bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fano resonances in gated phosphorene junctions
Authors: Lamas-Martínez K J , Briones-Torres J A , Molina-Valdovinos S , Rodríguez-Vargas I
Published: October 2024

Fano resonances appear in plenty of physical phenomena due to the interference phenomena of a continuum spectrum and discrete states. In gated bilayer graphene junctions, the chiral matching at oblique incidence between the spectrum of electron states outside the electrostatic barrier and hole bound states inside it gives rise to an asymmetric line shape in the transmission as a function of the energy or Fano resonance. Here, we show that Fano resonances are also possible in gated phosphorene junctions along the zigzag direction. The special pseudospin texture of the charge carriers in the zigzag direction allows at oblique incidence the interference phenomena of the spectrum of electron states outside the electrostatic barrier with hole bound states inside it, giving rise to an asymmetric Fano line shape in the transmission. Due to the energy scale of the electrostatic barriers in phosphorene ultra thin barriers are required to observe the Fano resonance phenomenon. The preservation of the pseudospin texture with the closing of the phosphorene band gap opens the possibility to observe Fano resonances in smaller and wider electrostatic barriers. The asymmetric Fano line shape is susceptible to the transverse wave vector, the strength and width of the electrostatic barrier. Additionally, the conductance shows a characteristic mark in the position where the Fano resonances take place. The similarities and differences with respect to Fano resonances in bilayer graphene are also addressed.
YOLOv8-CDD: an improved concrete defect detection method combined CNN with transformer
Authors: Wang Chengyin , Chen Bo , Li Yonglong , Wang Haoran , Tan Liguo , Zhang Yunan , Zhang Hua
Published: October 2024

Concrete defect detection is a critical task to ensure the safe and stable operation of concrete infrastructure. In order to effectively solve the problems of low efficiency, high cost and poor performance of existing methods, a high-precision concrete defect detection method YOLOv8-CDD (Concrete Defect Detection) combining convolutional neural network and transformer is proposed in this paper. Firstly, based on the features with a large span of concrete defect features, a bot-transformer module that can effectively extract the global information of defect features is proposed to improve the network’s ability to extract global features. Secondly, in order to further strengthen the interaction between defect feature channels and spatial information, a convolutional triplet attention module is introduced into the feature enhancement network to effectively integrate the information of different dimensions of defect features and improve the model detection accuracy. Additionally, in order to enhance the learning of samples with different degrees of difficulty, the introduction of Focaler-CIoU instead of the original boundary regression loss function can optimize the model training process. Finally, the dataset was collected and organized in concrete scenarios from bridge towers, dams, and tunnel corridors, and our method achieved 0.898 average precision, 0.893 average recall, 0.031 average FPR, 0.895 average F1 score, 0.929 mAP50, and 0.731 mAP50:95 on the dataset. The experimental results show that the proposed method achieves the best performance in concrete defect detection.
CNTs@fabric/Ni@PU piezoresistive sensor with enhanced interfacial contact resistance variation for motion detection and deep-learning-assisted recognition
Authors: Ma Shuqi , Zhang Shuai , Wang Jiacheng , Chai Hancheng , Luo Xin , Liu Jinchen , Zhu Jie
Published: October 2024

Flexible piezoresistive sensors based on the mechanism of interfacial contact resistance change are receiving increasing attention in the fields of human-computer interaction, health monitoring, and behavior tracking. However, the high cost and complex manufacturing process limit the wide application and development of these flexible piezoresistive sensors. Here, a novel carbon nanotubes@fabric (CNTs@fabric)/Ni@polyurethane (Ni@PU) piezoresistive sensor (CNPS) with low-cost, simple-preparation and high-sensitivity was proposed. The effective contact area is obtained by synergizing the woven micro-convex structure of the fabric, the large specific surface area of the CNTs and the porous three dimensional electrodes. Within the small pressure (0–9.52 kPa) effect, the area of connection with the electrodes to the active layer plays a dominant role, resulting in a sensitivity of up to 6.39 kPa−1 for CNPS. In the high pressure region (9.52–44.92 kPa), where internal mechanism of change in the sensitive material dominants, the CNPS has a response time of 85 ms at a constant pressure of 28.31 kPa. Considering the excellent output electrical performances, a variety of body movements could be detected by fixing the CNPS to different joints. Significantly, the designed intelligent object recognition system implemented by the combination of matrix stress detection module and residual neural network (ResNet) algorithm has a recognition accuracy of 99.26%. Enhancing the interfacial contact resistance change mechanism using a simple fabrication process offers a promising strategy for the rapid development of flexible piezoresistive sensors.
A piezoelectric driven amphibious microrobot capable of fast and controllable movement
Authors: Wu Guangping , Zhao Jiaxin , Xiao Yiming , Wang Ziyang , Zhang Yichen , Cui Feng , Cai Xinghan
Published: October 2024

