bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrawideband low RCS metasurface based on optimized multielement phase cancellation and diffusion reflection
Authors: Zhang Haonan , Guo Qingxin , Zhao Huachen , Li Zengrui
Published: December 2024

A metasurface (MTS) based on optimized multielement phase cancellation and diffusion reflection is proposed for ultrawideband radar cross section reduction (RCSR). The unit cell of the MTS consists of a rectangular patch on the top layer, a cross slot in the center layer, and a ground plane on the bottom layer. The periodic array of the unit cells converts the linear polarization wave to its cross-polarization in the band of 5.17–7.74 GHz. To extend the bandwidth of RCSR, the height and the arrangement of the proposed unit cells and their mirror unit cells are optimized through the particle swarm optimization algorithm to achieve optimized multielement phase cancellation and diffusion reflection. The simulation and measurement results show that the proposed MTS achieves 10 dB RCSR from 5.8–70.6 GHz, with high angular stability and polarization insensitivity performance.
Enhancing Gaussian quantum metrology with position-momentum correlations
Authors: Porto João C P , Marinho Lucas S , Dieguez Pedro R , da Paz Irismar G , Vieira Carlos H S
Published: December 2024

Quantum metrology offers significant improvements in several quantum technologies. In this work, we propose a Gaussian quantum metrology protocol assisted by initial position-momentum correlations (PM). We employ a correlated Gaussian wave packet as a probe to examine the dynamics of Quantum Fisher Information (QFI) and purity based on PM correlations to demonstrate how to estimate the PM correlations and, more importantly, to unlock its potential applications such as a resource to enhance quantum thermometry. In the low-temperature regime, we find an improvement in the thermometry of the surrounding environment when the original system exhibits a non-null initial correlation (correlated Gaussian state). In addition, we explore the connection between the loss of purity and the gain in QFI during the process of estimating the effective environment coupling and its effective temperature.
Slow-moving ground target imaging using vortex synthetic aperture radar
Authors: Fu Ziyu , Li Minchao , Cui Lizhen , Li Chenlu , Du Yongxing , Li Baoshan
Published: December 2024

A vortex synthetic aperture radar (SAR) can obtain more target information when combined with orbital angular momentum (OAM). However, ground-moving targets can cause image defocusing owing to their azimuthal velocity component, and imaging position offset issues owing to their range velocity component. However, additional information regarding moving targets can be acquired for analysis using vortex SAR. This study first established an imaging model to extract moving target information from vortex echo signals. Subsequently, the target Doppler parameters were estimated, and an improved range-Doppler algorithm was applied to compensate for the Bessel and azimuthal phase terms. A new azimuth-matched filter was designed based on the Doppler parameters to achieve focused imaging of moving targets. The simulation results verified the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm and its performance was compared with that of plane-wave SAR. Vortex SAR offered better target quality parameters and azimuth resolution for the same synthetic aperture length. The proposed algorithm effectively improved the azimuthal imaging of moving targets in low-to-moderate OAM modes.
The relationship between the spatial heterogeneity of the microstructure and the glass-forming ability of Al85Ni10Fe5 metallic glass
Authors: Song Shengjia , Yao Xiuwei , Sun Minhua
Published: December 2024

Spatial heterogeneity of the microstructure is an inherent characteristic of metallic glasses, which significantly influences their glass-forming ability (GFA) and thermal stability. In this study, we employ molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the evolution of spatial heterogeneity in the microstructure of the Al85Ni10Fe5 alloy during the glass transition process. Our results reveal that the Al85Ni10Fe5 metallic glass exhibits much higher spatial heterogeneity in terms of five-fold symmetry compared to the Al85Ni15 alloy. Furthermore, the spatial heterogeneity of the five-fold symmetry increases more dramatically during the cooling process in the Al85Ni10Fe5 system, while the spatial heterogeneity of the four-fold symmetry, which is associated with the crystalline phase, is lower in Al85Ni10Fe5 than in Al85Ni15. Interestingly, the spatial heterogeneity of the four-fold symmetry in Al85Ni10Fe5 first increases with decreasing temperature and then rapidly decreases near the glass transition temperature. These structural characteristics, which benefit the formation of higher five-fold symmetric clusters and their spatial aggregation, thus suppressing the growth of the crystalline structure in the liquid, contribute to the larger GFA of the Al85Ni10Fe5 alloy compared to the Al85Ni15 alloy. Our findings provide valuable insights into understanding the glass-forming ability of Al-based metallic glasses.
Physicochemical properties of CF3OCF = CF2 in high-voltage switchgear: part 1. Decomposition characteristics and thermodynamic parameters
Authors: Cui Zhaoxuan , Lin Xin , Geng Zhenxin , Xia Yalong , Xu Jianyuan
Published: December 2024

