bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The transcriptomic response to cannabidiol of Treponema denticola, a phytocannabinoid‐resistant periodontal pathogen
Authors: Tan Jinlian , Lamont Gwyneth J. , Sekula Michael , Hong HeeJue , Sloan Lucy , Scott David A.
Published: December 2023

Aim

The use of cannabis, which contains multiple antimicrobials, may be a risk factor for periodontitis. We hypothesized that multiple oral spirochetes would be phytocannabinoid‐resistant and that cannabidiol (CBD) would act as an environmental stressor to which Treponema denticola would respond transcriptionally, thereby providing first insights into spirochetal survival strategies.

Materials and Methods

Oral spirochete growth was monitored spectrophotometrically in the presence and absence of physiologically relevant phytocannabinoid doses, the transcriptional response to phytocannabinoid exposure determined by RNAseq, specific gene activity fluxes verified using qRT‐PCR and orthologues among fully sequenced oral spirochetes identified.

Results

Multiple strains of oral treponemes were resistant to CBD (0.1–10 μg/mL), while T. denticola ATCC 35405 was resistant to all phytocannabinoids tested (CBD, cannabinol [CBN], tetrahydrocannabinol [THC]). A total of 392 T. denticola ATCC 35405 genes were found to be CBD‐responsive by RNAseq. A selected subset of these genes was independently verified by qRT‐PCR. Genes found to be differentially activated by both methods included several involved in transcriptional regulation and toxin control. Suppressed genes included several involved in chemotaxis and proteolysis.

Conclusions

Oral spirochetes, unlike some other periodontal bacteria, are resistant to physiological doses of phytocannabinoids. Investigation of CBD‐induced transcriptomic changes provided insight into the resistance mechanisms of this important periodontal pathogen. These findings should be considered in the context of the reported enhanced susceptibility to periodontitis in cannabis users.
TaSRO1 interacts with TaVP1 to modulate seed dormancy and pre‐harvest sprouting resistance in wheat
Authors: Liu Shupeng , Li Li , Wang Wenlong , Xia Guangmin , Liu Shuwei
Published: December 2023

Dormancy is an adaptive trait which prevents seeds from germinating under unfavorable environmental conditions. Seeds with weak dormancy undergo pre‐harvest sprouting (PHS) which decreases grain yield and quality. Understanding the genetic mechanisms that regulate seed dormancy and resistance to PHS is crucial for ensuring global food security. In this study, we illustrated the function and molecular mechanism of TaSRO1 in the regulation of seed dormancy and PHS resistance by suppressing TaVP1. The tasro1 mutants exhibited strong seed dormancy and enhanced resistance to PHS, whereas the mutants of tavp1 displayed weak dormancy. Genetic evidence has shown that TaVP1 is epistatic to TaSRO1. Biochemical evidence has shown that TaSRO1 interacts with TaVP1 and represses the transcriptional activation of the PHS resistance genes TaPHS1 and TaSdr. Furthermore, TaSRO1 undermines the synergistic activation of TaVP1 and TaABI5 in PHS resistance genes. Finally, we highlight the great potential of tasro1 alleles for breeding elite wheat cultivars that are resistant to PHS.
Maintaining the avian wing aerofoil: Relationships between the number of primary and secondary flight feathers and under‐lying skeletal size in birds
Authors: Deeming D. C. , Durkin M. , Nudds R. L.
Published: December 2023

Bird wings vary in size and morphology in terms of both size and number of feathers and the underlying skeletal anatomy. The number of primary remiges does not seem to vary much between bird species but, by contrast, the number of secondary remiges is reported to range between 6 and 40 depending on bird size. Given that the primaries are attached to the manus, and the secondaries are attached to the ulna, it was predicted that as bone lengths increased with increasing size of the bird, then feather count would increase. Data were collected for 268 species from 25 different orders, and phylogenetically controlled analysis explored the allometry between feather count and bone size. The number of primaries was typically 10 or 11 and did not vary with manus size. By contrast, the number of secondaries increased with ulna length, but only in some orders. For example, in Gruiformes, the number of secondary feathers increased concomitantly with ulna length but despite a two orders of magnitude range in body mass, almost all species in the Passeriformes had nine secondary remiges. It is unclear why, for instance, species with an ulna length of 70 mm can have between 9 and 24 secondaries depending on their order. This variation in secondary feather number can be added to variation in relative wing bone lengths, flight feather lengths, flight feather mechanical properties, and flight feather vane densities as another potential mechanism of adaptation to flight requirements. The apparent constraint of wingspan is scaling as approximately body mass1/3. Further research is needed to explore whether changes in secondary feather number relative to ulna length are accompanied by changes in feather vane width or the overlap of adjacent feathers and how this relates to wing aerodynamics.
Sunlight, culture and state capacity
Authors: Ezcurra Roberto
Published: December 2023

