bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Breaking barriers toward a net‐zero economy
Authors: Gangadhari Rajan Kumar , Karadayi‐Usta Saliha , Lim Weng Marc
Published: December 2023

Following The Paris Agreement and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a significant number of nations globally have pledged to achieve net‐zero emissions by 2050. The goal is to lower emissions while emphasizing economically and socially sustainable practices. To meet these sustainable development targets, some countries have introduced industry‐specific roadmaps, showing how nations can systematically allocate resources to attain net zero, which includes balancing energy and production needs with existing energy sources. Such a transformation will inevitably encounter obstacles, particularly in reducing reliance on non‐renewable fuels and mitigating existing emissions. This study focuses on identifying these impediments to achieving a net‐zero economy. Utilizing the novel concept of plithogenic sets, the study examines the interdependent relationships among various barriers, providing insights into navigating these constraints. The findings reveal external, economic, and policy and framework obstacles and their subsequent impact on organizational and technological challenges that must be surmounted to reach net‐zero status.
Germline BRCA2 variant with low variant allele frequency detected in tumor‐only comprehensive genomic profiling
Authors: Hayashi Hideyuki , Kunimasa Kei , Tanishima Shigeki , Nakamura Kohei , Ishikawa Marin , Kato Yasutaka , Aimono Eriko , Kawano Ryutaro , Nishihara Hiroshi
Published: December 2023

Germline BRCA1/2 variants in comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) often exhibit variant allele frequency (VAF) exceeding 50%. However, when genomic loss occurs at the ipsilateral allele, including the germline variant in tumor cells, the VAF is low. This case report presents a patient with uterine sarcoma with a pathogenic BRCA2 mutation and low VAF in tumor‐only CGP, which was later identified as a germline variant. When genomic alterations in BRCA1/2 are identified in tumor‐only CGP, the possible germline origin of the variants should be considered, even if their VAF is very low.
A longitudinal examination of executive function abilities, attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and puberty in adolescence
Authors: Porter Blaire M. , Roe Mary Abbe , Mitchell Mackenzie E. , Church Jessica A.
Published: December 2023

Executive function (EF) abilities have been linked to numerous important life outcomes. We longitudinally characterized EF and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) trajectories across adolescence (initial ages 8–19). Utilizing 3 years of annual data in 99 youth collected between years 2016 and 2020 (70.7% White, 40 females), we examined how age, puberty, and ADHD symptom burden related to EF across time. Age and puberty levels interacted to predict EF such that older youth with higher puberty had lower EF. While EF and ADHD significantly predicted each other, cross‐lagged panel models revealed that earlier EF predicted later ADHD burden while controlling for baseline ADHD burden, but not vice versa. These findings inform our understanding of the dynamics between EF and mental health in adolescence.
STIC‐HD live flow technology in the antenatal diagnosis of scimitar syndrome: A case report
Authors: Chen Lin , Zhou Liu‐Ying , Yang Lin‐Hua , Xi Ji‐Mei , Chen De‐Xin
Published: December 2023

Scimitar syndrome (SS) is a rare entity with an incidence of approximately 1–3 in 200 000 people. It is typically characterized by complete or partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage from the right lung into the systemic venous circulation, most commonly the inferior vena cava (IVC). For the first time, we report the diagnosis of SS in a fetus in utero using four‐dimensional (4D) spatiotemporal image correlation combined with high‐definition live flow rendering mode (STIC‐HD live flow).
The monetary policy trilemma from the perspective of European integration
Authors: Tomat Gian Maria
Published: December 2023

Following the breakdown of the Bretton Woods agreement the international monetary system has operated based on floating exchange rate arrangements and free capital mobility. A most significant subsequent improvement has been the process of European monetary integration, from the institution of the European Monetary System to the Euro currency. The relationships between the short‐term interest rates of European Union (EU) countries and the United States suggest, that in the post‐Bretton Woods period the US dollar has held an important anchor currency role, while EU countries acquired considerable monetary policy independence. Further, the stronger relationships between the short‐term interest rates of EU countries and Germany may be viewed as a consequence of monetary unification. The econometric evidence provides important insights for the period following the adoption of the Euro, when European economies have in many instances been subject to heterogeneous shocks.
Diagnostic profiles and trauma history among treatment‐seeking young adults with positive post‐traumatic stress disorder screens: Findings and implications for public mental health care
Authors: Lu Weili , Srijeyanthan Jeganee , Siriram Amanda , Silverstein Steven M. , Yanos Philip T. , Mueser Kim T. , Gottlieb Jennifer D. , Marcello Stephanie , Kim Min J. , Zeiss Melissa
Published: December 2023

Objectives

This study examined diagnostic profiles and trauma history among treatment‐seeking young adults with positive PTSD screens in public mental health care.

Methods

Screening for trauma history and PTSD symptoms was implemented in a community mental health service system. 266 treatment‐seeking young adults (aged 18–35) endorsed trauma exposure with a score of at least 45 on the DSM‐IV PTSD Checklist, indicating probable PTSD.

