bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stress redistribution in a multilayer chamber for compressed air energy storage in abandoned coalmine: Elastic analytical insights and material choice
Authors: Sun Rui , Wang Jianguo , Zhang Kai , Li Fuqing , Ding Xiaolei , Guo Qinghua
Published: September 2023

Compressed air energy storage (CAES) is attracting attention as one of large‐scale renewable energy storage systems. Its gas storage chamber is one of key components for its success. A successful utilization of an abandoned coalmine roadway depends on the stability of the gas storage chamber. The chamber is a multilayer structure and the redistribution of the stress and displacement in each layer is critical to the chamber stability. So far, this redistribution mechanism under any lateral pressure coefficient and internal air pressure has been unclear and thus a quick and easy evaluation on the CAES chamber stability becomes difficult. In this study, the redistributions of stress and displacement in each layer are analytically solved based on complex variable function theory. First, the stress and displacement in three CAES multilayer structures are obtained under any lateral pressure coefficient and internal air pressure. Then, a comprehensive parameter b1 is obtained to describe the redistribution of stress and displacement in rock mass, lining layer, and grout layer. Its linkage with lateral pressure coefficient, internal air pressure, and material properties is analytically expressed. Thirdly, an analytical expression is obtained for the influence range of internal air pressure on chamber stress. Finally, the role and selection of lining and grouting layers are explored at different lateral pressure coefficient and internal air pressure. It is found that the CAES chamber stability can be effectively and quickly evaluated by these analytical solutions and comprehensive parameters and enhanced by a material with low bulk modulus but high shear modulus.
Hydrocarbon charging process of Ordovician strike‐slip fault zones in the Shunbei area, Tarim Basin, NW China
Authors: Wu Wei , Chen Honghan , Su Ao , Hussain Irshad , Wang Yuwei , Hao Ruicong , Zhu Zhihui , Liao Zhiwei
Published: September 2023

Ultra‐deep marine carbonate reservoirs is an important field for oil and gas exploration, and it is also a hot research topic in recent years. However, their hydrocarbon episodic charging model is still under debate up to now. A great breakthrough has been made in the newly discovered ultra‐deep fault‐karst oil reservoir in the Shunbei area of Tarim Basin. Based on quantitative gas chromatogram‐mass spectrometry, stable carbon isotopes of reservoir oils, microthermometry and confocal laser scanning analyses of fluid inclusions, the reservoir oil origin and hydrocarbon charging history in Shunbei No. 1, No. 5 and No. 7 strike‐slip fault zones are expounded. The results showed that the Ordovician reservoir oil derives from the source rocks within the Cambrian Yuertusi Formation deposited in a highly anoxic bottom water environment. There were four stages of hydrocarbon charging in the study area, in the late Caledonian, late Hercynian–Indosinian, middle Yanshanian and late Himalayan. During this period, the force‐field strength of the charged oil gradually decreased, and the early‐stage charged crude oil with low maturity and high force‐field strength preferentially accumulated in the Yijianfang Formation, while the late‐stage charged crude oil with high maturity and low force‐field strength preferentially accumulated in the Yingshan Formation. This study reveals the history and differences of petroleum accumulation in the Shunbei fault zones, which is significance for understanding the hydrocarbon distribution in ultra‐deep marine carbonate reservoirs.
The abstraction of potentially zoonotic SARS‐like coronavirus (BtSY2): A threat to global health
Authors: Agrawal Vibhor , Khulbe Yashita , Jaiswal Vikash , Paudel Kusum
Published: September 2023

This article highlights the discovery of a new virus lurking in bats in Yunnan province of China. The virus shows phylogenetic and genomic similarity to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) virus, which was the cause of the COVID‐19 pandemic. The virus, named Bat SARS‐like virus BtSY2, along with four other viruses, has been named a “virus of concern.” Recombination events in the viral genome due to coinfection by multiple viruses in related animal hosts can lead to disease emergence, a process that has repeated itself innumerable times throughout history and has given rise to some major viral pandemics. Zoonotic infections, if not contained at the right time, can cause significant harm to the public health sector as well as the global economy. Studies like this are required to acquire a good understanding of the phylogeny of the virus, mechanisms of its transmission, carriers, probable clinical picture, and similarity to previous outbreaks. This will help to devise preventive strategies and, in case of higher probability and hazardous potential of the disease, develop prototype vaccines and drugs to face the outbreak with adequate preparedness.
ATF3 regulates SPHK1 in cardiomyocyte injury via endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Chen Huiling , Luo Suxin , Chen Huamei , Zhang Cong
Published: September 2023

Aim

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is common in different human pathologies, including cardiac diseases. Sphingosine kinase‐1 (SPHK1) represents an important player in cardiac growth and function. Nevertheless, its function in cardiomyocyte ER stress remains vague. This study sought to evaluate the mechanism through which SPHK1 might influence ER stress during myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods

MI‐related GEO data sets were queried to screen differentially expressed genes. Murine HL‐1 cells exposed to oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD) and mice with MI were induced, followed by gene expression manipulation using short hairpin RNAs and overexpression vectors. The activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) and SPHK1 expression was examined in cells and tissues. Cell counting kit‐8, TUNEL, DHE, HE, and Masson's staining were conducted in vitro and in vivo. The inflammatory factor concentrations in mouse serum were measured using ELISA. Finally, the transcriptional regulation of SPHK1 by ATF3 was validated.