This paper examines the impact of ultraviolet radiation (UV‐R) on state capacity. The results indicate that the intensity of UV‐R is a strong predictor of cross‐country differences in state capacity. Countries with a higher degree of UV‐R exposure tend on average to have weaker states. This finding remains unaffected after controlling for different variables that may be correlated with both UV‐R and state capacity, including an extensive set of geographical, historical and contemporary factors. The observed link between sunlight and state capacity is not driven by potential outliers and is robust to the employment of alternative measures of state capacity, estimation methods and other sensitivity checks. Furthermore, the analysis also reveals that the individualistic–collectivist dimension of culture acts as a transmission channel connecting UV‐R and state capacity. The estimates show that a lower degree of UV‐R exposure leads to the adoption of individualistic values, which in turn contribute to the development of state capacity.
Developmental transcriptomes predict adult social behaviours in the socially flexible sweat bee, Lasioglossum baleicum
Authors: Omufwoko Kennedy S. , Cronin Adam L. , Nguyen Thi Thu Ha , Webb Andrew E. , Traniello Ian M. , Kocher Sarah D.
Published: December 2023

Natural variation can provide important insights into the genetic and environmental factors that shape social behaviour and its evolution. The sweat bee, Lasioglossum baleicum, is a socially flexible bee capable of producing both solitary and eusocial nests. We demonstrate that within a single nesting aggregation, soil temperatures are a strong predictor of the social structure of nests. Sites with warmer temperatures in the spring have a higher frequency of social nests than cooler sites, perhaps because warmer temperatures provide a longer reproductive window for those nests. To identify the molecular correlates of this behavioural variation, we generated a de novo genome assembly for L. baleicum, and we used transcriptomic profiling to compare adults and developing offspring from eusocial and solitary nests. We find that adult, reproductive females have similar expression profiles regardless of social structure in the nest, but that there are strong differences between reproductive females and workers from social nests. We also find substantial differences in the transcriptomic profiles of stage‐matched pupae from warmer, social‐biased sites compared to cooler, solitary‐biased sites. These transcriptional differences are strongly predictive of adult reproductive state, suggesting that the developmental environment may set the stage for adult behaviours in L. baleicum. Together, our results help to characterize the molecular mechanisms shaping variation in social behaviour and highlight a potential role of environmental tuning during development as a factor shaping adult behaviour and physiology in this socially flexible bee.
The role of hypothalamic Orexin‐A in stress‐induced gastric dysmotility: An agonistic interplay with corticotropin releasing factor
Authors: Sinen Osman , Akçalı İrem , Akkan Simla Su , Bülbül Mehmet
Published: December 2023

Background

Central Orexin‐A (OXA) modulates gastrointestinal (GI) functions and stress response. This study aimed to investigate whether OXA and CRF interact at hypothalamic level.

Methods

Solid gastric emptying (GE), fecal output (FO), plasma corticosterone (CORT), and postprandial antro‐pyloric motility were assessed in rats that underwent acute restraint stress (ARS) and pretreated with central OX1R and/or CRF receptor antagonists SB‐334867 and alpha‐helical CRF9,41. Microdialysis was performed to assess ARS‐induced release of OXA and CRF in PVN and LHA, respectively. Immunofluorescence labeling was performed to detect the stress‐induced changes in OXA and to assess the hypothalamic distribution of OX1R and CRF1/2 receptors. ARS‐induced c‐Fos immunoreactivity was evaluated in PVN and LHA of rats received OX1R and CRF receptor antagonists.

Key Results

ARS delayed GE by disturbing the coordination of antro‐pyloric contractions while stimulating FO and CORT secretion. ARS‐induced alterations in GE, FO, plasma CORT, and antro‐pyloric motility were attenuated by OX1R and/or CRF receptor antagonists, however, these changes were completely restored in rats received both antagonists. ARS stimulated release of OXA and CRF which were significantly attenuated by α‐CRF9,41 and SB‐334867, respectively. The OX1R was detected in CRF‐immunoreactive cells, whereas dense expression of CRF2 receptor but not CRF1 was observed in LHA. ARS remarkably increased OXA immunoreactivity in LHA. ARS‐induced c‐Fos expression in LHA and PVN was abolished by α‐CRF9,41 and SB‐334867, respectively.

Conclusions & Inferences

Our findings suggest a reciprocal contribution of OXA and CRF which seems to be involved in the mediation of stress‐induced alterations in neuroendocrine and GI motor functions.
Increased SARS‐CoV‐2 reactive low avidity T cells producing inflammatory cytokines in pediatric post‐acute COVID‐19 sequelae (PASC)
Authors: Paniskaki Krystallenia , Goretzki Sarah , Anft Moritz , Konik Margarethe J. , Meister Toni L. , Pfaender Stephanie , Lechtenberg Klara , Vogl Melanie , Dogan Burcin , Dolff Sebastian , Westhoff Timm H. , Rohn Hana , Felderhoff‐Mueser Ursula , Stervbo Ulrik , Witzke Oliver , Dohna‐Schwake Christian , Babel Nina
Published: December 2023

Background

A proportion of the convalescent SARS‐CoV‐2 pediatric population presents nonspecific symptoms, mental health problems, and a reduction in quality of life similar to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and long COVID‐19 symptomatic. However, data regarding its clinical manifestation and immune mechanisms are currently scarce.

