bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute Cystitis in a Transfeminine Patient: Assessment and Treatment of Urinary Tract Symptoms
Authors: Senda Janell , Phillippi Julia C.
Published: October 2024

Management of acute cystitis in a transfeminine patient is discussed as an example of treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs). The case is an introduction for clinicians who typically care for cisgender women and wish to expand the populations they serve to include care of gender‐diverse individuals. This is supportive of the 2021 American College of Nurse‐Midwives Position Statement on Health Care for Transgender and Gender Non‐Binary People. Possible differential diagnoses for urinary symptoms in transfeminine patients are discussed, as well as relevant history taking, examination skills, and treatment guidelines for acute cystitis of patients with penises along with discussion of basic care for transgender individuals seeking midwifery or primary care services.
Association of serum lipidomic profiles with risk of intracranial aneurysm: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhang Mingqin , Yang Dongyi , Wang Jiabin , Wang Dan , Xu Jin , Wang Yibo
Published: October 2024

A two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was utilized to assess the causal relationship between lipidomic profiles and the risk of intracranial aneurysms (IAs). Genetic variants related to lipidomic profiles (227 components) and IA [IA, aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) only, unruptured IA (uIA) only] were obtained from published genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) or the IEU Open GWAS project and used as instrumental variables for MR analysis. The inverse‐variance weighted method was used in the primary analyses to derive causality estimates and was expressed as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Of these 227 lipidomic profiles, only genetically predicted high levels of cholesterol to total lipids ratio in very small very‐low‐density lipoproteins (VLDL) [OR = 0.629 (95% CI, 0.504–0.786)], cholesteryl esters to total lipids ratio in very small VLDL [OR = 0.637 (95% CI, 0.509–0.797)], ratio of docosahexaenoic acid to total fatty acids [OR = 0.691 (95% CI, 0.582–0.820)], and ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids to monounsaturated fatty acids [OR = 0.630 (95% CI, 0.522–0.760)] reduced the risk of aSAH, whereas genetically predicted high ratio of monounsaturated fatty acids to total fatty acids [OR = 1.471 (95% CI, 1.215–1.781)] increased the risk of aSAH. Moreover, genetically predicted high levels of cholesterol to total lipids ratio in very small VLDL [OR = 0.657 (95% CI, 0.542–0.798)], cholesteryl esters to total lipids ratio in very small VLDL [OR = 0.663 (95% CI, 0.548–0.803)], free cholesterol to total lipids ratio in small VLDL [OR = 0.682 (95% CI, 0.560–0.832)], phospholipids to total lipids ratio in small VLDL [OR = 0.674 (95% CI, 0.548–0.830)], and ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids to monounsaturated fatty acids [OR = 0.678 (95% CI, 0.569–0.808)] reduced the risk of IA. The results of multivariable MR demonstrated that these causal associations persisted after adjusting for systolic blood pressure and cigarettes smoked per day. The effect of serum lipids on IA and aSAH may be mainly caused by subclasses of lipids such as VLDL.

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The Determinants of Mental Illness Self‐Management for Patients With Schizophrenia and Type 2 Diabetes: A Self‐Determination Theory Approach
Authors: Lin I‐Chun , Yang Chia‐Chi , Lin Esther Ching Lan , Chung Feng‐Chin , Ching‐Yun Yu
Published: October 2024

Aim

This study based on self‐determination theory aimed to assess the relationship between motivation, competence in diabetes management and perceived autonomy support respectively and mental illness self‐management; furthermore, the authors intended to explore the determinants of mental illness self‐management for patients with schizophrenia and diabetes.

Design

This was a cross‐sectional study.

Methods

One hundred ten participants were recruited at the psychiatric hospital and assessed with the Illness Management and Recovery Scale, the Treatment Self‐Regulation Questionnaire, the Perceived Competence Scale for Diabetes and the Health‐Care Climate Questionnaire.

Results

Patients with lower educational levels, who were admitted to the chronic ward, were unemployed, had lower motivation in illness management, lower competence in diabetes management and perceived lower autonomy support all had lower mental illness self‐management. Competence in diabetes management, employment status, autonomy support, educational levels and living alone were the determinants of mental illness self‐management.

Conclusion

Recovery from schizophrenia and comorbid diabetes is an enduring and complicated process requiring support from healthcare providers. Health professionals should assess the levels of illness self‐management and provide integrated care interventions for patients with schizophrenia and diabetes, helping them manage both conditions.

Implications for the Profession and Patient Care

The illness management programme could apply to patients with schizophrenia and diabetes and address patients' characteristics such as low levels of education, living alone and being unemployed while additionally promoting motivation and competence, and providing supporting autonomy.

