bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on the time‐dependent interaction between surrounding rock and yielding supports in deep soft rock tunnels
Authors: Wu Kui , Song Junan , Zhao Nannan , Shao Zhushan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAs yielding supports can deform without being damaged, the yielding principle has attracted significant attention for tunnelling in squeezing ground compared with the heavy support method. The deformation energy of surrounding rock can be managed using yielding supports that maintain the rock pressure within the bearing capacity of the supports. However, although the yielding principle has been often applied in practical scenarios, a design method for yielding supports has yet not been well developed. This study discusses interaction between the squeezing ground and yielding supports and investigates the influence of the time‐dependent behaviour of rock on the yielding supports. The yielding supports can be implemented by the movement of sliding joints of steel arches or by shortening the yielding elements inserted in shotcrete linings. The deforming process of yielding supports can be divided into three stages: elastic a, yielding, and elastic b. A three‐stage pressure‐displacement relationship of yielding supports is proposed and a method is provided for the calculation of the support stiffnesses of yielding supports in different stages. Furthermore, a unified design approach for the yielding supports is presented and the theoretical model is established after simplifying the asymmetry of problem. The analytical solution for tunnel displacement and support pressure in a tunnel supported by the yielding supports is obtained. The proposed design method for the yielding supports is successfully applied to the Saint Martin La Porte access tunnel, and the mean tunnel deformation in this tunnel is appropriately predicted by the analytical solution. Additionally, a parametric investigation is performed based on the analytical solution, and the effects of yielding path, yielding displacement, support thickness, and installation time of the yielding supports are discussed. Finally, certain highlights of the analytical model of yielding supports in this study are identified, compared with other researches, and recommendations for the design of the yielding supports are provided. The outcome of this research has potential applications in the preliminary design of deep tunnels in squeezing ground.
Efficient and accurate temporal second‐order numerical methods for multidimensional multi‐term integrodifferential equations with the Abel kernels
Authors: Zhao Mingchao , Chen Hao , Li Kexin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis work develops two temporal second‐order alternating direction implicit (ADI) numerical schemes for solving multidimensional parabolic‐type integrodifferential equations with multi‐term weakly singular Abel kernels. For the two‐dimensional (2D) case, applying the Crank–Nicolson method and product integration rule to discretizations of temporal derivative and integral terms, respectively, and the spatial discretization is proposed using a compact difference formulation combined with the ADI algorithm; for the three‐dimensional case, the method of temporal discretization is the same as the 2D case, and then we employ the standard finite difference in space to construct a fully discrete ADI finite difference scheme. The ADI technique is used to reduce the calculation cost of the high‐dimensional problem. Besides, the stability and convergence of two ADI schemes are rigorously proved by the energy argument, in which the first scheme converges to the order , where , , and denote the time‐space step sizes, respectively, and the second scheme converges to the space‐time second‐order accuracy. Finally, the numerical results verify the correctness of the theoretical analysis and show that the method of this article is competitive with the existing research work.
Effect of N, S atoms on the mechanisms of H‐transfer for five‐membered nitrogen‐containing heterocycles
Authors: Fu Yan‐Hua , Wang Kai , Yang Liguo , Shen Guang‐Bin , Zhu Xiao‐Qing 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAs the mechanisms of the hydride transfer reaction between 7,8‐dihydro‐9‐methylcaffeine (CAFH) with N‐methylacridinium (AcrH+ClO4‐) and hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) reaction between 2,3‐dihydrobenzo‐imidazoles (BIH) with 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH•) were researched to both be induced by electron transfer, the reaction mechanisms of 2,3‐dihydrobenzo‐thiazoles (BTH) with these two substrates were studied. The thermodynamic analysis platforms were used to judge the mechanisms, and the mechanisms of these two reactions were not the same with CAFH and BIH as the Eox (BTH) value was more positive than CAFH and BIH. A new method for inferring the reaction mechanism was proposed using the kinetic equation ΔG≠XH/Y = ΔG≠o (XH) + ΔG≠o(Y) and thermo‐kinetic parameter ΔG≠o. The HAT reaction mechanisms between BTH with DPPH• and tBu3PhO• were researched by ΔG≠oHD. As the ΔG≠o (BTH) values in these two reactions were similar; hence, the rate determining steps of them were both HATs as the ΔG≠oHD(Y) values of DPPH• and tBu3PhO• used for determining ΔG≠o (BTH) were both in HAT reactions. The HAT reaction mechanisms between BIH with tBu3PhO• were also researched by thermodynamic analysis platform and kinetic isotope effect (KIE = 3.99), which confirmed that the rate determining step of BIH/tBu3PhO• was indeed HAT. The H‐donating ability of BIH and BTH was compared by ΔG≠oHD. From BIH to BTH, the substitution of N by S not only greatly reduces the thermodynamic electron donating and H‐donating capacity of the compound but also increases the H‐donating ability in kinetics and HAT reaction.
