bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unraveling the importance of early awareness strategy on the dynamics of drug addiction using mathematical modeling approach
Authors: Andrawus James , Iliyasu Muhammad Aliyu , Akawu Denue Ballah , Abdul Habu , Yusuf Abdullahi , Salahshour Soheil
Published: August 2024

A drug is any substance capable of altering the functioning of a person’s body and mind. In this paper, a deterministic nonlinear model was adapted to investigate the behavior of drug abuse and addiction that incorporates intervention in the form of awareness and rehabilitation. In the mathematical analysis part, the positivity and boundedness of the solution and the existence of drug equilibria have been ascertained, which shows that the model consists of two equilibria: a drug-free equilibrium and a drug endemic equilibrium point. The drug-free equilibrium was found to be both globally and locally asymptotically stable if the effective reproduction number is less than or equal to one (Rc≤1). Furthermore, we were able to show the existence of a unique drug endemic equilibrium whenever Rc>1. Global asymptotic stability of a drug endemic equilibrium point has been ascertained using a nonlinear Lyapunov function of Go–Volterra type, which reveals that the drug endemic equilibrium point is globally asymptotically stable if an effective reproduction number is greater than unity and if there is an absence of a reversion rate of mended individuals (i.e., ω=0). In addition, an optimal control problem was formulated to investigate the optimal strategy for curtailing the spread of the behavior using control variables. The control variables are massive awareness and rehabilitation intervention of both public and secret addicted individuals. The optimal control simulation shows that massive awareness control is the best to control drug addiction in a society. In sensitivity analysis section, the proportion of those who are exposed publicly shows to be a must sensitive parameter that can reduce the reproduction number, and the effective contact rate shows to be a must sensitive parameter to increase the reproduction number. Numerical simulations reveal that the awareness rate of exposed publicly and the rehabilitation rate of addicted publicly are very important parameters to control drug addiction in a society.
Effect of individual activity level heterogeneity on disease spreading in higher-order networks
Authors: Li Ming , Huo Liang’an , Xie Xiaoxiao , Dong Yafang
Published: August 2024

The active state of individuals has a significant impact on disease spread dynamics. In addition, pairwise interactions and higher-order interactions coexist in complex systems, and the pairwise networks proved insufficient for capturing the essence of complex systems. Here, we propose a higher-order network model to study the effect of individual activity level heterogeneity on disease-spreading dynamics. Activity level heterogeneity radically alters the dynamics of disease spread in higher-order networks. First, the evolution equations for infected individuals are derived using the mean field method. Second, numerical simulations of artificial networks reveal that higher-order interactions give rise to a discontinuous phase transition zone where the coexistence of health and disease occurs. Furthermore, the system becomes more unstable as individual activity levels rise, leading to a higher likelihood of disease outbreaks. Finally, we simulate the proposed model on two real higher-order networks, and the results are consistent with the artificial networks and validate the inferences from theoretical analysis. Our results explain the underlying reasons why groups with higher activity levels are more likely to initiate social changes. Simultaneously, the reduction in group activity, characterized by measures such as “isolation,” emerges as a potent strategy for disease control.
Deep-level transient spectroscopy of defect states at p-type oxide/β-Ga2O3 heterojunctions
Authors: Jia Yun , Traoré Aboulaye , Morita Ryo , Florena Fenfen Fenda , Islam Muhammad Monirul , Sakurai Takeaki
Published: August 2024

Defects in p-type oxide/β-Ga2O3 heterojunction diodes were investigated using p-type Cu2O as a case study. Diodes with polycrystalline and epitaxial Cu2O films were analyzed using deep-level transient spectroscopy. For both diodes, two electron bulk defects were detected, including a minority defect at 0.23 eV below EC within Cu2O and a majority defect at 0.53 eV below EC within β-Ga2O3. Furthermore, a high-density interface state of 4.5 × 1012 cm−2/eV was observed in the polycrystalline Cu2O/β-Ga2O3 diode. The presence of a high density of interface states helped reduce the turn-on voltage owing to the interface recombination current. However, it also enabled electron carriers to tunnel through the interface to β-Ga2O3, followed by variable range hopping through the bulk defect in the β-Ga2O3 layer, ultimately causing undesirable premature breakdown. The results of this study underscore the critical role of optimizing the crystal structure during p-type oxide growth for desired defect characteristics, particularly concerning interface states, in β-Ga2O3 bipolar devices for different applications, offering insights for high-performance power rectifier development.
Uncertainty quantification in atomistic simulations of silicon using interatomic potentials
Authors: Best I. R. , Sullivan T. J. , Kermode J. R.
Published: August 2024

Atomistic simulations often rely on interatomic potentials to access greater time and length scales than those accessible to first-principles methods, such as density functional theory. However, since a parameterized potential typically cannot reproduce the true potential energy surface of a given system, we should expect a decrease in accuracy and increase in error in quantities of interest calculated from these simulations. Quantifying the uncertainty on the outputs of atomistic simulations is thus an important, necessary step so that there is confidence in the results and available metrics to explore improvements in said simulations. Here, we address this research question by forming ensembles of atomic cluster expansion potentials, and using conformal prediction with ab initio training data to provide meaningful, calibrated error bars on several quantities of interest for silicon: the bulk modulus, elastic constants, relaxed vacancy formation energy, and the vacancy migration barrier. We evaluate the effects on uncertainty bounds using a range of different potentials and training sets.
Role of radiation re-absorption in the thermal helium beam diagnostic
Authors: Ugoletti M. , Agostini M. , La Matina M. , Scarin P. , Wang Y. , Wüthrich C. , Theiler C. , Andrebe Y. , Griener M. , Zuin M. ,   TCV Team,   WPTE Team
Published: August 2024

