bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Model‐based CBCT scatter correction with dual‐layer flat‐panel detector
Authors: Zhang Xin , Xie Jixiong , Tan Yuhang , Su Ting , Zhu Jiongtao , Cui Han , Xia Dongmei , Zheng Hairong , Liang Dong , Ge Yongshuai
Published: December 2024

Background

Recently, the popularity of dual‐layer flat‐panel detector (DL‐FPD) based dual‐energy cone‐beam CT (CBCT) imaging has been increasing. However, the image quality of dual‐energy CBCT remains constrained by the Compton scattered x‐ray photons.

Purpose

The objective of this study is to develop a novel scatter correction method, named e‐Grid, for DL‐FPD based CBCT imaging.

Methods

In DL‐FPD, a certain portion of the x‐ray photons (mainly low‐energy [LE] primary and scattered photons) passing through the object are captured by the top detector layer, while the remaining x‐ray photons (mainly high‐energy [HE] primary and scattered photons) are collected by the bottom detector layer. A linear signal model was approximated between the HE primary and scatter signals and the LE primary and scatter signals. Physical calibration experiments were performed on cone beam and fan beam to validate the aforementioned signal model via linear fittings. Monte Carlo (MC) simulations of a 10 cm diameter water phantom were conducted on GATE at first to verify this newly developed scatter estimation method. In addition, physical validation experiments of water phantom, head phantom, and abdominal phantom were carried out on a DL‐FPD based benchtop CBCT imaging system. The image non‐uniformity (NU), which represents the relative difference between the center and the edges of CT images, was measured to quantify the reduction of image shading artifacts. Finally, multi‐material decomposition was conducted.

Results

The MC results, CBCT images and line profiles, showed that the newly proposed e‐Grid approach was able to accurately predict the scatter distributions in both shape and intensity. As a result, uniform CBCT images that are close to the scatter artifact‐free reference images can be obtained. Moreover, the physical experiments demonstrated that the e‐Grid method can greatly reduce the shading artifacts in both LE and HE CBCT images acquired from DL‐FPD. Results also demonstrated that the e‐Grid method is effective for varied objects that having different diameters (from 10 to 28 cm). Quantitatively, the NU value was reduced by over 77% in the LE CBCT image and by over 66% in the HE CBCT image on average. As a consequence, the accuracy of the decomposed multi‐material bases, iodine and gadolinium, was substantially improved.

Conclusions

The Compton scattered x‐ray signals could be significantly reduced using the proposed e‐Grid method for DL‐FPD based dual‐energy CBCT imaging systems.
Isotropic sampling of tensor‐encoded diffusion MRI
Authors: Jespersen Sune Nørhøj
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a method for selecting uniform wave vectors for double diffusion encoding (DDE) to improve the accuracy and reliability of diffusion measurements.

Methods

The method relies on identifying orthogonal wave vectors with rotations, and representing these rotations as points on a three‐dimensional sphere in four dimensions using quaternions. This enables an electrostatic repulsion algorithm to achieve a uniform distribution of these points. The optimal points are then converted back into orthogonal wave vectors (or rotations).

Results

The method was validated by comparing the distribution of directions to those generated by uniform sampling and by evaluating the error in the powder‐averaged signal for various models. Our results demonstrate that the electrostatic repulsion approach effectively achieves a uniform distribution of wave vectors.

Conclusion

The proposed method provides a systematic way to generate uniform diffusion directions suitable, for example, for DDE, enhancing the precision of diffusion measurements and reducing potential bias in experimental results. The method is also capable of generating uniform sets of B‐tensors, and is thus applicable for general free waveform encoding.
Rotomolded polypropylene‐ignimbrite composites: Giving a second life to mineral dust wastes
Authors: Romero Francisco , Suárez Luis , Díaz Sara , Ortega Zaida
Published: December 2024

The possibility of rotomolding polypropylene (PP) composites with high loadings of a silica‐based dust of ignimbrite, a byproduct of volcanic stone extraction is demonstrated. This study aims to establish the properties of composites with various ratios of mineral dust as a filler in PP matrices at loadings from 5 to 30 wt%, ultimately transforming mining residues into a valuable resource for composite production and creating a value chain around the traditional mining industry. Once the composites were obtained, they were subjected to several characterization techniques to comprehensively assess their mechanical and thermal properties. In general, a high percentage of ignimbrite powder has resulted in a reduction in the mechanical properties of neat PP, although no significant changes were observed for composites at lower loadings. Furthermore, the incorporation of this mineral material modified the thermal properties of the PP, enhancing its thermal stability. The blending of the matrix and filler resulted in a reduction in both the melting crystallization temperatures for highly‐filled composites. Rotomolded items with good aesthetics, with stone‐like appearance, were obtained without any modification on the mineral dust or even without any melt compounding, therefore not increasing the energy consumption during the composites production.

Highlights

Composites production is a suitable strategy for valorization of mineral residues.

Welded ignimbrite residual dust has been used for the first time in composites.

Mineral dust has been successfully used in composites obtained by rotomolding.

Polypropylene with up to 30% of the stone dust can be processed.

