bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of shoe torsional stiffness on foot and ankle biomechanics during tennis forehand strokes
Authors: Martin Caroline , Touzard Pierre , Horvais Nicolas , Puchaud Pierre , Kulpa Richard , Bideau Benoit , Sorel Anthony
Published: November 2022

Tennis shoe characteristics need to minimise the risk of athletes suffering ankle injuries and improve players’ feet performance. This study aims to evaluate the influence of shoe torsional stiffness on running velocity, stance duration, ground reaction forces and ankle biomechanics during two different tennis forehand runs and strokes. Ten right‐handed advanced male tennis players performed two specific tennis forehand runs and strokes at maximal effort (a shuttle run with a defensive open stance forehand – SRDF and a lateral jab run with an offensive open stance forehand ‐ JROF) with four different pairs of tennis shoes with different torsional stiffness. A force platform measured ground reaction forces (GRF). A motion capture system recorded the 3D trajectories of markers located on players’ anatomical landmarks. The minimum, maximum angle value, and range of motion were computed using inverse kinematics for each rotation axis of the right ankle. Normalised maximal ankle torques were also computed using inverse dynamics. Shoe torsional stiffness had no effect on running velocity, on stance duration and maximal values of GRF. Shoe torsional stiffness influenced forefoot inversion which was significantly higher for the most flexible shoes. For SRDF, the maximal ankle inversion angle was significantly and largely increased for the stiffest shoe. The stiffest shoe may put the ankle at a higher risk of lateral sprains during SRDF while it was not the case during JROF.

Highlights

Shoe torsional stiffness has no effect on performance parameters (running velocity of the centre of mass, ground reaction forces, and stance duration) during tennis forehand strokes.

Decreased shoe torsional stiffness increased the maximal forefoot inversion angle and the range of motion of forefoot inversion–eversion during tennis forehand strokes and movements.

Increased footwear torsional stiffness causes higher maximal ankle inversion angle which may increase the risk for ankle sprains in SRDF.
Endothelial Rbpj deletion normalizes Notch4-induced brain arteriovenous malformation in mice
Authors: Nielsen Corinne M. , Zhang Xuetao , Raygor Kunal , Wang Shaoxun , Bollen Andrew W. , Wang Rong A.
Published: November 2022

Upregulation of Notch signaling is associated with brain arteriovenous malformation (bAVM), a disease that lacks pharmacological treatments. Tetracycline (tet)-regulatable endothelial expression of constitutively active Notch4 (Notch4*tetEC) from birth induced bAVMs in 100% of mice by P16. To test whether targeting downstream signaling, while sustaining the causal Notch4*tetEC expression, induces AVM normalization, we deleted Rbpj, a mediator of Notch signaling, in endothelium from P16, by combining tet-repressible Notch4*tetEC with tamoxifen-inducible Rbpj deletion. Established pathologies, including AV connection diameter, AV shunting, vessel tortuosity, intracerebral hemorrhage, tissue hypoxia, life expectancy, and arterial marker expression were improved, compared with Notch4*tetEC mice without Rbpj deletion. Similarly, Rbpj deletion from P21 induced advanced bAVM regression. After complete AVM normalization induced by repression of Notch4*tetEC, virtually no bAVM relapsed, despite Notch4*tetEC re-expression in adults. Thus, inhibition of endothelial Rbpj halted Notch4*tetEC bAVM progression, normalized bAVM abnormalities, and restored microcirculation, providing proof of concept for targeting a downstream mediator to treat AVM pathologies despite a sustained causal molecular lesion.
A New Period Determination Method for Periodic Variable Stars
Authors: Xu Xiao-Hui , Zhu Qing-Feng , Li Xu-Zhi , Li Bin , Zheng Hang , Qiu Jin-Sheng , Zhao Hai-Bin
Published: November 2022

Variable stars play a key role in understanding the Milky Way and the universe. The era of astronomical big data presents new challenges for quick identification of interesting and important variable stars. Accurately estimating the periods is the most important step to distinguish different types of variable stars. Here, we propose a new method of determining the variability periods. By combining the statistical parameters of the light curves, the colors of the variables, the window function and the Generalized Lomb-Scargle (GLS) algorithm, the aperiodic variables are excluded and the periodic variables are divided into eclipsing binaries and NEB variables (other types of periodic variable stars other than eclipsing binaries), the periods of the two main types of variables are derived. We construct a random forest classifier based on 241,154 periodic variables from the ASAS-SN and OGLE data sets of variables. The random forest classifier is trained on 17 features, among which 11 are extracted from the light curves and 6 are from the Gaia Early DR3, ALLWISE, and 2MASS catalogs. The variables are classified into 7 superclasses and 17 subclasses. In comparison with the ASAS-SN and OGLE catalogs, the classification accuracy is generally above approximately 82% and the period accuracy is 70%–99%. To further test the reliability of the new method and classifier, we compare our results with the results of Chen et al. for ZTF DR2. The classification accuracy is generally above 70%. The period accuracy of the EW and SR variables is ∼50% and 53%, respectively. And the period accuracy of other types of variables is 65%–98%.
Klein–Gordon oscillator with magnetic and quantum flux fields in non-trivial topological space-time
Authors: Ahmed Faizuddin
Published: November 2022

