bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unpacking the European Commission: Cabinet Composition and EU Policy‐Making
Authors: Daniel William T. , Hurka Steffen
Published: September 2024

We examine bureaucratic politics within the European Commission, using novel data on the backgrounds of individual members of Commissioners' cabinets. Although cabinet composition has become increasingly regulated in recent decades, its selection remains a key area for personalised political appointments within an organisation more commonly known for its collective responsibility and lack of individual influence. Using data on the personal and professional backgrounds of cabinet members since the first Barroso Commission, we trace how administrative reforms meant primarily to ‘de‐nationalise’ the selection of appointees have led to changes in cabinet composition. We then explore how cabinet composition impacts on the complexity of Commission proposals and its subsequent inter‐institutional negotiations. We find that whilst more diversity of Commission cabinets clearly enhances the input legitimacy of the EU's legislative process, it neither benefits nor threatens the quality of the Commission's policy proposals or how they are processed politically.
Efficacy and safety of RS plus bevacizumab versus RS plus fruquintinib as the third‐line therapy in patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer: A real‐world propensity score matching study
Authors: Zhou Yuwen , Xu Qian , Wang Jialing , Leng Wei‐Bing , Cao Peng , Chen Ye , Luo De‐Yun , Qiu Meng , Liu Jiyan
Published: September 2024

Background

This study aims to compare the effectiveness and safety of the combination of raltitrexed, S‐1 (RS), and fruquintinib with the combination of RS and bevacizumab in patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

Methods

This retrospective cohort included mCRC patients who received the RS plus fruquintinib or regorafenib as the third‐line therapy from May 2019 to April 2023. A propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was used to balance the baseline characteristics of all patients. Overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS), tumor response, and safety of the two regimens were evaluated.

Results

Of the 153 patients enrolled, 123 patients received the RS plus bevacizumab and 30 patients received the RS plus fruquintinib. After PSM, 30 pairs were analyzed. Patients treated with RS plus fruquintinib had a longer PFS than those treated with RS plus bevacizumab before PSM (5.0 months vs. 4.3 months, p = 0.008) and after PSM (5.0 months vs. 4.4 months, p = 0.012). A longer OS was also observed in RS plus fruquintinib group before PSM and after PSM, but there was no statistic difference between two groups after PSM. Both objective response rate and disease control rate were higher in the RS plus fruquintinib cohort than those in the RS plus bevacizumab cohort before PSM, and the difference in values between the two groups reduced after PSM. The adverse effects (AEs) of both groups were well tolerated.

Conclusion

In patients with refractory mCRC, RS plus fruquintinib demonstrated a superior OS, PFS than RS plus bevacizumab and had manageable AEs.
Dentoskeletal changes of long‐term oral appliance treatment in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Yanlong , Alhozgi Abdalgader I. , Almeida Fernanda R.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the dental and skeletal effects of the long‐term oral appliance (OA) treatment in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and provide insights for clinicians in treatment planning and decision‐making for OSA patients undergoing OA treatment.

Materials and Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted in major databases up to April 2024. Studies were included if they assessed long‐term OA treatment (≥6 months) in adults with OSA using any type of mandibular advancement device (MADs) or tongue retaining device (TRD). Dental and skeletal changes, measured by dental cast and cephalometric analysis, were the primary outcomes.

Results

A total of 42 studies were included in the systematic review, with 23 included in the meta‐analysis. Long‐term OA treatment was associated with a significant decrease in overbite (0.87 mm, 95% CI: 0.69–1.05) and overjet (0.86 mm, 95% CI: 0.69–1.03). Subgroup analyses showed the decrease of overbite and overjet progressively changed over the years intervals. There was a significant retroclination of the upper incisors (U1‐SN, 2.58°, 95% CI: 1.07–4.08) and proclination of the lower incisors (L1‐MP, ‐2.67° (95% CI: ‐3.78–1.56). Skeletal changes were not significant.

Conclusion

Overbite and overjet gradually decreased in the long‐term OA treatment, which might predominantly result from the retroclination of the upper incisors and the proclination of the lower incisors. The skeletal patterns in the anteroposterior and vertical direction might remain relatively stable over time. There was a tendency for the clockwise rotation of the mandible.
Levels of matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1), MMP‐2, MMP‐3, osteopontin, pentraxin‐3, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin in crevicular fluid samples from peri‐implantitis, periodontitis, and healthy sites
Authors: Jansson Leif , Lundmark Anna , Modin Carolina , Gustafsson Anders , Yucel‐Lindberg Tülay
Published: September 2024

Aim

Periodontitis and peri‐implantitis are chronic inflammatory diseases characterized by the destruction of supporting tissues. Despite some similarities, it is essential to understand the differences in how these diseases elicit unique host responses within the oral tissues, including the production of selected matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and inflammatory mediators involved in tissue remodelling. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of proteolytic enzymes MMP‐1, MMP‐2, MMP‐3, as well as the inflammatory mediators osteopontin (OPN), pentraxin‐3 (PTX3), and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) in crevicular fluid samples collected from healthy, periodontitis‐affected, and peri‐implantitis sites.

