bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seismic Performance of Embedded Column Base Connections with Attached Reinforcement: Tests and Strength Models
Authors: Hassan Ahmad S. , Kanvinde Amit M.
Published: April 2024

Embedded column base (ECB) connections used in mid- to high-rise steel moment frames derive moment resistance through bearing of the embedded column and base plate against the concrete footing. Five large-scale tests on ECB connections are presented; these feature cantilever columns subjected to axial compression and cyclic lateral loading. The tests feature reinforcement details including (1) horizontal reinforcement bars attached to the column (either directly welded to the flanges or in the form of U-hairpins wrapped around the column); and (2) vertical reinforcement in the form of stirrups in the footing. These tests complement previous experiments that are nominally identical but without the additional reinforcement. The tests indicate that while the horizontal reinforcement enhances moment strength due to resisting forces in the horizontal direction, it also produces a tension field that decreases the restraint to the rotation of the embedded base plate, ultimately reducing overall moment strength. The addition of vertical reinforcement in the form of stirrups mitigates this issue to an extent. A strength model considering these effects is proposed and shown to predict strength with good accuracy across a range of configurations, encompassing the different configurations of horizontal and vertical reinforcement. Limitations of the approach are discussed.
Application of AISC Specification Requirements for Second-Order Analysis and Stability Design
Authors: Sabelli Rafael , Adams Allen , Landis David
Published: April 2024

Errata to an article that appeared in Vol. 60, No. 3, 2023.
Inelastic Deformation and Local Slenderness Requirements for Rectangular HSS Braces
Authors: Lehman Dawn , Khaldestad Joseph , Bergendahl Will , Sen Andrew , Berman Jeffery , Roeder Charles
Published: April 2024

Rectangular hollow structural sections (HSS) are commonly used as bracing in concentrically braced frames (CBFs) designed and detailed for seismic design requirements. As the primary yielding component in CBFs, braces are expected to sustain large inelastic axial deformation during earthquake loading. It is well known that their deformation capacity depends on the width-to-thickness ratio (local slenderness). Until 2013, HSS sections were produced to meet ASTM standard A500/A500M; after 2013, the ASTM 1085 specification was implemented, and since that time, HSS sections have also been produced to meet ASTM A1085/A1085M standards. Where the ASTM A500/A500M specification requires minimum yield and tensile stress values as well as a minimum elongation and tolerances on the wall thickness, the ASTM A1085/A1085M specification also requires a minimum Charpy V-notch (CVN) toughness, a maximum yield stress of the steel, and tighter tolerances on the wall thickness and radius of curvature of the corner. These requirements offer a more reliable brace for CBFs in seismic regions. Yet there has been limited research investigating the cyclic axial response of these members. A research study was undertaken to investigate the response of ASTM A1085/A1085M tubes using the response of ASTM A500C tubes as their reference. Forty-one brace specimens were tested under cyclic inelastic axial deformation. Comparison of the data shows that most of the ASTM A500/A500 M Grade C and ASTM A1085/1085M braces meet the respective requirements of their respective ASTM standard and that the differences between the performance of ASTM A500/A500M and ASTM A1085/1085M braces are not dramatic. In addition, the study investigated the impact of width-to-thickness ratio, global slenderness, and displacement history on the response of the braces. The data show that the current AISC 341-22 high-ductility slenderness limit for special concentrically braced frame (SCBF) braces is slightly conservative. However, the data suggest that the moderate ductility slenderness limit used for ordinary concentrically braced frame (OCBF) braces is significantly more conservative than required for consistent seismic safety. Further research is required to determine appropriate limits; this paper provides some initial recommendations based on this dataset.
Investigation of Steel Plate Washer Thickness for Column Anchor Rod Applications
Authors: Cozzens Paul A. , Rassati Gian Adrea , Swanson James A. , Burns Thomas M.
Published: April 2024

Since the 13th edition, the AISC Steel Construction Manual has included provisions regarding the recommended minimum plate washer thickness used in a column base plate and anchor rod assembly. Each plate washer must have sufficient strength and stiffness to fully develop the anchor rod to which it is fastened without succumbing to pull-through, flexural, or cracking failure. Laboratory tensile testing of an anchor rod, nut, and plate washer assembly was conducted at the University of Cincinnati to study plate washer performance. This testing investigated the capacity of ASTM A572/A572M Grade 50 plate washers using the recommended minimum thicknesses as listed in Table 14-2 of the 15th edition of the AISC Steel Construction Manual, with anchor rods having ¾, 1, 1½, 2, and 2½ in. diameter. A total of 94 tests were conducted, after which the plate washers were visually assessed for signs of failure, including measurement of permanent out-of-plane deformation. This assessment established that a 40% relative deformation in plate washers could reasonably be judged as a failure threshold due to excessive deformation. Testing and assessment revealed that while 10 plate washers exhibited relative deformations in excess of 40%, the recommended minimum plate washer thicknesses found in AISC Manual Table 14-2 were sufficient in fully developing most anchor rods. The notable exception to the current minimum thickness recommendations were for washers in use with anchor rods with diameters of ¾, 1, and 1½ in. made from Grade 105 steel. For these anchor rods, a thicker plate washer than that currently specified is recommended. Testing also found that the anchor rod orientation and the variations of ultimate strength in individual anchor rods did not appear to be significantly associated with the performance of plate washers in these tests.
Correlation of Discontinuities and Physical Properties in Steel Weldments
Authors: Criscuolo E.L.
Published: April 2024