Nanoscale structural characterization of transthyretin aggregates formed at different time points of protein aggregation using atomic force microscopy‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Rodriguez Axell , Ali Abid , Holman Aidan P. , Dou Tianyi , Zhaliazka Kiryl , Kurouski Dmitry 
Published: November 2023

AbstractTransthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis is a progressive disease characterized by an abrupt aggregation of misfolded protein in multiple organs and tissues TTR is a tetrameric protein expressed in the liver and choroid plexus. Protein misfolding triggers monomerization of TTR tetramers. Next, monomers assemble forming oligomers and fibrils. Although the secondary structure of TTR fibrils is well understood, there is very little if anything is known about the structural organization of TTR oligomers. To end this, we used nano‐infrared spectroscopy, also known as atomic force microscopy infrared (AFM‐IR) spectroscopy. This emerging technique can be used to determine the secondary structure of individual amyloid oligomers and fibrils. Using AFM‐IR, we examined the secondary structure of TTR oligomers formed at the early (3–6 h), middle (9–12 h), and late (28 h) of protein aggregation. We found that aggregating, TTR formed oligomers (Type 1) that were dominated by α‐helix (40%) and β‐sheet (~30%) together with unordered protein (30%). Our results showed that fibril formation was triggered by another type of TTR oligomers (Type 2) that appeared at 9 h. These new oligomers were primarily composed of parallel β‐sheet (55%), with a small amount of antiparallel β‐sheet, α‐helix, and unordered protein. We also found that Type 1 oligomers were not toxic to cells, whereas TTR fibrils formed at the late stages of protein aggregation were highly cytotoxic. These results show the complexity of protein aggregation and highlight the drastic difference in the protein oligomers that can be formed during such processes.
Effects of ion type and concentration on the structure and aggregation of the amyloid peptide Aβ16−22$$ {\boldsymbol{\beta}}_{16-22} $$
Authors: Smorodina Eva , Kav Batuhan , Fatafta Hebah , Strodel Birgit 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAmong the various factors controlling the amyloid aggregation process, the influences of ions on the aggregation rate and the resulting structures are important aspects to consider, which can be studied by molecular simulations. There is a wide variety of protein force fields and ion models, raising the question of which model to use in such studies. To address this question, we perform molecular dynamics simulations of Aβ16–22, a fragment of the Alzheimer's amyloid β peptide, using different protein force fields, AMBER99SB‐disp (A99‐d) and CHARMM36m (C36m), and different ion parameters. The influences of NaCl and CaCl2 at various concentrations are studied and compared with the systems without the addition of ions. Our results indicate a sensitivity of the peptide‐ion interactions to the different ion models. In particular, we observe a strong binding of Ca2+ to residue E22 with C36m and also with the Åqvist ion model used together with A99‐d, which slightly affects the monomeric Aβ16–22 structures and the aggregation rate, but significantly affects the oligomer structures formed in the aggregation simulations. For example, at high Ca2+ concentrations, there was a switch from an antiparallel to a parallel β‐sheet. Such ionic influences are of biological relevance because local ion concentrations can change in vivo and could help explain the polymorphism of amyloid fibrils.
