bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SF3B1
mutations provide genetic vulnerability to copper ionophores in human acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Moison Céline , Gracias Deanne , Schmitt Julie , Girard Simon , Spinella Jean-François , Fortier Simon , Boivin Isabel , Mendoza-Sanchez Rodrigo , Thavonekham Bounkham , MacRae Tara , Mayotte Nadine , Bonneil Eric , Wittman Mark , Carmichael James , Ruel Réjean , Thibault Pierre , Hébert Josée , Marinier Anne , Sauvageau Guy
Published: March 2024

In a phenotypical screen of 56 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patient samples and using a library of 10,000 compounds, we identified a hit with increased sensitivity toward
SF3B1
-mutated and adverse risk AMLs. Through structure-activity relationship studies, this hit was optimized into a potent, specific, and nongenotoxic molecule called UM4118. We demonstrated that UM4118 acts as a copper ionophore that initiates a mitochondrial-based noncanonical form of cell death known as cuproptosis. CRISPR-Cas9 loss-of-function screen further revealed that iron-sulfur cluster (ISC) deficiency enhances copper-mediated cell death. Specifically, we found that loss of the mitochondrial ISC transporter
ABCB7
is synthetic lethal to UM4118.
ABCB7
is misspliced and down-regulated in
SF3B1
-mutated leukemia, creating a vulnerability to copper ionophores. Accordingly, ABCB7 overexpression partially rescued
SF3B1
-mutated cells to copper overload. Together, our work provides mechanistic insights that link ISC deficiency to cuproptosis, as exemplified by the high sensitivity of
SF3B1
-mutated AMLs. We thus propose
SF3B1
mutations as a biomarker for future copper ionophore–based therapies.
A nanochitosan-D-galactose formulation increases the accumulation of primaquine in the liver
Authors: Gomes F. , Ribeiro A. C. , Sanches G. S. , Borges H. S. , Takahashi L. A. U. , Daniel-Ribeiro C. T. , Tedesco A. C. , Nascimento J. W. L. , Carvalho L. J. M.
Published: March 2024

Primaquine is the mainstream antimalarial drug to prevent
Plasmodium vivax
relapses. However, this drug can induce hemolysis in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. Nanostructure formulations of primaquine loaded with D-galactose were used as a strategy to target the drug to the liver and decrease the hemolytic risks. Nanoemulsion (NE-Pq) and nanochitosan (NQ-Pq) formulations of primaquine diphosphate containing D-galactose were prepared and characterized by their physicochemistry properties. Pharmacokinetic and biodistribution studies were conducted using Swiss Webster mice. A single dose of 10 mg/kg of each nanoformulation or free primaquine solution was administered by gavage to the animals, which were killed at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 24 hours. Blood samples and tissues were collected, processed, and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The nanoformulation showed sizes around 200 nm (NE-Pq) and 400 nm (NQ-Pq) and physicochemical stability for over 30 days. Free primaquine solution achieved higher primaquine Cmax in the liver than NE-Pq or NQ-Pq at 0.5 hours. However, the half-life and mean residence time (MRT) of primaquine in the liver were three times higher with the NQ-Pq formulation than with free primaquine, and the volume distribution was four times higher. Conversely, primaquine’s half-life, MRT, and volume distribution in the plasma were lower for NQ-Pq than for free primaquine. NE-Pq, on the other hand, accumulated more in the lungs but not in the liver. Galactose-coated primaquine nanochitosan formulation showed increased drug targeting to the liver compared to free primaquine and may represent a promising strategy for a more efficient and safer radical cure for vivax malaria.
Clinical and genomic characteristics of IMP-producing
Enterobacter cloacae
complex and
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Suzuki Daisuke , Sakurai Aki , Wakuda Mitsutaka , Suzuki Masahiro , Doi Yohei
Published: March 2024

Carbapenemase-producing
Enterobacterales
(CPEs) are one of the top priority antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. Among CPEs, those producing acquired metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) are considered particularly problematic as few agents are active against them. Imipenemase (IMP) is the most frequently encountered acquired MBL in Japan, but comprehensive assessment of clinical and microbiological features of IMP-producing
Enterobacterales
infection remains scarce. Here, we retrospectively evaluated 62 patients who were hospitalized at a university hospital in Japan and had IMP-producing
Enterobacterales
from a clinical culture. The isolates were either
Enterobacter cloacae
complex or
Klebsiella pneumoniae
, and most of them were isolated from sputum. The majority of
K. pneumoniae,
but not
E. cloacae
complex isolates, were susceptible to aztreonam. Sequence type (ST) 78 and ST517 were prevalent for
E. cloacae
complex and
K. pneumoniae
, respectively, and all isolates carried
bla
IMP-1
. Twenty-four of the patients were deemed infected with IMP-producing
Enterobacterales
. Among the infected patients, therapy varied and largely consisted of conventional β-lactam agents, fluoroquinolones, or combinations. Three (13%), five (21%), and nine (38%) of them died by days 14, 30, and 90, respectively. While incremental mortality over 90 days was observed in association with underlying comorbidities, active conventional treatment options were available for most patients with IMP-producing
Enterobacterales
infections, distinguishing them from more multidrug-resistant CPE infections associated with globally common MBLs, such as New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM) and Verona integron-encoded metallo-β-lactamase (VIM).
Gliding motility proteins GldJ and SprB contribute to
Flavobacterium columnare
virulence
Authors: Thunes Nicole C. , Evenhuis Jason P. , Lipscomb Ryan S. , Pérez-Pascual David , Stevick Rebecca J. , Birkett Clayton , Ghigo Jean-Marc , McBride Mark J.
Published: March 2024

