bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical simulation of bidirectional fluid-solid coupling in friction stir welding of aluminium and magnesium dissimilar alloys
Authors: Ling Yanyang , Song Bo , Zhu Zongxiao , Ma Shuo
Published: December 2024

During friction stir welding, the flow degree of metal materials and the welding temperature determine the microstructure and mechanical properties of the joint. This paper establishes a bidirectional fluid-solid coupling model for dissimilar friction stir welding of aluminum and magnesium alloys. Combining simulation results and experimental research, it quantitatively analyzes the distribution laws of the flow field, temperature field, and stress field during the welding process. The results show that in terms of temperature field distribution, the simulated temperature matches the thermal cycle curve of the measured temperature, with the welding temperature peak located in the rear area of the shoulder’s bottom. In addition, the temperature field on both sides of the weld is asymmetrically distributed, with the temperature on the aluminum side being higher than that on the magnesium side. In terms of flow field distribution, the material flowability decreases as the distance from the stirring head increases. Therefore, the material flow patterns around the stirring head and in areas farther from the stirring head are different. It was also found that the best material flow was at the bottom of the shoulder and the material flow rate was higher on the magnesium side than on the aluminium side. It is noteworthy that under the combined action of the stirring pin and the shoulder, the material mixing zone and the magnesium alloy shift towards the aluminum side. In terms of stress field distribution, the equivalent stress of the stirring head is distributed differently on the aluminum side and the magnesium side.
Model-based GNSS spoofing detection using a hybrid convolutional autoencoder method
Authors: Wang Si-Qi , Liu Jiang , Cai Bai-Gen , Wang Jian , Lu De-Biao
Published: December 2024

The spoofing attack brings more serious threats and challenges to the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver. The rapid and accurate spoofing detection mechanism is of great significance to the credibility and security of GNSS-enabled transport applications. In this paper, an unsupervised classification solution is proposed to detect GNSS spoofing by analyzing the features of Coarse Acquisition (C/A) code Autocorrelation Function (ACF) using a Hybrid Convolutional Autoencoder (HCAE) method integrated with an attention-driven memory network. A dynamic threshold-based protection mechanism is introduced to reduce the system’s sensitivity to unexpected anomalies, thereby enhancing detection accuracy. The effectiveness of the proposed solution is verified by comparison with referencing detection methods using the Texas Spoofing Test Battery (TEXBAT) and spoofing injection test datasets. Specifically, the performance indices of the proposed method are improved over the involved referencing methods, which demonstrate that this solution can realize accurate and efficient detection of GNSS spoofing under the data-driven scheme.
Effects of slot-pole combinations on vibration and performance in fractional slot permanent magnet synchronous machines
Authors: Kurtoğlu Aykut , Bakbak Ali , Nil Mustafa , Ayaz Murat
Published: December 2024

Unbalanced Magnetic Force (UMF) is a critical factor that significantly impacts vibration and overall performance in Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines (PMSMs). This study investigates the influence of different fractional slot combinations on UMF behavior in PMSMs using finite element analysis (FEA). The focus is on the canceling and additive effects of UMFs generated by radial and circumferential stresses. Two PMSM configurations with slot and pole numbers differing by one—26 poles/27 slots and 28 poles/27 slots—are analyzed to evaluate the effect of varying pole configurations while keeping the slot count constant. The analysis employed the Maxwell stress tensor method to quantify the UMFs in these designs. The results underscore the critical role of the magnet configuration in determining UMF characteristics, providing essential insights for optimizing machine design to minimize vibration and enhance performance. These findings serve as a valuable reference for designing and operating high-performance fractional slot PMSMs, particularly for industrial and automotive applications.
Functionalized bio-spinning silk fiber scaffolds containing Mg2+ with osteoimmunomodulatory and osteogenesis abilities for critical-sized bone defect regeneration
Authors: Xu Xiang , Wang Yi , Zhu Siyu , Xu Qian , Liu Zulan , Cheng Guotao , Long Dingpei , Cheng Lan , Dai Fangyin
Published: December 2024

Severe bone defects remain a significant clinical challenge, necessitating the development of advanced bone repair scaffolds with excellent biocompatibility, precise immune modulation, and robust support for vascularization and osteogenesis. Silk fibroin (SF), a polymer renowned for its outstanding biocompatibility, has been widely used in bone repair scaffold materials. However, its complex fabrication process limits its broader clinical application. In this study, flat silkworm cocoon (FSC), characterized by continuous silk fibers, a porous hierarchical structure, and superior mechanical properties, was utilized for the first time to fabricate bio-scaffolds (TH-PDA@Mg) designed for sustained magnesium ion release in bone repair applications. FSC scaffolds featuring surface pores and extracellular matrix-like structures were successfully prepared using hot-press and surface modification techniques. Magnesium ions were effectively assembled onto FSC scaffolds via polydopamine (PDA)-mediated adhesive interactions. The resulting TH-PDA@Mg scaffolds demonstrated enhanced osteogenic properties, exceptional mechanical strength, superior surface characteristics, and excellent biocompatibility. In vitro analyses revealed that these scaffolds supported cell adhesion, promoted stem cell proliferation, and facilitated osteogenic differentiation due to the synergistic effects of SF and magnesium ions. Furthermore, they exhibited immunomodulatory properties by promoting M2 macrophage polarization while suppressing M1 macrophage activity. In vivo studies using a rat model of critical-sized cranial bone defects showed that the TH-PDA@Mg scaffolds accelerated bone regeneration, enhanced angiogenesis, and mitigated inflammation. These findings highlight the remarkable osteogenic and immunomodulatory potential of functional bio-spinning silk fiber scaffolds, underscoring their promise as a therapeutic strategy for the clinical treatment of bone defects.
Aristotle on the Essence of Human Thought
Authors: Corcilius Klaus , Falcon Andrea , Roreitner Robert
Published: December 2024