Good aesthetics and mechanical features can be obtained with mineral wastes.
Optical and Electrochemical Analysis of Surface‐Enhanced ZnZrO3:Eu3+ Nanostructures for Forensic Applications
Authors: Anitha Albert , Ponnusamy Velladurai
Published: December 2024

The surface‐enhanced local crystal structure of a series of ZnZrO3:Eu3+(1 to 5 mol.%) (ZZE) orange–red nanophosphors synthesized using a sol‐gel combustion process is investigated. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) with the Rietveld refinement analysis reveals a monoclinic ZnZrO3:Eu3+ structure with a space group 14. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) analyses reveal the honeycomb alignment of nanoparticles in structure formation. The UV–vis‐diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis‐DRS) analysis reveals strong absorption in the UV region, with an increase in the energy bandgap upon the addition of Eu3+ ions (1 to 5 mol.%). The optimized ZnZrO3:Eu3+(2 mol.%) nanophosphor exhibits high‐intensity orange‐red emission at 615 nm, as revealed by photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) analysis confirms the surface‐modified ZnZrO3:Eu3+ (2 mol.%) nanophosphor and hence reveals its electrochemical stability and selectivity to form stable suspensions with liquids or solids. ZnZrO3:Eu3+ (1 to 5 mol.%) exhibits fluorophore (Eu3+) embedded, surface‐enhanced Raman scattering, which opens new bioimaging applications. Further, the optimized ZnZrO3:Eu3+ (2 mol.%) nanophosphor investigated for the identification of latent fingerprint patterns (LFP) under visible light indicates its potential as a strong LFP‐revealing material in forensics without alternate light sources or chemical reagents.
Growth and Characterization of NiO Thin Films for Selective Detection of Formaldehyde Vapor
Authors: Barala Sushil , Panda Sri Aurobindo , Gangopadhyay Subhashis
Published: December 2024

The formation of nickel oxide (NiO) nanostructures using controlled thermal oxidation of thin nickel (Ni) films and their successive use as gas‐sensing materials for selective detection of low‐concentration formaldehyde vapor are discussed here. High‐purity Ni were deposited on glass/quartz substrates using a vacuum assisted electron beam (E‐beam) evaporation technique. Afterwards, thermal oxidation of these Ni thin films was conducted at various temperatures in air ambient condition. Different surface characterization techniques are employed to investigate the structure, chemistry, and electronic properties of these as‐grown oxide nanostructures. X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed that the thermal oxidation starts above 400 °C. Presence of metallic nickel peak even after oxidation at 500 °C for 5 h confirms its oxidation resistance. Increase in oxidation temperature improves the crystalline quality. Scanning electron microscopy imaging depicts an increase in particle size with oxidation temperature and a highly porous surface morphology above 800 °C. Raman spectroscopy identified the characteristic modes of NiO. UV‐Visible data exhibits a redshift in optical bandgap whereas X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy analysis reveals a gradual increase in oxygen content within the oxide layer. Finally, these NiO films show a high sensitivity and selectivity toward formaldehyde vapor sensing against a few other volatile organic compounds.
Distinguishing north and south African Easterly Waves with a spectral method: Implication for tropical cyclogenesis from mergers in the North Atlantic
Authors: Jonville Tanguy , Cornillault Erwan , Lavaysse Christophe , Peyrillé Philippe , Flamant Cyrille
Published: December 2024

African Easterly Waves (AEWs) are mixed barotropic–baroclinic instabilities, propagating both north (AEW‐N) and south (AEW‐S) of the African Easterly Jet. They are an important component of the North Atlantic region meteorology, influencing precipitation and convection, and are primary seeds for tropical cyclones (TCs) over the North Atlantic. In this study, a novel tracking protocol is introduced based on filtering of the 700‐hPa vorticity over two frequency ranges, suited for each wave track: 2.95–4.55 days (quicker propagating mode) and 4.55–6.35 days (slower propagating mode). It is applied to a 31‐year reanalysis dataset, the European Centre for Medium‐range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Fifth Reanalysis. This method effectively isolates north‐track activity even amidst dominant south‐track signals, enabling better identification and tracking of northward vortices. An analysis of the climatological structure of the two modes is conducted. The slower mode propagates around and transitions from 850 hPa above the continent to 700 hPa above the ocean, consistently with AEW‐N characteristics. The quicker mode propagates around and is located at the African Easterly Jet level, between 700 and 600 hPa above the continent and the ocean, consistently with AEW‐S characteristics. The new method allows the detection of AEW‐N even when AEW‐S activity dominates the 2–10 day signal, thereby enabling the detection of more AEW‐S/AEW‐N mergers than in previous studies. When comparing the usual 2–10 day filtering with this new method, the proportion of TCs related to AEW mergers rises from 11% to 25%. 23.4% of mergers are found to be related to TC genesis, making mergers the most efficient precursors for TC genesis in the Atlantic. TC genesis from mergers occurs more frequently on the eastern side of the basin than TC genesis from other precursors.
Dual‐Doping Strategy for Lowering the Thermal Expansion Coefficient and Promoting the Catalytic Activity in Perovskite Cobaltate Air Electrodes for Solid Oxide Cells
Authors: Wang Shuxiong , Zhang Xiaoxin , Chen Yu , Fan Fan , Jiang Chang , Xiang Yongkang , Xiao Xiao , Fang Yuan , Alodhayb Abdullah N. , Li Jianhui , Huang Jijie , Sun Yifei , Chen Zhou
Published: December 2024