Experimental assessment of laser scarecrows for reducing avian damage to sweet corn
Authors: Manz Sean T , Sieving Kathryn E , Brown Rebecca N , Klug Page E , Kluever Bryan M 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDBirds damage crops, costing millions of dollars annually, and growers utilize a variety of lethal and nonlethal deterrents in an attempt to reduce crop damage by birds. We experimentally tested laser scarecrows for their effectiveness at reducing sweet corn (Zea mays) damage. We presented 18 captive flocks of free‐flying European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) with fresh sweet corn ears distributed on two plots where laser and control treatments were alternated each day and allowed each flock to forage over 5 days. In 16 trials, fresh sweet corn ears were mounted on wooden sticks distributed from 0 to 32 m from laser units (Stick Trials), and in two trials birds foraged on ripe corn grown from seed in the flight pen (Natural Trials). We aimed to determine if laser‐treated plots had significantly less damage overall and closer to the laser unit, and whether birds became more or less likely to forage in laser‐treated plots over time.RESULTSLasers reduced damage overall, marginally in Stick Trials and dramatically in Natural Trials. Damage increased during each week in both trial types. Damage increased significantly with distance from lasers, and significant treatment effects occurred up to ~20 m from lasers.CONCLUSIONOur results concur with recent field trials demonstrating strong reductions in sweet corn damage when lasers are deployed. This study provides a first look at how birds respond to repeated laser exposure and whether damage increases with distance from lasers. Key differences between pen and field trials are discussed. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Liquid migration revisited: Reflections on Brazilian mobilities to Australia
Authors: Azeredo Rafael 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis paper discusses whether liquid migration, a framework developed to theorise recent patterns of intra‐European migration, is a suitable lens to analyse contemporary migration in other regions of the Western world. It does so by drawing on findings from ethnographic research conducted on the Brazilian migration to Australia, a recent migration wave whose patterns are embedded in a transformed migration context and paradigm. The reflections suggest that, notwithstanding a few differences and nuances inherent to the migration regime in question, the original framing of liquid migration is helpful to analyse and understand contemporary patterns of Brazilian migration to Australia. The contributions of this paper include a reframing of the original dimensions of liquid migration based on contemporary migration patterns to Australia. Based on the Australian case, this paper proposes a new dimension of liquid migration—namely, fluid visa journeys—which addresses some of the critiques of the original formulation of the concept. Finally, this paper argues that the fluidity of contemporary migration patterns to Australia is not a condition migrants pursue willingly, but rather one they are ‘trapped into’.
A dynamic power prior approach to non‐inferiority trials for normal means
Authors: Mariani Francesco , De Santis Fulvio , Gubbiotti Stefania 
Published: November 2023

AbstractNon‐inferiority trials compare new experimental therapies to standard ones (active control). In these experiments, historical information on the control treatment is often available. This makes Bayesian methodology appealing since it allows a natural way to exploit information from past studies. In the present paper, we suggest the use of previous data for constructing the prior distribution of the control effect parameter. Specifically, we consider a dynamic power prior that possibly allows to discount the level of borrowing in the presence of heterogeneity between past and current control data. The discount parameter of the prior is based on the Hellinger distance between the posterior distributions of the control parameter based, respectively, on historical and current data. We develop the methodology for comparing normal means and we handle the unknown variance assumption using MCMC. We also provide a simulation study to analyze the proposed test in terms of frequentist size and power, as it is usually requested by regulatory agencies. Finally, we investigate comparisons with some existing methods and we illustrate an application to a real case study.
