bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Light and Emotional Architecture: An Embodied Experience
Authors: Muro R
Published: April 2024

The presented explorative research focuses on the phenomenological relationship and emotional impact of light within architectural spaces, grounded in a pilot study and literature review. Serving as the foundational framework for a Ph.D., this study aspires to decipher the role of light in Emotional Architecture—a term introduced by the German artist Mathias Goeritz in his 1953 architectural manifesto crafted in Mexico. This multidimensional pilot study employs experiential observation and structured interviews, complemented with qualitative and quantitative documentation, all anchored by literature-based insights. Set in the Barragán House, which served as both the studio and residence for the renowned Mexican architect Luis Barragán since 1948, the study endeavours to elucidate how architectural nuances—like form, materials, colours, and arrangements—affect lighting conditions, subsequently shaping human emotions and experiences. Through twenty-two interviews, the research captured perceived atmospheres and the inherent intentionality of affordances in architecture, revealing a strong correlation between spatial impact on observers and light-related experiences. The interplay between these elements suggests a compelling avenue for implementing Emotional Architecture conducive to both individual and societal sustainable development.
A review study of space perception and navigation of people with low vision: is simulated low vision a reliable methodology?
Authors: Dong Jingying , Karmann Caroline
Published: April 2024

The inclusion of visually impaired participants in research protocols concerning their perception of space and navigation is essential for the reliability of the results, given the strategies developed by the people concerned in everyday life. However, the diversity of visual impairments, the scarcity of participants and possible safety issues due to obstacles in the physical space induce limitations and prompt researchers to look into alternative methodologies. Simulated low vision is seen as an option. This method involves sighted participants wearing goggles with customized filters or watching processed images in virtual environments. The objective of this study is to investigate the reliability of simulated low vision as a research method to describe the space perception and navigation of people with visual impairment. We conducted a literature review and identified 36 quantitative studies on low vision spatial performance involving multiple user groups. Simulated low vision proved effective in small-scale spatial ability evaluation, such as object detection and distance estimation, but remained challenging regarding large-scale capacity, such as navigation with mobility requirement. Advances in virtual environments suggest that they are a good alternative to goggles and screen displays because of their precision in mimicking ocular problems in simulation settings. Finally, the use of head-mounted-display (HMD) by people with real low vision could open up the possibility of greater testing in safer and controlled conditions, but requires confirmation of the validity of the protocols.
Mechanisms of Aesthetics: On the Perception of Materials and Their Properties.
Authors: Weninger Johannes , Arnst Isabel , Dick Maximilian , Ascher Martina
Published: April 2024

The visual perception of material surface qualities holds immense importance in our daily lives, serving as the foundation for various environmental interpretations and behavioural adaptations. These encompass critical safety aspects, like assessing floor safety or food freshness, to appreciating intricate sculptural illusions, such as delicately draped fabric in marble statues. Particularly for products with high aesthetic value, perceived properties play a significant role in subjectively attributing material worth. Given the vast array of material surfaces and the pivotal role of lighting in the overall visual perception process, this presents a major challenge for lighting planners and designers. Currently, the achievement of aesthetic effects in architectural spaces heavily relies on the opinions and experiences of professionals, as there are no specific guidelines for combining materials with different lighting concepts. Hence, decoding the connection between physical properties and their subjective interpretations becomes crucial in facilitating the objective planning of materials. In this study, more than 600 materials were systematically examined to explore the interaction between perceived material properties and the resulting aesthetic effects. The resulting perception model establishes a direct link between objectively assigned and subjectively perceived material properties. These findings hold promise in contributing to both a more accurate evaluation and prediction of material appearances in the long term.
Exploring daylight in two different hemispheres: Sweden and Uruguay: a comparative study of daylight as a formgiver and its impact on visual comfort
Authors: Borgia Carolina
Published: April 2024

Daylight’s critical significance for both the built and natural domains underscores its potential to enhance energy efficiency and environmental sustainability in architecture. This study presents a careful exploration, using a tailored case study, to reveal diverse strategies for leveraging daylight’s inherent attributes as a building material. Integrated climate adaptation serves as the bedrock of architectural projects, fostering regenerative development as well as liveable and sustainable spaces. This research delves into daylight’s complexities, positioning it as a primary input in early architectural stages. Through comprehensive analysis in Uruguay and Sweden, this study highlights the interplay of daylight’s effects. An experimental cabin serves as a focal case study, bolstered by Climate Studio software, yielding a thorough daylight analysis across these locations. The synthesis of academic and practical approaches underscores daylight’s pivotal role in shaping sustainable built environments.
Situating the light: Methodology for sensory and spatial fieldwork
Authors: Øien Turid Borgestrand , Ruohonen Senja Maarit , Mathiasen Nanet , Frandsen Anne Kathrine , Bredmose Anette
Published: April 2024

