bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Near-infrared multiphoton absorption and third harmonic generation with CsPbBr3 quantum dots embedded in micro-particles of metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Fan Qingxin , Yan Zhe , Zhou Hao , Yao Yige , Wang Zhenkun , Gao Yunan , Wang Yilin , Lu Shunbin , Liu Min , Ji Wei
Published: April 2023

A hybrid compound of CsPbBr3 quantum dots embedded in ZIF-8 microparticles shows both multiphoton excited (MPE) photoluminescence and third harmonic generation (THG) when excited by near-infrared femtosecond laser pulses.
Side-chain engineering of self-doped conjugated polyelectrolytes for organic electrochemical transistors
Authors: Llanes Luana C. , Lill Alexander T. , Wan Yangyang , Chae Sangmin , Yi Ahra , Nguyen-Dang Tung , Kim Hyo Jung , Sepunaru Lior , Read de Alaniz Javier , Lu Gang , Bazan Guillermo C. , Nguyen Thuc-Quyen
Published: April 2023

Varied-length conjugated polyelectrolytes (2–5 methylene units) containing CPDT-alt-BT were synthesized to study the optical, electrochemical, and morphological properties. These were used in accumulation mode organic electrochemical transistors.
Manipulating the sublattice distortion induced by Mn2+doping for boosting the emission characteristics of self-trapped excitons in Cs4SnBr6
Authors: Lin Zhenxu , Wang Anyang , Huang Rui , Wu Haixia , Song Jie , Lin Zewen , Hou Dejian , Zhang Zhaofu , Guo Yuzheng , Lan Sheng
Published: April 2023

Mn2+doping is beneficial for boosting the emission of self-trapped excitons in Cs4SnBr6. The Mn2+-doped Cs4SnBr6exhibits an enhanced photoluminescence quantum yield of up to ∼75%, a broadened emission spectrum, and improved thermal stability.
Cloud energy storage in power systems: Concept, applications, and technical challenges
Authors: Khezri Rahmat , Bahramara Salah , Mahmoudi Amin
Published: April 2023

Cloud energy storage (CES) in the power systems is a novel idea for the consumers to get rid of the expensive distributed energy storages (DESs) and to move to using a cloud service centre as a virtual capacity. Although the different characteristics and applications of the energy storages are reviewed in some papers, there is no review study on the CES concepts, formulations, applications, and challenges. Therefore, the main contribution of this paper is to review the applications of the CES and its technical challenges in the power systems. For this purpose, the concept and fundamentals of the CES, as well as their role in supporting the consumers and the power network, are described first. The flow of information in a CES is then discussed, and the roles of the operator, consumers, and facilities, as the main sectors of the CES are explained. The existing studies are classified and discussed regarding the different applications of the CES in the power systems and their drawbacks are highlighted. The operation and planning (feasibility) problems of the CES are investigated. Reviewing the existing studies shows that comprehensive models are required to address the energy management (EM) and feasibility analysis of the CES applications. To address this challenge, the general formulations are presented for the planning and the operation scheduling problems of the CES. In addition, addressing different CES applications in the power systems leads to some technical challenges which are described. Finally, future directions are suggested for potential researchers to continue the studies on the CES integration and application.
Attention‐based sensor fusion for emotion recognition from human motion by combining convolutional neural network and weighted kernel support vector machine and using inertial measurement unit signals
Authors: Zhao Yan , Guo Ming , Sun Xuehan , Chen Xiangyong , Zhao Feng
Published: April 2023

The remarkable development of human–computer interactions has created an urgent need for machines to be able to recognise human emotions. Human motions play a key role in emphasising and conveying emotions to meet the complexity of daily application scenarios, such as medical rehabilitation and social education. Therefore, this paper aims to explore hidden emotional states from human motions. Accordingly, we proposed a novel approach for emotion recognition using multiple inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors worn on different body parts. First, the mapping relationship between emotion and human motion was established through fuzzy comprehensive evaluation, and data were collected for six emotional states: sleepy, bored, excited, tense, angry, and distressed. Second, the preprocessed data were used as input in a lightweight convolutional neural network to extract discriminative features. Third, an attention‐based sensor fusion module was developed to obtain the importance scores of each IMU sensor for generating a fused feature representation. In the recognition phase, we constructed a weighted kernel support vector machine (SVM) model with an auxiliary fuzzy function to improve the weight calculation method of kernel functions in a multiple kernel SVM. Finally, the results obtained are compared with those of similar state‐of‐the‐art studies, the proposed method showed a higher accuracy (99.02%) for the six emotional states mentioned above. These findings may promote the development of social robots with non‐verbal emotional communication capabilities.
Workflow, Time Requirement, and Quality of Medication Documentation with or without a Computerized Physician Order Entry System—A Simulation-Based Lab Study
Authors: Jungreithmayr Viktoria , Haefeli Walter E. , Seidling Hanna M. ,   and Implementation Team
Published: April 2023

Background The introduction of a computerized physician order entry (CPOE) system is changing workflows and redistributing tasks among health care professionals.

Objectives The aim of this study is to describe exemplary changes in workflow, to objectify the time required for medication documentation, and to evaluate documentation quality with and without a CPOE system (Cerner® i.s.h.med).

