bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entwicklung und Evaluation des OF-Pelvis-Scores bei osteoporotischen Beckenringfrakturen – retrospektive Beurteilung der Therapieempfehlung anhand von 107 Patienten
Authors: Spiegl Ulrich Josef Albert , Schnake Klaus J. , Scheyerer Max J , Mendel Thomas , Osterhoff Georg , Sprengel Kai , Bäumlein Martin , Behr Lars , Franck Alexander , Gercek Erol , Grüninger Sebastian , Hartung Philipp , Hauck Stefan , Jacobs Cornelius , Katscher Sebastian , Klauke Friederike , Liepold Katja , Müller Christian W. , Müller Michael , Piltz Stefan , Pätzold Robert , Riehle Marion , Schmeiser Gregor , Verheyden Akhil P. , Zimmermann Volker , Ullrich Bernhard ,   AG Osteoporotische Frakturen der Sektion Wirbelsäule der DGOU
Published: October 2024

Ziel dieser Studie war die Entwicklung und klinische Evaluation eines Scores, der bei der Entscheidung für eine konservative oder operative Therapie bei osteoporotischen Beckenfrakturen unterstützen soll.

In den Jahren 2018 bis 2020 erfolgte die Entwicklung des OF-Pelvis-Scores im Rahmen von insgesamt 5 Treffen der AG Osteoporotische Frakturen der Sektion Wirbelsäule der DGOU. Der OF-Pelvis-Score als Entscheidungshilfe zwischen konservativer und operativer Therapie wurde im Expertenkonsens nach Analyse zahlreicher geriatrischer Sakrum- und Beckenringfrakturen aus mehreren Kliniken entwickelt. Anschließend erfolgte die retrospektive Evaluation des Scores an konsekutiven Patienten aus 3 Kliniken.

Folgende Parameter wurden für die Entscheidung zwischen operativem und konservativem Vorgehen als relevant angesehen und flossen in den Score ein: Frakturmorphologie anhand der OF-Pelvis-Klassifikation, Schmerzsituation, Mobilisation, frakturbedingte neurologische Defizite, Gesundheitszustand sowie die Modifier, die bereits in die OF-Pelvis-Klassifikation integriert sind. Bei einem Punktwert < 8 wird eine konservative Therapie empfohlen, bei einem Punktwert > 8 eine operative und bei einem Punktwert von 8 besteht eine relative Operationsindikation. Der OF-Pelvis-Score wurde dann bei insgesamt 107 Patienten retrospektiv nach Aktenlage berechnet. Der OF-Pelvis-Score betrug 8 Punkte bei 4 Patienten (3,7%), die alle operativ versorgt wurden. Von den restlichen 103 Patienten wurden 93 Score-konform therapiert (90,3%). Dabei lehnten 4 der nicht Score-konform versorgten Patienten die empfohlene Operation ab, sodass die tatsächliche Therapieempfehlung in 94,2% Score-konform
war.

Der OF-Pelvis-Score basiert auf der Frakturmorphologie und klinischen Parametern und ermöglicht die Ableitung einer Therapieempfehlung. Aufgrund der verwendeten klinischen Parameter ist der Score dynamisch und spiegelt die sich ändernde klinische Situation auch im Verlauf wider. In der retrospektiven Evaluation zeigten die OF-Pelvis-Score-basierten Therapieempfehlungen eine sehr hohe Übereinstimmungsrate mit der tatsächlich durchgeführten Therapie.
Amine-Ligated Boryl Radical Enabled Hydrofunctionalization of Styrenes via Halogen-Atom Transfer of Alkyl and Aryl Bromides
Authors: Yasukawa Naoki , Nakamura Shuichi , Naito Seiya , Obata Koki
Published: October 2024

Herein, we demonstrate an amine-ligated boryl radical mediated halogen-atom transfer (XAT) strategy with alkyl and aryl bromides to construct C(sp
3)–C(sp
3) and C(sp
3)–C(sp
2) bonds, respectively. The first step involves the photocatalytic and decarboxylative generation of amine-ligated boryl radicals from a carboxylic acid containing amine-ligated borane. The resulting amine-ligated boryl radical undergoes XAT with organobromides to generate carbon-centered radicals, which react with styrenes to afford hydrofunctionalized products. Furthermore, this photocatalytic XAT strategy can be applied to synthesize gem-difluorostyrene and 1,1-disubstituted cyclopropane through a radical-polar crossover mechanism.
Pulmonary Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor: A Case Report
Authors: Bruyninckx Lotte , De Leyn Paul , Van Raemdonck Dirk , Jansen Yanina , Coppens Katrien , Vermeulen Francois , Weynand Birgit , Gieraerts Christopher , Decaluwé Herbert
Published: October 2024

An inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a rare mesenchymal tumor that occurs predominantly in children and young adults. Etiology remains unclear. But based on the frequent detection of chromosomic alterations, especially near the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene, IMT is now considered to be a true neoplasm. In addition, the possible aggressive behavior, and the ability to metastasize suggest at least an intermediate malignant potential. Surgery remains the treatment of choice, but the use of chemotherapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy are reported. We describe a case of a pulmonary IMT in a 6-year-old boy with an incidental finding of a lesion in the right upper lobe. A video-assisted thoracoscopic right upper lobectomy with lymph node resection was performed. Microscopic examination confirmed the diagnosis of IMT with the nodule showing spindle cells in a background of plasma cells. ALK immunohistochemical expression was negative.
Outcomes of Trochleoplasty versus Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy for Treatment of Patellar Instability Associated with Trochlear Dysplasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Bedeir Yehia H. , Deghidy Ehsan Akram Ahmed
Published: October 2024

