bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Positive Role for CaMEKK17 in Response to Drought Stress, Modulated by Clade A PP2Cs
Authors: Lim Chae Woo , Jeong Soongon , Baek Woonhee , Choi Hoyeol , Lee Sung Chul
Published: October 2024

The abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathway is essential for plant response to abiotic stresses and can be modulated positively or negatively by MAPKKK proteins. This study focuses on the functional characterization of CaMEKK17, a MAPKKK previously recognized for its rapid induction under drought stress. Functional analyses demonstrated that CaMEKK17 is an active serine/threonine kinase with a conserved catalytic domain that is crucial for its kinase activity. CaMEKK17 silencing in pepper plants resulted in reduced drought tolerance, characterized by increased transpirational water loss and impaired ABA‐mediated stomatal closure. Conversely, CaMEKK17 overexpression in Arabidopsis increased kinase activity, enhancing ABA sensitivity and drought tolerance. Further investigation revealed that CaMEKK17 interacts with pepper group A type 2C protein phosphatases (PP2Cs), particularly CaAITP1 and CaAIPP1, which inhibit its kinase activity. Protein–protein interactions mediated inhibition by CaAITP1, whereas CaAIPP1 relied on its phosphatase activity. Double gene silencing of CaMEKK17 and CaAITP1 demonstrated that CaMEKK17 functions downstream of CaAITP1 in ABA‐mediated drought tolerance. Taken together, our findings suggest that CaMEKK17 positively modulates drought tolerance in pepper plants but may be inhibited by PP2Cs.
Preferential Carbon Allocation Into Vegetative Ramets and Belowground Organs During the Seed‐Filling Stage Limits Seed Set in Leymus chinensis
Authors: Ao Yunna , Wang Zhiqi , Yang Xinran , Knops Johannes M. H. , Wang Jiao , Shi Yujie , Wang Junfeng
Published: October 2024

Clonal perennial grasses are the dominant species in almost all natural grasslands, however their seed production is typically low. The reasons why seed set is so low remains unclear. We studied a rhizomatous grass (Leymus chinensis) using 13C tracing the different photosynthetic organs to investigate carbon fixation and allocation during the seed‐filling stage. We found that the vegetative ramet leaves are the largest (81%) source for total plant fixed carbon, whereas almost all carbon is allocated to vegetative reproduction. The spike is the largest (54%) carbon source for the seeds. However, the spike produced carbon only allocated 37% to the seeds, with the majority allocated to vegetative reproduction. This preferential carbon allocation to vegetative reproduction limits sexual reproduction. Nitrogen application significantly increased assimilated carbon. However, nearly all increased carbon accumulated in the vegetative reproduction rather than in the seeds. Only the carbon produced by the spike increased its allocation to the seeds by 13%. Taken together, we conclude that the predominance of vegetative reproduction, combined with self‐incompatibility, results in low ovule fertilization and very weak seed sink strength for carbon competition, suggests that the weak seed sink strength is the key reason causing low seed set in L. chinensis.
Diffusive Phyllosphere Microbiome Potentially Regulates Harm and Defence Interactions Between Stephanitis nashi and Its Crabapple Host
Authors: Li Tong‐Pu , Xie Jia‐Chu , Wang Chen‐Hao , Zhao Lv‐Quan , Hao De‐Jun
Published: October 2024

Pear lace bug (Stephanitis nashi) is a significant herbivorous pest, harbouring a diverse microbiome crucial for crabapple (Malus sp.) host adaptation. However, the mutual influence of S. nashi‐ and plant‐associated microbiomes on plant responses to pest damage remains unclear. This study found that S. nashi damage significantly altered bacterial community structure and reduced bacterial evenness in the crabapple phyllosphere. Notably, bacterial diversity within S. nashi was significantly lower than that in the environment, potentially influenced by insect developmental stage, bacterial diffusion stage and endosymbiont species number and abundance. Extensive bacterial correlation and diffusion effect between S. nashi and adjacent plant environments were observed, evident in a gradual decrease in bacterial diversity and an increase in bacterial acquisition ratio from soil to phyllosphere to S. nashi. Correspondingly, S. nashi significantly impacted the metabolic response of crabapple leaves, altering pathways involved in vitamin, amino acid and lipid metabolism and so forth. Furthermore, association analysis linked these metabolic changes to phyllosphere bacterial alterations, emphasizing the important role of diffusive phyllosphere microbiome in regulating S. nashi‐crabapple interactions. This study highlights bacterial diffusion effect between insect and plants and their potential role in regulating insect adaptability and plant defence responses, providing new insights into plant−insect−microbiome interactions.
Multifaceted Exploration of Public Awareness, Government Perspectives, and Community Attitudes Toward HIV
Authors: Zubair Akmal , Munir Rizwan , Ali Muhammad
Published: October 2024

Aims

The purpose of this research is to quantify the knowledge of students about HIV, social media contribution, and their satisfaction with the government and society's acceptance of HIV patients.

Methodology

A cross‐sectional survey of 579 participants was conducted at Punjab University, University of Peshawar, Karachi University, Baluchistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences University, and Quaid‐i‐Azam University. Student self‐administered surveys included demographics, knowledge, government satisfaction, social media rumors, and PLWHA acceptability.