Sensory perceptions are a novel point of departure for lighting research, where human factors have long been approached through isolated variables and controlled environments. However, informed by philosophy and social sciences and supported by ethnographical methods, researchers and practitioners are gaining new ground in understanding human-environment relations by approaching user perspectives in empirical inquiries. Situating the lighting in spatial settings and sensory experiences is crucial when exploring the dynamics of the changing visual perception of aging and vision loss, and how these phenomena can affect everyday life. Although spatial and sensory perceptions have typically been approached from different positions represented by architects or anthropologists, the following question remains: How can we develop a methodological framework for exploring entwined sensory and spatial experiences? This paper presents the method development process for our upcoming sensory and spatial fieldwork in the project “The role of light when vision changes.” The process is described in autoethnographic narratives, analysis of the technological frames, approaches, and understandings of light represented in the project, and the knowledge gained from testing the developed tools and schemes hands-on in a home environment. The initial findings indicate that both spatial and sensory experiences are interactional, as experiences situated in a specific body interacting with the specific environment it is situated in. Furthermore, in addition to the changes in visual perception, the spatial and luminous characteristics of the indoor and outdoor environments are also dynamic and changing, making the aspects of transitions and thresholds relevant for our upcoming fieldwork. Our hypothesis is that the shared technological frame developed in the project includes the relevant qualitative and quantitative measures that will allow us to make the knowledge of visually impaired participants explicit in ways that will inform and improve future lighting design.
Optical momentum distributions in monochromatic, isotropic random vector fields
Authors: Gadeyne Titouan , Dennis Mark R
Published: April 2024

We investigate the decomposition of the electromagnetic Poynting momentum density in three-dimensional random monochromatic fields into orbital and spin parts, using analytical and numerical methods. In sharp contrast with the paraxial case, the orbital and spin momenta in isotropic random fields are found to be identically distributed in magnitude, increasing the discrepancy between the Poynting and orbital pictures of energy flow. Spatial correlation functions reveal differences in the generic organization of the optical momenta in complex natural light fields, with the orbital current typically forming broad channels of unidirectional flow, and the spin current manifesting larger vorticity and changing direction over subwavelength distances. These results are extended to random fields with pure helicity, in relation to the inclusion of electric-magnetic democracy in the definition of optical momenta.
Effect of niobium doping on excitonic dynamics in MoSe2
Authors: Wang Wenjie , Wang Yongsheng , He Jiaqi , Bai Zhiying , Li Guili , Zhang Xiaoxian , He Dawei , Zhao Hui
Published: April 2024

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have emerged as attractive two-dimensional semiconductors for future electronic and optoelectronic applications. Their charge transport properties, such as conductivity and the type of charge carriers, can be effectively controlled by substitutional doping of the transition metal atoms. However, the effects of doping on the excitonic properties, particularly their dynamical properties, have been less studied. Using Nb-doped MoSe2 as a case study, we experimentally investigate the effect of doping on excitonic dynamics in TMDs. Transient absorption measurements are used to directly compare the dynamical properties of excitons in Nb-doped MoSe2 across monolayer, bilayer, and bulk flakes with their undoped counterparts. The exciton lifetimes in Nb-doped flakes are significantly shorter than those in their undoped counterparts. This effect is attributed to the trapping of excitons in defect states introduced by Nb impurities. These results reveal an important consequence of Nb doping on excitonic dynamics in TMDs.
Tailoring coercive fields and the Curie temperature via proximity coupling in WSe2/Fe3GeTe2 van der Waals heterostructures
Authors: Ma Guodong , Du Renjun , Lian Fuzhuo , Bao Song , Guo Zijing , Cai Xiaofan , Xiao Jingkuan , Han Yaqing , Zhang Di , Jiang Siqi , Huang Jiabei , Wu Xinglong , Mayorov Alexander S , Wen Jinsheng , Wang Lei , Yu Geliang
Published: April 2024

Hybrid structures consisting of two-dimensional (2D) magnets and semiconductors have exhibited extensive functionalities in spintronics and opto-spintronics. In this work, we have fabricated WSe2/Fe3GeTe2 van der Waals heterostructures and investigated proximity effects on 2D magnetism. Through reflective magnetic circular dichroism, we have observed a temperature-dependent modulation of magnetic order in the heterostructure. For temperatures above

40

K

, WSe2-covered Fe3GeTe2 exhibits a larger coercive field than that observed in bare Fe3GeTe2, accompanied by a noticeable enhancement of the Curie temperature by

21

K

. This strengthening suggests an increase in magnetic anisotropy in the interfacial Fe3GeTe2 layer, which can be attributed to the spin–orbit coupling (SOC) proximity effect induced by the adjacent WSe2 layers. However, at much lower temperatures (

T
<
20

K

), a non-monotonic modification of the coercive field is observed, showing both reduction and enhancement, which depends on the thickness of the WSe2 and Fe3GeTe2 layers. Moreover, an unconventional two-step magnetization process emerges in the heterostructure, indicating the short-range nature of SOC proximity effects. Our findings on proximity coupling may shed light on the design of future spintronic and memory devices based on 2D magnetic heterostructures.
Augmentation of optical and magnetic characteristics at ambient temperature in bismuth ferrite-titanium (BiFe1–xTixO3) multiferroic compounds
Authors: Minh Nguyen Ngoc , Hue Vu Thi , Thu Nguyen Thi , Hien Vu Thu , Dung Dang Duc , Quan Ngo Duc
Published: April 2024

