bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved representation of laminar and turbulent sheet flow in subglacial drainage models
Authors: Hill Tim , Flowers Gwenn Elizabeth , Hoffman Matthew James , Bingham Derek , Werder Mauro Angelo
Published: December 2023

Subglacial hydrology models struggle to reproduce seasonal drainage patterns that are consistent with observed subglacial water pressures and surface velocities. We modify the standard sheet-flow parameterization within a coupled sheet–channel subglacial drainage model to smoothly transition between laminar and turbulent flow based on the locally computed Reynolds number in a physically consistent way (the ‘transition’ model). We compare the transition model to standard laminar and turbulent models to assess the role of the sheet-flow parameterization in reconciling observed and modelled water pressures under idealized and realistic forcing. Relative to the turbulent model, the laminar and transition models improve seasonal simulations by increasing winter water pressure and producing a more prominent late-summer water pressure minimum. In contrast to the laminar model, the transition model remains consistent with its own internal assumptions across all flow regimes. Based on the internal consistency of the transition model and its improved performance relative to the standard turbulent model, we recommend its use for transient simulations of subglacial drainage.
INTROENUMERABILITY, AUTOREDUCIBILITY, AND RANDOMNESS
Authors: LI ANG
Published: December 2023

We define

$\Psi $

-autoreducible sets given an autoreduction procedure

$\Psi $

. Then, we show that for any

$\Psi $

, a measurable class of

$\Psi $

-autoreducible sets has measure zero. Using this, we show that classes of cototal, uniformly introenumerable, introenumerable, and hyper-cototal enumeration degrees all have measure zero.

By analyzing the arithmetical complexity of the classes of cototal sets and cototal enumeration degrees, we show that weakly 2-random sets cannot be cototal and weakly 3-random sets cannot be of cototal enumeration degree. Then, we see that this result is optimal by showing that there exists a 1-random cototal set and a 2-random set of cototal enumeration degree. For uniformly introenumerable degrees and introenumerable degrees, we utilize

$\Psi $

-autoreducibility again to show the optimal result that no weakly 3-random sets can have introenumerable enumeration degree. We also show that no 1-random set can be introenumerable.
The politics of disease
Authors: McDermott Rose
Published: December 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic highlights a long-known but often neglected aspect of international relations: the ability of disease to challenge and change all aspects of security, as well as the ability of public policies to change the course of disease progression. Diseases, especially mass epidemics like COVID-19, clearly affect political, economic, and social structures, but they can also be ameliorated or exacerbated by political policies, including public health policies. The threat of pandemic disease poses a widespread and increasing threat to international stability. Indeed, the political implications of pandemic disease have become increasingly evident as COVID-19 has precipitated death, economic collapse, and political instability around the globe. Any pandemic disease can precipitate catastrophes, from increasing health care costs to decreased productivity. This theoretical discussion highlights the intertwined interactions between social, political, and economic forces and the emergence and evolution of pandemic disease, with widespread implications for governance and international security.
A RADIOCARBON-BASED MODEL OF CHANGING BURIAL RITES IN EARLY MEDIEVAL ENGLAND
Authors: Brownlee Emma
Published: December 2023

This paper uses a “dates as data” approach to understand how grave good use and cemetery space changed across the early medieval period in England. A series of composite kernel density estimations were created, based on a dataset of nearly 1100 graves with associated radiocarbon dates, from between the fourth and ninth centuries AD. This modeling revealed a previously unrecognized peak in grave furnishing around 600 AD, which coincides with a peak in isolated burials, and a low point for unfurnished graves and for small cemeteries. It argues that this peak is unrecognized as previous models of chronological change have focused only on graves containing chronologically distinctive artifacts and highlights the importance of radiocarbon dating as a way of avoiding this limitation.
Revisiting the Phanerozoic rock–diversity relationship
Authors: Na Lin , Li Qijian , Krause Cristina , Zhu Minghang , Kiessling Wolfgang
Published: December 2023

The congruence between rock quantity and biodiversity through the Phanerozoic has long been acknowledged. Rock record bias and common cause are the most discussed hypotheses: the former emphasizes that the changes in diversity through time fully reflect rock availability; the latter posits that the correlation between rock and fossil records is driven by a common cause, such as sea-level changes. Here, we use the Geobiodiversity Database (GBDB), a large compilation of the rock and fossil records, to test the rock bias hypothesis. In contrast to other databases on fossil occurrences, the section-based GBDB also records unfossiliferous units. Our multiple regression analysis shows that 85% of the variation in sampled diversity can be attributed to the rock record, meaning that major peaks and drops in observed diversity are mainly due to the rock record. Our results support a strong covariation between the number of unfossiliferous units and sampled diversity, indicating a genuine rock bias that arose from sampling effort that is independent of fossil content. This provides a compelling argument that the rock record bias is more prominent than common cause in explaining large-scale variations in sampled diversity. Our study suggests that (1) no single proxy can fully represent rock record bias in predicting biodiversity, (2) rock bias strongly governs sampled diversity in both marine and terrestrial communities, and (3) unfossiliferous strata contain critical information in predicting diversity of marine and terrestrial animals.
Hall magnetohydrodynamics in a relativistically strong mean magnetic field
Authors: Kawazura Y.
Published: December 2023

