bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laboratory-developed Droplet Digital PCR Assay for Quantification of the JAK2V617F Mutation
Authors: Liu Yupeng , Han Cong , Li Jie , Xu Shicai , Xiao Zhijian , Guo Zhiyun , Rao Shuquan , Yao Yao
Published: April 2024

Precise quantification of the JAK2V617F mutation using highly sensitive assays is crucial for diagnosis, treatment process monitoring, and prognostic prediction in myeloproliferative neoplasms' (MPNs) patients. Digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) enables precise quantification of low-level mutations amidst a high percentage of wild type alleles without the need for external calibrators or endogenous controls. The objective of this study was to optimize a ddPCR assay for detecting the JAK2V617F mutation and establish it as a laboratory-developed ddPCR assay in our center. The optimization process involved fine-tuning five key parameters: primer/probe sequences and concentrations, annealing temperature, template amount, and PCR cycles. Our ddPCR assay demonstrated exceptional sensitivity, and the limit of quantification (LoQ) was 0.01% variant allele frequency with a coefficient of variation of approximately 76%. A comparative analysis with quantitative PCR on 39 samples showed excellent consistency (r = 0.988).

In summary, through rigorous optimization process and comprehensive analytic performance validation, we have established a highly sensitive and discriminative laboratory-developed ddPCR platform for JAK2V617F detection. This optimized assay holds promise for early detection of minimal residual disease, personalized risk stratification, and potentially more effective treatment strategies in MPN patients and non-MPN populations.
“Because We Are Afraid”: voices of the undocumented in a new immigrant destination in the United States
Authors: Metcalf Madeline , Comey Danika , Hines Deborah , Chavez-Reyes Genesis , Moyce Sally
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this study is to explore immigrants’ perceptions of their daily lives in a state with anti-immigrant policies in the United States. Using snowball sampling, researchers recruited a sample of 30 Latino immigrants in southwest Montana. The research team conducted semi-structured interviews in Spanish and analyzed the data using thematic analysis. We identified four themes: difficulty accessing healthcare, frustration over the inability to obtain driver’s licenses, challenges related to employment, and desire to make a life in Montana. Fear permeated all topics. Lack of documentation presents complex economic, health, and social challenges that prevent immigrants from fully integrating into their communities. These are exacerbated in states that employ anti-immigrant policies. As Western states continue to experience growth in immigrant populations, it is critical to develop policies to support integration and equitable access to health and social services.
Influence of the Dufour effect on striations formation in radio-frequency discharges
Authors: Levko Dmitry , Raja Laxminarayan L.
Published: April 2024

In recent years, interest in striation phenomena in radio frequency (rf) discharges has risen due to the availability of new experimental data and the implementation of new computational models. Depending on the conditions, different mechanisms of discharge striations are realized. These are the ionization instability, the instability due to the electron attachment to electronegative gases, or the instability due to thermoelectric transport. Although the first two mechanisms were modeled quite extensively in recent years, the understanding of the influence of the Dufour effect originating from plasma density gradients on the stability of radio frequency discharges in long tubes remains poor. In this paper, the influence of this mechanism on the longitudinal striations of radio frequency discharge is presented using a one-dimensional model of argon discharge driven with rf excitation under intermediate pressure conditions of 0.5 Torr. It is found that striation formation is sensitive to the value of the thermoelectric heat transport coefficient in the low electron temperature range. The critical value of this coefficient necessary for the instability onset is derived using the linear stability analysis.
Alkali hydroxide (LiOH, NaOH, KOH) in water: Structural and vibrational properties, including neutron scattering results
Authors: Ma Ruru , Baradwaj Nitish , Nomura Ken-ichi , Krishnamoorthy Aravind , Kalia Rajiv K. , Nakano Aiichiro , Vashishta Priya
Published: April 2024

Structural and vibrational properties of aqueous solutions of alkali hydroxides (LiOH, NaOH, and KOH) are computed using quantum molecular dynamics simulations for solute concentrations ranging between 1 and 10M. Element-resolved partial radial distribution functions, neutron and x-ray structure factors, and angular distribution functions are computed for the three hydroxide solutions as a function of concentration. The vibrational spectra and frequency-dependent conductivity are computed from the Fourier transforms of velocity autocorrelation and current autocorrelation functions. Our results for the structure are validated with the available neutron data for 17M concentration of NaOH in water [Semrouni et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 21, 6828 (2019)]. We found that the larger ionic radius [rLi+<rNa+<rK+] and higher concentration disturb the hydrogen-bond network of water, resulting in more disordered cationic hydration shell. Our ab initio simulation data for solute concentrations ranging between 1 and 10M can be used to guide future elastic and inelastic neutron-scattering experiments.
Long-range magnon transfer across a bridging ferromagnetic chain via sequential and tunnel routes
Authors: Petrov Elmar
Published: April 2024

