bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a novel nonlinear model and control strategy for soft continuum robots featuring hard magnetoactive elastomers
Authors: Moezi Seyed Alireza , Sedaghati Ramin , Rakheja Subhash
Published: March 2024

Magnetoactive soft continuum robots (MSCRs), capable of controllable steering and navigation, hold substantial promise for healthcare applications. However, advancements in MSCRs have been hindered by a limited understanding of MSCR dynamics and a lack of effective control methods. Addressing these gaps, this study presents a novel, time-dependent, and computationally efficient analytical model of MSCR, alongside a new optimal closed-loop control strategy for precise high-frequency trajectory tracking. A finite element (FE) model of the MSCR is initially developed, with its validity confirmed through rigorous laboratory measurements. Using the formulated FE model, a new and computationally efficient analytical model is subsequently developed to accurately predict the highly nonlinear response of MSCR. This model operates as a system of switched linear models, each of which is a reduced-order version of its corresponding high-order linear model extracted from the FE analysis. This innovative approach not only maintains the predictive accuracy of the FE model but also significantly reduces computational demands, operating in just a few seconds. The results highlight that the developed model can accurately predict the dynamic responses of the MSCR while significantly reducing the computational load by almost 80 orders of magnitude compared with the FE model on the same simulation platform. The proposed model has been effectively utilized to develop a novel optimal control strategy using the feedforward interval type-2 fractional-order fuzzy-PID method. A hardware-in-the-loop experimental test has been finally designed to demonstrate the superior performance of the MSCR under the proposed controller.
Design and damping performance analysis of a multistage meandering hybrid valved magnetorheological damper
Authors: Zhu Jiehong , Yang Xiaolong , Xie Guojin , Cao Zhiqiang
Published: March 2024

The current valved magnetorheological damper has a low space utilization of the piston head, which results in insufficient output damping force, and this paper proposed a multistage meandering hybrid valved magnetorheological damper. The three-dimensional structure of the damper is established and its mathematical model is derived. The electromagnetic field finite element analysis was used to simulate the damper structure, and a comparison was made between the results of traditional annular valve structures and those of multistage meandering hybrid valve. The damping performance of a multistage meandering hybrid valved damper was experimentally studied. The results indicate that the maximum output damping force of the multistage meandering hybrid valved structure is increased by 62.2% over the traditional annular valved structure at a current of 2.4 A and a coil turn count of 350 turns. The structure can effectively utilize the piston head space and improve the output damping force of the damper. The output damping force of the damper reaches 486.4N and the adjustable coefficient K reaches 8.6. The numerical simulation results are the same as the actual experimental results.
Overview on the generalized Volterra System, solutions and integrability
Authors: Babalic Corina N.
Published: March 2024

In this review paper we present the recent results obtained, using the Hirota bilinear formalism, on the semidiscrete and discrete forms of generalized Volterra system with any number of coupled equations. The bilinear forms and the multisoliton solutions are presented for the differential-difference multicomponent Volterra system and for the fully discretized version. For some particular cases of the general differential-difference Volterra system, graphical representations of solitons are displayed.
On affine Toda field theories related to D
r
algebras and their real Hamiltonian forms
Authors: Gerdjikov Vladimir S. , Grahovski Georgi G.
Published: March 2024

The paper deals with affine 2-dimensional Toda field theories related to simple Lie algebras of the classical series D

r
. We demonstrate that the complexification procedure followed by a restriction to a specified real Hamiltonian form commutes with the external automorphisms of 𝔤. This is illustrated on the examples

D

r
+
1

(
1
)

→

B
r

(
1
)

and

D

4

(
1
)

→

G
2

(
1
)

using external automorphisms of the corresponding extended Dynkin diagrams.
A relativistic appearance of hotspots on an ultra-compact dark star
Authors: Gyulchev Galin
Published: March 2024

We depict the deflection of light near ultra-compact dark energy stars with a photon sphere, drawing inspiration from modern confirmations of general relativity. Utilizing the description of dark energy through a phantom scalar field, we model the spacetime outside the star using an exact dark energy solution metric. We provide a summary of the properties of photon orbits. Additionally, we illustrate the relativistic appearance of a hot spot on the surface of a dark energy star and investigate both the optical appearance of the surface and the star’s visual size on the screen of an asymptotic observer.
Research on microstructure evolution and surface quality of WEDM for magnetic refrigerant rare-earth gadolinium
Authors: Sun Lunye , Shi Shanliang , Li Zhenxing , Rajurkar Kamlakar P , Hou Yonggang , Hai Peng , Chu Zhaofu , Li Xianguo
Published: March 2024