This paper presents a magnetohydrodynamic model that describes the small-amplitude fluctuations with wavelengths comparable to ion inertial length in the presence of a relativistically strong mean magnetic field. The set of derived equations is virtually identical to the non-relativistic Hall reduced magnetohydrodynamics (Schekochihinet al.,J. Plasma Phys., vol. 85, 2019, 905850303), differing only by a few constants that take into account the relativistic corrections. This means that all the properties of kinetic Alfvén turbulence and ion cyclotron turbulence inherent in the non-relativistic Hall regime persist unchanged even in a magnetically dominated regime.
Victorian prescience: The Lancetmedical journal and the loss of the Franklin expedition, 1845–1859
Authors: Millar Keith
Published: December 2023

The loss of Sir John Franklin’s Arctic expedition has provoked speculation about the cause of the fatal outcome from the expedition’s departure in 1845 to the present day. This study describes howThe Lancet, first published in 1823 and now one of the world’s leading medical journals, drew conclusions at the time of the expedition’s loss, which closely parallel those of today’s most recent research. The journal took evidence from Arctic medical and naval experts to conclude in 1859 that the Admiralty’s misdirected searches committed the crews to ice-bound entrapment, which had fatal nutritional consequences. The Lancet’s prescience has been supported by recent research showing that the unique physical circumstances faced by the expedition had nutritional effects related to vitamin deficiencies, which explain mortality over the third winter and the eventual total loss. It is significant that, although published 160 years apart and with vitamins unknown in the Victorian era, both studies took robust evidence-based approaches to draw similar conclusions.
Divorce and risk of suicide attempt: a Swedish national study
Authors: Edwards Alexis C. , Ohlsson Henrik , Salvatore Jessica E. , Stephenson Mallory E. , Crump Casey , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina , Kendler Kenneth S.
Published: December 2023

Background

Prior research has reported an association between divorce and suicide attempt. We aimed to clarify this complex relationship, considering sex differences, temporal factors, and underlying etiologic pathways.

Methods

We used Swedish longitudinal national registry data for a cohort born 1960–1990 that was registered as married between 1978 and 2018 (N = 1 601 075). We used Cox proportional hazards models to estimate the association between divorce and suicide attempt. To assess whether observed associations were attributable to familial confounders or potentially causal in nature, we conducted co-relative analyses.

Results

In the overall sample and in sex-stratified analyses, divorce was associated with increased risk of suicide attempt (adjusted hazard ratios [HRs] 1.66–1.77). Risk was highest in the year immediately following divorce (HRs 2.20–2.91) and declined thereafter, but remained elevated 5 or more years later (HRs 1.41–1.51). Divorcees from shorter marriages were at higher risk for suicide attempt than those from longer marriages (HRs 3.33–3.40 and 1.20–1.36, respectively). In general, HRs were higher for divorced females than for divorced males. Co-relative analyses suggested that familial confounders and a causal pathway contribute to the observed associations.

Conclusions

The association between divorce and risk of suicide attempt is complex, varying as a function of sex and time-related variables. Given evidence that the observed association is due in part to a causal pathway from divorce to suicide attempt, intervention or prevention efforts, such as behavioral therapy, could be most effective early in the divorce process, and in particular among females and those whose marriages were of short duration.
The comprehension of passives in Mandarin children with and without DLD: from the perspective of Edge Feature Underspecification Hypothesis
Authors: Du Jiao , He Xiaowei , Yu Haopeng
Published: December 2023

This paper investigates the comprehension of long and short passives in 15 Mandarin preschool children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) (aged 4;2–5;11 years), 15 Typically Developing Age-matched (TDA) (aged 4;3–5;8 years) children, and 15 Typically Developing Younger (TDY) (aged 3;2–4;3 years) children by using the picture-sentence matching task. The results reveal that children with DLD encounter more difficulty comprehending long passives compared with short passive, that they perform worse on the comprehension task than TDA children and TDY children, and that this population is more likely to commit thematic role reversal errors and point to pictures with the incorrect agent (patient) than typically developing children. Given that Mandarin passives are Topic Structures, we maintain that children with DLD are insensitive to the edge feature of the moved element in long passives, leading to Relativized Minimality effect and causing the asymmetry between the comprehension of long and short passives. These results align well with the Edge Feature Underspecification Hypothesis. Errors found in the children with DLD in the comprehension task point toward impaired syntactic knowledge and the lexical semantic deficit.
Level-p-complexity of Boolean functions using thinning, memoization, and polynomials
Authors: JANSSON JULIA , JANSSON PATRIK
Published: December 2023

This paper describes a purely functional library for computing level-p-complexity of Boolean functions and applies it to two-level iterated majority. Boolean functions are simply functions from n bits to one bit, and they can describe digital circuits, voting systems, etc. An example of a Boolean function is majority, which returns the value that has majority among the n input bits for odd n. The complexity of a Boolean function f measures the cost of evaluating it: how many bits of the input are needed to be certain about the result of f. There are many competing complexity measures, but we focus on level-p-complexity — a function of the probability p that a bit is 1. The level-p-complexity