Nondestructive testing techniques are used to locate and define the shape and size of discontinuities in steel weldments. Ultimately the question that must be answered from these tests is, "Does the discontinuity affect the strength of the weld?" In the past, a heavy reliance has been placed upon service performance, experience, and engineering judgment. There is a tendency, and justifiably so, to error on the safe side. Flaws that have little effect on the performance of the weld are removed. This increases cost and may even damage the weld by the introduction of other flaws. In addition, there is a greater demand placed on weld reliability and performance for the minimum weight. Therefore, the need to know more precisely the effect of a flaw on weld performance has become more urgent. This has given rise to studies on the correlation between weld flaws and physical properties. In 1960 the Japanese produced a document on the nondestructive testing of welds and their strength.1 More recently, Professor R. B. McCauley of the Ohio State University has studied the effects of porosity in weldments. Mr. R. Newman of the British Welding Research Association has also published information on the significance of weld defects in relation to fatigue fracture.3 It is not the intent of this paper to present new information, but rather to review what is available and to point out some of the differences.
A Modification to the Subassemblage Method of Designing Unbraced Multi-story Frames
Authors: De Buen Oscar
Published: April 2024

A new method of designing girders and columns of unbraced multi-story frames under the combined action of vertical and horizontal loads has been recently developed.The method is based on the concept of sway subassemblages and takes into account the elastic-plastic behavior of girders, the instability of columns, and second order effects, caused by PD moments, on the structure. It employs a semi-graphical solution using specially prepared charts, and its final aim is to obtain the complete horizontal load-lateral deflection curve for each story of the frame.This method has been thoroughly described in Ref. 1, and Ref. 2 is an abstract of the method. Its bases appear in Ref. 3, and the charts required have been published in Ref. 4. The purpose of this paper is to present a modification to the original method, which allows us to obtain the horizontal load-sway deflection curve (QD curve) for each story of the frame without employing the charts of Ref. 4 and reducing, at the same time, the numerical work required to solve the problem. The final results are very close to those obtained by application of the original method, and the small differences between both methods are not significant in most practical cases. The basic assumptions relative to the behavior of the structure are maintained (see Ref. 1, p. 4), but the condition of uniformly distributed gravity loads on the girders is deleted, because solutions can be obtained for any type of vertical loads.
Preliminary Wind Analysis of Multistory Bents
Authors: Ben-Arroyo Abraham
Published: April 2024

Recent progress in computers has permitted rapid analysis of the multistory bent, including deformations due to horizontal forces. The first part of this paper presents an analysis of the girder and column forces and moments for an arbitrary story. Equilibrium equations are derived in general form, in terms of the external forces and bent geometry—an especially convenient approach for tabular work. The second part deals with the deformation of the multistory bent. An outline of the basic assumptions is followed by a proposed deformation curve, which yields the allowable deformation angle for any story, based on the allowable deflection index (drift limitation). Subsequently, equations are derived for the horizontal deflections due to each of the following factors: axial deformation of the columns, bending of the columns, and bending of the girders. The paper concludes with a numerical example.
Calculator for Beam-column Design
Authors: Ting Ea-Lu
Published: April 2024

The calculation of interaction equations in beam-column design is always tedious and time consuming. The author has designed a special calculator, as shown in Fig. 1, for calculating the interaction equations. By using this special calculator, the divisions, multiplications and summations of all terms appearing in the interaction equations can be performed without any longhand operations. The author has found it very handy and especially time saving during the trial-and-error operations in the selection of a proper section. As shown in Fig. 1, the calculator consists of four parts: a stationary graph, a movable graph, a rotary cursor and a slide cursor. The movable graph and slide cursor can be slid along the inside and outside, respectively, of the stationary graph. The rotary cursor is attached to and can be rotated about the origin of the horizontal Km scale on movable graph. The horizontal Ks scale on the stationary graph is identical to the horizontal Km scale on the movable graph. Both scales are dimensionless, and indicate the percentages of actual stresses to allowable stresses, axial or bending. The vertical Am scale on the movable graph, in kips per square inch, indicates the allowable stresses, axial or bending. On the slide cursor there are two scales. One is the As scale, in kips per square inch, which is identical to the Am scale on the movable graph, but indicates the actual stresses, axial or bending.
Straight-Element Grid Analysis of Horizontally Curved Beam Systems
Authors: Weissman Herbert A.
Published: April 2024

