bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postpartum pain and the risk of postpartum depression: A meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Lu Limei , Shen Ya
Published: December 2023

Objective: This meta‐analysis of observational studies aimed to derive a more precise estimation of the relationship between postpartum pain and postpartum depression (PPD).

Methods: A systematic literature search was completed in the following databases from inception to September 26, 2022: PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Quality evaluation of each study was achieved through Newcastle‐Ottawa scale (NOS) assessment. Heterogeneity across studies was evaluated by Cochran's Q test and I2 test. Pooled estimates of odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were analyzed using fixed‐effects model or random‐effects model, according to heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and Egger's test were also performed.

Results: From the identified 1884 articles, a total of 8 studies involving 3973 participants were included in the final meta‐analysis. Seven of the 8 studies were evaluated as high‐quality, with NOS scores ≥7. A significant heterogeneity was observed (I2 = 66.5%, p = 0.004) among eight studies. Therefore, the performed random‐effect model suggested a significant association between postpartum pain and PPD risk (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.10–1.52, p = 0.002). However, the subgroup analyses did not define the source of heterogeneity. Moreover, the sensitivity analysis showed the stability of the pooled results, but the significant publication bias was identified (p = 0.009). The trim and fill method was performed and resulted in an OR of 1.14 (95% CI 0.95–1.37, p = 0.162).

Conclusions: This meta‐analysis found a potential association between postpartum pain and PPD. Further researches are needed to provide more robust evidences.
Purpose and goal pursuit as a self‐sustaining system: Evidence of daily within‐person reciprocity among adolescents in self‐driven learning
Authors: Ratner Kaylin , Gladstone Jessica R. , Zhu Gaoxia , Li Qingyi , Estevez Melody , Burrow Anthony L.
Published: December 2023

Objective

Despite long‐standing assumptions that a sense of purpose in life and goal pursuit are mutually supportive, empirical evidence of their reciprocity remains deficient. In the context of a unique out‐of‐school time program that empowers youth to pursue passions through self‐driven learning, we examined whether purpose and one aspect of goal pursuit—perceptions of goal progress—work together to sustain themselves and each other over time.

Method

Adolescents (N = 321) completed daily surveys throughout program enrollment (Menrollment = 69.09 days). Through dynamic structural equation modeling, we derived within‐person patterns of day‐to‐day prediction as well as individual differences in these patterns.

Results

We found purpose and perceived goal progress exhibited significant daily inertia (i.e., autoregressive prediction) and reciprocity (i.e., cross‐lagged prediction) at the within‐person level. We also found initial evidence suggesting (a) tighter reciprocity was related to greater perceived goal progress overall and (b) people with greater purpose inertia may rely less on making goal progress to sustain momentum.

Conclusions

With evidence of daily purpose‐progress reciprocity, the field can look forward to replicating this work in other contexts, diving deeper into interesting patterns of within‐person dynamics, and developing interventions to support youth striving.
Targeted HBx gene editing by CRISPR/Cas9 system effectively reduces epithelial to mesenchymal transition and HBV replication in hepatoma cells
Authors: Rawal Preety , Tripathi Dinesh Mani , Hemati Hamed , Kumar Jitendra , Tyagi Purnima , Sarin Shiv Kumar , Nain Vikrant , Kaur Savneet
Published: December 2023

Background and Aims

Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) play a key role in pathogenesis of HBV‐induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by promoting epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). In this study, we hypothesized that inhibition of HBx is an effective strategy to combat HCC.

Methodology and Results

We designed and synthesized novel HBx gene specific single guide RNA (sgRNA) with CRISPR/Cas9 system and studied its in vitro effects on tumour properties of HepG2‐2.15. Full length HBx gene was excised using HBx‐CRISPR that resulted in significant knockdown of HBx expression in hepatoma cells. HBx‐CRISPR also decreased levels of HBsAg and HBV cccDNA expression. A decreased expression of mesenchymal markers, proliferation and tumorigenic properties was observed in HBx‐CRISPR treated cells as compared to controls in both two‐ and three‐ dimensional (2D and 3D) tumour models. Transcriptomics data showed that out of 1159 differentially expressed genes in HBx‐CRISPR transfected cells as compared to controls, 70 genes were upregulated while 1089 genes associated with cell proliferation and EMT pathways were downregulated.

Conclusion

Thus, targeting of HBx by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system reduces covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) levels, HBsAg production and mesenchymal characteristics of HBV‐HCC cells. We envision inhibition of HBx by CRISPR as a novel therapeutic approach for HBV‐induced HCC.
Structure, variation and assembly of body‐wide microbiomes in endangered crested ibisNipponia nippon
Authors: Zhu Ying , Ma Ruifeng , Hu Lei , Yang Haiqiong , Gong Haizhou , He Ke
Published: December 2023