The relativistic quantum motions of the oscillator field (via the Klein–Gordon oscillator equation) under a uniform magnetic field in a topologically non-trivial space-time geometry are analyzed. We solve the Klein–Gordon oscillator equation using the Nikiforov-Uvarov method and obtain the energy profile and the wave function. We discuss the effects of the non-trivial topology and the magnetic field on the energy eigenvalues. We find that the energy eigenvalues depend on the quantum flux field that shows an analogue of the Aharonov–Bohm effect. Furthermore, we obtain the persistent currents, the magnetization, and the magnetic susceptibility at zero temperature in the quantum system defined in a state and show that these magnetic parameters are modified by various factors.
Interactions between heavy quarks and tilted QGP fireballs in 200 A GeV Au+Au collisions*
Authors: Jiang Ze-Fang , Cao Shanshan , Xing Wen-Jing , Li Xiaowen , Zhang Ben-Wei
Published: November 2022

Heavy quark observables are applied to probe the initial energy density distribution with violation of longitudinal boost invariance produced in relativistic heavy-ion collisions. Using an improved Langevin model coupled to a (3+1)-dimensional viscous hydrodynamic model, we study the nuclear modification factor (

) and directed flow (

) and elliptic flow (

) coefficients of heavy mesons and their decayed electrons at an RHIC energy. We find that the counter-clockwise tilt of nuclear matter in the reaction plane results in a positive (negative) heavy flavor

in the backward (forward) rapidity region, whose magnitude increases with the heavy quark transverse momentum. The difference in the heavy flavor

between different angular regions is also proposed as a complementary tool to characterize the asymmetry of the medium profile. Our model results are consistent with currently available data at the RHIC and provide predictions that can be tested by future measurements.
Composite cathode for Li-sulfur system: Effect of inorganic additives on electrochemical performance
Authors: Zukalová M , Vinarčíková M , Lásková B Pitňa , Kavan L
Published: November 2022

The influence of five different inorganic additives with different composition and morphology, viz. nanofibrous rutile/TiOxNy, Li4Ti5O12 (LTS) from Altair, TiO2-P90 from Evonik, TiOxNy-anatase and nano-TiO2 on the electrochemical performance of the activated carbon/sulfur composite cathode is evaluated by cyclic voltammetry at the scan rate of 0.1 mV s-1 and by galvanostatic chronopotentiometry at the 0.1 C rate. The composites are prepared by facile mechanical mixing of activated carbon with the inorganic additive and subsequent melting-diffusion with sulfur. The addition of nano-TiO2 from titanium isopropoxide, TiOxNy-anatase, rutile/TiOxNy, and LTS Altair to the carbon/sulfur composite cathode increased the charge capacity of the corresponding Li-sulfur cell. The negative effect of the P90 additive can be attributed to the blocking of its surface by Al2O3 and SiO2, hindering the adsorption of polysulfides. TiOxNy-anatase additive exhibits the highest capacity improvement due to its surface-enhanced redox chemistry of conductive and sulphiphilic surface resulting in a 7 % increase of the voltammetric charge capacity. In addition, this additive has a beneficial effect on the cycling stability of the sulfur composite cathode during galvanostatic cycling.
Graphene-enhanced sulfur cathode with high interface stability in Li-S batteries
Authors: Polishchuk Yu , Dubinevych S , Zinin V , Shembel E
Published: November 2022

The physicochemical properties of graphene and graphene materials obtained by the method of controlled detonation gas synthesis are presented. The fundamental possibility of controlling the graphene and graphene materials physicochemical properties by changing the synthesis conditions is shown. Dynamics of changes in the impedance spectra of Li-S and Li-S-Li batteries with graphene in non-aqueous liquid electrolyte 0.7 M LiIm, 0.25 M LiNO3, DME:DOL (2:1) were studied. The results of electrochemical testing of experimental samples and prototypes of elements of the lithium-sulfur system by the methods of cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic cycling are presented. The effect of interface stabilization was expressed in a decrease in impedance spectra, an increase in discharge capacity, and more stable long-term cycling with high parameters. The investigation showed a positive effect of graphene materials in the active mass of the multilayered S-based electrode with special design.
Melanin as biological organic polymer with semiconductor properties is unique effective modifier for MnO2 cathode and increases the energy of Li-MnO2 battery
Authors: Maksyuta I , Shembel E , Kyrychenko V , Redko V , Pastushkin T , Zaderey N
Published: November 2022

This article presents results on the modification of a composite mass based on MnO2 with an organic polymer – melanin. The main goal was to evaluate the possibility of increasing the efficiency of electrode processes during cycling and their stabilization. MnO2, synthesized chemically on the basis of Ukrainian manganese ores, was used for modification. This manganese dioxide has a high density (about 2.64 g/cm3), a high specific surface area (28 m2/g), and electronic conductivity also. The final product of the synthesis is γ-MnO2 powder with 5% admixture of γ-Mn2O3.
New possibilities of using cold kinetic deposition
Authors: Šafl P , Zimáková J , Binar T , Čudek P
Published: November 2022

