bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exercise‐induced modulation of neuroinflammation in ageing
Authors: Barad Zsuzsanna , Augusto Joana , Kelly Áine M.
Published: December 2022

Optimal performance of the central nervous system (CNS) depends on dynamic, multidirectional communication between different cell types both within and without the CNS to maintain the homeostatic environment. Ageing, in turn, is associated with CNS disequilibrium resulting in suboptimal functioning of its cells and potential cognitive impairment. Emerging evidence indicates that inter‐organ communication influences the functioning of CNS cell types, which are subject to age‐ and environment‐dependent alterations. Endurance exercise has specifically been demonstrated to have a marked impact on neuroimmune communications, particularly those involving microglia, the resident macrophages of the CNS parenchyma, as well as microglia–astrocyte interactions in rodents. Via its action on CNS glial cells, regular aerobic exercise has been shown to provide an adaptive advantage against perturbations to homeostasis, such as immunological challenge or ageing. In light of the accumulating evidence and evolutionary reasoning it may be argued that recurrent exercise‐associated inter‐organ signalling is necessary for the optimisation of glial function and hence CNS equilibrium. This, in turn, would imply that the absence of exercise‐derived mediators and dysregulated inter‐organ communication associated with a sedentary lifestyle may contribute to CNS dyshomeostasis, which is accelerated during ageing. As well as exploring the evidence of the impact of exercise on glial function, here we suggest potential next steps in identifying the mechanistic underpinnings of these effects and the potential importance of sex differences.

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The Lumbar Facet Capsular Ligament Becomes More Anisotropic and the Fibers Become Stiffer With Intervertebral Disc and Facet Joint Degeneration
Authors: Middendorf Jill M. , Budrow Christopher J. , Ellingson Arin M. , Barocas Victor H.
Published: December 2022

Degeneration of the lumbar spine, and especially how that degeneration may lead to pain, remains poorly understood. In particular, the mechanics of the facet capsular ligament may contribute to low back pain, but the mechanical changes that occur in this ligament with spinal degeneration are unknown. Additionally, the highly nonlinear, heterogeneous, and anisotropic nature of the facet capsular ligament makes understanding mechanical changes more difficult. Clinically, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based signs of degeneration in the facet joint and the intervertebral disc (IVD) correlate. Therefore, this study examined how the nonlinear, heterogeneous mechanics of the facet capsular ligament change with degeneration of the lumbar spine as characterized using MRI. Cadaveric human spines were imaged via MRI, and the L2-L5 facet joints and IVDs were scored using the Fujiwara and Pfirrmann grading systems. Then, the facet capsular ligament was isolated and biaxially loaded. The nonlinear mechanical properties of the ligament were obtained using a nonlinear generalized anisotropic inverse mechanics analysis (nGAIM). Then a Holzapfel–Gasser–Ogden (HGO) model was fit to the stress–strain data obtained from nGAIM. The facet capsular ligament is stiffer and more anisotropic at larger Pfirrmann grades and higher Fujiwara scores than at lower grades and scores. Analysis of ligament heterogeneity showed all tissues are highly heterogeneous, but no distinct spatial patterns of heterogeneity were found. These results show that degeneration of the lumbar spine including the facet capsular ligament appears to be occurring as a whole joint phenomenon and advance our understanding of lumbar spine degeneration.
Parametric Characterization and Distribution Consistency Evaluation of Machining-Induced Residual Stresses
Authors: Zhao Shengqiang , Sun Hao , Peng Fangyu , Yan Rong , Tang Xiaowei , Zhang Hua , Zhang Teng
Published: December 2022

Uneven distribution of machining-induced residual stresses (MIRS) caused by dynamic cutting conditions and material internal properties has a significant impact on fatigue resistance, stress corrosion resistance, and accuracy retention of aerospace structural parts. Owing to the challenges in describing residual stress distribution property, this paper proposes a distribution consistency characterization model with high accuracy, as well as a quantitative evaluation strategy in milling titanium alloy. MIRS reduction surrogate model embedded with mechanism knowledge describes the general profile of MIRS in the explicit form. Compared with the surrogate model, the prediction accuracy of MIRS under Bayesian calibration is improved by more than 25.68%. To evaluate the MIRS distribution consistency, self-consistent indexes are innovatively proposed based on the extraction of four fundamental MIRS features in parametric form. The sensitivity analyses between three machining parameters and self-consistent indexes are carried out, guiding in selecting machining parameters in consideration of MIRS distribution consistency. Consequently, this work can provide a novel insight into determining the optimal machining parameters with comprehensive consideration of MIRS features magnitudes and distribution consistency. According to the proposed procedure, there exists a potential for future extensions to other materials and cutting processes with more complex stress distributions.
A new biologic paleoaltimetry indicating Late Miocene rapid uplift of northern Tibet Plateau
Authors: Miao Yunfa , Fang Xiaomin , Sun Jimin , Xiao Wenjiao , Yang Yongheng , Wang Xuelian , Farnsworth Alex , Huang Kangyou , Ren Yulong , Wu Fuli , Qiao Qingqing , Zhang Weilin , Meng Qingquan , Yan Xiaoli , Zheng Zhuo , Song Chunhui , Utescher Torsten
Published: December 2022