Flavobacterium columnare
causes columnaris disease in fish. Columnaris disease is incompletely understood, and adequate control measures are lacking. The type IX secretion system (T9SS) is required for
F. columnare
gliding motility and virulence. The T9SS and gliding motility machineries share some, but not all, components. GldN (required for gliding and for secretion) and PorV (involved in secretion but not required for gliding) are both needed for virulence, implicating T9SS-mediated secretion in virulence. The role of motility in virulence is uncertain. We constructed and analyzed
sprB
,
sprF
, and
gldJ
mutants that were defective for motility but that maintained T9SS function to understand the role of motility in virulence. Wild-type cells moved rapidly and formed spreading colonies. In contrast,
sprB
and
sprF
deletion mutants were partially defective in gliding and formed nonspreading colonies. Both mutants exhibited reduced virulence in rainbow trout fry. A
gldJ
deletion mutant was nonmotile, secretion deficient, and avirulent in rainbow trout fry. To separate the roles of GldJ in secretion and in motility, we generated
gldJ
truncation mutants that produce nearly full-length GldJ. Mutant
gldJ
563
, which produces GldJ truncated at amino acid 563, was defective for gliding but was competent for secretion as measured by extracellular proteolytic activity. This mutant displayed reduced virulence in rainbow trout fry, suggesting that motility contributes to virulence. Fish that survived exposure to the
sprB
deletion mutant or the
gldJ
563
mutant exhibited partial resistance to later challenge with wild-type cells. The results aid our understanding of columnaris disease and may suggest control strategies.

IMPORTANCE

Flavobacterium columnare
causes columnaris disease in many species of freshwater fish in the wild and in aquaculture systems. Fish mortalities resulting from columnaris disease are a major problem for aquaculture.
F. columnare
virulence is incompletely understood, and control measures are inadequate. Gliding motility and protein secretion have been suggested to contribute to columnaris disease, but evidence directly linking motility to disease was lacking. We isolated and analyzed mutants that were competent for secretion but defective for motility. Some of these mutants exhibited decreased virulence. Fish that had been exposed to these mutants were partially protected from later exposure to the wild type. The results contribute to our understanding of columnaris disease and may aid development of control strategies.
Determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations using machine-learning-assisted agar dilution
Authors: Gerada Alessandro , Harper Nicholas , Howard Alex , Reza Nada , Hope William
Published: March 2024

Effective policy to address the global threat of antimicrobial resistance requires robust antimicrobial susceptibility data. Traditional methods for measuring minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) are resource intensive, subject to human error, and require considerable infrastructure. AIgarMIC streamlines and standardizes MIC measurement and is especially valuable for large-scale surveillance activities. MICs were measured using agar dilution for
n
= 10 antibiotics against clinical Enterobacterales isolates (
n
= 1,086) obtained from a large tertiary hospital microbiology laboratory.
Escherichia coli
(
n
= 827, 76%) was the most common organism. Photographs of agar plates were divided into smaller images covering one inoculation site. A labeled data set of colony images was created and used to train a convolutional neural network to classify images based on whether a bacterial colony was present (first-step model). If growth was present, a second-step model determined whether colony morphology suggested antimicrobial growth inhibition. The ability of the AI to determine MIC was then compared with standard visual determination. The first-step model classified bacterial growth as present/absent with 94.3% accuracy. The second-step model classified colonies as “inhibited” or “good growth” with 88.6% accuracy. For the determination of MIC, the rate of essential agreement was 98.9% (644/651), with a bias of −7.8%, compared with manual annotation. AIgarMIC uses artificial intelligence to automate endpoint assessments for agar dilution and potentially increases throughput without bespoke equipment. AIgarMIC reduces laboratory barriers to generating high-quality MIC data that can be used for large-scale surveillance programs.

IMPORTANCE

This research uses modern artificial intelligence and machine-learning approaches to standardize and automate the interpretation of agar dilution minimum inhibitory concentration testing. Artificial intelligence is currently of significant topical interest to researchers and clinicians. In our manuscript, we demonstrate a use-case in the microbiology laboratory and present validation data for the model’s performance against manual interpretation.
Application of the 187Re-187Os geochronometer to crustal materials: Systematics, methodology, data reporting, and interpretation
Authors: Rooney Alan D. , Hnatyshin Danny , Toma Jonathan , Saintilan Nicolas J. , Millikin Alexie E.G. , Selby David , Creaser Robert A.
Published: March 2024