This work deals with the properties of the protective layer applied to the base material using the cold spray method. Aluminum plate, on which a thin layer of copper was applied, served as the basic material. The samples prepared in this way were subjected to accelerated corrosion tests. Sensors for measuring the acoustic emission signal were attached to the samples. The recording was an acute emission and was taken during the entire period of corrosion. The properties of the deposited layer were also verified using metallography.
Corrosion processes of sintered materials based on Fe
Authors: Sedlaříková M , Zatloukal M , Kuchařík J , Čudek P , Fafilek G , Doleželová E
Published: November 2022

All currently used metal-based implants have the disadvantage of often requiring secondary surgery to remove the implant. This is why there is a lot of research into biodegradable bone implants these days. Biodegradable iron-based alloys are potential candidates for use as materials for temporary implants. This work deals with the current topic of Fe-based biodegradable sintered materials and their corrosion. These materials are suitable for applications where gradual decomposition is required. Sintered materials based on Fe-Mg are investigated in this work. The manufactured samples were immersed in NaCl solution and simulated body fluid – SBF. Subsequently, changes in corrosion potential and current, pH, conductivity and observations under the microscope were regularly analysed.
Numerical investigation of contact loads of unsynchronised, dry-running screw machines
Authors: Aurich D , Brümmer A , Wittig A , Stangier D , Tillmann W , Thomann C-A , Wittrock A , Debus J
Published: November 2022

Unsynchronised, dry-running screw machines have advantages compared to conventional oil-injected and synchronised, dry-running screw machines. Because of the absence of an additional timing gear and no injected lubricant, the effort for manufacturing and assembly can be reduced and lubricant residues in the process gas are avoided. In this design the female rotor torque resulting from the gas pressure is transferred directly to the male rotor by the contacting rotor surfaces. To investigate this contact, a two-dimensional boundary element method contact algorithm is developed to calculate the loads in terms of contact tractions and sliding velocities. The contact kinematics of the screw rotors and the non-constant curvature of the rotor surfaces are considered. The movement between the screw rotors is transformed into a relative coordinate system fixed on the male rotor. Furthermore, the influence of manufacturing tolerances to the occurring contact loads are investigated.
Validation of inhomogeneous chamber states in rotary positive displacement vacuum pumps
Authors: Pleskun H , Jünemann T , Brümmer A
Published: November 2022

Chamber model simulation is a common approach to simulate rotary positive displacement vacuum pumps. Therefore the pump is abstracted into working chambers and connecting clearances, whereby the clearance leakages can be identified as the major loss mechanism in such machines. The clearance mass flow rates are calculated with respect to the thermodynamic states in the adjacent chambers, which are inhomogeneous for rarefied gases due to the movement of the rotors which causes a pressure gradient within the chamber. This effect increases with higher Knudsen numbers, because of the increasingly dominant friction. These inhomogeneous chamber states are assumed to be quasi-static in case that the chamber volume is constant with time. Therefore the chamber must not have a connection to the suction or discharge port. This can be modelled with a one-dimensional approach for geometrically abstracted chambers. In order to validate the one-dimensional characteristics in circumferential direction three-dimensional steady state simulations of a working chamber are performed using a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) solver. To improve the accuracy for rarefied gases Maxwell velocity slip boundary conditions are applied. It is shown, that the inhomogeneous chamber states can be approximated by a regression analysis of a dimensionless number. Furthermore the housing clearance and the radial clearance mass flow rates for given boundary conditions are geometrically abstracted and calculated using a one-dimensional model. The new clearance models and the inhomogeneous chamber states are implemented in a chamber model simulation software and results of a test machine are compared to measurements and to previous simulations.
Simulating the dynamic behavior of a Triple Screw Pump without CFD
Authors: Kosmann S , Trossmann O , Fikacek M-J , Tielbörger Dr H
Published: November 2022

Pressure pulsations in screw pumps lead to noise, vibration and system strain. In order to increase the amount of dissolved and undissolved gas in the fluid while keeping noise, vibration and stress on the system at an acceptable level, the pump behavior must be understood in detail. Physical tests and CFD are common methods in modern pump design. However, both methods are not able to assess numerous design changes and machine integration challenges quickly. The system simulation approach tackles both challenges efficiently and allows to evaluate machine dynamics.

Siemens Simcenter Amesim has been used to model a Leistritz Flexcore 45/90 triple screw pump. The model, containing components of a multi-physics library, calculates the movement of the chambers along the spindle package length by having virtual chambers alternately change their volume depending on the spindle rotation. Fluid properties, pressure dependent aeration and inertia effects are considered. The generation and displacement of the chamber volumes cause the suction and discharge of the fluid. The overlay of the single chambers results in the total volume flow of the pump. Internal leakage between the chambers is also considered, turning the model into a realistic digital twin of the screw pump. For the overall model and each individual chamber, the model gives volume flow rates, discharge pressure, pressure pulsation and internal pressure evolution. The air content has a significant influence on the pressure pulsations. To verify the model, measurements of operating points on a real pump have been carried out. Simulated volume flows and pressure pulsation show very good agreement with measurements. This new method for modeling screw pumps dramatically increases the speed of simulating pump behavior and opens the possibility of integrating the models into higher-level systems. The reproduction of dynamic effects and system responses for control tasks is also possible. The existing model can be extended towards further physics like friction modeling or additional system components like an electrical power unit.
Transient chamber filling in rotary positive displacement vacuum pumps
Authors: Pleskun H , Syring A , Brümmer A
Published: November 2022

