bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Variation in Young Ovine Cortical Bone Properties
Authors: Manandhar Sony , Song Hyunggwi , Moshage Sara G. , Craggette Joshua , Polk John D. , Kersh Mariana E.
Published: January 2023

Significant effort continues to be made to understand whether differences exist in the structural, compositional, and mechanical properties of cortical bone subjected to different strain modes or magnitudes. We evaluated juvenile sheep femora (age = 4 months) from the anterior and posterior quadrants at three points along the diaphysis as a model system for variability in loading. Micro-CT scans (50 micron) were used to measure cortical thickness and mineral density. Three point bending tests were performed to measure the flexural modulus, strength, and post-yield displacement. There was no difference in cortical thickness or density between anterior or posterior quadrants; however, density was consistently higher in the middle diaphysis. Interestingly, bending modulus and strength were higher in anterior quadrants compared to posterior quadrants. Together, our results suggest that there is a differential spatial response of bone in terms of elastic bending modulus and mechanical strength. The origins of this difference may lie within the variation in ongoing mineralization, in combination with the collagen-rich plexiform structure, and whether this is related to strain mode remains to be explored. These data suggest that in young ovine cortical bone, modulation of strength occurs via potentially complex interactions of both mineral and collagen-components that may be different in regions of bone exposed to variable amounts of strain. Further work is needed to confirm the physiological load state of bone during growth to better elucidate the degree to which these variations are a function of the local mechanical environment.
Thermal atomic layer etching of VO2 using sequential BCl3 and SF4 exposures: Observation of conversion, ligand-exchange, and oxidation state changes
Authors: Gertsch Jonas C. , Partridge Jonathan L. , Cano Austin M. , Clancey Joel W. , Bright Victor M. , George Steven M.
Published: January 2023

The thermal atomic layer etching (ALE) of VO2 was demonstrated using sequential exposures of BCl3 and SF4. The VO2 etch rate measured by quartz crystal microbalance investigations at 250 °C was 2.3 Å/cycle. The mass losses during individual BCl3 and SF4 reactions were nearly self-limiting versus BCl3 and SF4 exposures. The VO2 etch rates were also dependent on temperature and varied from 0.05 Å/cycle at 150 °C to 2.3 Å/cycle at 250 °C. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy studies observed VO2 etching by monitoring the decrease in absorbance from V—O stretching vibrations in the VO2 film. The FTIR spectra during the initial BCl3 exposures on the VO2 film observed the growth of absorbance from B—O stretching vibrations from B2O3 and the concurrent loss of V=O vibrational features. These changes were consistent with BCl3 converting VO2 to B2O3. The FTIR difference spectra during subsequent SF4 and BCl3 reactions also observed the growth and loss of absorbance features that were attributed to F3V=O and V—F stretching vibrations, respectively. These changes indicate that SF4 fluorinates VO2 to form a VOF3 surface layer and then BCl3 undergoes ligand-exchange with VOF3 to volatilize the VOF3 surface layer as VOCl3. There was also evidence for conversion of VO2 to B2O3 during BCl3 exposures and then removal of B2O3 by SF4 exposures. In addition, quadrupole mass spectrometry (QMS) measurements observed that the SF4 exposures produced ion intensities for SOxFyClz products in oxidation states greater than 4+. These SOxFyClz products indicate that SF4 is being oxidized and acting as a deoxyfluorination reactant. Concurrently, the QMS analysis also monitored ion intensity for S8+, S7+, S6+, S5+, and S4+. These S8 electron impact ionization products argue that SF4 oxidation occurs concurrently with SF4 reduction. The QMS also observed ion intensities corresponding to VCl4+ and VOCl3+. The presence of VOCl3+ indicates that the oxidation state of vanadium has increased to 5+ in some of the volatile etch products. The QMS also detected trichloroboroxin (B3O3Cl3) during BCl3 exposures. B3O3Cl3 is a known etch product of B2O3 during BCl3 exposures. BCl3 can convert VO2 to B2O3 and then proceed to etch the converted B2O3. Thermal VO2 ALE using BCl3 and SF4 reveals the rich complexity of surface etching reactions that can proceed by multiple pathways including conversion, ligand-exchange, and oxidation state changes.
Neurodevelopmental disorder–associated mutations in TAOK1 reveal its function as a plasma membrane remodeling kinase
Authors: Beeman Neal , Sapre Tanmay , Ong Shao-En , Yadav Smita
Published: January 2023

Mutations in
TAOK1
, which encodes a serine-threonine kinase, are associated with both autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and neurodevelopmental delay (NDD). Here, we investigated the molecular function of this evolutionarily conserved kinase and the mechanisms through which
TAOK1
mutations may lead to neuropathology. We found that TAOK1 was abundant in neurons in the mammalian brain and remodeled the neuronal plasma membrane through direct association with phosphoinositides. Our characterization of four NDD-associated
TAOK1
mutations revealed that these mutants were catalytically inactive and were aberrantly trapped in a membrane-bound state, which induced abnormal membrane protrusions. Expression of these TAOK1 mutants in cultured mouse hippocampal neurons led to abnormal growth of the dendritic arbor. The coiled-coil region carboxyl-terminal to the kinase domain was predicted to fold into a triple helix, and this region directly bound phospholipids and was required for both membrane association and induction of aberrant protrusions. Autophosphorylation of threonine-440 and threonine-443 in the triple-helical region by the kinase domain blocked the plasma membrane association of TAOK1. These findings define TAOK1 as a plasma membrane remodeling kinase and reveal the underlying mechanisms through which TAOK1 dysfunction may lead to neurodevelopmental disorders.
A fossil oceanic lithosphere preserved inside a continent
Authors: Wu Shucheng , Yang Yingjie , Xu Yixian , Afonso Juan Carlos , Zhang Anqi
Published: January 2023