Result

The response rate was 96.5%. The four variables are knowledge, government satisfaction, social media rumors, and HIV patient acceptance. The knowledge score in married males (Beta = –0.075) and married females (Beta = –0.022), government satisfaction in married males (Beta = 0.087) and females (–0.412), social media rumors in married males (Beta = –0.125) and married female (Beta = –0.301, and HIV acceptance in society married male –0.301 and married female 0.07. the knowledge and government satisfaction, score showed that males had higher knowledge about HIV than married females. Married women say HIV acceptability in society is strong, whereas men believe social media spreads less misinformation. Similarly, there is a negative correlation between government satisfaction social media rumors (–0.687**) and HIV acceptance in society (–0.687**). HIV acceptance has a strong correlation with knowledge (0.711**) and social media rumors (0.727**). The p < 0.001 indicates that there is a significant correlation.

Conclusion

Sufficient knowledge and the positive role of social media, effective government contributions to eradicate HIV, and more awareness and knowledge can significantly change the attitude of the community toward PLWHA.
Achievements and Challenges in the Development of a Nurse‐Led Respectful Delivery Care Model Provided by Partners in Health in Rural Mexico
Authors: Nigenda Gustavo , Montaño Mariana , Aranda Zeus , Aristizabal Patricia , Ortiz Fabiola , Ortega Soraya , Juárez Ameyalli , Macías Valeria , Zárate‐Grajales Rosa Amarilis , Flores Hugo
Published: October 2024

Background

The model of obstetric care predominant in Mexico in most public and private healthcare institutions is particularly focused on a physiological perspective of the female body that does not respond to women's need for emotional comfort and satisfaction. In the last decade, however, various initiatives that provide obstetric care centered on women's rights have emerged.

Objective

To analyze the implementation of a model of humanized/respectful delivery care supervised by nursing and midwifery undergraduate interns in a birthing center in the state of Chiapas, in order to identify achievements and future challenges.

Methods

We used information from secondary sources and carried out a descriptive analysis.

Findings

Births attended at the birthing center increased in relation to all the births registered in the Angel Albino Corzo municipality between 2017 and 2022. Positive indicators of respectful care increased with the implemented model, while negative indicators decreased. Between 2016 and 2022, obstetric nurses attended more than 1500 births without maternal deaths and managed some emergency cases referred to specialized care.

Conclusions

This case illustrates the potential of alternative models of obstetric care. Evidence‐based, midwife‐ and nurse‐led models of clinical obstetric care should be expanded in the Mexican healthcare system.
Health‐Related Experiences of Transgender and Gender‐Diverse Coloradans: A Scoping Review of the Literature
Authors: Velasco Roque Anthony F. , Rael Christine Tagliaferri , Stonbraker Samantha , Iriarte Evelyn , Anderson Avery M. , Nuñez Anthony , Golden Melissa , Sun Christina J.
Published: October 2024

Background

Extant literature on transgender and gender‐diverse (TGD) people living in the United States is centered on bicoastal metropolitan cities. Little is known about the health status and health‐related barriers among TGD people living in the middle of the country. Minority Stress Theory (MST) provides a framework for understanding how TGD people experience stressors that shape their health‐related experiences.

Purpose

To describe health‐related experiences of TGD people living in Colorado using the MST framework.

Method

The scoping review was limited to peer‐reviewed, English‐language studies published between January 2018 and November 2023. Data abstraction and synthesis were performed using Thomas and Harden's approach to thematic synthesis.

Results

Twenty‐one articles were included in the review. Seventeen (80.9%) articles were quantitative studies, two (9.5%) were qualitative, and two (9.5%) were mixed methods. Most of the participants were transfeminine and 18 years old or younger. Three themes emerged (1) TGD Coloradans experience multiple health‐related stressors, (2) these stressors contribute to poor health outcomes, and (3) overcome with coping strategies and/or social support.

Conclusion

TGD Coloradans experience multiple stressors related to their TGD identity that shape their health‐related experiences. Nurses play a critical role in intervening in these stressors and addressing care disparities.
Dynamic self‐control preferences and the behavior of the saving rate
Authors: Alonso‐Carrera Jaime , Bouché Stéphane
Published: October 2024

We characterize the dynamics of the saving rate in an exogenous growth model where consumers exhibit present‐biased preferences. Based on empirical evidence, we assume that consumers are subject to temptation and exhibit a preference for costly self‐control. Moreover, we propose the intensity of these phenomena to depend on aggregate wealth. We show that in economies where consumers are present‐biased, the saving rate follows a hump‐shaped pattern after an exogenous destruction of the capital stock. The present‐bias effect on the intertemporal consumption choice counteracts the standard effect from decreasing returns to capital. After a large destruction of capital, the temptation effect can dominate in the first periods of the adjustment process. By calibrating the model, we obtain a very good fit between our simulations and data concerning the saving rate, the growth rate, and the speed of convergence from the European recovery after World War II.
Nothing is ever lost or forgotten: Searching for the traces of Mo Dickyi Sangmo
Authors: Gill Harmandeep Kaur
Published: October 2024

