bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Faraday instability of viscous liquid films on a heated substrate with Maxwell–Cattaneo heat flux
Authors: Wang Jialu , Jia Beinan , Jian Yongjun
Published: September 2024

Faraday instability of viscous liquid films with Maxwell–Cattaneo (MC) heat flux on an infinite, heated horizontal substrate subject to vertical time-varying periodic vibration is investigated theoretically. The MC effect means that the response of the heat flux to a temperature gradient obeys a relaxation time law rather than a classical Fourier time law. Applying the classic Floquet theory to linear analysis, a recursive relation is obtained. When considering the MC effect, a new phenomenon appears at a large wave number k. The neutral stability curves branch new tongues that turn left rather than right as before, but the tongues still move up and right as the wave number increases. Furthermore, typical harmonic (H) and subharmonic (SH) alternation behavior continues to exist. Interestingly, the first tongue of a branch is H or SH, implying that there is a transition following the branches. However, near the critical wave number kc of a branch, the SH and H almost overlap. As Cattaneo number C increases, the tongue-like unstable zones of branches become wider, and the critical wave number kc of the appeared branch becomes small. As the driving frequency ω decreases, the branch tongues become elongated and the critical wave number kc of the appeared branch becomes small.
Cryo-EM structures of a mycobacterial ABC transporter that mediates rifampicin resistance
Authors: Wang Yinan , Gao Shan , Wu Fangyu , Gong Yicheng , Mu Nengjiang , Wei Chuancun , Wu Chengyao , Wang Jun , Yan Ning , Yang Huifang , Zhang Yifan , Liu Jiayi , Wang Zeyu , Yang Xiuna , Lam Sin Man , Shui Guanghou , Li Siyuan , Da Lintai , Guddat Luke W. , Rao Zihe , Zhang Lu
Published: September 2024

Drug-resistant Tuberculosis (TB) is a global public health problem. Resistance to rifampicin, the most effective drug for TB treatment, is a major growing concern. The etiological agent,
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(
Mtb
), has a cluster of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters which are responsible for drug resistance through active export. Here, we describe studies characterizing
Mtb
Rv1217c–1218c as an ABC transporter that can mediate mycobacterial resistance to rifampicin and have determined the cryo-electron microscopy structures of Rv1217c–1218c. The structures show Rv1217c–1218c has a type V exporter fold. In the absence of ATP, Rv1217c–1218c forms a periplasmic gate by two juxtaposed-membrane helices from each transmembrane domain (TMD), while the nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs) form a partially closed dimer which is held together by four salt-bridges. Adenylyl-imidodiphosphate (AMPPNP) binding induces a structural change where the NBDs become further closed to each other, which downstream translates to a closed conformation for the TMDs. AMPPNP binding results in the collapse of the outer leaflet cavity and the opening of the periplasmic gate, which was proposed to play a role in substrate export. The rifampicin-bound structure shows a hydrophobic and periplasm-facing cavity is involved in rifampicin binding. Phospholipid molecules are observed in all determined structures and form an integral part of the Rv1217c–1218c transporter system. Our results provide a structural basis for a mycobacterial ABC exporter that mediates rifampicin resistance, which can lead to different insights into combating rifampicin resistance.
The
SORL1
p.Y1816C variant causes impaired endosomal dimerization and autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Jensen Anne Mette G. , Raska Jan , Fojtik Petr , Monti Giulia , Lunding Melanie , Bartova Simona , Pospisilova Veronika , van der Lee Sven J. , Van Dongen Jasper , Bossaerts Liene , Van Broeckhoven Christine , Dols-Icardo Oriol , Lléo Alberto , Bellini Sonia , Ghidoni Roberta , Hulsman Marc , Petsko Gregory A. , Sleegers Kristel , Bohaciakova Dasa , Holstege Henne , Andersen Olav M.
Published: September 2024

Truncating genetic variants of
SORL1
, encoding the endosome recycling receptor SORLA, have been accepted as causal of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, most genetic variants observed in
SORL1
are missense variants, for which it is complicated to determine the pathogenicity level because carriers come from pedigrees too small to be informative for penetrance estimations. Here, we describe three unrelated families in which the
SORL1
coding missense variant rs772677709, that leads to a p.Y1816C substitution, segregates with Alzheimer’s disease. Further, we investigate the effect of SORLA p.Y1816C on receptor maturation, cellular localization, and trafficking in cell-based assays. Under physiological circumstances, SORLA dimerizes within the endosome, allowing retromer-dependent trafficking from the endosome to the cell surface, where the luminal part is shed into the extracellular space (sSORLA). Our results showed that the p.Y1816C mutant impairs SORLA homodimerization in the endosome, leading to decreased trafficking to the cell surface and less sSORLA shedding. These trafficking defects of the mutant receptor can be rescued by the expression of the SORLA 3Fn-minireceptor. Finally, we find that iPSC-derived neurons with the engineered p.Y1816C mutation have enlarged endosomes, a defining cytopathology of AD. Our studies provide genetic as well as functional evidence that the
SORL1
p.Y1816C variant is causal for AD. The partial penetrance of the mutation suggests this mutation should be considered in clinical genetic screening of multiplex early-onset AD families.
Superresolution imaging of antibiotic-induced structural disruption of bacteria enabled by photochromic glycomicelles
Authors: Hu Xi-Le , Gan Hui-Qi , Gui Wen-Zhen , Yan Kai-Cheng , Sessler Jonathan L. , Yi Dong , Tian He , He Xiao-Peng
Published: September 2024

