bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the three-dimensional flow evolution of a submerged synthetic jet with two circular orifices
Authors: Liu Yingrui , Ji Zhiwei , Wang Hexin , Yu Zhiqiang , Shan Feng
Published: January 2024

Synthetic jet has shown promising applications in active flow control in recent years. Tomographic particle image velocity (Tomo-PIV) is an emerging flow field measurement, which can obtain three-dimensional flow field with a high spatial and temporal resolution to help us better understand the evolution of synthetic jet. Therefore, this paper uses a time-resolved Tomo-PIV system to measure and analyze the three-dimensional flow evolution of a submerged two-orifice synthetic jet. The measurement is conducted for stroke length L = 1.9, 2.6, and 3.0 while keeping the orifice diameter D and the distance between the two orifices s constant. Research results reveal that the three-dimensional flow evolution can be described as follows: first, two independent vortex rings form at the outlet of the orifice plate; next, these two vortex rings interact with each other and merge into a non-circular vortex ring, which then undergoes axis switching and vortex reconnection, with the tendency of splitting into two vortex rings. Furthermore, the position where the axis-switching finishes coincides with the location of the maximum mean streamwise velocity. When the stroke length of the synthetic jet is 2.6, the non-circular vortex ring undergoes a collision of vortices after the completion of the axis switching, resulting in the phenomenon of vortex ring bifurcation. However, the non-circular vortex ring fails to split into two vortex rings for stroke lengths of 1.9 and 3. Moreover, the entrainment of the synthetic jet increases with the increase in stroke length.
Experimental study of an internal beam in stratification of non-constant buoyancy frequency
Authors: Liu Haihan , Wang Zhan , Xu Duo
Published: January 2024

The internal wave brings in non-trivial influence in the ocean. A large number of investigations have focused on the internal wave in linear stratification, which has a constant buoyancy frequency representing a typical and widespread stratification configuration in the ocean. For the non-constant buoyancy frequency configuration, a typical situation in pycnocline in the ocean, the behavior of the internal wave has been far less understood and is experimentally investigated in this study. We use the synthetic schlieren technique to study the internal wave in three cases of characteristic stratification. The cross-beam profiles and the intensity decay of the internal wave are particularly examined and compared with those of the linear stratification.
Group acceptance sampling plan based on truncated life tests using extended odd Weibull exponential distribution with application to the mortality rate of COVID-19 patients
Authors: Alsultan Rehab
Published: January 2024

This study examines group acceptance sampling plans for many items evaluated together, with the product lifetime following the extended odd Weibull exponential (EOWEx) distribution. Significant design parameters are derived when the consumer risk and the test termination period have been established. Different quality levels are used to define the values of the operational characteristic function. The minimum ratios of the specified average life to the real average life are also computed at the risk of the designated producer. The results of this study provide a foundation for future research on a wide variety of situations at the micro-quality level, where the items follow varied probability distributions under the extended odd Weibull exponential scheme. The mortality rate of COVID-19 patients in the UK is used to display the group acceptance sampling plan for the EOWEx distribution. The performance of the presented sampling plan is compared to the ordinary sampling plan when the quality of the product follows the EOWEx distribution.
A systematic search and narrative review of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and men pelvic health care: demonstrated need for improvement
Authors: Wise Emma M. , Morgan Marilyn A. , Biggs Emily D. , Ellis Bronte H. , Joseph Marissa C. , Say Melanie L. , Yanitsas Lea T. , Bullen Jonathan C. , Conley Brooke R. , Lin Ivan B. , Ng Leo , Beales Darren J.
Published: January 2024

Warning This article contains terms, descriptions and opinions that may be culturally sensitive for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Background Pelvic health conditions among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and men are under-recognised and under-reported despite indication of the significant burden of these conditions. Access to effective management provided in a culturally safe manner appears lacking. The study aims were to: (1) summarise the burden of pelvic health conditions among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; (2) explore barriers and enablers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples accessing pelvic healthcare services; and (3) provide considerations on how to implement culturally safe pelvic healthcare services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Methods This study involved a systematic literature search informing a narrative review. Results Fourteen specific articles were identified. Burden related to pelvic health conditions was identified for both women and men, noting high likelihood of under-reporting. Barriers to effective culturally safe treatment included racism, shame and stigma associated with women’s and men’s business, lack of culturally safe services and geographical distance. Enablers included building trust with local communities, using yarning principles and codesign of pelvic health services with Aboriginal health workers and services. Strategies to improve pelvic health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were described at the systems, health service and clinician levels. Conclusion Efforts are needed to improve the diagnosis and management of pelvic health conditions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Actions are required to engage with local Aboriginal Community Controlled Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, professionals overseeing service provision and healthcare providers to address the burden of these conditions among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Migration, belonging, and the sustainability of atoll islands through a changing climate
Authors: Jarillo Sergio , Barnett Jon
Published: January 2024