Results

Young adults with positive PTSD screens were predominantly female, minority, and diagnosed with mood disorders. Of those with positive screens, only 15% had a chart diagnosis of PTSD; 17.3% (ages 18–24) versus 14.1% (ages 25–35). Variables significantly associated with a decreased likelihood of PTSD detection included a diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, exposure to fewer types of traumatic events, male gender, and white race.

Conclusion

Routine PTSD screening for young adults receiving public mental health care should be prioritized to address long‐term impacts of trauma.
Management strategies in persons with inherited haemophilia requiring antithrombotic therapy: A scoping review
Authors: Uminski Kelsey , Xu Yan , Zahrai Amin , Hodgson Amanda , Wang Tzu‐Fei , Duffett Lisa , Tinmouth Alan , Khalife Roy
Published: December 2023

Background

Thromboembolic events are increasingly reported in the aging haemophilia population. The purpose of this study was to understand current practices and identify knowledge and research gaps in the management of persons with haemophilia requiring antithrombotic therapy for cardiovascular disorders (CVD) or venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and Scopus for studies reporting on more than two patients with inherited haemophilia A or B, without inhibitors, requiring antithrombotic therapy for CVD or VTE. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers and analysed using descriptive statistics and narrative synthesis.

Results

We included 32 studies reporting on 432 persons with haemophilia. Three themes described the observed practice variation: (1) Difficulty weighing competing bleeding and thrombotic risks; (2) Tensions in providing standards of care and minimizing bleeding risk; (3) Advocacy for individualized strategies and multidisciplinary care. Different management strategies were used to treat persons with haemophilia in the setting of thromboembolic events, such as avoiding or choosing lower intensity antithrombotic therapy, or procedural alternatives to antithrombotic therapy. Initiation or alteration in haemostatic therapies along with antithrombotic therapy were common strategies and reported in 30 studies. However, data on target factor levels and bleeding and thrombotic events were largely missing.

Discussion

Our scoping review highlights unmet needs in the management of an aging population of persons with haemophilia with increasing prevalence of CVD and VTE. Management is inconsistent and divergent from those of non‐haemophilic patients. Prospective data are needed to inform optimal and evidence‐based management strategies of CVD and VTE in persons with haemophilia.
The effects of polysaccharides, organic acids and colloids on the stability of anthocyanin in purple corn
Authors: Pang Wen‐qian , Zhao Han , Li Da‐jing , Li Yue , Liu Chun‐ju , Yu Rui
Published: December 2023

Purple corn anthocyanins have rich nutritional value, but anthocyanins have low stability. The main objective of this study was to screen compounds from the common co‐pigments (polysaccharides, organic acids and colloids) that could improve the stability of anthocyanins and to investigate the effect of different co‐pigments on the stability of anthocyanins in purple corn during heat treatment. There were significant differences in copigmentation effects among different types of co‐pigments. The total anthocyanin retention rate of purple corn without co‐pigments was 15.02%. After copigmentation treatment with different compounds, among the polysaccharides, the total anthocyanin retention rates of 15% fructose and 15% glucose were 37.29% and 52.18% respectively. The copigmentation effects of monosaccharides were better than those of disaccharides, sugar alcohols and cyclodextrins. Among the organic acids, the six co‐pigments were all organic acids containing phenolic rings. The retention rates of anthocyanins were 71.47% and 68.21% for 0.06% tannic acid and 0.1% tartaric acid, respectively, indicating high copigmentation effects. The a* value of purple corn was significantly increased after these treatments, indicating that organic acids had stronger copigmentation effects than polysaccharides. In the colloids, the total anthocyanin retention rate of 2.0% pectin was 43.72%, while 0.5% guar gum had a retention rate of 9.82%. However, low concentrations of guar gum promoted the degradation of anthocyanins, indicating weak copigmentation effects for colloids.
Lipid profile in women of different ethnicity with gestational diabetes: Relationship with fetal growth
Authors: Dalfrà Maria Grazia , Burlina Silvia , Ragazzi Eugenio , Pastrolin Silvia , Sartore Giovanni , Lapolla Annunziata
Published: December 2023

Aims/Introduction

Pregnancy complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is characterized by excessive insulin resistance that impairs the metabolism of glucose and lipids. the aim of the study was to examine lipid profiles during pregnancy of women with GDM, and its impact on fetal growth in a multiethnic population.

Materials and Methods

The study included 322 pregnant women of different ethnicity with GDM attending a clinical unit specializing in metabolic diseases.