Bacterial evolution, particularly in hospital settings, is leading to an increase in multidrug resistance. Understanding the basis for this resistance is critical as it can drive discovery of new antibiotics while allowing the clinical use of known antibiotics to be optimized. Here, we report a photoactive chemical probe for superresolution microscopy that allows for the in situ probing of antibiotic-induced structural disruption of bacteria. Conjugation between a spiropyran (SP) and galactose via click chemistry produces an amphiphilic photochromic glycoprobe, which self-assembles into glycomicelles in water. The hydrophobic inner core of the glycomicelles allows encapsulation of antibiotics. Photoirradiation then serves to convert the SP to the corresponding merocyanine (MR) form. This results in micellar disassembly allowing for release of the antibiotic in an on-demand fashion. The glycomicelles of this study adhere selectively to the surface of a Gram-negative bacterium through multivalent sugar–lectin interaction. Antibiotic release from the glycomicelles then induces membrane collapse. This dynamic process can be imaged in situ by superresolution spectroscopy owing to the “fluorescence blinking” of the SP/MR photochromic pair. This research provides a high-precision imaging tool that may be used to visualize how antibiotics disrupt the structural integrity of bacteria in real time.
An energy efficient leaky integrate and fire neuron using Ge-source TFET for spiking neural network: simulation analysis
Authors: Tiwari Shreyas , Saha Rajesh , Varma Tarun
Published: September 2024

The basic building block of neural network is a device, which can mimic the neural behavior. The spiking neural network (SNN) is an efficient methodology in terms of power and area. Due to the excess energy consumption and larger area, various spintronic neural devices are unfit for neuron applications. In this article, we have implemented Ge source based Tunnel FET (TFET) for ultralow energy spike generation using TCAD simulator. It is seen that Ge source TFET has signature spiking frequency in THz range versus input voltage curve of an artificial biological neuron. The simulated device deploy the leaky integrate and fire (LIF) technique for generation of neurons. The simulation result highlights that the energy of device is 1.08 aJ/spike, which is several order less than existing neural based FET devices in literature.
A crack identification scheme based on neural network surrogate model and XFEM
Authors: Zhong Yudong , Zeng Xue , Hou Junjian , Wang Ruolan , Wang Liangwen , Zhao Dengfeng , He Wenbin , Zheng Yinan
Published: September 2024

Crack detection and identification is of great significance to the safety issues of engineering structures. In this paper, an intelligent crack identification scheme based on extended finite element and neural network surrogate model is proposed to realize the accurate identification of crack parameters. The method firstly employs extended finite element forward analysis to obtain the displacement data of measurement points on geometric models with different crack lengths, and inputs them as sample data to train the agent model, establishes a neural network-based inverse analysis model for crack identification, and automatically updates the threshold and weight of the neural network by using the Gray Wolf optimization algorithm to finally compute the globally optimal results. In the screening of the surrogate model, this paper verifies the advantages of the neural network surrogate model in data fitting and crack information extraction by comparing and analyzing the characteristics of neural network, support vector machine and other surrogate models, and optimizing the neural network surrogate model by adopting the Gray Wolf optimization algorithm. Finally, several numerical examples of different types of cracks are given to verify the validity of the proposed method, and the results show that the proposed method can accurately invert the geometric information of cracks.
Proca stars in wormhole spacetime
Authors: Su Xin , Hao Chen-Hao , Ren Ji-Rong , Wang Yong-Qiang
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we present the spherically symmetric Proca star in the presence of a
phantom field and obtain a traversable wormhole solution for non-trivial topological
spacetime. Using numerical methods, symmetric solutions and asymmetric solutions are obtained in
two asymptotically flat regions. We find that when changing the throat size r
0, both the ADM
mass M and the Noether charge Q no longer have the spiral characteristics of a classic Proca
star, furthermore, the asymmetric solution can be turned into the symmetric solution at some
frequency ω in certain r
0. In particular, we find that when the frequency takes a
certain value, the similar “black-bounce” structure will appear.
Unified monogamy relations for the generalized W-class states beyond qubits
Authors: Shen Zhong-Xi , Zhou Wen , Xuan Dong-Ping , Wang Zhi-Xi , Fei Shao-Ming
Published: September 2024

The monogamy of entanglement stands as an indispensable feature within multipartite quantum systems. We study monogamy relations with respect to any partitions for the generalized W-class (GW) states based on the unified-(q, s) entanglement (UE). We provide the monogamy relation based on the squared UE for a reduced density matrix of a qudit GW state, as well as tighter monogamy relations based on the αth (α ≥ 2) power of UE. Furthermore, for an n-qudit system ABC
1...C

n−2, a generalized monogamy relation and an upper bound satisfied by the βth (0 ≤ β ≤ 1) power of the UE for the GW states under the partition AB and C
1...C

n−2 are established. In particular, two partition-dependent residual entanglements for the GW states are analyzed in detail.
Pit density reduction for AlN epilayers grown by molecular beam epitaxy using Al modulation method
Authors: Liu 刘 Huan 欢 , Shao 邵 Peng-Fei 鹏飞 , Chen 陈 Song-Lin 松林 , Tao 陶 Tao 涛 , Yan 严 Yu 羽 , Xie 谢 Zi-Li 自力 , Liu 刘 Bin 斌 , Chen 陈 Dun-Jun 敦军 , Lu 陆 Hai 海 , Zhang 张 Rong 荣 , Wang 王 Ke 科
Published: September 2024

