bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase-locked single-mode terahertz quantum cascade lasers array
Authors: Xu Yunfei , Li Weijiang , Ma Yu , Lu Quanyong , Zhang Jinchuan , Zhai Shenqiang , Zhuo Ning , Liu Junqi , Liu Shuman , Cheng Fengmin , Wang Lijun , Liu Fengqi
Published: June 2024

We demonstrated a scheme of phase-locked terahertz quantum cascade lasers (THz QCLs) array, with a single-mode pulse power of 108 mW at 13 K. The device utilizes a Talbot cavity to achieve phase locking among five ridge lasers with first-order buried distributed feedback (DFB) grating, resulting in nearly five times amplification of the single-mode power. Due to the optimum length of Talbot cavity depends on wavelength, the combination of Talbot cavity with the DFB grating leads to better power amplification than the combination with multimode Fabry−Perot (F−P) cavities. The Talbot cavity facet reflects light back to the ridge array direction and achieves self-imaging in the array, enabling phase-locked operation of ridges. We set the spacing between adjacent elements to be 220 μm, much larger than the free-space wavelength, ensuring the operation of the fundamental supermode throughout the laser's dynamic range and obtaining a high-brightness far-field distribution. This scheme provides a new approach for enhancing the single-mode power of THz QCLs.
Complementary memtransistors for neuromorphic computing: How, what and why
Authors: Chen Qi , Zhou Yue , Xiong Weiwei , Chen Zirui , Wang Yasai , Miao Xiangshui , He Yuhui
Published: June 2024

Memtransistors in which the source−drain channel conductance can be nonvolatilely manipulated through the gate signals have emerged as promising components for implementing neuromorphic computing. On the other side, it is known that the complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) field effect transistors have played the fundamental role in the modern integrated circuit technology. Therefore, will complementary memtransistors (CMT) also play such a role in the future neuromorphic circuits and chips? In this review, various types of materials and physical mechanisms for constructing CMT (how) are inspected with their merits and need-to-address challenges discussed. Then the unique properties (what) and potential applications of CMT in different learning algorithms/scenarios of spiking neural networks (why) are reviewed, including supervised rule, reinforcement one, dynamic vision with in-sensor computing, etc. Through exploiting the complementary structure-related novel functions, significant reduction of hardware consuming, enhancement of energy/efficiency ratio and other advantages have been gained, illustrating the alluring prospect of design technology co-optimization (DTCO) of CMT towards neuromorphic computing.
Surface modification of W–Ta–V–Cr multi-component alloy after low-energy He plasma irradiation
Authors: Yin Chao , Gao Zeshi , Li Yangyang , Wang Zhaofan , Li Long , Chen Ze , Sun Xia , Mao Shifeng , Ye Minyou
Published: June 2024

This study explores a hypothetical scenario where low-activation refractory multi-component alloys (RMCAs) are considered for use as divertor target materials in fusion reactors. To investigate the surface modifications under divertor service conditions, a multi-phase W–Ta–V–Cr RMCA is irradiated with low-energy helium (He) plasma at varying temperatures to approximately 5.0 × 1025 He·m−2. The W-rich and Cr-rich phases in the multi-phase RMCA mimic the mono-phase W–Ta–V–Cr RMCA and segregation at grain boundaries, respectively. Following irradiation, fuzz layer formation is observed for all phases at temperatures lower than pure W requires. Additionally, nano He bubbles are identified in the fuzz tendrils at 920 °C. The modified layers exhibit reduced V and Cr content with increasing temperature, transitioning into W-Ta binary alloys at 920 °C. Notably, the fuzz layer on the W-rich phase is thinner than that on pure W at 920 °C. While a thinner fuzz layer suggests the alloy’s potential as a divertor target material, challenges include a lower fuzz formation temperature and potential high V and Cr sputtering yield, raising concerns for plasma contamination during fusion reactor operation. This dual perspective highlights both the promise and challenges of utilizing RMCAs as divertor target materials in severe fusion reactor environments.
Current and Future Trends of Electricity Service in South Sudan
Authors: Amogpai Ater Y.
Published: June 2024

Electricity service is the main driver for social and economic development. Readers and decision-makers need access to reliable and accurate data in this sector. South Sudan is one of the eastern African countries with the least access to electricity globally. Four sites in the central equatoria state where the Capital City Jubal is located were identified to develop large hydropower plants (LHP) to improve the country’s poor access to electricity. However, the initial cost of the LHP is high and takes many years to build; thus, small hydropower plants (SHP) are introduced as they can be made in a shorter time and can urgently deliver electricity to needed locations. Solar energy systems can also be utilized to electrify rural and urban areas. This paper aims to provide the reader and decision-makers with information about electricity services in South Sudan. The paper explains the current and future status of the electricity service and contributes to sustainable development in the country’s electricity supply reliability. The paper further recommends that decision-makers in the field of electricity better implement the proper practices and avoid malpractices in the electricity service.
Feasibility and Techno-Economic Assessment of a 128kWp Grid-Tied SPV System using HOMER Pro
Authors: Khan Akhlaque Ahmad , Minai Ahmad Faiz , Siddiqui Mohammad Atif
Published: June 2024