Methods Workflows were assessed either through direct observation and in-person interviews or through semistructured online interviews with clinical staff involved in medication documentation. Two case scenarios were developed consisting of exemplary medications (case 1 = 6 drugs and case 2 = 11 drugs). Physicians and nurses/documentation assistants were observed documenting the case scenarios according to workflows established prior to CPOE implementation and those newly established with CPOE implementation, measuring the time spent on each step in the documentation process. Subsequently, the documentation quality of the documented medication was assessed according to a previously established and published methodology.

Results CPOE implementation simplified medication documentation. The overall time needed for medication documentation increased from a median of 12:12 min (range: 07:29–21:10 min) without to 14:40 min (09:18–25:18) with the CPOE system (p = 0.002). With CPOE, less time was spent documenting peroral prescriptions and more time documenting intravenous/subcutaneous prescriptions. For physicians, documentation time approximately doubled, while nurses achieved time savings. Overall, the documentation quality increased from a median fulfillment score of 66.7% without to 100.0% with the CPOE system (p < 0.001).

Conclusion This study revealed that CPOE implementation simplified the medication documentation process but increased the time spent on medication documentation by 20% in two fictitious cases. This increased time resulted in higher documentation quality, occurred at the expense of physicians, and was primarily due to intravenous/subcutaneous prescriptions. Therefore, measures to support physicians with complex prescriptions in the CPOE system should be established.
The prospects for, and implications of, emissions trading in shipping
Authors: Christodoulou Anastasia , Cullinane Kevin
Published: April 2023

The decarbonisation of shipping has become a high priority on the environmental and political agenda. The prospect of implementing an Emissions Trading System (ETS) for shipping has come to prominence as a proposed mechanism for speeding up the decarbonisation of the industry, with the EU taking proactive action to include shipping within the EU ETS by 2023. This paper analyses and provides a qualitative review of the historical development of the discussions and actions taken at both global level (by the International Maritime Organization (IMO)) and at regional level within the EU. A SWOT analysis of the potential implementation of an ETS for shipping is then presented. The paper concludes that an ETS for shipping can incentivise greater investment in, and deployment of, green technologies that will have the effect of reducing the carbon footprint of the shipping industry. However, the speed and significance of this effect will depend upon the specific shipping market segment and the relative stage in shipping market cycles over time. It is further concluded that despite the imminent unilateral introduction of shipping into the EU ETS, it is important that the IMO continues its work to develop a global ETS that promotes a ‘level playing field’ for competition within the sector and eliminates the risk of carbon leakage.
The corporate executive leadership team and its diversity: impact on innovativeness and sustainability of the bioeconomy
Authors: Hakovirta Marko , Denuwara Navodya , Topping Peter , Eloranta Jorma
Published: April 2023

Senior executives have a major role in leading corporations both strategically and operationally. In large corporations, the executive team is leading through their respective organizations, ensuring that corporate strategy is executed efficiently and effectively. In addition, executive management plays the key role in shaping the culture and the values of the corporation. There exists a wealth of research conducted on executive management team dynamics and the success factors related to their performance. This study examines how diversity in executive management impacts the perceived innovativeness of companies. We compare the most innovative companies and the largest players in the bioeconomy. Currently, the bioeconomy has received a lot of attention as it is considered one of the industries associated with solving global societal and environmental challenges. However, it is not perceived as highly innovative and is considered to be lacking in diversity among senior executive teams. This study adds to the body of knowledge connecting innovation, diversity, and corporate leadership and highlights similarities and differences from diversity perspective related to the companies investigated.
From micro- to nano- and time-resolved x-ray computed tomography: Bio-based applications, synchrotron capabilities, and data-driven processing
Authors: Claro Pedro I. C. , Borges Egon P. B. S. , Schleder Gabriel R. , Archilha Nathaly L. , Pinto Allan , Carvalho Murilo , Driemeier Carlos E. , Fazzio Adalberto , Gouveia Rubia F.
Published: April 2023

X-ray computed microtomography (μCT) is an innovative and nondestructive versatile technique that has been used extensively to investigate bio-based systems in multiple application areas. Emerging progress in this field has brought countless studies using μCT characterization, revealing three-dimensional (3D) material structures and quantifying features such as defects, pores, secondary phases, filler dispersions, and internal interfaces. Recently, x-ray computed tomography (CT) beamlines coupled to synchrotron light sources have also enabled computed nanotomography (nCT) and four-dimensional (4D) characterization, allowing in situ, in vivo, and in operando characterization from the micro- to nanostructure. This increase in temporal and spatial resolutions produces a deluge of data to be processed, including real-time processing, to provide feedback during experiments. To overcome this issue, deep learning techniques have risen as a powerful tool that permits the automation of large amounts of data processing, availing the maximum beamline capabilities. In this context, this review outlines applications, synchrotron capabilities, and data-driven processing, focusing on the urgency of combining computational tools with experimental data. We bring a recent overview on this topic to researchers and professionals working not only in this and related areas but also to readers starting their contact with x-ray CT techniques and deep learning.
Pulse-stream impact on recognition accuracy of reservoir computing from SiO2-based low power memory devices
Authors: Tsioustas C. , Bousoulas P. , Kleitsiotis G. , Tsoukalas D.
Published: April 2023

