bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative investigation on the Young's modulus of ultrathin amorphous PS films attached to different substrates
Authors: Xu Wanlin , Gong Manli , Hao Mingliang , Mao Lu , He Suqin , Huang Miaoming , Liu Wentao , Li Haimei , Liu Hao
Published: February 2024

In this work, a method combining nanomechanical characterization and finite element analysis (FEA) was applied to reveal the influence mechanism and quantify the effects of the substrate on the mechanical properties of the ultrathin polystyrene (PS) film. SiOx, polylactic acid (PLA), and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), respectively, were chosen as the substrate. Results show that PS film exhibits a Young's modulus that is completely different from that of the bulk when the thickness is lower than the end‐to‐end distance of PS, and the value is directly related to the substrate to which the film is attached. The equivalent Young's moduli of the 20 nm PS films attached to SiOx, PLA, and PDMS substrates are 4.9, 3.4, and 1.0 GPa, respectively, which is positively correlated with the Young's modulus of the substrates. It suggests that the substrate has non‐negligible and important influences on the mechanical properties of supported polymer ultrathin films. The results provide new insight into the unique physical properties of polymer ultrathin films and favor the design of polymer‐based nanodevices.
Ambrosia grayi as a new alien causal species in Israel: plant biology and chemical management
Authors: Neta Danielle , Abu‐Nassar Jackline , Cafri Daniella , Ezra Nadav , David Izhak , Shtein Ilana , Goldway Martin , Eizenberg Hanan , Matzrafi Maor
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Ambrosia grayi is a perennial weed native to northern Mexico, which can also be found in the Great Plains of the US. Outside the Americas, A. grayi has only been documented in Israel, where it is currently categorized as a casual species at advanced eradication stages. Here, we studied the plant biology and chemical weed management options of A. grayi.

RESULTS

Only large achenes of A. grayi (~5% of all achenes) contain seeds; moreover, the viability of seeds extracted from large achenes was ~25%. Examination of plant anatomy revealed that underground vegetative segments show an anatomical structure of stems (rhizomes) with anomalous secondary growth. The optimal (night/day) temperature for the emergence of A. grayi rhizomes was 20/30 °C, and the emergence rate increased under elevated temperatures. Emergence may occur at different soil moisture content (25–60%); rhizomes were able to emerge even after 1 month of drought conditions (20%, 25% and 30%). Herbicide combinations, such as fluroxypyr + glufosinate, fluroxypyr + glyphosate, and glyphosate + saflufenacil + surfactant, were tested under quarantine conditions and showed high efficacy for the control of A. grayi. However, the efficiency of these treatments was highly correlated with plant growth stage.

CONCLUSION

In Israel, the spread of A. grayi occurs mainly via rhizomes that can emerge under a wide range of temperatures and soil moisture conditions. Data regarding herbicide efficacy will aid in improving the eradication efforts taken by Israel's Plant Protection and Inspection Services. © 2024 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
New Electron‐Transporting Materials Based on Pyrimidine and Thiazolopyridine Moieties for High‐Efficiency Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Park Sunwoo , Godi Mahendra , Khairnar Nikita , Kwon Hyukmin , Park Sangwook , Lee Hayoon , Lee Kiho , Park Jongwook
Published: February 2024

Using the pyrimidine moiety with electron‐accepting capability and the thiazolopyridine moiety, commonly used as a moiety with an electron‐withdrawing group in organic semiconductors, for the first time 2‐(3‐(4,6‐di(phenanthren‐9‐yl)pyrimidin‐2‐yl)phenyl)thiazolo[5,4‐b]pyridine (DPPTP) is designed and synthesized to enhance electron transport capabilities compared to the conventional electron‐transporting layer, tris(8‐hydroxyquinoline)aluminum (Alq3). The photoluminescence maxima in solution and film states are observed at 391 and 410 nm, respectively. Although the photoluminescence quantum yield is relatively low at 2% in the solution state, it increases to 28% in the film state. The measured electron mobility values from the fabricated device range from 1.46 × 10−5 to 2.0 × 10−5 cm2 V−1 s−1, ≈5.7 times faster than the electron mobility of Alq3. In a fluorescent blue device utilizing the newly synthesized DPPTP as the electron‐transporting layer, the current efficiency is 4.36 cd A−1, and the external quantum efficiency is 3.76%, representing a 1.3‐fold improvement in efficiency compared to Alq3 devices.
Influence of native rhizobacteria co‐inoculation and formulation of bacterial inoculants on the growth and yield of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Korir Hezekiah , Mungai Nancy W. , Wasike Victor W.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Incorporation of inoculum in different carrier materials may increase the efficacy of bacterial inocula.

Materials and Methods

Field experiments were conducted using two strains of rhizobium and phosphate‐solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and their respective combinations using different carrier materials in common bean‐growing regions in three soil types in Kenya. The field experiment was laid out in a split‐plot arrangement with the strain inoculations as the main plot while the subplots consisted of the carrier materials (filter mud, peat moss and yeast extract mannitol broth [YEMB]). Each main plot included two controls: uninoculated negative control and uninoculated controls that received N and P fertilizer. The experiment was conducted for two cropping seasons. Data were collected on the nodulation, shoot and root biomass and yield.