A substantial amount of the world’s annual CO2 emissions are attributable to the continued consumption of electricity from the grid that is generated from burning fossil fuels. Renewable energy sources could strengthen grid reliability and lessen their effect on the environment, especially in high-demand regions prone to power failures. Investigating the viability of erecting solar power plants in a subtropical area to provide the necessary electricity for an educational building that operates mainly during daylight hours is the main intent of the present study. The purpose of this investigation is to demonstrate and validate a model for enormous-scale commercial HRES applications (such as an educational institution) utilising the HOMER programme to figure out the optimal size. Minimising emissions of carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas responsible for accelerating global warming, is also of the utmost importance. Based on the simulation findings, the optimal system configuration consisted of a 120 kW converter and 400 PV arrays (each with 320 Wp = 128 kWp). For regional power generation, the most cost-effective choice is still a combination of solar panels and the grid. Findings show that a HRES can be economically feasible for installation in educational institutions at an initial capital cost of USD $0.068 million with annual operating expenses of USD $0.0447 million—a reduction of 44.11% compared to the existing system. The expected payback for this endeavour is five years. Other locations with identical climates could benefit from these results when considering the deployment of comparable technology. In order to help achieve a zero-carbon target, financial rewards could encourage governments to adopt similar schemes.
Research on distribution network restoration based on ant colony algorithm
Authors: Yuan Jianxiang , Yi Xin , Zeng Weihe , Wang Zicheng , Li Xin
Published: June 2024

Distribution automation is a necessary means and shortcut to improve the reliability, safety, and service quality of power supply in distribution networks, improve work efficiency, and reduce operating costs. This article uses the ant colony algorithm to study the problem of distribution network fault recovery strategy and proposes a distribution network fault recovery strategy algorithm based on the ant colony algorithm. Established a mathematical model for fault recovery in distribution networks; Using random spanning tree theory to control ants to search within feasible solution domains, and the ant routing rules and pheromone update strategies were provided, and the correctness of the method was verified through simulation.
Safety and energy saving dispatching method of large power grid considering demand response
Authors: Zhao Yulin , Li Lanqing , Wang Bolun , Wang Yuyang , Lv Xingyue
Published: June 2024

To improve the energy-saving effect of power grids, a safe and energy-saving dispatching method for large power grids considering demand response is proposed. From the perspective of grid load, power generation capacity, transmission capacity, and energy supply, the demand response of grid energy-saving dispatching is analyzed. This paper also conducts research on energy-saving dispatch of the power grids based on the analysis results and from the perspective of loss control. The experimental results show that the operation efficiency of the distribution network has been significantly improved after the dispatching method in this paper, which shows that the large power grid security and energy-saving dispatching method considering demand response has high practicability.
A method for detecting the status of secondary pressing plate in substation based on electrical analog quantity and rule library
Authors: Zeng Hongyu , Guo Haisheng , Wu Junfeng , Xu Tao , Zhang Yong , Xia Hui
Published: June 2024

A method for detecting the status of secondary pressure plates in substations based on electrical analog quantities and rule libraries is proposed to address the issues of time-consuming and erroneous manual verification during secondary pressure plate status detection. By using Hall sensors, the electrical analog quantity of the secondary pressure plate is collected in real time and then input into the secondary pressure plate state detection model based on confidence rule library inference. This model takes the electrical analog quantity status of the secondary pressure plate as the result attribute. It aims to calculate and merge the reference level confidence of each state in the result attribute and prerequisite attribute, and complete the detection of the pressure plate status. The gradient descent method is introduced to optimize the model by setting confidence rule weight coefficients, prerequisite attribute weight coefficients, and inference confidence of the pressure plate state, which can minimize the error between the pressure plate state detection results and the expected results to optimize the detection performance of the model. After verification, this method is embedded in the intelligent pressure plate management system and can complete 120 pressure plate status detection tasks in just 0.1 hours, with accurate pressure plate status detection.
Feature extraction and clustering of electricity market data based on GCN and graph filtering
Authors: Huang Longda , Xu Pan , Weng Liguo
Published: June 2024