A theoretical study of the mechanism of magnon transfer through a ferromagnetic chain (F) has been carried out from magnetically ordered contact A to similar contact B (AFB system). The regime of spin excitation transport is considered, when the inner section of the chain with identical paramagnetic units acts as a bridge for magnon transfer and thereby is poorly populated by magnons. In this case, the magnon transfer can be carried out by sequential hopping the localized magnon across all units of the chain or/and tunneling the magnon between the terminal units of the chain by a “superexchange” mechanism. The latter involves in the tunneling route the virtual delocalized magnons. The analytical dependence of the corresponding transfer rates on the number of paramagnetic bridge units is found and the magnon analog of the Seebeck and Peltier effects is predicted.
Deformation behavior and magnetic properties of equiatomic FeNi single crystals
Authors: Singh Rahulkumar Sunil , Guruswamy Sivaraman
Published: April 2024

An equiatomic Fe–Ni alloy in its disordered A1 structure is a soft magnetic alloy. On ordering to the L10 ordered phase, it shows significant magneto-crystalline anisotropy and a strong permanent magnet behavior and is of interest as a rare earth-free permanent magnet. However, synthesis of an L10 phase in a bulk form remains a challenge due to its low critical ordering temperature Tc and consequent extremely slow ordering kinetics. This phase is present in asteroids, and how it was formed remains unclear. The likely mechanism is enhanced diffusion kinetics due to extreme dislocation densities and vacancy concentrations produced by deformation during asteroid collisions and the presence of S. Prior to examining extreme deformation in an FeNi alloy comparable to that in asteroid collisions, low strain rate deformation behavior, magnetic properties, and the structure of undoped and S-doped [100]-oriented FeNi single crystals were carried out. Controlled deformation at a strain rate of 1 × 10−5/s showed the yield point to be 89 MPa, and the critical resolved shear stress was 25.7 MPa. The dislocation densities obtained were ∼1017/m2. The saturation magnetization value was ∼147–151 emu/g both before and after deformation, comparable to NdFeB magnets. Coercivity increased slightly from ∼0.04–0.4 to ∼5 Oe after deformation due to an increase in dislocation density. The x-ray diffraction scan of S-doped and deformed single crystals after annealing at 300 °C, just below Tc, showed no evidence of L10 order. These data serve as a baseline for extreme strain rate deformation where much higher dislocation densities and vacancy concentrations can be obtained to facilitate L10 order.
Reassessing iron–gallium recombination activity in silicon
Authors: Le Tien T. , Zhou Zhuangyi , Chen Alan , Yang Zhongshu , Rougieux Fiacre , Macdonald Daniel , Liu AnYao
Published: April 2024

In this work, we present a comprehensive re-evaluation of the iron–gallium (FeGa) recombination parameters in silicon using injection-dependent lifetime spectroscopy (IDLS). Ga-doped silicon wafers (of varying resistivities) with precise concentrations of intentional iron contamination in the silicon wafer bulk, through ion implantation and distribution, were used. The presence of interstitial Fei and FeGa, and their lifetime-limiting effects in these silicon wafers, were confirmed through measuring the effective minority carrier lifetime changes during the conditions that are known to cause FeGa dissociation and association. The presence of Fe was also confirmed by deep-level transient spectroscopy. To ensure accurate IDLS analysis of the FeGa defect in silicon, a lifetime linearization scheme was employed to effectively filter out interference by other defects. Error analysis was employed to find the combination of defect parameters that best fit the experimental data and to ascertain the range of uncertainty associated with the IDLS best-fit results. The optimal fitting of the experimental IDLS by Shockley–Read–Hall statistics produced an electron capture cross section σn=2.3×10−14cm2, hole capture cross section σp=1.1×10−14cm2, and a trap energy level Et=EV+0.2−0.01+0.02eV for the FeGa defect in silicon. The extracted defect parameters are also verified by experimentally measuring the crossover point of Fei and FeGa lifetime curves.
Room-temperature skyrmions in the van der Waals ferromagnet Fe3GaTe2
Authors: Hou Xiaofei , Wang Haonan , Zhang Binshuo , Xu Chen , Sun Lu , Li Zhengxian , Wang Xia , Qu Ke , Wei Yurui , Guo Yanfeng
Published: April 2024

The recently emerged van der Waals ferromagnet Fe3GaTe2 has an above-room-temperature TC of ∼350 K. By measuring the magneto-optical Kerr effect microscopy and Lorentz transmission electron microscopy on high quality Fe3GaTe2 crystals at room temperature, we visualized that the magnetic field applied perpendicularly to the (001) plane of the bulk crystal below TC can turn the ground-state labyrinth-stripe magnetic domain into Néel-type skyrmions. The result is also supported by the measured topological Hall effect. Furthermore, we identified that the reduction in crystal thickness can influence the density of skyrmions. The observation paves the way to use this van der Waals ferromagnet in next-generation low-power magnetoelectronic and spintronic devices that can work at room temperature.
Lessons from the ‘legitimate’ misuse of Medicare Benefits Schedule Item 45503
Authors: Ryan Jonathon Bruce
Published: April 2024