Reservoir computing (RC)-based neuromorphic applications exhibit extremely low power consumption, thus challenging the use of deep neural networks in terms of both consumption requirements and integration density. Under this perspective, this work focuses on the basic principles of RC systems. The ability of self-selective conductive-bridging random access memory devices to operate in two modes, namely, volatile and non-volatile, by regulating the applied voltage is first presented. We then investigate the relaxation time of these devices as a function of the applied amplitude and pulse duration, a critical step in determining the desired non-linearity by the reservoir. Moreover, we present an in-depth study of the impact of selecting the appropriate pulse-stream and its final effects on the total power consumption and recognition accuracy in a handwritten digit recognition application from the National Institute of Standards and Technology dataset. Finally, we conclude at the optimal pulse-stream of 3-bit, through the minimization of two cost criteria, with the total power remaining at 287 µW and simultaneously achieving 82.58% recognition accuracy upon the test set.
E-band widely tunable, narrow linewidth heterogeneous laser on silicon
Authors: Guo Joel , Xiang Chao , Morin Theodore J. , Peters Jonathan D. , Chang Lin , Bowers John E.
Published: April 2023

We demonstrate a heterogeneously integrated laser on silicon exhibiting a sub-20 kHz Lorentzian linewidth over a wavelength tuning range of 58 nm from 1350 to 1408 nm, which are record values to date for E-band integrated lasers in the literature. Wide wavelength tuning is achieved with an integrated Si ring-resonator-based Vernier mirror, which also significantly reduces the Lorentzian linewidth. Such a record performance leverages a mature heterogeneous III–V/Si platform and marks an important milestone in E-band optical fiber communications and in reaching visible wavelengths via second harmonic generation for optical atomic clock applications.
Metalorganic chemical vapor deposition of β-(AlxGa1−x)2O3 thin films on (001) β-Ga2O3 substrates
Authors: Uddin Bhuiyan A F M Anhar , Meng Lingyu , Huang Hsien-Lien , Sarker Jith , Chae Chris , Mazumder Baishakhi , Hwang Jinwoo , Zhao Hongping
Published: April 2023

Phase pure β-(AlxGa1−x)2O3 thin films are grown on (001) oriented β-Ga2O3 substrates via metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. By systematically tuning the precursor molar flow rates, the epitaxial growth of coherently strained β-(AlxGa1−x)2O3 films is demonstrated with up to 25% Al compositions as evaluated by high resolution x-ray diffraction. The asymmetrical reciprocal space mapping confirms the growth of coherent β-(AlxGa1−x)2O3 films (x < 25%) on (001) β-Ga2O3 substrates. However, the alloy inhomogeneity with local segregation of Al along the (2̄01) plane is observed from atomic resolution STEM imaging, resulting in wavy and inhomogeneous interfaces in the β-(AlxGa1−x)2O3/β-Ga2O3 superlattice structure. Room temperature Raman spectra of β-(AlxGa1−x)2O3 films show similar characteristics peaks as the (001) β-Ga2O3 substrate without obvious Raman shifts for films with different Al compositions. Atom probe tomography was used to investigate the atomic level structural chemistry with increasing Al content in the β-(AlxGa1−x)2O3 films. A monotonous increase in chemical heterogeneity is observed from the in-plane Al/Ga distributions, which was further confirmed via statistical frequency distribution analysis. Although the films exhibit alloy fluctuations, n-type doping demonstrates good electrical properties for films with various Al compositions. The determined valence and conduction band offsets at β-(AlxGa1−x)2O3/β-Ga2O3 heterojunctions using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveal the formation of type-II (staggered) band alignment.
Size estimates for nanoplates
Authors: Morassi Antonino , Rosset Edi , Sincich Eva , Vessella Sergio
Published: April 2023

We consider the problem of determining, within an elastic isotropic nanoplate in bending, the possible presence of an inclusion made of different elastic material. Under suitable a priori assumptions on the unknown inclusion, we provide quantitative upper and lower estimates for the area of the unknown defect in terms of the works exerted by the boundary data when the inclusion is present and when it is absent.
Recent progress in transparent memristors
Authors: Shi Yuxin , Zhang Yanna , Li Guoqiang
Published: April 2023

Memristors are one of the most promising next-generation nonvolatile storage devices because of their unique structure and excellent performance. Transparent memristors with multifunctional coupling are one of the future development directions for functionally integrated electronics. Compared to other memristors, transparent memristors have enormous advantages in stability and optoelectronic devices due to their transparency. These advantages will enable transparent memristors to have more potential applications, such as in optoelectronic neuromorphic systems, artificial intelligence, and human visual systems. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze trends in transparent memristors in order to realize these applications. Here, we review three application areas : nonvolatile memory, artificial synapses, and neural networks. The resistive switching mechanism of transparent memristors is introduced through the overall and local effects. Finally, application prospects and challenges of transparent memristors are summarized, which provides an insightful guide to developing transparent electronic devices further.
Investigation the effect of dopant Te on CdSe thin films deposited by RF magnetron sputtering method
Authors: Kumar Devendra , Lal Chiranji , Veer Dharm , Singh Deshraj , Kumar Pawan , Katiyar Ram S
Published: April 2023