As the power grid undergoes transformation and the Internet’s influence grows, the electricity market is evolving towards informatization. Traditional power marketing methods struggle to cope with the vast and intricate data of the modern power market. To address this challenge, this study employs random forest and PBF models for processing electricity market data. Additionally, it introduces the spectral clustering algorithm for a comprehensive analysis. The experimental results successfully extract diverse electricity consumption characteristics. This approach aids in advancing the informatization of power grid enterprises, boosting their capacity to perceive power data, and furnishing decision-makers with dependable support.
The Method for smart grid false data injection attack detection based on multilevel fingerprint identity authentication
Authors: He Wei , Wen Chenglin , Liu Weifeng
Published: June 2024

With the rapid development of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), security concerns have increasingly garnered attention. This paper focuses on the security threats faced by smart grid systems, particularly false data injection (FDI) attacks, and proposes a multilevel fingerprint identity authentication method to provide effective security for the operation of smart grids. Firstly, we construct a mathematical model of the smart grid by using harmonics and direct current attenuation components to establish a foundation for subsequent feature extraction and matching authentication. Secondly, a multi-granularity feature approach is utilized to represent the model in multiple levels and extract feature information granularity, thereby enhancing the system’s ability to detect attack signals. In addition, we employ the gap measurement method to perform multi-scale matching of the granularity information of sensor data with that of the data security repository, to detect attack signals. Finally, experimental results confirm that this method effectively detects FDI attacks, improves detection accuracy while ensuring real-time detection, and realizes the safe and reliable operation of smart grid systems.
Research on collaborative scheduling of dual machine operations for remote inspection robots in substations
Authors: Ou Weichao , Hua Jie , Peng Weiwei , Wei Wang , Qiao Zhizhong
Published: June 2024

With the development of modern power systems, the number of remote inspection robots in substations is gradually increasing. This study aims to achieve collaborative scheduling of dual machine operations for remote inspection robots in substations to improve inspection efficiency and reduce operating costs. By constructing a kinematic model of the inspection robot, the kinematic characteristics of the inspection robot are obtained. A master-slave system-based collaborative scheduling method for dual machine operations of remote inspection robots in substations is proposed, which includes the principle of closest distance and the maximum behavior value coordination strategy to realize collaborative scheduling of dual machine operations for inspection robots. Through experimental verification and evaluation, it has been found that the proposed method can significantly improve obstacle avoidance and load balancing capabilities, achieve maximum resource utilization, and effectively shorten the robot operation path, providing more reliable and efficient support for the operation and maintenance of substations.
Benchmarking breath analysis using peppermint approach with gas chromatography ion mobility spectrometer coupled to micro thermal desorber
Authors: Ruszkiewicz Dorota M , Kiland Kristian J , Mok Yoonseo , Bartolomeu Crista , Borden Scott A , Thomas Paul , Lam Stephen , Myers Renelle
Published: June 2024

The Peppermint Initiative, established within the International Association of Breath Research, introduced the peppermint protocol, a breath analysis benchmarking effort designed to address the lack of inter-comparability of outcomes across different breath sampling techniques and analytical platforms. Benchmarking with gas chromatography—ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) using peppermint has been previously reported however, coupling micro-thermal desorption (µTD) to GC-IMS has not yet, been benchmarked for breath analysis. To benchmark µTD-GC-IMS for breath analysis using the peppermint protocol. Ten healthy participants (4 males and 6 females, aged 20–73 years), were enrolled to give six breath samples into Nalophan bags via a modified peppermint protocol. Breath sampling after peppermint ingestion occurred over 6 h at t = 60, 120, 200, 280, and 360 min. The breath samples (120 cm3) were pre-concentrated in the µTD before being transferred into the GC-IMS for detection. Data was processed using VOCal, including background subtractions, peak volume measurements, and room air assessment. During peppermint washout, eucalyptol showed the highest change in concentration levels, followed by α-pinene and β-pinene. The reproducibility of the technique for breath analysis was demonstrated by constructing logarithmic washout curves, with the average linearity coefficient of R
2 = 0.99. The time to baseline (benchmark) value for the eucalyptol washout was 1111 min (95% CI: 529–1693 min), obtained by extrapolating the average logarithmic washout curve. The study demonstrated that µTD-GC-IMS is reproducible and suitable technique for breath analysis, with benchmark values for eucalyptol comparable to the gold standard GC-MS.
Assessment and process optimization of high throughput biofabrication of immunocompetent breast cancer model for drug screening applications
Authors: Shukla Priyanshu , Bera Ashis Kumar , Ghosh Amit , Kiranmai Gaddam , Pati Falguni
Published: June 2024

