bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aerodynamic and aeroacoustic performance of a pitching foil with trailing edge serrations at a high Reynolds number
Authors: Ji Xueyu , Wang Li , Ravi Sridhar , Young John , Lai Joseph C. S. , Tian Fang-Bao
Published: October 2023

The aerodynamic and aeroacoustic performance of a low-aspect-ratio ($$\hbox {AR}=0.2$$

AR
=
0.2

) pitching foil during dynamic stall are investigated numerically with focus on the effects of trailing edge serrations. A hybrid method coupling an immersed boundary method for incompressible flows with the Ffowcs Williams–Hawkings acoustic analogy is employed. Large eddy simulation and turbulent boundary layer equation wall model are also employed to capture the turbulent effects. A modified NACA0012 foil with a rectangular trailing edge flap attached to the trailing edge (baseline case) undergoing pitching motion is considered. Trailing edge serrations are applied to the trailing edge flap and their effects on the aerodynamic and aeroacoustic performance of the oscillating airfoil are considered by varying the wave amplitude ($$2h^*= 0.05, 0.1$$

2

h
∗

=
0.05
,
0.1

, and 0.2) at a Reynolds number of 100,000 and a Mach number of 0.05. It is found that the reduction of the sound pressure level at the dimensionless frequency band $$St_{b}\in [1.25,4]$$

S

t
b

∈

[
1.25
,
4
]

can be over 4 dB with the presence of the trailing edge serrations ($$2h^*=0.1$$

2

h
∗

=
0.1

), while the aerodynamic performance and its fluctuations are not significantly altered except a reduction around 10% in the negative moment coefficient and it fluctuations. This is due to the reduction of the average spanwise coherence function and the average surface pressure with respect to that of the baseline case, suggesting the reduction of the spanwise coherence and the noise source may result in the noise reduction. Analysis of the topology of the near wake coherent structure for $$2h^*=0.1$$

2

h
∗

=
0.1

reveals that the alignment of the streamwise-oriented vortex with the serration edge may reduce the surface pressure fluctuation.

Graphical abstract
Non-local modelling of multiphase flow wetting and thermo-capillary flow using peridynamic differential operator
Authors: Wang Bingquan , Oterkus Selda , Oterkus Erkan
Published: October 2023

Interfaces in multiphase flows are affected by surface tension, and when temperature gradients occur in the flow domain, tangential surface tensions along the interface also arise. As the behaviour of fluids contacting on a solid surface is also governed by surface tension, the description of the wetting phenomenon is challenging. Peridynamic differential operator (PDDO) can express partial differentials of any order by integral equations. Therefore, the governing equations for multiphase fluid motion, such as the Navier–Stokes equations and energy equations, can be reformulated in terms of integral equations. In this study, a novel non-local method is developed for modelling the multiphase fluid flow motion using the PDDO, and the thermal effect on surface tension force is considered. To describe the surface tension forces in the normal and tangential directions, the non-local form of the continuum surface force (CFS) model is presented. Besides, to overcome the inaccuracy of the unit normal vectors at the three-phase flow intersection region, an additional treatment for this region is presented. Finally, several benchmark multiphase fluid flow cases, such as square droplet deformation, surface wetting, and droplet migration in thermo-capillary flow are presented and validated. The results demonstrate that the developed non-local model can accurately capture the surface tension effect in multiphase fluid flow motion.
Geometrical and mechanical analysis of polylactic acid and polyvinylidine fluoride scaffolds for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Akbari Sadaf , Khazaeinejad Payam
Published: October 2023

Utilising finite element analyses and experimental testing, this study investigates the influence of scaffold porosity on mechanical behaviour and evaluates the potential of polylactic acid (PLA) and polyvinylidine fluoride (PVDF) as bone substitute materials. Scaffold geometries were devised using design parameters adapted from extant literature and then generated using computer-aided engineering tools. Methodical variations in strand thickness were applied, maintaining other design criteria constant for robust analysis. Results, derived under varied loading conditions, suggest that scaffold mechanical properties are influenced significantly by geometry, strand diameter and porosity. Cubic scaffolds exhibited marked strength. Structures with reduced porosity demonstrated heightened mechanical characteristics, while facilitating bone cell proliferation. For a comparative context, PVDF scaffolds were benchmarked against human femur bone properties, revealing a mechanical behaviour alignment, particularly in their Young’s modulus.
A contemporary analysis of the pre- and intraoperative recognition of multigland parathyroid disease
Authors: Lawrence E , Johri G , Dave R , Li R , Gandhi A
Published: October 2023

Background

Despite advances in biochemical and radiological identification of parathyroid gland enlargement, primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) due to sporadic multigland parathyroid disease (MGPD) remains a perioperative diagnostic dilemma. Failure to recognise MGPD pre- or intraoperatively may negatively impact surgical cure rates and result in persistent PHPT and ongoing patient morbidity.

Methods

We have conducted a comprehensive review of published literature in attempt to determine factors that could aid in reliably diagnosing sporadic MGPD pre- or intraoperatively. We discuss preoperative clinical features and examine pre- and intraoperative biochemical and imaging findings concentrating on those areas that give practicing surgeons and the wider multi-disciplinary endocrine team indications that a patient has MGDP. This could alter surgical strategy.