Rare-earth gadolinium (Gd) is preferable for manufacturing regenerators of the core components of room-temperature magnetic refrigeration owing to its unique magnetocaloric and mechanical properties. However, the surface quality of the regenerator plays a crucial role in the heat transfer effect and service life of magnetocaloric systems during wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) when fabricating rare-earth Gd array microstructure regenerators. In this study, different process parameters were used to conduct a process experiment of the WEDM of rare-earth Gd. First, the evolution of the surface microstructure and its causes were analyzed using a single-factor experiment, while a corrosion test was conducted on the samples. The analysis showed that the pulse-on time and open voltage considerably affected the surface quality of the processed samples, while the samples with better surfaces exhibited good corrosion resistance. Additionally, a Taguchi experiment was designed, and a regression analysis used to establish regression models between the process parameters (pulse-on time, pulse-off time, peak current, open voltage, and water pressure) and both surface roughness (SR) and material removal rate (MRR). The results showed that the average prediction errors of SR and MRR were only 5.34% and 5.48%, respectively.
An analog PWM pixel circuit with shaping function for low grayscale display of Micro-LEDs
Authors: Liu Chun , Zhou Zhao-Hua , Zhou Lei , Zhang Li-Rong , Xu Miao , Wang Lei , Wu Wei-Jing , Peng Jun-Biao
Published: March 2024

This paper presents a new analog pulse width modulation (PWM) micro light-emitting diode (LED) pixel circuit with a shaping function. The rising/falling time of PWM signal generated by the proposed pixel circuit can be greatly reduced to improve the low grayscale display quality of micro-LED. Metal oxide thin film transistors with the top-gate (TG) coplanar structure are used to realize the proposed pixel circuit on the glass substrate. It is shown that the pulse width of micro-LED current can be linearly modulated by the data voltage. Furthermore, the measured rising time and falling time of the PWM signal are 15.6 μs and 25.5 μs, respectively, which are much smaller than that of the PWM signal in the conventional analog PWM pixel circuits.
On the two-dimensional Jacobian conjecture: Magnus’ formula revisited, III
Authors: Glidewell Jacob , Hurst William , Lee Kyungyong , Li Li
Published: March 2024

This article is part of an ongoing investigation of the two-dimensional Jacobian conjecture. In the second paper of this series, we introduced the remainder vanishing conjecture, which implies the two-dimensional Jacobian conjecture. In this paper we give several examples to illustrate how to prove the remainder vanishing conjecture.
Midlife cumulative deficit frailty predicts Alzheimer’s disease-related plasma biomarkers in older adults
Authors: Buchholz Erik , Gillespie Nathan A , Hunt Jack F , Reynolds Chandra A , Rissman Robert A , Schroeder Angelica , Cortes Isaac , Bell Tyler , Lyons Michael J , Kremen William S , Franz Carol E
Published: March 2024

Background

The study explores whether frailty at midlife predicts mortality and levels of biomarkers associated with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) and neurodegeneration by early old age. We also examine the heritability of frailty across this age period.

Methods

Participants were 1,286 community-dwelling men from the Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging at average ages 56, 62 and 68, all without ADRD at baseline. The cumulative deficit frailty index (FI) comprised 37 items assessing multiple physiological systems. Plasma biomarkers at age 68 included beta-amyloid (Aβ40, Aβ42), total tau (t-tau) and neurofilament light chain (NfL).

Results

Being frail doubled the risk of all-cause mortality by age 68 (OR = 2.44). Age 56 FI significantly predicted age 68 NfL (P = 0.014), Aβ40 (P = 0.001) and Aβ42 (P = 0.023), but not t-tau. Age 62 FI predicted all biomarkers at age 68: NfL (P = 0.023), Aβ40 (P = 0.002), Aβ42 (P = 0.001) and t-tau (P = 0.001). Age 68 FI scores were associated with age 68 levels of NfL (P = 0.027), Aβ40 (P < 0.001), Aβ42 (P = 0.001) and t-tau (P = 0.003). Genetic influences accounted for 45–48% of the variance in frailty and significantly contributed to its stability across 11 years.

Conclusions

Frailty during one’s 50s doubled the risk of mortality by age 68. A mechanism linking frailty and ADRD may be through its associations with biomarkers related to neurodegeneration. Cumulative deficit frailty increases with age but remains moderately heritable across the age range studied. With environmental factors accounting for about half of its variance, early interventions aimed at reducing frailty may help to reduce risk for ADRD.
Development of optimized adult epidural infusion preparations to reduce waste and improve operational efficiency
Authors: Donnowitz Kathrine , Eckel Stephen F
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Despite national recommendations to standardize infusion concentrations, there is minimal guidance on institution-specific strategies and outcomes related to epidural infusion concentration standardization and optimization. The purpose of this project is to identify the optimal compounded preparation for use in select adult epidural infusions and assess the impact on drug and fluid utilization and cost savings if the designated preparation is adopted.

Methods

A previously validated tool, the VERB (vial, exchange, rate, and bag) analysis, was applied to epidural infusion pump administration data to identify preparations optimized for efficient supply and resource utilization at a large academic medical center.

Results

Weighing all components of the VERB analysis, the preferred preparation of hydromorphone and bupivacaine for the hospital site was hydromorphone (10 µg/mL) and bupivacaine (0.125%) in 50 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride injection (2,500 µg of hydromorphone per epidural). The preferred preparation of fentanyl and bupivacaine was fentanyl (2 µg/mL) and bupivacaine (0.0625%) in 50 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride injection (100 µg of fentanyl per epidural). Both recommendations are different from the currently utilized preparations at the study site.