A facile sol–gel approach was utilized to synthesis BiFe1-xTixO3 multiferroic ferrites, denoted as BFO-xTi (with x from 0.00 to 0.10). XRD analysis revealed that the undoped BFO ferrite exhibited a rhombohedral structure, and a transition from the rhombohedral phase to the pseudo-cubic phase occurred as the Ti content increased. The optical band gap increased from 2.00 eV to 2.23 eV with a Ti substitution at 0.10 mol. The magnetic properties exhibited a transition from antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic phase due to the structural phase transition and super-exchange interaction between the 3d orbitals of Ti4+ and Fe3+/Fe2+ at the B-sites through oxygen vacacies. The sample with a 0.10 mol Ti substitution demonstrated the highest M
s and M
r values of 3.68 emu g−1 and 7.21 × 10–3 emu g−1, respectively. Overall, the results suggest that the BiFe1-xTixO3 multiferroic ferrites with optimal composition hold promise for use in magneto-optical devices.
Anodic alumina/carbon composite films: extraction and characterization of the carbon-containing component
Authors: Chernyakova Katsiaryna , Matulaitienė Ieva , Charkova Tatjana , Grincienė Giedrė , Jurevičiūtė Meda , Kopūstas Aurimas , Jagminas Arūnas , Karpicz Renata
Published: April 2024

Alumina/carbon composites are modern nanomaterials used as adsorbents, catalysts, catalyst supports, supercapacitors, and electrode materials for fuel cells. Among other methods, aluminum anodizing is fairly fast and inexpensive for producing anodic alumina/carbon composites with controllable properties. In the present study, the morphology and composition of carbon-enriched anodic alumina films were obtained during aluminum anodic oxidation in formic acid with ammonium heptamolybdate (C content is ca. 5.0 mass%) or oxalic acid (C content 3.4 mass%) additives. The anodic alumina films have a wide blue fluorescence (FL) in the 400–650 nm wavelength range with a maximum at ca. 490 nm. The FL decay is nonexponential and has an average lifetime of 1.54 and 1.59 ns for ammonium heptamolybdate and oxalic acid additives, respectively. As samples obtained in sulfuric acid (i.e. without carbon) do not possess detectable FL in the 400–650 nm wavelength range, it was concluded that carbon-containing inclusions are responsible for the FL properties of the films. The initial samples were dissolved in the hot aqueous HCl solution and then dialyzed to extract the carbon-containing component. It was shown that the solutions contain nanoparticles of amorphous carbon with a 20–25 nm diameter. Carbon nanoparticles also exhibit an excitation-dependent emission behavior at 280–450 nm excitation wavelengths with average lifetimes of 7.25–8.04 ns, depending on the composition of the initial film. Carbon nanoparticle FL is caused by the core of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) and various emission centers on their surface, such as carbonyl, carboxyl, and hydroxyl groups. As CNPs could be exceptional candidates for detection technologies, the biocompatibility assays were performed with living COS-7 mammalian cells, showing a minimal negative impact on the living cells.
Polariton creation in coupled cavity arrays with spectrally disordered emitters
Authors: Patton J T , Norman V A , Mann E C , Puri B , Scalettar R T , Radulaski M
Published: April 2024

Integrated photonics has been a promising platform for analog quantum simulation of condensed matter phenomena in strongly correlated systems. To that end, we explore the implementation of all-photonic quantum simulators in coupled cavity arrays with integrated ensembles of spectrally disordered emitters. Our model is reflective of color center ensembles integrated into photonic crystal cavity arrays. Using the Quantum Master equation and the Effective Hamiltonian approaches, we study energy band formation and wavefunction properties in the open quantum Tavis–Cummings–Hubbard framework. We find conditions for polariton creation and (de)localization under experimentally relevant values of disorder in emitter frequencies, cavity resonance frequencies, and emitter-cavity coupling rates. To quantify these properties, we introduce two metrics, the polaritonic and nodal participation ratios, that characterize the light-matter hybridization and the node delocalization of the wavefunction, respectively. These new metrics combined with the Effective Hamiltonian approach prove to be a powerful toolbox for cavity quantum electrodynamical engineering of solid-state systems.
Using unsupervised clustering approaches to identify common mental health profiles and associated mental health-care service-use patterns in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Orchard Christa , Lin Elizabeth , Rosella Laura , Smith Peter M
Published: April 2024

Mental health is a complex, multidimensional concept that goes beyond clinical diagnoses, including psychological distress, life stress, and well-being. In this study, we aimed to use unsupervised clustering approaches to identify multidimensional mental health profiles that exist in the population, and their associated service-use patterns. The data source was the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey–Mental Health, linked to administrative health-care data; all Ontario, Canada, adult respondents were included. We used a partitioning around medoids clustering algorithm with Gower’s proximity to identify groups with distinct combinations of mental health indicators and described them according to their sociodemographic and service-use characteristics. We identified 4 groups with distinct mental health profiles, including 1 group that met the clinical threshold for a depressive diagnosis, with the remaining 3 groups expressing differences in positive mental health, life stress, and self-rated mental health. The 4 groups had different age, employment, and income profiles and exhibited differential access to mental health-care services. This study represents the first step in identifying complex profiles of mental health at the population level in Ontario. Further research is required to better understand the potential causes and consequences of belonging to each of the mental health profiles identified.