Conclusion

Biochemistry can provide diagnosis of PHPT but cannot reliably discriminate parathyroid pathology. Histopathology can aid diagnosis between MGPD and adenoma, but histological appearance can overlap. Multiple negative imaging modalities indicate that MGPD may be more likely than a single parathyroid adenoma, but the gold standard for diagnosis is still intraoperative identification during BNE. MGPD remains a difficult disease to both diagnose and treat.
A systematic review of qualitative research exploring patient and health professional perspectives of breakthrough cancer pain
Authors: Crawford G. B. , Lakhani A. , Palmer L. , Sebalj M. , Rolan P.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Breakthrough cancer pain (BtCP) is a prevalent health issue which is difficult to manage. A plethora of quantitative research in this area exists. There is a paucity of research on the perspectives of health professionals and patients surrounding domains impacting effective treatment, including definitions of BtCP, treatment, and education opportunities. This review aims to identify and synthesize the extent of qualitative research exploring health professional and patient perspectives of BtCP.

Methods

A systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) approach was undertaken. The approach was registered with Prospero. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched for peer-reviewed literature published any date prior to May 19, 2022. Eligible sources must have considered health professional and/or patient perspectives of BtCP. A narrative synthesis approach was utilized.

Results

Three sources met the review criteria. One source explored nurse perspectives, while two sources explored patient perspectives. Study quality was moderate to high. Overlapping themes across the three studies included communication, defining BtCP, impact of BtCP, management of BtCP, perceptions of BtCP, analgesia and pain relief, and training and professional development.

Conclusion

Given limited research investigating clinician and patient perspectives of BtCP, a rich understanding informed by exploratory qualitative methods around identification, best management strategies, professional development, and factors promoting and inhibiting best practice remains unclear. Further qualitative inquiry is warranted, and it is expected such research will inform BtCP clinical guidelines.
Analysis of miRNA expression profiles in exosomes of SMB-S15 cells treated with resveratrol
Authors: Shi Qiang , Zhang Lina , Wulayin Xiemusiye , Cao Rundong , Jiao Mingyuan , Wang Jing , Han Jun , Dong Xiao-Ping , Gao Chen
Published: October 2023

Exosomes are double-layered vesicle bodies secreted by cells, in which microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role. In a previous study, we found that treatment of the prion-infected cell line SMB-S15 with resveratrol can effectively inhibit the propagation of PrPScin vitro and eliminate its infectivity in vivo. In this study, the global expression profiles of miRNAs in extracellular exosomes during resveratrol clearance of PrPSc in SMB-S15 cells were analyzed. Extracted exosomal miRNAs from the prion-infected cell line SMB-S15 (S15) and its normal partner cell line SMB-PS (PS) as well as SMB-S15 cells exposed to resveratrol for 4 days (RES4) and 8 days (RES8) were subjected into deep sequencing. Similarities and differences in the levels of differentially expressed miRNAs as well as the signaling pathways that are potentially involved were comparatively analyzed. The possible influences on the expression of genes affected by changes in exosomal miRNAs in the context of the prion pathway were further analyzed. These alterations in exosomal miRNA levels may help us to understand the functional transmission of intercellular messages and the pathogenesis of prion biology and prion disease.
Impact of periodontitis on circulating cell-free DNA levels as a measure of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Isola Gaetano , Polizzi Alessandro , Mascitti Marco , Santonocito Simona , Ronsivalle Vincenzo , Cicciù Marco , Pesce Paolo
Published: October 2023

Objectives

The present study aims to assess the serum circulating cell-free (cfDNA) concentrations in patients with periodontitis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and to evaluate the impact of periodontitis on circulating cfDNA levels and the confounding factors that might mediated the possible relationship.

Materials and methods

Healthy controls (n=30) and patients with CVD (n=31), periodontitis (n=31), and periodontitis + CVD (n=30) were enrolled in the present study. All subjects underwent regular periodontal examination and blood sampling and cfDNA evaluation. The analysis of the plasma cfDNA concentrations was performed using a dsDNA Assay Kit.

Results

In comparison with healthy controls and CVD patients, periodontitis and periodontitis+CVD exhibited significantly higher expression of circulating cfDNA (p<0.05). There was a positive correlation among plasma cfDNA and clinical attachment loss (CAL) (p=0.019), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (p=0.027), and periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) (p=0.003). Furthermore, the multivariate regression analysis evidenced that PISA (p<0.001), hs-CRP (p=0.014), and full-mouth bleeding score (FMBS) (p=0.004) were significant predictors of circulating cfDNA concentrations.

Conclusions

The results of the study highlighted that the periodontitis and periodontitis + CVD group showed higher circulating cfDNA expression in comparison with healthy controls and CVD patients. Moreover, the extent of periodontitis was correlated with the increased cfDNA levels and represented a significant predictor of the increased circulating cfDNA concentrations.