$D_p(f)$

is the minimum expected cost when the input bits are independent and identically distributed with Bernoulli(p) distribution. We specify the problem as choosing the minimum expected cost of all possible decision trees — which directly translates to a clearly correct, but very inefficient implementation. The library uses thinning and memoization for efficiency and type classes for separation of concerns. The complexity is represented using (sets of) polynomials, and the order relation used for thinning is implemented using polynomial factorization and root counting. Finally, we compute the complexity for two-level iterated majority and improve on an earlier result by J. Jansson.
A Philippine Island Detective Story
Authors: Cartier Kimberly
Published: December 2023

Researchers snorkeled, drilled, profiled, mapped, and interviewed to unlock clues to how an island was born.
Extreme Birkeland Currents Are More Likely During Geomagnetic Storms on the Dayside of the Earth
Authors: Coxon John C. , Chisham Gareth , Freeman Mervyn P. , Forsyth Colin , Walach Maria‐Theresia , Murphy Kyle R. , Vines Sarah K. , Anderson Brian J. , Smith Andrew W. , Fogg Alexandra R.
Published: December 2023

We examine the statistical distribution of large‐scale Birkeland currents measured by the Active Magnetosphere and Planetary Electrodynamics Response Experiment in four unique categories of geomagnetic activity for the first time: quiet times, storm times, quiet‐time substorms, and storm‐time substorms. A novel method is employed to sort data into one of these four categories, and the categorizations are provided for future research. The mean current density is largest during substorms and its standard deviation is largest during geomagnetic storms. Current densities which are above a low threshold are more likely during substorms, but extreme currents are far more likely during geomagnetic storms, consistent with a paradigm in which geomagnetic storms represent periods of enhanced variability over quiet times. We demonstrate that extreme currents are most likely to flow within the Region 2 current during geomagnetic storms. This is unexpected in a paradigm of the current systems in which Region 1 current is generally larger.
New Insights Into the Active Tectonics of the Northern Canadian Cordillera From an Enhanced Earthquake Catalog
Authors: Drooff Connor , Freymueller Jeffrey T.
Published: December 2023

Seismic activity in the Northern Canadian Cordillera is characterized by diffuse earthquakes that extend hundreds of km northwest from the Yakutat collision zone. We use 25 months of broadband seismic data from Mackenzie Mountain Earthscope Project (MMEP), USArray Transportable Array (TA), and permanent Canadian National Seismic Network stations to present a local earthquake catalog with high sensitivity to small regional events. Deep learning techniques are adopted for both seismic phase detection and association. Event relocations are performed to provide well constrained estimates of earthquake depth distributions. Clusters of seismicity spanning the upper crust are located in the central Richardson Mountains, along the Tintina fault, and in the northeast Selwyn Basin. These clusters suggest that the core of the Richardson Anticlinorium is tectonically active and that the Tintina fault is a locus for low levels of active deformation. We interpret seismicity in the northeast Selwyn Basin as primarily occurring in the hanging wall of the Plateau thrust fault and suggest that some combination of localized duplex structures and lithological strength contrasts both within the Selwyn Basin and between abutting Paleozoic shelf sequences may be responsible for seismicity in the Mackenzie Mountain foreland.
Terrestrial and Biological Activities Shaped the Fate of Dissolved Organic Nitrogen in a Subtropical River‐Dominated Estuary and Adjacent Coastal Area
Authors: Li Jinlong , Wu Yunchao , Jiang Zhijian , Liu Songlin , Ren Yuzheng , Yang Jia , Song Xingyu , Huang Xiaoping , He Ding
Published: December 2023

Estuaries are key areas for terrestrial material transport and marine biogeochemical processes, particularly those of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON). However, the fate of DON in estuaries with a high runoff remains poorly understood. In this study, we explored the translocation and transformation of DON in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) and adjacent coastal areas of southern China based on DON concentrations, optical and fluorescence characteristics, and environmental parameters. The results revealed that DIN and DON exhibited dissimilar distributions. The distribution of DIN was primarily influenced by freshwater‐seawater mixing. In contrast, biological processes and freshwater‐seawater mixing shaped the distribution of DON. High levels of DON in the terrestrial‐dominated zone were predominantly anthropogenic sources through terrestrial inputs, whereas DON in the freshwater‐seawater mixing zone and seawater‐based zone were mainly influenced by biological activities, as high concentrations of Chla were observed in these two areas. DON exhibits fast dilution in low‐salinity areas and retention in moderate‐salinity areas (freshwater‐seawater mixing area) in summer and winter, while undergoes a rapid decrease in open water areas during winter. Consequently, DON in the PRE and adjacent coastal areas exhibited nonconservative mixing despite seasonal variations. These findings provide novel insights into the role of DON in nitrogen biogeochemical processes in river‐dominated estuaries and adjacent coastal areas.
Frequency Dependence of Ocean Kinetic Energy and Respective Changes Over the Period 1983–2018
Authors: Serra N. , Bryan F. O. , Stammer D.
Published: December 2023

