bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comprehensive Thai pharmacogenomics database (TPGxD‐1): Phenotype prediction and variants identification in 942 whole‐genome sequencing data
Authors: John Shobana , Klumsathian Sommon , Own‐eium Paravee , Eu‐ahsunthornwattana Jakris , Sura Thanyachai , Dejsuphong Donniphat , Sritara Piyamitr , Vathesatogkit Prin , Thongchompoo Nartthawee , Thabthimthong Wiphaporn , Teerakulkittipong Nuttinee , Chantratita Wasun , Sukasem Chonlaphat
Published: June 2024

Computational methods analyze genomic data to identify genetic variants linked to drug responses, thereby guiding personalized medicine. This study analyzed 942 whole‐genome sequences from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) cohort to establish a population‐specific pharmacogenomic database (TPGxD‐1) in the Thai population. Sentieon (version 201808.08) implemented the GATK best workflow practice for variant calling. We then annotated variant call format (VCF) files using Golden Helix VarSeq 2.5.0 and employed Stargazer v2.0.2 for star allele analysis. The analysis of 63 very important pharmacogenes (VIPGx) reveals 85,566 variants, including 13,532 novel discoveries. Notably, we identified 464 known PGx variants and 275 clinically relevant novel variants. The phenotypic prediction of 15 VIPGx demonstrated a varied metabolic profile for the Thai population. Genes like CYP2C9 (9%), CYP3A5 (45.2%), CYP2B6 (9.4%), NUDT15 (15%), CYP2D6 (47%) and CYP2C19 (43%) showed a high number of intermediate metabolizers; CYP3A5 (41%), and CYP2C19 (9.9%) showed more poor metabolizers. CYP1A2 (52.7%) and CYP2B6 (7.6%) were found to have a higher number of ultra‐metabolizers. The functional prediction of the remaining 10 VIPGx genes reveals a high frequency of decreased functional alleles in SULT1A1 (12%), NAT2 (84%), and G6PD (12%). SLCO1B1 reports 20% poor functional alleles, while PTGIS (42%), SLCO1B1 (4%), and TPMT (5.96%) showed increased functional alleles. This study discovered new variants and alleles in the 63 VIPGx genes among the Thai population, offering insights into advancing clinical pharmacogenomics (PGx). However, further validation is needed using other computational and genotyping methods.
Choice of predictors and complexity for ecosystem distribution models: effects on performance and transferability
Authors: Naas Adam Eindride , Keetz Lasse Torben , Halvorsen Rune , Horvath Peter , Mienna Ida Marielle , Simensen Trond , Bryn Anders
Published: June 2024

There is an increasing need for ecosystem‐level distribution models (EDMs) and a better understanding of which factors affect their quality. We investigated how the performance and transferability of EDMs are influenced by 1) the choice of predictors and 2) model complexity. We modelled the distribution of 15 pre‐classified ecosystem types in Norway using 252 predictors gridded to 100 × 100 m resolution. The ecosystem types are major types in the ‘Nature in Norway' system mainly defined by rule‐based criteria such as whether soil or specific functional groups (e.g. trees) are present. The predictors were categorised into four groups, of which three represented proxies for natural, anthropogenic, or terrain processes (‘ecological predictors') and one represented spectral and structural characteristics of the surface observable from above (‘surface predictors'). Models were generated for five levels of model complexity. Model performance and transferability were evaluated with data collected independently of the training data. We found that 1) models trained with surface predictors only performed considerably better and were more transferable than models trained with ecological predictors, and 2) model performance increased with model complexity, levelling off from approximately 10 parameters and reaching a peak at approximately 20 parameters, while model transferability decreased with model complexity. Our findings suggest that surface predictors enhance EDM performance and transferability, most likely because they represent discernible surface characteristics of the ecosystem types. A poor match between the rule‐based criteria that define the ecosystem types and the ecological predictors, which represent ecological processes, is a plausible explanation for why surface predictors better predict the distribution of ecosystem types. Our results indicate that, in most cases, the same models are not well suited for contrasting purposes, such as predicting where ecosystems are and explaining why they are there.
Reduced inhibition from quadriceps onto soleus after acute quadriceps fatigue suggests Golgi tendon organ contribution to heteronymous inhibition
Authors: Cuadra Cristian , De Boef Adam , Luong Sarah , Wolf Steven L. , Nichols T. Richard , Lyle Mark A.
Published: June 2024