Climate change might catalyze and exacerbate the trend of outmigration from low-lying atoll islands. There is speculation that migration away from atolls may not stop until such islands are abandoned. Yet migration creates both opportunities and risks for the sustainability of atoll communities. There is a trade-off between reduced demographic pressure on increasingly fragile atoll island environments and the financial and human resources necessary to adapt to climate change that can result from migration. Here we propose and analyze belonging as the centripetal force that makes migration a process that enhances the sustainability of atoll populations. We examine the relationship between migration, belonging, and the sustainability of populations on atoll islands based on data collected in three atoll islands in the Pacific: the island state of Niue; Namdrik Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands; and Budibudi atoll (Laughlan Islands) in Papua New Guinea. In each case, belonging binds the people who live in and migrate from these places into a collective commitment to their continuity, yet it does so to different degrees according to the economic opportunities available to migrants and the infrastructure that enables extended communities to remain connected.
Null mutants of a tomato Rho of plants exhibit enhanced water use efficiency without a penalty to yield
Authors: Puli Mallikarjuna R. , Muchoki Purity , Yaaran Adi , Gershon Noga , Dalal Ahan , Nalufunjo Felista , Dagan Yoav , Rosental Leah , Abadi Shiran , Haber Zachary , Silva Lucas , Brotman Yariv , Sade Nir , Yalovsky Shaul
Published: January 2024

Improving water use efficiency in crops is a significant challenge as it involves balancing water transpiration and CO
2
uptake through stomatal pores. This study investigates the role of SlROP9, a tomato Rho of Plants protein, in guard cells and its impact on plant transpiration. The results reveal that SlROP9 null mutants exhibit reduced stomatal conductance while photosynthetic CO
2
assimilation remains largely unaffected. Notably, there is a notable decrease in whole-plant transpiration in the
rop9
mutants compared to the wild type, especially during noon hours when the water pressure deficit is high. The elevated stomatal closure observed in
rop9
mutants is linked to an increase in reactive oxygen species formation. This is very likely dependent on the respiratory burst oxidase homolog (RBOH) NADPH oxidase and is not influenced by abscisic acid (ABA). Consistently, activated ROP9 can interact with RBOHB in both yeast and plants. In diverse tomato accessions, drought stress represses
ROP9
expression, and in
Arabidopsis
stomatal guard cells, ABA suppresses ROP signaling. Therefore, the phenotype of the
rop9
mutants may arise from a disruption in ROP9-regulated RBOH activity. Remarkably, large-scale field experiments demonstrate that the
rop9
mutants display improved water use efficiency without compromising fruit yield. These findings provide insights into the role of ROPs in guard cells and their potential as targets for enhancing water use efficiency in crops.
MFP1 defines the subchloroplast location of starch granule initiation
Authors: Sharma Mayank , Abt Melanie R. , Eicke Simona , Ilse Theresa E. , Liu Chun , Lucas Miriam S. , Pfister Barbara , Zeeman Samuel C.
Published: January 2024

Starch is one of the major carbohydrate storage compounds in plants. The biogenesis of starch granules starts with the formation of initials, which subsequently expand into granules. Several coiled-coil domain-containing proteins have been previously implicated with the initiation process, but the mechanisms by which they act remain largely elusive. Here, we demonstrate that one of these proteins, the thylakoid-associated MAR-BINDING FILAMENT-LIKE PROTEIN 1 (MFP1), specifically determines the subchloroplast location of initial formation. The expression of MFP1 variants “mis”-targeted to specific locations within chloroplasts in Arabidopsis results in distinctive shifts in not only how many but also where starch granules are formed. Importantly, “re” localizing MFP1 to the stromal face of the chloroplast’s inner envelope is sufficient to generate starch granules in this aberrant position. These findings provide compelling evidence that a single protein MFP1 possesses the capacity to direct the initiation and biosynthesis machinery of starch granules.
Fenton-like activity and pathway modulation via single-atom sites and pollutants comediates the electron transfer process
Authors: Guo Jirui , Wang Yujie , Shang Yanan , Yin Kexin , Li Qian , Gao Baoyu , Li Yanwei , Duan Xiaoguang , Xu Xing
Published: January 2024