Reporting Method

The STROBE checklist was followed.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients with schizophrenia and diabetes were recruited for this study and voluntarily completed the questionnaire.
Enteral micronutrient supplementation and neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm or low birth weight infants: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Yakun , Jin Shaobin , Zhang Guoqing , Chen Tingwei , Huang Shungen
Published: October 2024

The association of enteral micronutrient supplementation and the neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm or low birth weight (LBW) infants is controversial. This research was prospectively registered (CRD42023454034). We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, ClinicalTrials. gov, and the Cochrane Library for randomised clinical trials (RCTs) or quasi‐RCTs comparing any enteral micronutrients supplementation with placebo or no supplementation in preterm or LBW infants. The primary outcome was neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI), with secondary outcomes involving various neurodevelopmental tests and disabilities. There was no evidence of an association between enteral micronutrients supplementation and the risk of NDI (RR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.93–1.14; moderate certainty evidence). There was no evidence that the supplemented groups enhanced cognitive (MD, 0.65; 95% CI, −0.37 to 1.67; low certainty evidence), language (SMD, −0.01; 95% CI, −0.11 to 0.09; moderate certainty evidence), or motor scores (SMD, 0.04; 95% CI, −0.06 to 0.15; very low certainty evidence) or IQ (SMD, −0.20; 95% CI, −0.53 to 0.13; very low certainty evidence). Subgroup analysis showed that multiple micronutrients supplementation improved expressive language score (MD, 1.42; 95% CI, 0.39–2.45), and zinc supplementation enhanced fine motor score (SMD, 1.70; 95% CI, 0.98–2.43). The overall heterogeneity was low. This study demonstrates that enteral micronutrient supplementation is associated with little or no benefits in neurodevelopmental outcomes for preterm or LBW infants. Well‐designed RCTs are needed to further ascertain these associations.
Transcriptional Responses to Priority Effects in Nectar Yeast
Authors: Chappell Callie R. , Goddard Pagé C. , Golden Lexi‐Ann , Hernandez Jonathan , Ortiz Chavez Daniela , Hossine Marziiah , Herrera Paredes Sur , VanValkenburg Ethan , Nell Lucas A. , Fukami Tadashi , Dhami Manpreet K.
Published: October 2024

Priority effects, where the order and timing of species arrival influence the assembly of ecological communities, have been observed in a variety of taxa and habitats. However, the genetic and molecular basis of priority effects remains unclear, hindering a better understanding of when priority effects will be strong. We sought to gain such an understanding for the nectar yeast Metschnikowia reukaufii commonly found in the nectar of our study plant, the hummingbird‐pollinated Diplacus (Mimulus) aurantiacus. In this plant, M. reukaufii can experience strong priority effects when it reaches flowers after other nectar yeasts, such as M. rancensis. After inoculation into two contrasting types of synthetic nectar simulating early arrival of M. rancensis, we conducted whole‐transcriptome sequencing of 108 strains of M. reukaufii. We found that several genes were differentially expressed in M. reukaufii strains when the nectar had been conditioned by growth of M. rancensis. Many of these genes were associated with amino acid metabolism, suggesting that M. reukaufii strains responded molecularly to the reduction in amino acid availability caused by M. rancensis. Furthermore, investigation of expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) revealed that genes involved in amino acid transport and resistance to antifungal compounds were enriched in some genetic variants of M. reukaufii. We also found that gene expression was associated with population growth rate, particularly when amino acids were limited. These results suggest that intraspecific genetic variation in the ability of nectar yeasts to respond to nutrient limitation and direct fungal competition underpins priority effects in this microbial system.
Culicoides biting midges in urban areas of northern Spain
Authors: González Mikel A. , Cevidanes Aitor , Barandika Jesús F. , García‐Pérez Ana L.
Published: October 2024

Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are known vectors of multiple arboviruses of veterinary and medical importance, as well as avian haemosporidian parasites. Despite their significant role as vectors, the distribution of Culicoides species in non‐farmland habitats remains largely unknown. We conducted a study to assess the species community composition, abundance, and host feeding patterns of Culicoides biting midges in urban ecosystems in northern Spain. Light‐baited suction traps were operated biweekly for 6 months across six urban landscapes (three cemeteries and three green areas). In total, 181 Culicoides specimens of 18 species were morphologically identified, with the Obsoletus complex being predominant (43.% of the total catches), followed by Culicoides kibunensis (21.5%). Culicoides midges peaked in early June in green areas and in May in cemeteries. Host feeding patterns revealed avian preferences (mainly Turdus spp.) in four Culicoides species. Despite the low overall number of specimens collected, a high diversity of biting midge species was recorded. These findings offer critical insights into Culicoides ecology and their interactions with hosts in urban settings, which are vital for disease surveillance and management strategies.
Accommodating version of a schematic eye for emmetropia and myopia
Authors: Atchison David A. , Charman W. Neil
Published: October 2024

Aim

To develop an accommodating, wide‐angle, schematic eye for emmetropia and myopia in which spectacle refraction and accommodation level are input parameters.

Method

The schematic eye is based on an earlier unaccommodated refraction‐dependent eye for myopia developed by Atchison in 2006. This has a parabolic gradient index lens and parameters derived from biometric and optical measurements on young adults. Several parameters are linearly dependent upon spectacle refraction (anterior radius of curvature of the cornea, axial length and vertex radii of curvature and conic asphericities of a biconic retina). The new accommodated schematic eye incorporates accommodation‐dependent changes in several lens‐related parameters. These changes are based on literature values for anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, vitreous chamber depth, lens surface radii of curvature and lens front surface asphericity. A parabolic variation of refractive index with relative distance from the lens centre is retained, with the same edge and centre refractive indices as the earlier model, but the distribution has been manipulated to maintain focus near the retina for the emmetropic case at 0 and 4 D accommodation. The asphericity of the lens back surface is changed so that spherical aberration and peripheral refraction approximately match typical literature trends. The model is used to compare spherical aberration and peripheral refraction in eyes with up to 4 D of myopia and 4 D of accommodation.