Due to its excellent adaptability to the environment and flexibility in narrow spaces, amphibious microrobots have become an important research direction recently. This study proposes an amphibious microrobot driven by piezoelectric actuators with a body length of 4.5 cm and a mass of 1.4 g. The microrobot consists of two active front legs, two passive rear legs, two caudal fins, and a support frame. Each front leg and each caudal fin are designed as structures integrated with their respective piezoelectric actuators. The microrobot has a tilted body, and the ground exerts an oblique upward impact force that makes it jump forward when its front legs swing backwards. The opposite swing of the two caudal fins generates propulsion for swimming. The components of the microrobot are manufactured based on the monolithic laminate process. The monolithic front actuator-leg and monolithic actuator-fin both emerge from a multi-layer material laminate. The support frame is designed and fabricated as a monolithic structure to improve assembly accuracy and reduce redundant assembly steps. The manufactured microrobot demonstrates its flexible and fast amphibious movements. Its maximum land walking speed reaches 15.3 cm s−1 and its turning speed reaches 48.2 degrees per second. The microrobot has a maximum payload capacity of 5 g moving on land. When the front legs and caudal fins work simultaneously, its underwater swimming speed reaches 9.1 cm s−1, and the maximum turning speed is 20.5 degrees per second. The microrobot also confirms a maximum payload of 3 g during its underwater movement.
A 3-DOF multi-depth-of-field carrier automatic focusing stage
Authors: Zhong BoWen , Nie YiFan , Liao Zhan , Sun LiNing
Published: October 2024

Automatic focusing Stage is an important part of automatic focusing system, a 3-DOF (z-axis displacement and XY axis tilt) Multi-Depth-Of-Field Carrier Automatic Focusing Stage (CAFS) is designed, manufactured and tested in this paper. The stage is driven by four piezoelectric (PZT) actuators. Based on four bridge amplifying mechanisms, large displacement travel and tilt Angle are obtained. Compared with other focusing stages, the developed stage adopts the focusing mode of directly adjusting the spatial position of the sample to realize focusing, which not only avoids the inherent defects of objective focusing mode, but also has the advantages of compact structure, low shape and overall manufacturing. In this paper, the structural parameters and the overall design of the stage are determined, and then the characteristics of the focusing stage are finite element analyzed. Finally, the performance of the focusing stage is studied experimentally. The maximum Z-axis output displacement of the focusing stage is 213.5 μm, and the maximum X-direction and Y-direction tilt angles are 1.5 and 1.7 mrad, respectively. For the application of CAFS, the practicability of CAFS is verified by Z-axis image superposition acquisition method in automatic focusing system.
Infinite cycles of interacting bosons
Authors: Sütő András
Published: October 2024

In the first-quantized description of bosonic systems permutation cycles formed by the particles play a fundamental role. In the ideal Bose gas Bose-Enstein condensation (BEC) is signaled by the appearance of infinite cycles. When the particles interact, the two phenomena may not be simultaneous, the existence of infinite cycles is necessary but not sufficient for BEC. We demonstrate that their appearance is always accompanied by a singularity in the thermodynamic quantities which in three and four dimensions can be as strong as a one-sided divergence of the isothermal compressibility. Arguments are presented that long-range interactions can give rise to unexpected results, such as the absence of infinite cycles in three dimensions for long-range repulsion or their presence in one and two dimensions if the pair potential has a long attractive tail.
An optimal control for non-autonomous second-order stochastic differential equations with delayed arguments
Authors: Hammad Hasanen A , Kattan Doha A
Published: October 2024

Optimal control of non-autonomous second-order stochastic differential equations with delayed arguments is indispensable for managing systems exposed to uncertainty, time-dependent dynamics, and historical influences. These equations underpin a wide range of applications, including finance, engineering, and biology, where it’s imperative to make informed decisions that mitigate risks or maximize returns while considering the inherent randomness, evolving conditions, and the impact of past states. By employing optimal control techniques, we can devise strategies that are resilient to uncertainty, adaptable to changing circumstances, and capable of accounting for the memory effects of previous events. This empowers us to optimize system performance, bolster stability, and attain desired objectives in intricate and dynamic environments. So, the goal of this article is to introduce a novel model of second-order perturbed stochastic differential equations incorporating non-local finite delay and deviated arguments in the setting of Hilbert spaces. Moreover, essential criteria are presented to examine the existence of a mild solution and evaluate the potential for approximate and optimal control of the proposed system. These results have been obtained by using evolution operators, fixed point techniques, random analytic methods, and compact semigroup theory. Further, to support the theoretical results, the optimal controllability of our model was studied by considering the Lagrange problem. Finally, the results were applied to discuss the approximate controllability of a partial differential equation. These models have the potential to advance the understanding and application of optimal control techniques for a wider range of complex systems.
A novel unsupervised machine learning algorithm for automatic Alfvénic activity detection in the TJ-II stellarator
Authors: Zapata-Cornejo E.d.D. , Zarzoso D. , Pinches S.D. , Bustos A. , Cappa A. , Ascasibar E.
Published: October 2024