Results

ATF3 and SPHK1 were upregulated in vivo and in vitro. ATF3 downregulation reduced the SPHK1 transcription. ATF3 and SPHK1 downregulation increased the viability of OGD‐treated HL‐1 cells and decreased apoptosis, oxidative stress, and ER stress. ATF3 and SPHK1 downregulation narrowed the infarction area and attenuated myocardial fibrosis in mice, along with reduced inflammation in the serum and ER stress in the myocardium. In contrast, SPHK1 reduced the protective effect of ATF3 downregulation in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions

ATF3 downregulation reduced SPHK1 expression to attenuate cardiomyocyte injury in MI.
Conservative re‐treatment of women with atypical endometrial hyperplasia and early endometrial carcinoma: We can hope, at least
Authors: Raffone Antonio , Raimondo Diego , Rovero Giulia , Travaglino Antonio , Lopez Giovanni , Di Maio Carlo Michele , Neola Daniele , Raspollini Arianna , Renzulli Federica , Filippelli Amelia , Casadio Paolo , Seracchioli Renato , Guida Maurizio
Published: September 2023

Background

In women with recurrent disease who were conservatively treated for atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH) and early endometrial carcinoma (EEC), the reasons why conservative treatment was chosen persist and outcomes of performing a conservative re‐treatment are unclear, as pooled estimates on oncologic outcomes of such a re‐treatment are lacking.

Objectives

To provide pooled estimates of oncologic outcomes of conservative re‐treatment in women with recurrent AEH or EC.

Search Strategy

A systematic review and meta‐analysis was performed by searching six electronic databases from their inception to March 2022.

Selection Criteria

Studies that allowed extraction of data about oncologic outcomes of conservative re‐treatment of women with recurrent AEH and EEC after a conservative treatment.

Data Collection and Analysis

Pooled prevalence of complete response (CR), poor response (PR), and recurrence after conservative re‐treatment was calculated.

Main Results

Fifteen studies (12 retrospective and 3 prospective) with 492 women (42.1% AEH and 57.9% EEC) were included in the systematic review, and 10 studies (8 retrospective and 2 prospective) were suitable for the meta‐analysis. Pooled prevalence was 85.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 77.0%–91.0%) for CR, 14.7% (95% CI 9.0%–23.0%) for PR, and 40.4% (95% CI 15.5%–71.4%) for recurrence.

Conclusions

Conservative re‐treatment in AEH or EC recurrent women has a high CR rate and acceptable recurrence rate that might allow it to be considered a safe and viable option, at least as a first round of conservative treatment. Women with an unsatisfied desire for motherhood or with high surgical risk might avoid hysterectomy and attempt childbearing or spare high‐risk surgery.
A case of adrenal lymphangioma successfully treated with laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy
Authors: Iijima Heisuke , Noda Taisho , Uchida Kosuke , Hakamata Yasuhiro , Fujisaki Akira , Imai Shin , Otsuki Yoshiro , Yoneda Tatsuaki
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Adrenal lymphangioma is a rare benign tumor of lymphatic origin, usually incidentally detected from various imaging studies taken for an unrelated purpose. We present a case of a right adrenal lymphangioma treated successfully with surgical intervention.

Case presentation

A 36‐year‐old previously healthy woman was referred to our urology department for a right adrenal mass, discovered during a routine health checkup. The tumor had no endocrinological activity, and the patient opted for surgical resection following a concern for malignancy. A laparoscopic right partial adrenalectomy was performed, and on histological examination, the tumor was diagnosed as right adrenal lymphangioma.

Conclusion

Adrenal lymphangiomas lack disease specific radiological characteristics that allow for a definitive diagnosis from imaging alone. To rule out tumors of potentially malignant nature, surgical intervention should be considered.
The repeated administration of rhIL‐12 for 14 weeks in rhesus monkeys: A toxicity assessment
Authors: Ding Huiqin , Qin Huan , Wang Jiangang , Dong Yansheng , Wang Quanjun , Han Yantao
Published: September 2023

Interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) is known to exert antitumor immune effects by promoting the activation and proliferation of T cells and NK cells within the immune system. However, clinical trials have observed systemic toxicity associated with the administration of IL‐12. This has shelved development plans for its use as a cancer therapeutic drug. Therefore, it is critical that we perform a systematic evaluation of the toxicity and safety of repeated IL‐12 administration. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the toxicity and safety of repeated rhIL‐12 (recombinant human interleukin‐12) administration in rhesus monkeys by assessing its effects on the immune system, organ function, and vital signs. Rhesus monkeys were subcutaneously injected with 0.5, 2.5, and 12.5 μg/kg of rhIL‐12 for up to for 14 consecutive weeks. The low dose exhibited no signs of toxicity, whereas animals receiving higher doses displayed symptoms such as loose stools, reduced activity, anemia, and elevated liver function indicators (AST and TBIL). Following three administrations of 12.5 μg/kg, high dosing was adjusted to 7.5 μg/kg due to manifestations of symptoms like loose stools, decreased activity, and huddling in the cage. Furthermore, rhesus monkeys exhibited marked immunogenic responses to recombinant human interleukin‐12 (rhIL‐12). However, based on overall study findings, the No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) for the subcutaneous injection of rhIL‐12, when repeatedly administered for 3 months in rhesus monkeys, was considered to be 0.5 μg/kg. The Highest Non‐Severely Toxic Dose (HNSTD) was considered to be 7.5 μg/kg.
High‐accuracy optical coherence elastography digital volume correlation methods to measure depth regions with low correlation
Authors: Lin Xianglong , Chen Jinlong , Sun Cuiru
Published: September 2023