Methods

In this study, we perform a comprehensive clinical and immunological profiling of 17 convalescent COVID‐19 children with post‐acute COVID‐19 sequelae (PASC) manifestation and 13 convalescent children without PASC manifestation. A detailed medical history, blood and instrumental tests, and physical examination were obtained from all patients. SARS‐CoV‐2 reactive T‐cell response was analyzed via multiparametric flow cytometry and the humoral immunity was addressed via pseudovirus neutralization and ELISA assay.

Results

The most common PASC symptoms were shortness of breath/exercise intolerance, paresthesia, smell/taste disturbance, chest pain, dyspnea, headache, and lack of concentration. Blood count and clinical chemistry showed no statistical differences among the study groups. We detected higher frequencies of spike (S) reactive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells among the PASC study group, characterized by TNFα and IFNγ production and low functional avidity. CRP levels are positively correlated with IFNγ producing reactive CD8+ T cells.

Conclusions

Our data might indicate a possible involvement of a persistent cellular inflammatory response triggered by SARS‐CoV‐2 in the development of the observed sequelae in pediatric PASC. These results may have implications on future therapeutic and prevention strategies.
Childhood maltreatment, dissociation and borderline personality disorder: Preliminary data on the mediational role of mentalizing in complex post‐traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Bateman Anthony , Rüfenacht Eva , Perroud Nader , Debbané Martin , Nolte Tobias , Shaverin Lisa , Fonagy Peter
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Treatments for borderline personality disorder (BPD) and post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are less effective for patients with co‐occurring symptoms of both disorders, who are considered to have complex PTSD (cPTSD), compared with patients with either condition alone. Evidence suggests that co‐occurrence of symptoms indicates greater impairment in mentalizing. This study examines evidence for targeting mentalizing when treating individuals with co‐occurring symptoms, irrespective of their exposure to developmental trauma and, for the first time, investigates the mediational role of mentalizing in the associations between BPD symptomatology and cPTSD.

Design

We identified in a routine clinical service a group of patients with BPD, with or without co‐occurring symptoms of PTSD. We hypothesized that patients with co‐occurring symptoms and a history of childhood maltreatment will show more severe clinical profiles and greater mentalizing problems, which in turn lead to symptoms consistent with cPTSD.

Method

Clinical profiles of 72 patients with BPD (43 with and 29 without co‐occurring symptoms of PTSD; mean age in both groups 28 years, 79% and 83% female, respectively) were identified using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV Axis II Disorders. Patients completed self‐report measures of BPD and PTSD symptoms, well‐being, dissociation and reflective functioning. Childhood trauma histories were evaluated.

Results

Compared with patients with BPD‐only, those with co‐occurring BPD and PTSD showed greater severity in terms of BPD and dissociative symptoms, met a broader range of BPD diagnostic criteria, had a greater sense of personal worthlessness and self‐evaluated their well‐being as considerably diminished. This group was also more inclined to recall increased instances of childhood sexual abuse. In a mediation analysis, mentalizing acted as a partial mediator for the relationship between BPD severity and cPTSD, as well as between dissociative symptoms and cPTSD. Interestingly, mentalizing did not mediate the relationship between childhood sexual abuse and cPTSD.

Conclusions

Overall, the correlational findings are consistent with an intended focus on mentalizing to treat cPTSD symptoms in individuals who also meet criteria for a diagnosis of BPD.
Revolutionizing carbon chemistry: Solar‐powered C(sp3)–N bond activation and CO2 transformation via newly designed SBE‐Y cutting‐edge dynamic photocatalyst
Authors: Shahin Rehana , Yadav Rajesh K. , Verma Rajesh K. , Singh Chandani , Singh Satyam , Kim Tae Wu , Gupta Navneet K. , Baeg Jin OoK
Published: December 2023

A solvent‐free sulfur‐bridge‐eosin‐Y (SBE‐Y) polymeric framework photocatalyst was prepared for the first time through an in situ thermal polymerization route using elemental sulfur (S8) as a bridge. The addition of a sulfur bridge to the polymeric framework structure resulted in an allowance of the harvesting range of eosin‐Y (E‐Y) for solar light. This shows that a wider range of solar light can be used by the bridge material's photocatalytic reactions. In this context, supercharged solar spectrum: enhancing light absorption and hole oxidation with sulfur bridges. This suggests that the excited electrons and holes through solar light can contribute to oxidation–reduction reactions more potently. As a result, the photocatalyst‐enzyme attached artificial photosynthesis system developed using SBE‐Y as a photocatalyst performs exceptionally well, resulting in high 1,4‐NADH regeneration (86.81%), followed by its utilization in the exclusive production of formic acid (210.01 μmol) from CO2 and synthesis of fine chemicals with 99.9% conversion yields. The creation of more effective photocatalytic materials for environmental clean‐up and other applications that depend on the solar light‐driven absorption spectrum of inorganic and organic molecules could be one of the practical ramifications of this research.
Empowerment and Entrepreneurship on WeChat: A Focus on Shared Stories of Muslim Women Entrepreneurs in China
Authors: Xin Zheng , Wan Noordin Wan Norban
Published: December 2023