The studies on the origin of versatile oxidation pathways toward targeted pollutants in the single-atom catalysts (SACs)/peroxymonosulfate (PMS) systems were always associated with the coordination structures rather than the perspective of pollutant characteristics, and the analysis of mechanism commonality is lacking. In this work, a variety of single-atom catalysts (M-SACs, M: Fe, Co, and Cu) were fabricated via a pyrolysis process using lignin as the complexation agent and substrate precursor. Sixteen kinds of commonly detected pollutants in various references were selected, and their ln
k
obs
values in M-SACs/PMS systems correlated well (
R
2
= 0.832 to 0.883) with their electrophilic indexes (reflecting the electron accepting/donating ability of the pollutants) as well as the energy gap (
R
2
= 0.801 to 0.840) between the pollutants and M-SACs/PMS complexes. Both the electron transfer process (ETP) and radical pathways can be significantly enhanced in the M-SACs/PMS systems, while radical oxidation was overwhelmed by the ETP oxidation toward the pollutants with lower electrophilic indexes. In contrast, pollutants with higher electrophilic indexes represented the weaker electron-donating capacity to the M-SACs/PMS complexes, which resulted in the weaker ETP oxidation accompanied with noticeable radical oxidation. In addition, the ETP oxidation in different M-SACs/PMS systems can be regulated via the energy gaps between the M-SACs/PMS complexes and pollutants. As a result, the Fenton-like activities in the M-SACs/PMS systems could be well modulated by the reaction pathways, which were determined by both electrophilic indexes of pollutants and single-atom sites. This work provided a strategy to establish PMS-based AOP systems with tunable oxidation capacities and pathways for high-efficiency organic decontamination.
A multiscale FEM-MD coupling method for investigation into atomistic-scale deformation mechanisms of nanocrystalline metals under continuum-scale deformation
Authors: Yamazaki Yusuke , Murashima Takahiro , Kouznetsova Varvara , Muramatsu Mayu
Published: January 2024

This study aims to develop a multiscale bridging method for investigating nanocrystalline metals based on macro-scale deformation. For this purpose, we propose a hierarchical multiscale computational method that can focus on some of the elements in a finite element model for scale bridging to atomistic-scale models. This method assumes that atomistic-scale nanocrystalline models are related to the integration points in a finite element and deform based on the macro-scale deformation. Nanocrystalline aluminum was chosen for the validation of the multiscale method. The finite element method (FEM) and the molecular dynamics (MD) method were used for continuum-scale and atomistic-scale simulations, respectively. We utilized the notion of the CauchyBorn rule (CBR) for communicating deformation information from the continuum scale to the atomistic scale. We studied three different cases with two nanocrystalline models and two loading cases to compare differences resulting from crystal structures and loading. Based on the crystal structure change during relaxation, nonequilibrium grain boundaries (NEGBs) were shown to play a role as deformation mechanisms in the plastic regime and induce the onset and migration of crystal defects, including deformation twins, as reported in the experiment. Furthermore, the crystal orientation dependence of the onset of crystal defects was confirmed by the comparison of the results from the two different nanocrystalline models. The qualitative agreement of the results with experimental observations is also confirmed. The proposed ‘FEM-MD’ method can bridge a large-scale gap, for example, from a nano-scale to a continuum-scale such that an MD model can be coupled to a millimeter or centimeter scale compared to other embedding methods. The present method is ideal for investigating the dislocation behavior of nanocrystalline materials, which contain multi-grained nanostructure at finite temperature, undergoing various loading scenarios at the macro-scale.
The first-principles study on the magnetic and electronic properties of Janus Cr-based MXene
Authors: Sun Qian , Zong Wanzhen , Yang Zongxian , Zhang Xilin
Published: January 2024

Using the first-principles calculations, the geometric, magnetic and electronic properties of two-dimensional Janus MXenes Cr2CAB (A/B = F, O, OH) were investigated. The results show that Cr2COF, Cr2CO(OH) and Cr2CF(OH) all exhibit A-type antiferromagnetic. The Janus MXene Cr2CO(OH) and Cr2COF are half metals with the atomic orbital of Cr-d and O-p states contributing to the metal states at the Fermi level in spin up channel. However, Cr2CF(OH) is a semiconductor. Bader charge and geometric structure analyses show that the electron transfer number difference between the O2- and F-/OH- groups and the bond length difference between Cr-O and Cr-OH/F lead to an unequal interaction at the two ends, resulting in a transition from semiconductor properties of Cr2CT2 (T = F, OH) to half metal of Cr2CAB (A = O; B = F, OH). These findings highlight the importance of surface groups on tuning the magnetic and electronic properties of MXene, which benefits to the applications of two-dimensional Janus MXenes in spintronics.
Efficient quantum simulation of open quantum system dynamics on noisy quantum computers
Authors: Sun Shin , Shih Li-Chai , Cheng Yuan-Chung
Published: January 2024

Quantum simulation represents the most promising quantum application to demonstrate quantum advantage on near-term noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) computers, yet available quantum simulation algorithms are prone to errors and thus difficult to realize with limited circuit depth on nowadays quantum devices. Herein, we propose a novel scheme to utilize intrinsic gate errors of NISQ devices to enable controllable simulation of open quantum system dynamics without ancillary qubits or explicit bath engineering, thus turning unwanted quantum noises into useful quantum resources. Specifically, we simulate the energy transfer process in a photosynthetic dimer system on IBM-Q cloud. By employing tailored decoherence-inducing gates, we show that quantum dissipative dynamics can be simulated efficiently across coherent-to-incoherent regimes with results comparable to those of the numerically exact classical method. Moreover, we demonstrate a calibration routine that enables consistent and predictive simulations of open-quantum system dynamics in the intermediate coupling regime. This work provides a new direction for quantum advantage in the NISQ era.
Analytical soliton solutions for the beta fractional derivative Gross–Pitaevskii system with linear magnetic and time dependent laser interactions
Authors: Yépez-Martínez H , Inc Mustafa , Alqahtani Rubayyi T
Published: January 2024