Heteronymous inhibition between lower limb muscles is primarily attributed to recurrent inhibitory circuits in humans but could also arise from Golgi tendon organs (GTOs). Distinguishing between recurrent inhibition and mechanical activation of GTOs is challenging because their heteronymous effects are both elicited by stimulation of nerves or a muscle above motor threshold. Here, the unique influence of mechanically activated GTOs was examined by comparing the magnitude of heteronymous inhibition from quadriceps (Q) muscle stimulation onto ongoing soleus electromyographic at five Q stimulation intensities (1.5–2.5× motor threshold) before and after an acute bout of stimulation‐induced Q fatigue. Fatigue was used to decrease Q stimulation evoked force (i.e., decreased GTO activation) despite using the same pre‐fatigue stimulation currents (i.e., same antidromic recurrent inhibition input). Thus, a decrease in heteronymous inhibition after Q fatigue and a linear relation between stimulation‐evoked torque and inhibition both before and after fatigue would support mechanical activation of GTOs as a source of inhibition. A reduction in evoked torque but no change in inhibition would support recurrent inhibition. After fatigue, Q stimulation‐evoked knee torque, heteronymous inhibition magnitude and inhibition duration were significantly decreased for all stimulation intensities. In addition, heteronymous inhibition magnitude was linearly related to twitch‐evoked knee torque before and after fatigue. These findings support mechanical activation of GTOs as a source of heteronymous inhibition along with recurrent inhibition. The unique patterns of heteronymous inhibition before and after fatigue across participants suggest the relative contribution of GTOs, and recurrent inhibition may vary across persons.
Labile glutamate synaptic transmission in the adult CA1 stratum‐lacunosum‐moleculare region
Authors: Ma Rong , Hanse Eric , Gustafsson Bengt
Published: June 2024

The excitatory monosynaptic activation of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells is spatially segregated such that the proximal part of the apical dendritic tree in stratum radiatum (SR) receives input from the hippocampal CA3 region while the distal part in the stratum‐lacunosum‐moleculare (SLM) receives input mainly from the entorhinal cortex. The AMPA receptor‐mediated (AMPA) signalling of SLM synapses in slices from neonatal rats was previously found to considerably differ from that of the SR synapses. In the present study, AMPA signalling of SLM synapses in 1‐month‐old rats has been examined, that is, when the hippocampus is essentially functionally mature. For the SR synapses, this time is characterized by a facilitatory shift in short‐term plasticity, in the disappearance of labile postsynaptic AMPA signalling, a property thought to be important for early activity‐dependent organization of neural circuits, and the expression of an adult form of long‐term potentiation. We found that the SLM synapses alter their short‐term plasticity similarly to that of the SR synapses. However, the labile postsynaptic AMPA signalling was not only maintained but substantially enhanced in the SLM synapses. The long‐term potentiation observed was not of the adult form but like that of the neonatal SR synapses based on unsilencing of AMPA labile synapses. We propose that these features of the SLM synapses in the mature hippocampus will help to produce a flexible map of the multimodal sensory input reaching the SLM required for its conjunctive operation with the SR input to generate a proper functional output from the CA1 region.
Grazing herbivores reduce herbaceous biomass and fire activity across African savannas
Authors: Karp Allison Tyler , Koerner Sally E. , Hempson Gareth P. , Abraham Joel O. , Anderson T. Michael , Bond William J. , Burkepile Deron E. , Fillion Elizabeth N. , Goheen Jacob R. , Guyton Jennifer A. , Kartzinel Tyler R. , Kimuyu Duncan M. , Mohanbabu Neha , Palmer Todd M. , Porensky Lauren M. , Pringle Robert M. , Ritchie Mark E. , Smith Melinda D. , Thompson Dave I. , Young Truman P. , Staver A. Carla
Published: June 2024

Fire and herbivory interact to alter ecosystems and carbon cycling. In savannas, herbivores can reduce fire activity by removing grass biomass, but the size of these effects and what regulates them remain uncertain. To examine grazing effects on fuels and fire regimes across African savannas, we combined data from herbivore exclosure experiments with remotely sensed data on fire activity and herbivore density. We show that, broadly across African savannas, grazing herbivores substantially reduce both herbaceous biomass and fire activity. The size of these effects was strongly associated with grazing herbivore densities, and surprisingly, was mostly consistent across different environments. A one‐zebra increase in herbivore biomass density (~100 kg/km2 of metabolic biomass) resulted in a ~53 kg/ha reduction in standing herbaceous biomass and a ~0.43 percentage point reduction in burned area. Our results indicate that fire models can be improved by incorporating grazing effects on grass biomass.
Reducing the environmental footprint of glass manufacturing
Authors: Colangelo Scott
Published: June 2024

The glass industry is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions due to its energy consumption profile and the use of fossil fuels in the manufacturing process. Most of the energy to produce glass is consumed in the process of treating raw materials to elevated temperatures, usually above 1500°C. Glass manufacturing also generates significant environmental impacts, such as greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, water consumption, and waste generation. Therefore, improving the sustainability of glass manufacturing is a significant challenge for the industry and society. There are ways to reduce the energy consumption and emissions of glass melting, such as recycling glass, using oxy‐fuel burners, improving furnace insulation and design, and adopting electric melting technologies. These methods can help save energy, lower costs, and enhance the sustainability and environmental footprint of the glass industry. However, the industry faces challenges and barriers, such as technical feasibility, economic viability, capital investment, and market acceptance. More research and development must be invested to improve the energy efficiency and environmental performance of glass melting. The objective of this paper is to provide an overview of the growth glass industry has made over the past 30 years and the remaining challenges for sustainable glass manufacturing with a focus on the fiberglass segment. Sharing of procedural methods, technical approaches, and results can help enable the global glass industry in our future sustainability challenges. The fiberglass segment included a broad technical view including glass chemistry development, product development, new industry codes and standards, melting development, computational fluid dynamic modeling, life cycle assessments, and sustainability goals linked to capital planning. The net result delivered a significant reduction in environmental emissions at the global enterprise scale. The implemented changes have taken decades, significant investments, and resources to plan and develop. Practices reviewed and implemented can help drive collaboration and commonality within the glass industry to achieve sustainability goals. Action is needed now if the glass industry is to meet global government demands of reducing carbon emissions by 55% by 2030 and zero carbon emissions by 2050 in alignment with the Paris Agreement on decarbonization.
Glass packaging and its contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Somogyi Andrew , Chesnot Vanessa
Published: June 2024

