bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of fecal samples from mares as a source of Rhodococcus equi for their foals by use of quantitative bacteriologic culture and colony immunoblot analyses
Authors: Grimm Michael B. , Cohen Noah D. , Slovis Nathan M. , Mundy George D. , Harrington Jessica R. , Libal Melissa C. , Takai Shinji , Martens Ronald J.
Published: January 2007

Objective—To determine whether mares are a clinically important source of Rhodococcus equi for their foals.

Sample Population—171 mares and 171 foals from a farm in Kentucky (evaluated during 2004 and 2005).

Procedures—At 4 time points (2 before and 2 after parturition), the total concentration of R equi and concentration of virulent R equi were determined in fecal specimens from mares by use of quantitative bacteriologic culture and a colony immunoblot technique, respectively. These concentrations for mares of foals that developed R equi–associated pneumonia and for mares with unaffected foals were compared. Data for each year were analyzed separately.

Results—R equi–associated pneumonia developed in 53 of 171 (31%) foals. Fecal shedding of virulent R equi was detected in at least 1 time point for every mare; bacteriologic culture results were positive for 62 of 171 (36%) mares at all time points. However, compared with dams of unaffected foals, fecal concentrations of total or virulent R equi in dams of foals with R equi–associated pneumonia were not significantly different.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicate that dams of foals with R equi–associated pneumonia did not shed more R equi in feces than dams of unaffected foals; therefore, R equi infection in foals was not associated with comparatively greater fecal shedding by their dams. However, detection of virulent R equi in the feces of all mares during at least 1 time point suggests that mares can be an important source of R equi for the surrounding environment.
Mortality Among Users of Anabolic Steroids
Authors: Windfeld-Mathiasen Josefine , Heerfordt Ida M. , Dalhoff Kim Peder , Andersen Jon Trærup , Horwitz Henrik
Published: March 2024

This cohort study investigates mortality and cause of death among a large cohort of androgenic anabolic steroid users, compared with a control group, in Denmark from January 3, 2006, to March 1, 2018.
Institutional Efforts to Address Legacies of Slavery—Implications for the Health Care System
Authors: Bleich Sara N. , Figueroa Jose F. , Minow Martha
Published: March 2024

This JAMA Forum discusses the legacies of slavery, efforts underway at colleges and universities to explore and address the legacies of slavery, and health care system actions to address structural racism.
Antibiotic Receipt for Pediatric Telemedicine Visits With Primary Care vs Direct-to-Consumer Vendors
Authors: Wittman Samuel R. , Hoberman Alejandro , Mehrotra Ateev , Sabik Lindsay M. , Yabes Jonathan G. , Ray Kristin N.
Published: March 2024

Importance

Prior research found that pediatric direct-to-consumer (DTC) telemedicine visits are associated with more antibiotic prescribing than in-person primary care visits. It is unclear whether this difference is associated with modality of care (telemedicine vs in-person) or with the context of telemedicine care (primary care vs not primary care).

Objective

To compare antibiotic management during telemedicine visits with primary care practitioners (PCPs) vs commercial direct-to-consumer (DTC) telemedicine companies for pediatric acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective, cross-sectional study of visits for ARTIs by commercially insured children 17 years of age or younger analyzed deidentified medical and pharmacy claims in OptumLabs Data Warehouse data, a national sample of commercial enrollees, between January 1 and December 31, 2022.

Exposure

Setting of telemedicine visit as PCP vs DTC.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was percentage of visits with antibiotic receipt. Secondary outcomes were the percentages of visits with diagnoses for which prescription of an antibiotic was potentially appropriate, guideline-concordant antibiotic management, and follow-up ARTI visits within the ensuing 1 to 2 days and 3 to 14 days. The ARTI telemedicine visits with PCP vs DTC telemedicine companies were matched on child demographic characteristics. Generalized estimated equation log-binomial regression models were used to compute marginal outcomes.

Results

In total, data from 27 686 children (mean [SD] age, 8.9 [5.0] years; 13 893 [50.2%] male) were included in this study. There were 14 202 PCP telemedicine index visits matched to 14 627 DTC telemedicine index visits. The percentage of visits involving receipt of an antibiotic was lower for PCP (28.9% [95% CI, 28.1%-29.7%]) than for DTC (37.2% [95% CI, 36.0%-38.5%]) telemedicine visits. Additionally, fewer PCP telemedicine visits involved receipt of a diagnosis in which the use of antibiotics may be appropriate (19.0% [95% CI, 18.4%-19.7%] vs 28.4% [95% CI, 27.3%-29.6%]), but no differences were observed in receipt of nonguideline-concordant antibiotic management based on a given diagnosis between PCP (20.2% [95% CI, 19.5%-20.9%]) and DTC (20.1% [95% CI, 19.1%-21.0%]) telemedicine visits. Fewer PCP telemedicine visits involved a follow-up visit within the ensuing 1 to 2 days (5.0% [95% CI, 4.7%-5.4%] vs 8.0% [95% CI, 7.3%-8.7%]) and 3 to 14 days (8.2% [95% CI, 7.8%-8.7%] vs 9.6% [95% CI, 8.8%-10.3%]).

