bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of external magnetic field on the instability of THz plasma waves in nanoscale graphene field-effect transistors
Authors: Zhang 张 Liping 丽萍 , Sun 孙 Zongyao 宗耀 , Li 李 Jiani 佳妮 , Su 苏 Junyan 俊燕
Published: January 2024

The instability of plasma waves in the channel of field-effect transistors will cause the electromagnetic waves with THz frequency. Based on a self-consistent quantum hydrodynamic model, the instability of THz plasmas waves in the channel of graphene field-effect transistors has been investigated with external magnetic field and quantum effects. We analyzed the influence of weak magnetic fields, quantum effects, device size, and temperature on the instability of plasma waves under asymmetric boundary conditions numerically. The results show that the magnetic fields, quantum effects, and the thickness of the dielectric layer between the gate and the channel can increase the radiation frequency. Additionally, we observed that increase in temperature leads to a decrease in both oscillation frequency and instability increment. The numerical results and accompanying images obtained from our simulations provide support for the above conclusions.
Simulation of deuterium pellet ablation and deposition in the EAST tokamak with HPI2 code
Authors: Li 李 Da-Zheng 大正 , Zhang 张 Jie 洁 , Hou 侯 Ji-Lei 吉磊 , Li 李 Mao 懋 , Sun 孙 Ji-Zhong 继忠
Published: January 2024

Pellet injection is a primary method for fueling the plasma in magnetic confinement devices. For that goal the knowledges of pellet ablation and deposition profiles are critical. In the present study, the pellet fueling code HPI2 was used to predict the ablation and deposition profiles of deuterium pellets injected into a typical H-mode discharge on the EAST tokamak. Pellet ablation and deposition profiles were evaluated for various pellet injection locations, with the aim at optimizing the pellet injection to obtain a deep fueling depth. In this study, we investigate the effect of the injection angle on the deposition depth of the pellet at different velocities and sizes. The ablation and deposition of the injected pellet are mainly studied at each injection position for three different injection angles: 0°, 45°, and 60°. The pellet injection on the high field side (HFS) can achieve a more ideal deposition depth than on the low field side (LFS). Among these angles, horizontal injection on the middle plane is relatively better on either the HFS or the LFS. When the injection location is 0.468 m below the middle plane on the HFS or 0.40 m above the middle plane of the LFS, it can achieve a similar deposition depth to the one of its corresponding side. When the pre-cooling effect is taken into account, the deposition depth is predicted to increase only slightly when the pellet is launched from the HFS. The findings of this study will serve as a reference for the update of pellet injection systems for the EAST tokamak.
Analysis of pseudo-random number generators in QMC-SSE method
Authors: Liu 刘 Dong-Xu 东旭 , Xu 徐 Wei 维 , Zhang 张 Xue-Feng 学锋
Published: January 2024

In the quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) method, the pseudo-random number generator (PRNG) plays a crucial role in determining the computation time. However, the hidden structure of the PRNG may lead to serious issues such as the breakdown of the Markov process. Here, we systematically analyze the performance of different PRNGs on the widely used QMC method known as the stochastic series expansion (SSE) algorithm. To quantitatively compare them, we introduce a quantity called QMC efficiency that can effectively reflect the efficiency of the algorithms. After testing several representative observables of the Heisenberg model in one and two dimensions, we recommend the linear congruential generator as the best choice of PRNG. Our work not only helps improve the performance of the SSE method but also sheds light on the other Markov-chain-based numerical algorithms.
The SparkPix-S ASIC for the sparsified readout of 1 MHz frame-rate X-ray cameras at LCLS-II: pixel design and simulation results
Authors: Rota L. , Mele F. , Habib A. , Kim H. , King P. , Markovic B. , Peña Perez A. , Dragone A.
Published: January 2024

Exploiting the “sparse” nature of the information in XPCS (X-ray Photon Correlation Spectroscopy) and XSVS (Speckle Visibility Spectroscopy) experiments, we present the SparkPix-S, a 3-sides buttable Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) based on a sparsified readout strategy for large-format hybrid detectors. The SparkPix-S architecture, based on the successful ePix family, will be composed as follows: a front-end 2-D matrix of 384×352 square pixels with 50 µm pitch is arranged to match the dimensions of a PIN Si-sensor matrix; charge readout, signal shaping and amplitude discrimination is performed at pixel-level, by means of a low-power (<18 µW) analog processor, which, in case of an event, negotiates access to an analog bus placed every other column; on the chip periphery (balcony), the information on each bus is digitized by an array of successive approximation analog-to-digital converters (SAR-ADCs) running at 10 Msps; on the digital back-end the global logic will generate the output data stream using low-voltage differential signalling (LVDS).
A first prototype of the SparkPix-S, with a reduced matrix size of 96×96 pixels, is currently under production on a 130 nm CMOS technology. Simulated performance results show an equivalent noise charge <60 el. r.m.s. at 1 MHz repetition rate, with a maximum input energy of 60 keV and capability to discriminate charge signals with equivalent energy as low as 900 eV.
Balancing gain and dynamic range in a 25 µm pitch hybrid pixel detector
Authors: Heymes J. , Barten R. , Baruffaldi F. , Bergamaschi A. , Brückner M. , Carulla M. , Dinapoli R. , Ebner S. , Fröjdh E. , Greiffenberg D. , Hasanaj S. , Hinger V. , King T. , Kozłowski P. , Lopez-Cuenca C. , Mezza D. , Moustakas K. , Mozzanica A. , Paton K.A. , Ruder C. , Schmitt B. , Thattil D. , Xie X. , Zhang J.
Published: January 2024

