bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stochastic Entropy Production: Fluctuation Relation and Irreversibility Mitigation in Non-unital Quantum Dynamics
Authors: Fiorelli Eliana , Gherardini Stefano , Marcantoni Stefano 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn this work, we study the stochastic entropy production in open quantum systems whose time evolution is described by a class of non-unital quantum maps. In particular, as in Phys Rev E 92:032129 (2015), we consider Kraus operators that can be related to a nonequilibrium potential. This class accounts for both thermalization and equilibration to a non-thermal state. Unlike unital quantum maps, non-unitality is responsible for an unbalance of the forward and backward dynamics of the open quantum system under scrutiny. Here, concentrating on observables that commute with the invariant state of the evolution, we show how the non-equilibrium potential enters the statistics of the stochastic entropy production. In particular, we prove a fluctuation relation for the latter and we find a convenient way of expressing its average solely in terms of relative entropies. Then, the theoretical results are applied to the thermalization of a qubit with non-Markovian transient, and the phenomenon of irreversibility mitigation, introduced in Phys Rev Res 2:033250 (2020), is analyzed in this context.
Experiences of Physical Activity, Healthy Eating and Quality of Life During and Following Pregnancy in Overweight and Obese Postpartum Women
Authors: Hanley Stephanie J. , Varley Ian , Sale Craig , Elliott-Sale Kirsty J. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Objectives
This retrospective study explored the experiences of women with overweight or obesity regarding physical activity, diet and quality of life leading up to, during, and following pregnancy.

Methods
A qualitative descriptive design was adopted, whereby data collected through semi-structured interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Throughout the interviews, individuals were asked to describe their barriers to a healthy lifestyle during and following pregnancy.

Results
Ten women (34.5 ± 5.2 years old, BMI 30.4 ± 3.5 kg·m− 2) who were between 12 and 52 weeks postpartum participated. A range of themes were identified when discussing barriers to physical activity and healthy eating during and following pregnancy. For example, tiredness, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy, and a lack of support at home, was often cited as preventing engagement in exercise and healthy eating practices. A lack of convenience when attending exercise classes, medical complications following the birth and the cost of attending pregnancy-specific classes were identified as barriers to exercise engagement. Cravings and nausea were identified as barriers to healthy eating during pregnancy. Quality of life was positively associated with exercise and healthy eating, whilst a lack of sleep, loneliness and a loss of freedom since the baby had arrived negatively influenced quality of life.

Discussion
Postpartum women with overweight and obesity experience many barriers when attempting to engage in a healthy lifestyle during and following pregnancy. These findings can be used to inform the design and delivery of future lifestyle interventions in this population.
Exogenous interleukin-1 beta stimulation regulates equine tenocyte function and gene expression in three-dimensional culture which can be rescued by pharmacological inhibition of interleukin 1 receptor, but not nuclear factor kappa B, signaling
Authors: Beaumont Ross Eric , Smith Emily Josephine , Zhou Lexin , Marr Neil , Thorpe Chavaunne T. , Guest Deborah Jane 
Published: June 2023

AbstractWe investigated how Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) impacts equine tenocyte function and global gene expression in vitro and determined if these effects could be rescued by pharmacologically inhibiting nuclear factor-κB (NF-KB) or interleukin 1 signalling. Equine superficial digital flexor tenocytes were cultured in three-dimensional (3D) collagen gels and stimulated with IL-1β for two-weeks, with gel contraction and interleukin 6 (IL6) measured throughout and transcriptomic analysis performed at day 14. The impact of three NF-KB inhibitors on gel contraction and IL6 secretion were measured in 3D culture, with NF-KB-P65 nuclear translocation by immunofluorescence and gene expression by qPCR measured in two-dimensional (2D) monolayer culture. In addition, daily 3D gel contraction and transcriptomic analysis was performed on interleukin 1 receptor antagonist-treated 3D gels at day 14. IL-1β increased NF-KB-P65 nuclear translocation in 2D culture and IL6 secretion in 3D culture, but reduced daily tenocyte 3D gel contraction and impacted > 2500 genes at day 14, with enrichment for NF-KB signaling. Administering direct pharmacological inhibitors of NF-KB did reduce NF-KB-P65 nuclear translocation, but had no effect on 3D gel contraction or IL6 secretion in the presence of IL-1β. However, IL1Ra restored 3D gel contraction and partially rescued global gene expression. Tenocyte 3D gel contraction and gene expression is adversely impacted by IL-1β which can only be rescued by blockade of interleukin 1 receptor, but not NF-KB, signalling.
MDM2- an indispensable player in tumorigenesis
Authors: Zafar Aasma , Khan Muhammad Jawad , Naeem Aisha 
Published: June 2023