This book is concerned with Aristotle’s definition of the human capacity for rational thinking (nous) offered in De anima. For Aristotle, nous is the principle, and ultimate explanans, of all the phenomena of human thinking. The book presents an in-depth interpretation of De anima III 4–8 as a single and coherent philosophical argument. More specifically, the book argues for the following views: (i) Rationalism. Humans come to know the world via two fundamentally different cognitive powers: nous and perception. They are fundamentally different cognitive powers because the nature of their corresponding object is fundamentally different;

(ii) Essentialism. The human power for thinking is defined as a capacity for directly grasping the essences of everything there is, including itself. It is this very capacity that Aristotle shows to be the principle of all other kinds of human thinking;

(iii) Separatism. Human nous is unmixed with the body, has no dedicated bodily organ, and is separable from the body. As a result, it cannot be assimilated to any of the other parts of the soul. While nous belongs to our essence as human beings, it is not part of the natural world;

(iv) Embeddedness in the cognitive soul. Human nous is embedded in a cognitive soul. Among other things, this means that the distinctive activity of human nous—thinking—can only take place in the context of a larger set of activities which are common to the body and the soul.
Introduction
Authors: Corcilius Klaus , Falcon Andrea , Roreitner Robert
Published: December 2024

The introduction places Aristotle’s account of nous in the context of Aristotle’s inquiry into the soul. It argues that this inquiry does not offer an account of the thinking mind in the sense of an account of the phenomena of the mental. Aristotle’s De anima is not—at least not immediately—concerned with explanations of the phenomena of the mental; its central concern rather is with the definition of the principle on the basis of which scientists are able to come up with such explanations. The chapter also discusses the sections of De anima devoted to the views of Aristotle’s predecessors on the soul as well as his treatment of perception and phantasia insofar as they are relevant for his account of the thinking capacity.
The Unity of Stoic Metaphysics
Authors: de Harven Vanessa
Published: December 2024

Everything is Something is a book about Stoic metaphysics. It argues that the Stoics were sophisticated metaphysical thinkers responding to Plato’s Sophist and forging a bold new path between materialism and idealism, with a one-world metaphysics best characterized as non-reductive physicalism. The book is divided into five sections. Section I, Something, develops the suggestion that the Stoics arrived at the genus Something and their two ontological criteria for being Something by careful reflection on Plato’s Sophist, finding new depth to Plato’s challenges as well as to the Stoic response. Section II, Bodies, offers an account of Stoic corporealism that takes us from the ontology of what exists to the metaphysics of body, how body is the fundamental grounds of the cosmos, and how qualities can be corporeal. Section III, Incorporeals, takes us beyond corporealism to physicalism. It argues that the Stoic incorporeals—space, time, and the lekta, or sayables—are all dependent on body for their subsistence, inheriting their spatial, temporal, and semantic properties from underlying body without being nothing but the body. Section IV, Neither Corporeal nor Incorporeal, argues in support of a tripartite ontology that includes a third class of entities that are neither corporeal nor incorporeal—limits of the continuum, geometrical limits, and creatures of fiction. Section V, Everything, returns to the Stoic ontology, arguing that concepts are not Something, thus no reason remains to posit a further class of entities, Not-Somethings (outina), in metaphysical limbo between Something and nothing at all. The genus Something is complete and comprehensive as it stands. Everything is Something.
The Categories, A Fresh Start
Authors: de Harven Vanessa
Published: December 2024

Chapter 8 shows that the Stoic Categories proceed not by the composition of one thing out of many, as in the cosmology, nor by putting the first two Categories in the role of matter and form, but by the constitution of one thing out of one (and only one) other, as a statue is constituted by its clay, or a fist by a hand. This schema is not tasked with unity and generation, but with explaining the identity conditions, kinds, and qualities of an individual once it is generated. It is a self-consciously mereological analysis that makes each of us—all plants, animals, and artifacts—four bodies, which stand to each other in a nested one-to-one relation such that each constitutes the next as its substrate. Thus it is bodies all the way down and nothing incorporeal is ever invoked in the Stoic analysis of identity conditions, kinds, or qualities.
Creatures of Fiction
Authors: de Harven Vanessa
Published: December 2024

Chapter 14 completes the case for what is neither corporeal nor incorporeal by appeal to Seneca, Epistle 58, a subject of much dispute. It argues that in explicitly distancing himself from the Stoic genus Something, Seneca calls himself out as heterodox in this commitment, thus giving valuable evidence about the Stoic orthodoxy, namely that Something is the highest ontological genus and centaurs and giants are among what there is. We are also given a valuable description of these fictions as things that are accessible to the mind, having been falsely formed by thought and taken on some image or life of their own despite lacking corporeal substance. To paraphrase: creatures of fiction are Something objectively available for thought and discourse despite the fact that they are made up and don’t exist because they have taken on a life of their own through the stories and illustrations that portray them. They are grounded in body.
Twenty-Sixth Canto
Authors: Ludovico Ariosto
Published: December 2024

1–2 Introductory.