MÖNCH is a hybrid pixel detector featuring 25 µm pixel pitch and analogue readout for X-ray imaging at synchrotron radiation (SR) facilities. Sub-pixel spatial resolution has been demonstrated using charge sharing and interpolation algorithms. The current prototype version, MÖNCH0.4, features 19 different pixel architectures to assess the design choices and components for an optimised architecture to be used at SR facilities, and to explore the potential use of dynamic gain switching in fine pitch pixels for applications at X-ray free electron lasers (XFELs).

Previous characterisation results of the pixel architectures without dynamic gain switching have shown noise levels as low as 21.7 e- r.m.s., which have now been pushed to sub-20 e- r.m.s at room temperature using standard 300 µm-thick silicon sensors. Achieving low noise values however requires high conversion gain and necessitates design choices such as the simplification of the pixel architecture (e.g. by limiting the available choice of in-pixel gains). These compromises ultimately restrain the available dynamic range and prevent the use of MÖNCH with low-gain avalanche diodes (LGADs) or high-Z sensors because of the large signals (internal amplification and high photon energies, respectively) and of large leakage currents.

In this paper, we will introduce the MÖNCH project followed by a description of the current prototype along with characterisation results of the pixel architectures without dynamic gain switching for synchrotron applications with an emphasis on noise and dynamic range. These experimental results will be used to fine-tune the design of MÖNCH0.5 to validate the final pixel design. This small prototype should also include additional features from the continuous developments of the PSD detector group towards a full-scale 2 × 3 cm2 MÖNCH1.0.
Development of a negative helium ion source with non-metallic charge exchange
Authors: Jackle Philip , Bunevich Aleksei , Silva Lopez Diego , Kavanagh Karen L. , Dehnel Morgan
Published: January 2024

Negative helium ion (He−) beams are required for tandem accelerators used at research centers and implanter facilities. The common production method of such beams involves charge exchange between a positive helium ion (He+) source or beam, with a low pressure alkali metal vapour. However, the efficiency of this reaction is poor (only a small percentage) and the alkali metal vapour increases the potential flammability of the interior surfaces of the reaction chamber, as well as contributing to unwanted electrostatic discharge and target contamination downstream. In this paper we describe initial results from experiments using a focused He+ ion microscope (HIM) to measure charge uptake efficiencies after transmission through carbon membranes. The He+ beam (15 keV to 30 keV, 50 fA to 10 pA) collides with a non-metallic foil, and transmitted particles (He+, He0, and He−) are separated electrostatically into discrete beam spots and detected using a radiation camera (AdvaCam MiniPIX). A He− percentage uptake of 0.05 was observed using a 20 nm exfoliated graphite membrane consistent with previous reports. Future work will investigate the efficiency of charge exchange through other suitable membrane materials.
Alpha heating and avalanche effect simulations for low density proton-boron fusion plasma
Authors: Moustaizis S. , Daponta C. , Eliezer S. , Henis Z. , Lalousis P. , Nissim N. , Schweitzer Y.
Published: January 2024

The initial interest in p-11B fusion, which produces three (3) alpha particles with
total energy of 8.7 MeV, was regained the last few years, due to the important experimental
measurements on alpha particle production and theoretical and numerical investigations. The
re-evaluation of proton-boron fusion, as an important vector for “aneutronic” energy production,
is based on the consideration of the “chain reactions alpha heating effect and the related
avalanche effect”, as the important process, for the increase of the fusion species (p, 11B)
temperatures, to temperatures corresponding to the optimump-11B fusion cross
sections. Investigation of ignition and self-sustained conditions for low density (∼
1020 m-3) proton-boron fusion plasmas is an interesting study topic for application in
magnetic confinement. We use a multi-fluid, global particle and energy balance code, describing
the temporal evolution of the physical parameters of the fusion medium, as a function of the
initial conditions of density and temperature of the fusion species (p, 11B). For the
establishment of the distinct contribution role of the avalanche effect in proton-boron fusion, we
explore cases of low (<100 keV) and high (>100 keV) initial p-11B medium
temperatures. For these temperature cases, density ratios np
/nB
 > 1
between the
fusion species (p, 11B) are considered, for the optimization of Bremsstrahlung radiation
losses. Simulations using the multi-fluid code in a low density p-11B medium with np
/nB
 > 1, enable the evaluation of the initial temperatures range, which is necessary
for the temporal increase of the alpha density, the rapid improvement in the p-11B fusion
reaction rate (RR), the temperature rise of the fusion species (p, 11B) and the achievement
of higher than 1 Q (Pf
/P
Brems) values, due to the manifestation of the avalanche
effect.In the case of high initial fusion medium temperatures in the range: 150 keV ≤ T
in ≤ 350 keV, the chain reactions alpha heating effect and the related avalanche effect
contribute to the maintenance and the rise of the fusion species (p, 11B) temperature to high
values, for ignition and self-sustained fusion (Q > 1).
CRaTeBo: a high-speed, radiation-tolerant and versatile testing platform for FPGA radiation qualification for high-energy particle accelerator applications
Authors: Scialdone A. , Gkountoumis P. , Ferraro R. , Barros Marin M. , Dilillo L. , Saigne F. , Boch J. , Danzeca S. , Masi A.
Published: January 2024

