bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Finite Element Contact, Stress and Strain Analysis of a Composite Fibre-Matrix Micro System Subjected to Ball Indentation
Authors: Váradi Károly , Néder Zoltán , Friedrich Klaus , Flöck Joachim 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The presented FE contact technique is applied to the problem of a steel ball indented into a composite material consisting of unidirectional continuous carbon fibres in a polyetheretherketone matrix. Indentation was carried out with fibre orientations either normal (N) or parallel (P) to the contact surface at fiber volume fraction 44%.
The FE contact stress analysis of a fibre/matrix micro structure has some strong limitations. If FE micro models are used, only a very small (for example 0.1 × 0.1 × 0.1 mm) 3D segment can be modelled while the number of degrees of freedom (DOF) is immediately in the range of 100.000. If anisotropic numerical models are used, there are no size limitations but the results can not describe the stress and strain states of a real fibre/matrix micro structure.
The FE contact analysis involves both an anisotropic (homogeneous) macro and (inhomogeneous) micro contact analysis, following an approximate displacement coupling technique. This technique considers only the displacements along the coupled surfaces. The coupled solution provides a more realistic elastic deformation, stress and strain results of the composite micro system in the vicinity of the contact area, and at the same time the effect of the macro system is also incorporated.
The FE contact results show the location and the distribution of the subsurface stresses and strains. For N fibre orientation there is a high shear stress region below the surface, from where the fibre/matrix interfacial failure initiates before propagation to the surface. These results are in good agreement with experimental results published in the open literature. In case of P fibre orientation the matrix is subjected to local plastic deformation while the characteristic deformation of the fibre is bending.
The Damping Characteristics of a Cantilever Structure With a Lap-Type Adhesive Joint
Authors: Kobayashi Takashi 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to clarify the damping characteristics of an adhesively bonded structure and to establish a method to estimate the damping capacity. As a fundamental study, a cantilever structure, in which one end of a beam is bonded to a relatively large base with a lap-type adhesive joint, is employed in this study. The damping capacity of the cantilever structure, which is vibrating in the directions vertical or tangential to the bonding surface, is investigated. Experimentally, a test rig, which corresponds to the analytical model, is manufactured and the damping capacity is measured. The analytical results are in fairly good agreement with the experimental ones. Furthermore, the damping capacity of the cantilever structure with a bolted joint is measured and is compared with those of the adhesive joint.
ipolygrowth: an R package to calculate individual growth curve parameters from bacterial time series data
Authors: Wang Jifan , Barger Kathryn 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

The ipolygrowth package is a user-friendly tool that calculates growth curve parameters for time series data from microplate readers. Calculations are based on fourth-degree polynomial functions, which provide an alternative to commonly used sigmoidal models. The package is available for installation through the Comprehensive R Archive Network.
Cell wall nanoparticles from hyphae of
Alternaria infectoria
grown with caspofungin, nikkomycin, or pyroquilon trigger different activation profiles in macrophages
Authors: Antunes Daniela , Domingues Rita , Cruz-Almeida Mariana , Rodrigues Lisa , Borges Olga , Carvalho Agostinho , Casadevall Arturo , Fernandes Chantal , Gonçalves Teresa 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Alternaria infectoria
causes opportunistic human infections and is a source of allergens leading to respiratory allergies. In this work, we prepared cell wall nanoparticles (CWNPs) as a novel approach to study macrophage immunomodulation by fungal hyphal cell walls.