CdSe and CdSe:Te thin films were grown on glass substrates by RF magnetron sputtering. The doping percentage of Tellurium (Te) in CdSe was 7% for the CdSe:Te thin film. The microscopic images of the films were found to be uniform and homogeneous in nature with a uniform grain and no cracks, and the grain size of CdSe was higher than CdSe:Te thin film. CdSe:Te thin film shows a higher absorption coefficient compared to CdSe in the visible region. The Energy band gaps were found to be 2.01 and 1.73 eV for CdSe and CdSe:Te thin films, respectively. The incorporation of Te atom into the CdSe structure has enhanced the mobility and changed the type of conductivity from n-type to p-type.
A tribological characteristics and experimental analysis of novel chlorella biodiesel blends on engine performance
Authors: Saranraj I , Ganesan S , Pandiyarajan R
Published: April 2023

The present work proposes an investigation to assess the viability of novel mineral-based biodiesel developed from chlorella emersonii, a species of green algae. A single-cylinder, water-cooled, the four-stroke diesel engine was used in the experiments. Among the different biodiesel blends that were investigated for their tribological and engine performance characteristics, the B40 chlorella emersonii biodiesel blend exhibited the least coefficient of friction and while B40 and B100 blends offered enhanced performance characteristics. Comparatively, the remaining test fuel blends attained higher steady-state coefficient rates of friction: B10 (30.8%), B20 (16.21%), B60 (7.7%), B90 (18.2%), and mineral diesel (39.44%). B100 fuel blend exhibited the highest Flash temperature parameter of 83 °C while mineral diesel exhibited the lowest at 58.4 °C. These values were inversely proportional to their respective wear scar diameters with mineral diesel showing the highest wear scar diameter at 0.768 mm. The diameter of the wear scar yielded minimal wear for fuel blends from B40 to B100 and mineral diesel. The corrosion physiognomies of the test fuel blends were investigated, and the B40 fuel blend demonstrated lower corrosion characteristics with a steady-state coefficient of friction of 0.081 when compared to the other fuel blends. The investigated gasoline blends (B40 and B100) were tested on a diesel engine, which demonstrated reduced brake thermal efficiency and a wider range of brake-specific energy consumption under peak load circumstances. The B40 fuel blend exhibited better emissions performance during testing where the unburnt hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and smoke emitted were 10.94%, 15.7%, and 23.4% less than mineral diesel.
Neural co-processors for restoring brain function: results from a cortical model of grasping
Authors: Bryan Matthew J , Preston Jiang Linxing , P N Rao Rajesh
Published: April 2023

Objective. A major challenge in designing closed-loop brain-computer interfaces is finding optimal stimulation patterns as a function of ongoing neural activity for different subjects and different objectives. Traditional approaches, such as those currently used for deep brain stimulation, have largely followed a manual trial-and-error strategy to search for effective open-loop stimulation parameters, a strategy that is inefficient and does not generalize to closed-loop activity-dependent stimulation. Approach. To achieve goal-directed closed-loop neurostimulation, we propose the use of brain co-processors, devices which exploit artificial intelligence to shape neural activity and bridge injured neural circuits for targeted repair and restoration of function. Here we investigate a specific type of co-processor called a ‘neural co-processor’ which uses artificial neural networks and deep learning to learn optimal closed-loop stimulation policies. The co-processor adapts the stimulation policy as the biological circuit itself adapts to the stimulation, achieving a form of brain-device co-adaptation. Here we use simulations to lay the groundwork for future in vivo tests of neural co-processors. We leverage a previously published cortical model of grasping, to which we applied various forms of simulated lesions. We used our simulations to develop the critical learning algorithms and study adaptations to non-stationarity in preparation for future in vivo tests. Main results. Our simulations show the ability of a neural co-processor to learn a stimulation policy using a supervised learning approach, and to adapt that policy as the underlying brain and sensors change. Our co-processor successfully co-adapted with the simulated brain to accomplish the reach-and-grasp task after a variety of lesions were applied, achieving recovery towards healthy function in the range 75%–90%. Significance. Our results provide the first proof-of-concept demonstration, using computer simulations, of a neural co-processor for adaptive activity-dependent closed-loop neurostimulation for optimizing a rehabilitation goal after injury. While a significant gap remains between simulations and in vivo applications, our results provide insights on how such co-processors may eventually be developed for learning complex adaptive stimulation policies for a variety of neural rehabilitation and neuroprosthetic applications.
The impact of fusion-born alpha particles on runaway electron dynamics in ITER disruptions
Authors: Lier A. , Papp G. , Lauber Ph. W. , Pusztai I. , Särkimäki K. , Embreus O.
Published: April 2023