The uplift of the Tibet Plateau (TP) during the Miocene is crucial to understanding the evolution of Asian monsoon regimes and alpine biodiversity. However, the northern Tibet Plateau (NTP) remains poorly investigated. We use pollen records of montane conifers (
Tsuga
,
Podocarpus
,
Abies
, and
Picea
) as a new paleoaltimetry to construct two parallel midrange paleoelevation sequences in the NTP at 1332 ± 189 m and 433 ± 189 m, respectively, during the Middle Miocene [~15 million years ago (Ma)]. Both midranges increased rapidly to 3685 ± 87 m in the Late Miocene (~11 Ma) in the east, and to 3589 ± 62 m at ~7 Ma in the west. Our estimated rises in the east and west parts of the NTP during 15 to 7 Ma, together with data from other TP regions, indicate that during the Late Miocene the entire plateau may have reached a high elevation close to that of today, with consequent impacts on atmospheric precipitation and alpine biodiversity.
AlphaCode and “data-driven” programming
Authors: Kolter J. Zico
Published: December 2022

Is ignoring everything that is known about code the best way to write programs?
Monitor biodiversity for action
Authors: Gonzalez Andrew , Londoño Maria Cecilia
Published: December 2022

This week, Montreal, Canada, is at the epicenter of international negotiations for biodiversity. Thousands of people from around the world are attending the 15th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) to witness the negotiation of a new Global Biodiversity Framework. Its goals and targets replace the previous framework—the Aichi Biodiversity Targets—that failed to bring about the transformative change needed to reverse the alarming trends in biodiversity loss.
Scrutiny of NolA and NodD1 Regulatory Roles in Symbiotic Compatibility Unveils New Insights into Bradyrhizobium guangxiense CCBAU53363 Interacting with Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) and Mung Bean (Vigna radiata)
Authors: Shang Jiao Ying , Zhang Pan , Jia Yu Wen , Lu Yi Ning , Wu Yue , Ji Shuang , Chen La , Wang En Tao , Chen Wen Xin , Sui Xin Hua
Published: December 2022

The main findings of this study were that we clarified that the roles and essentiality of
nodD1
and
nolA
are host dependent. Importantly, for the first time, NolA was found to positively regulate T3SS effector gene
nopP
to mediate incompatibility on mung bean.
Glutamine Metabolism Supports the Functional Activity of Immune Cells against Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Antunes Daniela , Gonçalves Samuel M. , Matzaraki Vasiliki , Rodrigues Cláudia S. , Gonçales Relber A. , Rocha Joana , Sáiz Jorge , Marques António , Torrado Egídio , Silvestre Ricardo , Rodrigues Fernando , van de Veerdonk Frank L. , Barbas Coral , Netea Mihai G. , Kumar Vinod , Cunha Cristina , Carvalho Agostinho
Published: December 2022

The fungal pathogen
Aspergillus fumigatus
can cause severe and life-threatening forms of infection in immunocompromised patients. The reprogramming of cellular metabolism is essential for innate immune cells to mount effective antifungal responses.
White Spot Syndrome Virus
(WSSV) Inhibits Hippo Signaling and Activates Yki To Promote Its Infection in Penaeus vannamei
Authors: Yang Linwei , Wang Zi-Ang , Geng Ran , Deng Hengwei , Niu Shengwen , Zuo Hongliang , Weng Shaoping , He Jianguo , Xu Xiaopeng
Published: December 2022

White spot syndrome virus
(WSSV) is one of the most harmful viral pathogens to shrimp. The pathological mechanism of WSSV infection remains unclear to date.
Phenotypic Characterization and Heterogeneity among Modern Clinical Isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Valcek Adam , Philippe Chantal , Whiteway Clémence , Robino Etienne , Nesporova Kristina , Bové Mona , Coenye Tom , De Pooter Tim , De Coster Wouter , Strazisar Mojca , Van der Henst Charles
Published: December 2022

Acinetobacter baumannii
is a bacterium prioritized by the CDC and WHO because of its increasing antibiotic resistance, leading to treatment failures. The hallmark of this pathogen is the high heterogeneity observed among isolates, due to a very dynamic genome.
In Vitro
Antimicrobial Activities of Tigecycline, Eravacycline, Omadacycline, and Sarecycline against Rapidly Growing Mycobacteria
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Du Jian , Dong Lingling , Wang Fen , Zhao Liping , Jia Junnan , Wang Congli , Cheng Mengli , Yu Xia , Huang Hairong
Published: December 2022

The global rise in antibiotic-resistant nontuberculous mycobacteria has prompted the urgent need for new antimicrobials, especially oral antibiotics. Currently, adverse effects have limited the use of tetracycline-class antibiotics, particularly tigecycline (TGC), in the treatment of rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM).
Influenza Virus Infection Increases Host Susceptibility To Secondary Infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and This Is Attributed To Neutrophil Dysfunction through Reduced Myeloperoxidase Activity
Authors: Jie Feilong , Wu Xiaofeng , Zhang Fan , Li Jiashun , Liu Zijian , He Yizi , Li Chufang , Zhang Hao , Lin Yanqin , Zhu Xiulong , Yu Haijian , Liu Yichu , Li Zhixia , Qu Linbing , Chen Ling , Li Pingchao
Published: December 2022