This article is part of a Special Collection on Mental Health.
Avanzando Caminos (Leading Pathways): design and procedures of the Hispanic/Latino Cancer Survivorship Study
Authors: Penedo Frank J , Moreno Patricia I , Pons Magela , Pinheiro Paulo S , Antoni Michael H , Lopes Gilberto , Calfa Carmen , Chalela Patricia , Garcini Luz , Wang Chen-Pin , Chen Yidong , Diaz Adolfo , Cole Steve , Ramirez Amelie G
Published: April 2024

Avanzando Caminos (Leading Pathways): The Hispanic/Latino Cancer Survivorship Cohort Study aims to examine the influence of sociocultural, medical, stress-related, psychosocial, lifestyle, behavioral, and biological factors on symptom burden, health-related quality of life, and clinical outcomes among Hispanics/Latinos who have been previously treated for cancer. Avanzando Caminos is a prospective, cohort-based study of 3000 Hispanics/Latinos who completed primary cancer treatment within the past 5 years that is representative of the general Hispanic/Latino population in the United States. Participants will complete self-report measures at baseline (time [T] 1), 6 months (T2), 1 year (T3), 2 years (T4), 3 years (T5), 4 years (T6), and 5 years (T7). Blood samples drawn for assessment of leukocyte gene expression, cardiometabolic markers, and genetic admixture will be collected at baseline (T1), 1 year (T3), 3 years (T5), and 5 years (T7). Medical and cancer characteristics and clinical outcomes will be extracted from the electronic medical record and/or state cancer registry at each time point. Data analysis will include general latent variable modeling and latent growth modeling. Avanzando Caminos will fill critical gaps in knowledge in order to guide future secondary and tertiary prevention efforts to mitigate cancer disparities and optimize health-related quality of life among Hispanic/Latino cancer survivors.
Impact of a calcium replacement protocol during massive transfusion in trauma patients at a level 2 trauma center
Authors: Shandaliy Yana , Busey Kirsten , Scaturo Nicholas
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Hypocalcemia is associated with increased mortality in trauma patients with hemorrhagic shock who require massive transfusion protocols (MTPs). Despite known risks of potentiating hypocalcemia with blood product administration, there is little research discussing appropriate calcium replacement. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of a standardized calcium replacement protocol to reduce the incidence of hypocalcemia in trauma patients undergoing MTP.

Methods

This retrospective, single-center, pre-post study evaluated the use of a calcium replacement protocol during MTP. Adult trauma patients with MTP orders who received at least one “round” of product transfusion were included. Patients were excluded if their ionized calcium (iCa) levels were unavailable or they were transferred to a higher level of care within 4 hours of presentation. The primary outcome was incidence of hypocalcemia (iCa of <1.1 mg/dL) within 24 hours of MTP initiation. Secondary endpoints included the incidence of severe hypocalcemia (iCa of <0.9 mg/dL), time to first calcium dose, total calcium dose administered (mEq), resolution of hypocalcemia within 24 hours, hypercalcemia, adherence to the calcium replacement protocol, and mortality.

Results

The incidence of hypocalcemia within 24 hours was significantly lower in the postprotocol group (63% vs 95.2%; P = 0.006). There was not a significant difference in the incidence of severe hypocalcemia between the groups (39.1% vs 69.1%; P = 0.083). Time to first calcium dose was significantly shorter in postprotocol patients compared to preprotocol patients (median [interquartile range], 5.5 [0-21] minutes vs 43 [22.8-73] minutes; P < 0.0001), and postprotocol patients were administered more calcium during MTP (40.8 [27.2-54.4] mEq vs 27.2 [14-32.2] mEq; P = 0.005). Adherence to the protocol was seen in only 37% of patients in the postprotocol group. There was no difference in the rate of adverse events or overall mortality.

Conclusion

Trauma patients who received massive transfusion of blood products had a significantly lower incidence of hypocalcemia after a calcium replacement protocol was implemented.
Does lower water availability limit stem CO2 efflux of oak and hornbeam coppices?
Authors: Darenova Eva , Knott Robert , Vichta Tomáš
Published: April 2024

Recent changes in water availability can be crucial for the development, growth and carbon budget of forests. Therefore, our aim was to determine the effect of reduced throughfall and severe summer drought on stem CO2 efflux as a function of temperature and stem increment. Stem CO2 efflux was measured using the chamber method on oak and hornbeam under four treatments: coppice, thinned coppice, and both coppice and thinned coppice with 30 %-reduced throughfall. The first year of the experiment had favourable soil water availability and the second year was characterized by a dry summer. While reduced throughfall had no effect on stem CO2 efflux, the summer drought decreased efflux by 43–81 % during July and August. The stem CO2 efflux was reduced less severely (by 13–40 %) in September when the drought persisted but the stem increment was already negligible. The stem increment was also strongly affected by the drought, which was reflected in its paired relationship with stem CO2 efflux over the two experimental years. The study showed that summer dry periods significantly and rapidly reduce stem CO2 efflux, whereas a constant 30 % rainfall reduction needs probably a longer time to affect stem properties, and indirectly stem CO2 efflux.
Proof-of-concept study exploring the effect of spesolimab in patients with moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Alavi Afsaneh , Prens Errol P , Kimball Alexa B , Frew John W , Krueger James G , Mukhopadhyay Sutirtha , Gao Heli , Ranganathan Usha , Ivanoff Nathalie B , Hernandez Daly Ana C , Zouboulis Christos C
Published: April 2024

Background

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a considerable disease burden. Existing treatment options are limited and often suboptimal; a high unmet need exists for effective targeted therapies.