3–29 Ruggiero and Marfisa help defeat the Maganza machinations.

29–53 The allegory of the beast on Merlin’s fountain.

54–137 Ruggiero and Marfisa at grips with Rodomont and Mandricard.

In days of old there used to be gentle ladies who prized virtue above...
Inclusion and exclusion
Authors: Landy Joshua
Published: December 2024

This chapter looks at the depiction of community in Proust. In Proust’s novel, salon life is famously riddled with vapidity, insularity, prejudice, cliquishness, inauthenticity, callousness, and hunger for power. Indeed, everywhere you look in the social world, you’ll find arbitrary systems of inclusion and exclusion, making insiders feel spuriously special at the cost of everyone else. There are only two kinds of community that seem to provide an exception: the community of same-sex desire and the community of art. In front of a great painting, brilliant novel, or spectacular piece of music, all are welcome, and no one is excluded because of who they are.
Association between neighborhood walkability and physical activity in a community-based twin sample
Authors: Duncan Glen E , Hurvitz Philip M , Williams Bethany D , Avery Ally R , Pilgrim Matthew J D , Tsang Siny , Amram Ofer , Mooney Stephen J , Rundle Andrew G
Published: December 2024

We investigated associations between neighborhood walkability and physical activity using twins (5477 monozygotic and same-sex dizygotic pairs) as “quasi-experimental” controls of genetic and shared environment (familial) factors that would otherwise confound exposure-outcome associations. Walkability comprised intersection density, population density, and destination accessibility. Outcomes included self-reported weekly minutes of neighborhood walking and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and days per week using transit services (eg, bus, commuter rail). There was a positive association between walkability and walking, which remained significant after controlling for familial and demographic factors: a 1% increase in walkability was associated with a 0.42% increase in neighborhood walking. There was a positive association between walkability and MVPA, which was not significant after considering familial and demographic factors. In twins with at least 1 day of transit use, a 1-unit increase in log (walkability) was associated with a 6.7% increase in transit use days; this was not significant after considering familial and demographic factors. However, higher walkability reduced the probability of no transit use by 32%, considering familial and demographic factors. Using a twin design to improve causal inference, walkability was associated with walking, whereas walkability and both MVPA and absolute transit use were confounded by familial and demographic factors.

This article is part of a Special Collection on Environmental Epidemiology.
Development of a Bacillus subtilis genome vector system that can transmit synthesized genomes
Authors: Itaya Mitsuhiro
Published: December 2024

Cloning of small DNA segments has been established using Escherichia coli plasmids. The cloned DNA can be transferred to various cells using transformation. In contrast, cloning of large DNA segments of more than several hundred kilobase pairs has been limited to the Bacillus subtilis genome cloning system. The advantage of giant DNA cloned by B. subtilis is that all kinds of gene editing can be implemented by the high and strict natural transformation ability of the host. However, the following transfer step of giant synthesized and edited genomes to different cell systems requires a special system by avoiding exposure in liquid. The use of a conjugational plasmid pLS20 that was developed for 20 years improves the B. subtilis genome vector establishment process from scratch. The use of the unique B. subtilis genome vector system from synthesis to transmitting genomes is now being manipulated and summarized for the first time.
The (In)Stability of Punishment Preferences: Implications for Empirical Desert
Authors: Uhl Andrzej , Pickett Justin T
Published: December 2024

Are public preferences for the type or amount of punishment stable? Instability over short periods would complicate empirical desert by undercutting the value of public preferences as policy guides. Using longitudinal, cross-national survey data from Central Europe, we examined within-person stability in punishment preferences along several dimensions: type, amount, and rank order. Individual-level instability was common; respondents frequently changed their punishment preferences across waves. In the aggregate, public opinion was more stable. Our findings support the ‘qualified public input’ model of policy making—aggregate preferences should provide loose guidance for policymakers, with individual-level instability suggesting the ‘latitude of acceptance’ or ‘zone of acquiescence’. Better-educated respondents exhibited more preference stability, thus greater weight should be given to informed public opinion.
Effects of cladribine on intrathecal and peripheral B and plasma cells
Authors: Allen-Philbey Kimberley , Stephenson Sophie , Doody Gina , MacDougall Amy , Aboulwafaali Mohammad , Ammoscato Francesca , Andrews Michael , Gnanapavan Sharmilee , Giovannoni Gavin , Grigoriadou Sofia , Hickey Alaco , Holden David W , Lock Helen , Papachatzaki Maria , Redha Iman , Baker David , Tooze Reuben , Schmierer Klaus
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Cladribine is a deoxyadenosine analogue that can penetrate the blood–brain barrier. It is used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the mechanistic understanding of the effect of this highly effective therapy on B cells and plasma cells in the central nervous system compartment is limited. The CLADRIPLAS study examined the effect of cladribine on peripheral and intrathecal B and plasma cell biology in people with MS.