Secondary bacterial infection greatly increased the morbidity and mortality of influenza virus infection. To investigate the underlying mechanism by which influenza impairs the pulmonary defense against secondary
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(
P. aeruginosa
) infection, we established a lethal mouse model in which to study secondary
P. aeruginosa
infection after influenza virus infection. We found a significant increase in host susceptibility to a secondary infection with
P. aeruginosa
in mice after an influenza virus infection, and this was accompanied by severe immunopathology and pulmonary inflammation. Importantly, we demonstrated that neutrophils were essential for
P. aeruginosa
clearance in secondarily infected mice. Further, we revealed that influenza impaired the phagocytosis and digestion functions of pulmonary neutrophils for
P. aeruginosa
clearance. We identified that the activity of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity of neutrophils in the lungs played an important role in antibacterial host defense in influenza-infected lungs. Hereby, influenza virus infection causes deficient MPO activity in neutrophils, and this contributes to the increased susceptibility to secondary
P. aeruginosa
infection. Treatment with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin polysaccharide nucleic acid (BCG-PSN) prior to secondary
P. aeruginosa
infection may improve the function of neutrophils, resulting in significantly reduced lethality during secondary
P. aeruginosa
infection. We also demonstrated that treatment with anti-influenza immune serum during the early stage of an influenza virus infection could decrease the disease severity of secondary
P. aeruginosa
infection. Our findings suggest that improving the MPO activity of neutrophils may provide a therapeutic strategy for viral-bacterial coinfection.

IMPORTANCE
A secondary bacterial infection, such as that of
P. aeruginosa
, often occurs after a pulmonary virus infection and contributes to severe disease. However, the underlying mechanisms responsible for viral-bacterial synergy in the lung remain largely unknown. In this study, we reported that influenza virus infection increases a host’s susceptibility to secondary infection by
P. aeruginosa
by reducing the MPO activity of neutrophils. We also demonstrated that treatment with BCG-PSN or anti-influenza immune serum prior to secondary
P. aeruginosa
infection can reduce the disease severity. Our findings suggest that improving the MPO activity of neutrophils may provide a therapeutic strategy for viral-bacterial coinfection.
Interventions to increase the uptake and continuation of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) by adolescent girls and young women at high risk of HIV in low-income and middle-income countries: a scoping review
Authors: Ekwunife Obinna Ikechukwu , Ejie Izuchukwu Loveth , Okelu Valentine , Mita Carol , Durosinmi-Eti Oluwale , Powell Antonia , Franke Molly F
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Effective strategies to increase pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake and continuation among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) who engage in sex work or transactional sex are sparsely reported. We aimed to describe the available evidence on strategies for improving the uptake and continuation of PrEP among AGYW who engage in sex work or transactional sex, or otherwise are at high risk of acquiring HIV, and report their implementation outcomes.

Method

PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and Global Health were searched for studies describing strategies to increase uptake and continuation of PrEP for HIV prevention among AGYW at high risk of acquiring HIV in low-income and middle-income countries. Two independent reviewers screened citations for inclusion and performed data abstraction. Proctor’s framework was used to report the implementation outcomes of the interventions.

Result

We identified 1046 citations, and reviewed 69 full-text documents, of which we included 11 in the scoping review. A social marketing campaign was used in one study to create demand for PrEP. A decision support tool was used in one study to improve PrEP initiation. SMS reminders (two studies), drug-level feedback (two studies), peer group support (one study) and conditional economic incentives (one study) were used to improve PrEP continuation. Five studies reported adoption outcomes, two of which were high. Four studies reported sustainability outcomes; these were low or moderate. One study found private youth-friendly clinics a better fit for AGYW PrEP delivery compared with public hospitals, and prescription of PrEP by non-study staff in the hospital facility was low.

Conclusion

Multiple promising interventions have been used to deliver PrEP to AGYW at high risk of acquiring HIV; however, more information is needed to understand how these interventions would likely perform at scale outside of a research context.
Association rules analysis on patterns of multimorbidity in adults: based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys database
Authors: Zheng Zheng , Xie Yangli , Huang Junlan , Sun Xianding , Zhang Ruobin , Chen Lin
Published: December 2022

Objective

To explore the prevalence and patterns of multimorbidity in population with different genders and age ranges.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys database.

Participants

12 576 patients.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The prevalence and patterns of multimorbidity.

Results

High cholesterol had the highest prevalence in all population (33.4 (95% CI: 32.0 to 34.9)) and males. In females <65 years, the most prevalent disease was sleep disorder (32.1 (95% CI: 29.6 to 34.5)) while in females ≥65 years, hypertension was the most prevalent disease (63.9 (95% CI: 59.9 to 67.9)). Hypertension and high cholesterol were associated with the highest support (occur together most frequently) in all population regardless of genders. Hypertension displayed the highest betweenness centrality (mediating role in the network) followed by high cholesterol and arthritis in all population. For males aged <65 years, hypertension and high cholesterol presented the highest betweenness centrality. In males ≥65 years, hypertension, high cholesterol and arthritis were the top three diseases of degree centrality (direct association with other conditions). As for females ≥65 years, hypertension showed the highest betweenness centrality followed by high cholesterol and arthritis. The associations of hypertension, arthritis and one other item with high cholesterol presented the highest support in all population. In males, the associations of depression, hypertension with sleep disorders had the highest lift (the chance of co-occurrence of the conditions and significant association). Among females, the associations of depression, arthritis with sleep disorders had the highest lift.