Conclusions and Relevance

Compared with virtual-only DTC telemedicine companies, telemedicine integrated within primary care was associated with lower rates of antibiotic receipt and follow-up care. Supporting use of telemedicine integrated within pediatric primary care may be one strategy to reduce antibiotic receipt through telemedicine visits.
Unveiling the Impact of Hemodynamics on Endothelial Inflammation‐Mediated Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastasis Using a Biomimetic Vascular Flow Model
Authors: He Jia , Duan Peiyan , Liu Yi , Feng Tang , Wang Shuo , Lin Xinyi , Xie Jing , Liu Xiaoheng
Published: March 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) hematogenous dissemination is a leading cause of HCC‐related deaths. The inflammatory facilitates this process by promoting the adhesion and invasion of tumor cells in the circulatory system. But the contribution of hemodynamics to this process remains poorly understood due to the lack of a suitable vascular flow model for investigation. This study develops a vascular flow model to examine the impact of hemodynamics on endothelial inflammation‐mediated HCC metastasis. This work finds the increasing shear stress will reduce the recruitment of HCC cells by disturbing adhesion forces between endothelium and HCC cells. However, this reduction will be restored by the inflammation. When applying high FSS (4–6 dyn cm−2) to the inflammatory endothelium, there will be a 4.8‐fold increase in HCC cell adhesions compared to normal condition. Nevertheless, the increase fold of cell adhesions is inapparent, around 1.5‐fold, with low and medium FSS. This effect can be attributed to the FSS‐induced upregulation of ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 of the inflammatory endothelium, which serve to strengthen cell binding forces. These findings indicate that hemodynamics plays a key role in HCC metastasis during endothelial inflammation by regulating the expression of adhesion‐related factors.
Learning Stiffness Tensors in Self‐Activated Solids via a Local Rule
Authors: Tang Yuxuan , Ye Wenjing , Jia Jingjing , Chen Yangyang
Published: March 2024

Mechanical metamaterials are often designed with particular properties for specific load‐bearing functions. Alternatively, this study aims to create a class of active lattice metamaterials, dubbed self‐activated solids, that can learn desired stiffness tensors from the elastic deformations they experienced, a crucial feature to improve the performance, efficiency, and functionality of materials. Artificial adaptive matters that combine sensory, control, and actuation elements can offer appealing solutions. However, challenges still remain: The designs will rely on accurate off‐line and global computations, as well as intricate coordination among individual elements. Here, a simple online and local learning strategy is initiated based on contrastive Hebbian learning to gradually guide self‐activated solids to possess sought‐after stiffness tensors autonomously and reversibly. During learning, the bond stiffness of the active lattice varies depending only on its local strain. The numerical tests show that the self‐activated solid can not only achieve the desired bulk, shear, and coupling moduli but also manifest uni‐mode and bi‐mode extremal materials by itself after experiencing the corresponding elastic deformations. Further, the self‐activated solid can also achieve the desired time‐varying moduli when exposed to temporally different loads. The design is applicable to any lattice geometries and is resistant to damage and instabilities. The material design approach and the physical learning strategy suggested can benefit the design of autonomous materials, physical learning machines, and adaptive robots.
Highly Bioadaptable Hybrid Conduits with Spatially Bidirectional Structure for Precision Nerve Fiber Regeneration via Gene Therapy
Authors: Zhao Renliang , Deng Xiangtian , Dong Jizhao , Liang Chen , Yang Xiaozhong , Tang Yunfeng , Du Juan , Ge Zilu , Wang Dong , Shen Yifan , Jiang Lianghua , Lin Wei , Zhu Tonghe , Wang Guanglin
Published: March 2024

Peripheral nerve deficits give rise to motor and sensory impairments within the limb. The clinical restoration of extensive segmental nerve defects through autologous nerve transplantation often encounters challenges such as axonal mismatch and suboptimal functional recovery. These issues may stem from the limited regenerative capacity of proximal axons and the subsequent Wallerian degeneration of distal axons. To achieve the integration of sensory and motor functions, a spatially differential plasmid DNA (pDNA) dual‐delivery nanohydrogel conduit scaffold is devised. This innovative scaffold facilitates the localized administration of the transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) gene in the proximal region to accelerate nerve regeneration, while simultaneously delivering nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase 2 (NMNAT2) to the distal region to mitigate Wallerian degeneration. By promoting autonomous and selective alignment of nerve fiber gap sutures via structure design, the approach aims to achieve a harmonious unification of nerve regeneration, neuromotor function, and sensory recovery. It is anticipated that this groundbreaking technology will establish a robust platform for gene delivery in tissue engineering.
Macroscale Superlubricity on Nanoscale Graphene Moiré Structure‐Assembled Surface via Counterface Hydrogen Modulation
Authors: Wang Yongfu , Yang Xing , Liang Huiting , Zhao Jun , Zhang Junyan
Published: March 2024

Interlayer incommensurateness slippage is an excellent pathway to realize superlubricity of van der Waals materials; however, it is instable and heavily depends on twisted angle and super‐smooth substrate which pose great challenges for the practical application of superlubricity. Here, macroscale superlubricity (0.001) is reported on countless nanoscale graphene moiré structure (GMS)‐assembled surface via counterface hydrogen (H) modulation. The GMS‐assembled surface is formed on grinding balls via sphere‐triggered strain engineering. By the H modulation of counterface diamond‐like carbon (25 at.% H), the wear of GMS‐assembled surface is significantly reduced and a steadily superlubric sliding interface between them is achieved, based on assembly face charge depletion and H‐induced assembly edge weakening. Furthermore, the superlubricity between GMS‐assembled and DLC25 surfaces holds true in wide ranges of normal load (7–11 N), sliding velocity (0.5–27 cm −1s), contact area (0.4×104–3.7×104 µm2), and contact pressure (0.19–1.82 GPa). Atomistic simulations confirm the preferential formation of GMS on a sphere, and demonstrate the superlubricity on GMS‐assembled surface via counterface H modulation. The results provide an efficient tribo‐pairing strategy to achieve robust superlubricity, which is of significance for the engineering application of superlubricity.
Consumer acceptance and valuation of quality‐improved food products derived by genome editing technology. A case study of rice in Vietnam
Authors: Hao Nguyen Thi , Ben Taieb Seifeddine , Moritaka Masahiro , Fukuda Susumu
Published: March 2024