The decreasing correlation of optical coherence tomography (OCT) images with depth is an unavoidable problem for the depth measurement of the digital volume correlation (DVC) based optical coherence elastography (OCE) method. We propose an OCE‐DVC method to characterize biological tissue deformation in deeper regions. The method proposes a strategy based on reliability layer guided displacement tracking to achieve the OCE‐DVC method for the deformation measurement in deep regions of OCT images. Parallel computing solves the computational burden associated with the OCE‐DVC method. The layer‐by‐layer adaptive data reading methods are used to guarantee the parallel computing of high‐resolution OCT images. The proposed method shown in this study nearly doubles the depth of quantitative characterization of displacement and strain. At this depth, the standard deviation of displacement and strain measurements is reduced by nearly 78%. Under nonuniform deformation field, OCE‐DVC method tracked the displacement with large strain gradient in depth region.
Tissue formation and host remodeling of an elastomeric biodegradable scaffold in an ovine pulmonary leaflet replacement model
Authors: Machaidze Zurab , D'Amore Antonio , Freitas Renata C. C. , Joyce Angelina J. , Bayoumi Ahmed , Rich Kimberly , Brown David W. , Aikawa Elena , Wagner William R. , Rego Bruno V. , Mayer John E.
Published: September 2023

In pursuit of a suitable scaffold material for cardiac valve tissue engineering applications, an acellular, electrospun, biodegradable polyester carbonate urethane urea (PECUU) scaffold was evaluated as a pulmonary valve leaflet replacement in vivo. In sheep (n = 8), a single pulmonary valve leaflet was replaced with a PECUU leaflet and followed for 1, 6, and 12 weeks. Implanted leaflet function was assessed in vivo by echocardiography. Explanted samples were studied for gross pathology, microscopic changes in the extracellular matrix, host cellular re‐population, and immune responses, and for biomechanical properties. PECUU leaflets showed normal leaflet motion at implant, but decreased leaflet motion and dimensions at 6 weeks. The leaflets accumulated α‐SMA and CD45 positive cells, with surfaces covered with endothelial cells (CD31+). New collagen formation occurred (Picrosirius Red). Accumulated tissue thickness correlated with the decrease in leaflet motion. The PECUU scaffolds had histologic evidence of scaffold degradation and an accumulation of pro‐inflammatory/M1 and anti‐inflammatory/M2 macrophages over time in vivo. The extent of inflammatory cell accumulation correlated with tissue formation and polymer degradation but was also associated with leaflet thickening and decreased leaflet motion. Future studies should explore pre‐implant seeding of polymer scaffolds, more advanced polymer fabrication methods able to more closely approximate native tissue structure and function, and other techniques to control and balance the degradation of biomaterials and new tissue formation by modulation of the host immune response.
Palynological investigation of some Euphorbia L. (Euphorbiaceae) taxa from Turkey using light and scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Şafak Odabaşı Nevin
Published: September 2023

Euphorbia L., one of the largest genera of angiosperms, is represented by the subgenera Esula Pers. and Chamaesyce Raf. in Turkey. Subg. Esula is confined mainly to Eurasia, especially in the Mediterranean region, and has not yet been studied in detail palynologically. In the present study, the pollen morphology of 14 taxa belonging to the sections Helioscopia Dumort., Myrsiniteae (Boiss.) Lojac., Pithyusa (Raf.) Lázaro, Patellares (Prokh.) Frajman, Exiguae (Geltman) Riina & Molero, Paralias Dumort., and Esula (Pers) Dumort. of Euphorbia L. subg. Esula Pers. from European Turkey was examined using light and scanning electron microscopy. The pollen grains were found to be trizonocolporate, isopolar, radially symmetrical, medium in size, and oblate spheroidal and suboblate in shape. Ectoapertures were elongated colpi with distinct margins, widened at the equatorial region, and tapered at the ends; margo was present in all samples as a smooth exine surrounding the colpi. The endoapertures were lolongate pori with distinct costae. The exine was tectate‐perforate. The ornamentation was perforate, microreticulate‐perforate, microreticulate‐perforate with rugulose, or microreticulate‐perforate with a heterobrochate pattern. The sexine was generally thicker than the nexine, with some exceptions where the sexine was almost equal to the nexine. Pollen size, pollen shape, and exine ornamentation have taxonomic importance in distinguishing species; however, these features do not provide strong support for grouping or delimitating the taxa at the sectional level.

Research Highlights

Pollen size, pollen shape, and exine ornamentation are taxonomically important for distinguishing Euphorbia species.