Regional horizontal and vertical patterns of ocean kinetic energy (KE) during 1983–2018 are studied using a numerical simulation. The analysis is focused on time‐mean and transient components of KE. For understanding its contribution to the total as function of timescale, the transient part is further sub‐divided into six frequency bands, with periods >16 months, 16–8 months, 8–4 months, 4–1 months, 1 month–5 days and <5 days. Near the surface, besides intensification due to wind‐forced generation, transient KE is enhanced in boundary currents, in equatorial wave guides and in the Southern Ocean. In the deep, KE is enhanced in re‐circulation regions under boundary currents and at eastern sides of topographic ridges. On scales <5 days it is enhanced over shelf and in quiet ocean interior areas. The largest fraction of transient energy resides in the eddy‐populated band 1 week–4 months. Decadal changes of KE are associated with mean flow variations and changes on inter‐ and intra‐annual periods, especially in the Atlantic and Southern Oceans. Changes in the subpolar Atlantic are correlated with the North Atlantic Oscillation and in the Southern Ocean with the Southern Annular Mode. A decrease/increase in Atlantic/Pacific KE is noticed over the investigated period. Trends are found in the Gulf Stream, Kuroshio Current and along the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, which shows an increase in mean and transient energy in the Indian/west Pacific sectors and a decrease in the Atlantic sector. The strong variations between decades suggest that trends are part of multi‐decadal variability.
Mercury fluxes from hydrothermal venting at mid-ocean ridges constrained by measurements
Authors: Torres-Rodriguez Natalia , Yuan Jingjing , Petersen Sven , Dufour Aurélie , González-Santana David , Chavagnac Valérie , Planquette Hélène , Horvat Milena , Amouroux David , Cathalot Cécile , Pelleter Ewan , Sun Ruoyu , Sonke Jeroen E. , Luther George W. , Heimbürger-Boavida Lars-Eric
Published: December 2023

Methylmercury is a potent toxin threatening the global population mainly through the consumption of marine fish. Hydrothermal venting directly delivers natural mercury to the ocean, yet its global flux remains poorly constrained. To determine the extent to which anthropogenic inputs have increased oceanic mercury levels, it is crucial to estimate natural mercury levels. Here we combine observations of vent fluids, plume waters, seawater and rock samples to quantify the release of mercury from the Trans-Atlantic Geotraverse hydrothermal vent at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The majority (67–95%) of the mercury enriched in the vent fluids (4,966 ± 497 pmol l−1) is rapidly diluted to reach background seawater levels (0.80 pmol l−1). A small Hg fraction (2.6–10%) is scavenged to the Trans-Atlantic Geotraverse mound rocks. Scaling up our findings and previous work, we propose a mercury flux estimate of 1.5–64.7 t per year from mid-ocean ridges. This hydrothermal flux is small in comparison to anthropogenic inputs. This suggests that most of the mercury present in the ocean must be of anthropogenic origin and that the implementation of emissions reduction measures outlined in the Minamata Convention could effectively reduce mercury levels in the global ocean and subsequently in marine fish.
Design of an electromagnetic metallic metamaterial absorber for terahertz applications
Authors: Elkorany Ahmed S. , Saeed Fatma S. , Hassan Ahmed A. , Saleeb Demyana Adel A.
Published: December 2023

Metamaterial absorbers have diverse applications in the terahertz range. In this paper, a metallic metamaterial absorber is designed to work as a narrowband, wideband, or ultrawideband according to application. A systematic method with minimal computational requirements for the design is developed. The method is efficient since the only information required is the operating frequency and required bandwidth. A condition for zero reflection which ensures matching with free space is derived. The proposed design method is used for the design of narrowband, wideband, and ultrawideband absorbers. For each case the design parameters are different. The narrow bandwidth is less than 5%, while the wide band lies between 5 and 20%, and the ultrawideband is larger than 20%. The dimensions of the designed structure and material properties (εr″) are different for each case. The designed absorber is wide-angle and polarization-independent. The sensitivity of the designed material due to changes of physical dimensions and permittivity is studied. To validate results, reflectivity and absorptivity are calculated using CST package. The dimensions obtained from the developed method are a bit modified using trial and error. The results from the developed method and CST are in excellent agreement.
Tissue-specific directionality of cellulose synthase complex movement inferred from cellulose microfibril polarity in secondary cell walls of Arabidopsis
Authors: Choi Juseok , Makarem Mohamadamin , Lee Chonghan , Lee Jongcheol , Kiemle Sarah , Cosgrove Daniel J. , Kim Seong H.
Published: December 2023