We have investigated homoepitaxy of AlN films grown by molecular beam epitaxy on AlN/sapphire templates by adopting both the continuous growth method and the Al modulation epitaxy (AME) growth method. The continuous growth method encounters significant challenges in controlling the growth mode. As the precise Al/N = 1.0 ratio is difficult to achieve, either the excessive Al-rich or N-rich growth mode occurs. In contrast, by adopting the AME growth method, such a difficulty has been effectively overcome. By manipulating the supply time of the Al and nitrogen sources, we were able to produce AlN films with much improved surface morphology. The first step of the AME method, only supplying Al atoms, is important to wet the surface and the Al adatoms can act as a surfactant. Optimization of the initial Al supply time can effectively reduce the pit density on the grown AlN surface. The pits density dropped from 12 pits/μm2 to 1 pit/μm2 and the surface roughness reduced from 0.72 nm to 0.3 nm in a 2 × 2 μm2 area for the AME AlN film homoepitaxially grown on an AlN template.
Physics-informed Neural Network for Force-free Magnetic Field Extrapolation
Authors: Zhang Yao , Xu Long , Yan Yihua
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we propose a physics-informed neural network extrapolation method that leverages machine learning techniques to reconstruct coronal magnetic fields. We enhance the classical neural network structure by introducing the concept of a quasi-output layer to address the challenge of preserving physical constraints during the neural network extrapolation process. Furthermore, we employ second-order optimization methods for training the neural network, which are more efficient compared to the first-order optimization methods commonly used in classical machine learning. Our approach is evaluated on the widely recognized semi-analytical model proposed by Low and Lou. The results demonstrate that the deep learning method achieves high accuracy in reconstructing the semi-analytical model across multiple evaluation metrics. In addition, we validate the effectiveness of our method on the observed magnetogram of active region.
Fast Two-dimensional Positioning Method of Crab Pulsar Based on Multiple Optimization Algorithms
Authors: Chen Jianfeng , Liu Jin , Ma Xin , Ning Xiaolin
Published: September 2024

In the two-dimensional positioning method of pulsars, the grid method is used to provide non-sensitive direction and positional estimates. However, the grid method has a high computational load and low accuracy due to the interval of the grid. To improve estimation accuracy and reduce the computational load, we propose a fast two-dimensional positioning method for the crab pulsar based on multiple optimization algorithms (FTPCO). The FTPCO uses the Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) algorithm, three-point orientation (TPO) method, particle swarm optimization (PSO) and Newton–Raphson-based optimizer (NRBO) to substitute the grid method. First, to avoid the influence of the non-sensitive direction on positioning, we take an orbital error and the distortion of the pulsar profile as optimization objectives and combine the grid method with the LM algorithm or PSO to search for the non-sensitive direction. Then, on the sensitive plane perpendicular to the non-sensitive direction, the TPO method is proposed to fast search the sensitive direction and sub-sensitive direction. Finally, the NRBO is employed on the sensitive and sub-sensitive directions to achieve two-dimensional positioning of the Crab pulsar. The simulation results show that the computational load of the FTPCO is reduced by 89.4% and the positioning accuracy of the FTPCO is improved by approximately 38% compared with the grid method. The FTPCO has the advantage of high real-time accuracy and does not fall into the local optimum.
High-power three-phase interleaved parallel NPC structure DC-DC converter modeling and simulation
Authors: Zhang Haoran , Zuo Dongsheng , Li Yang
Published: September 2024

In fields such as DC microgrids, renewable energy generation, and electric vehicle charging stations, three-phase NPC structure DC-DC converters play an irreplaceable role, constituting a significant part of modern power electronics technology. Mathematical models are established based on various operating modes of IGBT switching devices under PWM control, encompassing input voltage, output voltage, phase currents, average current, and duty cycle. Simulation models are constructed on the MATLAB platform to confirm the correctness of these mathematical models. Closed-loop control strategies are implemented using proportional-integral (PI) controllers. This control strategy serves to confirm the precision of the mathematical models.
Low-delay low-voltage load aggregator demand response communication transmission architecture based on 5g edge computing
Authors: Qin Yupeng , Lin Xiuqing , Huang Junli
Published: September 2024

Participation of low-voltage users in demand response is one of the most important ways to mitigate the mismatch between power supply and demand. However, existing smart metering devices cannot support the low-delay and high-reliability transmission of massive power data. 5G communication technology provides a new communication transmission structure for load aggregators to communicate with low-voltage users and power grid companies. This paper combines 5G communication slicing technology and edge computing technology to rationally allocate computing and communication resources through deep Q-learning algorithms. The scheme proposed in this paper has a lower delay than the equal resource allocation scheme and is suitable for high-speed transmission of massive interactive response data from low-voltage users.
An on-time control circuit applied to DC-DC interface circuits in power management
Authors: Xue Haoyu , Li Chunlong , Huang Hui , Wu Jianhui , Liu Xin , Lu Yongling
Published: September 2024

