bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quasi-One-Dimensional Loss Model of Volute Using Boundary Layer Approach for Inward Flow Radial Supercritical CO2 Turbines
Authors: Hoque Syed Jiaul , Kumar Pramod , Gopi Pramod Chandra 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Inward flow radial sCO2 turbines operate at considerably higher speeds than conventional gas or steam turbines making only the low specific speed designs practically realizable. Low-specific speed designs suffer from significantly higher viscous losses in the volute due to long and narrow flow passages. The volute loss in low specific speed designs results in an 8% to 12% efficiency drop, which is approximately 50% of the total loss. The paper proposes a quasi-one-dimensional (quasi-1D) model to estimate the total pressure loss in a volute with acceptable accuracy while consuming negligible computational power compared to a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics simulation. The model converts the three-dimensional flow in a volute into an equivalent quasi-1D flow. Boundary layer-based momentum integral method is used on the quasi-1D flow path to calculate the total pressure loss. A computer program is developed to implement the proposed model. The accuracy of the model is tested with three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics results in the kW to MW power scale for different boundary conditions. The validation exercise is performed for two volute cross sections—circular and trapezoidal, to check the universality of the model. The model predicts the total pressure loss with less than 10% error for all test conditions. In contrast, a fully developed pipe flow model shows a considerably higher error (∼50%) in total pressure loss prediction for identical flow conditions. The model can also incorporate the effect of surface roughness of the volute. In addition, the model accurately calculates losses under off-design operations.
An N-acetyltransferase required for ESAT-6 N-terminal acetylation and virulence in
Mycobacterium marinum
Authors: Collars Owen A. , Jones Bradley S. , Hu Daniel D. , Weaver Simon D. , Sherman Taylor A. , Champion Matthew M. , Champion Patricia A. 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

N-terminal protein acetylation is a ubiquitous post-translational modification that impacts diverse cellular processes in higher organisms. Bacterial proteins are also N-terminally acetylated, but the mechanisms and consequences of this modification in bacteria are poorly understood. The major virulence factor EsxA (ESAT-6, early secreted antigen, 6 kDa) was one of the first N-terminally acetylated proteins identified in bacteria. EsxA is conserved in mycobacterial pathogens, including
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
and
Mycobacterium marinum
, a non-tubercular mycobacterial species that causes tuberculosis-like disease in ectotherms. However, the enzyme responsible for EsxA N-terminal acetylation has been elusive. Here, we used genetics, molecular biology, and mass-spectroscopy-based proteomics to demonstrate that MMAR_1839 (renamed Emp1, ESX-1 modifying protein, 1) is the putative N-acetyltransferase (NAT) solely responsible for EsxA acetylation in
M. marinum
. We demonstrated that
ERD_3144
, the orthologous gene in
M. tuberculosis
Erdman, is functionally equivalent to Emp1. We previously quantified widespread N-terminal protein acetylation in pathogenic mycobacteria (C. R. Thompson, M. M. Champion, and P. A. Champion, J Proteome Res 17:3246–3258, 2018, https:// doi: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.8b00373). We identified at least 22 additional proteins that require Emp1 for acetylation, demonstrating that this putative NAT is not dedicated to EsxA. Finally, we showed that loss of
emp1
did not prevent phagosomal escape but resulted in a significant reduction in macrophage cytolysis by and cell-to-cell spread of
M. marinum
during infection. Collectively, this study identified a NAT required for N-terminal acetylation and pathogenesis in
Mycobacterium
.

IMPORTANCE

N-terminal acetylation is a protein modification that broadly impacts basic cellular function and disease in higher organisms. Although bacterial proteins are N-terminally acetylated, little is understood how N-terminal acetylation impacts bacterial physiology and pathogenesis. Mycobacterial pathogens cause acute and chronic disease in humans and in animals. Approximately 15% of mycobacterial proteins are N-terminally acetylated, but the responsible enzymes are largely unknown. We identified a conserved mycobacterial protein required for the N-terminal acetylation of 23 mycobacterial proteins including the EsxA virulence factor. Loss of this enzyme from
M. marinum
reduced macrophage killing and spread of
M. marinum
to new host cells. Defining the acetyltransferases responsible for the N-terminal protein acetylation of essential virulence factors could lead to new targets for therapeutics against mycobacteria.
Activities, substrate specificity, and genetic interactions of fission yeast Siw14, a cysteinyl-phosphatase-type inositol pyrophosphatase
Authors: Sanchez Ana M. , Schwer Beate , Jork Nikolaus , Jessen Henning J. , Shuman Stewart 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