Clinical relevance

Unbalanced circulating cfDNA concentrations have been indicated to represent a possible risk of CVD and endothelial dysfunction. Periodontitis and periodontitis + CVD patients showed higher circulating cfDNA expression; moreover, the extent of periodontitis significantly predicted higher circulating cfDNA concentrations, suggesting the potential increased risk of developing CVD in periodontitis patients.
Rural–urban disparities in the reduction of avoidable mortality and mortality from all other causes of death in Spain, 2003–2019
Authors: Moreno Almudena , Pulido José , Cea-Soriano Lucía , Guerras Juan Miguel , Ronda Elena , Lostao Lourdes , Regidor Enrique
Published: October 2023

Aim

This study aims to evaluate the trend of avoidable mortality and of mortality from all other causes of death in urban and rural areas in Spain, throughout the first 2 decades of the twenty-first century.

Methods

Data deaths and population by age and sex, according to the area of residence, were obtained from the National Institute of Statistics. Avoidable mortality refers to premature deaths (≤ 75 years old) for which there is reasonable scientific consensus that they should not occur in the presence of timely health care. In large urban, small urban, and rural areas, annual age-standardized mortality rates from avoidable causes and from all other causes of death were calculated from 2003 to 2019. The annual percentage change (APC) in the mortality rate in each area was estimated using linear regression models and taking age-standardized mortality rates as dependent variable.

Results

Mortality rates decreased between the beginning and the end of the period analysed. Large urban areas and rural areas showed the largest and smallest reduction in mortality rate respectively. The APC in avoidable mortality was −3.5% in men and −3.0% in women in large urban areas, and −2.7% in men and −2.6% in women in rural areas. The APC in the mortality rate from all other causes of death was −2.4% in men and −1.2% in women in large urban areas, and −1.4% in men and −1.0% in women in rural areas.

Conclusion

In Spain, avoidable mortality and mortality from other causes of death in rural and urban areas show similar trends, which suggests the presence of a common factor responsible for such findings.
Biology and Criminology: Data Practices and the Creation of Anatomic and Genomic Body ‘Types’
Authors: Kaufmann Mareile , Vestad Maja
Published: October 2023

The use of biometrics for the creation of visual ‘body types’ needs continued criminological engagement. This article discusses Lombroso’s practice of typing ‘born criminals’ vis-à-vis genomic phenotyping used to identify potential suspects. Both are prevalent examples of scientizing police and legal work. While Lombroso draws on anatomy to explain causes of criminal behavior, phenotyping is based on genomic and physiognomic correlation to help identify suspects. Despite these differences, both forms of visualizing bodies, we argue, are also a practice of marking. Especially in the context of crime and crime control, marking is a sensitive and political practice. Since typing is embedded in criminology, our analysis is also a critical engagement with criminology itself.
An experimental study on ballistic limit: the effect of hole drilling on the mechanical properties of a polymeric composite plate produced by the resin transfer molding method
Authors: Hashemi Seyed Jalal , Sadooghi Ali , Rahmani Kaveh , Babazadeh Jafar , Nouri Alireza
Published: October 2023

The high fracture strength and exceptional impact resistance of polymer-based composites are of paramount importance to various industries like aerospace, automotive, and construction. The resin transfer molding (RTM) process is used to produce composite samples of superior quality, minimal porosity, and reduced lamination defects. In the present study, the RTM method was employed to fabricate glass fiber-reinforced composites, aiming to investigate their specific mechanical properties and structural performance. The study initially determined the ballistic limit of the produced samples. Subsequently, experimental investigations were carried out to examine the impact of hole drilling on the tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact resistance of the samples. The results revealed that the produced polymer plate demonstrated a ballistic limit with a pressure of 11 bar and a speed of 104 m/s, leading to ball restriction in the plate. The sample without holes showed the highest fracture force, while samples with three and five holes exhibited reduced fracture forces. Additionally, bending force and impact resistance were lower in samples with multiple holes compared to the sample without holes. The impact resistance of the sample with five holes was the lowest among all configurations. The study revealed that the presence of three holes arranged in a row has a lesser impact on reducing the ultimate tensile force compared to the effect of five holes. Moreover, the bending test results indicated that sample failure occurred on the side under tension, resulting in higher bending forces than tensile forces.
Use of the 3D Equilibrium Equations in the Free-Edge Analyses for Laminated Structures with the Variable Kinematics Approach
Authors: Scano D. , Carrera E. , Petrolo M.
Published: October 2023

This paper compares out-of-plane stresses evaluated with Hooke’s Law and the stress recovery technique, focusing on the free edges of composite plates and shells. The Carrera Unified Formulation and the finite element method are adopted to derive the governing equations. Lagrange polynomials are implemented in the equivalent single-layer, layer-wise, and variable kinematics approaches. The latter is used to refine structural models locally and reduce computational overheads. Laminated plates and shells subjected to uniaxial tension are considered. The out-of-plane stresses are compared with references from the existing literature for most cases. The results demonstrate that the stress recovery technique effectively calculates stresses and improves the accuracy of equivalent single-layer models. Furthermore, layer-wise models are needed for accurate results near the free-edge zone. Finally, variable kinematics theories are helpful in accurately detecting local phenomena along the structure’s thickness.
The bZIP-type transcription factors NapA and RsmA modulate the volumetric ratio and the relative superoxide ratio of mitochondria in Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Bákány Bernadett , Antal Réka , Szentesi Péter , Emri Tamás , Leiter Éva , Csernoch László , Keller Nancy P. , Pócsi István , Dienes Beatrix
Published: October 2023