This article delves into the significance of glass packaging in the European container glass industry's sustainable development, emphasizing its role in achieving key UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Covering health benefits, sustainable consumption, climate action, and collaborative partnerships, the European container glass industry's commitment to a circular economy and carbon neutrality by 2050 is explored. The discussion encompasses the industry's advancements in circularity and the critical transition to green energy. The article highlights the industry's strides over the past 50 years and outlines its vision for a sustainable future. It also points to the role of a supportive policy and legislative framework in enabling a circular and climate‐neutral economy.
Clinical Outcomes of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in South Korea: A Nationwide Population‐Based Cohort Study
Authors: Kim Jeong Yeon , Jeong Yujin , An Hyonggin , Suh Jin Woong , Sohn Jang Wook , Yoon Young Kyung
Published: June 2024

Background

We aimed to compare the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWH) with those in people living without HIV (PLWoH).

Methods

This nationwide descriptive epidemiological study was conducted in South Korea between January 2020 and February 2022. The National Health Insurance claim data, comprising the data of the entire Korean population, were collected through the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service.

Results

Among 3,653,808 individuals who were diagnosed with COVID‐19, 1311 (0.04%) were PLWH. All PLWH received antiretroviral therapy, and 26.47% had more than one underlying disease other than HIV infection. The overall in‐hospital mortality rates of PLWH and PLWoH were 0.76% and 0.25%, respectively (P = 0.002). According to the Cox proportional hazard model, no significant difference was observed in the in‐hospital mortality rate (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.80, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.70–4.67) between the PLWH and PLWoH. However, progression to severe or critical COVID‐19 was more common in PLWH (HR: 2.70, 95% CI: 1.37–5.33). In PLWH diagnosed with COVID‐19, a multivariable Cox regression analysis found old age (≥ 60 years) (HR: 6.9, 95% CI: 2.57–18.56) and diabetes mellitus (HR: 5.13, 95% CI: 2.02–13.00) as the independent risk factors for severe or critical COVID‐19.

Conclusions

PLWH had a significantly higher risk of developing severe or critical COVID‐19 compared with PLWoH. Our findings suggest the need for implementing tailored strategies to decrease the impact of COVID‐19 on PLWH.
Challenges and real‐world solutions for adoption of holistic skincare routine (cleansing, treatment, moisturization, and photoprotection) in acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, and sensitive skin: An expert consensus
Authors: Goh Chee‐Leok , Wu Yan , Welsh Belinda , Abad‐Casintahan Ma. Flordeliz , Tseng Chung‐Jen , Sharad Jaishree , Jung SungKyu , Puangpet Pailin , Chan Hau Ngai Kingsley , Kon Khen
Published: June 2024

Background

While treatment is a definitive therapeutic component in the management of inflammatory skin conditions, adjunctive skin care comprising of appropriate cleansing, moisturization, and photoprotection are just as important. Cleansing, treatment, moisturization, and photoprotection (CTMP) constitute the four major components of holistic skincare routine for dermatological conditions. However, inadequate patient understanding of the condition, limited resources for physicians, and insufficient time for patient education during busy dermatological consultations are the main obstacles to establishing a holistic skincare routine in the real world.

Aims

This study aimed to identify key challenges in the implementation of a holistic skincare routine, and offer practical guidance to physicians to improve adoption in the management of acne, atopic dermatitis, rosacea, and sensitive skin syndrome.

Methods

An expert panel comprising of nine dermatologists from Australia, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand convened to develop consensus statements to stimulate real‐world adoption of holistic skincare routine in acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, and sensitive skin syndrome using the Delphi approach.

Results

Consensus was defined as ≥80% of panel rating statement as ≥8 or median rating of ≥8. The final statements were collated to develop consensus recommendations to encourage adoption of holistic skincare routine.

Conclusion

Promoting patient education on the skin condition, training support staff in patient counseling, and offering physician training opportunities are the key strategies to encourage real‐world adoption of CTMP as a holistic skincare routine. The consensus recommendations presented here should be considered in all dermatology patients to accomplish the ultimate goals of improved treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction.
The dynamics of cyclic‐periodic phenomena during non‐rapid and rapid eye movement sleep
Authors: Mogavero Maria P. , DelRosso Lourdes M. , Lanza Giuseppe , Bruni Oliviero , Ferini Strambi Luigi , Ferri Raffaele
Published: June 2024