Methods

Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and peri‐implant crevicular fluid (PICF) samples were collected from healthy and diseased teeth and implant sites of 163 patients. The MMP‐1, MMP‐2, MMP‐3, OPN, PTX3, and TSLP levels were determined using commercially available immunoassays. A linear mixed model procedure was adopted for multilevel analyses, using biomarker levels as the outcome variable to compare two types of sites. The diagnostic accuracy of the biomarkers was evaluated by Youden's index to estimate the sensitivity, specificity and the area under curve (AUC).

Results

The levels of MMP‐1, MMP‐2, MMP‐3, OPN, and TSLP were higher at sites with periodontitis and peri‐implantitis compared to the levels at sites with healthy teeth and healthy implants. No significant differences were observed in the levels of the measured markers between the sites diagnosed with periodontitis and those diagnosed with peri‐implantitis. The highest diagnostic potential at implant sites was found for MMP‐2 (AUC = 0.74) and TSLP (AUC = 0.72). The highest AUC (0.82) at tooth sites was found for OPN.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that the proteolytic enzyme MMP‐2 and the cytokine TSLP might be potential biomarkers for both periodontitis and peri‐implantitis, whereas the proinflammatory cytokine OPN may serve as a biomarker for periodontitis. Further studies are required to confirm the utility of these biomarkers and explore their potential clinical applications.
Predictability of sleep in insomnia: sleep patterns of patients from a sleep psychology clinic
Authors: Laroche Dave , Ivers Hans , Bastien Celyne H. , Vallières Annie
Published: September 2024

The present study aims at identifying sleep patterns in insomnia in a clinical sample using three strategies to define poor nights. Sleep diaries and self‐reported questionnaires were collected from 77 clinical patients with insomnia. The conditional probabilities of observing a poor night after 1, 2, or 3 consecutive poor nights were computed according to three strategies with same criteria for sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset, and sleep efficiency, but varying criterion for total sleep time. Latent profile analyses were conducted to derive sleep patterns. Uni‐ and multivariate analyses were conducted to characterise the sleep patterns identified. A total of 1586 nights were analysed. The strategy used significantly influenced the average percentage of reported poor nights. Two to three sleep patterns were derived per strategy. Within each strategy, sleep patterns differed from each other on sleep variables and night‐to‐night variability. Results suggest the existence of sleep patterns in insomnia among individuals consulting in psychological clinics. Adding a total sleep time of 6‐h cut‐off as a criterion to define poor nights increases the accuracy of the strategy to define poor night and allows to identify sleep patterns of poor nights in insomnia.
Testing for a bubble with a stochastically varying explosive coefficient
Authors: Kurozumi Eiji , Nishi Mikihito
Published: September 2024

In this article, we test for a bubble in a model with a random explosive autoregressive coefficient. We consider two local alternatives and find that versions of recursive stochastic unit root tests are more powerful when facing a randomly explosive process than the recursive right‐tailed ADF tests, whereas the latter performs better in a model with a non‐stochastic coefficient. We then propose the union of rejections strategy using the recursive right‐tailed ADF and stochastic unit root tests. We examine the finite sample properties of the proposed tests using Monte Carlo simulations and observe that the test based on the union of rejections strategy is the second‐best, and its power is close to the best one in most cases.
Observed and expected reliability of echocardiographic volumetric methods and critical change values for quantification of mitral regurgitant fraction in dogs
Authors: Loughran Kerry A. , Kraus Marc S. , Achilles Erin J. , Huh Terry , Larouche‐Lebel Éva , Massey Laura K. , Gelzer Anna R. , Oyama Mark A.
Published: September 2024

Background

Reliability of echocardiographic calculations for stroke volume and mitral regurgitant fraction (RFMR) are affected by observer variability and lack of a gold standard. Variability is used to calculate critical change values (CCVs) that are thresholds representing real change in a measure not associated with observer variability.

Hypothesis

Observed intra‐ and interobserver accuracy and variability in healthy dogs help model CCV for RFMR.

Animals

Reliability cohort of 34 healthy dogs; allometric scaling cohort of 99 dogs with heart disease and 25 healthy dogs.

Methods

Accuracy, variability, and CCV of 2 observers using geometric and flow‐based echocardiography were prospectively compared against a standard of RFMR = 0% and extrapolated across a range of expected RFMR values in the reliability cohort partly derived from cardiac dimensions predicted by the allometric cohort.