In the event of a tokamak disruption in a D-T plasma, fusion-born alpha particles take several milliseconds longer to thermalise than the background. As the damping rates drop drastically following the several orders of magnitudes drop of temperature, Toroidal Alfvén Eigenmodes (TAEs) can be driven by alpha particles in the collapsing plasma before the onset of the current quench. We employ kinetic simulations of the alpha particle distribution and show that the TAEs can reach sufficiently strong saturation amplitudes to cause significant core runaway electron (RE) transport in unmitigated ITER disruptions. As the eigenmodes do not extend to the plasma edge, this effect leads to an increase of the RE plateau current. Mitigation via massive material injection however changes the Alfvén frequency and can lead to mode suppression. A combination of the TAE-caused core RE transport with other perturbation sources could lead to a drop of runaway current in unmitigated disruptions.
Non-invasive range-shift measurement for therapeutic carbon-ion beams by detecting SEB with a CdTe imager
Authors: Tsuda M. , Yamaguchi M. , Toyokawa H. , Yabe T. , Nagao Y. , Kawachi N. , Satori R. , Sakai M. , Kada W. , Kamiya T.
Published: April 2023

Non-invasive range measurement of particle beams is important to prevent deviation of the irradiated area in particle therapy. In this study, we made an experiment of imaging carbon-ion beams by setting the projection ranges into an acrylic target from 4.29 cm to 7.65 cm by a pitch of 0.21 cm. Secondary electron bremsstrahlung (SEB) generated on the beam trajectories were detected for the imaging by use of a pinhole camera system consisting of a pinhole collimator and a position-sensitive cadmium-telluride semiconductor detector (CdTe imager). Beam images were acquired, and their profiles along the longitudinal axis were numerically analyzed, to obtain a suitable parameter that was strongly correlated with the set range. Then we could propose a scheme to measure the particle beam range in the target during irradiation by use of the CdTe imager. As a result, the range shift can be measured in the case of the acrylic target with an accuracy of 0.1 cm.
Numerical modeling and analysis of AZO/Cu2O transparent solar cell with a TiO2 buffer layer
Authors: Sliti Naama , Touihri Saâd , Nguyen Ngoc Duy
Published: April 2023

In the present work, titanium dioxide (TiO2) is sandwiched as a buffer layer between n-type aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) and p-type cuprous oxide (Cu2O), increasing the efficiency of metal oxide-based solar cells. The effects of the device parameters such as thicknesses, carrier concentrations, and defect densities were investigated by numerical simulation to obtain optimal performance of Cu2O-based solar cells. Our findings reveal that by the incorporation of TiO2 thin film, the efficiency of the solar cell increases remarkably from 2.54 to 5.02 %. The optimal thicknesses of the Cu2O and TiO2 layers are in the range of 10 μm and 0.1 μm, respectively. We obtained optimal photo-electric conversion efficiency of 10.17 % and open-circuit voltage of 1.35 V while achieving 8.90 mA/cm2 short-circuit current density and 84.12 % fill factor, using structure parameters of 0.2 μm AZO, 0.1 μm TiO2 and 10 μm Cu2O with optimal acceptor-type dopant density in Cu2O of 1E17 cm−3 and donor-type dopant density in TiO2 of 1E18 cm−3.
Investigation on the non-linear behaviour of silicon nanowires and assessment of the biosensing potential
Authors: Hakim M M A
Published: April 2023

We perform a rigorous study on the conduction characteristics of long, low doped and relatively thick p-type silicon nanowire (SiNW) with different bias polarities/strengths to find out the origin of the non-linear electrical characteristics and to find out the applicable bias window for ensuring the gate responsive operation as biosensor. Depending on the polarity and strength of the drain bias (VDS)/liquid gate voltage (VGS), conduction is found to be confined in the bulk, in the surface accumulation region or in a path that comprises both accumulation region and the bulk thereby results in the diode or transistor like non-linear output characteristics. Although the SiNW is long without any junctions in the source/drain, the transfer characteristics exhibits a distinct shift with the increase of VDS when VDS is positive. The non-linear characteristics of SiNW is analysed to extract the gate responsive biasing window and it is found that the positive VDS application provides the flexibility of choosing diverse range of VDS and VGS voltages. As such, the shift in the transfer characteristic which is not appreciated for logic operation appears to be beneficiary for nanowire biosensors. This study sheds light on the variable electrical characteristics of SiNW reported in the literature and shows the way to choose appropriate bias conditions for biosensing applications.
Coherent backscattering in the topological Hall effect
Authors: Liu Hong , Atencia Rhonald Burgos , Medhekar Nikhil , Culcer Dimitrie
Published: April 2023

The mutual interplay between electron transport and magnetism has attracted considerable attention in recent years, primarily motivated by strategies to manipulate magnetic degrees of freedom electrically, such as spin–orbit torques and domain wall motion. Within this field the topological Hall effect, which originates from scalar spin chirality, is an example of inter-band quantum coherence induced by real-space inhomogeneous magnetic textures, and its magnitude depends on the winding number and chiral spin features that establish the total topological charge of the system. Remarkably, in the two decades since its discovery, there has been no research on the quantum correction to the topological Hall effect. Here we will show that, unlike the ordinary Hall effect, the inhomogeneous magnetization arising from the spin texture will give additional scattering terms in the kinetic equation, which result in a quantum correction to the topological Hall resistivity. We focus on two-dimensional systems, where weak localization is strongest, and determine the complicated gradient corrections to the Cooperon and kinetic equation. Whereas the weak localization correction to the topological Hall effect is not large in currently known materials, we show that it is experimentally observable in dilute magnetic semiconductors. Our theoretical results will stimulate experiments on the topological Hall effect and fill the theoretical knowledge gap on weak localization corrections to transverse transport.
Precise late-time asymptotics of scalar field in the interior of a subextreme Kerr black hole and its application in Strong Cosmic Censorship conjecture
Authors: Ma Siyuan , Zhang Lin
Published: April 2023