Recently, perfluoromethyl vinyl ether (CF3OCF = CF2) has been proposed to have the potential to replace SF6, but its arc-extinguishing ability is still unknown. To provide the necessary basic parameters for further study of arc extinguishing characteristics, this series of papers focuses on the physical and chemical properties of CF3OCF = CF2 arc plasma. The research content of this paper is decomposition characteristics and thermodynamic parameters. The geometric configuration, rotational inertia, and vibration frequency characteristics of CF3OCF = CF2 and its decomposition products were obtained at the B3LYP/6–311G(d,p) level. The energy of each particle was calculated at the CCSD(T)/cc-pVTZ level. The most likely decomposition path was CF3OCF = CF2→CF3+CF2CFO→CF2+CFO. The equilibrium compositions of arc plasma were calculated by the mass action law model. The main components of pure CF3OCF = CF2 after arc were C3F8, C3F6, C2F6, CF4, and CO. When CO2 was mixed in CF3OCF = CF2, with the increase of CO2 content, the main components after arc gradually became CF2O, CF4, CO2, and CO. The thermodynamic parameters such as density, specific enthalpy, and specific heat at constant pressure were obtained by thermodynamic relationship. Through ρC

p
and ρh, it can be inferred that the radial heat transfer capacity of CF3OCF = CF2 is not as good as SF6, but the energy dissipation capacity of axial heat convection is stronger than SF6, and the arc presents the characteristics of large radius and long length.
A high-performance capacitorless 1T-DRAM based on Z-shaped electron-hole bilayer TFET and SiGe memory window
Authors: Liu Hu , Zhou Xiaoyu , Li Yubin , Li Peifeng , Pan Lei , Wang Pengyu
Published: December 2024

In this paper, a novel capacitorless dynamic random access memory (Z-EHBTFET 1T-DRAM) is designed based on a Z-shaped electron–hole bilayer tunnel field-effect transistor and a SiGe memory window, and its storage performance is systematically analyzed and studied in detail through numerical simulation. A large number of electrons can be induced in the inverted L-shaped channel of Z-EHBTFET 1T-DRAM using gate 1 to create an electron–hole bilayer together with the source region, which increases the line tunneling electric field and ultimately improves the sensing margin (SM) and read current ratio (I
R1/I
R0). SiGe memory window helps to improve the storage capacity of holes, aiming to improve the retention time (RT) and SM. By optimizing the Ge-composition and width of the SiGe memory window, the thickness of the I-shaped channel, and the gate gap length, the SM of 2.03 μA μm−1, I
R1/I
R0 of 3.58 × 104, and RT of 1.2 s can be obtained for Z-EHBTFET 1T-DRAM. Compared with most reported 1 T1C-DRAMs and traditional 1T-DRAMs, it has better storage performance. Moreover, it can operate at a lower programming voltage while ensuring superior storage performance, making it has great application prospect in the low power consumption field.
Influence of Aharonov–Bohm flux and dual gaps on electron scattering in graphene quantum dots
Authors: Belokda Fatima , Bouhlal Ahmed , Jellal Ahmed
Published: December 2024

We show how the Aharonov–Bohm flux (AB) ϕ

i
and the dual gaps (Δ1, Δ2) can affect the electron scattering in graphene quantum dots (GQDs) of radius r
0 in the presence of an electrostatic potential V. After obtaining the solutions of the energy spectrum, we explicitly determine the radial component of the reflected current

J

r

r

, the square modulus of the scattering coefficients ∣c

m
∣2, and the scattering efficiency Q. Different scattering regimes are identified based on physical parameters such as incident energy E, V, r
0, dual gaps, and ϕ

i
. In particular, we show that lower values of E are associated with larger amplitudes of Q. Furthermore, it is found that Q exhibits a damped oscillatory behavior with increasing the AB flux. In addition, increasing the external gap Δ1 resulted in higher values of Q. By increasing ϕ

i
, we show that the oscillations in ∣c

m
∣2 disappear for larger values of r
0 and are replaced by prominent peaks at certain values of E and angular momentum m. Finally, we show that

J

r

r

displays periodic oscillations of constant amplitude, which are affected by the AB flux.
Study on Real-time Monitoring Method for Dust-scattered Stray Light in the Spectral Imaging CoronaGraph of the Chinese Meridian Project Phase II
Authors: Liu Da-Yang , Yu Xiao-Yu , Zhang Hong-Xin , Huang Zheng-Hua , Xia Li-Dong , Sun Ming-Zhe , Mao Xian-Liang , Sun Bo-Yu , Tang Ning , Fu Hui , Liu Wei-Xin , Zhang Chao , Han Jian-Ping
Published: December 2024

The dust-scattered stray light in an inner-occulted coronagraph mainly arises from dust particles on the surfaces of the objective lens. Due to the random accumulation of dust on the lens surfaces, it is challenging to monitor this type of stray light and no application can be used for its real-time monitor in the past. In this study, we provide a system and method to overcome this issue, and these have been applied to the Spectral Imaging CoronaGraph (SICG) of the Chinese Meridian Project. The method is based on the relation between the sizes of dust particles and its stray light level at the imaging plane established in the laboratory and the relation between the real size of dust particles and the occupancies on the imaging plane. To monitor the stray light levels accounted for by dusts, one needs only an image of the objective lens that can be provided by the auxiliary imaging system that specially comes with SICG. Our tests show that the errors of the method are less or about 2%, giving a strong confidence in its accuracy. It provides a handy tool to monitor the dust level of the objective lens of SICG and has significantly improved the efficiency of the pipeline of stray light control.
Damage explains function in spiking neural networks representing central pattern generator
Authors: Pryyma Yuriy , Yakovenko Sergiy
Published: December 2024