The recycling of oceanic lithosphere into the deep mantle at subduction zones is one of the most fundamental geodynamic processes on Earth. During the closure of an ocean, ancient oceanic slabs are thought to be consumed entirely in subduction zones due to their negative buoyancy. Yet, it is recently suggested that small pieces of oceanic slabs could be trapped along paleo-subduction zones. What remains far more enigmatic is whether significant portions of paleo-oceanic lithosphere could eventually avoid the fate of subduction and be accreted to continental lithosphere, thus contributing to continental growth through time. We present seismic evidence for a preserved paleo-oceanic lithosphere beneath the Junggar region in northwestern China. We show that unsubducted oceanic lithosphere in the West Junggar has been preserved beneath the Junggar Basin, becoming a piece of the Eurasian continent. This scenario is likely to have occurred in other continents throughout Earth’s history, providing an additional and commonly underestimated contribution to the growth of continental lithosphere.
The role of surface processes in basin inversion and breakup unconformity
Authors: Mondy Luke S. , Rey Patrice F. , Duclaux Guillaume
Published: January 2023

In the context of continental extension, transient compressional episodes (stress inversion) and phases of uplift (depth inversion) are commonly recorded with no corresponding change in plate motion. Changes in gravitational potential energy during the rifting process have been invoked as a possible source of compressional stresses, but their magnitude, timing, and relationship with depth inversions remain unclear. Using high-resolution two-dimensional numerical experiments of the full rifting process, we track the dynamic interplay between the far-field tectonic forces, loading and unloading of the surface via surface processes, and gravitational body forces. Our results show that rift basins tend to localize compressive stresses; they record transient phases of compressional stresses as high as 30 MPa and experience a profound depth inversion, 2 km in magnitude, when sediment supply ceases, providing an additional driver for the breakup unconformity, a well-documented phase of regional uplift typically associated with continental breakup.
Deep segmentation of OCTA for evaluation and association of changes of retinal microvasculature with Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Xie Jianyang , Yi Quanyong , Wu Yufei , Zheng Yalin , Liu Yonghuai , Macerollo Antonella , Fu Huazhu , Xu Yanwu , Zhang Jiong , Behera Ardhendu , Fan Chenlei , Frangi Alejandro F , Liu Jiang , Lu Qinkang , Qi Hong , Zhao Yitian
Published: January 2023

Background

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) enables fast and non-invasive high-resolution imaging of retinal microvasculature and is suggested as a potential tool in the early detection of retinal microvascular changes in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). We developed a standardised OCTA analysis framework and compared their extracted parameters among controls and AD/mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in a cross-section study.

Methods

We defined and extracted geometrical parameters of retinal microvasculature at different retinal layers and in the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) from segmented OCTA images obtained using well-validated state-of-the-art deep learning models. We studied these parameters in 158 subjects (62 healthy control, 55 AD and 41 MCI) using logistic regression to determine their potential in predicting the status of our subjects.

Results

In the AD group, there was a significant decrease in vessel area and length densities in the inner vascular complexes (IVC) compared with controls. The number of vascular bifurcations in AD is also significantly lower than that of healthy people. The MCI group demonstrated a decrease in vascular area, length densities, vascular fractal dimension and the number of bifurcations in both the superficial vascular complexes (SVC) and the IVC compared with controls. A larger vascular tortuosity in the IVC, and a larger roundness of FAZ in the SVC, can also be observed in MCI compared with controls.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates the applicability of OCTA for the diagnosis of AD and MCI, and provides a standard tool for future clinical service and research. Biomarkers from retinal OCTA images can provide useful information for clinical decision-making and diagnosis of AD and MCI.
Effects of socioeconomic status on baseline values and outcomes at 24 months in the Treatment of Advanced Glaucoma Study randomised controlled Trial
Authors: King Anthony J , Hudson Jemma , Azuara-Blanco Augusto , Kirwan James F , Goyal Saurabh , Lim Kin Sheng , Maclennan Graeme
Published: January 2023

Background/aims

Socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with late disease presentation and poorer outcomes. We evaluate the effect of SES on treatment outcomes and report the correlation between SES and baseline characteristics of participants in the Treatment of Advanced Glaucoma Study.

Methods

Pragmatic multicentre randomised controlled trial. Four hundred and fifty-three patients presenting with advanced open-angle glaucoma in at least one eye (Hodapp-Parrish-Anderson classification). Participants were randomised to either glaucoma drops (medical arm) or trabeculectomy (surgery arm). Clinical characteristics, Quality of life measurement (QoL) and SES defined by the Index of Multiple Deprivation are reported. Subgroup analysis explored treatment effect modifications of SES at 24 months. Correlation between SES and baseline characteristics was tested with the χ2test of association for dichotomous variables and pairwise Pearson’s correlation for continuous variables.