Results

Accuracy of methods to determine RFMR in descending order was 4‐chamber bullet (Bullet4CH), mitral inflow, cube formula, and Simpson's method of disks. Intraobserver variability was relatively high. The CCV for RFMR ranged from 28% to 88% and was inversely related to RFMR when extrapolated for use in affected dogs. For both observers, the Bullet4CH method had the lowest intraobserver CCV (Operator 1:28%, Operator 2:41%). Interobserver strength of agreement was low with intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.210 to 0.413.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Echocardiographic volumetric methods used to calculate stroke volume and RFMR have low accuracy and high variability in healthy dogs. Extrapolation of observed CCV to a range of expected RFMR suggests observers and methods are not interchangeable and variability might hinder routine clinical usage. Individual observers should be aware of their own variability and CCV.
Pathology of IgA nephropathy: A global perspective
Authors: Roberts Ian S. D.
Published: September 2024

Worldwide adoption of the Oxford Classification of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) has enabled comparison of pathology data from clinicopathological studies in different regions of the world. It is apparent that the frequency of Oxford Classification MEST‐C scores shows geographic variations. These in part reflect differences in the stage of disease at diagnosis, criteria for performing biopsies and inclusion in clinical studies, and pathologist reporting practice. However, there appears to be a true geographic difference in the frequency of glomerular inflammation and crescents with a 2–3 fold greater proportion of patients showing these changes in East Asia when compared to Europe and North America. This indicates that the pathology of IgAN is influenced by genetic background. Geographic differences in the pathology of IgAN might underly the reported differences in clinical presentation and outcome in different regions of the world, and has important implications for clinical trials and patient management.
B cell targeting in IgA nephropathy
Authors: Suzuki Yusuke
Published: September 2024

The “multi‐hit theory/4‐hit theory” pathogenesis hypothesis is widely accepted and IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is understood to be a disease originating from Hit 1, galactose deficient IgA1 (GdIgA1). The chronic repetitive activation of the complement pathway (alternative and lectin pathways) and the subsequent inflammation results in progressive glomerular damage that spills over into increased intraglomerular pressure and other hemodynamic changes, increased urinary protein, glomerulosclerosis, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. The basic pathophysiology of this disease is the progression of a mixture of such acute and chronic pathologies. Currently, a number of new drugs has emerged as promising agents, such as complement regulators, endothelin receptor antagonists, and SGLT2 inhibitors, which are associated with each pathological step after glomerular deposition of GdIgA1/immune complexes. On the other hand, the molecular mechanisms of GdIgA1 production are gradually being elucidated, and the development of several novel therapeutic agents targeting the responsible B cells and their international clinical trials are progressing. These agents that inhibit or control the production of the Hit1, GdIgA1, are highly expected as essential therapies for this disease.

The large body of clinical and basic research findings to date strongly suggest that nephritogenic GdIgA1 is a polymeric IgA1 of mucosal origin. In addition, the B cells involved in its nephritogenic GdIgA1 production are mainly differentiated mature B cells such as plasma cells, which may migrate to the bone marrow as well as the mucosa. The innate immune system in the mucosa, especially Toll‐like receptors (TLRs), is thought to be involved in their production. Among TLRs, TLT9 and TLR7, which recognize bacterial and viral unmethylated DNA and RNA, have been reported to be involved. The mucosal activation of these TLRs is associated with the production of APRIL (A Proliferation Inducing Ligand) and BAFF (B cell activating factor), which are TNF superfamily cytokines involved in B cell maturation, survival, and IgA class switching, and may also be involved in the production of nephritogenic GdIgA1. It is still inconclusive whether APRIL or BAFF is more closely involved in the production of nephritogenic GdIgA1. Phenotypes in transgenic animal models suggest BAFF involvement, however, a genome wide association study (GWAS) analysis of human IgAN has identified APRIL, not BAFF, as a candidate gene.

Based on the above background, several international clinical trials are underway for drugs such as TLR regulators (hydroxychloroquine), anti‐APRIL drugs, anti‐BAFF drugs, APRIL/BAFF receptor (TACI) binding inhibitors, and cytoreductive drugs (proteasome inhibitors, anti‐CD38 antibodies) to inhibit nephritogenic GdIgA1 production in responsible B cells.

This session will provide an overview of the responsible B cells, their GdIgA1 production mechanism, and ongoing drugs.
First patient diagnosed with lipoprotein glomerulopathy and Alport syndrome
Authors: Yang Lianlian , Yang Guang , Guo Hui
Published: September 2024

Alport syndrome (AS) is one of the most common inherited kidney disorders, involving pathogenic variants of COL4A3, COL4A4 and COL4A5 genes that lead to disruption of the normal structure of collagen IV protein through improper chain or heterotrimer folding or degradation of heterotrimer components. Lipoprotein glomerulopathy (LPG) is an autosomal dominant disease involving APOE gene mutations disturbing lipoprotein metabolism. We report the first case with both AS and LPG in an 11‐year‐old girl. The patient presented with blepharedema, and decreased vision. Laboratory examinations showed hematemesis, proteinuria, hypoproteinemia, hyperlipidemia and progressive renal failure. Renal biopsy showed the changes of LPG and AS. Whole‐exome sequencing (WES) identified two pathogenic variants, c.127C > T in exon 3 of APOE gene, and c.930 + 1G > A in exon 15 of COL4A4 gene. We emphasize the importance of early completion of renal biopsy and WES for early diagnosis of LPG and AS.
An inquiry into the radial patterning of root hair cell distribution in eudicots
Authors: Lee Kyeonghoon , Hyun Jin‐Oh , Cho Hyung‐Taeg
Published: September 2024

The root epidermis of tracheophytes consists of hair‐forming cells (HCs) and nonhair cells (NCs). The HC distribution pattern is classified into three types: random (Type I), vertically alternating (Type II), and radial (Type III). Type III is found only in core eudicots and is known to be position‐dependent in superrosids with HCs positioned between two underlying cortical cells. However, the evolution of Type III and the universality of its position dependency in eudicots remain unclear.