A novel sparse encoding algorithm is developed to detect and study plasma instabilities automatically. This algorithm, called Elastic Random Mode Decomposition, is applied to the Mirnov coil signals of a dataset of 1291 discharges of the TJ-II stellarator, enabling the identification of the Alfvénic activity. In the presented approach, each signal is encoded as a collection of basic waveforms called atoms, drawn from a signal dictionary. Then the modes are identified using clustering and correlations with other plasma signals. The performance of the proposed algorithm is dramatically increased by using elastic net regularization and taking advantage of GPU architectures. Therefore the signal size and the number of dictionary elements are no longer limiting factors for encoding complex signals. Once the modes are retrieved from the shots, standard clustering and dimensionality reduction techniques are applied to obtain a 2D map featuring of the physical mode characteristics of this subset of TJ-II shots. The clustering features consider the relationship with the plasma current

I

p

, the diamagnetic energy W, and inverse square root of electron density

1

/

n

, profiling different subtypes of Alfvénic activity. The proposed algorithm can potentially create large databases of labeled modes with unprecedented detail.
On quasi-locality and decay of correlations for long-range models of open quantum spin systems
Authors: Roon Eric B , Sims Robert
Published: October 2024

We consider models of open quantum spin systems with irreversible dynamics and show that general quasi-locality results for long-range models, e.g. as proven for the Heisenberg dynamics associated to quantum systems in Matsuta et al (2017 Ann. Henri Poincare
18 519–28), naturally extend to this setting. Given these bounds, we provide two applications. First, we use these results to obtain estimates on a strictly local approximation of these finite-volume, irreversible dynamics. Next, we show how these bounds can be used to estimate correlation decay in various states.
Moment evolution equations for rational random dynamical systems: an increment decomposition method
Authors: Ding Yamin , Kang Yanmei , Shen Jianwei , Chen Guanrong
Published: October 2024

Statistical moments are commonly used tools for exploring the ensemble behavior in gene regulation and population dynamics, where the rational vector fields are particularly ubiquitous, but how to efficiently derive the corresponding moment evolution equations was not much involved. Traditional derivation methods rely on fractional reduction and Itô formula, but it may become extremely complicated if the vector field is described by multivariate fractional polynomials. To resolve this issue, we present a novel incremental decomposition method, by which the rational vector field is divided into two parts: (proper) fractional polynomials and non-fractional polynomials. For the non-fractional polynomial part, we deduce the variation rate of a statistical moment by the Itô formula, but for the fractional polynomial part we acquire the corresponding variation rate by a relation analogous to that between the moment generating function and the distinct statistical moments. As application of the novel technique, the resultant infinite-dimensional moment systems associated with two typical examples are truncated with the schemes of derivative matching closure and the Gaussian moment closure. By comparing the lower-order statistical moments obtained from the closed moment systems with the counterparts obtained from direct simulation, the correctness of the proposed technique is verified. The present study is significant in facilitating the development of moment dynamics towards more complex systems.
US plasma physicists propose a ‘flexible’ stellarator facility
Authors: Gwynne Peter
Published: October 2024

A group of 24 plasma physicists has called for the construction of a stellarator fusion facility in the US.
Space solar
Authors: McKenzie James
Published: October 2024

Space-based solar power sounds a cool idea but with a new NASA report suggesting it will never make economic sense, James McKenzie thinks we should just crack on building solar plants here on Earth.
Fusion funding
Authors: Atkins Chris
Published: October 2024

A response to Matin Durrani’s leader article on the decade-long delay to the ITER project (August 2024).
Interventional Pharmacoepidemiology: Origins, Current Status, and Future Possibilities
Authors: Avorn Jerry
Published: October 2024

Interventional pharmacoepidemiology applies quantitative analysis of patterns of medication use and outcomes to help design, guide and then evaluate programs to improve prescription drug use and outcomes. Surveillance of prescribing and drug-taking in large populations is increasingly practical because of the proliferation of detailed data on medication use decisions, often based on paid claims billing data. At the same time, increasingly granular clinical information is available on patient characteristics and outcomes. This can offer important opportunities to identify problematic use, focus interventions to address them, and measure their impact. Alexander et al (Am J Epidemiol. 0000;000(00):0000–0000) review the need for such research and provide methodological guidance for its performance. While randomized controlled trials of such interventions are ideal, real-world considerations often require other evaluation strategies, including stepped-wedge designs and interrupted time-series analysis. As drug therapy becomes more powerful and more costly, and the risks of poor medication choices as well as under-use of effective treatments become even better understood, the health care system will increasingly rely on such approaches to assess current patterns of prescribing and patient adherence, target programs to address problem areas, and measure the effectiveness of such interventions.
Characterisation and modification of the porous metal foams used for the EN 15051-2 dustiness rotating drum test
Authors: Bard Delphine , Hunwin Graeme , Thorpe Andrew , Dewberry Kirsty , Burdett Garry , Hemingway Michael
Published: October 2024

