bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is Immediate Postoperative Radiograph Necessary Following Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty?
Authors: Giordano Joshua R. , Bartlett Lucas , Huyke Fernando , Sadh Puru , Thompson Kiara , Ajah Obinnah , Danoff Jonathan
Published: May 2024

The necessity of immediate postoperative radiographs following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has long been debated. With the increasing use of robotic-assisted TKA (RTKA), and thus more precise implant placement, the need for immediate postoperative radiographs to determine implant positioning may be unnecessary. We sought to evaluate implant position on the immediate postoperative radiographs following RTKA to determine their necessity. A retrospective review of 150 RTKAs was performed. The posterior slopes for all TKAs were recorded based on the preoperative three-dimensional template. Additionally, two independent trained researchers (J.G./L.B.) each measured the posterior slope of the postoperative day 0 (POD0) radiograph and postoperative week 2 radiograph. The difference in posterior slope measurement between template and POD0, between template and postoperative week 2, and between POD0 and postoperative week 2 was calculated. Of the 150 TKAs performed, there were no periprosthetic fractures found on the POD0 radiograph. The mean difference between the templated posterior slope and measured posterior slope on POD0 was 0.04 degrees (standard deviation [SD], 1.01; p = 0.615). There was a weak correlation between the two values (rs
[95% confidence interval (CI)], 0.38 [0.21, 0.53]). When comparing the template to the postoperative week 2 radiographs, there was a mean difference of 0.02 degrees (SD, 0.48; p = 0.556).  However, a moderate to strong correlation was noted (rs
[95% CI], 0.71 [0.61, 0.79]). Comparison of the mean posterior slope from POD0 radiograph to that of postoperative week 2 radiograph showed a mean difference of 0.06 degrees (SD, 1.0; p = 0.427). A weak correlation was found between these two values (rs
[95% CI], 0.43 [0.26, 0.56]). Given the accuracy and precision of RTKA, along with the ability to decrease cost and radiation, immediate postoperative radiograph may be unnecessary, when pertaining to the uncomplicated RTKA. However, if there is concern for intraoperative fracture, long stems placed in a revision arthroplasty, or other intraoperative complications, then postoperative radiographs are encouraged.
Docetaxel, Oxaliplatin with Capecitabine (TEX Regimen) in Metastatic Gastric and Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma: A Prospective Single-Arm Observational Study from a Tertiary Cancer Center in Kashmir
Authors: Puthiyottil Sanudev Sadanandan Vadakke , Guru Faisal R. , Ahmad Syed Nisar , Wahid Mir Ab , Ahmad Choh Naseer , Maqbool Lone Mohammad , Mir Mohammad Hussain , Zaffar Banday Saquib , Kunju Hashim Ismail , Muhammed Bhat Gul
Published: May 2024

Background Metastatic gastric and gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (MGGEAC) is a challenging disease with limited treatment options. The Taxotere, Eloxatin, and Xeloda (TEX) regimen has shown promising results in several clinical trials. There exists a dearth of data pertaining to the efficacy and tolerance of the treatment approach in the populace of Kashmir.

Methods This study was performed at the Department of Medical Oncology, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. Patients with MGGEAC received treatment with biweekly TEX regimen that included docetaxel 50 mg/m2-D1, oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2-D1, and capecitabine 1250 mg/m2/day, twice daily orally, for 14 days. The effectiveness of the regimen was assessed based on the overall response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS), along with the prognostic factors, safety, and tolerability of the regimen.

Results The ORR was 63.5% after four cycles. The median PFS and OS were 9.1 and 13 months, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that a higher number of sites of metastases is associated with poor PFS. The TEX regimen was well tolerated. The most observed grade 3 to 4 toxicities were neutropenia (36.7%), anemia (20%), fatigue (20%), and febrile neutropenia (16.7%).

Conclusion Using the TEX regimen in MGGEAC showed better response rates and a slightly longer PFS. A higher number of sites of metastases is a poor prognostic factor in MGGEAC, as seen in our study. The toxicity profile shows that the regimen is tolerable. We recommend a randomized controlled study comparing CapeOx with TEX to test this regimen further.
Balancing Risks versus Benefits: Vitamin C Therapy versus Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Toxicity in Albino Rats' Submandibular Salivary Gland
Authors: Shamel Mohamed , Baz Safaa , Mahmoud Heba , Taghyan Salma Awad , Bakr Mahmoud M. , Al Ankily Mahmoud
Published: May 2024

Objectives This study aimed to examine the suppressive effect of the natural antioxidant vitamin C (VC) against submandibular gland toxicity induced by copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs).

Materials and Methods Three groups of 30 mature male albino rats (4 weeks old) weighing between 150 and 200 g were selected. The rats were randomly assigned for 6 weeks to receive: intraperitoneal injection (IP) of vehicle (control group); IP of 2.5 mg/kg body weight (bw) of CuO-NPs (CuO-NPs group); and IP of 2.5 mg/kg bw of CuO-NPs, combined with a daily oral dose of 100 mg/kg bw of VC in drinking water via gavage (CuO-NPs/VC group). The rats were euthanized, and their submandibular glands were dissected for histological evaluation, including hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry for Ki-67 and caspase-3.