Sleep is a complex physiological state characterized by distinct stages, each exhibiting unique electroencephalographic patterns and physiological phenomena. Sleep research has unveiled the presence of intricate cyclic‐periodic phenomena during both non‐rapid eye movement and rapid eye movement sleep stages. These phenomena encompass a spectrum of rhythmic oscillations and periodic events, including cyclic alternating pattern, periodic leg movements during sleep, respiratory‐related events such as apneas, and heart rate variability. This narrative review synthesizes empirical findings and theoretical frameworks to elucidate the dynamics, interplay and implications of cyclic‐periodic phenomena within the context of sleep physiology. Furthermore, it invokes the clinical relevance of these phenomena in the diagnosis and management of sleep disorders.
Elevation differentially shapes functional diversity patterns in understorey forest communities when considering intraspecific and interspecific trait variability
Authors: Ferrara Arianna , Bricca Alessandro , Alberti Davide , Sabatini Francesco Maria , Chiarucci Alessandro
Published: June 2024

Questions

What is the relative importance of interspecific and intraspecific trait variation and their covariation in the herb layer of European temperate beech forests, and how do they vary with elevation? Is there evidence of interspecific trait convergence at higher elevations, as postulated by the habitat‐filtering hypothesis, and is this convergence enhanced or counteracted by intraspecific variation?

Location

National Park “Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona and Campigna”, Italy.

Methods

We measured four functional traits – plant height, specific leaf area (SLA), leaf dry matter content (LDMC) and leaf area – across 775 individuals from 60 herb‐layer species in 28 forest plots (10 m × 10 m) spanning an 800 m elevation gradient. For each trait in each plot, we computed community‐weighted means (CWMs) and the standardized effect size of functional diversity (SES‐FD). We decomposed total trait variation into its interspecific and intraspecific components, and their covariation. We run linear regression models to assess the impact of elevation on these three components of functional variation. Lastly, we investigated whether higher elevation communities exhibited lower SES‐FD, indicating functional convergence that could hint to a stronger habitat filtering.

Results

Interspecific trait variation was more important than the intraspecific counterpart both for CWMs and SES‐FD. Only CWMs calculated for plant height and LDMC showed a significant relationship with elevation. Low‐elevation communities featured taller, more‐conservative species, whereas shorter, faster‐growing species were more common at higher elevations. SES‐FD remained consistently negative for species turnover and total variation, suggesting stable functional convergence across the gradient.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that interspecific and intraspecific trait variability can be decoupled along an elevation gradient, stressing the importance of individually considering each component of trait variation when studying community composition. Elevation significantly influenced various components of plant community trait variation, with habitat filtering playing a substantial role in selecting plants with specific traits across elevations.
Evaluation of ImpENSA technology‐enabled behaviour change module delivered to healthcare professionals in South Africa to improve micronutrient nutrition during the first 1000 days
Authors: Choi Sunhea , Walsh Corinna , Omer Selma , Patro‐Golab Bernadeta , Lawrence Wendy , Havemann‐Nel Lize , Yuen Ho Ming , Koletzko Berthold , Wentzel‐Viljoen Edelweiss , Hendricks Michael , Watson Daniella , Kolodziej Maciej , Lukasik Jan , Goeiman Hilary , Godfrey Keith M. ,   ImpENSA Study Group
Published: June 2024

Healthcare professionals (HCPs) have vital roles in providing evidence‐based care to promote healthy micronutrient nutrition in early life. Providing such care requires scalable training to strengthen knowledge and confident application of effective behaviour change skills. Among 33 public and private HCPs (primarily dietitians) in South Africa, we evaluated the behaviour change aspects of a technology‐enabled National Qualification Sub‐Framework level 6 programme, Improving Early Nutrition and Health in South Africa (‘ImpENSA’). This programme comprises two self‐directed micronutrient and behaviour change knowledge‐based eLearning and one facilitated online practical skills modules to improve maternal and infant micronutrient nutrition. Using assessments, questionnaires and interviews, we collected data at baseline, after module completion and at 3‐month follow‐up after programme completion. Questionnaire and interview data showed major improvements in understanding of and attitudes towards person‐centred behaviour change support immediately following the eLearning module on behaviour change. The assessment pass rate increased from 38% at baseline to 88% postmodule, demonstrating significant knowledge gain in behaviour change support. Intention to change practice towards a person‐centred approach was high and many had already started implementing changes. Three months postprogramme, support was centred around patients' needs. Open relationships with patients, improved patient outcomes and increased job satisfaction were among reported outcomes. Many reported becoming better change facilitators and reflective practitioners. Additional improvements in understanding and attitudes to behaviour change support were evident, reinforced by making changes and experiencing positive outcomes. The findings suggest that technology‐enabled learning can equip HCPs with knowledge and skills to effectively support behaviour change for healthy micronutrient nutrition during pregnancy and infancy.
Youngest Living Donor Liver Transplant for End‐Stage Liver Disease in a 6‐Month‐Old With a Novel Aggressive Mutation in KIF12 Gene
Authors: Gautam Vipul , Panda Kalpana , Kumar Vikram , Agarwal Shaleen , Gupta Subhash
Published: June 2024

Background

Kinesin family member 12 (KIF12) mutation‐related cholestatic disorder represents a rare subtype of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC), referred to as PFIC Type 8, with only 21 reported cases globally to date.