The Thermal Helium Beam (THB) is a diagnostic for simultaneously measuring the electron temperature and density profiles of the plasma edge and scrape off layer (SOL). It exploits the line ratio technique of selected He line intensities, emitted by He gas puffed inside the plasma, to locally estimate the plasma properties through a dedicated collisional radiative model (CRM). Standard THB diagnostics used in nuclear fusion devices measure three HeI emission lines: 667.8, 706.5, and 728.1 nm. For the RFP experiment RFX-mod2, a new THB is designed and tested for the first time at the TCV tokamak. It acquires an additional emission line at 501.6 nm, which is exploited to estimate the radiation re-absorption, which is not negligible in regions of large neutral He densities (leading to high re-absorption) and simultaneously low electron density and temperature (lack of other excitation channels). It affects the measurements most strongly at the far SOL, while the significance of re-absorption decreases as it approaches the separatrix. In this paper, plasma density and temperature profiles of the plasma edge at the outboard midplane of TCV, measured with this newly designed THB, are presented. For the first time, the effect of radiation re-absorption on the estimation of electron temperature and density profiles is experimentally measured in a tokamak using the 501 nm line emission intensity. Different CRMs are compared with and without radiation re-absorption, showing good agreement when re-absorption is included and demonstrating how it plays an important role in the far SOL, as expected.
Effects of exposure to different frequencies of electromagnetic fields on long-term potentiation in rat hippocampal CA1 region through intracellular Ca2+ concentration
Authors: Zheng Yu , Song Rujuan , Wei Shengjie , Dong Lei , Chen Yazhou
Published: August 2024

Long-term potentiation (LTP) in the Schaffer-CA1 region of the hippocampus is closely related to learning and memory. Magnetic stimulation, as an effective physical means of regulating synaptic plasticity, has received widespread attention. However, research on the mechanism of the effect of different frequencies of magnetic fields (MFs) on LTP is relatively scarce. This article focuses on Ca2+, Na+, K+, NMDA receptors, and AMPA receptors that play important roles in the process of MF regulation of LTP. A combined electrophysiological and pharmacological approach was used to identify Ca2+ as a key factor in the modulation of LTP by MFs of different frequencies. Subsequently, further experiments revealed that low levels of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) intensified the inhibition of low-frequency MFs on LTP, while high levels of [Ca2+]i enhanced the promotion effect of high-frequency MFs on LTP, indicating a positive correlation between [Ca2+]i levels and MF regulation of LTP levels. The research results of this article may help explore the deeper relationship between different frequencies of MFs and synaptic plasticity, and they also have a certain reference value for magnetic stimulation therapy in the treatment of neurological diseases related to LTP injury or learning and memory deficits.
Coarse-graining characterization of the room flow circulations due to a fan-array wind generator
Authors: Wang Xin , Cornejo Maceda Guy Y. , Liu Yutong , Hu Gang , Gao Nan , Raps Franz , Noack Bernd R.
Published: August 2024

Fan-array wind generators (FAWGs) are being employed for unmanned aerial vehicle testing. Such testing requires uniform blowing generated from the FAWGs. However, achieving uniform blowing is impeded by the wall effects within the enclosed room. These wall effects also lead to complex flow circulations. Understanding the room flow circulations can provide insight into restoring the uniformity of FAWG blowing. In this study, a coarse-graining characterization methodology is proposed to extract the room flow circulations. The key enabler is discretizing the flow domain into regular boxes as coarse-grained units and reducing the continuous flow field to flow transfers among the units. The flow circulation structure is characterized by kinematic features, i.e., the flow loop paths. The methodology is demonstrated on a numerical simulation of the room flow generated by the world's largest FAWG in the Shenzhen unmanned aerial vehicle test center. First, an analysis of the room flow kinematics shows a deflection and velocity decay of the jet-like flow. Second, two- and three-dimensional kinematic feature identifications indicate that horizontal circulations dominate the room flow. Third, two triangular prisms are introduced to manipulate the whole room circulations to improve the flow characteristics in the drone testing region. The right-angle prism reduces the flow deflection and enhances the flow activity in the test region by orienting flow circulations from horizontal to vertical. Meanwhile, the acute-angle prism creates complex flow circulations. The proposed methodology facilitates the identification and improvement of kinematic features and contributes to the physical understanding of a flow circulation structure in complex configurations.
Exploring the strength and durability of hemp fiber reinforced moringa bioresin composites for skateboard applications
Authors: Arockiasamy Felix Sahayaraj , Logesh K. , Rajan A John , Ramesh Manickam , Kannan Sathish , Giri Jayant , Alarfaj Abdullah A.
Published: August 2024