The rhenium-osmium (187Re-187Os) system is a highly versatile chronometer that is regularly applied to a wide range of geological and extraterrestrial materials. In addition to providing geo- or cosmo-chronological information, the Re-Os system can also be used as a tracer of processes across a range of temporal (millennial to gigayear) and spatial scales (lower mantle to cryosphere). An increasing number of sulfide minerals are now routinely dated, which further expands the ability of this system to refine mineral exploration models as society moves toward a new, green economy with related technological needs. An expanding range of natural materials amenable to Re-Os geochronology brings additional complexities in data interpretation and the resultant translation of measured isotopic ratios to a properly contextualized age. Herein, we provide an overview of the 187Re-187Os system as applied to sedimentary rocks, sulfides, and other crustal materials and highlight further innovations on the horizon. Additionally, we outline next steps and best practices required to improve the precision of the chronometer and establish community-wide data reduction procedures, such as the decay constant, regression technique, and software packages to use. These best practices will expand the utility and viability of published results and essential metadata to ensure that such data conform to evolving standards of being findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR).
Exceptional preservation of a marine tapeworm tentacle in Cretaceous amber
Authors: Luo Cihang , Palm Harry W. , Zhuang Yuhui , Jarzembowski Edmund A. , Nyunt Thet Tin , Wang Bo
Published: March 2024

Parasites are ubiquitous in extant ecosystems but rarely preserved in the geological record, especially parasitic worms (helminths). One such group is Cestoda (tapeworms), a specialized endoparasitic group of platyhelminths (flatworms). They have a complex lifecycle with at least two hosts, infecting all major groups of vertebrates. However, their fossil record is extremely sparse due to their soft tissue and concealed habitats, with the only widely accepted example before the Quaternary being eggs discovered in a shark coprolite from the Permian. The lack of body fossils greatly hampers our understanding of their early evolution. We report a slender, armed fossil from mid-Cretaceous Kachin (Myanmar) amber (ca. 99 Ma). This fossil displays unique external (armature pattern) and internal (partially invaginated tentacle and rootless hooks) features that are most consistent with the tentacles of extant trypanorhynch tapeworms that parasitize marine elasmobranchs (mainly sharks and rays). Our study thus probably provides not only the first partial body fossil of a tapeworm, but also arguably the most convincing body fossil of a flatworm. In addition, the exquisite invaginated tentacle inside the fossil highlights that amber can preserve the internal structure of helminths. Remarkably, nearly all extant trypanorhynchs are endoparasites of marine elasmobranchs, thus our study provides an exceptional example of a marine endoparasite trapped in terrestrial amber.
Evolution of the Spin Order in Hall Ferromagnets under the Strong Mixing of Landau Levels and at the Filling Factors 1 ≤ ν ≤ 2
Authors: Koreyev A. S. , Berezhnoy P. S. , Van’kov A. B. , Kukushkin I. V.
Published: March 2024

An unconventional behavior of the spin order in strongly correlated two-dimensional electron systems based on MgZnO/ZnO heterostructures has been detected in the quantum limit at the filling factors 1 ≤ ν ≤ 2. Under the variation of the filling factor and the orientation of a magnetic field, inelastic light scattering spectra exhibit characteristic transformations of collective spin excitations, which indicate qualitatively different rearrangements of the spin configuration in the system: smooth depolarization at 1 < ν < 3/2 with the formation of spin textures and sharp ferromagnetic instability at a certain filling factor in the range 3/2 < ν ≤ 2. Comparison with the magnetotransport experiments reported in [J. Falson, D. Maryenko, B. Friess, et al., Nature Phys. 11, 347 (2015)] shows that the disappearance of spin textures under the variation of the field tilt angle correlates with the appearance of an incompressible state at ν = 3/2.
Consensus-based quality standards for emergency departments in Palestine
Authors: Bani Odeh Abed Alra'oof , Wallis Lee A , Hamdan Motasem , Stassen Willem
Published: March 2024

Objectives

The present study aimed to establish appropriate quality standards for emergency departments (EDQS) in Palestine.

Methods

The study comprised four phases. First, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to develop a framework for assessing healthcare services in EDs. Second, the initial set of EDQS was developed based on the review findings. Third, local experts provided feedback on the EDQS, suggesting additional standards, and giving recommendations. This feedback was analysed to create a preliminary set of EDQS. Finally, an expanded group of local emergency care experts evaluated the preliminary set, providing feedback on content and structure to contribute to the final set of EDQS.

Findings

We identified quality domains in EDs and categorised them into clinical and administrative pathways. The clinical pathway comprises 39 standards across 7 subdomains: triage, treatment, transportation, medication safety, patient flow and medical diagnostic services. Expert consensus was achieved on 87.5% of these standards. The administrative domain includes 64 consensus-based standards across 9 subdomains: documentation, information management systems, access-location, design, leadership, management, workforce staffing, training, equipment, supplies, capacity-resuscitation rooms, resources for a safe working environment, performance indicators and patient safety-infection prevention and control programmes.

