bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduced length of nodes of Ranvier and altered proteoglycan immunoreactivity in prefrontal white matter in major depressive disorder and chronically stressed rats
Authors: Miguel-Hidalgo José Javier , Hearn Erik , Moulana Mohadetheh , Saleem Khunsa , Clark Austin , Holmes Maggie , Wadhwa Kashish , Kelly Isabella , Stockmeier Craig Allen , Rajkowska Grazyna
Published: September 2023

Major depressive disorder (MDD) and chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) in animals feature comparable cellular and molecular disturbances that involve neurons and glial cells in gray and white matter (WM) in prefrontal brain areas. These same areas demonstrate disturbed connectivity with other brain regions in MDD and stress-related disorders. Functional connectivity ultimately depends on signal propagation along WM myelinated axons, and thus on the integrity of nodes of Ranvier (NRs) and their environment. Various glia-derived proteoglycans interact with NR axonal proteins to sustain NR function. It is unclear whether NR length and the content of associated proteoglycans is altered in prefrontal cortex (PFC) WM of human subjects with MDD and in experimentally stressed animals. The length of WM NRs in histological sections from the PFC of 10 controls and 10 MDD subjects, and from the PFC of control and CUS rats was measured. In addition, in WM of the same brain region, five proteoglycans, tenascin-R and NR protein neurofascin were immunostained or their levels measured with western blots. Analysis of covariance and t-tests were used for group comparisons. There was dramatic reduction of NR length in PFC WM in both MDD and CUS rats. Proteoglycan BRAL1 immunostaining was reduced at NRs and in overall WM of MDD subjects, as was versican in overall WM. Phosphacan immunostaining and levels were increased in both in MDD and CUS. Neurofascin immunostaining at NRs and in overall WM was significantly increased in MDD. Reduced length of NRs and increased phosphacan and neurocan in MDD and stressed animals suggest that morphological and proteoglycan changes at NRs in depression may be related to stress exposure and contribute to connectivity alterations. However, differences between MDD and CUS for some NR related markers may point to other mechanisms affecting the structure and function of NRs in MDD.
Study on development methods of different types of gas wells in tight sandstone gas reservoirs
Authors: He Jie , Liu Zhiwei , Zhang Heng , Xie Shenghong , Wang Xiqiang , Zhu Yushuang
Published: September 2023

Reasonable production allocation of tight sandstone gas reservoirs is an important basis for efficient development of gas wells. Taking Block XX in Ordos Basin as an example, the modified flowing material balance equation was established considering the variation of gas viscosity and compression coefficient, the advantages and disadvantages of the method were discussed, and a reasonable production allocation process for gas wells was developed. The results show that: ① The commonly used flow material balance method ignores the change of natural gas compression coefficient, viscosity and deviation coefficient in the production process. The slope of the relationship curve between bottom hole pressure and cumulative production and the slope of the relationship curve between average formation pressure and cumulative production are not equal After considering this change. Compared with the results calculated by the material balance method, the results calculated by the flow material balance method are smaller. ② The production of 660 gas wells in the study area during stable production period is verified. Compared with the open flow method, the dynamic reserve allocation method is better, with an error of 0.06%. ③ The new method in this paper is used to allocate production for different types of gas wells. The cumulative production of different types of gas wells shows different degrees of increase. The I, II, III and IV types of gas wells increase by 32.26%, 30.29%, 23.58% and 25.07% respectively. This study provides technical support for dynamic reserve calculation and reasonable production allocation of gas wells in the study area, and has important guiding significance for the formulation of reasonable development plan and economic and efficient development of tight sandstone gas reservoirs.
Inverse design of optical lenses enabled by generative flow-based invertible neural networks
Authors: Luo Menglong , Lee Sang-Shin
Published: September 2023

Developing an optical geometric lens system in a conventional way involves substantial effort from designers to devise and assess the lens specifications. An expeditious and effortless acquisition of lens parameters satisfying the desired lens performance requirements can ease the workload by avoiding complex lens design process. In this study, we adopted the Glow, a generative flow model, which utilizes latent Gaussian variables to effectively tackle the issues of one-to-many mapping and information loss caused by dimensional disparities between high-dimensional lens structure parameters and low-dimensional performance metrics. We developed two lenses to tailor the vertical field of view and magnify the horizontal coverage range using two Glow-based invertible neural networks (INNs). By directly inputting the specified lens performance metrics into the proposed INNs, optimal inverse-designed lens specifications can be obtained efficiently with superb precision. The implementation of Glow-assisted INN approach is anticipated to significantly streamline the optical lens design workflows.
Experimental study on the axial tensile properties of polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete
Authors: Zhang Xutao , Yin Ruijie , Chen Yunjuan , Lou Chao
Published: September 2023