The CHARM Radiation Tolerant FPGA Tester Board (CRaTeBo) is
a FPGA testing platform for the CERN High-energy Accelerator (CHARM)
irradiation facility. It is meant to ease the radiation testing of
FPGA-based systems by providing users with a radiation-tolerant
carrier card featuring an FPGA interface, a high-speed communication
interface, a flexible power supply, and an HPC-FMC connector for
additional front-end electronics. It is foreseen to be a permanent
installation in the CHARM facility at CERN, giving users the
possibility to carry out radiation tests of their system with
minimum effort on the test setup development.
Why would you put a flashlight in a dark matter detector?
Authors: Gibbons R. , Chen H. , Haselschwardt S.J. , Xia Q. , Sorensen P.
Published: January 2024

Silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) are solid-state,
single-photon sensitive, pixelated sensors whose usage for
scintillation detection has rapidly increased over the past decade.
It is known that the avalanche process within the device, which
renders a single photon detectable, can also generate secondary
photons which may be detected by a separate device. This effect,
known as external crosstalk, could potentially degrade the science
goals of future xenon dark matter experiments. In this article, we
measure the effect of external crosstalk in a dual-phase, liquid
xenon time projection chamber fully instrumented with SiPMs. We
then consider the implications for a future xenon dark matter
experiment utilizing SiPMs and discuss possible solutions.
Low-temperature crosslinked soluble polyimide as a dielectric for organic thin-film transistors: enhanced electrical stability and performance
Authors: Yoo Sungmi , Kim Kyeongmin , Kim Cho Long , Choi Seong Hun , Won Jong Chan , Ahn Taek , Kim Yun Ho
Published: January 2024

We have prepared a low-temperature cross-linked soluble polyimide (SPI) as a dielectric material for organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) to improve their electrical stability. Two types of SPIs (DOCDA/6FHAB and 6FDA/6FHAB) were synthesized by a one-step polymerization process using 5-(2,5-dioxytetrahydrofuryl)-3-methyl-3-cyclohexene-1,2-dicarboxylic anhydride (DOCDA) and hexafluoroisopropylidene diphthalic anhydride (6FDA) as the dianhydrides and 2,2-bis(3-amino-4-hydroxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane (6FHAB) as a diamine. To further enhance the electrical performance, the SPI thin films were crosslinked with methylated/ethylated (hydroxymethyl)benzoguanamine (HMBG) through a low temperature process at 160 °C. Crosslinking considerably improved the insulating properties, resulting in a substantial reduction in leakage current from 10−7 A cm−2 to 10−9 A cm−2 at 2.0 MV cm−1. When crosslinked SPIs were used as gate dielectrics in OTFTs, device stability and reliability, as measured by the off-current, threshold voltage, and hysteresis, improved significantly. Our results demonstrate the potential of crosslinked SPIs as effective gate dielectric materials for advanced organic thin-film transistors.
Structure design and advantage research for bidirectional synchronous force-increasing EMB actuator
Authors: Yang Kun , Chen Lizhi , Chen Yu , Ma Chao , Tan Di , Wang Wei
Published: January 2024

Electro-Mechanical Brake (EMB) can provide an ideal brake actuator for the active braking system of intelligent vehicles and the decoupled regenerative braking system of new energy vehicles. In order to solve the problem of large volume, weight, and axial size of the existing EMB actuator, a novel bidirectional synchronous force-increasing EMB (BSF-EMB) actuator scheme is proposed. Based on the maximum required braking force of the target vehicle under emergency braking conditions and the limitation of installation space in the wheel hub. The rotary motor and the ball screw are selected, the force-increasing mechanism parameters calculation and structure design are completed. In order to minimize the difference between the force-increasing ratio of the two-stage force-increasing mechanism and the lever force-increasing mechanism. The parameters of the force-increasing mechanism are optimized based on the weight adaptive particle swarm optimization algorithm. The three-dimensional model of the EMB actuator is established. In addition, when the required braking force is the same, the mass and volume of the BSF-EMB actuator can be decreased by about 43.4% and 55.8%, compared with the existing planetary gear force-increasing EMB (PGF-EMB) actuator scheme. Therefore, the BSF-EMB actuator can effectively decrease the unsprung mass of the vehicle and resolve the issue of limited installation space in the wheel hub of compact vehicles. The EMB models for two EMB actuator structures are built based on MATLAB/Simulink, and the EMB braking response speed and tracking performance of braking force are compared. The simulation results show that the braking response speed of the BSF-EMB actuator can be increased by 11%, 10.6%, 12.7%, and 14% compared to the PGF-EMB actuator under emergence braking condition and other three general service braking conditions, and the braking force adjustment is more precise. Finally, the effectiveness for the control strategy is verified by hardware in loop (HIL) experiment under sin wave input condition for braking force. The related research can provide reference for the design and application of EMB.
Predicting drug–target binding affinity with cross-scale graph contrastive learning
Authors: Wang Jingru , Xiao Yihang , Shang Xuequn , Peng Jiajie
Published: January 2024