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors are crucial components of differentiation, cellular homeostasis and the environmental stress defense of eukaryotes. In this work, we further studied the consequence of gene deletion and overexpression of two bZIP transcription factors, NapA and RsmA, on superoxide production, mitochondrial morphology and hyphal diameter of Aspergillus nidulans. We have found that reactive oxygen species production was influenced by both gene deletion and overexpression of napA under tert-butylhydroperoxide (tBOOH) elicited oxidative stress. Furthermore, gene expression of napA negatively correlated with mitochondrial volumetric ratio as well as sterigmatocystin production of A. nidulans. High rsmA expression was accompanied with elevated relative superoxide ratio in the second hyphal compartment. A negative correlation between the expression of rsmA and catalase enzyme activity or mitochondrial volumetric ratio was also confirmed by statistical analysis. Hyphal diameter was independent on either rsmA and napA expression as well as 0.2 mM tBOOH treatment.
Topological aspects of quasi *-algebras with sufficiently many *-representations
Authors: Bellomonte Giorgia , Trapani Camillo
Published: October 2023

Quasi *-algebras possessing a sufficient family $$\mathcal {M}$$
M
of invariant positive sesquilinear forms carry several topologies related to $$\mathcal {M}$$
M
which make every *-representation continuous. This leads to define the class of locally convex quasi GA*-algebras whose main feature consists in the fact that the family of their bounded elements, with respect to the family $$\mathcal {M}$$
M
, is a dense C*-algebra.
A pragmatic ensemble learning approach for rainfall prediction
Authors: Ghosh Soumili , Gourisaria Mahendra Kumar , Sahoo Biswajit , Das Himansu
Published: October 2023

Heavy rainfall and precipitation play a massive role in shaping the socio-agricultural landscape of a country. Being one of the key indicators of climate change, natural disasters, and of the general topology of a region, rainfall prediction is a gift of estimation that can be used for multiple beneficial causes. Machine learning has an impressive repertoire in aiding prediction and estimation of rainfall. This paper aims to find the effect of ensemble learning, a subset of machine learning, on a rainfall prediction dataset, to increase the predictability of the models used. The classification models used in this paper were tested once individually, and then with applied ensemble techniques like bagging and boosting, on a rainfall dataset based in Australia. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate a reduction in bias and variance via ensemble learning techniques while also analyzing the increase or decrease in the aforementioned metrics. The study shows an overall reduction in bias by an average of 6% using boosting, and an average reduction in variance by 13.6%. Model performance was observed to become more generalized by lowering the false negative rate by an average of more than 20%. The techniques explored in this paper can be further utilized to improve model performance even further via hyper-parameter tuning.
Carbon Monoxide Levels Produced by Propane/Isobutane Canister Stoves inside a Tent
Authors: Thurman Jeffrey T. , Leavitt Rebecca , Buchanan James T. , Shreffler Jacob , Huecker Martin R. , Early Todd
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Improper use of camp stoves in enclosed spaces has resulted in fatalities from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Prior research has focused on the CO output of stoves burning white gas, unleaded gas, or kerosene. Stoves burning an isobutane/propane fuel have not been investigated and are the focus of this study.

Methods

Three stoves utilizing isobutane/propane fuel were used to heat a pot of water inside a 3-season tent under controlled settings. Multiple runs with each stove were performed, and CO measurements, in parts per million (ppm), were recorded at 1-min intervals for a total of 15 min using a RAE Systems gas monitor. Data are reported as mean with SD. Repeated measures analysis of variance was utilized to examine changes over time. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05.

Results

There was a statistically significant main effect of time and CO level, F (14, 168)=7.6, P<0.001. There was a statistically significant difference between-subjects effect of stove group F (2, 12)=8.6, P=0.005, indicating that CO levels were different depending on the stove. Tukey’s post-hoc analyses revealed that stove A had the highest CO levels. The average level of stove A was statistically significantly higher than that of stove B and stove C, with a mean CO level difference of 79 ppm (95% CI, 3–156), P=0.043 and 117 ppm (95% CI, 40–194), P=0.004, respectively.

Conclusions

Stoves utilizing isobutane/propane fuel can produce unsafe CO levels and should not be used in enclosed spaces.
The latest encrinurid trilobites from the Lower Devonian of Xinjiang, Northwest China
Authors: Ma Juan , Yin Jiayi , Liu Yilong , Du Xiaoqi , Liu Shibo , Zong Ruiwen
Published: October 2023