Horizontally curved beam systems undoubtedly find their greatest applicability today in the framing of curved highway bridges. Although this paper will utilize in its discussions the specific structural components of a steel I-shaped beam system with a concrete slab deck, the basic principles are applicable to other horizontally curved beam systems. Much research has gone into the theoretical and practical aspects of curved beam analysis. A method will be presented here which will enable a designer to secure sufficiently accurate results by using a method of analysis (more practically a computer method of analysis) with which he is familiar, namely the statically indeterminate analysis of plane grid systems with straight elements. STRESS is probably the most popular computer program for the analysis of indeterminate structures, and reference will be made to a computer program which aids in the preparation of input data for STRESS. A single horizontally curved beam which is not torsionally restrained at the ends is not stable under vertical loads. In curved bridge construction, diaphragms (steel beam or more commonly trussed members, normal to the main beams) provide the transverse load capability necessary for stability by resisting the torsion in the main beams. Because the deck slab frames only into the top flange of the beams, it cannot effectively resist torsional forces in the beam. However, it does provide good lateral load distribution capability by tending to equalize vertical deflections of adjacent beams.
Design of Composite Beams with Formed Metal Deck
Authors: Fisher John W.
Published: April 2024

For some time steel formed plate and concrete have been used compositely in building floor systems. Usually the formed metal deck is used as a permanent form to carry the fresh concrete and serve as a working platform. After hardening of the concrete, the metal deck and concrete slab act compositely to carry the applied live loads if the metal deck is provided with embossments to provide the shear connection. A natural consequence was to develop composite action for the steel beams over which the formed metal deck was placed. This was first suggested by A. H. Atkinson of Hamilton, Ontario. The AISC Specification for buildings does not provide for composite beams with a formed metal deck between the steel and concrete slab. When the metal deck corrugations are parallel to the beam, they do not interfere with the steel-concrete interaction and the condition is similar to a haunched slab for which the Specification provisions are applicable. However, when the metal deck is placed perpendicular to the steel beams and shear connectors are placed in the ribs of the corrugations, the behavior of the composite system may differ substantially from the expected behavior.
Which Design Concept for Prestressed Steel?
Authors: Tochacek Miloslav , Amrhein Francis Gene
Published: April 2024

Prestressed steel structures are those in which, during manufacture, assembly, or exploitation, deliberate stresses are produced of precise magnitude, direction, and period of duration. The most significant aims of prestressing are: enlargement of the elastic range in which the structure works; redistribution of internal stresses or forces; improvement of stability; increase of fatigue resistance; decrease in deformations; wider use of high strengthsteels. Some examples of the many types of prestressed steel structures and methods of prestressing are: rigid basic structures (girders, trusses, frames, masts, towers, etc.) prestressed by high strength tendons; systems or networks of prestressed flexible strings (hanging roofs and walls, etc.); multi-layer and hybrid beams or vessels (simultaneous use of different materials as concrete and steel, carbon steel and quenched-tempered steel, etc.); statically indeterminate structures prestressed by enforced displacement of redundant restraints (usually by enforced shifting of some redundant supports or by compelled assembly of some elements fabricated with planned dimension "inaccuracies"); removal or exploitation of residual, secondary, or other "parasite" stresses (from welding, temperature treatments, mechanical operations with steel in cold state, unwanted constructional rigidity of some details, etc.). Prestressed structures utilizing tendons are the most widely used and most economical.
The Behavior of A514 Steel Tension Members
Authors: Kulak Goeffrey L.
Published: April 2024

Recent studies into the behavior of bolted joints of high strength steels have pointed out the importance of the net-to-gross cross-sectional ratio upon the deformation behavior of such members. In particular, these studies show that because of the low ratio of ultimate vs. yield strength levels, usual detailing practice commonly will lead to the situation wherein the member will fail through the net section of the joint before yield is reached in the gross section. It is hypothesized that in this situation, wherein the main portion of the member is still elastic, fracture will occur before any significant amount of ductility is exhibited. Although tension members are commonly designed on an elastic basis, it is nevertheless considered desirable that as this level is exceeded and the structure proceeds towards its ultimate load, capacity for distortion should still exist in the member.4 In materials such as aluminum, where it is recognized that this capacity cannot be attained, a rather higher factor of safety is demanded. Although there is no reason to question the above hypothesis, all the reported tests on A514 steel tension members have been primarily concerned with joint behavior and not with the overall behavior of a member which contains a joint. Accordingly, a series of tests has now been carried out on members of A514 steel, each of which contains a joint. The ratio of net-to-gross cross-sectional area is the principal variable, and the tests show the effect of this ratio upon member ductility. As an important preliminary to these tests, a considerable number of carefully controlled tension coupon tests on A514 steel were performed and these are also reported.
Discussion: The Effective Length of Columns in Unbraced Frames
Authors: Adams Peter F. , Yura Joseph A. , Johnston Bruce G. , Zweig Alfred
Published: April 2024