A. infectoria
was grown in the presence of caspofungin, an inhibitor of β(1,3)-glucan synthesis; nikkomycin Z, an inhibitor of chitin synthases; and pyroquilon, an inhibitor of dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN)-melanin synthesis. Distinct CWNPs were obtained from these cultures, referred to as casCWNPs, nkCWNPs, and pyrCWNPs, respectively. CWNPs are round-shaped particles with a diameter of 70–200 nm diameter particles that when added to macrophages are taken up by membrane ruffling. CWNPs with no DHN-melanin and more glucan (pyrCWNPs) caused early macrophage activation and lowest viability, with the cells exhibiting ultrastructural modifications such as higher vacuolization and formation of autophagy-like structures. CasCWNPs promoted the highest tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) increase, also resulting in the release of partially degraded chitin, an aspect never observed in macrophage-like cells and fungi. After 6 h of interaction with CWNPs, only half were viable, except with control CWNPs. Overall, this work indicates that compounds that modify the fungal cell wall led to CWNPs with new properties that may have implications for the effects of drugs during antifungal therapy. CWNPs provide a new tool to study the interaction of hyphal fungal cell wall components with phagocytic cells and enable to show how the modification of cell wall components in
A. infectoria
can modulate the response by macrophages.

IMPORTANCE

Alternaria
species are ubiquitous environmental fungi to which the human host can continuously be exposed, through the inhalation of fungal spores but also of fragments of hyphae, from desegregated mycelia. These fungi are involved in hypersensitization and severe respiratory allergies, such as asthma, and can cause opportunistic infections in immunodepressed human host leading to severe disease. The first fungal structures to interact with the host cells are the cell wall components, and their modulation leads to differential immune responses. Here, we show that fungal cells grown with cell wall inhibitors led to cell wall nanoparticles with new properties in their interaction with macrophages. With this strategy, we overcame the limitation of
in vitro
assays interacting with filamentous fungi and showed that the absence of DNH-melanin leads to higher virulence, while caspofungin leads to cells walls that trigger higher hydrolysis of chitin and higher production of cytokines.
Early stopping versus continued retrievals after failed recanalization: associated factors and implications for outcome
Authors: Kniep Helge C , Meyer Lukas , Broocks Gabriel , Bechstein Matthias , Heitkamp Christian , Winkelmeier Laurens , Geest Vincent , Faizy Tobias D , Feyen Ludger , Brekenfeld Caspar , Flottmann Fabian , McDonough Rosalie V , Maros Mate , Schell Maximilian , Hanning Uta , Thomalla Goetz , Fiehler Jens , Gellissen Susanne 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundSuccessful recanalization defined as modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction Score (mTICI) ≥2b is not achieved in 15%–20% of patients with acute ischemic stroke. This study aims to identify patient-specific factors associated with early stopping without successful recanalization. We hypothesized that the probability of the decision for early stopping during mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is higher in patients with an unfavorable prognosis.MethodsAll patients enrolled in the German Stroke Registry (GSR) between June 2015 and December 2021 were screened. Inclusion criteria were stroke in the anterior circulation and availability of relevant clinical data. For each retrieval attempt 1–3, patients with stopping and failed reperfusion (mTICI <2b) were compared with all patients with continued retrieval attempts using descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression.ResultsOur study included 2977 patients, 350 (12%) of which had early stopping. Higher pre-stroke Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) =1.20 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09; 1.32), P<0.001), higher age (aOR=1.01 (1.00; 1.02), P=0.017) and distal occlusions (aOR=1.93 (1.50; 2.47), P<0.001) as well as intraprocedural dissections/perforations (aOR=4.61 (2.95; 7.20), P<0.001) and extravasation (aOR=2.43 (1.55;3.82), P<0.001) were associated with early stopping. In patients with unsuccessful recanalization (n=622), the number of retrieval attempts (aOR=1.05 (0.94; 1.18), p=0.405) was not associated with unfavorable outcomes (90d-mRS>3).ConclusionThe probability of early stopping was higher in patients with clinical conditions associated with: a) Favorable prognosis and assumed lower impact of recanalization success on functional status, such as distal occlusions; and b) Unfavorable prognosis, such as higher age and reduced pre-stroke functional status. Adverse events during the procedure increased the probability of early stopping. The number of recanalization attempts did not increase the risk of unfavorable outcome for patients with persistent occlusion, supporting the decision for continuation of retrieval attempts.