Limited knowledge of bird microbiome in the all‐body niche hinders our understanding of host–microbial relationships and animal health. Here, we characterized the microbial composition of the crested ibis from 13 body sites, representing the cloaca, oral, feather and skin habitats, and explored assembly mechanism structuring the bacterial community of the four habitats respectively. The bacterial community characteristics were distinct among the four habitats. The skin harboured the highest alpha diversity and most diverse functions, followed by feather, oral and cloaca. Individual‐specific features were observed when the skin and feathers were concentrated independently. Skin and feather samples of multiple body sites from the same individual were more similar than those from different individuals. Although a significant proportion of the microbiota in the host (85.7%–96.5%) was not derived from the environmental microbiome, as body sites became more exposed to the environment, the relative importance of neutral processes (random drift or dispersal) increased. Neutral processes were the most important contributor in shaping the feather microbiome communities (R2 = .859). A higher percentage of taxa (29.3%) on the skin were selected by hosts compared to taxa on other body habitats. This study demonstrated that niche speciation and partial neutral processes, rather than environmental sources, contribute to microbiome variation in the crested ibis. These results enhance our knowledge of baseline microbial diversity in birds and will aid health management in crested ibises in the future.
Real‐time ergonomic risk assessment in construction using a co‐learning‐powered 3D human pose estimation model
Authors: Chen Wang , Gu Donglian , Ke Jintao
Published: December 2023

Work‐related musculoskeletal disorders pose significant health risks to construction workers, making it essential to monitor their postures and identify physical exposure to mitigate these risks. This study presents a novel framework for real‐time ergonomic risk assessment of workers in construction environments. Specifically, this study develops a lightweight human pose estimation (HPE) model with a residual log‐likelihood estimation head and adopts pose‐tracking technology to enable real‐time recognition of workers’ three‐dimensional (3D) postures. In particular, this study proposes a novel co‐learning method that enables the HPE model to learn two‐dimensional (2D) and 3D features from multi‐dimension datasets simultaneously, substantially enhancing the model's ability to capture 3D postures from 2D images. The proposed framework facilitates real‐time ergonomic risk assessment, reducing potential risks to construction workers and offering promising practical applications.
Facilitative and competitive interactions between mycorrhizal and nonmycorrhizal plants in an extremely phosphorus‐impoverished environment: role of ectomycorrhizal fungi and native oomycete pathogens in shaping species coexistence
Authors: Gille Clément E. , Finnegan Patrick M. , Hayes Patrick E. , Ranathunge Kosala , Burgess Treena I. , de Tombeur Félix , Migliorini Duccio , Dallongeville Paul , Glauser Gaétan , Lambers Hans
Published: December 2023

Nonmycorrhizal cluster root‐forming species enhance the phosphorus (P) acquisition of mycorrhizal neighbours in P‐impoverished megadiverse systems. However, whether mycorrhizal plants facilitate the defence of nonmycorrhizal plants against soil‐borne pathogens, in return and via their symbiosis, remains unknown.

We characterised growth and defence‐related compounds in Banksia menziesii (nonmycorrhizal) and Eucalyptus todtiana (ectomycorrhizal, ECM) seedlings grown either in monoculture or mixture in a multifactorial glasshouse experiment involving ECM fungi and native oomycete pathogens.

Roots of B. menziesii had higher levels of phytohormones (salicylic and jasmonic acids, jasmonoyl‐isoleucine and 12‐oxo‐phytodienoic acid) than E. todtiana which further activated a salicylic acid‐mediated defence response in roots of B. menziesii, but only in the presence of ECM fungi. We also found that B. menziesii induced a shift in the defence strategy of E. todtiana, from defence‐related secondary metabolites (phenolic and flavonoid) towards induced phytohormone response pathways.

We conclude that ECM fungi play a vital role in the interactions between mycorrhizal and nonmycorrhizal plants in a severely P‐impoverished environment, by introducing a competitive component within the facilitation interaction between the two plant species with contrasting nutrient‐acquisition strategies. This study sheds light on the interplay between beneficial and detrimental soil microbes that shape plant–plant interaction in severely nutrient‐impoverished ecosystems.
Demonstration of direct immunofluorescence on three substrates in a case of pemphigus
Authors: Sahadevan Geethanjali , Skaria Lissy , Vineetha Mary , Sainulabdeen Sheeja
Published: December 2023

Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) on skin is considered as the gold standard in the diagnosis of pemphigus. However, alternate substrates can be used. We demonstrate DIF on three substrates, skin biopsy specimen, anagen hair and scrapings of oral erosions. Collection of alternative substrates can be more acceptable to young patients as it is less invasive. It may also be used to detect relapses in cases of pemphigus.
A study of Klisinema koreana sp. nov. (Desertifilaceae, Cyanobacteria) from the Republic of Korea based on morphological, ecological and molecular analyses
Authors: Kim So‐Won , Lee Nam‐Ju , Song Ji‐Ho , Lee Ok‐Min
Published: December 2023