Results

The levels of spherical aberration in the unaccommodated schematic eyes are similar to literature values for young adults, but the changes in spherical aberration with accommodation are approximately two‐thirds of that found in an experimental study. As intended, peripheral refractions in the accommodated schematic eyes are similar to those of their unaccommodated counterparts.

Conclusion

The wide‐angle model extends the range of schematic eyes to include both refraction and accommodation as variable input parameters. It may be useful in predicting aspects of retinal image quality.
Viewing distance, font size and symptoms of eyestrain in non‐presbyopic and presbyopic smartphone users
Authors: Naipal Shivani , Khumalo Nqobile , Rahmtoola Muhammad , Chagi Sinoxolo , Didi Luyanda , Mthethwa Sandile , Ndhlovu Simmy , Persadh Bhavna , Rampersad Nishanee
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Smartphones are the most frequently used digital devices globally with ~6.80 billion users. Despite the ubiquitous use of smartphones, limited information is known on the preferred viewing distance and font size of smartphone users. This study investigated viewing distance, font size and symptoms of eyestrain in non‐presbyopic and presbyopic smartphone users.

Methods

In this quantitative research study, viewing distance and font size were measured in a group of non‐presbyopes (n = 107) and presbyopes (n = 53), whilst participants viewed a text message and a web page on their own smartphone. Subjects also responded to a verbal questionnaire related to the characteristics of their smartphone and the computer vision syndrome questionnaire to assess symptoms of eyestrain. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results

For the total sample, the mean viewing distance for a text message was 37.13 ± 8.82 cm (median 36.00 cm), and for a web page was 36.11 ± 7.98 cm (median 36.00 cm). Presbyopes had longer median viewing distances compared with non‐presbyopes for a text message (41 cm vs. 34 cm, p < 0.001) and web page (40 cm vs. 34 cm, p < 0.001). The font size for non‐presbyopes were <1.0 M whilst for presbyopes were >1.2 M. More than twice the percentage of non‐presbyopes were classified with digital eyestrain (DES) compared with presbyopes.

Conclusions

Non‐presbyopes used shorter viewing distances, smaller font sizes and were more predisposed to DES than presbyopes. The viewing distances adopted by presbyopes were similar to the conventional near‐working distance of 40 cm. Eye care practitioners should consider viewing distances when assessing near‐visual functions and prescribing a near refractive correction, particularly in non‐presbyopes. There should be greater awareness of the importance of adopting appropriate viewing distances when using smartphones.
Scots Pines With Tolerance to Melampsora pinitorqua and Diplodia sapinea Show Distinct Metabolic Profiles
Authors: Stein Åslund Matilda , Reichelt Michael , Zhang Ke , Castaño Carles , Stenlid Jan , Gershenzon Jonathan , Elfstrand Malin
Published: October 2024

Diplodia sapinea causes Diplodia tip blight (DTB) and is recognised as an opportunistic necrotrophic pathogen affecting conifers. While DTB is associated with abiotic stress, the impact of biotic stress in the host on D. sapinea's lifestyle shift is unknown. Observed co‐occurrences of D. sapinea and Melampsora pinitorqua, causing pine twisting rust on Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), instigated an investigation into their interaction with and influence on the defence mechanisms of the host. We hypothesised that M. pinitorqua infections predispose the trees to D. sapinea by stressing the host and altering the shoot metabolites. Pines in a plantation were sampled over time to study pathogen biomass and host metabolites. Symptoms of both pathogens were consistent over years, and the preceding season's symptoms affected the metabolic profiles pre‐infection and M. pinitorqua's proliferation. Symptoms of M. pinitorqua altered shoot metabolites more than fungal biomass, with co‐symptomatic trees exhibiting elevated M. pinitorqua biomass. Specific phenolic compounds had a strong positive association with the shoot symptom × D. sapinea interaction. D. sapinea's biomass presymptoms was independent of previous disease symptoms and infection by M. pinitorqua. Some trees showed disease tolerance, with delayed rust infections and minimal DTB symptoms. Further investigations on this trait are needed.
Highest Occurring Vascular Plants from Ladakh Provide Wood Anatomical Evidence for a Thermal Limitation of Cell Wall Lignification
Authors: Büntgen Ulf , Jandova Veronika , Dolezal Jiri
Published: October 2024

As an evolutionary achievement of almost all terrestrial plants, lignin biosynthesis is essential for various mechanical and physiological processes. Possible effects of plant cell wall lignification on large‐scale vegetation distribution are, however, not yet fully understood. Here, we present double‐stained, wood anatomical stem measurements of 207 perennial herbs (Potentilla pamirica Wolf), which were collected between 5550 and 5850 m asl on the north‐western Tibetan Plateau in Ladakh, India. We also measured changes in situ root zone and surface air temperatures along the sampling gradient and applied piecewise structural equation models to assess direct and indirect relationships between the age and size of plants, the degree of cell wall lignification in their stems, and the elevation at which they were growing. Based on the world's highest‐occurring vascular plants, the Pamir Cinquefoils, we demonstrate that the amount of lignin in the secondary cell walls decreases significantly with increasing elevation (r = −0.73; p < 0.01). Since elevation is a proxy for temperature, our findings suggest a thermal constrain on lignin biosynthesis at the cold range limit of woody plant growth.
Tissue‐Specific Regulation of Vesicular Trafficking Mediated by Rab‐GEF Complex MON1/CCZ1 From Solanum chilense Increases Salt Stress Tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Madrid‐Espinoza José , Salinas‐Cornejo Josselyn , Norambuena Lorena , Ruiz‐Lara Simón
Published: October 2024