Objective. Complex biological systems have evolved to control movement dynamics despite noisy and unpredictable inputs and processing delays that necessitate forward predictions. The staple example in vertebrates is the locomotor control emerging from interactions between multiple systems—from passive dynamics of inverted pendulum governing body motion to coupled neural oscillators that integrate predictive forward and sensory feedback signals. These neural dynamic computations are expressed in the rhythmogenic spinal network known as the central pattern generator (CPG). While a system of ordinary differential equations constituting a rate model can accurately reproduce flexor-extensor modulation patterns aligned with experimental data from cats, the equivalent computations performed by thousands of neurons in vertebrates or even in silicon are poorly understood. Approach. We developed a locomotor CPG model expressed as a spiking neural network (SNN) to test how damage affects the distributed computations of a well-defined neural circuit with known dynamics. The SNN-CPG model accurately recreated the input–output relationship of the rate model, describing the modulation of gait phase characteristics. Main Results. The degradation of distributed computation within elements of the SNN-CPG model was further analyzed with progressive simulated lesions. Circuits trained to express flexor or extensor function, with otherwise identical structural organization, were differently affected by lesions mimicking results in experimental observations. The increasing external drive was shown to overcome structural damage and restore function after progressive lesions. Significance. These model results provide theoretical insights into the network dynamics of locomotor control and introduce the concept of degraded computations with applications for restorative technologies.
X-point radiator control and its dynamics in ASDEX Upgrade and JET deuterium–tritium discharges
Authors: Bosman T.O.S.J. , Bernert M. , Ceelen L. , Sieglin B. , Koenders J.T.W. , Ravensbergen T. , Kudlác̈ek O. , Fox P. , Brida D. , Reimerdes H. , Lowry C. , Lennholm M. , Piron L. , Sun H. , Jacquet P. , Kirov K. , Vianello N. , Ashe C. , Parrott A. , Valcarcel D. , van Berkel M. , ASDEX Upgrade Team the , Contributors JET , EUROfusion Tokamak Exploitation Team the
Published: December 2024

Control of heat exhaust is essential for the operation of power producing fusion reactors. Here, we present results of heat exhaust feedback control experiments in JET and AUG. In JET, we demonstrate the first X-point radiator (XPR) control in DD and DT discharges using argon seeding. In AUG, we improve the XPR control with nitrogen seeding, resulting in achieving the first detached L-H and H-L transition (in a single discharge). The controllers are designed using a model-based design procedure. The required models are obtained experimentally using perturbative (system identification) experiments. We study the dynamic response of the XPR to various seeding species and varying operating conditions. We find that the sensitivity (relative gain) of the XPR varies as function the height of the radiator inside the confined region but that the relative phase is consistent for all operating points. In AUG, the XPR is also less sensitive to impurity seeding changes for higher heating powers. In JET, we show that the XPR dynamics are the same for DD and DT plasmas. However, we observe that XPR control is only possible with argon and not with neon. The results show that a controller might well be designed in earlier stages of operation of a future device, but remains applicable and can be further tuned for full power operation.
Aerodynamic performance enhancement of a vertical-axis wind turbine by a biomimetic flap
Authors: Ahnn Sangwoo , Kim Hyeongmin , Choi Haecheon
Published: December 2024

We improve the aerodynamic performance of a simplified vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) using a biomimetic flap, inspired by the movement of secondary feathers of a bird’s wing at landing (Liebe 1979 Aerokurier
12 54). The VAWT considered has three NACA0018 straight blades at the Reynolds number of

80

000

based on the turbine diameter and free-stream velocity. The biomimetic flap is made of a rigid rectangular curved plate, and its streamwise length is 0.2c and axial (spanwise) length is the same as that of blade, where c is the blade chord length. This device is installed on the inner surface of each blade. Its one side is attached near the blade leading edge (pivot point), and the other side automatically rotates around the pivot point (without external power input) in response to the surrounding flow field during blade rotation. The flap increases the time-averaged power coefficient by 88% at the tip-speed ratio of 0.8, when its pivot point is at 0.1c downstream from the blade leading edge. While the torque on the blade itself does not change even in the presence of the flap, the flap itself generates additional torque, thus increasing the overall power coefficient. The phase analysis indicates that the power coefficient of VAWT significantly increases during flap opening to full deployment through the interaction with vortices separated from the blade leading edge. When the pivot point of flap is farther downstream from the leading edge or the flap operates at a high tip-speed ratio, the performance of the flap diminishes due to its weaker interaction with the separating vortices.
Highly birefringent and low loss anti-resonant hollow-core fiber with stadium-shaped nested structure
Authors: Xiao Yiming , Ren Shuai , Wang Zhipeng , Tang Yi , Cheng Yu , Bao Shengchen , Liu Houquan , Yuan Libo
Published: December 2024

We propose a stadium-shaped nested anti-resonant hollow-core fiber (SSAF), designed to enable high birefringence and low loss in the near-infrared bands. Numerical investigation and simulation for variations in parameters of stadium-shaped nested structure are conducted, and confinement loss (CL) is reduced by parameters optimization while birefringence of 10−4 is maintained. With optimized SSAF structure, the birefringence and CL are improved to 1.39 × 10−4 and 26.5 dB km−1 at 1.38 µm, 1.28 × 10−4 and 2.64 dB km−1 at 1.55 µm, respectively. Meanwhile, it exhibits favorable single-mode characteristics and achieves a high high-order mode extinction ratio of up to 103, and the superior bending resistance characteristics are validated. Our work offers valuable guidance for designing and optimizing highly birefringent SSAF anti-resonant fiber, and the proposed SSAF has great application potential in polarization-dependent transmission and interferometric fiber gyroscope.
Bit complexity of polynomial GCD on sparse representation
Authors: Huang Qiao-Long , Gao Xiao-Shan
Published: December 2024