This article proposes an on-time control circuit that improves the overall efficiency of DC-DC in power management. The low maximum power tracking efficiency of the adaptive on-time control technique under low input voltage and the low efficiency of the constant on-time control method DC-DC itself under high input voltage are both resolved by this circuit. It is assumed that this circuit is applied under the condition that the resistance of the environmental source remains unchanged. The circuit enhances the maximum power tracking efficiency under low input voltage, and the DC-DC maximum power tracking efficiency may maintain an efficiency value of more than 95%. At high input voltages, the circuit maintains the DC-DC inductor peak current nearly constant as the input voltage varies. Under DC-DC pre-simulation, when the input voltage exceeds 0.5 V, the overall efficiency will be better than 90%. Under DC-DC post-simulation, when the input voltage reaches 1 V, the overall efficiency will be greater than 90%.
Research on insulation design of 10 kV medium-voltage cascaded energy storage system
Authors: Chen Man , Gu Mengyuan , Peng Peng , Wan Minhui , Wang Dachen , Wang Wenjie , Tan Qipeng , Lei Qikai , Sun Guangxu , Cong Haibo
Published: September 2024

The insulation design of a medium-voltage cascaded energy storage system is very important due to its direct access to the AC medium-voltage network. This paper focuses on improving the reliability and safety of the system operation, and realizes the insulation design of a 10 kV medium-voltage cascaded energy storage system through the selection of insulation materials and structural innovation. In the structure, high insulation sheet molding plastic was used to suspend the battery. The ultra-low conductivity coolant was used to enhance the insulation performance between battery modules. The stability and practicability of the insulation structure are demonstrated by effective test methods. The research shows that the medium voltage insulation design meets the insulation requirements of the 10 kV voltage class, and has high industrial practical value for the project of medium voltage cascaded energy storage system.
Corrigendum: Acceleration and interannual variability of creep rates in mountain permafrost landforms (rock glacier velocities) in the European Alps in 1995–2022 (2024 Environ. Res. Lett. 19 034022)
Authors: Kellerer-Pirklbauer Andreas , Bodin Xavier , Delaloye Reynald , Lambiel Christophe , Gärtner-Roer Isabelle , Bonnefoy-Demongeot Mylène , Carturan Luca , Damm Bodo , Eulenstein Julia , Fischer Andrea , Hartl Lea , Ikeda Atsushi , Kaufmann Viktor , Krainer Karl , Matsuoka Norikazu , Morra Di Cella Umberto , Noetzli Jeannette , Seppi Roberto , Scapozza Cristian , Schoeneich Philippe , Stocker-Waldhuber Martin , Thibert Emmanuel , Zumiani Matteo
Published: September 2024

This is a correction for Kellerer-Pirklbauer et al (2024 Environ. Res. Lett.
19 034022).
Developing motion profiles for the rotating coulisse within a complex mechanism used for harvesting cotton in a vertical spindle machine
Authors: Siddikov Shukhrat , Abdazimov Anvar , Atadjanova M M , Abdikayimova G A
Published: September 2024

This paper describes a multiloop of the coulisse mechanism (MCM) for a vertical spindle cotton harvester, designed by researchers at the Tashkent State Technical University (TSTU). The MCM aims to improve cotton harvesting efficiency by increasing the contact time between open bolls and the harvesting mechanism. The paper outlines the research objectives, which include: determining the kinematic parameters of the MCM using the graphic-analytical method; constructing acceleration plans for key points within the mechanism. The research methodology is based on kinematic analysis and computer-aided graphic-analytical studies. The paper highlights the challenges associated with using analytical formulas due to their complexity and computational demands. Therefore, the authors advocate for the graphic-analytical method, citing its effectiveness and compatibility with modern computer technology. The paper acknowledges previous research on the MCM, including the determination of speed parameters, and references relevant figures from earlier publications. Finally, the paper mentions the initial data for the analysis, which includes the mechanism plan at a specific coulisse angle. Overall, this abstract summarizes the development and analysis of a new cotton harvesting mechanism, emphasizing the chosen methodology and key findings.
Determination of the probabilistic content of organic fertilizer fractions after exposure to arch-destroying and crushing agrotechnological devices
Authors: Ibragimov Abdirasuli , Abdurakhmanov Abdukarim , Uteniyazov Pulat , Artykbaev Bakhtiyar , Khadzhiev Adham
Published: September 2024

Achieving stable and uniform dosing of organic fertilizers during local application necessitates the crushing of large lumps to a specific size range. The process of breaking down these lumps follows a random distribution. By leveraging the integral function of the normal distribution of random variables intertwined with principles of probability theory, equations are formulated to ascertain the distribution of lump sizes within organic fertilizers. Furthermore, these equations enable the calculation of the likelihood of obtaining lumps of specified sizes post the interaction of the vault-breaker-shredder’s fingers with counter-cutting ribs on the fertilizer. This analytical approach provides a systematic method to optimize the sizing and distribution of organic fertilizer particles for enhanced application efficiency and effectiveness.
A primer on twists in the noncommutative realm focusing on algebra, representation theory, and geometry
Authors: Ocal Pablo , Ueyama Kenta , Veerapen Padmini
Published: September 2024

We review several techniques that twist an algebra’s multiplicative structure. We first consider twists by an automorphism, also known as Zhang twists, and we relate them to 2-cocycle twists of certain bialgebras. We then outline the classification and properties of twisted tensor products, and we examine twisted Segre products. Our exposition emphasizes clarity over generality, providing a wealth of interconnecting examples.
On the geometry of some algebras related to the Weyl groupoid.
Authors: Musson Ian
Published: September 2024