We surveyed the HC distribution in basal and Type III‐exhibiting core eudicots and conducted genomic analyses to get insight into whether eudicots share the same genetic network to establish Type III.

Our survey revealed no canonical Type III in basal eudicots but a reverse Type III, with NCs between two cortical cells and HCs on a single cortical cell, in Papaveraceae of basal eudicots. Type III‐exhibiting species from both superrosids and superasterids showed the canonical position dependency of HCs. However, some key components for Type III determination were absent in the genomes of Papaveraceae and Type III‐exhibiting superasterids.

Our findings identify a novel position‐dependent type of HC patterning, reverse Type III, and suggest that Type III emerged independently or diversified during eudicot evolution.
Natural selection on floral volatiles and other traits can change with snowmelt timing and summer precipitation
Authors: Powers John M. , Briggs Heather M. , Campbell Diane R.
Published: September 2024

Climate change is disrupting floral traits that mediate mutualistic and antagonistic species interactions. Plastic responses of these traits to multiple shifting conditions may be adaptive, depending on natural selection in new environments.

We manipulated snowmelt date over three seasons (3–11 d earlier) in factorial combination with growing‐season precipitation (normal, halved, or doubled) to measure plastic responses of volatile emissions and other floral traits in Ipomopsis aggregata. We quantified how precipitation and early snowmelt affected selection on traits by seed predators and pollinators.

Within years, floral emissions did not respond to precipitation treatments but shifted with snowmelt treatment depending on the year. Across 3 yr, emissions correlated with both precipitation and snowmelt date. These effects were driven by changes in soil moisture. Selection on several traits changed with earlier snowmelt or reduced precipitation, in some cases driven by predispersal seed predation. Floral trait plasticity was not generally adaptive.

Floral volatile emissions shifted in the face of two effects of climate change, and the new environments modulated selection imposed by interacting species. The complexity of the responses underscores the need for more studies of how climate change will affect floral volatiles and other floral traits.
Broadening the study of morality in multiparty settings through a novel dictionary translation and validation methodology
Authors: Husson Clara , Palma Nicola
Published: September 2024

Individuals' exposure to morality elicits instantaneous intuitions and influences personal behavior without rational thought or reasoning. Despite our increasing knowledge about the ideology‐driven use of morality in bipartisan systems, we lack a good understanding, on the one hand, of political actors' use of moral appeals in multiparty settings and, on the other hand, of what incentives besides ideology lead political actors to strategically use morality. To fill this gap, we examine parties' use of moral appeals applying newly translated versions of the Moral Foundations Dictionary (MFD) into four languages (French, German, Italian, and Spanish) to party manifestos. Our analysis focuses on 31 elections in nine European multiparty systems over the last two decades. Our findings suggest that the use of morality is ideology‐driven for some moral foundations, whereas some other moral domains are being used by political actors according to an issue‐dependent logic. From a methodological perspective, this article proposes (i) a fully reproducible semi‐automatic translation procedure and (ii) an innovative time‐ and resource‐efficient dictionary validation methodology based on formally translated documents.
Embodied suffering: Uncovering the illness experiences of patients with severe psoriasis
Authors: Lee Lin‐Lin , Huo An‐Ping , Chen Shu‐Ling
Published: September 2024

Background

The visibility of skin lesions significantly burdens people with psoriasis, leading to social hostility and numerous emotional and psychological problems. These issues adversely affect self‐esteem, can result in chronic mental health challenges and cause numerous life problems. This study aimed to explore patients' long‐term experiences with severe psoriasis.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted with 20 patients with psoriasis (PASI ≥12) recruited from general and specialist dermatology practices in a regional teaching hospital in Taiwan. Interviews lasted 60–90 min and data were analysed using content analysis.

Findings

A core theme emerged: ‘Embodied suffering—life worse than death’. This overarching concept comprised three interrelated themes: (i) Experiencing physical suffering, (ii) Experiencing psychological suffering and (iii) Experiencing the stigma of suffering.