An input- and output-sensitive greatest common divisor (GCD) algorithm for multi-variate polynomials over finite fields is proposed by combining the modular method with the Ben-Or/Tiwari sparse interpolation. The bit complexity of the algorithm is given and is sensitive to the sparse representation, while for previous sparse GCD algorithms, the complexities were given only in some special cases. It is shown that the new algorithm is superior both in theory and in practice compared with existing GCD algorithms: the complexity in the degree is decreased from quadratic to linear and the running times are decreased by 1–3 orders of magnitude in various benchmarks.
Critical waves of a stage-structured epidemic model with latent period
Authors: Huang Wenzhang , Wu Chufen
Published: December 2024

We study the epidemic waves connecting the disease-free equilibrium and endemic equilibrium for the critical speed of a stage-structured epidemic model with latent period. The method is limiting approaches combined with priori estimates, Lyapunov functional method, Lyapunov-LaSalle asymptotic stability theorem and Barbalat’s theorem. The conclusion illustrates in the degenerate case, the epidemic waves still exist. Simulations are given as well to demonstrate the evolution of wave profiles.
A note on Hilbert 16th problem
Authors: Gasull Armengol , Santana Paulo
Published: December 2024

Let

H

(
n
)

\mathcal {H}(n)

be the maximum number of limit cycles that a planar polynomial vector field of degree

n
n

can have. In this paper we prove that

H

(
n
)

\mathcal {H}(n)

is realizable by structurally stable vector fields with only hyperbolic limit cycles and that it is a strictly increasing function whenever it is finite.
Birkhoff-James classification of finite-dimensional 𝐶*-algebras
Authors: Kuzma Bojan , Singla Sushil
Published: December 2024

We classify real or complex finite-dimensional

C
∗

C^*

-algebras and their underlying fields from the properties of Birkhoff-James orthogonality. Application to strong Birkhoff-James orthogonality preservers is also given.
Global attraction to solitons for 2D Maxwell–Lorentz equations with spinning particle
Authors: Kopylova E. A. , Komech A.
Published: December 2024

The subject of the paper is the 2D Maxwell–Lorentz system that describes a rotating particle in electromagnetic field. The system admits stationary soliton-type solutions. Attraction to solitons is proved for any finite energy solution on the basis of

C
2

C^2

-regularity of the resolvent.
Cohomology of complete unordered flag manifolds
Authors: Guerra Lorenzo , Jana Santanil
Published: December 2024

We consider quotients of complete flag manifolds in

C

n

\mathbb {C}^n

and

R

n

\mathbb {R}^n

by an action of the symmetric group on

n
n

objects. We compute their cohomology with field coefficients of any characteristic. Specifically, we show that these topological spaces exhibit homological stability and we provide a closed-form description of their stable cohomology rings. We also describe a simple algorithmic procedure to determine their unstable cohomology additively.
Homogeneous form inequalities (I): Volume estimates and the generalised metric Oppenheim conjecture
Authors: Adiceam Faustin , Marmon Oscar
Published: December 2024

This is the first part of a work devoted to the study of the set of integer solutions to a system of inequalities determined by homogeneous forms. According to the heuristics that the number of such solutions should match the volume of the set of real solutions, sharp estimates for the volume of the semialgebraic domain under consideration are established. These estimates are expressed as a function of the roots of a Sato–Bernstein polynomial attached to the homogeneous forms.

This is then employed to derive, following known methods relying on moment estimates in the space of unimodular lattices, metric statements dealing both with the existence and the number of solutions in integer vectors to the system of inequalities. (In the forthcoming second part of the work, a deterministic study of the same questions is undertaken.) The results thus established solve problems posed by Athreya and Margulis (2018) on the existence of effective and uniform generalisations of the metric Oppenheim Conjecture.
Cubic forms over imaginary quadratic number fields and pairs of rational cubic forms
Authors: Bernert Christian , Hochfilzer Leonhard
Published: December 2024

We show that every cubic form with coefficients in an imaginary quadratic number field

K

/

Q

K/\mathbb {Q}

in at least

14
14

variables represents zero non-trivially. This builds on the corresponding seminal result by Heath-Brown for rational cubic forms. As an application we deduce that a pair of rational cubic forms has a non-trivial rational solution provided that

s
≥
627

s \geq 627

. Furthermore, we show that every rational cubic hypersurface in at least

33
33

variables contains a rational line, and that every rational cubic form in at least

33
33

variables has “almost-prime” solutions.
spread.gl: visualizing pathogen dispersal in a high-performance browser application
Authors: Li Yimin , Bollen Nena , Hong Samuel L , Brusselmans Marius , Gambaro Fabiana , Klaps Joon , Suchard Marc A , Rambaut Andrew , Lemey Philippe , Dellicour Simon , Baele Guy
Published: December 2024

Motivation

Bayesian phylogeographic analyses are pivotal in reconstructing the spatio-temporal dispersal histories of pathogens. However, interpreting the complex outcomes of phylogeographic reconstructions requires sophisticated visualization tools.