Conclusion

Analyzing historic drug administration data using the novel 4-step VERB analysis identified optimized drug preparations and fluid bag sizes for the most-prescribed epidural drug combinations at the hospital study site.
BDNF Val66Met moderates episodic memory decline and tau biomarker increases in early sporadic Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Thomson Diny , Rosenich Emily , Maruff Paul , Lim Yen Ying ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: March 2024

Objective

Allelic variation in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism has been shown to moderate rates of cognitive decline in preclinical sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (AD; i.e., Aβ + older adults), and pre-symptomatic autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease (ADAD). In ADAD, Met66 was also associated with greater increases in CSF levels of total-tau (t-tau) and phosphorylated tau (p-tau181). This study sought to determine the extent to which BDNF Val66Met is associated with changes in episodic memory and CSF t-tau and p-tau181 in Aβ + older adults in early-stage sporadic AD.

Method

Aβ + Met66 carriers (n = 94) and Val66 homozygotes (n = 192) enrolled in the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative who did not meet criteria for AD dementia, and with at least one follow-up neuropsychological and CSF assessment, were included. A series of linear mixed models were conducted to investigate changes in each outcome over an average of 2.8 years, covarying for CSF Aβ42, APOE ε4 status, sex, age, baseline diagnosis, and years of education.

Results

Aβ + Met66 carriers demonstrated significantly faster memory decline (d = 0.33) and significantly greater increases in CSF t-tau (d = 0.30) and p-tau181 (d = 0.29) compared to Val66 homozygotes, despite showing equivalent changes in CSF Aβ42.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that reduced neurotrophic support, which is associated with Met66 carriage, may increase vulnerability to Aβ-related tau hyperphosphorylation, neuronal dysfunction, and cognitive decline even prior to the emergence of dementia. Additionally, these findings highlight the need for neuropsychological and clinicopathological models of AD to account for neurotrophic factors and the genes which moderate their expression.
Dominant NARS1 mutations causing axonal Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease expand NARS1-associated diseases
Authors: Beijer Danique , Marte Sheila , Li Jiaxin C , De Ridder Willem , Chen Jessie Z , Tadenev Abigail L D , Miers Kathy E , Deconinck Tine , Macdonell Richard , Marques Wilson , De Jonghe Peter , Pratt Samia L , Meyer-Schuman Rebecca , Züchner Stephan , Antonellis Anthony , Burgess Robert W , Baets Jonathan
Published: March 2024

Pathogenic variants in six aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (ARS) genes are implicated in neurological disorders, most notably inherited peripheral neuropathies. ARSs are enzymes that charge tRNA molecules with cognate amino acids. Pathogenic variants in asparaginyl-tRNA synthetase (NARS1) cause a neurological phenotype combining developmental delay, ataxia and demyelinating peripheral neuropathy. NARS1 has not yet been linked to axonal Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease. Exome sequencing of patients with inherited peripheral neuropathies revealed three previously unreported heterozygous NARS1 variants in three families. Clinical and electrophysiological details were assessed. We further characterized all three variants in a yeast complementation model and used a knock-in mouse model to study variant p.Ser461Phe. All three variants (p.Met236del, p.Cys342Tyr and p.Ser461Phe) co-segregate with the sensorimotor axonal neuropathy phenotype. Yeast complementation assays show that none of the three NARS1 variants support wild-type yeast growth when tested in isolation (i.e. in the absence of a wild-type copy of NARS1), consistent with a loss-of-function effect. Similarly, the homozygous knock-in mouse model (p.Ser461Phe/Ser472Phe in mouse) also demonstrated loss-of-function characteristics. We present three previously unreported NARS1 variants segregating with a sensorimotor neuropathy phenotype in three families. Functional studies in yeast and mouse support variant pathogenicity. Thus, NARS1 is the seventh ARS implicated in dominant axonal Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease, further stressing that all dimeric ARSs should be evaluated for Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease.
Fine-tuning tumor- and allo-immunity: advances in the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Van Meerhaeghe Tess , Murakami Naoka , Le Moine Alain , Brouard Sophie , Sprangers Ben , Degauque Nicolas
Published: March 2024

Cancer is a common complication after kidney transplantation. Kidney transplant recipients (KTR) have a 2- to 4-fold higher risk of developing cancer compared to the general population and post-transplant malignancy is the third most common cause of death in KTR. Moreover, it is well known that certain cancer types are overrepresented after transplantation, especially non-melanoma skin cancer. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have revolutionized the treatment of cancer, with remarkable survival benefit in a subgroup of patients. ICI are monoclonal antibodies that block the binding of specific co-inhibitory signaling molecules. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), and its ligand programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) are the main targets of ICI. Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR) have been excluded from clinical trials owing to concerns about tumor response, allo-immunity, and risk of transplant rejection. Indeed, graft rejection has been estimated as high as 48% and represents an emerging problem. The underlying mechanisms of organ rejection in the context of treatment with ICI are poorly understood. The search for restricted antitumoral responses without graft rejection is of paramount importance. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the use of ICI in KTR, the potential mechanisms involved in kidney graft rejection during ICI treatment, potential biomarkers of rejection, and how to deal with rejection in clinical practice.
Net clinical benefit of extended dual pathway inhibition according to baseline risk in patients with chronic coronary syndrome: a COMPASS substudy
Authors: Würtz Morten , Olesen Kevin Kris Warnakula , Bhatt Deepak L , Yusuf Salim , Muehlhofer Eva , Eikelboom John W , Maeng Michael
Published: March 2024