Spontaneous recanalization in acute large core ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion: a post-hoc analysis of the ANGEL-ASPECT trial
Authors: Zhang Longhui , Chen Fangguang , Nguyen Thanh N , Pan Yuesong , Liu Yufan , Wang Mengxing , Li Shuo , Sun Dapeng , Huo Xiaochuan , Jia BaiXue , Miao Zhongrong 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundPrevious studies have indicated that a subset of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel occlusion (LVO) experience spontaneous recanalization (SR), but the prognosis and factors associated with SR in these individuals are not well characterized.MethodsWe conducted a post hoc secondary analysis of the Study of Endovascular Therapy in Acute Anterior Circulation Large Vessel Occlusive Patients with a Large Infarct Core (ANGEL-ASPECT) trial. SR in the medical management group was defined as a modified arterial occlusive lesion (AOL) grade of 2 or 3 on computed tomography angiography (CTA) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) at 36 hours (±12 hours).ResultsSR was detected in 67 out of 184 patients (36.4%) in the medical management (MM) group. The median age of patients was 67 years (interquartile range (IQR) 58–72), and 48 (71.6%) were male. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score shift toward better outcomes of the MM with SR group vs the MM without SR group was 1.83, with marginally significant difference (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.992 to 3.36; P=0.053). No significant difference was found between the MM with SR group and EVT recanalization group (aOR 1.45; 95% CI 0.86 to 2.43; P=0.16) with similar findings in the inverse probability treatment weighting analysis (OR 0.85; 95% CI 0.49 to 1.48; P=0.57). Multivariable regression analysis showed that hypertension, atherothrombotic stroke and higher clot burden score were factors associated with SR.ConclusionsSR in medically managed patients with acute large ischemic stroke caused by LVO was associated with good functional outcome. An improved understanding of SR patients may be helpful to develop therapeutic strategy in patients with large infarct due to LVO in anterior circulation.Trial registration numberNCT04551664.
Anisotropic quark stars with an interacting quark equation of state in extra dimension
Authors: Das Krishna Pada , Bhar Piyali , Debnath Ujjal 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis work revisits a modified version of the hydrostatic equilibrium equation in the presence of pressure anisotropy based on General Relativity with an extra dimension. We examine the structural features of quark stars in various dimensions by solving the Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff (TOV) equation numerically using the interacting quark EoS. From our result, the compact star model with isotropic pressure can be obtained as $$\alpha $$
α
approaches zero. The energy-dependent maximum mass and its associated radius, as well as the other characteristics like pressure, energy density, stability, etc., of the quark star, are obtained using the numerical solution. Through our detailed study, we have demonstrated that the conclusions we obtained here are consistent with observable evidence in four-dimensional spacetime. In four dimensions, for different values of $$\alpha $$
α
, our obtained results can predict the mass of the compact stars PSR J0740+6620, PSR J1614-2230, Vela X-1, 4U 1608-52, 4U 1820-30, Cen X-3, and EXO 1785-248.
Probing the thermodynamics of charged Gauss Bonnet AdS black holes with the Lyapunov exponent
Authors: Lyu Xin , Tao Jun , Wang Peng 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate the thermodynamic properties of the charged AdS Gauss–Bonnet black holes and their associations with the Lyapunov exponent. The chaotic features of the black holes and the isobaric heat capacity characterized by the Lyapunov exponent are studied to reveal the thermodynamic stability of the black hole phases. By considering both the timelike and null geodesics, we find that the relationship between the Lyapunov exponent and the Hawking temperature can accurately represent the features of the Small/Large phase transition and even the triple point. We also reveal the properties of the difference in the Lyapunov exponent as an order parameter. It is demonstrated that there is a negative correlation between the Lyapunov exponent and the size of the black hole shadow, which can be used to bridge the thermodynamic properties and the shadow of black holes.