Salt stress constrains the development and growth of plants. To tolerate it, mechanisms of endocytosis and vacuolar compartmentalization of Na+ are induced. In this work, the genes that encode a putative activator of vesicular trafficking called MON1/CCZ1 from Solanum chilense, SchMON1 and SchCCZ1, were co‐expressed in roots of Arabidopsis thaliana to determine whether the increase in prevacuolar vesicular trafficking also increases the Na+ compartmentalization capacity and tolerance. Initially, we demonstrated that both SchMON1 and SchCCZ1 genes rescued the dwarf phenotype of both A. thaliana mon1‐1 and ccz1a/b mutants associated with the loss of function, and both proteins colocalized with their functional targets, RabF and RabG, in endosomes. Transgenic A. thaliana plants co‐expressing these genes improved salt stress tolerance compared to wild type plants, with SchMON1 contributing the most. At the sub‐cellular level, co‐expression of SchMON1/SchCCZ1 reduced ROS levels and increased endocytic activity, and number of acidic structures associated with autophagosomes. Notably, greater Na+ accumulation in vacuoles of cortex and endodermis was evidenced in the SchMON1 genotype. Molecular analysis of gene expression in each genotype supported these results. Altogether, our analysis shows that root activation of prevacuolar vesicular trafficking mediated by MON1/CCZ1 emerges as a promising physiological molecular mechanism to increase tolerance to salt stress in crops of economic interest.
A Coupled Model of Hydraulic Eco‐Physiology and Cambial Growth — Accounting for Biophysical Limitations and Phenology Improves Stem Diameter Prediction at High Temporal Resolution
Authors: Liu Che , Peltoniemi Mikko , Alekseychik Pavel , Mäkelä Annikki , Hölttä Teemu
Published: October 2024

Traditional photosynthesis‐driven growth models have considerable uncertainties in predicting tree growth under changing climates, partially because sink activities are directly affected by the environment but not adequately addressed in growth modelling. Therefore, we developed a semi‐mechanistic model coupling stomatal optimality, temperature control of enzymatic activities and phenology of cambial growth. Parameterized using Bayesian inference and measured data on Picea abies and Pinus sylvestris in peatland and mineral soils in Finland, the coupled model simulates transpiration and assimilation rates and stem radial dimension (SRD) simultaneously at 30 min resolution. The results suggest that both the sink and phenological formulations with environmental effects are indispensable for capturing SRD dynamics across hourly to seasonal scales. Simulated using the model, growth was more sensitive than assimilation to temperature and soil water, suggesting carbon gain is not driving growth at the current temporal scale. Also, leaf‐specific production was occasionally positively correlated with growth duration but not with growth onset timing or annual cambial area increment. Thus, as it is hardly explained by carbon gain, phenology itself should be included in sink‐driven growth models of the trees in the boreal zone and possibly other environments where sink activities and photosynthesis are both restrained by harsh conditions.
EU public values governing the twin transition
Authors: Niet Irene
Published: October 2024

The European Union (EU) has voiced its support for a twin (digital and green) transition. However, in this transition, public values are (re)conceptualised and (re)shaped. Public values entail principles and norms determining rights and responsibilities for actors within a society and the governing bodies and are the foundation for future legislation. To understand the reshaping of public values in the EU twin transition, and whether the EU's current policy trend is sufficient to safeguard public values against the pressures of the twin transition, this research analyses what public values are at the core of the EU's twin transition in EU policy. The analysis of academic research in this article concerning the twin transition has identified 11 public values lying at the core of the twin transition. The examination of EU policy documents concerning twin transition developments reveals six public values embedded in legislation. Additional care should be taken to avoid the mixing of public values, as this risks pressures on public values going unnoticed.
Diffusion capacity and static hyperinflation as markers of disease progression predict 3‐year mortality in COPD: Results from COSYCONET
Authors: Pott Hendrik , Weckler Barbara , Gaffron Swetlana , Martin Roman , Maier Dieter , Alter Peter , Biertz Frank , Speicher Tim , Bertrams Wilhelm , Jung Anna Lena , Laakmann Katrin , Heider Dominik , Wouters Miel , Vogelmeier Claus F. , Schmeck Bernd ,   the COSYCONET Study Group
Published: October 2024

Background and Objective

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exhibits diverse patterns of disease progression, due to underlying disease activity. We hypothesized that changes in static hyperinflation or KCO % predicted would reveal subgroups with disease progression unidentified by preestablished markers (FEV1, SGRQ, exacerbation history) and associated with unique baseline biomarker profiles. We explored 18‐month measures of disease progression associated with 18–54‐month mortality, including changes in hyperinflation parameters and transfer factor, in a large German COPD cohort.

Methods

Analysing data of 1364 patients from the German observational COSYCONET‐cohort, disease progression and improvement patterns were assessed for their impact on mortality via Cox hazard regression models. Association of biomarkers and COPD Assessment test items with phenotypes of disease progression or improvement were evaluated using logistic regression and random forest models.