The local conformable beta Atangana derivative will be considered for the introduction of the fractional Gross–Pitaevskii model with conformable derivatives of beta type. Analytical expressions for soliton solutions are constructed by sub-equation method with elliptical functions. The main goal of the current research is to determine the general behavior of the soliton solutions, their dependence on the elliptical parameter and the influence of the fractional order parameter on the time and space scales of the solutions. New entire family of solitons were determined by considering the arising constrains over the parameters of the nonlinear fractional Gross–Pitaevskii system. The analytical expressions for the soliton solutions constructed for the fractional order case reduce to the well known solitons previously reported for hyperbolic and periodic tan-type singular solutions for the integer order limit value, when special cases of the Jacobi elliptic functions are considered. Solitons properties are depicted in 3-D level and 2-D illustrations. The fractional solitons here introduced possess some interesting time evolution behavior observed in the 3-D representations, these time properties are not present in the integer order case and has an important dependency on the fractional parameter of the beta derivative. The solitons here introduced for the nonlinear fractional Gross–Pitaevskii equation will be very useful in future works where additional interactions will be introduced for the study of different Bose–Einstein condensation phenomena, the coupled quasi-one dimensional Gross- Pitaevskii equation or other nonlinear phenomena where non regular oscillations will be involved.
The capacitance/conductance and surface state intensity characteristics of the Al/(CMAT)/p-Si structures
Authors: Çetinkaya H G , Bengi S , Sevgili O , Altındal Ş
Published: January 2024

To determine the Al/(CMAT)/p-Si structure’s admittance analysis, capacitance/conductance versus frequency (C/G-V-f) data was obtained in the 3 kHz-3 MHz and −2/4 V ranges at room temperature. The powder form of CeMgAl11O19: Tb (CMAT) was thermally evaporated onto the front of p-Si wafer at 10−6 Torr as interfacial layer. From the Nicollian and Brews method, voltage-dependent spectra of Rs were derived for various frequencies. The parallel conductance and low-high frequency capacitance (CLF-CHF) techniques, respectively, were used to determine the voltage and frequency dependent spectra of Nss and their lifetime (τ). Surface states (Nss), which are identified by admittance measurements, emerge at the M/S interlayer because of high capacitance and conductance values at low frequencies. This can also be explained by the Nss’s ability to track ac signals well at lower frequencies. The normalized parallel conductance versus frequency (Gp/ω-f) plot under various biases shows a peak because of Nss existence. x-ray diffractometer (XRD) was used for structural investigation and the average crystal size (D) of the nanocrystals (CMAT) was found to be less than 0.34 nm by using the Debye-Scherer’s equation.
Mass and tidal parameter extraction from gravitational waves of binary neutron stars mergers using deep learning
Authors: Soma Shriya , Stöcker Horst , Zhou Kai
Published: January 2024

Gravitational Waves (GWs) from coalescing binaries carry crucial information about their component sources, like mass, spin and tidal effects. This implies that the analysis of GW signals from binary neutron star mergers can offer unique opportunities to extract information about the tidal properties of NSs, thereby adding constraints to the NS equation of state. In this work, we use Deep Learning (DL) techniques to overcome the computational challenges confronted in conventional methods of matched-filtering and Bayesian analyses for signal-detection and parameter-estimation. We devise a DL approach to classify GW signals from binary black hole and binary neutron star mergers. We further employ DL to analyze simulated GWs from binary neutron star merger events for parameter estimation, in particular, the regression of mass and tidal deformability of the component objects.
The results presented in this work demonstrate the promising potential of DL techniques in GW analysis, paving the way for further advancement in this rapidly evolving field. The proposed approach is an efficient alternative to explore the wealth of information contained within GW signals of binary neutron star mergers, which can further help constrain the NS EoS.
The politics of red meat consumption and climate change
Authors: Choma Becky L , Briazu Raluca A , Asrani Vashisht , Cojocariu Ana , Hanoch Yaniv
Published: January 2024