Statistical Analysis The area expression for Ki-67 and caspase-3 was statistically analyzed using GraphPad Prism. Following analysis of variance analysis, Tukey's post hoc was used for multiple comparisons. The significance level was set at p < 0.05.

Results CuO-NPs caused significant cytotoxic effects on submandibular salivary gland cells in albino rats. This led to an increase in Ki-67 and caspase-3 levels compared with the control group. VC administration improved tissue histology and reduced Ki-67 and caspase-3 levels in the VC/CuO-NPs group compared with rats treated with CuO-NPs alone.

Conclusion The study revealed significant cytotoxic effects of CuO-NPs on the submandibular salivary gland of albino rats. VC effectively mitigated these toxic effects, suggesting its potential as a readily available antioxidant.
Evaluation of the Impact of Irradiance Lamps and Storage Media on Elution of TEGDMA from Dental Composites
Authors: Tauseef Kiran , Amin Faiza , Moin Syed Faraz , Khurshid Zohaib , Aslam Kashif , Jabeen Bushra
Published: May 2024

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of irradiance light and storage media on the elution of triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) from conventional Filtek Z350XT 3M ESPE and two bulk-fill composites Shofu Beautifil-Bulk and Filtek Bulk fill flowable 3M ESPE using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Materials and Methods Shofu Beautifil-Bulk, Filtek Bulk fill flowable 3M ESPE, and Filtek Z350XT 3M ESPE were the three types of composites used in this study. Disk shaped samples of 4-mm thickness and 10-mm diameter were fabricated using a stainless steel mold and were polymerized using light emitting diode (LED) and quartz tungsten halogen (QTH) lamps. After polymerization, the samples were immersed in ethanol, artificial saliva with betel quid extract, and distilled water for 1, 7, and 30 days, respectively. The elution of monomer TEGDMA was evaluated using HPLC.

Statistical Analysis To evaluate the mean concentration difference, mixed way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied. Between different light, materials, and within the time duration, Tukey's post hoc test was used. A p value of 0.05 was considered significant.

Results During the first day of storage, a significant amount of monomer TEGDMA elution was seen in all the materials. The highest values observed to be in the disks cured with QTH lamp. However, the highest elution was seen when the disks were immersed in ethanol/water solution. While the most stable medium was distilled water, artificial saliva with betel nut extract also had a significant effect on the elution of TEGDMA. The highest value obtained was of Filtek Bulk fill flowable 3M ESPE after 30 days of immersion in both LED and QTH cured disks.

Conclusion Filtek Bulk fill flowable 3M ESPE shows better properties in relation to the release of monomer TEGDMA as it releases less amount of monomer in the storage media. The release of monomer was highest in ethanol as compared to artificial saliva and distilled water with the passage of time.
Late Manipulation under Anesthesia after Total Knee Arthroplasty: Improved Range of Motion and a Low Complication Rate
Authors: Weintraub Matthew T. , Kurina Steven J. , Cline Joseph T. , Forlenza Enrico M. , Berger Richard A. , Gerlinger Tad L.
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes of late manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) for stiffness performed from ≥12 weeks to more than a year after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A total of 152 patients receiving MUA ≥12 weeks after primary TKA from 2014 to 2021 were reviewed. The primary outcome measured was change in range of motion (ROM). We tracked intraoperative complications and the need for repeat MUA or open procedure for continued stiffness after initial MUA. Three subgroups were analyzed: Group 1 included 58 knees between 12 weeks and 6 months after TKA, Group 2 included 44 knees between 6 and 12 months after TKA, and Group 3 included 50 knees ≥12 months after TKA. Analysis included descriptive statistics and univariate analysis, with α <0.05. Groups 1 to 3 all significantly increased their overall ROM by 20.9, 19.2, and 22.0 degrees, respectively. All groups significantly increased their flexion and extension from preoperatively. Group 1 had one intraoperative supracondylar femur fracture (1.7%) requiring open reduction and internal fixation, and five patients required repeat MUA or open procedure (8.6%). Group 2 had no intraoperative fractures, and five patients required repeat MUA or open procedure (11.4%). Group 3 had one intraoperative tibial tubercle avulsion fracture managed conservatively (2.0%) and one repeat MUA (2.0%). Late MUA resulted in significantly improved ROM in all groups. ROM improved more as the time from index TKA increased, although statistically insignificant. Repeat MUA or open procedure rate decreased with MUA ≥12 months from TKA, although statistically insignificant. The overall intraoperative fracture risk was 1.3%.
Development of undulator motion control system with redundant protections
Authors: Lei Yangyang , Yuan Qibing , Zhang Wei , Zhou Shudong , Xiang Shengwang , Deng Haixiao , Liu Bo
Published: May 2024

