bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
American and British Women Philosophers in the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Moland Lydia , Stone Alison
Published: August 2024

The aim of The Oxford Handbook of American and British Women Philosophers in the Nineteenth Century is to disrupt the widespread impression that there were no women philosophers in this period. Building on feminist histories of philosophy that cover other time periods, it traces the history of writing and publishing in the nineteenth century, showing that circumstances were more hospitable to women authors during this time than is often assumed. It outlines the many genres in which women philosophized and describes the professionalization and specialization that began to exclude women later in the century. It discusses the ways in which race and class affected women’s philosophizing, outlines the aims of the handbook, and concludes by listing women whose work merits further research. Finally, it reminds us that studying women is both a matter of justice and makes for better philosophy. If we assume there are no women philosophers in the nineteenth century, we will not look for them; if we do not look for them, they will remain obscure, limiting our understanding of what philosophy is and can be.
The Americas and International Asylum Law (1888–1954)
Authors: Blumenthal Edward
Published: August 2024

This chapter examines the origins and codification of international asylum law in the Americas before World War II. The importance of exile to internal and international politics in Latin America led to attention from jurists, diplomats, and political thinkers in the region, who sought to define the rules and practice of asylum, while the United States was largely absent from this process. This led to its early codification in the International Penal Law treaty (1889), decades before European countries started developing international refugee law in the interwar period. From its origins, asylum law shared a concern for both protecting refugees and controlling their political activities so they would not represent a threat to social order. While it offered generous protection to political opponents who fled abroad—both elite leaders and the popular actors who fought in civil conflicts—as well as including diplomatic asylum—rejected in Europe—it was unable to confront Nazi racial persecution in the 1930s.
Abstract 9: No Evidence of Mycoplasma or Ureaplasma Contamination of Cord Blood Units Collected from at Term Mothers
Authors: Chugh Vidushi , Herrity Kieran , Harvala Heli
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Pre-cryopreservation microbial culture testing in widely utilised throughout the international cord blood banking industry to provide an element of safety assurance. Cord blood unit (CBU) samples are typically subjected to manual growth-based culture techniques or automated microbial detection based on the colorimetric detection of CO2 (Ramirez-Arcos., 2015). However, these techniques do not allow detection of certain slow-growing intracellular microorganisms such as mycoplasma or ureaplasma species.

Objectives

The primary objective was to ascertain whether mycoplasma and ureaplasma contamination was present in banked cord blood units. Previous studies have noted the importance of atypical pathogens in cord samples and transplant recipients. For example, Ureaplasma urealyticum and/or Mycoplasma hominis were present in around 20% of cord blood cultures (Goldenberg et al., 2008). The severe nature of these infections has also been recently demonstrated in immunocompromised, especially in both adults and children with haematologic malignancies or hematopoietic stem cell or solid organ transplant (Smith et al., 2019).

Methods

Multiplex qPCR for Ureaplasma (U.Lyticum and U.Parvum) and Mycoplasma (M.Hominis and M.Genitalium) was employed for screening (Morris et al., 2020). DNA extractions were obtained from 200 whole cord blood units, which were not used clinically and hence stored at the NHS Cord Blood Bank, Filton, United Kingdom. The same screening tests were also applied to paired total human DNA extracts that were stored as residual material left over after unit associated HLA typing.

Results

No evidence of mycoplasma or ureaplasma contamination of banked CBUs was found.

Discussion

This study provides a reassuring lack of evidence that CBU’s at the NHS Cord Blood Bank are potentially contaminated with mycoplasma or ureaplasma. This is consistent with the finding that cord blood units are collected from babies born at or after 35 weeks, whereas most ureaplasma and mycoplasma infections have been linked to pre-term delivery. As a result, the banks adventitious agent testing mitigation strategies remain unchanged.
Abstract 20: National Cord Blood Network Training Tool to Optimize Cord Blood Unit (CBU) Selection
Authors: Davis Eric , Rapoport Candice , Archer Anne , Finney Marcie , Barker Juliet , Scaradavou Andromachi
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Transplant Center (TC) proficiency and comfort with CBU search and graft selection is an ongoing challenge despite evidence-based ASTCT CBU selection guidelines (Politikos et al, BBMT 2020). This can compromise utilization of CB as a stem cell source.

Objectives

To optimize searches and high-quality graft selection, the National Cord Blood Network created a comprehensive training module with stepwise instructions for CBU search, selection and graft acquisition using the ASTCT guidelines and NMDP’s MatchSource® application. This module will be shared with Network members in webinar format and can be utilized for individualized search coordinator training.

Methods

Experienced search coordinators transformed the ASTCT guideline into a user-friendly step-wise guide of the CBU search process incorporating MatchSource® functions (e.g., Antibody Specificity Risk Assessment; Allele Reveal) and adding diagrams, screenshots, prompts, and helpful tips. The approach of creating a customized list of potential units for each patient is demonstrated including how CBU not meeting pre-determined quality criteria can be “filtered-out”. Experienced CB physicians provided concise graft selection recommendations for various patient groups (e.g., high-risk leukemias, non-malignant diseases, very urgent transplants) consistent with national guidelines.