In order to study the axial tensile properties of polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete, an axial tensile test device for concrete is developed in this paper. The device is composed of three parts: rigid frame, spherical hinge and puller, and specimen fabrication part. The test device can accurately measure the tensile strength and peak tensile strain of concrete, and perfectly solves the eccentricity problem of concrete specimens under tension. It can measure the post peak segment tensile strain, such that the whole process tensile stress–strain curve can be obtained. The axial tensile test of polypropylene fiber concrete was carried out using the above test device, and the results show that the tensile strength of concrete can be clearly improved by adding polypropylene fiber, which makes the tensile failure of concrete show certain plastic characteristics. The test results show that with the increase in fiber content, the tensile strength of concrete increases first and then decreases. The effects of polypropylene fiber content and curing age on the tensile properties of concrete were studied and the optimum polypropylene fiber content was determined. When the fiber content is 0.9 kg/m3, the tensile strength of concrete reaches the maximum value. The splitting tensile test of concrete under the same condition was carried out simultaneously. The damage phenomenon and test results of the axial tensile test and splitting tensile test of concrete were compared and analyzed, and the applicability of the new developed device in the concrete axial tensile test was verified.
Anti-EGFR bioengineered bacterial outer membrane vesicles as targeted immunotherapy candidate in triple-negative breast tumor murine model
Authors: Rezaei Adriani Razieh , Mousavi Gargari Seyed Latif , Bakherad Hamid , Amani Jafar
Published: September 2023

Cancer immunotherapy employing checkpoint inhibitors holds great promise across diverse cancers; nonetheless, a substantial proportion of patients (ranging from 55 to 87%) remain unresponsive to this treatment. To amplify therapeutic efficiency, we propose a synergistic therapeutic strategy that entails the deployment of targeted nano-sized particles carrying Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists to the tumor site. This innovative approach seeks to activate intratumoral antigen-presenting cells using bioengineered outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) derived from gram-negative bacteria. These OMVs possess inherent attributes of surface-exposed immune stimulators and TLR-activating components, rendering them intriguing candidates for investigation. These OMVs were meticulously designed to selectively target cancer cells exhibiting an overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). To gauge the precision of this targeting, the conducted affinity-based assays aimed at determining the equilibrium dissociation constant of the single-chain variable fragment employed for this purpose. In vitro experiments confirmed the OMVs' proficiency in adhering to EGFR-overexpressed cancer cells. Moreover, the evaluation extended to an in vivo context, where the therapeutic effect of nanovesicles was appraised within the tumor microenvironment of the triple-negative breast cancer mouse model. Notably, both intraperitoneal and intratumoral administrations of nanovesicles exhibited the ability to activate natural killer cells and skew M2 macrophage towards an M1 phenotype. The combined scrutiny of in vitro and in vivo findings underscores the potential efficiency of OMVs as a promising strategy for future anti-tumor endeavors.
Superheated steam production from a large-scale latent heat storage system within a cogeneration plant
Authors: Johnson Maike , Fiss Michael
Published: September 2023

During phase change, phase change materials absorb or release latent heat at a nearly constant temperature. Latent heat thus can be stored and integrated with evaporation/condensation systems such as steam generators within a relatively narrow range of operating temperature. Storage units and systems have been proven at pilot scale but none to-date have been integrated in industrial processes. This remains a challenge, due to the size of the systems and to hurdles in design, permission and build. Here we integrate a megawatt-scale latent heat storage into a cogeneration power plant in Wellesweiler-Neunkirchen, Saarland, Germany. The storage produced superheated steam for at least 15 min at more than 300 °C at a mass flow rate of 8 tonnes per hour. This provided thermal power at 5.46 MW and results in 1.9 MWh thermal capacity. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of using latent heat storage in the industrial production of superheated steam.
Bringing enzymes to the proximity party
Authors: Tender Gabrielle S. , Bertozzi Carolyn R.
Published: September 2023

Targeted enzymes can drive cell type-selective reactions that are not yet possible with other therapeutic approaches.
Carbon-supported Co/Co3O4 hybrid catalyst: an efficient non-noble metal catalyst for the hydrodeoxygenation of vanillin
Authors: Zhu Zhihua , Zhang Chaochong , Zhou Peng , Han Bo , Zhang Zehui , Liu Bing
Published: September 2023

Developing Co-based catalysts with high efficiency and low cost is significant for the efficient hydrodeoxygenation of biomass-derived vanillin to 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol (MMP).
Association between the composite dietary antioxidant index and chronic kidney disease: evidence from NHANES 2011–2018
Authors: Wang Min , Huang Zhao-hui , Zhu Yong-hong , He Ping , Fan Qiu-Ling
Published: September 2023

There is growing evidence that antioxidant-rich diets protect against chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Unprecedented chemoselective Ru(iii)-catalyzed [3 + 2] annulation of enaminones with iodonium ylides for the synthesis of functionalized 3a,7a-dihydroxy hexahydro-4H-indol-4-ones
Authors: Zhang Mingshuai , Chen Longkun , Liu Zhuoyuan , Huang Jiuzhong , Yu Fuchao
Published: September 2023

Highly functionalized 3a,7a-dihydroxy hexahydro-4H-indol-4-ones were efficiently synthesized via a Ru(iii)-catalyzed alkenyl C(sp2)–H bond functionalization/[3 + 2] annulation reaction between readily available enaminones and iodonium ylides.
High-performance paper-based humidity sensors with Nafion/AgNWs hybrid electrodes
Authors: Ji Yujun , Tang Gangqiang , Zhao Chun , Zhao Xin , Mei Dong , Pan Yifan , Wang Yanjie
Published: September 2023