Results

Increased risk of 18–54‐month mortality was linked to decrease in KCO % predicted (7.5% increments) and FEV1 (20 mL increments), increase in RV/TLC (2% increments) and SGRQ (≥6 points), and an exacerbation grade of 2 at 18 months. Decrease in KCO % predicted ≥7.5% and an increase of RV/TLC ≥2% were the most frequent measures of 18‐month disease progression occurring in ~52% and ~46% of patients, respectively. IL‐6 and CRP thresholds exhibited significant associations with medium‐ and long‐term disease measures.

Conclusion

In a multicentric cohort of COPD, new markers of current disease activity predicted mid‐term mortality and could not be anticipated by baseline biomarkers.

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Re‐examining the ancient roots of the concept of intellectual virtue
Authors: Kotsonis Alkis
Published: October 2024

Contemporary scholars working in virtue epistemology profess to take inspiration and build on the ancient Greek conception of intellectual virtues. In this paper, I show that, despite their claim, contemporary models of intellectual virtue differ in notable ways from the ancient Greek account of the concept. I pinpoint two major differences between the ancient Greek conception of intellectual virtues and the contemporary understandings of the term. These amount to (a) what the term of intellectual virtues includes and (b) the location of the value of intellectual virtues. I argue that re‐examining the philosophical history of the concept of intellectual virtue can have significant positive implications for contemporary virtue epistemology. Indicatively, I show that it could lead to the development of theories that maintain that intellectual excellences are conducive to leading a good life because their activity is constitutive of the human good—instead of locating their value, as contemporary virtue epistemologists currently do, in the epistemic goods that they enable the agent to acquire and/or in the agent's epistemic motivations.
Border‐like cell formation mediated by SgPG1 confers aluminum resistance in Stylosanthes guianensis
Authors: Lin Yan , Liu Guoxuan , Liu Pandao , Chen Qianqian , Guo Xueqiong , Lu Xing , Cai Zefei , Sun Lili , Liu Jiping , Chen Kang , Liu Guodao , Tian Jiang , Liang Cuiyue
Published: October 2024

Stylosanthes is an important forage legume in tropical areas with strong resistance to aluminum (Al) toxicity, though knowledge of mechanisms underlying this resistance remains fragmentary. We found that border‐like cells (BLCs) were constitutively produced surrounding the root tips of all 54 examined Stylosanthes guianensis genotypes, but not the Stylosanthes viscose genotype TF0140. In genotypic comparisons under Al conditions, the S. guianensis genotype RY#2 retained significantly more Al in BLCs and thereby showed higher relative root growth than TF0140. Formation of BLCs accompanied changes in cell wall pectin epitopes and differential expression of genes involved in pectin metabolism, including a polygalacturonase (SgPG1). The expression pattern of SgPG1 was consistent with the formation of BLCs in both RY#2 and TF0140. SgPG1 was localized in cell walls and exhibited high activities mediating demethyl‐esterified homogalacturonan degradation. Overexpressing SgPG1 changed cell wall pectin epitopes, enhanced BLCs production, and Al resistance in both Arabidopsis and Stylosanthes hairy roots. Furthermore, combining protein‐DNA binding assays in vitro and in vivo, a bHLH transcription factor SgbHLH19 was demonstrated to be the upstream regulator of SgPG1. Our study demonstrates that S. guianensis Al resistance mainly relies on BLCs, whose formation involves cell wall pectin epitope modification by SgPG1.
Comparison of nonarchimedean and logarithmic mirror constructions via the Frobenius structure theorem
Authors: Johnston Samuel
Published: October 2024

For a log Calabi Yau pair () with smooth affine, satisfying either a maximal degeneracy assumption or contains a Zariski dense torus, we prove under the condition that D is the support of a nef divisor that the structure constants defining a trace form on the mirror algebra constructed by Gross–Siebert are given by the naive curve counts defined by Keel–Yu. As a corollary, we deduce that the equality of the mirror algebras constructed by Gross–Siebert and Keel–Yu in the case contains a Zariski dense torus. In addition, we use this result to prove a mirror conjecture proposed by Mandel for Fano pairs satisfying the maximal degeneracy assumption.
On the power of quantum entanglement in multipartite quantum XOR games
Authors: Junge Marius , Palazuelos Carlos
Published: October 2024

We show that, given , there exist ‐player quantum XOR games for which the entangled bias can be arbitrarily larger than the bias of the game when the players are restricted to separable strategies. In particular, quantum entanglement can be a much more powerful resource than local operations and classical communication to play these games. This result shows a strong contrast to the bipartite case, where it was recently proved that, as a consequence of a noncommutative version of Grothendieck theorem, the entangled bias is always upper bounded by a universal constant times the one‐way classical communication bias. In this sense, our main result can be understood as a counterexample to an extension of such a noncommutative Grothendieck theorem to multilinear forms.
Autonomic control of the pulmonary circulation: Implications for pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Plunkett Michael J. , Paton Julian F. R. , Fisher James P.
Published: October 2024