In plant cells, cellulose synthase complexes (CSCs) are nanoscale machines that synthesize and extrude crystalline cellulose microfibrils (CMFs) into the apoplast where CMFs are assembled with other matrix polymers into specific structures. We report the tissue-specific directionality of CSC movements of the xylem and interfascicular fiber walls of Arabidopsis stems, inferred from the polarity of CMFs determined using vibrational sum frequency generation spectroscopy. CMFs in xylems are deposited in an unidirectionally biased pattern with their alignment axes tilted about 25° off the stem axis, while interfascicular fibers are bidirectional and highly aligned along the longitudinal axis of the stem. These structures are compatible with the design of fiber-reinforced composites for tubular conduit and support pillar, respectively, suggesting that during cell development, CSC movement is regulated to produce wall structures optimized for cell-specific functions.
Bundling of collagen fibrils influences osteocyte network formation during bone modeling
Authors: Hashimoto Mana , Takahashi Haruka , Tabata-Okubo Kaori , Nagaoka Noriyuki , Tokunaga Kazuaki , Matsumori Haruka , Ishihara Yoshihito , Kaku Masaru , Iimura Tadahiro , Hara Toru , Kamioka Hiroshi
Published: December 2023

Osteocytes form a cellular network by gap junctions between their cell processes. This network is important since intercellular communication via the network is essential for bone metabolism. However, the factors that influence the formation of this osteocyte network remain unknown. As the early stage of osteocyte network formation occurs on the bone surface, we observed a newly formed trabecular bone surface by orthogonal focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy. The embedding late osteoblast processes tended to avoid bundled collagen fibrils and elongate into sparse collagen fibrils. Then, we examined whether the inhibition of bundling of collagen fibrils using a potent lysyl oxidase inhibitor, β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) changed the cellular network of the chick calvaria. The osteocyte shape of the control group was spindle-shape, while that of the BAPN group was sphere-shaped. In addition, the osteocyte processes of the control group were elongated vertically to the long axis of the cell body, whereas the osteocyte processes of the BAPN group were elongated radially. Therefore, it was suggested that the bundling of collagen fibrils influences normal osteocyte network formation during bone modeling.
Some developments on seasonal INAR processes with application to influenza data
Authors: Almuhayfith Fatimah E. , Okereke Emmanuel W. , Awale Manik , Bakouch Hassan S. , Alqifari Hana N.
Published: December 2023

Influenza epidemic data are seasonal in nature. Zero-inflation, zero-deflation, overdispersion, and underdispersion are frequently seen in such number of cases of disease (count) data. To explain these counts’ features, this paper introduces a flexible model for nonnegative integer-valued time series with a seasonal autoregressive structure. Some probabilistic properties of the model are discussed for general seasonal INAR(p) model and three estimation methods are used to estimate the model parameters for its special case seasonal INAR(1) model. The performance of the estimation procedures has been studied using simulation. The proposed model is applied to analyze weekly influenza data from the Breisgau- Hochschwarzwald county of Baden–Württemberg state, Germany. The empirical findings show that the suggested model performs better than existing models.
Semisupervised hyperspectral image classification based on generative adversarial networks and spectral angle distance
Authors: Zhan Ying , Wang Yufeng , Yu Xianchuan
Published: December 2023

Collecting ground truth labels for hyperspectral image classification is difficult and time-consuming. Without an adequate number of training samples, hyperspectral image (HSI) classification is a challenging problem. Using generative adversarial networks (GANs) is a promising technique for solving this problem because GANs can learn features from both labeled and unlabeled samples. The cost functions widely used in current GAN methods are suitable for 2D nature images. Compared with natural images, HSIs have a simpler one-dimensional structure that facilitates image generation. Motivated by the one-dimensional spectral features of HSIs, we propose a novel semisupervised algorithm for HSI classification by introducing spectral angle distance (SAD) as a loss function and employing multilayer feature fusion. Since the differences between spectra can be quickly calculated using the spectral angle distance, the convergence speed of the GAN can be improved, and the samples generated by the generator model in the GAN are closer to the real spectrum. Once the entire GAN model has been trained, the discriminator can extract multiscale features of labeled and unlabeled samples. The classifier is then trained for HSI classification using the multilayer features extracted from a few labeled samples by the discriminator. The proposed method was validated on four hyperspectral datasets: Pavia University, Indiana Pines, Salinas, and Tianshan. The experimental results show that the proposed model provides very promising results compared with other related state-of-the-art methods.
A route planning for oil sample transportation based on improved A* algorithm
Authors: Sang Yingjun , Chen Xianyan , Chen Quanyu , Tao Jinglei , Fan Yuanyuan
Published: December 2023