A flexible paper-based humidity sensor with high performance was fabricated by embedded Au@AgNWs electrodes on filter paper through spraying and electroplating with multifunctional applications for breath detection, and non-contact applications.
Stock index forecasting using DACLAMNN: A new intelligent highly accurate hybrid ACLSTM/Markov neural network predictor
Authors: Safari Ashkan , Badamchizadeh Mohammad Ali
Published: September 2023

The authors present the investigation of a new hybrid predictive model of Duplex Attention‐based Coupled LSTM Markov Averaged Neural Network, known as DACLMANN. The financial field, particularly the stock market, heavily relies on accurate predictive models. DACLMANN comprises four essential components: two LSTM blocks, an Averagiser and a Markov Neural Network block. The first LSTM block is composed of two hidden layers, each containing 50 neurons and a dense layer with 25 neurons. The second LSTM block consists of two hidden layers, each with 100 neurons, and a dense layer with 50 neurons. The Averagiser plays a crucial role by averaging the closing prices and predicted values from the first LSTM block, resulting in a 90% gain. These averaged values are then fed into the second LSTM block for further prediction. Finally, the predictions undergo evaluation using the Markov model, yielding the final prediction. To assess the performance of DACLMANN, it was tested on 22 years of stock prices for the AMZN index. The evaluation metrics used by the authors include an R2 of 0.76, mean absolute error of 6.81216, root mean square error of 8.6040, Precision of 1, Accuracy of 1, Recall of 1 and F1 of 1. Additionally, DACLMANN achieved a Mean Absolute Percentage Error of less than 0.043% and an RMSPE of less than 2.1%. These results not only demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model but also authenticate the prediction outcomes. DACLMANN offers several advantages over traditional predictive models in the stock market. By combining the strengths of Duplex Attention‐based Coupled LSTM, Averagiser, and Markov Neural Network, DACLMANN leverages the power of deep learning, attention mechanisms, and sequential modelling. This hybrid approach enables DACLMANN to capture intricate patterns and dependencies present in stock market data, leading to more accurate and reliable predictions. The robust evaluation metrics further validate the superiority of DACLMANN in predicting stock prices.
Cascading AB‐YOLOv5 and PB‐YOLOv5 for rib fracture detection in frontal and oblique chest X‐ray images
Authors: Tsai Hsin‐Chun , Lu Nan‐Han , Liu Kuo‐Ying , Lin Chuan‐Han , Wang Jhing‐Fa
Published: September 2023

Convolutional deep learning models have shown comparable performance to radiologists in detecting and classifying thoracic diseases. However, research on rib fractures remains limited compared to other thoracic abnormalities. Moreover, existing deep learning models primarily focus on using frontal chest X‐ray (CXR) images. To address these gaps, the authors utilised the EDARib‐CXR dataset, comprising 369 frontal and 829 oblique CXRs. These X‐rays were annotated by experienced radiologists, specifically identifying the presence of rib fractures using bounding‐box‐level annotations. The authors introduce two detection models, AB‐YOLOv5 and PB‐YOLOv5, and train and evaluate them on the EDARib‐CXR dataset. AB‐YOLOv5 is a modified YOLOv5 network that incorporates an auxiliary branch to enhance the resolution of feature maps in the final convolutional network layer. On the other hand, PB‐YOLOv5 maintains the same structure as the original YOLOv5 but employs image patches during training to preserve features of small objects in downsampled images. Furthermore, the authors propose a novel two‐level cascaded architecture that integrates both AB‐YOLOv5 and PB‐YOLOv5 detection models. This structure demonstrates improved metrics on the test set, achieving an AP30 score of 0.785. Consequently, the study successfully develops deep learning‐based detectors capable of identifying and localising fractured ribs in both frontal and oblique CXR images.
Self‐interference cancellation using dmrs‐based power estimation for in‐band full‐duplex transmission
Authors: Kim J. K.
Published: September 2023

This letter presents an improved Self‐Interference Cancellation (SIC) receiver with Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS)‐based power estimation for In‐band Full‐duplex (IBFD) transmission. The performance of the SIC scheme is highly dependent on the power of transmit signal. The DMRS‐based power estimation can obtain accurate power. Numerical results show that SIC with DMRS‐based power estimation improves the performance of an IBFD system.
Road damage detection with bounding box and generative adversarial networks based augmentation methods
Authors: Aghayan‐Mashhady Nima , Amirkhani Abdollah
Published: September 2023