The autonomic regulation of the pulmonary vasculature has been under‐appreciated despite the presence of sympathetic and parasympathetic neural innervation and adrenergic and cholinergic receptors on pulmonary vessels. Recent clinical trials targeting this innervation have demonstrated promising effects in pulmonary hypertension, and in this context of reignited interest, we review autonomic pulmonary vascular regulation, its integration with other pulmonary vascular regulatory mechanisms, systemic homeostatic reflexes and their clinical relevance in pulmonary hypertension. The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems can affect pulmonary vascular tone and pulmonary vascular stiffness. Local afferents in the pulmonary vasculature are activated by elevations in pressure and distension and lead to distinct pulmonary baroreflex responses, including pulmonary vasoconstriction, increased sympathetic outflow, systemic vasoconstriction and increased respiratory drive. Autonomic pulmonary vascular control interacts with, and potentially makes a functional contribution to, systemic homeostatic reflexes, such as the arterial baroreflex. New experimental therapeutic applications, including pulmonary artery denervation, pharmacological cholinergic potentiation, vagal nerve stimulation and carotid baroreflex stimulation, have shown some promise in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension.
Experimental Validation of a State Decoupling Method Applied to a Dual Cylinder Electro-Hydraulic Variable-Speed Drive Network
Authors: Schmidt Lasse , Vorbøl Hansen Kenneth , Videbæk Barbara , van Binsbergen-Galán Mikkel
Published: October 2024

Electro-hydraulic variable-speed drive networks may provide for efficient operation of hydraulic actuators, and allow for reduced power installations in many applications compared to single cylinder electro-hydraulic drive systems. The main reason is attributed the electro-hydraulic power sharing capability enabled by potential hydraulic connections between various chambers, the shared electric power supply and flow control by four quadrant variable-speed pump/motor units. These features cause the cylinder chamber flows, and consequently the chamber pressures, of electro-hydraulic variable-speed drive networks to be highly coupled, preventing the direct application of conventional single axis control methods. Hence, a main challenge in enabling electro-hydraulic variable-speed drive network technology is the control at drive level, and previously published results have implied that state decoupling may be realized and applied successfully, at least from a theoretical point of view. This paper presents an experimental validation of a state decoupling method combined with simple proportional controllers, applied to a dual cylinder electro-hydraulic variable-speed drive network. In this validation, the two cylinders are controlled to follow sinusoidal position trajectories with varying phase shift, while concurrently controlling the lower system pressure in the vicinity of desired level. Results demonstrate appropriate control performance for all load cases investigated, emphasizing the performance potential and feasibility of electro-hydraulic variable-speed drive network technology.
Effect of Damping Force on Hysteresis Characteristics of Poppet Valves
Authors: Masuda Seiei , Shimizu Fumio , Fuchiwaki Masaki , Tanaka Kazuhiro
Published: October 2024

To clarify the relationship between hysteresis characteristics and flow patterns, the flow patterns of a prototype poppet valve were systematically organized using CFD (Computer Fluid Dynamics) software. Hysteresis characteristics of the poppet valve can be reproduced by a combination of CFD analysis and one-dimensional equations of motion (second-order equations of motion of the spring-Mass system and compressibility of the pressure controlled by the valve orifice), which are caused by the reversal of the polarity of the flow force generated by the transition in the flow pattern. On the other hand, the damping force generated by the damping orifice is relatively large, similar to the flow force, and varies significantly with the amplitude of the flow. In general, the damping orifice has a very large influence on the stability and responsiveness of pressure control valves that use poppet valves to set the control pressure by the set load of the spring and control it to a constant pressure. In addition, it is effective to increase the damping ratio of the system to stabilize the system. However, in the hysteresis in the flow characteristic with respect to the control pressure, it was confirmed that the change in damping force has little effect on the phenomenon of sudden flow fluctuation at the same pressure level on the hysteresis curve, and that the effect of the transition in the flow pattern is dominant. The results for the flow coefficient and cavitation obtained at the same time are also presented.
Preliminary Design and Modelling of a Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft Fuel System
Authors: Sciatti Francesco , Di Domenico Vincenzo , Zagaria Lazzaro , Adeyemi Dami , Tamburrano Paolo , Plummer Andrew R. , Sell Nathan , Distaso Elia , Amirante Riccardo
Published: October 2024

Addressing the pressing challenge of reducing carbon emissions necessitates the development of aircraft powered by renewable energy sources. Among potential solutions, transitioning from kerosene to hydrogen combustion is a promising strategy for sustainable aviation in a future where ‘green hydrogen’ is readily available. An aircraft’s fuel system manages fuel storage, transfer, and distribution throughout all flight phases, and meters fuel to the engines to control their thrust and speed. Conventional gas turbine aircraft fuel system components have been optimised to be lightweight, compact, and capable of working with liquid fuels (i.e. kerosene-based fuels). Among them, each engine’s fuel metering unit (FMU) includes a fuel metering servovalve, bypass valve, actuator valve, pressurizing valve, and shut-off valve, and is required to accurately control the fuel flow delivered to the engine and adjust the angle of the compressor inlet guide vanes. Hydrogen aircraft fuel systems might follow a similar architecture, with hydrogen stored on-board as a liquid (LH2) at low temperature. However, controlling the flow of liquid hydrogen poses challenges, especially in maintaining cryogenic conditions in the supply line. This constraint can be relieved by vaporizing the LH2 upstream of the metering system using heat exchangers. Consequently, it is necessary to adapt the system components to handle gaseous hydrogen (GH2). In this context, this paper provides a preliminary investigation into modelling a potential architecture and the main components of future hydrogen aircraft fuel systems, building upon a previous comprehensive Simulink model of a conventional aircraft fuel system. Firstly, the layout of the conventional aircraft fuel system is presented. Then, the necessary system changes are proposed to obtain a potential architecture of a future aircraft fuel system. Finally, a detailed model of the novel architecture is given, and results under specific operating conditions are shown and discussed.
The effectiveness of optic nerve sheath diameter in predicting large vessel occlusion in ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Çömez Vecdi Vahdet , Yadigaroğlu Metin , Doğan Hasan , Ocak Metin , Güzel Murat , Akpınar Çetin Kürşad , Yücel Murat
Published: October 2024