Encrinurids are common in Ordovician and Silurian strata but whether they survived into the Early Devonian is still controversial. This paper documents the encrinurid Batocara sp. near the Silurian–Devonian boundary in western Junggar, Xinjiang. The highest horizon of Batocara sp. is located above the first appearance datum of the Devonian conodont Caudicriodus, confirming that encrinurids may cross the Silurian–Devonian boundary. The presence of Caudicriodus angustoides bidentatus, Zieglerodina planilingu and plate-type loboliths of scyphocrinoids above the highest horizon of Batocara sp. indicates that encrinurids here extend only into the lower part of the first conodont zone of the Lochkovian (i.e., Caudicriodus hesperius Biozone). Encrinurids are widely distributed and easily recognized, and unlike graptolites and conodonts are not controlled by lithofacies. Therefore, it might be possible to use the highest horizon of encrinurids as indicator fossils to identify the approximate position of the Silurian–Devonian boundary in areas or sections where graptolites and conodonts are not present, and at least in northwest China.
Globalization of markets and consumption home bias: new insights for the environment
Authors: Tarola Ornella , Zanaj Skerdilajda
Published: October 2023

We propose a model of international oligopoly with two countries, two vertically-differentiated goods, and heterogeneous consumers in terms of their willingness to pay for quality. Various sources of pollution are taken into account: consumption, production and the transportation of goods between the two countries. Green persuaded consumers display consumption home bias: they derive additional satisfaction when consuming a domestic good because buying locally abates transportation pollution. We investigate whether consumption home bias effectively curbs global emissions. Finally, we uncover the environmental role played by the globalization of markets.
Environmental sustainability and food provision in the early childhood and education setting
Authors: Elford Audrey , Spence Alison C , Wakem Amy , Rozman Margaret , Campbell Karen J , Love Penelope
Published: October 2023

Objective:

To describe environmentally sustainable (ES) and healthy food provision practices in childcare services in Victoria, Australia.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Childcare services providing food onsite.

Participants:

Staff completed an online survey that explored ES food provision practices including purchasing seasonal/local food, food waste awareness/management, and food cost/child/d. A purposively sampled subgroup conducted weighed audits to determine compliance with guidelines and total waste, serving waste (prepared, not served) and plate waste.

Results:

Survey results found 8 % of services (n 129) had previously conducted food waste audits. Service audits (n 12) found 27 % total food waste (range: 9 % - 64 %). Statistically significant differences in plate waste were found between services who had previously conducted food waste audits (7 %) and those who had not (17 %) (P = 0·04). The most common ES practice was ‘providing seasonal food’; the least common was ‘maintaining a compost system’ and ‘less packaged foods’. Most services (95 %) purchased foods from supermarkets with 23 % purchasing from farmers’ markets. This was statistically lower for regional/rural services (8 %), compared to metropolitan services (27 %) (P = 0·04). Twenty-seven per cent of services spent AUD2·50 or less per child per day on food. Only one audited service provided a menu compliant with childcare food provision guidelines.

Conclusions:

Childcare settings procure and provide large volumes of food; however, food waste awareness appears limited, and environmentally sustainable food procurement practices may be less affordable and difficult to achieve. Understanding the impact of food waste awareness on food waste practices and food costs across time merits further research.
Connecting the ancient Afro-Eurasian world
Authors: Cobb Matthew Adam
Published: October 2023

This introductory article sets out the global historical approach adopted by the articles in this special issue, focusing on the circulations of goods, peoples, and ideas in ancient Afro-Eurasia (300 BCE-700 CE). Special attention is given to the overland Silk Road and Indo-Pacific networks of maritime exchange. Our aims are to apply globalization thinking to a wider (macro) frame than has arguably been done in existing ancient world studies, to ensure that sufficient focus is maintained on how the local and global intersect, and to demonstrate the analytical utility of concepts connected to globalization and glocalization. Ultimately, we seek to go beyond merely applying theories of globalization to new data, but to use these data to offer an alternative approach to the study of global Antiquity.
Behind gold for pepper: The players and the game of Indo-Mediterranean trade
Authors: Simmons Jeremy A.
Published: October 2023

This article offers a fresh approach to the study of ‘Indo-Roman’ trade by defining the ‘players’ of the ‘game’ of Indian Ocean commerce in the early centuries of the Common Era. Numerous specialized personnel hailing from the Mediterranean, Near East, and Indian subcontinent were involved in the movement, processing, and sale of Indian Ocean commodities. Players throughout the ancient world formed principal-agent relationships, corporate structures, and diaspora communities based on shared heritage and profession to facilitate their efforts. These tactics lowered the transaction costs of commerce arising from a combination of factors: the seasonal monsoon winds restricting wind-powered travel; the asymmetry of information for traders operating abroad without a strong support network; and state interventions (e.g. targeted infrastructure projects and tariffs). Certain individuals attained competitive advantages by cooperating with states to regulate the very commerce in which they engaged (e.g. tax-farmers).
Polychromatic metasurfaces for complete control of phase and polarization in the mid-infrared
Authors: Zhou You , Fan Jonathan A.
Published: October 2023

Multifunctional metasurfaces based on wavelength-decoupled supercells are experimentally demonstrated, enabling new regimes of optical control for arbitrary orthogonal polarizations at different wavelengths.
Effects of escitalopram on synaptic density in the healthy human brain: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Johansen Annette , Armand Sophia , Plavén-Sigray Pontus , Nasser Arafat , Ozenne Brice , Petersen Ida N. , Keller Sune H. , Madsen Jacob , Beliveau Vincent , Møller Kirsten , Vassilieva Alexandra , Langley Christelle , Svarer Claus , Stenbæk Dea S. , Sahakian Barbara J. , Knudsen Gitte M.
Published: October 2023