The study aimed to develop and analyze bio-based composites, incorporating moringa bioresin and hemp fibers as reinforcing elements. The composites were fabricated using four weight percentage combinations of epoxy, moringa bioresin, and hemp fiber. The fabricated composites were characterized by their mechanical, thermal, water absorption, biodegradability, and morphological properties. The study revealed that the composite with the highest proportion of moringa bioresin (30 wt. %) exhibited better mechanical properties. Moreover, the flexural strength and Shore D hardness were impacted by both the matrix and reinforcing materials’ weight percentages. Thermal analysis showed that the composites had good thermal stability, while water absorption analysis indicated that the composites had good water resistance. Biodegradability analysis showed that the composites had a high rate of biodegradation, making them environmentally friendly. The distribution of reinforcing fibers within the matrix material was found to be uniform through the use of scanning electron microscope based morphological analysis. The results indicate that moringa bioresin and hemp fiber composites have the potential to be used as sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based composites in various applications.
Physical discovery in representation learning via conditioning on prior knowledge
Authors: Liu Yongtao , Huey Bryan D. , Ziatdinov Maxim A. , Kalinin Sergei V.
Published: August 2024

Recent advances in electron, scanning probe, optical, and chemical imaging and spectroscopy yield bespoke data sets containing the information of structure and functionality of complex systems. In many cases, the resulting data sets are underpinned by low-dimensional simple representations encoding the factors of variability within the data. The representation learning methods seek to discover these factors of variability, ideally further connecting them with relevant physical mechanisms. However, generally, the task of identifying the latent variables corresponding to actual physical mechanisms is extremely complex. Here, we present an empirical study of an approach based on conditioning the data on the known (continuous) physical parameters and systematically compare it with the previously introduced approach based on the invariant variational autoencoders. The conditional variational autoencoder (cVAE) approach does not rely on the existence of the invariant transforms and hence allows for much greater flexibility and applicability. Interestingly, cVAE allows for limited extrapolation outside of the original domain of the conditional variable. However, this extrapolation is limited compared to the cases when true physical mechanisms are known, and the physical factor of variability can be disentangled in full. We further show that introducing the known conditioning results in the simplification of the latent distribution if the conditioning vector is correlated with the factor of variability in the data, thus allowing us to separate relevant physical factors. We initially demonstrate this approach using 1D and 2D examples on a synthetic data set and then extend it to the analysis of experimental data on ferroelectric domain dynamics visualized via piezoresponse force microscopy.
Bulk photovoltaic effect of an alpha-phase indium selenide (α-In2Se3) crystal along the out-of-plane direction
Authors: Urakami Noriyuki , Ozaki Sho , Hashimoto Yoshio
Published: August 2024

The photovoltaic effect can occur without metal/semiconductor or semiconductor/semiconductor interfaces in materials with spontaneous electric polarization due to a lack of spatial inversion symmetry. This anomalous phenomenon is known as the bulk photovoltaic (BPV) effect owing to the shift current, which facilitates photoelectric conversion. Alpha-phase indium selenide (α-In2Se3) is a ferroelectric semiconductor with spontaneous electric polarization. Here, we report an experimental demonstration of the BPV effect in α-In2Se3 films along the out-of-plane direction by utilizing graphite films as transparent electrodes. A short-circuit current was detected under white light irradiation, and the sign was inverted upon inverting the direction of electric polarization, thus suggesting its origin to be the shift current, distinct from the effect occurring at the interface. The trend of BPV performances owing to the shift current with respect to the irradiated photon energy is consistent with the dependence of its absorption coefficient. The quantum efficiency of photoelectric conversion for α-In2Se3 along the out-of-plane direction was a few orders of magnitude greater than that of conventional and layered ferroelectric materials and was comparable to that of low-dimensional interface structures and strained two-dimensional materials. Our results pave the way for the innovative design of photoelectric conversion devices.
An additional proofreader contributes to DNA replication fidelity in mycobacteria
Authors: Deng Ming-Zhi , Liu Qingyun , Cui Shu-Jun , Wang Yi-Xin , Zhu Guoliang , Fu Han , Gan Mingyu , Xu Yuan-Yuan , Cai Xia , Wang Sheng , Sha Wei , Zhao Guo-Ping , Fortune Sarah M. , Lyu Liang-Dong
Published: August 2024

The removal of mis-incorporated nucleotides by proofreading activity ensures DNA replication fidelity. Whereas the ε-exonuclease DnaQ is a well-established proofreader in the model organism
Escherichia coli
, it has been shown that proofreading in a majority of bacteria relies on the polymerase and histidinol phosphatase (PHP) domain of replicative polymerase, despite the presence of a DnaQ homolog that is structurally and functionally distinct from
E. coli
DnaQ. However, the biological functions of this type of noncanonical DnaQ remain unclear. Here, we provide independent evidence that noncanonical DnaQ functions as an additional proofreader for mycobacteria. Using the mutation accumulation assay in combination with whole-genome sequencing, we showed that depletion of DnaQ in
Mycolicibacterium smegmatis
leads to an increased mutation rate, resulting in AT-biased mutagenesis and increased insertions/deletions in the homopolymer tract. Our results showed that mycobacterial DnaQ binds to the β clamp and functions synergistically with the PHP domain proofreader to correct replication errors. Furthermore, the loss of
dnaQ
results in replication fork dysfunction, leading to attenuated growth and increased mutagenesis on subinhibitory fluoroquinolones potentially due to increased vulnerability to fork collapse. By analyzing the sequence polymorphism of
dnaQ
in clinical isolates of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(
Mtb
), we demonstrated that a naturally evolved DnaQ variant prevalent in
Mtb
lineage 4.3 may enable hypermutability and is associated with drug resistance. These results establish a coproofreading model and suggest a division of labor between DnaQ and PHP domain proofreader. This study also provides real-world evidence that a mutator-driven evolutionary pathway may exist during the adaptation of
Mtb
.
MAVS Cys508 palmitoylation promotes its aggregation on the mitochondrial outer membrane and antiviral innate immunity
Authors: Liu Yinong , Hou Dan , Chen Wenzhe , Lu Xuan , Komaniecki Garrison P. , Xu Yilai , Yu Tao , Zhang Sophia M. , Linder Maurine E. , Lin Hening
Published: August 2024