Methods

Here, we present a unique case of a 6‐month‐old boy diagnosed with homozygous KIF12 gene mutation, who successfully underwent a living donor liver transplant at our center for end‐stage liver disease.

Results

This case marks the youngest patient of KIF12‐related cholestatic disorder necessitating a liver transplant to date. The child initially presented with neonatal cholestasis and then developed infantile hepatic decompensation. Our report discusses the diagnostic process and management strategies employed. It underscores the importance of prompt diagnosis through clinical suspicion, biochemical parameters, and genetic testing, as well as the adoption of suitable management strategies, including the early contemplation of liver transplant in such exceptional and rare cases of genetic intrahepatic cholestasis.

Conclusion

KIF12‐related genetic disease should be considered in neonatal cholestasis cases with high gamma glutamyl transpeptidase to differentiate from conditions like biliary atresia. Favorable outcomes post liver transplant stress the importance of early genetic testing and referral to liver transplant centers for unresponsive patients, potentially saving lives.
Antimicrobial peptides from plants and microorganisms for plant disease management
Authors: Iralu Nulevino , Wani Sumiah , Mehraj Insha , Ullah Parvaiz , Saleem Sahar , Hamid Aflaq
Published: June 2024

Plant disease control faces a lot of challenges due to its overdependence on chemicals that have strict restrictions and regulatory requirements. With the increase in drug‐resistant pathogens and continual crop losses due to disease outbreaks, much attention has been brought to a new set of emerging antibiotics called antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). AMPs are a group of multifunctional, short‐sequence peptides that are usually cationic in nature and found in all living organisms. They are part of the innate immune system of different organisms and exhibit a wide range of inhibitory effects on microorganisms, making them potential therapeutic factors efficacious as an alternate resource for plant disease management. AMPs interact with the anionic cell membrane of the pathogen and cause cell lysis or inhibit crucial intracellular targets. AMPs can be isolated from almost all life forms ranging from microbes to mammals. In addition to these sources, AMPs are also being synthesized using recombinant methods with the goal of overcoming the constraints of natural AMPs with regard to stability, activity and toxicity. Recent advancements have been made to develop transgenic plants expressing AMPs that has proved to perform better than the use of antibiotics. This review highlights the different kinds of AMPs produced by plants and microorganisms along with their mode of action, target pathogens, structural characteristics and advancements in this field, which include isolation methods, synthetic AMPs and transgenic plants expressing AMPs.
Acute and Chronic Effects of Static Stretching on Intramuscular Hamstring Stiffness
Authors: Russell Alexander , Choi Benjamin , Robinson Davina , Penailillo Luis , Earp Jacob E.
Published: June 2024

Passive hamstring stiffness varies proximo‐distally, resulting in inhomogeneous tissue strain during stretching that may affect localized adaptations and risk of muscle injuries. The purpose of the present study was to determine the acute and chronic effects of static stretching (SS) on intramuscular hamstring stiffness. Thirty healthy active participants had acute changes in passive biceps femoris (BF), semimembranosus (SM), and semitendinosus (ST) stiffness measured at 25% (proximal), 50% (middle), and 75% (distal) muscle length, using shear‐wave elastography, immediately after SS. Participants then completed 4 weeks of either a SS intervention (n = 15) or no intervention (CON, n = 15) with stiffness measured before and after the interventions. The acute and chronic effects of SS were compared between anatomical regions and between regions on the basis of their relative stiffness pre‐intervention. Acutely, SS decreased stiffness throughout the BF and SM (p ≤ 0.05) but not the ST (p = 0.326). However, a regional effect of stretching was observed for SM and ST with greater reduction in stiffness occurring in stiffer muscular regions (p = 0.001–0.013). Chronically, SS increased BF and ST (p < 0.05), but not SM (p = 0.422) stiffness compared with CON, but no regional effect of stretching was observed in any muscle (p = 0.361–0.833). SS resulted in contrasting acute and chronic effects, acutely decreasing stiffness in stiffer regions while chronically increasing stiffness. These results indicate that the acute effects of SS vary along the muscle's length on the basis of the relative stiffness of the muscle and that acute changes in stiffness from SS are unrelated to chronic adaptations.
Tingles and Society: The Emotional Experience of ASMR as a Social Phenomenon
Authors: Grothe‐Hammer Michael
Published: June 2024

ASMR (“Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response”) is commonly defined as an emotional experience of a tingling sensation in the head and neck. It is said to be triggered by certain auditory, visual, interpersonal, tactile, and often socially intimate stimuli. A great many people around the world reportedly experience ASMR regularly. However, it was not before the year 2007 that the phenomenon has been publicly noticed. Since then, ASMR has become a persistent globalized phenomenon receiving enormous attention. But sociology has remained silent about the phenomenon. Therefore, this paper aims at bringing ASMR to the attention of sociology. ASMR constitutes a unique case of the social construction of a new emotion within the past 15 years or so. The paper offers a first attempt to grasp ASMR sociologically by looking at situational triggers, physiological sensations, the cultural labelling, and the problem of expressive gestures. The paper also identifies several areas of sociology for which ASMR has relevance and outlines potential research avenues.
Absence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in wildlife of northeastern Minnesota and Isle Royale National Park
Authors: Castañeda David , Isaac Edmund J. , Schnieders Benjamin P. , Kautz Todd , Romanski Mark C. , Moore Seth A. , Aliota Matthew T.
Published: June 2024

Aims

We investigated the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in free‐ranging wildlife populations in Northeastern Minnesota on the Grand Portage Indian Reservation and Isle Royale National Park.