Recent advancements in 3D cancer modeling have significantly enhanced our ability to delve into the intricacies of carcinogenesis. Despite the pharmaceutical industry’s substantial investment of both capital and time in the drug screening and development pipeline, a concerning trend persists: drug candidates screened on conventional cancer models exhibit a dismal success rate in clinical trials. One pivotal factor contributing to this discrepancy is the absence of drug testing on pathophysiologically biomimetic 3D cancer models during pre-clinical stages. Unfortunately, current manual methods of 3D cancer modeling, such as spheroids and organoids, suffer from limitations in reproducibility and scalability. In our study, we have meticulously developed 3D bioprinted breast cancer model utilizing decellularized adipose tissue-based hydrogel obtained via a detergent-free decellularization method. Our innovative printing techniques allows for rapid, high-throughput fabrication of 3D cancer models in a 96-well plate format, demonstrating unmatched scalability and reproducibility. Moreover, we have conducted extensive validation, showcasing the efficacy of our platform through drug screening assays involving two potent anti-cancer drugs, 5-Fluorouracil and PRIMA-1Met. Notably, our platform facilitates effortless imaging and gene expression analysis, streamlining the evaluation process. In a bid to enhance the relevance of our cancer model, we have introduced a heterogeneous cell population into the DAT-based bioink. Through meticulous optimization and characterization, we have successfully developed a biomimetic immunocompetent breast cancer model, complete with microenvironmental cues and diverse cell populations. This breakthrough paves the way for rapid multiplex drug screening and the development of personalized cancer models, marking a paradigm shift in cancer research and pharmaceutical development.
The measurement of complex modal coefficients of a superposed vortex beam based on intensity sampling methods
Authors: Mohagheghian Maryam , Ghavami Sabouri Saeed
Published: June 2024

In recent years, extracting information from superposed vortex beams has been a topic of intense study. In this paper, complex coefficients of various superpositions are measured in both simulation and experiment by proposing and implementing four different sampling methods. Superposed vortex beams are experimentally generated using a digital micromirror device, and recorded on a 2 f optical imaging setup. To extract both amplitude and phase values of modal coefficients, a single intensity frame of the beam is sampled in the form of concentric circles, sectors, random circles, and random squares. Considering just specified parts of the intensity instead of the whole to sample the pattern increases the speed of the modal coefficient extraction. Besides, a linear set of coherent equations is solved, and achievements are compared together. As a consequence, measuring both the amplitude and phase values of coefficients simultaneously can pave the way to enable high-capacity optical communication which is carried out in this research with better than 99% and 96% accuracy, respectively.
Preparation and thermal performance testing of diatomite-modified asphalt pavements
Authors: Hou Guangzhen , Wu Qun
Published: June 2024

In this study, the efficacy of diatomite as a modifier in asphalt pavements is thoroughly examined. The research primarily focuses on evaluating the thermal performance of asphalt mixtures modified with varying diatomite contents. Key findings indicate significant improvements in the rutting resistance, with the dynamic stability of the 15% diatomite mixture being 3.4 times higher than the control mixture. Additionally, the 10% diatomite mixture shows a 20% increase in bending strain energy density, enhancing low-temperature performance. However, a diatomite content beyond 10% tends to diminish these benefits. Fatigue life at 10% diatomite content is improved by 18%–24%, demonstrating the material’s potential in extending pavement longevity. Water stability tests also reveal notable improvements, with the 15% diatomite mixture exhibiting a 15% increase in tensile strength ratio post-water conditioning. These results collectively establish diatomite as a cost-effective and efficient modifier for asphalt pavements, promoting enhanced durability and performance.
Comparison of different scale indicators and verification of rock mass classification
Authors: Hong Yuan , Zhou Feifei , Li Changjun , Li Ming , Qu Chengkun
Published: June 2024

The basic principle of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation is introduced, and different scales of determining indicator weights using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) are summarized and organized. The inspection indicators for evaluating the quality of the judgment matrix are provided. Taking the underground station of a planned intercity railway as the engineering background, a comparative study is conducted on the advantages and disadvantages of the indicator judgment matrix and the comprehensive evaluation results about a
n scale, 10/10 ∼ 18/2 scale, 9/9 ∼ 9/1 scale, 1 ∼ 9 scale. The results show that the consistency of the judgment matrix constructed by 1–9 scale is poor and may lead to incorrect evaluation results. The consistency of judgment matrix constructed by a
n scale is optimal and the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation results are the closest to the actual situation. It can provide useful guidance for the classification work of surrounding rocks in underground engineering projects.
Review of some mathematical and physical subjects
Authors: Nitzan Abraham
Published: June 2024

This chapter reviews the mathematical tools and physical concepts that are used in this book, under the following section and subsection headings: (1) Mathematical background (random variables and probability distributions, constrained extrema, vector and fields, continuity equation for the flow of conserved entities, delta functions, complex integration, Fourier and Laplace transform, the Schwarz inequality). (2) Classical mechanics (classical equations of motion, phase space, the classical distribution function and the Liouville equation). (3) Quantum mechanics (fundamentals, many-particle systems and the occupation number representation). (4) Thermodynamics and statistical mechanics (thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, quantum distributions, coarse graining). (5) Physical observables as random variables (origin of randomness in physical systems, joint probabilities, conditional probabilities and reduced descriptions, random functions, correlations, diffusion). (6) Electrostatics (fundamental equations of electrostatics, electrostatics in continuous dielectric media, screening by mobile charges).
Quantum dynamics using the time-dependent Schrödinger equation
Authors: Nitzan Abraham
Published: June 2024