Chamber model simulation is a common approach to simulate rotary positive displacement vacuum pumps. Therefore the pump is abstracted into working chambers and connecting clearances, whereby the clearance leakages can be identified as the major loss mechanism in such machines. The clearance mass flow rates are calculated with respect to the thermodynamic states in the adjacent chambers, which are inhomogeneous for rarefied gases due to the movement of the rotors which causes a pressure gradient within the chamber. This effect increases with higher Knudsen numbers, because of the increasingly dominant friction. It is shown that inhomogeneous chamber states cause a non-complete chamber filling. As a result the mass-averaged pressure within the suction chamber is lower than the pressure in the suction port. Due to the non-constant chamber volume over time three-dimensional transient simulations with a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) solver are performed in order to investigate the mass within a geometrically abstracted suction chamber. Based on a dimensionless number, a regression analysis is done to provide a quantitative estimation of this effect by means of analytical calculations. This is implemented in a chamber model simulation software and results of a test machine are compared to measurements and to previous simulations.
Hydrodynamic alignment with pressure II. Multi-species
Authors: Lu Jingcheng , Tadmor Eitan
Published: November 2022

We study the long-time hydrodynamic behavior of systems of multi-species which arise from agent-based description of alignment dynamics. The interaction between species is governed by an array of symmetric communication kernels. We prove that the crowd of different species flocks towards the mean velocity if (i) cross interactions form a heavy-tailed connected array of kernels, while (ii) self-interactions are governed by kernels with singular heads. The main new aspect here is that flocking behavior holds without closure assumption on the specific form of pressure tensors. Specifically, we prove the long-time flocking behavior for connected arrays of multi-species, with self-interactions governed by entropic pressure laws (see E. Tadmor [Bull. Amer. Math. Soc. (2023), to appear]) and driven by fractional

p
p

-alignment. In particular, it follows that such multi-species hydrodynamics approaches a mono-kinetic description. This generalizes the mono-kinetic, “pressure-less” study by He and Tadmor [Ann. Inst. H. Poincaré C Anal. Non Linéaire 38 (2021), pp. 1031–1053].
Laparoscopic fundoplication versus laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in obese patients: protocol for a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Frankel Adam , Thomson Iain , Shah Ayesha , Chen Chen , Zahir Syeda Farah , Barbour Andrew , Holtmann Gerald , Mark Smithers B
Published: November 2022

Background

Laparoscopic fundoplication (LF) is the standard surgical procedure for the treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is commonly performed to achieve weight loss in obese patients, but it also has anti-reflux properties. Hence, in the obese population suffering from GORD, LRYGB could be an alternative to LF. The aim of this trial will be to compare LF and LRYGB in an obese population presenting with GORD and being considered for surgery.

Methods

This will be an investigator-initiated randomized clinical trial. The research population will be obese patients (BMI 30–34.9 with waist circumference more than 88 cm (women) or more than 102 cm (men), or BMI 35–40 with any waist circumference) referred to a public hospital for consideration of anti-reflux surgery. The primary aim of the study will be to determine the efficacy of LF compared with LRYGB on subjective and objective control of GORD. Secondary aims include determining early and late surgical morbidity and the side-effect profile of LF compared with LRYGB and to quantify any non-reflux benefits of LRYGB (including overall quality of life) compared with LF.

Conclusion

This trial will determine whether LRYGB is effective and acceptable as an alternative to LF for the surgical treatment of GORD in obese patients

Registration number: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12622000636752p (https://www.anzctr.org.au/).
Cryptic mutations of PLC family members in brain disorders: recent discoveries and a deep-learning-based approach
Authors: Lim Key-Hwan , Yang Sumin , Kim Sung-Hyun , Ko Euiseong , Kang Mingon , Joo Jae-Yeol
Published: November 2022

Phospholipase C (PLC) is an essential isozyme involved in the phosphoinositide signalling pathway, which maintains cellular homeostasis. Gain- and loss-of-function mutations in PLC affect enzymatic activity and are therefore associated with several disorders. Alternative splicing variants of PLC can interfere with complex signalling networks associated with oncogenic transformation and other diseases, including brain disorders. Cells and tissues with various mutations in PLC contribute different phosphoinositide signalling pathways and disease progression, however, identifying cryptic mutations in PLC remains challenging. Herein, we review both the mechanisms underlying PLC regulation of the phosphoinositide signalling pathway and the genetic variation of PLC in several brain disorders. In addition, we discuss the present challenges associated with the potential of deep-learning-based analysis for the identification of PLC mutations in brain disorders.
Headache classification and automatic biomarker extraction from structural MRIs using deep learning
Authors: Rahman Siddiquee Md Mahfuzur , Shah Jay , Chong Catherine , Nikolova Simona , Dumkrieger Gina , Li Baoxin , Wu Teresa , Schwedt Todd J
Published: November 2022