Two approaches were used to evaluate the performance of the reticulated metal foams used to size select and collect dust generated in the dustiness rotating drum tester according to the EN 15051-2 standard “Workplace exposure—Measurement of the dustiness of bulk materials—Rotating drum test”. Firstly, the detailed performance of the metal foams was measured in a calm air chamber using a polydisperse aerosol of glass particles and assessed against the respirable conventions described in the EN 481 standard “Workplace atmospheres—Size fraction definitions for measurement of airborne particles”. Secondly, the performance of the EN 15051-2 metal foam size selection for the respirable fraction was compared using the rotating drum dustiness test, with that of a cyclone set-up, using 4 polydisperse glass powders of different size distribution and dustiness potential. The research discusses further improvements to the EN 15051-2 standard and an approach to more closely match the EN 481 convention. In general, for the respirable fraction, the tests in this study demonstrated a conservative oversampling by the current EN 15051-2 metal foam set-up in comparison with the EN 481 convention. Calculations and tests showed an improved fit was achieved by reducing the inner diameter of the flanges separating the metal foams and the filter. This study also showed the importance of sealing the circumference of the metal foams when testing highly dusty powders. A direct comparison of the respirable dustiness fraction, measured by the current EN 15051-2 metal foams set-up and by a cyclone set-up, showed broad agreement. However, for extremely dusty powders, the metal foams can clog, and dust can accumulate between the 20 and 80 pores per inch foams.
Novel therapeutic strategy for intractable keloids: suppression of intracellular mechanotransduction and actin polymerization via Rho-kinase pathway inhibition
Authors: Min Sally , Kim Ki-Myo , Park Jun Ho , Lee Mihyun , Hwang Joseph , Park Ji-Ung
Published: October 2024

Background

Keloid is a dermal fibrotic disorder characterized by excessive extracellular matrix production by fibroblasts. Despite the significance of mechanostimulation in fibrotic diseases, its association with keloid pathophysiology or treatment remains unexplored.

Objectives

To investigate the role of mechanical force in keloid formation and elucidate the significance of Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing kinase 1 (ROCK1) as a mechanoresponsive target for keloid treatment.

Methods

Patient-derived keloid fibroblasts (KFs) were subjected to cyclic stretching ranging from 0% to 20% elongation using a cell-stretching system. We observed the inhibitory effects of the ROCK1 inhibitor Y27632 on KFs and keloid formation. Validation was performed using a keloid xenograft severe combined immune-deficient (SCID) mouse model.

Results

ROCK1 was overexpressed in KFs isolated from patients. Cyclic stretching induced fibroblast proliferation and actin polymerization by activating Rho/ROCK1 signalling. Treatment with Y27632 downregulated fibrotic markers reduced the migration capacity of KFs and induced extensive actin cytoskeleton remodelling. In the keloid xenograft SCID mouse model, Y27632 effectively suppressed keloid formation, mitigating inflammation and fibrosis.

Conclusions

The ROCK1 inhibitor Y27632 is a promising molecule for keloid treatment, exerting its effects through actin cytoskeleton remodelling and nuclear inhibition of fibrotic markers in keloid pathogenesis.
New recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa intermediate variant resulting from alternative splicing of exon 19 and truncation in the fibronectin III-like domain of type VII collagen
Authors: Martynova Aleksandra A , Kubanov Alexey A , Evtushenko Nadezhda A , Kosykh Anastasiya V , Kondratyev Nikolay V , Beilin Arkadii K , Karamova Arfenya E , Monchakovskaya Ekaterina S , Bogdanova Ekaterina A , Azimov Karim A , Ziganshin Rustam H , Nefedova Maria A , Bozhanova Nina G , Zaklyazminskaya Elena V , Gurskaya Nadya G
Published: October 2024

In this study, we describe two unrelated cases of a new pathogenic variant in COL7A1, the deletion c.2588-3_2588delCAGC. The variant causes alternative splicing in the preceding exon and results in truncation of the fibronectin III-like domain of C7. This new variant is distinct from previously documented variants as it does not completely exclude exon 19, restores open reading frame of COL7A1 and results in a less severe form of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa intermediate.
Memory-related brain potentials for visual objects in early AD show impairment and compensatory mechanisms
Authors: Xia Jiangyi , Kutas Marta , Salmon David P , Stoermann Anna M , Rigatuso Siena N , Tomaszewski Farias Sarah E , Edland Steven D , Brewer James B , Olichney John M
Published: October 2024

Impaired episodic memory is the primary feature of early Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but not all memories are equally affected. Patients with AD and amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI) remember pictures better than words, to a greater extent than healthy elderly. We investigated neural mechanisms for visual object recognition in 30 patients (14 AD, 16 aMCI) and 36 cognitively unimpaired healthy (19 in the “preclinical” stage of AD). Event-related brain potentials (ERPs) were recorded while participants performed a visual object recognition task. Hippocampal occupancy (integrity), amyloid (florbetapir) PET, and neuropsychological measures of verbal & visual memory, executive function were also collected. A right-frontal ERP recognition effect (500–700 ms post-stimulus) was seen in cognitively unimpaired participants only, and significantly correlated with memory and executive function abilities. A later right-posterior negative ERP effect (700–900 ms) correlated with visual memory abilities across participants with low verbal memory ability, and may reflect a compensatory mechanism. A correlation of this retrieval-related negativity with right hippocampal occupancy (r = 0.55), implicates the hippocampus in the engagement of compensatory perceptual retrieval mechanisms. Our results suggest that early AD patients are impaired in goal-directed retrieval processing, but may engage compensatory perceptual mechanisms which rely on hippocampal function.
Neural representations of beat and rhythm in motor and association regions
Authors: Hoddinott Joshua D , Grahn Jessica A
Published: October 2024