Results

The mean visual field mean deviation was −17.2 (6.7)dB for the most deprived quintile of participants and −13.0 (5.5) for the least deprived quintile in the index eye. At diagnosis, there was a strong correlation between SES and ethnicity, age, extent of visual field loss and number of visits to opticians prior to diagnosis. At 24 months, there was no evidence that the treatment effect was moderated by SES.

Conclusions

In patients presenting with advanced glaucoma. SES at baseline is correlated with poorer visual function, poorer Visual Function Questionnaire-25 QoL, ethnicity, age and number visits to an optician in the years preceding diagnosis. SES at baseline does not have an effect of the success of treatment at 24 months.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN56878850.
What predicts drug-free type 2 diabetes remission? Insights from an 8-year general practice service evaluation of a lower carbohydrate diet with weight loss
Authors: Unwin David , Delon Christine , Unwin Jen , Tobin Simon , Taylor Roy
Published: January 2023

Background

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is often regarded as a progressive, lifelong disease requiring an increasing number of drugs. Sustained remission of T2D is now well established, but is not yet routinely practised. Norwood surgery has used a low-carbohydrate programme aiming to achieve remission since 2013.

Methods

Advice on a lower carbohydrate diet and weight loss was offered routinely to people with T2D between 2013 and 2021, in a suburban practice with 9800 patients. Conventional ‘one-to-one’ GP consultations were used, supplemented by group consultations and personal phone calls as necessary. Those interested in participating were computer coded for ongoing audit to compare ‘baseline’ with ‘latest follow-up’ for relevant parameters.

Results

The cohort who chose the low-carbohydrate approach (n=186) equalled 39% of the practice T2D register. After an average of 33 months median (IQR) weight fell from 97 (84–109) to 86 (76–99) kg, giving a mean (SD) weight loss of −10 (8.9)kg. Median (IQR) HbA1c fell from 63 (54–80) to 46 (42–53) mmol/mol. Remission of diabetes was achieved in 77% with T2D duration less than 1 year, falling to 20% for duration greater than 15 years. Overall, remission was achieved in 51% of the cohort. Mean LDL cholesterol decreased by 0.5 mmol/L, mean triglyceride by 0.9 mmol/L and mean systolic blood pressure by 12 mm Hg. There were major prescribing savings; average Norwood surgery spend was £4.94 per patient per year on drugs for diabetes compared with £11.30 for local practices. In the year ending January 2022, Norwood surgery spent £68 353 per year less than the area average.

Conclusions

A practical primary care-based method to achieve remission of T2D is described. A low-carbohydrate diet-based approach was able to achieve major weight loss with substantial health and financial benefit. It resulted in 20% of the entire practice T2D population achieving remission. It appears that T2D duration <1 year represents an important window of opportunity for achieving drug-free remission of diabetes. The approach can also give hope to those with poorly controlled T2D who may not achieve remission, this group had the greatest improvements in diabetic control as represented by HbA1c.
Auditing the quality of epidemic decision-making in Somalia: a pilot evaluation
Authors: Warsame Abdihamid , Ore Abdikadir , Azad Abdullah , Hassan Farhan , Blanchet Karl , Palmer Jennifer , Checchi Francesco
Published: January 2023

Objective

To assess decision-making quality through piloting an audit tool among decision-makers responding to the COVID-19 epidemic in Somalia.

Design and setting

We utilised a mixed-methods programme evaluation design comprising quantitative and qualitative methods. Decision-makers in Somalia piloted the audit tool generating a scorecard for decision-making in epidemic response. They also participated in key informant interviews discussing their experience with the audit process and results.

Participants

A total of 18 decision-makers from two humanitarian agencies responding to COVID-19 in Somalia were recruited to pilot the audit tool.

Outcome measures and analysis

We used thematic analysis to assess the feasibility and perceived utility of the audit tool by intended users (decision-makers). We also calculated Fleiss’ Kappa to assess inter-rater agreement in the audit scorecard.

Results

The audit highlighted areas of improvement in decision-making among both organisations including in the dimensions of accountability and transparency. Despite the audit occurring in a highly complex operating environment, decision-makers found the process to be feasible and of high utility. The flexibility of the audit approach allowed for organisations to adapt the audit to their needs. As a result, organisation reported a high level of acceptance of the findings.

Conclusion

Strengthening decision-making processes is key to realising the objectives of epidemic response. This pilot evaluation contributes towards this goal by the testing what, to our knowledge, may be the first tool designed specifically to assess quality of decision-making processes in epidemic response. The tool has proven feasible and acceptable in assessing decision-making quality in an ongoing response and has potential applicability in assessing decision-making in broader humanitarian response.
Tumor CEMIP drives immune evasion of colorectal cancer via MHC-I internalization and degradation
Authors: Zhang Biying , Li Jiao , Hua Qingling , Wang Haihong , Xu Guojie , Chen Jiayuan , Zhu Ying , Li Ruiqi , Liang Qing , Wang Lanqing , Jin Min , Tang Jing , Lin Zhenyu , Zhao Lei , Zhang Dejun , Yu Dandan , Ren Jinghua , Zhang Tao
Published: January 2023

Background

Loss of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) in tumor cells limits the use of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in colorectal cancer. Nevertheless, the regulatory mechanism of MHC-I downregulation in tumor cells has not been fully elucidated. Overexpression of CEMIP in tumor tissues is associated with a poor prognosis in colorectal cancer. Here, in this research, we aim to address the role of CEMIP in mediating MHC-I expression in tumor cells and investigate the underlying regulatory mechanisms.