A note on the Cotton flow and the Ricci flow for three-manifolds, and the Hořava–Lifshitz gravity
Authors: Cartas-Fuentevilla R. , Herrera-Aguilar A. , Calvario-Acocal J. L. A. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractWe consider the more general geometrical flow in the space of metrics for three-manifolds that consists of a combination of two flows, the Cotton flow and the Ricci flow; by playing a fundamental role in the detailed balance principle of the four dimensional Hořava–Lifshitz gravity, this generalized flow reveals another difficulty with this theory that attempts to be a candidate for an UV completion of Einstein general relativity, namely, the supposed emergency of the speed of light, the Newton constant, and the cosmological constant, from a deeply nonrelativistic theory of gravity. Respecting that principle, the generalized flow shows the proliferation of different limits of the theory with an unwanted behavior at both the IR and UV regimes.
DApps ecosystems: mapping the network structure of smart contract interactions
Authors: Aufiero Sabrina , Ibba Giacomo , Bartolucci Silvia , Destefanis Giuseppe , Neykova Rumyana , Ortu Marco 
Published: September 2024

AbstractDecentralized applications (DApps) built on blockchain platforms such as Ethereum and coded in languages such as Solidity, have recently gained attention for their potential to disrupt traditional centralized systems. Despite their rapid adoption, limited research has been conducted to understand the underlying code structure of these applications. In particular, each DApp is composed of multiple smart contracts, each containing a number of functions that can be called to trigger a specific event, e.g., a token transfer. In this paper, we reconstruct and analyse the network of contracts and functions calls within the DApp, which is helpful to unveil vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malicious attackers. We show how decentralization is architecturally implemented, identifying common development patterns and anomalies that could influence the system’s robustness and efficiency. We find a consistent network structure characterized by modular, self-sufficient contracts and a complex web of function interactions, indicating common coding practices across the blockchain community. Critically, a small number of key functions within each DApp play a central role in maintaining network connectivity, making them potential targets for cyber attacks and highlighting the need for robust security measures.
Mathematical sense making of quantum phenomena using Dirac notation: its effect on secondary school students’ functional thinking about photons
Authors: Hennig Fabian , Tóth Kristóf , Veith Joaquin , Bitzenbauer Philipp 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPrevious research has consistently demonstrated that students often possess an inadequate understanding of fundamental quantum optics concepts, even after formal instruction. Findings from physics education research suggest that introducing a mathematical formalism to describe quantum optical phenomena may enhance students’ conceptual understanding of quantum optics. This paper investigates whether using formal descriptions of quantum optics phenomena – such as photon anticorrelation at a beamsplitter or single-photon interference in a Michelson interferometer – expressed in Dirac notation, can support secondary school students in developing functional thinking about photons. To investigate this, we conducted a clusterrandomized field study, comparing the improvement in functional thinking between 67 students in the intervention group, who were taught using both qualitative and quantitative reasoning, and 66 students in the control group, who were taught using only qualitative reasoning. The results indicate that mathematical formalism can indeed promote functional thinking about photons. However, the comparison between the intervention and control groups revealed that the control group exhibited a greater increase in functional thinking than the intervention group. In response to these findings, we conducted a follow-up study aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of the cognitive load associated with both approaches. Specifically, we compared the intrinsic and extraneous cognitive load of 71 students in the intervention group with those of 65 students in the control group. The data analysis revealed that the two groups had statistically significant differences in intrinsic cognitive load while the extraneous cognitive load did not difer statistically significant, indicating a higher mental effort associated to the quantitative reasoning.