This study compared the outcomes of tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) and trochleoplasty for the treatment of patellar instability associated with trochlear dysplasia. This was a systematic review of the literature including published articles that describe either trochleoplasty or TTO in addition to medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction for the surgical treatment of patellar instability associated with trochleoplasty. Main outcomes assessed were Kujala and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores, in addition to recurrent instability and complications. Outcome measures reported were provided in a table format and a subjective analysis was performed. Ten studies were included with a total of 362 knees including 132 in the trochleoplasty group and 230 in the TTO group. Mean follow-up ranged from 27.6 to 61.3 months. At the final follow-up, both Kujala and IKDC scores improved significantly in all studies that reported both preoperative and postoperative scores in both groups. There was a total of three instability events in the trochleoplasty group as opposed to 21 in the TTO group. Both procedures, trochleoplasty and TTO, may provide satisfactory functional improvement in patients with patellar instability associated with trochlear dysplasia. However, trochleoplasty may be a better option to minimize the risk of recurrent instability. Level of evidence: level IV, systematic review of level III and level IV studies.
Preclinical Evidence of Mulberry Leaf Polysaccharides on Diabetic Kidney Disease: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Yisu , Chen Baifan , Zhang Jinghong , Wang Dan , Ruan Yuan
Published: October 2024

Mulberry leaf polysaccharides (MLPs) have a variety of biological activities. Preliminary scattered evidence of preclinical studies have reported their potenzial effects on diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Here, we intended to assess the preclinical evidence of MLPs and explore their potenzial mechanisms on DKD, offering a scientific reference for the therapeutic use of MLPs. The study has been registered under the CRD42022309117 registration number at PROSPERO. Comprehensive search was conducted across eight databases from their establishment till January 2024, and eight studies with 270 animals were included in the meta-analysis. The primary outcome measurements in the MLP group, including serum creatinine (Scr) (P = 0.0005), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (P = 0.02), 24-hour urinary protein (UP) (P = 0.001), and urinary microalbumin (UAlb) (P < 0.0001), were significantly reduced compared to the control group. Additionally, MLP treatment was significantly correlated with
fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), protein expression of TGF-β1, CTGF mRNA, and the kidney index (all P values < 0.05) and delayed the progression of local pathological changes in the kidney. Subgroup analysis revealed significant species differences in the efficacy of MLPs. Also, it showed that the dosage of streptozotocin potenzially affected the Scr and UAlb results, while the duration of MLP treatment influenced UAlb results. MLPs may exert potenzial renal protection by delaying renal fibrosis, inhibiting inflammatory reactions, suppressing the growth hormone–insulin-like growth factor–insulin-like growth factor binding protein axis, and regulating the insulin receptor pathway. In summary, MLPs have multifaceted renal protective effects, suggesting their potenzial for treating DKD.
Increased Perception of Head Tilt to Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation Correlates to Motion Sickness Susceptibility in Vestibular Migraine
Authors: Patel Mitesh
Published: October 2024

Abstract Background Vestibular migraine is associated with vertigo, persistent swaying, tilting, and disorientation, which suggests a heightened sensitivity of the neural mechanisms subserving spatial orientation. Whether a heightened sense of motion to vestibular
stimulation in vestibular migraine is associated with sensitivity to visual motion (visual dependency) or physical motion (motion sickness susceptibility) is unclear. Purpose The aim of this study was to explore whether a heightened sense of self-motion sensitivity in vestibular
migraine is associated with visual dependency or motion sickness susceptibility. Study design This is a prospective cross-over study. Study sample Fifteen participants with vestibular migraine and 20 healthy controls (all right handed) were included in this
study. Data Collection and Analysis In the main experiment, participants were asked to align a rod to the perceived head position. Head tilt was generated by DC galvanic vestibular stimulation at 1 mA to produce head tilts to the right (left anodal/right cathodal stimulation,
LA/RC) or left (right anodal/left cathodal, RA/LC). The perception of head tilt was measured in a dark room using laptop software that allowed participants to turn an illuminated rod to any angle about the midpoint. Participants were instructed to align the rod to the perceived head position
before and during galvanic stimulation and the line angle was saved. Head position was objectively monitored with an ultrasound motion system. After completing the perceptual test, visual dependency was measured with a static and rotating background and the Motion Sickness Susceptibility Questionnaire
(MSSQ) was completed. Results In an upright head position, without stimulation, the perceived head position was 1.1 degrees in controls and −0.69 degrees in vestibular migraine participants with no significant difference between groups. During galvanic vestibular
stimulation, participants with vestibular migraine had an increased perception of head tilt compared with controls (RA/LC: controls −4.7 degrees and vestibular migraine −9.29, p = 0.002; and LA/RC: controls 6.5 degrees and vestibular migraine
11.12 degrees, p = 0.017), although the size of head movement was similar between groups. The average perception of head tilt correlated to the MSSQ score, but not to the degree of visual dependency in a static or moving background. Conclusion A
heightened sensitivity of the vestibular system to vestibular stimulation in vestibular migraine is consistent with reports of self-motion sensitivity in vestibular migraine.
Overview of the neutron diagnostic systems for the SPARC tokamak
Authors: Raj P. , Ball J. L. , Carmichael J. , Frenje J. A. , Gocht R. , Gorini G. , Holmes I. , Johnson M. Gatu , Kennedy R. , Mackie S. , Nocente M. , Panontin E. , Petruzzo M. , Rebai M. , Reinke M. , Rice J. , Rigamonti D. , Rosa M. Dalla , Saltos A. A. , Tardocchi M. , Tinguely R. A. , Wang X.
Published: October 2024