Method

Protein levels were analyzed by western blotting. Flow cytometry analysis was used to examine immune cells. Protein–protein interactions were investigated by co-immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assays. The intracellular trafficking of MHC-I was revealed by an immunofluorescent technique. In addition, the effect of CEMIP on tumor growth and the antitumor efficacy of targeting CEMIP in combination with ICB therapy were evaluated in murine models of colorectal cancer.

Results

We reported that CEMIP specifically downregulated the expression of MHC-I on the surface of murine and human colon cancer cells, hindering the cytotoxicity of CD8+T cells. We also demonstrated that CEMIP restricted CD8+T-cell antitumor activities both in vitro and in vivo due to impaired MHC-I-mediated antigen presentation. Correspondingly, the combination of CEMIP inhibition and ICB impeded tumor growth and enhanced therapeutic efficacy. Mechanistically, CEMIP acted as an adaptor for the interaction betweenMHC-I and clathrin, which drove MHC-I internalization via clathrin-dependent endocytosis. Furthermore, CEMIP anchored internalized MHC-I to lysosomes for degradation, disrupting the recycling of MHC-I to the cell surface.

Conclusion

Overall, our study unveils a novel regulatory mechanism of MHC-I on tumor cell surfaces by CEMIP-mediated internalization and degradation. Furthermore, targeting CEMIP provides an effective strategy for colorectal cancer immunotherapy.
Tailored antiplatelet therapy in stent assisted coiling for unruptured aneurysms: a nationwide registry study
Authors: Koh Jun Seok , Hwang Gyojun , Park Jung Cheol , Lee Chang-Young , Chung Joonho , Lee Sang-Weon , Kwon Hyon-Jo , Kim Seong-Rim , Kang Dong-Hun , Kwon Soon Chan , Kim Sung-Tae , Chang Chul Hoon , Jang Dong-Kyu , Choi Jae Hyung , Kim Young Woo , Kim Bum-Tae , Shin Byoung Gook , You Seung Hoon , Chung Seung Young , Ko Junkyeung , Kim Tae Gon , Yoon Seok-Mann , Lee Jong Young , Park Hyun , Park Jung Hyun , Cho Jae-Hoon , Koo Hae-Won , Sung Jae Hoon , Rhee Jinnie , Shin Ho Gyun
Published: January 2023

Background

Antiplatelet therapy, where regimens are tailored based on platelet function testing, has been introduced into neurointerventional surgery. This nationwide registry study evaluated the effect and safety of tailored antiplatelet therapy in stent assisted coiling for unruptured aneurysms compared with conventional therapy using a standard regimen.

Methods

This study enrolled 1686 patients in 44 participating centers who received stent assisted coiling for unruptured aneurysms between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019. The standard regimen (aspirin and clopidogrel) was used for all patients in the conventional group (924, 19 centers). The regimen was selected based on platelet function testing (standard regimen for clopidogrel responders; adding cilostazol or replacing clopidogrel with other thienopyridines (ticlopidine, prasugrel, or ticagrelor) for clopidogrel non-responders) in the tailored group (762, 25 centers). The primary outcome was thromboembolic events. Secondary outcomes were bleeding and poor outcomes (increase in modified Rankin Scale score). Outcomes within 30 days after coiling were compared using logistic regression analysis.

Results

The thromboembolic event rate was lower in the tailored group than in the conventional group (30/762 (3.9%) vs 63/924 (6.8%), adjusted OR 0.560, 95% CI 0.359 to 0.875, P=0.001). The bleeding event rate was not different between the study groups (62/762 (8.1%) vs 73/924 (7.9%), adjusted OR 0.790, 95% CI 0.469 to 1.331, P=0.376). Poor outcomes were less frequent in the tailored group (12/762 (1.6%) vs 34 (3.7%), adjusted OR 0.252, 95% CI 0.112 to 0.568, P=0.001).

Conclusion

Tailored antiplatelet therapy in stent assisted coiling for unruptured aneurysms reduced thromboembolic events and poor outcomes without increasing bleeding.
Reflections on the process of adapting hospital performance measures for an LMIC tertiary care setup
Authors: Alam Ashar
Published: January 2023

The hospital performance measurement is critical for any institute to identify its areas of improvement and take appropriate corrective and preventive actions. However, to design a framework that is globally acceptable has always been a challenging task. The developed countries have formulated a few models but that cannot be implemented in the developing world without understanding their context. In this paper, we are sharing our process of sifting through the numerous frameworks and models to come up with an approach that works for Indus Hospital and Health Network. We also intend to highlight the leadership thought process and challenges in coming up with and implementing our approach. Our framework is based on including volume measures to the traditional value in healthcare measures of cost-effectiveness and quality. Moreover, our measurements were done at specialty or medical condition level in various types of services offered at our hospital. We have implemented this framework in our tertiary care hospital and deem that this model has given us the liberty to design key performance indicators according to specialties, services and medical conditions being dealt in our various facilities. We hope our experience will give healthcare leaders in similar settings ideas of how best to implement hospital performance indicators based on their own circumstances.
Randomised experiment for the effect of ‘Tobacco-Free Nicotine’ messaging on current e-cigarette users’ perceptions, preferences and intentions
Authors: Ratnapradipa Kendra , Samson Kaeli , Dai Hongying Daisy
Published: January 2023

Background

It is unclear whether emerging synthetic tobacco-free nicotine superiority messages such as ‘better flavor and better experience’ and ‘no residual impurities of tobacco-derived nicotine’ may impact consumer perception and product choice between synthetic and tobacco-derived nicotine vaping products.