In this paper, based on the data augmentation techniques of bounding box augmentation and the road damage generative adversarial network based augmentation, a robust road damage detection method has been presented. To this end, first, Iran road damage dataset has been collected by means of a dashboard‐installed mobile phone. After processing these images by the blind referenceless image spatial quality evaluator technique, the substandard and inferior data have been automatically eliminated. In the second step, based on the YOLOv5 with several different baseline models, an algorithm has been developed for detecting the road surface damages. In the third step, by using the traditional as well as the bounding box augmentation and road damage generative adversarial network based augmentation techniques, the precision and the robustness of road damage detector under different environmental and field conditions have been improved. Finally, through the ensemble of the best models, the final detector accuracy has been enhanced. The findings of this article indicate that by using the proposed approach, the values of mAP and F1‐score are improved by 13.79% and 7.58%, respectively. The dataset and parts of the code are available at: https://github.com/IranRoadDamageDataset/IRRDD.
MPC‐Bi‐LSTM based control strategy for connected and automated vehicles platoon oriented to cyberattacks
Authors: Li Liyou , Yang Hang , Cheng Rongjun
Published: September 2023

Any technological innovation will be accompanied by new challenges and risks, and the connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) are no exception. Among them, the argument that cooperating platoons may fall victim to cyberattacks through wireless communication has emerged as a significant issue. Therefore, this paper designs a communication topology anomaly response system (CTARS) to ensure platoon safety, which consists of a trigger module and a control module. The primary objective of the trigger module is to distinguish abnormal vehicle behavior based on time to collision (TTC) indicators, and the control module combines the model predictive control (MPC) and bidirectional long short‐term memory (Bi‐LSTM) to achieve accurate trajectory prediction of and optimal control, working in tandem with the trigger module. Subsequently, the real dataset HISTORIC is used to calibrate the multiple vehicle intelligent driver model (IDM) and train the trajectory prediction model. Furthermore, comparative simulations are conducted, encompassing various forms of cyberattacks, in order to examine the evolution characteristics of CAVs platoons (CAVP) and evaluate the performance of CTARS. The results demonstrate the remarkable effectiveness of CTARS in safeguarding the security of CAVP during cyberattacks, thus confirming its exceptional performance.
Nasal Cerebrospinal Leaks in the Milieu of COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Sharipov Oleg I. , Chenikova Nadeghda A. , Abdali Ashraf , Chavda Vishal , Shelesko Elizaveta B. , Kutin Maksim A. , Ershova Olga N. , Kalinin Pavel L. , Chaurasia Bipin
Published: September 2023

Background The unintentional ingestion of oropharyngeal or gastric contents into the respiratory tract is known as aspiration. Rhinorrhea can cause aspiration pneumonia (cerebrospinal fluid leakage).

Objective There are only a few reports in the literature about pneumonia as a complication of rhinorrhea. There are no reports on how to handle such cases if they present to the clinic at the peak of COVID-19 disease and distinguish between these two conditions.

Methods We reviewed the literature and retrospectively analyzed the clinical information and treatment protocols used to treat the two clinical cases.

Results By screening the COVID-19 PCR and antibodies more than twice, surgery was postponed for 10–14 days in both cases to rule out COVID-19-induced pneumonia. Chest CT scans still revealed ground glass opacities. In both cases, the skull base defect was repaired. In both cases, radiological signs of rhinorrhea-induced pneumonia had completely resolved at the 24- and 30-day follow-ups.

Conclusion CSF aspiration causes radiological changes in the lungs in rhinnorhea. This is a short-term local decrease in lung tissue airness (partial filling of alveoli with fluids), which is visible radiographically (ground-glass opacities). To rule out COVID-19 infection, surgery should be postponed for 10–14 days, and PCR and antibodies (IgG,IgM) should be performed at least twice. If the COVID-19 screening test is negative, repair surgery can be scheduled.
Surgical Outcome of Microvascular Decompression for Hemifacial Spasm: Symptom Control and Quality of Life
Authors: Rodrigues Thayanna Bentes Lemanski Lopes , Meguins Lucas Crociati , Spotti Antonio Ronaldo , Rocha Carlos Eduardo Dall Aglio , Tognola Waldir Antônio , de Morais Dionei Freitas
Published: September 2023

Introduction Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is characterized by a segmental myoclonus of the face muscles innervated by the ipsilateral facial nerve. The accepted pathophysiology of HFS suggests that it is a disease process of the nerve root entry zone associated with any neuro-vascular conflict.

Aim Review the surgical results and outcome regarding spasm control, post-operative quality of life and morbidity of microvascular decompression (MVD) for HFS from a Brazilian neurosurgical team.

Method An observational investigation was conducted with data collection from patients with hemifacial spasm treated with MVD from January 2000 to December 2015 in two different centers in the West of São Paulo State, Brazil.

Results A total of 152 patients underwent MVD for the treatment of HFS, ninety-eight (64.5%) female. Eighty-seven (57.2%) patients presented right-side spasms. The most common offending vessel was the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) with 78 (51.3%) patients. According to clinical presentation, an amount of 144 (94.7%) patients presented total control of symptoms after 36 months of follow-up. Regarding quality of life, a total of 125 (82.2%) patients referred normal quality of life after MVD for HFS and 121 (96.8%) from then were able to return to work or previous occupation. Permanent facial paresis / palsy was observed in 6 (3.6%) patients. There was no surgical mortality.