Results

Co‐inoculation of the common bean with Rhizobium phaseoli + Bacillus aryabhattai strains had significantly higher number of nodules (55 nodules per plant) compared to single R. phaseoli inoculation (38 nodules). The co‐inoculation of the rhizobia and the PSB yielded statistically at par with the application of diammonium phosphate (18:46:0) across the soil types and seasons. The use of filter mud as a carrier material led to a higher number of nodules for most of the rhizobia strains inoculation and their respective co‐inoculation with the bacillus strains. Significantly higher yield was obtained with the filter mud (1.64 Mg ha−1) while there was no significant difference in the yield of common bean between peat moss and YEMB as carrier materials for the bacterial strains.

Conclusion

The solid carrier material, specifically filter mud, showed potential for use in the formulation of inoculants. Specific co‐inoculation of rhizobia (R. phaseoli and Rhizobium pusense strains) and PSB (Paenibacillus polymyxa and B. aryabhattai) increased the growth, nodulation and yield of common bean more efficiently than the control.
Adaptive Thermal Management Radiative Cooling Smart Window with Perfect Near‐Infrared Shielding
Authors: Hu Lechuan , Wang Chengchao , Zhu Haojun , Zhou Yan , Li Haizeng , Liu Linhua , Ma Lanxin
Published: February 2024

The architectural window with spectrally selective features and radiative cooling is an effective way to save building energy consumption. However, architectural windows that combine both functions are currently based on micro‐nano photonic structures, which undoubtedly hinder their commercial application due to the complexity of manufacture. Herein, a novel tunable visible light transmittance radiative cooling smart window (TTRC smart window) with perfect near‐infrared (NIR) shielding ability is manufactured via a mass‐producible scraping method. TTRC smart window presents high luminous transmittance (Tlum = 56.8%), perfect NIR shielding (TNIR = 3.4%), bidirectional transparency adjustment ability unavailable in other transparent radiative coolers based on photonic structures (ΔTlum = 54.2%), and high emittance in the atmospheric window (over 94%). Outdoor measurements confirm that smart window can reduce 8.2 and 6.6 °C, respectively, compared to ordinary glass and indium tin oxide (ITO) glass. Moreover, TTRC smart window can save over 20% of annual energy in the tropics compared to ITO and ordinary glass. The simple preparation method employed in this work and the superior optical properties of the smart window have significantly broadened the scope of application of architectural windows and advanced the commercialization of architectural windows.
Enabling Uniform and Stable Lithium‐Ion Diffusion at the Ultrathin Artificial Solid‐Electrolyte Interface in Siloxene Anodes
Authors: Fang Tiantian , Liu Huibin , Luo Xinyu , Sun Mengru , Peng WenChao , Li Yang , Zhang Fengbao , Fan Xiaobin
Published: February 2024

Constructing a stable and robust solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) has a decisive influence on the charge/discharge kinetics of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), especially for silicon‐based anodes which generate repeated destruction and regeneration of unstable SEI films. Herein, a facile way is proposed to fabricate an artificial SEI layer composed of lithiophilic chitosan on the surface of two‐dimensional siloxene, which has aroused wide attention as an advanced anode for LIBs due to its special characteristics. The optimized chitosan‐modified siloxene anode exhibits an excellent reversible cyclic stability of about 672.6 mAh g−1 at a current density of 1000 mA g−1 after 200 cycles and 139.9 mAh g−1 at 6000 mA g−1 for 1200 cycles. Further investigation shows that a stable and LiF‐rich SEI film is formed and can effectively adhere to the surface during cycling, redistribute lithium‐ion flux, and enable a relatively homogenous lithium‐ion diffusion. This work provides constructive guidance for interface engineering strategy of nano‐structured silicon anodes.
Influence of Heat Moisture, Ultrasonication, and Gamma Irradiation on Pasting, Thermal, Morphological, and Physicochemical Properties of Indian Teff (Eragrostis tef) Starch
Authors: Sidhu Ramandeep Kaur , Riar Charanjit. S. , Singh Sukhcharn
Published: February 2024

The present work is conducted to study the effect of heat‐moisture treatment (HMT), ultrasonication (US), and gamma‐irradiation (GI) on various properties of teff starch. Starch is subjected to HMT at 28% moisture level, US at a frequency of 20 kHz for 30 and 60 min, and GI at 5 and 10 kGy. US has an increased swelling power (8.22–9.39 g g−1) and solubility (9.5–10.5%). Water binding and Oil binding capacity are improved in modified starches than native. The highest amylose content (24.94–25.24%) is observed in US than native (20.82%). Thermal characteristics show an increment in the modified teff starches with enthalpies varied from 2.30 to 3.81 J g−1. Significant differences in starch gel textural properties are identified. Similar outcomes for native and modified findings are seen in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra. X‐ray diffraction shows a similar X‐ray pattern with crystallinity decreases for HMT (28.07%) and gamma irradiated starches (30.21%) and increases for ultrasonicated samples (32.23%). The morphological changes in teff starch are observed after physical modification. All in all, significant improvements have been reported in modified teff starch, which not only increases its industrial application but also improves the utilization of teff grain globally.
Theoretical and Experimental Analysis on Liquid Metal Droplets Fiber Fabrication Via co‐Flow Microfluidic System
Authors: Gao Xu , Wang Wei
Published: February 2024