Conclusion

Hypertension and high cholesterol were prevalent in all population, regardless of females and males. Hypertension and high cholesterol, arthritis and hypertension, and diabetes and hypertension were more likely to coexist. The findings of this study might help make plans for the management and primary care of people with one or more diseases.
Cohort profile: the Swedish National Quality Register for bipolar disorder(BipoläR)
Authors: Pålsson Erik , Melchior Lydia , Lindwall Sundel Kristina , Karanti Alina , Joas Erik , Nordenskjöld Axel , Agestam Mattias , Runeson Bo , Landén Mikael
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The Swedish National Quality Register for bipolar affective disorder, BipoläR, was established in 2004 to provide nationwide indicators for quality assessment and development in the clinical care of individuals with bipolar spectrum disorder. An ancillary aim was to provide data for bipolar disorder research.

Participants

Inclusion criteria for registration in BipoläR is a diagnosis of bipolar spectrum disorder (ICD codes: F25.0, F30.1–F30.2, F30.8–F31.9, F34.0) and treatment at an outpatient clinic in Sweden. BipoläR collects data from baseline and annual follow-up visits throughout Sweden. Data is collected using questionnaires administered by healthcare staff. The questions cover sociodemographic, diagnostic, treatment, outcomes and patient reported outcome variables. The register currently includes 39 583 individual patients with a total of 75 423 baseline and follow-up records.

Findings to date

Data from BipoläR has been used in several peer-reviewed publications. Studies have provided knowledge on effectiveness, side effects and use of pharmacological and psychological treatment in bipolar disorder. In addition, findings on the diagnosis of bipolar disorder, risk factors for attempted and completed suicide and health economics have been reported. The Swedish Bipolar Collection project has contributed to a large number of published studies and provides important information on the genetic architecture of bipolar disorder, the impact of genetic variation on disease characteristics and treatment outcome.

Future plans

Data collection is ongoing with no fixed end date. Currently, approximately 5000 new registrations are added each year. Cohort data are available via a formalised request procedure from Centre of Registers Västra Götaland (e-mail: registercentrum@vgregion.se). Data requests for research purposes require an entity responsible for the research and an ethical approval.
Is fear of falling key to identifying gait and balance abnormalities in community-dwelling older adults? Protocol of a mixed-methods approach
Authors: McColl Lewis , McMeekin Peter , Poole Marie , Parry Steve W
Published: December 2022

Introduction

The ageing population poses an increasing burden to public health systems, particularly as a result of falls. Falls have been associated with poor gait and balance, as measured by commonly used clinical tests for poor gait and balance. Falls in older adults have the potential to lead to long-term issues with mobility and a fear of falling (FoF). FoF is measured by a variety of instruments; the Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I) version is widely used within clinical and research arenas. The ability of the FoF, as measured by the FES-I to predict gait and balance abnormalities (GABAb) has not previously been measured; this study aims to be the first to investigate this prospective relationship.

Methods and analyses

To investigate the ability of the FES-I to predict GABAb a mixed-methods approach will be used, including quantitative, qualitative and health economics approaches. Initially the ability of the FES-I to identify poor gait and balance will be investigated, along with whether the measure is able to assess change in gait and balance in response to exercise training. The ability of an online FES-I tool to assess poor gait and balance in an alternative pre-existing online strength and balance programme will also be investigated. Interviews will be carried out to investigate participant experiences and motivations of those that are offered Age UK Strength and Balance Training, along with the views of healthcare professionals and Age UK staff involved within the process.

Ethics and dissemination

NHS REC Approval has been granted (IRAS ID 314705). Study participation is voluntary; participants will be provided with all necessary information within the participant information sheet, with written consent being sought. Study findings will be disseminated through manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals, at scientific conferences and in a short report to participants and the funding body.
Ethical uncertainty and COVID-19: exploring the lived experiences of senior physicians at a major medical centre
Authors: Muaygil Ruaim , Aldekhyyel Raniah , AlWatban Lemmese , Almana Lyan , Almana Rana F , Barry Mazin
Published: December 2022