Humans perceive a pulse, or beat, underlying musical rhythm. Beat strength correlates with activity in the basal ganglia and supplementary motor area, suggesting these regions support beat perception. However, the basal ganglia and supplementary motor area are part of a general rhythm and timing network (regardless of the beat) and may also represent basic rhythmic features (e.g. tempo, number of onsets). To characterize the encoding of beat-related and other basic rhythmic features, we used representational similarity analysis. During functional magnetic resonance imaging, participants heard 12 rhythms—4 strong-beat, 4 weak-beat, and 4 nonbeat. Multi-voxel activity patterns for each rhythm were tested to determine which brain areas were beat-sensitive: those in which activity patterns showed greater dissimilarities between rhythms of different beat strength than between rhythms of similar beat strength. Indeed, putamen and supplementary motor area activity patterns were significantly dissimilar for strong-beat and nonbeat conditions. Next, we tested whether basic rhythmic features or models of beat strength (counterevidence scores) predicted activity patterns. We found again that activity pattern dissimilarity in supplementary motor area and putamen correlated with beat strength models, not basic features. Beat strength models also correlated with activity pattern dissimilarities in the inferior frontal gyrus and inferior parietal lobe, though these regions encoded beat and rhythm simultaneously and were not driven by beat alone.
Cycles of Susceptibility: Immunity Debt Explains Altered Infectious Disease Dynamics Post-Pandemic
Authors: Munro Alasdair P S , House Thomas
Published: October 2024

The concept of immunity debt is a phenomenon resulting from the suppression of endemic pathogens during the COVID-19 pandemic due to non-pharmaceutical interventions. The reduced circulation of various pathogens during the pandemic, particularly respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), altered typical infectious disease dynamics by reducing levels of population immunity usually acquired through exposure to infection. This concept is demonstrated through the post-pandemic resurgence of diseases such as RSV and group A Streptococcus, and highlights the interplay between reduced pathogen exposure and increased susceptibility in populations. The complexities and nonlinear dynamics of seasonal transmission are observed in differences in pathogen resurgence across regions. These issues highlight the importance of comprehensive disease surveillance and public health strategies in mitigating these long-term epidemiological impacts.
Proteomic Signature of BMI and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Ma Hao , Wang Xuan , Heianza Yoriko , Manson JoAnn E , Qi Lu
Published: October 2024

Background

Obesity, defined by body mass index (BMI) alone, is a metabolically heterogeneous disorder with distinct cardiovascular manifestations across individuals. This study aimed to investigate the associations of a proteomic signature of BMI with risk of major subtypes of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Methods

A total of 40 089 participants from UK Biobank, free of CVD at baseline, had complete data on proteomic data measured by the Olink assay. A BMI-proteomic score (pro-BMI score) was calculated from 67 pre-identified plasma proteins associated with BMI.

Results

A higher pro-BMI score was significantly associated with higher risks of ischemic heart disease (IHD) and heart failure (HF), but not with risk of stroke. Comparing the highest with the lowest quartiles, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for IHD was 1.49 (95% CI, 1.32–1.67) (P-trend < 0.001), and the adjusted HR for HF was 1.52 (95% CI, 1.25–1.85) (P-trend < 0.001). Further analyses showed that the association of pro-BMI score with HF risk was largely driven by the actual BMI, whereas the association of the pro-BMI score with IHD risk was independent of actual BMI and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). The association between pro-BMI score and IHD risk appeared to be stronger in the normal BMI group than other BMI groups (P-interaction = 0.004) and stronger in the normal WHR group than the high WHR group (P-interaction = 0.049).

Conclusions

Higher pro-BMI score is significantly associated with higher IHD risk, independent of actual BMI levels. Our findings suggest that plasma proteins hold promise as complementary markers for diagnosing obesity and may facilitate personalized interventions.
Self-supervised learning of seismological data reveals new eruptive sequences at the Mayotte submarine volcano
Authors: Rimpot Joachim , Hibert Clément , Retailleau Lise , Saurel Jean-Marie , Malet Jean-Philippe , Forestier Germain , Weber Jonathan , Stangeland Tord S , Turquet Antoine , Pelleau Pascal
Published: October 2024

Continuous seismological observations provide valuable insights to deepen our understanding of geological processes and geohazards. We present a systematic analysis of two months of seismological records using an AI-based Self-Supervised Learning (SSL) approach revealing previously undetected seismic events whose physical causes remain unknown but that are all associated with the dynamics of the Mayotte submarine volcano. Our approach detects and classifies known and new event types, including two previously unknown eruptive sequences displaying properties similar to other sequences observed at underwater and aerial volcanoes. The clustering workflow identifies seismic events that would be difficult to observe using conventional classification approaches. Our findings contribute to the understanding of submarine eruptive processes and the rare documentation of such events. We further demonstrate the potential of SSL methods for the analysis of seismological records, providing a synoptic view and facilitating the discovery of rarely observed events. This approach has wide applications for the comprehensive exploration of diverse geophysical data sets.
A parallel recursive framework for modelling time series
Authors: Filelis-Papadopoulos Christos , Morrison John P , O’Reilly Philip
Published: October 2024