Unlike genetic modification, genome editing (GE) technologies can be used to yield transgene‐free outcomes, which is an important aspect in promoting consumer acceptance of GE foods. In addition, with the advent of the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system, which is known to be exceptional among genome editing tools, GE has numerous potential applications in plant breeding technology to create diverse desirable traits, especially consumer‐targeted traits such as improved product quality and nutrition. It is expected that the GE foods market will overtake that of genetically modified (GM) foods. Although few GE products have been introduced to the market, some studies have already evaluated consumer acceptance and valuation of GE foods in comparison with GM and conventional foods. However, these studies mainly focused on traits relevant to cultivation efficiency and ignored consumer preferences for desirable traits. Further, it has been shown that consumers evaluate GE foods somewhat higher than GM foods; yet, as observed for GM foods, consumers expect a discounted price for GE foods. GE application for consumer‐targeted traits could, however, have a potentially positive effect on consumer acceptance. This study was conducted to evaluate consumer acceptance and valuation of quality‐improved consumer‐targeted GE products. We defined the determinants and estimated the willingness to pay a price premium for GE rice compared to GM and conventional rice by using the double‐bounded contingent valuation method under different information treatments. The survey was conducted in Vietnam, where consumers have not been exposed to information regarding GE via social media that could lead to a biased perspective. This context is ideal for investigating the effect of information provision during the introductory stage of GE products to the market. Our main findings suggest that consumers will widely accept quality‐improved GE foods targeted at consumer preferences, as well as the positive influence of in‐depth information provision on potential consumer acceptance. [EconLit Citations: Q10: Agriculture: General].
Complementary Weaknesses: A Win‐Win Approach for rGO/CdS to Improve the Energy Conversion Performance of Integrated Photorechargeable Li−S Batteries
Authors: Yang Tianzhen , Mao Haoning , Zhang Qianqian , Xu Chao , Gao Qiongzhi , Cai Xin , Zhang Shengsen , Fang Yueping , Zhou Xiaosong , Peng Feng , Yang Siyuan
Published: March 2024

Integrating solar energy into rechargeable battery systems represents a significant advancement towards sustainable energy storage solutions. Herein, we propose a win‐win solution to reduce the shuttle effect of polysulfide and improve the photocorrosion stability of CdS, thereby enhancing the energy conversion efficiency of rGO/CdS‐based photorechargeable integrated lithium‐sulfur batteries (PRLSBs). Experimental results show that CdS can effectively anchor polysulfide under sunlight irradiation for 20 minutes. Under a high current density (1 C), the discharge‐specific capacity of the PRLSBs increased to 971.30 mAh g−1, which is 113.3 % enhancement compared to that of under dark condition (857.49 mAh g−1). Remarkably, without an electrical power supply, the PRLSBs can maintain a 21 hours discharge process following merely 1.5 hours of light irradiation, achieving a breakthrough solar‐to‐electrical energy conversion efficiency of up to 5.04 %. Ex situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and in situ Raman analysis corroborate the effectiveness of this complementary weakness approach in bolstering redox kinetics and curtailing polysulfide dissolution in PRLSBs. This work showcases a feasible strategy to develop PRLSBs with potential dual‐functional metal sulfide photoelectrodes, which will be of great interest in future‐oriented off‐grid photocell systems.
Accumulation and toxicity of biologically produced gold nanoparticles in different types of specialized mammalian cells
Authors: Pourali Parastoo , Svoboda Milan , Neuhöferová Eva , Dzmitruk Volha , Benson Veronika
Published: March 2024

The biologically produced gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are novel carriers with promising use in targeted tumor therapy. Still, there are no studies regarding the efficacy of nanoparticle internalization by cancer and noncancer cells. In this study, AuNPs were produced by Fusarium oxysporum and analyzed by spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), and Zetasizer. Obtained AuNPs were about 15 nm in size with a zeta potential of –35.8 mV. The AuNPs were added to cancer cells (4T1), noncancer cells (NIH/3T3), and macrophages (RAW264.7). The viability decreased in 4T1 (77 ± 3.74%) in contrast to NIH/3T3 and RAW264.7 cells (89 ± 4.9% and 90 ± 3.5%, respectively). The 4T1 cancer cells also showed the highest uptake and accumulation of Au (∼80% of AuNPs was internalized) as determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy. The lowest amount of AuNPs was internalized by the NIH/3T3 cells (∼30%). The NIH/3T3 cells exhibited prominent reorganization of F‐actin filaments as examined by confocal microscopy. In RAW264.7, we analyzed the release of proinflammatory cytokines by flow cytometry and we found the AuNP interaction triggered transient secretion of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) and interferon gamma (IFN‐γ). In summary, we proved the biologically produced AuNPs entered all the tested cell types and triggered cell‐specific responses. High AuNP uptake by tumor cells was related to decreased cell viability, while low nanoparticle uptake by fibroblasts triggered F‐actin reorganization without remarkable toxicity. Thus, the biologically produced AuNPs hold promising potential as cancer drug carriers and likely require proper surface functionalization to shield phagocytizing cells.
Morphological Transformations of SARS‐CoV‐2 Nucleocapsid Protein Biocondensates Mediated by Antimicrobial Peptides
Authors: Campanile Marco , Kurtul Emine Dila , Dec Robert , Möbitz Simone , Del Vecchio Pompea , Petraccone Luigi , Tatzelt Jörg , Oliva Rosario , Winter Roland
Published: March 2024