In this work, liquid metal was introduced into a simple co‐flow microfluidic system, and we successfully fabricated the liquid metal droplets fiber by solidifying the continuous phase. The law of liquid metal droplet generation was discussed by theoretical analysis, simulations and experiment results, which is a critical guidance for fabricating liquid metal droplets fibers with various parameters. The liquid metal droplets can be selectively exposed to the air during the dehydration process of the continuous phase. In this way, fibers with different morphologies were fabricated, including symmetric mode and asymmetric mode. These kinds of fibers are easily fabricated in large quantities and can be potentially used in water transportation, fog harvesting, soft robots, etc. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Acute hepatic rupture causing hemoperitoneum in a dog with anaphylaxis
Authors: Padmanabhan Ashok , Smith M. Ryan , Wurlod Virginie , Menk Pinto Lima Jose Cesar , Del Piero Fabio
Published: February 2024

A 2‐year‐old spayed female Siberian Husky was presented with a history of acute onset lethargy, collapse, haematochezia and vomiting. The patient was severely tachycardic and hypotensive. Point‐of‐care ultrasound revealed gallbladder wall thickening and peritoneal effusion consistent with haemorrhage on subsequent abdominocentesis. Despite attempted medical stabilization over the course of several hours, including blood products and multiple autotransfusions, the patient progressed to cardiopulmonary arrest. The dog was successfully resuscitated but was subsequently euthanized. Necropsy revealed a severe, acute hemoperitoneum secondary to rupture of the left lateral liver lobe. A tear in the hepatic capsule was identified along with a large hematoma. A single adult nematode, consistent with Dirofilaria immitis, was found in a pulmonary vessel in the right caudal lung lobe. The remaining necropsy findings were supportive of the clinical diagnosis of anaphylaxis. This report details a case, with necropsy findings, supporting a diagnosis of anaphylaxis and severe, refractory hemoperitoneum resulting from hepatic rupture. Acute hepatic rupture should be considered in cases of anaphylaxis‐related hemoperitoneum.
Coagulation as an effective method for cyanobacterial bloom control: A review
Authors: Yang Xian , Wang Shulian , Pi Kewu , Ge Hongmei , Zhang Shuo , Gerson Andrea R.
Published: February 2024

Eutrophication, the over‐enrichment with nutrients, for example, nitrogen and phosphorus, of ponds, reservoirs and lakes, is an urgent water quality issue. The most notorious symptom of eutrophication is a massive proliferation of cyanobacteria, which cause aquatic organism death, impair ecosystem and harm human health. The method considered to be most effective to counteract eutrophication is to reduce external nutrient inputs. However, merely controlling external nutrient load is insufficient to mitigate eutrophication. Consequently, a rapid diminishing of cyanobacterial blooms is relied on in‐lake intervention, which may encompass a great variety of different approaches. Coagulation/flocculation is the most used and important water purification unit. Since cyanobacterial cells generally carry negative charges, coagulants are added to water to neutralize the negative charges on the surface of cyanobacteria, causing them to destabilize and precipitate. Most of cyanobacteria and their metabolites can be removed simultaneously. However, when cyanobacterial density is high, sticky secretions distribute outside cells because of the small size of cyanobacteria. The sticky secretions are easily to form complex colloids with coagulants, making it difficult for cyanobacteria to destabilize and resulting in unsatisfactory treatment effects of coagulation on cyanobacteria. Therefore, various coagulants and coagulation methods were developed. In this paper, the focus is on the coagulation of cyanobacteria as a promising tool to manage eutrophication. Basic principles, applications, pros and cons of chemical, physical and biological coagulation are reviewed. In addition, the application of coagulation in water treatment is discussed. It is the aim of this review article to provide a significant reference for large‐scale governance of cyanobacterial blooms.

Practitioner Points

Flocculation was a promising tool for controlling cyanobacteria blooms.

Basic principles of four kinds of flocculation methods were elucidated.

Flocculant was important in the flocculation process.
Requisite Variety and Simple Institutional Virtues
Authors: Braithwaite John
Published: February 2024

Regulators achieve more if they learn to collaborate with one another at being cosmopolitan. Regulators can use national enforcement threats to demand global compliance improvements under the shadow of the axe of deferred prosecutions. Early detection and early response are imperative with fast-moving risks. Principles for a dialectics of requisite variety are: (a) Prune and strengthen rules; (b) Transform jurisprudence so fundamental principles justify rules, yet trump rules; (c) Shift away from automaticity of enforcement of rules, algorithmic or human, to a restorative diplomacy of rule enforcement of peace agreements, environmental stewardship, virus containment, and stewardship of financial systems; rally behind front-line workers of crisis-prevention institutions before burnout spreads.
Rapid Cascades, Coupled Crises
Authors: Braithwaite John
Published: February 2024