Results

To meet this challenge, we developed spread.gl, an open-source, feature-rich browser application offering a smooth and intuitive visualization tool for both discrete and continuous phylogeographic inferences, including the animation of pathogen geographic dispersal through time. Spread.gl can render and combine the visualization of multiple layers that contain information extracted from the input phylogeny and diverse environmental data layers, enabling researchers to explore which environmental factors may have impacted pathogen dispersal patterns before conducting formal testing. We showcase the visualization features of spread.gl with representative examples, including the smooth animation of a phylogeographic reconstruction based on >17 000 SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequences.

Availability and implementation

Source code, installation instructions, example input data, and outputs of spread.gl are accessible at https://github.com/GuyBaele/SpreadGL.
Partition behavior of bovine serum albumin on homogeneous liquid-liquid extraction with triton X-114 solution by complex formation with pyllogarol red-molybdate reagent
Authors: Sasaki Ren , Shoji Keisuke , Uehara Nobuo , Inagawa Arinori
Published: December 2024

The present study was conducted to examine the homogeneous liquid-liquid extraction behavior of bovine serum albumin (BSA) using an aqueous solution of Triton X-114 (TX114). We found that the addition of pyrogallol-red molybdate (PR-Mo) to the solution induced the complete extraction of BSA into the TX114-rich phase, though the BSA and PR-Mo could not be extracted selectively into the TX114 phase. To determine the distribution mechanism, photometric titration and circular dichroic (CD) spectroscopy were performed. BSA formed a complex with PR-Mo at a molar ratio of 1:42 in pure water, which shifted to 1:21 in an aqueous solution of TX114, indicating the formation of a ternary BSA-PR-Mo-TX114 complex. The CD spectra revealed that α-helix BSA is dominant in pure water, whereas β-strand BSA is dominant in the presence of PR-Mo. In summary, the structural change induced in BSA by the formation of a ternary complex is a possible switching mechanism of the partitioning behavior in BSA.
A Review of Aedes aegypti Control in Peru: Approaches and Lessons Learned
Authors: Astete Helvio , Flores-Mendoza Carmen , López-Sifuentes Victor M , Vásquez Gissella M , Morrison Amy C
Published: December 2024

Dengue is the most widespread vector-borne viral infection globally and a serious public health problem. The 2023–2024 dengue outbreak across Latin America has drastically impacted Peru, including previously unaffected areas such as metropolitan Lima and Amazonian rural communities, presumably due to climate change. Research studies conducted in Iquitos, the largest city in the Peruvian Amazon, showed that ultra-low-volume pyrethroid spray applications against the dengue vector Aedes aegypti were effective when adequate coverage and quality control were carried out. Insecticide-treated curtains were not effective at controlling dengue transmission in Iquitos, whereas the use of passive spatial repellent emanators demonstrated 34% protective efficacy against Aedes-borne virus infection. In modeling studies, targeted indoor residual spray strategies showed promising reductions in dengue transmission, which require empirical evaluation. Trials conducted in Iquitos have shown that larval control alone is not sufficient to control Ae. aegypti, urging that government programs must consider integrated vector management.
Clinical and patient-reported outcomes after oncoplastic vs conventional breast-conserving surgery—a longitudinal, multicenter cohort study
Authors: Bargon Claudia A , Mink van der Molen Dieuwke R , Young-Afat Danny A , Batenburg Marilot C T , van Dam Iris E , Baas Inge O , Ernst Miranda F , Maarse Wiesje , Sier Maartje F , Schoenmaeckers Ernst J P , Burgmans Josephina P J , Bijlsma Rhodé M , Siesling Sabine , Rakhorst Hinne A , Mureau Marc A M , van der Leij Femke , Doeksen Annemiek , Verkooijen Helena M ,   UMBRELLA Study Group, Gernaat Sofie , van der Pol Carmen , Evers Danny , Hattink Merle , Henskens Isabelle , Hajibaana Muna , Borger Denise , van der Laan Jacco
Published: December 2024

Background

Oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery (OP-BCS) is becoming increasingly popular to avoid mastectomy or optimize cosmetic outcomes of breast-conserving surgery (BCS). Few studies have compared clinical outcomes and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of OP-BCS to conventional BCS (C-BCS). This study aims to compare clinical outcomes and short- and long-term PROs after OP-BCS and C-BCS in a large prospective breast cancer cohort.

Methods

Women in the prospective, multicenter UMBRELLA (Utrecht cohort for Multiple BREast cancer intervention studies and Long-term evaLuAtion) breast cancer cohort who underwent OP-BCS or C-BCS were included. Clinical outcomes and PROs (measured by EORTC QLQ-C30/BR23) up to 24 months postoperatively were evaluated. Mixed-model analysis was performed to assess differences in PROs over time between groups.

Results

A total of 1628 (84.9%) patients received C-BCS and 290 (15.1%) received OP-BCS. After C-BCS and OP-BCS, free resection margins were obtained in 84.2% (n = 1370) and 86.2% (n = 250), respectively, reoperation for re-excision of margins within 3 months occurred in 5.3% (n = 86) and 4.8% (n = 14), and the median time interval from surgery until adjuvant systemic therapy was 66 and 63 days, and 36 and 41 days until radiotherapy. Shortly postoperative, OP-BCS was associated with statistically significant lower mean scores for physical functioning (83.6 vs 87.2) and body image (82.8 vs 89.4) and more pain (19.8 vs 26.5) and breast symptoms (22.7 vs 30.3) than C-BCS. Body image scores remained statistically significantly less favorable after OP-BSC than C-BCS up to 24 months postoperatively (87.8 vs 92.2).