Time series modelling is of significance to several scientific fields. Several approaches based on statistics, machine learning or combinations have been utilized. In order to model and forecast time series a novel parallel framework based on recursive pseudoinverse matrices is proposed. This framework enables the design of arbitrary statistical and machine learning models, adaptively, from a set of potential basis functions. This unification enables compact definition of existing and new models as well as easy implementation for new massively parallel architectures. The choice of appropriate basis functions is analysed and the fitting accuracy, termination criteria and model update operations are presented. A block variant for multivariate time series is also proposed. Parallel GPU implementation and performance optimization of the framework are provided, based on mixed precision arithmetic and matrix operations. The use of different basis functions is showcased with respect to various model univariate and multivariate time series for applications such as regression, frequency estimation and automatic trend detection. Discussions on limitations and future directions of research are also provided.
Automorphism Groups of Parafermion Vertex Operator Algebras: General Case
Authors: Hung Lam Ching , Lin Xingjun , Shimakura Hiroki
Published: October 2024

We complete the program for determining the full automorphism groups of all parafermion vertex operator algebras associated with simple Lie algebras and positive integral levels. We show that the full automorphism group of the parafermion vertex operator algebra is isomorphic to the automorphism group of the associated root system for the remaining cases: (i) the level is at least $3$; and (ii) the level is $2$ and the simple Lie algebra is non-simply laced.
Peace at the Margins? Peacebuilding and Patriarchal World Ordering in Sierra Leone
Authors: Rinck Patricia
Published: October 2024

In this paper, I offer a feminist lens on international peacebuilding as a means of world ordering. I argue that looking at peacebuilding as a world-ordering process through a feminist lens uncovers the patriarchal assumptions underlying world-order conceptions that shape how peace is approached and (the gender) order upheld in externally supported war-to-peace transitions. Taking a closer look at the peacebuilding process in postconflict Sierra Leone, which has been portrayed as one of the most successful cases of international peacebuilding and statebuilding, the feminist lens makes visible how peacebuilding worked as a conservative form of world ordering that strengthened the patriarchal, gerontocratic order. It can be used to reconceptualize important concepts used in peacebuilding-as-world ordering, to analyze how these world-ordering processes unfold in practice, and to problematize current injustices and point to alternatives. The feminist lens on world ordering can then be understood as an attempt at reordering from the margins (of conventional discourse) by grounding epistemology in the experiences of those at the margins of society.
Democracy and Clustered Models of Global Economic Engagement
Authors: Kim ByungKoo , Osgood Iain
Published: October 2024

One of the most fundamental economic policy choices a society makes is how to order its global economic relations. What models do states use to structure this multifaceted decision, and how do they choose among these alternatives? We combine data on trade policies, foreign investment, exchange rates, capital flows, and international treaties to discover states’ strategies of global economic engagement. We identify five distinct strategies through dynamic clustering. We then examine the economic and political drivers of states’ choices among these competing strategies, focusing on the tradeoffs between public and private goods activated by differing styles of openness. In particular, we uncover a model of high global integration favored by (party-based) nondemocracies that emphasizes sacrificing consumption for production and embraces the risk of tight integration with global markets. We also uncover a cautious model of partial globalization favored by (large) democracies. Decisions over global economic engagement are clustered and multidimensional: Uncovering this variety unlocks new findings about the nonlinear effects of democracy on foreign economic policy.
Landscape factors affect relative abundance of rootworm species and pod injury in Georgia peanuts
Authors: Sutton Kemper L , Skipper April L , Fair Conor G , Abney Mark R
Published: October 2024

The southern corn rootworm, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi Barber, is native to the US where it is a pest of peanut, Arachis hypogaea. The banded cucumber beetle, Diabrotica balteata LeConte, is native to the neotropics, but its range has expanded and currently includes most of the US peanut production area. The purpose of this study was to: (i) define seasonal variation in adult rootworm populations in peanut fields, and (ii) determine the effect(s) of proximity to a putative early season host (i.e., corn, Zea mays) and the presence of irrigation on rootworm infestation and pod injury in peanut. Seasonal abundance of adult rootworms in commercial peanut fields in Georgia was monitored in 2021 and 2022 using plant volatile lures attached to yellow sticky traps. Traps were located at 45, 90, and 180 m from the field edge in irrigated and nonirrigated peanut fields with and without a corn border. Two peaks in abundance were observed for both species in each year. Though peak abundance for the two species occurred nearly simultaneously, D. balteata was more abundant than D. u. howardi. Beetle abundance was highest in fields bordered by corn, but presence of irrigation was not as important for D. balteata as it was for D. u. howardi. Pod injury was greater in fields bordered by corn in both years, but there was no difference in pod injury between irrigated and nonirrigated fields. The number of beetles captured and incidence of pod injury within a field did not differ with distance from the field border.
Emergence, Panpsychism, and Manifestation (Abhivyakti)
Authors: Timalsina Sthaneshwar
Published: October 2024