Aim: This study assessed the effectiveness of ultrasonography-measured optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) in predicting large vessel occlusion (LVO) in ischemic stroke patients.Materials and methods: This single-center, prospective observational study involved patients presenting to the emergency department within 24 hours of symptom onset with moderate to severe stroke, and healthy volunteers.Results: The study included 133 ischemic stroke patients and 63 healthy volunteers. The patient group had significantly higher right [5.8 (0.9)] and left [5.9 (0.8)] ONSD values compared to controls (right [5.7 (0.6)], left [5.7 (0.8)], p<0.001 for both). LVO was present in 58.6% (n = 78) of patients. Median right ONSD was 6.1 mm (0.8) in LVO patients vs. 5.7 mm (0.65) in non-LVO patients (p=0.002). Median left ONSD was 5.9 mm (0.9) in LVO patients vs. 5.7 mm (0.7) in non-LVO patients (p=0.002). A right ONSD ≥6 mm had 51.28% sensitivity and 78.18% specificity for LVO. A left ONSD ≥5.5 mm had 83.33% sensitivity and 40% specificity for LVO.Conclusion: Elevated ONSD values measured by ultrasonography can effectively indicate LVO in stroke patients.
All-in-one quantum diamond microscope for sensor characterization
Authors: Roncaioli Connor , Hart Connor A. , Walsworth Ronald , Fahey Donald P.
Published: October 2024

Ensembles of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond are a leading platform for sensing and imaging magnetic fields at room temperature, in part due to advances in diamond growth. An essential step to improving diamond material involves the characterization of crystal and NV-related properties, such as strain and paramagnetic impurities, which can shift and broaden the NV resonances used for sensing. Full sample characterization through wide-field imaging enables both fast and detailed feedback for growers, along with the estimation of sensing performance before use. We present a quantum diamond microscope tailored for millimeter-scale wide-field mapping of key quantum properties of NV-diamond chips, including NV ensemble photoluminescence intensity, spin-lattice relaxation time (T1), and spin-coherence lifetimes (T2 and T2*). Our design also allows for lattice stress/strain and birefringence magnitude/angle mapping, and their in situ correlation with NV properties.
Reevaluation of XPS Pt 4f peak fitting: Ti 3s plasmon peak interference and Pt metallic peak asymmetry in Pt@TiO2 system
Authors: Choi Min-Ju , Park Hyoju , Engelhard Mark H. , Li Dongsheng , Sushko Peter V. , Du Yingge
Published: October 2024

The structural, electronic, and electrochemical properties of noble metals supported on transition metal oxides, such as Pt nanoparticles (NPs) supported on TiO2 (Pt@TiO2), have been extensively studied for their relevance to energy technologies, including photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and electrochemical energy conversion. As the need to lower the amount of Pt and other noble metals used in energy conversion systems becomes urgent, it is essential to accurately quantify the loading of these metals and electronic density redistribution between them and their supports. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is widely used for the identification and quantification of chemical species. In particular, fitting of the Pt 4f spectra for Pt@TiO2 is frequently performed to determine the chemical environment and oxidation state of Pt, which strongly affect the physical behavior and catalytic performance of this system. Here, we show that neglecting contributions due to the Pt surroundings and the asymmetry of the Pt metal peak in the line shape fitting can lead to severe mischaracterization of the oxidation state of Pt. We quantify the effects of background contributions that stem from the TiO2 support and discuss how factoring in the strong asymmetry of Pt 4f doublets, which stems from the shake-up type processes, affects the interpretation of Pt 4f XPS line shape.
Autler-Townes splitting and linear dichroism in colloidal CdSe nanoplatelets driven by near-infrared pulses
Authors: Li Yuxuan , Wang Lifeng , Wang Junhui , Zhu Jingyi , Wu Kaifeng
Published: October 2024

Coherent interaction between light fields and matter has led to many exotic physical phenomena, one of which is the Autler-Townes splitting originating from the optical Stark effect of a three-level system. It has been well documented for atoms, molecules, and low-dimensional, epitaxial-grown semiconductors but rarely for solution-processed samples. Here, we report on Autler-Townes splitting observed in CdSe nanoplatelets. The strong intersubband transition of these nanoplatelets situated in the near-infrared allows us to coherently drive it with femtosecond near-infrared pulses, and meanwhile, their strong interband transition in the visible records the resultant spectral changes. The splitting is most prominent with cross-polarized, linear pump-probe pulses, consistent with the orthogonal polarizations of interband and intersubband transition dipoles. When the nanoplatelets are driven from tilted incident angles, we observe anomalous spectral lineshapes arising from a competition between interband and intersubband drivings, which are nevertheless quantitatively captured by our dressed-state model simulation.
Haptic artificial muscle skin for extended reality
Authors: Guo Yuxuan , Luo Yang , Plamthottam Roshan , Pei Siyou , Wei Chen , Han Ziqing , Fan Jiacheng , Possinger Mason , Liu Kede , Zhu Yingke , Fei Zhangqing , Winardi Isabelle , Hong Hyeonji , Zhang Yang , Jin Lihua , Pei Qibing
Published: October 2024