Results

To maximize efficiency, we divided the process as follows:

• Search Coordinator Review: systematic collection of all suitable CBU in MatchSource®, after setting lower limits for TNC/CD34 cell doses, HLA-allele level match, cryopreservation volume and year of collection;

• CB Physician Review: a shorter list of CBU that meet pre-determined quality criteria, including information on HLA-allele mismatches, Donor Specific Antibodies, licensure, Bank of origin and previously performed confirmatory HLA typing;

• Final Graft and Back-up Selection: graft decision after reviewing the detailed characteristics of the final potential CBU list.

Discussion

This tool aids the selection of high-quality CB grafts and thereby could facilitate improved CB transplant outcomes. Our next step is to create a consortium of Network search coordinators and disseminate the tool nationally. Additionally, to assess the benefits of training for coordinators without extensive experience, metrics on search efficiency and “ease” of graft selection will be evaluated.
Abstract 22: Autologous Cord Blood vs Personalised Supplements for Autistic Spectrum Disease – CORDUS Study
Authors: Stancioiu Felician , Bogdan Raluca , Dumitrescu Radu
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Cord blood (CB) administered intravenously for Autistic Spectrum Disease (ASD), has so far yielded mixed results, likely due to the diversity of ASD pathophysiology and the different characteristics of CB; also, a possible bias in evaluations – due to both temporal fluctuations in child’s behaviour and differences between various psychometric scales.

Objectives

The CORDUS Clinical Study is a crossover study in which autologous CB was administered intravenously to 56 ASD children between 2019 and 2023, and compared CB efficacy versus a personalised combination of supplements (PCS). Based on age and body weight (BW), children were divided in two groups: Group 1 (n=28), children less than 8 yo and 35 kg BW, and group 2 (n=28), kids more than 8 yo and 35 kg BW.

Methods

Treatment efficacy was evaluated pre- and post- treatments at 1-12 months by an independent psychotherapist with ATEC, Q-CHAT and a 16-item comparative table score, after interviews with both the children’s parents and therapists. An inflammatory panel, Neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and other blood tests, also CD34+, CD45+ CD 133+, CD271+ cell surface markers from CB were performed.

Results

There were no serious adverse reactions after administration of CB or PCS; temporary agitation was the most common side effect. NSE was elevated in more than 95% of ASD kids. CB was more efficacious in Group 1 (n=28; 78.57% - improved scores), but much less effective in Group 2 (n=28; 10% of children improved scores). In group 1, PCS was more efficacious than CB in 5 cases out of 28, while in 23 kids CB was better than PCS; 6 kids had minor or no improvement. Statistically significant improvements were seen after CB on ATEC total scores, verbalization and social interaction, but not on irritability or aggressive behaviour; ample differences were noted between children. Improvement after CB was correlated negatively weakly with percentages from TNC of CD34+ and CD271+, and positively with the ratio CD34+/CD271.

Discussion

NSE alongside inflammatory markers (TNF-alpha, GFAP, NFkB, etc), or markers related to the ASD pathology or the CB qualities may select the ASD children most likely to benefit from CB. More clinical studies are needed.
Integrin-linked kinase control dental pulp stem cell senescence via the mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Chen Lu , Wang Xiping , Tian Sha , Zhou Linxi , Wang Li , Liu Xiaohan , Yang Zihan , Fu Guiqiang , Liu Xingguang , Ding Chen , Zou Duohong
Published: August 2024

Human dental pulp stem cells (HDPSCs) showed an age-dependent decline in proliferation and differentiation capacity. Decline in proliferation and differentiation capacity affects the dental stromal tissue homeostasis and impairs the regenerative capability of HDPSCs. However, which age-correlated proteins regulate the senescence of HDPSCs remain unknown. Our study investigated the proteomic characteristics of HDPSCs isolated from subjects of different ages and explored the molecular mechanism of age-related changes in HDPSCs. Our study showed that the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of HDPSCs were decreased, while the expression of aging-related genes (p21, p53) and proportion of senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal)-positive cells were increased with aging. The bioinformatic analysis identified that significant proteins positively correlated with age were enriched in response to the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway (ILK, MAPK3, mTOR, STAT1, and STAT3). We demonstrated that OSU-T315, an inhibitor of integrin-linked kinase (ILK), rejuvenated aged HDPSCs, similar to rapamycin (an inhibitor of mTOR). Treatment with OSU-T315 decreased the expression of aging-related genes (p21, p53) and proportion of SA-β-gal-positive cells in HDPSCs isolated from old (O-HDPSCs). Additionally, OSU-T315 promoted the osteoblastic differentiation capacity of O-HDPSCs in vitro and bone regeneration of O-HDPSCs in rat calvarial bone defects model. Our study indicated that the proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation of HDPSCs were impaired with aging. Notably, the ILK/AKT/mTOR/STAT1 signaling pathway may be a major factor in the regulation of HDPSC senescence, which help to provide interventions for HDPSC senescence.
Oral probiotic administration attenuates postexercise inflammation in horses
Authors: Jacobs Robert D , Grum Daniel , Trible Benjamin , Ayala Diana I , Karnezos Theodore P , Gordon Mary E
Published: August 2024