The undulator is a key luminous component of the Shanghai high repetition rate x-ray free electron laser and extreme light facility, and the motion control system is an important part of the undulator. The main task of the motion control system is to complete the high precision adjustment of the gap and taper between the upper magnetic pole girder and lower magnetic pole girder, so as to adjust the wavelength of the radiation light. According to the development requirements of the motion control system for the U26 undulator, which is a conventional permanent magnet, this paper proposes a new motion control system with double position feedback closed-loop control, including programmable logic controller (PLC) closed-loop control based on position feedback by a linear absolute encoder (LAE) and driver closed-loop control based on position feedback by a rotary absolute encoder (RAE) of a servo motor. Multiple motion tests of the U26 undulator have shown that the repeatability accuracy of the gap is ±50 nm and the gap drive can reach 0.1 µm step size, the error of which is about ±20 nm according to the feedback of the LAE. The conclusion can be drawn that the motion step size and repeatability accuracy of the motion control system for the U26 undulator are improved by one order of magnitude on the basis of meeting all technical requirements. At the same time, motor torque protection, motor temperature protection, and redundant position protection with RAE can further improve the reliability and safety of the motion control system for the U26 undulator.
Coarse-grained force field for ZIF-8: A study on adsorption, diffusion, and structural properties
Authors: Mohamed Amro M. O. , Economou Ioannis G. , Jeong Hae-Kwon
Published: May 2024

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are revolutionizing a spectrum of industries, from groundbreaking gas storage solutions to transformative biological system applications. The intricate architecture of these materials necessitates the use of advanced computational techniques for a comprehensive understanding of their molecular structure and prediction of their physical properties. Coarse-grained (CG) simulations shine a spotlight on the often-neglected influences of defects, pressure effects, and spatial disorders on the performance of MOFs. These simulations are not just beneficial but indispensable for high-demand applications, such as mixed matrix membranes and intricate biological system interfaces. In this work, we propose an optimized CG force field tailored for ZIF-8. Our work provides a deep dive into sorption isotherms and diffusion coefficients of small molecules. We demonstrate the structural dynamics of ZIF-8, particularly how it responds to pressurization, which affects its crystal structure and leads to local changes in aperture size and area. Emphasizing the game-changing potential of CG simulations, we explore the characteristics of amorphization in ZIF-8. Through computational exploration, we aim to bridge the knowledge gap, enhancing the potential applications of nanoporous materials for various applications.
A nonlinear journey from structural phase transitions to quantum annealing
Authors: Thudiyangal Mithun , Kevrekidis Panayotis G. , Saxena Avadh , Bishop Alan R.
Published: May 2024

Motivated by an exact mapping between equilibrium properties of a one-dimensional chain of quantum Ising spins in a transverse field (the transverse field Ising (TFI) model) and a two-dimensional classical array of particles in double-well potentials (the “ϕ4 model”) with weak inter-chain coupling, we explore connections between the driven variants of the two systems. We argue that coupling between the fundamental topological solitary waves in the form of kinks between neighboring chains in the classical ϕ4 system is the analog of the competing effect of the transverse field on spin flips in the quantum TFI model. As an example application, we mimic simplified measurement protocols in a closed quantum model system by studying the classical ϕ4 model subjected to periodic perturbations. This reveals memory/loss of memory and coherence/decoherence regimes, whose quantum analogs are essential in annealing phenomena. In particular, we examine regimes where the topological excitations control the thermal equilibration following perturbations. This paves the way for further explorations of the analogy between lower-dimensional linear quantum and higher-dimensional classical nonlinear systems.
Wake mode identification of rotating triangle with machine learning approaches
Authors: Du Peng , Wei Hongzhuang , Du Xiangbo , Hu Haibao
Published: May 2024

The moving body usually leaves different forms of wake trails in fluids, and these wake fields contain physical information such as the state and geometry of the moving body. Recognizing and extracting these information from the wake can provide new insights for non-acoustic detection technology. Traditional methods do not easily extract the flow state, geometry, and other information directly from the wake structure. This work mainly uses convolutional neural network algorithms for intelligent recognition of the wake types of rotating triangles. Based on the flow field visualization technology of the soap film tunnel, the wake types of the flow around a structure controlled by external excitation of sinusoidal rotation are studied. The winding characteristics of the rotating triangle and the variation rule of the wake with control parameters are analyzed. At last, the recognition rate of the wake types on the test set is above 90%. The recognition rates of the experimental data not involved in the training conditions are all above 80%, demonstrating the generalizability of the model. This method provides a reference for further utilizing artificial intelligence in extracting physical information from wakes, playing a crucial role in advancing wake detection technology.
Experimental study on rooftop flow field of building based on the operation of vertical-axis wind turbines
Authors: Hu Jiafeng , Wang Xiangjun , Yang Hua , Huang Bin
Published: May 2024

Vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) demonstrate good adaptability for harnessing wind energy on the building rooftops. However, knowledge gaps still exist in the understanding of the wind resources on the rooftop, the operation of VAWTs, and its effect on the wind field. To add new knowledge on this subject, the operation of wind turbines modeled by the NACA0018 airfoil on the rooftop of a building is experimentally studied via wind tunnel. The results indicate that flow above the rooftop of building shows an obvious speed reduction due to the blunt body effect of the turbines, and the turbulence intensities are dramatically enhanced. The different tip-speed ratios, wind directions, and installation locations of wind turbine have significant effect on flow field on the roof. Due to the flow characteristics above the rooftop, the power spectral density of the fluctuating wind speed exhibits high energy below the top position of the VAWT on the rooftop. Additionally, the wind profiles and probability distribution of the wake of VAWTs on the rooftop are analyzed and mathematically fitted for quantifying wind field characteristics rooftop turbines on the roof. For the VAWTs investigated in this study, the impacts of the operation of VAWTs on the wind field are non-negligible on the roof of building. The findings of this study will provide valuable insights for the optimal placement of VAWTs and utilization of wind energy on the rooftops.
The “energy gap law” for mid-infrared nanocrystals
Authors: Kamath Ananth , Guyot-Sionnest Philippe
Published: May 2024