Conclusion

This study employed a rigorous approach to identify QS for EDs in Palestine. The multiphase consensus process ensured the appropriateness of the developed EDQS. Inclusion of diverse perspectives enriched the content. Future studies will validate and refine the standards based on feedback. The EDQS has potential to enhance emergency care in Palestine and serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges.
Statistical modelling of determinants of child stunting using secondary data and Bayesian networks: a UKRI Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) Action Against Stunting Hub protocol paper
Authors: Rosenstock Todd S , Yet Barbaros
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Several factors have been implicated in child stunting, but the precise determinants, mechanisms of action and causal pathways remain poorly understood. The objective of this study is to explore causal relationships between the various determinants of child stunting.

Methods and analysis

The study will use data compiled from national health surveys in India, Indonesia and Senegal, and reviews of published evidence on determinants of child stunting. The data will be analysed using a causal Bayesian network (BN)—an approach suitable for modelling interdependent networks of causal relationships. The model’s structure will be defined in a directed acyclic graph and illustrate causal relationship between the variables (determinants) and outcome (child stunting). Conditional probability distributions will be generated to show the strength of direct causality between variables and outcome. BN will provide evidence of the causal role of the various determinants of child stunning, identify evidence gaps and support in-depth interrogation of the evidence base. Furthermore, the method will support integration of expert opinion/assumptions, allowing for inclusion of the many factors implicated in child stunting. The development of the BN model and its outputs will represent an ideal opportunity for transdisciplinary research on the determinants of stunting.

Ethics and dissemination

Not applicable/no human participants included.
Advances and challenges in cancer immunoprevention and immune interception
Authors: Stanton Sasha E , Castle Philip E , Finn Olivera J , Sei Shizuko , Emens Leisha A
Published: March 2024

Invasive cancers typically evade immune surveillance through profound local and systemic immunosuppression, preventing their elimination or control. Targeting immune interventions to prevent or intercept premalignant lesions, before significant immune dysregulation has occurred, may be a more successful strategy. The field of cancer immune interception and prevention is nascent, and the scientific community has been slow to embrace this potentially most rational approach to reducing the global burden of cancer. This may change due to recent promising advances in cancer immunoprevention including the use of vaccines for the prevention of viral cancers, the use of cancer-associated antigen vaccines in the setting of precancers, and the development of cancer-preventative vaccines for high-risk individuals who are healthy but carry cancer-associated heritable genetic mutations. Furthermore, there is increasing recognition of the importance of cancer prevention and interception by national cancer organizations. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recently released the National Cancer Plan, which includes cancer prevention among the top priorities of the institute. The NCI’s Division of Cancer Prevention has been introducing new funding opportunities for scientists with an interest in the field of cancer prevention: The Cancer Prevention-Interception Targeted Agent Discovery Program and The Cancer Immunoprevention Network. Moreover, the Human Tumor Atlas Network is spearheading the development of a precancer atlas to better understand the biology of pre-invasive changes, including the tissue microenvironment and the underlying genetics that drive carcinogenesis. These data will inform the development of novel immunoprevention/immuno-interception strategies. International cancer foundations have also started recognizing immunoprevention and immune interception with the American Association for Cancer Research, Cancer Research UK and the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer each implementing programming focused on this area. This review will present recent advances, opportunities, and challenges in the emerging field of cancer immune prevention and immune interception.
Digital spatial proteomic profiling reveals immune checkpoints as biomarkers in lymphoid aggregates and tumor microenvironment of desmoplastic melanoma
Authors: Su David G , Schoenfeld David A. , Ibrahim Wael , Cabrejo Raysa , Djureinovic Dijana , Baumann Raymond , Rimm David L , Khan Sajid A , Halaban Ruth , Kluger Harriet M , Olino Kelly , Galan Anjela , Clune James
Published: March 2024

Background

Desmoplastic melanoma (DM) is a rare melanoma subtype characterized by dense fibrous stroma, a propensity for local recurrence, and a high response rate to programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) blockade. Occult sentinel lymph node positivity is significantly lower in both pure and mixed DM than in conventional melanoma, underscoring the need for better prognostic biomarkers to inform therapeutic strategies.

Methods

We assembled a tissue microarray comprising various cores of tumor, stroma, and lymphoid aggregates from 45 patients with histologically confirmed DM diagnosed between 1989 and 2018. Using a panel of 62 validated immune-oncology markers, we performed digital spatial profiling using the NanoString GeoMx platform and quantified expression in three tissue compartments defined by fluorescence colocalization (tumor (S100+/PMEL+/SYTO+), leukocytes (CD45+/SYTO+), and non-immune stroma (S100−/PMEL−/CD45−/SYTO+)).

Results

We observed higher expression of immune checkpoints (lymphocyte-activation gene 3 [LAG-3] and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein-4 [CTLA-4]) and cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) markers (smooth muscle actin (SMA)) in the tumor compartments of pure DMs than mixed DMs. When comparing lymphoid aggregates (LA) to non-LA tumor cores, LAs were more enriched with CD20+B cells, but non-LA intratumoral leukocytes were more enriched with macrophage/monocytic markers (CD163, CD68, CD14) and had higher LAG-3 and CTLA-4 expression levels. Higher intratumoral PD-1 and LA-based LAG-3 expression appear to be associated with worse survival.