The traditional A* algorithm suffers from issues such as sharp turning points in the path, weak directional guidance during the search, and a large number of computed nodes. To address these problems, a modified approach called the Directional Search A* algorithm along with a path smoothing technique has been proposed. Firstly, the Directional Search A* algorithm introduces an angle constraint condition through the evaluation function. By converting sharp turns into obtuse angles, the path turning points become smoother. This approach reduces the occurrence of sharp turns in the path, resulting in improved path smoothness. Secondly, the algorithm enhances the distance function to strengthen the directional guidance during the path search. By optimizing the distance function, the algorithm tends to prefer directions that lead towards the target, which helps reduce the search space and shorten the overall path planning time. Additionally, the algorithm removes redundant nodes along the path, resulting in a more concise path representation. Lastly, the algorithm proposes an improved step size adjustment method to optimize the number of path nodes obtained. By appropriately adjusting the step size, the algorithm further reduces the number of nodes, leading to improved path planning efficiency. By applying these methods together, the Directional Search A* algorithm effectively addresses the limitations of the traditional A* algorithm and produces smoother and more efficient path planning results. Simulation experiments comparing the modified A* algorithm with the traditional A* algorithm were conducted using MATLAB. The experimental results demonstrate that the improved A* algorithm can generate shorter paths, with reduced planning time and smoother trajectories. This indicates that the Directional Search A* algorithm, incorporating the angle constraint condition in the evaluation function and the direction-guided strategy, outperforms the traditional A* algorithm in path planning and provides better solutions to the existing issues.
Complex magnetic fields represent an eco-sustainable technology to counteract the resistant Candida albicans growth without affecting the human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Di Lodovico Silvia , Petrini Morena , D’Amico Emira , Di Fermo Paola , Diban Firas , D’Arcangelo Sara , Piattelli Adriano , Cellini Luigina , Iezzi Giovanna , Di Giulio Mara , D’Ercole Simonetta
Published: December 2023

Novel technologies such as complex magnetic fields—CMFs represent an eco-sustainable proposal to counteract the infection associated to resistant microorganisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two CMF programs (STRESS, ANTIBACTERIAL) against clinical antifungal resistant C. albicans also evaluating their uneffectiveness on gingival fibroblasts (hGFs). The STRESS program was more efficacious on C. albicans biofilm with up to 64.37% ± 10.80 of biomass and up to 99.19% ± 0.06 CFU/ml reductions in respect to the control also inducing an alteration of lipidic structure of the membrane. The MTT assay showed no CMFs negative effects on the viability of hGFs with a major ROS production with the ANTIBACTERIAL program at 3 and 24 h. For the wound healing assay, STRESS program showed the best effect in terms of the rate migration at 24 h, showing statistical significance of p < 0.0001. The toluidine-blue staining observations showed the typical morphology of cells and the presence of elongated and spindle-shaped with cytoplasmic extensions and lamellipodia was observed by SEM. The ANTIBACTERIAL program statistically increased the production of collagen with respect to control and STRESS program (p < 0.0001). CMFs showed a relevant anti-virulence action against C. albicans, no cytotoxicity effects and a high hGFs migration rate. The results of this study suggest that CMFs could represent a novel eco-sustainable strategy to counteract the resistant yeast biofilm infections.
Characteristics of patients with COVID-19 who have deteriorating chest X-ray findings within 48 h: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kusumoto Tatsuya , Chubachi Shotaro , Namkoong Ho , Tanaka Hiromu , Lee Ho , Otake Shiro , Nakagawara Kensuke , Fukushima Takahiro , Morita Atsuho , Watase Mayuko , Asakura Takanori , Masaki Katsunori , Kamata Hirofumi , Ishii Makoto , Hasegawa Naoki , Harada Norihiro , Ueda Tetsuya , Ueda Soichiro , Ishiguro Takashi , Arimura Ken , Saito Fukuki , Yoshiyama Takashi , Nakano Yasushi , Mutoh Yoshikazu , Suzuki Yusuke , Edahiro Ryuya , Murakami Koji , Sato Yasunori , Okada Yukinori , Koike Ryuji , Kitagawa Yuko , Tokunaga Katsushi , Kimura Akinori , Imoto Seiya , Miyano Satoru , Ogawa Seishi , Kanai Takanori , Fukunaga Koichi
Published: December 2023

The severity of chest X-ray (CXR) findings is a prognostic factor in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We investigated the clinical and genetic characteristics and prognosis of patients with worsening CXR findings during early hospitalization. We retrospectively included 1656 consecutive Japanese patients with COVID-19 recruited through the Japan COVID-19 Task Force. Rapid deterioration of CXR findings was defined as increased pulmonary infiltrates in ≥ 50% of the lung fields within 48 h of admission. Rapid deterioration of CXR findings was an independent risk factor for death, most severe illness, tracheal intubation, and intensive care unit admission. The presence of consolidation on CXR, comorbid cardiovascular and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, high body temperature, and increased serum aspartate aminotransferase, potassium, and C-reactive protein levels were independent risk factors for rapid deterioration of CXR findings. Risk variant at the ABO locus (rs529565-C) was associated with rapid deterioration of CXR findings in all patients. This study revealed the clinical features, genetic features, and risk factors associated with rapid deterioration of CXR findings, a poor prognostic factor in patients with COVID-19.
Burden of cerebral small vessel disease and changes of diastolic blood pressure affect clinical outcome after acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Gunkel Sarah , Schötzau Andreas , Fluri Felix
Published: December 2023