Discussion
Discussion: Shear Strength of Stud Connectors in Lightweight and Normal-Weight Concrete
Authors: Chinn James
Published: April 2024

Discussion
Discussion: Applied Plastic Design of Unbraced Multistory Frames
Authors: Wiesner Kenneth B.
Published: April 2024

Discussion
Discussion: Buckling of Hyperbolic Paraboloids
Authors: Koo Benjamin
Published: April 2024

Discussion
The effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on gastrointestinal function and inflammatory response after endoscopic tumor resection
Authors: SONG Zhiyong , WANG Qi , SUN Chao , LI Quan , ZHANG Xiaohua
Published: April 2024

[Objective] To explore the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on gastrointestinal function and inflammatory response in patients undergoing endoscopic tumor resection, and to explore the mechanism of TEAS in organ protection. [Methods] Ninety-two patients undergoing painless endoscopic tumor resection in our hospital were randomly divided into a TEAS control group and a TEAS treatment group. The incidence of SIRS, inflammatory factors, immunoglobulin, and the first anal exhaust time were evaluated before and 48 hours after surgery. SPSS statistical method was used to analyze the evaluation indexes of the two groups before and after treatment. [Results] TEAS treatment significantly reduced the levels of IL-6 in peripheral blood 2 days after surgery, and increased the levels of IgG and IgM in peripheral blood 48 hours after surgery. There was no significant difference in the expression levels of TNF-α and IL-10 between the two groups. TEAS can promote the recovery of postoperative intestinal function, mainly in postoperative defecation, and shorten the recovery time of postoperative exhaust function and the length of hospital stay. Perioperative transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation can reduce the occurrence of postoperative complications. [Conclusion] TEAS can improve gastrointestinal function, inhibit postoperative inflammatory response, promote the recovery of intestinal function, shorten the length of hospital stay, and inhibit the occurrence of postoperative complications after endoscopic tumor resection. This provides a new method and new concept for traditional Chinese medicine treatment of patients with gastrointestinal tumors after endoscopic resection.
Exploratory mass cytometry analysis reveals immunophenotypes of cancer treatment-related pneumonitis
Authors: Yanagihara Toyoshi , Hata Kentaro , Matsubara Keisuke , Kunimura Kazufumi , Suzuki Kunihiro , Tsubouchi Kazuya , Ikegame Satoshi , Baba Yoshihiro , Fukui Yoshinori , Okamoto Isamu
Published: April 2024

Anticancer treatments can result in various adverse effects, including infections due to immune suppression/dysregulation and drug-induced toxicity in the lung. One of the major opportunistic infections is Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP), which can cause severe respiratory complications and high mortality rates. Cytotoxic drugs and immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can induce interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). Nonetheless, the differentiation of these diseases can be difficult, and the pathogenic mechanisms of such diseases are not yet fully understood. To better comprehend the immunophenotypes, we conducted an exploratory mass cytometry analysis of immune cell subsets in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from patients with PCP, cytotoxic drug-induced ILD (DI-ILD), and ICI-associated ILD (ICI-ILD) using two panels containing 64 markers. In PCP, we observed an expansion of the CD16+ T cell population, with the highest CD16+ T proportion in a fatal case. In ICI-ILD, we found an increase in CD57+ CD8+ T cells expressing immune checkpoints (TIGIT+ LAG3+ TIM-3+ PD-1+), FCRL5+ B cells, and CCR2+ CCR5+ CD14+ monocytes. These findings uncover the diverse immunophenotypes and possible pathomechanisms of cancer treatment-related pneumonitis.
ARID1A governs the silencing of sex-linked transcription during male meiosis in the mouse
Authors: Menon Debashish U. , Chakraborty Prabuddha , Murcia Noel , Magnuson Terry
Published: April 2024

We present evidence implicating the BAF (BRG1/BRM Associated Factor) chromatin remodeler in meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI). By immunofluorescence (IF), the putative BAF DNA binding subunit, ARID1A (AT-rich Interaction Domain 1a), appeared enriched on the male sex chromosomes during diplonema of meiosis I. Those germ cells showing a Cre-induced loss of ARID1A were arrested in pachynema and failed to repress sex-linked genes, indicating a defective MSCI. Consistent with this defect, mutant sex chromosomes displayed an abnormal presence of elongating RNA polymerase II coupled with an overall increase in chromatin accessibility detectable by ATAC-seq. By investigating potential mechanisms underlying these anomalies, we identified a role for ARID1A in promoting the preferential enrichment of the histone variant, H3.3, on the sex chromosomes, a known hallmark of MSCI. Without ARID1A, the sex chromosomes appeared depleted of H3.3 at levels resembling autosomes. Higher resolution analyses by CUT&RUN revealed shifts in sex-linked H3.3 associations from discrete intergenic sites and broader gene-body domains to promoters in response to the loss of ARID1A. Several sex-linked sites displayed ectopic H3.3 occupancy that did not co-localize with DMC1 (DNA Meiotic Recombinase 1). This observation suggests a requirement for ARID1A in DMC1 localization to the asynapsed sex chromatids. We conclude that ARID1A-directed H3.3 localization influences meiotic sex chromosome gene regulation and DNA repair.
Deciphering molecular heterogeneity and dynamics of human hippocampal neural stem cells at different ages and injury states
Authors: Yao Junjun , Dai Shaoxing , Zhu Ran , Tan Ju , Zhao Qiancheng , Yin Yu , Sun Jiansen , Du Xuewei , Ge Longjiao , Xu Jianhua , Hou Chunli , Li Nan , Li Jun , Ji Weizhi , Zhu Chuhong , Zhang Runrui , Li Tianqing
Published: April 2024