Let

k

\mathtt {k}

be an algebraically closed field of characteristic zero. Let

g

\mathfrak {g}

be a finite dimensional classical simple Lie superalgebra over

k

\mathtt {k}

or

g
l

(
m
,
n
)

\mathfrak {gl}(m,n)

. In the case that

g

\mathfrak {g}

is a Kac-Moody algebra of finite type with set of roots

Δ
\Delta

, Sergeev and Veselov introduced the Weyl groupoid

W

=

W

(
Δ
)

\mathfrak {W}=\mathfrak {W}(\Delta )

, which has significant connections with the representation theory of

g

\mathfrak {g}

. Let

h

\mathfrak {h}

,

W
W

and

Z
(

g

)

Z(\mathfrak {g})

be a Cartan subalgebra of

g

0

\mathfrak {g}_0

, the Weyl group of

g

0

\mathfrak {g}_0

and the center of

U
(

g

)

U(\mathfrak {g})

respectively. Also let

G
G

be a Lie supergroup with Lie

G
=

g

G =\mathfrak {g}

. There are several important commutative algebras related to

W

\mathfrak {W}

. Namely - The image

I
(

h

)

I(\mathfrak {h})

of the injective Harish-Chandra map

Z
(

g

)
⟶
S
(

h

)
W

Z(\mathfrak {g})\longrightarrow S(\mathfrak {h})^W

. - The supercharacter

Z

\mathbb {Z}

-algebras

J
(

g

)

J(\mathfrak {g})

and

J
(
G
)

J(G)

of finite dimensional representations of

g

\mathfrak {g}

and

G
G

. Let

A

=

A

(

g

)

\mathcal {A} = \mathcal {A}(\mathfrak {g})

be denote either

I
(

h

)

I(\mathfrak {h})

or

J
(
G
)

⊗

Z

k

J(G) \otimes _{\mathbb {Z}}\mathtt {k}

. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the algebraic geometry of

A

.

\mathcal {A}.

In many cases, the algebra

A

\mathcal {A}

satisfies the Nullstellensatz. This gives a bijection between radical ideals in

A

\mathcal {A}

and superalgebraic sets (zero loci of such ideals). Any superalgebraic set is uniquely a finite union of irreducible superalgebraic components. In the Kac-Moody case, we describe the smallest superalgebraic set containing a given (Zariski) closed set, and show that the superalgebraic sets are exactly the closed sets that are unions of groupoid orbits.
The Vocal Apparatus
Authors: Jahn Anthony F , Cho Youngnan Jenny
Published: September 2024

This chapter provides a detailed and easy-to-follow description of the anatomy involved in voice production. It describes the structures involved in singing and how they work to produce the voice. The chapter further explains how these structures work—the physiology of breathing, phonation, and the supraglottic structures, that is, the resonators that amplify and modify the sound into the singing voice.
From Function to Performance
Authors: Jahn Anthony F , Cho Youngnan Jenny
Published: September 2024

This chapter provides an overview of basic aspects of the singing voice, including vocal range and voice types, and how the physiologic function of the vocal apparatus translates into vocal performance. Concepts such as the transition points (primo and secondo passaggio) are discussed and explained in terms of mechanism. A discussion of vibrato, including its possible purpose, is included. Finally, a shorter section deals with the often-neglected topic of the speaking voice.
Frequent Complaints, Common-Sense Solutions
Authors: Jahn Anthony F , Cho Youngnan Jenny
Published: September 2024

A few common complaints that affect singers account for most visits to the doctor. This chapter addresses these issues, which may seem insignificant to some but can have a major impact on vocal performers. These include excess mucus, pain and discomfort, throat infections, and nasal obstruction. We emphasize how singers can identify these problems and offer practical suggestions for self-management.
Diet and Singing
Authors: Jahn Anthony F , Cho Youngnan Jenny
Published: September 2024

Weight is a controversial topic for singers. As the visual aspects of performance have become more important, the appearance of performers has become the subject of increasing scrutiny. The authors take the position that singers should maintain a weight that is normal for them and allows them to sing and act comfortably. A certain amount of weight is healthy, in terms of both general well-being and support of the voice. This chapter offers specific suggestions for a healthy diet in this context and cautions against precipitous and excessive weight loss.
Demonic Possession and the Proof of True Faith
Authors: Watzka Carlos
Published: September 2024

Paulus Knorr von Rosenroth wrote a lengthy report on three cases of demonic possession in Graz in 1599–1600, just as tension between Catholics and Lutherans brought the threat of civil war. The appearance of a peasant girl who claimed to be possessed by evil spirits became important for Catholic clergy, who hoped to demonstrate that only believers in the true faith were given the divine power to expel demons. Two more cases of demonic possession were observed in the city, one of which involved a member of court society, and even Archduke Ferdinand and his family attended the exorcisms. Knorr von Rosenroth was one of those who conducted the exorcisms, but his report was denied episcopal approval and the manuscript disappeared in the diocesan archive for four hundred years.
Possession and Exorcism in Kōfuku no Kagaku
Authors: Pokorny Lukas K
Published: September 2024