Methods

Thirty-eight people with progressive MS ineligible for- or rejecting-treatment with licenced therapies were recruited and supplied a baseline lumbar puncture. Those exhibiting gadolinium-enhancing or new/enlarging T2 magnetic resonance imaging lesions and/or elevated neurofilament levels were offered subcutaneous cladribine (Litak®). Seven people were eligible; one person died before treatment, and only five completed the first year of treatment. Twenty-two ineligible people were willing to provide a repeat lumbar puncture 12 months later.

Results

The CLADRIPLAS study found no evidence of a difference in the odds of a positive cerebrospinal fluid oligoclonal band result between the cladribine-treated and untreated group. This is probably explained by microarray and in vitro studies, which demonstrated that plasmablasts and notably long-lived plasma cells are relatively resistant to the cytotoxic effect of cladribine compared with memory B cells at physiological concentrations. This was consistent with the loss of intracellular deoxycytidine kinase during antibody-secreting cell differentiation.

Conclusion

CLADRIPLAS indicates that cerebrospinal fluid oligoclonal bands are not rapidly eliminated in most people with MS. This may be explained by the relative lack of direct cytotoxic action of cladribine on long-lived plasma cells.
Diagnostic Accuracy of LiquidArray MTB-XDR VER 1.0 for the Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex, Fluoroquinolone, Amikacin, Ethambutol, and Linezolid Susceptibility
Authors: Auma Erick , Alberts Rencia , Derendinger Brigitta , Venter Rouxjeane , Streicher Elizabeth M , Pillay Samantha , Ghebrekristos Yonas T , Mburu Moses , Ruhwald Morten , Warren Robin , Penn-Nicholson Adam , Theron Grant , de Vos Margaretha
Published: December 2024

Background

Drug susceptibility testing (DST) is essential for starting people on effective tuberculosis (TB) regimens. No published data exist for the high-throughput LiquidArray MTB-XDR (LA-XDR) test, which detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and fluoroquinolone, amikacin, ethambutol, and linezolid susceptibility (the latter 2 have no rapid DSTs available).

Methods

We enrolled people (N = 720) with presumptive TB who provided 2 sputum samples for an Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay and a culture (MTBC reference standard). Phenotypic DST and Sanger sequencing were the composite reference standards. LA-XDR on the manual FluoroLyse and automated GenoXtract fleXT (fleXT) DNA extraction methods were compared.

Results

For MTBC, LA-XDR had similar sensitivities (85%–87%) and specificities (99%) using each extraction method. Drug susceptibility sensitivities (95% confidence interval) varied: 94% (86%–98%) for fluoroquinolones, 64% (45%–80%) for amikacin, and 88% (79%–93%) for ethambutol (specificities of 97%–100%). Six of 7 (86%) resistant linezolid isolates were detected. LA-XDR with fleXT had indeterminate proportions of 21/251 (8%), 2/251 (1%), 63/251 (25%), and 93/251 (37%) for fluoroquinolones, ethambutol, amikacin, and linezolid, respectively (amikacin and linezolid indeterminates were higher with FluoroLyse-extracted DNA). In a hypothetical population of 100 smear-negative people with fluoroquinolone-resistant TB undergoing fleXT DNA extraction, 25 (25%) would be missed (1 extraction error, 2 invalid results, 15 MTBC-negative, 6 fluoroquinolone-indeterminate, and 1 false-susceptible).

Conclusions

LA-XDR met the minimum World Health Organization target product profile for a next-generation, sputum-based, moderate-complexity DST with high fluoroquinolone and ethambutol resistance sensitivity, moderate amikacin resistance sensitivity, and promise for linezolid resistance, for which more data are needed. Improved LA-XDR MTBC detection would reduce missed resistance.
Acute kidney injury as a key predictor of cardiovascular events in chronic kidney disease patients: the CKD-REIN study
Authors: Florens Nans , Aymes Estelle , Gauthier Victoria , Frimat Luc , Laville Maurice , Bedo Dimitri , Beaudrey Thomas , Amouyel Philippe , Mansencal Nicolas , Lange Céline , Liabeuf Sophie , Massy Ziad A , Stengel Benedicte , de Pinho Natalia Alencar , Hamroun Aghiles
Published: December 2024

Background and Hypothesis

Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Acute kidney injury (AKI) has been increasingly recognized as a potential exacerbating factor for cardiovascular events in these patients. The CKD-REIN study aims to explore the relationship between AKI and the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in a cohort of CKD patients. We hypothesize that AKI is a significant and independent predictor of MACE in patients with CKD, and that the severity of AKI correlates with the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included 3033 adult CKD patients from 40 outpatient nephrology clinics in France. Patients were followed for a median of 5.2 years. AKI episodes were identified and staged based on the KDIGO-AKI criteria. Cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure hospitalization, and cardiovascular death, were systematically recorded. The association between AKI and MACE was analyzed using a multivariable Cox model, adjusting for confounders such as demographic characteristics, medical history, and baseline kidney function.