This Perspective begins with a case study that raises two important questions: who is responsible for the existence of non-compliant Medicare billing, and who is responsible for eliminating it? In the discussion that follows, I argue, first, that the problem has been created by individual clinicians and by Medicare itself (i.e. the organisational structure that administers Medicare). Second, and more importantly, I argue that the ethical obligation to eliminate the problem extends more broadly to include both the government and the medical profession.
Phenotypic characterisation and evaluation of resistance to Fusarium ear rot, fumonisin contamination and agronomic traits in a collection of maize landraces
Authors: Stagnati Lorenzo , Lanubile Alessandra , Soffritti Giovanna , Giorni Paola , Rossi Graziano , Marocco Adriano , Busconi Matteo
Published: April 2024

Context Maize is a major crop in Italy and is constantly affected by the fungus Fusarium verticillioides, producing ear rot and grain contamination by fumonisins. Finding new genotypes resistant to Fusarium infection is an important goal for the improvement of maize cultivation. Aims The objective of this work was to test a collection of 33 traditional landraces from the Emilia-Romagna (Italy) region for Fusarium ear rot (FER) severity, fumonisin content, and their agronomic performance. Methods Primary ears were artificially inoculated with a toxigenic strain of F. verticillioides in a 2-year experimental trial. The landrace ‘Nostrano di Storo’ and a commercial hybrid of FAO maturity class 300 were also included and used as comparisons representing a well-known and highly valued landrace and a modern flint hybrid, respectively. Key results The collection showed great phenotypic variability for all the agronomic traits assessed and responded differently to the Fusarium infection with percentages of FER ranging from 6.6% to 49.3%, and fumonisins from 4.3 mg/kg to 34.5 mg/kg. Thirteen and six landraces displayed FER percentages and fumonisin content very similar to the hybrid, respectively. Moreover, eight landraces exhibited grain yield values comparable to the hybrid. Interestingly, Va221, Va227 and EMR03 showed the best combination among these three traits. Conclusions This local material can be considered suitable for breeding purposes targeting the development of FER and fumonisin resistant germplasm. Implications The collection may represent a resource for future research aimed at evaluating the response to multiple pathogens and their associated mycotoxins.
Heat input determines the response and rapid recovery of post-fire soil microbial biomass
Authors: She Rong , Li Jing-Chao , Zhang Xin , Yang Yao-Quan , Zhou Fa-Ping , Fornacca Davide , Yang Xiao-Yan , Xiao Wen
Published: April 2024

Background The post-fire recovery of soil microbes is critical for ecological conservation, yet the mechanisms behind it are not well understood. Aim In this study, we examined the recovery patterns of culturable soil microbes following a fire. Methods A field experiment was conducted in which a forest soil was subjected to surface fire, and the culturable microbial biomass and soil physicochemical characteristics were evaluated 1 day after the fire, and subsequently every 10 days for 90 days. Key results Microbial biomass significantly reduced post-fire, with varying effects across microbial taxa and soil layers. The recovery patterns of microbial biomass at topsoil (0–10 cm) and subsoil (10–20 cm), and among different microbial taxa were also different and were determined by the residual microbiomes. Heat released during a fire (the combination of heat duration and temperature reached during treatment) was significantly related to the decrease and recovery of microbial biomass, whereas there was no relationship between soil physicochemical properties and microbial biomass recovery. Conclusions Soil microbial biomass recovered quickly post-fire, which can be mainly due to the rapid attenuation of heat along the soil profile. Heat released during fire was the key factor determining the residual biomass, and the residual microbiomes determined the recovery patterns of the various taxa that comprise the culturable microbial biomass. Implications Due to the complexity of natural fire, simulated fire experiment and systematic sampling based on space (soil profile) and time are crucial to investigate the dynamics of soil microbes post-fire.
Activity of dingoes (Canis familiaris) and their use of anthropogenic resources in the Strzelecki Desert, South Australia
Authors: Meek Paul D. , Ballard Guy A. , Abell James , Milne Heath , Smith Deane , Fleming Peter J. S.
Published: April 2024

Context Managing human–wildlife conflict where anthropogenic resources are provided is difficult. Providing food, water and shelter can result in over-abundant dingo populations, especially in Australian desert mine sites where managing dingoes, wildlife and humans around waste-management facilities and camps is problematic. Aims To measure and characterise the spatial activities of a population of arid-zone dingoes in relation to resources provided by a Cooper Basin (Strzelecki Desert, South Australia mining operation). The results were used to facilitate effective dingo management. Methods Free-roaming dingoes were captured, their morphometrics and ectoparasite presence recorded, and they were fitted with Iridium (GPS) radio collars. These were used to collect high-fidelity data about individual dingo activity and movements in relation to mine-site infrastructure and the Cooper Basin ecosystem. Key results A high density of dingoes (181 trapped in 2 km2 per 4 years) was associated with the mining operation. Home range/activity area sizes and usage of the anthropogenic landscape showed the following three categories of dingo: desert, peripatetic and tip dingoes. Dingoes reliant on food provisioning at the waste-management facility (WMF) displayed activity areas with a strong focus on the WMF (tip dingoes). Temporal activity patterns of another group of dingoes (peripatetic dingoes) were associated with regular waste-dumping times and normal nocturnal activity away from the WMF. Of the 27 dingoes collared, 30% (i.e. desert dingoes) were not dependent on the WMF, spending more time and a greater area of use in the desert dune system than in the mine-site area. Conclusions On the basis of the capture of 181 dingoes over 4 years and home-range analysis, it is likely that anthropogenic resource provisioning has caused an overabundance of dingoes in the Cooper Basin mine site. However, some of the dingo population remains reliant on native wildlife and resources in the surrounding desert. Managing food waste and excluding dingoes from food, water and shelter will result in a change in the prevalence of dingoes in the mine site, and subsequent reduction in the risk of disease transmission, native wildlife impacts, human conflicts and social pressures on dingoes, influencing them to revert to domestic-dog behaviours. Implications Waste-management facilities where food is dumped provide resources that lead to a change in wild-dingo behaviour, on the basis of their acceptance of human-provided resources, and high abundance. Managing access to anthropogenic resources will reduce the population as well as unwanted or aggressive encounters with humans. Dingoes reliant on food scraps will be encouraged to adjust their activity areas to desert habitat, thereby providing natural hunting opportunities and reduced contact rates with conspecifics, thus potentially reducing pathogen transmission.
Estimating the reproduction number and transmission heterogeneity from the size distribution of clusters of identical pathogen sequences
Authors: Tran-Kiem Cécile , Bedford Trevor
Published: April 2024