Cysteine palmitoylation or
S
-palmitoylation catalyzed by the ZDHHC family of acyltransferases regulates the biological function of numerous mammalian proteins as well as viral proteins. However, understanding of the role of
S
-palmitoylation in antiviral immunity against RNA viruses remains very limited. The adaptor protein MAVS forms functionally essential prion-like aggregates upon activation by viral RNA-sensing RIG-I-like receptors. Here, we identify that MAVS, a C-terminal tail-anchored mitochondrial outer membrane protein, is
S
-palmitoylated by ZDHHC7 at Cys508, a residue adjacent to the tail-anchor transmembrane helix. Using superresolution microscopy and other biochemical techniques, we found that the mitochondrial localization of MAVS at resting state mainly depends on its transmembrane tail-anchor, without regulation by Cys508
S
-palmitoylation. However, upon viral infection, MAVS
S
-palmitoylation stabilizes its aggregation on the mitochondrial outer membrane and thus promotes subsequent propagation of antiviral signaling. We further show that inhibition of MAVS
S
-palmitoylation increases the host susceptibility to RNA virus infection, highlighting the importance of
S
-palmitoylation in the antiviral innate immunity. Also, our results indicate ZDHHC7 as a potential therapeutic target for MAVS-related autoimmune diseases.
Three-dimensional FSI simulation of cell entrapment utilizing acoustic interparticle force in a standing acoustic field
Authors: Hafezi Kamran , Saghafian Mohsen , Saeidi Davood , Aghaie Hamid Reza
Published: August 2024

In recent years, there has been significant development in microfluidic devices for cell separation and sorting using acoustic methods in biomedical applications. The acoustic interparticle force (AIF) or the secondary acoustic radiation force arises from particle interactions with the scattered field of other particles, influencing particle motion at close ranges and facilitating optimal trapping and separation. This study analyzes a two-particle system consisting of a fixed particle and a white blood cell (WBC) within a standing acoustic field and creeping flow using fluid-structure interaction (FSI). To reduce computational costs by decoupling the acoustics and FSI, the acoustic pressure equation was solved on the frequency domain to calculate the total acoustic radiation force in each time step. Model accuracy was assessed by evaluating interparticle (AIF) and primary acoustic radiation force (ARF) on a polystyrene particle and comparing simulation results to analytical and experimental data. Results demonstrate the precise primary ARF computation, with discrepancies in AIF attributed to viscous losses near the particle surface. Moreover, the higher density of the fixed particle compared to WBCs induces significant acoustic interparticle attraction at close distances. Consequently, cell entrapment occurs through strong attraction and collision with fixed aluminum and silicon particles in creeping flow in all three Reynolds numbers 1.4 × 10−3, 2.1 × 10−3, and 3 × 10−3. Increasing Reynolds numbers augment the likelihood of cell separation from the fixed particle. These findings contribute to optimizing cell isolation and entrapment strategies.
Quantum design of magnetic structures with enhanced magnetocaloric properties
Authors: Regeciová Lubomíra , Farkašovský Pavol
Published: August 2024

The magnetization processes and magnetocaloric effect (MCE) of molecular magnets are studied using the quantum Heisenberg model with the goal of finding magnetic structures with optimal magnetocaloric properties. To fulfill this goal, we examine the influence of various factors such as quantum fluctuations, the magnitude and distribution of spins, the cluster size and its geometry on the conventional (cooling) and inverse (heating) MCE. We find, surprisingly, that the best cooling and heating effects are observed in the Ising limit on the smallest possible molecular clusters represented by dimers and trimers. The increasing Heisenberg interaction suppresses both the cooling as well as heating effects, but while the heating is reduced very strongly, for relatively small values of the anisotropic Heisenberg constant, the cooling effects are reduced only weakly. Since the heating effect is undesired in low-temperature refrigeration, the Heisenberg limit is also interesting from a practical point of view. Moreover, we find that spin distributions also have a significant influence on the magnetocaloric properties of molecular magnets. Specifically, configurations with large spins on the edges of the finite chain significantly enhance the cooling effect.
Solution and solubility of H atoms at the W/Cu interface
Authors: Silva-Solís Y , Denis J , Hodille E A , Ferro Y
Published: August 2024

Metallic interfaces are locations where hydrogen (H) is expected to segregate and lead to the formation and stabilization of defects. This work focuses on the tungsten/copper (W/Cu) interface built according to the

W

bcc

(
001
)