New media entrepreneurship is already the most popular business model today. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the motivation and strategies of Muslim women entrepreneurship on WeChat. Design/ Methods/ Methodology - Using a qualitative research design, the data for our survey was obtained from 8 female entrepreneurs in Yiwu City. The authors conduct in-depth interviews methods to enable women to express their stories and experience voluntarily and truly in entrepreneurship activities. The interview data was analyzed using thematic analysis. The study found that factors such to increase family income, intention to experience into entrepreneurial activities, and the ease of new media technology, have prompted Muslim women to start an online business. Furthermore, using WeChat, entrepreneurs and customers establish emotional connections to promote business development. Another key factor was also elaborated in this study where Muslim women strive to balance the relationship between family and their business. Implications and conclusion were also described in this research.
Hyperexcitability of muscle spindle afferents in jaw‐closing muscles in experimental myalgia: Evidence for large primary afferents involvement in chronic pain
Authors: Sas Dar'ya , Gaudel Fanny , Verdier Dorly , Kolta Arlette
Published: December 2023

The goals of this review are to improve understanding of the aetiology of chronic muscle pain and identify new targets for treatments. Muscle pain is usually associated with trigger points in syndromes such as fibromyalgia and myofascial syndrome, and with small spots associated with spontaneous electrical activity that seems to emanate from fibers inside muscle spindles in EMG studies. These observations, added to the reports that large‐diameter primary afferents, such as those innervating muscle spindles, become hyperexcitable and develop spontaneous ectopic firing in conditions leading to neuropathic pain, suggest that changes in excitability of these afferents might make an important contribution to the development of pathological pain. Here, we review evidence that the muscle spindle afferents (MSAs) of the jaw‐closing muscles become hyperexcitable in a model of chronic orofacial myalgia. In these afferents, as in other large‐diameter primary afferents in dorsal root ganglia, firing emerges from fast membrane potential oscillations that are supported by a persistent sodium current (INaP) mediated by Na+ channels containing the α‐subunit NaV1.6. The current flowing through NaV1.6 channels increases when the extracellular Ca2+ concentration decreases, and studies have shown that INaP‐driven firing is increased by S100β, an astrocytic protein that chelates Ca2+ when released in the extracellular space. We review evidence of how astrocytes, which are known to be activated in pain conditions, might, through their regulation of extracellular Ca2+, contribute to the generation of ectopic firing in MSAs. To explain how ectopic firing in MSAs might cause pain, we review evidence supporting the hypothesis that cross‐talk between proprioceptive and nociceptive pathways might occur in the periphery, within the spindle capsule.
Discussion of Certain Problems in Regard to Marine Diesel Oil Engines
Authors: Anderson John W.
Published: December 2023

The methods of reversing as originally adopted in the German design for two-cycle engines and the method developed by an American firm for four-cycle engines, are discussed. A modification introduced in a two-cycle slow-speed engine used in a submarine tender proved satisfactory.

Diesel engines are usually started by means of compressed air; in small marine engines, a clutch between the engine and the propeller permits the independent starting of the engine. In all cases a smooth start is secured by bringing first the temperature in the cylinders to approximately the same value it has under working conditions. Regular turning moment and definite ignitions in the cylinders make possible the successful operation of a Diesel engine at slow speed. In the large sizes a smooth running at low speeds with light loads is obtained by a mechanism controlling the lift and timing of the spray valve.

While lubrication by gravity is used successfully in large open-frame slow-speed engines, the increasing adoption of forced lubrication in engines of all types and sizes is an evidence of the superior advantages of the latter system.

The satisfactory results given by the 2500-hp. six-cylinder two-cycle Diesel engines of the U. S. S. “Maumee” point out that all ocean-going cargo vessels can be equipped with Diesel engines.

Several features of the fuel system, the arrangement of the exhaust piping, the varieties of muffler, and the systems of cooling the various parts of Diesel engines, are considered from the point of view of the author’s experience.
Industrial Organization as it Affects Executives and Workers
Authors: Knoeppel Charles E.
Published: December 2023

The reconstruction of the world after so many years of war must be based on efficient industrial organization. The type of organization required should be established along sound lines from a proper consideration of individual relations between men.

The author, from a studious survey of his experience as an executive, emphasizes as essentials in the formulation of definite laws of organization: The necessity of having an objective in the mind before beginning to work; the exclusive concentration of each man to definite functions; the avoidance of confusion and conflict of authorities; the proper division of departments in order to insure that each executive has complete control of all the factors affecting the success of his function; the creation of divisions which will develop specialists; the provision for permanency by training men to fill the positions of their superiors; the exact definition of the duties of each employee and of his relations to the others; the logical selection of personnel according to individual qualifications; and the creation of a standard manufacturing practice.

Valuable suggestions are also given in regard to the question of establishing an efficient administration. Delegating authority to subordinates, overlooking minor details, listening to wise counsel and arousing initiative in employees are recommended as important points in the exercise of industrial authority.
Radiation Error in Measuring Temperature of Gases
Authors: Kreisinger Henry , Barkley J. F.
Published: December 2023

In measuring the temperature of a stream of hot gases surrounded by colder or hotter surfaces, heat radiates to or from the measuring instrument, making it read high or low, and the difference between the true temperature of the gases and that indicated by the instrument is called the radiation error.