This ethnographic article provides glimpses into the everyday life of an elderly Tibetan woman, Mo Dickyi Sangmo, who used to live in the Tibetan exile capital of McLeod Ganj in northwest India. Old age for her was a falling apart of her life world, giving rise to a series of absences in her daily life. I always sensed in her a longing for that which was missing, gathered through her somber moods and constant complaints. While others emphasized Dickyi's annoyed and closed‐off persona, I sensed that there was more to her; something was hidden in the gaps between her words and the silences that rested in between us. This article grew from my attempt at lending Mo Dickyi a compassionate ear, in an effort to understand what had become of her. By combining words and images, it became an experiment in a type of seeing and listening that is like a tender and soothing touch. By sensing Mo Dickyi through my words and in my images of her, this contribution is also a call out to the reader's imagination to uncover the gaps, and to possibly connect with the loneliness of Mo Dickyi's heart.
Reconstructing host plant repertoire and timing of evolution of phyline plant bugs (Hemiptera, Miridae)
Authors: Bush Tatiana , Weirauch Christiane
Published: October 2024

The diversity of phytophagous insects is often attributed to the success of land plants in the framework of ecological speciation. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain host plant driven insect diversification in a phylogenetic context and have mostly been explored using Lepidoptera. We posit that Miridae are a great system to examine these hypotheses because they are one of the largest primarily phytophagous insect families and include many species with narrow host repertoire. Focusing on the species‐rich Phylinae (>2700 spp.), we generate the most taxon‐rich phylogeny published to date and for the first time estimate divergence times and trace the evolution of host plant associations across the group. Focusing on two clades of oak‐associated phylines, we further examine if diversification in these insects and their hosts coincided or if the insects tracked their hosts. We find that Phylinae diverged from their orthotyline sister group before the end of the Cretaceous, tribal‐level taxa diversified throughout the Paleogene, and diversification within genera mostly occurred in the Neogene. Host plant repertoire reconstructions at the family level show transitions from stenophagy to polyphagy are more common than the reverse. We reconstructed the ancestral phyline host as ambiguous, followed by Asterales throughout most of the deep splits. Species‐level divergences in the two oak‐associated clades coincide with those in oaks, a pattern is that is consistent with the hypothesis that these plant bugs may have cospeciated with their hosts. Our study shows that Phylinae are a suitable system to further test hypotheses on ecological speciation of plants and insects but will require more robust phylogenetic hypotheses of the group.
Conformally invariant random fields, Liouville quantum gravity measures, and random Paneitz operators on Riemannian manifolds of even dimension
Authors: Schiavo Lorenzo Dello , Herry Ronan , Kopfer Eva , Sturm Karl‐Theodor
Published: October 2024

For large classes ofeven‐dimensionalRiemannian manifolds , we construct and analyze conformally invariant random fields. These centered Gaussian fields , calledco‐polyharmonic Gaussian fields, are characterized by their covariance kernelskwhich exhibit a precise logarithmic divergence: . They share a fundamental quasi‐invariance property under conformal transformations. In terms of the co‐polyharmonic Gaussian field , we define theLiouville Quantum Gravity measure, a random measure on , heuristically given asand rigorously obtained as almost sure weak limit of the right‐hand side with replaced by suitable regular approximations . In terms on the Liouville Quantum Gravity measure, we define theLiouville Brownian motionon and therandom GJMS operators. Finally, we present an approach to a conformal field theory in arbitrary even dimension with an ansatz based on Branson's ‐curvature: we give a rigorous meaning to thePolyakov–Liouville measureand we derive the correspondingconformal anomaly. The set ofadmissiblemanifolds is conformally invariant. It includes all compact 2‐dimensional Riemannian manifolds, all compact non‐negatively curved Einstein manifolds of even dimension, and large classes of compact hyperbolic manifolds of even dimension. However, not every compact even‐dimensional Riemannian manifold is admissible. Our results concerning the logarithmic divergence of the kernel rely on new sharp estimates for heat kernels and higher order Green kernels on arbitrary closed manifolds.
Transient Analysis of Flow Unsteadiness and Machine Instabilities in a Centrifugal Compressor at Surge and Second Quadrant Operation
Authors: Serena Alberto , Bakken Lars E.
Published: October 2024

Instabilities in turbomachinery operation originate from intrinsic flow unsteadiness, sudden variations of operating conditions, and interactions with the surrounding system, affecting both system stability and machine reliability. The flow unsteadiness, presenting a characteristic behavior, requires a deep understanding of the underlying flow fundamentals, a careful analysis using advanced experimental methods and a clear distinction on how the system might lead to instabilities. The identified approach addresses deep surge and second quadrant characterization. The analysis presented here benefits from the responsiveness and flexibility of the experimental test rig, fine tuning of the system layout, the instrumentation installation, and the transient tests procedure. The main focus area is the time-frequency analysis of flow and pressure signals at transients, thus providing a proper reconstruction of flow mechanisms and instability evolution. Valuable techniques include: short-time fast Fourier transform, wavelet analysis, and Wigner-Ville distribution; coherence between flow and pressure, to trace waves propagation, is considered too. These, presented outlining their strengths and weaknesses, are evaluated considering real-time field applicability with regards to computational resources too. The experimental campaigns and data processing are presented, with a test matrix covering a wide range of parameters, including system layout and surge volume size, rotational speeds, flow rates ranging from nominal point to full second quadrant operation. These data are vital for system modeling validation for a full compressor-system digital twin. Results indicate the importance of ensuring reliable data acquisition and analysis, with adequate instrumentation range, accuracy, synchronization, responsiveness and positioning.
Response of n-Heptane and Dodecane Swirl-Stabilized Spray Flames to Transverse Forcing Characterized by Flame Describing Functions Based on Downstream Acoustic Pressure or Velocity Signals
Authors: Patat Clément , Blaisot Jean-Bernard , Domingues Éric , Baillot Françoise
Published: October 2024