This chapter the reviews essential concepts and methods of time-dependent quantum mechanics. (1) Formal solutions of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation. (2) The two-level system. (3) Interacting systems: The time-dependent self-consistent field approximation and the Ehrenfest approximation. (4) The Born–Oppenheimer approximation and nuclear potential surfaces. (5) Time-dependent Hamiltonians: A two-level system in a time-dependent field. (6) Non-adiabatic dynamics: The surface-hopping method. (7) Expressing the time evolution in terms of the Green operator. (8) Representations (the Schrödinger and Heisenberg representations, the interaction representation). (9) Time-dependent perturbation theory. (10) Quantum dynamics of the free particles. (11) Quantum dynamics of the harmonic oscillator. (12) The raising/lowering operators formalism. (13) Tunneling.
Introduction to quantum relaxation processes
Authors: Nitzan Abraham
Published: June 2024

This chapter introduces the theory and practice of quantum relaxation and quantum steady state processes. (1) A simple quantum-mechanical model for relaxation. (2) Relaxation in the time domain. (3) The origin of irreversibility. (4) Preparation of the initial state. (5) The effect of relaxation on absorption lineshapes. (6) Relaxation in a two-level system model. (7) Relaxation of a quantum harmonic oscillator. (8) Quantum mechanics of steady states. (9) Resonance tunnelling
The quantum mechanical density operator and its time evolution
Authors: Nitzan Abraham
Published: June 2024

This chapter introduces the density operator and the Liouville equation and outlines how reduced dynamical description of open quantum systems naturally leads to the appearance of relaxation processes. (1) The density operator and the quantum Liouville equation (the density matrix for a pure system, statistical mixtures, representations, coherences, thermodynamic equilibrium). (2) An example: The time evolution of a two-level system in the density matrix formalism. (3) Reduced descriptions. (4) Time evolution equations for reduced density operators: The quantum master equation (projection operators, The Nakajima–Zwanzig equation, Derivation of the quantum master equation using the thermal projector, The quantum master equation in the interaction representation, The Markovian limit—the Redfield equation, The secular approximation and the Lindblad equation). (5) The Lindblad equation in the ‘Heisenberg representation’. (6) Relaxation of a two-level system and a harmonic oscillator revisited. (7) The optically driven two-level system in a thermal environment—the Bloch equations. (8) The oscillating dipole model of a two-level molecule. (9) Analogy of a coupled two-level system to a spin ½ system in a magnetic field.
Electron transfer and transmission at molecule–metal and molecule–semiconductor interfaces
Authors: Nitzan Abraham
Published: June 2024

This chapter applies electron transfer theory to electrochemical system (electron transfer at a metal electrode) and molecular junctions (electron transmission between metal electrodes). (1) Electrochemical electron transfer (the electrochemical measurement, electron transfer at an electrode surface, the nuclear reorganization, dependence on the electrode potential: Tafel plots, electron transfer at the semiconductor–electrolyte interface). (2) Molecular conduction (models for molecular conduction, conduction of a molecular junction, the bias potential distribution, the one-level bridge model, a bridge with several independent levels, experimental statistics, the tight binding bridge model). (3) A formal theory of molecular conduction and current noise (electronic junction dynamics in occupation number representation, steady-state current in the one-level bridge model, current noise in the one-level bridge model).
Spectroscopy
Authors: Nitzan Abraham
Published: June 2024

This chapter focuses on spectroscopic applications of time dependent quantum mechanics focusing on molecular spectroscopy in condensed phases. (1) Molecular spectroscopy in the dressed state picture. (2) Resonance Raman scattering. (3) Resonance energy transfer. (4) Collective excitation and emission. (5) Thermal relaxation and dephasing (the Bloch equations, relaxation of a prepared state, dephasing (decoherence), the absorption lineshape, homogeneous and inhomogeneous broadening, motional narrowing, thermal effects in resonance Raman scattering). (6) A case study: Resonance Raman scattering and fluorescence from Azulene in a Naphthalene matrix. (7) Probing inhomogeneous bands (hole-burning spectroscopy, photon echoes, single-molecule spectroscopy. (8) Optical response functions.
Molecular spectroscopy at dielectric interfaces
Authors: Nitzan Abraham
Published: June 2024