Probiotics are commonly incorporated into equine diets to impart health and performance benefits; however, peer-reviewed evidence supporting their efficacy in horses is limited. Interestingly, bacteria from the Bacillus genus are gaining interest for their unique ability to impact metabolic, immune, and inflammatory pathways. The objective of this trial was to evaluate a selection of Bacilli for their role in altering the inflammatory response in horses to exercise. Eighteen horses were utilized in a randomized cross-over trial. Horses were randomly assigned to one of 6 starting treatments including a negative and positive control, and groups that received one of 4 probiotics (Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086, Bacillus subtilis-1, Bacillus subtilis-2, or Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) top dressed to their daily ration at a rate of 8 billion CFU/d mixed into dried whey powder. All horses received a similar base diet of grass hay offered at 2.0% of bodyweight daily along with 4.54 kg of a commercially available textured horse feed. Each 3-wk phase of the trial consisted of a 2-wk dietary acclimation followed by a 1-wk exercise challenge and sample collection. Between phases, horses were offered only their base diet. On the day of exercise, horses were offered their 0700 ration and then subjected to a 2-h standardized exercise test. Blood samples were obtained prior to starting exercise and then again at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 24, 48, and 72-h postexercise. Horses in the positive control group were administered 0.23 mg/kg BW flunixin meglumine immediately following the 0-h sampling. Samples were analyzed for serum amyloid A (SAA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) concentrations. Data were evaluated via ANOVA using the MIXED procedure in SAS 9.4. Exercise-induced inflammation as evidenced by SAA, IL-6, and PGE2 increases postexercise. Horses consuming B. coagulans GBI-30, 6086 had reduced production of SAA, IL-6, and PGE2 compared to all other probiotic-fed groups and the negative control (P < 0.001). The positive control successfully ameliorated the postexercise inflammatory response. These data highlight the potential for B. coagulans GBI-30, 6086 to be incorporated into equine rations as a method to support optimal response to exercise or other inflammation-inducing challenges. Additional research is ongoing to elucidate the methodology by which these results occur.
Assessment of cytoprotective and genoprotective effects of Moringa oleifera and Tinospora cordifolia extracts in vitro
Authors: Bagri Preeti , Kumar Vinod , Batra Kanisht
Published: August 2024

Background

Moringa oleifera and Tinospora cordifolia is extensively used as an ingredient of food and in traditional medicine for the management of a variety of diseases.

Material and methods

The extracts of leaf of Moringa oleifera and stem of Tinospora cordifolia were assessed to examine their ability to inhibit the oxidative DNA damage (by DNA protection assay), cytoprotective and genoprotective potential (by Comet assay) in V79 cells individually and in combinations.

Result

It was found that these extracts could significantly inhibit the OH-dependent damage of pUC18 plasmid DNA. M. oleifera extract (160 and 320 μg/mL) and Tinospora cordifolia extract (640, 1,280 and 2,560 μg/mL) individually showed higher DNA protection activity. M. oleifera (1,280 μg/mL) combined with Tinospora cordifolia (640 μg/mL) showed best cytoprotective and genoprotective activities among different concentration combinations and various concentrations of individual plants in V79 cell line against hydrogen peroxide induced cytotoxicity and genotoxicity.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the cytoprotective and genoprotective activity of M. oleifera and Tinospora cordifolia individually or in combination.
Identification and Precise Mapping of PmHSM, a Novel Recessive Powdery Mildew Resistance Allele from Wheat Landrace Heshangmai
Authors: Fu Bisheng , Zhang Qiaofeng , Cai Jin , Guo Wei , Liu Caiyun , Liu Ying , Zhai Wenling , Gong Shuangjun , Wu Jizhong
Published: August 2024

Common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the world’s primary food crop, and ensuring its safe production is of utmost importance for global peace and human development. However, the continuous threat of fungal diseases, including Fusarium head scab, rusts, sharp eyespot, and powdery mildew (PM), poses a significant challenge to production. PM caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici causes substantial yield losses. Heshangmai (HSM), a wheat landrace originating from Sichuan Province, possesses high levels of resistance to PM. A comprehensive study using a large segregating population of a cross between HSM and Ningmaizi119 (NMZ119) revealed a single recessive allele conferring resistance. The gene, provisionally designated PmHSM, was located on the long arm of chromosome 4A (4AL). Molecular marker analysis, a PM response array, and an allelism test indicated that PmHSM is a novel recessive resistance gene that shares an allelic relationship with PmHHXM. Thirteen simple sequence repeat markers were developed using the sequence information of the 4AL region in the Chinese spring reference sequence version 2.1. PmHSM was flanked by the markers Xmp1567 and Xmp1444 at genetic distances of 0.11 and 0.18 cM, respectively, and cosegregated with the markers Xmp1439/Xmp1440/Xmp1442.
The Impact of Delayed Transition From Noninvasive to Invasive Mechanical Ventilation on Hospital Mortality in Immunocompromised Patients With Sepsis*
Authors: Xu Yang , Wang Yi-Fan , Liu Yi-Wei , Dong Run , Chen Yan , Wang Yi , Weng Li , Du Bin ,   for the China Critical Care Clinical Trials Group (CCCCTG) and China National Critical Care Quality Control Center Group
Published: August 2024

OBJECTIVE:

To determine whether mortality differed between initial invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) or noninvasive ventilation (NIV) followed by delayed IMV in immunocompromised patients with sepsis.