Methods

Through a 2022 online survey of current e-cigarette users, we identified synthetic nicotine never users for randomisation into an embedded between-subjects experiment. The test group (n=186) viewed a tobacco-free nicotine message versus no message control (n=168). Multivariable regressions assessed messaging effects on three comparative measures between tobacco-free and tobacco-derived nicotine: harm perception, purchase intention and willingness to pay.

Results

Participants (n=354; age, mean (SD)=34.6 (11.1) years old) were recruited from geographically diverse regions with 27.7% rural residents. The overall sample comprised 44.1% females, 73.5% non-Hispanic white and 71.8% daily e-cigarette users. Sociodemographics and tobacco use status were not significantly different between two randomised groups. The test group (vs control) reported a higher intention to use tobacco-free than tobacco-derived nicotine vaping products (adjusted OR (AOR)=2.4, 95% CI 1.3 to 4.4, p=0.006) and willingness to pay more for tobacco-free nicotine vaping products (AOR=2.6, 95% CI 1.2 to 5.8, p=0.02). Urban (vs rural) synthetic-naïve vapers had lower harm perception (AOR=2.0, 95% CI 1.1 to 3.6, p=0.02) and higher intention to use tobacco-free than tobacco-derived nicotine vaping products (AOR=2.2, 95% CI 1.1 to 4.5, p=0.04); infrequent vapers were more willing to pay more for tobacco-free nicotine vaping products (AOR=1.1, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.17, p=0.002).

Conclusion

Tobacco-free nicotine marketing message may prompt the transition to and promote a price premium for such products. With the proliferation of products in the market, comprehensive regulation of emerging synthetic vaping products is needed.
Breastfeeding in Canada: predictors of initiation, exclusivity, and continuation from the 2017–2018 Canadian Community Health Survey
Authors: Chan Kathleen , Labonté Jocelyne M. , Francis Jane , Zora Haley , Sawchuk Sandra , Whitfield Kyly C.
Published: January 2023

Human milk is the ideal source of nutrition for infants; however, adherence to breastfeeding recommendations is suboptimal and availability of Canadian breastfeeding data are limited. Using the 2017–2018 Canadian Community Health Survey Public Use Microdata File (Maternal Experiences Module, n = 5558, weighted n = 1 669 462) we computed breastfeeding indicators and explored sociodemographic, health, and geographical predictors of breastfeeding with univariate logistic regression models. Nationally, of all participants who gave birth in the preceding 5 years, 91% initiated breastfeeding, 43% exclusively breastfed to ≥5 months and 35% to ≥6 months, 56% reported any breastfeeding at ≥6 months, and 31% reported breastfeeding at ≥12 months. Breastfeeding cessation was most commonly attributed to insufficient milk supply (25%), but reasons differed significantly by breastfeeding duration. Breastfeeding initiation, exclusivity for ≥5 months, and extended breastfeeding ≥12 months all differed by geographic region, and by most sociodemographic and health characteristics. Positive breastfeeding outcomes were highest in British Columbia, and lowest in Quebec and the Atlantic region, and generally higher if caregivers had recently immigrated to Canada, were married, were >30 years of age, were not White, were nonsmoking, had completed postsecondary education, and had an annual household income >$40 000. These disparities indicate the need for tailored, equitable approaches to breastfeeding support, and continued regional monitoring of breastfeeding outcomes.
Spectroscopy of Ωccc and Ωbbb baryons
Authors: Kakadiya Amee , Shah Zalak , Rai Ajay Kumar
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we study the properties of triply charm and triply bottom baryon. The mass spectra of these baryons are calculated in nonrelativistic constituent quark model with Coulomb plus screened potential. Several states [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] of the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] baryons with quantum number [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] are determined. Regge trajectories are also plotted to determine the quantum number of baryons. Moreover, the magnetic moments are calculated for [Formula: see text].
Analysis of Risk Spillover and Asymmetry Between Three Crude Oil Markets and Chinese Financial Markets
Authors: Ling Meijun , Cao Guangxi
Published: January 2023