Recently, the discovery of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as excellent candidates for overcoming antibiotic resistance has attracted significant attention. AMPs are short peptides active against bacteria, cancer cells, and viruses. It has been shown that the SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleocapsid protein (N−P) undergoes liquid‐liquid phase separation in the presence of RNA, resulting in biocondensate formation. These biocondensates are crucial for viral replication as they concentrate the viral RNA with the host cell‘s protein machinery required for viral protein expression. Thus, N−P biocondensates are promising targets to block or slow down viral RNA transcription and consequently virion assembly. We investigated the ability of three AMPs to interfere with N−P/RNA condensates. Using microscopy techniques, supported by biophysical characterization, we found that the AMP LL–III partitions into the condensate, leading to clustering. Instead, the AMP CrACP1 partitions into the droplets without affecting their morphology but reducing their dynamics. Conversely, GKY20 leads to the formation of fibrillar structures after partitioning. It can be expected that such morphological transformation severely impairs the normal functionality of the N−P droplets and thus virion assembly. These results could pave the way for the development of a new class of AMP‐based antiviral agents targeting biocondensates.
Energy‐efficient reliability‐aware offloading for delay‐sensitive tasks in collaborative edge computing
Authors: Li Zengpeng , Yu Huiqun , Fan Guisheng , Zhang Jiayin , Xu Jin
Published: March 2024

As a burgeoning paradigm, collaborative mobile edge computing (C‐MEC) can cater to growing computation demand of mobile devices (MDs). However, there are great challenges for joint task offloading and resource allocation. In addition, failures on both MDs and edge servers greatly affect reliable task execution. This paper investigates the joint optimization problem of offloading decision, power allocation, and computation resource allocation in the multi‐user C‐MEC system, where nondivisible tasks may be executed locally, offloaded to nearby collaborative devices, or processed by the edge server. We aim at minimizing the total energy consumption of MDs while satisfying the reliability and delay constraints, and the replication technique is adopted to enhance task execution reliability. To tackle this problem, we first transform it into a bi‐level optimization problem, and then propose an iterative algorithm named JOC. Specifically, the offloading decision is constructed in the upper level on the basis of ant colony system (ACS), and the allocation of working power, transmission power, and computation resources is optimized in the lower level by using the monotonic optimization approach. Simulation experimental results reveal that the proposed algorithm saves more energy and achieves a higher task success rate in comparison with baseline schemes.
Steps toward developing legume cover crop varieties: Study of biomass and nitrogen partitioning and within‐plant δ115N variation of faba bean at different growth stages
Authors: Dugger Chloe , Brasier Kyle G. , Pahlavani Mohammad H. , Zakeri Hossein
Published: March 2024

Modern legumes are engineered to enhance nutrient allocation to grains and maximize harvest index (HI) and yield. Breeding legumes for cover crop requires optimizing source‐sink relationship to prolong nutrient allocation to vegetative organs, support post‐flowering nodule activity, and extend biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). We studied the variation of faba bean (Vicia faba) germplasm for biomass (DM) and nitrogen (N) allocation to plant organs at the lower and upper parts of the canopy. Three genotypes were established during the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons, and DM, N, and δ15N of upper and lower leaves, stems, pods, seeds, and pod shells were quantified at vegetative, first‐pod, and full‐pod stages. Of the three genotypes, PI 678631 displayed early vigor, allocated more DM and N in vegetative organs, and accumulated more total DM and N than Windsor and PI 655333 by first‐pod stage. The advantage of PI 678631 over the other two genotypes seemed to be associated with smaller allocation of DM and N in pods at early reproductive phase. These findings support existing variations within faba bean germplasm that can be used to improve its ecosystem service as cover crop. Within‐plant variation of δ15N was minimal, suggesting that under favorable soil N and moisture where N remobilization is low, vegetative organs can serve as proxies to estimate the entire plant %Ndfa (proportion of plant N derived from the atmosphere) prior to plant maturity. The δ15N of plant organs at vegetative and early‐pod stages were similar and consistent with the only whole plant δ15N measurement in 2020.
Interface Defects Dependent on Perovskite Annealing Temperature for NiOX‐Based Inverted CsPbI2Br Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Huang Zhaoxuan , Tian Nan , Duan Shiyu , Zhang Jicheng , Yao Disheng , Zheng Guoyuan , Yang Yanhan , Zhou Bing
Published: March 2024