Conclusions

Oncoplastic surgery safely enables BCS but may lead to less favorable long-term body image compared to C-BCS. These findings are important for patient education and shared decision-making.
Exploring first and second-order spatio-temporal structures of lightning strike impacts in the French Alps using heavy subsampling
Authors: Blanchet Juliette , Coeurjolly Jean-François , Pellerin Alexis
Published: December 2024

This applied spatial statistics paper deals with a dataset of cloud-to-ground lightning strike impacts in the French Alps over the period 2011–2021 (approximately 1.4 million of events) modelled by a spatio-temporal point process. We explore first and higher-order structure for this point pattern and address the questions of homogeneity of the intensity function, first-order separability and dependence between events. Due to the nature of the dataset (very inhomogeneous in space and time) and the large amount of data, most of the nonparametric methods and statistical tests we consider lead to numerical problems or exceed clusters timeout. We suggest different subsampling strategies strongly reducing the number of events to overcome these difficulties and show how they can be used to draw conclusions on the initial point pattern.
The role of RNA polymerase II transcript elongation factors in plant stress responses
Authors: Grasser Klaus D
Published: December 2024

The elongation phase is a dynamic and highly regulated step of the RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) transcription cycle. A variety of transcript elongation factors (TEFs) comprising regulators of RNAPII activity, histone chaperones, and modulators of histone modifications assist transcription through chromatin. Thereby, TEFs substantially contribute to establish gene expression patterns during plant growth and development. Beyond that, recent research indicates that TEFs and RNAPII transcriptional elongation also play a key role in plant responses to environmental cues. Thus, certain TEFs (i.e. PAF1C, FACT, and TFIIS) were found to mediate transcriptional reprogramming by different mechanisms to establish plant tolerance to abiotic conditions such as heat stress and elevated salt concentrations. Hence, TEFs govern RNAPII elongation to generate the transcriptional output adequate for distinct environments. It is to be expected that future research in this developing field will reveal that TEFs are involved in a growing number of plant responses to changing environmental conditions.
Distribution of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in placental tissues of maternal and fetal origin in exposed Wistar rats and associations with thyroid hormone levels
Authors: Gaballah Shaza , Hormon Brian , Nelson Genavieve St Armour Mason , Cao Jinyan , Hoffman Kate , Patisaul Heather B , Stapleton Heather M
Published: December 2024

In utero exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) is linked to adverse pregnancy and fetal health outcomes, including altered thyroid hormone (TH) levels. Despite their phase-out, PBDEs are still commonly detected in newborn cord blood. While PBDEs can cross the placenta, few studies have separately assessed PBDEs or THs in the maternal and fetal placental tissues. Additionally, no studies have separately assessed THs in these tissues across mid- and late gestation, during the onset of fetal TH synthesis. To address these gaps, we conducted a study with Wistar rats and examined PBDE accumulation in the maternal and fetal placenta. Pregnant dams were exposed daily to sesame oil vehicle, a low dose, or high dose PBDE mixture. At GD15 and 20, dams were sacrificed and placental tissues were collected. Tissues were analyzed for PBDEs, T3, rT3, and T4 using mass spectrometry. BDE-47, -99, -100, and -209 were frequently detected in both the fetal and maternal placenta. At GD15, higher concentrations of BDE-99, -100, and -209 were measured in the fetal placenta; however, this trend reversed by GD20, with higher maternal placental concentrations. Placental T3 and T4 were significantly impacted by exposure, tissue, and exposure × tissue at GD15, with significant reductions in both THs following low-dose exposure in the maternal placenta. By GD20, maternal placental T3 was only significantly reduced in the high exposure groups and there was no effect on placental T4. Overall, these results highlight the rapid developmental changes that occur throughout gestation between the maternal and fetal placenta, and the differential impacts of gestational PBDE exposure on placental T3 and T4 across mid- and late gestation.
Osteoblast‐derived exosomal miR‐140‐3p targets ACER2 and increases the progression of prostate cancer via the AKT/mTOR pathway‐mediated inhibition of autophagy
Authors: Liu Ying , Chen Shisheng , Guo Kuo , Ma Siyuan , Wang Xi , Liu Qianping , Yan Rongxin , Huang Yuerong , Li Tian , He Shuhua , Hui Jialiang
Published: December 2024

Advanced prostate cancer (aPCa) often results in bone metastases (BM). However, the mechanism underlying its progression and metastasis to bones remains unclear. Therefore, we examined whether exosomal miR‐140‐3p affects prostate cancer (PCa) progression. We obtained from cell lines, clinical data analyses, and animal models consistently provide important evidence. Patients with PCa having BM had higher miR‐140‐3p expression in their serum exosomes than those without BM. Clinical investigations have manifested that the exosomal miR‐140‐3p overexpression connects with serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels and Gleason grade in patients with PCa. Osteoblast‐derived exosomal miR‐140‐3p targeting ACER2 activates the AKT/mTOR pathway in vitro, inhibits autophagy, and promotes PCa cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. miR‐140‐3p significantly increased tumorigenesis and metastasis of LNCaP in vitro. Bone metastatic PCa tissues exhibited elevated levels of miR‐140‐3p, p‐GSK3, p‐mTOR, p62, p‐AKT (S473), and p‐AKT (T308) contrasted with non‐BM tissues. Moreover, their expression was intensified in the metastatic bone tissues. However, ACER2 and LC3 II showed opposite expression patterns. Based on our study outcomes, the evidence suggests that osteoblast‐derived miR‐140‐3p inhibition of autophagy through the AKT/mTOR pathway is involved in PCa progression. Osteoblast‐secreted exosomal miR‐140‐3p activates the AKT/mTOR pathway by targeting ACER2, inhibiting autophagy, and promoting the progression of PCa cells in vitro. Moreover, miR‐140‐3p induces the progression and metastasis of PCa in vivo.
What Drives Clinicians to Teach While Caring for Patients?
Authors: Lessing Juan N. , Chopra Vineet
Published: December 2024