Predicting thermoacoustic instabilities in annular combustors requires knowledge of the impact of acoustic oscillations on heat release rate (HRR) oscillations. Flame describing functions (FDF) measured at the burner exit using acoustic forcing are key elements of thermoacoustic instability analyses. FDFs based on acoustic pressure measurements, FP′, or on axial velocity measurements, FU′, are compared here. This study is done on the TACC-Spray bench, an original linear array of spray flames stabilized by a strong swirling flow, representing an unfolded sector of a self-unstable annular combustor. Acoustic forcing of a standing transverse chamber mode is applied downstream of the injectors. Experiments are conducted with liquid n-heptane or dodecane, with the flames placed at a pressure or an intensity antinode (IAN) of the transverse mode. FP′ does not depend on the measurement location for acoustically compact flames provided that this location remains in the flame vicinity. FU′ can lead to significant discrepancies, as swirling flows present strong velocity gradients, which can be minimized by carefully choosing the measurement location. The injector admittance linking the two FDFs is shown to be quasi-independent of the forcing amplitude here. Consequently, both FDFs show a similar dependence on the forcing amplitude. FP′ indicates constructive combustion-acoustics interference whatever the flame location in the acoustic field and the fuel, consistent with self-sustained instabilities observed in the annular combustor. An analysis using the Rayleigh criterion corroborates the results derived from the FDFs. So, FP′ appears as a powerful and practical tool for characterizing combustion dynamics.
Analysis of the Flow-Field Distortions Induced by Pneumatic Pressure Probes in Test Bench Experiments on Centrifugal Compressors: Are We Testing Right?
Authors: Baroni Alberto , Romani Luca , Balduzzi Francesco , Toni Lorenzo , Grimaldi Angelo , Belardini Elisabetta , Biliotti Davide , Bianchini Alessandro , Ferrara Giovanni
Published: October 2024

Experimental testing at the test rig still plays a key role in the development of new centrifugal compressor designs for industrial applications. Although a wide set of different probes is used as per common practice, the overall impact of the probes' dimensions on the stage performance and rangeability is often assumed to be negligible. In this study, we aimed at quantifying the intrusiveness effects of pneumatic pressure probes on the flow-field inside a vaned diffuser using a model stage of an industrial centrifugal compressor, for which different experimental setups were tested at the University of Florence test rig. Performance and rangeability were initially assessed using a conventional set of pneumatic probes inserted in the flow path. Then, comparative analyses were realized through dedicated tests by either removing all probes at the diffuser inlet or introducing only a single pressure probe in the upstream section and varying its angular position in the measuring section. Experiments revealed an impact of upstream probes much higher than expected, with a decrease in efficiency and a substantial reduction of stall margin. Moving from this experimental evidence, accurate three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of the entire stage were carried out including the actual geometry of the probes for two probes configurations and three operating points (OPs). Simulations highlighted the effect probes' wakes on downstream vanes and the induced blockage effect, which both appear in line with experimental evidence. As a handout, a recommendation on the optimal probe positioning is suggested.
Investigation of Onboard Power Generation Method Using Waste Energy at Altitude Conditions
Authors: Kang Sang-Guk , Pope Aaron J. , Schroen Erik S. , Mattson Jonathan M. , Kim Kenneth S. , Hepp Kyle D. , Kruger Kurt M. , Kweon Chol-Bum M. , Gibson Joseph A. , Meininger Rik D. , Musser Marshall R.
Published: October 2024

Demand for increased onboard power generation on small aircraft is ever growing due to increased electrical power demand. The objective of this study is to investigate onboard power generation using waste energy at various altitude and ambient conditions. Experiments were performed on a 2-liter, turbocharged direct-injection intermittent combustion engine fueled with jet fuel (F-24). The turbocharger has an integrated motor-generator system that is designed to generate electricity using the enthalpy in the engine exhaust, or to use as a motor to rotate the turbocharger using the energy stored in onboard energy storage device. An electrically actuated wastegate was used to control useful exhaust flowrate that is used to generate electricity. An external power supply system was used to emulate the energy storage. The engine was installed in the U.S. DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory's altitude chamber in which absolute outside air pressure was controlled up to 37.6 kPa to simulate the altitude conditions up to 7,620 m (25,000 ft). Three different ambient conditions were selected to represent International Standard Atmosphere (ISA), polar, and tropical conditions. Based on the experimental results, a response surface model was developed to predict the power generation of the motor-generator integrated turbocharger using waste energy as a function of altitude, engine power, and the wastegate position. The result from this study provides an insight into onboard power generation method using waste energy at altitude conditions.
Emissions and Flame Stability Assessment of Hydrogen Addition and Air Dilution in a Microgas Turbine Combustor Using Zero-Dimensional/One-Dimensional Modeling by Chemical Reactor Network
Authors: Farrokhi Farshid Yousefzad , Piscopo Alessandro , Pappa Alessio , Parente Alessandro , De Paepe Ward
Published: October 2024