Given the wide-reaching and detrimental impact of COVID-19, its strain on healthcare resources, and the urgent need for—sometimes forced—public health interventions, thorough examination of the ethical issues brought to light by the pandemic is especially warranted. This paper aims to identify some of the complex moral dilemmas faced by senior physicians at a major medical centre in Saudi Arabia, in an effort to gain a better understanding of how they navigated ethical uncertainty during a time of crisis. This qualitative study uses a semistructured interview approach and reports the findings of 16 interviews. The study finds that participants were motivated by a profession-based moral obligation to provide care during the toughest and most uncertain times of the pandemic. Although participants described significant moral dilemmas during their practice, very few identified challenges as ethical in nature, and in turn, none sought formal ethics support. Rather, participants took on the burden of resolving ethical challenges themselves—whenever possible—rationalising oft fraught decisions by likening their experiences to wartime action or by minimising attention to the moral. In capturing these accounts, this paper ultimately contemplates what moral lessons can, and must be, learnt from this experience.
Experience using singleton exome sequencing of probands as an approach to preconception carrier screening in consanguineous couples
Authors: Abulí Anna , Costa-Roger Mar , Codina-Solà Marta , Valenzuela Irene , Leno-Colorado Jordi , Rovira-Moreno Eulàlia , Cueto-González Anna , Fernández-Álvarez Paula , García-Arumí Elena , Cuscó Ivon , Tizzano Eduardo F
Published: December 2022

Background

Consanguineous couples have an increased risk of severe diseases in offspring due to autosomal recessive disorders. Exome sequencing (ES) offers the possibility of extensive preconception carrier screening (PCS) in consanguineous couples who may be at risk of rare genetic disorders.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed ES data from 65 probands affected with rare genetic disorders born from consanguineous couples. We explored diagnostic yield and carrier status for recessive disorders.

Results

The overall diagnostic yield in a singleton approach was 53.8%, mostly recessive variants. In a hypothetical exome-based PCS, only 11.7% of these causative rare variants would have been missed in the filtering process. Carrier screening for recessive conditions allowed the identification of at least one additional pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant in 85.7% of the probands, being the majority with a gene carrier frequency <1 in 200. In addition, considering only clinically actionable conditions, we estimated that 12.3% of our close consanguineous couples may be at risk for an additional recessive disease.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that ES outperforms panel-based screening in a PCS context in consanguineous couples and could potentially increase their reproductive autonomy and facilitate informed decision-making.
Functional cognitive disorders: clinical presentations and treatment approaches
Authors: McWhirter Laura , Carson Alan
Published: December 2022

Functional cognitive disorders (FCDs) are a common cause of subjective and mild cognitive impairment. Isolated FCDs commonly present to the cognitive clinic, but examination of the nature of the symptoms suggests that they can also be understood as a transdiagnostic feature of many other conditions. This article examines methods of formulating the cognitive difficulties in order to identify treatment targets in people with FCDs.
Low serum thyroid-stimulating hormone levels may be an early predictor of sepsis
Authors: Li Peng , Lu Yi , Guo Shu-Bin , Wang Jun-Yu , Yang Jun
Published: December 2022

Objective

This study aimed to explore whether thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) plays an early warning role in detecting progression of bacterial infection to sepsis and can serve as a novel marker for the diagnosis of sepsis.

Method

This was a prospective study of patients treated for ‘bacterial infection’ in the emergency department of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital from 1 January 2021 to 31 August 2021. Subjects were divided into a sepsis group (SG) and a non-SG (NSG), according to whether their condition had progressed to sepsis within 72 hours of admission. Routine blood test results as well as biochemical and thyroid function indices (T4, FT4, T3, FT3) were recorded at the time of admission. TSH, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores were likewise documented.

Results

A total of 62 patients were enrolled, the SG and the NSG showed significant differences in their levels of TSH. The results indicate that TSH is an early warning marker for sepsis.

Conclusions

TSH plays an early warning role in the diagnosis of bacterial infection progressing to sepsis, having a strong predictive value.
Analytical prediction of leakage-induced ground and tunnel response subject to tidal loading
Authors: Zhu Cheng-wei , Wu Wei , Ying Hong-wei , Gong Xiao-nan , Wang Xiao
Published: December 2022

In this study, analytical solutions are developed to assess the hydraulic and structure responses of underwater tunnels by considering the tidal loading in conjunction with water ingress. Two scenarios are considered, that is, the surface water fluctuation (SWF) and groundwater variation (GWV). A single-step scheme is put forward to obtain the exact horizontal displacement developed at the springline with high efficiency. The proposed analytical method is verified by comparing the result from numerical simulations. A detailed parameter analysis is presented to investigate the effect of soil properties on the ground and tunnel behaviors as well as the discrepancies between these two hydraulic loadings. This study reveals that the underwater tunnel tends to act as drainage in the SWF condition whereas blockage for GWV. Much more intensive hydraulic and structure responses are observed under SWF than GWV, but both cases lead to slight tunnel deformations.
A New Technique for Calculating the Effective Length Factor of the Tower in Cable-Stayed Bridge
Authors: Kang Houjun , Qian Dengyu , Su Xiaoyang , Zhang Xiaoyu , Cong Yunyue
Published: December 2022