Conclusion MVD for the treatment of HFS is a safe and efficacious surgical procedure to control spasm. Neurosurgeons experience, adequate patient selection and good anatomical knowledge are fundamental to success of the treatment.
Influence of Hip Mobility and Strength on Gait Parameters among Young Females—A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Alagingi Nityal Kumar , Salin Deekshitha
Published: September 2023

Background The hip's primary function is to dynamically support the weight of the trunk while allowing the force and load transmission axial skeleton to the lower extremity and henceforth allowing mobility. The function of the hip is not only to take the load of the trunk to the lower extremity but also to perform daily activities which include walking, running, jumping, sitting, etc. Hip muscle strength is required to stabilize the pelvic and trunk during squatting and walking (single stance) and to perform other daily living activities. The prevalence rate reports that males are more physically active than females. The number of physical activities has shown to be decreased in teens and young adults between the ages of 14 and 22 years due to transitions in their lifestyle. These changes can be behavioral and due to body composition. The objectives of the study are to determine the influence of hip mobility and strength on the spatial and temporal parameters of gait.

Methodology This is a cross-sectional study involving a total of 50 young female populations that have been selected based on the inclusion criteria. Hip range of motion using a universal goniometer was measured in three trials with 30 seconds of rest between each measurement. The hip muscle strength was measured using a handheld dynamometer with 5 seconds hold and three trials taking 30 seconds of rest between each measurement. Spatial parameters of gait were measured by using Kinovea software V.0.8.15, and temporal parameters of gait were measured by asking the subject to walk comfortably in their own speed for 1 minute and the video was taken and measured.

Result The hip internal rotation and external rotation has shown to have a statistical significance with spatial and temporal parameters of gait. The hip abductors, adductors, internal rotators, and external rotator muscle strength have shown to have statistical significance with spatial and temporal parameters of gait. Descriptive statistics were used for demographic characteristics, and Pearson's correlation coefficient is used for determining association between outcome variables.

Conclusion The hip abductors, adductors, internal rotators, and external rotators have shown to have influence on gait parameters specially with walking speed. The hip internal and external rotation has shown to have influence on gait parameters.
Arbitrarily accurate, nonparametric coarse graining with Markov renewal processes and the Mori–Zwanzig formulation
Authors: Aristoff David , Johnson Mats , Perez Danny
Published: September 2023

Stochastic dynamics, such as molecular dynamics, are important in many scientific applications. However, summarizing and analyzing the results of such simulations is often challenging due to the high dimension in which simulations are carried out and, consequently, due to the very large amount of data that are typically generated. Coarse graining is a popular technique for addressing this problem by providing compact and expressive representations. Coarse graining, however, potentially comes at the cost of accuracy, as dynamical information is, in general, lost when projecting the problem in a lower-dimensional space. This article shows how to eliminate coarse-graining error using two key ideas. First, we represent coarse-grained dynamics as a Markov renewal process. Second, we outline a data-driven, non-parametric Mori–Zwanzig approach for computing jump times of the renewal process. Numerical tests on a small protein illustrate the method.
Effect of magnetron sputtering process parameters on the conductivity of thin metal film
Authors: Liu Shuangjie , Li Xingwang , Hao Yongping , Li Xing , Liu Fengli
Published: September 2023

This paper focuses on the effect of magnetron sputtering process parameters on the performance of thin metal film. Copper–tin alloy metal film was deposited on both sides of the PVDF film using direct current magnetron sputtering technology, and the effects of different working pressures, sputtering powers, sputtering times, and argon flow rates on the uniformity, deposition rate, and electrical conductivity of the metal film were studied separately. The main and minor factors affecting the conductivity of the metal film were determined by multiple linear regression, and the process parameters were optimized. The optimal process parameters include a working pressure of 0.065 Pa, a sputtering power of 70 W, a sputtering time of 20 min, and an argon flow of 20 SCCM. The samples with the best electrical conductivity were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and energy spectrometry for microscopic morphology and elemental composition. The experimental results showed that the sputtering time and sputtering power have a greater effect on the metal film uniformity and that the working pressure and argon flow rate have a smaller effect on the metal film uniformity; when the working pressure is lower, the sputtering power is higher, the sputtering time is longer, the argon flow rate is higher, and the conductivity of the sputtered metal film is better. The deposition rate decreased with the increase in the working pressure and increased with the increase in the sputtering power and argon flow rate. The working pressure is the main factor affecting the conductivity of the metal film, and the sputtering power and sputtering time are secondary factors.
Maternally derived antibody titer dynamics and risk of hospitalized infant dengue disease
Authors: O’Driscoll Megan , Buddhari Darunee , Huang Angkana T. , Waickman Adam , Kaewhirun Surachai , Iamsirithaworn Sopon , Khampaen Direk , Farmer Aaron , Fernandez Stefan , Rodriguez-Barraquer Isabel , Srikiatkhachorn Anon , Thomas Stephen , Endy Timothy , Rothman Alan L. , Anderson Kathryn , Cummings Derek A. T. , Salje Henrik
Published: September 2023