AbstractMurine double minute 2 (MDM2) is a well-recognized molecule for its oncogenic potential. Since its identification, various cancer-promoting roles of MDM2 such as growth stimulation, sustained angiogenesis, metabolic reprogramming, apoptosis evasion, metastasis, and immunosuppression have been established. Alterations in the expression levels of MDM2 occur in multiple types of cancers resulting in uncontrolled proliferation. The cellular processes are modulated by MDM2 through transcription, post-translational modifications, protein degradation, binding to cofactors, and subcellular localization. In this review, we discuss the precise role of deregulated MDM2 levels in modulating cellular functions to promote cancer growth. Moreover, we also briefly discuss the role of MDM2 in inducing resistance against anti-cancerous therapies thus limiting the benefits of cancerous treatment.
Structure-preserving integrators based on a new variational principle for constrained mechanical systems
Authors: Kinon Philipp L. , Betsch Peter , Schneider Simeon 
Published: June 2023

AbstractA new variational principle for mechanical systems subject to holonomic constraints is presented. The newly proposed GGL principle is closely related to the often used Gear-Gupta-Leimkuhler (GGL) stabilization of the differential–algebraic equations governing the motion of constrained mechanical systems. The GGL variational principle relies on an extension of the Livens principle (sometimes also referred to as Hamilton–Pontryagin principle) to mechanical systems subject to holonomic constraints. In contrast to the original GGL stabilization, the new approach facilitates the design of structure-preserving integrators. In particular, new variational integrators are presented, which result from the direct discretization of the GGL variational principle. These variational integrators are symplectic and conserve momentum maps in the case of systems with symmetry. In addition to that, a new energy–momentum scheme is developed, which results from the discretization of the Euler–Lagrange equations pertaining to the GGL variational principle. The numerical properties of the newly devised schemes are investigated in representative examples of constrained mechanical systems.
A PDE-constrained optimization method for 3D-1D coupled problems with discontinuous solutions
Authors: Berrone Stefano , Grappein Denise , Scialò Stefano 
Published: June 2023

AbstractA numerical method for coupled 3D-1D problems with discontinuous solutions at the interfaces is derived and discussed. This extends a previous work on the subject where only continuous solutions were considered. Thanks to properly defined function spaces a well posed 3D-1D problem is obtained from the original fully 3D problem and the solution is then found by a PDE-constrained optimization reformulation. This is a domain decomposition strategy in which unknown interface variables are introduced and a suitably defined cost functional, expressing the error in fulfilling interface conditions, is minimized constrained by the constitutive equations on the subdomains. The resulting discrete problem is robust with respect to geometrical complexity thanks to the use of independent discretizations on the various subdomains. Meshes of different sizes can be used without affecting the conditioning of the discrete linear system, and this is a peculiar aspect of the considered formulation. An efficient solving strategy is further proposed, based on the use of a gradient based solver and yielding a method ready for parallel implementation. A numerical experiment on a problem with known analytical solution shows the accuracy of the method, and two examples on more complex configurations are proposed to address the applicability of the approach to practical problems.
Household and Individual Digitisation and Deprivation: A Comparative Analysis Between Italian and Spanish Regions
Authors: González-Relaño Reyes , Lucendo-Monedero Angel Luis , Ivaldi Enrico 
Published: June 2023