Hydrogen emerges as a promising fuel for clean and sustainable electricity production when utilized in microgas turbines (mGTs). However, some challenges linked to hydrogen usage must be overcome as its high reactivity can lead to increased NOx emissions and flame instabilities. Literature suggests that combustion air humidification and/or exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) may be methods to reduce this reactivity. However, these measures are limited due to the small operating range of the mGT combustor. In this context, a 20 kWth mGT combustor is investigated under various inlet conditions to assess the effect of EGR toward increased flame stability and emission control when operating under hydrogen-enriched methane firing, using a chemical reactor network (CRN) model. The CRN modeling is a fast and low computational complexity tool to model combustion performance and emissions by representing complex reactive flow fields through idealized reactor models, leading to reduced computational costs. This study examines partial load conditions, fuel compositions, and the effect of combustion air dilution through EGR. The CRN model of the combustion process is designed based on combustion zones extracted from the main flow fields with similar thermochemical states from computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis, while emission predictions are experimentally validated for different operating points. Predicted NOx and CO emissions by the proposed CRN model show an acceptable agreement with the experimental data at high power loads. However, its accuracy diminishes for loads below 70% due to the variability in model tuning parameters across different loads, whereas the current model is optimized for 90% load conditions. At full load with the activation of EGR, these emissions are reduced by approximately 20%. CRN results predict that NOx emissions do not increase excessively by hydrogen addition due to the constant power operation of the mGT. Indeed, the higher reactivity of hydrogen leads to a lower fuel flow rate and, thus, leaner operating conditions. On the other hand, CO emissions decrease by 15% to 40% when adding hydrogen from 5% to 50% of the volume fraction to natural gas (NG). Finally, air dilution by EGR positively affects flame temperature and NOx emissions. Tuning CRN models that are not dependent on specific load parameters to get a better agreement with experimental data, as well as EGR/humidified air dilution effects on partial loads and hydrogen-added fuels, are subjects to future work.
On the Relationship Between Swirl and Unsteadiness Within Turbine Rim Seals
Authors: Vella Simon , Tang Hui , Carnevale Mauro , Scobie James A. , Lock Gary D. , Salvatori Francesco , Sangan Carl M.
Published: October 2024

Unraveling the flow physics pertaining to hot gas ingress in turbines is crucial in enabling designers to realize global decarbonization targets in aerospace. A turbine rim seal is fitted at the periphery of the rotor–stator cavity to minimize the ingress of annulus gas, which detrimentally affects cycle's efficiency. The inherent unsteadiness in rim seal flows, arising from shear gradients between contiguous flow paths, introduces a consequential, yet presently unestablished, influence on sealing characteristics. A single-stage axial turbine facility in conjunction with an aeroengine architecture is employed to assess the steady and unsteady sealing characteristics of a range of industrially relevant rim seals. Time-averaged measurements of gas concentration and swirl, acquired over a range of flow coefficients (CF), exhibited an inverse relationship between sealing performance and the purge-mainstream swirl difference (Δβ). Spectral analysis of unsteady pressure signals revealed an associated unsteadiness, induced by the strength of the annulus-cavity interaction. Across all CF, a low-frequency harmonic range consistently displayed proportionality between spectral activity and Δβ. Thus, a relationship between steady and unsteady characteristics was established. Examining a series of rim seal configurations with varying radial clearances signified that sealing performance was predominantly influenced by the radially outermost clearance. The configurations exhibiting superior performance presented heightened spectral activity, ascribed to an increased radial purge mass flux and establishing a definite relationship with concurrent steady measurements.
Kramers–Kronig relations via Laplace formalism and L1 integrability
Authors: Prevedelli Marco , Perinelli Alessio , Ricci Leonardo
Published: October 2024

Kramers–Kronig relations link the real and imaginary parts of the Fourier transform of a well-behaved causal transfer function describing a linear, time-invariant system. From the physical point of view, according to the Kramers–Kronig relations, absorption and dispersion become two sides of the same coin. Due to the simplicity of the assumptions underlying them, the relations are a cornerstone of physics. The rigorous mathematical proof was carried out by Titchmarsh in 1937 and just requires the transfer function to be square-integrable (L2), or equivalently that the impulse response of the system at hand has a finite energy. Titchmarsh's proof is definitely not easy, thus leading to crucial steps that are often overlooked by instructors and, occasionally, prompting some authors to attempt shaky shortcuts. Here, we share a rigorous mathematical proof that relies on the Laplace formalism and requires a slightly stronger assumption on the transfer function, namely it being Lebesgue-integrable (L1). While the result is not as general as Titchmarsh's proof, its enhanced simplicity makes a deeper knowledge of the mathematical aspects of the Kramers–Kronig relations more accessible to the audience of physicists.
Revisiting Sommerfeld's atomic model using Euler–Lagrange dynamics
Authors: R. Cardoso Wilder , C. Nakagaki Mariana
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this work is to present the atomic model proposed by Sommerfeld. We outline the classical calculation of the elliptical orbit and then apply the Wilson–Sommerfeld quantization rules to obtain expressions for the quantization of energy and orbit semi-axes. We then apply the relativistic theory to solve the problem of degenerate orbits. Thus, we see that the Sommerfeld atom is a very rich topic, involving the integration of different subjects ranging from Lagrangian mechanics to relativity, as well as plane geometry and differential equations.
Compromised macrophages contribute to progression of MASH to hepatocellular carcinoma in FGF21KO mice
Authors: Shi Xiaoju , Zheng Qianqian , Wang Xingtong , Guo Wei , Lin Ziqi , Gao Yonglin , Shore Emily , Martin Robert C. , Lv Guoyue , Li Yan
Published: October 2024

Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis is well accepted as a potential precursor of hepatocellular carcinoma. Previously, we reported that fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) revealed a novel anti-inflammatory activity via inhibiting the TLR4–IL-17A signaling, which could be a potential anticarcinogenetic mechanism to prevent to MASH-HCC transition. Here, we set out to determine whether FGF21 has a major impact on Kupffer cells’ (KCs) ability during MASH-HCC transition. We found aberrant hepatic FGF21 and KC pool in human MASH-HCC. Lack of FGF21 up-regulated ALOX15, which converted the oxidized fatty acids to induce excessive KC death and mobilization of monocyte-derived macrophages (MoMFs) for KC replacement. Lack of FGF21 oversupplied free fatty acids for sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) cascade synthesis to mediate MASH-HCC transition via S1P-YAP signaling and cross-talk between tumor cells and macrophages. In conclusion, lack of FGF21 accelerated MASH-HCC transition via the S1P-AP signaling. Compromised MoMFs could present as tumor-associated macrophage phenotype rendering tumor immune microenvironment for MASH-HCC transition.
Diversity of
Campylobacter
spp. circulating in a rhesus macaque (
Macaca mulatta
) breeding colony using culture and molecular methods
Authors: Bacon Rebecca L. , Hodo Carolyn L. , Wu Jing , Welch Shannara , Nickodem Colette , Vinasco Javier , Threadgill Deborah , Gray Stanton B. , Norman Keri N. , Lawhon Sara D.
Published: October 2024

Campylobacter jejuni
and
Campylobacter coli
represent the leading causes of bacterial gastroenteritis in humans, and infections can produce post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS). Rhesus macaques (
Macaca mulatta
) (RM) are similarly susceptible to acute campylobacteriosis and represent a potential model of PI-IBS. We characterized the
Campylobacter
species circulating in an RM breeding colony using culture, qPCR, and whole genome sequencing (WGS). We also compared the
C. jejuni
and
C. coli
prevalence in RM as detected with qPCR versus culture and identified risk factors for bacteria presence and intestinal disease. Culture of 275 samples yielded
C. coli
(103) and
C. jejuni
(8), of which 21.6% were resistant to quinolones and 3.6% were resistant to macrolides. Multidrug-resistant isolates were obtained exclusively from animals exhibiting diarrhea or with histologically confirmed chronic enterocolitis. WGS revealed a non-clonal population of
Campylobacter
spp. Genotypic predictions of resistance were excellent except for aminoglycosides. All sequenced isolates contained genes for all subunits of cytolethal distending toxin. qPCR detected a prevalence of 45.9% for
C. coli
and 29.6% for
C. jejuni
. The quantity of either bacteria was significantly higher (
P
< 0.05) in animals with intestinal disease compared to healthy animals, though only young age was significantly associated with the presence of
Campylobacter
sp. or intestinal disease. Significantly more
C. jejuni
positive animals were detected with qPCR than with culture. These results provide a comprehensive characterization of
Campylobacter
spp. circulating in a breeding colony of RM in the United States and suggest that qPCR is superior for the detection of
C. jejuni
in RM.

IMPORTANCE

Gastrointestinal disease is one of the most common reasons for hospitalization in non-human primate colonies and accounts for over one-third of non-research related euthanasia. In rhesus macaques, this manifests as both acute diarrhea and chronic enterocolitis (CE), a syndrome of chronic diarrhea resulting in poor weight gain or weight loss which is minimally responsive to treatment.
Campylobacter
spp. are major causes of acute enterocolitis in rhesus macaques and may predispose individuals to the development of CE, similar to post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome in humans. Despite these concerns, there are few studies characterizing
Campylobacter
in rhesus macaque colonies, in particular utilizing whole genome sequencing and assessing findings with respect to the health status of the host. Our findings provide insight into
Campylobacter
strains circulating in rhesus macaque colonies, which can improve clinical monitoring, assist in treatment decisions, and provide new avenues of investigation into campylobacteriosis as a catalyst for CE.
Marsh topography reveals the signature of storm-surge-driven sedimentation
Authors: Tognin Davide , D’Alpaos Andrea , Ghinassi Massimiliano , Carniello Luca
Published: October 2024