Conclusion

This study highlights the holistic nature of suffering among individuals with severe psoriasis. It emphasises the need for healthcare professionals to consider the entirety of a patient's circumstances when addressing their suffering.
The Effects of the COVID‐19 Pandemic on School‐to‐School Transitions. A Study of Lower Secondary School Graduates
Authors: Ravn Rasmus Lind
Published: September 2024

The outbreak of the COVID‐19 pandemic in early 2020 caused serious concern about the potential negative effects on children and young people. In Denmark, policymakers and interest organizations worried that insecurity about the future and the multiple lockdowns of society would harm the well‐being of children and young people and their school‐to‐school transitions. The COVID‐19 pandemic and the ensuing lockdowns of society can be regarded as a naturally occurring experiment. We utilise this abrupt exogenous shock to investigate whether the COVID‐19 pandemic affected the share of Danish 9th‐grade pupils who start an education after the 9th grade. Cohorts graduating from the 9th grade before 2020 were unaffected by the pandemic in their school‐to‐school transitions and constitute a suitable control group to explore the causal effects of the pandemic. To this end, we use registered data with information about the total population of 9th‐grade cohorts from 2018 to 2022. To adjust for the minor observable differences between cohorts, we employ augmented inverse probability weighting (AIPW), taking into account a multitude of covariates relevant for school‐to‐school transitions. We find that the COVID‐19 pandemic reduced the transition rate to education overall, but the largest reduction is in relation to starting upper secondary education. Our results indicate that the pandemic led young people to opt for types of education that entail a more social or recreational aspect before moving on to secondary education. Furthermore, effect sizes vary according to socio‐economic status, and our results suggest increased educational inequality.
A “gullwing sign” on magnetic resonance imaging of extradural spinal tumors in dogs and cats allows prioritization of round cell neoplasia
Authors: Monto Tom , Hecht Silke , Auger Mylène , Springer Cary M.
Published: September 2024

Extradural neoplasms are the most common spinal tumors in small animals. A bilobed appearance of ventral extradural spinal lesions (“gullwing sign”) on MRI has been described with various conditions. The objective of this retrospective study was to determine if a “gullwing sign” is more common with certain types of extradural tumors. MRI studies of dogs and cats with extradural spinal neoplasms were reviewed for the presence of a “gullwing sign”. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate a possible relationship between tumor class and the presence of a “gullwing sign”. Sixty‐six cases were included (5 epithelial, 31 mesenchymal, 4 neuroendocrine, and 26 round cell tumors). A “gullwing sign” was identified in 12 of 66 cases (18.2%) and was significantly more common with round cell neoplasia than other tumor types (P < .001; OR = 28.6, 95% CI [3.4, 241.1]). This information may aid radiologists in prioritizing differential diagnoses for extradural tumors in small animals.
Prognostic Tools for Small Cracks in Structures
Authors: McDowell D. L. , Neu R. W. , Qu J. , Saxena A.
Published: September 2024

An integrated system for diagnosis of the “health” of a structural component subjected to high cycle fatigue (HCF) consists of sets of embedded or emplaced sensors at various locations, extracting information related to generation of material defects, presence of crack-like discontinuities and their progression, and changes of system dynamics which may relate to this progression. Conceptually, signals from these sensors are fed into a processing environment that can ascertain deleterious conditions related to the onset of loss of function or propagation of cracks to critical dimensions. Since the idea is to monitor the gradual changes of component performance and various local related indices before catastrophic failure to enable the operator to respond with a maintenance hold, it is essential to couple the diagnostics with prognostic capability; this facilitates a prediction of how much time remains within the window of viable servicing or repair.

In the HCF regime, the dominant fraction of total fatigue life may be spent at crack lengths on the order of 20 to 500 μm. The detection of longer cracks near the end of component life is critical since component failure may lead to failure of the overall structure. This necessitates the identification of (i) finite-element algorithms for identifying component “hot spots” where failure is likely to occur, (ii) development of appropriate crack growth laws for cracks of different length scales, ranging from on the order of grain size to on the order of component dimensions, including consideration of contacting components (fretting fatigue) and environmental effects, and (iii) development of algorithms for identifying the progression of component degradation based on multiple sensor inputs at different time and length scales, providing feedback to support cause for maintenance shutdown. This paper discusses related work underway in the Structural Fatigue Task within a Department of Defense University Research Initiative (M-URI) on Integrated Diagnostics at Georgia Tech, monitored by the Office of Naval Research.
MEMS for Integrated Diagnostic Applications
Authors: Polla D. , Francis L. , Robbins W. , Harjani R.
Published: September 2024

Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) technology is currently being applied to the structural health monitoring of critical aircraft components. The approach integrates acoustic emission (AE) and vibration monitoring devices with signal processing electronics to provide real-time indicators of incipient failure of aircraft (helicopter) components with a known history of catastrophic failure due to fracture. This paper describes MEMS-based sensor development, piezoelectric microsensor design and fabrication, and signal processing approaches directed toward the realization of inexpensive, multiple, MEMS-based integrated diagnostics “coupons”. Initial feasibility data are presented.
A Real Time Adaptive Control Algorithm for a VVVF Hydraulic Elevator Using Neural Nets
Authors: Yang Huayong , Yang Jiangang , Zhang Jianmin , Sha Daohang
Published: September 2024