The exine ornamentation was observed to be perforate, microreticulate‐perforate, microreticulate‐perforate with a rugulose pattern, and microreticulate‐perforate with a heterobrochate pattern.
The edge‐connectivity of vertex‐transitive hypergraphs
Authors: Burgess Andrea C. , Luther Robert D. , Pike David A.
Published: September 2023

A graph or hypergraph is said to be vertex‐transitive if its automorphism group acts transitively upon its vertices. A classic theorem of Mader asserts that every connected vertex‐transitive graph is maximally edge‐connected. We generalise this result to hypergraphs and show that every connected linear uniform vertex‐transitive hypergraph is maximally edge‐connected. We also show that if we relax either the linear or uniform conditions in this generalisation, then we can construct examples of vertex‐transitive hypergraphs which are not maximally edge‐connected.
Long‐term dynamic shifts in genomic base content and evolutionary trajectories of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants
Authors: Li Xinjie , Zhang Yuqi , Wang Jie , Han Jun , Shen Tao
Published: September 2023

The rapid spread and remarkable mutations of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants, particularly Omicron, necessitate an understanding of their evolutionary characteristics. In this study, we analyzed representative high‐quality whole‐genome sequences of 2008 SARS‐CoV‐2 variants to explore long‐term dynamic changes in genomic base (especially GC) content and variations during viral evolution. Our results demonstrated a highly negative correlation between GC content and variant emergence time (r = −0.765, p < 2.22e−16). Major gene partitions (S, N, ORF1ab) displayed similar trends. Omicron exhibited a significantly lower GC content than non‐Omicron variants (p < 2.22e−16). Notably, we observed a robust negative correlation between C and T content (r = −0.778, p < 2.22e−16) and between G and A content (r = −0.773, p < 2.22e−16). Among all strains, Omicron showed the greatest base variation, with C‐>T mutations being the most frequent (median [interquartile range [IQR]]: 29 (27, 31), 37.67%), succeeded by G‐>A mutations (11 (9, 13), 14.63%). Over a 3‐year span, an annual decline rate of 0.12% in SARS‐CoV‐2 GC content was observed and could become more pronounced in future emerging variants. These findings provided insights into the evolutionary trajectory of SARS‐CoV‐2, underscoring the significance of continuous genomic surveillance for effective prediction of and response to future variants.
miR‐199a/214 cluster enhances prostate cancer sensitiveness to nimotuzumab via targeting TBL1XR1
Authors: Hu Sheng , Zhou Qiang , Lu Qiang , Guo Xi , Wang Yong , Duan Yi‐Xing
Published: September 2023

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a significant health concern affecting men worldwide. Previous studies have shown that nimotuzumab, a drug targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), can effectively inhibit cancer progression. Here, we aimed to explore the role of miR‐199a/214 cluster in mediating the inhibitory effect of nimotuzumab on the development of PCa. In this study, we conducted an MTT assay to assess cell proliferation and utilized flow cytometry to evaluate cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of nimotuzumab on prostate cancer development, we focused on the miR‐199a‐5p and miR‐214‐3p miRNA clusters. The TargetScan Human database was used to predict the binding sites between miR‐199a‐5p or miR‐214‐3p and the 3'‐UTR of the transducin (β)‐like 1 X‐linked receptor 1 (TBL1XR1) mRNA. To confirm the direct interaction and binding between miR‐199a‐5p or miR‐214‐3p and the 3'‐UTR of TBL1XR1 mRNA, we performed luciferase reporter assays. Our findings demonstrated that nimotuzumab exerted a significant dosage‐dependent suppression of PCa cell proliferation and facilitated PCa cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Concurrently, nimotuzumab obviously impeded the activity of Wnt/β‐catenin and EGFR signaling pathways in PCa cells. We also observed downregulation of miR‐199a‐5p and miR‐214‐3p in PCa cells. Overexpression of miR‐199a/214 cluster inhibited PCa cell viability and enhanced cell apoptosis. Furthermore, we found that miR‐199a/214 cluster augmented the inhibitory effect of nimotuzumab on PCa cell proliferation and promoted its ability to induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. This effect was reversed upon TBL1XR1 overexpression, indicating that TBL1XR1 is involved in the regulatory pathway of miR‐199a/214 and nimotuzumab in PCa cells. We further revealed that TBL1XR1 was overexpressed in PCa and was identified as a downstream target of the miR‐199a/214 cluster. In nimotuzumab‐treated PCa cells, the overexpression of miR‐199a/214 markedly inhibited Wnt/β‐catenin and EGFR signaling, and this effect was also rescued by TBL1XR1 overexpression. In summary, our data indicated that miR‐199a/214 cluster play a crucial role in enhancing the inhibitory effect of nimotuzumab on PCa development by downregulating TBL1XR1 and modulating Wnt/β‐catenin and EGFR signaling pathways. These findings offer a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of prostate cancer.
Grain size characteristics of surface sediment in the Jilantai Salt Lake Protection System after long‐term wind‐sand activities
Authors: Guan Xuewei , Wang Ji , Liu Guangming , Xiao Meng , Ding Yanlong , Chen Jinlin
Published: September 2023