Salt marshes are valuable tidal landforms threatened by drowning due to increasing sea levels. Marsh accretion supported by sediment settling during repeated flooding potentially offsets the relative elevation loss. Although tidal flooding is commonly depicted as the main mechanism delivering the sediment to marshes, storm surges and waves may deeply affect tidal flow conditions and sediment reworking in shallow tidal systems, thus raising questions on the relative contribution of these processes to salt-marsh accretion. Here we show that storm surges substantially sustain the marsh sediment budget, locally contributing up to 90% of sedimentation, and critically influence depositional patterns by analyzing a 3-yr-long measurement record of sedimentation on the marshes in the Venice Lagoon (Italy). Surge-enhanced water levels promote wind-wave-driven sediment fluxes directly across the tidal flat-marsh transition, altering tidal sedimentation patterns and, thus, affecting marsh topographic elevation and morphology. By comparing sedimentation patterns and topographic profiles, we show that the signature of storm-surge sedimentation can be found in marsh topography, which we suggest therefore as an easily detectable indicator of the relative contribution of the different physical processes driving marsh vertical evolution. The comparison with other marshes worldwide, characterized by different tidal ranges and wave exposure, consistently supports the link between the salt-marsh topographic profile and the physical processes controlling marsh evolution.
Development, dissemination and survey evaluation of layered education for healthcare professionals to support implementation of firearm injury and mortality prevention strategies in emergency care settings, New York, USA
Authors: Harrison Laura K , Sathya Chethan , Shekher-Kapoor Monica , Butkus Stephen , Kapoor Sandeep
Published: October 2024

Background

There is consensus on the need and ability to address firearm injury risk in healthcare settings; however, the lack of education for healthcare professionals hinders the implementation of evidence-based firearm injury and mortality prevention strategies. The objectives of this study are to develop, disseminate and evaluate education for team members to facilitate implementation in emergency departments

Method

Two-tiered education was developed in partnership with stakeholders and disseminated to the healthcare team, covering evidence-based screening and interventions for firearm access and violence risk. The implementation, development and dissemination strategies followed the framework used for systemwide Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment implementation for substance use. Team members who screened patients for firearm injury risk received screening education and team members meeting with patients who screened positive received intervention education. Participants completed surveys to evaluate the education and learning objectives.

Results

Across three emergency departments from March 2021 to May 2022, 267 team members completed screening education. Key takeaways reported by 173 participants were how to screen (24.9%), the 5L’s of Firearm Safety (19.7%) and the prevalence of firearm injury (11.0%). Participants still had questions about workflow, resources and safety. 34 of 67 (50.7%) intervention education participants completed the postsurvey. 100% were confident they could screen, 79% were confident they could provide brief interventions and 88% were confident their site could implement firearm injury prevention strategies.

Conclusion

Tiered education for firearm injury prevention screening and intervention achieved learning objectives and facilitated programme implementation. Education increased knowledge and confidence regarding firearm injury risk screening and its importance in healthcare settings.
Characterising fire or burn-related fatalities in the USA using the National Violent Death Reporting System, 2003–2020
Authors: Bista Saroj , Duffy Bridget , Michaels Nichole L.
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Intentional fire or burn-related deaths are rare in the USA compared with some countries, but do occur, and our knowledge of their epidemiology is limited. The objective of this study is to epidemiologically describe fire or burn-related deaths resulting from violence, including victim and suspected perpetrator characteristics and incident circumstances.

Methods

This cross-sectional study uses National Violent Death Reporting System data from 2003 to 2020 to examine violent fire or burn-related deaths among individuals of all ages. Analyses include the following case types: (1) fire or burn-related injuries were immediate, underlying or antecedent cause of death; (2) death resulted from arson; or (3) weapon used was categorised as ‘fire or burns’. Precipitating circumstances were examined by manner of death (ie, suicide, homicide or undetermined intent) using χ2tests, with p values of <0.05 indicating statistical significance.

Results

Among 4395 victims, most were male (64.6%), non-Hispanic white (60.8%) and 20–64 years (72.7%). Deaths by suicide were most common (38.9%), followed by homicides (32.6%) and undetermined deaths (28.5%). Current mental health (53.4%) and substance use problems (15.0%) were common among suicide deaths. One-half (49.8%) of homicide deaths were precipitated by another crime and 19.5% were related to intimate partner violence.

Conclusions

The prevalence of mental health and substance use problems among suicide victims underscores the urgency for targeted prevention strategies and timely interventions. Stressors, such as interpersonal conflicts and financial problems, may contribute to fire or burn-related violent deaths.
Family caregiver narratives of hospice death vigils
Authors: Oliver Debra Parker , Mayahara Masako , Benson Jacquelyn , Donehower Allison K , Washington Karla T , White Patrick Hodge
Published: October 2024

Background

Often, family members and friends gather around a dying hospice patient to say goodbye in what is known as a death vigil. The purpose of this study is to explore the stories and experiences of family caregivers of hospice patients who participated in death vigils.

Methods

Qualitative analysis of interviews with 50 hospice family caregivers explored the experiences and memories affiliated with death vigils. Grounded in the Hospice Use Model, a Framework Analysis method was used to analyse transcripts and identify themes to answer the research questions.