In this work, we compute the precise late-time asymptotics for the scalar field in the interior of a non-static subextreme Kerr black hole, based on recent progress on deriving its precise asymptotics in the Kerr exterior region. This provides a new proof of the generic

H

loc

1

H^1_{\text {loc}}

-inextendibility of the Kerr Cauchy horizon against scalar perturbations that was first shown by Luk–Sbierski [J. Funct. Anal. 271 (2016), pp. 1948–1995]. The analogous results in Reissner–Nordström spacetimes are also discussed.
Identification of protein–protein interaction bridges for multiple sclerosis
Authors: Yazıcı Gözde , Kurt Vatandaslar Burcu , Aydin Canturk Ilknur , Aydinli Fatmagul I , Arici Duz Ozge , Karakoc Emre , Kerman Bilal E , Alkan Can
Published: April 2023

Motivation

Identifying and prioritizing disease-related proteins is an important scientific problem to develop proper treatments. Network science has become an important discipline to prioritize such proteins. Multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease for which there is still no cure, is characterized by a damaging process called demyelination. Demyelination is the destruction of myelin, a structure facilitating fast transmission of neuron impulses, and oligodendrocytes, the cells producing myelin, by immune cells. Identifying the proteins that have special features on the network formed by the proteins of oligodendrocyte and immune cells can reveal useful information about the disease.

Results

We investigated the most significant protein pairs that we define as bridges among the proteins providing the interaction between the two cells in demyelination, in the networks formed by the oligodendrocyte and each type of two immune cells (i.e. macrophage and T-cell) using network analysis techniques and integer programming. The reason, we investigated these specialized hubs was that a problem related to these proteins might impose a bigger damage in the system. We showed that 61%–100% of the proteins our model detected, depending on parameterization, have already been associated with multiple sclerosis. We further observed the mRNA expression levels of several proteins we prioritized significantly decreased in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells of multiple sclerosis patients. We therefore present a model, BriFin, which can be used for analyzing processes where interactions of two cell types play an important role.

Availability and implementation

BriFin is available at https://github.com/BilkentCompGen/brifin.
Multiscale adaptive differential abundance analysis in microbial compositional data
Authors: Wang Shulei
Published: April 2023

Motivation

Differential abundance analysis is an essential and commonly used tool to characterize the difference between microbial communities. However, identifying differentially abundant microbes remains a challenging problem because the observed microbiome data are inherently compositional, excessive sparse, and distorted by experimental bias. Besides these major challenges, the results of differential abundance analysis also depend largely on the choice of analysis unit, adding another practical complexity to this already complicated problem.

Results

In this work, we introduce a new differential abundance test called the MsRDB test, which embeds the sequences into a metric space and integrates a multiscale adaptive strategy for utilizing spatial structure to identify differentially abundant microbes. Compared with existing methods, the MsRDB test can detect differentially abundant microbes at the finest resolution offered by data and provide adequate detection power while being robust to zero counts, compositional effect, and experimental bias in the microbial compositional dataset. Applications to both simulated and real microbial compositional datasets demonstrate the usefulness of the MsRDB test.

Availability and implementation

All analyses can be found under https://github.com/lakerwsl/MsRDB-Manuscript-Code.
Utilization of WATCHMAN FLX for surgically incomplete left atrial appendage occlusion: a multicentre case series
Authors: Golzarian Hafez , Mariam Alaha , Shah Sidra R , Pasley Benjamin A , Ansah Kofi N , Verma Anil , Mehzad Reza , Patel Sandeep M
Published: April 2023

Background

In patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, the vast majority of thrombi originate in the left atrial appendage (LAA). Thus, occluding the LAA significantly reduces one’s risk for developing an ischaemic stroke. To date, many different surgical methodologies in LAA occlusion (LAAO)/exclusion have been studied and utilized. Unfortunately, patients are often left with incomplete closure of their LAA, leaving behind residual lobes that continue to allow thrombus formations. With the recent rise in percutaneous approaches and devices such as the WATCHMAN FLX, there have been proven success rates in achieving total closure of the LAA. Reports and investigations regarding the utilization of WATCHMAN FLX devices in patients with surgically incomplete LAAO remain limited.

Case summary

We present three cases of patients who had previously undergone surgical exclusion of the LAA yet unfortunately were left with residual LAA that continued to place them at high risk for an ischaemic stroke. Percutaneous LAAO with the WATCHMAN FLX was utilized to successfully achieve complete sealing of the residual lobes in failed LAA surgical closures.