Genus Klisinema (Desertifilaceae, Desertifilales) has only one species, Klisinema persicum, reported worldwide, and this species was found in soils around thermal springs (50°C) of high radiation regions. Simple filament cyanobacteria belonging to the genus Klisinema were collected from Korea, and cultured samples were studied through morphological, ecological and molecular analyses. Both Korean K. persicum and Klisinema koreana were found as epilithic species in freshwater gravel, which have different ecological characteristics from previously reported K. persicum. As a result of morphological analysis, keritomized cytoplasm was observed in K. koreana, and this feature was also newly observed in K. persicum that was discovered in Korea. In addition, K. koreana has a larger width/length ratio compared to K. persicum, and both species have an irregular thylakoid arrangement. Furthermore, as a result of phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA, the genus Klisinema formed a monophyletic lineage, and K. koreana strains were clearly separated from K. persicum strains to form a phylogenetic tree. Moreover, when comparing the secondary structure of the 16S–23S internal transcribed spacer region, K. koreana has a structural difference from K. persicum, especially in the structure of the Box‐B helix. Therefore, Klisinema koreana sp. nov. was proposed as a new species belonging to the genus Klisinema of family Desertifilaceae.
Inclusion Needs Through the Lens of Intersectionality: Evidence supporting The 8-Inclusion Needs of All People Framework
Authors: Wilson Liz A.
Published: December 2023

This paper makes a substantial contribution to the fields of inclusion and intersectionality. It addresses the recognized gap in applying intersectionality as a practical framework for creating inclusive environments for all identities and intersectionalities. Drawing upon existing consensus among researchers on the importance of intersectionality, the study conducted in 2023 employs a robust qualitative methodology involving narrative interviews with 22 participants living in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom and representing diverse identities and intersectionalities to understand their identities, lived-experience and inclusion needs to thrive in work and life. Thematic analysis of participant responses resulted in support of all inclusion needs proposed in Wilson’s (2023) 8-Inclusion Needs of All People framework; Access, Space, Opportunity, Allowance, Representation, Language, Respect, and Support. Consequently, this research paper provides empirical evidence on the applicability of the 8-Inclusion Needs of All People framework, as proposed by Wilson (2023), in addressing multifaceted inclusion needs through the lens of intersectionality to prevent discrimination and promote equity and equal outcomes for all people. Further, as underscored by the participant's insights, it is essential to pivot from conventional approaches that endeavour to assimilate individual identities into pre-existing structures towards a more progressive stance that actively create inclusive organizations to embrace the diverse tapestry and inclusion needs of all people and their intersectionalities.
The Moisture Content of Textiles and Some of its Effects
Authors: Hartshorne William D.
Published: December 2023

With materials as valuable as silk, wool, flax and cotton, and such of their products as are sold by weight, the actual weighing of the moisture they may happen to contain at the time of sale is of evident importance to both buyer and seller, when it is once understood what slight changes of circumstances can cause a loss or gain in weight involving thousands of dollars in many every-day transactions.

When such materials are bought and sold on a conditioned weight basis, the standard dry weight of a shipment is obtained, upon which certain percentages of “regain” or added weight are allowed, varying with the hygroscopic capacity of each class of material. The author, after an investigation covering a period of over twenty years, has developed a set of laws governing regain in cotton and worsted, which are set forth in the paper with particulars regarding their derivation, and are accompanied by numerous charts and tables for facilitating calculations.
Back Matter
Authors: Yeh Lian-Tuu
Published: December 2023

This back matter contains the Index.
Thermal Management and Energy Efficiency
Authors: Yeh Lian-Tuu
Published: December 2023

The network traffic in telecommunication industry has grown very rapidly every year since its inception. As projected, the network traffic demand will reach tens or hundreds of Tb/s in a couple of years. In response to the projected growth, new design and architecture are needed in order to face the power-density challenges in the next generation telecommunication networks. As pointed out by Vukovic [1], there are two aspects of these issues. One is the network architecture and another is telecommunication equipment design.
System Thermal Analysis – Rack (Part I)
Authors: Yeh Lian-Tuu
Published: December 2023

The telecommunication equipment can be deplored in the indoor or the outdoor environments depending on its applications. Based on the functionality and performance, the indoor systems include but not limited to the router, the optical network, the metro-ethernet, the access and the core network. All of these systems have the same basic mechanical configuration even though the system application areas are totally different.
System Thermal Analysis – Small Boxes
Authors: Yeh Lian-Tuu
Published: December 2023

The typical telecommunication boxes for the indoor applications are small with the height less than 4RU (7”). The “RU” stands for the rack unit which is 1.75” high. However, for simplicity, “U” is commonly used to replace “RU”. One of the unique features of these typical boxes is the printed circuit boards being in horizontal positions. As in the rack configurations, the cooling schemes of the system can be either force air cooling with fans or passive cooling under natural convection.
Outdoor Electronic Equipment
Authors: Yeh Lian-Tuu
Published: December 2023

The outdoor electronic equipment includes a large variety of various types of systems. Among them are the outside plant (OSP) and the remote radio head (RRH) for telecommunication applications. The OSP refers to all of the physical cabling and supporting infrastructure such as conduit, cabinets, towers or poles, and any associated hardware located between a demarcation point in a switching facility and a demarcation point in another switching center or customer premises. On the other hand, the RRH describes an operator radio control panel that connects to a remote radio transceiver via electrical or wireless interface. From the methods of equipment mounting, the outdoor system can generally be classified into two groups. One is the ground or vehicle mounted equipment and another is the tower or pole mounted systems.
Shear-induced crystallization of polypropylene/low-density polyethylene blend
Authors: Janchai Khunanya , Yamaguchi Masayuki
Published: December 2023