In order to explore the influence of vegetation on homogeneity of surface particle size distribution (PSD) and heterogeneity of soil structure, observations, theory, and multifractal results were synthesized to highlight the evolution of the soil particle composition in the Jilantai Salt Lake Protection System (Jilantai system) after long‐term wind‐sand activities and its soil structure characteristics. From flowing sand dune to saline‐alkali wasteland areas, the mean grain size and surface particle sorting degree gradually increased and decreased, respectively, whereas the shape of the particle frequency curve gradually changed from extremely positive deviation to negative deviation, and the peak shape of the curve gradually changed from narrow to wide. Furthermore, the inhomogeneity of the soil particle composition gradually decreased, whereas the range of the soil PSD gradually increased, and the soil increasingly became fine‐grained. Therefore, the contents of clay and silt in shelterbelt soil increased by 16% and 18.36%, respectively, over 1986 levels. Additionally, clay and silt play a vital role in determining soil particle parameters such as standard deviation (SD), skewness (SKI), and monofractal (D), while vegetation factors are the main controlling factors of clay and silt. In conclusion, the Jilantai system could increase heterogeneity and homogeneity and decrease the concentration of soil PSD by changing the sedimentary environment, while this affect depends largely on the fractional vegetation cover, vegetation height, and light penetrating porosity. Moreover, the multifractal and particle parameters could describe the soil structure characteristics and sedimentary process, respectively, after long‐term wind‐sand activities.
Disentangled Higher‐Orbital Bands and Chiral Symmetric Topology in Confined Mie Resonance Photonic Crystals
Authors: Li Jing , Wang Hongfei , Jia Shiyin , Zhan Peng , Lu Minghui , Wang Zhenlin , Chen Yanfeng , Xie Biye
Published: September 2023

Topological phases based on tight‐binding models have been extensively studied in recent decades. By mimicking the linear combination of atomic orbitals in tight‐binding models based on the evanescent couplings between resonators in classical waves, numerous experimental demonstrations of topological phases have been successfully conducted. However, in dielectric photonic crystals, the Mie resonances' states decay too slowly as , leading to intrinsically different physics between tight‐binding models and dielectric photonic crystals. Here, a confined Mie resonance photonic crystal is proposed by embedding perfect electric conductors between dielectric rods, creating the chiral symmetric band structure which ideally matches tight‐binding models with nearest‐neighbour couplings. As a consequence, disentangled band structure spanned by higher atomic orbitals is observed. Moreover, the result provides an effective route to achieve a 3D photonic crystal with a complete photonic bandgap and third‐order topology. The implementation offers a versatile platform for studying exotic higher‐orbital bands and achieving tight‐binding‐like 3D topological photonic crystals.
Diversifying the workplace in nonprofit organizations: Discourses and perspectives on ethnic diversity
Authors: Elloukmani Sara , Oosterlynck Stijn , Raeymaeckers Peter
Published: September 2023

This study analyses the perspectives of nonprofit organizations (NPOs) on workplace diversity. Organizational diversity is a well‐established research topic in both profit management and organization studies, as well as in nonprofit scholarship. However, diversity is often discussed from a managerial point of view and, particularly in nonprofits, with little attention to workplace diversity. Using interview data from 25 Belgian NPOs, we explore how leaders in different types of nonprofits approach workplace diversity, discursively and in their organizational practices. Our analysis is centered around Maier and Meyer's typology on nonprofit governance and aims to understand how workplace diversity is perceived in organizations with a domestic, professionalist, grassroots, and civic discourse. We outline the main diversity perspectives underlying these governance discourses. Our study reveals that the way NPO leaders approach workplace diversity is shaped by their overall governance, resulting in differing discourses that go beyond business or social justice rationales. We conclude that there are various ways in which NPOs differentiate diversity, making it important not only to go beyond a managerial/business and social justice discourse, but also to unpack the different forms in which civic or grassroots discourses for example manifest themselves in the nonprofit sector.
Optimal control problem governed by a highly nonlinear singular Volterra equation: Existence of solutions and maximum principle
Authors: Idczak Dariusz
Published: September 2023

We consider a Lagrange optimal control problem for a Volterra integral equation of fractional potential type. We prove a theorem on the existence of an optimal solution and derive a maximum principle. The proof of the existence theorem is based on the lower closure theorem for orientor fields due to Cesari and Filippov‐type selection theorem due to Rockafellar. The proof of the maximum principle is based on an extremum principle for smooth problems proved in Idczak and Walczak (Games. 2020;11:56).
Public policy toward professional sports stadiums: A review
Authors: Bradbury John Charles , Coates Dennis , Humphreys Brad R.
Published: September 2023

This article informs public policy toward professional sports stadiums, which state and local governments routinely subsidize. Our analysis provides a history of stadium construction and funding in the U.S., documenting trends that portend a forthcoming new wave of stadiums. Despite robust evidence that stadiums are not economic development catalysts and confer limited social benefits, public outlays persist and exhibit a positive growth trajectory, which could prove costly to government budgets in coming decades. We review contemporary justifications for public subsidies, focusing on proposed salutary development and budgeting strategies. Economic research continues to demonstrate that stadiums remain poor public investments, and optimal public funding of professional sports venues is substantially less than typical subsidy levels. We examine economic, political, and institutional factors that contribute to the disconnect between research and policy, and we provide recommendations to promote sound public policy.
Approximate postbuckling analysis of shear deformable laminates
Authors: Schilling Jakob Christian , Mittelstedt Christian
Published: September 2023