Objectives

To explore the effects of spesolimab treatment in patients with HS.

Methods

This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled proof-of-clinical-concept (PoCC) study was conducted at 25 centres across 12 countries from 3 May 2021 to 21 April 2022. Patients had moderate-to-severe HS for ≥ 1 year before enrolment. Patients were randomized (2 : 1) to receive a loading dose of 3600-mg intravenous spesolimab (1200 mg at weeks 0, 1 and 2) or matching placebo, followed by maintenance with either 1200-mg subcutaneous spesolimab every 2 weeks from weeks 4 to 10 or matching placebo. The primary endpoint was the percentage change from baseline in total abscess and inflammatory nodule (AN) count at week 12. Secondary endpoints were the absolute change from baseline in the International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System (IHS4), percentage change from baseline in draining tunnel (dT) count, the proportion of patients achieving a dT count of 0, absolute change from baseline in the revised Hidradenitis Suppurativa Area and Severity Index (HASI-R), the proportion of patients achieving Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response (HiSCR50), the proportion of patients with ≥ 1 flare (all at week 12) and patient-reported outcomes.

Results

In this completed trial, randomized patients (n = 52) received spesolimab (n = 35) or placebo (n = 17). The difference vs. placebo in least squares mean is reported. At week 12, the percentage change in total AN count was similar between treatment arms: –4.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) –31.7 to 23.4]. There was greater numerical improvement in the spesolimab arm, as measured by IHS4 (13.9, 95% CI –25.6 to –2.3); percentage change from baseline in dT count (–96.6%, 95% CI –154.5 to –38.8); and the proportion of patients achieving a dT count of 0 (18.3%, 95% CI –7.9 to 37.5). Spesolimab treatment also improved HASI-R and HiSCR50 vs. placebo. Spesolimab demonstrated a favourable safety profile, similar to that observed in trials in other diseases.

Conclusions

This exploratory PoCC study supports the development of spesolimab as a new therapeutic option in HS.
MRI classification of uterosacral ligament involvement in endometriosis: the Hôtel-Dieu classification
Authors: Hélage Siegfried , Rivière Lucas , Buy Jean-Noël , Bordonné Corinne , Préaux Frédéric , Just Pierre-Alexandre , Aflak Nizar , Rousset Pascal , Dion Élisabeth
Published: April 2024

Objective

This study aimed to establish the first-ever MRI classification of uterosacral ligament (USL) involvement in deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), based on reliable preoperative MRI features correlated with positive predictive values (PPVs) determined through histopathological analysis.

Methods

Twenty-two women underwent surgery with histopathology due to symptoms highly suggestive of endometriosis. The 22 preoperative MRIs were analysed retrospectively, blinded to histopathology, and a classification of the preoperative aspect of USLs linked to PPVs was designed.

Results

According to their aspects, 6 radiological types of USL were identified. The “L-category” corresponded to linear types with regular or irregular margins, including types 1, 2, 3A, and 3B. The “N-category” corresponded to haemorrhagic or nodular types, including types 4, 5A, 5B, and 6. For the L-category, PPVs ranged from 75% to 88%, depending on the USL radiological type. For the N-category, PPVs were 100% for each type. In women with endometriosis symptoms, MRI underestimated USL involvement, especially for type 1. Among the 6 uteri with lateral deviation, only one false-positive result concerning the stretched USL was induced.

Conclusions

In women with endometriosis symptoms, our MRI classification identified 2 USL categories, corresponding to 2 kinds of PPV; in these symptomatic patients, a normal MRI does not rule out a DIE diagnosis.

Advances in knowledge

Our MRI classification of USL involvement in endometriosis may be used as a non-invasive staging of the disease, making it much clearer for clinicians and patients. Hence, we are able to propose a suitable diagnostic and therapeutic procedure for each radiological type.
Chromatographic Methods for the Analysis of the Antipsychotic Drug Clozapine and Its Major Metabolites: A Review
Authors: Hrichi Hajer , Kouki Noura , Elkanzi Nadia Ali Ahmed
Published: April 2024

Clozapine (CLZ), a second-generation antipsychotic, can effectively reduce schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression symptoms. This review provides an overview of all reported chromatographic methods (62 references) for the quantification of CLZ and its two main metabolites, norclozapine and clozapine N-oxide in pharmaceutical formulations, biological matrices and environmental samples.
Vertical Transmission of Hepatitis C Virus Among Women With a History of Injection Opioid Use
Authors: Cafardi John M , Lin Hong T , Lange Lana , Kelley Lacey , Lemon Kelly , Odegard Elizabeth A , Meeds Heidi L , Blackard Jason T , Feinberg Judith
Published: April 2024