Neutron measurement is the primary tool in the SPARC tokamak for fusion power (Pfus) monitoring, research on the physics of burning plasmas, validation of the neutronics simulation workflows, and providing feedback for machine protection. A demanding target uncertainty (10% for Pfus) and coverage of a wide dynamic range (>8 orders of magnitude going up to 5 × 1019 n/s), coupled with a fast-track timeline for design and deployment, make the development of the SPARC neutron diagnostics challenging. Four subsystems are under design that exploit the high flux of direct DT and DD plasma neutrons emanating from a shielded opening in a midplane diagnostic port. The systems comprise a set of ∼15 flux monitors, mainly ionization chambers and proportional counters for measurement of the neutron yield rate, two independent foil activation systems for measurement of the neutron fluence, a spectrometric radial neutron camera for poloidal profiling of the plasma emissivity, and a high-resolution magnetic proton recoil spectrometer for measurement of the core neutron spectrum. Together, the four systems ensure redundancy of sensors and methods and aim to provide high resolutions of time (10 ms), space (∼7 cm), and energy (<2% at 14 MeV). This paper presents the broader objectives behind the preliminary design of the SPARC neutron diagnostics and discusses the ongoing studies on neutronics, detector comparisons, prototyping, and integration with the unique infrastructure of SPARC. Engineering details of the four subsystems and the concepts for in situ neutron calibration are also highlighted.
Research on a broad-band X-band high power relativistic klystron amplifier
Authors: Yao Hongtao , Ju Jinchuan , Zhang Wei , Wang Tengfang , Zhou Yunxiao , Li Ying
Published: October 2024

This paper introduces a high-power broadband X-band klystron amplifier that achieves an output power of 157 MW and a 3 dB operating bandwidth of 6.7%. The amplifier employs an explosive emission diode with high impedance, which balances the requirements of high power and broadband. The multi-gap input and output cavities are designed to operate at two different longitudinal modes within the operating frequency band, resulting in a flat absorption rate and output efficiency. Moreover, an eight-stage stagger-tuned bunching section is implemented to achieve a uniform fundamental harmonic current modulation depth across the frequency band. Simulation results indicate that when the diode voltage is 550 kV and the beam current is 550 A, the amplifier can achieve a maximum power of 157 MW with an efficiency of 51.9% at the central frequency of 9.8 GHz. Furthermore, within the 3 dB operating bandwidth of 6.7% (670 MHz), the power output remains higher than 80 MW. This novel klystron amplifier structure exhibits exceptional performance in terms of bandwidth, power, and efficiency, thus validating the effectiveness of the design in enhancing bandwidth and providing a solid foundation for the broadband design of high-power microwave sources.
Combining SSVD and subsequent heat treatment processes to fabricate high-quality CsPbBr3 perovskite films
Authors: Yeh Kuan-Chi , Chan Chia-Hua
Published: October 2024

Perovskites, known for their excellent photoluminescence efficiency and color purity, have seen widespread application in flat panel displays and lighting in recent years. Here, we present a process for fabricating CsPbBr3 perovskite film (PeFilm) with high luminescent properties and remarkable weather resistance. By combining single-source vapor deposition (SSVD) with subsequent heat treatment, the quality of PeFilms has been significantly improved. We enhanced the quality of PeFilms by using a thermal annealing process to remove PbBr2 from CsPb2Br5. During annealing, PbBr2 evaporates from PeFilms, changing the crystal phase to CsPbBr3. The heat treatment rearranges atoms between grains, promoting grain growth and fusion, producing larger crystals and reducing defects. The research results demonstrate that the integration of SSVD and appropriate heat treatment enables the fabrication of the CsPbBr3 PeFilm with an emission wavelength of 533 nm, CIE coordinates of (0.1842, 0.7797), and a photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 52.1%, and even after storing it in atmospheric conditions for 100 days, the PLQY of the CsPbBr3 PeFilm remains above 52%, demonstrating excellent stability.
Directly modulated FMCW tunable laser with highly linear frequency chirp and narrow linewidth
Authors: Zhang Limeng , Gagino Marco , Millan-Mejia Alonso , Williams Kevin A. , Dolores Calzadilla Victor
Published: October 2024