Colloidal quantum dots are of increasing interest for mid-infrared detection and emission, but device performances will vastly benefit from reducing the non-radiative recombination. Empirically, the photoluminescence quantum yield decreases exponentially toward the mid-infrared, which appears similar to the energy gap law known for molecular fluorescence in the near-infrared. For molecules, the mechanism is electron–vibration coupling and fast internal vibrational relaxation. Here, we explore the possible mechanisms for inorganic quantum dots. The primary mechanism is assigned to an electric dipole near-field energy transfer from the quantum dot electronic transitions to the infrared absorption of surface organic ligands and then to the multiphonon absorption of the quantum dot inorganic core or the surrounding inorganic matrix. In order to obtain luminescent quantum dots in the 3–10 μm range, we motivate the importance of using inorganic matrices, which have a higher infrared transparency compared to organic materials. At longer wavelengths, inter-quantum dot energy transfer is noted to be much faster than radiative relaxation, indicating that bright mid-infrared colloidal quantum dot films might then benefit from dilution.
Pressure characteristics of a nonspherical underwater explosion bubble in a compressible fluid
Authors: Liu Junliang , Xiao Wei , Yao Xiongliang
Published: May 2024

The pressures produced by underwater explosions present serious threats to ships, submarines, and other marine structures. A significant part of underwater explosion pressure comes from the explosion bubble. Most computational studies on bubble pressure have considered the case of an incompressible fluid or have confined calculations to the time before the formation of a toroidal bubble, because of the complexity and strong nonlinearity of a compressible flow field with a doubly connected geometry. The few compressible models that are capable of calculating the pressure after jet impact suffer from computational difficulties. In this paper, we calculate the bubble pressure by constructing a new form for solving an auxiliary function based on a boundary integral method that takes account of the compressibility of the flow field. We verify out numerical algorithm by comparison with a classical theoretical model and a set of experimental results. We then compare the bubble pressure in a compressible flow field in both the first and second oscillation periods with that in an incompressible flow field. The results of this comparison confirm that it is necessary to consider the compressibility of the fluid and the multiperiod pulsations of a bubble in pressure calculations. We present a comprehensive discussion of the pressure characteristics in the central axial and circumferential directions induced by a nonspherical bubble in a free field. Finally, we obtain a critical bubble–wall distance rw > 1.8 for which the bubble is prevented from splitting after the first jet impact, and we investigate the pressure characteristics of a bubble near a rigid wall for both cases of rw < 1.8 and rw > 1.8.
High-Q plasmonic surface lattice resonance in the ultraviolet region
Authors: Lin Bo-Wei , Wang Zhiyu , Ho Ya-Lun , Lee Yang-Chun , Xing Di , Lee Ying-Tsung , Delaunay Jean-Jacques
Published: May 2024

Surface lattice resonances (SLRs) arise from the long-range dipolar interaction in periodic plasmonic metallic nanostructures and exhibit higher quality factors (Q-factors) compared to plasmon resonances supported in isolated metallic nanostructures. In this Letter, we report a significant improvement in the Q-factor of SLR by a factor of three via modulating the efficiency of a long-range dipolar interaction, which can be achieved by varying the thickness or refractive index of the coating layer on the top of the metallic nanostructures. Under the condition of a weak long-range dipolar interaction, we observe a nascent state of SLR located directly at the Rayleigh cutoff wavelength. Due to the absence of an in-plane diffraction mode at shorter wavelengths, the nascent-SLR dip exhibits an asymmetric shape with a high Q-factor. We experimentally monitor the evolution trend at the onset of the SLR and demonstrate a plasmonic resonance reaching an experimental Q-factor exceeding 100 in the ultraviolet region, outperforming other resonance modes in metallic nanostructures. The reported nascent SLR holds promise for boosting the performance of nano-optic devices.
Control of cylinder wake using oscillatory morphing surface
Authors: Zeng Lingwei , New T. H. , Tang Hui
Published: May 2024

In this study, the wake of a cylinder was actively controlled by the cylinder's oscillatory morphing surface. Experiments were conducted in a closed-loop water channel. A cylinder of diameter 36 mm was placed in 0.09 m/s water flow, resulting in the Reynolds number 3240 and the vortex shedding frequency around 0.5 Hz. The cylinder's morphing surface oscillated at four different frequencies, i.e., 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 Hz. It was found that, compared to the rigid circular cylinder, the cylinder with oscillatory morphing surface can generally produce a smaller vortex formation length, especially at intermediate oscillation frequencies. The shear layers developed from the cylinder transit and roll up earlier due to enhanced flow instabilities. With the highest-frequency oscillations, the shear layer develops into a train of many small vortices that follow the trace of undisturbed shear layer. This study reveals some physical insights into this novel flow control method, which could be useful in future engineering applications.
Cr3+ and Yb3+ co-doped perovskite-like phosphor with improved thermal stability by efficient energy transfer
Authors: Zheng Meijuan , Dong Xiaoling , Wu Dan , Wang Yue , Zhou Wenping , Liu Yifan , Zhang Liangliang
Published: May 2024