Nickel oxide (NiOX) is an ideal inorganic hole transport material for the fabrication of inverted perovskite solar cells owing to its excellent optical and semiconductor properties. Currently, the main research on developing the performance of NiOX‐based perovskite solar cells focuses on improving the conductivity of NiOX thin films and preventing the redox reactions between metal cations (Ni3+ on the surface of NiOX) and organic cations (FA+ or MA+ in the perovskite precursors) at the NiOX/perovskite interface. In this study, a new type of interface defects in NiOX‐based CsPbI2Br solar cells is reported. That is the Pb2+ from CsPbI2Br perovskites can diffuse into the lattice of NiOX surface as the annealing temperature of perovskites changes. The diffusion of Pb2+ increases the ratio of Ni3+/Ni2+ on the surface of NiOX, leading to an increase in the density of trap state at the interface between NiOX and perovskites, which eventually results in a serious decline in the photovoltaic performance of solar cells.
Integrated modular equalization circuit for energy storage system
Authors: Yang Xiaoguang , Ding Guoen , Cao Tianjun , Li Jiabao
Published: March 2024

This paper proposes an integrated modular equalization circuit for energy storage systems. This integration is achieved by reusing the half‐bridge circuit into the cell‐level equalization circuit and the module‐level equalization circuit, thereby simplifying the system. The proposed equalization circuit has a good equalization effect and balancing speed. In addition, all high‐frequency switches in the equalization circuit can achieve zero voltage switching (ZVS), and the equalization circuit has high efficiency. This paper provides a detailed analysis of the equalization circuit. Mathematical models for cell‐level and module‐level equalization circuits have been derived for optimal design and control of the equalization circuit. The experimental results have good consistency with the analytical results.
A zero‐input‐current‐ripple high‐voltage‐gain DC‐DC converter with integrated Y‐source network
Authors: Zhou Mingzhu , Liu Chao , Chen Xiaoying , Mao Xingkui , Zhang Yiming
Published: March 2024

This paper proposes a zero‐input‐current‐ripple (ZICR) high‐voltage‐gain dc‐dc converter with an integrated Y‐source network. It achieves zero input current ripple by introducing a parallel branch of an extra inductor, a coupled winding, and a capacitor at the input port. The voltage of the added inductor is opposite to that of the coupled winding. By adding the Y‐source coupled inductor, the boost capability of the converter is improved. The unique boost circuit structure makes that one winding in the three‐winding coupling inductance is step‐down type (the turns ratio n2 < 1) while the other winding is step‐up type (the turns ratio n1 > 1). In such a case, high voltage gain can be obtained under a lower turn ratio of the coupled inductor. The inherent passive clamping circuit clamps the spike voltage noises of the main switch to a low level and improves the efficiency. All the diodes have achieved ZCS (zero current switching) turn‐off. By comparing with several new converters, the advantages of this converter are proved. Finally, a 200‐W, 48‐ to 380‐V, 50‐kHz experimental prototype is built based on the theoretical research. At the rated power, the measured efficiencies with and without ZICR are 95.2% and 95.6%, respectively.
Differences in haemosporidian parasite prevalence and diversity in migratory and resident birds of prey species revealed by a non‐invasive sampling method
Authors: Bukauskaitė Dovilė , Dementavičius Deivis , Rumbutis Saulius , Treinys Rimgaudas
Published: March 2024

Avian haemosporidian parasites are widespread globally and infect numerous wild bird species. However, they have primarily been studied in passerine birds. Accordingly, the prevalence and diversity of these parasites in birds of prey remain understudied. This lack of research is primarily due to the international protection status of many of these species, their sparse distribution across ecosystems and difficulty to capture in the wild. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and diversity of haemosporidian parasites in two species of birds of prey, namely white‐tailed eagle and lesser spotted eagle. To achieve this, a non‐invasive approach was employed, involving the extraction of DNA from blood spots present in moulted feathers. Freshly moulted feathers were collected from the ground under nests or within the nests of these birds during the breeding season. A visible blood spot located at the junction of the calamus and rachis was removed and fixed in SET buffer for molecular analysis. The identification of haemosporidian parasites (Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon) was conducted using PCR‐based methods. Overall, parasite DNA was successfully detected in shed feathers that were kept in their original form at least decade prior to analysis. Among the studied individuals, resident white‐tailed eagles showed significantly lower infection rates of haemosporidian parasites compared to migratory lesser spotted eagles. A total of nine genetic lineages of haemosporidian parasites were detected, with seven of them being new to science based on partial sequences of the cytb gene. Additionally, the phylogenetic relationships among these new lineages and previously described ones were established. These findings highlight the suitability of non‐invasive sampling for investigating the prevalence and diversity of haemosporidian parasites in wild birds of prey populations. Moreover, this approach holds promise for studying other challenging‐to‐reach and protected bird species. According to our research, there is a greater chance of finding haemosporidian parasites in freshly gathered feathers.
Jurassic sedimentary migration characteristics and their geodynamic implications in the Dunhuang Basin and adjacent regions, Northwestern China
Authors: Feng Huaiwei , Xu Shumei , Xubo Hou , Hongzhuang Cui , Wang Jinduo
Published: March 2024