Aims

Guidelines recommend extended dual pathway inhibition (DPI) with aspirin and rivaroxaban in patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) at high ischaemic risk. The CHADS-P2A2RC score improves risk prediction and enables antithrombotic treatment allocation in these patients. This study evaluated the net clinical benefit of DPI treatment according to baseline risk as classified by the CHADS-P2A2RC score in patients with CCS included in the COMPASS (Cardiovascular Outcomes for People Using Anticoagulation Strategies) trial.

Methods and results

COMPASS patients with CCS (n = 14 670), randomized to aspirin alone or DPI, were stratified according to cardiovascular risk using the CHADS-P2A2RC score. Endpoints were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), all-cause death, fatal/critical organ bleeding, and composite adverse events (MACE and bleeding). Net clinical benefit was the 30-month risk difference of MACE and bleeding. Thirty-month incidences of MACE [7.9% vs. 3.9%, hazard ratio (HR) 2.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.83–2.18] and fatal/critical organ bleeding (1.2% vs. 0.8%, HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.06–1.92) were higher in high-risk (CHADS-P2A2RC ≥ 4) than in low/moderate-risk (CHADS-P2A2RC < 4) patients. DPI reduced MACE (low/moderate risk: HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.47–0.82; high risk: HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.68–0.99, P for interaction 0.09) and all-cause death (low/moderate risk: HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.46–0.91; high risk: HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.65–1.00, P for interaction 0.29), without substantially increasing fatal/critical organ bleeding (low/moderate risk: HR 1.35, 95% CI 0.72–2.53; high risk: HR 1.18, 95% CI 0.73–1.90, P for interaction 0.73). DPI provided net clinical benefit of similar magnitude in low/moderate-risk (−1.81%, 95% CI −3.00 to −0.62) and high-risk (−1.96%, 95% CI −3.60 to −0.33) CCS patients.

Conclusion

As classified by the CHADS-P2A2RC score, low/moderate- and high-risk patients with CCS derived similar net clinical benefit and reduction in all-cause death from DPI treatment.
Wild-type transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis is not rare in elderly subjects: the CATCH screening study
Authors: Aimo Alberto , Vergaro Giuseppe , Castiglione Vincenzo , Fabiani Iacopo , Barison Andrea , Gentile Francesco , Ferrari Chen Yu Fu , Giorgetti Assuero , Genovesi Dario , Buda Gabriele , Franzini Maria , Piepoli Massimo , Moscardini Stefano , Rapezzi Claudio , Fontana Marianna , Passino Claudio , Emdin Michele
Published: March 2024

Aims

Wild-type transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTRwt-CA) affects older adults and is currently considered as a rare disorder. We investigated for the first time the prevalence of ATTRwt-CA in elderly individuals from the general population.

Methods and results

General practitioners from Pisa, Italy, proposed a screening for ATTRwt-CA to all their patients aged 65–90 years, until 1000 accepted. The following red flags were searched: interventricular septal thickness ≥ 12 mm, any echocardiographic, electrocardiographic or clinical hallmark of CA, or high-sensitivity troponin T ≥ 14 ng/L. Individuals with at least one red flag (n = 346) were asked to undergo the search for a monoclonal protein and bone scintigraphy, and 216 accepted. Four patients received a non-invasive diagnosis of ATTRwt-CA. All complained of dyspnoea on moderate effort. A woman and a man aged 79 and 85 years, respectively, showed an intense cardiac tracer uptake (Grade 3), left ventricular (LV) wall thickening, Grade 2 and 3 diastolic dysfunction, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) > 1000 ng/L. Two other patients (a man aged 74 years and a woman aged 83 years) showed a Grade 2 uptake, an increased LV septal thickness, but preserved diastolic function, and NT-proBNP < 300 ng/L. The prevalence of ATTR-CA in subjects ≥ 65 years was calculated as 0.46% (i.e. 4 out of the 870 subjects completing the screening, namely 654 not meeting the criteria for Step 2 and 216 progressing to Step 2).

Conclusion

Wild-type transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis is uncommon in elderly subjects from the general population, but more frequent than expected for a rare disease.
Eco-Friendly Simultaneous Estimation of Ponceau 4R and Carmoisine Employing an Analytical Quality by Design-Aided RP-HPLC Method in Commercial Food Samples Utilizing a Green Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction Technique
Authors: Chakraborty Atyurmila , Jayaseelan Kavitha
Published: March 2024

Background

Ponceau 4R (E124) and carmoisine (CMS; E122) are frequently utilized azo synthetic dyes in the food industry owing to their aesthetically pleasing coloration and broad consumer acceptability. It is imperative to prioritize environmentally favorable technologies for quantifying these dyes, as excessive consumption of these poses significant health risks.