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are widely used for treating neuropsychiatric disorders. However, the exact mechanism of action and why effects can take several weeks to manifest is not clear. The hypothesis of neuroplasticity is supported by preclinical studies, but the evidence in humans is limited. Here, we investigate the effects of the SSRI escitalopram on presynaptic density as a proxy for synaptic plasticity. In a double-blind placebo-controlled study (NCT04239339), 32 healthy participants with no history of psychiatric or cognitive disorders were randomized to receive daily oral dosing of either 20 mg escitalopram (n = 17) or a placebo (n = 15). After an intervention period of 3–5 weeks, participants underwent a [11C]UCB-J PET scan (29 with full arterial input function) to quantify synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) density in the hippocampus and the neocortex. Whereas we find no statistically significant group difference in SV2A binding after an average of 29 (range: 24–38) days of intervention, our secondary analyses show a time-dependent effect of escitalopram on cerebral SV2A binding with positive associations between [11C]UCB-J binding and duration of escitalopram intervention. Our findings suggest that brain synaptic plasticity evolves over 3–5 weeks in healthy humans following daily intake of escitalopram. This is the first in vivo evidence to support the hypothesis of neuroplasticity as a mechanism of action for SSRIs in humans and it offers a plausible biological explanation for the delayed treatment response commonly observed in patients treated with SSRIs. While replication is warranted, these results have important implications for the design of future clinical studies investigating the neurobiological effects of SSRIs.
A BRCA2 germline mutation and high expression of immune checkpoints in a TNBC patient
Authors: Han Yuyi , Rovella Valentina , Smirnov Artem , Buonomo Oreste Claudio , Mauriello Alessandro , Perretta Tommaso , Shi Yufang , Woodmsith Jonathan , Bischof Julia ,   TOR CENTRE, Bove Pierluigi , Juhl Hartmut , Scimeca Manuel , Sica Giuseppe , Tisone Giuseppe , Wang Ying , Giacobbi Erica , Materazzo Marco , Melino Gerry , Candi Eleonora , Bernassola Francesca
Published: October 2023

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of mammary carcinoma. Here, we describe a case of an 81-year-old female diagnosed with ductal triple negative breast cancer with a germline pathogenic variant in BReast CAncer gene2 (BRCA2). Genetic testing also revealed the presence of four somatic mutations in the ephrin type-A receptor 3 (EphA3), TP53, BRCA1-associated protein (BAP1), and MYB genes. The BRCA2, TP53, and BAP1 gene mutations are highly predictive of a defective homologous recombination repair system and subsequent chromosomal instability in this patient. Coherently, the patient displayed a strong homologous recombination deficiency signature and high tumor mutational burden status, which are generally associated with increased probability of immune neoantigens formation and presentation, and with tumor immunogenicity. Analysis of immune checkpoint revealed high expression of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), programmed cell death ligand 2 (PD-L2), programmed death 1 (PD1), and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA 4), suggesting that the patient might likely benefit from immunotherapies. Altogether, these findings support an unveiled link between BRCA2 inactivation, HR deficiency and increased expression of immune checkpoints in TNBC. This clinical case highlights the importance of screening TNBC patients for genetic mutations and TMB biomarkers in order to predict the potential efficacy of immunotherapy.
Mutation in Polycomb repressive complex 2 gene OsFIE2 promotes asexual embryo formation in rice
Authors: Wu Xiaoba , Xie Liqiong , Sun Xizhe , Wang Ningning , Finnegan E. Jean , Helliwell Chris , Yao Jialing , Zhang Hongyu , Wu Xianjun , Hands Phil , Lu Falong , Ma Lisong , Zhou Bing , Chaudhury Abed , Cao Xiaofeng , Luo Ming
Published: October 2023

Prevention of autonomous division of the egg apparatus and central cell in a female gametophyte before fertilization ensures successful reproduction in flowering plants. Here we show that rice ovules of Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) Osfie1 and Osfie2 double mutants exhibit asexual embryo and autonomous endosperm formation at a high frequency, while ovules of single Osfie2 mutants display asexual pre-embryo-like structures at a lower frequency without fertilization. Earlier onset, higher penetrance and better development of asexual embryos in the double mutants compared with those in Osfie2 suggest that the autonomous endosperm facilitated asexual embryo development. Transcriptomic analysis showed that male genome-expressed OsBBM1 and OsWOX8/9 were activated in the asexual embryos. Similarly, the maternal alleles of the paternally expressed imprinted genes were activated in the autonomous endosperm, suggesting that the egg apparatus and central cell convergently adopt PRC2 to maintain the non-dividing state before fertilization, possibly through silencing of the maternal alleles of male genome-expressed genes.
Tunable non-Lifshitz–Kosevich temperature dependence of Shubnikov–de Haas oscillation amplitudes in SmSb
Authors: Zhang Wei , Kuo C. N. , Kuo S. T. , So Chun Wa , Xie Jianyu , Lai Kwing To , Yu Wing Chi , Lue C. S. , Po Hoi Chun , Goh Swee K.
Published: October 2023