Kōfuku no Kagaku (internationally known as Happy Science) is a major Japanese new religious movement with branches operating worldwide. A central theme in recent years has been the potential of possession by evil spirits. In this respect, Kōfuku no Kagaku offers a variety of exorcistic and apotropaic rituals. This chapter examines how spirit possession is understood in Kōfuku no Kagaku doctrine and delineates a broad range of practical measures offered to members to combat and ward off possession. In Kōfuku no Kagaku, exorcism functions as a power node of faith in practice. Moreover, it is intended to serve members as a compass for an ideal conduct of life.
Demons in the Country, Demons in the City
Authors: Sersch Michael
Published: September 2024

This chapter explores three distinct possession narratives reflecting conspiratorial thinking and the underlying anxieties that fuel these narratives. Anxiety about proper sexual behavior and appropriate gender norms coupled with opposition to existing power structures and economic uncertainty appear to be significant motivating factors for those who take up conspiratorial thought, especially with reference to demonic possession. The suppression of the Roman Bacchanalian (Dionysiac) rites has distinct parallels to the unspoken anxieties of German Catholic immigrants living in the midwestern United States in the 1920s, as attested in a pamphlet describing the exorcism of Anna Ecklund, and these same fears, in a contemporary setting, motivated many of those who took part in the attack on the US Capitol on 6 January 2021. “Demons” are at work in society as political opponents are “demonized,” a theme that also leaves itself open to satire.
Confirming the Causal Role of Consistent Contexts in Developing a Walking Habit: A Randomized Comparison With Varied Contexts
Authors: Ebert Jane E J , Lin Xin Yao
Published: September 2024

Background

Physical activity interventions using habit development may help people increase and then maintain physical activity increases over time. Enacting behavior in consistent contexts is a central component of habit development, yet its causal role in habit development in health behaviors has not been confirmed.

Purpose

This study tests the causal role of consistent context in habit development in health behavior, using a randomized control trial of a planning intervention to develop a walking habit in 127 insufficiently active, working, midlife adults in a real-world setting.

Methods

We compare participants who plan walking in consistent contexts with controls who plan walking in varied contexts and with controls not required to plan on a change in average daily steps (measured using an accelerometer) and inhabit automaticity during a 4-week intervention and at a 4-week follow-up.

Results

As expected, consistent and varied context planners increased walking during the intervention, but only consistent context planners developed (and maintained) habit automaticity. Counter to expectations, consistent context planners did not show walking maintenance. However, across conditions, participants who developed more habit automaticity during the intervention also maintained walking more (decreased less). Having a routine daily schedule moderated some effects. Notably, no-plan controls with greater routine developed more habit automaticity, mediated by walking in more consistent contexts.

Conclusions

This study confirms the causal role of consistent contexts in developing a walking habit, in a real-world setting, with an important but challenging population for physical activity interventions and identifies a facilitating condition common for many: a routine schedule.
ReadCurrent: a VDCNN-based tool for fast and accurate nanopore selective sequencing
Authors: Fan Kechen , Li Mengfan , Zhang Jiarong , Xie Zihan , Jiang Daguang , Bo Xiaochen , Zhao Dongsheng , Shi Shenghui , Ni Ming
Published: September 2024

Nanopore selective sequencing allows the targeted sequencing of DNA of interest using computational approaches rather than experimental methods such as targeted multiplex polymerase chain reaction or hybridization capture. Compared to sequence-alignment strategies, deep learning (DL) models for classifying target and nontarget DNA provide large speed advantages. However, the relatively low accuracy of these DL-based tools hinders their application in nanopore selective sequencing. Here, we present a DL-based tool named ReadCurrent for nanopore selective sequencing, which takes electric currents as inputs. ReadCurrent employs a modified very deep convolutional neural network (VDCNN) architecture, enabling significantly lower computational costs for training and quicker inference compared to conventional VDCNN. We evaluated the performance of ReadCurrent across 10 nanopore sequencing datasets spanning human, yeasts, bacteria, and viruses. We observed that ReadCurrent achieved a mean accuracy of 98.57% for classification, outperforming four other DL-based selective sequencing methods. In experimental validation that selectively sequenced microbial DNA from human DNA, ReadCurrent achieved an enrichment ratio of 2.85, which was higher than the 2.7 ratio achieved by MinKNOW using the sequence-alignment strategy. In summary, ReadCurrent can rapidly classify target and nontarget DNA with high accuracy, providing an alternative in the toolbox for nanopore selective sequencing. ReadCurrent is available at https://github.com/Ming-Ni-Group/ReadCurrent.
Nonparametric worst-case bounds for publication bias on the summary receiver operating characteristic curve
Authors: Zhou Yi , Huang Ao , Hattori Satoshi
Published: September 2024

The summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve has been recommended as one important meta-analytical summary to represent the accuracy of a diagnostic test in the presence of heterogeneous cutoff values. However, selective publication of diagnostic studies for meta-analysis can induce publication bias (PB) on the estimate of the SROC curve. Several sensitivity analysis methods have been developed to quantify PB on the SROC curve, and all these methods utilize parametric selection functions to model the selective publication mechanism. The main contribution of this article is to propose a new sensitivity analysis approach that derives the worst-case bounds for the SROC curve by adopting nonparametric selection functions under minimal assumptions. The estimation procedures of the worst-case bounds use the Monte Carlo method to approximate the bias on the SROC curves along with the corresponding area under the curves, and then the maximum and minimum values of PB under a range of marginal selection probabilities are optimized by nonlinear programming. We apply the proposed method to real-world meta-analyses to show that the worst-case bounds of the SROC curves can provide useful insights for discussing the robustness of meta-analytical findings on diagnostic test accuracy.
Influence of vitamin D in orthodontic tooth movement—a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in humans
Authors: Tini Akansha , Subramanian Saravana Kumar , Anbarasu Prema , Munusamy Naveen , Balamurugan Bhavana , Antony Arul
Published: September 2024

Background

Orchestration of tooth movement necessitates an equilibrium of bone synthesis and resorption. Vitamin D, through receptor-mediated actions, regulates the differentiation and maturation of osteoblasts and also induces osteoclastogenesis, maintaining this equilibrium.