Results

The area under the curve for the 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test and glycated hemoglobin were significantly different among all groups. At the time of being diagnosed with GDM, Asian and African mothers had significantly lower levels of total and low‐density liprotein cholesterol than European mothers (P < 0.001). The trend for high‐density liprotein cholesterol was similar. Triglycerides levels in the Asian group (193.6 ± 65.5 mg/dL) were higher than in the African group (133.2 ± 49.6 mg/dL, P < 0.001), whereas the European group presented intermediate values (175.8 ± 58.8 mg/dL), which differed significantly only versus the African group (P < 0.001). Pre‐partum lipid profiles showed a trend quite similar to that observed at diagnosis. The newborn's birthweight was significantly different, with that of African women (3,437 ± 503 g) being the highest, followed by that of European women (3,294 ± 455 g) and of Asian women (3,006 ± 513 g). The rates of macrosomia showed a trend with higher values in the African group (13.5%), followed by the European group (5.7%, P = 0.1162), whereas that of the Asian group was zero (P = 0.0023 vs African).

Conclusions

Our data show that lipid profiles in women with GDM differ by ethnicity. The impact of lipid profile on fetal growth is limited and uninfluenced by ethnicity.
Which temperature matters? Effects of origin, rearing and test conditions on the chemical sensitivity of Pardosa amentata
Authors: Duque Tomás , Schäfer Ralf B. , Entling Martin H.
Published: December 2023

Spiders may be adversely affected by pesticides, yet they are not included in regulatory risk assessment and a related standard guideline to test their sensitivity to chemicals is lacking. Different laboratory setups, including test temperature and relative humidity, have been shown to influence the sensitivity of spiders. The climate from which spiders originate and the rearing conditions in the laboratory prior to ecotoxicological testing may also alter their sensitivity to chemicals, potentially in interaction with test conditions. We investigated the influence of population origin, rearing and test temperature on the chemical sensitivity of the spider Pardosa amentata towards lambda‐cyhalothrin. We collected female P. amentata carrying egg sacs from two climates, i.e., boreal and cool temperate. Spiders were kept in the laboratory and their offspring were reared and tested at 15, 20 and 25°C. Hatching of egg sacs largely failed at 15°C, while a moderate spiderling mortality (40%) was recorded at 20°C. At 25°C, mortality increased (63%) and a faster developmental rate was observed. Rearing and test temperature had no significant effects on spider chemical sensitivity. However, spider chemical sensitivity differed between populations, with spiders from boreal climate being 38% more sensitive than spiders from cool temperate climate. A higher sensitivity towards lambda‐cyhalothrin increases the risk of population reduction in treated areas, with potential alterations of ecosystem functions such as biological control. Our results suggest that the climatic origin of test organisms deserves stronger attention in ecotoxicological research.
Malaysian joint societies' consensus recommendations on diagnosis and management of disorders of esophagogastric junction outflow
Authors: Chuah Kee Huat , Ramasami Naveen , Mahendran Hans Alexander , Shanmuganathan Ganesananthan , Koleth Glenn George , Voon Kelvin , Gew Lai Teck , Jahit Mohammad Shukri , Lau Peng Choong , Muthukaruppan Raman , Said Rosaida Hj Md , Mahadeva Sanjiv , Ho Shiaw‐Hooi , Lim Shyang Yee , Tee Sze Chee , Siow Sze Li , Ooi Wei Keat , Lee Yeong Yeh
Published: December 2023

Disorders of esophagogastric junction (EGJ) outflow, including achalasia and EGJ outflow obstruction, are motility disorders characterized by inadequate relaxation of lower esophageal sphincter with or without impaired esophageal peristalsis. Current guidelines are technical and less practical in the Asia–Pacific region, and there are still massive challenges in timely diagnosis and managing these disorders effectively. Therefore, a Malaysian joint societies' task force has developed a consensus on disorders of EGJ outflow based on the latest evidence, while taking into consideration the practical relevance of local and regional context and resources. Twenty‐one statements were established after a series of meetings and extensive review of literatures. The Delphi method was used in the consensus voting process. This consensus focuses on the definition, diagnostic investigations, the aims of treatment outcome, non‐surgical or surgical treatment options, management of treatment failure or relapse, and the management of complications. This consensus advocates the use of high‐resolution esophageal manometry for diagnosis of disorders of EGJ outflow. Myotomy, via either endoscopy or laparoscopy, is the preferred treatment option, while pneumatic dilatation can serve as a secondary option. Evaluation and management of complications including post‐procedural reflux and cancer surveillance are recommended.
Differential contribution of language and executive functioning to verbal fluency performance in glioma patients
Authors: Collée Ellen , van den Berg Esther , Visch‐Brink Evy , Vincent Arnaud , Dirven Clemens , Satoer Djaina
Published: December 2023