AbstractDespite the progress of the information society, there are currently still notable differences between the access to, and usage of, information and communication technologies (ICTs) and Internet for a broad range of activities by individuals in the regions of Italy and Spain. These differences could be related to features of material and social deprivation. With 13 variables of the 40 NUTS 2 of Italy and Spain, deriving from EUROSTAT regional statistics for 2018, the aim is to respond to the following questions. Is there a relationship between the variables of ICT access and usage by households and individuals and those of social and material deprivation in the regions analysed? What is the interrelationship? Are there differences between Spanish and Italian regions in the behaviour of spatial and regional factors? Factor analysis was used to discover the relationship between variables; spatial patterns were identified by means of spatial autocorrelation; and a typology of regions has been identified by using cluster analysis. The results show that there is a relationship between the variables of ICT access and usage by households and individuals and those of deprivation in Spanish and Italian regions, and indicate that the advanced and daily use of Internet in households is negatively associated with the variables of social deprivation; and the regions with higher levels of per capita income and daily access to Internet have less employment-linked material deprivation. These results also reveal the existence of a north–south spatial pattern in both countries, and six types of regions with homogeneous characteristics have been identified.
The Effect of Groundwater Level on Forced Convection Heat Transfer from a Buried Cylinder
Authors: Oi Tsubasa , Kimura Shigeo , Utanohara Yoichi , Vynnycky Michael 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe effect of groundwater level on forced convection heat transfer from a cylinder of 1 m in diameter buried at a depth of 10 m is studied numerically. The porosity and permeability of the soil are fixed at 0.5 and 1.0 × 10–11 m2, respectively, throughout the present study, while the inlet velocity U0 and the position of the phreatic surface (h), measured from the center of the cylinder, are varied in the ranges from 10–9 to 10–3 m s−1 and from − 4 to 4 m, respectively. Under these conditions, the heat fluxes on the cylinder are computed numerically. Various approximate solutions are also proposed and compared with those obtained numerically. The heat transfer results are also presented in nondimensional form for generality. The paper is divided into three parts, depending on the relative positions of the phreatic surface to the heated cylinder. First, the heat transfer rates are analyzed when the phreatic surface is above the cylinder, so that the cylinder is completely submerged in the water. In the second case, the phreatic surface is assumed to lie below the cylinder, so that the cylinder is left in the water-free space. In the third case, the phreatic surface is in contact with the cylinder surface, so that the cylinder is partially submerged in groundwater. For the above respective cases, three different approximate analyses are presented, and their validities and limitations are evaluated in comparison with the numerical calculations.
Forecasting and what-if analysis of new positive COVID-19 cases during the first three waves in Italy
Authors: De Ruvo Serena , Pio Gianvito , Vessio Gennaro , Volpe Vincenzo 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The joint exploitation of data related to epidemiological, mobility, and restriction aspects of COVID-19 with machine learning algorithms can support the development of predictive models that can be used to forecast new positive cases and study the impact of more or less severe restrictions. In this work, we integrate heterogeneous data from several sources and solve a multivariate time series forecasting task, specifically targeting the Italian case at both national and regional levels, during the first three waves of the pandemic. The goal is to build a robust predictive model to predict the number of new cases over a given time horizon so that any restrictive actions can be better planned. In addition, we perform a what-if analysis based on the best-identified predictive models to evaluate the impact of specific restrictions on the trend of positive cases. Our focus on the first three waves is motivated by the fact that it represents a typical emergency scenario (when no stable cure or vaccine is available) that may occur when a new pandemic spreads. Our experimental results prove that exploiting the considered heterogeneous data leads to accurate predictive models, reaching a WAPE of 5.75% at the national level. Furthermore, in the subsequent what-if analysis, we observed that strong all-in-one initiatives, such as total lockdowns, may not be adequate, while more specific and targeted solutions should be adopted. The developed models can help policy and decision-makers better plan intervention strategies and retrospectively analyze the effects of the decisions made at different scales.