In the lightweight design of aircraft, spacecraft and marine vessels, often advanced materials are utilised. Advanced materials such as laminated composites made of fibre‐reinforced plastics show transverse shear deformations if they are considered “thick” or possess little transverse shear stiffness. In most cases, the effect of the shear deformations is neglected, and few computational models exist that consider the closed‐form approximate analysis of the postbuckling behaviour. Thus, a new computational model based on high‐order shear deformation theories is introduced. The solution is derived based on the principle of the minimum of the total elastic potential and is evaluated in comparison to finite element analyses. The highly efficient approximate computational model is developed to offer a valuable tool for the preliminary design of lightweight structures utilising shear deformable advanced materials.
A hybrid finite element/neural network solver and its application to the Poisson problem
Authors: Kapustsin Uladzislau , Kaya Utku , Richter Thomas
Published: September 2023

We analyze a hybrid method that enriches coarse grid finite element solutions with fine scale fluctuations obtained from a neural network. The idea stems from the Deep Neural Network Multigrid Solver (DNN‐MG)  which embeds a neural network into a multigrid hierarchy by solving coarse grid levels directly and predicting the corrections on fine grid levels locally (e.g., on small patches that consist of several cells) by a neural network. Such local designs are quite appealing, as they allow a very good generalizability. In this work, we formalize the method and describe main components of the a‐priori error analysis. Moreover, we numerically investigate how the size of training set affects the solution quality.
Investigations of flexible cycloalkyl substituents on pyridine‐imine based nickel(II)‐ and palladium(II)‐catalyzed ethylene oligomerization
Authors: Peng Hongwei , Ji Mingjun , Li Jiaxing , Shen Shuo , Wang Wanjuan , Chen Mengyu , He Guoshan , Guo Lihua
Published: September 2023

Cycloalkyls show rich conformational change. According to our previous work, the flexible cycloalkyl substituted α‐diimine system generated polyethylene with good elastic properties and much higher branching densities. In this contribution, we introduce the cycloalkyls into the pyridine‐imine catalytic system. A series of novel pyridine‐imine ligands and the corresponding nickel(II) and palladium(II) complexes with cycloalkyl and phenyl substituents for ethylene oligomerization were designed, synthesized and characterized. The nickel(II) complexes with cycloalkyl substituent showed high oligomerization activity (up to 5.90 × 106 g mol−1 h−1) and generated ethylene oligomers with low to moderate branching density (17–57/1000C). The palladium(II) complexes showed moderate oligomerization activity (up to 8.33 × 103 g mol−1 h−1) and can yield high branching density (107–187/1000C) oligomers. In addition, compared to the catalyst with rigid phenyl substituent, the catalysts with flexible cycloalkyl substituents exhibited higher oligomerization activity and yielded ethylene oligomers with higher branching density under the same conditions. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Challenges of polymer‐based pH sensing in soil
Authors: Ebadati Esmat , Switalska Eliza , Lombi Enzo , Warren‐Smith Stephen C. , Evans Drew
Published: September 2023

It is well established that plants need a range of soil nutrients to grow. In farming, these nutrients are generally added to the soil in the form of fertilizers. However, depending on the soil conditions (such as temperature, water content, pH, and soil type), nutrients may not be in the right form for plant uptake. Determining the availability of nutrients in the soil for plant growth is therefore critical for the yield and productivity of modern farming. A considerable amount of research and knowledge has been developed that shows the importance of the soil pH on the availability (or not) of nutrients. Furthermore, pH plays a crucial role in controlling the availability of potential toxic elements, such as aluminum and manganese. This review article discusses recent research aimed at real‐time and continuous soil pH measurement in‐situ. More specifically, it focuses on the development of polymer materials that will ultimately enable pH measurements for the specific application of in‐ground pH sensing. Given the breadth of the polymeric sensor research field, this review has a narrowed focus on optical and electrochemical transduction methods.
In silico protein dynamics in the human cytoplasm: Partial folding, misfolding, fold switching, and non‐native interactions
Authors: Russell Premila P. Samuel , Rickard Meredith M. , Boob Mayank , Gruebele Martin , Pogorelov Taras V.
Published: September 2023

We examine the influence of cellular interactions in all‐atom models of a section of the Homo sapiens cytoplasm on the early folding events of the three‐helix bundle protein B (PB). While genetically engineered PB is known to fold in dilute water box simulations in three microseconds, the three initially unfolded PB copies in our two cytoplasm models using a similar force field did not reach the native state during 30‐microsecond simulations. We did however capture the formation of all three helices in a compact native‐like topology. Folding in vivo is delayed because intramolecular contact formation within PB is in direct competition with intermolecular contacts between PB and surrounding macromolecules. In extreme cases, intermolecular beta‐sheets are formed. Interactions with other macromolecules are also observed to promote structure formation, for example when a PB helix in our simulations is shielded from solvent by macromolecular crowding. Sticking and crowding in our models initiate sampling of helix/sheet structural plasticity of PB. Relatedly, in past in vitro experiments, similar GA domains were shown to switch between two different folds. Finally, we also observed that stickiness between PB and the cellular environment can be modulated in our simulations through the reduction in protein hydrophobicity when we reversed PB back to the wild‐type sequence. This study demonstrates that even fast‐folding proteins can get stuck in non‐native states in the cell, making them useful models for protein–chaperone interactions and early stages of aggregate formation relevant to cellular disease.
Iron Selenide Nanowire Bundles for Microwave Communication Technology
Authors: Qasrawi Atef Fayez , Toubasi Ahmad J.
Published: September 2023