Objective

The primary objective of this research was to establish a reversed-phase (RP)-HPLC method that could simultaneously detect Ponceau 4R and CMS, implementing green analytical chemistry (GAC) and analytical quality by design (AQbD), using an ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) technique in commercial food samples.

Methods

An Agilent Eclipse Plus column (C18, 250 × 4.6 mm id, 5 µm) was utilized for effective separation with a mobile phase of ethanol-acetate buffer pH 5 (60:40, v/v), flow rate of 1 mL/min, and detection wavelength of 515 nm. Critical variables selected for method optimization were ethanol percentage and flow rate, determined using central composite design (CCD). In order to adhere to the 12 principles of green chemistry, hazardous solvents were substituted with ethanol, which is distinguished by its ease of use, effectiveness, and ecological sustainability. The greenness assessment was conducted utilizing the green analytical procedure index (GAPI), analytical eco-scale (AES), and analytical greenness metrics (AGREE).

Results

The respective retention times for Ponceau 4R and CMS were 2.276 and 3.450 min. The recovery rate of Ponceau 4R and CMS fluctuated between 70% and 102% and 80% and 102%, respectively, across various marketed food samples. The procedure passed validation in accordance with the International Conference on Harmonization Q14 guidelines.

Conclusion

The devised method demonstrates that the validation parameters like linearity, precision, sensitivity, and reproducibility are within the specified limits of ICH guidelines. The greenness assesment tools GAPI, AES, and AGREE produced the most favorable results.

Highlights

In future, environmentally sustainable, solvent-based, robust AQbD methodologies for assessing varieties of food colorants may be adopted and improved commercially.
Midrange, Differential, Meaningful, and Multidisciplinary: Reflections onJCR’s Epistemic Culture
Authors: Giesler Markus
Published: March 2024

Scientific communities such as journals or professional societies have their own ways of creating and sharing knowledge called “epistemic cultures.” Drawing on prior reflexive scholarship and conversations with eight preeminent consumer researchers, this article explores some of the central tenets of epistemic culture at the Journal of Consumer Research (JCR): midrange scope, differential insight, meaningful impact, and multidisciplinary field. It also provides some guidance to new consumer researchers on how to accomplish epistemic fluency.
RETRACTED AND REPLACED: Mitochondrial background can explain variable costs of immune deployment
Authors: Kutzer Megan A M , Cornish Beth , Jamieson Michael , Zawistowska Olga , Monteith Katy M , Vale Pedro F
Published: March 2024

Organismal health and survival depend on the ability to mount an effective immune response against infection. Yet immune defence may be energy-demanding, resulting in fitness costs if investment in immune function deprives other physiological processes of resources. While evidence of costly immunity resulting in reduced longevity and reproduction is common, the role of energy-producing mitochondria on the magnitude of these costs is unknown. Here we employed Drosophila melanogaster cybrid lines, where several mitochondrial genotypes (mitotypes) were introgressed onto a single nuclear genetic background, to explicitly test the role of mitochondrial variation on the costs of immune stimulation. We exposed female flies carrying one of nine distinct mitotypes to either a benign, heat-killed bacterial pathogen (stimulating immune deployment while avoiding pathology) or a sterile control and measured lifespan, fecundity, and locomotor activity. We observed mitotype-specific costs of immune stimulation and identified a positive genetic correlation between life span and the proportion of time cybrids spent moving while alive. Our results suggest that costs of immunity are highly variable depending on the mitochondrial genome, adding to a growing body of work highlighting the important role of mitochondrial variation in host–pathogen interactions.
Vanderstock v Victoria: Fiscal Federalism Meets Environmental Constitutionalism?
Authors: Weis Lael K
Published: March 2024

This analysis critically examines the High Court of Australia’s recent decision in Vanderstock & Anor v The State of Victoria [2023] HCA 30 as an instance of environmental impact litigation (‘EIL’). The Vanderstock plaintiffs successfully challenged a state tax on low-emissions and electric vehicles on the basis that it was a duty of excise: a tax that can only be imposed by the federal parliament under s 90 of the Australian Constitution. However, the analysis cautions against viewing the decision as a victory for the environment. The High Court’s ruling has significant consequences for federal fiscal relations. At best, these have ambivalent implications for environmental policy. At worst, they may hamper or defeat environmental policy initiatives. Vanderstock thus offers a cautionary lesson for constitutional EIL, suggesting that any evaluation of the ‘impact’ of such litigation must have regard for structural implications of the legal norms involved.
Spontaneous hemorrhagic thyroid nodule: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Alsalamah Shmokh , Albesher Meshal , Alwabili Mohammed , Almutairy Alyaa
Published: March 2024