Infants less than 1 y of age experience high rates of dengue disease in dengue virus (DENV) endemic countries. This burden is commonly attributed to antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE), whereby concentrations of maternally derived DENV antibodies become subneutralizing, and infection-enhancing. Understanding antibody-related mechanisms of enhanced infant dengue disease risk represents a significant challenge due to the dynamic nature of antibodies and their imperfect measurement processes. Further, key uncertainties exist regarding the impact of long-term shifts in birth rates, population-level infection risks, and maternal ages on the DENV immune landscape of newborns and their subsequent risks of severe dengue disease in infancy. Here, we analyze DENV antibody data from two infant cohorts (N = 142 infants with 605 blood draws) and 40 y of infant dengue hospitalization data from Thailand. We use mathematical models to reconstruct maternally derived antibody dynamics, accounting for discretized measurement processes and limits of assay detection. We then explore possible antibody-related mechanisms of enhanced infant dengue disease risk and their ability to reconstruct the observed age distribution of hospitalized infant dengue cases. We find that ADE mechanisms are best able to reconstruct the observed data. Finally, we describe how the shifting epidemiology of dengue in Thailand, combined with declining birth rates, have decreased the absolute risk of infant dengue disease by 88% over a 40-y period while having minimal impact on the mean age of infant hospitalized dengue disease.
Strain-induced topological transitions and tilted Dirac cones in kagome lattices
Authors: Mojarro M A , Ulloa Sergio E
Published: September 2023

We study effects of strain on the electronic properties of the kagome lattice in a tight-binding formalism with spin–orbit coupling (SOC). The degeneracy at the Γ point evolves into a pair of emergent tilted Dirac cones under uniaxial strain, where the anisotropy and tilting of the bands depend on the magnitude and direction of the strain field. SOC opens gaps at the emergent Dirac points, making the flatband topological, characterized by a nontrivial

Z

2

index. Strains of a few percent drive the system into trivial or topological phases. This confirms that moderate strain can be used to engineer anisotropic Dirac bands with tunable properties to study new phases in kagome lattices.
Indicatory surface of anelastic-elastic properties of Ti alloys
Authors: Onanko Anatoliy , Kuzmych Lyudmyla , Onanko Yurii , Kuzmych Anna
Published: September 2023

The simultaneous influence of hydrogen H and ultrasound deformation on internal friction Q

−1 and dynamic elastic modulus E of intermetallic Ti3Al alloy after cutting and polishing were studied. The relaxation maximum of internal friction Q

−1

M1
at temperature Т

М1
≈ 398 К, conditioned by the mechanism caused by reorientation interstitial atoms in dumbbell configurations H-H was discovered. Internal friction maximum Q

−1

M2
in intermetallic Ti3Al at temperature T

M2
≈ 439 K was discovered with an activation energy H
2 = 0.86±0.1 eV. 2D and 3D atomic force microscopy microstructure images of Ti (VT8) alloy after mechanical and thermal treatment are presented. Strengthening of Ti alloys is related to the cooperation of dislocations with point defects.
Assessing transboundary air pollution and joint prevention control policies: evidence from China
Authors: Mai Lina , Mai Shixiong , Yang Xiaodong , Ran Qiying
Published: September 2023

This study addresses the pressing issue of transboundary air pollution, an environmental concern characterised by the dispersion of pollutants across administrative boundaries. Prior research in this area has lacked an in-depth examination of the efficacy of cooperative environmental policies in managing this challenge. To address this gap, our study first evaluates transboundary sulphur dioxide pollution across 31 provinces in China from 2005 to 2020 utilising the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory model. Following this, we apply a staggered Difference-in-Difference model to gauge the impact of the joint air pollution prevention and control policies adopted by China for high-priority provinces. Our analysis revealed an imbalance in emissions and transboundary pollution levels across provinces. Provinces such as Shandong, Shanxi, and Tianjin face the most severe transboundary SO2 pollution, whereas the highest SO2 emissions were noted in Shandong, Inner Mongolia, and Hebei. The implementation of the joint pollution prevention and control policy resulted in a significant reduction in SO2 emissions and transboundary SO2 pollution by factors of 10.60 and 9.70, respectively, when compared to other provinces. These findings provide valuable insights for shaping environmental cooperation policies and identifying priority provinces for mitigating air pollution.
Shift of argument algebras and de Concini–Procesi spaces
Authors: Halacheva Iva
Published: September 2023

In this expository article, we recall the construction and properties of the de Concini–Procesi wonderful compactification

M

¯

g

\overline {\mathcal {M}}_{\mathfrak {g}}

associated to the root hyperplane configuration of a semisimple Lie algebra

g

{\mathfrak {g}}

. We then describe the structure of the family of shift of argument algebras, a family of maximal Poisson-commutative subalgebras of

S
(

g

)

S({\mathfrak {g}})

parametrized by elements

μ
∈

P

(

h

reg

)

\mu \in \mathbb {P}(\mathfrak {h}^{\text {reg}})

, and discuss how one can compactify it to a family parametrized by

M

¯

g

\overline {\mathcal {M}}_{\mathfrak {g}}

, as well as lift it to

U

(

g

)

{\mathcal {U}}({\mathfrak {g}})