Quantifying transmission intensity and heterogeneity is crucial to ascertain the threat posed by infectious diseases and inform the design of interventions. Methods that jointly estimate the reproduction number
R
and the dispersion parameter
k
have however mainly remained limited to the analysis of epidemiological clusters or contact tracing data, whose collection often proves difficult. Here, we show that clusters of identical sequences are imprinted by the pathogen offspring distribution, and we derive an analytical formula for the distribution of the size of these clusters. We develop and evaluate an inference framework to jointly estimate the reproduction number and the dispersion parameter from the size distribution of clusters of identical sequences. We then illustrate its application across a range of epidemiological situations. Finally, we develop a hypothesis testing framework relying on clusters of identical sequences to determine whether a given pathogen genetic subpopulation is associated with increased or reduced transmissibility. Our work provides tools to estimate the reproduction number and transmission heterogeneity from pathogen sequences without building a phylogenetic tree, thus making it easily scalable to large pathogen genome datasets.
Implicit agent se-constructions
Authors: Rodríguez-Castro Mónica , Godev Concepción B.
Published: April 2024

This study provides evidence to support the need for student-translators to be systematically exposed to analyzing
and translating texts that give them the opportunity to observe how implicit agent se-constructions need to be used when
translating from English into Spanish. A corpus of scientific abstracts was analyzed to compare the frequency of implicit agent
se-constructions in abstracts written originally in Spanish and abstracts translated from English into Spanish. Both corpora tools
and t-tests were used for comparing data. The results indicate that the abstracts written originally in Spanish feature a more
frequent use of implicit agent se-constructions than the abstracts translated into Spanish. The researchers propose the use of
scientific abstracts, both originally written in Spanish and translated into Spanish, as pedagogical instruments to model how
implicit agent se-constructions operate, thereby promoting student-translators’ accurate use of such constructions, which are
frequently used not only in scientific abstracts but also in a wide range of language domains in the Spanish language.
Atmospheric pressure uniform dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) in a wide air gap initiated from a narrow starting point
Authors: Liu J , Yang Y , Nie L , Liu D , Lu X
Published: April 2024

Generating a uniform non-equilibrium plasma in atmospheric pressure air has always been a challenge. It is believed that the maximum spacing for generating a uniform non-equilibrium plasma in atmospheric pressure air, whether using AC or nanosecond pulse drive, is 4 mm. Discharges are always non-uniform when the spacing is greater than 4 mm. In this paper, we propose a new type of dielectric barrier discharge structure to address this challenge. The left end of the structure rapidly increases the discharge spacing from 0.5 mm to 6 mm, while the right side of the main discharge gap maintains a uniform spacing of 6 mm. Nanosecond pulse voltage is used to drive the plasma, an ICCD camera is used to capture the image of the plasma during a discharge pulse cycle, which indicates that a uniform plasma within the 6 mm spacing of the main discharge gap is generated. Upon further reducing the ICCD camera’s exposure time to 20 ns, it is revealed that the uniform plasma is formed due to the rapid propagation of the plasma from left to right at a speed of order of 105 m s−1. Due to the small transverse component of the external electric field, this rapid propagation behavior cannot be due to the external electric field. Therefore, this paper further proposes the hypothesis of electric dipole formation leading to this fast propagation. The hypothesis suggests that the charge separation on the surface of the anode forms an electric dipole, which generates a local discharge at its right end. This local discharge further triggers the discharge in the main gap, and the main gap discharge, in turn, forms a dipole due to charge separation again, by repeating this cycle, the plasma propagates rapidly to the right. Further analysis demonstrates that this dipole can indeed produce a strong electric field of up to 41 kV cm−1 at its right end, which is sufficient to induce a local discharge. Moreover, under such a strong electric field, the electron migration rate can indeed reach 105 m s−1. These findings support the plausibility of this hypothesis.
Accurate blood glucose level monitoring using microwave imaging
Authors: Wang Zengxiang , Xiao Xia , Pang Yanwei , Su Wenling
Published: April 2024