The Dunhuang Basin, situated in western China along the Altyn Tagh Fault (ATF) zone, intersects the Tethys and Paleo‐Asian Ocean tectonic domains. Influenced by both the ATF system and the far‐field effects of the Qiangtang‐Lhasa‐Eurasia collision during the Mesozoic, the mechanism of the Jurassic sedimentary migration of the basin in response to tectonic movements is unclear so far. The paper uses a comprehensive approach, including field geological surveys, lithologic and lithofacies discern, stratigraphic relationships analysis and 2D seismic profile interpretation, to examine the distribution of Jurassic residual strata in the basin. The comprehensive results of our study suggest that the Dunhuang Basin exists as an isolated block with unique tectonic and sedimentary evolution characteristics. In the Early Jurassic, the Dunhuang Basin underwent initial rifting, leading to the formation of small segmented intermontane sags. This phase was marked by the coarse particle sedimentary system of alluvial fans and braided rivers, represented the near source rapid deposition in the initial formation period of the basin. Stratigraphic distribution was primarily influenced by pre‐Jurassic basement topography and was not significantly constrained by faulting during this period. The formation of these isolated discontinuous small intermontane sags indicates the segmented activities of the ATF in the Early Jurassic period. In the Middle Jurassic period, influenced by the ATF dextral strike‐slip faulting, sedimentation extended eastward and the depocenter migrated clockwise compared with the distribution of the Middle Jurassic strata within the Dunhuang Basin. This period witnessed the development of coal measure strata at the basin's margins and lacustrine fine‐grained clastic deposition in the centre. The segmented fracture of the ATF gradually initiated a unified dextral strike‐slip tectonic movement. In the Late Jurassic period, sedimentary strata were locally present in the Wanyao Sag but absent in other sags. The depocenter migrated counterclockwise compared with the distribution of Middle Jurassic strata within the Dunhuang Basin, due to regional uplift accompanied by the ATF sinistral strike‐slip faulting caused by the collision between the Lhasa Block and the Eurasia Plate. The depocenter migration of the Dunhuang Basin constrained within the ATF system from the Early to Middle and Late Jurassic can be attributed to the transition of the ATF strike‐slip faulting in context of the stress relaxation and compression between the collision of the Qiangtang and Lhasa blocks to the Eurasia Plate, respectively.
Partial index tracking enhanced mean–variance portfolio
Authors: Cai Zhaokun , Cui Zhenyu , Simaan Majeed
Published: March 2024

Estimation constitutes a major challenge in the implementation of mean–variance portfolios. To overcome this, we propose a partial index‐tracking strategy that aims to mitigate estimation error ex‐ante. Theoretically, we minimize the mean‐squared error of the proposed strategy by shrinking the portfolio variance to its tracking error. Using an empirical design with over 50 years of data, our paper makes two important observations. First, we show that our proposed approach is consistent with both linear and non‐linear shrinkage strategies in terms of robustness. Second, the proposed decision rule leads to a lower out‐of‐sample tracking error. Our findings, overall, stress the appeal of partial index tracking not only in terms of shrinkage (robustness) but also in terms of relative performance.
Age‐ and Sex‐Specific MR‐Feature Tracking Reference Values of Right Atrial Deformation in Healthy Adults
Authors: Gao Yiyuan , Zhang Zhen , Guo Lingnan , Shi Jingjing , Zhang Fan , Guo Yifan , Xiang Ping , Zhou Shanshan , Xie Jianan , Li Gengxiao , Zhao Zhiwei , Xu Maosheng , Li Kuncheng , Pohost Gerald M.
Published: March 2024

Background

Although right atrial (RA) myocardial deformation has important implications for patient diagnosis, prognosis, and risk stratification, its implementation in clinical practice has been hampered by limited normal reference values, especially in Asian populations.

Purpose

To establish age‐ and sex‐specific reference values for RA strain, strain rate (SR), and displacement based on a large sample of healthy Chinese adults using MR‐feature tracking (MR‐FT).

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

524 healthy Chinese adults (287 male; mean age 43.7 ± 11.9 years).

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5T/balanced steady‐state free precession.

Assessment

RA deformation parameters, including reservoir, conduit, and booster strain (εs, εe, and εa), peak positive, early negative, and late negative SR (SRs, SRe, and SRa), and total, passive, and active displacement (Ds, De, and Da), were assessed using MR‐FT.

Statistical Tests

Student's t‐test, one‐way ANOVA, coefficients of determination (r2), intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), and Bland–Altman plots. A P value <0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Women demonstrated significantly greater magnitudes of RA deformation parameters than men: εs (57.4% ± 15.1% vs. 44.3% ± 12.6%), εe (37.5% ± 13.4% vs. 27.4% ± 10.9%), εa (19.9% ± 5.7% vs. 16.9% ± 5.0%), SRs (2.62 ± 0.88 sec−1 vs. 2.00 ± 0.63 sec−1), SRe (−2.98 ± 1.26 sec−1 vs. −2.16 ± 0.92 sec−1), SRa (−2.28 ± 0.75 sec−1 vs. −1.84 ± 0.62 sec−1), Ds (−7.80 ± 1.90 mm vs. −7.46 ± 1.70 mm), and De (−4.84 ± 1.31 mm vs. −4.49 ± 1.21 mm). For both sexes, aging was significantly associated with decreased RA reservoir and conduit function (εs, SRs, Ds, εe, SRe, and De), and with increased εa and Da. RA deformation measurements had good to excellent intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility, with ICCs ranging from to 0.790 to 0.972.