Frequency-modulated continuous-wave light detection and ranging (FMCW LiDAR) is a promising technology for long-range, high-accuracy, stray-light-immune distance and velocimetry sensing. To achieve this, a precisely chirped and highly coherent laser source is required. In this work, we propose to generate a highly linear frequency chirp by utilizing an intracavity phase modulator with high linearity and demonstrate a proof-of-concept fully integrated monolithic FMCW laser source based on an InP generic platform. By electrically modulating the intracavity phase modulator at a repetition rate of 100 kHz, a 1.85 GHz chirp range with root mean square (RMS) frequency nonlinearity down to 1.8 MHz is achieved without the need of external feedback loop or predistortion. Meanwhile, the laser shows a 51 nm tuning range with a linewidth down to 16 kHz. By taking advantage of the high-speed electro-optical effects, fast frequency modulation with repetition rate of up to 1 MHz is realized with a frequency chirp range of ∼1.65 GHz and RMS frequency nonlinearity of ∼12 MHz. We demonstrate its feasibility for LiDAR through in-fiber ranging at a distance of 50 m, where a 51 cm resolution is directly achieved.
Flow stability and permeability in a nonrandom porous medium analog
Authors: P. Leão T.
Published: October 2024

The estimation of the permeability of porous media to fluids is of fundamental importance in fields as diverse as oil and gas industry, agriculture, hydrology, and medicine. Despite more than 150 years since the publication of Darcy's linear law for flow in porous media, several questions remain regarding the range of validity of this law, the constancy of the permeability coefficient, and how to define the transition from Darcy flow to other flow regimes. This study is a numerical investigation of the permeability and flow stability in a nonrandom quasi-tridimensional porous medium analog. The effect of increasing pressure gradient on the velocity field and on the estimation of Darcy and Darcy–Forchheimer coefficients is investigated for three different obstacles radius. The transition from Darcy flow to nonlinear behavior is associated with the formation of jets in the outlet of the porous medium and development of flow instabilities. Different representations of the Reynolds number proved adequate to detect deviation from the linear law. The instantaneous permeability calculated at each pressure gradient was sensitive to flow velocity, in agreement with previous studies stating that permeability cannot be conceptualized as a constant for real flows.
Effects of velocity regularization on neural network performance in processing particle images
Authors: Ji Kexin , Hui Xin , An Qiang
Published: October 2024

Recent studies have witnessed remarkable progress in harnessing convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to overcome the inherent limitations of conventional particle image velocimetry (PIV) methods. Traditional PIV techniques often suffer from compromised resolution and precision, hindering their ability to capture the complexities of fluid dynamics within the observation frame. While CNNs offer promise in addressing these challenges, they face obstacles such as limited accuracy, weak generalization, and a dearth of physical interpretability. In our prior research, we presented a CNN architecture that incorporates optical flow algorithms as supplementary physical constraints, thereby bolstering the model interpretability and precision. Nevertheless, the practical implications of this approach, especially when dealing with multi-dimensional, low-quality particle image data and restricted training sets, have yet to be fully explored. To address this knowledge gap, we have assembled a comprehensive dataset that simulates a wide array of experimental scenarios. We have systematically assessed the influence of velocity regularization on neural network performance, taking into account variations in image quality and the size of training datasets. The results underscore the pivotal importance of velocity regularization in enhancing the predictive prowess of neural networks, particularly when dealing with poor image quality and smaller data sizes. This study provides useful insights into the effective application of CNNs with velocity regularization in the field of experimental fluid dynamics.
Fast Spatiotemporal Sequence Graph Convolutional Network-based transient flow prediction around different airfoils
Authors: Xie Hao-Ran , Wang Zhi-Qiao , Li Yu-Bai , Li Qiang , Wu Wei-Tao , Han Jun-Li , Peng Jiang-Zhou , He Yong
Published: October 2024

A novel Spatiotemporal Sequence Graph Convolutional Network (ST-SGCN) data-driven model is proposed to predict transient fluid dynamics around airfoils using complex and unstructured flow field data, with the aim of reducing dimensions and expediting predictions. Graph Neural Networks directly interact with the flow field grid, capturing spatiotemporal physical features of grid nodes and their interconnections, while eliminating the need for complex preprocessing steps. The ST-SGCN model integrates a Graph Convolutional Network and a Graph Attention Network with a Deep Recurrent Neural Network that uses a Gate Recurrent Unit as the kernel, adeptly extracting spatial and temporal physical features of the flow field to accurately predict transient flow states. Preliminary airfoil flow experiments demonstrated the model's ability to continuously predict transient flow fields, achieving an average accuracy of 97% for both velocity and pressure field predictions, with a maximum error of approximately 10% in the testing dataset. Further experiments, varying angles of attack, airfoils, and Reynolds numbers, demonstrated the model's generalizability, extensibility, and adaptability, with prediction errors below 5% and a speedup of over 20 times.
Tunable valley states in two-dimensional ScBr2
Authors: Huangfu Yuehua , Liu Pengyu , Li Dong , Liu Chang , Lu Haowei , Zhang Guangbiao
Published: October 2024

Effective manipulation of valley degrees of freedom can offer significant opportunities for both fundamental research and practical applications. In this work, based on the first-principles calculations, we, respectively, studied the modulation of the valley states of the two-dimensional (2D) ferrovalley material ScBr2 in its bilayers and multiferroic heterostructures. The sliding ferroelectricity is found in ScBr2 bilayers, and the ferroelectric polarization is coupled with valley polarization, which can enable the switching of layer-polarization anomalous Hall effect. The switching of magnetic ground states can also be achieved through layer sliding. On the other hand, the reversal of the ferroelectric polarization of Ga2S3 in the ScBr2/Ga2S3 heterojunction can induce a semiconductor to half-metal phase transition, thereby enabling control of the anomalous valley Hall effect for “on” and “off” states. Our work provides two effective ways to manipulate the valley states in 2D materials.
Hybrid of imperialist competitive algorithm and particle swarm optimization for parameter extraction of photovoltaic cells
Authors: Wang Hongli , Song Shanfei , Li Peng , Zhang Wenjun , Lei Dongge , Wu Fei
Published: October 2024