Molecular spectroscopy at dielectric interfaces (this includes metals at optical frequencies) has become a subject of central interest as observations of molecular response to light in the presence of plasmon and optical cavity modes became abundant. This new field still poses many open questions and this chapter focuses on observations and theoretical considerations for which consensus in understanding has been reached. (1) Electrodynamics at metal interfaces. (2) Plasmons. (3) Cavity modes; transmission and reflection in a Fabry–Perot cavity. (4) Resonance interaction in the oscillating dipoles model (the local field, relaxation rates, Raman scattering, resonance energy transfer). (5) Strong coupling. (6) Radiative and non-radiative decay rates. (7) Collective effects.
Strategic Judicial Empowerment
Authors: Tew Yvonne
Published: June 2024

When courts seek to strengthen their own institutional power, they often need to be strategic. In many fraught political contexts, judiciaries lack a history of asserting authority against powerful political actors. How can courts with fragile authority establish and enhance judicial power? This Article explores the phenomenon of strategic judicial empowerment, offering an account of how and when courts deploy various strategies aimed at enhancing their institutional position vis-à-vis other branches of government. Drawing on examples from apex courts in Pakistan, Malawi, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom, it explores the ways in which judges use tools of statecraft to increase the effectiveness of their decisions and enhance their role in the constitutional order.

The Article explores the particular strategies that courts might employ in service of self-empowerment: first, a strategy of maxi-minimalism features Marbury-style maximalist reasoning that expands judicial power while issuing a narrow ruling to avoid political backlash; second, an inverse strategy of mini-maximalism involves formalistic, orthodox doctrine that downplays the expansion of judicial power, even as a court delivers a decision of immediate consequence; third, a strategy of coalition-building that aids a judiciary in seeking allies in other institutional stakeholders; fourth, a rhetorical strategy that courts may use to craft a constitutional narrative of popular salience; and, fifth, a unanimous, single-voice decision that provides the optics of a unified judicial front. This Article also considers the conditions that tend to give rise to instances of judicial self-empowerment. Courts in diverse contexts tend to assert themselves, for example, when their own institutional turf is threatened, during moments of political or constitutional crisis, when judges can capitalize on popular support for the outcome of a ruling, and under an influential judicial leader mindful of establishing a legacy.
Advances in integrating single-cell sequencing data to unravel the mechanism of ferroptosis in cancer
Authors: Du Zhaolan , Shi Yi , Tan Jianjun
Published: June 2024

Ferroptosis, a commonly observed type of programmed cell death caused by abnormal metabolic and biochemical mechanisms, is frequently triggered by cellular stress. The occurrence of ferroptosis is predominantly linked to pathophysiological conditions due to the substantial impact of various metabolic pathways, including fatty acid metabolism and iron regulation, on cellular reactions to lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis. This mode of cell death serves as a fundamental factor in the development of numerous diseases, thereby presenting a range of therapeutic targets. Single-cell sequencing technology provides insights into the cellular and molecular characteristics of individual cells, as opposed to bulk sequencing, which provides data in a more generalized manner. Single-cell sequencing has found extensive application in the field of cancer research. This paper reviews the progress made in ferroptosis-associated cancer research using single-cell sequencing, including ferroptosis-associated pathways, immune checkpoints, biomarkers, and the identification of cell clusters associated with ferroptosis in tumors. In general, the utilization of single-cell sequencing technology has the potential to contribute significantly to the investigation of the mechanistic regulatory pathways linked to ferroptosis. Moreover, it can shed light on the intricate connection between ferroptosis and cancer. This technology holds great promise in advancing tumor-wide diagnosis, targeted therapy, and prognosis prediction.
Explaining slow seizure propagation with white matter tractography
Authors: Azeem Abdullah , Abdallah Chifaou , von Ellenrieder Nicolás , El Kosseifi Charbel , Frauscher Birgit , Gotman Jean
Published: June 2024

Epileptic seizures recorded with stereo-EEG can take a fraction of a second or several seconds to propagate from one region to another. What explains such propagation patterns? We combine tractography and stereo-EEG to determine the relationship between seizure propagation and the white matter architecture and to describe seizure propagation mechanisms.

Patient-specific spatiotemporal seizure propagation maps were combined with tractography from diffusion imaging of matched subjects from the Human Connectome Project. The onset of seizure activity was marked on a channel-by-channel basis by two board-certified neurologists for all channels involved in the seizure. We measured the tract connectivity (number of tracts) between regions-of-interest pairs among the seizure onset zone, regions of seizure spread and non-involved regions. We also investigated how tract-connected the seizure onset zone is to regions of early seizure spread compared with regions of late spread. Comparisons were made after correcting for differences in distance.