Shear-induced crystallization behavior was studied using a phase-separated blend comprising a polypropylene continuous phase and a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) dispersion, which is known to show strain hardening in transient elongation viscosity. In this study, crystallization behavior was mainly evaluated by the light intensity transmitted through a transparent parallel-plate geometry. It was found that shear-induced crystallization was greatly accelerated by the addition of LDPE, resulting in a high crystallization temperature and a highly oriented structure. When the sample was cooled slowly, however, shear-induced crystallization was not accelerated by LDPE. Furthermore, extrusion was performed using a capillary rheometer. The molecular orientation in the strands collected after cooling in the air was found to be enhanced by the LDPE addition, suggesting that flow-induced crystallization was accelerated even at capillary extrusion.
Long-term evaluation of faecal calprotectin levels in a European cohort of children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Roca Maria , Masip Etna , Colombo Carla , Boon Mieke , Hulst Jessie M , Garriga María , de Koning Barbara A E , Bulfamante Anna , de Boeck Kris , Ribes-Koninckx Carmen , Calvo-Lerma Joaquim
Published: December 2023

Objective

Intestinal inflammation with contradictory data on faecal calprotectin (fCP) levels is documented in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The aim of this study was to longitudinally evaluate fCP in a cohort of children with CF and their relationship with clinical variables.

Design

Prospective observational study to assess evolution of fCP levels, primary aimed at improving fat absorption. Along 1.5 years of follow-up (November 2016–May 2018) with four study visits pertaining to a pilot study (two of four) and to a clinical trial (two of four), the study outcomes were measured.

Setting

Six European CF centres in the context of MyCyFAPP Project.

Subjects

Children with CF and pancreatic insufficiency (2–18 years old).

Main outcome measurements

fCP levels, pulmonary function (percentage of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1%)) and coefficient of fat absorption (CFA). Additionally, in the last two visits, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms were evaluated through the PedsQL-GI Questionnaire. Linear mixed regression models were applied to assess association between fCP and FEV1, CFA and GI symptoms.

Results

Twenty-nine children with CF and pancreatic insufficiency were included. fCP levels were inversely associated with total modified specific PedsQL-GI score (p=0.04) and positively associated with diarrhoea (p=0.03), but not with CFA. Along the four study visits, fCP significantly increased (from 62 to 256 µg/g) and pulmonary function decreased (from 97% to 87%), with a significant inverse association between the two study outcomes (p<0.001).

Conclusions

In children with CF, fCP levels are inversely associated with pulmonary function and thus the specificity of fCP as a marker of intestinal inflammation in paediatric patients with CF warrants further investigation.
Development and psychometric evaluation of a physician global assessment for type 2 systemic lupus erythematosus symptoms
Authors: Clowse Megan E B , Rogers Jennifer L , Coles Theresa , Pisetsky David S , Criscione-Schreiber Lisa G , Burshell Dana , Doss Jayanth , Sadun Rebecca E , Sun Kai , Maheswaranathan Mithu , Eudy Amanda M
Published: December 2023

Objective

Manifestations of SLE can be categorised as type 1 (classic signs and symptoms of SLE) or type 2 (fatigue, widespread pain and brain fog with an unclear relationship to inflammation). While measures of type 1 SLE activity exist, most current physician-reported measures do not encompass type 2 SLE manifestations. To better evaluate type 2 SLE symptoms, we developed and psychometrically evaluated a physician-reported measure of type 2 symptoms, the Type 2 Physician Global Assessment (‘Type 2 PGA’).

Methods and analysis

The Type 2 PGA was developed and evaluated by six rheumatologists practising in the same academic lupus clinic. The study began with a roundtable discussion to establish consensus guidelines for scoring the Type 2 PGA. Following the roundtable, the Type 2 PGA was psychometrically evaluated using data prospectively collected from 263 patients with SLE enrolled in the Duke Lupus Registry.

Results

There was strong intra-rater and inter-rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.83), indicating the Type 2 PGA scores were consistent within a rheumatologist and across rheumatologists. The Type 2 PGA was correlated with patient-reported symptoms of polysymptomatic distress (r=0.76), fatigue (r=0.68), cognitive dysfunction (r=0.63), waking unrefreshed (r=0.62) and forgetfulness (r=0.60), and weakly correlated with the Type 1 PGA and the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index.

Conclusion

The Type 2 PGA performed well as a physician-reported measure of type 2 SLE symptoms. The incorporation of the Type 2 PGA into a routine rheumatology visit may improve patient care by bringing the provider’s attention to certain symptoms not well represented in conventional measures of disease activity.
Many-body correlations for nuclear physics across scales: from nuclei to quark-gluon plasmas to hadron distributions
Authors: Giacalone Giuliano
Published: December 2023

It is an experimental fact that multi-particle correlations in the final states of high-energy nucleus-nucleus collisions are sensitive to collective correlations of nucleons in the wave functions of the colliding nuclei. Here, I show that this connection is more direct than it intuitively seems. With an energy deposition scheme inspired by high-energy quantum chromodynamics, and within a linearized description of initial-state fluctuations in the quark-gluon plasma, I exhibit relations between N-particle correlations in the final states of nuclear collisions and N-nucleon density distributions in the colliding nuclei. This result formally justifies the sensitivity of the outcome of high-energy collisions to features such as nuclear deformations. It paves the way, thus, to systematic studies of the impact of state-of-the-art nuclear interactions in such processes.
On bilinear superintegrability for monomial matrix models in pure phase
Authors: Chan C.-T. , Mishnyakov V. , Popolitov A. , Tsybikov K.
Published: December 2023