While accumulated publications support the existence of neurogenesis in the adult human hippocampus, the homeostasis and developmental potentials of neural stem cells (NSCs) under different contexts remain unclear. Based on our generated single-nucleus atlas of the human hippocampus across neonatal, adult, aging, and injury, we dissected the molecular heterogeneity and transcriptional dynamics of human hippocampal NSCs under different contexts. We further identified new specific neurogenic lineage markers that overcome the lack of specificity found in some well-known markers. Based on developmental trajectory and molecular signatures, we found that a subset of NSCs exhibit quiescent properties after birth, and most NSCs become deep quiescence during aging. Furthermore, certain deep quiescent NSCs are reactivated following stroke injury. Together, our findings provide valuable insights into the development, aging, and reactivation of the human hippocampal NSCs, and help to explain why adult hippocampal neurogenesis is infrequently observed in humans.
A neuronal least-action principle for real-time learning in cortical circuits
Authors: Senn Walter , Dold Dominik , Kungl Akos F. , Ellenberger Benjamin , Jordan Jakob , Bengio Yoshua , Sacramento João , Petrovici Mihai A.
Published: April 2024

One of the most fundamental laws of physics is the principle of least action. Motivated by its predictive power, we introduce a neuronal least-action principle for cortical processing of sensory streams to produce appropriate behavioural outputs in real time. The principle postulates that the voltage dynamics of cortical pyramidal neurons prospectively minimize the local somato-dendritic mismatch error within individual neurons. For motor output neurons, it implies minimizing an instantaneous behavioural error. For deep network neurons, it implies a prospective firing to overcome integration delays and correct for possible output errors right in time. The neuron-specific errors are extracted in the apical dendrites of pyramidal neurons through a cortical microcircuit that tries to explain away the feedback from the periphery, and correct the trajectory on the fly. Any motor output is in a moving equilibrium with the sensory inputs and the motor feedback during the whole sensory-motor trajectory. Ongoing synaptic plasticity reduces the somato-dendritic mismatch error within each cortical neuron and performs gradient descent on the output cost at any moment in time. The neuronal least-action principle offers an axiomatic framework to derive local neuronal and synaptic dynamics for global real-time computation and learning in the brain and in physical substrates in general.
The evolution of transposable elements in Brachypodium distachyon is governed by purifying selection, while neutral and adaptive processes play a minor role
Authors: Horvath Robert , Minadakis Nikolaos , Bourgeois Yann , Roulin Anne C
Published: April 2024

Understanding how plants adapt to changing environments and the potential contribution of transposable elements (TEs) to this process is a key question in evolutionary genomics. While TEs have recently been put forward as active players in the context of adaptation, few studies have thoroughly investigated their precise role in plant evolution. Here, we used the wild Mediterranean grass Brachypodium distachyon as a model species to identify and quantify the forces acting on TEs during the adaptation of this species to various conditions, across its entire geographic range. Using sequencing data from more than 320 natural B. distachyon accessions and a suite of population genomics approaches, we reveal that putatively adaptive TE polymorphisms are rare in wild B. distachyon populations. After accounting for changes in past TE activity, we show that only a small proportion of TE polymorphisms evolved neutrally (<10%), while the vast majority of them are under moderate purifying selection regardless of their distance to genes. TE polymorphisms should not be ignored when conducting evolutionary studies, as they can be linked to adaptation. However, our study clearly shows that while they have a large potential to cause phenotypic variation in B. distachyon, they are not favored during evolution and adaptation over other types of mutations (such as point mutations) in this species.
Embedding stochastic dynamics of the environment in spontaneous activity by prediction-based plasticity
Authors: Asabuki Toshitake , Clopath Claudia
Published: April 2024