Red meat production is one of the leading sources of carbon dioxide emission thus reducing meat production and consumption is crucial. Using a sample of American adults (n = 456), the link between right-wing sociopolitical ideologies and (i) attitudes towards red meat; (ii) willingness to reduce red meat consumption; (iii) willingness to pay more for red meat; (iv) belief about the impact of red meat consumption on the environment; and (v) and distrust (versus trust) of authorities was examined. Right-wing ideologies (i.e. right-wing-authoritarianism and social dominance orientation) were associated with more positive attitudes towards red meat, unwillingness to consume less red meat or pay more for red meat, disbelief that red meat negatively impacts the environment, and greater distrust of information from authorities that propose a link between red meat production and negative environmental impact. However, results varied by political ideology dimension. Findings suggest that attempts to alter peoples’ red meat consumption—as part of a strategy for tackling climate change—must incorporate a nuanced understanding of the impact of sociopolitical ideologies on attitudes towards red meat consumption and the need to raise awareness about its impact on the environment.
Analyzing the performance of a parabolic trough solar collector with advanced techniques adopted in the absorber- a review
Authors: Bhattacharya Kasturi , Paradeshi Sakshi , Karthik Mayur , V R Sakthiraja , Bibin B S , Edison Gundabattini
Published: January 2024

In this paper, discussions have been made about parabolic trough collectors, their various components and modifications implemented in those systems. It has been seen in this study, that the implementation of design modifications to absorbers, the use of various heat transfer fluids, the use of a secondary reflector as well as the use of pin fins enhance the performance of these Collectors. Furthermore, explanations have been done on the various methods and tools such as the Monte Carlo Ray Tracing method implemented while developing these improvements to the existing system. During this study, it has been observed that varieties of twisted tubes have been used which is one such advancement toward a plane tube absorber. It has been observed that the implementation of changes in the receiver tubes can lead to a system having an efficiency of around 75.5% as compared to the systems with simple tubes while modifications to the reflectors enhance the optical efficiency of the collectors by 5%. It has also been observed that the application of Twisted Tubes enhances the performance by 9.2% more than plane tubes. It has also been found that the fluids used in the absorber tubes have been experimented with wherein nanofluids have been utilized thereby resulting in increased performance. It can be concluded that the maximum thermal achieved by the MWCNT nanofluid is 22% higher than the base fluid.
High-resolution imaging in acoustic microscopy using deep learning
Authors: Banerjee Pragyan , Milind Akarte Shivam , Kumar Prakhar , Shamsuzzaman Muhammad , Butola Ankit , Agarwal Krishna , Prasad Dilip K , Melandsø Frank , Habib Anowarul
Published: January 2024

Acoustic microscopy is a cutting-edge label-free imaging technology that allows us to see the surface and interior structure of industrial and biological materials. The acoustic image is created by focusing high-frequency acoustic waves on the object and then detecting reflected signals. On the other hand, the quality of the acoustic image’s resolution is influenced by the signal-to-noise ratio, the scanning step size, and the frequency of the transducer. Deep learning-based high-resolution imaging in acoustic microscopy is proposed in this paper. To illustrate four times resolution improvement in acoustic images, five distinct models are used: SRGAN, ESRGAN, IMDN, DBPN-RES-MR64-3, and SwinIR. The trained model’s performance is assessed by calculating the PSNR (Peak Signal to Noise Ratio) and SSIM (Structural Similarity Index) between the network-predicted and ground truth images. To avoid the model from over-fitting, transfer learning was incorporated during the procedure. SwinIR had average SSIM and PSNR values of 0.95 and 35, respectively. The model was also evaluated using a biological sample from Reindeer Antler, yielding an SSIM score of 0.88 and a PSNR score of 32.93. Our framework is relevant to a wide range of industrial applications, including electronic production, material micro-structure analysis, and other biological applications in general.
Does the Fundamental Transformation Deter Trade? An Experiment
Authors: Engel Christoph , Helland Eric
Published: January 2024

Oliver Williamson has coined the term “fundamental transformation.” It captures the following situation: before they strike a deal, buyers and sellers are protected by competition. Yet, thereafter, they find themselves in a bilateral monopoly. With common knowledge of standard preferences, both sides would conclude the contract regardless if its expected value exceeds their outside options. We run an experiment to test whether additional behavioral concerns deter mutually beneficial trade. We test four concerns: If the risk materializes, another individual makes a windfall profit; she does so by intentionally exploiting another individual; the exploited individual may be her assigned partner; the individual that is let down is her contractual partner, and hence has voluntarily exposed herself to this risk. Behavioral effects are heterogeneous. About a quarter of participants from a standard student subject pool exhibit the hypothesized additional deterrent effect. This fraction is bigger than a third if participants interact with a random partner from somewhere in the world.
Impact of prenatal marijuana exposure on adolescent brain structural and functional connectivity and behavioural outcomes
Authors: Vishnubhotla Ramana V , Ahmad Sidra T , Zhao Yi , Radhakrishnan Rupa
Published: January 2024