Providing a scientific basis and method to ensure the smooth functioning of the Chinese crude oil market would be hugely significant to China’s future economic development and security. To this end, attempts have been made to both internationalize the Shanghai crude oil market and minimize financial risks. This paper selects three crude oil markets (INE, WTI and Brent) and five Chinese financial markets (the futures, bond, fund, stock and foreign exchange markets) as the research objects. The Diebold and Yilmaz spillover index model and the multifractal asymmetric detrended cross-correlation analysis (MF-ADCCA) method are used to study the volatility spillover effect and the asymmetric cross-correlation between crude oil markets and financial markets. When the volatility spillover effect and the asymmetric relationship that exists between the financial markets are examined, the volatility spillover of the oil market to the financial market is found to be significantly higher than that of the financial market to the oil market. In particular, the spillover effect was even more significant from late-2019 to early-2020. Analysis demonstrates an asymmetric cross-correlation between crude oil markets and the abovementioned five Chinese financial markets. In particular, the impact of the Chinese crude oil market on the stock market is greatest, especially with respect to the Brent and WTI crude oil markets. Except for the bond market, when the INE and Brent markets are increasing, the risk exposure to financial markets is more significant. Among financial markets, INE-Bond market asymmetry is stronger than WTI-bond market asymmetry, but weaker than that of the Brent-Bond market when there are large fluctuations.
Evaluation of Spaceport Site Selection Criteria Based on Hesitant Z-Fuzzy Linguistic Terms: A Case for Türkiye
Authors: İlhan Melike , Gündoğdu Fatma Kutlu
Published: January 2023

The location of the spaceport is a significant factor in increasing the success of operations and reducing costs. To choose a suitable site, critical features need to be defined and evaluated. In this context, critical criteria have been collected and prioritized to determine the location of Türkiye’s spaceport. As space technologies are a new subject in Türkiye, expert evaluations include some uncertainty. To overcome this problem, a hybrid methodology based on hesitant fuzzy set theory has been developed by integrating two fuzzy multicriteria decision-making methods. By using hesitant fuzzy Z-DEMATEL, the relationships between the criteria were revealed, and the weights of the criteria were calculated by hesitant fuzzy Z-cognitive mapping method. According to the results, the most important main criteria are technical requirements, infrastructure, and cost and economy, while the most important sub-criteria are technical factors, flight safety/cruise route, and main/supporting infrastructure. To show the validity of the proposed methodology, the spherical fuzzy AHP method was employed for the same case. The comparative analysis has determined the same criteria as significant with the proposed methodology. The research would help policymakers and businesses better understand the critical criteria to spaceport site selection to catch the space race worldwide.
Klein–Gordon oscillator with scalar and vector potentials in topologically charged Ellis–Bronnikov-type wormhole
Authors: Moussa Abbad , Aounallah Houcine , Rudra Prabir , Ahmed Faizuddin
Published: January 2023

In this work, we study the Klein–Gordon oscillator with equal scalar and vector potentials in a topologically charged Ellis–Bronnikov wormhole space-time background. The behaviour of a relativistic oscillator field is studied with a position-dependent mass via transformation [Formula: see text] and vector potential through a minimal substitution in the wave equation. Simplifying the Klein–Gordon oscillator equation for three different types of potential, such as linear confining, Coulomb-type, and Cornell-type potential and we arrive at a second-order differential equation known as the biconfluent Heun (BCH) equation and the corresponding confluent Heun function. Finally, we solve the wave equation by the Frobenius method as a power series expansion around the origin and obtain the energy levels and the wave function.
A Study on Effective Compressive and Shear Properties of Tetrahedral Lattice Materials
Authors: Liu Hui , Long Lianchun
Published: January 2023

Tetrahedral lattice materials can be used as the core of a sandwich structure. The properties of tetrahedral lattice materials can be controlled by modifying their geometrical parameters and relative density. In this paper, a tetrahedral lattice structure deformation mechanism-based theoretical analysis model is established to predict the effective mechanical properties of the structure under compressive and shear loadings. The analytical solutions are subsequently verified by finite element analysis of a large-scale lattice material model. Based on the obtained results, the effects of the geometrical parameters, relative density, and shear deformation are discussed. At a specific relative density, as strut inclination angle increases: (1) the effective compressive modulus in the z-direction increases; (2) the effective compressive modulus in x- and y-directions, and the effective shear modulus in xy-, xz-, and yz-directions firstly increases but then decreases; (3) the effective Poisson’s ratios [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] increase, whereas, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] decrease. With an increase in relative density, the effective compressive and shearing modulus increase, the effective Poisson’s ratios remain constant, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are always equal to 0 when the strut inclination angle is [Formula: see text]. The effect of shear deformation on the effective mechanical properties increases as the slenderness ratio increases. The predicted effective properties enable the tetrahedral lattice unit cells to be treated as “material” in the design and analysis process.
Stability and bifurcation analysis of a size-stage-structured cooperation model
Authors: Li Yajing , Liu Zhihua
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we propose a size-stage-structured cooperation model which has two distinct life stages in facultative cooperator. The primary feature of this model is to consider size structure, stage structure and obligate and facultative symbiosis at the same time in a cooperation system. We use the method of characteristic to show that this new model can be reduced to a threshold delay equations (TDEs) model, which can be further transformed into a functional differential equations (FDEs) model by a simple change of variables. Such simplification allows us to apply the classical theory of FDEs and establish a set of sufficient conditions to investigate the qualitative analysis of solutions of the FDEs model, including the global existence and uniqueness, positivity and boundedness. What’s more, we use the geometric criteria to get the conclusions about stability and Hopf bifurcation of positive equilibrium because the coefficients of the characteristic equation depend on the bifurcation parameter. Finally, numerical simulations are carried out as supporting evidences of our analytical results. Our results show that the presence of size structure and stage structure plays an important role in the dynamic behavior of the model.
Study of Structural, Dielectric, Electrical and Optical Properties of the Sr3CuTi4O12 Ceramics
Authors: Parida S. K. , Jena Tapaswinee , Sahu A. , Choudhary R. N. P.
Published: January 2023