Painless and non-invasive detection techniques are needed to replace finger-prick blood collection for people with diabetes. A first-of-its-kind, noninvasive, and continuous blood glucose level (BGL) detection method based on microwave imaging is introduced in this paper. This method avoids the complex task of frequency choice for the design of electromagnetic sensors. A radar-based microwave imaging technology combined with an improved very-deep super-resolution (VDSR-BL) method is presented to obtain high-resolution (HR) microwave images. After image super-resolution reconstruction by VDSR-BL, the peak signal-to-noise ratio and structural similarity index of HR images reach 35.4461 dB and 0.9761, respectively. Then, an ensemble learning strategy based on support vector regression and random forest algorithms is proposed to identify HR microwave images for BGL estimation. The developed detection system has been verified on the medium under tests with different glucose solutions. The final detection results obtain a root mean squared error of 0.1394 mg ml−1 and a mean absolute relative difference of 8.02%, which show good accuracy with clinical acceptance. Meanwhile, we also conducted human trials. A high correlation coefficient (R) of 0.9254 was achieved between the results of microwave imaging and invasive BGL. Together, these results show that microwave imaging offers a promising new approach for noninvasive BGL monitoring.
Trade-off relations of quantum resource theory in Heisenberg models
Authors: Ali Asad , Al-Kuwari Saif , Haddadi Saeed
Published: April 2024

Studying the relations between entanglement and coherence is essential in many quantum information applications. For this, we consider the concurrence, intrinsic concurrence and first-order coherence, and evaluate the proposed trade-off relations between them. In particular, we study the temporal evolution of a general two-qubit XYZ Heisenberg model with asymmetric spin-orbit interaction under decoherence and analyze the trade-off relations of quantum resource theory. For XYZ Heisenberg model, we confirm that the trade-off relation between intrinsic concurrence and first-order coherence holds. Furthermore, we show that the lower bound of intrinsic concurrence is universally valid, but the upper bound is generally not. These relations in Heisenberg models can provide a way to explore how quantum resources are distributed in spins, which may inspire future applications in quantum information processing.
Misalignment production of vector boson dark matter from axion-SU(2) inflation
Authors: Fujita Tomohiro , Murai Kai , Nakayama Kazunori , Yin Wen
Published: April 2024

We present a new mechanism to generate a coherently oscillating dark vector field from axion-SU(2) gauge field dynamics during inflation.
The SU(2) gauge field acquires a nonzero background sourced by an axion during inflation, and it acquires a mass through spontaneous symmetry breaking after inflation.
We find that the coherent oscillation of the dark vector field can account for dark matter in the mass range of 10-13 – 1 eV in a minimal setup. In a more involved scenario, the range can be wider down to the fuzzy dark matter region.
One of the dark vector fields can be identified as the dark photon, in which case this mechanism evades the notorious constraints for isocurvature perturbation, statistical anisotropy, and the absence of ghosts that exist in the usual misalignment production scenarios.
Phenomenological implications are discussed.
Scrutinizing coupled vector dark energy in light of data
Authors: Cardona Wilmar , Palacios-Córdoba Jose L. , Valenzuela-Toledo César A.
Published: April 2024

Since current challenges faced by ΛCDM might be hinting at new unravelled physics, here we investigate a plausible cosmological model where a vector field acts as source of dark energy. In particular, we examine whether an energy-momentum exchange between dark energy and dark matter could provide an explanation for current discrepancies in cosmological parameters. We carefully work out equations governing background and linear order perturbations and implement them in a Boltzmann code. We found that a negative coupling makes the dark energy equation of state less negative and closer to a cosmological constant during the matter dominated epoch than an uncoupled vector dark energy model. While the effect of the coupling is hardly noticeable through its effect on matter density perturbations, matter velocity perturbations and gravitational potentials are enhanced at late-times when dark energy dominates. Therefore, data of redshift space distortions help to narrow down these kinds of couplings in the dark sector. We computed cosmological constraints and found common parameters also present in ΛCDM are in good agreement with the Planck collaboration baseline result. Our best fit for a negatively coupled vector field predicts a higher growth rate of matter perturbations at low redshift, thus exacerbating the disagreement with redshift space distortions data. While a positively coupled vector field can lead to power suppression of P
m(k,z = 0) on small scales as well as a lower growth rate of matter perturbations than the standard model, it might compromise the goodness of fit to the CMB angular power spectrum on small scales. We conclude that our negatively coupled vector dark energy model does not solve current tensions (i.e., H
0 and σ
8). Moreover, having three additional parameters with respect to ΛCDM, the negatively coupled vector dark energy model is heavily disfavoured by Bayesian evidence.
Sensitivity of mass sensors enhanced by higher-order exceptional points in an optomechanical system
Authors: He Yong , Chen Qi
Published: April 2024