To improve the efficiency of photovoltaic systems, it is essential to obtain the parameters of photovoltaic cells through an identification process. However, due to the nonlinear and multimodal characteristics, accurately and reliably identifying the parameters of photovoltaic cells still remains a challenging task. In this paper, a hybrid of the imperialist competitive algorithm (ICA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO), ICA-PSO, is proposed to effectively identify the parameters of photovoltaic cells. The position updating strategy of PSO is adopted to replace the colony’s position updating strategy in the ICA. The hybrid algorithm ICA-PSO integrates the multi-swarm search characteristic and the powerful exploration ability of PSO together, leading to an enhanced optimization performance. Experimental results of applying ICA-PSO to parameter identification of photovoltaic cells show that ICA-PSO can extract the parameters of photovoltaic cells with higher accuracy and reliability, thus outperforming many other methods presented in the literature.
Pseudo-source gated beta-gallium oxide MOSFET
Authors: Mainali Ganesh , Chettri Dhanu , Khandelwal Vishal , Kumar Mritunjay , García Glen Isaac Maciel , Liu Zhiyuan , Xiao Na , Vasquez Jose Manuel Taboada , Tang Xiao , Li Xiaohang
Published: October 2024

This study demonstrates pseudo-source-gated beta-gallium oxide (β-Ga2O3) metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs). The proposed pseudo-source gated transistor (pseudo-SGT) architecture has a thin (∼11 nm) recessed channel design, effectively emulating conventional SGT characteristics without significantly compromising on-current. The fabricated devices exhibit remarkable intrinsic gain of 104, low output conductance of 10−8 S/mm, transconductance of 10−3 S/mm, and drain saturation voltage of ∼1.5 V, while maintaining a drain current of 1.3 mA/mm. These enhanced performance metrics significantly expand the potential of β-Ga2O3 MOSFETs for the development of Ga2O3 monolithic power integrated circuits.
Foliar-applied silicon and zinc nanoparticles improve plant growth, biochemical attributes, and essential oil profile of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) under different irrigation regimes
Authors: Mosaedi Hossein , Mozafari Hamid , Sani Behzad , Ghasemi Pirbalouti Abdollah , Rajabzadeh Faezeh
Published: October 2024

The comparative efficacy of silicon (Si) and zinc (Zn) nanoparticles (NPs) in mitigating drought stress in fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) remains largely unexplored. This study evaluated the impact of Si NPs and Zn NPs on enhancing plant growth and physiological-biochemical attributes of fennel under varying irrigation regimes. The 2-year study was a split-pot design with irrigation at three irrigation levels (100, 75, and 50% field capacity, FC) and five treatments of foliar application of Si and Zn NPs (control, 1 mM Si NP, 2 mM Si NP, 1 mM Zn NP, 2 mM Zn NP). Results showed that drought stress reduced plant performance. Increases in superoxide dismutase (SOD, 131%) and catalase (CAT, 276%) were seen after a 50% FC drought without the use of Si and Zn NPs. Conversely, biological yield (34%), seed yield (44%), chlorophyll a + b (26%), relative water content (RWC, 21%), and essential oil (EO) yield (50%) were all reduced. However, application of Zn and Si, particularly 1 mM Si and 2 mM Zn, greatly mitigated drought stress via lowering CAT and SOD activity and enhancing plant yield, chlorophyll content, RWC, and EO. The composition of the EO consisted primarily of anethole, followed by limonene, fenchone, and estragole. During drought conditions, monoterpene hydrocarbons increased while oxygenated monoterpenes decreased. The opposite trend was observed for Si and Zn NPs. Our results suggest that applying Zn NPs at 2 mM followed by Si NPs at 1 mM improved plant resilience and EO yield in fennel plants under water stress.
Intercellular friction and motility drive orientational order in cell monolayers
Authors: Chiang Michael , Hopkins Austin , Loewe Benjamin , Marchetti M. Cristina , Marenduzzo Davide
Published: October 2024

Spatiotemporal patterns in multicellular systems are important to understanding tissue dynamics, for instance, during embryonic development and disease. Here, we use a multiphase field model to study numerically the behavior of a near-confluent monolayer of deformable cells with intercellular friction. Varying friction and cell motility drives a solid–liquid transition, and near the transition boundary, we find the emergence of local nematic order of cell deformation driven by shear-aligning cellular flows. Intercellular friction contributes to the monolayer’s viscosity, which significantly increases the spatial correlation in the flow and, concomitantly, the extent of nematic order. We also show that local hexatic and nematic order are tightly coupled and propose a mechanical-geometric model for the colocalization of