Results

During the follow-up, 530 patients experienced at least one episode of AKI. The cumulative incidence of MACE at 1 year post-AKI was 8.1%. Patients with AKI had a significantly increased risk of MACE, with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 5.78 (P < .001). The risk was consistent across different MACE components and was independent of age, sex, CKD stage, or comorbidities. The risk of MACE was higher for more severe AKI stages and for AKI events requiring hospitalization or associated with incomplete renal recovery.

Conclusion

The findings of this study confirm that AKI is a significant independent predictor of MACE in CKD patients, demonstrating a strong severity–response relationship. These results underscore the importance of vigilant cardiovascular monitoring and preventive strategies in CKD patients following AKI episodes. Understanding the mechanisms linking AKI to cardiovascular outcomes is crucial for developing targeted interventions to mitigate these risks.
Three-dimensional assessment of ascending aortic stiffness, motion, and growth in ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm
Authors: Tjahjadi Nicasius S , Kim Taeouk , Marway Prabhvir S , Jorge Carlos Alberto Campello , Baker Timothy J , Hazenberg Constantijn , van Herwaarden Joost A , Patel Himanshu J , Figueroa C Alberto , Burris Nicholas S
Published: December 2024

Aims

Aortic wall stiffening in ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm (aTAA) is common. However, the spatial and temporal relationships between stiffness, aortic size, and growth in aTAA remain unclear.

Methods and results

In this single-centre retrospective study, we utilized vascular deformation mapping to extract multi-directional aortic motion, aortic distensibility, and aortic growth in a multi-planar fashion from multi-phasic ECG-gated computed tomography angiograms. Aortic displacement and stiffness metrics were compared between patients with sporadic ascending aortic dilation (Dilated), individuals without thoracic aortic dilation, and patients with Marfan syndrome. A total of 96 patients were included. Total and axial aortic root motion was significantly decreased in the Dilated group (n = 49) compared with the Non-dilated group (n = 38) and Marfan group (n = 16). Aortic distensibility was significantly lower in the Dilated group compared with the Non-dilated group and exhibited a more diffuse pattern of stiffening compared with the Marfan group in which stiffening was localized to the root. In Dilated group, aortic distensibility was moderately and positively associated with aortic growth rate (R = 0.34, P = 0.02). The moderate-to-strong association between age and aortic stiffness in non-dilated segments was either significantly blunted or absent in dilated segments.

Conclusion

Vascular deformation mapping provides multi-level stiffness assessments of the ascending aorta using multi-phasic computed tomography angiography. Ascending aortic stiffening is a spatially heterogeneous process with stiffening tending to increase with degree of regional dilation and age, whereas lower stiffness was associated with faster growth of the mid-ascending aorta in those with sporadic aTAA.
Molecular Basis of Eusocial Complexity: The Case of Worker Reproductivity in Bees
Authors: Prince David C , Wirén Anders , Huggins Timothy J , Collins David H , Dalmay Tamas , Bourke Andrew F G
Published: December 2024

In eusocial insects, the molecular basis of worker reproductivity, including how it changes with eusocial complexity, remains relatively poorly understood. To address this, we used mRNA-seq to isolate genes differentially expressed between ovary-active and ovary-inactive workers in the intermediately eusocial bumblebee Bombus terrestris. By comparisons with data from the advanced eusocial honeybee Apis mellifera, which shows reduced worker reproductivity, we characterized gene expression differences associated with change in worker reproductivity as a function of eusocial complexity. By comparisons with genes associated with queen-worker caste development in B. terrestris larvae, we tested the behavioral–morphological caste homology hypothesis, which proposes co-option of genes influencing reproductive division of labor in adults in morphological caste evolution. We conducted comparisons having isolated genes expressed in B. terrestris worker-laid eggs to remove the potential confound caused by gene expression in eggs. Gene expression differences between the B. terrestris worker phenotypes were mainly in fat body and ovary, not brain. Many genes (86%) more highly expressed in ovary of ovary-active workers were also expressed in worker-laid eggs, confirming egg-expressed genes were potentially confounding. Comparisons across B. terrestris and A. mellifera, and with B. terrestris larvae, returned significant percentage overlaps in differentially expressed genes and/or enriched Gene Ontology terms, suggesting conserved gene functions underpin worker reproductivity as it declines with increasing eusocial complexity and providing support for the behavioral–morphological caste homology hypothesis. Therefore, within bees, both a degree of conserved gene use and gene co-option appear to underlie the molecular basis of worker reproductivity and morphological caste evolution.
The Independent and Interactive Effects of Economic Stability and Healthcare Access on 10-Year Cognitive Trajectories of Black/African American and White Older Adults from the ACTIVE Study
Authors: Hamlin Abbey M , Weigand Alexandra J , Clay Olivio J , Marsiske Michael , Wallace Gail , Dadson Deborah , Thomas Kelsey R , Clark Alexandra L
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Social and structural determinants of health (SSDoH) have been linked to racial disparities in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Research has established that living in an environment with greater economic stability (ES) or healthcare access (HCA) is associated with better baseline cognition, but the interactive effects between these distinct SSDoH on cognition over time have not been studied. Therefore, the present study examined the independent and interactive effects of ES and HCA on 10-year change in cognitive functioning within a large sample of racially diverse community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

Participants included 701 Black/African American and 1804 White older adults from the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly study. Multilevel mixed effects models were used to assess associations between ES and HCA factors on individual-level memory and reasoning trajectories.