Lowering the thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) and promoting the catalytic activity of cobalt‐based perovskite air electrodes is crucial for efficient solid oxide cells (SOCs) devices. However, the co‐achievement of both merits has usually been largely compromised in most scenarios. Herein, a dual‐doping strategy to manipulate the properties of perovskite cobaltate electrocatalyst is reported in which a high valence element of Ta5+ is incorporated into B‐site to significantly suppress the dynamic reduction of Co4+ species and reduces the TEC value from PrBaCo2O5+δ (PBC, 17.8 × 10⁻6 K−1) to PrBaCo1.96Ta0.04O5+δ (PBCT, 12.5 × 10⁻6 K−1) and suppresses the oxygen loss in SOCs operation condition, revealing the improved structural stability. Meanwhile, the Ca2+ is doped into A‐site of Ta‐incorporated candidate, further decreasing the covalency of Co─O bonds and facilitating the formation of oxygen vacancies, benefiting the oxygen exchange kinetics and leading to a low polarization resistance of 0.026 Ω cm2 (800 °C) in as‐prepared PrBa0.8Ca0.2Co1.96Ta0.04O5+δ (PBCCT) electrode. The cell with PBCTT demonstrates remarkable robustness during a 50 h thermal cycling test (25 cycles). Moreover, it delivers a high current density of 1.44 A cm⁻2 (1.6 V, 800 °C), as well as attractive durability over 100 h for pure CO2 electrolysis.
Introduction
Authors: Radovich Violeta S.
Published: December 2024

The book analyzes the environmental regulationof upstreammarineexplorationand exploitationof hydrocarbons, at the international, regional MERCOSUR and Argentine national level. It uses the concept of normative integration as a methodological approach, critically assessing the interaction between the law of the sea, maritime law, environmental lawand human rights law in the field of study.
Accidents of Marine Platforms
Authors: Radovich Violeta S.
Published: December 2024

This chapter focuses on the reports from two marine pollution events (Deepwater Horizon and Montara oil spills) to analyse the lessons learnt and the normative and institutional framework needed to ensure environmental safety in the marine exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons. This chapter critically analyses marine platform accidents’ official reports comprehensively in order to assess existing normative and institutional frameworks and to give a way forward regarding policies. In that context, it refers to the normative effectiveness concept.
Hydrocarbons in Argentine Republic
Authors: Radovich Violeta S.
Published: December 2024

Argentine history regarding hydrocarbons exploration and exploitation is studied. The first well in the Argentine sea was drilled in 1969. The current number of marine platforms in the Argentine sea are identified and regulation of the topic in the country is studied. The necessity of enacting a federal basic environmental law on hydrocarbons on land, shale at in the sea is explained. As well as the necessity to enact a federal basic environmental requirement law on integrated sea management.
Planungsprozesse von Klinikinfrastrukturen
Authors: Schmid Ludwig , Tokarski Kim Oliver
Published: December 2024

Das vorliegende essential soll den Verantwortlichen in Kliniken als Handlungsempfehlung für einen effizienten und zielgerichteten Raumplanungsprozess dienen. Hierbei wird angestrebt, dass es ortsunabhängig und länderübergreifend übertragbar ist sowie im Konstrukt auf bestehenden Theorien aufbaut. Das Ergebnis soll dabei Krankenhäusern als Bauherren helfen, zur richtigen Zeit am richtigen Ort die richtigen Ressourcen für eine effiziente Raumplanung einzusetzen, um einen nachhaltigen Erfolg aus einem Klinikneubau oder Klinikumbau ableiten zu können.
Towards Formalising AI Readiness of Standards
Authors: Schmitz Anna , Görge Rebekka , Haedecke Elena , Borowski Marion , Seeliger Adrian , Poretschkin Maximilian
Published: December 2024

Standards and specifications (henceforth standards) greatly simplify our everyday lives and the economy in many areas. By establishing quality benchmarks and promoting interoperability, they form a key pillar for international trade and competition. As artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as one of the key technologies of the future, two fundamental questions arise regarding standards: (i) What new standards must be developed specifically for AI? (ii) What modifications to existing standards are necessary to fully leverage the potential of AI? The first question is being addressed actively through a variety of standardisation activities and analyses of the status quo. However, much of the second question remains unanswered. Although the problem is discussed in the literature, there is a lack of both a definition of AI readiness and a systematic analysis of the existing body of standards. This chapter, which originates in the project ‘AI Readiness of Standards’, aims to close this gap. Due to the complexity of the topic, we shall start by focusing on the German body of standards. Nonetheless, we believe our findings and proposals are extrapolatable to other, related contexts. This chapter represents the findings of the abovementioned project: presenting a conceptual definition of AI readiness and, a validated systematic approach for classifying whether an existing standard is AI ready. The procedure outlined here also serves as the foundation for an automated Natural Language Processing (NLP) analysis of the entire German body of standards regarding AI readiness.
PDA Stenting for Ductal-Dependent Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease: History and View from 10,000 Feet
Authors: Moore John W.
Published: December 2024