Methods and Results

One hundred twenty nasal samples were collected from white‐tailed deer, moose, grey wolves and black bears monitored for conservation efforts during 2022–2023. Samples were tested for viral RNA by RT‐qPCR using the CDC N1/N2 primer set. Our data indicate that no wildlife samples were positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA.

Conclusions

Continued surveillance is therefore crucial to better understand the changing landscape of zoonotic SARS‐CoV‐2 in the Upper Midwest.
Impact of Lean-Burn Combustor Flow on Nozzle Guide Vane Performance
Authors: Amend Jonas , Chowdhury Nafiz , Povey Thomas
Published: June 2024

In this paper we investigate the impact of lean-burn-representative swirl and temperature distortion on the aerothermal performance of fully-cooled high-pressure nozzle guide vanes (NGVs) from a modern aero-engine. Experiments were carried out in the Engine Component AeroThermal (ECAT) facility at the University of Oxford. This is a fully-annular warm-flow engine parts facility, designed to operate at engine-representative conditions of Reynolds and Mach number. Inlet profiles of swirl, turbulence, and non-dimensional total temperature were generated using a non-reacting combustor simulator. The NGV outlet flow was experimentally characterized at three downstream planes in experiments with and without lean-burn-representative inlet conditions. Area-survey measurements included distributions of whirl angle, kinetic energy (KE) loss, and non-dimensional total temperature. Experimental data is compared to computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Fully-featured NGV geometry (including film cooling holes and internal passages) was used, to account for internal cooling flow redistribution resulting from altered external loading. We show that lean-burn inlet conditions result in significant surface flow redistribution, relatively high levels of residual swirl in the downstream flow, and a small increase of integrated KE loss.
Evaluation of the Demand Flexibility Potential Through Joint Optimization of Building Thermal Response and Indoor Air Quality in Commercial Buildings
Authors: Klavekoske Andrew B. , Cushing Vincent J. , Henze Gregor P.
Published: June 2024

Large commercial buildings may display demand flexibility, which reduces electric energy expenses for the building owner and carbon emissions from grid operations, provides distributed energy resources, and increases the penetration of renewable energy sources. Demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) and building thermal mass control can individually and jointly provide such flexibility. The performance and financial payback of these technology options can be dramatically improved if based on hourly electric prices and carbon emissions rates. In this study, a modeled but actual large office building, simulated using New York City hourly electric prices, hourly CO2e emissions rates, and weather data for the summer 2019 cooling season is based on these dynamic driving parameters. A joint optimization of a building’s thermal mass and indoor CO2 content is presented. Superior energy savings and carbon emissions reductions are found for the joint optimization scenario when compared to both the baseline operation and individual optimization of building thermal mass and indoor CO2 content. These findings motivate the development of a real-time joint control system that utilizes closed-loop model predictive control (MPC) to optimally harness both sources of demand flexibility, a system that would require the future development of forecasting algorithms for external and control-oriented system models.
Precursor Damage Quantification in Composite Structures Using Coda Wave Interferometry and Nonlinear Ultrasonics
Authors: Ahmed Hossain , Sadaf Asef , Banerjee Sourav
Published: June 2024

Methods to quantification of precursor damage in carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite structures are reported herein. These techniques include coda wave interferometry (CWI) and nonlinear ultrasonics (NLU). Since low-frequency Lamb wave propagation is insensitive to the early-stage material degradation, it is shown that decoding the information in coda wave can overcome this well-known limitation. To conclude this possibility, CWI technique is cross verified with a traditional high-frequency ultrasound method. To achieve this goal, a tensile–tensile fatigue experiment was designed for CFRP composite specimens. By inducing controlled fatigue damage in these structures, material states are assessed using low-frequency (<500 kHz) ultrasonic guided wave and high-frequency (>10 MHz) P-wave. Stretching guided coda wave is utilized to quantify the precursor damage as a unique approach in this article. However, such method could be illuded by the changes in the signals due to bonds and contacts. To verify if the CWI is successful, and to evaluate the precursor damage in composite structures, additional nonlinear analysis of ultrasonic signals from both guided waves and P-waves is performed. Higher order nonlinearities in both low-frequency guided wave and high-frequency P-wave propagation demonstrate the growth of precursor damage in CFRP composite structures. So does the CWI of low-frequency guided wave data. Accuracy of these ultrasonic techniques is validated with experimentally obtained remaining strengths of the fatigue specimens. With this verification it is envisioned that both CWI and NLU together could quantify the precursor damage in composite structures.
A complex boundary wave superposition method for solving external acoustic problems
Authors: Xiang Yu , Chen Jie , Shi Ziyu , Bao Yingchao
Published: June 2024