Conclusions

Our proteomic analysis reveals an intra-tumoral population of SMA+CAFs enriched in pure DM. Additionally, increased expressions of immune checkpoints (LAG-3 and PD-1) in LA and within tumor were associated with poorer prognosis. These findings might have therapeutic implications and help guide treatment selection in addition to informing potential prognostic significance.
Flavours and design features on tobacco product packaging near schools before and after plain packaging implementation in Montevideo, Uruguay
Authors: Minacapilli Manetti Mauricio Luis , Gonzalez Peluffo Valentina , Taglioretti Victoria , Barros Mary , Nunez Virginia , Melian Tamara , Grilo Graziele , Llambi Laura
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Monitoring tobacco industry marketing strategies in countries that have introduced plain packaging helps with documenting variations in the market during the transition period. Uruguay implemented plain packaging in February 2020. We describe changes in the characteristics of tobacco packaging, content and sticks before and after plain packaging implementation.

Methods

Data were collected across 15 neighbourhoods in different socioeconomic areas in Montevideo, Uruguay, before and after implementation (2019 and 2021). A high school or college was selected in each neighbourhood as the walking protocol starting point. Two stores were visited per neighbourhood. Cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco (RYO) were purchased and coded for the presence of taste or sensation lexical and imagery features.

Results

The number of unique products increased between 2019 (n=23) and 2021 (n=40). Prior to implementation, all packs presented design features. After its implementation, 95.7% of cigarette packs complied with regulations. Overall, 34.7% of cigarettes and RYO were flavoured in 2019 versus 50.0% in 2021 (p=0.01). In 2019, all flavoured cigarette packs conveyed taste through language and/or imagery, while cigarettes had designs on the filter suggesting the potential for altering the flavour. In 2021, 44.0% of cigarette packs indicated flavour through lexicon; and 81.0% of cigarette sticks still included a flavour capsule.

Conclusions

After implementation, we noticed an increase in the availability of unique flavoured cigarettes and RYO among surveyed retailers. However, this increase was less pronounced compared with what is reported in the Latin American region. Non-compliance was identified. Greater efforts should be made enforcing current policy.
Numerical analysis of hydraulic characteristics of resting pool in improved vertical slot fishway
Authors: Shi Kai , Zheng Tiegang , Sun Shuangke , Tu Chengyi , Dai Huichao , Yan Xiaoming , Jin Jin , Zhou Rongpan , Huang Zhongyu
Published: March 2024

When fish swim upstream in the long-distance fishways, fatigue may occur, thereby affecting their passage efficiency and passage time. Therefore, constructing suitable resting pools within the fishway is essential. In this study, a diversion pile was introduced into the resting pool of the vertical solt fishway while altering its installation position. A three-dimensional re-normalization group k– ε turbulent mathematical model was then employed to analyze how the diversion pile with distinct positions affects the hydraulic characteristics in the resting pool under different slope conditions. The results show that with the diversion pile at the two-thirds position of the partition wall’s sidewall in the resting pool, the mainstream is effectively regulated to the central position, accompanied by a small degree of meandering. Under such an arrangement, although the diversion pile has an impact on the turbulent kinetic energy in the resting pool across various slope conditions, the influence is insignificant. Therefore, it is recommended to install the diversion pile at the two-thirds position of the partition wall’s sidewall in the resting pool, which can adjust the hydraulic characteristics of the resting pool and provide a large range of low-velocity areas for fish to rest, thereby facilitating the passage efficiency.
Spectra of phosphorus ions for astrophysical modeling: P I–P XV
Authors: Nahar Sultana N. , Shafique Bilal
Published: March 2024

Phosphorus (P), a basic element of life, has been a least studied element due to its poor presence in astrophysical spectra. However, search for the P lines has increased considerably with discoveries of exoplanets and are being detected by high resolution and sophisticated astronomical observatories, e.g., James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). JWST may provide a clue for life with detection of P in its infrared (IR) region. Identification of the element and analysis of the observed spectra will require high accuracy data for atomic processes that produces lines and their predicted features. The present study focuses on these needs and reports systematically regions of wavelengths, from X-ray to IR, that show prominent lines by the 15 individual ionization stages of phosphorus, P I–P XV for the first time. We present large amount of relevant atomic data for energies, transition parameters, and lifetimes obtained in relativistic Breit–Pauli approximation using the R-matrix method and atomic structure program SUPERSTRUCTURE. Our spectral features for the 15 ions, P I–P XV, predict strengths of lines in various wavelength regions. They show dominance of P I and P II in the IR region and other ions in the ultraviolet and optical regions often stretching to IR in the continuum. For determination of accuracy, we have made extensive comparisons of our atomic data with available experimental and theoretical values. Based on these, our results and features are expected to provide precise plasma diagnostics and astrophysical modeling.
Simultaneous EEG-fMRI Investigation of Rhythm-Dependent Thalamo-Cortical Circuits Alteration in Schizophrenia
Authors: Pei Haonan , Jiang Sisi , Liu Mei , Ye Guofeng , Qin Yun , Liu Yayun , Duan Mingjun , Yao Dezhong , Luo Cheng
Published: March 2024