Elevated and low blood pressure (BP) may lead to poor functional outcome after ischemic stroke, which is conflicting. Hence, there must be another factor—such as cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) -interacting with BP and thus, affecting outcome. Here, we investigate the relationship between BP and cSVD regarding outcome after stroke. Data of 423/503 stroke patients were prospectively analyzed. Diastolic (DBP) and systolic BP (SBP) were collected on hospital admission (BPad) and over the first 72 h (BP72h). cSVD-burden was determined on MR-scans. Good functional outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score ≤ 2 at hospital discharge and 12 months thereafter. cSVD was a predictor of poor outcome (OR 2.8; p < 0.001). SBPad, DBPad and SBP72h were not significantly associated with outcome at any time. A significant relationship was found between DBP72h, (p < 0.01), cSVD (p = 0.013) and outcome at discharge. At 12 months, we found a relationship between outcome and DBP72h (p = 0.018) and a statistical tendency regarding cSVD (p = 0.08). Changes in DBP72h were significantly related with outcome. There was a U-shaped relationship between DBP72h and outcome at discharge. Our results suggest an individualized stroke care by either lowering or elevating DBP depending on cSVD-burden in order to influence functional outcome.
Brain-enriched guanylate kinase-associated protein, a component of the post-synaptic density protein complexes, contributes to learning and memory
Authors: Katano Tayo , Konno Kohtarou , Takao Keizo , Abe Manabu , Yoshikawa Akari , Miyakawa Tsuyoshi , Sakimura Kenji , Watanabe Masahiko , Ito Seiji , Kobayashi Takuya
Published: December 2023

Brain-enriched guanylate kinase-associated protein (BEGAIN) is highly enriched in the post-synaptic density (PSD) fraction and was identified in our previous study as a protein associated with neuropathic pain in the spinal dorsal horn. PSD protein complexes containing N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors are known to be involved in neuropathic pain. Since these PSD proteins also participate in learning and memory, BEGAIN is also expected to play a crucial role in this behavior. To verify this, we first examined the distribution of BEGAIN in the brain. We found that BEGAIN was widely distributed in the brain and highly expressed in the dendritic regions of the hippocampus. Moreover, we found that BEGAIN was concentrated in the PSD fraction of the hippocampus. Furthermore, immunoelectron microscopy confirmed that BEGAIN was localized at the asymmetric synapses. Behavioral tests were performed using BEGAIN-knockout (KO) mice to determine the contribution of BEGAIN toward learning and memory. Spatial reference memory and reversal learning in the Barns circular maze test along with contextual fear and cued fear memory in the contextual and cued fear conditioning test were significantly impaired in BEGAIN-KO mice compared to with those in wild-type mice. Thus, this study reveals that BEGAIN is a component of the post-synaptic compartment of excitatory synapses involved in learning and memory.
A feasibility study of robot-assisted percutaneous reduction and fixation technique for treating posterolateral depression tibial plateau fractures
Authors: Lu Yao , Xu YiBo , Ren Cheng , Li Zhong , Zhang Kun , Huang Qiang , Ma Teng
Published: December 2023

Posterolateral (PL)-depression fractures of the tibial plateau are difficult to manage. The aim of this study was: (1) to present our experience with a novel technique of robot-assisted percutaneous reduction and fixation and (2) to compare it with the traditional percutaneous screw osteosynthesis (PSO) technique for the treatment of PL-depression tibial plateau fractures. The clinical data of patients with PL-depression tibial plateau fractures treated by robot-assisted percutaneous reduction and fixation technique and traditional PSO technique from January 2017 to January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, there were 18 cases in the robot-assisted group (RA group) and 23 cases in the PSO group. All fractures were unilateral, closed and fresh PL-depression fractures of the tibial plateau. Patients in the RA group were treated by robot assisted reduction and minimally invasive absorbable screw fixation. The PSO group was treated by closed reduction and percutaneous absorbable screw osteosynthesis. The incision length, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fluoroscopic times, inpatient time, weight training time and postoperative complications of the two groups were statistically analyzed. The Rasmussen radiological score was used to assess the reduction quality after operation while the Rasmussen functional score was used to evaluate knee joint functions at one year postoperatively. All patients were followed for at least one year. There was no significant difference in demographic information between the two groups (p > 0.05). Compared with the PSO group, the RA group showed less fluoroscopic times and better Rasmussen radiological and functional scores (p < 0.05). Besides, there was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups (p > 0.05). The novel robot-assisted percutaneous reduction and fixation technique had the characteristics of less radiation, accurate reduction and fixation. It could accelerate the rehabilitation of patients with PL-depression fractures of the tibial plateau and enable patients to obtain good joint functions.
Looking Upstream to Understand Race/Ethnicity as a Moderator for Poststroke Neuroinflammation and a Social Determinant for Poststroke Aphasia Outcomes
Authors: Evans Elizabeth , Ellis Charles
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

Over the past decade, the stroke literature has begun to acknowledge and explore explanations for longstanding racial/ethnic differences in stroke outcomes. Poststroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) and poststroke aphasia are two such negative poststroke outcomes where racial/ethnic differences exist. Physiological differences, such as stroke type and lesion size, have been used to partially explain the variation in PSCI and aphasia. However, there is some evidence, although limited, that suggests neuroinflammatory processes as part of allostatic load may be a key contributor to the observed disparities.