Setting the agenda for diabetes research in the state of Qatar
Authors: Mishra Amit , Kokku Suresh Babu , Skaroni Ioanna , Motawaa Kholoud Ateeq Al , Al‐Thani Mohammed , Wareham Nicholas , Abou‐Samra Abdul Badi , Taheri Shahrad 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe burden of non‐communicable diseases, including diabetes, is high in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Qatar (a MENA country) has a high prevalence of diabetes (16.7%). Over the past 20 years, Qatar has made significant investment to establish a biomedical research infrastructure. This article documents the processes adopted for the development of a national diabetes research agenda for Qatar.MethodsTo develop the diabetes research agenda, a three‐step process was adopted. First, a bibliometric analysis of diabetes‐related research publications was conducted to understand current research and funding patterns. Second, through in‐depth interviews and a national consultative workshop, the challenges associated with diabetes research and their potential solutions were documented. Third, an expert team assimilated the recommendations to finalise the diabetes research agenda for the State of Qatar.ResultsA steadily increasing number of diabetes research publications and collaboration with researchers from 48 different countries was noted. Aetiological research (49%), mainly from cohort studies, dominated research publications. The national diabetes research agenda prioritised five research areas focused on diabetes prevention, early detection, reversal, treatment development and evaluation and system research for improved outcomes. Under each area, a set of research questions were identified to guide the research community to align their research interests with high‐priority research in diabetes.ConclusionThe national research agenda development process has uncovered some important knowledge gaps and outlined the most impactful areas for diabetes research. Achievement of the objectives of the research agenda requires enhanced collaboration among the research community, sustained research funding and enabling a robust regulatory framework.
Improving public safety in events of mass gathering: The 2022 Kanjuruhan Stadium Disaster in Indonesia
Authors: Wiyono Lowilius , Kresnadi Irfan , Munir Awliya Syamsul , Tannuardi Medhavini , Mirtha Listya Tresnanti 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe Kanjuruhan tragedy has caused tremendous sorrow for Indonesia and its football history. The incident happened during the match between the Arema and Persebaya football teams that was followed by a chaotic stampede due to supporters’ anarchy. The incident caused 135 deaths due to a stampede in the chaotic stadium. However, it has also brought into the limelight several violations and depravity of safety measures that have been neglected by the Indonesian officials and its football association. Despite being banned by FIFA's Safety and Security Regulations, the use of crowd‐control gas is hypothesized as one of the key driving factors for the stampede. There were also violations of the evacuation plan with overloaded stadium capacity, lack of safety protocol, and no regard for the disaster management command chain needed in such a situation. Inappropriate security plans, lack of safety officers, lack of a contingency plan in the event of a stampede, and lack of appropriate safe infrastructure contributed to the severity of this incident. We discuss the incident with the possible causes and notable issues in the management of mass gatherings, as well as the might‐be solution and precaution for all parties involved, from the evaluation of the use of crowd‐control gas, reassessment of safety protocol, and infrastructure to the appropriate response for stampede or any similar situations. The Kanjuruhan tragedy is heart‐wrenching, with various issues involved, showing the lack of regulations by the Indonesian government and its football association. However, it might also be an opportunity to learn and inspect all parties to achieve a peaceful and safe football in Indonesia.
Event‐triggered security control for fuzzy‐model‐based cyber‐physical systems under Denial‐of‐Service attacks and actuator faults
Authors: Tan Cheng , Gao Chengzhen , Ding Tongtong , Peng Jinzhu , Zhang Fangfang 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis article addresses the issue of event‐triggered security control for nonlinear cyber‐physical systems, characterized by Denial‐of‐Service (DoS) attacks, time‐varying delays, and actuator faults. These complexities are captured using the Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy model. Significantly, this study focuses on DoS attacks targeting the controller‐to‐actuator channel, and subsequently introduces a model for actuator faults that considers the prolonged utilization or degradation of component parts. To optimize communication resource allocation, a model‐independent event‐triggered mechanism is proposed. Utilizing the Lyapunov–Krasovskii function approach, the objective of achieving stochastic stability is transformed into a linear matrix inequalities problem, thus deriving a set of sufficient conditions. The efficiency and validity of the proposed algorithms is demonstrated through simulation results.