Data Conclusion

This study provides age‐ and sex‐specific reference values of RA strain, SR, and displacement based on a large cohort of healthy Chinese adults using MR‐FT.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
RFC1 and FGF14 Repeat Expansions in Serbian Patients with Cerebellar Ataxia
Authors: Milovanović Andona , Dragaševic‐Mišković Nataša , Thomsen Mirja , Borsche Max , Hinrichs Frauke , Westenberger Ana , Klein Christine , Brüggemann Norbert , Branković Marija , Marjanović Ana , Svetel Marina , Kostić Vladimir S. , Lohmann Katja
Published: March 2024

Background

The newly discovered intronic repeat expansions in the genes encoding replication factor C subunit 1 (RFC1) and fibroblast growth factor 14 (FGF14) frequently cause late‐onset cerebellar ataxia.

Objectives

To investigate the presence of RFC1 and FGF14 pathogenic repeat expansions in Serbian patients with adult‐onset cerebellar ataxia.

Methods

The study included 167 unrelated patients with sporadic or familial cerebellar ataxia. The RFC1 repeat expansion analysis was performed by duplex PCR and Sanger sequencing, while the FGF14 repeat expansion was tested for by long‐range PCR, repeat‐primed PCR, and Sanger sequencing.

Results

We identified pathogenic repeat expansions in RFC1 in seven patients (7/167; 4.2%) with late‐onset sporadic ataxia with neuropathy and chronic cough. Two patients also had bilateral vestibulopathy. Repeat expansions in FGF14 were found in nine unrelated patients (9/167; 5.4%) with ataxia, less than half of whom presented with neuropathy and two‐thirds with global brain atrophy. Tremor and episodic features were the most frequent additional characteristics in carriers of uninterrupted FGF14 repeat expansions. Among the 122 sporadic cases, 12 (9.8%) carried an expansion in either RFC1 or FGF14, comparable to 4/45 (8.9%) among the patients with a positive family history.

Conclusions

Pathogenic repeat expansions in RFC1 and FGF14 are relatively frequent causes of adult‐onset cerebellar ataxia, especially among sporadic patients, indicating that family history should not be considered when prioritizing ataxia patients for testing of RFC1 or FGF14 repeat expansions.
Optimal investment timing and size decision‐making with jump risk and time‐inconsistent preferences
Authors: Wang Hang , Hu Zhijun
Published: March 2024

This paper analyzes a firm's investment timing and capacity decision by considering the manager's time‐inconsistent preferences and continuous economic depreciation of the capital stock cannot be completely offset. The demand shock of the underlying product evolves according to a double exponential jump‐diffusion process. Within a real options framework, we derive the explicit expressions for the optimal investment threshold and investment size when the manager is sophisticated. We find that time‐inconsistent preferences will lead the firm to delay investment when capital depreciation rate is low and accelerate investment when the rate of capital depreciation is high. Further, we show that capital depreciation rate has a monotonic positive effect on the investment size of a time‐consistent manager but a non‐monotonic effect on that of a sophisticated manager. A sophisticated manager tends to choose a smaller investment size than a time‐consistent manager. Finally, we demonstrate that compared with the geometric Brownian motion, the firm invests later with a larger capacity under the jump‐diffusion model.
On a singular mathematical model for brain lactate kinetics
Authors: Ali Nour , Fakih Hussein , Wehbe Ali
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we consider a singular nonlinear differential system that characterizes the intricate dynamics of brain lactate kinetics between cells and capillaries, as described by System (1.1) below. We begin by establishing the existence and uniqueness of nonnegative solutions for our system through the application of Schauder's fixed‐point theorem. Subsequently, we explore the behavior of these solutions as the viscosity term approaches zero, shedding light on the system's dynamic evolution in such scenarios. To provide empirical validation for our theoretical findings, we offer a series of numerical simulations. These simulations not only confirm the results we have obtained but also reinforce prior research, underscoring the model's efficiency in capturing the complexities of the brain's lactate kinetics. Our work contributes not only to the theoretical underpinning of this field but also to its practical implications, making it a valuable resource for both researchers and practitioners seeking to comprehend and manipulate these vital biological processes.
Optimal control problem with nonlinear fractional system constraint applied to image restoration
Authors: Atlas Abdelghafour , Attmani Jamal , Karami Fahd , Meskine Driss
Published: March 2024

This study aims to investigate a novel nonlinear optimization problem that incorporate a partial differential equation (PDE) constraint for image denoising in the context of mixed noise removal. Based on
‐norm and decomposition approach, we develop a nonlinear system that involves the fractional Laplacian operator. Based on Schauder's fixed point theorem, we establish the existence and uniqueness of weak solution for the direct problem. Furthermore, we study the well‐posedness of the optimal control, and we also prove the existence of the weak solutions for the adjoint problem by using Galerkin's method. In order to numerically compute the solution of the proposed model, we introduce the numerical discretization scheme and the primal–dual algorithm used to solve our problem. Finally, we provide comparative numerical experiments to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of our proposed model.
Effect of Single Oral Coingestion of GABA and Malic Acid on Postprandial GLP‐1, Glucose, and Insulin Responses in Healthy Volunteers: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled, Crossover Study
Authors: Noguchi Hiroki , Ikenaga Takeshi , Ueno Shota , Kohashi Chieko , Matsumura Yasuhiro , Kakumoto Yusuke , Kohda Noriyuki , Hara Hiroshi , Hira Tohru
Published: March 2024

Scope

This study examines whether coingestion of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) and malic acid (MA) before meals enhances glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) secretion, and which affects subsequent insulin and glycemic responses in humans.