+
1
/
2

nematic defects and 5–7 disclination pairs, which are the structural defects in the hexatic phase. Such topological defects coincide with regions of high cell–cell overlap, suggesting that they may mediate cellular extrusion from the monolayer, as found experimentally. Our results delineate a mechanical basis for the recent observation of nematic and hexatic order in multicellular collectives in experiments and simulations and pinpoint a generic pathway to couple topological and physical effects in these systems.
Brain–machine convergent evolution: Why finding parallels between brain and artificial systems is informative
Authors: Simony Erez , Grossman Shany , Malach Rafael
Published: October 2024

Central nervous system neurons manifest a rich diversity of selectivity profiles—whose precise role is still poorly understood. Following the striking success of artificial networks, a major debate has emerged concerning their usefulness in explaining neuronal properties. Here we propose that finding parallels between artificial and neuronal networks is informative precisely because these systems are so different from each other. Our argument is based on an extension of the concept of convergent evolution—well established in biology—to the domain of artificial systems. Applying this concept to different areas and levels of the cortical hierarchy can be a powerful tool for elucidating the functional role of well-known cortical selectivities. Importantly, we further demonstrate that such parallels can uncover novel functionalities by showing that grid cells in the entorhinal cortex can be modeled to function as a set of basis functions in a lossy representation such as the well-known JPEG compression. Thus, contrary to common intuition, here we illustrate that finding parallels with artificial systems provides novel and informative insights, particularly in those cases that are far removed from realistic brain biology.
Switching of electrochemical selectivity due to plasmonic field-induced dissociation
Authors: Alcorn Francis M. , Kumar Giri Sajal , Chattoraj Maya , Nixon Rachel , Schatz George C. , Jain Prashant K.
Published: October 2024

Electrochemical reactivity is known to be dictated by the structure and composition of the electrocatalyst–electrolyte interface. Here, we show that optically generated electric fields at this interface can influence electrochemical reactivity insofar as to completely switch reaction selectivity. We study an electrocatalyst composed of gold–copper alloy nanoparticles known to be active toward the reduction of CO
2
to CO. However, under the action of highly localized electric fields generated by plasmonic excitation of the gold–copper alloy nanoparticles, water splitting becomes favored at the expense of CO
2
reduction. Real-time time-dependent density functional tight binding calculations indicate that optically generated electric fields promote transient-hole-transfer-driven dissociation of the O─H bond of water preferentially over transient-electron-driven dissociation of the C─O bond of CO
2
. These results highlight the potential of optically generated electric fields for modulating pathways, switching reactivity on/off, and even directing outcomes.
Alternating access of a bacterial homolog of neurotransmitter: sodium symporters determined from AlphaFold2 ensembles and DEER spectroscopy
Authors: Schwartz Alexandra C. , Stein Richard A. , Gil-Iturbe Eva , Quick Matthias , Mchaourab Hassane S.
Published: October 2024

Neurotransmitter:sodium symporters (NSSs) play critical roles in neural signaling by regulating neurotransmitter uptake into cells powered by sodium electrochemical gradients. Bacterial NSSs orthologs, including MhsT from
Bacillus halodurans
, have emerged as model systems to understand the structural motifs of alternating access in NSSs and the extent of conservation of these motifs across the family. Here, we apply a computational/experimental methodology to illuminate the conformational landscape of MhsT alternating access. Capitalizing on our recently developed method, Sampling Protein Ensembles and Conformational Heterogeneity with AlphaFold2 (SPEACH_AF), we derived clusters of MhsT models spanning the transition from inward-facing to outward-facing conformations. Systematic application of double electron–electron resonance (DEER) spectroscopy revealed ligand-dependent movements of multiple structural motifs that underpin MhsT’s conformational cycle. Remarkably, comparative DEER analysis in detergent micelles and lipid nanodiscs highlights the profound effect of the environment on the energetics of conformational changes. Through experimentally derived selection of collective variables, we present a model of ion and substrate-powered transport by MhsT consistent with the conformational cycle derived from DEER. Our findings not only advance the understanding of MhsT's function but also uncover motifs of conformational dynamics conserved within the broader context of the NSS family and within the LeuT-fold class of transporters. Importantly, our methodological blueprint introduces an approach that can be applied across a diverse spectrum of transporters to describe their conformational landscapes.
Development of a water-cooled scintillation screen for high-current beam profiling
Authors: Kang Xincai , Tang Kai , Li Youtang , Zhao Tiecheng , Mao Ruishi , Li Min
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to develop a scintillation screen monitor
for high-current ion beam profiling. It was observed that the
conventional scintillation screen is unable to meet the requirements
of medium- and high-power accelerators due to the beam damaging the
screen and preventing it from functioning properly. Consequently, a
water-cooled tantalum-copper composite plate was adopted as the
target head and coated with potassium bromide powder. The
scintillating screen monitor employs the direct intercept method to
observe the beam profile and position recorded by a CCD camera. A
water-cooled beam profile monitoring system was manufactured and
subjected to preliminary experimental tests on an electron
accelerator. The results indicate that the screen monitor exhibits
good luminescence, and high resolution, and is capable of
effectively evaluating the beam position and profile.
An X-ray fluorescence experimental method for photon-counting detector in computed tomography system
Authors: Wu Hsiang-Ning , Chang Chia-Hao , Ni Yu-Ching
Published: October 2024