Identifying the binding affinity between a drug and its target is essential in drug discovery and repurposing. Numerous computational approaches have been proposed for understanding these interactions. However, most existing methods only utilize either the molecular structure information of drugs and targets or the interaction information of drug–target bipartite networks. They may fail to combine the molecule-scale and network-scale features to obtain high-quality representations. In this study, we propose CSCo-DTA, a novel cross-scale graph contrastive learning approach for drug-target binding affinity prediction. The proposed model combines features learned from the molecular scale and the network scale to capture information from both local and global perspectives. We conducted experiments on two benchmark datasets, and the proposed model outperformed existing state-of-art methods. The ablation experiment demonstrated the significance and efficacy of multi-scale features and cross-scale contrastive learning modules in improving the prediction performance. Moreover, we applied the CSCo-DTA to predict the novel potential targets for Erlotinib and validated the predicted targets with the molecular docking analysis.
Roles of histone post-translational modifications in meiosis
Authors: Nie Hui , Kong Xueyu , Song Xiaoyu , Guo Xiaoyu , Li Zhanyu , Fan Cunxian , Zhai Binyuan , Yang Xiao , Wang Ying
Published: January 2024

Histone post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, methylation, acetylation, and ubiquitination, play vital roles in various chromatin-based cellular processes. Meiosis is crucial for organisms that depend on sexual reproduction to produce haploid gametes, during which chromatin undergoes intricate conformational changes. An increasing body of evidence is clarifying the essential roles of histone post-translational modifications during meiotic divisions. In this review, we concentrate on the post-translational modifications of H2A, H2B, H3, and H4, as well as the linker histone H1, that are required for meiosis, and summarize recent progress in understanding how these modifications influence diverse meiotic events. Finally, challenges and exciting open questions for future research in this field are discussed.

Summary Sentence 

Diverse histone post-translational modifications exert important effects on the meiotic cell cycle and these “histone codes” in meiosis might lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies against reproductive diseases.
Time to bring female genital schistosomiasis out of neglect
Authors: Lamberti Olimpia , Bozzani Fiammetta , Kiyoshi Kita , Bustinduy Amaya L
Published: January 2024

Background

Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) is a chronic gynaecological disease affecting girls and women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), caused by the parasite Schistosoma (S.) haematobium. FGS is associated with sexual dysfunction, reproductive tract morbidity and increased prevalence of HIV and cervical precancer lesions.

Source of data

Key peer-reviewed published literature.

Areas of agreement

FGS screening and diagnosis require costly equipment and specialized training, seldom available in resource-limited settings. FGS surveillance is not included in wider schistosomiasis control strategies. The interplay of FGS with other SRH infections is not fully understood. Integration of FGS within sexual and reproductive health (SRH) control programmes needs to be explored.

Areas of controversy

There are no standardized methods for individual or population-based FGS screening and diagnosis, hindering accurate disease burden estimates and targeted resource allocation. Treatment recommendations rely on public health guidelines, without rigorous clinical evidence on efficacy.

Growing points

Integrating FGS screening with SRH programmes offers an opportunity to reach at-risk women with limited access to healthcare services. Home-based self-sampling coupled with handheld colposcopes operated by primary healthcare workers show promise for FGS diagnosis and surveillance at scale.

Areas timely for developing research

There is growing interest in decentralizing strategies for FGS screening and diagnosis. The accurate predictions on the ‘cost-effectiveness’ of these approaches will determine their affordability and feasibility within the overburdened health systems in SSA. Clinical trials are needed to optimize FGS treatment. Longitudinal studies can expand on the epidemiological knowledge on co-morbidities and integration within other SRH interventions.
Comprehensive exploration of multi-modal and multi-branch imaging markers for autism diagnosis and interpretation: insights from an advanced deep learning model
Authors: Gao Jingjing , Xu Yuhang , Li Yanling , Lu Fengmei , Wang Zhengning
Published: January 2024