Glioma patients often suffer from deficits in language and executive functioning. Performance in verbal fluency (generating words within one minute according to a semantic category–category fluency, or given letter–letter fluency) is typically impaired in this patient group. While both language and executive functioning play a role in verbal fluency, the relative contribution of both domains remains unclear. We aim to retrospectively investigate glioma patients' performance on verbal and nonverbal fluency and to explore the influence of language and executive functioning on verbal fluency. Sixty‐nine adults with gliomas in eloquent areas underwent a neuropsychological test battery (verbal fluency, nonverbal fluency, language, and executive functioning tests) before surgery (T1) and a subgroup of 31 patients also at three (T2) and twelve months (T3) after surgery. Preoperatively, patients were impaired in all verbal fluency tasks and dissociations were found based on tumour location. In contrast, nonverbal fluency was intact. Different language and executive functioning tests predicted performance on category fluency animals and letter fluency, while no significant predictors for category fluency professions were found. The longitudinal results indicated that category fluency professions deteriorated after surgery (T1–T2, T1–T3) and that nonverbal fluency improved after surgery (T1–T3, T2–T3). Verbal fluency performance can provide information on different possible underlying deficits in language and executive functioning in glioma patients, depending on verbal fluency task selection. Efficient task (order) selection can be based on complexity. Category fluency professions can be selected to detect more permanent long‐term deficits.
Clinical significance of rapid detection and diagnosis of Listeria infection in blood with mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Dan , Duan Linyan , Zhang Xiaoyan , Cao Jingrong
Published: December 2023

Objective

Listeriosis is caused by the bacterium, Listeria monocytogenes, and is a significant health concern because of high hospitalization and mortality rates. This study reports seven cases of pregnancy‐associated listeriosis diagnosed with matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization‐time of flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrometry performed on infection‐positive blood culture.

Methods

Blood culture‐positive samples of seven patients whose pregnancy was complicated by Listeria infection and treated at Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University between January 2016 and December 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. Strains identified by MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry were compared with colony identification results. Identification accuracy and consistency were assessed.

Results

A total of seven strains of Listeria were collected from seven pregnant women presented with fever (37.6–39.9°C). Clinical abnormalities included abnormal liver function, emaciation, hypoalbuminemia, hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, hyponatremia, ketosis, mild to moderate anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Compared with the traditional culture method, MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry led to much earlier identification (4–6 h vs. 3–4 days) with 100% identification accuracy. Of the seven pregnancies complicated by Listeria, only two led to live births. Of the five fetal deaths, three occurred in the second trimester.

Conclusion

In this series of pregnancy‐associated listeriosis cases, the fetal mortality rate was 71%. MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry is a valuable method that can identify Listeria from blood culture rapidly and accurately.
Are orofacial pain and xerostomia associated with differences in diet, sensory perception, appetite and enjoyment of eating?—An explorative study
Authors: Sigurðsson Kristófer , Andersen Barbara Vad , Bendixen Karina Haugaard , Baad‐Hansen Lene
Published: December 2023

Background

Orofacial function is believed to influence an individual's diet. knowledge on appetite and enjoyment of eating in orofacially impaired individuals is scarce.

Objective

We aimed to explore potential associations between impaired orofacial function, that is, orofacial pain, jaw function limitation and xerostomia, respectively, and diet, appetite, taste perception, as well as the enjoyment of eating.

Methods

An online questionnaire was shared among Aarhus University‘s dental patients and through social media. A convenience sample of 351 individuals responded (97 men, 254 women, aged 18–86 years). Participants were divided into groups with and without orofacial pain or xerostomia based on responses. Questions about food intake, appetite, meal‐related well‐being and oral/general health were included. Data were analysed using Mann Whitney U tests, Spearman‘s correlation, Chi‐square tests, and t‐tests.

Results

Participants with (n = 123) and without (n = 228) orofacial pain differed significantly regarding age, perceived oral/general health, frequency of consumption of for example cooked vegetables and raw whole fruit, perception of sourness, chewiness, and nausea/pain when eating (p ≤ .031).

Participants with (n = 101) and without (n = 250) xerostomia differed significantly regarding perceived oral/general health, intake of prepared fruit, alcohol, ice cream/mousse/pudding, general appetite, intake of breakfast and liquid snacks, nausea/pain when eating, taste and chewiness of food (p ≤ .038).

Conclusion

Diet, appetite, taste and sensory perception, as well as enjoyment of eating of individuals reporting orofacial pain and/or xerostomia differed slightly to that of individuals free of such symptoms. However, due to the explorative nature of this study, the results should be interpreted with caution pending further research on potential long‐term effects on nutritional status and well‐being.
Weak definite nominals
Authors: Aguilar‐Guevara Ana , Oggiani Carolina
Published: December 2023

Weak definite nominals are a class of nominals composed of weak definites and bare singulars occurring in the same linguistic environments within and across languages. They display several characteristic properties: restricted distribution, non‐unique reference, sloppy identity in VP‐ellipsis sentences, acceptability in sluicing contexts, narrow‐scope interpretation, lexical constraints, restricted modification, restricted number morphology, meaning enrichment, and discourse referential defectiveness. In this review we explore two main theoretical approaches accounting for the meaning of these expressions, namely, one that treats them as pseudo‐incorporated nominals and another one that attributes to them an abstract object reference. We first discuss the properties of weak definite nominals using Rioplatense Spanish data and then evaluate how both approaches can account for these properties.
To what degree patient‐reported symptoms of central sensitization, kinesiophobia, disability, sleep, and life quality associated with 24‐h heart rate variability and actigraphy measurements?
Authors: Mikkonen Jani , Kupari Saana , Tarvainen Mika , Neblett Randy , Airaksinen Olavi , Luomajoki Hannu , Leinonen Ville
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Chronic musculoskeletal pain is associated with decreased parasympathetic and increased sympathetic activity in the autonomic nervous system. The objective of this study was to determine the associations between objective measures of heart rate variability (a measure of autonomic nervous system function), actigraphy (a measure of activity and sleep quality), respiration rates, and subjective patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) of central sensitization, kinesiophobia, disability, the effect of pain on sleep, and life quality.