Improved peacemaking, and step by step progress toward abolition of Weapons of Mass Destruction helps prevent environmental, pandemic, and financial catastrophes. Across four kinds of crises first prioritize simple principles and simple institutions that prevent coupled catastrophes from cascading one to the other. The next step is to pursue requisite variety in responses by diagnosing dialectically when additional interventions will and will not add value for crisis control. Societies can refine slow-food cooking of crisis response plans. A slow-food approach to growing simple institutions can be iteratively responsive to complexity. This is so when institutions are designed for capability to scale up during crises, to be generative, and to be evidence-based learning institutions that gradually accumulate wisdom to confront complexity.
Containing China: Containing Temporarily
Authors: Braithwaite John
Published: February 2024

Permanent containment of crisis risks is good, permanent containment of states dangerous. Only temporary containment of states works, and only when combined with ongoing dialogue on what states must do to get containment lifted. Temporary re-containment of Russia makes sense at the time of writing because it wages a war of aggression in Ukraine. Likewise with Myanmar’s military junta until it restores democracy, releases elected members of parliament, ends the Rohingya genocide, and ceases waging war on its own people.
Institutions to Manage Threats
Authors: Braithwaite John
Published: February 2024

A sequenced architecture of commitment can be a good way to strengthen peace agreements and confidence-building. Late twentieth-century drivers of declining armed conflict can be reenergized for future declines. Single thin reeds of war prevention snap, yet they work when local and international society invests to bind them together in a fabric of multidimensional peacebuilding. Just as market manipulators have progressively learnt new ways to game markets, over time democracy manipulators learnt how to game democracy. The best way to win elections became to misgovern. Earlier in democracy’s evolution, the best way to win elections was to govern well. Democracy’s virtues can be retrieved by investing in checks and balances that temper domination.
Containing Deadly Systems
Authors: Braithwaite John
Published: February 2024

Forest preservation and planting are vital to climate restoration, war and epidemic prevention, and therefore to financial crisis prevention. Regional organizations like ASEAN avoid the historic pitfalls of European alliance structures that induced world wars. Nuclear weapons-free zones can be expanded. Treaty diplomacy is needed toward guardrails among great powers on the use of AI in warfare and cyber-attacks that cross red lines. Track II diplomacy options exist for great powers to persuade nuclear weapon states like Pakistan on why it is in their interests to dismantle Pakistan’s nuclear weapons. Maximally large, temporary coalitions of states can reveal an escalating responsive regulatory pyramid that invokes chokepoint trade sanctions and conventional military action by many states as a last resort that never needs to be used.
Geometrizing the partial entanglement entropy: from PEE threads to bit threads
Authors: Lin Jiong , Lu Yizhou , Wen Qiang
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We give a scheme to geometrize the partial entanglement entropy (PEE) for holographic CFT in the context of AdS/CFT. More explicitly, given a point x we geometrize the two-point PEEs between x and any other points in terms of the bulk geodesics connecting these two points. We refer to these geodesics as the PEE threads, which can be naturally regarded as the integral curves of a divergenceless vector field $$ {V}_{\textbf{x}}^{\mu } $$

V
x
μ

, which we call PEE thread flow. The norm of $$ {V}_{\textbf{x}}^{\mu } $$

V
x
μ

that characterizes the density of the PEE threads can be determined by some physical requirements of the PEE. We show that, for any static interval or spherical region A, a unique bit thread configuration can be generated from the PEE thread configuration determined by the state. Hence, the non-intrinsic bit threads are emergent from the intrinsic PEE threads. For static disconnected intervals, the vector fields describing a divergenceless flow is no longer suitable to reproduce the RT formula. We weight a PEE thread with the number of times it intersects with any homologous surface. Instead, the RT formula is perfectly reformulated by the minimization of the summation of PEE threads with all possible assignment of weights.
Quantitative aspects on the ill-posedness of the Prandtl and hyperbolic Prandtl equations
Authors: De Anna Francesco , Kortum Joshua , Scrobogna Stefano
Published: February 2024

We address the Prandtl equations and a physically meaningful extension known as hyperbolic Prandtl equations. For the extension, we show that the linearised model around a non-monotonic shear flow is ill-posed in any Sobolev spaces. Indeed, shortly in time, we generate solutions that experience a dispersion relation of order $$\root 3 \of {k}$$

k
3

in the frequencies of the tangential direction, akin the pioneering result of Gérard-Varet, D., Dormy, E.: On the ill-posedness of the Prandtl equation. J. Am. Math. Soc., 23(2), 591–609 (2010) for Prandtl (where the dispersion was of order $$\sqrt{k}$$

k

). We emphasise, however, that this growth rate does not imply (a-priori) ill-posedness in Gevrey-class m, with $$m>3$$

m
>
3

. We relate these aspects to the original Prandtl equations in Gevrey-class m, with $$m>2$$

m
>
2

: We show that the result in Gérard-Varet, D., Dormy, E.: On the ill-posedness of the Prandtl equation. J. Am. Math. Soc., 23(2), 591–609 (2010) determines a dispersion relation of order $$\sqrt{k}$$

k

for a short time proportional to $$\ln (\sqrt{k})/\sqrt{k}$$

ln

(

k

)

/

k

. Therefore, the ill-posedness in Gérard-Varet, D., Dormy, E.: On the ill-posedness of the Prandtl equation. J. Am. Math. Soc., 23(2), 591–609 (2010) in its generality is momentarily constrained to Sobolev spaces rather than extending to the Gevrey classes.
Stochastic diffusion within expanding space–time
Authors: Broadbridge Philip , Donhauzer Illia , Olenko Andriy
Published: February 2024