The brain learns an internal model of the environment through sensory experiences, which is essential for high-level cognitive processes. Recent studies show that spontaneous activity reflects such learned internal model. Although computational studies have proposed that Hebbian plasticity can learn the switching dynamics of replayed activities, it is still challenging to learn dynamic spontaneous activity that obeys the statistical properties of sensory experience. Here, we propose a pair of biologically plausible plasticity rules for excitatory and inhibitory synapses in a recurrent spiking neural network model to embed stochastic dynamics in spontaneous activity. The proposed synaptic plasticity rule for excitatory synapses seeks to minimize the discrepancy between stimulus-evoked and internally predicted activity, while inhibitory plasticity maintains the excitatory-inhibitory balance. We show that the spontaneous reactivation of cell assemblies follows the transition statistics of the model’s evoked dynamics. We also demonstrate that simulations of our model can replicate recent experimental results of spontaneous activity in songbirds, suggesting that the proposed plasticity rule might underlie the mechanism by which animals learn internal models of the environment.While spontaneous activity in the brain is often seen as simple background noise, recent work has hypothesized that spontaneous activity instead reflects the brain’s learnt internal model. While several studies have proposed synaptic plasticity rules to generate structured spontaneous activities, the mechanism of learning and embedding transition statistics in spontaneous activity is still unclear. Using a computational model, we investigate the synaptic plasticity rules that learn dynamic spontaneous activity obeying appropriate transition statistics. Our results shed light on the learning mechanism of the brain’s internal model, which is a crucial step towards a better understanding of the role of spontaneous activity as an internal generative model of stochastic processes in complex environments.
GDF2 and BMP10 coordinate liver cellular crosstalk to maintain liver health
Authors: Zhao Dianyuan , Huang Ziwei , Li Xiaoyu , Wang Huan , Hou Qingwei , Wang Yuyao , Yan Fang , Yang Wenting , Liu Di , Yi Shaoqiong , Han Chunguang , Hao Yanan , Tang Li
Published: April 2024

The liver is the largest solid organ in the body and is primarily composed of hepatocytes (HCs), endothelial cells (ECs), Kupffer cells (KCs), and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which spatially interact and cooperate with each other to maintain liver homeostasis. However, the complexity and molecular mechanisms underlying the crosstalk between these different cell types remain to be revealed. Here, we generated mice with conditional deletion of Gdf2 (also known as Bmp9) and Bmp10 in different liver cell types and demonstrated that HSCs were the major source of GDF2 and BMP10 in the liver. Using transgenic ALK1 (receptor for GDF2 and BMP10) reporter mice, we found that ALK1 is expressed on KCs and ECs other than HCs and HSCs, and GDF2 and BMP10 secreted by HSCs promote the differentiation of KCs and ECs and maintain their identity. Pdgfb expression was significantly upregulated in KCs and ECs after Gdf2 and Bmp10 deletion, ultimately leading to HSCs activation and liver fibrosis. ECs express several angiocrine factors, such as BMP2, BMP6, Wnt2, and Rspo3, to regulate HC iron metabolism and metabolic zonation. We found that these angiocrine factors were significantly decreased in ECs from Gdf2/Bmp10HSC-KO mice, which further resulted in liver iron overload and disruption of HC zonation. In summary, we demonstrated that HSCs play a central role in mediating liver cell-cell crosstalk via the production of GDF2 and BMP10, highlighting the important role of intercellular interaction in organ development and homeostasis.
Declining Effect in the Immunogenicity of Covishield Vaccine among Healthcare Workers Postvaccination- A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Gaurav S , Sharvani R , Hemavathi . , Divya A
Published: April 2024

Introduction: The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic had a severe impact on global healthcare systems and the economy. The introduction of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines has provided a solution for the disease. However, with mutations in the strains of COVID-19, there is a need to understand the immunogenicity and duration of protection provided by the vaccines. Aim: To assess the immunogenicity of the covishield vaccine among Healthcare Workers (HCWs) postvaccination following the administration of the second dose of the covishield vaccine. Materials and Methods: This was a single-centre prospective cohort study in the Department of Microbiology, Sapthagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, from January 2022 to June 2022. Study included HCWs who had received the first and second doses of the Covishield vaccine and were willing to participate in the study. Only 30 HCWs who had received two doses of the COVID- 19 vaccine (Covishield) at least two weeks before registration were enrolled in the study. The serum was tested to determine the qualitative detection of COVID-19 Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody in HCWs using the Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method using COVID Kawach IgG Microlisa kit. The P/N ratio is the Optical Density (OD) value of the sample tested/average OD value of the negative control. The P/N ratio was calculated and the participants were divided into different groups based on the months after receiving the second dose of the vaccine. The non parametric Kruskal-Wallis test was applied to test the difference between the P/N ratio based on the months of vaccination since the second dose. Results: In the present study, the majority of HCWs, 20 (66.6%), were uninfected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, while 10 (33.3%) became infected after receiving two doses of the covishield vaccination. Out of 30 samples, 29 (96.6%) samples had crossed the cut-off OD value of 0.3970, and the P/N ratio was greater than 1.5, suggestive of the presence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Only 1 (3.3%) sample had an absorbance value lower than the cut-off, and the P/N ratio was <1.5, suggestive of the absence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. The P/N values of the participants were compared between different groups, which were divided based on the months since the second dose of the covishield vaccine. Participants who had completed five months since the last vaccine dose showed the highest P/N value (median 13.9), followed by median values of 7.1, 4.8 and 3.3 on completion of 6, 7 and 8 months and beyond, respectively. A steady decline in the median P/N ratio was observed from 5 to 8 months. Conclusion: The immunogenicity of the covishield vaccine among HCWs Postvaccination after the second dose of the covishield vaccine showed a steady decline in the subsequent months.
Improving Business Performance For SMEs: The Power Of Co-Innovation, And Business Networks Resilience In The Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hai-Ninh Do , Hoang Nhu-Y Ngoc , Do Ngoc-Bich
Published: April 2024