Method:

In this tutorial, we explore the influence of race differences in inflammation on poststroke cognitive outcomes. We suggest lifetime stress and other external determinants of health such as neighborhood environment and discriminatory practices through “weathering” explain differences in inflammation. While using an allostatic load framework, we explore the literature focusing specifically on the role of neuroinflammation on poststroke outcomes.

Conclusions:

Examination of the immune response poststroke provides a foundation for understanding the mechanisms of PSCI and poststroke aphasia and the potential contributions of neuroinflammatory processes on poststroke cognitive outcomes. Furthermore, understanding of racial differences in those processes may contribute to a better understanding of racial disparities in general stroke outcomes as well as poststroke aphasia.
Supply chain model having stochastic lead time demand with variable production rate and demand dependent on price and advertisement
Authors: Debnath Abhijit , Sarkar Biswajit
Published: December 2023

In this present study, a single-manufacturer and single-retailer supply chain management model are formulated for a single product. This study specifically looks at a supply chain with variable production rate, stochastic lead time demand, and price- and advertisement-dependent demand. By incorporating these complex aspects into a model, which enables to examine their combined effects on supply chain performance, this study adds to the body of knowledge. The study reveals unique insights into the complex interplay between pricing tactics, advertising efforts, production dynamics, and the variability brought on by stochastic lead times through meticulous study and modelling. Finally, the total system profit is calculated and optimized with all the decision variables. A classical approach is performed to obtain the optimized solution of the joint profit function along with the decision variables. Two models are discussed in the study: (1) the model with normally distributed lead time demand and (2) the model with distribution-free lead time demand. The joint profit of the supply chain is found to be lesser by 1% for the normally distributed lead time demand than the distribution free pattern. The comparison of the shipment policies and the safety factors for the different distribution patterns of the lead time demand are shown. Though the huge increment in the safety factor for unknown leadtime demand distribution may help in reducing the uncertainity factor and disruptions in the supply chain, but also it may unnecessarily tie up more capital which can be invested in other sectors of the supply chain.
Microfluidics-enabled intelligent manufacturing of metal halide perovskite nanocrystals
Authors: Tang Xiaobing , Yang Fuqian
Published: December 2023

Large-scale and controllable fabrication is an indispensable step for the industrialization and commercialization of halide perovskite nanocrystals, which are new-generation semiconductor materials for optoelectronic applications. Microfluidics, which provides continuous and precise synthesis, has been considered as a promising technique to fulfill this aspect. The research studies over the past decades have witnessed the advancement of microfluidics as a powerful tool in the fabrication of halide perovskite nanocrystals. In this Perspective, the state-of-the-art research based on microfluidics is introduced initially, including the synthesis of functional structures and materials, devices, as well as the interdisciplinary interactions between microfluidics and artificial intelligence and machine learning, etc. We then detail the issues and challenges in hindering progress in the above areas. Finally, we provide future directions and trends for the technology to achieve its full potential. This Perspective is expected to benefit the collective efforts between the field of nanomaterials and microfluidics in advanced manufacturing.
10
6
-fold faster C–H bond hydroxylation by a Co
III,IV
2
(µ-O)
2
complex [via a Co
III
2
(µ-O)(µ-OH) intermediate] versus its Fe
III
Fe
IV
analog
Authors: Li Yan , Abelson Chase , Que Lawrence , Wang Dong
Published: December 2023

The hydroxylation of C–H bonds can be carried out by the high-valent Co
III,IV
2
(µ-O)
2
complex
2a
supported by the tetradentate tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine ligand via a Co
III
2
(µ-O)(µ-OH) intermediate (
3a
). Complex
3a
can be independently generated either by H-atom transfer (HAT) in the reaction of
2a
with phenols as the H-atom donor or protonation of its conjugate base, the Co
III
2
(µ-O)
2
complex
1a
. Resonance Raman spectra of these three complexes reveal oxygen-isotope-sensitive vibrations at 560 to 590 cm
−1
associated with the symmetric Co–O–Co stretching mode of the Co
2
O
2
diamond core. Together with a Co•••Co distance of 2.78(2) Å previously identified for
1a
and
2a
by Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) analysis, these results provide solid evidence for their “diamond core” structural assignments. The independent generation of
3a
allows us to investigate HAT reactions of
2a
with phenols in detail, measure the redox potential and p
K
a
of the system, and calculate the O–H bond strength (
D
O–H
) of
3a
to shed light on the C–H bond activation reactivity of
2a
. Complex
3a
is found to be able to transfer its hydroxyl ligand onto the trityl radical to form the hydroxylated product, representing a direct experimental observation of such a reaction by a dinuclear cobalt complex. Surprisingly, reactivity comparisons reveal
2a
to be 10
6
-fold more reactive in oxidizing hydrocarbon C–H bonds than corresponding Fe
III,IV
2
(µ-O)
2
and Mn
III,IV
2
(µ-O)
2
analogs, an unexpected outcome that raises the prospects for using Co
III,IV
2
(µ-O)
2
species to oxidize alkane C–H bonds.