We argue that the recently discovered bilinear superintegrability http://arxiv.org/2206.02045 generalizes, in a non-trivial way, to monomial matrix models in pure phase. The structure is much richer: for the trivial core Schur functions required modifications are minor, and the only new ingredient is a certain (contour-dependent) permutation matrix; for non-trivial-core Schur functions, in both bi-linear and tri-linear averages the deformation is more complicated: averages acquire extra N-dependent factors and selection rule is less straightforward to imply.
Thermoelastic Interaction in a Functionally Graded Medium Due to Refined Three-Phase-Lag Green–Naghdi Model under Gravitational Field
Authors: Purkait Pallabi , Kanoria Mridula
Published: December 2023

This study investigates the wave propagation of a two-dimensional functionally graded material (FGM) thermoelastic half-space under the influence of inclined load, gravitational force and thermal loading from a laser pulse in the context of refined three-phase-lag Green–Naghdi (GN) model. Normal mode analysis has been used to obtain the analytical expression of the physical quantities. All the outcomes of the physical quantities have been illustrated graphically to analyze the effect of non-homogeneity, angle of inclination of the inclined load and the gravitational force for different GN models (simple and refined GN-II and GN-III models).
Study on Thermodynamic Properties and Elastic Deformation of Full-Heusler Alloys Co2TaGa and Co2VGa by Statistical Moment Method
Authors: Hoc Nguyen Quang , Quang Nguyen Duc , Hanh Nguyen Thi Hong , Linh Nguyen Thi Bao , Huyen Nguyen Thi Thanh , Hung Doan Manh , Thanh Pham Duy , Dao Doan Nhan
Published: December 2023

Heusler alloy is a ferromagnetic alloy based on the Heusler phase. It is an intermetallic alloy between metallic and non-metallic elements that can be non-ferromagnetic and has a BCC crystal structure. This paper presents the theory of thermodynamics and elastic deformation of full-Heusler A2BC alloy with BCC structure built on the basis of statistical moment method (SMM). The paper presents numerical results for the temperature and pressure dependence of the mean nearest neighbor distance between two atoms, the density, the volume, the thermal expansion coefficient, the isotherm and adiabatic compressibilities, the isothermal elastic modulus, the heat capacities at constant volume and pressure, Young’s modulus, the bulk modulus, longitudinal and transverse wave velocities of alloys Co2TaGa and Co2VGa when using the coordination sphere method and the Mie–Lennard-Jones pair interaction potential. Some SMM calculation results agree well with available ab initio calculation results.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Design for Testability and Reliability of Security-aware Hardware
Authors: Ni Tianming , Wen Xiaoqing , Amrouch Hussam , Zhuo Cheng , Song Peilin
Published: December 2023

The research on design for testability and reliability of security-aware hardware has been important in both academia and industry. With ever-growing globalization, commercial hardware design, manufacturing, transportation, and supply now involve many different countries, resulting in aggravated vulnerability from hardware design to manufacturing. Hardware with malicious purposes implanted from the third-party manufacturing process may control the operation of a circuit and tamper its functions, causing serious security issues. However, hardware includes not only devices and circuits but also systems. An important fact is that testability, reliability, and security technologies come from different design layers, but the impact evaluation is conducted at the system level. In other words, the testability, reliability, and security design of different layers can be carried out in a holistic manner to achieve optimization for the whole system. In addition, the testability, reliability, and security design technologies of each design layer can be collaboratively conducted to achieve better performance. The testability, reliability, and security tradeoff has garnered attention from academia and industry, particularly in the Post-Moore Era, due to the complexities and opportunities arising from new architectures and technologies.
Efficient and Validated Numerical Evaluation of Abelian Integrals
Authors: Bréhard Florent , Brisebarre Nicolas , Joldes Mioara , Tucker Warwick
Published: December 2023

Abelian integrals play a key role in the infinitesimal version of Hilbert’s 16th problem. Being able to evaluate such integrals—with guaranteed error bounds—is a fundamental step in computer-aided proofs aimed at this problem. Using interpolation by trigonometric polynomials and quasi-Newton-Kantorovitch validation, we develop a validated numerics method for computing Abelian integrals in a quasi-linear number of arithmetic operations. Our approach is both effective, as exemplified on two practical perturbed integrable systems, and amenable to an implementation in a formal proof assistant, which is key to provide fully reliable computer-aided proofs.
Improving Utilization of Dataflow Unit for Multi-Batch Processing
Authors: Fan Zhihua , Li Wenming , Wang Zhen , Yang Yu , Ye Xiaochun , Fan Dongrui , Sun Ninghui , An Xuejun
Published: December 2023