Methods and results

Initially, a murine enteroendocrine STC‐1 cell line is used to verify coadministration of GABA and MA synergistically induces GLP‐1 secretion. Next, 22 healthy adults are given water (50 mL) containing 400 mg GABA and 400 mg MA (Test), or only 400 mg citric acid (CA) (Placebo) 20 min before meal tolerance test (MTT). Interval blood samples are taken postprandially over 180 min to determine GLP‐1, insulin, and glucose responses. By comparison to preload of Placebo, preload of Test significantly increases plasma GLP‐1 (total/active) levels (incremental area under the curve by 1.2‐ and 1.6‐fold), respectively. However, there are no significant differences in postprandial blood glucose and insulin.

Conclusion

Coingestion of GABA and MA before meals enhances postprandial GLP‐1 secretion. Future studies should explore optimal dosage regimens to find the efficacy of the mixture on insulin and glycemic response.
Numerical simulation of the effect of multiple factors on the ignition process of a solid rocket motor
Authors: Li Zexu , Liu Jianzhong , Zhang Wenke , Ye Zhenwei , Yang Bin
Published: March 2024

With the continuous development of manned space technology, higher requirements have been proposed for solid rocket motors. The ignition process of solid rocket motors affects the reliability, stability and safety of their operation. The ignition powder, cover opening pressure and grain length‐diameter ratio are the main factors affecting the ignition process. Therefore, the influence of different factors on the ignition process of solid rocket motors is studied with numerical simulations. Based on the finite volume method, the ignition process of a solid rocket motor is modelled and experimentally verified. Then, the pressure and temperature distribution characteristics during the ignition delay, flame propagation and gas filling times are analysed. Finally, the effects of different ignition powders, cover opening pressures and length‐diameter ratios on the ignition process are compared and analysed. The results show that the model has high prediction accuracy. When the ignition powder is 6 g, the maximum combustion temperature of solid rocket motor increases from 2590 K to 2620 K between 0.1 ms and 0.44 ms. Between 0.44 ms and 3.18 ms, intermittent flame propagation and pressure oscillations occur. In the gas filling time, the flow field gradually stabilizes. Increasing the ignition powder mass is beneficial to the ignition process, but the disadvantages of pressure oscillations should be considered. Increasing the cover opening pressure enhances the ignition process, while increasing the length‐diameter ratio increases the ignition pressure building time. The study results provide technical support for the structural design of solid rocket motors.
Combustion of ammonium dinitramide based solid propellant with PBT as energetic binders
Authors: Yu Hai‐yang , Huang Lei , Nie Zhan‐bin , He Wei‐xiang , Zhou Xing
Published: March 2024

Focusing on a new kind of solid propellants, which takes the ammonium dinitramide (ADN) as the high‐energetic oxidant, and 3,3‐bis(azidomethyl)oxetane and tetrahydrofuran copolymers (PBT) as the high‐energetic fuel binder, the burning rates and the theoretical performance of the propellant were measured under different ADN contents, ADN sizes and pressures. The burning rates increased from 7.9 mm/s to 117.4 mm/s and 49.1 mm/s to 74.2 mm/s when the pressure increased from 0.1 MPa to 10 MPa and from 12 MPa to 20 MPa separately, with a singularity in the pressure dependence of the burning rate at around 10 MPa. In terms of the effect of the ADN content, under the experiment pressures from 0.5 MPa to 5.0 MPa, the burning rates of the propellant were promoted by the increase of the oxidizer loading in a range of 50 wt% to 75 wt%, with a transition from a kinetically‐controlled reaction to a diffusion‐controlled one. Within the condition scope of this study, no obvious effect of the ADN sizes on the propellant combustion properties was observed. This could be attributed to the solid‐liquid mixed multiphase layer and the binder which served as a heat sink for the smaller ADN particles.
Theoretical Studies of 2D Electron Gas Distributions and Scattering Characteristics in Double‐Channel n‐Al0.3Ga0.7N/GaN/i‐AlxGa1−xN/GaN High‐Electron‐Mobility Transistors
Authors: Cai Jing , Yao Ruo‐He , Geng Kui‐Wei
Published: March 2024

A detailed analysis of self‐consistent potentials, electric fields, electron distributions, and transport properties of dual‐channel (DC) n‐Al0.3Ga0.7N/GaN/i‐AlxGa1−xN/GaN high‐electron‐mobility transistors (HEMTs) is performed in this article. The 2D electron gas (2DEG) densities and mobility states limited by different scattering mechanisms in channel 1 and channel 2 are obtained, with varying values of doping concentrations, ambient temperatures, Al components, and thicknesses of the back barrier layer. The reduced and increased 2DEG densities are respectively observed in channel 1 and channel 2 with growing Al fractions and thicknesses of the AlxGa1−xN layer. Alloy disorder scattering exhibits a superior effect on carriers in channel 2 due to the lower barrier height and higher permeable electrons, which together with the interface roughness scattering severely depends on the thicknesses and Al fractions of the back barrier layer. Polar optical phonon scattering becomes important at higher temperatures. The trend of individual mobility in channel 1 is exactly opposite to that in channel 2. The parameter variation of the back barrier layer can effectively change the scattering characteristics of the main channel. Low‐temperature mobilities of n‐Al0.3Ga0.7N/GaN/i‐AlxGa1−xN/GaN HEMTs under varied doping concentrations are also obtained. Finally, the results are verified by comparison with the technology computer‐aided design simulations for DC HEMTs.