Objective

To analyze the impact of vitamin D in orthodontic tooth movement (OTM).

Search method

A comprehensive exploration of the existing literature was conducted by systematic search through seven e-databases.

Selection criteria

The criteria for inclusion were established using the PICO format: Orthodontic patients treated with fixed appliance (P), administered with vitamin D3 (I), collated with appropriate control groups (C), with tooth movement as the primary outcome and root resorption, anchorage loss, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) volume, pain perception, and alveolar bone density as the secondary outcome (O).

Data collection and analysis

After an extensive database search, 251 articles were obtained. Six articles were chosen following a stringent selection using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The critical appraisal of randomized control trials (RCTs) involved the meticulous application of the RoB 2 tool. The quantitative synthesis incorporated a subset of six articles only.

Results

In the meta-analysis investigating the influence of vitamin D on OTM, a notable disparity was evident between the vitamin D and control groups. Specifically, the standardized mean difference (SMD) stood at 1.43, accompanied by a 95% confidence interval (CI) ranging from 0.691 to 2.169 (P = .00154). For root resorption, the SMD was recorded at −0.51, with a 95% CI spanning from −3.051 to 2.031 (P = .11).

Conclusions

The rate of tooth movement was enhanced by systemic and local administration of vitamin D. However, the inadequacy of available data is a hindrance in determining conclusively the impact of vitamin D on the extent of root resorption. The resolution of this quandary needs future human studies devoted toward investigating the influence of vitamin D in the realms of OTM and associated root resorption, thereby providing a definitive elucidation.

Registration details

Prospero- CRD42023491783
Comparative Genomics Uncovers the Evolutionary Dynamics of Detoxification and Insecticide Target Genes Across 11 Phlebotomine Sand Flies
Authors: Charamis Jason , Balaska Sofia , Ioannidis Panagiotis , Dvořák Vít , Mavridis Konstantinos , McDowell Mary Ann , Pavlidis Pavlos , Feyereisen René , Volf Petr , Vontas John
Published: September 2024

Sand flies infect more than 1 million people annually with Leishmania parasites and other bacterial and viral pathogens. Progress in understanding sand fly adaptations to xenobiotics has been hampered by the limited availability of genomic resources. To address this gap, we sequenced, assembled, and annotated the transcriptomes of 11 phlebotomine sand fly species. Subsequently, we leveraged these genomic resources to generate novel evolutionary insights pertaining to their adaptations to xenobiotics, including those contributing to insecticide resistance. Specifically, we annotated over 2,700 sand fly detoxification genes and conducted large-scale phylogenetic comparisons to uncover the evolutionary dynamics of the five major detoxification gene families: cytochrome P450s (CYPs), glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs), UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs), carboxyl/cholinesterases (CCEs), and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. Using this comparative approach, we show that sand flies have evolved diverse CYP and GST gene repertoires, with notable lineage-specific expansions in gene groups evolutionarily related to known xenobiotic metabolizers. Furthermore, we show that sand flies have conserved orthologs of (i) CYP4G genes involved in cuticular hydrocarbon biosynthesis, (ii) ABCB genes involved in xenobiotic toxicity, and (iii) two primary insecticide targets, acetylcholinesterase-1 (Ace1) and voltage gated sodium channel (VGSC). The biological insights and genomic resources produced in this study provide a foundation for generating and testing hypotheses regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying sand fly adaptations to xenobiotics.
Psychiatric Comorbidity Does Not Enhance Prescription Opioid Use in Inflammatory Bowel Disease as It Does in the General Population
Authors: Bernstein Charles N , Fisk John D , Walld Randy , Bolton James M , Sareen Jitender , Patten Scott B , Singer Alexander , Lix Lisa M , Hitchon Carol A , El-Gabalawy Renée , Katz Alan , Graff Lesley A , Marrie Ruth Ann ,   for the CIHR Team in Defining the Burden and Managing the Effects of Psychiatric Comorbidity in Chronic Immunoinflammatory Disease, Marrie Ruth Ann , Bolton James M , Sareen Jitender , Patten Scott B , Singer Alexander , Lix Lisa M , Hitchon Carol A , El-Gabalawy Renée , Katz Alan , Fisk John D , Bernstein Charles N , Graff Lesley , Berrigan Lindsay , Zarychanski Ryan , Peschken Christine , Marriott James , Kowalec Kaarina , Berrigan Lindsay
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Little is known about patterns of opioid prescribing in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but pain is common in persons with IBD. We estimated the incidence and prevalence of opioid use in adults with IBD and an unaffected reference cohort and assessed factors that modified opioid use.