There has been an increase in the number of women using marijuana whilst pregnant. Previous studies have shown that children with prenatal marijuana exposure have developmental deficits in memory and decreased attentiveness. In this study, we assess whether prenatal marijuana exposure is associated with alterations in brain regional morphometry and functional and structural connectivity in adolescents. We downloaded behavioural scores and subject image files from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive DevelopmentSM Study. A total of 178 anatomical and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging files (88 prenatal marijuana exposure and 90 age- and gender-matched controls) and 152 resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging files (76 prenatal marijuana exposure and 76 controls) were obtained. Behavioural metrics based on the parent-reported child behavioural checklist were also obtained for each subject. The associations of prenatal marijuana exposure with 17 subscales of the child behavioural checklist were calculated. We assessed differences in brain morphometry based on voxel-based and surface-based morphometry in adolescents with prenatal marijuana exposure versus controls. We also evaluated group differences in structural and functional connectivity in adolescents for region-to-region connectivity and graph theoretical metrics. Interactions of prenatal marijuana exposure and graph networks were assessed for impact on behavioural scores. Multiple comparison correction was performed as appropriate. Adolescents with prenatal marijuana exposure had greater abnormal or borderline child behavioural checklist scores in 9 out of 17 subscales. There were no significant differences in voxel- or surface-based morphometry, structural connectivity or functional connectivity between prenatal marijuana exposure and controls. However, there were significant differences in prenatal marijuana exposure–graph network interactions with respect to behavioural scores. There were three structural prenatal marijuana exposure–graph network interactions and seven functional prenatal marijuana exposure–graph network interactions that were significantly associated with behavioural scores. Whilst this study was not able to confirm anatomical or functional differences between prenatal marijuana exposure and unexposed pre-adolescent children, there were prenatal marijuana exposure–brain structural and functional graph network interactions that were significantly associated with behavioural scores. This suggests that altered brain networks may underlie behavioural outcomes in adolescents with prenatal marijuana exposure. More work needs to be conducted to better understand the prognostic value of brain structural and functional network measures in prenatal marijuana exposure.
Neuropsychological insights into exercise addiction: the role of brain structure and self-efficacy in middle-older individuals
Authors: Zhang Feifei , Shao Yingbo , Zhang Xiaonan , Zhang Haoyu , Tan Yan , Yang Guoqiang , Wang Xiaochun , Jia Zhiyun , Gong Qiyong , Zhang Hui
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between exercise addiction and brain structure in middle-older individuals, and to examine the role of self-efficacy in mediating physiological changes associated with exercise addiction. A total of 133 patients exhibiting symptoms of exercise addiction were recruited for this study (male = 43, age 52.86 ± 11.78 years). Structural magnetic resonance imaging and behavioral assessments were administered to assess the study population. Voxel-based morphological analysis was conducted using SPM12 software. Mediation analysis was employed to explore the potential neuropsychological mechanism of self-efficacy in relation to exercise addiction. The findings revealed a positive correlation between exercise addiction and gray matter volume in the right inferior temporal region and the right hippocampus. Conversely, there was a negative correlation with gray matter volume in the left Rolandic operculum. Self-efficacy was found to indirectly influence exercise addiction by affecting right inferior temporal region gray matter volume and acted as a mediating variable in the relationship between the gray matter volume of right inferior temporal region and exercise addiction. In summary, this study elucidates the link between exercise addiction and brain structure among middle-older individuals. It uncovers the intricate interplay among exercise addiction, brain structure, and psychological factors. These findings enhance our comprehension of exercise addiction and offer valuable insights for the development of interventions and treatments.
Depth- and curvature-based quantitative susceptibility mapping analyses of cortical iron in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Merenstein Jenna L , Zhao Jiayi , Overson Devon K , Truong Trong-Kha , Johnson Kim G , Song Allen W , Madden David J
Published: January 2024

In addition to amyloid beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been associated with elevated iron in deep gray matter nuclei using quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM). However, only a few studies have examined cortical iron, using more macroscopic approaches that cannot assess layer-specific differences. Here, we conducted column-based QSM analyses to assess whether AD-related increases in cortical iron vary in relation to layer-specific differences in the type and density of neurons. We obtained global and regional measures of positive (iron) and negative (myelin, protein aggregation) susceptibility from 22 adults with AD and 22 demographically matched healthy controls. Depth-wise analyses indicated that global susceptibility increased from the pial surface to the gray/white matter boundary, with a larger slope for positive susceptibility in the left hemisphere for adults with AD than controls. Curvature-based analyses indicated larger global susceptibility for adults with AD versus controls; the right hemisphere versus left; and gyri versus sulci. Region-of-interest analyses identified similar depth- and curvature-specific group differences, especially for temporo-parietal regions. Finding that iron accumulates in a topographically heterogenous manner across the cortical mantle may help explain the profound cognitive deterioration that differentiates AD from the slowing of general motor processes in healthy aging.
Clinical study of camrelizumab combined with docetaxel and carboplatin as a neoadjuvant treatment for locally advanced oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Guo-Liang , Zhu Qi-Kun , Ma Tian-You , Weng Chen-Gang , Zhang Dan-Dan , Zeng Hui , Wang Tao , Gao Feng , Mi Li-Li , Wang Rui
Published: January 2024