Methods

Thirty‐eight study subjects were divided into two subgroups, including low symptoms of central sensitization (n = 18) and high symptoms of central sensitization (n = 20), based on patient‐reported scores on the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI). Heart rate variability (HRV) and actigraphy measurements were carried out simultaneously in 24 h measurement during wakefulness and sleep.

Results

A decrease in HRV during the first 2 h of sleep was stronger in the low CSI subgroup compared to the high CSI subgroup. Otherwise, all other HRV and actigraphy parameters and subjective measures of central sensitization, disability, kinesiophobia, the effect of pain on sleep, and quality of life showed only little associations.

Discussion

The high CSI subgroup reported significantly more severe symptoms of disability, kinesiophobia, sleep, and quality of life compared to the low CSI subgroup. However, there were only small and nonsignificant trend in increased sympathetic nervous system activity and poorer sleep quality on the high central sensitization subgroup. Moreover, very little differences in respiratory rates were found between the groups.
Coastal wetland restoration through the lens of Odum's theory of ecosystem development
Authors: Keppeler Friedrich W. , Engel Annette S. , Hooper‐Bùi Linda M. , López‐Duarte Paola C. , Martin Charles W. , Olin Jill A. , Lamb Katelyn J. , Polito Michael J. , Rabalais Nancy N. , Roberts Brian J. , Swenson Erick M. , Jensen Olaf P.
Published: December 2023

Advancing ecological restoration assessments requires a more detailed consideration of species interactions and ecosystem processes. Most restoration projects rely on a few metrics not always directly linked with ecological theory. Here, we used Odum's theory of ecosystem development to assess and compare the ecosystem structure and services of created marshes (4–6 years old) with preexisting, reference marshes in a brackish water region of the Mississippi River Delta. We built ecosystem models for created and reference marshes that integrated large datasets of stomach contents, stable isotopes, and taxa abundances. Despite strong resemblance in community structure, created marshes were at an earlier succession stage compared to the reference marshes, having lower biomass (including exploited species), higher biomass turnover and production, less dependence on detritus, lower material cycling, and less energy flowing through specialist pathways. Although preserving preexisting marshes should be a priority, created marshes may still be an important tool for the restoration of coastal areas and their ecosystem services. In addition, our results show that comparisons of species biodiversity alone may fail to capture essential differences in ecosystem processes between habitats, which reinforces the importance of ecosystem modeling approaches to assess restoration projects.
Comparison of methods for the detection of porcine cytomegalovirus/roseolovirus in relation to biosafety monitoring of xenotransplantation products
Authors: Denner Joachim , Jhelum Hina , Hansen Sabrina , Kaufer Benedikt B.
Published: December 2023

Background

The porcine cytomegalovirus, a porcine roseolovirus (PCMV/PRV), is widely distributed in pig populations. It has been shown that PCMV/PRV was transmitted by pig xenotransplants to non‐human primates, and significantly reduced the survival time of the recipient. PCMV/PRV was also transmitted during the first transplantation of a pig heart into a human patient. PCMV/PRV establishes a lifelong persistent infection (latency) in the host, is difficult to detect in this stage, and consequential poses a threat to future clinical xenotransplantations. Therefore, sensitive and specific methods and goal‐oriented strategies how, when, and where to test should be used for screening donor pigs.

Methods

In this study we compared experimentally the PCMV/PRV detection methods including PCR‐based (real‐time PCR, nested PCR) and immunological methods (Western blot assay, ELISA) recently published by Halecker et al. (Sci. Rep. 2022;12(1):21545) and Fischer et al. (Xenotransplantation 2023:e12803). We also compared the antigens used for antibody detection (a recombinant protein and synthetic peptides corresponding to a conserved region of the glycoprotein B, gB).

Results

The published methods can be used for screening donor pigs, with the results being similar. The antigens used for the detection of PCMV/PRV‐specific antibodies are almost identical and give comparable results. Overall, the optimal diagnostic tests, the samples used for testing and the time of sampling play a crucial role in preventing the transmission of PCMV/PRV during xenotransplantation.