Methods

Using population-based health administrative data from Manitoba, Canada, we identified 5233 persons with incident IBD and 26 150 persons without IBD matched 5:1 on sex, birth year, and region from 1997 to 2016. New and prevalent opioid prescription dispensations were quantified, and patterns related to duration of use were identified. Generalized linear models were used to test the association between IBD, psychiatric comorbidity, and opioid use adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, physical comorbidities, and healthcare use.

Results

Opioids were dispensed to 27% of persons with IBD and to 12.9% of the unaffected reference cohort. The unadjusted crude incidence per 1000 person-years of opioid use was nearly twice as high for the IBD cohort (88.63; 95% CI, 82.73-91.99) vs the reference cohort (45.02; 95% CI, 43.49-45.82; relative risk 1.97; 95% CI, 1.86-2.08). The incidence rate per 1000 person-years was highest in those 18-44 years at diagnosis (98.01; 95% CI, 91.45-104.57). The relative increase in opioid use by persons with IBD compared to reference cohort was lower among persons with psychiatric comorbidity relative to the increased opioid use among persons with IBD and reference cohort without psychiatric comorbidity.

Discussion

The use of opioids is more common in people with IBD than in people without IBD. This does not appear to be driven by psychiatric comorbidity.
Lenacapavir to prevent HIV infection: current prices versus estimated costs of production
Authors: Hill Andrew , Levi Jacob , Fairhead Cassandra , Pilkington Victoria , Wang Junzheng , Johnson Madison , Layne Jevon , Roberts David , Fortunak Joseph
Published: September 2024

Background

Despite improvements in treatment and oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) access, 1.3 million people acquired HIV in 2022. Six-monthly lenacapavir PrEP could benefit tens of millions of people at high risk of infection. However, prices are currently up to $44 819 per person per year (pppy).

Objectives

We projected minimum lenacapavir pricing based on generic mass production and a Cost-Plus (Cost+) model.

Methods

Current active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and key starting materials (KSMs) costs were obtained from export databases. The routes of synthesis (ROS) were analysed to project a cost of goods (COGs). Formulation, vials and profit margin costs were included using standardized algorithms and Cost+ pricing. We estimated prices with scale-up to supply 1 million then 10 million treatment-years, comparing this with national list prices.

Results

The lenacapavir API is currently exported from India for $64 480/kg on 1 kg scale. Based on the ROS and KSMs, API COGs of $25 000/kg and $10 000/kg are achievable for a committed demand of 1 million (2 million tonnes/annum of API) and 10 million treatment-years, respectively. Including formulation steps, injectable lenacapavir could be mass produced for approximately $94 pppy for 1 million and $41 for 10 million treatment-years, if voluntary licences are in place and competition between generic suppliers substantially improves. Greater scale-up with improvements in manufacturers’ ROS could reduce prices further. Currently lenacapavir costs $25 395–44 819 pppy.

Conclusions

Lenacapavir could be mass produced for <$100 pppy at launch. Voluntary licensing and multiple suppliers are required to achieve these low prices. This mechanism is already in place for other antiretrovirals. To date, Gilead has not agreed lenacapavir voluntary licences with the Medicines Patent Pool.
Transgenic poplar (Populus davidiana×P. bolleana Loucne) expressing dsRNA of insect chitinase gene: lines identification and resistance assay
Authors: Jiang Yun-Xiao , Li Man-Yu , Han Qing , Tan Jia-Lin , Wang Zi-Yan , Jing Tian-Zhong
Published: September 2024

Poplar is a valuable tree species that is distributed all over the world. However, many insect pests infest poplar trees and have caused significant damage. To control poplar pests, we transformed a poplar species, Populus davidiana × P. bolleana Loucne, with the dsRNA of the chitinase gene of a poplar defoliator, Clostera anastomosis (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae), employing an Agrobaterium-mediated approach. The transgenic plant has been identified by cloning the T-DNA flanking sequences using TAIL-PCR and quantifying the expression of the dsRNA using qPCR. The toxicity assay of the transgenic poplar lines was carried out by feeding the target insect species (C. anastomosis). The results showed that, in C. anastomosis, the activity of chitinase was significantly decreased, consistent with the expression on mRNA levels, and the larval mortality was significantly increased. These results suggested that the transgenic poplar of dsRNA could be used for pest control.
How a speaker herds the audience: multibrain neural convergence over time during naturalistic storytelling
Authors: Chang Claire H C , Nastase Samuel A , Zadbood Asieh , Hasson Uri
Published: September 2024

Storytelling—an ancient way for humans to share individual experiences with others—has been found to induce neural alignment among listeners. In exploring the dynamic fluctuations in listener–listener (LL) coupling throughout stories, we uncover a significant correlation between LL coupling and lagged speaker–listener (lag-SL) coupling over time. Using the analogy of neural pattern (dis)similarity as distances between participants, we term this phenomenon the “herding effect.” Like a shepherd guiding a group of sheep, the more closely listeners mirror the speaker’s preceding brain activity patterns (higher lag-SL similarity), the more tightly they cluster (higher LL similarity). This herding effect is particularly pronounced in brain regions where neural alignment among listeners tracks with moment-by-moment behavioral ratings of narrative content engagement. By integrating LL and SL neural coupling, this study reveals a dynamic, multibrain functional network between the speaker and the audience, with the unfolding narrative content playing a mediating role in network configuration.