The Covid-19 outbreak-induced economic crisis has been considered significantly worse than the Great Depression (1929–1939), which had been seen as the worst economic catastrophe in history. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have suffered heavier losses than large organizations during the pandemic. However, empirical results regarding relationships among resilient factors and SMEs performance have been inconclusive. This study builds on the Resources-based-view and Contingent Theory to examine one resilient factor as co-creation. Following a comprehensive literature review, quantitative research was adopted in this paper. There were a total of 450 SMEs participating in this study. SmartPLS 3.0 was performed on the relationship between co-innovation and SMEs outcomes. The findings show a positive and direct impact of co-innovation and organizational resilience and further leverage SMEs’ performance. Furthermore, it was found that co-innovation also boosts the resilience of business networks, SMEs which plays a critical role to business survival. Driven from these findings, SMEs in emerging markets should consider and focus on co-innovation with their stakeholders to overcome the long-lasting impacts from the pandemic.
Analysis of Marketing Practices and Identification of Factors Influencing Groundwater Transfer in Tirupur District, India
Authors: Palanichamy N Venketesa , M Kalpana
Published: April 2024

Water transfers have recently increased as a way to meet water demands in domestic and industrial sectors.  Groundwater transfer as the quickest, least expensive, and most environmentally friendly way to address the issue of large cities' water supply and reliability, given the success of the state water system. The water transfers generally focus on the purchase of water from willing sellers in agriculture to meet urban domestic and industrial water demand. Water transfers can generate three different types of impacts namely, direct, indirect and induced impacts. The present study was undertaken mainly to study why groundwater transfer has been an increasing phenomenon over years resulting in pollution hazards and reduction in irrigated area in Tirupur district.  The impacts from groundwater transfer to water selling regions and effluent receiving areas are an important consideration in evaluating the impact of groundwater transfer activity. Without doubts groundwater transfer from agriculture to industrial uses would benefit individual sellers, buyers and the Nation as whole. The probability of water selling would increase by 0.1368 per cent, while the water selling intensity by 0.1538 per cent on average for the entire sample.  The probability of selling water decreases by 3.62 percent, when farming is the major occupation as well as when profitability from on-farm activities is higher, which in turn made the farmer less reliance on income from water sales.  Similarly, the elasticity of intensity of water sales would decrease by 4.07 percent. However, groundwater transfers would cause some economic impediment to local rural communities especially non-sellers. The adverse direct economic impact in groundwater selling or water transferring areas to total revenue in agriculture was Rs. 54.32 lakhs per every crop season. Scarcity of water resulted in shifting of irrigated agriculture to rainfed agriculture and labour intensive to labour less intensive crops.
Constraints of Sugarcane Farmers During Cultivation and Marketing in Kerala, India
Authors: D Meena , Thasnimol F , T P Lazarus, , A Vijayan, , P P Gopinath,
Published: April 2024

The study analysed the constraints faced by farmers during cultivation and marketing of sugarcane in Kerala. A multi-stage random sampling technique was adopted for the data collection and information was obtained from 120 sugarcane farmers and 10 marketing intermediaries. The farmers ranked and used Garrett's ranking technique to analyze the main production and marketing constraints. The major production constraints identified were wild animal and rodent attack, followed by shortage of labour and high labour cost, high cost of inputs and delay in harvesting. Price fluctuations of sugarcane and absence of regulated markets were major marketing constraints. Valuable suggestions were implementing effective measures to mitigate wildlife damage, government should purchase farmers products at reasonable price.
Adaptation and Growth Performance of Tea Plants (Camelia sinensis (L) O. Kuntze) in Obudu Hills, Cross River State
Authors: J. I. Idu, , N. E. Edu, , C. I. Egbaji, , L. Nsude,
Published: April 2024