Discussion

Our multicentre case series elucidates that an increased risk of stroke due to surgical LAAO failure is a real-world possibility that is likely to be encountered in clinical practice. We demonstrate in this series how the WATCHMAN FLX may provide a feasible and safe method to supplement a surgically incomplete LAAO to allow for improved ischaemic stroke and systemic embolization risk reduction.
Global perspectives on field-evolved resistance to transgenic Bt crops: a special collection
Authors: Tabashnik Bruce E , Carrière Yves , Wu Yidong , Fabrick Jeffrey A
Published: April 2023

Crops genetically engineered to produce insect-killing proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have revolutionized management of some major pests, but their efficacy is reduced when pests evolve resistance. Practical resistance, which is field-evolved resistance that reduces the efficacy of Bt crops and has practical implications for pest management, has been reported in 26 cases in seven countries involving 11 pest species. This special collection includes six original papers that present a global perspective on field-evolved resistance to Bt crops. One is a synthetic review providing a comprehensive global summary of the status of the resistance or susceptibility to Bt crops of 24 pest species in 12 countries. Another evaluates the inheritance and fitness costs of resistance of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera to Gpp34/Tpp35Ab (formerly called Cry34/35Ab). Two papers describe and demonstrate advances in techniques for monitoring field-evolved resistance. One uses a modified F2 screen for resistance to Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab in Helicoverpa zea in the United States. The other uses genomics to analyze nonrecessive resistance to Cry1Ac in Helicoverpa armigera in China. Two papers provide multi-year monitoring data for resistance to Bt corn in Spain and Canada, respectively. The monitoring data from Spain evaluate responses to Cry1Ab of the corn borers Sesamia nonagrioides and Ostrinia nubilalis, whereas the data from Canada track responses of O. nubilalis to Cry1Ab, Cry1Fa, Cry1A.105, and Cry2Ab. We hope the new methods, results, and conclusions reported here will spur additional research and help to enhance the sustainability of current and future transgenic insecticidal crops.
The actin-bundling protein Fascin-1 modulates ciliary signalling
Authors: Brücker Lena , Becker Stefanie Kornelia , Maissl Vanessa , Harms Gregory , Parsons Maddy , May-Simera Helen Louise
Published: April 2023

Primary cilia are microtubule-based cell organelles important for cellular communication. Since they are involved in the regulation of numerous signalling pathways, defects in cilia development or function are associated with genetic disorders, collectively called ciliopathies. Besides their ciliary functions, recent research has shown that several ciliary proteins are involved in the coordination of the actin cytoskeleton. Although ciliary and actin phenotypes are related, the exact nature of their interconnection remains incompletely understood. Here, we show that the protein BBS6, associated with the ciliopathy Bardet–Biedl syndrome, cooperates with the actin-bundling protein Fascin-1 in regulating filopodia and ciliary signalling. We found that loss of Bbs6 affects filopodia length potentially via attenuated interaction with Fascin-1. Conversely, loss of Fascin-1 leads to a ciliary phenotype, subsequently affecting ciliary Wnt signalling, possibly in collaboration with BBS6. Our data shed light on how ciliary proteins are involved in actin regulations and provide new insight into the involvement of the actin regulator Fascin-1 in ciliogenesis and cilia-associated signalling. Advancing our knowledge of the complex regulations between primary cilia and actin dynamics is important to understand the pathogenic consequences of ciliopathies.
Contesting the Universality of the Refugee Convention: Decolonization and the Additional Protocol
Authors: Abraham Itty
Published: April 2023

Recent scholarship has insightfully explored the colonial roots of the UN Refugee Convention of 1951. In this work I seek to extend this line of argument by situating the adoption of the Additional Protocol of the Refugee Convention (1967) in relation to the transformations of international order following the Second World War. Contra the conventional account, this article shows that the Additional Protocol was created in no small part due to fears that the UN Refugee Convention would be unable to claim universal status due to competing ‘regional’ refugee conventions. Breaking down four meanings of ‘universal’ and drawing on archival documents of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the Asian-African Legal Consultative Committee and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, I explore efforts by newly independent African and Asian countries to find voice in an exclusionary international order. Reading the Bangkok Principles and OAU Convention as collective subaltern resistance against efforts to discipline newly independent states offers new insights into contemporary international struggles and brings refugee studies into productive dialogue with critical international relations.
Cost-effectiveness of telehealth-delivered nutrition interventions: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Kelly Jaimon T , Law Lynette , De Guzman Keshia R , Hickman Ingrid J , Mayr Hannah L , Campbell Katrina L , Snoswell Centaine L , Erku Daniel
Published: April 2023

Context

Telehealth-delivered nutrition interventions are effective in practice; however, limited evidence exists regarding their cost-effectiveness.

Objective

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of telehealth-delivered nutrition interventions for improving health outcomes in adults with chronic disease.

Data sources

PubMed, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and Embase databases were systematically searched from database inception to November 2021. Included studies were randomized controlled trials delivering a telehealth-delivered diet intervention conducted with adults with a chronic disease and that reported on cost-effectiveness or cost-utility analysis outcomes.

Data extraction

All studies were independently screened and extracted, and quality was appraised using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) checklist.

Data analysis

All extracted data were grouped into subcategories according to their telehealth modality and payer perspective, and were analyzed narratively.