Herein, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of camrelizumab combined with docetaxel and carboplatin as a neoadjuvant treatment for locally advanced oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Fifty-one patients with OSCC, treated from July 2020 to October 2022, were analyzed. Of them, 41 patients underwent surgery 4–8 weeks after undergoing two cycles of camrelizumab (200 mg IV Q3W) combined with docetaxel (75 mg/m2 IV Q3W) and carboplatin (area under the curve = 5–6 IV Q3W). The primary endpoint was the pathological complete response rate. All 51 patients (100%) experienced treatment-related grades 1–2 adverse events, and 2 patients (3.9%) experienced grade 4 events (including elevated alanine transaminase/aspartate transferase levels and Guillain–Barre syndrome). Fifty patients were evaluated for the treatment efficacy. Of them, 13 achieved complete response, and the objective response rate was 74%. Only 41 patients underwent surgical treatment. The pathological complete response rate was 17.1%, the major pathological response rate was 63.4%, and the R0 resection rate was 100%. Approximately 22% of the patients had tumor regression grades 0. Eight patients (19.5%) developed surgery-related complications. The median follow-up time was 18 months (range: 3–29 months). Four patients experienced disease progression, while four died. The median disease-free survival and overall survival were not reached. Camrelizumab combined with docetaxel and carboplatin is an effective and safe neoadjuvant treatment for locally advanced OSCC. This regimen may afford a potential strategy to treat patients with locally advanced OSCC.
Ultrasound-assisted catheter-directed thrombolysis in a patient with COVID-19 infection and bilateral intermediate-to-high-risk pulmonary embolism: a case report
Authors: Korosoglou Grigorios , Mouselimis Dimitrios , Koenig Elke , Konstantinides Stavros
Published: January 2024

Background

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common cardiovascular disorder, potentially associated with high morbidity and mortality rates.

Case summary

Herein, we report on a patient with COVID-19 infection and bilateral PE, who presented after cardiovascular resuscitation with return of spontaneous circulation. Initially, an acute coronary syndrome was suspected but bedside echocardiography showed dilatation of the right ventricle (RV) and RV dysfunction, helping to establish the diagnosis of acute intermediate-to-high-risk PE, which was subsequently confirmed by contrast-enhanced computed tomography pulmonary angiography. The patient was successfully treated using low-dose (12 mg of tissue plasminogen) ultrasound-assisted catheter-directed thrombolysis, which resulted in prompt clinical improvement and reversal of RV dysfunction without bleeding complications.

Discussion

This case demonstrates the importance of echocardiography for the differential diagnosis of PE and of catheter-directed thrombolysis for its treatment in patients with intermediate-to-high-risk and high-risk PEs.
A peacetime battleground: national symbols, patriotism and prestige in the French-occupied Rhineland, 1920–23
Authors: Connolly James E
Published: January 2024

Tensions and violence were central to the French interwar occupation of the Rhineland. This article examines symbolic opposition and violence carried out by locals, as perceived by the French authorities, mainly involving attacks on flags, singing banned patriotic songs, or displaying German patriotic colours. Although rarer than physical violence, the ways in which French officials documented and responded to such incidents allow for an insight into the mindset of the French occupiers. The victorious but sensitive French were especially concerned with notions of prestige, dignity and authority, drawing on colonial ideas, and quick to punish attacks on symbols of French power. Even during the beginning of the organized ‘passive resistance’ campaign in 1923, French authorities were as concerned with songs and flags as with demonstrations and physical violence. French sensitivity around national symbols betrayed deeper insecurities and uncertainties regarding their role both in the occupied territory and the wider world.
Respected individuals: when state representatives wield outsize influence in international organizations
Authors: Forster Timon
Published: January 2024

States are keen to send representatives to international organizations, instructing them to pursue national interests and monitor staff. Yet academics tend to ignore these individuals and approximate state influence by vote shares and other state-level attributes. Against this background, I examine when state representatives in international organizations wield outsize influence on decision-making. Based on scholarship of bureaucrats in international organizations, European studies and an interdisciplinary literature on negotiation, I argue that state delegates matter beyond their national affiliation. Empirically, I study one especially powerful institution in global governance: the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Elite interviews with IMF state representatives demonstrate that delegates carefully plan their interventions, behaving independently while also extending their constituents' interests. Based on the analysis of these interviews, I theorize ‘respected individuals’ to describe state representatives who can wield outsize influence on decision-making. Their prestige and impact depend on: first, perceived autonomy from their home governments; and second, relevant expertise, social skills and deliberative craft. In the IMF, respected individuals are most likely to represent relatively weak states; more generally, my work speaks to debates on the power of small states in international financial institutions and multilateral negotiations. Together, the findings explicate how individuals impact organizational decision-making, with important implications for practitioners in such institutions.
(Re)introducing world hegemony into the ‘global organic crisis’
Authors: Pass Jonathan
Published: January 2024