/

Cu

hcp

(
11

2
―

0
)

orientation. H behavior is subsequently determined at the interface and in its vicinity with electronic structure calculations based on the density functional theory (DFT). The electronic and vibrational properties determined in this way followed a thermodynamic treatment to deliver the solubility of H as a function of the temperature and chemical potential. The 96 interstitial positions we investigated reveal that H predominantly occupies the octahedral (Oh) sites in the copper network. Reversely, H exclusively occupies the tetrahedral (Td) sites in the tungsten network. The solubility of H is higher in the interface plane where both octahedral and tetrahedral sites are occupied. Despite this work is a first step toward kinetic modeling of hydrogen transport across the W/Cu interface, we conclude that the

W

bcc

(
001
)

/

Cu

hcp

(
11

2
―

0
)

would behave like a sink where hydrogen isotopes could accumulate.
Evaluation of radiation dose to the lens in interventional cardiology physicians before and after dose limit regulation changes
Authors: Sagehashi Kodai , Haga Yoshihiro , Takahira Saki , Tanabe Mako , Nakamura Mio , Sota Masahiro , Kaga Yuji , Abe Mitsuya , Tada Norio , Chida Koichi
Published: August 2024

In response to the International Commission on Radiological Protection, which lowered the lens equivalent dose limit, Japan lowered the lens dose limit from 150 mSv y−1 to 100 mSv/5 years and 50 mSv y−1, with this new rule taking effect on 1 April 2021. DOSIRIS® is a dosimeter that can accurately measure lens dose. Herein, we investigated lens dose in interventional cardiology physicians 1 year before and after the reduction of the lens dose limit using a neck dosimeter and lens dosimeter measurements. With an increase in the number of cases, both personal dose equivalent at 0.07 mm depth [Hp(0.07), neck dosimeter] and personal dose equivalent at 3 mm depth [Hp(3), lens dosimeter] increased for most of the physicians. The Hp(3) of the lens considering the shielding effect of the Pb glasses using lens dosimeter exceeded 20 mSv y−1 for two of the 14 physicians. Protection from radiation dose will become even more important in the future, as these two physicians may experience radiation dose exceeding 100 mSv/5 years. The average dose per procedure increased, but not significantly. There was a strong correlation between the neck dosimeter and lens dosimeter scores, although there was no significant change before and after the lens dose limit was lowered. This correlation was particularly strong for physicians who primarily treated patients. As such, it is possible to infer accurate lens doses from neck doses in physicians who primarily perform diagnostics. However, it is desirable to use a dosimeter that can directly measure Hp(3) because of the high lens dose.
Hamiltonians for the quantised Volterra hierarchy
Authors: Carpentier Sylvain , Mikhailov Alexander V , Ping Wang Jing
Published: August 2024

This paper builds upon our recent work, published in Carpentieret al(2022Lett. Math. Phys.11294), where we established that the integrable Volterra lattice on a free associative algebra and the whole hierarchy of its symmetries admit a quantisation dependent on a parameterω. We also uncovered an intriguing aspect: all odd-degree symmetries of the hierarchy admit an alternative, non-deformation quantisation, resulting in a non-commutative algebra for any choice of the quantisation parameterω. In this study, we demonstrate that each equation within the quantum Volterra hierarchy can be expressed in the Heisenberg form. We provide explicit expressions for all quantum Hamiltonians and establish their commutativity. In the classical limit, these quantum Hamiltonians yield explicit expressions for the classical ones of the commutative Volterra hierarchy. Furthermore, we present Heisenberg equations and their Hamiltonians in the case of non-deformation quantisation. Finally, we discuss commuting first integrals, central elements of the quantum algebra, and the integrability problem for periodic reductions of the Volterra lattice in the context of both quantisations.
Influence of power ramps on the physical properties of AZO thin films deposited at room temperature by RF magnetron sputtering technique
Authors: Carranza A Cristina , Rosendo E , Pérez Ladrón de Guevara H , Morales C , Romano R , García G , Coyopol A , Galeazzi R , Zepeda J
Published: August 2024

Aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) thin films were deposited on glass substrates at room temperature by RF sputtering technique. Power ramps between 125 and 105 W were applied with a step of 4 W by intervals of 15, 7.5 and 1.8 min, for 180 min at 1.60 Pa. In this study, we investigated the structural, morphological, electrical, and optical properties of AZO films. X-ray Diffraction analysis showed that the films have a wurtzite-type hexagonal crystalline structure with a preferential crystallographic orientation (002) normal to the c axis. The average transmittance is greater than 76% for the wavelength range in the visible spectrum. The bandgap values were found between 3.32 and 4.01 eV, and refractive index was 1.79–2.60. Atomic force microscope measurements show homogeneous films with a roughness between 17–22 nm. A minimum resistivity value of 2.0 × 10−3 Ω cm was obtained for the film by using a power ramp of 4 W/1.8 min.
Study of nucleus orientation effect in the 238U+238U multinucleon transfer reaction
Authors: Zhang Xin-Rui , Yao Hong , Li Cheng , Li Tao , Yang Yong-Xu , Zhang Feng-Shou
Published: August 2024