The paper examines stochastic diffusion within an expanding space–time framework motivated by cosmological applications. Contrary to other results in the literature, for the considered general stochastic model, the expansion of space–time leads to a class of stochastic equations with non-constant coefficients that evolve with the expansion factor. The Cauchy problem with random initial conditions is posed and investigated. The exact solution to a stochastic diffusion equation on the expanding sphere is derived. Various probabilistic properties of the solution are studied, including its dependence structure, evolution of the angular power spectrum and local properties of the solution and its approximations by finite truncations. The paper also characterizes the extremal behaviour of the random solution by establishing upper bounds on the probabilities of large deviations. Numerical studies are carried out to illustrate the obtained theoretical results.
VDR, CXCR1, CXCR2, PSCA Polymorphisms and Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Women: Genetic Association Study
Authors: Sarker Paulomi , Pereira Glaucia Miranda Varella , Khullar Vik , Yu Jiakun , Cartwright Rufus
Published: February 2024

Introduction and hypothesis

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common human infections. Evidence suggests that there might be a genetic predisposition to UTI. Previous small candidate gene studies have suggested that common variants in genes involved in the immune response to UTI could increase susceptibility to the development of recurrent UTI (rUTI). The objective was to conduct a gene association study to replicate previous gene association studies identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) putatively associated with rUTI in adult women.

Methods

Women with a history of rUTI and healthy controls were recruited (n = 1,008) from gynaecology outpatient clinics. Participants completed a signed consent form and questionnaire for phenotyping. DNA was extracted from blood or saliva samples for each participant. Putative associated SNPs were identified from a comprehensive systematic review of prior gene association studies. Primers for each selected SNP were designed, and genotyping was conducted using a competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. The Chi-squared test was used to assess the association between each variant and rUTI. Genotyping quality was assessed by checking for deviation from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium.

Results

We found no association between SNPs tested in the VDR (p = 0.16, p = 0.09, p = 0.36), CXCR1 (p = 0.09), CXCR2 (p = 0.39), PSCA (p = 0.74) genes, and rUTI in adult women.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the largest study to date, finding no significant associations. Previously reported positive associations may have been due to type 1 error, or genotyping errors. Future studies should adjust for confounders and employ adequate sample sizes. A greater understanding of the genetic components associated with rUTI may influence future treatment guidelines and screening for susceptible patients.
Asymptotic expansions for partitions generated by infinite products
Authors: Bridges Walter , Brindle Benjamin , Bringmann Kathrin , Franke Johann
Published: February 2024

Recently, Debruyne and Tenenbaum proved asymptotic formulas for the number of partitions with parts in $$\Lambda \subset {\mathbb {N}}$$

Λ
⊂
N

($$\gcd (\Lambda )=1$$

gcd
(
Λ
)
=
1

) and good analytic properties of the corresponding zeta function, generalizing work of Meinardus. In this paper, we extend their work to prove asymptotic formulas if $$\Lambda $$
Λ
is a multiset of integers and the zeta function has multiple poles. In particular, our results imply an asymptotic formula for the number of irreducible representations of degree n of $${\mathfrak {so}{(5)}}$$

so

(
5
)

. We also study the Witten zeta function $$\zeta _{{\mathfrak {so}{(5)}}}$$

ζ

so

(
5
)

, which is of independent interest.
Quaternionic slice regularity beyond slice domains
Authors: Ghiloni Riccardo , Stoppato Caterina
Published: February 2024

After Gentili and Struppa introduced in 2006 the theory of quaternionic slice regular functions, the theory has focused on functions on the so-called slice domains. The present work defines the class of speared domains, which is a rather broad extension of the class of slice domains, and proves that the theory is extremely interesting on speared domains. A Semi-global Extension Theorem and a Semi-global Representation Formula are proven for slice regular functions on speared domains: they generalize and strengthen some known local properties of slice regular functions on slice domains. A proper subclass of speared domains, called hinged domains, is defined and studied in detail. For slice regular functions on a hinged domain, a Global Extension Theorem and a Global Representation Formula are proven. The new results are based on a novel approach: one can associate to each slice regular function $$f:\Omega \rightarrow {\mathbb {H}}$$

f
:
Ω
→
H

a family of holomorphic stem functions and a family of induced slice regular functions. As we tighten the hypotheses on $$\Omega $$
Ω
(from an arbitrary quaternionic domain to a speared domain, to a hinged domain), these families represent f better and better and allow to prove increasingly stronger results.
A randomized operator splitting scheme inspired by stochastic optimization methods
Authors: Eisenmann Monika , Stillfjord Tony
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we combine the operator splitting methodology for abstract evolution equations with that of stochastic methods for large-scale optimization problems. The combination results in a randomized splitting scheme, which in a given time step does not necessarily use all the parts of the split operator. This is in contrast to deterministic splitting schemes which always use every part at least once, and often several times. As a result, the computational cost can be significantly decreased in comparison to such methods. We rigorously define a randomized operator splitting scheme in an abstract setting and provide an error analysis where we prove that the temporal convergence order of the scheme is at least 1/2. We illustrate the theory by numerical experiments on both linear and quasilinear diffusion problems, using a randomized domain decomposition approach. We conclude that choosing the randomization in certain ways may improve the order to 1. This is as accurate as applying e.g. backward (implicit) Euler to the full problem, without splitting.
Impact of Larval Food Source on the Stability of the Bactrocera dorsalis Microbiome
Authors: Kempraj Vivek , Auth Jean , Cha Dong H. , Mason Charles J.
Published: February 2024