With the development of white light-emitting diode (LED) technology, near-infrared (NIR) phosphor-converted (pc) LED is becoming a new emerging light source. However, due to the lack of long wavelength components of the phosphors, the application of NIR pc-LED is restricted. In this work, a continuous ultra-broadband NIR emission without the emission gap in the 850–950 nm region has been realized in the Mg4Nb2O9 (MNO):Cr3+, Yb3+ phosphor. Meanwhile, when compared to MNO:Cr3+, an improved internal quantum efficiency (from 55.4% to 72.6%) and thermal stability (from 39% to 63% at 100 °C) have been obtained for MNO:Cr3+, Yb3+, which is attributed to the combined effect of the efficient energy transfer from Cr3+ to its nearest Yb3+ and the unique energy levels of Yb3+. The performances of the fabricated pc-LED devices by combining MNO:Cr3+, Yb3+ with 460 nm LED chips were also given, and the results demonstrate that the MNO:Cr3+, Yb3+ phosphor may have potential for practical application in the NIR pc-LED.
High-resolution ghost imaging through dynamic and complex scattering media with adaptive moving average correction
Authors: Song Qian , Liu Qing Huo , Chen Wen
Published: May 2024

Optical imaging through dynamic and complex scattering media has attracted various applications, e.g., ranging from scene imaging to cell imaging. Nevertheless, imaging through complex media is full of challenges attributed to the inhomogeneous scattering, leading to nonlinear effects. Although ghost imaging (GI) has proven effective in solving some scattering problems, dynamic and complex scattering still requires an efficient solution. In this Letter, we report a model based on adaptive moving average (AMA) to correct the influence of dynamic scattering media from a statistical perspective for high-resolution GI. The developed AMA correction method selects an appropriate time window based on the changing trend of measured single-pixel light intensities to accurately correct a series of dynamic scaling factors. Then, the corrected single-pixel light intensities are used for ghost reconstruction using a second-order correlation algorithm. A series of optical experiments are conducted to verify superiority of the proposed method. Moreover, the proposed method can be applied with other algorithms to enhance the quality of the reconstructed ghost images. By leveraging a statistical model based on the measured data, the proposed scheme offers an enhanced solution to solving dynamic and complex scattering problems in GI.
Unplugging lateral fenestrations of NALCN reveals a hidden drug binding site within the pore region
Authors: Schott Katharina , Usher Samuel George , Serra Oscar , Carnevale Vincenzo , Pless Stephan Alexander , Chua Han Chow
Published: May 2024

The sodium (Na
+
) leak channel (NALCN) is a member of the four-domain voltage-gated cation channel family that includes the prototypical voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels (Na
V
s and Ca
V
s, respectively). Unlike Na
V
s and Ca
V
s, which have four lateral fenestrations that serve as routes for lipophilic compounds to enter the central cavity to modulate channel function, NALCN has bulky residues (W311, L588, M1145, and Y1436) that block these openings. Structural data suggest that occluded fenestrations underlie the pharmacological resistance of NALCN, but functional evidence is lacking. To test this hypothesis, we unplugged the fenestrations of NALCN by substituting the four aforementioned residues with alanine (AAAA) and compared the effects of Na
V
, Ca
V
, and NALCN blockers on both wild-type (WT) and AAAA channels. Most compounds behaved in a similar manner on both channels, but phenytoin and 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) elicited additional, distinct responses on AAAA channels. Further experiments using single alanine mutants revealed that phenytoin and 2-APB enter the inner cavity through distinct fenestrations, implying structural specificity to their modes of access. Using a combination of computational and functional approaches, we identified amino acid residues critical for 2-APB activity, supporting the existence of drug binding site(s) within the pore region. Intrigued by the activity of 2-APB and its analogues, we tested compounds containing the diphenylmethane/amine moiety on WT channels. We identified clinically used drugs that exhibited diverse activity, thus expanding the pharmacological toolbox for NALCN. While the low potencies of active compounds reiterate the pharmacological resistance of NALCN, our findings lay the foundation for rational drug design to develop NALCN modulators with refined properties.
Fabrication of 3D engineered intestinal tissue producing abundant mucus by air–liquid interface culture using paper-based dual-layer scaffold
Authors: Nagasawa Mari , Onuki Mai , Imoto Natsuki , Tanaka Kazuomi , Tanaka Ryo , Kawada Moeka , Imato Keiichi , Iitani Kenta , Tsuchido Yuji , Takeda Naoya
Published: May 2024