Past medical education scholarship has explored what to teach, how to teach it better, and the evaluation of what these efforts provide learners. Missing from this dialogue has been the question of what clinician-educators gain from teaching. In this Invited Commentary on Frija-Gruman and colleagues’ article “Learning Through Teaching: How Physicians Learn Medicine in Authentic Clinical Contexts,” the authors go beyond how and what clinician-educators learn through teaching to what drives clinicians to teach while caring for patients. Using a conceptual framework put forth by Daniel Pink built around the intrinsic domains of autonomy, mastery, and purpose, the authors posit that there are deep-seated psychological motivational principles underpinning the passion for teaching. The authors explore how teaching within patient care uniquely fosters and enhances autonomy (choice over what to do and how), mastery (the pursuit of betterment), and purpose (doing something that feels deeply meaningful and important), and in doing so, they present their rationale for how teaching gives back more to the teacher than is typically recognized. The authors then discuss the obstacles to the realization of teaching’s full potential and conclude with a call for recognizing the intrinsic motivators as a key element for clinician-educators and clinical education to thrive.
Formal Physical Therapy Improves Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Physical Function for High Anxiety Patients After Ankle ORIF
Authors: Dong Willie , Mau Makoa , Soule Silvia , Sato Eleanor , Thorne Tyler , Higgins Thomas , Rothberg David , Marchand Lucas , Haller Justin
Published: December 2024

OBJECTIVES:

To compare outcomes after ankle fracture fixation between those receiving formal physical therapy (PT) versus no formal PT and those with high versus low patient-reported outcome measurement information system (PROMIS) anxiety score (AS), and to evaluate the effect of PT in the setting of PROMIS ASs.

METHODS:

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

Level 1 trauma center.

Patient Selection Criteria:

Patients aged >18 years undergoing isolated ankle fracture (OTA/AO 44A, 44B, 44C) fixation with documented PROMIS scores postoperatively.

Outcome Measures and Comparisons:

The postoperative PROMIS physical function (PF) and pain interference (PI) were compared between patients receiving formal PT versus those receiving no PT and those with baseline high versus low PROMIS ASs. A subanalysis was performed between patients with low anxiety and no PT (LANP) versus low anxiety with PT (LAP) versus high anxiety and no PT (HANP), and high anxiety with PT (HAP).

RESULTS:

A total of 161 patients, 111 women (68.9%), with an average age of 46 years (range: 18–72 years), were included in this study: 127 PT, 34 no PT, 88 low anxiety, and 73 high anxiety. PT did not yield any significant differences in PROMIS PF (44.9 PT vs. 42.6 no PT, P = 0.180) or PI (53.5 PT vs. 54.4 no PT, P = 0.656) at final follow-up. At final follow-up, patients with high anxiety had similar PROMIS PF (43.0) versus patients with low anxiety (45.5, P = 0.088), but significantly worse PROMIS PI scores (51.5 vs. 56.7, respectively; P = 0.001). Univariate analysis demonstrated a significant difference in age between patients with high and low anxiety and was thus selected as a control variable in the analysis of HANP, HAP, LANP, and LAP. After controlling for age, pairwise comparisons of estimated PROMIS PF scores at final follow-up were significantly lower for HANP (39.0) than for HAP (43.9, P = 0.05), LANP (45.1, P = 0.05), and LAP patients (45.9, P = 0.04). Final PROMIS PI scores were significantly worse for HANP (59.1) and HAP (56.5) when compared with LANP (51.3, P = 0.021 vs. HANP, P = 0.049 vs. HAP) and LAP (51.3, P = 0.005 vs. HANP, P = 0.004 vs. HAP) groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients with high anxiety who undergo isolated ankle fracture fixation perform worse regarding PROMIS PI irrespective of PT status. However, some patients with high anxiety may benefit from formal PT referral to maximize their functional outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Wide Awake Surgery Is Safe and Feasible in Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery
Authors: Tamburini Lisa M. , Ashraf Asad , Gunda Bhavana , Weaver Adam , Chaudhry Sonia
Published: December 2024

Objective:

Wide awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) techniques are increasingly utilized for hand surgeries in adults, given the clinical benefits to patients, reduced environmental waste during surgery, and lower costs to the health care system. This technique is not widely employed for pediatric hand surgeries given concerns for parental and patient anxiety, noncompliance during surgery, and tolerance of administration of local anesthesia. Select patients undergoing amenable procedures can potentially benefit from this method and enjoy the lower morbidities and costs that adult patients enjoy. It was hypothesized that WALANT technique would be safe, efficient, and feasible in a pediatric cohort.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of all 223 upper extremity surgeries performed by a single surgeon at a pediatric hospital and its surgery center was performed. Patients aged 7 to 20 years scheduled for local anesthesia without monitored anesthesia care were included. These patients were not instructed to fast before their procedure. Patient demographics, surgical and recovery room times, pain scores, and complications were recorded.