This paper proposes a complex boundary wave superposition method with a unique solution of full wavenumber based on the similarity between the acoustic wave superposition method (WSM) and the external excitation response of dynamic systems and combined with the idea that a damping system has a unique solution in dynamic theory. By placing the virtual equivalent source on the virtual boundary of complex space, the conventional WSM acquires damping properties comparable to those of the dynamical system. This approach successfully addresses the non-uniqueness of the solution at the eigenfrequency and is more efficient than the conventional combined layer potential method. The paper presents a comprehensive description of the proposed method, with a focus on theory, modeling, and parameter selection. The effectiveness of this method is evaluated by applying it to two types of acoustic problems, namely, radiation and scattering. The numerical results indicate that this method effectively addresses the non-unique problems encountered in conventional WSM. Furthermore, the proposed method is as accurate and efficient as the conventional WSM.
The geology and genesis of the Viburnum Trend Pb-Zn-Cu-(Ag) Mississippi Valley–type ore district, USA
Authors: Johnson* Aaron W.
Published: June 2024

The Viburnum Trend, a Mississippi Valley–type Pb-Zn-Cu-(Ag) ore district, USA, is primarily hosted within the Cambrian Bonneterre Formation. Primary ore mineralization consists of galena, sphalerite, and chalcopyrite. Primary gangue minerals include dolomite and calcite, with lesser amounts of quartz, pyrite, and marcasite also present. The paragenetic sequence is complex, involving multiple generations of sulfide ore minerals. Early minerals are disseminated throughout the host rock. The main ore-stage deposition mostly occurs as colloform ore, while late-stage deposition primarily includes vug-filling ore. The geochemistry of deposits within the trend requires a complex fluid history, consistent with the mixing of multiple chemically distinct fluids to initiate ore precipitation. Salinities of included fluids range from less than 5 to ~30 wt% equivalent NaCl. Fluid chemistries align with the presence of a northward-migrating fluid, likely propelled through the Arkoma Basin due to hydrologic head provided by the Ouachita orogen, and a southward- or westward-migrating fluid, likely escaping the Illinois Basin due to overpressuring during sediment compaction and associated subsidence. Ore deposition probably commenced through fluid mixing. Lead and sulfur isotope chemistries of included fluids and associated solid phases suggest that multiple sources contributed lead and sulfur present in ore-stage mineralization. Additionally, ore fluids seem to have interacted with igneous basement rocks, likely acquiring lead, copper, and sulfur during migration through faults and fractures. The Viburnum Trend is relatively well understood; however, significant questions persist regarding fluid flow–driving mechanisms and pathways, sulfur sources, sulfate reduction reactions, metal sources, interaction with basement rocks, and the role of organic material in the host rock.
Geology of the Ouachita Mountains and linkages to North American late Paleozoic orogenesis
Authors: McKay* Matthew P. , Jackson Jr. William T.
Published: June 2024

Correlations of Paleozoic strata from the southern Appalachian, Black Warrior, and Ouachita-Arkoma forelands show varying lithofacies and stratigraphic thicknesses for coeval deposits, as well as differences in the location of disconformities. This field trip will visit stops throughout the Ouachita Mountains and Arkoma basin to observe clastic strata variability in the Cambrian, Ordovician–Silurian, Mississippian, and Pennsylvanian periods. The spatial-temporal relationship between these units provides a first-order understanding of orogenic processes along the southeastern and southern Laurentian margin during the amalgamation of the supercontinent Pangea. We present a summary of detrital zircon geochronology from the three foreland systems and correlative stops in the Ouachita Mountains to discuss sediment provenance, paleo-reconstructions, and to identify needed geochronology information for future studies.

Cambrian through Devonian units in the southern Appalachian foreland of Alabama and Ouachita thrust belt are dominated by Proterozoic Grenville (1250–900 Ma) and Granite-Rhyolite (1550–1300 Ma) province grains, with minor Archean grains. Mississippian and Pennsylvanian units in the southern Appalachian and Ouachita-Arkoma forelands exhibit similar age spectra and are primarily characterized by a dominant Grenville peak, alongside smaller Appalachian (490–270 Ma), Granite-Rhyolite, Yavapai-Mazatzal (1800–1600 Ma), and Wyoming (>2400 Ma) peaks. Proportional differences in the age spectra can be identified when comparing individual stratigraphic intervals in the forelands, and have been interpreted to represent influxes of different drainage systems associated with along strike versus perpendicular sediment routing.