The Lifshitz–Kosevich (LK) theory is the pillar of magnetic quantum oscillations, which have been extensively applied to characterise a wide range of metallic states. In this study, we focus on the Shubnikov–de Haas (SdH) effect observed in SmSb, a rare-earth monopnictide. We observed a significant departure from the expected LK theory near TN = 2.4 K: both a peak-like anomaly and an enhancement in the temperature dependence of quantum oscillation amplitude are seen in SmSb. Moreover, we discovered a remarkable sensitivity of the SdH amplitudes to sample purity. By adjusting the sample purity, we were able to tune the temperature dependence of the α band’s SdH amplitudes from a peak-like anomalous behaviour to an enhancement. Therefore, SdH oscillations from the α band connect the two well-known non-LK behaviours, controllable through varying the sample purity, paving the way for developing further understanding of the mechanism leading to the anomalous quantum oscillations.
Activity map of a cortico-cerebellar loop underlying motor planning
Authors: Zhu Jia , Hasanbegović Hana , Liu Liu D. , Gao Zhenyu , Li Nuo
Published: October 2023

The neocortex and cerebellum interact to mediate cognitive functions. It remains unknown how the two structures organize into functional networks to mediate specific behaviors. Here we delineate activity supporting motor planning in relation to the mesoscale cortico-cerebellar connectome. In mice planning directional licking based on short-term memory, preparatory activity instructing future movement depends on the anterior lateral motor cortex (ALM) and the cerebellum. Transneuronal tracing revealed divergent and largely open-loop connectivity between the ALM and distributed regions of the cerebellum. A cerebellum-wide survey of neuronal activity revealed enriched preparatory activity in hotspot regions with conjunctive input–output connectivity to the ALM. Perturbation experiments show that the conjunction regions were required for maintaining preparatory activity and correct subsequent movement. Other cerebellar regions contributed little to motor planning despite input or output connectivity to the ALM. These results identify a functional cortico-cerebellar loop and suggest the cerebellar cortex selectively establishes reciprocal cortico-cerebellar communications to orchestrate motor planning.
Twitter Sentiment Geographical Index Dataset
Authors: Chai Yuchen , Kakkar Devika , Palacios Juan , Zheng Siqi
Published: October 2023

Promoting well-being is one of the key targets of the Sustainable Development Goals at the United Nations. Many national and city governments worldwide are incorporating Subjective Well-Being (SWB) indicators into their agenda, to complement traditional objective development and economic metrics. In this study, we introduce the Twitter Sentiment Geographical Index (TSGI), a location-specific expressed sentiment database with SWB implications, derived through deep-learning-based natural language processing techniques applied to 4.3 billion geotagged tweets worldwide since 2019. Our open-source TSGI database represents the most extensive Twitter sentiment resource to date, encompassing multilingual sentiment measurements across 164 countries at the admin-2 (county/city) level and daily frequency. Based on the TSGI database, we have created a web platform allowing researchers to access the sentiment indices of selected regions in the given time period.
A novel laboratory-based nomogram for assessing infection presence risk in acute-on-chronic liver failure patients
Authors: Sun Rui , Lu Wenli , Ren Wanhua , Zhang Shuhong , Yao Dongxue , Zhang Nannan , Zhong Keqing , Zhao Wenrui , Tang Xiaolin , Han Meihong , Li Tao
Published: October 2023

Accurate assessment of infection presence risk level, timely diagnosis, and effective control are critical for decreasing mortality of Acute‑on‑chronic liver failure (ACLF). We aimed to develop and validate a novel diagnostic model to accurately assess infection presence risk level in ACLF patients. 185 ACLF patients with/without infection were enrolled, and their demographic, physical findings, immune-inflammatory, hepatic function, metabolism, and coagulation-fibrinolysis indicators were analyzed. Regression analysis was performed to identify the independent diagnostic parameters, which were further used to establish diagnostic models with a nomogram for visual. An area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), calibration plots, clinical impact curves, decision curve analysis, and net reclassification index were used to evaluate and identify the best model. An external validating cohort was introduced to verify the diagnostic accuracy. We screened out white blood cell (WBC) count, LYM%, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and D-dimer for assessing infection presence risk levels in ACLF patients. WBD (WBC + BUN + D-dimer) was established and proposed as a novel diagnostic model for infection presence risk levels assessment in ACLF patients with an AUROC of 0.803 (95%CI 0.723–0.883), 0.885 (95%CI 0.786–0.984) in training and external cohorts, respectively. In stratification analysis by ACLF etiology and stages, WBD achieved an AUROC of 0.791 (95%CI 0.691–0.891) and 0.873 (95%CI 0.78–0.966) in HBV-related and early-stage patients, respectively. Whereas a higher AUROC of 0.905 (95%CI 0.807–1.00) in the early-stage of HBV-related ACLF patients indicated its optimum application scope. WBD, a novel laboratory-based nomogram, can serve as a decision-making support tool for clinicians to assess infection presence risk levels in ACLF patients.
Co-embedding of edges and nodes with deep graph convolutional neural networks
Authors: Zhou Yuchen , Huo Hongtao , Hou Zhiwen , Bu Lingbin , Mao Jingyi , Wang Yifan , Lv Xiaojun , Bu Fanliang
Published: October 2023