Results:

Eighty-six patients underwent surgery under local anesthesia and were compared with 76 patients undergoing similar surgeries under general anesthesia. Both soft tissue and bony surgeries were included. The WALANT group had both significantly shorter average length of surgery and time spent in recovery compared with the general anesthesia group, translating into significant cost savings. Lower pain scores and fewer narcotic prescriptions were noted. There were no conversions to any type of monitored anesthesia care, nor cancellations due to inability to tolerate administration of local. No difference in infection rates or other complications were noted between groups.

Conclusions:

WALANT is safe, efficient, and feasible in a pediatric hospital for a variety of surgeries. Expanding this technique for use in select children allows patients, their families, and the health care system to enjoy the clinical, financial, and environmental benefits of WALANT surgery.

Level of Evidence:

Level III—retrospective comparative study.
Psychotherapy in Treating Female Sexual Dysfunction
Authors: Kelley Erika L. , Althof Stanley E.
Published: December 2024

This paper provides a summary of the biopsychosocial approach to the identification of female sexual dysfunction, with a particular focus on psychological, interpersonal, and sociocultural components. A summary of psychotherapeutic approaches to the management of female sexual dysfunction, for cases warranting a specialist referral, is provided. Approaches including sensate focus sex therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, and systematic desensitization are summarized. This information may support obstetric and gynecologic health care professionals in engaging in interdisciplinary care and in providing an informative and warm referral to patients who would benefit from psychotherapeutic approaches.
Tumor-derived CCL2 drives tumor growth and immunosuppression in IDH1-mutant cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Zabransky Daniel J. , Kartalia Emma , Lee Jae W. , Leatherman James M. , Charmsaz Soren , Young Sara E. , Chhabra Yash , Franch-Expósito Sebastià , Kang Martin , Maru Saumya , Rastkari Noushin , Davis Michael , Dalton William Brian , Oshima Kiyoko , Baretti Marina , Azad Nilofer S. , Jaffee Elizabeth M. , Yarchoan Mark
Published: December 2024

Background and Aims:

Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1)-mutant cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a highly lethal subtype of hepatobiliary cancer that is often resistant to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies. We evaluated the effects of IDH1 mutations in CCA cells on the tumor immune microenvironment and identified opportunities for therapeutic intervention.

Approach and Results:

Analysis of 2606 human CCA tumors using deconvolution of RNA-sequencing data identified decreased CD8+ T cell and increased M2-like tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) infiltration in IDH1-mutant compared to IDH1 wild-type tumors. To model the tumor immune microenvironment of IDH1-mutant CCA in vivo, we generated an isogenic cell line panel of mouse SB1 CCA cells containing a heterozygous IDH1 R132C (SB1mIDH1) or control (SB1WT) mutation using CRISPR-mediated homology-directed repair. SB1mIDH1 cells recapitulated features of human IDH1-mutant CCA including D-2-hydroxyglutarate production and increased M2-like TAM infiltration. SB1mIDH1 cells and tumors produced increased levels of CCL2, a chemokine involved in the recruitment and polarization of M2-like TAMs, compared to wild-type controls. In vivo neutralization of CCL2 led to decreased M2-like TAM infiltration, reduced tumor size, and improved overall survival in mice harboring SB1mIDH1 tumors.

Conclusions:

IDH1-mutant CCA is characterized by an increased abundance of M2-like TAMs. Targeting CCL2 remodels the tumor immune microenvironment and improves outcomes in preclinical models of IDH1-mutant CCA, highlighting the role of myeloid-targeted immunotherapies in the treatment of this cancer.
FACTORS PREDICTIVE OF PERSISTENT SUBRETINAL FLUID IN ACUTE CENTRAL SEROUS CHORIORETINOPATHY
Authors: Hatakeyama Chika , Kataoka Keiko , Yoshikawa Yuji , Nakayama Makiko , Yamamoto Akiko , Okada Annabelle A.
Published: December 2024

Purpose:

To identify the clinical parameters predictive of persistent subretinal fluid in acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).

Methods:

Clinical data of consecutive eyes diagnosed with first-time, acute, treatment-naïve CSC followed up for at least 6 months from symptom onset were evaluated retrospectively. Acute CSC was defined as CSC in which symptoms were noticed within 3 months of presentation. Subretinal fluid, central retinal thickness, subfoveal choroidal thickness, and fundus autofluorescence were examined.

Results:

Of the 48 eyes in 48 patients, 38% exhibited subretinal fluid persisting for at least 6 months after the symptom onset. Fundus autofluorescence alterations at baseline were observed in 52% and 36% of affected and fellow eyes, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that persistent fluid was significantly associated with the presence of fundus autofluorescence alterations in fellow eyes (odds ratio = 23.5, P = 0.024), in addition to greater age (odds ratio = 1.16, P = 0.015) and thicker central retinal thickness (odds ratio = 1.01, P = 0.022).

Conclusion:

Fellow eye fundus autofluorescence alterations, in addition to older age and thicker central retinal thickness, were significant predictors of persistent subretinal fluid in patients with acute CSC. These findings underscore CSC's bilateral aspects and noninvasive markers' role in predicting persistent subretinal fluid.