The paper enumerates the factors with which this error varies, and to show the magnitude of the effects of some of them, gives results of a series of measurements made with thermocouples placed at different points along the paths of gases flowing through water-tube boilers, citing one instance where the error under certain conditions can be as much as 320 deg. cent.
A Foundation for Machine-Tool Design and Construction
Authors: De Leeuw A. L.
Published: December 2023

The author emphasizes the fact that engineering development has been most rapid in those branches which have had the assistance of mathematics and science. For example, the development of the steam engine in its first stages was slow and hesitating; but when the fundamental facts of thermodynamics were understood its progress became more rapid. It thus became possible to imagine a 100-per-cent-efficient engine working on an ideal cycle, with which the operative engine could be compared.

Similarly, in respect to machine tools, questions are enumerated upon which information is needed in order to follow the line of recent development of the steam engine. These relate particularly to the functions and action of the cutting tool, the action of the cutting lubricant, etc.

Experiments already made by the author are outlined and suggested lines of experimentation are indicated.
Bagasse as a Source of Fuel
Authors: Freeland E. C.
Published: December 2023

The heating value of one pound of average dry Louisiana bagasse is found by experiment to be 8300 B.t.u., and, despite a high moisture content of about 50 per cent, it is therefore a valuable fuel. While in former years not much attention was paid to the drying of bagasse before burning it, many authorities now claim that a great saving can be effected by such a procedure. The heating value of this important fuel to the sugar industry, as influenced by the high moisture content, and the benefits of preliminary drying are discussed at length, and notes are included on devices employed by various sugar houses in its use for steaming purposes.
Filter Approximations for Random Vibroacoustics of Rigid Porous Media
Authors: Sreekumar Abhilash , Kougioumtzoglou Ioannis A. , Triantafyllou Savvas P.
Published: December 2023

An approximate efficient stochastic dynamics technique is developed for determining response statistics of linear systems with frequency-dependent parameters, which are used for modeling wave propagation through rigid porous media subject to stochastic excitation. This is done in conjunction with a filter approximation of the system frequency response function. The technique exhibits the following advantages compared to alternative solution treatments in the literature. First, relying on an input–output relationship in the frequency domain, the response power spectrum matrix is integrated analytically for determining the stationary response covariance matrix, at zero computational cost. Second, the proposed filter approximation facilitates a state-variable formulation of the governing stochastic differential equations in the time domain. This yields a coupled system of deterministic differential equations to be solved numerically for the response covariance matrix. Thus, the nonstationary (transient) response covariance can be computed in the time domain at a relatively low computational cost. Various numerical examples are considered for demonstrating the accuracy and computational efficiency of the herein developed technique. Comparisons with pertinent Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) data are included as well.
Introduction
Authors: Yeh Lian-Tuu
Published: December 2023

Telecommunication which is defined as the use of information transmission over some significant distances to communicate employs the electrical devices and the use of radio and microwave communications as well as the fiber optics and their associated electronics, plus the use of the orbiting satellites and the Internet. A telecommunication network is a collection of terminals, links and nodes which connect together so that communications can be made between users of the terminals. Networks include the circuit switching or message switching. The terminals in the network must have a unique address so the messages or connections of addresses in the network can be routed to the proper terminal/recipients. The telecommunication network generally consists of several basic components which include terminals, telecommunications processors, telecommunications channels, computers, and telecommunications control software.
Passive Two-Phase Heat Transfer Devices
Authors: Yeh Lian-Tuu
Published: December 2023

The power density of telecommunication equipment as well as computing systems is continuously increased at a fast pace. With significant increase in system power densities, the cost of powering and cooling of the equipment at the data centers and equipment host facilities has also increased greatly in the recent years. A two-phase passive heat transfer device possesses a very high heat transfer capacity because of involving latent heat. The passive two phase devices which are self regulating flow require no external power/mechanical devices such as fans and pumps and also have no moving parts.. Therefore, this passive device can perform its specified tasks while achieving the equipment energy efficiency as well as improved reliability.
Joint Thermal Resistance and Thermal Interface Materials
Authors: Yeh Lian-Tuu
Published: December 2023

Heat conduction across a joint of two solids occurs practically in every heat generated system. A significant temperature gradient occurs as heat is transferred by conduction across the joint of two solids. This is due to the thermal contact resistance generated by the surface irregularities. As shown in Figure 3.1, only a small fraction of points (less than 5%) are actually contacting each other for any two nominally flat surfaces. Therefore, additional thermal resistances, including constriction and spreading resistances are generated because of reduction of heat transfer area at the interface of two bodies. This thermal resistance of the joint is a function of the surface roughness and waviness, mechanical properties of solids, thermal properties of solids, and the contact pressure.
Air Cooling and Heat Sinks
Authors: Yeh Lian-Tuu
Published: December 2023

Simplicity and easy maintenance make direct air cooling a most attractive approach in cooling of electronics. This approach includes both active and passive methods. The former is related to forced convection while the latter represents free or natural convection. The passive cooling has always been the preferred choice. However, it is generally limited to the systems with very low heat dissipation because of poor heat transfer coefficients involved in the free convection.
System Thermal Analysis-Rack (Part II)
Authors: Yeh Lian-Tuu
Published: December 2023