Data-driven machine-learning methods on neuroimaging (e.g. MRI) are of great interest for the investigation and classification of neurological diseases. However, traditional machine learning requires domain knowledge to delineate the brain regions first, followed by feature extraction from the regions. Compared with this semi-automated approach, recently developed deep learning methods have advantages since they do not require such prior knowledge; instead, deep learning methods can automatically find features that differentiate MRIs from different cohorts. In the present study, we developed a deep learning-based classification pipeline distinguishing brain MRIs of individuals with one of three types of headaches [migraine (n = 95), acute post-traumatic headache (n = 48) and persistent post-traumatic headache (n = 49)] from those of healthy controls (n = 532) and identified the brain regions that most contributed to each classification task. Our pipeline included: (i) data preprocessing; (ii) binary classification of healthy controls versus headache type using a 3D ResNet-18; and (iii) biomarker extraction from the trained 3D ResNet-18. During the classification at the second step of our pipeline, we resolved two common issues in deep learning methods, limited training data and imbalanced samples from different categories, by incorporating a large public data set and resampling among the headache cohorts. Our method achieved the following classification accuracies when tested on independent test sets: (i) migraine versus healthy controls—75% accuracy, 66.7% sensitivity and 83.3% specificity; (2) acute post-traumatic headache versus healthy controls—75% accuracy, 66.7% sensitivity and 83.3% specificity; and (3) persistent post-traumatic headache versus healthy controls—91.7% accuracy, 100% sensitivity and 83.3% specificity. The most significant biomarkers identified by the classifier for migraine were caudate, caudal anterior cingulate, superior frontal, thalamus and ventral diencephalon. For acute post-traumatic headache, lateral occipital, cuneus, lingual, pericalcarine and superior parietal regions were identified as most significant biomarkers. Finally, for persistent post-traumatic headache, the most significant biomarkers were cerebellum, middle temporal, inferior temporal, inferior parietal and superior parietal. In conclusion, our study shows that the deep learning methods can automatically detect aberrations in the brain regions associated with different headache types. It does not require any human knowledge as input which significantly reduces human effort. It uncovers the great potential of deep learning methods for classification and automatic extraction of brain imaging–based biomarkers for these headache types.
Integrated analysis of proteome-wide and transcriptome-wide association studies identified novel genes and chemicals for vertigo
Authors: Cheng Bolun , Meng Peilin , Yang Xuena , Cheng Shiqiang , Liu Li , Jia Yumeng , Wen Yan , Zhang Feng
Published: November 2022

Vertigo is a leading symptom of various peripheral and central vestibular disorders. Although genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified multiple risk variants for vertigo, how these risk variants contribute to the risk of vertigo remains unknown. Discovery proteome-wide association study (PWAS) was first performed by integrating the protein quantitative trait loci from the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in the Banner Sun Health Research Institute dataset (n = 152) and GWAS summary of vertigo (n = 942 613), followed by replication PWAS using the protein quantitative trait loci from the DLPFC in Religious Orders Study or the Rush Memory and Aging Project dataset (n = 376). Transcriptome-wide association studies (TWASs) were then performed by integrating the same GWAS datasets of vertigo (n = 942 613) with mRNA expression reference from human fetal brain, and DLPFC. Chemical-related gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and Gene ontology/Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were finally conducted to further reveal the pathogenesis of vertigo. Permutation-based empirical P values were calculated in PWAS, TWAS, and GSEA. By integrating the GWAS of vertigo and two independent brain proteomes from human DLPFC, three genes were identified to genetically regulate protein abundance levels in vertigo, and were not previously implicated by GWAS, including MTERFD2 (PBanner = 0.045, PROSMAP = 0.031), MGST1 (PBanner = 0.014, PROSMAP = 0.018), and RAB3B (PBanner = 0.045, PROSMAP = 0.035). Compared with TWAS results, we identified overlapping genes RAB3B (PTWAS = 0.017) and MTERFD2 (PTWAS = 0.003) that showed significant associations with vertigo at both proteome-wide and transcriptome-wide levels. Chemical-related GSEA identified multiple chemicals that might be associated with vertigo, such as nickel (P = 0.007), glycidamide (P = 0.005), and proanthocyanidins (P = 0.015). Our study provides novel clues for understanding the biological mechanism of vertigo, and highlights several possible risks and therapeutic chemicals for vertigo.
An Attack on a Proposed Construction of Small-State Stream Ciphers and Proposals for New Constructions
Authors: Amin-Ghafari Vahid , Ahmadian Attari Mahmoud
Published: November 2022

Small-state stream ciphers (SSCs) idea is based on using key bits not only in the initialization but also continuously in the keystream generation phase. A time-memory-data tradeoff (TMDTO) distinguishing attack was successfully applied against all SSCs in 2017 by Hamann et al. They suggested using not only key bits but also initial value (IV) bits continuously in the keystream generation phase to strengthen SSCs against TMDTO attacks. Then, Hamann and Krause proposed a construction based on using only IV bits continuously in the packet mode. They suggested an instantiation of an SSC and claimed that it is resistant to TMDTO attacks. We point out that accessing IV bits imposes an overhead on cryptosystems that might be unacceptable in some applications. More importantly, we show that the proposed SSC remains vulnerable to TMDTO attacks 1. To resolve this security threat, the current paper proposes constructions based on storing key or IV bits that are the first to provide full security against TMDTO attacks. Five constructions are proposed for different applications by considering efficiency. Designers can obtain each construction’s minimum volatile state length according to the desirable keystream, key and IV lengths.
What acute cardiac care physicians need to know from the latest 2022 ESC Guidelines for ventricular tachycardia and sudden cardiac death
Authors: Goette Andreas , Lip Gregory Y H , Gorenek Bulent
Published: November 2022