The X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrum of specific elements
can be utilized in energy calibration, energy resolution
measurement, and analysis of energy response functions for
photon-counting detectors (PCDs). The applications can be beneficial
for PCD threshold accuracy, performance verification, and optimizing
image quality. In previous literature, the experimental
configuration for the XRF spectrum typically employed a vertical
configuration to avoid the influence of the primary X-ray
beam. However, such an experimental configuration is constrained by
the fixed position of the X-ray source and detector in the computed
tomography (CT) system. Hence, the purpose of this study is to
investigate a horizontal configuration for XRF measurements and
compare the differences in XRF spectrum with vertical
configuration. The results indicate that the spectral
characteristics of the horizontal and vertical configurations are
similar, suggesting that the horizontal configuration could be
applied for energy calibration and spectral analysis in PCD-CT
systems.
Generalisation of the yield stress measurement in three point bending collapse tests: application to 3D printed flax fibre reinforced hydrogels
Authors: de Kergariou Charles , Saidani Scott Hind , Perriman Adam W , Day Graham J , Armstrong James , Scarpa Fabrizio
Published: October 2024

This paper describes the extrusion pressure’s effect on composite hydrogel inks’ filaments subjected to three point bending collapse tests. The composite considered in this work consists of an alginate-poloxamer hydrogel reinforced with flax fibres. Increased extrusion pressure resulted in more asymmetrical filaments between the support pillars. Furthermore, the material and printing conditions used in the present study led to the production of curved specimens. These two characteristics implicitly limit the validity of the yield stress equations commonly used in open literature. Therefore, a new system of equations was derived for the case of asymmetrical and curved filaments. A post-processing method was also created to obtain the properties required to evaluate this yield stress. This new equation was then implemented to identify the strength of failed hydrogels without flax fibre reinforcement. A statistical analysis showed this new equation’s significance, which yielded statistically higher (i.e. 1.15 times larger) strength values compared to the numbers obtained with the open literature equations. At larger extrusion pressures, longer periods were needed for the material to converge towards its final shape. Larger extrusion pressure values led to lower yield stresses within the composite hydrogel filament: a 5 kPa increase in extrusion pressure lowered the yield stress by 19%. In comparison, a 15 kPa increase led to a 29% decrease in the yield stress. Overall this study provides guidelines to standardize three point bending collapse tests and analysis comparison between different materials.
Volichenko-type metasymmetry of braided Majorana qubits
Authors: Toppan Francesco
Published: October 2024

This paper presents different mathematical structures connected with the parastatistics of braided Majorana qubits and clarifies their role; in particular, ‘mixed-bracket’ Heisenberg–Lie algebras are introduced. These algebras belong to a more general framework than theVolichenko algebrasdefined in 1990 by Leites–Serganova asmetasymmetrieswhich do not respect even/odd gradings and lead to mixed brackets interpolating ordinary commutators and anticommutators. In a previous paper braidedZ2-graded Majorana qubits were first-quantized within a graded Hopf algebra framework endowed with a braided tensor product. The resulting system admits truncations at roots of unity and realizes, for a given integers=2,3,4,…, an interpolation between ordinary Majorana fermions (recovered ats = 2) and bosons (recovered in thes→∞limit); it implements a parastatistics where at mosts − 1 indistinguishable particles are accommodated in a multi-particle sector. The structures discussed in this work are:

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The Quantum group interpretation of the roots of unity truncations recovered from a (superselected) set of reps of the quantum superalgebraUq(osp(1|2));

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The reconstruction, via suitable intertwining operators, of the braided tensor products as ordinary tensor products (in a minimal representation, theN-particle sector of the braided Majorana qubits is described by2N×2Nmatrices);

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The introduction of mixed brackets for the braided creation/annihilation operators which define generalized Heisenberg–Lie algebras;

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Thes→∞untruncated limit of the mixed-bracket Heisenberg–Lie algebras producing parafermionic oscillators;

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(meta)symmetries of ordinary differential equations given by matrix Schrödinger equations in0+1dimension induced by the braided creation/annihilation operators;

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In the special case of a third root of unity truncation, a nonminimal realization of the intertwining operators defines the system as a ternary algebra.
The quantum uncertainty relation for skew information of coherence
Authors: Zhao Ming-Jing , Cui Jie , Sun Yuan
Published: October 2024

The quantum uncertainty relation characterizes the restriction of the quantum coherence on different measurement bases. The skew information of coherence is a coherence measure both operationally and informatically. We study the quantum uncertainty relation for the skew information of coherence under any two orthonormal bases. In qubit and qutrit systems, we derive the quantum uncertainty relations with the lower bounds in the factorized forms by the purity of quantum states and the incompatibility between two orthonormal bases. Especially the lower bound in qubit systems is strictly positive for non-maximally mixed states and incompatible orthonormal bases. These quantum uncertainty relations reveal the intrinsic relation among the coherence, the purity and the incompatibility between two orthonormal bases quantitatively. The advantages of these quantum uncertainty relations are illustrated by some specific examples. This method we developed here is beneficial to some other quantum uncertainty relations.
Cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of a material based in recycled polyvinyl butyral PVB and high-density polyethylene HDPE determined in human peripheral leukocytes
Authors: Vieyra Horacio , Juárez Esmeralda , Figueroa-López Ulises , Alejo-Martínez Scarlette , Aguilar-Méndez Miguel Angel , San Martin-Martínez Eduardo , Guevara-Morales Andrea
Published: October 2024

Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) is a polymer resin byproduct of the automotive industry. Separation and recycling of PVB from automotive windshield production lines solve waste management issues. Recycled PVB may contribute to the development of new biomaterials, and the blending with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) broadens their usage range. Materials designed for biological applications must undergo pre-clinical safety evaluation, including in vitro biocompatibility and cytotoxicity testing. This study evaluated in vitro the biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of thick composite films made of recycled PVB (rPVB), HDPE, and composites made of concentrations of both polymers using primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy donors. After culturing the PBMCs in the presence of the polymers and their blends for 24 h and seven days, no potential damage was observed, neither toxicity, nor inflammation induced in the cells. The microstructure and elemental analysis of the material revealed no potential toxicity concerns. Also, no acute release of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-a and IL1-b was observed, nor evidence of cell death, measured by the release of nucleosomes to the extracellular medium, and no damage to the cell monolayer at 24 h nor at 7 days of culture. The stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), used here as proinflammatory control, induced the significant release of both cytokines and caused damage to the cell monolayer. In conclusion, the pure recycled PVB, pure HDPE, and their composites are safe and biocompatible.
An experimental analysis of mechanical properties for a dissimilar pattern structure in the 3-D printing of a PLA5F filament using the Taguchi method
Authors: S Thamizh Selvan , M Mohandass
Published: October 2024

Many automobile components and machine parts can be fabricated using the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) process with materials such as Polylactic Acid (PLA), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PET-G), and polymeric composite materials (e.g., PLA with carbon fiber, PLA with glass fiber). In this study, a new polymeric composite material was fabricated using Polylactic Acid and natural flax fiber was analysed for tensile stress, elongation, and impact load resistance using Taguchi Analysis. This analysis optimized the printing parameters, including layer thickness (0.15, 0.25, 0.35 mm), nozzle movement speed (80, 100, 120 mm s−1), filling structure (Lines - a, Triangular - b, and Octet - c), and occupancy rate (20%, 40%, 60%). The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards for tensile strength (ASTM D638) and impact strength (ASTM D256) were used for evaluation. As a result, layer thickness was found to be the most effective variable for improving tensile characteristics, compared to extruder temperature, occupancy rate, or filling structure pattern. Mechanical properties including a layer thickness of 0.25 mm, an occupancy ratio of 20% for the bottom of the 2nd layer and 40% for the top of the 4th layer, triangular and octet filling structures, a nozzle speed of 100 mm s−1, and an extruder temperature of 200 °C are considered the most appropriate parameters for producing automotive parts in Three Dimensional (3D) Printing. Due to its tensile properties and impact strength resistance, these settings can be utilized in potential application in a wide variety of machine parts and vehicle components.
Entanglement propagation in integrable Heisenberg chains from a new lens
Authors: Azodi Peyman , Rabitz Herschel A
Published: October 2024

The exact single-magnon entanglement evolution in Heisenberg chains is obtained using the Quantum Correlation Transfer Function (QCTF) formulation. A dual, i.e., frequency and time-domain, analysis shows that the transient dynamics of individual spins’ entanglement is described via a Bessel function of the first kind. Through QCTF, we bypass the evaluation of the full system's state for the purpose of obtaining entanglement. Although it is known that the observable entanglement edge is formed by the arrival of a stream of quasi-particles that travel with the maximum group velocity, we show how the early quasi-particles travel faster than the maximum group velocity of the chain and contribute to entanglement production. Our results can be extended to the multi-magnon regime, therefore opening up the means to better interpret equilibration dynamics and thermodynamics in Heisenberg chains.
Net zero initiative in U.S. beef and dairy systems: integrative on-farm recommendations for greenhouse gas reduction
Authors: Vargas Juan J , Menezes Taís C , Auvermann Brent , Derner Justin D , Thoma Greg , Hales Kristin , Johnson Kristen , Leytem April B , Place Sara E , Plaut Josie , Ritten John , Thompson Logan , Stackhouse-Lawson Kimberly R
Published: October 2024

Beef and dairy production systems play an important role in society, providing a variety of ecosystem services. U.S. beef and dairy production systems require being aligned with the global and national effort to stabilize the anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the atmosphere. This study adapted the nominal group technique framework to design a roadmap to achieving a net-zero GHG cattle supply chain in the U.S. with an emphasis on farm recommendations. Scientists with diverse expertise in sustainable beef and dairy production proposed, categorized, described, defined, and prioritized strategies that have the potential to significantly reduce GHG emissions, improve production system efficiencies, and promote sustainability. These strategies were presented to different stakeholders and classified according to the marginal GHG reduction, expected return on investment, and market readiness. Thus, strategies were defined for cow-calf and stocker, feedlot, and dairy operations, according to the characteristics of the cattle systems in the U.S. This net-zero roadmap presents a broad range of options for promoting sustainable cattle production in the U.S. Priority items for a research agenda to facilitate progress towards implementing this net-zero roadmap are described according to the dairy or beef production system and including the modulation of rumen fermentation, precision diet management, manure management, increasing animal and system efficiency, and genetic evaluation and selecting of efficient animals. The expected return on investment and market readiness of the proposed strategies depend on the technology type and system localization. Progress toward the net-zero goal depends on the widespread adoption of appropriate mitigation strategies. Future research programs must prioritize identified research needs to promote the wide adoption of the proposed strategies.