The system level thermal analysis and the complete thermal design process of a telecommunication rack have been discussed in the previous chapter. Basically, the system flow rate is determined by the fan operation point which is defined as the intersection point of the fan performance curve and the system pressure drop curve. The system pressure drop is the sum of the pressure drop over the inlet, turns, air filter, EMI plates, boards and exit.
Liquid Cooled Systems
Authors: Yeh Lian-Tuu
Published: December 2023

In the cooling of electronic equipment, liquid cooling is frequently applied to high power electronic equipment because of its high heat transfer capability. Liquid cooling can further be divided into single- and two-phase flow systems. The latter involves phase change processes such as boiling or condensation that greatly increases the heat transfer capability by utilization of the latent heat. In addition, the phase change process takes place at the constant temperature.
Front Matter
Authors: Yeh Lian-Tuu
Published: December 2023

This frontmatter contains the Table of Contents, List of Figures, Preface and About the Author. It is available for access by clicking on the PDF icon below.

eBook keywords: telecommunication equipment, component, printed circuit, joint thermal resistance, thermal interface materials, air cooling, heat sinks, system thermal analysis, liquid cooled systems, two phase heat transfer devices.
Environmental sustainability and the paradox of prevention
Authors: Richie Cristina
Published: December 2023

The carbon emissions of global healthcare activities make up 4%–5% of total world emissions, with the majority coming from industrialised countries. The solution to healthcare carbon reduction in these countries, ostensibly, would be preventive healthcare, which is less resource intensive than corrective healthcare in itself and, as a double benefit, reduces carbon by preventing diseases which may require higher healthcare carbon to treat. This leads to a paradox: preventive healthcare is designed to give humans longer, healthier lives. But, by extending life spans, the carbon emissions of a person increase both over a lifetime and in the medical industry overall. At the same time, the need for higher carbon end-of-life care does not disappear, particularly in resource intensive countries. This article will first identify sources of healthcare carbon, focusing on the industrialised world, and explain various efforts towards healthcare carbon reduction, which include preventive healthcare. Second, it will develop the ‘paradox of prevention’—that preventive healthcare may save healthcare carbon by proximally reducing the need for medical treatments, but also, paradoxically, result in more healthcare carbon both in an individual’s life and in the medical industry. The third section will offer ethical principles for approaching the paradox of prevention. The conclusion will emphasise the need for institutional approaches to healthcare carbon reduction in the industrialised world, which will relieve some of the tensions of healthcare industry decarbonisation and individual healthcare carbon use.
Germline testing ofBRCA1,BRCA2,PALB2andCHEK2c.1100delC in 1514 triple negative familial and isolated breast cancers from a single centre, with extended testing ofATM,RAD51CandRAD51Din over 400
Authors: Woodward Emma R , Lalloo Fiona , Forde Claire , Pugh Sarah , Burghel George J , Schlecht Helene , Harkness Elaine F , Howell Anthony , Howell Sacha J , Gandhi Ashu , Evans D Gareth
Published: December 2023

Background

The identification of germline pathogenic gene variants (PGVs) in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is important to inform further primary cancer risk reduction and TNBC treatment strategies. We therefore investigated the contribution of breast cancer associated PGVs to familial and isolated invasive TNBC.

Methods

Outcomes of germlineBRCA1,BRCA2andCHEK2_c.1100delC testing were recorded in 1514 women (743—isolated, 771—familial), and forPALB2in 846 women (541—isolated, 305—familial), with TNBC and smaller numbers for additional genes. Breast cancer free controls were identified from Predicting Risk Of Cancer At Screening and BRIDGES (Breast cancer RIsk after Diagnostic GEne Sequencing) studies.

Results

BRCA1_PGVs were detected in 52 isolated (7.0%) and 195 (25.3%) familial cases (isolated—OR=58.9, 95% CI: 16.6 to 247.0),BRCA2_PGVs in 21 (2.8%) isolated and 67 (8.7%) familial cases (isolated—OR=5.0, 95% CI: 2.3 to 11.2),PALB2_PGVs in 9 (1.7%) isolated and 12 (3.9%) familial cases (isolated—OR=8.8, 95% CI: 2.5 to 30.4) andCHEK2_c.1100delC in 0 isolated and 3 (0.45%) familial cases (isolated—OR=0.0, 95% CI: 0.00 to 2.11).BRCA1_PGV detection rate was >10% for all familial TNBC age groups and significantly higher for younger diagnoses (familial: <50 years, n=165/538 (30.7%); ≥50 years, n=30/233 (12.9%); p<0.0001). Women with a G3_TNBC were more likely to have aBRCA1_PGV as compared with aBRCA2orPALB2_PGV (p<0.0001). 0/743 isolated TNBC had theCHEK2_c.1100delC PGV and 0/305 anyATM_PGV, but 2/240 (0.83%) had aRAD51D_PGV.