The improved quantum molecular dynamics model was employed to study the 238U+238U multinucleon transfer reaction at E
c.m. = 833 MeV in this work. The influence of the orientation effect on the nuclear deformation at the contact moment, the composite system lifetime, the transfer rate and the fragment production mechanism are investigated. Statistical analysis reveals that at the contact moment, the orientation of the projectile and the target have less influence on each other and retain their respective initial characteristics to some extent. For collision parameters less than 6 fm, significant differences are observed in composite system lifetime and transfer rate under different orientation configurations; however, the orientation effect gradually diminishes with increasing collision parameters. Additionally, it is found that transfer reactions dominate when the collision parameter b ≤ 6 fm, while elastic and inelastic scattering events increase rapidly as the collision parameter exceeds 6 fm. Within the range of 10 ≤ b ≤ 13 fm, the transfer probability for side–side collisions is significantly higher compared to other cases.
Integrated modelling of tungsten accumulation control with wave heating: validation in ASDEX Upgrade and predictions for ITER
Authors: Fajardo D. , Angioni C. , Fable E. , Tardini G. , Bilato R. , Luda T. , McDermott R.M. , Samoylov O. ,   the ASDEX Upgrade Team
Published: August 2024

In present-day fusion devices, central wave heating is crucial to avoid core tungsten (W) accumulation. In this work, we present an integrated modelling framework that reproduces the reduction of core W peaking in ASDEX Upgrade experiments when multiple transport channels are self-consistently evolved, emphasizing the effects of wave heating on turbulent and neoclassical W transport. Predictions for the ITER 15 MA baseline are then provided. We show that the core of a reactor is in a different transport regime for W as compared to present-day tokamaks. The challenges introduced by W arise from global radiation losses that can hinder operation in H-mode, instead of local central accumulation.
Coalescing and satellite erythematous papules on the calves and thighs of a middle-aged man
Authors: Choudhary Cherry , Kloczko Ewa , Spencer Ashley , McNamara Christopher , Gohil Satyen , Semkova Kristina , Ong Eugene , Proctor Ian , Tung Hsiu , Calonje Eduardo , Bunker Christopher B
Published: August 2024

This case study describes a 52-year-old man diagnosed with cutaneous Rosai–Dorfman disease (RDD), presenting with unusual manifestations confined to the skin. We highlight the diversity and diagnostic challenges of RDD and discuss conventional and targeted treatments for RDD.
An update on risk factors for relapse in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis
Authors: Zhou Han , Liang Wei , Hu Hongtu , Liu Zikang , Chu Fan , Ding Guohua
Published: August 2024

Ongoing therapeutic advances in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) have significantly reduced the risk of death in AAV, but 30%–50% of patients still relapse. Relapse is a major problem in these diseases, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. It is, therefore, necessary to find predictors of relapse at the end of the remission induction and maintenance phases in order to personalize treatment.
Kidney function and bone mineral density in chronic kidney disease patients
Authors: Kang Dong Hoon , Park Cheol Ho , Kim Hyung Woo , Park Jung Tak , Han Seung Hyeok , Kim Jayoun , Jeong Jong Cheol , Kim Yaeni , Kim Soo Wan , Oh Kook-Hwan , Kang Shin-Wook , Yoo Tae-Hyun
Published: August 2024

Background

Bone mineral density (BMD) predicts fracture risk in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and in the general population. However, few studies have investigated risk factors for bone loss in patients with CKD. The aim of this study was to investigate whether renal function is associated with the rate of BMD decline.

Methods

A prospective cohort study included 1006 patients with CKD stages 2–4 between 2011 and 2016. BMD was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at baseline and 4 years. The eGFR was measured 2–6 times during the 4-year follow-up. We analyzed the decline in bone mineral density according to CKD stage and further compared the rate of BMD decline according to eGFR trajectories at each stage.

Results

Advanced CKD stage was associated with a faster rate of decline in total hip BMD [stage 2 −0.23, stage 3A −0.39, stage 3B −0.80, stage 4 −1.23% change/year in men (P < .001); stage 2 −0.86, stage 3A −1.19, stage 3B −1.20, stage 4 −1.58% change/year in women (P < .03)]. Two distinct eGFR trajectories (Class 1 stable group; Class 2 rapid decline group) were observed. The rapid decline group showed a trend toward an increased rate of decline in total hip BMD. Subgroup analysis according to eGFR trajectories revealed a significant difference in BMD decline rate between stable and rapid decline groups.

Conclusions

Advanced CKD stage and accelerated decline in renal function were associated with rapid BMD decline in non-dialysis patients with CKD.
Increased incidence of adverse events in diabetes mellitus patients with combined multiple vulnerable plaque features: new insights from the COMBINE OCT-FFR trial
Authors: del Val David , Berta Balazs , Roleder Tomasz , Malinowski Krzysztof , Bastante Teresa , Hermanides Renicus S , Wojakowski Wojciech , Fabris Enrico , Cuesta Javier , De Luca Giuseppe , Rivero Fernando , Alfonso Fernando , Kedhi Elvin
Published: August 2024

Aims

To evaluate the individual as well as combined impact of optical coherence tomography-detected vulnerability features (OCT-VFs) in the prediction of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in non-ischaemic lesions in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods and results

The COMBINE OCT-FFR (NCT02989740) was a prospective, double-blind, international, natural-history study that included patients with DM having ≥1 lesions with a fractional flow reserve > 0.80, undergoing systematic OCT assessment. Pre-specified OCT-VFs included thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA), reduced minimal lumen area (r-MLA), high plaque burden (h-PB), and complicated plaque (CP). The primary endpoint (MACE) was a composite of cardiac mortality, target vessel myocardial infarction, clinically driven target lesion revascularization, or hospitalization for unstable angina up to 5 years, analysed according to the presence of these OCT-VFs, both individually and in combination. TCFA, r-MLA, h-PB, and CP were identified in 98 (25.1%), 159 (40.8%), 56 (14.4%), and 116 (29.8%) patients, respectively. The primary endpoint rate increased progressively from 6.9% to 50.0% (HR = 10.10; 95% CI, 3.37–30.25, P < 0.001) in patients without OCT-VFs compared with those with concomitant h-PB, r-MLA, CP, and TCFA. Importantly, while TCFA, h-PB, r-MLA, and CP were individually associated with the primary endpoint, the presence of two or more OCT-VFs significantly increased the likelihood of adverse events at 5 years.