Spontaneous hemorrhage within thyroid nodules is infrequent and challenging to manage. Patients with this condition typically manifest acute neck pain, swelling, and discomfort. This report details a rare case of a 49-year-old male patient who was not known to have any history of thyroid disease. He presented with a distinctive clinical scenario of a spontaneous hemorrhagic thyroid nodule that was managed surgically and had a satisfying outcome. In addition, we have conducted a review of the literature regarding the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and outcomes of published cases in correlation with our discussed case.
Band-like transport in solution-processed perylene diimide dianion films with high Hall mobility
Authors: Jia Yanhua , Jiang Qinglin , Gan Hanlin , Wang Bohan , He Xiandong , Zhou Jiadong , Ma Zetong , Zhang Jiang , Ma Yuguang
Published: March 2024

It is crucial to prepare high-mobility organic polycrystalline film through solution processing. However, the delocalized carrier transport of polycrystalline films in organic semiconductors has rarely been investigated through Hall-effect measurement. This study presents a strategy for building strong intermolecular interactions to fabricate solution-crystallized p-type perylene diimide (PDI) dianion films with a closer intermolecular π–π stacking distance of 3.25 Å. The highly delocalized carriers enable a competitive Hall mobility of 3 cm2 V−1 s−1, comparable to that of the reported high-mobility organic single crystals. The PDI dianion films exhibit a high electrical conductivity of 17 S cm−1 and typical band-like transport, as evidenced by the negative temperature linear coefficient of mobility proportional to T−3/2. This work demonstrates that, as the intermolecular π–π interactions become strong enough, they will display high mobility and conductivity, providing a new approach to developing high-mobility organic semiconductor materials.
A heat transfer model for liquid film boiling on micro-structured surfaces
Authors: Li Pengkun , Zou Qifan , Liu Xiuliang , Yang Ronggui
Published: March 2024

High heat transfer coefficient (HTC) and critical heat flux (CHF) are achieved in liquid film boiling by coupling vibrant vapor bubbles with a capillary liquid film, which has thus received increased interest for thermal management of high-power electronics. Although some experimental progress has been made, a high-fidelity heat transfer model for liquid film boiling is lacking. This work develops a thermal-hydrodynamic model by considering both evaporation atop the wick and nucleate boiling inside the wick to simultaneously predict the HTC and CHF. Nucleate boiling is modeled with microlayer evaporation theory, where a unified scaling factor is defined to characterize the change of microlayer area with heat flux. The scaling factor η is found to be independent of wicking structure and can be determined from a few measurements. This makes our model universal to predict the liquid film boiling heat transfer for various micro-structured surfaces including micropillar, micropowder, and micromesh. This work not only sheds light on understanding fundamental mechanisms of phase-change heat transfer, but also provides a tool for designing micro-structured surfaces in thermal management.
Evaluating Clinical Sequelae of the Carbapenem-Valproate Interaction: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Petrucelli Nick , Hayes Bryan D , Shelat Nidhi , Elshaboury Ramy H , Pearson Jeffrey C , Koehl Jennifer L
Published: March 2024

Background

Previous studies identified a rapid decrease in valproate serum concentrations when coadministered with a carbapenem; however, the specific consequences and subsequent therapy adjustments are not well described. We aimed to investigate the clinical and therapeutic implications of the carbapenem-valproate drug-drug interaction.

Methods

This retrospective analysis included data from 2 large academic medical centers during January 2017 to June 2022. The primary outcome was incidence of seizures or behavioral events stratified by valproate indication. All adult patient encounters with concomitant administration of any carbapenem antimicrobial and valproate were included. Patients without prolonged exposure to valproate prior to hospitalization, without valproate levels pre– and post–carbapenem administration, with an admitting diagnosis of seizure, with exposure to other agents that decrease valproate concentrations, or who had a seizure during the hospitalization prior to carbapenem exposure were excluded.

Results

Two hundred fifty-eight episodes of concomitant use among 78 unique adult patients were included. Valproate was used for seizure control in 41 patients (52.6%) and for mood-related disorders in 37 (47.4%). In those prescribed valproate for its antiepileptic properties, seizures occurred following carbapenem administration in 46.3% of encounters. In those taking valproate for mood-related disorders, 50.8% met the primary endpoint of behavioral disturbance.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates significant clinical implications of the carbapenem-valproate interaction. Clinicians should be aware of this interaction and consider alternative antimicrobial and/or antiepileptic agents whenever possible. Adding or increasing doses of antiepileptic agents and/or consultation with a neurologist prior to concomitant use should be considered when this combination cannot be avoided.
Chasing the Total Solar Eclipse
Authors: Lange Henrike Christiane , McLeish Tom
Published: March 2024