In the present investigation, the synthesis of the strontium copper titanate [Formula: see text] ceramic by the cost-effective solid-state reaction was reported. The structural analysis suggests a single-phase tetragonal crystal symmetry with space group P4/mmm. The average crystallite size and mechanical compressive microlattice strain are found to be 65.8[Formula: see text]nm and 0.000594, respectively. The study of the field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) micrograph suggests that grains and grain boundaries are uniformly distributed on the sample surface with less porosity. The study of Raman lines suggests the presence of all constituent elements, which is well supported by EDAX analysis. The UV–Vis spectroscopy analysis shows that the bandgap of SCTO is about 3.2[Formula: see text]eV suitable for photovoltaic and other higher-temperature sensor applications. The decrease of dielectric constant with frequency supports the reduction of space charge polarization. The modulus analysis suggests that the immobile charge carriers at lower and defects and oxygen vacancies at higher temperatures are responsible for the thermally activated conduction process. The calculated activation energies are 4.54[Formula: see text]meV, 4.40[Formula: see text]meV, 3.39[Formula: see text]meV and 3.29[Formula: see text]meV at 1[Formula: see text]kHz, 10[Formula: see text]kHz, 100[Formula: see text]kHz and 1[Formula: see text]MHz; the decrease with the rise of the frequency confirms a thermally activated conduction process. Thermistor constant [Formula: see text], sensitivity factor [Formula: see text] and stability factor of the sample were calculated, which confirms the characteristics of the NTC thermistor. The Nyquist and Cole–Cole semicircular arcs confirm NTCR character and are found to be suitable applications for energy storage devices and thermistors.
Specific heat and magnetic effects in orthotropic piezoelectric micropolar medium under three-phase-lag thermoelastic model
Authors: Tochhawng Lalawmpuia , Singh S. S. , Debnath Sanjay
Published: January 2023

This paper investigates the nature of physical variables and phase speed of elastic waves in the heat conducting orthotropic magneto-micropolar piezoelectric material under the three-phase-lag model. Using normal mode analysis and appropriate boundary conditions, we obtain the expression of these physical variables of the material. It is evident that five elastic waves can propagate through such a continuum material. The physical variables and phase speed of elastic waves are computed numerically. The effects of magnetic intensity and specific heat of the material on these variables and phase speed are illustrated graphically. Two-dimensional graphs which are of sinusoidal form and three-dimensional graphs of these physical variables are also presented.
Poly-Grid Spectral Element Modeling for Wave Propagation in Complex Elastic Media
Authors: Su Chang , Seriani Géza
Published: January 2023

Modeling elastic waves in complex media, with varying physical properties, require very accurate algorithms and a great computational effort to avoid nonphysical effects. Among the numerical methods the spectral elements (SEM) have a high precision and ease in modeling such problems and the physical domains can be discretized using very coarse meshes with elements of constant properties. In many cases, models with very complex geometries and small heterogeneities, shorter than the minimum wavelength, require grid resolution down to the thinnest scales, resulting in an extremely large problem size and greatly reducing accuracy and computational efficiency. In this paper, a poly-grid method (PG-CSEM) is presented that can overcome this limitation. To accurately deal with continuous variations or even small-scale fluctuations in elastic properties, temporary auxiliary grids are introduced that prevent the need to use large meshes, while at the macroscopic level wave propagation is solved maintaining the SEM accuracy and computational efficiency as confirmed by the numerical results.
Religion, Morality, and Economics: Insights from the Sikh Tradition
Authors: Singh Nirvikar
Published: January 2023

This paper analyses the Sikh religious tradition in light of research on the connections between religion, morality, and economics. Sikhism provides a compact and well-documented example of the creation and evolution of a religious community, in which moral guidance is paramount, but interacts with material incentives and material conditions. The time scale of this case, and its geographic and conceptual location in juxtaposition to Hinduism and Islam, make Sikh tradition a useful additional data point for analyses of the relationship of religion, morality, and economics. At the same time, considering the Sikh tradition in these more general conceptual frameworks provides a clearer understanding of this specific case.
Survey on p-adic meromorphic functions sharing five small ones on a work by Ta Thi Hoai An and Nguyen Viet Phuong, with some additional properties
Authors: Escassut Alain
Published: January 2023

Let [Formula: see text] be a complete ultrametric algebraically closed field of characteristic 0, let D be the open disk [Formula: see text] and let [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] be two meromorphic functions in [Formula: see text] (respectively, two unbounded meromorphic functions in D, respectively, two meromorphic functions in E) having infinitely many zeros or poles in E sharing five small meromorphic functions in the same set (ignoring multiplicity). Then [Formula: see text]. Moreover, if f and g have finitely many poles in [Formula: see text] (respectively, in D, respectively, in E), and share three small functions, (ignoring multiplicity), then [Formula: see text]. We define archi-branched small functions and show that a meromorphic function f (in [Formula: see text], D, or E) cannot have five archi-branched small functions.
Lower Bounds for Semialgebraic Range Searching and Stabbing Problems
Authors: Afshani Peyman , Cheng Pingan
Published: January 2023