Herein, stacked layers of FeSe2deposited onto ytterbium substrates using the thermal evaporation technique under a vacuum pressure of 10−5mbar are observed to form nanowire bundles (NBs). Structural investigations on these NBs have shown the preferred growth of orthorhombic FeSe2in addition to hexagonal ytterbium selenide as a minor phase in the structure of FeSe2. Impedance spectroscopy analyses conducted in the frequency domain of 0.01–1.80 GHz show that FeSe2stacks can exhibit a negative capacitance effect and bandstop filter characteristics. For these bandstop filters, the refection coefficient (), the voltage standing wave ratios (), and the return loss () spectra display optimum values at a notch frequency of 0.87 GHz. In addition, computational analysis using Lorentz oscillator model has shown that the negativity of the capacitance is dominated by two oscillators centered at 0.08 and 1.25 GHz. On the other hand, the insertion of aluminum nanosheets between the stacked layers of FeSe2has been observed to decrease the negativity of the capacitance, increase the values of and , and bring the closer to ideality. FeSe2nanowire bundles resulting from FeSe2stacks comprising Al nanosheets are considered suitable for microwave communication technology.
Plants with cosmetic uses
Authors: Mansoor Kenza , Aburjai Talal , Al‐Mamoori Farah , Schmidt Mathias
Published: September 2023

The use of plants as a source of active principles for cosmetics has significantly increased in the last few years. Safety, compatibility with all types of skin, fewer side effects, and availability are among the advantages of herbal cosmetics above synthetic ingredients. The present review aims to explore the most important plants used in cosmetics. A literature search was carried out in several electronic databases with the following phrases: skincare and plants; cosmetics and plants; natural and cosmetics; and natural and skincare. Furthermore, more detailed filters such as clinical studies, meta‐analyses, and systemic reviews were applied to positive results. Various plants and plant extracts currently used in skin care, scaring, whitening, and aging, as well as in sun protection, acne, eczema, and others, have been included in this review. The effectiveness of these plants is based mainly on preclinical research, and to a lesser extent on clinical studies. Some plant extracts or oils have been tested clinically, such as onions, aloe, and tea tree oil, more than other plant extracts. Despite many studies on natural products to improve dermal needs, proper clinical cosmeceutical trials are much fewer than expected. Therefore, more clinical trials are needed to evaluate appropriate efficacy. Furthermore, new formulation technologies might enhance the cosmeceutical benefits, but more work is warranted.
ROBOUT: a conditional outlier detection methodology for high-dimensional data
Authors: Farnè Matteo , Vouldis Angelos
Published: September 2023

This paper presents a methodology, called ROBOUT, to identify outliers conditional on a high-dimensional noisy information set. In particular, ROBOUT is able to identify observations with outlying conditional mean or variance when the dataset contains multivariate outliers in or besides the predictors, multi-collinearity, and a large variable dimension compared to the sample size. ROBOUT entails a pre-processing step, a preliminary robust imputation procedure that prevents anomalous instances from corrupting predictor recovery, a selection stage of the statistically relevant predictors (through cross-validated LASSO-penalized Huber loss regression), the estimation of a robust regression model based on the selected predictors (via MM regression), and a criterion to identify conditional outliers. We conduct a comprehensive simulation study in which the proposed algorithm is tested under a wide range of perturbation scenarios. The combination formed by LASSO-penalized Huber loss and MM regression turns out to be the best in terms of conditional outlier detection under the above described perturbed conditions, also compared to existing integrated methodologies like Sparse Least Trimmed Squares and Robust Least Angle Regression. Furthermore, the proposed methodology is applied to a granular supervisory banking dataset collected by the European Central Bank, in order to model the total assets of euro area banks.
Demographic characteristics influencing the stem subsidence in total hip arthroplasty: an imaging study
Authors: Migliorini Filippo , Maffulli Nicola , Pilone Marco , Velaj Erlis , Hofmann Ulf Krister , Bell Andreas
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The present study evaluated whether patient demographic characteristics influence the subsidence of the stem in total hip arthroplasty (THA). The following characteristics were evaluated: age, height, weight, and sex. The association between the time elapsed from the THA implantation and the amount of stem subsidence was also investigated.

Methods

The records of patients who underwent THA in the period between 2016 and 2023 were accessed. All patients underwent two-staged bilateral THA using cementless DePuy collarless Corail (DePuy Synthes, Raynham, MA, USA) stems. The following parameters were measured and compared to assess stem subsidence: distance from the proximal femur at the stem bone interface and the medial apex of the regular triangle built within the trochanter minor (point A); distance from the medial apex of the regular triangle built within the trochanter minor and the distal portion of the femoral stem (point B).

Results

Overall, 294 patients were included. 62% (182 of 294 patients) were women. 45% (134 of 296 THAs) were on the right side. The mean age was 64.9 ± 10.4 years. The mean BMI was 28.3 ± 5.1 kg/m2. The mean length of the follow-up was 14.4 ± 11.0 months. The mean subsidence in point A was 2.1 mm (P < 0.0001), and that in point B was 3.1 mm (P < 0.0001). There was evidence of a weak positive association between patient weight (P < 0.0001), age (P = 0.03), follow-up (P = 0.002) and the amount of stem subsidence. Patient height did not demonstrate any association with the amount of stem subsidence (P = 0.07). There was no difference in stem subsidence between women and men (P = 0.9).