Results

Results revealed there was no significant ES × HCA interaction on longitudinal cognitive trajectories across the whole sample or within race-stratified groups, but there was a significant interaction on memory level. Higher ES levels were independently associated with slower age-related memory declines among Black/African American older adults. In contrast, higher ES and HCA levels were both independently associated with faster age-related reasoning declines among White participants.

Discussion

Results demonstrated that ES and HCA exerted synergistic effects on memory level across ages in the whole sample. Differential associations between SSDoH and cognitive outcomes across racial groups suggest that improving access to economic resources within Black/African American communities may reduce racial disparities in ADRD.
Aluminum-activated malate transporter family member CsALMT6 mediates fluoride resistance in tea plants (Camellia sinensis)
Authors: Li Qinghui , Zhang Ruiming , Hu Xinlong , Ni Dejiang , Chen Yuqiong , Wang Mingle
Published: December 2024

Tea plant is a fluoride (F)-hyperaccumulator, which poses a potential threat to human health via tea consumption. Reducing F accumulation in fresh tea leaves is crucial for enhancing the safety of tea production at its source. This study aims to isolate novel genes responsible for F accumulation or transport in tea plants. We identified an aluminum (Al)-activated malate transporter gene, CsALMT6, which was hypothesized to be a candidate for differential F accumulation in Camellia sinensis, by employing a combination of transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) and genome-wide identification of the CsALMT gene family. CsALMT6 exhibited high expression levels in old leaves, and its expression was significantly upregulated in tea plants subjected to F-stress conditions. Furthermore, heterologous expression of CsALMT6 in yeast, Arabidopsis, and Populus conferred F tolerance. However, the expression of F-tolerant hub genes, CsFEX1 and CsFEX2, remained unaffected in CsALMT6-silenced tea plants. Additionally, under F toxicity conditions, the transcription of CsALMT6 was negatively associated with F accumulation in tea plants. In conclusion, CsALMT6 plays a vital role in reducing F accumulation in C. sinensis, thus conferring F tolerance to plant cells.
Optimizing energy management in microgrids with ant colony optimization: enhancing reliability and cost efficiency for sustainable energy systems
Authors: Kamarposhti Mehrdad Ahmadi , Shokouhandeh Hassan , Lee Yeonwoo , Kang Sun-Kyoung , Colak Ilhami , Barhoumi El Manaa
Published: December 2024

This paper investigates the application of ant colony optimization (ACO) for energy management in microgrids, incorporating distributed generation resources such as solar panels, fuel cells, wind turbines, battery storage, and microturbine. The study evaluates energy management in two scenarios, with the first utilizing all available resources and the second applying specific operational constraints to wind turbines and solar panels. Results demonstrate that ACO effectively reduces operational costs and enhances system reliability, contributing to sustainable energy management practices. Additionally, the study compares ACO with the imperialist competitive algorithm, highlighting ACO’s superior performance in cost reduction and efficiency improvements. This research advances energy system optimization and supports the development of sustainable solutions in microgrids.
Molecular Epidemiology and Clinical Characterization of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacter Species From an International Cohort
Authors: Jiang Jianping , Komarow Lauren , Hill Carol , Boutzoukas Angelique E , Hanson Blake , Arias Cesar A , Bonomo Robert A , Evans Scott , Doi Yohei , Satlin Michael J , Weston Gregory , Cober Eric , Valderrama-Beltran Sandra Liliana , Mendoza Soraya Salcedo , Liu Zhengyin , Fries Bettina C , Tambyah Paul Ananth , Chambers Henry F , Fowler Vance G , van Duin David , Kreiswirth Barry N , Chen Liang
Published: December 2024

Background

Despite the global public health threat posed by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter spp, clinical and molecular epidemiological studies on international isolates remain scarce. Historically, the taxonomy of Enterobacter has been challenging, limiting our understanding of the clinical characteristics and outcomes of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacter spp infections.

Methods

Hospitalized patients enrolled in the CRACKLE-2 study (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03646227) from 2016 to 2018 with cultures positive for carbapenemase-producing Enterobacter spp were included. Clinical and microbiologic data were collected from health records. Whole genome sequencing was performed, and the population structures of selected predominant clones were analyzed.