We propose a high-sensitivity mass sensor, which is realized by a three-mode optomechanical system composed of an optical cavity with gain, an optical cavity with loss, and a mechanical resonator with loss. When the system’s parameters satisfy certain conditions, a higher-order exceptional point (EP) is shown in the eigenfrequency spectrum. Some particles with a tiny mass deposited in the mechanical resonator can give rise to the mechanical frequency shift so that the higher-order EP splits into three points, which correspond to three eigenfrequency shifts. We can obtain the adsorbed mass by measuring one of the eigenfrequency shifts. By introducing a sensitivity enhancement factor, we demonstrate that an optomechanical system with a higher decay rate can be used to implement a mass sensor with higher sensitivity. Our scheme provides important theoretical guidance for further optimization and improvement of optomechanical mass sensors.
Structure and dynamical properties during solidification of liquid aluminum induced by cooling and compression
Authors: Wu 吴 Min 旻 , Yang 杨 Yong-Qi 永琪 , Wang 王 Yao 垚
Published: April 2024

The structural transformation from a liquid into a crystalline solid is an important subject in condensed matter physics and materials science. In the present study, first-principles molecular dynamics calculations are performed to investigate the structure and properties of aluminum during the solidification which is induced by cooling and compression. In the cooling process and compression process, it is found that the icosahedral short-range order is initially enhanced and then begin to decay, the face-centered cubic short-range order eventually becomes dominant before it transforms into a crystalline solid.
The n-resolved single-electron capture in slow O6+–Ne collisions
Authors: Cui 崔 Shucheng 述成 , Xing 邢 Dadi 大地 , Zhu 朱 Xiaolong 小龙 , Su 苏 Maogen 茂根 , Gao 高 Yong 永 , Guo 郭 Dalong 大龙 , Zhao 赵 Dongmei 冬梅 , Zhang 张 Shaofeng 少锋 , Fu 符 Yanbiao 彦飙 , Ma 马 Xinwen 新文
Published: April 2024

A study of single-electron capture (SEC) in 18–240 keV O6+–Ne collisions has been conducted employing a combination of experimental and theoretical methodologies. Utilizing a reaction microscope, state-selective SEC cross sections and projectile scattering angle distributions were obtained. The translational energy spectra for SEC reveal the prevailing capture into n = 3 states of the projectile ion, with a minor contribution from n = 4 states. Notably, as the projectile’s energy increases, the relative contribution of SEC n = 4 states increases while that of SEC n = 3 states diminishes. Furthermore, we computed state-selective relative cross sections and angular differential cross sections employing the classical molecular Coulomb over-the-barrier model (MCBM) and the multichannel Landau–Zener (MCLZ) model. A discernible discrepancy between the state-selective cross sections from the two theoretical models is apparent for the considered impact energies. However, regarding the angular differential cross sections, an overall agreement was attained between the current experimental results and the theoretical results from the MCLZ model.
Characterization of calibration solution certified reference material for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by exact matching isotopic dilution mass spectrometry: a case study from the Brazilian Metrology Institute
Authors: Guimarães Evelyn de F , Do Rego Eliane C P , Rodrigues Janaína M , Almeida Renato R R , Carvalho Lucas J , Figueroa-Villar José Daniel
Published: April 2024

Recertification is a common practice in National Metrology Institutes whenever advances are made in certified reference material (CRM) characterization procedures, which play a key role in metrological traceability. This article compares measurements of 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in toluene by gas chromatography isotopic dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) using either an calibration curve or the exact matching approach. The multi-point IDMS calibration curve was used on the original CRM certification and the exact matching approach was carried out on its recertification. The measurement uncertainties by exact matching approach (0.3%–1.0%) were approximately 5 times smaller than those obtained using the calibration curve (1.5%–4.4%) for all PAHs, reducing the uncertainty component due to characterization of PAH CRM. This new characterization study added reliability, increased accuracy and reduced the measurement uncertainty of the Inmetro CRM, with metrological traceability to the International System of Units. The exact-matching isotope dilution is an important technique to value assign organic compounds in CRMs, an action that consolidates the chemical metrology in the Brazilian Metrology Institute.
Temperature-dependent bubble growth under synergistic interactions of hydrogen and helium in tungsten
Authors: Niu Chunjie , Qin Wentao , Suman Siddharth , Ni Weiyuan , Liu Weifeng , Fan Hongyu , Lei Guangjiu , Liu Dongping
Published: April 2024

A novel theoretical model based on modified diffusion rate equations is proposed to simulate the retention of hydrogen isotopes and the dynamics of bubble growth in tungsten (W) when exposed to simultaneous hydrogen (H) and helium (He) plasma irradiations. Simulation is conducted to assess the influence of temperature as well as simultaneous H and He irradiation at an increasing fluence. Not only to develop a holistic understanding but also to substantiate simulation findings about synergy between H and He plasma irradiation, a W sample is exposed sequentially to H and He plasma at 873 K using the large-power material irradiation experimental system. The topographical changes in the W sample are investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM) after each plasma irradiation exposure sequence. Simulation results reveal that the ability of a bubble containing both H and He to trap adjacent H/He atoms is primarily governed by their individual partial pressure within the bubble. Furthermore, at elevated temperatures, the synergy between H and He significantly enhances the retention of H isotopes in W. AFM micrographs of the W sample exposed to both H and He plasma irradiation show a severely damaged and locally delaminated layer, absent in the sample exposed only to either H or He, conclusively establishing evidence of synergy between H and He irradiation effects. The average bubble radius computed using the model aligns excellently with experimentally determined values obtained through SEM/AFM analysis. The robustness of the proposed model is also assessed by comparing bubble radius and H isotopes retention at various temperatures with experimental data reported in the literature.
AstroPix4 — a novel HV-CMOS sensor developed for space based experiments
Authors: Striebig N. , Leys R. , Peric I. , Caputo R. , Steinhebel A.L. , Suda Y. , Fukazawa Y. , Jadhav M. , Violette D. , Kierans C. , Tajima H. , Metcalfe J. , Perkins J.S.
Published: April 2024