This article provides a historical review and a current perspective on the procedures used to palliate cyanosis in ductal-dependent infants. Eighty years ago, Helen Taussig, Alfred Blalock, and Vivien Thomas developed the first effective treatment. The Blalock–Taussig–Thomas (BTT) shunt is the historical predecessor of both the contemporary-modified BTT shunt and interventional stenting of the Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA). The surgical shunt was firmly established therapy before catheterization was born, and PDA stenting was not possible until the technologies designed to address coronary heart disease were developed. Coronary stents and guidewires are currently used in all cases of PDA stenting. The momentum of long-established therapy and the lack of a purpose-built technology have inhibited clinical adoption of PDA stenting. Nevertheless, available clinical outcomes, though limited, appear to favor PDA stenting, and current first-line therapy may be shifting from the modified BTT shunt to PDA stenting. More definitive data should arise from a randomized controlled trial.
Intrathecal pemetrexed for leptomeningeal metastases in a patient with ALK-rearranged lung adenocarcinoma: a case report
Authors: Gezelius Emelie , Planck Maria , Hazem Bassam , Nagpal Seema , Wakelee Heather
Published: December 2024

Progressive leptomeningeal metastases (LM) are associated with intractable neurological symptoms and a poor prognosis, and effective treatment options are limited. Intrathecal (IT) pemetrexed has been shown to confer clinical benefit in lung adenocarcinoma, yet our understanding of the efficacy and safety of the treatment is limited. We report a patient with a long-standing history of leptomeningeal disease due to ALK-positive adenocarcinoma of the lung, previously controlled by increased doses of lorlatinib (125 mg/day). Rapid LM progression prompted the start of IT pemetrexed, after which the patient experienced immediate clinical improvement. The case provides additional support that IT pemetrexed can offer symptomatic relief and may be considered as a treatment option in advanced LM. Furthermore, the case illustrates that an increased dose of lorlatinib may efficiently control LM in patients with ALK-rearranged NSCLC, following progression on standard lorlatinib dosage.
Validating rasterstereography to evaluate thoracic kyphosis in patients with Scheuermann’s disease
Authors: Coneys Ulysse , Tabard-Fougère Anne , Gavira Nathaly , Dayer Romain
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Evaluate the validity of rasterstereography compared to low-dose, biplanar spine radiography for assessing thoracic kyphosis (TK) angles in Scheuermann’s disease patients.

Methods

This prospective study included all the Scheuermann’s disease patients consulting our clinic from 2016 to 2018. Recruited patients underwent two-dimensional low-dose biplanar anteroposterior full-length spine radiography and rasterstereography on the same day. Relationships between the TK angles measured were evaluated using Pearson correlation coefficients. Agreement between radiographic and rasterstereographic TK angles was evaluated using two-way intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Bland–Altman plots. Proportional biases were assessed using the slope regression lines fitted to Bland–Altman plots.

Results

The mean demographic and radiological characteristics of the 52 patients (20 girls; 39%) included were: age 13.1 ± 2 years; BMI 17.3 ± 2.8; and TK max. 50.4° ± 10°. Rasterstereographic TK angles were strongly correlated with radiographic TK angles evaluated from T2–T12 (r = 0.677) and from C7–Max (r = 0.704), with ‘good’ agreement (ICC > 0.75). A proportional bias was revealed in the slope regression line fitted to the Bland–Altman plot from the C7–Max radiography and the rasterstereography measurements (p = 0.034) but not from the T2–T12 and rasterstereographic TK angles (p = 0.997).

Conclusion

Rasterstereography is a reliable means of quantifying TK angles in Scheuermann’s disease patients. It could directly reduce the number of radiographic scans patients need over time, minimising their radiation exposure.
Mental Health Care Disparities Among US Pregnant Individuals in 2020–2021: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Tindall Julisa , Brown Monique J. , Hung Peiyin
Published: December 2024

Purpose

To examine maternal characteristics associated with perceived unmet mental health needs and mental health care settings, focusing on residential rurality and race/ethnicity.

Methods

This cross-sectional study analyzed self-reported unmet mental health needs and mental health care settings among 1097 pregnant respondents in the 2020–2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, incorporating the complex sampling weights for national representativeness.

Findings

Non-Hispanic Black pregnant individuals and those living in nonmetro rural areas reported lower odds of unmet mental health needs compared to those in large metro areas and non-Hispanic White individuals. Pregnant individuals in nonmetro rural areas and non-Hispanic other pregnant individuals also reported lower odds of utilizing virtual mental care services, while non-Hispanic other pregnant individuals were less likely to receive prescription medication than their non-Hispanic White counterparts.

Conclusions

Disparities in mental health care access by rurality and race/ethnicity reveal increased barriers for nonmetro rural and minority pregnant populations, particularly regarding virtual and prescription-based care. The lower unmet health needs among Black pregnant individuals and those living in nonmetro rural areas may reflect adjusted expectations or reliance on informal support systems, emphasizing the need to understand these perceptions. COVID-19’s impact on access patterns further highlights the need for more research on barriers to maternal mental health treatment. Tailored mental health interventions and policy reforms are needed to enhance accessible, culturally sensitive maternal mental health services across diverse communities.
Optimization of selective powder deposition for multi-material powder bed fusion: process innovations and applications
Authors: Girnth Simon , Wacker Christian , Waldt Nils , Klawitter Günter , Dröder Klaus
Published: December 2024