Inositol pyrophosphate 1,5-IP
8
is a signaling molecule that regulates phosphate and polyphosphate homeostasis in the fission yeast
Schizosaccharomyces pombe
. 1,5-IP
8
levels are dictated by a balance between the Asp1 kinase domain that converts 5-IP
7
to 1,5-IP
8
and two pyrophosphatases—the Asp1 pyrophosphatase domain (histidine acid phosphatase family) and the Aps1 pyrophosphatase enzyme (Nudix family)—that hydrolyze the β-phosphates of 1,5-IP
8
. Here, we characterize
S. pombe
Siw14 (SpSiw14), a cysteinyl-phosphatase family member and a homolog of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Siw14, as a third fission yeast pyrophosphatase implicated in inositol pyrophosphate catabolism. We find that SpSiw14’s substrate repertoire embraces inorganic pyrophosphate, inorganic polyphosphate, and the inositol pyrophosphates 5-IP
7
, 1-IP
7
, and 1,5-IP
8
, in addition to the generic substrate
p
-nitrophenylphosphate. Genetic analyses revealed that (i) elimination of the SpSiw14 protein or inactivation of the SpSiw14 pyrophosphatase by the C189S mutation had no effect on
S. pombe
growth but was lethal in the absence of Aps1 and (ii) the synthetic lethality of
siw14
∆
aps1
∆ depended on the synthesis of 1,5-IP
8
by the Asp1 kinase. We conclude that SpSiw14 and Aps1 pyrophosphatases have essential but redundant functions in fission yeast, and that their synthetic lethality is a consequence of the toxic effects of too much 1,5-IP
8
. Suppression of
siw14
∆
aps1
∆ lethality by loss-of-function mutations of components of the fission yeast 3′-processing/termination machinery fortifies the case for overzealous transcription termination as the basis for 1,5-IP
8
toxicosis.

IMPORTANCE

The inositol pyrophosphate signaling molecule 1,5-IP
8
modulates fission yeast phosphate homeostasis via its action as an agonist of RNA 3′-processing and transcription termination. Cellular 1,5-IP
8
levels are determined by a balance between the activities of the inositol polyphosphate kinase Asp1 and several inositol pyrophosphatase enzymes. Here, we characterize
Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Siw14 (SpSiw14) as a cysteinyl-phosphatase-family pyrophosphatase enzyme capable of hydrolyzing the phosphoanhydride substrates inorganic pyrophosphate, inorganic polyphosphate, and inositol pyrophosphates 5-IP
7
, 1-IP
7
, and 1,5-IP
8
. Genetic analyses implicate SpSiw14 in 1,5-IP
8
catabolism
in vivo
, insofar as: loss of SpSiw14 activity is lethal in the absence of the Nudix-type inositol pyrophosphatase enzyme Aps1; and
siw14
∆
aps1
∆ lethality depends on synthesis of 1,5-IP
8
by the Asp1 kinase. Suppression of
siw14
∆
aps1
∆ lethality by loss-of-function mutations of 3′-processing/termination factors points to precocious transcription termination as the cause of 1,5-IP
8
toxicosis.
From Homogeneous and Isotropic Universes to Braneworlds with Dynamical Tension Strings
Authors: Guendelman E. I. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Cosmological solutions are studied in the context of the modified measure formulation of string theory, then the string tension is a dynamical variable and the string the tension is an additional dynamical degree of freedom and its value is dynamically generated. These tensions are then not universal, rather each string generates its own tension which can have a different value for each of the string world sheets and in an ensemble of strings the values of the tensions can have a certain dispersion. We consider a new background field that can couple to these strings, the “tension scalar” which is capable of changing locally along the world sheet and then the value of the tension of the string changes accordingly. When many types of strings probing the same region of space are considered this tension scalar is constrained by the requirement of quantum conformal invariance. For the case of two types of strings probing the same region of space with different dynamically generated tensions, there are two different metrics, associated to the different strings. Each of these metrics have to satisfy vacuum Einstein’s equations and the consistency of these two Einstein’s equations determine the tension scalar. The universal metric, common to both strings generically does not satisfy Einstein’s equation. The two string dependent metrics considered here are flat space in Minkowski space and Minkowski space after a special conformal transformation. The limit where the two string tensions are the same is studied, it leads to a well defined solution. If the string tension difference between the two types of strings is very small but finite, the approximately homogeneous and isotropic cosmological solution lasts for a long time, inversely proportional to the string tension difference and then the homogeneity and isotropy of the cosmology disappears and the solution turns into an expanding Braneworld where the strings are confined between two expanding bubbles separated by a very small distance at large times.
Trajectories of Bright Stars and Shadows around Supermassive Black Holes as Tests of Gravity Theories
Authors: Zakharov A. F. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
General relativity (GR), created more than a century ago, has been checked in various experimental and observational tests. At an early stage of its development, GR predictions were tested in problems where the gravitational field is weak and relativistic corrections can be considered as small perturbations of the Newtonian theory of gravity. However, in recent years due to the progress of new technologies it turned out to be possible to verify the predictions of GR in the limit of a strong gravitational field, as it was done to verify predictions about the profile of the X-ray line of iron $$K\alpha $$, estimates of the gravitational wave signal during the mergers of binary black holes and/or neutron stars and during the reconstruction of the shadows of black holes in Sgr A* and M87*. Groups of astronomers using the Keck and VLT (GRAVITY) telescopes confirmed the GR predictions for the redshift of the spectral lines of the S2 star near the passage of its pericenter (these predictions were done in the first post-Newtonian approximation). It is expected that in the near future, observations of bright stars using large telescopes VLT (GRAVITY), Keck, E-ELT and TMT will allow us to verify the predictions of GR in the strong gravitational field of supermassive black holes. Observations of bright stars in the vicinity of the Galactic Center and reconstructions of the shadows of black holes allow not only to verify the predictions of the GR, but also to obtain restrictions on alternative theories of gravity.
Compositions of Weighted Extended Tree Transducers — The Unambiguous Case
Authors: Maletti Andreas 
Published: September 2023