Graph neural networks (GNNs) have significant advantages in dealing with non-Euclidean data and have been widely used in various fields. However, most of the existing GNN models face two main challenges: (1) Most GNN models built upon the message-passing framework exhibit a shallow structure, which hampers their ability to efficiently transmit information between distant nodes. To address this, we aim to propose a novel message-passing framework, enabling the construction of GNN models with deep architectures akin to convolutional neural networks (CNNs), potentially comprising dozens or even hundreds of layers. (2) Existing models often approach the learning of edge and node features as separate tasks. To overcome this limitation, we aspire to develop a deep graph convolutional neural network learning framework capable of simultaneously acquiring edge embeddings and node embeddings. By utilizing the learned multi-dimensional edge feature matrix, we construct multi-channel filters to more effectively capture accurate node features. To address these challenges, we propose the Co-embedding of Edges and Nodes with Deep Graph Convolutional Neural Networks (CEN-DGCNN). In our approach, we propose a novel message-passing framework that can fully integrate and utilize both node features and multi-dimensional edge features. Based on this framework, we develop a deep graph convolutional neural network model that prevents over-smoothing and obtains node non-local structural features and refined high-order node features by extracting long-distance dependencies between nodes and utilizing multi-dimensional edge features. Moreover, we propose a novel graph convolutional layer that can learn node embeddings and multi-dimensional edge embeddings simultaneously. The layer updates multi-dimensional edge embeddings across layers based on node features and an attention mechanism, which enables efficient utilization and fusion of both node and edge features. Additionally, we propose a multi-dimensional edge feature encoding method based on directed edges, and use the resulting multi-dimensional edge feature matrix to construct a multi-channel filter to filter the node information. Lastly, extensive experiments show that CEN-DGCNN outperforms a large number of graph neural network baseline methods, demonstrating the effectiveness of our proposed method.
Influence of geometrical and operational parameters on tooth wear in the working mechanism of a satellite motor
Authors: Sliwinski Pawel
Published: October 2023

This article describes the phenomena affecting the wear of the rotor of the working mechanism in a hydraulic satellite motor. The basic geometrical relationships that allow the calculation of the coordinates of the points of contact between the satellite and the rotor and the curvature are presented. A method for calculating the number of contacts of the satellite teeth with the rotor teeth and of the satellite teeth with the curvature teeth during one revolution of the rotor is proposed. A method of calculating the forces acting at the points of contact of the satellite with the rotor and the curvature is also proposed, as well as a method of calculating the stress in the tooth contact of the interacting components of the mechanism. The results of calculations of forces and stresses in tooth contact in a satellite mechanism consisting of a four-hump rotor and a six-hump curvature are presented. It is shown that the two chambers around the satellite are in the same phase in a certain range of the rotation angle of the rotor, i.e. in the emptying phase or in the filling phase. This results in the value of the force acting on the satellite resulting from the pressure difference being zero. It has also been shown that the most important parameters affecting tooth wear are the pressure difference in the working chambers of the satellite mechanism and the rotor speed.
Resolution of fibrosis in mdx dystrophic mouse after oral consumption of N-163 strain of Aureobasidium pullulans produced β-glucan
Authors: Preethy Senthilkumar , Aoki Yoshitsugu , Minegishi Katsura , Iwasaki Masaru , Senthilkumar Rajappa , Abraham Samuel J. K.
Published: October 2023

Recent advances in the management of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), such as exon skipping and gene therapy, though have reached a clinical stage, the outcome at its best is still considered suboptimal. In this study, we evaluated a novel N-163 strain of Aureobasidium pullulans produced β-glucan (Neu-REFIX) for its potential as an adjuvant to slow down the progression of the disease by anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. In this study, 45 mice in the three groups, 15 each in a group; Gr. 1 normal mice, Gr.2 mdx mice as vehicle, and Gr.3 mdx mice administered the N-163 β-glucan for 45 days. The N-163 β-glucan group showed a significant decrease in the plasma ALT, AST, and LDH levels (126 ± 69 U/l, 634 ± 371 U/l, 3335 ± 1258 U/l) compared with the vehicle group (177 ± 27 U/l, 912 ± 126 U/l, 4186 ± 398 U/l). Plasma TGF-β levels increased, and plasma IL-13 levels decreased in the N-163 group. The inflammation score of HE-stained muscle sections in the N-163 group (1.5 ± 0.8) was lower than that in the vehicle group (2.0 ± 0.8). The N-163 strain β-glucan group (24.22 ± 4.80) showed a significant decrease in the fibrosis area (Masson’s Trichrome-positive area) compared with the vehicle group (36.78 ± 5.74). The percentage of centrally nucleated fibres evaluated by Masson’s trichrome staining was 0 in the normal group, while it increased to 80% in the vehicle group but remained at 76.8% in the N-163 group. The N-163 β-glucan group showed a significant decrease in the fibrosis area. Considering their safety and easy oral consumption, Neu-REFIX β-glucan could be worth large multicentre clinical studies as adjuvant in slowing down the progress of DMD.