Conclusion

PGVs inBRCA1are associated with G3_TNBCs. Familial TNBCs and isolated TNBCs <30 years have a >10% likelihood of a PGV inBRCA1. BRCA1_PGVs are associated with younger age of familial TNBC. There was no evidence for any increased risk of TNBC withCHEK2orATMPGVs.
Bearing witness poetically in a pandemic: documenting suffering and care in conditions of physical isolation and uncertainty
Authors: Boydell Katherine , Lupton Deborah
Published: December 2023

The COVID-19 crisis is still affecting millions of people worldwide. However, government and mass media attention to the continuing loss of life, severe illness and prolonged effects of COVID-19 has subsided, rendering the suffering of those who have become ill or disabled, or who have lost loved ones to the disease, largely hidden from view. In this article, we employ autoethnographic poetic inquiry from the perspective of a mother/carer whose young adult daughter became critically ill and hospitalised after becoming infected while the mother herself was isolating at home due to her own COVID-19 diagnosis. The first author created a poem from notes she had made in a journal from telephone conversations and messages with the healthcare providers caring for her daughter. The second author responded to the poem, identifying the feelings and meanings it surfaced. Together, the authors draw on scholarship discussing concepts of uncertainty, liminality, moral distress, bearing witness and illness narratives to reflect on how autoethnographic poetic inquiry can document and make visible COVID-19-related suffering.
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) quality is improved from tractor traffic implemented during harvest
Authors: Rechel Eric , Miller David , Ott Rick
Published: December 2023

Studies documenting the consequences of harvest traffic in alfalfa production have addressed soil and plant growth parameters. One response was larger leaf/stem ratios in plants that were trafficked, which suggests higher quality. To fully understand how harvest traffic affects alfalfa quality a need for further analysis is warranted. Our objectives were to quantify differences in plant quality between trafficked and non-trafficked plants through 4 years of alfalfa production and to determine when these differences occur. The experimental units were furrow-irrigated raised beds with four harvests per year in Youngston clay loam soil in Fruita, Colorado. A John Deere 2280 swather and a John Deere 2955 tractor, driven over the alfalfa 7 days after swathing, were used to create four traffic treatments; plants that were never trafficked, plants trafficked only by the swather, plants trafficked only by the tractor, and plants trafficked by both the swather and the tractor. Quality was determined by measuring relative feed value, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and crude protein using near infrared reflectance spectroscopy. Alfalfa trafficked by the tractor had increased quality throughout the 4 years of production.
FRACTAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CORE DISKING FRACTURE SURFACES
Authors: LUO JIA-SHUN , XIE YA-CHEN , LIAO JIAN-XING , WU XU-NING , FANG YAN-LI , HUANG LIANG-CHAO , GAO MING-ZHONG , HOU MICHAEL Z.
Published: December 2023

The morphological characteristics of core disking can reflect the in-situ stress field characteristics to a certain extent, but a quantitative description method for disking-induced fracture surfaces is needed. The fractal geometry was introduced to refine the three-dimensional characteristics of the core disking fracture surfaces, and the disking mechanism was explored through morphological characteristics. The innovative concentric-different scale method was proposed to divide the circular surfaces into square surfaces of different sizes. Furthermore, the applicability of four cubic covering methods for single fractal calculation was studied. Finally, the relative differential cubic covering method and multifractal method were used to calculate the three-dimensional data of core disking fracture surfaces in the Jinping area. The results showed that the concentric-different scale method fits the fractal dimension changing law in the exploration of different surface sizes. Using the differential cubic covering method and the relative differential cubic covering method can obtain good results for smoother surfaces. The disking was caused by tensile stress due to high crustal stress unloading, and the cracks originated from the inside of the core. Fractal theory is conducive to analyzing the morphology of rock fracture surfaces and provides guidance for exploring the failure mechanism and influencing factors.
A Novel Ensemble Model for Brain Tumor Diagnosis
Authors: Talaat Amira Samy
Published: December 2023

The spread of brain tumors resulted in numerous deaths, and cancer patients are still being treated. Four novel models are introduced and compared in this study. The best one is the PIEnsemble model, which was created to correctly identify and classify MRI images for brain tumor classification. The PIEnsemble primarily combines three deep learning techniques, ResNet Model, GoogleNet Model, and Inception Model, integrated with two dimensionality reduction techniques, PCA and ICA, which are used for feature extraction with a combination of Linear, Batch1Norm1D, and ReLU layers. Simulations in a series on two benchmarks datasets were run to show the improved effectiveness of the PIEnsemble model. The experimental results highlighted the improvements to the PIEnsemble classifier structure, which has the highest classification accuracy ratio and superior performance to other methods, with a 98.25% accuracy for Dataset 1 and a 98.75% accuracy for Dataset 2.
Spin–Orbit Torque and Geometrical Backscattering
Authors: Tan Seng Ghee , Huang Che-Chun , Jalil Mansoor B. A. , Chang Ching-Ray , Cheng Szu-Cheng
Published: December 2023