Graphical abstract
Joint exploitation of data on epidemiological, mobility, and restriction aspects of COVID-19 with machine learning algorithms to learn predictive models to forecast new positive cases.
Applying Joint Graph Embedding to Study Alzheimer’s Neurodegeneration Patterns in Volumetric Data
Authors: He Rosemary , Tward Daniel ,   Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: June 2023

AbstractNeurodegeneration measured through volumetry in MRI is recognized as a potential Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) biomarker, but its utility is limited by lack of specificity. Quantifying spatial patterns of neurodegeneration on a whole brain scale rather than locally may help address this. In this work, we turn to network based analyses and extend a graph embedding algorithm to study morphometric connectivity from volume-change correlations measured with structural MRI on the timescale of years. We model our data with the multiple random eigengraphs framework, as well as modify and implement a multigraph embedding algorithm proposed earlier to estimate a low dimensional embedding of the networks. Our version of the algorithm guarantees meaningful finite-sample results and estimates maximum likelihood edge probabilities from population-specific network modes and subject-specific loadings. Furthermore, we propose and implement a novel statistical testing procedure to analyze group differences after accounting for confounders and locate significant structures during AD neurodegeneration. Family-wise error rate is controlled at 5% using permutation testing on the maximum statistic. We show that results from our analysis reveal networks dominated by known structures associated to AD neurodegeneration, indicating the framework has promise for studying AD. Furthermore, we find network-structure tuples that are not found with traditional methods in the field.
An Imbalance in the Pro/mature BDNF Ratio Occurs in Multiple Brain Regions During Normal Ageing in Wild-Type Mice
Authors: Cade Shaun , Zhou Xin-Fu , Bobrovskaya Larisa 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe early transition to Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by a period of accelerated brain atrophy that exceeds normal ageing. Identifying the molecular basis of this atrophy could facilitate the discovery of novel drug targets. The precursor of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a well characterized neurotrophin, is increased in the hippocampus of aged rodents, while its mature isoform is relatively stable. This imbalance could increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by precipitating its pathological hallmarks. However, less is known about how relative levels of these isoforms change in middle-aged mice. In addition, the underlying mechanisms that might cause an imbalance are unknown. The main aim of this study was to determine how precursor brain-derived neurotrophic factor changes relative to its mature isoform with normal brain ageing in wild type mice. A secondary aim was to determine if signaling through the neurotrophin receptor, p75 influences this ratio. An increasing ratio was identified in several brain regions, except the hippocampus, suggesting a neurotrophic imbalance occurs as early as middle age. Some changes in receptors that mediate the isoforms effects were also identified, but these did not correspond with trends in the isoforms. Relative amounts of precursor brain-derived neurotrophic factor were mostly unchanged in mutant p75 mice. The lack of changes suggested that signaling through the receptor had no influence on the ratio.
Nimbolide Targets Multiple Signalling Pathways to Reduce Neuroinflammation in BV-2 Microglia
Authors: Katola Folashade O. , Olajide Olumayokun A. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractNimbolide, a limonoid compound found in the neem plant, was investigated for effects on neuroinflammation in BV-2 microglia activated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Cultured BV-2 cells were treated with nimbolide (125, 250 and 500 nM) followed by stimulation with LPS (100 ng/ml). Results showed that nimbolide caused a significant reduction in the levels of TNFα, IL-6, IFNγ, NO/iNOS and PGE2/COX-2 in LPS-activated BV-2 cells. Further experiments revealed that LPS-induced increased expression of phospho-p65 and phospho-IκBα proteins were reduced in the presence of nimbolide. Also, LPS-induced NF-κB acetylation, increased binding to consensus sites and transactivation, as well as phosphorylation of p38 and JNK MAPKs were reduced by nimbolide. Reduction of cellular ROS generation by nimbolide was accompanied by a reduction in gp91phox protein levels, while antioxidant effects were also observed through elevation in protein levels of HO-1 and NQO-1. It was observed that treatment of BV-2 microglia with nimbolide resulted in reduced levels of cytoplasmic Nrf2, which was accompanied by increased levels in the nucleus. Furthermore, treatment with this compound resulted in increased binding of Nrf2 to antioxidant responsive element (ARE) consensus sites accompanied by enhanced ARE luciferase activity. Knockdown experiments revealed a loss of anti-inflammatory activity by nimbolide in cells transfected with Nrf2 siRNA. Treatment with nimbolide resulted in nuclear accumulation of SIRT-1, while siRNA knockdown of SIRT-1 resulted in the reversal of anti-inflammatory activity of nimbolide. It is proposed that nimbolide reduces neuroinflammation in BV-2 microglia through mechanisms resulting in dual inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK pathways. It is also proposed that activation of Nrf2 antioxidant mechanisms may be contributing to its anti-inflammatory activity.
Graphical Abstract
Effectiveness and Safety of Prochlorperazine in Indian Patients with Acute Vertigo: Results from a Large, Prospective, Post-marketing Observational Study
Authors: Kameswaran Mohan , Bharathi M B , Periera Carlton , Chandra Sudipta , Reddy Hari Krishna , Gupta Manjeeta , Sholapuri Deepa , Peethamabaran Kartik 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Aim
To assess the efficacy and safety of prochlorperazine in Indian patients with acute vertigo.