Dataflow architectures can achieve much better performance and higher efficiency than general-purpose core, approaching the performance of a specialized design while retaining programmability. However, advanced application scenarios place higher demands on the hardware in terms of cross-domain and multi-batch processing. In this article, we propose a unified scale-vector architecture that can work in multiple modes and adapt to diverse algorithms and requirements efficiently. First, a novel reconfigurable interconnection structure is proposed, which can organize execution units into different cluster typologies as a way to accommodate different data-level parallelism. Second, we decouple threads within each DFG node into consecutive pipeline stages and provide architectural support. By time-multiplexing during these stages, dataflow hardware can achieve much higher utilization and performance. In addition, the task-based program model can also exploit multi-level parallelism and deploy applications efficiently. Evaluated in a wide range of benchmarks, including digital signal processing algorithms, CNNs, and scientific computing algorithms, our design attains up to 11.95× energy efficiency (performance-per-watt) improvement over GPU (V100), and 2.01× energy efficiency improvement over state-of-the-art dataflow architectures.
Contemporary Public Health Finance: Varied Definitions, Patterns, and Implications
Authors: Orr Jason M. , Leider Jonathon P. , Hogg-Graham Rachel , McCullough J. Mac , Alford Aaron , Bishai David , Mays Glen P.
Published: December 2023

The financing of public health systems and services relies on a complex and fragmented web of partners and funding priorities. Both underfunding and “dys-funding” contribute to preventable mortality, increases in disease frequency and severity, and hindered social and economic growth. These issues were both illuminated and magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated responses. Further complicating issues is the difficulty in constructing adequate estimates of current public health resources and necessary resources. Each of these challenges inhibits the delivery of necessary services, leads to inequitable access and resourcing, contributes to resource volatility, and presents other deleterious outcomes. However, actions may be taken to defragment complex funding paradigms toward more flexible spending, to modernize and standardize data systems, and to assure equitable and sustainable public health investments.
Electrochemical Performance of Activated Graphene-Based Materials for Electrodes of Double-Layer Supercapacitors
Authors: Quintero Y. , Herrera S. , Zapata-Benabithe Z. , Manzano-Ramírez A. , Cruz L.
Published: December 2023

Activated graphene oxide seems to be a promising electrode material for electrochemical double-layer capacitors, also known as supercapacitors or ultracapacitors, and other energy storage purposes. This article summarizes the results of our research about the effect of graphene oxide KOH-catalyzed activation on their specific surface area (SSA) and their capacitance, both strongly related to their electrochemical performance. KOH-catalyzed activation increased the SSA values of the reduced graphene oxide (rGO) from ∼783 m2 g−1 to ∼2144 m2 g−1; it is important to note that the SSA and oxygen-containing groups are two important factors determining electrochemical performance. Moreover, the highest capacitance value was 50.08 F g−1, using 1.0 M H2SO4 as an aqueous electrolyte. Activated graphene-based materials with high SSA support conductive networks decorated with oxygen groups synergistically improve charge storage capability in EDLCs.
Making a new limb out of old cells: exploring endogenous cell reprogramming and its role during limb regeneration
Authors: Raymond Michael J. , McCusker Catherine D.
Published: December 2023

Cellular reprogramming is characterized by the induced dedifferentiation of mature cells into a more plastic and potent state. This process can occur through artificial reprogramming manipulations in the laboratory such as nuclear reprogramming and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) generation, and endogenously in vivo during amphibian limb regeneration. In amphibians such as the Mexican axolotl, a regeneration permissive environment is formed by nerve-dependent signaling in the wounded limb tissue. When exposed to these signals, limb connective tissue cells dedifferentiate into a limb progenitor-like state. This state allows the cells to acquire new pattern information, a property called positional plasticity. Here, we review our current understanding of endogenous reprogramming and why it is important for successful regeneration. We will also explore how naturally induced dedifferentiation and plasticity were leveraged to study how the missing pattern is established in the regenerating limb tissue.
The GLP-1-mediated gut-kidney cross talk in humans: mechanistic insight
Authors: Hinrichs Gitte R. , Hovind Peter , Asmar Ali
Published: December 2023

Incretin-based therapy is an antidiabetic and antiobesity approach mimicking glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) with additional end-organ protection. This review solely focuses on randomized, controlled mechanistic human studies, investigating the renal effects of GLP-1. There is no consensus about the localization of GLP-1 receptors (GLP-1Rs) in human kidneys. Rodent and primate data suggest GLP-1R distribution in smooth muscle cells in the preglomerular vasculature. Native GLP-1 and GLP-1R agonists elicit renal effects. Independently of renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate, GLP-1 has a natriuretic effect but only during volume expansion. This is associated with high renal extraction of GLP-1, suppression of angiotensin II, and increased medullary as well as cortical perfusion. These observations may potentially indicate that impaired GLP-1 sensing could establish a connection between salt sensitivity and insulin resistance. It is concluded that a functional GLP-1 kidney axis exists in humans, which may play a role in renoprotection.
Molecular basis of the unique osmoregulatory strategy in the inshore hagfish, Eptatretus burgeri
Authors: Yamaguchi Yoko , Ikeba Kiriko , Yoshida Masa-Aki , Takagi Wataru
Published: December 2023