Generalizations of another two open conjectures, Conjectures 13 and 14, of [Lagoutte, Maletti: Survey — Weighted extended top-down tree transducers — Part III: Composition. Proc. AFCS, LNCS 7020, p. 272–308, Springer 2011] are verified. It is proved that the composition of an unambiguous weighted extended tree transducer [Formula: see text] with a nondeleting weighted top-down tree transducer [Formula: see text] can be computed by a single weighted extended tree transducer. Extending the recent confirmation of Conjecture 11 it is also proved that the composition succeeds for any weighted top-down tree transducer [Formula: see text] (even if it is not nondeleting) if the unambiguous weighted extended tree transducer [Formula: see text] is constant.
A systematic study of α-decay half-lives for Ac, Th, Pa, U and Np isotopes with A = 205–245 using the modified generalized liquid drop model
Authors: Santhosh K. P. , Akrawy Dashty T. , Jose Tinu Ann , Ahmed Ali H. , Hassanabadi H. , Hosseini S. S. , Zanganah V. , Sihver L. 
Published: September 2023

The Modified Generalized Liquid Drop Model (MGLDM) has been used for calculating the ground-to-ground states of [Formula: see text]-decay half-lives for various Ac, Th, Pa, U and Np isotopes in the mass number range of [Formula: see text]. To account for the nuclear proximity energy, the potential of Blocki et al. 74 [J. Blocki, J. Randrup, W. J. Swiatecki and C. F. Tsang, Ann. Phys. NY 105 (1977) 427] is used. The experimental [Formula: see text] values are used to evaluate the [Formula: see text]-decay half-lives. It can be observed that the logarithm of [Formula: see text]-decay half-life increases with increasing neutron number ([Formula: see text]), with evident minimum at the magic number 126, where the neutron shell is closed. The calculated results are compared with available experimental data and with the predictions of different empirical formulae such as, ARF, MARF, Royer, AKRE, Akrawy, NRB, VS, MVS, YQZR and MYQZR. It is found that the MGLDM is able to predict the experimental half-lives with a standard deviation of 0.6892 (the lowest one among all the other applied empirical formulae), and is therefore suitable for predicting the [Formula: see text]-decay half-lives for unknown and new heavy nuclei.
Innovation Attributes Composite and Adoption of Activity-Based Costing (ABC) in Tanzanian Manufacturing and Service Sectors: The Mediating Role of Behavioral Preferences
Authors: Molela Godfrey Frank , Kasoga Pendo Shukrani , Ismail Ismail Juma 
Published: September 2023