We show in this paper that the technologically relevant field-like spin–orbit torque (SOT) shows resilience against the geometrical effect of electron backscattering. As a device grows smaller in size, the effect of geometry on physical properties like spin torque, and hence switching current could place a physical limit on the continued shrinkage of such a device — a necessary trend of all memory devices (MRAM). The geometrical effect of curves has been shown to impact quantum transport and topological transition of Dirac and topological systems. In our work, we have ruled out the potential threat of line curves degrading the effectiveness of SOT switching. In other words, SOT switching will be resilient against the influence of curves that line the circumferences of defects in the events of electron backscattering, which commonly happens in the channel of modern electronic devices.
Preliminary Theoretical Considerations on the Stiffness Characteristics of a Tensegrity Joint for the Use in Dynamic Orthoses
Authors: Schaeffer Leon , Herrmann David , Schratzenstaller Thomas , Dendorfer Sebastian , Böhm Valter
Published: December 2023

Early motion therapy plays an important role for effective long-term healing of joint injuries. In many cases, conventional dynamic orthoses fail to address the intricate movement possibilities of the underlying joints, limited by their simplistic joint representations, often represented by revolute joints, enabling rotations by only one axis. In this paper, a two-dimensional compliant tensegrity joint for use in biomedical applications is investigated. It consists of two compressed members and five compliant tensioned members. Relative movement possibilities are realized by the intrinsic compliance of the structure. In the development of these systems, the first step is the determination of the static stable equilibrium. This analysis is conducted in this paper by considering the potential energy approach or by using the geometric nonlinear finite element method. The mechanical behavior of the structure is assessed with a specific emphasis on its mechanical compliance. The primary objective of this study is the investigation of the influence of structural parameters on the overall stiffness and movability of the structure. The results underscore the significant effect of member parameters on the stiffness and movability of the compliant tensegrity joint, particularly under varying load magnitudes. These findings provide insights for optimizing the joint’s performance, contributing to its potential application in advanced orthotic and exoskeleton devices.
Process parameters and TiAlN coating impact on microwire-EDM of Ti6Al4V using PVD technique in biomedical application
Authors: John Vivek , Aggarwal Saurabh , Oza Ankit D. , Kumar Manoj , Joshi Anand , Patel Bital , Gupta Manish
Published: December 2023

The growing demand for products made of cutting-edge materials with increased attributes motivates material scientists to investigate prospective variants of such materials. Among the various categories of life-saving advanced materials are biomaterials, although shaping most of them according to the needs encounter manufacturing constraints due to their specific mechanical properties. For example, the extremely tough alloy Ti6Al4V, is renowned for its outstanding mechanical compatibility with the human body. Nonconventional means of machining have gained popularity keeping focus on the challenging machining circumstances that are well-known for their very precision and machining accuracy, no matter what type, shape, or hardness is being machined. Electrical discharge machining (EDM), for example, is the most prevalent efficient means of material removal, along with wire EDM (WEDM), [Formula: see text]-WEDM, and so on. Excess material should be removed for more particular applications of complex and baroque shapes, with a high degree of smoothing and finish, is one of the most advantageous characteristics of wedding metal dielectric material ([Formula: see text]-WEDM). In this study, we examined the effect of variable pulse-on (Ton), pulse (Toff), time (to), flushing pressure (FP), wire feed rate (WFR), wire tension (WT), voltage (SV), and peak current (PC) on [Formula: see text]-WEDM’s reliability of the machined section (SR) using physical vapor deposition (PVD) technique to deposit aluminium nitride (TiAlN) coating on the surface of the metal. The results demonstrate a substantial reduction in roughness in the mechanically produced surfaces, further demonstrating, and confirming the biocompatibility of metals dielectric materials ([Formula: see text]-WEDM) with tissues within the human body.
Understanding or Manipulation: Rethinking Online Performance Gains of Modern Recommender Systems
Authors: Zhu Zhengbang , Qin Rongjun , Huang Junjie , Dai Xinyi , Yu Yang , Yu Yong , Zhang Weinan
Published: December 2023

Recommender systems are expected to be assistants that help human users find relevant information automatically without explicit queries. As recommender systems evolve, increasingly sophisticated learning techniques are applied and have achieved better performance in terms of user engagement metrics such as clicks and browsing time. The increase in the measured performance, however, can have two possible attributions: a better understanding of user preferences, and a more proactive ability to utilize human bounded rationality to seduce user over-consumption. A natural following question is whether current recommendation algorithms are manipulating user preferences. If so, can we measure the manipulation level? In this article, we present a general framework for benchmarking the degree of manipulations of recommendation algorithms, in both slate recommendation and sequential recommendation scenarios. The framework consists of four stages, initial preference calculation, training data collection, algorithm training and interaction, and metrics calculation that involves two proposed metrics, Manipulation Score and Preference Shift. We benchmark some representative recommendation algorithms in both synthetic and real-world datasets under the proposed framework. We have observed that a high online click-through rate does not necessarily mean a better understanding of user initial preference, but ends in prompting users to choose more documents they initially did not favor. Moreover, we find that the training data have notable impacts on the manipulation degrees, and algorithms with more powerful modeling abilities are more sensitive to such impacts. The experiments also verified the usefulness of the proposed metrics for measuring the degree of manipulations. We advocate that future recommendation algorithm studies should be treated as an optimization problem with constrained user preference manipulations.