Results

We enrolled 136 hospitalized patients with carbapenemase-producing Enterobacter spp from 30 hospitals in 7 countries. Among the 136 isolates, 11 Enterobacter spp were identified, with most isolates belonging to E xiangfangensis (n = 81 [60%]) and E hoffmannii (n = 17 [13%]) and carrying blaKPC (n = 106 [78%]) and blaNDM (n = 12 [9%]). Clinical characteristics and outcomes were similar among patients with E xiangfangensis, E hoffmannii, or the other Enterobacter spp. Thirty-day mortality was 20%, and older age at enrollment (adjusted odds ratio, 1.42 [95% confidence interval, 1.08–1.87]) was associated with increased mortality. Sequence type (ST) 171 E xiangfangensis, ST78 E hoffmannii, and ST93 E xiangfangensis were the predominant clones, and the acquisition of fluoroquinolone resistance–associated mutations and carbapenemase-encoding plasmids contributed to their formation and global dissemination.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that E xiangfangensis and E hoffmannii are common species among international carbapenemase-producing Enterobacter spp, potentially linked to the clonal spread of a few predominant clones that have acquired fluoroquinolone resistance and carbapenemase-encoding plasmids.
Clinical and Analytical Performance Evaluation of an Automated Procalcitonin Assay
Authors: Ogbonna Godwin , Atienza Jodiann R , Singleton David W , Ott-Vasconi Andrea , Alvey Stacey A
Published: December 2024

Background

Procalcitonin (PCT) measurement is useful for guiding antibiotic therapy and risk assessment in lower respiratory infections and/or sepsis. This study evaluated clinical and analytical performance of the Vitros® Immunodiagnostic Products B·R·A·H·M·S PCT assay (Vitros PCT).

Methods

Precision, limits of blank (LoB), detection (LoD), and quantitation (LoQ) were determined for Vitros PCT, along with method comparison and clinical concordance with the B·R·A·H·M·S PCT™-sensitive KRYPTOR™ assay (KRYPTOR PCT). All-cause 28-day mortality was evaluated according to the change in PCT values (ΔPCT) from day 0 through day 4 in samples from 598 intensive care unit patients with sepsis.

Results

Comparison of Vitros PCT and KRYPTOR PCT results yielded a Deming regression slope of 1.057, intercept of −0.010, and correlation coefficient (r) of 0.994. Precision analysis demonstrated within-laboratory coefficients of variation for Vitros PCT ranging from 3.1% to 6.4%. The LoD and observed LoQ were determined as 0.007 and 0.013 ng/mL, respectively. Overall agreement between assay methods was 98.5%, 98.0%, 97.4%, and 97.8%, at PCT clinical decision cutoffs of 0.100, 0.250, 0.500, and 2.00 ng/mL, respectively, with Cohen’s Kappa coefficients (κ) > 0.91. ΔPCT values ≤80% vs >80% were associated with increased 28-day-all-cause mortality (P = 0.006).

Conclusions

Vitros PCT compares well with KRYPTOR PCT, showing excellent agreement at relevant clinical decision cutoffs that have been used for antibiotic decision-making and assessment of risk for sepsis progression. ΔPCT values determined with Vitros PCT were useful for evaluation of 28-day mortality risk in patients with severe sepsis.
An industry survey of the composition and variability of soybean gums and soapstocks across US soybean processing plants
Authors: Gaffield Katelyn N , Goodband Robert D , DeRouchey Joel M , Tokach Mike D , Woodworth Jason C , Denny Gordon , Smolen Paul , Slipher Carmen , Krishnan Hari B , Gebhardt Jordan T
Published: December 2024

Depending on the soybean processing plant, gums and soapstocks may be added back to soybean meal during soybean processing. Despite potential effects on soybean meal quality, there is limited information available on the composition and variation in soybean by-products and the resulting soybean meal if by-products are added back during processing. A total of 36 soybean by-product samples from 14 plants across 8 different companies were examined in an industry survey evaluating the composition and variation of soybean gums and soapstocks across the United States. All soybean processing plants in the study produced at least 1 of the 2 by-products: soybean gums or soybean soapstocks. Soybean by-product and soybean meal samples were collected within 2 different timeframes: May to July 2023 and October to November 2023. The individual plants surveyed constitute approximately 30% of total US soybean meal production, with 8 participating companies representing 80% of the total US soybean meal production. By-products were analyzed for lipid quality criteria including moisture, fat by acid hydrolysis, fatty acid analysis, and oxidation markers. Soybean meal samples were submitted for analysis of the proximate composition, neutral detergent fiber, Ca, P, and trypsin inhibitor units. Soybean gums had a greater (P ≤ 0.05) percentage of acid-hydrolyzed fat and p-Anisidine value compared to soybean soapstocks. Soybean soapstocks tended to have a greater (P = 0.085) percentage of moisture and volatile matter as well as an increased (P = 0.052) concentration of insoluble impurities compared with soybean gums. Most notably, there was considerable variation in the composition of by-product samples among processing plants indicating differences in processing procedures or incoming soybean quality. Soybean meal containing added soybean by-products had 61% greater (P < 0.05) ether extract than soybean meal samples without added soybean by-products on a dry matter basis, but there was no difference (P > 0.10) in crude protein. Furthermore, trypsin inhibitor units varied considerably among plants with values ranging from 1.45 to 9.26 TIU/mg of seed powder, regardless of by-product inclusion. These results provide information on the composition and variation in soybean by-products across various processing plants; however, further information is still needed to evaluate their subsequent effects on livestock diets.
Cardiovascular disease in adults with osteogenesis imperfecta: clinical characteristics, care recommendations, and research priorities identified using a modified Delphi technique
Authors: Folkestad Lars , Prakash Siddharth K , Nagamani Sandesh C S , Andersen Niels Holmark , Carter Erin , Hald Jannie Dahl , Johnson Riley J , Langdahl Bente , Perfetto Eleanor M , Raggio Cathleen , Ralston Stuart H , Sandhaus Robert A , Semler Oliver , Tosi Laura , Orwoll Eric
Published: December 2024