Autism spectrum disorder is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with diverse genetic and brain involvement. Despite magnetic resonance imaging advances, autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and understanding its neurogenetic factors remain challenging. We propose a dual-branch graph neural network that effectively extracts and fuses features from bimodalities, achieving 73.9% diagnostic accuracy. To explain the mechanism distinguishing autism spectrum disorder from healthy controls, we establish a perturbation model for brain imaging markers and perform a neuro-transcriptomic joint analysis using partial least squares regression and enrichment to identify potential genetic biomarkers. The perturbation model identifies brain imaging markers related to structural magnetic resonance imaging in the frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes, while functional magnetic resonance imaging markers primarily reside in the frontal, temporal, occipital lobes, and cerebellum. The neuro-transcriptomic joint analysis highlights genes associated with biological processes, such as “presynapse,” “behavior,” and “modulation of chemical synaptic transmission” in autism spectrum disorder’s brain development. Different magnetic resonance imaging modalities offer complementary information for autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. Our dual-branch graph neural network achieves high accuracy and identifies abnormal brain regions and the neuro-transcriptomic analysis uncovers important genetic biomarkers. Overall, our study presents an effective approach for assisting in autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and identifying genetic biomarkers, showing potential for enhancing the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
Ensemble of Deep Features for Breast Cancer Histopathological Image Classification
Authors: Atwan Jaffar , Almansour Nedaa , Hashem Ryalat Mohammad , Sahran Shahnorbanun , Aldabbas Hamza , Albashish Dheeb
Published: January 2024

Analysis of histopathological images (HIs) is crucial for detecting breast cancer (BR). However, because they vary, it is still very difficult to extract well-designed elements. Deep learning (DL) is a recent development that is used to extract high-level features. However, DL techniques continue to confront several difficult problems, such as the need for sufficient training data for DL models, which reduces the classification findings. In this study, an ensemble deep transfer convolutional neural network is presented to address this problem. The pre-trained models (ResNet50 and MobileNet) are employed to extract high-level features by freezing the front layer parameters while fine-tuning the last layers. In the proposed ensemble framework, KNN, SVM, logistic regression and neural networks are used as base classifiers. The majority vote and product approaches are used to integrate the predictions of each separate classifier. In the benchmark BreaKHis dataset, the suggested ensemble model is compared to some current approaches. It demonstrates that while the ensemble model obtains a considerable accuracy of 97.72% for the multiclass classification test, it achieves an accuracy of 99.2% for the binary task. The suggested ensemble model’s effectiveness in extracting useful features for BR images is demonstrated by comparison with existing cutting-edge models.
Hybrid ITÖ Algorithm for Maximum Scatter Colored Traveling Salesman Problem
Authors: Dong Xueshi , Lin Qing , Wang Wei
Published: January 2024

This research presents a new problem maximum scatter colored traveling salesman problem (MSCTSP), the objective of MSCTSP is to find Hamiltonian cycles with the minimal edge as max as possible, it is used to simulate the real-world applications of network and transport. Since MSCTSP has been proved to be a NP-hard problem, population-based algorithms can be used for solving it. However, the performances are not satisfactory. Thus, it is necessary to develop novel algorithms to obtain high quality feasible solution. Based on the above reason, the paper proposes a novel hybrid ITÖ (HITÖ) algorithm, which integrates the two new strategies: crossover operator and mutation strategy, into the standard ITÖ. In the iteration course of HITÖ, the dual-chromosome coding is used to code a feasible solution of MSCTSP, and the stochastic drift and volatility operators are used to explore and exploit new unknown region. During the process, drift operator is performed by crossover operator, volatility operator is carried out by mutation strategy, and they are both affected by activity intensity of particles which functionally depends on the radius and temperature. Experiments display HITÖ shows an improvement over comparative algorithms on solution quality.
Developing expressive language skills of deaf students through specialized writing instruction
Authors: Wolbers Kimberly A , Dostal Hannah M , Holcomb Leala , Spurgin Kelsey
Published: January 2024

Writing is an essential element of literacy development, and language plays a central role in the composing process, including developing, organizing, and refining ideas. Language and writing are interconnected, making it paramount for educators to attend to the development of deaf students’ language skills. In this quasi-experimental study, we examined the impact of strategic and interactive pedagogical approaches, namely Strategic and Interactive Writing Instruction, implemented with deaf students in grades 3–6 to develop genre-specific traits in their expressive language (spoken or signed) and writing. In this study, a total of 16 teachers and their 69 students participated in the treatment and comparison groups. Expressive language and writing samples were collected at the beginning and end of the year for three different genres. Students in the treatment group showed statistically significant gains in their expressive and written language for recount and information genres when compared to students in the comparison group. There was not a significant treatment effect on persuasive expressive language or writing. In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between expressive language and writing at both time points across all three genres. This study provides evidence on the importance of attending to language skills during literacy instruction.
Cholinesterase inhibitors are associated with reduced mortality in patients with Alzheimer's disease and previous myocardial infarction
Authors: Shahim Bahira , Xu Hong , Haugaa Kristina , Zetterberg Henrik , Jurga Juliane , Religa Dorota , Eriksdotter Maria
Published: January 2024

Background

Cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) are the first-line symptomatic pharmacologic treatment for patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although the target organ for this group of drugs is the brain, inhibition of the enzyme may affect cardiac function through vagotonic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Objective

To assess the impact of ChEIs on outcomes in patients with AD who have experienced myocardial infarction (MI) prior to the AD diagnosis.