Schizophrenia is accompanied by aberrant interactions of intrinsic brain networks. However, the modulatory effect of electroencephalography (EEG) rhythms on the functional connectivity (FC) in schizophrenia remains unclear. This study aims to provide new insight into network communication in schizophrenia by integrating FC and EEG rhythm information. After collecting simultaneous resting-state EEG-functional magnetic resonance imaging data, the effect of rhythm modulations on FC was explored using what we term “dynamic rhythm information.” We also investigated the synergistic relationships among three networks under rhythm modulation conditions, where this relationship presents the coupling between two brain networks with other networks as the center by the rhythm modulation. This study found FC between the thalamus and cortical network regions was rhythm-specific. Further, the effects of the thalamus on the default mode network (DMN) and salience network (SN) were less similar under alpha rhythm modulation in schizophrenia patients than in controls ([Formula: see text]). However, the similarity between the effects of the central executive network (CEN) on the DMN and SN under gamma modulation was greater ([Formula: see text]), and the degree of coupling was negatively correlated with the duration of disease ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]). Moreover, schizophrenia patients exhibited less coupling with the thalamus as the center and greater coupling with the CEN as the center. These results indicate that modulations in dynamic rhythms might contribute to the disordered functional interactions seen in schizophrenia.
Dynamic analysis of the rumor propagation model with consideration of the refutation mechanism and activity rate in multiplex networks
Authors: Huo Liang’an , Zhang Yuqing , Yu Yue
Published: March 2024

With the development of social networks, misinformation including rumors is spreading through multiple channels, which brings many negative effects to society. The government and several Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs) use relevant rumor rebuttal tactics to control the spread of rumors to prevent these detrimental impacts. In this paper, we consider the responses of different individuals to rumors and classify individuals into three categories: active, normal and inactive, with different activity rates for the three categories. In order to study the interaction between rumor repudiation mechanisms and rumor propagation, we propose a rumor propagation model that considers global and local rumor repudiation mechanisms as well as activity rates in multiplex networks. The upper layer represents the rumor refutation information propagation and the lower layer expresses the rumor propagation. And mean-field equations describing the dynamics of this model in multiplex networks are derived. We found that the threshold of rumor propagation is significantly affected by individual activity rates. Another interesting finding is that the global rumor refutation mechanism suppresses rumor propagation more than the local disinformation mechanism.
Effect of triphenylphosphine addition for the fast curing epoxy-anhydride CFRP system
Authors: Choi Jae-Wan , Son Woo-Hyuk , Kim Yun-Hae , Bae Sung-Youl
Published: March 2024

In this study, we investigated the impact of adding Triphenylphosphine (TPP) at concentrations of 1[Formula: see text]wt.%, 3[Formula: see text]wt.%, and 5[Formula: see text]wt.% to an epoxy-anhydride system that displays, a degradation in mechanical properties at high temperatures. We conducted an analysis of cure behavior using differential scanning calorimetry and evaluated flexural, shear, and tensile strengths at room temperature. To assess heat resistance, CFRP specimens were exposed to 100∘C for 1[Formula: see text]h, and tensile strengths were subsequently measured. The addition of 3[Formula: see text]wt.% TPP resulted in a 5[Formula: see text]min reduction in the time required to reach a 95% degree of cure, but it was observed that mechanical properties at room temperature were compromised. CFRP exposed to 100∘C indicated that an increase in TPP content helped mitigate the degradation of mechanical properties.
Hand Gestures Recognition Model Using Adaptive Feature Extraction with Attention-Based Hybrid Deep Learning via Optimization Strategy
Authors: Sampath Gnanapriya , Basha Rahimunnisa Kamal , Muthu Mohana , Bhagyalakshmi L.
Published: March 2024

Research on continuous hand gesture recognition is motivated by applications of deaf people to provide effective communication between one another. Numerous techniques are adapted for effectively identifying the hand gesture. Moreover, the collection of data becomes a challenging task in the existing models. In some instances, hand gesture in low-resolution images becomes a complicated task. In this research work, a deep learning-based hand gesture detection model is designed using hand data points to uncover patterns that are used to convey information. Initially, hand gesture images are obtained from public sources. The collected inputs are preprocessed through Contrast-Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization and filtering to eliminate the unnecessary blurs in the images. The preprocessed images undergo hand segmentation using four methods color space transformation, skin color detection, active contour, and morphological operation. The segmented image is subjected to data point feature extraction, where the Adaptive Weighted Scale-Invariant Feature Transform is utilized for further enhancement. The hand data point-extracted features are given to the recognition of hand gestures with the support of an attention-based hybrid network, where the Attention-based Hybrid 1D Convolutional Neural Network with Recurrent Neural Network recognizes the hand gestures from the hand data points. In the hybridization network, the values are optimized with the help of the investigated Adaptive Dandelion White Shark Optimizer to enhance recognition effectiveness. The test results are validated with the existing hand gesture recognition models using diverse evaluation metrics. The findings of the recommended method show 97% and 99% in terms of accuracy and NPV. Thus, the developed model is validated to outperform significant performance rather than the existing models.
A nodally bound-preserving finite element method for reaction–convection–diffusion equations
Authors: Amiri Abdolreza , Barrenechea Gabriel R. , Pryer Tristan
Published: March 2024