An adaptive algorithm of neural nets with a special perturbation for a real time velocity control system of a VVVF hydraulic elevator has been proposed in this paper. The weight vector of neural network is adoptively adjusted by the LMS with the perturbation, so it is not necessary to know the nonlinear continuous function of the system controlled. The nonlinear velocity control system is considered as the controller output function in an adaptive controller model. The experimental results obtained from the VVVF hydraulic elevator have shown that the neural nets controller using the perturbation algorithm proposed are much stronger in stability and faster in dynamic response compared with the conventional PID controller.
Experimental Implementation of a Neural Simulator
Authors: Ping Xu , Burton Rich , Sargent Colin
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the use of neural networks to identify transient responses of a nonlinear system, with a long term objective of developing neural simulators of actual systems that are to be incorporated into simulation packages. The study focuses on the experimental work of modeling a hydraulic had sensing pump using an established neural net approach. An experimental system is designed and constructed with particular attention to the design and generation of sufficiently rich input signals. The data sampled at an appropriately chosen sampling rate from the testing of the load sensing pump dynamics are used to train and validate the neural models. The study carefully examines the problems and constraints (not revealed by theoretical or simulation studies) imposed by the actual experimental system The modeling results with two neural model configurations are presented in this paper and establishes, from a practical point of view, the potential of the neural network approach to modeling a real hydraulic component. In addition, it is shown that the training accuracy and the error accumulation are the two most critical factors in examining and interpreting the overall modeling accuracy.
Dynamic Simulation of a Large Hydraulic Capsule Pipeline System
Authors: Du Hongliu , Nair Satish S.
Published: September 2024

A booster station in a long distance hydraulic capsule pipeline is simulated mathematically to study the hydraulic transients caused by the periodic closing and opening of the valves present in the pipeline design (Du and Nair, 1995, 1996). The Method of Characteristics is used for the dynamic simulation studies, performed to help design and size part of the booster station subsystem. Several modifications to the pump bypass station configuration of the booster station have been studied. Under the criterion of eliminating column separation and reducing flow reversals, a configuration with several centrifugal pumps connected in series, and a carefully sized air chamber are found to be optimal. A valve stroking method is designed to eliminate column separation and the design results in an acceptable flow reversal in the main pipe. The simulation results match in general behavioral terms with limited experimental studies performed on a small scale experimental capsule pipeline system.
Modeling and Comparative Investigation of a TriTec Power Unit
Authors: Raghibizadeh S. , Kapps A. , Goldenberg A. A. , Tsang E. , Rowe J. A. , Timm M. E.
Published: September 2024

This paper presents the results of comparative analyses between the TriTec Power Unit and a typical crank type air motor based on their mathematical models. The comparative analyses showed that the efficiency of the TriTec Power Unit is superior to that of a comparable conventional crank type motor. A representative value for the improvement in efficiency is 50%. A number of case studies have been considered in our investigation in order to assess performance of the motors under various combinations of working conditions that may occur in practice. In all of the cases studied, the efficiency of the TriTec Power Unit has been superior to that of the crank type motor.
Measurement of the Dynamic Properties of Hose Walls Required for Modelling Fluid-Borne Noise
Authors: Longmore Derek K. , Johnston D. Nigel , Drew Joanne E.
Published: September 2024

Methods are presented and examined for obtaining the dynamic material properties of a hose wall under realistic conditions. The properties have been used in mathematical models of fluid filled hoses with and without tuners inside in order to calculate pressure ripple in hydraulic circuits and to seek to minimise the associated noise. The material properties are derived from measurements of an impedance matrix relating pressure and axial wall compression to flow and axial wall velocity at each end of the hose.
Reducing Shock Absorber Cavitation With Optimized Design by Using Numerical Modeling of Oil Flow
Authors: Herr Frank , Pipis John S.
Published: September 2024

A Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method was used to study the flow and cavitation phenomena in an automotive hydraulic damper / shock absorber. The single-phase cavitation models were employed in the simulation The models were validated and compared with experimental data before they were used in the evaluation of designs of shock absorbers. The single-phase constant fluid property model is able to identify the lower pressure regions where the cavitation might occur. This model over-predicts the size of the cavitation. The Single-phase varying fluid property model is able to predict the possible inception of cavitation or under which operating condition the cavitation occurs, and the locations of possible cavitation. Based on the information from the CFD analysis, an improved design was proposed and modeled by using CFD. The results showed that the cavitation regions were significantly reduced. It was shown that the single-phase CFD cavitation models can be used as predictive tools to help the optimization of automotive shock absolver design to reduce the cavitation and therefore minimize the air-bome noise.
Experimental and Numerical Study of Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Culture on Microcarriers in a Rotating-Wall Vessel
Authors: Qiu Q. , Ducheyne P. , Gao H. , Ayyaswamy P.
Published: September 2024

The morphology of 3-D rat marrow stromal cell cultures and the expression of bone-related markers were studied in a simulated microgravity environment. In addition, the differences in shear stress on the surface of microcarriers of different densities were calculated.