Existing haptic actuators are often rigid and limited in their ability to replicate real-world tactile sensations. We present a wearable haptic artificial muscle skin (HAMS) based on fully soft, millimeter-scale, multilayer dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) capable of significant out-of-plane deformation, a capability that typically requires rigid or liquid biasing. The DEAs use a thickness-varying multilayer structure to achieve large out-of-plane displacement and force, maintaining comfort and wearability. Experimental results demonstrate that HAMS can produce complex tactile feedback with high perception accuracy. Moreover, we show that HAMS can be integrated into extended reality (XR) systems, enhancing immersion and offering potential applications in entertainment, education, and assistive technologies.
Orientation-dependent CD45 inhibition with viral and engineered ligands
Authors: Borowska Marta T. , Liu Liu D. , Caveney Nathanael A. , Jude Kevin M. , Kim Won-Ju , Masubuchi Takeya , Hui Enfu , Majzner Robbie G. , Garcia K. Christopher
Published: October 2024

CD45 is a cell surface phosphatase that shapes the T cell receptor signaling threshold but does not have a known ligand. A family of adenovirus proteins, including E3/49K, exploits CD45 to evade immunity by binding to the extracellular domain of CD45, resulting in the suppression of T cell signaling. We determined the cryo-EM structure of this complex and found that the E3/49K protein is composed of three immunoglobulin domains assembled as “beads on a string” that compel CD45 into a closely abutted dimer by cross-linking the CD45 D3 domain, leading to steric inhibition of its intracellular phosphatase activity. Inspired by the E3/49K mechanism, we engineered CD45 surrogate ligands that can fine-tune T cell activation by dimerizing CD45 into different orientations and proximities. The adenovirus E3/49K protein has taught us that, despite a lack of a known ligand, CD45 activity can be modulated by extracellular dimerizing ligands that perturb its phosphatase activity and alter T cell responses.
Far-UVC light (222 nm) efficiently inactivates clinically significant antibiotic-resistant bacteria on diverse material surfaces
Authors: Huang Jhen-Rong , Yang Tsai-Wen , Hsiao Ya-I , Fan Hui-Min , Kuo Han-Yueh , Hung Kuo-Hsiang , Chen Po-Yen , Tan Ching-Ting , Shao Pei-Lan
Published: October 2024

In recent years, there has been a gradual increase in the prevalence of drug-resistant bacteria, primarily attributed to the widespread use of antibiotics. This has resulted in heightened mortality rates, morbidity, and exorbitant healthcare costs associated with antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. In order to mitigate the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, environmental disinfection plays a crucial role. Ultraviolet radiation C (UVC) light disinfection has emerged as a potent technique to limit the transmission of nosocomial pathogens and prevent healthcare-associated infections. Different types of high-touch surfaces were used. A serial disinfected experiment with different 222 nm UVC dosages was conducted on clinically isolated antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA), vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus
species (VRE), carbapenem-resistant
Escherichia coli
(CREC), carbapenem-resistant
Klebsiella pneumonia
(CRKP), carbapenem-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
(CRAB), and carbapenem-resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(CRPA) on different material surfaces. The bactericidal efficacy was evaluated by The Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. 222 nm UVC irradiation had a potent bactericidal efficacy on clinical antibiotic-resistant bacteria on different high-touch surfaces that are commonly found in the environment and healthcare facilities. 222 nm UVC irradiation time was tested from 10 s to 1 h. Different surfaces affect the efficiency of 222 nm UVC. The more adsorptive a material is, the higher the dosage of 222 nm UVC irradiation energy is required for effective disinfection. The use of 222 nm UVC lamps for disinfection on different materials has been shown to be a useful method. However, it is crucial to pay attention to the energy required for effective sterilization.

IMPORTANCE

This study is crucial, providing compelling evidence on Far-ultraviolet radiation C (Far-UVC) light’s efficacy against clinically significant antibiotic-resistant bacteria—a pressing issue in microbiology and infection control. Our research employs antibiotic-resistant strains from clinically isolated bacteria, emphasizing real-world relevance. Simultaneously, we assess Far-UVC light (222 nm) across diverse material surfaces commonly found in clinical settings. This dual approach ensures practical applicability and broad relevance. Our comprehensive setup and rigorous methodologies unequivocally demonstrate Far-UVC light’s potency in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Since 222 nm far-UVC has a disinfection capability and is harmless to mammalian cells, this dual effectiveness positions Far-UVC as a secure tool for infection control, with potential applications in healthcare settings, mitigating antibiotic-resistant bacteria spread, and reducing healthcare-associated infections.
Supplemental Material: Incomplete mechanical decoupling and accelerated extension in the westernmost segment of central Tibet
Authors: Zheng Yong , Li Haibing , al. et
Published: October 2024

Additional information in the form of four texts, five figures, and two tables about the geometry, slip-rate variations, elastic flexural modeling, and cosmogenic nuclide measurement. 