Bacterial symbionts are crucial to the biology of Bactrocera dorsalis. With larval diet (fruit host) being a key factor that determines microbiome composition and with B. dorsalis using more than 400 fruits as hosts, it is unclear if certain bacterial symbionts are preserved and are passed on to B. dorsalis progenies despite changes in larval diet. Here, we conducted a fly rearing experiment to characterize diet-induced changes in the microbiome of female B. dorsalis. In order to explicitly investigate the impacts of larval diet on the microbiome, including potential stable bacterial constituents of B. dorsalis, we performed 16S rRNA sequencing on the gut tissues of teneral female flies reared from four different host fruits (guava, mango, papaya, and rose apple) infested using a single cohort of wild B. dorsalis that emerged from tropical almond (mother flies). Although B. dorsalis-associated microbiota were predominantly shaped by the larval diet, some major bacterial species from the mother flies were retained in progenies raised on different larval diets. With some variation, Klebsiella (ASV 1 and 2), Morganella (ASV 3), and Providencia (ASV 6) were the major bacterial symbionts that were stable and made up 0.1–80% of the gut and ovipositor microbiome of female teneral flies reared on different host fruits. Our results suggest that certain groups of bacteria are stably associated with female B. dorsalis across larval diets. These findings provide a basis for unexplored research on symbiotic bacterial function in B. dorsalis and may aid in the development of novel management techniques against this devastating pest of horticultural importance.
Correlation study on microbial communities and volatile flavor compounds in cigar tobacco leaves of diverse origins
Authors: Wang Haiqing , Guo Dongfeng , Zhang Mingzhu , Wu Guanglong , Shi Yaqi , Zhou Jinglong , Ding Naihong , Chen Xiangsong , Li Xingjiang
Published: February 2024

To elucidate the significant influence of microorganisms on geographically dependent flavor formation by analyzing microbial communities and volatile flavor compounds (VFCs) in cigar tobacco leaves (CTLs) obtained from China, Dominica, and Indonesia. Microbiome analysis revealed that the predominant bacteria in CTLs were Staphylococcus, Aerococcus, Pseudomonas, and Lactobacillus, while the predominant fungi were Aspergillus, Wallemia, and Sampaiozyma. The microbial communities of CTLs from different origins differed to some extent, and the diversity and abundance of bacteria were greater than fungi. Metabolomic analysis revealed that 64 VFCs were identified, mainly ketones, of which 23 VFCs could be utilized to identify the geographical origins of CTLs. Sixteen VFCs with OAV greater than 1, including cedrol, phenylacetaldehyde, damascone, beta-damascone, and beta-ionone, play important roles in shaping the flavor profile of CTLs from different origins. Combined with the correlation analysis, bacterial microorganisms were more closely related to key VFCs and favored a positive correlation. Bacillus, Vibrio, and Sphingomonas were the main flavor-related bacteria. The study demonstrated that the predominant microorganisms were essential for the formation of key flavor qualities in CTLs, which provided a theoretical reference for flavor control of CTLs by microbial technology.

Key points

• It is the high OAV VFCs that determine the flavor profile of CTLs.

• The methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway and the carotenoid synthesis pathway are key metabolic pathways for the formation of VFCs in CTLs.

• Microbial interactions influence tobacco flavor, with bacterial microorganisms contributing more to the flavor formation of CTLs.

Graphical Abstract
Characterization and immunological effect of outer membrane vesicles from Pasteurella multocida on macrophages
Authors: Sun Jiaying , Huang Yee , Li Xuefeng , Xu Xiangfei , Cui Xuemei , Hao Fangjiao , Ji Quanan , Chen Chun , Bao Guolian , Liu Yan
Published: February 2024

Pasteurella multocida is an important bacterial pathogen that can cause diseases in both animals and humans. Its elevated morbidity and mortality rates in animals result in substantial economic repercussions within the livestock industry. The prevention of diseases caused by P. multocida through immunization is impeded by the absence of a safe and effective vaccine. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) secreted from the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria are spherical vesicular structures that encompass an array of periplasmic components in conjunction with a diverse assortment of lipids and proteins. These vesicles can induce antibacterial immune responses within the host. P. multocida has been shown to produce OMVs. Nonetheless, the precise characteristics and immunomodulatory functions of P. multocida OMVs have not been fully elucidated. In this study, OMVs were isolated from P. multocida using an ultrafiltration concentration technique, and their morphology, protein constitution, and immunomodulatory properties in RAW264.7 cells were studied. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) revealed that the OMVs exhibited typical spherical and bilayered lipid vesicular architecture, exhibiting an average diameter of approximately 147.5 nm. The yield of OMVs was 2.6 × 1011 particles/mL. Proteomic analysis revealed a high abundance of membrane-associated proteins within P. multocida OMVs, with the capability to instigate the host’s immune response. Furthermore, OMVs stimulated the proliferation and cellular uptake of macrophages and triggered the secretion of cytokines, such as TNF-ɑ, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and TGF-β1. Consequently, our results indicated that OMVs from P. multocida could directly interact with macrophages and regulate their immune function in vitro. These results supported the prospective applicability of P. multocida OMVs as a platform in the context of vaccine development.