We evaluated vertical transmission and linkage to care in women with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and history of injection drug use employing co-localized testing and treatment. Transmission occurred in 1 of 23 infants, with mother-infant genetic distance of 1.26%. Rates for infant testing, maternal linkage, and cure were 77%, 52%, and 100%, respectively.
Enhanced pan-genomic resources at the maize genetics and genomics database
Authors: Cannon Ethalinda K , Portwood John L , Hayford Rita K , Haley Olivia C , Gardiner Jack M , Andorf Carson M , Woodhouse Margaret R
Published: April 2024

Pan-genomes, encompassing the entirety of genetic sequences found in a collection of genomes within a clade, are more useful than single reference genomes for studying species diversity. This is especially true for a species like Zea mays, which has a particularly diverse and complex genome. Presenting pan-genome data, analyses, and visualization is challenging, especially for a diverse species, but more so when pan-genomic data is linked to extensive gene model and gene data, including classical gene information, markers, insertions, expression and proteomic data, and protein structures as is the case at MaizeGDB. Here, we describe MaizeGDB's expansion to include the genic subset of the Zea pan-genome in a pan-gene data center featuring the maize genomes hosted at MaizeGDB, and the outgroup teosinte Zea genomes from the Pan-Andropoganeae project. The new data center offers a variety of browsing and visualization tools, including sequence alignment visualization, gene trees and other tools, to explore pan-genes in Zea that were calculated by the pipeline Pandagma. Combined, these data will help maize researchers study the complexity and diversity of Zea, and to use the comparative functions to validate pan-gene relationships for a selected gene model.
Social Connectedness of Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence by Survey Mode and Respondent Dementia
Authors: Cornwell Benjamin , Qu Tianyao , York Cornwell Erin
Published: April 2024

Objectives

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected many aspects of social life, especially among older adults who may face cognitive impairments. Concerning this combination of circumstances, the study evaluates the degree to which data collection on social connectedness among older adults might be affected by the social complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We use data from the National Social Life, Health and Aging Project, a nationally representative study of community-dwelling older adults in the United States, which conducted a special multi-mode COVID study between September 2020 and January 2021, in part to examine social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and to assess how alternative survey modes performed during the pandemic. Our final sample includes 2,251 older adults, aged 55 and older.

Results

Older adults’ social connectedness was adversely affected by the pandemic. People reported a tendency to move toward electronic communication and away from in-person contact. Concomitantly, there is some evidence of survey mode effects that are related to electronic communication. Those who elected to participate on the phone or the internet disproportionately reported using those means of communication with their social network members. Notably, this pattern was stronger among those who did not suffer from dementia, suggesting cognition effects on survey completion.

Discussion

Researchers should remain cognizant of how data on social connections were collected during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings may indicate the role dementia plays in preventing people from adapting to new social networking realities with alternative means of communication during the pandemic.
Bayesian variational time-lapse full waveform inversion
Authors: Zhang Xin , Curtis Andrew
Published: April 2024

Time-lapse seismic full-waveform inversion (FWI) provides estimates of dynamic changes in the Earth’s subsurface by performing multiple seismic surveys at different times. Since FWI problems are highly non-linear and non-unique, it is important to quantify uncertainties in such estimates to allow robust decision making based on the results. Markov chain Monte Carlo (McMC) methods have been used for this purpose, but due to their high computational cost, those studies often require a pre-existing accurate baseline model and estimates of the locations of potential velocity changes, and neglect uncertainty in the baseline velocity model. Such detailed and accurate prior information is not always available in practice. In this study we use an efficient optimization method called stochastic Stein variational gradient descent (sSVGD) to solve time-lapse FWI problems without assuming such prior knowledge, and to estimate uncertainty both in the baseline velocity model and the velocity change over time. We test two Bayesian strategies: separate Bayesian inversions for each seismic survey, and a single joint inversion for baseline and repeat surveys, and compare the methods with standard linearized double difference inversion. The results demonstrate that all three methods can produce accurate velocity change estimates in the case of having fixed (exactly repeatable) acquisition geometries. However, the two Bayesian methods generate significantly more accurate results when acquisition geometries changes between surveys. Furthermore, joint inversion provides the most accurate velocity change and uncertainty estimates in all cases tested. We therefore conclude that Bayesian time-lapse inversion using a joint inversion strategy may be useful to image and monitor subsurface changes, in particular where variations in the results would lead to different consequent decisions.
Multi-omic dissection of the cold resistance traits of white water lily
Authors: Qiu Penghe , Liu Tong , Xu Yingchun , Ye Chunxiu , Zhang Ran , Wang Yanjie , Jin Qijiang
Published: April 2024