The stability issues of the tower column (hereinafter referred to as ‘tower’) in the cable-stayed bridge are studied in this paper. Two types of cable-stayed bridges are considered, namely inclined tower cable-stayed bridges without backstays and floating single-tower cable-stayed bridges. Based on the structure feature of the inclined tower cable-stayed bridge without backstays, a novel double-beam model with discrete springs is established to facilitate the linear elastic buckling analysis of the tower. To solve the model, the transfer matrix method is applied, and the stability characteristic equation of the system is derived by considering the boundary and continuity conditions. In this way, the effective length factors for the longitudinal stability of the tower are obtained. At the same time, the finite element method is utilized to verify the results obtained by the proposed model and method. Then, the parametric analysis is conducted to explore the effects of some structure parameters on the effective length factor of the tower. In addition, the influence on the effective length factor of the tower is investigated in detail when the steel cables are replaced with CFRP cables for an inclined tower cable-stayed bridge without backstays. Finally, the same processing method is extended to derive the effective length factor of the tower in the floating single-tower cable-stayed bridge. The comparison with the results of the finite element method confirms the feasibility of the present method again.
Effects of Nanoparticle Addition on the Reliability of Sn-Based Pb-Free Solder Joints Under Various Conditions: A Review
Authors: Tian Ruyu , Wang Chunlei , Huang Yilong , Guo Xiaotong
Published: December 2022

In order to satisfy the needs of electronic industries for high-reliability joints, different kinds of nanoparticles were incorporated into conventional Pb-free solders to enhance the performance of solder joints by researchers for decades. It is reported that doping certain nanoparticles to the solder can promote the wettability and strength of the solder, refine the grain size of solder and intermetallic compounds, and inhibit IMC layer growth. In this paper, the effects and the corresponding mechanism of nanoparticle addition on the reliability of Sn-based Pb-free solder joints in various conditions are comprehensively analyzed and summarized such as under thermal aging, thermal cycling, thermal shock, electromigration and so on. In addition, directions for future study about the reliability of nanoparticles-doped solder joints were discussed, so as to provide theoretical support for developing high-reliability nanocomposite solder joints.
A Stretchable Conductor Based on Spray-Coated Micro/Nano Scale Ag Flakes with Ultralow Resistance for Wearable Antennas
Authors: Zhu Hongze , Liu Yu , Chi Zongtao , Zong Weihua , Sun Zhongsen , Guo Xiangxin , Liu Tian , Sun Bin
Published: December 2022

With the rapid development of wireless communication, there are demands on the flexible antennas. In this work, a wearable dipole antenna has been fabricated by spray-coating nano/microscale Ag flakes onto the polyurethane (TPU) template. It demonstrates an ultrahigh electrical conductivity even under large deformation such as bending, twisting, folding and stretching to 170%. Thus, the resultant antenna maintains good properties under the aforementioned deformation. And even under a stretching of 50%, in contact with the body, it can still provide good antenna characteristics. We hope that our results can be adopted for adaptive skin contactable flexible antenna under different conditions, which is crucial for the next generation of wireless communication.
Government Interventions to Ameliorate COVID-19 Recession: The Case of Small, Micro, and Medium Firm’s Survival in South Africa
Authors: Zhou S. , Chimucheka T. , Ayandibu A. O. , Masuku M.
Published: December 2022

This paper analyzes the impact of government economic interventions to ameliorate the COVID-19 pandemic on the survival of small, micro, and medium enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa. We use the Cox Proportional Hazards approach and cross-sectional data from King Cetshwayo District Municipality covering 641 SMMEs. The study finds that tax relief was the most important intervention used to sustain SMMEs during the pandemic. Other interventions, such as cash grants and cheap credit, were also used during the period but had a small impact. Our findings support the interventions used by the South African government in mitigating the negative consequences of the pandemic-induced lockdown on small businesses. However, we also note that the magnitude at which the interventions were made could have been lower than what is optimal. The paper recommends the need to increase and have sustainable targeted expenditure during the difficult times to enhance the resilience of SMMEs to accelerate economic development and growth.
Enabling Long-term Fairness in Dynamic Resource Allocation
Authors: Si Salem Tareq , Iosifidis Georgios , Neglia Giovanni
Published: December 2022

We study the fairness of dynamic resource allocation problem under the α-fairness criterion. We recognize two different fairness objectives that naturally arise in this problem: the well-understood slot-fairness objective that aims to ensure fairness at every timeslot, and the less explored horizon-fairness objective that aims to ensure fairness across utilities accumulated over a time horizon. We argue that horizon-fairness comes at a lower price in terms of social welfare. We study horizon-fairness with the regret as a performance metric and show that vanishing regret cannot be achieved in presence of an unrestricted adversary. We propose restrictions on the adversary's capabilities corresponding to realistic scenarios and an online policy that indeed guarantees vanishing regret under these restrictions. We demonstrate the applicability of the proposed fairness framework to a representative resource management problem considering a virtualized caching system where different caches cooperate to serve content requests.
Noise in the Clouds
Authors: De Sensi Daniele , De Matteis Tiziano , Taranov Konstantin , Di Girolamo Salvatore , Rahn Tobias , Hoefler Torsten
Published: December 2022

Cloud computing represents an appealing opportunity for cost-effective deployment of HPC workloads on the best-fitting hardware. However, although cloud and on-premise HPC systems offer similar computational resources, their network architecture and performance may differ significantly. For example, these systems use fundamentally different network transport and routing protocols, which may introduce network noise that can eventually limit the application scaling. This work analyzes network performance, scalability, and cost of running HPC workloads on cloud systems. First, we consider latency, bandwidth, and collective communication patterns in detailed small-scale measurements, and then we simulate network performance at a larger scale. We validate our approach on four popular cloud providers and three on-premise HPC systems, showing that network (and also OS) noise can significantly impact performance and cost both at small and large scale.
On the Stochastic and Asymptotic Improvement of First-Come First-Served and Nudge Scheduling
Authors: Van Houdt Benny
Published: December 2022