This study was conducted to explore barriers to ABC adoption in the Tanzanian manufacturing and service sectors, notwithstanding its superiority over the traditional costing system. It went further to suggest solutions to such barriers by evaluating the mediating role of behavioral preferences on the causal relationship between the innovation attributes composite and ABC adoption. Based on the cross-sectional survey design, primary data were collected from a sample of 188 companies located in the Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Dodoma regions. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) revealed that none of the behavioral preferences positively mediated the causal relationship between the innovation attributes composite and ABC adoption at level 1. At level 2, the findings show that, it was the mediating effect by the perceived usefulness ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) only that was statistically significant. With the exception of the perceived ease of use, the mediating effects by perceived usefulness ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) and normative beliefs ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) were further confirmed to be statistically significant at level 3 of adoption. Moreover, the mediating effects by the perceived ease of use ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) and normative beliefs ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) were found to be statistically significant at level 4 of adoption. At the highest level 5 of ABC adoption, it was the normative belief ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) only that positively mediated the causal relationship between the innovation attributes composite and ABC adoption.
Rosy-faced lovebirds’, Agapornis roseicollis (Aves: Psittaciformes), response to their own image reveals self-recognition behaviour
Authors: Silveira R.M.L. , Almeida J.M. , Alves M.A.S. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Self-recognition is the ability of an animal to identify itself when observing its reflected image. Although many species have been tested, self-recognition has only been confirmed conclusively in a few taxa. We presented five Rosy-faced lovebirds, Agapornis roseicollis, with their own image using a mirror and applied the mark test, attaching a black sticker to each bird’s throat. We evaluated the potential tactile effect of the mark by attaching a transparent sticker to the bird’s throat. The results were analysed using Generalised Linear Mixed Models, which showed that four of five birds touched the black mark more than the transparent mark. There was no evidence that the birds could see the mark without the assistance of the mirror. The results of the study provide encouraging evidence that Agapornis roseicollis is able to recognise itself in a mirror and is the first parrot species to pass the mark test.
What Healthcare Services Temporary Protection Entitles to Have? Navigating the European Social Charter
Authors: Litins’ka Yana 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Due to the war against Ukraine, the European Union Temporary Protection Directive, establishing a new migration status of temporary protection, was activated for the first time. The substance of the minimum requirement for providing healthcare services in the Directive appears unclear but is supposed to correspond to human rights standards. This article analyses the standards established in the European Social Charter (revised), recognising several health-related rights. The paper clarifies the material scope of health-related rights and analyses to what extent the Charter applies to persons enjoying temporary protection. The application of health-related rights in the Charter varies depending on citizenship, whether refugee status was additionally sought, and whether a person is seen as a resident or regular worker. The study indicates ambiguity in the position of this group and how the European Social Rights Committee may include it in the scope of protection.
The Development and Operational Use of an Integrated Numerical Weather Prediction System in the National Center for Meteorology of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Patlakas Platon , Stathopoulos Christos , Kalogeri Christina , Vervatis Vassilios , Karagiorgos John , Chaniotis Ioannis , Kallos Andreas , Ghulam Ayman S. , Al-omary Mohammed A. , Papageorgiou Ioannis , Diamantis Dimitrios , Christidis Zaphiris , Snook John , Sofianos Sarantis , Kallos George 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The weather and climate greatly affect socioeconomic activities on multiple temporal and spatial scales. From a climate perspective, atmospheric and ocean characteristics have determined the life, evolution, and prosperity of humans and other species in different areas of the world. On smaller scales, the atmospheric and sea conditions affect various sectors such as civil protection, food security, communications, transportation, and insurance. It becomes evident that weather and ocean forecasting is high-value information highlighting the need for state-of-the-art forecasting systems to be adopted. This importance has been acknowledged by the authorities of Saudi Arabia entrusting the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) to provide high-quality weather and climate analytics. This led to the development of a numerical weather prediction (NWP) system. The new system includes weather, wave, and ocean circulation components and has been operational since 2020 enhancing the national capabilities in NWP. Within this article, a description of the system and its performance is discussed alongside future goals.
Analysis of Quadriceps Muscle Tightness as a Risk Factor for Osgood-Schlatter Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Murayama Yusuke , Funasaki Hiroki , Hayashi Hiroteru , Kubota Daisuke , Tanaka Kota , Nagai Akiko , Ogawa Michiyo , Saito Mitsuru 
Published: September 2023

Background: The prevalence of Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) is unknown. Tightness of the quadriceps femoris has been reported to be a risk factor for OSD. Hypothesis: Quadriceps muscle tightness would not contribute to the development of OSD. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: We enrolled 150 Japanese male junior high school soccer players (N = 300 knees), with a mean age at first examination of 12.5 years (range, 12-13 years). All players were assessed annually and evaluated for 2 years. Ten players (n = 14 knees) had a history of OSD before the first medical examination. After excluding these 10 players (n = 20 knees), the remaining 140 players (n = 280 knees) were included in this prospective analysis. Age at the time of starting soccer, history of injury (including OSD and time missed), height, weight, annual increase in height, body mass index (BMI), straight-leg raise angle, heel-buttock distance (HBD), and ultrasound images of the tibial tuberosity (maturity and morphology) were compared between players who developed OSD and those who did not. Results: OSD was identified in 8 knees of 6 players, with an incidence of 2.9% of knees (8/280) and 4.3% of players (6/140). Univariate analysis revealed significant differences between the OSD and non-OSD groups regarding BMI (17.1 ± 1 kg/m2 vs 18.5 ± 1.6 kg/m2, respectively; P = .018), HBD (1.5 ± 1.6 cm vs 4.8 ± 4.5 cm; P < .001 ), and stage of tibial tuberosity maturity (P < .001 ). The maturity of the tibial tuberosity was the only independent risk factor for the development of OSD in multivariate logistic regression analysis (odds ratio, 9.848 [95% CI, 3.297-29.41]; P < .001). Conclusion: Study findings indicated that quadriceps muscle tightness did not contribute to the development of OSD.