PET Imaging Using 89Zr-Labeled StarPEG Nanocarriers Reveals Heterogeneous Enhanced Permeability and Retention in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Meher Niranjan , Bidkar Anil P. , Wadhwa Anju , Bobba Kondapa Naidu , Dhrona Suchi , Dasari Chandrashekhar , Mu Changhua , Fong Cyril O.Y. , Cámara Juan A. , Ali Umama , Basak Megha , Bulkley David , Steri Veronica , Fontaine Shaun D. , Zhu Jun , Oskowitz Adam , Aggarwal Rahul R. , Sriram Renuka , Chou Jonathan , Wilson David M. , Seo Youngho , Santi Daniel V. , Ashley Gary W. , VanBrocklin Henry F. , Flavell Robert R. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect controls passive nanodrug uptake in tumors and may provide a high tumor payload with prolonged retention for cancer treatment. However, EPR-mediated tumor uptake and distribution vary by cancer phenotype. Thus, we hypothesized that a companion PET imaging surrogate may benefit EPR-mediated therapeutic drug delivery. We developed two 89Zr-radiolabeled nanocarriers based on 4-armed starPEG40kDa with or without talazoparib (TLZ), a potent PARP inhibitor, as surrogates for the PEG-TLZ4 therapeutic scaffold. For PET imaging, PEG-DFB4 and PEG-DFB1-TLZ3 were radiolabeled with 89Zr by replacing one or all four copis of TLZ on PEG-TLZ4 with deferoxamine B (DFB). The radiolabeled nanodrugs [89Zr]PEG-DFB4 and [89Zr]PEG-DFB1-TLZ3 were tested in vivo in prostate cancer subcutaneous (s.c.) xenografts (22Rv1, LTL-545, and LTL-610) and 22Rv1 metastatic models. Their EPR-mediated tumoral uptake and penetration was compared with CT26, a known EPR-high cell line. MicroPET/CT images, organ biodistribution, and calculated kinetic parameters showed high uptake in CT26 and LTL-545 and moderate to low uptake in LTL-610 and 22Rv1. MicroPET/CT and high-resolution autoradiographic images showed nanocarrier penetration into highly permeable CT26, but heterogeneous peripheral accumulation was observed in LTL-545, LTL-610, and 22Rv1 s.c. xenografts and metastatic tumors. CD31 staining of tumor sections showed homogenous vascular development in CT26 tumors and heterogeneity in other xenografts. Both [89Zr]PEG-DFB4 and [89Zr]PEG-DFB1-TLZ3 showed similar accumulation and distribution in s.c. and metastatic tumor models. Both nanocarriers can measure tumor model passive uptake heterogeneity. Although heterogeneous, prostate cancer xenografts had low EPR. These starPEG nanocarriers could be used as PET imaging surrogates to predict drug delivery and efficacy.
The Role of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in Acute Bilateral Vocal Cord Paresis or Paralysis Post-Thyroidectomy
Authors: Song Yaerin , Lackey Taylor G. , Amin Milan R. 
Published: September 2024

Objectives: Acute post-thyroidectomy bilateral vocal cord paresis or paralysis (BVCP) is often managed with observation, botulinum toxin injection or tracheostomy. However, only a few cases discuss obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in the context of BVCP with limited exploration of home sleep test (HST) and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) as post-operative assessment and management tools. This study suggests CPAP as a less invasive approach while awaiting vocal cord recovery. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on 2 female patients who presented with dyspnea and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) symptoms post-thyroidectomy. Both patients underwent laryngoscopy and HSTs, followed by CPAP prescription. Results: Case 1 (body mass index [BMI]: 32.6 kg/m2) and Case 2 (BMI: 20.1 kg/m2), aged 66 and 77 respectively, presented with post-surgery dyspnea and SDB symptoms. Laryngoscopy revealed left vocal cord paresis and right vocal cord paralysis in both cases. Although tracheostomy could provide definitive treatment, both cases were deferred for non-invasive options, which led to HST, confirming moderate OSA (PAT-derived apnea-hypopnea index (pAHI): 18/hour and 27.1/hour) leading to CPAP recommendation. In Case 2, 5 weeks of CPAP use resulted in dramatic improvements in her sleep quality, with continued benefits at 3-month follow-up. Conclusion: These cases underscore the value of considering sleep studies and CPAP as adjunctive tools in acute post-thyroidectomy BVCP management while awaiting vocal motion recovery. This report also further supports that BVCP sufficiently narrows the glottic airway, predisposing patients to OSA.