Hagfishes are characterized by omo- and iono-conforming nature similar to marine invertebrates. Conventionally, hagfishes had been recognized as the most primitive living vertebrate that retains plesiomorphic features. However, some of the “ancestral” features of hagfishes, such as rudimentary eyes and the lack of vertebrae, have been proven to be deceptive. Similarly, by the principle of maximum parsimony, the unique body fluid regulatory strategy of hagfishes seems to be apomorphic, since the lamprey, another cyclostome, adopts osmo- and iono-regulatory mechanisms as in jawed vertebrates. Although hagfishes are unequivocally important in discussing the origin and evolution of the vertebrate osmoregulatory system, the molecular basis for the body fluid homeostasis in hagfishes has been poorly understood. In the present study, we explored this matter in the inshore hagfish, Eptatretus burgeri, by analyzing the transcriptomes obtained from the gill, kidney, and muscle of the animals acclimated to distinct environmental salinities. Together with the measurement of parameters in the muscular fluid compartment, our data indicate that the hagfish possesses an ability to conduct free amino acid (FAA)-based osmoregulation at a cellular level, which is in coordination with the renal and branchial FAA absorption. We also revealed that the hagfish does possess the orthologs of the known osmoregulatory genes and that the transepithelial movement of inorganic ions in the hagfish gill and kidney is more complex than previously thought. These observations pose a challenge to the conventional view that the physiological features of hagfishes have been inherited from the last common ancestor of the extant vertebrates.
Facial fanning reduces heart rate but not tolerance to a simulated hemorrhagic challenge following exercise heat stress in young healthy humans
Authors: Tourula Erica , Lenzini Miramani , Rhodes Addison , Hetz Sarah E. , Pearson James
Published: December 2023

We investigated whether reducing face skin temperature alters arterial blood pressure control and lower body negative pressure (LBNP) tolerance after exercise heat stress. Eight subjects (1 female; age, 27 ± 9 yr) exercised at ∼63% V̇o2max until core temperature had increased ∼1.5°C before undergoing LBNP to presyncope either with fanning to return face skin temperature to baseline (Δ−5°C, Fan trial) or without (No Fan trial). LBNP tolerance was quantified as cumulative stress index (CSI; mmHg·min). Before LBNP, whole body and face skin temperatures were elevated from baseline in both trials (38.0 ± 0.5°C and 36.3 ± 0.5°C, respectively, both P < 0.001). During LBNP, face skin temperature decreased in the Fan trial (30.9 ± 1.0°C) but was unchanged in the No Fan trial (36.1 ± 0.6°C, between trials P < 0.001). Mean arterial pressure was not different between trials ( P = 0.237) and was similarly reduced at presyncope in both trials (from 82 ± 7 to 67 ± 8 mmHg, P < 0.001). During LBNP, heart rate was attenuated in the Fan trial at Mid LBNP (146 ± 16 vs. 158 ± 12 beats/min, P = 0.036) and at peak heart rate (158 ± 15 vs. 170 ± 15 beats/min; P < 0.001). LBNP tolerance was not different between trials (321 ± 248 vs. 328 ± 115 mmHg·min, P = 0.851). In exercise heat-stressed individuals, lowering face skin temperature to normothermic values suppressed heart rate thereby altering cardiovascular control during a simulated hemorrhagic challenge without reducing tolerance.
CCK-sensitive C fibers activate NTS leptin receptor-expressing neurons via NMDA receptors
Authors: Neyens Drew M. , Brenner Lynne , Calkins Rowan , Winzenried Eric T. , Ritter Robert C. , Appleyard Suzanne M.
Published: December 2023

The hormone leptin reduces food intake through actions in the peripheral and central nervous systems, including in the hindbrain nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). The NTS receives viscerosensory information via vagal afferents, including information from the gastrointestinal tract, which is then relayed to other central nervous system (CNS) sites critical for control of food intake. Leptin receptors (lepRs) are expressed by a subpopulation of NTS neurons, and knockdown of these receptors increases both food intake and body weight. Recently, we demonstrated that leptin increases vagal activation of lepR-expressing neurons via increased NMDA receptor (NMDAR) currents, thereby potentiating vagally evoked firing. Furthermore, chemogenetic activation of these neurons was recently shown to inhibit food intake. However, the vagal inputs these neurons receive had not been characterized. Here we performed whole cell recordings in brain slices taken from lepRCre × floxedTdTomato mice and found that lepR neurons of the NTS are directly activated by monosynaptic inputs from C-type afferents sensitive to the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) agonist capsaicin. CCK administered onto NTS slices stimulated spontaneous glutamate release onto lepR neurons and induced action potential firing, an effect mediated by CCKR1. Interestingly, NMDAR activation contributed to the current carried by spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) and enhanced CCK-induced firing. Peripheral CCK also increased c-fos expression in these neurons, suggesting they are activated by CCK-sensitive vagal afferents in vivo. Our results indicate that the majority of NTS lepR neurons receive direct inputs from CCK-sensitive C vagal-type afferents, with both peripheral and central CCK capable of activating these neurons and NMDARs able to potentiate these effects.
Measurement Techniques and Methods for the Pressure Coefficient of Viscosity of Polymer Melts
Authors: Liao Yang , Hu Yeyuan , Tan Yunxiang , Ikeda Kosuke , Okabe Ryoji , Wu Ruifen , Ozaki Ryota , Xu Qingyan
Published: December 2023