Conclusion

Stem subsidence in THA using cementless DePuy collarless Corail implants is approximately 2.6 mm after 14.4 months. Greater patient weight, age, and longer time elapsed from THA implantation were associated with greater stem subsidence. Patient height and sex did not demonstrate any influence on the amount of stem subsidence. These results must be considered in light of the limitations of the present study.
PKC regulates αKlotho gene expression in MDCK and NRK-52E cells
Authors: Wolf Lisa , Vogt Julia , Alber Jana , Franjic Domenic , Feger Martina , Föller Michael
Published: September 2023

Particularly expressed in the kidney, αKlotho is a transmembrane protein that acts together with bone hormone fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) to regulate renal phosphate and vitamin D homeostasis. Soluble Klotho (sKL) is released from the transmembrane form and controls various cellular functions as a paracrine and endocrine factor. αKlotho deficiency accelerates aging, whereas its overexpression favors longevity. Higher αKlotho abundance confers a better prognosis in cardiovascular and renal disease owing to anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, or antioxidant effects and tumor suppression. Serine/threonine protein kinase C (PKC) is ubiquitously expressed, affects several cellular responses, and is also implicated in heart or kidney disease as well as cancer. We explored whether PKC is a regulator of αKlotho. Experiments were performed in renal MDCK or NRK-52E cells and PKC isoform and αKlotho expression determined by qRT-PCR and Western Blotting. In both cell lines, PKC activation with phorbol ester phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) downregulated, while PKC inhibitor staurosporine enhanced αKlotho mRNA abundance. Further experiments with PKC inhibitor Gö6976 and RNA interference suggested that PKCγ is the major isoform for the regulation of αKlotho gene expression in the two cell lines. In conclusion, PKC is a negative regulator of αKlotho gene expression, an effect which may be relevant for the unfavorable effect of PKC on heart or kidney disease and tumorigenesis.
Differences in motor imagery abilities in active and sedentary individuals: new insights from backward-walking imagination
Authors: Mandolesi Laura , Passarello Noemi , Lucidi Fabio
Published: September 2023

Evidence has shown that imagining a complex action, like backward-walking, helps improve the execution of the gesture. Despite this, studies in sport psychology have provided heterogeneous results on the use of motor imagery (MI) to improve performance. We aimed to fill this gap by analyzing how sport experience influences backward-walking MI processes in a sample of young women (n = 41, mean age = 21 ± 2.2) divided into Active and Sedentary. All participants were allocated to two randomized mental chronometric tasks, in which they had first to imagine and then execute forward-walking (FW) and backward-walking (BW). The Isochrony Efficiency measured the difference between imagination and execution times in both conditions (FW and BW). Moreover, we analyzed the ability to vividly imagine FW and BW within various perspectives in both groups through the Vividness of Movement Imagery Questionnaire (VMIQ-2). Findings showed that active individuals performed better in the BW imagery task when compared to sedentary ones (F1,39 = 4.98; p = 0.03*), while there were no differences between groups in the FW imagery task (F1,39 = .10; p = 0.75). Further, VMIQ-2 had evidenced that the ability to imagine backward is influenced by perspective used. Specifically, the use of internal visual imagery (IVI) led to worse Isochrony Efficiency (t32,25 = 2.16; p = 0.04*), while the use of kinesthetic imagery (KIN) led to better Isochrony Efficiency (t32,25 =  − 2.34; p = 0.03*). These results suggest a close relation between motor experience and complex motor imagery processes and open new insights for studying these mental processes.
Underweight patients experience higher inpatient complication and mortality rates following acetabular fracture
Authors: Wier Julian , Firoozabadi Reza , Duong Andrew , Patterson Joseph T.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Underweight patients experience poor outcomes after elective orthopaedic procedures. The effect of underweight body mass index (BMI) on complications after acetabular fracture is not well-described. We evaluate if underweight status is associated with inpatient complications after acetabular fractures.

Methods

Adult patients (≥ 18 years) presenting with acetabular fracture between 2015 and 2019 were identified from Trauma Quality Program data. Adjusted odds (aOR) of any inpatient complication or mortality were compared between patients with underweight BMI (< 18.5 kg/m2) and normal BMI (18.5–25 kg/m2) using multivariable logistic regression and stratifying by age ≥ 65 years.

Results

The 1299 underweight patients aged ≥ 65 years compared to 11,629 normal weight patients experienced a 1.2-times and 2.7-times greater aOR of any complication (38.6% vs. 36.6%, p = 0.010) and inpatient mortality (7.9% vs. 4.2%, p < 0.001), respectively. The 1688 underweight patients aged 18–64 years compared to 24,762 normal weight patients experienced a 1.2-times and 1.5-times greater aOR of any inpatient complication (38.9% vs. 34.8%, aOR p = 0.006) and inpatient mortality (4.1% vs. 2.5%, p < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusion

Underweight adult patients with acetabular fracture are at increased risk for inpatient complications and mortality, particularly those ≥ 65 years old.

Level of Evidence

Prognostic Level III.