DESIGN:

Retrospective analysis using the National Data Center for Medical Service claims data in China from 2017 to 2019.

SETTING:

A total of 3530 hospitals across China.

PATIENTS:

A total of 36,187 adult immunocompromised patients with sepsis requiring ventilation.

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

The primary outcome was hospital mortality. Patients were categorized into NIV initiation or IMV initiation groups based on first ventilation. NIV patients were further divided by time to IMV transition: no transition, immediate (≤ 1 d), early (2–3 d), delayed (4–7 d), or late (≥ 8 d). Mortality was compared between groups using weighted Cox models. Over the median 9-day follow-up, mortality was similar for initial NIV versus IMV (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.006; 95% CI, 0.959–1.055). However, among NIV patients, a longer time to IMV transition is associated with stepwise increases in mortality, from immediate transition (HR 1.65) to late transition (HR 2.51), compared with initial IMV. This dose-response relationship persisted across subgroups and sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSIONS:

Prolonged NIV trial before delayed IMV transition is associated with higher mortality in immunocompromised sepsis patients ultimately intubated.
Effect of Mindfulness Intervention on Compassion Fatigue Among Nurses
Authors: Hayajneh Audai A. , Al-Younis Malak O. , Rababa Mohammad , Qahah Iman
Published: August 2024

Compassion fatigue is a syndrome defined by both mental and physical restlessness. Mindfulness intervention can enhance one’s emotions with nonjudgmental awareness and greater consciousness of thoughts and feelings. This study aims to examine the effect of mindfulness intervention on compassion fatigue among nurses. A randomized controlled trial was conducted, recruiting 100 nurses from three hospitals and dividing participants into an intervention and a control group. Increased mindfulness awareness was found in the comparison group in the research. The intervention group’s mean burnout level was significantly lower than the comparison group. Age, gender, marital status, household size, and household income were among the sociodemographic factors that significantly correlated with compassion fatigue, which was determined through burnout and secondary traumatic stress. Nurses reported significant levels of compassion fatigue; however, this was significantly decreased through mindfulness intervention.
Speech Recognition and Subjective Hearing Abilities for Electric–Acoustic Stimulation Users With Unilateral Hearing Loss
Authors: Dillon Margaret T. , Buss Emily , Thompson Nicholas J. , Richter Margaret E. , Davis Amanda G. , Overton Andrea B. , Rooth Meredith A. , Canfarotta Michael W. , Selleck A. Morgan , Dedmon Matthew M. , Brown Kevin D.
Published: August 2024

Objective

Some cochlear implant (CI) recipients with unilateral hearing loss (UHL) have functional acoustic hearing in the implanted ear, warranting the fitting of an ipsilateral electric–acoustic stimulation (EAS) device. The present study assessed speech recognition and subjective hearing abilities over time for EAS users with UHL.

Study Design

Prospective, repeated-measures.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Patients

Adult CI recipients with normal-to-moderate low-frequency acoustic thresholds in the implanted ear and a contralateral pure-tone average (0.5, 1, and 2 kHz) ≤25 dB HL.

Main Outcome Measures

Participants were evaluated preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 months post-activation. Speech recognition for the affected ear was evaluated with CNC words in quiet. Masked speech recognition in the bilateral condition was evaluated with AzBio sentences in a 10-talker masker (0 dB SNR) for three spatial configurations: target from the front and masker either colocated with the target or presented 90 degrees toward the affected or contralateral ear. Responses to the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale subscales were used to assess subjective hearing abilities.

Results

Participants experienced significant improvements in CNC scores (F(3,13)= 14.90,p< 0.001), and masked speech recognition in the colocated (F(3,11)= 3.79,p= 0.043) and masker toward the contralateral ear (F(3,11)= 4.75,p= 0.023) configurations. They also reported significantly better abilities on the Speech Hearing (F(3,13)= 5.19,p= 0.014) and Spatial Hearing (F(3,13)= 10.22,p= 0.001) subscales.

Conclusions

Adults with UHL and functional acoustic hearing in the implanted ear experience significant improvements in speech recognition and subjective hearing abilities within the initial months of EAS use as compared with preoperative performance and perceptions.
Microneedle-Mediated Delivery of siRNA via Liposomal-Based Transfection for Inner Ear Gene Therapy
Authors: Feng Sharon J. , Voruz François , Leong Stephen , Hammer Daniella R. , Breil Eugénie , Aksit Aykut , Yu Michelle , Chiriboga Lauren , Olson Elizabeth S. , Kysar Jeffrey W. , Lalwani Anil K.
Published: August 2024

Hypothesis

Microneedle-mediated intracochlear injection of siRNA-Lipofectamine through the round window membrane (RWM) can be used to transfect cells within the cochlea.