The white water lily (Nymphaea candida), exemplifying nature’s resilience, thrives in the high-altitude terrains of Xinjiang, China, serving as an ideal model for investigating cold adaptation mechanisms in aquatic plants. This study meticulously elucidates the complex cold adaptation mechanisms of the white water lily through a comprehensive and integrated methodological approach. We discovered that the water lily undergoes ecodormancy in winter, retaining high cellular viability and growth potential. During overwintering, the white water lily demonstrates effective resource reallocation, a process facilitated by morphological adjustments, thereby strengthening its resistance to cold temperatures. This enhancement is achieved particularly through the compartmentalization of large vacuoles, the accumulation of osmoregulatory substances, and an increased antioxidant capacity. We established the first exhaustive full-length transcriptome for the white water lily. A subsequent comprehensive analysis of the transcriptome, phytohormones, and metabolome uncovered a multifaceted regulatory network orchestrating cold adaptation. Our research spotlights phytohormone signaling, amino acid metabolism, and circadian rhythms as key elements in the water lily’s defense against cold. The results emphasize the critical role of nitrogen metabolism, especially amino acid-related pathways, during cold stress. Metabolite profiling revealed the importance of compounds like myo-inositol and L-proline in enhancing cold tolerance. Remarkably, our study demonstrates that the white water lily notably diminishes the utilization of unsaturated fatty acids in its temperature regulation strategies. In conclusion, this research substantially enriches our understanding of the white water lily’s intricate cold adaptation mechanisms, offering new perspectives on the adaptive strategies of aquatic plants and potential applications in agricultural advancement.
Slope Boundedness and Equidistribution Theorem
Authors: Luo Wenbin
Published: April 2024

In this article, we prove the boundedness of minimal slopes of adelic line bundles over function fields of characteristic $0$. This can be applied to prove the equidistribution of generic and small points with respect to a big and semipositive adelic line bundle. Our methods can be applied to the finite places of number fields as well. We also show the continuity of $\chi $-volumes over function fields.
Biological Variation Estimates for Plasma Copeptin and Clinical Implications
Authors: Choy Kay Weng , Carobene Anna , Loh Tze Ping , Chiang Cherie , Wijeratne Nilika , Locatelli Massimo , Coskun Abdurrahman , Cavusoglu Coskun , Unsal Ibrahim
Published: April 2024

Background

Plasma copeptin measurement is useful for the differential diagnoses of polyuria-polydipsia syndrome. It has also been proposed as a prognostic marker for cardiovascular diseases. However, limited information is available about the within- (CVI) and between-subject (CVG) biological variation (BV). This study presents BV estimates for copeptin in healthy individuals.

Methods

Samples were collected weekly from 41 healthy subjects over 5 weeks and analyzed using the BRAHMS Copeptin proAVP KRYPTOR assay after at least 8 h of food and fluid abstinence. Outlier detection, variance homogeneity, and trend analysis were performed followed by CV-ANOVA for BV and analytical variation (CVA) estimation with 95% confidence intervals. Reference change values (RCVs), index of individuality (II), and analytical performance specification (APS) were also calculated.

Results

The analysis included 178 results from 20 males and 202 values from 21 females. Copeptin concentrations were significantly higher in males than in females (mean 8.5 vs 5.2 pmol/L, P < 0.0001). CVI estimates were 18.0% (95% CI, 15.4%–21.6%) and 19.0% (95% CI, 16.4%–22.6%), for males and females, respectively; RCVs were −35% (decreasing value) and 54% (increasing value). There was marked individuality for copeptin. No result exceeded the diagnostic threshold (>21.4 pmol/L) for arginine vasopressin resistance.

Conclusions

The availability of BV data allows for refined APS and associated II, and RCVs applicable as aids in the serial monitoring of patients with specific diseases such as heart failure. The BV estimates are only applicable in subjects who abstained from oral intake due to the rapid and marked effects of fluids on copeptin physiology.
Aberration Correction for Large-Angle Illumination Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy by Using Iterative Electron Ptychography Algorithms
Authors: Ma Yinhang , Shi Jinan , Guzman Roger , Li Ang , Zhou Wu
Published: April 2024

Modern aberration correctors in the scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) have dramatically improved the attainable spatial resolution and enabled atomical structure and spectroscopic analysis even at low acceleration voltages (≤80 kV). For a large-angle illumination, achieving successful aberration correction to high angles is challenging with an aberration corrector, which limits further improvements in applications such as super-resolution, three-dimensional atomic depth resolution, or atomic surface morphology analyses. Electron ptychography based on four-dimensional STEM can provide a postprocessing strategy to overcome the current technological limitations. In this work, we have demonstrated that aberration correction for large-angle illumination is feasible by pushing the capabilities of regularized ptychographic iterative engine algorithms to reconstruct 4D data sets acquired using a relatively low-efficiency complementary metal oxide semiconductor camera. We report super resolution (0.71 Å) with large-angle illumination (50–60 mrad) and under 60 kV accelerating voltage.
Looking for timing variations in the transits of 16 exoplanets
Authors: Yalçınkaya S , Esmer E M , Baştürk Ö , Muhaymin A , Kutluay A C , Silistre D İ , Akar F , Southworth J , Mancini L , Davoudi F , Karamanlı E , Tezcan F , Demir E , Yılmaz D , Güleroğlu E , Tekin M , Taşkın İ , Aladağ Y , Sertkan E , Kurt U Y , Fişek S , Kaptan S , Aliş S , Aksaker N , Yelkenci F K , Tezcan C T , Kaya A , Oğlakkaya D , Aydın Z S , Yeşilyaprak C
Published: April 2024