Conclusion

In patients with DM and non-ischaemic lesions, TCFA, h-PB, r-MLA, and CP were predictors of adverse events. However, the presence of two or more OCT-VFs significantly increased the likelihood of MACE at 5 years. Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings and their potential clinical implications in a randomized fashion.
From Successful Ageing to Ageing Well: A Narrative Review
Authors: Waddell Chloe , Van Doorn George , Power Garry , Statham Dixie
Published: August 2024

Since the term “successful ageing” was coined, diverse models and theories conceptualizing what it means to age successfully have been proposed. The current article outlines evidence suggesting that the use of “success” in conjunction with “ageing” is contentious, and thus, “ageing well” is recommended as an alternative term. This article also highlights the lack of consistency in approaches to successful ageing and argues for a more inclusive conceptualization of ageing well. To achieve this, the current article summarizes the fundamental characteristics of several popular models of ageing successfully, demonstrating the unique contributions of each and highlighting recurring themes. The most common themes in existing models of successful ageing include the importance of engaging in social relationships, good cognitive and physical functioning, the avoidance of disease and disability, and resilience. Although commonalities exist, a consensus regarding an accepted definition of successful ageing is yet to be reached. To illustrate the need for consensus, policy approaches to support ageing populations by several governments are compared, highlighting the need for researchers to provide clearer guidance to policy-makers. In addition, not all existing models are sensitive to the diversity of the ageing population, further emphasizing the need to reconsider what it means to age well. The development of a consensus understanding of ageing well will improve the ability of researchers, as well as policy-makers and client-facing workers, to effectively target areas that contribute to, and improve, individuals’ ability to age well.
Genomic Epidemiology of Mycobacterium abscessus on the Island of Montréal Is Not Suggestive of Health Care-Associated Person-to-Person Transmission
Authors: Olawoye Idowu B , Waglechner Nicholas , McIntosh Fiona , Akochy Pierre-Marie , Cloutier Nancy , Grandjean Lapierre Simon , Tannir Bouchra , Greenaway Christina , Matouk Elias , Poirier Louise , Levesque Roger C , Boyle Brian , Quach Caroline , Soualhine Hafid , Batt Jane , Behr Marcel A , Lee Robyn S , Guthrie Jennifer L
Published: August 2024

Background

Mycobacterium abscessus complex (MABC), an opportunistic nontuberculous mycobacteria, can lead to poor clinical outcomes in pulmonary infections. Conflicting data exist on person-to-person transmission of MABC within and across health care facilities. To investigate further, a comprehensive retrospective study across 5 health care institutions on the Island of Montréal was undertaken.

Methods

We analyzed the genomes of 221 MABC isolates obtained from 115 individuals (2010–2018) to identify possible links. Genetic similarity, defined as ≤25 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), was investigated through a blinded epidemiological inquiry.

Results

Bioinformatics analyses identified 28 sequence types, including globally observed dominant circulating clones (DCCs). Further analysis revealed 210 isolate pairs within the SNP threshold. Among these pairs, there was 1 possible laboratory contamination where isolates from different patients processed in the same laboratory differed by only 2 SNPs. There were 37 isolate pairs from patients who had provided specimens from the same hospital; however, epidemiological analysis found no evidence of health care-associated person-to-person transmission between these patients. Additionally, pangenome analysis showed higher discriminatory power than core genome analysis for examining genomic similarity.

Conclusions

Genomics alone is insufficient to establish MABC transmission, particularly considering the genetic similarity and wide distribution of DCCs, although pangenome analysis has the potential to add further insight. Our findings indicate that MABC infections in Montréal are unlikely attributable to health care-associated person-to-person transmission.
Hidden genomic diversity drives niche partitioning in a cosmopolitan eukaryotic picophytoplankton
Authors: Xu Yangbing , Leung Shara K K , Li Taylor M W , Yung Charmaine C M
Published: August 2024

Marine eukaryotic phytoplankton are fundamental to the marine food web, yet the lack of reference genomes or just a single genome representing a taxon has led to an underestimation of their taxonomic, adaptive, and functional diversity. Here, we integrated strain isolation with metagenomic binning to recover genomes from the cosmopolitan picophytoplankton genus Bathycoccus, traditionally considered monospecific. Our recovery and analysis of 37 Bathycoccus genomes delineated their global genomic diversity and established four evolutionary clades (BI, BII, BIII, BIV). Our metagenomic abundance survey revealed well-differentiated ecological niches and distinct biogeographic distributions for each clade, predominantly shaped by temperature, salinity, and nutrient availability. Comparative genomics analyses further revealed clade-specific genomic traits that underpin niche adaptation and contribute to the global prevalence of Bathycoccus. Our findings underscore temperature as a major driver of genome diversification in this genus, with clade divergences coinciding with major paleoclimatic events that influenced their contemporary thermal niches. Moreover, the unique enrichment of C2H2 zinc finger and ankyrin repeat gene families in polar-adapted clades suggests previously unrecognized cold-adaptation mechanisms in marine eukaryotic phytoplankton. Our study offers a comprehensive genomic landscape of this crucial eukaryotic picophytoplankton, providing insights into their microdiversity and adaptive evolution in response to changing environments.
X- vs. O-marked want
Authors: Wimmer Alexander
Published: August 2024