Background

Our laboratory has developed 100-μm diameter hollow microneedles for intracochlear injection through the guinea pig RWM. In this study, we test the feasibility of microneedle-mediated injection of siRNA and Lipofectamine, a commonly used reagent with known cellular toxicity, through the RWM for cochlear transfection.

Methods

Fluorescently labeled scramble siRNA was diluted into Lipofectamine RNAiMax and OptiMEM. One microliter of 5 μM siRNA was injected through the RWM of Hartley guinea pigs at a rate of 1 μl/min (n = 22). In a control group, 1.0 μl of Lipofectamine, with no siRNA, was diluted into OptiMEM and injected in a similar fashion (n = 5). Hearing tests were performed before and either at 24 hours, 48 hours, or 5 days after injection. Afterward, animals were euthanized, and cochleae were harvested for imaging. Control cochleae were processed in parallel to untreated guinea pigs.

Results

Fluorescence, indicating successful transfection, was observed within the basal and middle turns of the cochlea with limited distribution in the apex at 24 and 48 hours. Signal was most intense in the organ of Corti, spiral ligament, and spiral ganglion. Little to no fluorescence was observed at 5 days post-injection. No significant changes in auditory brainstem response (ABR) were noted post-perforation at 5 days, suggesting that siRNA-Lipofectamine at low doses does not cause cochlear toxicity.

Conclusions

Small volumes of siRNA and Lipofectamine can be effectively delivered to cochlear structures using microneedles, paving the way for atraumatic cochlear gene therapy.
A first-in-kind MAPK13 inhibitor that can correct stem cell reprogramming and post-injury disease
Authors: Zhang Yong , Wu Kangyun , Mao Dailing , Iberg Courtney A. , Yin-Declue Huiqing , Sun Kelly , Wikfors Hallie A. , Keeler Shamus P. , Li Ming , Young Deanna , Yantis Jennifer , Crouch Erika C. , Chartock Joshua R. , Han Zhenfu , Byers Derek E. , Brody Steven L. , Romero Arthur G. , Holtzman Michael J.
Published: August 2024

The stress kinase MAPK13 (aka p38δ-MAPK) is an attractive entry point for therapeutic intervention because it regulates the structural remodeling that can develop after epithelial barrier injury in the lung and likely other tissue sites. However, a selective, safe, and effective MAPK13 inhibitor is not yet available for experimental or clinical application. Here we identify a first-in-kind MAPK13 inhibitor using structure-based drug design combined with a screening funnel for cell safety and molecular specificity. This inhibitor (designated NuP-4) down-regulates basal-epithelial stem cell reprogramming, structural remodeling, and pathophysiology equivalently toMapk13gene-knockout in mouse and mouse organoid models of post-viral lung disease. This therapeutic benefit persists after stopping treatment as a sign of disease modification and attenuates key aspects of inflammation and remodeling as an indication of disease reversal. Similarly, NuP-4 treatment can directly control cytokine-stimulated growth, immune activation, and mucinous differentiation in human basal-cell organoids. The data thereby provide a new tool and potential fix for long-term stem cell reprogramming after viral injury and related conditions that require MAPK13 induction-activation.

New and noteworthy

This study identifies a small-molecule inhibitor for MAPK13 with efficacy and safety in models of the long-term disease that features epithelial stem cell reprogramming towards inflammation and structural remodeling. The present model has direct implications for respiratory disease triggered by viral infection and other inhaled toxins, but the tissue distribution of MAPK13 implies related actions at other epithelial barrier sites. The findings also refine a hypothesis for therapeutic intervention based on proper adjustment of MAPK13 function with a selective kinase inhibitor.
Retrosplenial cortex encodes both local and global space in connected environments
Authors: Laurent Celia , Smith David M , Sargolini Francesca , Jacob Pierre-Yves
Published: August 2024

In everyday life, mammals have to find their way between interconnected spaces. How the brain processes spatial information in these complex environments is a crucial question for understanding how we navigate. Theoretical frameworks have proposed that the brain presents simultaneous activities that are either maintained in connected spaces (global reference frame) or distinguished in each space (local reference frames). The different head direction signals discovered in the retrosplenial cortex (RSC) suggest that this brain area supports both local and global spatial activity. We tested this hypothesis by recording RSC neurons in environments consisting of 2 or 4 connected rooms that are either identical or different. We observed two types of head direction activity simultaneously: one showing opposite or orthogonal directional activity in the 2 and 4 connected spaces and thus anchored to local reference frames, and one maintaining a stable head direction activity across connected spaces and thus anchored to the global reference frame. We also found that other RSC neurons show a spatial pattern that repeats oppositely or orthogonally in the 2 and 4 connected spaces respectively. In contrast, hippocampal place cells activity never shows opposite or orthogonal patterns, but rather a spatial remapping or a translational repeated activity. Overall, the results show that only the RSC has the simultaneous neuronal activity necessary to form a spatial representation in connected environments.
Efficient Long-Range Entanglement Using Dynamic Circuits
Authors: Bäumer Elisa , Tripathi Vinay , Wang Derek S. , Rall Patrick , Chen Edward H. , Majumder Swarnadeep , Seif Alireza , Minev Zlatko K.
Published: August 2024