We update the ephemerides of 16 transiting exoplanets using our ground-based observations, new Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite data, and previously published observations including those of amateur astronomers. All these light curves were modelled by making use of a set of quantitative criteria with the exofast code to obtain mid-transit times. We searched for statistically significant secular and/or periodic trends in the mid-transit times. We found that the timing data are well modelled by a linear ephemeris for all systems except for XO-2 b, for which we detect an orbital decay with the rate of −12.95 ± 1.85 ms yr−1 that can be confirmed with future observations. We also detect a hint of potential periodic variations in the transit timing variation data of HAT-P-13 b, which also requires confirmation with further precise observations.
Chandra X-ray analysis of Herbig Ae/Be stars
Authors: Anilkumar Hema , Mathew Blesson , Jithesh V , Kartha Sreeja S , Manoj P , Narang Mayank , Chavali Mahathi
Published: April 2024

Herbig Ae/Be (HAeBe) stars are intermediate-mass pre-main-sequence stars, characterized by infrared (IR) excess and emission lines. They are observed to emit X-rays, whose origin is a matter of discussion and not settled yet. X-ray emission is not expected in HAeBe stars, as they lack the subsurface convective zone. In this study, we retrieved observations from the Chandra archive for 62 HAeBe stars, among which 44 sources (detection fraction ∼71  per cent) were detected in X-rays, with 7 being new detections. We use this sample as a test bed to conduct a comparative analysis of the X-ray properties of HAeBe stars and their low-mass counterparts, T Tauri stars (TTSs). Further, we compare the X-ray properties of HAeBe stars and TTSs with optical and IR properties to constrain the X-ray emission mechanism in HAeBe stars. We found no correlation between X-ray emission and disc properties of HAeBe stars, confirming that X-rays are not related to accretion shocks. About 56  per cent of HAeBe stars without any known subarcsec companions have lower plasma temperatures (kT ≤ 2 keV). We observe flaring/variability in HAeBe stars with confirmed low-mass companions. These stars show plasma temperatures > 2 keV, similar to TTSs. Guided by this information, we discuss the role of a T Tauri companion for X-ray emission seen in our sample of HAeBe stars. From the results obtained in this paper, we suggest that X-ray emission from HAeBe stars may not be related to accretion shocks or hidden TTS, but rather can be due to magnetically driven coronal emission.
Towards quantifying the impact of triaxiality on optical signatures of galaxy clusters: weak lensing and galaxy distributions
Authors: Fu Shenming , Zhang Yuanyuan , Avestruz Camille , Coronel Ruben
Published: April 2024

We present observational evidence of the impact of triaxiality on radial profiles that extend to 40 Mpc from galaxy cluster centres in optical measurements. We perform a stacked profile analysis from a sample of thousands of nearly relaxed galaxy clusters from public data releases of the Dark Energy Survey and the Dark Energy Camera Legacy Survey. Using the central galaxy elliptical orientation angle as a proxy for galaxy cluster orientation, we measure cluster weak lensing and excess galaxy density axis-aligned profiles, extracted along the central galaxy’s major or minor axes on the plane of the sky. Our measurements show a ≳ 2σ–3σ difference per radial bin between the normalized axis-aligned profiles. The profile difference between each axis-aligned profile and the azimuthally averaged profile ($\sim \pm 10\,\rm per\ cent-20~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ along major/minor axis) appears inside the clusters (∼0.4 Mpc) and extends to the large-scale structure regime (∼10–20 Mpc). The magnitude of the difference appears to be relatively insensitive to cluster richness and redshift, and extends further out in the weak lensing surface mass density than in the galaxy overdensity. Looking forward, this measurement can easily be applied to other observational or simulation data sets and can inform the systematics in cluster mass modelling related to triaxiality. We expect imminent upcoming wide-area deep surveys, such as the Vera C. Rubin Observatory’s Legacy Survey of Space and Time, to improve our quantification of optical signatures of cluster triaxiality.
Formation of long-period radio pulsars
Authors: Zhou Xia , Huang Hai-Tao , Cheng Quan , Zheng Xiao-Ping
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the influence of different braking mechanisms on the formation of three long-period radio pulsars (PSRs J0250+5854, J2251−3711, and J0901−4046): plasma-filled magnetosphere in combination with magnetic field decay, fall-back disc, and r-mode instability. These braking mechanisms can also affect the thermal evolution of pulsars. By comparing the model-predicted values with observational data such as spin periods, period derivatives, and upper limits of the bolometric luminosity of these pulsars, we find that these three braking mechanisms can reasonably explain the spin period and the period derivative within a certain range of parameters for these sources. The model-predicted bolometric luminosity associated with magnetic field dissipation exceeds the upper limit for PSR J0901−4046 but falls below the upper limits for PSR J0250+5854 and PSR J2251−3711. The model-predicted bolometric luminosity within the fall-back disc model exceeds the observed results, whereas the luminosity within the r-mode instability falls below the observed upper limit for these three pulsars. However, a conflict arises when we consider the pulsar radio activity and the accretion phases within the fall-back disc model simultaneously. By combining data from radio and X-ray observations, along with precise measurements of surface thermal emissions, we can enhance our understanding of the braking mechanisms involved in the formation of long-period radio pulsars or constrain key model parameters. Finding more long-period pulsars in the future and conducting multiband observations will enhance our understanding of the formation and nature of long-period radio pulsars.