Fabrication of engineered intestinal tissues with the structures and functions as humans is crucial and promising as the tools for developing drugs and functional foods. The aim of this study is to fabricate an engineered intestinal tissue from Caco-2 cells by air–liquid interface culture using a paper-based dual-layer scaffold and analyze its structure and functions. Just by simply placing on a folded paper soaked in the medium, the electrospun gelatin microfiber mesh as the upper cell adhesion layer of the dual-layer scaffold was exposed to the air, while the lower paper layer worked to preserve and supply the cell culture medium to achieve stable culture over several weeks. Unlike the flat tissue produced using the conventional commercial cultureware, Transwell, the engineered intestinal tissue fabricated in this study formed three-dimensional villous architectures. Microvilli and tight junction structures characteristic of epithelial tissue were also formed at the apical side. Furthermore, compared to the tissue prepared by Transwell, mucus production was significantly larger, and the enzymatic activities of drug metabolism and digestion were almost equivalent. In conclusion, the air–liquid interface culture using the paper-based dual-layer scaffold developed in this study was simple but effective in fabricating the engineered intestinal tissue with superior structures and functions.
Optimizing machining efficiency: a comprehensive study on PVD cathodic arc evaporation coated turning tool inserts with TiAlN/AlCrN multilayer coatings
Authors: R Venkatesh , V Anbumalar , S Rajakarunakaran , J Jerold John Britto
Published: May 2024

The effectiveness of turning processes in manufacturing depends on the efficiency of cutting tool inserts. Coating these inserts is one common method that has been used to prolong their life span, reduce friction and increase wear resistance. The main purpose of the present study was to enhance the efficiency of turning tool inserts by exploring different combinations of coating substances such as TiAlN, AlCrN, and TiAlN/AlCrN. Cutting speed, feed rate, cutting depth and type of coating material were important input parameters for optimization. It was observed that tools with coatings like TiAIN and AlCrN had higher performance than those with single-layered ones. The use of multilayer coated inserts comprising TiAlN/AlCrN increased the hardness but reduced the wear thereby enhancing machining effectiveness. For Taguchi Grey Relation Analysis (GRA) optimization technique with L27 array for hardness and flank wear output parameters aimed at enhancement of input process parameters in turning operations. The coatings crystalline structure, phase composition and other crucial details for their performance were analyzed using Energy Dispersive (EDS) Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron (SEM) Microscopy techniques. The TiAlN/AlCrN coatings showed greater machinability than those with only TiAlN or AlCrN, even at high spindle speeds. The best processes were identified using the Taguchi and Grey relational optimization techniques. Some of these parameters include a speed of 600 m min−1, a feed rate of 0.10 mm rev−1, a depth of 1.5 mm, and a TiAlN/AlCrN coating. This meant that the hardness was at 3772 HV while flank wear is 6.45 mm for optimum parameters among others obtained from experiments. The Grey relation analysis results demonstrated significant improvement in grade indicating the good performance of selected parameters. Various relationships can be displayed using contour plots which are usually visual representation between several factors in an experiment such as hardness and wear resistance which is shown by multilayer coating compared to single-layer coatings.
Characterization of the starting conditions of the rainy season in Senegal: highlighting the constraints of crop establishment
Authors: Ndiaye Mame Balla , Sine Bassirou , Sambakhe Diarietou , Diallo Amadou Oury , Muller Bertrand , Sene Modou , Sambou Soussou
Published: May 2024

The start of the rainy season in Senegal is characterized by critical variability, resulting in many crop failures after seed planting when a long dry spell occurs. The objective of this study is to characterize the starting conditions of the rainy season in different areas of Senegal in relation to crop success at the early stage. An analysis of four seasonal components determined from a daily rainfall database of 95 stations from 1950 to 2015. These seasonal components are the sowing date (Sowing), the Onset of the rainy season date (Onset), the length of the longest dry spell (DryMax), and the total rainfall (TotRain) during the 30 days after sowing. Statistical methods of time series homogeneity determination such as the Pettitt test, the Buishand test, the Von Newmann test, and the segmentation method have been applied to determine actual breakpoints and to obtain the most recent and homogeneous period to define the component in each site. The results indicate that these components have not exhibited statistically significant changes since 1950. Indeed, 3% of the stations show breakpoints for the Sowing, 4% for the TotRain, and 2% for the Onset. The start of the season follows a South East-North West gradient. It begins in the extreme South-East part of the country in the second decade of June while the first waves of sowing take place in the South-East center part from the second half of June. The north zone remains exposed to false start events with important seasonality. In the Northern and Central zones, the early or late character of the sowing passes more on the DryMax than the TotRain. It would be interesting to elucidate the effects of the rainfall regime at the early stage on the rainy season profile to gain better control of the pluvial crop yields.
Evaluation of corrosion potential in near-shore piles and analysis through RSM modelling
Authors: Sharmila S Mary Rebekah , P Vasanthi
Published: May 2024