Conclusion

Sensitive methods are available to screen donor pigs for PCMV/PRV, but a rational application of a combination of PCR‐based and immunological methods as well as rational detection strategies are important for the detection of the virus during latency.
Data Driven Approach to Determine Linear Stability of Delay Differential Equations Using Orthonormal History Functions
Authors: Tiwari Sankalp , Shaik Junaidvali , Vyasarayani C. P.
Published: December 2023

Delay differential equations (DDEs) appear in many applications, and determining their stability is a challenging task that has received considerable attention. Numerous methods for stability determination of a given DDE exist in the literature. However, in practical scenarios it may be beneficial to be able to determine the stability of a delayed system based solely on its response to given inputs, without the need to consider the underlying governing DDE. In this work, we propose such a data-driven method, assuming only three things about the underlying DDE: (i) it is linear, (ii) its coefficients are either constant or time-periodic with a known fundamental period, and (iii) the largest delay is known. Our approach involves giving the first few functions of an orthonormal polynomial basis as input, and measuring/computing the corresponding responses to generate a state transition matrix M, whose largest eigenvalue determines the stability. We demonstrate the correctness, efficacy and convergence of our method by studying four candidate DDEs with differing features. We show that our approach is robust to noise, thereby establishing its suitability for practical applications, wherein measurement errors are unavoidable.
TPIV Experimental Investigation of Film Coolant-to-Mainstream Interaction From Shaped Cooling Holes With Various Inlet Geometries
Authors: Wang Hanlin , Wright Lesley M.
Published: December 2023

In this investigation, multiple sets of time-averaged tomographic particle imaging velocimetry measurements are completed for laid-back, fan-shaped film cooling holes with “racetrack” shaped inlets. Traditional 10-10-10, laid-back, fan-shaped holes are inclined 30 deg to the mainstream flow on a flat plate. The inlet cross section varies from round to two elongated racetrack shapes. The cross-sectional area and the outlet-to-inlet area ratio for all the geometries are held constant. The flat plate is installed in a low-speed wind tunnel with a mainstream turbulence intensity of 8% and an average velocity of 21.6 m/s. The blowing ratios of the film jets range from 0.6 to 1.5 and the density ratio is 1. The Reynolds number of the cooling jet varies from 2600 to 8400. The characteristics of the resulting flowfield are coupled with the detailed film cooling effectiveness distributions. It can be noted from the results that the counter-rotating vortex pair generated by the 2:1 inlet is the closest to the surface and weakest in strength, likely caused by the minimum peak jet momentum of the three. The Reynolds stresses downstream of the 2:1 and 4:1 inlets are significantly lower than those downstream of the shaped hole with a round inlet. An inverse relation between volumetric turbulence accumulation (TA), and surface effectiveness (η), can be correlated for the blowing ratios considered. The turbulence accumulation term can thus be used to evaluate the performance of a film cooling hole design with flowfield data.
Tuning Modal Behavior of Additively Manufactured Lattice Structures
Authors: Beghini Marco , Grossi Tommaso , Macoretta Giuseppe , Monelli Bernardo Disma , Senegaglia Ivan , Turco Paolo del , Fardelli Andrea , Morante Francesco
Published: December 2023

Thanks to the increasingly widespread additive manufacturing technology and promising properties, the use of lattice structures (LS) is becoming increasingly frequent. LS allows the components to be designed with tunable stiffness, which can unlock the control of natural frequencies. However, crucial challenges must be faced to integrate LS into the typical design process. In this work, an experimental and numerical study of LS-enabled tuning of natural frequencies in mechanical components are proposed. In a first step, the difficulties arising with the large amount of finite element method (FEM) nodes, that are required to predict LS complex shapes in detail, are overcome by modeling LS with an elastic metamaterial whose stiffness properties are determined through ad hoc finite element analyses. After that, a simplified investigation can be conducted on the modal properties of components with fixed external shape and variable internal LS filling, based on triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) lattices. In those conditions, the parameters of the LS core can be tuned to control and optimize the global modal frequencies of the entire geometry. In addition, the admissible range of frequencies can be estimated. Optimized plates results are validated through an experimental test campaign on additively manufactured specimens made with laser powder bed fusion technology. The samples are hammer-tested with various boundary conditions while laser sensors measure the oscillation data of selected points. Finally, estimated and identified natural frequencies were compared. The described model is suitable to be implemented in an automated tool for designers.
Machine learning–driven self-discovery of the robot body morphology
Authors: Díaz Ledezma Fernando , Haddadin Sami
Published: December 2023

The morphology of a robot is typically assumed to be known, and data from external measuring devices are used mainly for its kinematic calibration. In contrast, we take an agent-centric perspective and ponder the vaguely explored question of whether a robot could learn elements of its morphology by itself, relying on minimal prior knowledge and depending only on unorganized proprioceptive signals. To answer this question, we propose a mutual information–based representation of the relationships between the proprioceptive signals of a robot, which we call proprioceptive information graphs (π-graphs). Leveraging the fact that the information structure of the sensorimotor apparatus is dependent on the embodiment of the robot, we use the π-graph to look for pairwise signal relationships that reflect the underlying kinematic first-order principles applicable to the robot’s structure. In our discussion, we show that analysis of the π-graph leads to the inference of two fundamental elements of the robot morphology: its mechanical topology and corresponding kinematic description, that is, the location and orientation of the robot’s joints. Results from a robot manipulator, a hexapod, and a humanoid robot show that the correct topology and kinematic description can be effectively inferred from their π-graph either offline or online, regardless of the number of links and body configuration.
Analysis of the human kidney transcriptome and plasma proteome identifies markers of proximal tubule maladaptation to injury
Authors: Wen Yumeng , Su Emily , Xu Leyuan , Menez Steven , Moledina Dennis G. , Obeid Wassim , Palevsky Paul M. , Mansour Sherry G. , Devarajan Prasad , Cantley Lloyd G. , Cahan Patrick , Parikh Chirag R. ,   Kidney Precision Medicine Project,   Translational Investigation of Biomarker Endpoint of Acute Kidney Injury
Published: December 2023