Energy efficient power allocation for MIMO‐NOMA‐based integrated terrestrial‐satellite networks
Authors: Li Xin , Li Yongjun , Song Xinkang , Shao Long , Li Hai 
Published: November 2023

SummaryMillimeter‐wave (mmWave) massive MIMO and non‐orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) are promising ways for improving energy efficiency of integrated terrestrial‐satellite networks. In this paper, we investigate the performance of integrated terrestrial‐satellite networks, in which MIMO‐NOMA‐based terrestrial networks and satellite network cooperatively provide ubiquitous services for ground users while reusing the entire bandwidth. Both base stations (BSs) and satellite are equipped with multiple antennas, and beamforming technology is utilized to serve multiple users simultaneously. First, a user selection scheme based on channel gain ratio is proposed to select satellite users. Then, we design a user clustering algorithm for reducing the intra‐beam and inter‐beam interference of BSs users. Analog and digital beamforming techniques are also adopted to further increase beam gain and improve system energy efficiency. The terrestrial networks and satellite networks energy efficiency are separately optimized through beamforming design and power allocation scheme, and then, a joint iterative algorithm is proposed to maximize the system energy efficiency. In addition, we introduce the interference temperature threshold to limit the satellite interference to BSs users. Finally, the performance of the proposed algorithm is simulated in comparison with the existing algorithm. The results indicate that the presented algorithm has high superiority in system energy efficiency and it can be applied to integrated terrestrial‐satellite networks.
A Facile One‐Pot Solvent‐Free Synthesis, in Vitro and in Silico Studies of a Series of Tetrahydropyridine Derivatives as Breast Cancer Inhibitors
Authors: Duraisamy Ramasamy , Nagaraja Prashantha , Nizam Aatika , Venugopala Katharigatta N. , Nagarajaiah Honnappa , Madhusudana Reddy M. B. , Thirumalai Dhakshnamurthy 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAmmonium trifluoroacetate (ATA) catalysed synthesis of 1,2,5,6‐tetrahydropyridine (THP) derivatives, under eco‐friendly conditions via a facile one‐pot strategy. We have synthesized fifteen THP derivatives, and docked into the crystal structure of Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog deleted on Chromosome 10 (PTEN) tumour suppressor protein (PDB ID: 1D5R) based on drug‐likeness prediction and pharmacokinetic properties. Molecular docking simulation studies reveal that four of our synthesised compounds are potential hit candidates because they bound to the receptor through 5–7 conventional hydrogen bonds with −9.7 to −8.6 kcal/mol of binding energy. The compounds were evaluated using the in vitro inhibitory activity of MCF‐7 breast cancer cell lines. Identified hit compounds showed moderate inhibition at (160–320 μg/mL) and inhibitory concentration IC50 values in the low micromolar range of 171.062, 189.803, 195.469 and 181.272 μg/mL respectively. The results obtained are very promising; therefore fine‐tuning the substituents of hit molecules with appropriate bioisosteres can lead to the development of potential leads.
A Highly NIR Emissive Cu16Pd1 Nanocluster
Authors: Peng Su‐Kao , Yang Hu , Luo Dong , Ning Guo‐Hong , Li Dan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe construction of stable copper nanoclusters (Cu‐NCs) with near‐infrared (NIR) emission that can be used for catalysis is highly desired, yet remains a challenge. Herein, an atomically precise bimetallic Cu/Pd NC with a molecular formula of Cu16Pd1L10(PPh3)2(Pz)6 (Pz = 3,5‐(CF3)2Pyrazolate, L = 4‐CH3OPhC≡C−), abbreviated as Cu16Pd1, is synthesized. Single‐crystal X‐ray crystallographic analysis of Cu16Pd1 reveals a Cu10Pd1 kernel with pseudo‐gyroelongated square bipyramid confirmation surrounded by other 6 Cu(I) ions and protected ligands. Interestingly, it exhibits strong NIR emission with the highest photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) among all the Cu NCs/Cu alloys (λem > 800 nm) in the solid‐state, and also displays NIR emission in solution. Experimental results and theoretical calculations suggest that the impressive NIR emission is attributed to abundant supramolecular interactions in the solid‐state, including intramolecular metal–metal and intermolecular interactions. Of note, the bimetallic Cu16Pd1 can catalyze the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol. This work provides a novel method for synthesizing Cu/Pd NCs and reminds that the less studied Cu/Pd NC can serve as outstanding luminescent material, which is seldom noticed in atomically precise nanoclusters.