Recently it was shown that, contrary to expectations, the First-Come-First-Served (FCFS) scheduling algorithm can be stochastically improved upon by a scheduling algorithm called
Nudge
for light-tailed job size distributions. Nudge partitions jobs into 4 types based on their size, say small, medium, large and huge jobs. Nudge operates identical to FCFS, except that whenever a
small
job arrives that finds a
large
job waiting at the back of the queue, Nudge swaps the small job with the large one unless the large job was already involved in an earlier swap.

In this paper, we show that FCFS can be stochastically improved upon under far weaker conditions. We consider a system with 2 job types and limited swapping between type-1 and type-2 jobs, but where a type-1 job is not necessarily smaller than a type-2 job. More specifically, we introduce and study the Nudge-
K
scheduling algorithm which allows type-1 jobs to be swapped with up to
K
type-2 jobs waiting at the back of the queue, while type-2 jobs can be involved in at most one swap. We present an explicit expression for the response time distribution under Nudge-
K
when both job types follow a phase-type distribution. Regarding the asymptotic tail improvement ratio (ATIR), we derive a simple expression for the ATIR, as well as for the
K
that maximizes the ATIR. We show that the ATIR is positive and the optimal
K
tends to infinity in heavy traffic as long as the type-2 jobs are on average longer than the type-1 jobs.
Optimal Scheduling in the Multiserver-job Model under Heavy Traffic
Authors: Grosof Isaac , Scully Ziv , Harchol-Balter Mor , Scheller-Wolf Alan
Published: December 2022

Multiserver-job systems, where jobs require concurrent service at many servers, occur widely in practice. Essentially all of the theoretical work on multiserver-job systems focuses on maximizing utilization, with almost nothing known about mean response time. In simpler settings, such as various known-size single-server-job settings, minimizing mean response time is merely a matter of prioritizing small jobs. However, for the multiserver-job system, prioritizing small jobs is not enough, because we must also ensure servers are not unnecessarily left idle. Thus, minimizing mean response time requires prioritizing small jobs while simultaneously maximizing throughput. Our question is how to achieve these joint objectives.

We devise the ServerFilling-SRPT scheduling policy, which is the first policy to minimize mean response time in the multiserver-job model in the heavy traffic limit. In addition to proving this heavy-traffic result, we present empirical evidence that ServerFilling-SRPT outperforms all existing scheduling policies for all loads, with improvements by orders of magnitude at higher loads.

Because ServerFilling-SRPT requires knowing job sizes, we also define the ServerFilling-Gittins policy, which is optimal when sizes are unknown or partially known.
Streaming Algorithms for Constrained Submodular Maximization
Authors: Cui Shuang , Han Kai , Tang Jing , Huang He , Li Xueying , Li Zhiyu
Published: December 2022

It is of great importance to design streaming algorithms for submodular maximization, as many applications (e.g., crowdsourcing) have large volume of data satisfying the well-known ''diminishing returns'' property, which cannot be handled by offline algorithms requiring full access to the whole dataset. However, streaming submodular maximization has been less studied than the offline algorithms due to the hardness brought by more stringent requirements on memory consumption. In this paper, we consider the fundamental problem of Submodular Maximization under
k
-System and
d
-Knapsack constraints (SMSK), which has only been successfully addressed by offline algorithms in previous studies, and we propose the first streaming algorithm for it with provable performance bounds. Our approach adopts a novel algorithmic framework dubbed
MultiplexGreedy
, making it also perform well under a single
k
-system constraint. For the special case of SMSK with only
d
-knapsack constraints, we further propose a streaming algorithm with better performance ratios than the state-of-the-art algorithms. As the SMSK problem generalizes most of the major problems studied in submodular maximization, our algorithms have wide applications in big data processing.
Switching in the Rain: Predictive Wireless x-haul Network Reconfiguration
Authors: Kadota Igor , Jacoby Dror , Messer Hagit , Zussman Gil , Ostrometzky Jonatan
Published: December 2022

4G, 5G, and smart city networks often rely on microwave and millimeter-wave x-haul links. A major challenge associated with these high frequency links is their susceptibility to weather conditions. In particular, precipitation may cause severe signal attenuation, which significantly degrades the network performance. In this paper, we develop a Predictive Network Reconfiguration (PNR) framework that uses historical data to predict the future condition of each link and then prepares the network ahead of time for imminent disturbances. The PNR framework has two components: (i) an Attenuation Prediction (AP) mechanism; and (ii) a Multi-Step Network Reconfiguration (MSNR) algorithm. The AP mechanism employs an encoder-decoder Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model to predict the sequence of future attenuation levels of each link. The MSNR algorithm leverages these predictions to dynamically optimize routing and admission control decisions aiming to maximize network utilization, while preserving max-min fairness among the nodes using the network (e.g., base-stations) and preventing transient congestion that may be caused by switching routes. We train, validate, and evaluate the PNR framework using a dataset containing over 2 million measurements collected from a real-world city-scale backhaul network. The results show that the framework: (i) predicts attenuation with high accuracy, with an RMSE of less than 0.4 dB for a prediction horizon of 50 seconds; and (ii) can improve the instantaneous network utilization by more than 200% when compared to reactive network reconfiguration algorithms that cannot leverage information about future disturbances.
Improving Face Anti-spoofing via Advanced Multi-perspective Feature Learning
Authors: Wang Zhuming , Xu Yaowen , Wu Lifang , Han Hu , Ma Yukun , Li Zun
Published: December 2022