Sixty-nine seizures were marked across 26 patients with drug-resistant epilepsy; 11 were seizure free after surgery (Engel IA) and 15 were not (Engel IB–Engel IV). The seizure onset zone was more tract-connected to regions of seizure spread than to non-involved regions (P < 0.0001); however, regions of seizure spread were not differentially tract-connected to other regions of seizure spread compared with non-involved regions. In seizure-free patients only, regions of seizure spread were more tract-connected to the seizure onset zone than to other regions of spread (P < 0.0001). Over the temporal evolution of a seizure, the seizure onset zone was significantly more tract-connected to regions of early spread compared with regions of late spread in seizure-free patients only (P < 0.0001).

By integrating information on structure, we demonstrate that seizure propagation is likely to be mediated by white matter tracts. The pattern of connectivity between seizure onset zone, regions of spread and non-involved regions demonstrates that the onset zone might be largely responsible for seizures propagating throughout the brain, rather than seizures propagating to intermediate points, from which further propagation takes place. Our findings also suggest that seizure propagation over seconds might be the result of a continuous bombardment of action potentials from the seizure onset zone to regions of spread. In non-seizure-free patients, the paucity of tracts from the presumed seizure onset zone to regions of spread suggests that the onset zone was missed. Fully understanding the structure–propagation relationship might eventually provide insight into selecting the correct targets for epilepsy surgery.
Predicting conversion from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s disease: a multimodal approach
Authors: Agostinho Daniel , Simões Marco , Castelo-Branco Miguel
Published: June 2024

Successively predicting whether mild cognitive impairment patients will progress to Alzheimer’s disease is of significant clinical relevance. This ability may provide information that can be leveraged by emerging intervention approaches and thus mitigate some of the negative effects of the disease. Neuroimaging biomarkers have gained some attention in recent years and may be useful in predicting the conversion of mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s disease. We implemented a novel multi-modal approach that allowed us to evaluate the potential of different imaging modalities, both alone and in different degrees of combinations, in predicting the conversion to Alzheimer’s disease of mild cognitive impairment patients. We applied this approach to the imaging data from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative that is a multi-modal imaging dataset comprised of MRI, Fluorodeoxyglucose PET, Florbetapir PET and diffusion tensor imaging. We included a total of 480 mild cognitive impairment patients that were split into two groups: converted and stable. Imaging data were segmented into atlas-based regions of interest, from which relevant features were extracted for the different imaging modalities and used to construct machine-learning models to classify mild cognitive impairment patients into converted or stable, using each of the different imaging modalities independently. The models were then combined, using a simple weight fusion ensemble strategy, to evaluate the complementarity of different imaging modalities and their contribution to the prediction accuracy of the models. The single-modality findings revealed that the model, utilizing features extracted from Florbetapir PET, demonstrated the highest performance with a balanced accuracy of 83.51%. Concerning multi-modality models, not all combinations enhanced mild cognitive impairment conversion prediction. Notably, the combination of MRI with Fluorodeoxyglucose PET emerged as the most promising, exhibiting an overall improvement in predictive capabilities, achieving a balanced accuracy of 78.43%. This indicates synergy and complementarity between the two imaging modalities in predicting mild cognitive impairment conversion. These findings suggest that β-amyloid accumulation provides robust predictive capabilities, while the combination of multiple imaging modalities has the potential to surpass certain single-modality approaches. Exploring modality-specific biomarkers, we identified the brainstem as a sensitive biomarker for both MRI and Fluorodeoxyglucose PET modalities, implicating its involvement in early Alzheimer’s pathology. Notably, the corpus callosum and adjacent cortical regions emerged as potential biomarkers, warranting further study into their role in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
Whitexicans, or the racial politics of digital culture in Mexico
Authors: Llamas-Rodriguez Juan
Published: June 2024

This article critically analyzes the term “whitexican,” a neologism (white + Mexican) used to provide satirical and/or critical commentary about the online behaviors of the White, wealthy classes in Mexico. I build on theories of race and language in Latin America to propose reading whitexican not only as a social media vernacular but also as a heuristic to examine more widespread struggles over class, race, and indigeneity as they take shape across new media platforms in Mexico. My analysis presents three related sources of evidence: user-generated content satirized by the Cosas de Whitexicans account, political cartoons that reference the term, and celebrity posts that use the term in anti-racist activism or that express backlash against it. Through this analysis, I demonstrate an emergent vernacular conception of Whiteness connected to yet distinct from US–European contexts and illustrate how online media interactions continue to shape the process of racialization in different national contexts.
Effects of genetics on odor perception: Can a quick smell test effectively screen everyone?
Authors: Hunter Stephanie R , Lin Cailu , Nguyen Ha , Hannum Mackenzie E , Bell Katherine , Huang Amy , Joseph Paule V , Parma Valentina , Dalton Pamela H , Reed Danielle R
Published: June 2024