This paper proposes the model of “manifestation” (abhivyakti) as an alternative to panpsychism while countering the model of hard emergence. First, it examines the passages from the Mahābhārata to contextualize the model of “manifestation” (abhivyakti). Second, it explores contemporary panpsychism and engages the examples from the Mahābhārata in this light. In conclusion, the paper advances the argument that the “manifestation” (abhivyakti) model accommodates cosmopsychism without contradicting the theory of emergence while rejecting physicalism.
The protective role of transcription factor Nrf2 in murine macrophage activation syndrome
Authors: Gallo Paul M , Elliott Em , Ford Grace C , Biswas Chhanda , Wheaton Jadyn M , Kim Jihwan , Jiang Connie L , Chu Niansheng , Kreiger Portia A , Lambert Michele P , Behrens Edward M
Published: October 2024

Objective

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is characterized by multilineage cytopenias, hypercytokinemia, and tissue hemophagocytosis. Transcription factor Nrf2 is a master regulator of redox homeostasis. In this work, we aim to investigate the role of Nrf2 in murine hyperinflammation and the mechanisms by which Nrf2 activation by red blood cell products regulates proinflammatory cytokine production.

Methods

We induced murine MAS in wild-type and Nrf2 knockout (Nrf2−/−) mice by repeat administration of TLR9-agonist CpG. Clinical and biochemical markers of disease were measured including complete blood counts, liver and spleen pathology, serum free heme, ferritin, and cytokine profiles. In vitro bone marrow–derived macrophages and dendritic cells were used to investigate regulation of CpG-induced cytokine expression by oxidized red blood cells and hemin.

Results

Patients with hyperinflammatory disease had higher levels of Nrf2 gene expression. Mice with CpG-induced hyperinflammation had elevated systemic lipid peroxidation, which was exacerbated in Nrf2−/− mice. Compared with wild-type control mice, Nrf2−/− mice developed significantly worse organomegaly, organ pathology, and reticulocytosis. Nrf2−/− mice had exacerbated hypercytokinemia in cytokines central MAS physiology: interleukin (IL)-12, interferon γ, and IL-10. In vitro, we found that oxidized red blood cell lysates and hemin were able to suppress IL-12 transcription and protein production from bone marrow–derived dendritic cells in an Nrf2-dependent manner.

Conclusion

Together, our findings show that transcription factor Nrf2 is highly expressed in patients with hyperinflammatory disease and demonstrate a protective role for Nrf2 in a murine model of MAS in part due to Nrf2-mediated suppression of proinflammatory cytokine production.
The intersecting time, administrative, and financial burdens of a cancer diagnosis
Authors: Parsons Helen M , Gupta Arjun , Jewett Patricia , Vogel Rachel I
Published: October 2024

Cancer and its care create substantial financial, time, and administrative burdens both for patients and their loved ones. Although cancer-related financial burdens have been well documented in the past decade, time and administrative burdens of cancer care have received substantially less attention. We define time burdens as the burden patients and caregivers experience due to the time needed to complete cancer-related treatment and tasks that take away from other life responsibilities. Relatedly, we conceptualize administrative burdens as those burdens patients and caregivers experience due to cancer-related, resource-consuming bureaucratic and logistical tasks. Finally, financial hardship can be conceptualized as problems patients experience related to the cost of medical care. These burdens do not exist in isolation; time, administrative, and financial burdens intersect with and compound each other. Currently, we have limited evidence-based measures on the objective (eg, scheduling time, transportation, wait time) and subjective (eg, mental, emotional and physical stress) measures of time and administrative burden. We have even more limited evidence of the risk factors for and outcomes from increased time and administrative burdens, and how they differentially impact populations across social and demographic groups. In this commentary, we present a research agenda to map, measure, evaluate, and mitigate the time, administrative, and financial burdens of cancer and its care.
Facilitators and barriers to revaccination after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation among pediatric patients in Ecuador
Authors: Freire Dolores , Ladines Washington J
Published: October 2024

Background

Revaccination after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a challenge in areas where there is variability of access to vaccines and where special schedules are unfamiliar to physicians and primary care providers. We report the experience of re-immunization practices in pediatric patients after HSCT in Ecuador.

Methods

The database and medical charts of pediatric patients who had been in follow after HSCT from 2021 to 2023 in Solca Guayaquil was reviewed in order to assess the completeness of the revaccination schedule and to identify facilitators and barriers in implementation of the process. Patients with pediatric infectious diseases follow up where included.