Face anti-spoofing (FAS) plays a vital role in securing face recognition systems. Previous approaches usually learn spoofing features from a single perspective, in which only universal cues shared by all attack types are explored. However, such single-perspective-based approaches ignore the differences among various attacks and commonness between certain attacks and bona fides, thus tending to neglect some non-universal cues that contain strong discernibility against certain types. As a result, when dealing with multiple types of attacks, the above approaches may suffer from the uncomprehensive representation of bona fides and spoof faces. In this work, we propose a novel Advanced Multi-Perspective Feature Learning network (AMPFL), in which multiple perspectives are adopted to learn discriminative features, to improve the performance of FAS. Specifically, the proposed network first learns universal cues and several perspective-specific cues from multiple perspectives, then aggregates the above features and further enhances them to perform face anti-spoofing. In this way, AMPFL obtains features that are difficult to be captured by single-perspective-based methods and provides more comprehensive information on bona fides and spoof faces, thus achieving better performance for FAS. Experimental results show that our AMPFL achieves promising results in public databases, and it effectively solves the issues of single-perspective-based approaches.
Changes in gravity affect neuromuscular control, biomechanics, and muscle-tendon mechanics in energy storage and dissipation tasks
Authors: Waldvogel Janice , Freyler Kathrin , Helm Michael , Monti Elena , Stäudle Benjamin , Gollhofer Albert , Narici Marco V. , Ritzmann Ramona , Albracht Kirsten
Published: December 2022

For the first time, the neuromechanics of distinct movement modalities that fundamentally differ in their energy management function have been investigated during overload systematically induced by hypergravity. Parabolic flight provides a unique experimental setting that allows near-natural movement execution without the confounding effects typically associated with load variation. Our findings show that gravity-adjusted muscle activities are inversely affected within jumps and landings. Specifically, in 1.8 G, typical task-specific differences in neuromuscular activity are reduced during the center of mass deceleration phase, resulting in fascicle lengthening, which is associated with energy dissipation.
Improved vascular function and functional capacity following l-citrulline administration in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a single-arm, open-label, prospective pilot study
Authors: Ratchford Stephen M. , Bunsawat Kanokwan , Alpenglow Jeremy K. , Zhao Jia , Wright Josephine B. , Ryan John J. , Wray D. Walter
Published: December 2022

The current investigation has demonstrated that l-Cit administration may improve brachial artery endothelium-dependent vasodilation, upper and lower limb microvascular function, and physical capacity in patients with HFpEF, highlighting the potential therapeutic potential of interventions targeting the l-Arg-NO signaling cascade to improve outcomes in this patient group.
Reliability-Centered Maintenance for Overhead Transmission Lines in Composite Power System
Authors: Abbasghorbani Morteza , Damchi Yaser , Rajabi Mashhadi Habib
Published: December 2022

Reliable overhead transmission lines have a vital role in maintaining the reliability of power systems at a desirable level and ensuring the continuity of electrical energy. In this regard, a proper preventive maintenance program can ensure the reliable functioning of transmission lines. Based on the concept of reliability-centered maintenance, this paper proposes a preventive maintenance strategy that can be implemented in real power systems due to the limited data requirements. The priority of each line for preventive maintenance was obtained by two indices revealing the technical condition and importance of each line in the network. The proposed method was applied to a real transmission network in Khorasan province of Iran. In order to extract the condition index of lines, failure statistics during six recent years as well as technical data of lines were investigated. Moreover, this paper presents a two-stage method to determine the importance index of each line by evaluating the consequences of line failures on the network. The presented results show the efficiency of the proposed approach.
Research on the Impact of Environmental Regulation on Total Factor Energy Effect of Logistics Industry from the Perspective of Green Development
Authors: Huang Kai , Wang Jian
Published: December 2022

This study uses the super efficiency DEA model to evaluate the logistics industry’s total factor energy efficiency in various Chinese provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities, and examines the relationship between environmental regulations and the total factor energy efficiency. The results show that environmental regulations can help improve the logistics industry’s total factor energy efficiency. This study further analyzes the threshold effect of environmental pollution control investment level, quality of labor, and logistics industry development level in environmental regulations on the logistics industry’s total factor energy efficiency. The results showed that the level of investment in environmental pollution control in environmental regulations has a significant single threshold effect on logistics industry’s total factor energy efficiency. The quality of labor has a significant double threshold effect on environmental regulation’s impact on the logistics industry’s total factor energy efficiency. Logistics industry development level has a significant double threshold effect on the impact of environmental regulation on logistics industry’s total factor energy efficiency.