Methods

Patients who had experienced MI before they were diagnosed with AD or Alzheimer's mixed dementia between 2008 and 2018 were identified from the Swedish Dementia Registry (SveDem, www.svedem.se), which was linked to the National Patient Registry to obtain data on MI and mortality. Cox proportional hazards regression model among a propensity score-matched dataset was performed to assess the association between ChEI treatment and clinical outcomes.

Results

Of 3198 patients with previous MI and a diagnosis of AD or mixed dementia, 1705 (53%) were on treatment with ChEIs. Patients treated with ChEIs were more likely to be younger and have a better overall cardiovascular (CV) risk profile. The incidence rate of all-cause death (per 1000 patient-years) in the propensity-matched cohort of 1016 ChEI users and 1016 non-users was 168.6 in patients on treatment with ChEIs compared with 190.7 in patients not on treatment with ChEIs. In this propensity-matched cohort, treatment with ChEIs was associated with a significantly lower risk of all-cause death (adjusted hazard ratio 0.81, 95% confidence interval 0.71–0.92) and a greater reduction with higher doses of ChEIs. While in the unadjusted analysis, ChEIs were associated with a lower risk of both CV and non-CV death, only the association with non-CV death remained significant after accounting for baseline differences.

Conclusion

Treatment with ChEIs was associated with a significantly reduced risk of all-cause death, driven by lower rates of non-CV death in a nationwide cohort of patients with previous MI and a diagnosis of AD or mixed dementia. These associations were greater with higher ChEI doses.

Condensed Abstract

We assessed the association between cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) and clinical outcomes in a nationwide cohort of patients with previous myocardial infarction (MI) and a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) or mixed dementi. In propensity-matched analysis, treatment with ChEIs was associated with a 19% reduction in all-cause death driven by non-cardiovascular death. The reduction in all-cause death was greater with the higher doses of ChEIs.
Digest: A sex chromosome driver without a sperm deficit
Authors: Roy Scott William
Published: January 2024

Meiotic drivers that act during spermatogenesis derive a transmission advantage by disabling sperm that do not carry the driver, often leading to substantially reduced overall sperm number and function. A new study by Bates et al. shows no sperm deficit for a driver in a stalk-eyed fly, in contrast to a related species. This observed sperm compensation is possibly due to secondary testes-expanding mutations linked to the driving genomic locus.
Accessory tympanic plate ossicle: a new osteological entity
Authors: Mann Robert W , Ruengdit Sittiporn , Thompson Karen , Miller Kiana , Lozanoff Scott
Published: January 2024

The auricular cartilage, which is typically soft and flexible, can calcify or ossify because of diseases such as diabetes mellitus, trauma, radiation therapy for cancer, and more commonly from frostbite. Calcified, ossified, or hardened auricular cartilage is a rare finding in the clinical literature and appears to be absent in the physical and forensic anthropological literature. This study examines the ossified auricular cartilage and tests whether the hypothesis can be identified in postmortem skeletonized tissue and be part of the external auditory meatus. A total of 290 crania were examined for accessory ossicles. A descriptive and interpretative analysis was performed grossly, histologically, and morphometrically to document the morphology and location of the ossicles, investigate their structure, and perform hypothesis testing. Results revealed that seven females and one male crania from a total of 290 crania (2.76%) exhibit semi-ossified auricular cartilage attached to the tympanic plate of the temporal bone. The morphology and location of the ossicles at the junction of the auricle and external auditory meatus indicate they are hardened auricular cartilage that was verified with histological observations. Regression analysis indicates that addition of the ossicle to the depth of the auditory tube significantly changes coefficient of determination (R2) with respect to cranial breadth. In conclusion, results indicate that small cartilaginous structures of the external ear may ossify forming accessory tympanic plate ossicles that potentially could be identified in skeletal remains as a new osteological entity. This report highlights the types of information that can be gained using an approach that integrates forensic anthropology, gross anatomy, and histology.
The role of alternative polyadenylation in epithelial-mesenchymal transition of non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wu Sijia , Qin Xinyu , Huang Liyu
Published: January 2024

The metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the cancers with high incidence, poor survival, and limited treatment. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the first step by which an early tumor converts to an invasive one. Studying the underlying mechanisms of EMT can help the understanding of cancer metastasis and improve the treatment. In this study, 1013 NSCLC patients and 123 NSCLC cell lines are deeply analyzed for the potential roles of alternative polyadenylation (APA) in the EMT process. A trend of shorter 3′-UTRs (three prime untranslated region) is discovered in the mesenchymal samples. The identification of EMT-related APA events highlights the proximal poly(A) selection of CARM1. It is a pathological biomarker of mesenchymal tumor and cancer metastasis through losing miRNA binding to upregulate the EMT inducer of CARM1 and releasing miRNAs to downregulate the EMT inhibitor of RBM47. The crucial role of this APA event in EMT also guides its effect on drug responses. The patients with shorter 3′-UTR of CARM1 are more benefit from chemotherapy drugs, especially cisplatin. A stratification of NSCLC patients based on this APA event is useful for chemotherapy design in future clinics.
Improved correlation for predicting heat transfer coefficients during condensation inside smooth horizontal tubes
Authors: Blose Sibongakonke C , Ewim Daniel R E , Eloka-Eboka Andrew C , Adelaja Adekunle O
Published: January 2024