In the experiments, secondary rat marrow stromal cells were cultured on two types of microcarriers, Cytodex-3 beads and modified bioactive glass particles, in a high aspect rotating-wall vessel (HARV). Evaluation of cellular morphology by scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of 3-D multicellular aggregates consisting of multiple cell-covered Cytodex-3 microcarriers bridged together. Extracellular matrix and mineralization were observed in the aggregates. Using immunocytochemistry, confocal scanning microscopy, and antibodies for osteopontin and collagen type I, it was found that these bone-related proteins were strongly expressed in the 3-D cell culture. Using mathematical modeling, it was found that the shear stress at the microcarrier surface varied depending upon density difference between the culture medium and the microcarrier. At a given rotational speed and for a given culture medium, a larger density difference between the microcarrier and the culture medium (e.g., a modified bioactive glass particle) imparts a higher shear stress to the microcarrier surface. We also found variations of the maximum shear stress as a function of particle size at a given rotational speed and for a given culture medium. The numerical data may be used to optimize cell culture conditions in a simulated microgravity environment.
Mechanical Behaviors of Bolted Joints Under Tensile Loads
Authors: Sawa Toshiyuki
Published: September 2024

In designing a bolted joint, it is important to find the ratio of the increment of the axial bolt force to a load applied to an assembly, that is, the load factor. The formula proposed by Thum has been used in order to estimate the value of the load factor. Recently, it has been found that the value of the load factor varies with the position of load application to an assembly, and a method to compensate Thum’s formula was proposed. But, this compensation is based on experience and the theoretical basis is not made clear. In this paper, the concept of the tensile spring constant kpt for clamped parts is introduced when a load is applied to the outer circumference of clamped parts (hollow cylinders) and a method for estimating the value of the load factor is proposed by using kpt. The value of kpt is analyzed by using an axisymmetric theory of elasticity. For verification of the method, experiments were earned out to measure the load factor. A fairly good agreement is seen between the analytical and the experimental results. It is found that the value of the load factor decreases as the outer diameter of the hollow cylinder increases and the as thickness of the clamped parts decreases.
Disruption of the intestinal clock drives dysbiosis and impaired barrier function in colorectal cancer
Authors: Fellows Rachel C. , Chun Sung Kook , Larson Natalie , Fortin Bridget M. , Mahieu Alisa L. , Song Wei A. , Seldin Marcus M. , Pannunzio Nicholas R. , Masri Selma
Published: September 2024

Diet is a robust entrainment cue that regulates diurnal rhythms of the gut microbiome. We and others have shown that disruption of the circadian clock drives the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). While certain bacterial species have been suggested to play driver roles in CRC, it is unknown whether the intestinal clock impinges on the microbiome to accelerate CRC pathogenesis. To address this, genetic disruption of the circadian clock, in an
Apc-
driven mouse model of CRC, was used to define the impact on the gut microbiome. When clock disruption is combined with CRC, metagenomic sequencing identified dysregulation of many bacterial genera including
Bacteroides
,
Helicobacter
, and
Megasphaera.
We identify functional changes to microbial pathways including dysregulated nucleic acid, amino acid, and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as disruption of intestinal barrier function. Our findings suggest that clock disruption impinges on microbiota composition and intestinal permeability that may contribute to CRC pathogenesis.
Pregnancy enhances antiviral immunity independent of type I IFN but dependent on IL-17–producing γδ
+
T cells in the nasal mucosa
Authors: Chronopoulos Julia , Pernet Erwan , Tran Kim A. , McGovern Toby K. , Morozan Arina , Wang Sadie , Tsai Oscar , Makita Kosuke , Divangahi Maziar , Martin James G.
Published: September 2024

Pregnancy is associated with profound changes in immunity. However, pregnancy-related respiratory immune adaptations in response to influenza infection and their impact on disease severity remain unclear. Here, we describe, in a preclinical model of mid-gestation pregnancy, a mechanism of enhanced host defense against influenza A virus (IAV) localized to the nasal cavity that limits viral replication and reduces the magnitude of intrapulmonary immune responses. Consequently, the pregnant mice show reduced pulmonary pathology and preserved airway function after IAV infection. The early restriction of viral replication is independent of type I interferon (IFN) but dependent on increased antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) driven by interleukin-17
+
(IL-17
+
) γδ
+
T cells within the nasal passages. This pathway of host defense against IAV infection in the upper airways during pregnancy restricts early viral infection and prevents virus dissemination into the lung supporting maternal fitness.
Eliminating performance loss from perovskite films to solar cells
Authors: Luo Chao , Gao Feng , Wang Xianjin , Zhan Changling , Zhang Xianchen , Zheng Guanhaojie , Zhang Xusheng , Gao Xingyu , He Zhubing , Zhao Qing
Published: September 2024

Preoptimizing perovskite films may generally improve the performance of the final perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the research on whether the film optimization fully contributes to the enhancement of the final PSCs has been long neglected. We demonstrated that the preparation of metal electrodes by high-vacuum thermal evaporation, an unavoidable step in almost all device fabrication processes, will damage the surface of perovskite films, resulting in component escape, defect density rebound, carrier extraction barrier, and film stability deterioration. Therefore, the prepared perovskite film and the final film actually working in devices are not exactly the same, and the contribution of film optimization to the device improvement was weakened. We designed a bilayer structure composed of graphene oxide and graphite flakes to eliminate the unwanted film inconsistencies and thus save the film optimization loss. Therefore, the efficient PSCs with power conversion efficiency of 25.55% were obtained, which demonstrated negligible photovoltaic performance loss after operating for 2000 hours.
HDAC3 integrates TGF-β and microbial cues to program tuft cell biogenesis and diurnal rhythms in mucosal immune surveillance
Authors: Zhang Jianglin , Wang Guoxun , Ma Junjie , Duan Yiran , Sharma Samskrathi A. , Oladejo Sarah , Ma Xianda , Arellano Giselle , Orchard Robert C. , Reese Tiffany A. , Kuang Zheng
Published: September 2024