The present paper summarizes and comments on the latest 2022 ESC guidelines on ventricular tachycardia and sudden cardiac death. Most relevant recommendations for acute cardiovascular care physicians are addressed, particularly, in the fields of coronary artery disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, and inflammatory diseases. New recommendations encompass the implantation of a defibrillator (ICD) in the setting of acute myocarditis. Furthermore, the pathophysiology of the electrical storm including involved molecular pathways as well as the angry Purkinje fibre syndrome is presented and discussed.
Configuration Poisson Groupoids of Flags
Authors: Lu Jiang-Hua , Mouquin Victor , Yu Shizhuo
Published: November 2022

Let $G$ be a connected complex semi-simple Lie group and ${\mathcal {B}}$ its flag variety. For every positive integer $n$, we introduce a Poisson groupoid over ${{\mathcal {B}}}^n$, called the $n$th total configuration Poisson groupoid of flags of $G$, which contains a family of Poisson sub-groupoids whose total spaces are generalized double Bruhat cells and bases generalized Schubert cells in ${\mathcal {B}}^n$. Certain symplectic leaves of these Poisson sub-groupoids are then shown to be symplectic groupoids over generalized Schubert cells. We also give explicit descriptions of symplectic leaves in three series of Poisson varieties associated to $G$.
Forecast of post-overlay flexible pavement roughness progression: a random coefficient linear regression with autocorrelation model
Authors: Xin Chunfu , Yin Hua , Wang Rongchang , Rong Zeyang
Published: November 2022

A pavement roughness progression model is an essential component in a pavement management system. Asphalt overlay is a typical pavement maintenance and rehabilitation (M&R) technique. To schedule asphalt overlay in a timely fashion, the relationship between the asphalt overlay design and post-overlay roughness progression is required. However, due to difficulty in data compilation and model development, the effect of endogenous overlay design and continuous variation of asphalt overlay thickness on post-overlay roughness progression is not documented. This study aims to develop a comprehensive post-overlay flexible pavement roughness model with long-term pavement performance (LTPP) data. The asphalt overlay projects from the LTPP SPS-3, SPS-5, and GPS-6 programs were incorporated for data analysis. A random coefficient linear regression with autocorrelation (RCLRA) model is proposed to simultaneously address endogenous overlay design issue, between-section heterogeneity issues, and within-section serial correlation issues in the post-overlay roughness progression. By addressing the within-section serial correlation, the proposed post-overlay roughness model can reduce the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) from 21.26 percent to 2.19 percent. The model estimation results provide some new insights into the relationship between post-overlay roughness and asphalt overlay design factors. An endogenous overlay design indicator, continuous variation of asphalt overlay thickness, the relative fatigue cracking area, and severe rutting indicator are first identified to have significant effects on post-overlay roughness progression.
Autonomous driving under V2X environment: state-of-the-art survey and challenges
Authors: Yang Xun , Shi Yunyang , Xing Jiping , Liu Zhiyuan
Published: November 2022

As Vehicle-to-Anything (V2X) is viewed as emerging technology, which could improve the mobility and efficiency of urban traffic operations, and enhance the safety of drivers. Supported by the construction of vehicular network facilities, V2X has been applied to various urban traffic management systems. However, due to the limitation of wireless communication, outstanding issues on privacy and security in V2X applications are still urgent. The purpose of our studies is to provide a comprehensive review of V2X-aided autonomous driving. Firstly the standards and protocols on V2X technologies for mobile communication and high-definition map are provided. The research scenarios of V2X-aided automobiles on urban links and highways are discussed. Furthermore, the several challenges of legislation in different countries, privacy issues, and security are discussed. Finally, the research directions for V2X-aided autonomous driving are further given.
The effects of standardized ileal digestible His to Lys ratio on growth performance, intestinal health, and mobilization of histidine-containing proteins in pigs at 7 to 11 kg body weight
Authors: Cheng Yi-Chi , Lee Hye-lim , Hwang Yunil , Kim Sung Woo
Published: November 2022