In the Introduction, Lange and McLeish combine a field report from McLeish’s travel diary to the total solar eclipse of 2017 in Crofton, Kentucky with their reflection on scholarly, historical, and archival work. The Introduction explores why the theme of the total solar eclipse opens an ideal gateway into a vivid conversation between multiple interdisciplinary perspectives. A discussion of the history of science and the ‘two cultures’ leads into the presentation of the book as a model and framework for interdisciplinary work across all borders between the sciences, arts, humanities, history, theology, as well as between lay and expert audiences. An overview of existing eclipse literature and differentiation is followed by a closing reflection on how this unique volume enables readers to approach the experience of a total solar eclipse themselves while simultaneously inviting them into all the many disciplines represented within the specialist authors’ fields, scientific methods, and scholarly approaches.
From Science to Story
Authors: Frost Mike
Published: March 2024

The previous chapters have shown that total solar eclipses feature dramatic and unique phenomena, resulting in a spectacle worth seeing at least once in one’s lifetime. Indeed, there are some astronomers—actually, a whole community of eclipse–chasers—who travel the world to see eclipse after eclipse. Why is one eclipse not enough, and why do some people devote so much time, effort, and money to eclipse–chasing? Let’s meet one of them. The author is an astronomer and astronomical historian, who relishes traveling the world to see solar eclipses, and enjoys being part of the community of umbraphiles—those who love being in the moon’s shadow.
‘The Face of the World was Wretched, Horrifying, Black, Remarkable’
Authors: Gasper Giles
Published: March 2024

We are now moving on from early Asia to medieval Scandinavia and Europe — from China, India, and Babylonia to Norway, Ireland, and England. The cultural focus will be placed on sources from the Christian tradition moving over a wide geographical range from the lands of the medieval Rus’ to the Atlantic archipelago in the west, crossing linguistic, political, and religious boundaries. Christian scholars, scientists, and theologians in the European Middle Ages developed their own responses to the science, experience, and interpretation of total solar eclipses. Many medieval thinkers also held a religious office and tried to reconcile their vision and knowledge of the material world with their beliefs as well as with their theological knowledge from scripture. The description of the 1133 total solar eclipse as simultaneously ‘Wretched, Horrifying, Black, Remarkable’ goes hand in hand with the wider contemporary efforts of bridging of empirical and interpretative astronomical approaches in the Christian twelfth century.
Eclipsed?
Authors: Olson Roberta J. M.
Published: March 2024

From the fourteenth-century literary tradition around Dante, Chapter 10 leaps forward to the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries—a new era, grounded in the Copernican revolution with the Sun at the centre of the solar system, which impacted the visualization of total solar eclipses and connects to momentous revolutions in science, technology, and journalism before and after the beginning of photography. Until recently, artistic representations of total solar eclipses have not been examined in depth within their scientific and cultural context. The author’s articles on the subject, her collaborations with astronomer Jay M. Pasachoff beginning in 1992, and her book Cosmos with Pasachoff (2019) have been among the first serious considerations. The following chapter contains new material on the rich context of Western nineteenth-century art history on total solar eclipses.
When Words Fail
Authors: Hild Elaine Stratton
Published: March 2024

We complete our selective survey of eclipses across the arts by listening for the seemingly impossible—for how could a phenomenon as utterly soundless as an eclipse generate responses in the inherently aural form of music? This genre-crossing chapter will lead from Handel to Pink Floyd through a broad variety of eclipse engagement in the history of Western music, from the classical style to Sir John Kenneth Tavener, to pop and rap music, including the famous eclipse tunes by Welsh popstar Bonnie Tyler and ecliptic imagery in the tunes of the American rapper YoungBoy Never Broke Again (Kentrell deSean Gaulden). The interaction of thematic questions and case studies invites readers/listeners to consider music in all dimensions—remembering that music has also the capacity of expressing the wordless and transcendent features of the total solar eclipse experience, the musical chasing of total solar eclipses becomes a more immanent endeavour.
Animal Behaviour and Eclipse
Authors: Portugal Steven J.
Published: March 2024

Humans are not the only species trying to make sense of eclipses. Though animals have not developed the same cultural–artistic responses to the stunning cosmic event, many of them show a fine-tuned sensitivity to the sudden and unusual change in the Sun. Indeed, their circadian rhythm, migration patterns, and mating behaviours are set to the regularity of sunlight, twilight, day, and night in their predictable seasonal and diurnal patterns. Animals’ behavioural reactions to eclipses have attracted great interest – surely in part because they confirm something about total solar eclipses that runs deeper than the human mind’s painstaking calculations, representations, and interpretations. The field of animal behaviour studies is rapidly changing with the exponential growth of progress in digital technology, especially when it comes to tracking devices that, only in recent years, have opened an entirely new spectrum of knowledge about individual animals’ responses to total solar eclipses: they help create an outdoor lab that did not exist before. Looking for an imaginative understanding of the vast ranges of animal experiences of the total solar eclipse, the following chapter takes us into various ecospheres and to many creatures around the world— from fireflies and spiders to elephants, from indigo buntings to zooplankton. The richly illustrated chapter is also a reminder of the variety of species around the world, their specificity, and the all-encompassing reach of the total solar eclipse as a phenomenon that touches all of them.
Conclusion
Authors: Lange Henrike Christiane , McLeish Tom
Published: March 2024