Results

Hospice family caregivers identified community resources, community health resources, hospice agency factors and individual patient and caregiver factors as impacting their participation in the death vigil and their memory of the experience.

Conclusions

Family members perceived and remembered both positive and negative experiences during their death vigil. Their narratives included recommendations for change in the death vigil, including advice for others going through the vigil, changes in operational and clinical care during the vigil and policy changes needed to improve the experience.
The heat engine of magnetic black holes in AdS space with rational nonlinear electrodynamics
Authors: Kruglov S.I.
Published: October 2024

The heat engine of magnetic black holes in Einstein–AdS gravity coupled to rational nonlinear electrodynamics, as the working substance, is studied. The dynamical negative cosmological constant is considered as a thermodynamic pressure. We investigate the efficiency of black hole heat engines in extended space thermodynamics for rectangle closed path in the P− V plane and the maximally efficient Carnot cycles. The exact efficiency formula that is written in terms of the mass of the black hole is obtained. It was demonstrated that the black hole efficiency decreases when the nonlinear electrodynamics coupling increases and the black hole efficiency increases if the magnetic charge increases. The relation between the efficiency, event horizon radiuses (entropy), and pressure is obtained. We study an efficiency of the holographic heat engine of a cycle in the vicinity of a critical point. Thus, the heat engine of our model can produce work.
Green Synthesis of Quercetin-Coated Ecofriendly Zirconium Oxide Nanoparticles and Evaluating its in vitro Biological Activities
Authors: Parthiban Kaviya Sri , Biju Tina Sara , Francis Arul Prakash , Veeraraghavan Vishnu Priya , Gayathri R , Sankaran Kavitha
Published: October 2024

The development of nanomaterials using green synthesis methods is gaining attention due to their potential to reduce environmental pollution and health risks associated with traditional chemical synthesis methods. Among the various transition metals, zirconia has gained significant interest as filling materials and implants in dentistry due to its excellent mechanical and chemical properties. In this study, we developed ecofriendly zirconium oxide nanoparticles using Biancaea sappan extract as a capping agent and then functionalized them with Quercetin. Further, their anti-inflammatory property and hemocompatibility were evaluated to target their application as filling materials. The biogenic zirconium oxide nanoparticles (B-ZrO2NPs) and quercetin functionalized biogenic zirconium oxide nanoparticles (BQZN) were characterized by UV–Vis Spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy X-ray analysis (EDX). B-ZrO2NPs showed maximum absorbance at 267[Formula: see text]nm and 383[Formula: see text]nm. FTIR showed characteristic stretching at 3381[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text], confirming the O–H group in the extract and Quercetin used for BQZN formation. The FTIR spectra of BQZN displayed the presence of the characteristic peaks observed in the spectra of B-ZrO2NPs and Quercetin. The broad XRD pattern confirmed the amorphous nature of the zirconia. SEM revealed the spherical morphology of B-ZrO2NPs and BQZN with a size range of around 90[Formula: see text]nm and 120[Formula: see text]nm, respectively. EDAX of BQZN revealed the presence of 45.7[Formula: see text]wt.% Zr, 32.9% oxygen and 21.4% of carbon. In vitro bioactivity studies revealed that BQZN exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity, as evidenced by the inhibition of protein denaturation. The nanoparticles were also demonstrated for their hemocompatibility with erythrocytes. These findings highlight the potential of BQZN as a promising hemocompatible dental filling with significant anti-inflammatory properties. Further in-depth in vivo studies are required to fully understand their efficacy and toxicity.
Design, Synthesis, Spectroscopic, Electronic, Biological and MTT Evaluations of Flavone Compound using Density Functional Theory
Authors: Ragavan Joseph Iruthayaraj , Anbarasan Ponnusamy Munusamy , Arunkumar Ammasi , Siddiqui Nasir A. , Khan Aslam
Published: October 2024

Here, we provide the synthesis process as well as theoretical and experimental research on the molecule known as 7-hydroxy-2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(piperidin-4-yloxy)-4H-chromen-4-one (7THFP). Quantum mechanical calculations (QM) using several functional levels at a standard basis set have been used to calculate all QM calculations and molecular descriptors. Computational techniques were used to obtain the whole range of vibrational frequencies, IR intensity and Raman activity, all showing excellent agreement with the observed results. The molecule’s electron transport characteristics were explained by Mulliken, NBO, mapped isosurface electron density and Highest Occupied Molecular Orbitals (HOMO)-Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbitals (LUMO) investigations. The energy difference between the molecular orbitals (MOs) has also been anticipated. The drug candidate’s ADMET and Lipinski’s rule of five models were used to predict its physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties, including bioactivity score, lipophilicity and toxicity profiles. The physicochemical profiles of 7THFP indicate favorable drug-likeness, bioactivity and reduced toxicity. Subsequently, molecular docking (MD) analyses were conducted to forecast the ligand’s inhibitory impact on the enzymes. The docking score estimation and in vitro analysis of the drug compound validate its anticancer activity. Lastly, the title molecule was evaluated for its proliferation and cytotoxicity effects on human MCF-7 cell lines. These investigations demonstrate that the product exhibits promising characteristics as a drug candidate and may serve as a model for further enhancement.