X-marked want is identified by von Fintel & Iatridou (2023) (vF&I) as one of the crosslinguistic challenges for what they call X-marking, the kind of morphology traditionally referred to as ‘subjunctive’ or ‘counterfactual’. This paper’s main goal is to spell out vF&I’s idea that X-marking on want reflects a widening of want’s quantificational domain, thereby doing the same job as it does in conditionals under an influential view originating with Stalnaker (1975). With Sode (2021), but also Grano & Phillips-Brown (2022), the proposition $\phi $ denoted by want’s complement is treated as the antecedent of a “hidden conditional” that Heim (1992) sees in want and desire-ascriptions more generally, a treatment in whose favor vF&I’s Conditional/Desire Pattern provides morphosyntactic evidence. In line with the Stalnakerian view, but also more recent ones under which X-marking is semantically vacuous (Crowley 2022; Leahy 2011, 2018), X-marking on want is treated as reflecting the absence of a presuppositional constraint that the O-marked counterpart comes with: a limitation of closest antecedent-worlds to the attitude holder’s belief set.
An adaptive functional regression framework for locally heterogeneous signals in spectroscopy
Authors: Ferraccioli Federico , Casa Alessandro , Stefanucci Marco
Published: August 2024

In recent years, there has been growing attention towards food nutritional properties, traceability, and production systems prioritizing environmental sustainability. Consequently, there is a rising demand for tools evaluating food quality and authenticity, with mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy techniques playing a pivotal role to collect vast amounts of data. These data pose some challenges that existing methods struggle to address, thus necessitating the development of new statistical techniques. We introduce an adaptive functional regression framework allowing for the definition of a flexible estimator accommodating different degrees of smoothness. We provide an optimization procedure handling both Gaussian and non-Gaussian responses, and allowing for the inclusion of scalar covariates. Our proposal is applied to MIR spectroscopy data, providing excellent performances when predicting milk composition and cows’ dietary regimens. Furthermore, the developed inferential routine enhances the interpretability of the results, providing valuable insights leading to a deeper understanding of the relation between specific wavenumbers and milk characteristics.
A case series of upper extremity reconstructions utilizing partial ECRB and ECRL tendon autografts
Authors: Haddad David , Kempton Darren , Ghotmi Joey , Türker Tolga
Published: August 2024

Sources of autografts such as palmaris longus or plantaris are often limited or absent. We present our experience using a low donor-site morbidity method of harvesting strips of extensor carpi radialis brevis and longus (ECRB and ECRL) as free tendon autografts in upper extremity soft tissue reconstructions. Retrospective chart review identified five patients who received reconstructive upper extremity surgeries using ECRB and ECRL partial tendon autografts from January 2014 to October 2021 with at least a 12-month follow-up period. Mayo wrist scores were calculated to demonstrate clinical outcomes. All five patients (mean follow-up: 21 months) were able to return to regular activities while demonstrating improvements in 6- and 12-month postoperative Mayo wrist scores. There was minimal donor site morbidity and no ruptures of parent tendons following harvest. This study provides additional support for utilizing partial strips of ECRB and ECRL in repairing upper extremity tendon gap and ligament deformities.
Generation of high purity capsanthin and capsorubin through synthetic metabolic engineering in carrot germplasm
Authors: Deng Yuan-Jie , Duan Ao-Qi , Liu Hui , Xu Zhi-Sheng , Xiong Ai-Sheng
Published: August 2024

Capsanthin and capsorubin are red κ-xanthophylls exclusively found in a handful of other plant species. Currently, capsanthin and capsorubin are extracted from red pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). Here, high purity production of capsanthin and capsorubin was achieved in carrot (Daucus carota L.) taproot by a synthetic metabolic engineering strategy. Expression of a capsanthin-capsorubin synthase gene (CaCCS) from pepper resulted in dominant production of capsanthin, whereas expression of a LiCCS gene from tiger lily (Lilium lancifolium Thunb.) resulted in production of both capsanthin and capsorubin in carrot taproot. The highest content of capsanthin and capsorubin was obtained in LiC-1 carrot taproot hosting the LiCCS gene. Co-expression of DcBCH1 with CCS could improve the purity of capsanthin and capsorubin by eliminating the non-target carotenoids (e.g. α-carotene and β-carotene). The highest purity of capsanthin and capsorubin was obtained in BLiC-1 carrot taproot hosting DcBCH1+LiCCS genes, 91.10% of total carotenoids. The non-native pigments were esterified partially and stored in the globular chromoplast of carrot taproot. Our results demonstrated the use of carrot taproot as green factories for high purity production of capsanthin and capsorubin. The capsanthin/capsorubin carrot germplasms are also valuable materials for breeding colorful carrots cultivars.