Quantum simulation traditionally relies on unitary dynamics, inherently imposing efficiency constraints on the generation of intricate entangled states. In principle, these limitations can be superseded by nonunitary, dynamic circuits. These circuits exploit measurements alongside conditional feed-forward operations, providing a promising approach for long-range entangling gates, higher effective connectivity of near-term hardware, and more efficient state preparations. Here, we explore the utility of shallow dynamic circuits for creating long-range entanglement on large-scale quantum devices. Specifically, we study two tasks: controlled- gate teleportation between up to 101 qubits by feeding forward 99 midcircuit measurement outcomes, and the preparation of Greenberger–Horne–Zeilinger states with genuine entanglement. In the former, we observe that dynamic circuits can outperform their unitary counterparts. In the latter, by tallying instructions of compiled quantum circuits, we provide an error budget detailing the obstacles that must be addressed to unlock the full potential of dynamic circuits. Looking forward, we expect dynamic circuits to be useful for generating long-range entanglement in the near term on large-scale quantum devices.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Analysis of micro-defect-induced cracking in the IPyC layer of TRISO particle with the XFEM
Authors: Li Yunhao , Wei Qian , Li Luxian
Published: August 2024

Purpose

We use the extended finite element method (XFEM) to model the whole process of initiation and propagation of cracks in the inner dense pyrolytic carbon (IPyC) layer of tri-structural isotropic (TRISO) particle induced by the microdefect in an irradiation-induced thermomechanical coupling environment and study the effect of microdefect sizes on the propagation path.

Design/methodology/approach

The irradiation-induced thermal–mechanical coupling analysis is first conducted for the representative volume element (RVE) of the TRISO particle by using the conventional finite element method (CFEM) so that the stress distribution is obtained. The stress results are then restored for the enriched elements, and the simulation of crack initiation and propagation is eventually carried out by using the XFEM.

Findings

1. As a crack initiates in the IPyC layer, it will terminate at the free edge of the RVE TRISO particle in the end. 2. The size of the microdefect has a significant impact on the propagation path.

Originality/value

The ceramic dispersion microencapsulated (CDM) fuel is a good accident-resistant fuel whose safe operation is crucial to the safety and reliability of the whole nuclear reactor. It is of great scientific significance and practical value to study the irradiation-induced thermomechanical coupling stress distribution and cracking behavior in the IPyC layer of TRISO particles for the CDM fuel. Crack initiation and propagation analysis is challengeable for this complex multi-layer structure. This can help understand the failure mechanism of TRISO particles and evaluate the operation safety of the reactor.
Reinforcement learning for cooling rate control during quenching
Authors: Hachem Elie , Vishwasrao Abhijeet , Renault Maxime , Viquerat Jonathan , Meliga P.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The premise of this research is that the coupling of reinforcement learning algorithms and computational dynamics can be used to design efficient control strategies and to improve the cooling of hot components by quenching, a process that is classically carried out based on professional experience and trial-error methods. Feasibility and relevance are assessed on various 2-D numerical experiments involving boiling problems simulated by a phase change model. The purpose of this study is then to integrate reinforcement learning with boiling modeling involving phase change to optimize the cooling process during quenching.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed approach couples two state-of-the-art in-house models: a single-step proximal policy optimization (PPO) deep reinforcement learning (DRL) algorithm (for data-driven selection of control parameters) and an in-house stabilized finite elements environment combining variational multi-scale (VMS) modeling of the governing equations, immerse volume method and multi-component anisotropic mesh adaptation (to compute the numerical reward used by the DRL agent to learn), that simulates boiling after a phase change model formulated after pseudo-compressible Navier–Stokes and heat equations.

Findings

Relevance of the proposed methodology is illustrated by controlling natural convection in a closed cavity with aspect ratio 4:1, for which DRL alleviates the flow-induced enhancement of heat transfer by approximately 20%. Regarding quenching applications, the DRL algorithm finds optimal insertion angles that adequately homogenize the temperature distribution in both simple and complex 2-D workpiece geometries, and improve over simpler trial-and-error strategies classically used in the quenching industry.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this constitutes the first attempt to achieve DRL-based control of complex heat and mass transfer processes involving boiling. The obtained results have important implications for the quenching cooling flows widely used to achieve the desired microstructure and material properties of steel, and for which differential cooling in various zones of the quenched component will yield irregular residual stresses that can affect the serviceability of critical machinery in sensitive industries.
Calendar anomalies’ adaptiveness in exchange rates: evidence from the concordance coefficient and AR-GARCH tests
Authors: Villarreal-Samaniego Dacio
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This research aims to examine the time-varying behavior of the Weekend, Turn-of-the-Month, January, and Halloween effects in eight foreign exchange rates against the U.S. dollar from the Adaptive Market Hypothesis (AMH) perspective. It also explores whether these anomalies can generate excess returns compared to a buy-and-hold strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

Using daily return data from January 2004 to December 2023 in a rolling-window framework, the study employs the Concordance Coefficient test and AR-GARCH models to assess the time-varying behavior of four calendar anomalies. It also assesses the statistical significance of the trading strategies implied by these anomalies using t-tests and applies F-tests for subperiod analysis.