The objectives were to evaluate the effects of standardized ileal digestible (SID) His:Lys ratio above the current NRC requirement on growth performance, intestinal health, and mobilization of His-containing proteins, including hemoglobin, carnosine, and trypsinogen, in nursery pigs from 7 to 11 kg body weight (BW). Forty pigs (26 d of age; initial BW of 7.1 ± 0.5 kg) were allotted to 5 dietary treatments based on a randomized complete block design with sex and initial BW as blocks. Dietary treatments were supplemented with varying SID His to Lys ratios of 26%, 32%, 38%, 43%, and 49% and fed to pigs for 14 d (SID Lys = 1.22%). Feed intake and BW were recorded at d 0, 7, and 14 to measure growth performance. Blood samples were collected on d 12. Pigs were euthanized on d 14 to collect pancreas, longissimus dorsi muscles, mid-jejunum, and jejunal mucosa. Data were analyzed using the Proc Mixed of SAS. Growth performance was not affected, whereas varying SID His to Lys ratio affected hemoglobin (P < 0.05, max: 12 g/dL at 36%), immunoglobulin A (IgA, P < 0.05, min: 1.25 μg/mg at 35%) in jejunal mucosa, villus height (P = 0.065, max: 536 μm at 40%) in jejunum, trypsinogen (P = 0.083, max: 242 pg/mg at 41%) in pancreas, and carnosine (P = 0.051, max: 4.7 ng/mg at 38%) in muscles. Varying SID His to Lys ratios linearly increased (P < 0.05, from 1.95 to 2.80 nmol/mg) protein carbonyl in muscles and decreased (P < 0.05, from 29.1% to 26.9%) enterocyte proliferation. In conclusion, SID His to Lys ratio between 35% and 41% in diets fed to nursery pigs at 7 to 11 kg enhanced intestinal health and maximized concentrations of His-containing proteins, indicating that His-containing proteins are effective response criteria when determining His requirement.
Effects of Elevated CO2 on the Fitness Parameters of Individually- and Group-Reared Agasicles hygrophila (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Li Jian-Yu , Chen Yan-Ting , Zheng Li-Zhen , Fu Jian-Wei , Shi Meng-Zhu
Published: November 2022

Agasicles hygrophila Selman and Vogt (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a natural enemy of Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb (Amaranthaceae: Alternanthera), a worldwide invasive weed. Elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations may have significant impacts plants, herbivorous insects, and natural enemies. To assess the concurrent effect of elevated CO2 on the development time, fecundity, and population parameters of A. hygrophila, the age-stage, two-sex life table was used to understand the fitness and population parameters of individually-reared and group-reared A. hygrophila under elevated CO2 concentration. In individually-reared population, the development time of preadults, adult pre-oviposition period, and total pre-oviposition period of A. hygrophila in the elevated CO2 (eCO2, 750 ppm) treatment were shorter than those in the ambient CO2 (aCO2, 420 ppm) treatment. In group-reared population, the developmental time of preadults, female adult longevity, female proportion, adult pre-oviposition period, and total pre-oviposition period of A. hygrophila in eCO2 were longer than those in aCO2. Additionally, in both individually-reared and group-reared population, fecundity and oviposition days of A. hygrophila in eCO2 were higher than those in aCO2, and a higher intrinsic rate of increase, finite rate of increase, and the net reproductive rate of A. hygrophila were observed at eCO2. Moreover, shorter preadult development time, adult pre-oviposition period, total pre-oviposition period, male adult longevity, and higher fecundity were found in group-reared cohort at both aCO2 and eCO2. The results indicates that elevated CO2 has effects on the growth and reproduction of A. hygrophila, and the population growth rate of group-reared was faster and produced more offspring.
Fair and Equitable Treatment and Human Rights: A Moral and Legal Reconciliation
Authors: Ratner Steven R
Published: November 2022

A central challenge to the legitimacy of international investment law is its failure to take account of a state’s commitments to its people under international human rights law—duties that stand on a special moral plane. The vortex of this challenge is the fair and equitable treatment standard, where tribunals protect the ‘legitimate expectations’ of investors but disregard these preeminent moral commitments. This article develops a new framework for integrating those commitments into fair and equitable treatment decision-making and treaty-drafting. Deploying an interdisciplinary approach that draws on political philosophy as well as extant law and doctrine, I argue that the current international political morality requires putting human rights on a higher plane than commitments to investors. As a result, tribunals should give great deference to state measures that negatively affect investors if the state justifies them based on its international human rights law obligations and lesser but still significant deference for measures based on encouragements or permissions in international human rights law. It operationalizes this approach for tribunals by recasting the doctrine of legitimate expectations and provides examples of how it would work in specific disputes. This article concludes with suggestions for integrating states’ human rights mandates into future investment agreements.
Microglial heterogeneity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Takahashi Kazuya
Published: November 2022

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an intractable neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system that is pathologically characterized by motor neuron loss. Although the cause of the disease is still unknown, its pathophysiology is considered heterogeneous. In recent years, there have been a series of reports on the existence of disease-associated microglia (DAM) in the lesions of various neurodegenerative diseases. DAM have also been reported in SOD1-deficient mice, a disease model of ALS. However, the role of DAM in sporadic ALS remains unclear. This study revealed that spinal cord lesions in ALS can be pathologically distinguished into 2 subgroups (TMEM119+ and TMEM119− microglia) according to the type of microglia. Expression of the microglial activation marker CD68 and endothelial activation were also observed in the TMEM119+ microglia group, suggesting the presence of inflammatory processes in ALS lesions. Since DAM suppress the expression of TMEM119, the TMEM119+ microglia group may indicate DAM-independent inflammatory neurodegeneration. These results may explain why, in some clinical trials of anti-inflammatory drugs for ALS, only some cases showed suppression of disease progression.
Massive pulmonary embolism and intra-cardiac thrombus requiring systemic thrombolysis 9-hours post emergency laparotomy
Authors: Beatty Andrew Stafford , Simpson Fraser Hugh , Chandrasegaram Manju D
Published: November 2022