. When considering the real locus

M

¯

g

(

R

)

\overline {\mathcal {M}}_{\mathfrak {g}}({\mathbb {R}})

, any shift of argument algebra corresponding to such a parameter acts with simple spectrum on a given highest weight irreducible

g

{\mathfrak {g}}

-representation

V
(
λ
)

V(\lambda )

. We recall that this produces a covering of

M

¯

g

(

R

)

\overline {\mathcal {M}}_{\mathfrak {g}}({\mathbb {R}})

such that the monodromy action on the fibers coincides with the cactus group action

C

g

C_{\mathfrak {g}}

on the crystal

B
(
λ
)

B(\lambda )

.
Global Existence of Small Amplitude Solutions for a Model Quadratic Quasilinear Coupled Wave-Klein-Gordon System in Two Space Dimension, with Mildly Decaying Cauchy Data
Authors: Stingo A.
Published: September 2023

The aim of this monograph is to study the global existence of solutions to a coupled wave-Klein-Gordon system in space dimension two when initial data are small smooth and mildly decaying at infinity. Some physical models strictly related to general relativity have shown the importance of studying such systems but very few results are known at present in low space dimension. We study here a model two-dimensional system, in which the nonlinearity writes in terms of “null forms”, and show the global existence of small solutions. Our goal is to prove some energy estimates on the solution when a certain number of Klainerman vector fields is acting on it, and some optimal uniform estimates. The former ones are obtained using systematically quasilinear normal forms, in their para-differential version; the latter ones are recovered by deducing a new coupled system of a transport equation and an ordinary differential equation from the starting PDE system by means of a semiclassical micro-local analysis of the problem. We expect the strategy developed here to be robust enough to enable us, in the future, to treat the case of the most general nonlinearities.
On the equidistribution of closed geodesics and geodesic nets
Authors: Li Xinze , Staffa Bruno
Published: September 2023

We show that given a closed

n
n

-manifold

M
M

, for a Baire-generic set of Riemannian metrics

g
g

on

M
M

there exists a sequence of closed geodesics that are equidistributed in

M
M

if

n
=
2

n=2

; and an equidistributed sequence of embedded stationary geodesic nets if

n
=
3

n=3

. One of the main tools that we use is the Weyl law for the volume spectrum for

1
1

-cycles, proved by Liokumovich, Marques, and Neves [Ann. of Math. (2) 187 (2018), pp. 933–961] for

n
=
2

n=2

and by Guth and Liokumovich [Preprint, arXiv:2202.11805, 2022] for

n
=
3

n=3

. We show that our proof of the equidistribution of stationary geodesic nets can be generalized for any dimension

n
≥
2

n\geq 2

provided the Weyl Law for

1
1

-cycles in

n
n

-manifolds holds.
BioNAR: an integrated biological network analysis package in bioconductor
Authors: McLean Colin , Sorokin Anatoly , Simpson Thomas Ian , Armstrong James Douglas , Sorokina Oksana
Published: September 2023

Motivation

Biological function in protein complexes emerges from more than just the sum of their parts: molecules interact in a range of different sub-complexes and transfer signals/information around internal pathways. Modern proteomic techniques are excellent at producing a parts-list for such complexes, but more detailed analysis demands a network approach linking the molecules together and analysing the emergent architectural properties. Methods developed for the analysis of networks in social sciences have proven very useful for splitting biological networks into communities leading to the discovery of sub-complexes enriched with molecules associated with specific diseases or molecular functions that are not apparent from the constituent components alone.

Results

Here, we present the Bioconductor package BioNAR, which supports step-by-step analysis of biological/biomedical networks with the aim of quantifying and ranking each of the network’s vertices based on network topology and clustering. Examples demonstrate that while BioNAR is not restricted to proteomic networks, it can predict a protein’s impact within multiple complexes, and enables estimation of the co-occurrence of metadata, i.e. diseases and functions across the network, identifying the clusters whose components are likely to share common function and mechanisms.

Availability and implementation

The package is available from Bioconductor release 3.17: https://bioconductor.org/packages/release/bioc/html/BioNAR.html.
Scalable inference of cell differentiation networks in gene therapy clonal tracking studies of haematopoiesis
Authors: Del Core Luca , Pellin Danilo , Wit Ernst C , Grzegorczyk Marco A
Published: September 2023

Motivation

Investigating cell differentiation under a genetic disorder offers the potential for improving current gene therapy strategies. Clonal tracking provides a basis for mathematical modelling of population stem cell dynamics that sustain the blood cell formation, a process known as haematopoiesis. However, many clonal tracking protocols rely on a subset of cell types for the characterization of the stem cell output, and the data generated are subject to measurement errors and noise.

Results

We propose a stochastic framework to infer dynamic models of cell differentiation from clonal tracking data. A state-space formulation combines a stochastic quasi-reaction network, describing cell differentiation, with a Gaussian measurement model accounting for data errors and noise. We developed an inference algorithm based on an extended Kalman filter, a nonlinear optimization, and a Rauch-Tung-Striebel smoother. Simulations show that our proposed method outperforms the state-of-the-art and scales to complex structures of cell differentiations in terms of nodes size and network depth. The application of our method to five in vivo gene therapy studies reveals different dynamics of cell differentiation. Our tool can provide statistical support to biologists and clinicians to better understand cell differentiation and haematopoietic reconstitution after a gene therapy treatment. The equations of the state-space model can be modified to infer other dynamics besides cell differentiation.