Results

There were 30 patients who underwent HSCT during the reviewed period. Among them, 7 were excluded because they had not been seen by pediatric infectious diseases. Four patients who had their HSCT before the studied period were later added as they received follow-up by the specialty, therefore a total of 27 patients were included. There were 16 (59.3%) boys, mean age was 11 years (SD 3.6), and 16 (59.3%) lived outside Guayaquil. The most common diseases prompting HSCT were 14 (51.9%) lymphoblastic leukemia, 4 (14.8%) myeloid leukemia, 3 (11.1%) for Hodgkin lymphoma and 3 (11.1%) aplastic anemia. HSCT was performed outside Ecuador in 15 (55.6%) cases. Reimmunization schedule had been initiated in 21 (77.7%) of patients. Public health system was used exclusively in 11 (52.4%) cases, a combination of private and public system in 8 (38.1%) cases and exclusively private system in 2 (9.5%) cases. Among them, 9 (42.9%) had completed all recommended inactivated vaccines. Mean number of visits required for this was 5.1 (SD 1.9). After completion of inactivated vaccines, live vaccines where recommended and had been completed by 2 (9.5%) patients. The main facilitator identified was vaccine confidence and adherence to physician recommendations while the main barriers identified where health system related: a) Lack of awareness in public vaccination centers about special schedules, b) lack of availability of age licensed vaccines in public system and c) Lack of documentation of immunization administrated.

Conclusion

Health system related logistics (vaccine availability, knowledge of special schedules, coordination with immunization centers) continues to be a main barrier to complete recommended reimmunization schedule after HSCT while confidence in vaccines and adherence is the main facilitator in Ecuador. Government interventions need to be implemented in order to facilitate the process for this population of patients.

Figure 1. Revaccination after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Solca Guayaquil (2021 – 2023).
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia bacteremia in hemato-oncological patients
Authors: Zurita Paulina M , Villanueva G Itzel , Flores Oscar F , Ordoñez Javier , Minero Miguel A , Morayta Alfredo R
Published: October 2024

Background

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an increasingly common cause of bacteremia in immunocompromised patients, particularly those with underlying neutropenia. This study aims to characterize the clinical presentation, risk factors, and outcomes of Stenotrophomas maltophilia bacteremia in pediatric hemato-oncological patients.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of nine pediatric hemato-oncological patients who developed a cluster of Stenotrophomas maltophilia bacteremia at our institution from September to November in 2023. The identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed by Vitek 2. Data collected included patient demographics, clinical presentation, underlying disease, treatment regimens, and outcomes.

Results

We identified nine cases of Stenotrophomas maltophilia bacteremia during the study period. The median age of the patients was 11 years (range 3-16 years), 7 were male. All patients had underlying hematologic malignancies (particularly acute lymphoblastic leukemia) and had profound neutropenia (ANC <100/mm3) at the time of bacteremia. The most common clinical presentation were fever (100%) and the most frequent risk factors were having a central venous catheter (CVC) (100%) and early chemotherapy treatment prior the diagnosis, median of 9 days (range 3-14 days). All patients received intravenous antibiotics, and the most commonly used agent was trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), the median duration of treatment was 12 days (range 7-16 days). The overall mortality rate was 11.1% on a patient with necrotizing fasciitis.

Conclusion

Stenotrophomas maltophilia bacteremia is a severe complication in pediatric hemato-oncological patients, considering its multidrug-resistance profile. The rise in Stenotrophomonas maltophilia isolations has triggered the implementation of outbreak investigation measures and exhibits the importance of an adequate control in central line care. Early diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobial therapy are crucial for improving outcomes.
Varicella zoster infection in Pediatric oncology patients in Hue Central Hospital, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Thi Kim Hoa
Published: October 2024

Background

Varicella zoster infection in pediatric oncology patients presents a big challenge. It could lead to a severe, prolonged and disseminated infection with complications in multiple organs. This study aimed to investigate varicella zoster infection in pediatric oncology patients at Hue Central Hospital, Vietnam in order to describe demographic, epidemiological, clinical features and complications.

Methods

Varicella zoster infections among children with cancer were identified between January 8 to November 4, 2023, at Hue Central Hospital. Varicella zoster infection was diagnosed clinically based on the presence of typical skin manifestations. Data were abstracted from patient medical records and analyzed in SPSS v.18.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA).

Results

From January 8 to November 4, 2023, a total of 20 patients with malignancies were identified as having varicella zoster, with a median age of 3.5 years (range: 1 years to 16 years). All these patients did not received varicella zoster vaccine. Almost half of the patients had solid tumor (n=11, 55.0%), and other half had leukemia (n=9, 45.0%). Some of them (n=7, 35.0%) were receiving chemotherapy, and other (n=13, 65%) just finished chemotherapy. Most children were hospitalized (n=16, 80.0%) and they were given oral acyclovir (n=18, 90.0%). Three children (15.0%) required critical care (severe infection, acute pancreatitis, and multiorgan failure (MOF)), and one (5.0%) died from disseminated and progressive varicella with MOF and suspected varicella zoster meningitis. Chemotherapy was delayed or omitted due to varicella in 70.0%. Some of the children with varicella acquired from their parents. There were 5 parents who got varicella zoster when taking care patients at the hospital. All patients were likely to expose other patients in the wards.

Conclusion

Children with cancer are at extra risk of varicella zoster infection and progression to severe disease due to their immunocompromised status. Optimizing vaccination of care providers, such as their relatives, will prevent transmitting virus to the patients.