Additive manufacturing processes based on powder bed fusion offer a high degree of design flexibility and enable the processing of a wide range of materials, including metals, ceramics, and polymers, while maintaining minimal porosity. However, production of multi-material components with locally tailored properties to meet specific requirements by incorporating different materials with a high degree of spatial selectivity remains an elusive challenge. Essential prerequisites for achieving this selectivity are specialized selective powder deposition techniques, their development, characterization, and subsequent implementation. In order to investigate optimization potentials and to identify research gaps in the field of selective powder deposition techniques, an evaluation of the current literature is performed in this study, ultimately highlighting promising potentials for vibration-assisted approaches. Key considerations include the reduction of implementation complexity and the downscaling of associated devices to increase their applicability. To achieve implementation simplification, this study derives dimensionless quantities that facilitate a targeted calculation of control parameters by associating powder layer quality metrics with relevant input quantities. The validity of the derived dimensionless quantities is verified by discrete-element method simulations and physical experiments employing a novel miniaturized vibration-assisted device. Metal, ceramic and polymer powders are used as representative samples to demonstrate the versatility of the method for different classes of materials. Ultimately, the presented methods enable a significant improvement in the applicability of vibration-assisted devices and represent an integrative component that provides a suitable basis for further research efforts in the field of combined processing of multiple materials by additive manufacturing technologies that utilize powder beds.
A remark on the component group of the Sato–Tate group
Authors: Banaszak Grzegorz , Farfán Victoria Cantoral
Published: December 2024

In this paper we give a complete characterization of the component group of the Sato–Tate group of an abelian variety A of arbitrary dimension, defined over a number field K, in terms of the connectedness of the Lefschetz group associated to A.
Influence of sulfonic acid doping during polypyrrole electrodeposition on the corrosion protection for AA2024-T3
Authors: Lin Mao-Chia , Wei Zhen , Wang Ruigang , Zhang Xinyu
Published: December 2024

The electrodeposition of polypyrrole on AA2024-T3 was prepared by applying a constant potential via three different dopants including sulfuric acid (SA), p-toluenesulfonic acid (pTSA), and 2-naphthalenesulfonic acid (2NS). The polypyrrole coating was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The anti-corrosion behavior was examined by Tafel curves to find the optimized concentration and deposition time for each dopant. Polypyrrole was successfully electrodeposited on AA2024-T3 with pTSA and 2NS dopants, which exhibited better corrosion protection compared with bare AA2024-T3. In addition, a conventional coating was applied with spray paint considered as a topcoat to further investigate the protection efficiency of the polypyrrole. The 2NS-doped polypyrrole exhibited a good protection efficiency of 99.99%. The results demonstrated that the chemical structure of the dopant influences the corrosion protection where the corrosion potential has positively increased with the extended electrodeposition time. Topcoat with spray paint working as a surface barrier can protect the polypyrrole coating and enlarge the protection time.
A local-global principle for unipotent characters
Authors: Rossi Damiano
Published: December 2024

We obtain an adaptation of Dade’s Conjecture and Späth’s Character Triple Conjecture to unipotent characters of simple, simply connected finite reductive groups of type

$\mathbf {A}$

,

$\mathbf {B}$

and

$\mathbf {C}$

. In particular, this gives a precise formula for counting the number of unipotent characters of each defect d in any Brauer

$\ell $

-block B in terms of local invariants associated to e-local structures. This provides a geometric version of the local-global principle in representation theory of finite groups. A key ingredient in our proof is the construction of certain parametrisations of unipotent generalised Harish-Chandra series that are compatible with isomorphisms of character triples.
“Problems of an Other’s Making”: B. R. Ambedkar, Caste, and Majoritarian Domination
Authors: NARESH VATSAL
Published: December 2024

This article presents a new theory of majoritarian domination drawn from Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar’s critique of majoritarian tyranny during the decades preceding British India’s decolonization. Ambedkar’s critique of British colonial pluralism and Congress-led Indian anticolonialism emphasizes attention to social structures and the mechanisms that produce and sustain communal majorities. He argues that caste prevents equality and fraternity, thus foreclosing the possibility of a democratic society. In such a context, Ambedkar argues that the majority is likely to be communal and fixed, rather than political, inclusive, and open to change over time. Ambedkarian majoritarian domination supplements nineteenth-century accounts of the institutional and epistemic dimensions of majoritarian tyranny. I defend comparison as a tool for theoretical analysis to show that Ambedkarian majoritarian domination can explain the interaction of hierarchical social structures with democratic politics in contexts beyond colonial India.
The Effect of View of Time on Intertemporal Decision-Making
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Wang Yue
Published: December 2024

Abstract: The Perceived Time-Based Model suggests that view of time can influence intertemporal decision-making. This study uses correlational and experimental methods, based on life history theory, to explore the boundary conditions under which the view of time influences intertemporal decision-making. The results of a questionnaire administered to 684 participants in Study 1 revealed that life history strategies moderated the effect of the view of time on intertemporal decision-making. The view of time was a stronger predictor of intertemporal decision-making in the fast life history strategy condition than in the slow life history strategy. Study 2 further manipulated the linear or circular view of time in individuals with different life history strategies through a manipulation experiment. The results showed that individuals with a fast life history strategy preferred smaller–sooner rewards under linear view of time manipulation and larger–later rewards under circular view of time manipulation. Individuals with a slow life history strategy showed no significant difference in intertemporal decision-making between the two views of time. The study finds that life history strategies are a boundary condition for the view of time to influence intertemporal decision-making, thereby validating and enriching life history theory.
DNA in Lake Sediment Reveals the Impact of Introduced Fish
Authors: Galvan Jasmin
Published: December 2024