Corrosion is a significant problem in marine environments that ultimately leads to structural failure and economic losses. The assessment of the conditions of concrete piles is an essential part of corrosion prevention measures in marine environments. This research investigated the corrosion potential of concrete marine piles using a half-cell potentiometer. Following this, the observed potential values are subjected to RSM modeling. Approximately ten piles were chosen in Chennai Fishing Harbor, and the corrosion potential values along the depth of the piles in three different zones, namely, the atmospheric, splash and submerged zones, were measured at three-month intervals. Based on the visual inspection, the piles were damaged, and minor cracks developed on the surfaces of the concrete due to the dynamic impact of wave action, specifically in the splash zone. From the results obtained in the field for the chosen piles in the fishing harbor, the corrosion potential values are in the range of −361.45 mV to −527.57 mV in the atmospheric zone, − 520.67 mV to −784.85 mV in the splash zone and– 401.23 mV to—631.28 mV in the submerged zone. RSM was noted to be the most accurate predictor with the highest R2 and least errors. The RSM model captured the variability of the data according to the R2 threshold (R2 > 0.9855). The splash zones have higher corrosion potentials and are more prone to corrosion than the other zones.
Vehicle detection in varied weather conditions using enhanced deep YOLO with complex wavelet
Authors: Keerthi Kiran V , Dash Sonali , Parida Priyadarsan
Published: May 2024

Traffic congestion is prevalent in many major and medium-sized cities throughout different countries in contemporary society. In traffic images, various multi-sized vehicles are tightly clustered together and obstructed from one another. Identifying vehicles in such instances is crucial for urban traffic surveillance, safety monitoring, and legal concerns but it also presents major challenges. The remarkable detection accuracy and efficiency of deep learning-based systems have led to their recent and extensive use in vehicle identification. There are significant advanced YOLO models with different backbone architectures and frameworks developed for vehicle detection. Yet, the performance of YOLO variants are facing the challenges of handling false detection against occluded and densely sophisticated scenarios. The proposed model is developed to address such types of limitations, for example; dynamic illumination, noisy images, and scale sensitivity to improve the vehicle detection rate in different traffic scenarios and varying weather conditions. The proposed study employs an improved YOLOv4 to identify moving vehicles in different lighting conditions including daylight, cloudy, rainy, and night. For hybridization, three techniques are utilized such as the Multiscale Retinex, Dual tree complex wavelet transform (DTCWT), and Pulse Coupled Neural Networks (PCNN). The DTCWT is employed for multiscale decomposition and to denoise the complex high frequency subband information, then the denoised subbands are reconstructed into a denoised image. The Multiscale retinex is utilized to reduce the halo artifacts on high-contrast edges and maintain the balance with dynamic range compression and color reproduction. The synchronizing pulse burst property of PCNN is used to detect the isolated noisy pixels and modify the detected noisy pixels. From the results it is worth noting that the developed model surpasses state-of-the-art methods in sunny, night, cloudy, and rainy modes. The proposed method using the DTCWT technique can detect the vehicles with mAP of 91.09% and 35FPS.
AlephZero and mathematical experience
Authors: DeDeo Simon
Published: May 2024

This essay explores the impact of automated proof construction on three key areas of mathematical cognition: on how we judge the role one piece of mathematics plays in another, on how we make mistakes in reasoning about mathematical objects, and on how we understand what our theorems are truly about. It concludes by speculating on a new form of mathematical experience that these methods could make possible: “glitching”, a game-like search for uncanny consequences of our definitions.
Lagrangian, game theoretic, and PDE methods for averaging G-equations in turbulent combustion: existence and beyond
Authors: Xin Jack , Yu Yifeng , Ronney Paul
Published: May 2024

G-equations are popular level set Hamilton–Jacobi nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) of first or second order arising in turbulent combustion. Characterizing the effective burning velocity (also known as the turbulent burning velocity) is a fundamental problem there. We review relevant studies of the G-equation models with a focus on both the existence of effective burning velocity (homogenization), and its dependence on physical and geometric parameters (flow intensity and curvature effect) through representative examples. The corresponding physical background is also presented to provide motivations for mathematical problems of interest.

The lack of coercivity of Hamiltonian is a hallmark of G-equations. When either the curvature of the level set or the strain effect of fluid flows is accounted for, the Hamiltonian becomes highly nonconvex and nonlinear. In the absence of coercivity and convexity, the PDE (Eulerian) approach suffers from insufficient compactness to establish averaging (homogenization). We review and illustrate a suite of Lagrangian tools, most notably min-max (max-min) game representations of curvature and strain G-equations, working in tandem with analysis of streamline structures of fluid flows and PDEs. We discuss open problems for future development in this emerging area of dynamic game analysis for averaging noncoercive, nonconvex, and nonlinear PDEs such as geometric (curvature-dependent) PDEs with advection.
Monotonicity of dynamical degrees for Hénon-like and polynomial-like maps
Authors: Bianchi Fabrizio , Dinh Tien-Cuong , Rakhimov Karim
Published: May 2024

We prove that, for every invertible horizontal-like map (i.e., Hénon-like map) in any dimension, the sequence of the dynamical degrees is increasing until that of maximal value, which is the main dynamical degree, and decreasing after that. Similarly, for polynomial-like maps in any dimension, the sequence of dynamical degrees is increasing until the last one, which is the topological degree. This is the first time that such a property is proved outside of the algebraic setting. Our proof is based on the construction of a suitable deformation for positive closed currents, which relies on tools from pluripotential theory and the solution of the

d
,

∂
¯

d, \bar \partial

, and

d

d
c

dd^c

equations on convex domains.
The Two Principal Models and Some Basic Tools
Authors: Majumdar Satya N , Schehr Grégory
Published: May 2024