Mississippian strata in the Ouachita Mountains, Arkoma basin, and Black Warrior basin exhibit unique age spectra in comparison to other Ouachita and southern Appalachian signatures. A dominant Appalachian peak (<480 Ma), alongside smaller Grenville, Granite-Rhyolite, Yavapai-Mazatzal, and Wyoming peaks identified in the Batesville Sandstone of the Ouachita-Arkoma foreland, suggests a possible connection to barrier island depositional systems to the east. Pennsylvanian strata in the Black Warrior basin exhibit similar age spectra to those of samples from the southern Appalachian and Ouachita-Arkoma forelands.
Rhabdomyolysis secondary to a weight-loss prescription
Authors: Lobato Carolina Tintim , Castelo Branco Sara , Camões João , Molinos Elena
Published: June 2024

We present a case of a case of a man in his 70s on multiple medications (including treatment of ischemic heart disease and diabetes who developed significant rhabdomyolysis, complicated by acute kidney injury (AKI) and encephalopathy, while using a compounded medication for weight loss. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit and progressed favourably after haemodialysis and supportive care. Information regarding the ingestion of weight-loss drugs was unknown at the time of admission and was only discovered after resolution of encephalopathy, raising the possibility of toxin-associated rhabdomyolysis. This case emphasises the need for a thorough clinical history and scrutiny of the safety of weight-loss prescriptions, including preparations that comprise a combination of drugs and supplements that may adversely interact with chronic medications, especially in polymedicated patients.
A Prefix-Based Key-Value Pair Approach for Rare Itemsets Mining Without FP Tree Generation Under Fixed and Incremental Support Constraints
Authors: Biswas Sudarsan , Saha Diganta , Pandit Rajat
Published: June 2024

Rare itemset mining (RIM), using a tree structure of two equal frequency patterns, generates two nonidentical trees during the rule mining process. The two trees must eventually have different sizes and levels, generating different rules. This is one of the drawbacks of the FP growth approach. In this study, we present an effective time and memory-efficient novel nontree-based rare itemsets mining method. The proposed method is not dependent on the tree structure to store and manage the dataset’s components. We have employed an array structure table, key-value pair and hash map table (HMT) using prefix search rather than a recursive tree structure. The proposed technique speeds up rule mining by removing duplicate rare itemset with an equal number of rare rules. Our empirical approach for fixed and incremental support explores that the proposed method performs faster and consumes less memory than the state-of-the-art approaches on different datasets. For every experiment, our proposed approach achieves efficient time and memory performance.
Quantum Logics of Fuzzy Representations
Authors: Singh Akhilesh Kumar , Singh Rashmi , Singh Bhawna
Published: June 2024

Quantum logic (QL) and fuzzy logic (FL) have been gaining attention nowadays due to its potential to be used in quantum computing and information theory. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of QL models of fuzzy representations viz. fuzzy sets (FSs), interval valued fuzzy sets (IVFSs), intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IFSs) and interval valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IVIFSs). These QL models can be used to analyze the behavior of quantum logical systems in a fuzzy environment, which is particularly useful for dealing with uncertainty and imprecision in quantum environment. Furthermore, this paper explores the concept of effect algebras (EAs), which are algebraic structures that provide a natural framework for studying FL. Specifically, it is shown that the family of FS, IVFS, IFS and IVIFS can be organized into an EA if the Lukasiewicz operations are considered. This result is significant because EAs can be used to model a wide range of physical and mathematical systems, including quantum systems, and provide a useful tool for analyzing the properties of FL.
Oscillation Criteria Enhanced for Advanced Half‐Linear Dynamic Equations
Authors: Hassan Taher S. , Elabbasy Elmetwally M. , Iqbal Naveed , Ali Akbar , Rashedi Khudhayr A. , Abdel Menaem Amir
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this study is to develop new iterative oscillation criteria for second‐order half‐linear advanced dynamic equations. These findings improve and extend recently established criteria for the same equation by several authors as well as encompass the existing classical criteria for associated ordinary dynamic equations. Some examples are given to show that the outcomes are accurate, practical, and adaptable.
The Role of Sports Club Participation on Stability of Motor Performance and Body Composition: A Longitudinal Study in Primary School Children
Authors: Speer Andreas , Ziegeldorf Alexandra , Streicher Heike , Wulff Hagen , Wagner Petra
Published: June 2024

Background and Objective. Research has shown that children’s motor performance (MP) and body composition (BC) are positively related to health and influence physical activity across the lifespan. As an intervention for improving MP and BC in childhood, engagement in a sports club (SC) is an important key strategy. Therefore, the aim of the study is to examine the stability of MP and BC and their associations with SC participation. Methods. MP and BC of 295 children (161 girls) with a mean age of 8.42 ± 0.36 years were measured annually with the German Motor Test 6‐18. Based on self‐reports, children were divided into three groups according to consistent (CON), partial (PAR), and nonparticipation (NO) in SC. NO and PAR were then combined into NO‐PAR. The stability of MP and BC was determined using Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r). Associations of SC participation, MP, and BC were examined using robust mixed‐model ANOVA (mmANOVA) additionally with first grade as covariate (ANCOVA). Results. More girls (39%) than boys (25%) were classified in PAR. The stability of MP (r = .755) and BMI (r = .889) was moderately high. Children in CON (r = .847) showed lower stability in BMI than NO‐PAR (r = .923). mmANOVA revealed better overall MP for both sexes in CON except for balance and BMI. Boys in CON showed better performance in flexibility, endurance, and speed than NO‐PAR. ANCOVA confirmed unadjusted results for boys. Conclusion. Lower stability of BMI due to CON indicates a greater variance in ranking and thus the chance to adjust weight management in childhood. Girls’ MP benefited less from SC participation, which may be due to their more frequent rates in PAR. Therefore, interventions to increase engagement in SC should focus on a stepwise approach from none to partial and finally to long‐term participation.