This paper introduces a novel approach to approximate a broad range of reaction–convection–diffusion equations using conforming finite element methods while providing a discrete solution respecting the physical bounds given by the underlying differential equation. The main result of this work demonstrates that the numerical solution achieves an accuracy of [Formula: see text] in the energy norm, where [Formula: see text] represents the underlying polynomial degree. To validate the approach, a series of numerical experiments had been conducted for various problem instances. Comparisons with the linear continuous interior penalty stabilised method, and the algebraic flux-correction scheme (for the piecewise linear finite element case) have been carried out, where we can observe the favorable performance of the current approach.
On irreducibility and positivity improvement of norm continuous quantum Markov semigroups
Authors: Hachicha Skander , Nasraoui Ikbel
Published: March 2024

We show that for a norm continuous quantum Markov semigroup irreducibility and positivity improvement for any time [Formula: see text] are equivalent under some general conditions that hold, in particular, in the finite-dimensional case. This result is applied to quantum Markov semigroups of weak coupling limit type. We also discuss the discrete-time case.
Criminals Can Be Leaders: An Endogenous Timing Approach to Security Games
Authors: Zúñiga-Leyton Eduardo
Published: March 2024

Security Games traditionally assume sequential interactions, with the defender acting as the leader and the attacker as the follower. In this paper, we challenge such an assumption by showing that security interactions can also be simultaneous or that even the attacker might be the leader. Specifically, we consider a simple security game framework consisting of two possible targets, one attacker and one defender. Then, we extend that basic interaction using a well-known endogenous timing framework (the Game with Observable Delay) to endogenously obtain the timing of the game as part of the equilibrium outcome. Our results show that, for the same set of general assumptions, the interaction can be simultaneous or sequential (with either the defender or attacker being the leader). Although the simultaneous case could be discarded using payoff dominance, it is impossible to compare the two sequential configurations using the same criterion. The risk dominance criterion also turns out to be helpless in this case. Thus, we argue that considering attackers as leaders in Security Games is a plausible scenario that merits further consideration, not only from a theoretical point of view but also due to its alignment with certain types of real-world crime.
Vehicle–Bridge Coupling Vibration of Long-Span Concrete-Filled Steel Tubular Arch Bridge
Authors: Yu Peng , Yu Cun , Ren Zhaoyong , Wang Longlin
Published: March 2024

An increase in the nonlinearity of the bridge will lead to a more obvious vehicle–bridge interaction effect and affect the vehicle response and driving comfort as the span increases. This paper establishes a refined finite element model of vehicle–bridge coupling for the 575 m long-span concrete-filled steel tubular arch bridge, Pingnan Third Bridge. Coupling vibration responses under different vehicle speeds, vehicle weights and road conditions of this bridge is analyzed. Then its comfort is assessed according to the comfort criterion. The results show that the vehicle–bridge coupling model has good agreement with the field test. The dynamic response of the bridge within the speed limit has no significant linear relationship with the magnitude of the vehicle speed without considering the pavement class. When the vehicle exceeds the speed limit, the dynamic response increases sharply with the increase in speed. The increase in vehicle weight leads to an increase in the maximum dynamic deflection of the bridge and a decrease in the impact coefficient, but the actual total response of the bridge does not decrease. The worse the road surface condition, the more dramatic the dynamic response of the bridge structure, taking into account the road surface level.
Vibrational Analysis of Axially Loaded Rayleigh Beams on Variable Winkler Foundations with Implications for Structural Design
Authors: Alruwaili Abdulmohsen , Zafar Javeria , Nawaz Rab , Alahmadi Hani
Published: March 2024

In this study, we explore the complex vibration problem of a Rayleigh beam under axial loads, positioned over a variable Winkler foundation with elastic properties changing along its length. The investigation delves into how factors like rotational inertia, axial forces, and foundation properties affect the beam’s dimensionless eigenvalues and eigenmodes. Employing the Differential Transform Method (DTM), we tackle the governing equations across various foundation conditions, including constant, linear, and parabolic variations. The results align well with the previous research, affirming their precision between scenarios considering or neglecting the elastic foundation’s effects. Notably, we emphasize the influence of linear spring stiffness on vibration characteristics, overshadowing rotary spring stiffness. Thus, the important novelty of the study lies in its comprehensive investigation into the vibration dynamics of a Rayleigh beam under axial loads on a variable Winkler foundation with elastic properties varying along its length. The findings illuminate a previously unexplored dynamic: the intricate interplay between linear and rotary spring stiffness, showcasing the dominant impact of linear stiffness on vibration characteristics. Of significant note is the profound effect of axial forces on fundamental eigenvalues, underscoring their critical role in structural behavior. These developments possess substantial practical implications, providing invaluable guidance for the accurate modeling of beams supported by elastic foundation, thereby enhancing structural design and performance.
Maximal non-nonnil-principal ideal rings
Authors: Kumar Rahul
Published: March 2024