The intestinal mucosal surface is directly exposed to daily fluctuations in food and microbes driven by 24-hour light and feeding cycles. Intestinal epithelial tuft cells are key sentinels that surveil the gut luminal environment, but how these cells are diurnally programmed remains unknown. Here, we show that histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) controls tuft cell specification and the diurnal rhythm of its biogenesis, which is regulated by the gut microbiota and feeding schedule. Disruption of epithelial HDAC3 decreases tuft cell numbers, impairing antihelminth immunity and norovirus infection. Mechanistically, HDAC3 functions noncanonically to activate transforming growth factor–β (TGF-β) signaling, which promotes rhythmic expression of
Pou2f3
, a lineage-defining transcription factor of tuft cells. Our findings reveal an environmental-epigenetic link that controls the diurnal differentiation of tuft cells and promotes rhythmic mucosal surveillance and immune responses in anticipation of exogenous challenges.
Draft genome sequence of
Raoultella terrigena
strain Ech2A causing soft rot on sweet pepper (
Capsicum annuum
)
Authors: Sandoval-Gutiérrez J. , Cubero-Agüero D. , Brenes-Guillén L. , Galiano-Murillo F. , Vidaurre-Barahona D. , Uribe-Lorío L.
Published: September 2024

We report the draft genome sequence of
Raoultella terrigena
strain Ech2A causing soft rot on pepper. To verify pathogenicity, Koch’s postulates were performed on sweet pepper. Genes encoding pectinolytic enzymes were found in the genome.
Complete genome sequence of a potential new species
Vibrio
sp. NTOU-M3 isolated from hard clam,
Meretrix taiwanica,
in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Che-Chun , Lin Wei-Hsiang , Hsu Te-Hua , Ho Ying-Ning
Published: September 2024

Vibrio
sp. NTOU-
M3
is a potential new bacterium isolated from hard clam (
Meretrix taiwanica
) in the estuarine region of Taiwan. The complete sequences obtained using Oxford Nanopore Technologies and Illumina sequencing consist of a 3,272,438-bp large circular chromosome and a 1,584,497-bp small circular chromosome.
Detection response of the active components of the SciBar Cosmic Ray Telescope at Sierra Negra
Authors: Monterde-Andrade F. , González L. X. , Valdés-Galicia J. F. , Morales-Olivares O. G. , Sergeeva M. A. , Newton-Bosch J. , Ortiz E. , Hurtado A. , Taylor R. , Matsubara Y. , Sako T. , Itow Y. , Kawabata T. , Munakata K. , Kato C. , Hayashi Y. , Masuda Y. , Matsumoto M. , Takamaru H. , Shibata S. , Oshima A. , Koi T. , Kojima H. , Tsuchiya H. , Watanabe K. , Kozai M. , Nakamura Y.
Published: September 2024

The Scibar Cosmic-Ray Telescope (SciCRT) is the most promising detector of the Sierra Negra Cosmic Rays Observatory (SN-CRO). At this location, being a target and a tracker of secondary cosmic rays, the SciCRT offers a high probability of observing solar energetic particles and lower energy galactic cosmic rays (LEGCR); also, it allows the identification of incoming particles by measuring their energy deposition. In this work we present a Geant4-based simulation of the energy deposited by neutrons, $$\gamma $$
γ
-rays, protons, electrons and muons in the optimally running SciCRT components. We also calculated the detection efficiency of the SciCRT at its current state. Our simulation results provide new information about the SciCRT detection response that may be used as a basis to estimate and analyze the energy spectra of primary particles.
Gravitational lensing and shadow by a Schwarzschild-like black hole in metric-affine bumblebee gravity
Authors: Gao Xiao-Jun
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we investigate the gravitational lensing effect and the shadow around a Schwarzschild-like black hole in metric-affine bumblebee gravity, which leads to the Lorentz symmetry breaking. We first present a generalized formalism for calculating higher-order corrections to light weak bending angle in a static, spherically symmetric and not asymptotically flat spacetime, and then applying this general formalism to the metric-affine bumblebee gravity. Moreover, we derive the light deflection angle and the size of the Einstein ring within the weak field in this scenario. In addition, we analyze the black hole shadow in this theory framework. By using observational data from the Einstein’s ring of the galaxy ESO325-G004 and the black hole shadow of the $$\textrm{M}87$$

M
87

galaxy, we estimate the upper bounds of the Lorentz symmetry breaking coefficient $$\ell $$
ℓ
, respectively.