Neo-Gramscians have drawn on the concept of interregnum and connected terms to shed light on the ‘global organic crisis’ they claim we have been living through since 2008. I examine their ideas, highlighting the important contributions they have made in this terrain. In doing so, however, certain oversights are detected in the neo-Gramscian theoretical framework, leaving them unable to explain fully the dynamics of the contemporary international system or, more pointedly, structural change itself. Ultimately this stems from ontological shallowness: a tendency to reduce reality to intersubjectivity and conscious class agency. Rooted in critical realism, and drawing on Gramsci and Gramsci-inspired scholars such as world-systems analyst Giovanni Arrighi, this article aims to offer a more convincing account of the present conjuncture. In contrast to the neo-Gramscian transnational perspective, I recognize the continuing relevance of ‘world hegemony’, arguing that the global organic crisis is actually an expression of a systemic crisis afflicting American world hegemony and the neoliberal accumulation regime it helps underwrite. Hegemony has never been solely based on consensus—coercion and militarism are integral to it. Nonetheless, this article questions the sustainability of a world hegemon (the United States) increasingly reliant on political and military means to overcome ‘incurable structural conditions’ in a changing global scenario.
From EU battlegroups to Rapid Deployment Capacity: learning the right lessons?
Authors: Meyer Christoph O , Van Osch Ton , Reykers Yf
Published: January 2024

The article uses the case of the development of the European Union Battlegroups to the Rapid Deployment Capacity (RDC) to better understand the changing learning capacity of the EU in its military Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). The article develops a theoretical framework to capture the most significant factors affecting learning by drawing on insights from the literatures on organizational learning and policy failure, with a specific focus on military organizations and CSDP. This framework is then used to study to what degree the EU has learnt the right lessons from the creeping failure of the Battlegroups, which factors affected learning, and to what degree the EU suffers from specific learning pathologies. The article draws on elite interviews, secondary and grey literature, and the high-level practitioner experience of one author. It finds that the EU has improved its learning capacities and correctly identified most of the military-operational root causes of the failure, yet struggled to correctly identify or address the political–strategic ones. This article offers insights to practitioners on where to best target efforts to improve learning. The theoretical framework could help to illuminate the challenges of political–military learning in multi-national regional organizations under difficult epistemic conditions.
Mexican women's neglected early International Relations contributions
Authors: Brun Élodie
Published: January 2024

This article addresses the underrepresentation of women from the global South in International Relations (IR) thinking. Gender disparities and academic global inequalities affect the quality of research in IR. The cases of three prominent women scholars—Minerva Morales, Olga Pellicer and Rosario Green, affiliated with one of the first academic departments of IR in Latin America, the Center for International Studies at El Colegio de México—are illustrative of how power and asymmetries can shape the circulation of ideas and limit our understanding of international relations. Despite their relevant contributions and successful careers, these scholars faced structural limitations to reaching an international audience and receiving the same status as their male peers. An examination of their publications shows that their inclusion helps us to improve our knowledge of the plural sources of IR debates. Consequently, they enlighten us on the persistent trends and challenges that still characterize the international insertion of Latin American countries, which have political consequences. Global asymmetries, research creativity, development and debt issues, domestic constraints in foreign policy and the imperative but difficult multilateral cooperation are their main areas of analysis that resonate in current world politics.
Missing voices: Latin American perspectives in International Relations
Authors: Villanueva Ricardo , De Alba-Ulloa Jessica , Olvera Pedro González , Lorenzini María Elena
Published: January 2024

Academics working in International Relations (IR) often portray the discipline as predominantly American. The traditional orthodox narrative of the discipline, told through the ‘Great Debates’, reinforces this, as it depicts the main scholars in the history of the discipline as primarily originating from either the United States or the United Kingdom. In fact, the most popular books covering key thinkers in the discipline feature virtually no Latin American theorists. The marginalization of voices from the global South, including women, and of non-traditional perspectives has created a knowledge gap within the discipline. To address this, this special section of International Affairs, ‘Missing voices: Latin American perspectives in International Relations’, delves into the rich tapestry of international thought on world affairs, encompassing the works of several intellectuals from Latin America. We are convinced that highlighting these perspectives is vital to dispelling myths and positioning IR in the path of a truly global discipline.
Root architecture and rhizosphere–microbe interactions
Authors: Gifford Miriam L , Xu Guohua , Dupuy Lionel X , Vissenberg Kris , Rebetzke Greg
Published: January 2024

Plant roots fulfil crucial tasks during a plant’s life. As roots encounter very diverse conditions while exploring the soil for resources, their growth and development must be responsive to changes in the rhizosphere, resulting in root architectures that are tailor-made for all prevailing circumstances. Using multi-disciplinary approaches, we are gaining more intricate insights into the regulatory mechanisms directing root system architecture. This Special Issue provides insights into our advancement of knowledge on different aspects of root development and identifies opportunities for future research.