Mechanism
Authors: Sun Jiayue , Xu Shun , Liu Yang , Zhang Huaguang
Published: September 2023

In this chapter, the constrained adaptive control strategy based on virotherapy is investigated for organism using the medicine dosage regulation mechanism (MDRM). Firstly, the tumor-virus-immune interaction dynamics is established to model the relations among the tumor cells (TCs), virus particles and the immune response. ADP method is extended to approximately obtain the optimal strategy for the interaction system to reduce the populations of TCs. Due to the consideration of asymmetric control constraints, the non-quadratic functions are proposed to formulate the value function such that the corresponding Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation (HJBE) is derived which can be deemed as the cornerstone of ADP algorithms. Then, the ADP method of single-critic network architecture which integrates MDRM is proposed to obtain the approximate solutions of HJBE and eventually derive the optimal strategy. The design of MDRM makes it possible for the dosage of the agentia containing oncolytic virus particles to be regulated timely and necessarily. Furthermore, the uniform ultimate boundedness of the system states and critic weight estimation errors are validated by Lyapunov stability analysis. Finally, simulation results are given to show the effectiveness of the derived therapeutic strategy.
Triggering Higgs vacuum decay
Authors: Strumia Alessandro
Published: September 2023

Abstract

The Standard Model Higgs potential seems unstable at field values h > htop ~ 1010 GeV. Vacuum decay can be triggered by N ~ 4π/λ ~ 1000 overlapped Higgs bosons with energy $$ \sqrt{\lambda } $$

λ

htop. However, this configuration is stimulated by ultra-high energy collisions with a exp(−$$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(N)) suppression, comparable to spontaneous vacuum decay: no ‘Higgspolosion’ enhancement arises. This implies that ultra-high energy cosmic ray collisions are safe, despite that their number (in production sites) likely is tens of orders of magnitude higher than what usually estimated (in space). We speculate on how vacuum decay could be induced classically, forming a in-coming wave of N boosted Higgs bosons at futuristic ultra-high energy colliders, and on how the resulting vacuum bubble could be controlled to extract energy.
Complete NLO corrections to off-shell $$ \textrm{t}\overline{\textrm{t}}\textrm{Z} $$ production at the LHC
Authors: Denner Ansgar , Lombardi Daniele , Pelliccioli Giovanni
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Measuring precisely top-pair-associated processes at hadron colliders will become possible with the upcoming LHC running stages. The increased data statistics will especially enable differential measurements leading to an improved characterisation of such processes. Aiming at a consistent data-theory comparison, precise Standard-Model predictions are needed, including higher-order corrections and full off-shell effects. In this work we present NLO-accurate predictions for the production and decay of a top-antitop pair in association with a Z boson at the LHC, in the multi-lepton decay channel. The complete set of LO contributions and NLO corrections of EW and QCD origin is included. The calculation is based on full matrix elements, computed with all resonant and non-resonant contributions, complete spin correlations and interference effects. Integrated and differential cross-sections are presented for a realistic fiducial setup.
Electroanatomical mapping after cardiac radioablation for treatment of incessant electrical storm: a case report from the RAVENTA trial
Authors: Kaestner Lena , Boda-Heggemann Judit , Fanslau Hannah , Xie Jingyang , Schweikard Achim , Giordano Frank A. , Blanck Oliver , Rudic Boris
Published: September 2023

Background

Electroanatomical mapping (EAM)-guided stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation (STAR) is a novel noninvasive therapy option for patients with monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) refractory to antiarrhythmic drugs and/or urgent catheter ablation (CA). Data on success rates in an emergency situation such as electrical storm (ES) are rare. We present a case of a patient with an initially very poor life expectancy after extensive myocardial infarction with therapy–resistant ES, not amendable for further antiarrhythmic drug therapy, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation, or repeated CA who was introduced to the radiation oncology department for emergency STAR as a bail-out therapy.

Methods

Target volume definition and transfer from EAM to CT were validated and quality assured with a semi-automatic, dedicated visualization tool (CARDIO-RT). Emergency STAR was performed with 25 Gy in the framework of the RAVENTA study. The VT burden gradually decreased after STAR; however, a second VT morphology occurred, which was successfully treated with EAM-guided CA 12 days after STAR.

Results

The second EAM-guided CA showed areas of low voltage in the irradiated segments, indicating a precise targeting and early functional response to STAR. The patient remained free of any VT recurrence or any radiation-related toxicities and in good general condition during the recent follow-up of 18 months.

Conclusion

The case highlights the possible approach, caveats, difficulties, and prognosis of a patient severely affected by therapy-resistant VT in whom CA could not lead to VT suppression. Further studies of putative mechanisms of STAR in the acute and chronic phase of this novel therapy are warranted.