We introduce the two principal models studied in this book, namely, the IID model and the random walk model. They represent examples of random sequences where the entries are respectively independent and strongly correlated. We also discuss some basic tools from probability theory and stochastic processes that will be useful for later chapters.
Extreme Statistics
Authors: Majumdar Satya N , Schehr Grégory
Published: May 2024

We discuss in detail the statistics of the maximum and the minimum in our two principal models: IID random variables and the random walk model.
Exemplary but not Canonical The South African Voters Rights Cases
Authors: Dyzenhaus David
Published: May 2024

This chapter argues that the idea of the constitutional ‘canon’ is deeply problematic and should be replaced with the idea of the ‘exemplary’. Even the latter, however, has its problems. Examples are offered as opportunities for engagement. But these may be refused on the ground that even critical engagement with examples of constitutional cases involves buying in to the thought that some legitimating basis for a political order is at stake, some plausible conception of ‘We, the people’. Several examples come from apartheid South Africa. The chapter also analyses the three ‘Voters Rights’ cases from the late 1950s and sketches their afterlife in two other societies, Rhodesia and Israel, as well as in one of the major works of the last century in philosophy of law, H. L. A. Hart’s The Concept of Law. It concludes by returning to the question of what these cases exemplify—a normatively loaded question. But its normative load, once rendered explicit, makes it a question of more than academic interest. It is also pertinent to practitioners of human rights law.
The Questions of Dignity
Authors: Rudolphy Marcela Prieto
Published: May 2024

Although human dignity is a fundamental value in post-WWII international and domestic constitutional legal orders, there is little agreement about what dignity is and what role it plays in constitutional and international adjudication. This chapter argues that canonical materials on dignity should raise, rather than answer, two questions distinctly associated with dignity: who the bearers of human dignity are and what treatment they deserve due to their dignity. On this basis, the chapter proposes two judgments as canonical: the Colombian Constitutional Court’s decision that decriminalized abortion in three circumstances and the Israeli Supreme Court’s decision on the legality of targeted killing. These two cases raise and discuss the questions of who the bearers of dignity are and what treatment they deserve in significantly different legal contexts. They also provide a comprehensive account of the current debates around dignity, without necessarily solving them. Finally, the chapter argues that the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Deck v. Missouri should be considered part of the anticanon due to its failure to engage with the questions distinctly associated with dignity.
Lüth and the ‘Objective System of Values’
Authors: Möller Kai
Published: May 2024

In its Lüth judgment of 1958, the German Federal Constitutional Court famously claimed that the German Basic Law erects an ‘objective system of values’ (objektive Wertordnung) in its section on rights. This chapter shows that Lüth was the birth hour of the now globally dominant conception of constitutional rights, according to which rights are not primarily concerned with the limitation of the power of the state (or ‘limited government’) but rather with the adequate protection of the right-holder’s personal autonomy. As an exception to this trend, the chapter considers and discusses the US Supreme Court’s judgment in DeShaney v. Winnebago County of Social Services. It concludes by spelling out some of the implications of the commitment to an autonomy-based conception of rights and outlines how these have been addressed in the theoretical literature in the decades since Lüth was decided, including in the theories of rights as principles (Robert Alexy), judicial review as Socratic contestation and as giving effect to the fundamental right to justification (Mattias Kumm), the culture of justification (Moshe Cohen-Eliya and Iddo Porat, among others), and the global model of constitutional rights (Kai Möller).
HNF4α is required for Tkfc promoter activation by ChREBP
Authors: Tsukamoto Rena , Watanabe Kyoko , Kodaka Manami , Iwase Masamori , Sakiyama Haruhiko , Inoue Yusuke , Suzuki Tsukasa , Yamamoto Yuji , Shimizu Makoto , Sato Ryuichiro , Inoue Jun
Published: May 2024

Triokinase/FMN cyclase (Tkfc) is involved in fructose metabolism and is responsible for the phosphorylation of glyceraldehyde to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate. In this study, we showed that refeeding induced hepatic expression of Tkfc in mice. Luciferase reporter gene assays using the Tkfc promoter revealed the existence of 2 hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α)-responsive elements (HNF4RE1 and HNF4RE2) and 1 carbohydrate-responsive element-binding protein (ChREBP)-responsive element (ChoRE1). Deletion and mutation of HNF4RE1 and HNF4RE2 or ChoRE1 abolished HNF4α and ChREBP responsiveness, respectively. HNF4α and ChREBP synergistically stimulated Tkfc promoter activity. ChoRE1 mutation attenuated but maintained HNF4α responsiveness, whereas HNF4RE1 and HNF4RE2 mutations abolished ChREBP responsiveness. Moreover, Tkfc promoter activity stimulation by ChREBP was attenuated upon HNF4α knockdown. Furthermore, Tkfc expression was decreased in the livers of ChREBP−/− and liver-specific HNF4−/− (Hnf4αΔHep) mice. Altogether, our data indicate that Tkfc is a target gene of ChREBP and HNF4α, and Tkfc promoter activity stimulation by ChREBP requires HNF4α.