Key points

• Preparation and characterization of P. multocida OMVs.

• P. multocida OMVs possess a range of antigens and lipoproteins associated with the activation of the immune system.

• P. multocida OMVs can activate the proliferation, internalization, and cytokine secretion of macrophages in vitro.
A type III polyketide synthase cluster in the phylum Planctomycetota is involved in alkylresorcinol biosynthesis
Authors: Milke Lars , Kabuu Moses , Zschoche Renè , Gätgens Jochem , Krumbach Karin , Carlstedt Kim-Loreen , Wurzbacher Carmen E. , Balluff Sven , Beemelmanns Christine , Jogler Christian , Marienhagen Jan , Kallscheuer Nicolai
Published: February 2024

Members of the bacterial phylum Planctomycetota have recently emerged as promising and for the most part untapped sources of novel bioactive compounds. The characterization of more than 100 novel species in the last decade stimulated recent bioprospection studies that start to unveil the chemical repertoire of the phylum. In this study, we performed systematic bioinformatic analyses based on the genomes of all 131 described members of the current phylum focusing on the identification of type III polyketide synthase (PKS) genes. Type III PKSs are versatile enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of a wide array of structurally diverse natural products with potent biological activities. We identified 96 putative type III PKS genes of which 58 are encoded in an operon with genes encoding a putative oxidoreductase and a methyltransferase. Sequence similarities on protein level and the genetic organization of the operon point towards a functional link to the structurally related hierridins recently discovered in picocyanobacteria. The heterologous expression of planctomycetal type III PKS genes from strains belonging to different families in an engineered Corynebacterium glutamicum strain led to the biosynthesis of pentadecyl- and heptadecylresorcinols. Phenotypic assays performed with the heterologous producer strains and a constructed type III PKS gene deletion mutant suggest that the natural function of the identified compounds differs from that confirmed in other bacterial alkylresorcinol producers.

Key points

• Planctomycetal type III polyketide synthases synthesize long-chain alkylresorcinols.

• Phylogenetic analyses suggest an ecological link to picocyanobacterial hierridins.

• Engineered C. glutamicum is suitable for an expression of planctomycete-derived genes.
Functional and radiological outcomes of periacetabular osteotomy for hip dysplasia in patients under fifty years using a minimally invasive approach—a single surgeon series with a minimum follow up of two years
Authors: Sunil Kumar Karadi Hari , Bhargava Kartik , Stamp Gregory , Malviya Ajay
Published: February 2024

Purpose

We conducted a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data to evaluate (1) the extent of surgical correction following minimally invasive periacetabular osteotomy, (2) improvements in functional outcomes and any potential predictors for favourable outcome, and (3) complications after minimally invasive periacetabular osteotomy.

Methods

A total of 352 minimally invasive periacetabular osteotomy procedures were performed on 312 hip dysplasia patients between 2013 and 2020. Radiological parameters such as lateral centre edge angle, acetabular index, and Tönnis grade of arthritis were calculated. Patients also completed a range of patient reported outcome measures. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were performed to assess for differences between patient reported outcome measures and radiological outcomes across the follow-up periods. Univariate linear regression and logistic regression were used to assess for predictors of change in functional outcome.

Results

Patients had a significant correction in mean lateral centre edge angle from 17.2° to 35.3° (p < 0.001) and mean acetabular index from 13.2° to − 0.82°. At one year follow-up all patient reported outcome measures were significantly greater than their baseline measurements and this improvement was maintained at two years. Changes in patient reported outcome measures were independent of radiological parameters such as change in the lateral centre edge angle and acetabular index, pre-operative Tönnis grade, and patient factors such as age and sex. A total of 5.11% of patients developed post-operative complications, with four requiring posterior column fixation. Four patients (1.12%) needed a total hip replacement.

Conclusion

Minimally invasive periacetabular osteotomy is a safe procedure that provides significant functional outcome improvements following surgery at six months which is maintained at two years. More than three-fourths of patients achieved improvement of iHOT-12 score beyond the minimal clinically important difference and more than half of the patients achieved substantial clinical benefit for iHOT-12 score.
Juvenile octocorals acquire similar algal symbiont assemblages across depths
Authors: Liberman Ronen , Voolstra Christian R. , Hume Benjamin C. C. , Benayahu Yehuda
Published: February 2024

Establishment of the coral–algal symbiosis begins during early ontogeny when juveniles acquire a mix of algae from their environment that often differs from the adults’ algal assemblages. Despite the importance of the type of Symbiodiniaceae to this symbiosis, it is largely unknown how coral host identity and environment affect symbiosis establishment and is affected by the genetic composition of the symbionts. Here, we reciprocally transplanted planulae of the octocoral Rhytisma fulvum (Forskål, 1775) across depths and monitored the algal assemblages in the developing juveniles for 11 months. We then compared these to adult assemblages using ITS2 metabarcoding. Juveniles were consistently dominated by Symbiodinium, in addition to multiple Cladocopium species, which shifted in dominance with the juvenile age but maintained high similarity across depths. The type of Symbiodiniaceae environmentally available thus likely contributes to the algal symbionts that are initially acquired, while host identity may play a significant role in selecting for symbionts that are maintained during juvenile development.
Optimal Rates of Approximation by Shallow ReLU$$^k$$ Neural Networks and Applications to Nonparametric Regression
Authors: Yang Yunfei , Zhou Ding-Xuan
Published: February 2024