This study presents an improved correlation for predicting heat transfer coefficients for condensation inside smooth macro-tubes. Experimental data was obtained for various fluids, including R12, R1234yf, R1234ze, R134a, R22, R263fa, R245a, R32, R404a, R410a, and R600a. Tube diameters ranging from 3 to 14 mm, mass fluxes ranging from 50 to 1400 kg/m2s, and a vapor quality between 0 and 1 were used to cover a wide range of operating conditions. This data included 1683 data points from 50 sources. The comparison of the existing experimental data base with different correlations showed that the Cavallini et al. correlation had a mean absolute deviation of 19%, followed by those made by the correlations of Koyama and Yonemoto (24%), Dobson and Chato (24%), Huang et al. (24%), Shah (29%), and Haraguchi et al. (33%). Based on this comparison, an improved correlation modelled after the correlation of Cavallini et al. correlation was proposed. The accuracy and reliability of the proposed correlations were evaluated by comparing the predicted values with independent experimental data from the literature, wherein it was found that this new correlation predicted the databank with a mean absolute error of 17%. It was also found that this new proposed correlation provided better predictions of the heat transfer coefficient than existing correlations. The proposed correlation will improve the design and optimization of heat exchangers used in various industries, as well as provide valuable insights into condensation behavior inside smooth macro-tubes.
The Theory of the Entire Algebraic Functions
Authors: Dupuy Taylor , Hrushovski Ehud
Published: January 2024

Let $A$ be the integral closure of the ring of polynomials ${{\mathbb {C}}}[t]$, within the field of algebraic functions in one variable. We show that $A$ interprets the ring of integers. This contrasts with the analogue for finite fields, proved to have a decidable theory in [12] and [4].
Professors Need Not Be Just a Pretty Face: How Faculty Directories Can Decrease the Opportunity for Bias and Better Support Users by Directly Providing Semantic Information
Authors: Ritter Frank E , Engleka Aidan C
Published: January 2024

Websites for university units provide lists of faculty (teaching staff) to support a variety of users’ tasks including creating collaborations and student choice for projects and courses. However, these lists often only provide shallow features about the faculty such as pictures and names and not the semantic attributes of expertise, interest, or accomplishments. Prospective students, faculty, parents, donors, and those in the community often cannot directly access these semantic attributes and sometimes not without extensive search. Not having scholarship-focused individual entries leaves the selection process more open for implicit and explicit biases to be applied when searching for areas of expertise—if the website is face-focused (only pictures and names are provided), users can only choose (or choose who to explore further) based solely on name and physical appearance, thus including race, clothing and attractiveness. This paper argues for ease of access to the right information and self-authorship of the public-facing information. We document that this problem is pervasive at universities across the world (n = 275). We suggest good practices for decreasing the prominence of less relevant information to summarize faculty. This is accomplished by increasing the prominence and accessibility of more relevant information, including self-reported research interests and accomplishments. We provide example templates to support more semantic choices that would be applicable to similar organizational lists. This approach could be applied to other sets of professionals, such as doctors and lawyers.
Lower microhardness along with less heterogeneous mineralization in the femoral neck of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus indicates higher fracture risk
Authors: Cirovic Aleksandar , Schmidt Felix N , Vujacic Marko , Sihota Praveer , Petrovic Bojan , Zivkovic Vladimir , Bascarevic Zoran , Nikolic Slobodan , Djonic Danijela , Djuric Marija , Busse Björn , Milovanovic Petar
Published: January 2024

There is still limited understanding of the microstructural reasons for the higher susceptibility to fractures in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In this study, we examined bone mineralization, osteocyte lacunar parameters, and microhardness of the femoral neck trabeculae in 18 individuals with T2DM who sustained low-energy fracture (T2DMFx: 78 ± 7 years, 15 women and 3 men) and 20 controls (74 ± 7 years, 16 women and 4 men). Femoral necks of the T2DMFx subjects were obtained at a tertiary orthopedic hospital, while those of the controls were collected at autopsy. T2DMFx individuals had lower trabecular microhardness (P = .023) and mineralization heterogeneity (P = .001), and a tendency to a lower bone area with mineralization above 95th percentile (P = .058) than the controls. There were no significant intergroup differences in the numbers of osteocyte lacunae per bone area, mineralized lacunae per bone area, and total lacunae per bone area (each P > .05). After dividing the T2DMFx group based on the presence of vascular complications (VD) to T2DMFxVD (VD present) and T2DMFxNVD (VD absent), we observed that microhardness was particularly reduced in the T2DMFxVD group (vs. control group, P = .02), while mineralization heterogeneity was significantly reduced in both T2DMFx subgroups (T2DMFxNVD vs. control, P = .002; T2DMFxVD vs. control, P = .038). The observed changes in mineralization and microhardness may contribute to the increased hip fracture susceptibility in individuals with T2DM.
Incidence and risk factors for travellers’ diarrhoea among short-term international adult travellers from high-income countries: a systematic review with meta-analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Carroll Siobhan C , Castellanos Maria Eugenia , Stevenson Robyn A , Henning Lars
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Travellers’ diarrhoea (TD) continues to be the most common travel-related medical event in international travellers. Updated incidence and risk factor data will improve pre-travel medical advice for travellers from high-income countries (HICs), providing an opportunity for disease prevention and appropriate disease management.