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a multisystem disorder most often caused by pathogenic variants in genes that encode type I collagen. Type I collagen is abundant not only in bone but also in multiple tissues including skin, tendons, cornea, blood vessels, and heart. Thus, OI can be expected to affect cardiovascular system, and there are numerous reports of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in people with OI. However, there is no consensus on how CVD in OI should be assessed or managed. To fill this gap, a multidisciplinary group was convened to develop clinical guidance. The work included a systematic review of the available literature and, using a modified Delphi approach, the development of a series of statements summarizing current knowledge. Fourteen clinical recommendations were developed to guide clinicians, patients, and stakeholders about an approach for CVD in adults with OI. This paper describes how the work was conducted and provides the background and rationale for each recommendation. Furthermore, we highlight knowledge gaps and suggest research priorities for the future study of CVD in OI.
Accelerated rehabilitation and return to sport after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome is safe and effective
Authors: Kwiecien Susan Y , Mueller Milan P , Grossi John J , Tyler Timothy F , McHugh Malachy P , Galano Gregory J
Published: December 2024

Present recommendations in the literature advocate for a return to sport (RTS) between 5- and 10 months following hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). We have adopted the International Society of Hip Preservation protocol with modifications for the rehabilitation of our patients. The aim of the present study was to examine the time to RTS with this rehabilitation approach after hip arthroscopy for FAI. It was hypothesized that most athletes will RTS by 5 months post-surgery without any adverse effects. Patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAI were prospectively followed with preoperative and postoperative Patient Reported Outcome Measures including: Modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS). Preinjury sports and competition level, postoperative RTS rate, time, and level, complications, and revision surgeries were recorded. A total of 56 patients were identified for inclusion (36.6 ± 14.1 years old at date of surgery, 34 females and 22 males). There were 35 recreational athletes and 21 competitive-level athletes (10 in high-demand sports and 11 in moderate-demand sports). In all, 44 patients (79%) returned to sport at 5.3 ± 3.5 months postoperatively. Of the 12 patients who did not RTS, 5 (42%) did not return for reasons other than their hip. Neither HAGOS (P = .458) nor mHHS (P = .424) differed between athletes with RTS in ≤ 5 months (HAGOS: 80.4 ± 22.3; mHSS: 88.0 ± 17.7) versus >5 months (HAGOS: 84.6 ± 11.8; mHSS: 91.5 ± 8.7). The current study demonstrates that accelerated rehabilitation after hip arthroscopy for FAI can safely return athletes to sport within 6 months.
The elusive reform of international tax dispute settlement
Authors: Brauner Yariv
Published: December 2024

This short article examines the consequences of a lack of an effective international tax dispute resolution regime. The bilateral treaties based, and OECD-dominated international tax regime is at crossroads as the illegitimacy of the OECD and the anachronism of some of the norms of the regime are being exposed and challenged, especially by developing states and the UN. The weak dispute settlement procedure in tax treaties (mutual agreement procedure) has proven to be ineffective, further contributing to the destabilization of the regime. The article argues that a stronger, multilateral and more legalized regime such as mandatory tax treaty arbitration is in the interest of all parties and reviews the basic difficulties to effect collective action toward that end.
Copyright and AI training data—transparency to the rescue?
Authors: Buick Adam
Published: December 2024

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) models must be trained on vast quantities of data, much of which is composed of copyrighted material. However, AI developers frequently use such content without seeking permission from rightsholders, leading to calls for requirements to disclose information on the contents of AI training data. These demands have won an early success through the inclusion of such requirements in the EU’s AI Act. This article argues that such transparency requirements alone cannot rescue us from the difficult question of how best to respond to the fundamental challenges generative AI poses to copyright law. This is because the impact of transparency requirements is contingent on existing copyright laws; if these do not adequately address the challenges presented by generative AI, transparency will not provide a solution. This is exemplified by the transparency requirements of the AI Act, which are explicitly designed to facilitate the enforcement of the right to opt-out of text and data mining under the Copyright in the Digital Single Market Directive. Because the transparency requirements do not sufficiently address the underlying flaws of this opt-out, they are unlikely to provide any meaningful improvement to the position of individual rightsholders. Transparency requirements are thus a necessary but not sufficient measure to achieve a fair and equitable balance between innovation and protection for rightsholders. Policymakers must therefore look beyond such requirements and consider further action to address the complex challenge presented to copyright law by generative AI.