Results

Twelve randomized controlled trials comprising 5 phone-only interventions, 3 mobile health (mHealth), 2 online, and 1 each using a combination of phone–online or phone–mHealth interventions, were included in this review. mHealth interventions were the most cost-effective intervention in all studies. Across all telehealth interventions and cost analyses from health service perspectives, 60% of studies were cost-effective. From a societal perspective, however, 33% of studies reported that the interventions were cost-effective. Of the 10 studies using cost-utility analyses, 3 were cost saving and more effective, making the intervention dominant, 1 study reported no difference in costs or effectiveness, and the remaining 6 studies reported increased cost and effectiveness, meaning payers must decide whether this falls within an acceptable willingness-to-pay threshold for them. Quality of study reporting varied with between 63% to 92%, with an average of 77% of CHEERS items reported.

Conclusion

Telehealth-delivered nutrition interventions in chronic disease populations appear to be cost-effective from a health perspective, and particularly mHealth modalities. These findings support telehealth-delivered nutrition care as a clinically beneficial, cost-effective intervention delivery modality.
The Impact of Initial Specimen Diversion Systems on Blood Culture Contamination
Authors: Al Mohajer Mayar , Lasco Todd
Published: April 2023

Blood culture contamination is associated with increased antimicrobial use, length of stay, and hospital cost. To address this problem, blood culture diversion has been developed as an additional measure to reduce contamination to targeted goals. Three different versions were proposed, including an open technique and 2 commercially available devices. This study aims to review the existing literature and analyze evidence for these 3 techniques.
Transcriptome and DNA methylome divergence of inflorescence development between 2 ecotypes in Panicum hallii
Authors: Weng Xiaoyu , Song Haili , Sreedasyam Avinash , Haque Taslima , Zhang Li , Chen Cindy , Yoshinaga Yuko , Williams Melissa , O’Malley Ronan C , Grimwood Jane , Schmutz Jeremy , Juenger Thomas E
Published: April 2023

The morphological diversity of the inflorescence determines flower and seed production, which is critical for plant adaptation. Hall's panicgrass (Panicum hallii, P. hallii) is a wild perennial grass that has been developed as a model to study perennial grass biology and adaptive evolution. Highly divergent inflorescences have evolved between the 2 major ecotypes in P. hallii, the upland ecotype (P. hallii var hallii, HAL2 genotype) with compact inflorescence and large seed and the lowland ecotype (P. hallii var filipes, FIL2 genotype) with an open inflorescence and small seed. Here we conducted a comparative analysis of the transcriptome and DNA methylome, an epigenetic mark that influences gene expression regulation, across different stages of inflorescence development using genomic references for each ecotype. Global transcriptome analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and co-expression modules underlying the inflorescence divergence revealed the potential role of cytokinin signaling in heterochronic changes. Comparing DNA methylome profiles revealed a remarkable level of differential DNA methylation associated with the evolution of P. hallii inflorescence. We found that a large proportion of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were located in the flanking regulatory regions of genes. Intriguingly, we observed a substantial bias of CHH hypermethylation in the promoters of FIL2 genes. The integration of DEGs, DMRs, and Ka/Ks ratio results characterized the evolutionary features of DMR-associated DEGs that contribute to the divergence of the P. hallii inflorescence. This study provides insights into the transcriptome and epigenetic landscape of inflorescence divergence in P. hallii and a genomic resource for perennial grass biology.
New bone formation at the sacroiliac joint in axial spondyloarthritis: characterization of backfill in MRI and CT
Authors: Diekhoff Torsten , Poddubnyy Denis , Proft Fabian , Ziegeler Katharina , Deppe Dominik , Niedermeier Christoph , Hermann Kay Geert A
Published: April 2023

Objective

MRI findings of the SI joint space in axial SpA (axSpA) include inflammation and fat metaplasia inside an erosion; the latter is also termed ‘backfill’. We compared such lesions with CT to better characterize whether they represent new bone formation.

Methods

We identified patients with axSpA who underwent both CT and MRI of the SI joints in two prospective studies. MRI datasets were jointly screened by three readers for joint space–related findings and grouped into three categories: type A—high short tau inversion recovery (STIR) and low T1 signal; type B—high signal in both sequences; type C—low STIR and high T1 signal. Image fusion was used to identify MRI lesions in CT before we measured Hounsfield units (HU) in each lesion and surrounding cartilage and bone.

Results

Ninety-seven patients with axSpA were identified and we included 48 type A, 88 type B, and 84 type C lesions (maximum 1 lesion per type and joint). The HU values were 73.6 (s.d. 15.0) for cartilage, 188.0 (s.d. 69.9) for spongious bone, 1086.0 (s.d. 100.3) for cortical bone, 341.2 (s.d. 96.7) for type A, 359.3 (s.d. 153.5) for type B and 446.8 (s.d. 123.0) for type C lesions. Lesion HU values were significantly higher than those for cartilage and spongious bone, but lower than those for cortical bone (P < 0.001). Type A and B lesions showed similar HU values (P = 0.93), whereas type C lesions were denser (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

All joint space lesions show increased density and might contain calcified matrix, suggesting new bone formation, with a gradual increase in the proportion of calcified matrix towards type C lesions (backfill).