Young seedlings of five tea clones under cultivation (318, 236, 68, BB35, and 143) and five from the germplasm), were collected from the Kakara Highland tea Plantations, Mambila Plateau, Taraba State. Seedlings were planted in fifty sample boxes to enable the seedlings to be established first before transplanting to the field. After the establishment, they were transported to Obudu Hills for investigation. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RBCD) with 3 replications. Data collected on morphological traits were subjected to an analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. Multivariate analysis such as principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis and correlation analysis were used to estimate genetic diversity between the tea plant clones. The result showed that the tea clones survived the first two months after transplanting. However, subsequently, the percentage of survival was reduced. Results from the morphological studies revealed that the accessions differed significantly (p>0.001) in all evaluated traits except for leaf width and dry biomass.  Three principal components were identified based on eigenvalues; the first principal component contributed 44.18% of the total variation with an eigenvalue of 3.977, the second principal component accounted for 24.36% with total eigenvalue of 2.193 while PC3 accounted for 15.345% of the total variation with eigenvalue of 1.381.  Cluster analysis showed that the evaluated tea clones were grouped into two main clusters containing sub-clusters. The high genetic diversity identified in Camellia sinensis clone in the study will serve as a guide in breeding, genetic improvement, utilization and conservation of this important nutritional and medicinal plant species.
The Impact of Internet Banking on Bank Fraud in Nigeria
Authors: Olelewe Chinwe Ada , Onwumere Josaphat U
Published: April 2024

This study investigated the effect of internet banking on bank fraud in Nigeria. Monthly data covering from January 2008 to January 2019 representing 97 observations were utilized. The Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) technique was used as the technique of data analysis. The independent variable is internet banking while the dependent variable is bank fraud. The control variables included measures of regulatory quality, bank development and capital market development which have strong correlation with the level of bank fraud in a financial system. Identity theft theory & software vulnerability theory were the theoretical underpinnings in this work.  The findings of the study reveal overwhelming evidence of a positive interaction between internet banking and bank fraud in Nigeria which could be attributed to the regulatory quality of the Nigerian banking industry. Internet based transactions had a positive and significant effect on bank fraud in Nigeria Some of the recommendations emanating from the findings of the study are; mainstreaming regulatory sandbox, promoting favorable macroeconomic environment, strengthen AML/CFT regime, strict adherence to fraud disruption measure, biometric authentication, harmonization of industry standards, consumer education awareness.
Glycemic Control and Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose in Type 2 Diabetic Patients on Insulin and Prevalence of Candidiasis in these Patients at Dschang District Hospital, Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kenfack Désiré F , Chimi Larissa Y , Fondop Joseph , Agokeng Armel J , Magnibou Larissa M , Magne Julie KT , Njateng Guy SS
Published: April 2024

Background: The number of deaths attributed to diabetes was estimated at nearly                                1.5 million worldwide in 2012, making this disease one of the 15 most deadly                                pathologies in the world. Self-monitoring of blood glucose is not widely used in type 2 diabetics on insulin.
Objective: To evaluate the level of glycemic control and identified some factors that may influence it as well as determining the prevalence of candidiasis in these patients.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on a population of type 2 diabetic patients on insulin followed at Dschang District Hospital with an average age of 58 years treated with insulin for at least 2 months and the predictors of poor glycemic control were measured (HbA1c higher than 7%) and the search for three species of Candida carried out in 3 different types of samples (urine, blood and oral cavity). Furthermore, a questionnaire was used to collect information on self-monitoring of blood glucose.
Results: This study included 66 diabetic patients with a mean age of 58 years and a male predominance (51.5%). The majority of patients had been diabetic for at least 6 years with a mean duration of insulin therapy of 6 months. 90.1% of the participants reported having a glucometer and 54.5% reported performing self-monitoring of blood glucose twice a day as recommended by the physician. This study found that 78.8% of these patients had inadequate glycemic control. Factors such as Body mass index, duration of diabetes and coexistence with hypertension influenced this glycemic control. Similarly, a prevalence of 15.2%, 12.1% and 00% were recorded for urinary, oral and systemic candidiasis respectively with Candida albicans being the species most involved in these infections.
Conclusion: Poor glycemic control is common among type 2 diabetic patients on insulin at Dschang District Hospital and is due to poor use and lack of training of patients on the practice of self-monitoring of blood glucose. This poor glycemic control favours the development of candida infections, especially urinary and oral.
Esterified Conditioner and Repairing Agent for Salinity Affected Agricultural Soil of India
Authors: Chaudhary S. , Trivedi Ratna , Bergi Jay
Published: April 2024

Various bio-conversion reactions given by lipases such as hydrolysis, transesterification, esterification, alcohoysis, acidolysis and aminolysis. The potential esterification process in soil plays important role not only as a fertilizer or nutrient but also act as a modulator to alter the conditions of soil and help in uptake of nutrient and minerals. This potential formulation accumulates micro-nutrients and mineral that promotes growth of plants. The trials of vegetable plants and grains shown significant increase in crop yield per hector area.  The bulk density and field capacity of the soil are also significantly change and act as soil conditioner also influence the growth of plants. The micronutrients uptake of plant helps optimize the soil pH and improve the soil conditions. The inventors of present invention tested formulation as plant growth promoters that enhance crop characteristics like panicle length, plant height, grain or fruit yield and add to nutrient value of the crop. Our product is fatty acid composite which play crucial role as plant growth promoter along with reducing seed germination time and increasing plant crop yield, it also beneficial to work under water stress conditions and variant geo-climatic conditions.