Findings

The results reveal a generalized time-varying presence of calendar anomalies in emerging currencies and, to a lesser extent, developed currencies. However, the trading strategies implied by these anomalies generally did not show statistical significance, except for the Turn-of-the-Month effect, which exhibited statistically significant unprofitability.

Originality/value

The study pioneers an analysis of five calendar anomalies across various currencies from the standpoint of the AMH and proposes case-specific explanations for their occurrence. It also examines the potential for the anomalies’ implied trading strategies to generate excess returns compared to a straightforward buy-and-hold strategy. Additionally, the study introduces the recently developed Concordance Coefficient test as a valuable alternative to other non-parametric methods.
Effects of performance appraisal on employees’ extra-role behaviors and turnover intentions – A parallel mediation model
Authors: Ghani Bilqees , Malik Muhammad Abdur Rahman , Memon Khalid Rasheed
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Research on the underlying mechanisms that transfer the effects of performance appraisal (PA) on employees’ behaviors and intentions remains scarce. The social exchange view of performance appraisal can be a source of deeper understanding about these underlying mechanisms. This study aims to investigate how psychological empowerment (PE) and organizational commitment (OC) explain the link between performance appraisal and three important distal outcomes: voice behavior (VB), organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), and turnover intentions (TOI).

Design/methodology/approach

The current study utilizes two wave – two source data from a sample of 250 employees and their supervisors from private organizations in Pakistan and tested the mediation model using SMART-PLS.

Findings

Results demonstrated that organizational commitment mediated the effects of performance appraisal on VB, OCB, and TOI, whereas psychological empowerment mediated the effects of performance appraisal on VB and OCB. These results have significant implications for theory and practice.

Originality/value

This study adopts the social exchange perspective to examine the mediation mechanisms linking PA with the three distal outcomes: VB, OCB and TOI. The paper identifies two novel mediators of PA – outcome relationship, i.e., psychological empowerment and organizational commitment.
The path to overcoming the liability of foreignness using the eclectic paradigm: evidence from China
Authors: Wang Na , Sun Huan
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine different paths to overcoming the liability of foreignness. Based on the eclectic paradigm, the authors construct a theoretical framework comprising enterprise nature, location choice, entry mode and internationalization strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method to test the framework with data covering 120 multinational Chinese subsidiaries in 34 host in 2019.

Findings

The results show that liability of foreignness (LOF) is multiple concurrency, equifinality and asymmetry. When investing in Belt and Road (B&R) countries, non-SEOs can weaken LOF by applying the greenfield mode and resource-seeking strategy, other MNEs can implement a market- or resource-seeking strategy via cross-border M&A to reduce LOF. But when investing in non-B&R countries with a strategic asset-seeking strategy, the LOF is increased. The B&R initiative can reduce the LOF effectively.

Originality/value

The authors construct a general framework to explain the paths of overcoming LOF by bridging the OLI with LOF and introduce fsQCA method into the field of LOF to make up for the shortcoming of existing test method by explaining the influence of more than three factors on LOF.
Effect of different beam distances in laser soldering process: a numerical and experimental study
Authors: Nazarudin Muhammad Zaim Hanif , Abas Mohamad Aizat , Wan Ahmad Kamil Wan Maryam , Ahmad Nadzri Faiz Farhan , A. Zahiri Saifulmajdy , Mohd Sharif Mohamad Fikri , Che Ani Fakhrozi , Zawawi Mohd Hafiz
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effect of different beam distance by understanding laser beam influence on solder joint quality. The utilisation numerical-based simulations and experimental validation will help to minimise the formation of micro void in PTH that can lead to cracks and defects on passive devices.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses a combination approach of numerical-based simulation using Finite Volume Method (FVM) and experimental validation to explore the impact of different laser beam distances on solder joint quality in PTH assemblies. The study visualises solder flow and identifies the optimal beam distance for placing a soldering workpiece and a suitable tolerance distance for inserting the solder wire.

Findings

The simulation results show the formation of micro void that occurs in PTH region with low volume fraction and unbalance heat concentration profile observed. The experimental results indicate that the focus point of the laser beam at a 99.0 mm distance yields the smallest beam size. Simulation visualisation demonstrates that the laser beam’s converging area at +4.6 mm from the focus point which provides optimal tolerance distances for placing the solder wire. The high-power laser diode exhibits maximum tolerance distance at 103.6 mm from the focus point where suitable beam distance for positioning of the soldering workpiece with 50% laser power. The simulation results align with the IPC-A-610 standard, ensuring optimal filling height, fillet shape with a 90° contact angle and defect-free.