We study the approximation capacity of some variation spaces corresponding to shallow ReLU$$^k$$

k

neural networks. It is shown that sufficiently smooth functions are contained in these spaces with finite variation norms. For functions with less smoothness, the approximation rates in terms of the variation norm are established. Using these results, we are able to prove the optimal approximation rates in terms of the number of neurons for shallow ReLU$$^k$$

k

neural networks. It is also shown how these results can be used to derive approximation bounds for deep neural networks and convolutional neural networks (CNNs). As applications, we study convergence rates for nonparametric regression using three ReLU neural network models: shallow neural network, over-parameterized neural network, and CNN. In particular, we show that shallow neural networks can achieve the minimax optimal rates for learning Hölder functions, which complements recent results for deep neural networks. It is also proven that over-parameterized (deep or shallow) neural networks can achieve nearly optimal rates for nonparametric regression.
Open airway surgery for post-COVID laryngotracheal stenosis
Authors: Nisa Lluís , Leroyer Hajdi , Sandu Kishore
Published: February 2024

Introduction

This study reports our experience with open reconstructive surgery in patients with laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) following prolonged intubation and/or tracheostomy in the context of COVID-19.

Methods

All patients underwent a preoperative endoscopic airway assessment. Posterior glottic lesions were graded according to the Bogdasarian classification, subglottic-tracheal lesions according to the Cotton-Myers classification and postoperative complications reported by the Clavien–Dindo classification. We report postoperative outcomes and functional results in this patient subset.

Results

We include 14 patients diagnosed to have post COVID LTS, one female and 13 males. This group was compared with a control group, diagnosed with LTS following prolonged intubation. In the COVID group, mean age of patients at the time of the airway surgery was 52.1 ± 16.8 years (range: 13.7–76.3). More than half the patients were multi-morbid with hypertension and obesity being the most common conditions. Eleven patients had multi-site stenoses. Open surgical interventions performed were tracheal resection and anastomosis, laryngotracheal reconstruction and extended cricotracheal resection, and postoperative complications were seen in 12 (85.6%) patients. 70% patients with pre-existing tracheostomy were decannulated. Oral swallowing was not tolerated in one-fifth of the patients and a significant number of them have poor voice quality.

Conclusion

Post-COVID pandemic, airway surgeons are seeing an increased number of patients with complex LTS, and we report significant postoperative complications in this patient subset. Decannulation rates, voice and swallowing results are poor in patients with glottic involvement as compared to isolated tracheal stenosis.
Fluids and body composition during anesthesia in children and adolescents: A pilot study
Authors: Betti Céline , Busi Ilaria , Cortesi Cinzia , Anselmi Luciano , Mendoza-Sagaon Mario , Simonetti Giacomo D.
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the intracellular and extracellular volume before and after anesthesia in order to ascertain their variations and determine the potential utility of this information in optimizing intraoperative fluid administration practices. A bioimpedance spectroscopy device (body composition monitor, BCM) was used to measure total body fluid volume, extracellular volume, and intracellular volume. BCM measurements were performed before and after general anesthesia in unselected healthy children and adolescents visiting the Pediatric Institute of Southern Switzerland for low-risk surgical procedures hydrated with an isotonic solution. In 100 children and adolescents aged 7.0 (4.8–11) years (median and interquartile range), the average total body water increased perioperatively with a delta value of 182 (0–383) mL/m2 from pre- to postoperatively, as well as the extracellular water content, which had a similar increase with a delta value of 169 (19–307) mL/m2. The changes in total body water and extracellular water content significantly correlated with the amount of fluids administered. The intracellular water content did not significantly change. 

  Conclusion: Intraoperative administration of isotonic solutions results in a significant fluid accumulation in low-risk schoolchildren during general anesthesia. The results suggest that children without major health problems undergoing short procedures do not need any perioperative intravenous fluid therapy, because they are allowed to take clear fluids up to 1 h prior anesthesia. In future studies, the use of BCM measurements has the potential to be valuable in guiding intraoperative fluid therapy.

What is Known:• Most children who undergo common surgical interventions or investigations requiring anesthesia are nowadays hydrated at a rate of 1700 mL/m2/day with an isotonic solution.• The use bioimpedance spectroscopy for the assessment of fluid status in healthy children has already been successfully validated.• The bioimpedance spectroscopy is already currently widely used in various nephrological settings to calculate fluid overload and determine patient’s optimal fluid status.

What is New:• Routine intraoperative fluid administration results in a significant fluid accumulation during general anesthesia in low-risk surgical procedures.• This observation might be relevant for children and adolescents with conditions predisposing to fluid retention.• In future studies, the use of BCM measurements has the potential to be valuable in guiding intraoperative fluid therapy.