The link between abdominal surgery and venous thromboembolism (VTE) has been well established with recent evidence exploring the optimal VTE risk reducing strategy. However, despite these strategies pulmonary embolisms (PEs) do occur, which in the immediate post-operative setting creates a dilemma; to treat the VTE with anticoagulation but balance against the risk of hemorrhage. Treatment guidelines often do not include post-operative patients leaving the decision up to the treating physician to weigh the relative risks on an individual basis. We present a 59-year-old lady who developed a life-threatening submassive PE within 9 h of an emergency laparotomy for a perforated rectal cancer. She was treated with systemic thrombolysis after alternative interventions had been excluded. She responded well to therapy with no major bleeding. She was successfully discharged home after a short period of inpatient rehabilitation.
Evolutionary implications of C2 photosynthesis: how complex biochemical trade-offs may limit C4 evolution
Authors: Walsh Catherine A , Bräutigam Andrea , Roberts Michael R , Lundgren Marjorie R
Published: November 2022

The C2 carbon-concentrating mechanism increases net CO2 assimilation by shuttling photorespiratory CO2 in the form of glycine from mesophyll to bundle sheath cells, where CO2 concentrates and can be re-assimilated. This glycine shuttle also releases NH3 and serine into the bundle sheath, and modelling studies suggest that this influx of NH3 may cause a nitrogen imbalance between the two cell types that selects for the C4 carbon-concentrating mechanism. Here we provide an alternative hypothesis outlining mechanisms by which bundle sheath NH3 and serine play vital roles to not only influence the status of C2 plants along the C3 to C4 evolutionary trajectory, but to also convey stress tolerance to these unique plants. Our hypothesis explains how an optimized bundle sheath nitrogen hub interacts with sulfur and carbon metabolism to mitigate the effects of high photorespiratory conditions. While C2 photosynthesis is typically cited for its intermediary role in C4 photosynthesis evolution, our alternative hypothesis provides a mechanism to explain why some C2 lineages have not made this transition. We propose that stress resilience, coupled with open flux tricarboxylic acid and photorespiration pathways, conveys an advantage to C2 plants in fluctuating environments.
A novel rat model of denture stomatitis and the role of antibiotics in the development of the disease
Authors: Moraes Gustavo Simão , Albach Thaís , Sugio Carolina Yoshi Campos , Cachoeira Victoria Schlumberger , Kiratcz Falyne , Claudino Marcela , Campagnoli Eduardo Bauml , Pochapski Márcia Thaís , dos Santos Fabio André , Neppelenbroek Karin Hermana , Urban Vanessa Migliorini
Published: November 2022

This study compared different conditions to establish a rat model of denture stomatitis. Immunocompetent Wistar rats were divided into two groups (n = 35): Tetracycline = administration of 0.83 mg/ml of tetracycline hydrochloride 7 days before induction of denture stomatitis and amoxicillin = administration of 0.156 mg/ml of amoxicillin with clavulanic acid 4 days before induction of denture stomatitis. A suspension of Candida albicans was inoculated on the palate followed by the use of a palatal device contaminated with C. albicans inoculum for 4 days to induce denture stomatitis. As controls, some rats were not submitted to any procedure or used a sterile palatal device for 4 days. The development of denture stomatitis was confirmed by visual analysis, colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/ml) count, histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses, and through myeloperoxidase (MPO) and N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG) assays. Rats were euthanized right after device removal (T0), 4 (T4), or 6 (T6) days after device removal. Tetracycline improved the development of the disease, with more severe clinical signs at T0. Similar results were observed in the CFU/ml count and in the histometric and immunohistochemical analyses. Higher MPO expression was detected in the palates of the tetracycline group (P = .006). Despite the subtle differences between antibiotics, tetracycline showed better results in inducing and maintaining denture stomatitis for at least 4 days after device removal.
Probing the tidal disruption event iPTF16axa with cloudy and disc-wind models
Authors: Mageshwaran T , Shaw Gargi , Bhattacharyya Sudip
Published: November 2022

We present both a disc-wind model on the optical/ultraviolet (UV) emission continuum and cloudy modelling on the spectral lines of the tidal disruption event (TDE) intermediate Palomar Transient Factory (iPTF)16axa to understand the disc-wind emission and the properties of the atmosphere that impacts the line luminosity of the TDE. Assuming the optical/UV emission from the wind due to the disc super-Eddington phase, we use the steady structured disc-wind model with a spherical wind with constant velocity to fit the observations on multiple days. The extracted parameters are stellar-mass M⋆ = 6.20 ± 1.19M⊙, disc radiative efficiency log10(η) = −1.22 ± 1.327, wind inner radius rl = (2.013 ± 0.551) × 1014 cm, and velocity vw = 18999.4 ± 1785.1 km s−1. The photosphere temperature for wind emission is ∼2 × 104 K and the disc single blackbody temperature is ∼0.995 × 105 K. We also perform cloudy modelling to explain the observed He and H line luminosities that estimate a wind inner radius rl = 7.07 × 1014 cm and velocity vw = 1.3 × 104 km s−1. The independent analyses of iPTF16axa using cloudy and disc-wind models show comparable results that agree with observations. The cloudy modelling finds that both the super-solar abundance of He and a smaller He II line optical depth is responsible for the enhancement of He II line luminosity over the Hα line luminosity. The super-solar abundance of He II agrees with a relatively large stellar mass and suggests that the disrupted star might have been a red giant.