In their conclusion to this volume, Lange and McLeish look from the experience of the extraordinary cosmic event of the total solar eclipse back to everyday observations of the cosmos. They revisit the value of the work of the eye and the mind as represented in the chapters of this book, finding that awareness, attention, and awe set the standard for living a scientific–humanistic–artistic practice of attention and focus, of perception and processing, of excitement and enthusiasm, of curiosity and questioning, and last but never least, of sharing knowledge in mutual appreciation of diverse fields. Rather than thinking of interdisciplinarity as a superstructure over disparate islands of knowledge, Lange and McLeish propose the idea of a deep dive into the common core of all academic, scientific, and artistic practices. The authors draw on examples from poetry (Sappho, Claudius, Calvino) to emphasize that the challenge of interdisciplinarity as engaging with the cosmos is as much poetic as it is scientific. Methodologically they come to the conclusion that one major principle for a successful interdisciplinary collaborative practice within or beyond the walls of academia appears to be one’s thorough understanding of at least one discipline in depth engaged with others in mutual appreciation, curiosity, discovery, and undaunted awe.
Association of diverticulitis and potential risk of ischemic stroke: population-based matched cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Kuan , Wang Yung-Chang , Yang Kuang-Tsu , Huang Ting-Hsin , Hung Yao-Min , Chang Renin
Published: March 2024

Background

Previous studies have suggested relationship between diverticular disease and cardiovascular disease. Since cardiovascular disease and cerebrovascular accident share a lot of pathogenesis, diverticulitis could also be a risk factor for stroke. This study tried to establish epidemiological evidence of the relationship between colon diverticulitis and ischemic stroke.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, patients with newly diagnosed colon diverticulitis (N = 6238) and patients without colon diverticulitis (control group; N = 24 952) were recruited between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2017. Both groups were matched by propensity score at a 1:4 ratio by age, sex, comorbidities and medications. Cox proportional hazard regression was applied to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of ischemic stroke. We also conducted 4 different regression models and 2 sensitivity analyses to test the robustness of our findings.

Results

The diverticulitis group had a higher risk of IS than the control group (adjusted HR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.12–1.39; P < 0.001). Serial sensitivity analyses yielded consistent positive link between diverticulitis and IS. Further subgroup analysis showed that in the study group, the risk of IS was 2.54-fold higher than the matched controls in 30–39 years.

Conclusions

Our study found that colon diverticulitis was associated with a higher risk of developing subsequent ischemic stroke, especially for patients aged 30–39 years, among Asian population. This result provides us a chance to undertake preventive measures for ischemic stroke in high-risk patients.
Precipitation causes quality losses of large economic relevance in wheat production
Authors: Bucheli Janic , Visse-Mansiaux Margot , Herrera Juan , Häner Lilia Levy , Tack Jesse , Finger Robert
Published: March 2024

Adverse weather conditions can affect both crop yield quantity and yield quality. In wheat production, especially the risk of a downgrading due to low baking quality, as indicated by the Hagberg Falling Number, can cause large economic losses after precipitation events. We here estimate precipitation effects on the risk of such a downgrading and quantify the resulting economic losses. To this end, we leverage a panel dataset from the Swiss wheat varieties trial network (N = 1,859) and high-quality weather data. We use a fixed effects estimation framework to estimate precipitation effects and simulate economic losses. We find that precipitation close to harvest significantly increases the risk of a downgrading due to low baking quality. Moreover, downgrading events cause large revenue reductions of up to 1,445 Swiss francs per hectare. This adds new economic insights, highlights the role of weather-dependent crop quality, and provides a basis to improve risk management.
Testing a candidate composite serum protein marker of skin severity in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Roblin Elen , Clark Kristina E N , Beesley Claire , Ong Voon H , Denton Christopher P
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Using an integrated multi-omic analysis, we previously derived a candidate marker that estimates the modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS) and thus the severity of skin involvement in SSc. In the present study we explore technical and biological validation of this composite marker in a well-characterized cohort of SSc patients.

Methods

Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), collagen type IV (COL4A1), tenascin-C (TNC) and spondin-1 (SPON1) were examined in serum samples from two independent cohorts of patients with dcSSc. The BIOlogical Phenotyping of diffuse SYstemic sclerosis cohort had previously been used to derive the composite marker and Molecular Determinants to Improve Scleroderma (SSc) treatment (MODERNISE) was a novel validation cohort. Multiple regression analysis derived a formula to predict the mRSS based on serum ELISA protein concentration.

Results

The serum concentration of two of the proteins—COMP and TNC—positively correlated with the mRSS, particularly in early dcSSc patients. Interpretable data could not be obtained for SPON1 due to technical limitations of the ELISA. COL4A1 showed a correlation with disease duration but not overall mRSS. Patients receiving MMF showed lower serum concentrations of COMP, COL4A1 and TNC and a lower composite biomarker score not established on treatment. A revised ELISA-based three-protein composite formula was derived for future validation studies.

Conclusions

Although more validation is required, our findings represent a further step towards a composite serum protein assay to assess skin severity in SSc. Future work will establish its utility as a predictive or prognostic biomarker.