For the proposed space based gamma-ray observatory All-sky Medium-Energy Gamma-ray
Observatory eXplorer (AMEGO-X), a silicon tracker based on a novel High Voltage-CMOS (HV-CMOS)
sensor called AstroPix, is currently being developed. Preliminary measurements with the first full
reticle prototype AstroPix3 show that the power target of 1.5 mW/cm2 can currently not be
reached due to the digital consumption of 3.08 mW/cm2, while the analog power consumption
of 1.04 mW/cm2 and a break down voltage of over 350 V look promising. Based on
these results, the design changes in AstroPix4, submitted in May 2023, are presented, containing
changes to the time stamp generation and readout architecture. A digital power consumption below
0.25 mW/cm2 is expected by removing the fast 200 MHz clock used to measure the
time-over-threshold (ToT) and an LVDS receiver. A maximum resolution of 3.125 ns for
time-of-arrival (ToA) and ToT is reached by adding per-pixel Flash-Time-to-Digital Converter
(TDCs) controlled by a global delay-locked loop (DLL).
Performance of GPT-4 Vision on kidney pathology exam questions
Authors: Miao Jing , Thongprayoon Charat , Cheungpasitporn Wisit , Cornell Lynn D
Published: April 2024

Objectives

ChatGPT (OpenAI, San Francisco, CA) has shown impressive results across various medical examinations, but its performance in kidney pathology is not yet established. This study evaluated proficiencies of GPT-4 Vision (GPT-4V), an updated version of the platform with the ability to analyze images, on kidney pathology questions and compared its responses with those of nephrology trainees.

Methods

Thirty-nine questions (19 text-based questions and 20 with various kidney biopsy images) designed specifically for the training of nephrology fellows were employed.

Results

GPT-4V displayed comparable accuracy rates in the first and second runs (67% and 72%, respectively, P = .50). The aggregated accuracy, however—particularly, the consistent accuracy—of GPT-4V was lower than that of trainees (72% and 67% vs 79%). Both GPT-4V and trainees displayed comparable accuracy in responding to image-based and text-only questions (55% vs 79% and 81% vs 78%, P = .11 and P = .67, respectively). The consistent accuracy in image-based, directly asked questions for GPT-4V was 29%, much lower than its 88% consistency on text-only, directly asked questions (P = .02). In contrast, trainees maintained similar accuracy in directly asked image-based and text-based questions (80% vs 77%, P = .65). Although the aggregated accuracy for correctly interpreting images was 69%, the consistent accuracy across both runs was only 39%. The accuracy of GPT-4V in answering questions with correct image interpretation was significantly higher than for questions with incorrect image interpretation (100% vs 0% and 100% vs 33% for the first and second runs, P = .001 and P = .02, respectively).

Conclusions

The performance of GPT-4V in handling kidney pathology questions, especially those including images, is limited. There is a notable need for enhancement in GPT-4V proficiency in interpreting images.
Hyperdilute Calcium Hydroxylapatite for the Treatment of Perioral Rhytids: A Pilot Study
Authors: Somenek Michael
Published: April 2024

Background

The perioral region plays a crucial role in facial aesthetics and is susceptible to age-related changes, such as wrinkles and fine lines due to its dynamic nature. Type I collagen is crucial in providing structural integrity and resilience to the skin. Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA-CMC) is a widely used dermal filler whose particles stimulate fibroblastic responses within the skin. When diluted, CaHA-CMC has emerged as a useful treatment for collagen stimulation.

Objectives

The objective of the study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of hyperdilute CaHA-CMC at a 1:3 ratio, specifically administered in the perioral area, to assess its impact on deep rhytids and overall skin quality.

Methods

Females aged 40 to 70 years with moderate-to-severe wrinkles in the perioral region based on a validated wrinkle scale were injected with hyperdilute CaHA-CMC throughout the perioral region at 2 separate injection intervals (Weeks 1 and 8). This was followed by an injection of hyaluronic acid (CPM-HA22.5) into the perioral region at Week 16. The primary endpoint was a ≥1-point improvement from baseline on the wrinkle grading scale.

Results

Twelve female participants were treated. Investigator and patient ratings based on the 5-point Merz perioral/lip wrinkle grading scale showed at least 1 grade improvement in 83% of the patients with a P-value of .0156. A majority of both investigators and patients rated their lip wrinkles as improved in appearance compared with their baseline.

Conclusions

Hyperdilute CaHa-CMC at a 1:3 dilution may be a safe and effective treatment for improving the depth and overall appearance of perioral rhytids.