Non-native trout have altered the diversity of zooplankton that live in high-elevation lakes.
T-cell diversity and exclusion of blood-derived T-cells in the tumor microenvironment of classical Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Seifert Nicole , Reinke Sarah , Grund Johanna , Müller-Meinhard Berit , Richter Julia , Heilmann Thorsten , Schlößer Hans , Kotrova Michaela , Brüggemann Monika , Borchmann Peter , Bröckelmann Paul J. , Altenbuchinger Michael , Klapper Wolfram
Published: December 2024

The Tumor Microenvironment (TME) in classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) contains abundant immune cells and only few neoplastic Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg cells (HRSC). We analyzed the T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire to detect T-cell expansion in the TME and blood. In contrast to solid cancer tissue, T-cells in the TME of HL are highly polyclonal at first diagnosis and show only minor clonal expansion during anti-PD1 immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). At relapse and during ICB, pre-amplified T-cell populations increase in the TME of solid cancers but to a much lesser extent in HL. In contrast, T-cell populations in the peripheral blood of HL patients display higher clonality than healthy controls reaching clonality levels comparable to solid cancer. However, pre-amplified blood T-cells in HL patients show only minor additional clonal expansion during ICB. Moreover, blood-derived T-cells do not repopulate the TME of HL to the same extent as observed in solid cancers. Thus, the T-cell repertoire in the TME of HL appears unique by a relatively low clonal T-cell content and the exclusion of clonally expanded T-cells from the peripheral blood. Exclusion of clonally expanded tumor-specific T-cells from the TME may present a novel mechanism of immune evasion in HL.
A nuclear protein quality control system for elimination of nucleolus-related inclusions
Authors: Brunello Lorène , Polanowska Jolanta , Le Tareau Léo , Maghames Chantal , Georget Virginie , Guette Charlotte , Chaoui Karima , Balor Stéphanie , O’Donohue Marie-Françoise , Bousquet Marie-Pierre , Gleizes Pierre-Emmanuel , Xirodimas Dimitris P
Published: December 2024

The identification of pathways that control elimination of protein inclusions is essential to understand the cellular response to proteotoxicity, particularly in the nuclear compartment, for which our knowledge is limited. We report that stress-induced nuclear inclusions related to the nucleolus are eliminated upon stress alleviation during the recovery period. This process is independent of autophagy/lysosome and CRM1-mediated nuclear export pathways, but strictly depends on the ubiquitin-activating E1 enzyme, UBA1, and on nuclear proteasomes that are recruited into the formed inclusions. UBA1 activity is essential only for the recovery process but dispensable for nuclear inclusion formation. Furthermore, the E3 ligase HUWE1 and HSP70 are components of the ubiquitin/chaperone systems that promote inclusion elimination. The recovery process also requires RNA Pol I-dependent production of the lncRNA IGS42 during stress. IGS42 localises within the formed inclusions and promotes their elimination by preserving the mobility of resident proteins. These findings reveal a protein quality control system that operates within the nucleus for the elimination of stress-induced nucleolus-related inclusions.
Multifunctional luminogens with synergy of aggregation-induced delayed fluorescence, two-photon absorption and photocurrent generation
Authors: Chatterjee Abhijit , Narayanan Sundaravalli , Thorat Sachin , Malik Ajay J. , Ambhore Madan D. , Narayanan Aswini , Sihag Anil Kumar , Santhosh Babu Sukumaran , Lahiri Mayurika , Hazra Partha
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the aggregation-induced delayed fluorescence (AIDF), two-photon emission and photocurrent generation properties of three newly designed organic luminogens based on triphenyl amine as donor.
Uniformly dispersing Sb2Se3 nanoparticles in porous carbon as an anode material for enhancing sodium storage capacity
Authors: Xie Chuan , Xue Kai , Shen Kuan , Guo Xingmei , Liu Yuanjun , Zheng Xiangjun , Fan Qianqian , Duan Zhongyao , Cao Fu , Zhang Junhao
Published: December 2024

Sb2Se3 nanoparticles are embedded on carbon matrix to prepare Sb2Se3/C, offering stable sodium storage with 339 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 after 1000 cycles and a capacity retention of 80%.
Deep learning-driven prediction of chemical addition patterns for carboncones and fullerenes
Authors: Li Zhengda , Chen Xuyang , Wang Yang
Published: December 2024

An incremental deep learning approach predicts regioselectivity in hydrogenated carboncones and chlorinated fullerenes, outperforming existing methods and enabling predictions for highly distorted adducts using solely topological information.
Bisquinoline-based fluorescent cadmium sensors
Authors: Mikata Yuji
Published: December 2024

Utilizing the unique metal binding and fluorescence properties of methoxy substituted quinolines, Cd2+-specific fluorescent probes were developed from a BQDMEN (N,N′-bis(2-quinolylmethyl)ethylenediamine) structure.
A new empirical equation for the gas/particle partitioning of OPFRs in ambient atmosphere
Authors: Li Man , Hou Wenhao , Qiao Lina , Zhang Hong , Wang Mengdan , Wen Yonghui , Jia Zejiang
Published: December 2024