Availability and implementation

The stochastic framework is implemented in the R package Karen which is available for download at https://cran.r-project.org/package=Karen. The code that supports the findings of this study is openly available at https://github.com/delcore-luca/CellDifferentiationNetworks.
Impact of timing of primary ileocecal resection on prognosis in patients with Crohn’s disease
Authors: Beelen Evelien M J , Arkenbosch Jeanine H C , Erler Nicole S , Sleutjes Jasmijn A M , Hoentjen Frank , Bodelier Alexander G L , Dijkstra Gerard , Romberg-Camps Marielle , de Boer Nanne K , Stassen Laurents P S , van der Meulen Andrea E , West Rachel , van Ruler Oddeke , van der Woude C Janneke , de Vries Annemarie C
Published: September 2023

Background

The advantage of early ileocecal resection after Crohn’s disease diagnosis is a matter of debate. This study aims to assess the timing of ileocecal resection on prognosis, after correction for possible confounders.

Methods

Patients with Crohn's disease with primary ileocecal resection between 2000 and 2019 were included in a retrospective multicentre cohort. The primary endpoint was endoscopic recurrence (Rutgeerts score ≥i2b) within 18 months. Secondary endpoints were escalation of inflammatory bowel disease medication within 18 months and re-resection during follow-up. The association between timing of ileocecal resection and these endpoints was investigated using multivariable proportional hazard models, corrected for covariates including Montreal classification, postoperative prophylaxis, smoking, indication for surgery, medication before ileocecal resection, perianal fistulas, surgical approach, histology, length of resected segment and calendar year.

Results

In 822 patients ileocecal resection was performed after a median of 3.1 years (i.q.r. 0.7–8.0) after Crohn's disease diagnosis. The lowest incidence of endoscopic recurrence, escalation of inflammatory bowel disease medication and re-resection was observed for patients undergoing ileocecal resection shortly after diagnosis (0–1 months). After correction for covariates, patients with ileocecal resection at 0, 4 and 12 months after diagnosis had a cumulative incidence of 35 per cent, 48 per cent and 39 per cent for endoscopic recurrence, 20 per cent, 29 per cent and 28 per cent for escalation of inflammatory bowel disease medication and 20 per cent, 30 per cent and 34 per cent for re-resection, respectively. In the multivariable model ileocolonic disease (HR 1.39 (95 per cent c.i. 1.05 to 1.86)), microscopic inflammation of proximal and distal resection margins (HR 2.20 (95 per cent c.i. 1.21 to 3.87)) and postoperative prophylactic biological and immunomodulator (HR 0.16 (95 per cent c.i. 0.05 to 0.43)) were associated with endoscopic recurrence.

Conclusion

The timing of ileocecal resection was not associated with a change of disease course; in the multivariable model, the postoperative recurrence was not affected by timing of ileocecal resection.
Performance of the race-free CKD-EPI creatinine-based eGFR equation in a Danish cohort with measured GFR
Authors: Munch Philip Vestergaard , Heide-Jørgensen Uffe , Jensen Simon Kok , Birn Henrik , Vestergaard Søren Viborg , Frøkiær Jørgen , Sørensen Henrik Toft , Christiansen Christian Fynbo
Published: September 2023

Background

In 2021, an updated Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) without a coefficient for race (CKD-EPI21) was developed. The performance of this new equation has yet to be examined among specific patient groups.

Methods

We compared the performances of the new CKD-EPI21 equation and the 2009 equation assuming non-Black race (CKD-EPI09-NB) in patients with GFR measured by chromium-51-EDTA plasma clearance at Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark during 2010–18. We examined bias, accuracy, precision and correct classification of chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage using chromium-51-EDTA clearance as the reference standard. We assessed the performance in the total cohort, cancer patients and potential living kidney donors. We also assessed the performance stratified by CKD stage in the total cohort.

Results

In this predominantly white population, the CKD-EPI21 equation performed slightly better than the CKD-EPI09-NB equation in both the total cohort (N = 4668), and in cancer patients (N = 3313) and potential living kidney donors (N = 239). In the total cohort, the CKD-EPI21 equation demonstrated a slightly lower median absolute bias (−0.2 versus −4.4 mL/min/1.73 m2), and a similar accuracy, precision and correct classification of CKD stage compared with the CKD-EPI09-NB equation. When stratified by CKD stage, the CKD-EPI09-NB equation performed slightly better than the CKD-EPI21 equation among patients with a measured GFR (mGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2.

Conclusions

In a selected cohort of Danish patients with mGFR, the CKD-EPI21 equation performed slightly better than the CKD-EPI09-NB equation except for patients with a mGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, where CKD-EPI09-NB performed slightly better although the differences were considered clinically insignificant.