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major risk factor for long-term adverse outcomes, including chronic kidney disease. In mouse models of AKI, maladaptive repair of the injured proximal tubule (PT) prevents complete tissue recovery. However, evidence for PT maladaptation and its etiological relationship with complications of AKI is lacking in humans. We performed single-nucleus RNA sequencing of 120,985 nuclei in kidneys from 17 participants with AKI and seven healthy controls from the Kidney Precision Medicine Project. Maladaptive PT cells, which exhibited transcriptomic features of dedifferentiation and enrichment in pro-inflammatory and profibrotic pathways, were present in participants with AKI of diverse etiologies. To develop plasma markers of PT maladaptation, we analyzed the plasma proteome in two independent cohorts of patients undergoing cardiac surgery and a cohort of marathon runners, linked it to the transcriptomic signatures associated with maladaptive PT, and identified nine proteins whose genes were specifically up- or down-regulated by maladaptive PT. After cardiac surgery, both cohorts of patients had increased transforming growth factor–β2 (TGFB2), collagen type XXIII-α1 (COL23A1), and X-linked neuroligin 4 (NLGN4X) and had decreased plasminogen (PLG), ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 6 (ENPP6), and protein C (PROC). Similar changes were observed in marathon runners with exercise-associated kidney injury. Postoperative changes in these markers were associated with AKI progression in adults after cardiac surgery and post-AKI kidney atrophy in mouse models of ischemia-reperfusion injury and toxic injury. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of a multiomics approach to discovering noninvasive markers and associating PT maladaptation with adverse clinical outcomes.
Development of multi-directional piezoelectric sensor doped with graphene by near-field electrospinning technology for calligraphy writing
Authors: Chou Huann-Ming , Yang Hui-Chun
Published: December 2023

A novel multi-directional (MD) circular-shaped fiber piezoelectric sensor was developed to detect calligraphy writing force from various directions quantitatively. The sensor was fabricated using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) piezoelectric fibers doped with Graphene and spun using direct-write near-field electrospinning (NFES) technology. The NFES collector, designed as a rotating disc system, orderly collected the fibers to enhance the piezoelectric effect and dipole moments, forming the circular sensor. Flexible electrical electrodes with multiple signal output circuits were incorporated for calligraphy stroke sensing, bonded with circular PVDF fibers to create the flexible MD sensor. With inner and outer diameters of 20[Formula: see text]mm and 60[Formula: see text]mm, the circular sensor responded to deformable signals induced by calligraphy strokes. Parameters of sensor fabrication were optimized using the uniform design experimental method. Calibration involved tapping tests at 1–10[Formula: see text]Hz to correlate fiber output voltage with the corresponding force. The single sensor reached a maximum voltage output of approximately 908[Formula: see text]mV and detected forces ranging from 0.1 to 50[Formula: see text]N. After validating the MD circular-shaped piezoelectric sensor, a [Formula: see text] sensor array was configured for calligraphy writing force sensing, providing quantitative measurements of dynamic responses during writing, valuable as a data source for apprentice learning.
Magnetically-driven nanofluid flow over a slippery-bended surface under thermal radiation and higher order chemical reaction
Authors: Maity Suprakash , Kundu Prabir Kumar
Published: December 2023

In this paper, nanofluid flow is considered on curved stretching surface under magnetic influence. Realistic velocity slip together with convective boundary condition is imported. The system is also blessed with radiation and higher order chemical reaction. Active and passive controls of nanoparticles are considered and under both boundary conditions the flow analysis is compared. Leading equations of the system is a set of partial differential equations which are transfigured by similarity variable into a set of highly nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The system is solved by the Runge–Kutta fourth-order method (RK-4) with shooting technique. The simulation is done by MAPLE-2021 software. Outcomes are portrayed by several graphs and tables and comparison diagram for different conditions is also included. Velocity lines are compared for suction and injection effect but thermal and concentration profiles are compared under active and passive controls of nanoparticles. The velocity profile changed by 16.55% for higher magnetic profile and the mass transfer changed by 3.57% for actively controlled flow under velocity slip parameter. Chemical reaction parameter detained the concentration profile for both active and passive controls but gave lower magnitude for passively controlled flow.
Mechanical, electronic and dynamical properties of T2-Al2MgC2 under pressure
Authors: Wu Haiying , Chen Yahong , Han Xiangyu , Yin Pengfei , Liu Zijiang
Published: December 2023