SCENTinel, a rapid smell test designed to screen for olfactory disorders, including anosmia (no ability to smell an odor) and parosmia (distorted sense of smell), measures 4 components of olfactory function: detection, intensity, identification, and pleasantness. Each test card contains one of 9 odorant mixtures. Some people born with genetic insensitivities to specific odorants (i.e. specific anosmia) may fail the test if they cannot smell an odorant but otherwise have a normal sense of smell. However, using odorant mixtures has largely been found to prevent this from happening. To better understand whether genetic differences affect SCENTinel test results, we asked genetically informative adult participants (twins or triplets, N = 630; singletons, N = 370) to complete the SCENTinel test. A subset of twins (n = 304) also provided a saliva sample for genotyping. We examined data for differences between the 9 possible SCENTinel odors; effects of age, sex, and race on SCENTinel performance, test–retest variability; and heritability using both structured equation modeling and SNP-based statistical methods. None of these strategies provided evidence for specific anosmia for any of the odors, but ratings of pleasantness were, in part, genetically determined (h2 = 0.40) and were nominally associated with alleles of odorant receptors (e.g. OR2T33 and OR1G1; P < 0.001). These results provide evidence that using odorant mixtures protected against effects of specific anosmia for ratings of intensity but that ratings of pleasantness showed effects of inheritance, possibly informed by olfactory receptor genotypes.
The impact of previous endoscopic treatments on functional outcome after cricotracheal resection
Authors: Evermann Matthias , Schweiger Thomas , Kranebitter Veronika , Roesner Imme , Aigner Clemens , Denk-Linnert Doris-Maria , Hoetzenecker Konrad
Published: June 2024

OBJECTIVES

Treatment options for benign subglottic stenosis include endoscopic techniques or open surgery. Although endoscopic treatment is less invasive, a considerable proportion of patients develop recurrent stenosis. Endoscopic pretreatments do not exclude patients from a later surgical repair; however, the impact of previous endoscopic treatment attempts on functional outcome after open surgery is unknown.

METHODS

All patients, who received a cricotracheal resection (CTR) between January 2017 and June 2023 at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, were included in this retrospective study. Patient characteristics, surgical variables and postoperative outcome including a detailed functional assessment were analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 65 patients received a CTR during the study period, of which 40 were treatment naïve and 25 had a median of 2 (range 1–9) endoscopic pretreatments. Less-invasive voice-sparing CTR or standard CTR were more often possible in treatment-naïve patients. In contrary, pretreated patients regularly required extended procedures (P = 0.049). Three or more endoscopic treatments resulted in a significantly lower mean fundamental frequency (F0) after open repair (P = 0.048). In addition, a trend towards smaller mean sound pressure levels, a higher voice handicap index, higher impairments in RBH scores (roughness, breathing and hoarseness) and a higher dysphagia severity index was found in pretreated patients. The respiratory outcome after surgery was comparable between both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple endoscopic pretreatments lead to worse voice quality after CTR. The impact of prior endoscopic treatment before surgical repair should be considered when discussing treatment options with patients suffering from subglottic stenosis.
Effect of myocardial bridging on preoperative atrial fibrillation and survival in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Nie C , Lu Z Y , Zhu C S , Meng Y H , Wang S Y
Published: June 2024

Background

Myocardial bridging (MB) was associated with various arrhythmia forms, however, the relationship between MB and preoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) in obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM) remains unknown.

Method

We recruited 968 consecutive patients with oHCM who underwent surgical myectomy, including 144 patients with MB and 822 patients without MB.

Result

Patients with MB were much younger (43.6 vs. 48.8 years, p < 0.001), more likely to have palpitation (37.4% vs. 25.5%, p = 0.003), had a lower incidence of hypertension (14.6% vs. 27.9% p = 0.001), a higher prevalence of AF (26.4% vs. 11.5%, p <0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of MB was independently associated with AF (Odds ratio [OR] 3.73; 95% Confidential interval [CI] 2.32-5.98, p < 0.001). In subgroup analysis, compared to patients with MB on the middle left anterior descending coronary (LAD), those with MB on the proximal LAD had a higher likelihood to develop AF (OR 4.22; 95% CI 1.40-12.68, p = 0.01). Moreover, MB compression (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.04-1.08, p = 0.013) and MB length (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.004-1.11, p = 0.034) were independently associated with a higher prevalence of AF after adjusting for age and left atrial diameter. Of 144 patients with MB, 100 of them underwent unroofing or coronary artery bypass graft. Compared to patients without MB, those with MB had a longer perfusion time (108.5±40.7 vs. 96.7±37.3, p<0.001) and cross-clamp time (75.2±28.3 vs.64.7±26.9, p<0.001). Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed no difference in all-cause death, new-onset AF and composite endpoints between patients with and without MB.

Conclusion

MB and its location, length, and compression degree were independently associated with an increased risk of preoperative AF in adult oHCM patients, which suggested that whether MB needed surgical treatment during septal myectomy should be considered.