A new empirical equation for the EQ domain has been developed that increases the percentage of data points falling within the ADR from 23.1% to 75.8%.
Eco-friendly chitosan base chlorantraniliprole nano-pesticides for effective control of Chilo suppressalis (Walker) through bidirectional transport
Authors: Liang Ao , Zhang Yunzheng , Xu Xiang , Wang Hao , Gong Changwei , Hu Jie , Li Xiangsong , Yang Jizhi , Peng Anchun , Wang Xuegui
Published: December 2024

Diagram of the construction, release, and delivery performance of CLAP@CS/γ-PGA.
A new chemo-enzymatic approach to synthesize rare sugars using an engineered glycoside-3-oxidase
Authors: Taborda André , Rénio Márcia , Ventura M. Rita , Martins Lígia O.
Published: December 2024

An engineered carbohydrate oxidase with enhanced activity facilitates efficient chemo-enzymatic d-allose synthesis, advancing methods for rare sugar production.
Recovering lead and sulfur from spent lead paste by molten salt electrolysis: a clean and sustainable lead and sulfur loop
Authors: Wang Hongya , Zhou Fengyin , Wang Bingbing , Cai Muya , Zhao Jingjing , Li Xinyu , Wu Yongxin , Liu Xiaowei , Chen Xiang , Wang Dihua , Yin Huayi
Published: December 2024

The sulfur transfer is key to obtaining greenness of recycling spent lead paste (SLP) since conventional recycling methods always involve generating secondary wastes such as sulfur oxides (SOx), sulfates, and sulfides.
An optical sensor for in situ real-time detection of intermediate products in nitrate reduction reactions
Authors: Lu Ling , Zhao Rundong , Chen Huang , Tan Liang , Chen Dongxu , Liu Le , Xi Jingyu
Published: December 2024

We propose a nitrite concentration sensor composed of a light module, an absorption module, and an imaging module, which achieves in situ real-time sensing of the nitrite concentration distribution on the electrode surface during the NO3RR reaction.
Transcriptomic analysis reveals pathways underlying the multi‐antibiotic resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Liu Ying , Niu Zhihui , Wu Rile , Yang Dezhi , Chen Jun , Liu Guoqing , Zhao Jun
Published: December 2024

Klebsiella pneumoniae, an opportunistic pathogen, is pervasively distributed across the world. Its escalating antibiotic resistance poses a serious threat to global public health. The mechanisms behind this resistance remain largely elusive. In this study, we performed antibiotic susceptibility testing on several clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae, and a reference strain ATCC13883, and then analysed their transcriptomic profiles to identify genes and pathways associated with antibiotic resistance. Our results showed that a clinical isolate DY16KPN may counteract antibiotics by enhancing the biosynthesis of building blocks of bacterial cell, such as fatty acids, proteins, and DNA, and reducing transmembrane transport. Increased butanoate metabolism and lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis may also contribute to the drug‐resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Additionally, we identified resistance‐promoting mutations in gene promoter regions, which regulate the activity of downstream drug‐resistant genes and pathways. Our results also demonstrated that DY16KPN counterbalances the trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole‐mediated inhibitory effect on the synthesis of tetrahydrofolates and DNA by up‐regulating the expression of targeted enzymes of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, dihydrofolate reductase and dihydropteroate synthase.
Chemical and sensory differentiation of Nemea PDO sub-zones wines: two vintages experiment
Authors: Miliordos Dimitrios Evangelos , Goulioti Elli , Lola Despina , Kanapitsas Alexandros , Kontoudakis Nikolaos , Kotseridis Yorgos
Published: December 2024

Theoretical representation of wine is important for producers, with implications in a technical context. Understanding the correlation between wine characteristics and terroir involves emphasizing typicality and linking it to sensory interpretation. Within this research, the adaptable nature of the indigenous red grape variety ‘Agiorgtiko’, well-known for its role in producing PDO wines, was examined both chemically and sensorially. Wine PDOs are based on their place of origin and technical product specifications. A total of ten vineyards located in a dry region were carefully chosen to vinify their grapes at three distinct elevation tiers (low 300-600 m, medium 600-900 m, and high 900-1250 m) over two consecutive vintages (2019-2020). Classical oenological analyses were performed based on the International Organisation of Vine and Wine analytical methods. Phenolic content and color parameters were investigated by spectrophotometric methods and volatile compounds of the wine aroma, such as the esters, higher alcohols and acids, were analyzed by GC/MS. Descriptive sensory analysis was carried out by a trained panel for all produced wines. The findings revealed variations in volatile compounds among wines, that were primarily influenced by grape provenance, which in turn shaped unique compositional and sensory characteristics. Multivariate analysis of the analytes determined proved that vineyards located at the sub-zone with higher altitudes were clearly separated from the other two zones. Notably, the presence of some volatile compounds in wines was indeed impacted by grape origin. In essence, this research illustrated how the sensory attributes of ‘Agiorgitiko’ wines could be changed by diverse terroir elements within the designated Nemea wine region.
Establishment of local diagnostic reference levels in terms of dose area product (DAP) in conventional radiology at the Regional Hospital Center of Souss Massa, Morocco
Authors: Semghouli S. , El Fahssi M. , Amaoui B.
Published: December 2024