The presence of T2-Al2MgC2 compound has significant influence on the mechanical properties of magnesium alloys. The mechanical, electronic and dynamical properties of T2-Al2MgC2 under high pressure are investigated by plane wave pseudopotential method based on the first-principles calculation. The results show that T2-Al2MgC2 is mechanically stable under high pressure, the elastic constants except [Formula: see text] increase with the increase of pressure. This compound presents brittleness and the brittleness decreases with increasing pressure when [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GPa, but it displays ductility when [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GPa. T2-Al2MgC2 has strong anisotropy, and the anisotropy decreases with increasing pressure. T2-Al2MgC2 is an indirect bandgap semiconductor material. Our calculated bandgap is 1.893[Formula: see text]eV at ambient pressure, the bandgap first increases and then decreases with increasing pressure. The phonon band structure as well as the total and partial phonon density of the state under different pressures had been analyzed. The constant volume heat capacity [Formula: see text] and entropy S of T2-Al2MgC2 increase with increasing pressure.
Electronic properties of SiC nanoribbon
Authors: Aliyev Y. I. , Abiyev A. S.
Published: December 2023

The electronic properties of zigzag and armchair SiC nanoribbons are studied using a theoretical method. The spin-unrestricted electronic behavior of an armchair and zigzag SiC nanoribbon containing Si and C vacancy in the supercell was investigated. Spin-polarized electronic structure calculations show that armchair SiC nanoribbon was classified as a nonmagnetic semiconductor while zigzag SiC nanoribbon presents a half-metallic electronic structure. Our results suggest that SiC nanoribbon containing point vacancy may be a good candidate for spintronics due to its half-metal properties.
Choice of Participation Method in Setting International Accounting Standards: Evidence from EFRAG as an Intermediary for Indirect Participation
Authors: Gäumann Martin , Dobler Michael
Published: December 2023

Synopsis

The research problem

Prior empirical research on constituents’ participation in setting international accounting standards has focused on their decision whether or not to participate directly in the standard setter’s due process. However, because that focus neglects constituents’ choice between direct participation and indirect participation via an intermediary, we investigated the determinants of using an indirect method of participation as a substitute for, or in complement to, direct participation.

Institutional setting

We exploited the European institutional setting, where the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) serves as an intermediary for indirect participation in the due process of the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).

The test hypotheses

Based on rational choice theory, we hypothesized that constituents from EFRAG’s inner circle and from countries with smaller capital markets, lower English-language proficiency, and/or an accounting value profile more different from that embodied in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) have a higher probability of choosing to use indirect participation.

Adopted methodology

Using a sample of 7,766 comment letters (CLs) from 2005–2017, we focused on individual constituents and traced their use of indirect participation (i.e., sending CLs to EFRAG) versus direct participation (i.e., sending CLs to the IASB). We employed logistic regression models using the methods of participation as dependent variable to test our hypotheses. Controlling for factors used in prior research on direct participation, we estimated a primary model for the full sample of constituents and a secondary model with firm-specific variables for the subsample of constituents classified as corporate preparers.

Findings and implications

We found strong evidence that the constituents’ membership in EFRAG’s inner circle is positively related, and capital market size in the constituents’ home countries is negatively related, to choosing to use indirect participation. Country-level English-language proficiency and differences in the accounting value profile in relation to IFRS also determine the choice of participation method. Our findings suggest that a preference for indirect participation relates to the barriers to using direct participation. We provide initial evidence of a neglected aspect of Sutton’ s ( 1984 ) rational choice model and implications for EFRAG’s role as an intermediary.
DEVELOPMENT OF ADENOVIRUS VECTOR INFECTIOUS BRONCHITIS VACCINE IN CHICKENS
Authors: Tan Yen-Pei , Wang Ching-Ho
Published: December 2023

Infectious bronchitis (IB) is common in poultry and difficult to control. Vaccination is currently considered the best way to prevent IB. The IB virus (IBV) isolated in Taiwan could be clustered into two groups, Taiwan Group I (TW-I or TW1) and Taiwan Group II (TW-II or TW2). An IBV strain 3575/08 was isolated from an IBV-vaccinated chicken farm. Through sequencing analysis, this strain was clustered into TW-I. However, through cross-neutralization test, we found that 3575/08 has a serological correlation with TW-I and TW-II, with relatedness (R) values of 14.20% and 10.24%, respectively. Moreover, its R-value with Massachusetts (H120) is 5.64%. The broad cross-reaction with other serotypes, strain 3575/08 might be a good candidate for vaccine preparation. Therefore, we developed a recombinant adenovirus vector IBV 3575/08 S1 subunit vaccine (rAdS1), which utilizes a recombinant adenovirus expression system to induce humoral protective immunity. This adenovirus vector IBV vaccine may aid in the field control of IB in the future.