In the semialgebraic range searching problem, we are given a set of
n
points in ℝ

d

, and we want to preprocess the points such that for any query range belonging to a family of constant complexity semialgebraic sets (Tarski cells), all the points intersecting the range can be reported or counted efficiently. When the ranges are composed of simplices, the problem is well-understood: It can be solved using
S(n)
space and with
Q(n)
query time with

\(S(n)Q(n)^d = \tilde{O}(n^d),\)

where the

\(\tilde{O}(\cdot)\)

notation hides polylogarithmic factors and this trade-off is tight (up to
n

o
(1)

factors). In particular, there exist “low space” structures that use
O(n)
space with
O
(
n

1-1/
d
}

) query time [
8
,
25
] and “fast query” structures that use
O
(
n

d

) space with
O
(log
n
) query time [
9
]. However, for general semialgebraic ranges, only “low space” solutions are known, but the best solutions [
7
] match the same trade-off curve as simplex queries, with
O
(
n
) space and

\(\tilde{O}(n^{1-1/d})\)

query time. It has been conjectured that the same could be done for the “fast query” case, but this open problem has stayed unresolved.

Here, we disprove this conjecture. We give the first nontrivial lower bounds for semialgebraic range searching and other related problems. More precisely, we show that any data structure for reporting the points between two concentric circles, a problem that we call 2D annulus reporting, with
Q
(
n
) query time must use

\(S(n)=\overset{\scriptscriptstyle o}{\Omega }(n^3/Q(n)^5)\)

space, where the

\(\overset{\scriptscriptstyle o}{\Omega }(\cdot)\)

notation hides

\(n^{o(1)}\)

factors, meaning, for

\(Q(n)=\log ^{O(1)}n\)

,

\(\overset{\scriptscriptstyle o}{\Omega }(n^3)\)

space must be used. In addition, we study the problem of reporting the subset of input points in a polynomial slab defined by

\(\lbrace (x,y)\in \mathbb {R}^2:P(x)\le y\le P(x)+w\rbrace\)

, where

\(P(x)=\sum _{i=0}^\Delta a_i x^i\)

is a univariate polynomial of degree Δ and

\(a_0, \ldots , a_\Delta , w\)

are given at the query time, a problem that we call polynomial slab reporting. For this, we show a space lower bound of

\(\overset{\scriptscriptstyle o}{\Omega }(n^{\Delta +1}/Q(n)^{(\Delta +3)\Delta /2})\)

, which implies that for

\(Q(n)=\log ^{O(1)}n\)

, we must use

\(\overset{\scriptscriptstyle o}{\Omega }(n^{\Delta +1})\)

space. We also consider the dual semialgebraic stabbing problems of semialgebraic range searching and present lower bounds for them. In particular, we show that in linear space, any data structure that solves 2D annulus stabbing problems must use

\(\Omega (n^{2/3})\)

query time. Note that this almost matches the upper bound obtained by lifting 2D annuli to 3D. Like semialgebraic range searching, we also present lower bounds for general polynomial slab stabbing problems. Again, our lower bounds are almost tight for linear size data structures in this case.
Misinformation Blocking Problem in Virtual and Real Interconversion Social Networks
Authors: Ni Peikun , Zhu Jianming , Wang Guoqing
Published: January 2023

With the in-depth development of intelligent media technology, online and offline fusion, reality and virtual entanglement, information content generalization, the boundary between positive and negative information is blurred, all kinds of misinformation in the social network fission spread, and cyberspace governance has become a global consensus. In this article, we comprehensively consider the spread of misinformation in location-based interpersonal social network and online social network, and systematically tackle the novel problem of minimizing the influence of misinformation under individual protection strategies. We first analyze the complexity and modularity of the problem. Then, we leverage the Lovász extension to devise a nonsubmodular set function continuity approximate convex relaxation method, and develop an approximate projected subgradient procedure to obtain a solution with a factor approximate guarantee. Finally, experiments on three assembled real-world datasets demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of our designed method and developed the algorithm.
Slack-Factor-Based Fuzzy Support Vector Machine for Class Imbalance Problems
Authors: Ren Jinjun , Wang Yuping , Deng Xiyan
Published: January 2023

Class imbalance and noisy data widely exist in real-world problems, and the support vector machine (SVM) is hard to construct good classifiers on these data. Fuzzy SVMs (FSVMs), as variants of SVM, use a fuzzy membership function both to reflect the samples’ importance and to remove the impact of noises, and employ cost-sensitive technology to address the class imbalance. They can handle the noise and class imbalance problems in many cases; however, the fuzzy membership functions are often affected by the class imbalance data, leading to inaccurate measures for samples’ performance and affecting the performance of FSVMs. To solve this problem, we design a new fuzzy membership function and combine it with cost-sensitive learning to deal with the class imbalance problem with noisy data, named Slack-Factor-based FSVM (SFFSVM). In SFFSVM, the relative distances between samples and an estimated hyperplane, called slack factors, are used to define the fuzzy membership function. To eliminate the impact of class imbalance on the function and gain more accurate samples’ importance, we rectify the importance according to the positional relationship between the estimated hyperplane and the optimal hyperplane of the problem, and the slack factors of samples. Comprehensive experiments on artificial and real-world datasets demonstrate that SFFSVM outperforms other comparative methods on F1, MCC, and AUC-PR metrics.