Let [Formula: see text] be the set of all commutative rings with unity whose nilradical is a divided prime ideal. The concept of maximal non-nonnil-PIR is introduced to generalize the concept of maximal non-PID. A ring extension [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] is a called a maximal non-nonnil-principal ideal ring if [Formula: see text] is not a nonnil-principal ideal ring but each subring of [Formula: see text] properly containing [Formula: see text] is a nonnil-principal ideal ring. It is shown that [Formula: see text] (respectively, [Formula: see text] is a maximal non-nonnil-PIR subring of [Formula: see text] (respectively, [Formula: see text]) if and only if [Formula: see text] (respectively, [Formula: see text] is a maximal non-PID subring of [Formula: see text] (respectively, [Formula: see text]).
THE OPPORTUNITIES, LIMITATIONS, AND CHALLENGES IN USING MACHINE LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES FOR HUMANITARIAN WORK AND DEVELOPMENT
Authors: SEKARA VEDRAN , KARSAI MÁRTON , MORO ESTEBAN , KIM DOHYUNG , DELAMONICA ENRIQUE , CEBRIAN MANUEL , LUENGO-OROZ MIGUEL , JIMÉNEZ REBECA MORENO , GARCIA-HERRANZ MANUEL
Published: March 2024

Novel digital data sources and tools like machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) have the potential to revolutionize data about development and can contribute to monitoring and mitigating humanitarian problems. The potential of applying novel technologies to solving some of humanity’s most pressing issues has garnered interest outside the traditional disciplines studying and working on international development. Today, scientific communities in fields like Computational Social Science, Network Science, Complex Systems, Human Computer Interaction, Machine Learning, and the broader AI field are increasingly starting to pay attention to these pressing issues. However, are sophisticated data driven tools ready to be used for solving real-world problems with imperfect data and of staggering complexity? We outline the current state-of-the-art and identify barriers, which need to be surmounted in order for data-driven technologies to become useful in humanitarian and development contexts. We argue that, without organized and purposeful efforts, these new technologies risk at best falling short of promised goals, at worst they can increase inequality, amplify discrimination, and infringe upon human rights.
On choosing initial values of iteratively reweighted ℓ1 algorithms for the piece-wise exponential penalty
Authors: Lin Rongrong , Li Shimin , Liu Yulan
Published: March 2024

Computing the proximal operator of the sparsity-promoting piece-wise exponential (PiE) penalty [Formula: see text] with a given shape parameter [Formula: see text], which is treated as a popular nonconvex surrogate of [Formula: see text]-norm, is fundamental in feature selection via support vector machines, image reconstruction, zero-one programming problems, compressed sensing, neural networks, etc. Due to the nonconvexity of PiE, for a long time, its proximal operator is frequently evaluated via an iteratively reweighted [Formula: see text] algorithm, which substitutes PiE with its first-order approximation, however, the obtained solutions only are the critical point. Based on the exact characterization of the proximal operator of PiE, we explore how the iteratively reweighted [Formula: see text] solution deviates from the true proximal operator in certain regions, which can be explicitly identified in terms of [Formula: see text], the initial value and the regularization parameter in the definition of the proximal operator. Moreover, the initial value can be adaptively and simply chosen to ensure that the iteratively reweighted [Formula: see text] solution belongs to the proximal operator of PiE.
Deflection angle and shadow evolution from charged torus-like black hole under the effect of non-magnetic plasma and non-plasma medium
Authors: Ali Riasat , Tiecheng Xia , Awais Muhammad , Babar Rimsha
Published: March 2024

In this study, we investigate the deflection angle of a torus-like regular charged black hole in the limit approximation of a weak field to check the effects of non-magnetic plasma and non-plasma medium. Using spacetime optical geometry, we first compute the Gaussian optical curvature. We study the light deflection angle from a charged torus-like black hole using the Gibbons and Werner approach. By taking into account the well-known Keeton–Petters approach, we validate our results. Moreover, we examine the shadow of a charged torus-like black hole by using the ray-tracing algorithm under the influence of pressureless and non-magnetized plasma and study the graphical effects of cosmological constant and charge for both anti-de Sitter and de Sitter cases on the shadow of a black hole.
Effect of Aspect Ratio, Rotation, and Eccentricity of Square Section Nested Thin-Walled Tubes on Their Energy Absorption Characteristics Under Quasi-Static Load
Authors: Nia Ali Alavi , Mohseni Mohamad , Gholivand Abdolsamad
Published: March 2024

In this research, energy absorption characteristics of nested thin-walled aluminum structures with square cross-section have been investigated, and the effect of the three parameters: eccentricity, rotation, and tube aspect ratio on the energy absorption characteristics of the structure has been studied. The properties investigated were the specific energy absorption and crush force efficiency. An aluminum 1050 sheet was used to build the tubes. After making the samples and determining how the tubes were placed with each other, the structures were subjected to quasi-static axial loading. Also, for parametric investigations, the behavior of the structures was simulated using LS-Dyna software. The results showed that the simultaneous effect of the three desired parameters has increased the specific absorbed energy and the crushing force efficiency. When the tubes were at maximum eccentricity, the specific energy absorption and crushing force efficiency increased by reducing the aspect ratio and rotation angle. On average, the best sample’s specific energy absorption and crush force efficiency increased by 41.9% and 22.2%, respectively, compared to the single tube.