Methods
In this prospective, multicenter, open-label, post-marketing observational study, patients with acute peripheral vertigo of different etiologies received 5 mg prochlorperazine thrice a day for 5 days. The primary endpoints were percentage of patients with improvement in (1) vertigo symptoms and (2) clinical response as per scale for vestibular vertigo severity level and clinical response evaluation (SVVSLCRE) from baseline to end of treatment (Day 6). The key secondary endpoints were (1) improvement in nystagmus grading, and (2) safety and tolerability Efficacy of prochlorperazine by route of administration of first prochlorperazine dose (oral or intramuscular) was also assessed.

Results
Of 1716 enrolled patients (mean [standard deviation, SD]) age (42.0 [12.95] years; 53.6% men), 57.4% were diagnosed with Meniere’s disease, followed by vestibular neuritis (17.4%), labyrinthitis (16.7%), or ear surgery (8.5%). In the overall population, 91.1% of patients showed improvement in clinical response per SVVSLCRE grading at Day 6 (p < 0.0001 vs. non-responders). Nystagmus grading was improved in 99.7% (of patients. No adverse drug reactions events were reported. Tolerability of prochlorperazine was rated as good, very good, and excellent by 43.6%, 32.9% and 20.7% of patients, respectively. Among patients with postoperative vertigo, 80.1% showed improvement in clinical response. In the intramuscular and oral subsets, 85.5% and 92.1% of patients showed improved clinical response, respectively.

Conclusion
Prochlorperazine showed improvement in severity of symptoms and clinical response in all subsets of vertigo patients, with a good safety and tolerability profile.

Trial Registration Number
CTRI/2022/01/039287.

Date of Registration
10 January 2022.
Normal Covering Spaces with Maximal Bottom of Spectrum
Authors: Polymerakis Panagiotis 
Published: June 2023

AbstractWe study the property of spectral-tightness of Riemannian manifolds, which means that the bottom of the spectrum of the Laplacian separates the universal covering space from any other normal covering space of a Riemannian manifold. We prove that spectral-tightness of a closed Riemannian manifold is a topological property characterized by its fundamental group. As an application, we show that a non-positively curved, closed Riemannian manifold is spectrally-tight if and only if the dimension of its Euclidean local de Rham factor is zero. In their general form, our results extend the state of the art results on the bottom of the spectrum under Riemannian coverings.