Level of Evidence: 4
Favoritism or bias? Cooperation and competition under different intergroup relationships: evidence from EEG hyperscanning
Authors: Liu Yingjie , Zhang Ye , Zhong Yifei , Liu Jingyue , Zhang Chenyu , Meng Yujia , Pang Nan , Cheng Xuemei , Wang He
Published: April 2024

Cooperation and competition are the most common forms of social interaction in various social relationships. Intergroup relationships have been posited to influence individuals’ interpersonal interactions significantly. Using electroencephalography hyperscanning, this study aimed to establish whether intergroup relationships influence interpersonal cooperation and competition and the underlying neural mechanisms. According to the results, the in-group Coop-index is better than the out-group, whereas the out-group Comp-index is stronger than the in-group. The in-group functional connectivity between the frontal-central region and the right temporoparietal junction in the β band was stronger in competition than cooperation. The out-group functional connectivity between the frontal-central region and the left temporoparietal junction in the α band was stronger in cooperation than competition. In both cooperation and competition, the in-group exhibited higher interbrain synchronization between the prefrontal cortex and parietal region in the θ band, as well as between the frontal-central region and frontal-central region in the α band, compared to the out-group. The intrabrain phase-locking value in both the α and β bands can effectively predict performance in competition tasks. Interbrain phase-locking value in both the α and θ bands can be effectively predicted in a performance cooperation task. This study offers neuroscientific evidence for in-group favoritism and out-group bias at an interpersonal level.
Monitoring adrenal insufficiency through salivary steroids: a pilot study
Authors: Tucci Lorenzo , Fanelli Flaminia , Improta Ilaria , Bissi Valentina , Lena Claudia , Galante Greta , Mezzullo Marco , Magagnoli Matteo , Lalumera Anna Bianca , Colombin Giacomo , Coscia Kimberly , Rotolo Laura , Vicennati Valentina , Pagotto Uberto , Di Dalmazi Guido
Published: April 2024

Background

Various glucocorticoid replacement therapies (GRTs) are available for adrenal insufficiency (AI). However, their effectiveness in restoring glucocorticoid rhythm and exposure lacks adequate biochemical markers. We described the diurnal salivary cortisol (SalF) and cortisone (SalE) rhythm among different GRTs and analysed the associations between saliva-derived parameters and life quality questionnaires.

Methods

Control subjects (CSs, n = 28) and AI patients receiving hydrocortisone (HC, n = 9), cortisone acetate (CA, n = 23), and dual-release hydrocortisone once (DRHC-od, n = 10) and twice a day (DRHC-td, n = 6) collected 9 saliva samples from 07:00 to 23:00. Patients compiled Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Addison disease-specific quality-of-life questionnaires. SalE and SalF were measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Exposure was monitored using SalE for HC and DRHC and SalF for CA. Area under the curve (AUC) was computed. Different GRTs were compared by Z-scores calculated from saliva-derived parameters. Questionnaire results predictors were evaluated with multiple regression analysis.

Results

Compared with controls, all GRTs resulted in glucocorticoid overexposure in the morning. Hydrocortisone, CA, and DRHC-td caused overexposure also in afternoon and evening. Compared with other treatments, CA determined increased Z-score-07:00 (P < .001), DRHC-td determined increased Z-score-AUC07:00→14:00 (P = .007), and DRHC-od induced lower Z-score-AUC14:00→23:00 (P = .015). Z-scores-AUC14:00→16:00 ≥ .619 best predicted questionnaire scores.

Conclusions

None of the GRTs mimics normal glucocorticoid rhythmicity and exposure. SalE, SalF, and Z-score may be useful markers for monitoring and comparing different GRTs. Excess glucocorticoid in early afternoon best associated with depressive symptoms and worse life and sleep quality.
Multilevel analysis of COVID-19 vaccination intention: the moderating role of economic and cultural country characteristics
Authors: Lamot Monika , Kirbiš Andrej
Published: April 2024

Background

Predictors of COVID-19 (coronavirus) vaccination have been extensively researched; however, the contextual factors contributing to understanding vaccination intention remain largely unexplored. The present study aimed to investigate the moderating role of economic development (Gross domestic product - GDP per capita), economic inequality (Gini index), the perceived corruption index and Hofstede’s measurements of cultural values—index of individualism/collectivism and power distance index—in the relationship between determinants of satisfaction with the healthcare system, trust in political institutions, conspiracy beliefs and COVID-19 vaccination intention.

Methods

A multilevel modelling approach was employed on a sample of approximately 51 000 individuals nested within 26 countries. Data were drawn from the European Social Survey Round 10. The model examined the effect of individual- and country-level predictors and their interaction on vaccination intention.

Results

Satisfaction with the healthcare system had a stronger positive effect on intention to get vaccinated in countries with lower perceived corruption and more individualistic countries. Trust in political institutions had a stronger positive effect on vaccination intention in countries with higher economic development and lower perceived corruption, while a negative effect of conspiracy beliefs on vaccination intention was stronger in countries with lower economic development, higher perceived corruption and a more collectivistic cultural orientation.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the importance of considering individual and contextual factors when addressing vaccination intention.