Methods

A systematic search for cohort studies of TD incidence published between 1 January 1997 and 2 March 2023 was performed using Ovid Medline, SCOPUS and Google Scholar databases. Study quality was assessed with a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). We extracted incidence data for adults travelling less than 100 days from HIC and available risk factor data. The overall random-effects pooled incidence and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic, tau and the 95% prediction intervals. Subgroup analyses were conducted to identify the sources of heterogeneity. Risk factor studies were reviewed qualitatively and described.

Results

Ten studies were included in the meta-analysis, containing 8478 participants. Two of the studies measured as high quality and eight as good quality as assessed by the modified NOS. The TD incidence was 36.1% (95% CI 24–41%; I2 94%), with a prediction interval ranging from 20.3 to 55.8%. The pooled incidence of mild, moderate and severe TD was 23.6, 8.1 and 2.9%, respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that the incidence increased with increasing average data collection period. Risk factors for TD in travellers from HIC identified include younger age, longer travel periods, low and middle-income destinations, travelling for tourism, backpacking travel styles and pre-travel health status.

Conclusion

It is estimated that between 20 and 56% of international travellers can expect to develop TD in travel of under 100 days. While most cases are mild, ~3% of all travellers will experience a disease that prevents usual activities or requires medical attention.
Algorithmic properties of modal and superintuitionistic logics of monadic predicates over finite Kripke frames
Authors: Rybakov Mikhail , Shkatov Dmitry
Published: January 2024

We show that the monadic fragment of the modal predicate logic of a single Kripke frame with finitely many possible worlds, but possibly infinite domains, is decidable. This holds true even for multimodal logics with equality, regardless of whether equality is interpreted as identity or as congruence. By the Gödel–Tarski translation, similar results follow for superintuitionistic predicate logics, with or without equality. Using these observations, we establish upper algorithmic bounds, which match the known lower bounds, for monadic fragments of some modal predicate logics. In particular, we prove that, if $L$ is a propositional modal logic contained in $\textbf{S5}$, $\textbf{GL.3}$ or $\textbf{Grz.3}$ and the class of finite Kripke frames validating $L$ is recursively enumerable, then the monadic fragment with equality of the predicate logic of finite Kripke frames validating $L$ is $\varPi ^{0}_{1}$-complete; this, in particular, holds if $L$ is one of the following propositional logics: $\textbf{K}$, $\textbf{T}$, $\textbf{D}$, $\textbf{KB}$, $\textbf{KTB}$, $\textbf{K4}$, $\textbf{K4.3}$, $\textbf{S4}$, $\textbf{S4.3}$, $\textbf{GL}$, $\textbf{Grz}$, $\textbf{K5}$, $\textbf{K45}$ and $\textbf{S5}$. We also prove that monadic fragments with equality of logics $\textbf{QAlt}^=_{n}$ and $\textbf{QTAlt}^=_{n}$ are decidable. The obtained results are easily extendable to the multimodal versions of the predicate logics we consider and to logics with the Barcan formula.
Temporal trends and risk factors of perioperative cardiac events in patients over 80 years old with coronary artery disease undergoing noncardiac surgery: a high-volume single-center experience, 2014–2022
Authors: Li Xiaolin , Wang Congying , Jin Yunpeng
Published: January 2024

Background

Temporal trends and risk factors of perioperative cardiac events (PCEs) in patients over 80 years old with coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing noncardiac surgery are still unclear.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 1478 patients over 80 years old, with known CAD undergoing selective noncardiac surgery in a single center (2014–2022). Patients were divided into three equal time groups based on the discharge date (2014–2016, 2017–2019, and 2020–2022), with 367, 473, and 638 patients in Groups 1–3, respectively. Perioperative clinical variables were extracted from the electronic medical records database. The primary outcome was the occurrence of PCEs intraoperatively or during hospitalization postoperatively, defined as any of the following events: myocardial infarction, heart failure, nonfatal cardiac arrest, and death.

Results

PCEs occurred in 180 (12.2%) patients. Eight independent risk factors were associated with PCEs, including four clinical factors (body mass index < 22 kg/m2, history of myocardial infarction, history of heart failure, and general anesthesia) and four preoperative laboratory results (hemoglobin < 110 g/L, albumin < 40 g/L, creatinine > 120 μmol/L, and potassium <3.6 mmol/L). Significant rising trends were seen over the 9-year study period in the incidence of PCEs and independent risk factors including history of myocardial infarction, history of heart failure, general anesthesia, preoperative hemoglobin < 110 g/L, preoperative albumin < 40 g/L, and preoperative creatinine > 120 μmol/L (P for trend <0.05).

Conclusion

The incidence and independent risk factors of PCEs in patients over 80 years old with CAD undergoing noncardiac surgery showed significant rising trends over the last 9-year period.