Practical implications

This research provides implications for the industry by demonstrating the capability of the simulation approach to produce high-quality solder joints. The parameters, such as beam distance and power levels, offer practical guidelines for improving laser soldering processes in the manufacturing industry.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the field by combining high-power laser diode technology with numerical-based simulations to optimise the beam distance parameters for minimising micro void formation in the PTH region.
Blind spectral inversion of seismic data
Authors: Sun Yaoguang , Cao Siyuan , Chen Siyuan , Su Yuxin
Published: August 2024

Reflectivity inversion is a key step in reservoir prediction. Conventional sparse‐spike deconvolution assumes that the reflectivity (reflection coefficient series) is sparse and solves for the reflection coefficients by an L1‐norm inversion process. Spectral inversion is an alternative to sparse‐spike deconvolution, which is based on the odd–even decomposition algorithm and can accurately identify thin layers and reduce the wavelet tuning effect without using constraints from logging data, from horizon interpretations or from an initial model of the reflectivity. In seismic processing, an error exists in wavelet extraction because of complex geological structures, resulting in the low accuracy of deconvolution and inversion. Blind deconvolution is an effective method for solving the problem mentioned above, which comprises seismic wavelet and reflectivity sequence, assuming that the wavelets that affect some subsets of the seismic data are approximately the same. Therefore, we combined blind deconvolution with spectral inversion to propose blind spectral inversion. Given an initial wavelet, we can calculate the reflectivity based on spectral inversion and update the wavelet for the next iteration. During the update processing, we add the smoothness of the wavelet amplitude spectrum as a regularization term, thus reducing the wavelet oscillation in the time domain, increasing the similarity between inverted and initial wavelets, and improving the stability of the solution. The blind spectral inversion method inherits the wavelet robustness of blind deconvolution and high resolution of spectral inversion, which is suitable for reflectivity inversion. Applications to synthetic and field seismic datasets demonstrate that the blind spectral inversion method can accurately calculate the reflectivity even when there is an error in wavelet extraction.
Social Impact Business Angels as New Impact Investors
Authors: Viglialoro Davide , Botelho Tiago , Ughetto Elisa , Laspia Alessandro , Landoni Paolo
Published: August 2024

This study aims to understand how business angels (BAs) who intentionally prioritize investments in start‐ups with a significant social impact (i.e. social impact business angels, SBAs) differ in their characteristics from non‐social BAs. We also examine which features of the investment process of SBAs differ from those of non‐social BAs, and whether social impact considerations are included in investors’ decision‐making. The study also proposes a conceptual model that integrates the relationships between individual characteristics, the likelihood of acting as an SBA, and management of the investment process with the inclusion of both economic and impact concerns. Our analyses are based on a sample of 212 surveyed BAs and on follow‐up interviews with 10 SBAs. We find that certain investor characteristics can explain how SBAs differ from non‐social angels. SBAs follow a similar investment process to other BAs, but they conduct additional evaluations focused on the impact potential of the opportunities.
Disrupting the olfactory response in Monochamus saltuarius: Two potential target genes for controlling the vector insect of pine wilt disease
Authors: Zhang Rong , Wang Jue , Zhang Yanlong , Wang Xizhuo , Zhang Zhen , Kong Xiangbo , Liu Fu , Fang Jiaxing , Zheng Yanan , Zhang Sufang
Published: August 2024

Worldwide, pine forests have been threatened by a devastating pine wood disease caused by Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, with Monochamus saltuarius being a newly recorded vector of the disease in Northeast China. The olfactory system plays important roles in both feeding and oviposition during the adult stage of M. saltuarius, and olfactory gene function research is essential for gaining an understanding of the olfactory mechanisms of this pest. However, there is limited information available regarding olfactory gene functions in this pest. In the present study, we selected 7 olfactory genes, including 2 chemosensory proteins, 2 odorant‐binding proteins, the odorant co‐receptor and 2 odorant receptors, which were relatively highly expressed during the adult stage. We silenced these genes by RNA interference (RNAi), and real‐time quantitative PCR was used to detect their expression levels after double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) injection. The results indicate that these genes were significantly downregulated at 2 d post‐dsRNA injection, and this was sustained until 5 d post‐injection. Electroantennography tests indicated that the knockdown of MsalOBP14 and MsalOrco impaired the olfactory response of M. saltuarius to 11 host volatiles and 1 sex pheromone compound. Y‐tube experiments further confirmed that downregulated MsalOBP14 and MsalOrco expression led to olfactory dysfunction in M. saltuarius, which significantly lost selectivity. The results indicate that MsalOBP14 and MsalOrco play critical roles in sex communication and host volatile detection in M. saltuarius, and possibly represent 2 effective targets for controlling this forest pest through olfactory disruption.