Viscosity is a prominent rheological property of polymer, which is affected by temperature, pressure, shear rate, molecular structure, and other factors. Despite the importance of the pressure effect, there remains a paucity of investigations on the dependence of pressure on viscosity compared with other factors, such as shear rate and temperature. Previous research has established that the correlation between pressure and viscosity is usually expressed by the pressure coefficient. In this paper, different measurement techniques and methods for the pressure coefficient of viscosity of polymer melts are reviewed and evaluated on the basis of published experimental data. The capillary rheometer with a pressurized exit chamber is widely employed because of its accuracy and simple use. Besides, the accuracy and relationship of pressure coefficients determined by different methods are discussed.
Combination Therapy with Platelet-Rich Plasma and Epidermal Neural Crest Stem Cells Increases Treatment Efficacy in Vascular Dementia
Authors: Akbari Somayeh , Haghani Masoud , Ghobadi Mojtaba , Hooshmandi Etrat , Haghighi Afshin Borhani , Salehi Mohammad Saied , Pandamooz Sareh , Azarpira Negar , Afshari Afsoon , Zabihi Shahrbanoo , Nemati Marzieh , Bayat Mahnaz
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and treatment mechanism of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and neural crest-derived epidermal stem cells (ESCs) in their administration alone and combination in vascular dementia (VaD) model by two-vessel occlusion (2VO). Methods. Sixty-six rats were divided into six groups: the control, sham, 2VO + vehicle, 2VO + PRP, 2VO + ESC, and 2VO + ESC + PRP. The treated groups received 1 million cells on days 4, 14, and 21 with or without 500 µl PRP (twice a week) after 2VO. The memory performance and anxiety were evaluated by behavioral tests including open field, passive avoidance, and Morris water maze. The basal-synaptic transmission (BST) and long-term potentiation (LTP) were assessed through field-potential recordings of the CA1. The mRNA expression levels of IGF-1, TGF-β1, PSD-95, and GSk-3β were measured in the rat hippocampus by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results. The results demonstrated impaired learning, memory, and synaptic plasticity in the 2VO rats, along with a significant decrease in the expression of IGF-1, TGF-β1, PSD-95, and upregulation of GSK-3β. Treatment with ESC alone and ESC + PRP showed similar improvements in spatial memory and LTP induction, with associated upregulation of PSD-95 and downregulation of GSK-3β. However, only the ESC + PRP group showed recovery in BST. Furthermore, combination therapy was more effective than PRP monotherapy for LTP and memory. Conclusions. The transplantation of ESC showed better effects than PRP alone, and combination therapy increased the treatment efficacy with the recovery of BST. This finding may be a clue for the combination therapy of ESC and PRP for VaD.
Design of Phase Shifters with Enhanced Selectivity and Miniaturized Size Using D-CRLH Resonator
Authors: Chen Zhe , Wang Jingbo , Tang Jianxun
Published: December 2023

This paper proposes and demonstrates a novel filtering phase shifter with a compact size and good frequency selectivity using two dual composite right/left-handed (D-CRLH) resonators. Firstly, the study analyzes the D-CRLH structure to gain insights into its unique properties, providing a physical understanding for subsequent design procedures. Then, an ad hoc systematic design procedure for the D-CRLH phase shifter is discussed in detail. Different from the traditional phase shifter, the innovative integration of D-CRLH structure in phase shifters enables its advantages in the flexible realization of good in-band frequency selectivity and compact size. This advantageous utilization of the D-CRLH structure distinguishes our proposed phase shifter from conventional implementations. Finally, to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed structure, we design, fabricate, and measure a prototype of the filtering phase shifter with a 90° phase shift. The comparison between simulation and measurement results shows good agreement, thereby confirming the effectiveness of both the new filtering phase shifter and the presented design procedure. Through this comprehensive investigation, our work showcases a promising solution for achieving compact size, good frequency selectivity, and reliable performance in phase shifter design.
Enhance the Probability of Detection of Cooperative Spectrum Sensing in Cognitive Radio Networks Using Blockchain Technology
Authors: Balakumar D. , Sendrayan Nandakumar
Published: December 2023

Cognitive radio (CR) is the best way to improve the efficiency of spectrum consumption for wireless multimedia communications. Spectrum sensing, which allows legitimate secondary users (SU) to find vacant bands in the spectrum, plays a vital role in CR networks. When cooperative sensing is used in CR networks, spectrum availability must be taken into account. In many ways, the shared cooperative spectrum sensing (CSS) data among SU. The presence of a malicious user (MU) in the system and sending false sensing data can degrade the performance of cooperative CR. The sharp rise in mobile data traffic causes congestion in the licensed band for the transmission of signals. Handling this security issue in real time, on top of spectrum sharing, is a challenge in such networks. In order to manage the spectrum and identify MU, blockchain-based CSS is developed in this article. To gauge the efficiency of the proposed topology, performance metrics like sensitivity, node selection, throughput measurement, and energy efficiency are used. This work suggests a unique, easier-to-use CSS method with MU suppression that outperforms the current one. According to simulation studies, the suggested topology can increase the likelihood of MU detection by roughly 15% when 40% of system users are malicious.