Introduction: The effectiveness of diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) in reducing the doses delivered to patients has been demonstrated. Establishing DRLs in terms of the dose surface product (DSP) is an essential step in the management of radiation doses in conventional radiology.
Objective: This retrospective study aimed to assess local diagnostic reference levels (LDRLs) for four types of X-ray examinations in terms of DAP at the Regional Hospital Center of Souss Massa.
Materials and methods: Data from 120 adult patients, 30 per location (thorax (PA), pelvis (AP), lumbar spine (AP) and abdomen (AP)) were collected. Patient parameters such as gender, age, BMI, clinical indications, and examination acquisition parameters such as kV, mAs, patient source distance (PSD), and exposure field dimensions were recorded for each patient. The calculation of DRLs is based on a statistical method known as the 75th percentile of the distribution of DAP. The data were statistically analysed by SPSS software V 21.0. Pearson’s parametric test was used to explore the relationship between the different quantitative variables.
Results: The mean ESDs for the thorax (PA), lumbar spine (AP), abdomen (AP), and pelvis (AP) were 0.17, 2.55, 2.16, and 2.63 mGy, respectively. The mean DAP values for the thorax (PA), lumbar spine (AP), abdomen (AP), and pelvis (AP) were 16.53, 213.11, 230.55, and 265.19 cGy.cm2, respectively. The DRLs in terms of ESD for the thorax (PA), lumbar spine (AP), abdomen (AP), and pelvis (AP) were 0.17, 2.77, 2.64, 2.87 mGy, respectively. In terms of DAP, they were 16.58, 245, 291.83, and 300.45 cGy.cm², respectively. The results show a significant relationship between DAP and tension, charge, and ESD for all examinations. In addition, there was a significant relationship between DAP and BMI for abdomen X-ray, and no significant relationship for the three other X-ray examinations.
Conclusion: It is possible to reduce the dose delivered to patients in the Regional Hospital Center of Souss Massa through the continuous training of radiology workers, implementation of a quality assurance program for equipment, and institutionalization of DRL as an approach to reducing patient doses and health service costs.
Convergence to equilibrium for a degenerate McKean–Vlasov equation
Authors: Duong Manh Hong , Einav Amit
Published: December 2024

In this work we study the convergence to equilibrium for a (potentially) degenerate nonlinear and nonlocal McKean–Vlasov equation. We show that the solution to this equation is related to the solution of a linear degenerate and/or defective Fokker–Planck equation and employ recent sharp convergence results to obtain an easily computable (and many times sharp) rates of convergence to equilibrium for the equation in question.
Rigged Hilbert space formulation for quasi-Hermitian composite systems
Authors: Ohmori Shousuke
Published: December 2024

The discussion in this study delves into Dirac’s bra-ket formalism for a quasi-Hermitian quantum composite system based on the rigged Hilbert space (RHS). We establish an RHS with a positive-definite metric suitable for a quasi-Hermitian composite system. The obtained RHS is utilized to construct the bra and ket vectors for the non-Hermitian composite system and produce the spectral decomposition of the quasi-Hermitian operator. We show that the symmetric relations regarding quasi-Hermitian operators can be extended to dual spaces, and all descriptions obtained using the bra-ket formalism are completely developed in the dual spaces. Our methodology is applied to a non-Hermitian harmonic oscillator composed of conformal multi-dimensional many-body systems.
Majorana thermoelectrics and refrigeration
Authors: Mishra Sachiraj , Das Ritesh , Benjamin Colin
Published: December 2024

A two-terminal quantum spin-Hall heat engine and refrigerator with embedded Majorana bound states (MBSs) is analyzed for optimality in thermoelectric performance using the Landaeur–Buttiker approach. This investigation can be an effective tool to detect MBSs. Furthermore, the occurrence of MBSs can enhance the performance to rival, as well as outperform, some modern nanoscale quantum heat engines and quantum refrigerators. The optimal performance of this MBS quantum heat engine and quantum refrigerator can be further enhanced by an Aharonov–Bohm flux.
Machine learning-driven image synthesis and analysis applications for inertial confinement fusion (invited)
Authors: Wolfe Bradley T. , Chu Pinghan , Nguyen-Fotiadis Nga T. T. , Zhang Xinhua , Alvarado Alvarez Mariana , Wang Zhehui
Published: December 2024

Recent fusion breakeven [Abu-Shawareb et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 132, 065102 (2024)] in the National Ignition Facility (NIF) motivates an integrated approach to data analysis from multiple diagnostics. Deep neural networks provide a seamless framework for multi-modal data fusion, automated data analysis, optimization, and uncertainty quantification [Wang et al., arXiv:2401.08390 (2024)]. Here, we summarize different neural network methods for x-ray and neutron imaging data from NIF. To compensate for the small experimental datasets, both model based physics-informed synthetic data generation and deep neural network methods, such as generative adversarial networks, have been successfully implemented to allow a variety of automated workflows in x-ray and neutron image processing. We highlight results in noise emulation, contour analysis for low-mode analysis and asymmetry, denoising, and super-resolution. Further advances in the integrated multi-modal imaging, in sync with experimental validation and uncertainty quantification, will help with the ongoing experimental optimization in NIF, as well as the maturation of alternate inertial confinement fusion (ICF) platforms such as double-shells.