bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spin Hall magnetoresistance across a paramagnetic Pt/NdGaO3 interface
Authors: Eswara Phanindra V. , Das A. , van Rijn J. J. L. , Chen S. , van Wees B. J. , Banerjee T.
Published: July 2023

In recent years, spin Hall magnetoresistance (SMR) has emerged as an efficient way to probe the spontaneous magnetization state in ordered magnetic systems by electrical current. Less known is its versatility as a probe of materials that do not possess spontaneous magnetization, such as in paramagnets. In this work, SMR is used to probe paramagnetic NdGaO3 (NGO), a rare earth oxide, possessing a sizable spin–orbit interaction (L = 6). NGO has not been investigated earlier for its efficiency in propagating spins. We have performed extensive temperature and angle dependent-magnetoresistance (ADMR) studies along different crystallographic axes in NGO, using platinum (Pt) as a spin injector and a detector and utilizing (inverse) spin Hall effect. We find a close correlation between the temperature dependence of the ADMR response with magnetization in NGO and a linear current bias dependence of the ADMR amplitudes. These are characteristics of the SMR effect in Pt/NGO, arising from the torque acting on localized moments in NGO and considering crystal field induced intermultiplet transitions with temperature. Control experiments on Pt/SrTiO3 and Pt/SiO2 devices were also carried out in order to validate the observed SMR response in the Pt/NGO bilayer and to rule out magnetoresistive contributions from Pt.
Microscopic coalescence mechanism of nanoparticle-laden droplet pairs in the coupling of electric field and flow field: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Li Bin , Ju Mingdong , Dou Xiaohui , Yu Kai , Zhang Wei , Sun Zhiqian , Wang Zhentao , Wang Junfeng
Published: July 2023

Electrocoalescence is a time-saving and energy-efficient technology for dehydrating crude oil. The microscopic coalescence mechanism of nanoparticle-laden water droplet pair in the coupling of electric field and flow field was studied by molecular dynamics simulations. The present numerical results agreed well with the experimental work in the literature and the theoretical predictions. The effects of electric field strength and direction, flow field strength and type, droplet intersection angle, and multiple droplets on nanoparticle-laden droplet pair coalescence in the coupling fields were systematically discussed. The results illustrate that four coalescence modes occurred in the coupling of electric field and shearing flow field (E&S coupling fields), and the coalescence efficiencies ranked as: rolling coalescence mode > temporary coalescence mode > stretching mode > slipping mode. Electric fields dominate droplet coalescence, while flow fields enhance droplet coalescence in the coupling fields. Furthermore, parallel direction of electric field and flow field generally leads to high coalescence efficiencies. As to the multiple droplet systems, in the coupling of x-axis electric field and rotating flow field (E&R coupling fields), the coalescence efficiencies ranked as structure I > structure IV > structure III > structure II, whereas, in the y-axis E&R coupling fields, the coalescence efficiencies ranked as structure I > structure III > structure IV > structure II. Finally, the coalescence efficiencies of the E&R coupling fields were always higher than those of the E&S coupling fields. The results will be potentially valuable for optimizing the design of compact and efficient crude oil dehydrators.
3D-motion phase modulation for protecting image information
Authors: Ji Yu , Wen Xiu , Zhou Xuyang , Li Yutong , Wang Yiran , Fu Longhui , Liu Zhengjun , Liu Shutian
Published: July 2023

For most optical encryption mechanisms, craft precision of phase modulation components is finite, restricting information efficient sharing and compatibility with processing. We demonstrate an alternative method with strong practicability in which a random phase is modulated by multiplexed sensing without optical elements, releasing the constraints mentioned above. This is accomplished by dynamic-field integral imaging in three-dimensional space, replacing transient imaging of ordinary light fields. Specifically, information encoding and recovery of intensity and phase with Fourier phase shift law are demonstrated. Axial dimension extends the capacity of key spaces. The simple and flexible optical modulation mechanism also could enable optical asymmetric encryption platforms with high security and low storage capacity configuration.
Pollard's exact solution for nonhydrostatic geophysical internal waves with underlying currents in f-plane approximation
Authors: Su Dong , Gao Hongjun
Published: July 2023

In the paper, we present Pollard's exact solution for nonhydrostatic geophysical internal waves with underlying currents in f-plane approximation. We construct the exact solution of nonhydrostatic geophysical internal waves in the presence of underlying currents, extending Pollard's solution to admit underlying horizontal, meridional, and vertical currents at mid-latitudes. Furthermore, we show the underlying meridional and vertical currents are constant. At the equator, the vertical current term vanishes and the meridional current term may vary both zonally and vertically.
Modeling of wake features of a propeller using the vorticity confinement method
Authors: Wang Lianzhou , Liu Xinyu , Chao Xinyue , Guo Jianwei , Liao Jianbin
Published: July 2023

The instability and evolution mechanisms of propeller wakes are of vital significance to the development of next-generation propulsion devices with better hydrodynamic and noise performances. The temporal–spatial scales and the vortex details are important for the understanding of the vortex features and their dynamic responses to the propeller. In the present study, the vorticity confinement (VC) method was employed on the numerical simulations achieved by the improved delay detached eddy simulation with various advance coefficients to characterize the underlying features of wake flows. Comparisons were made between the results computed with and without the VC model from different perspectives. The analyses showed that the VC method captures more high-frequency power spectral density results as well as more small-scale vortical topology on the far downstream field based on the same spatial resolution and indicates the multi-scale interference on the tip vortex evolutionary trajectories. The VC method also elucidates rich small vortical structures with low advance coefficient and elliptical instability with high advance coefficient. This paper further widens our knowledge on the propeller wake evolution mechanisms and highlights the value of the VC method in the investigation of propeller wakes.
Fireline production rate of handcrews in wildfires of the Spanish Mediterranean region
Authors: Ortega Macarena , Rodríguez y Silva Francisco , Molina Juan Ramón
Published: July 2023

Background Handcrews dig handlines to bare mineral soil for fire containment. Increasing the amount of firefighting resources is insufficient to mitigate wildfire damage or decrease the number of large fires. Aims This study aims to empirically assess handcrew fireline production rates through direct monitoring of suppression actions on active wildfires. Methods A database was created from information gathered by crew supervisors during wildfires in southern Spain between 2014 and 2019. Fireline production rates were calculated from working time and handline length. Key results Mean fireline production rate during direct attack in chaparral was 0.33 m min−1 firefighter−1, whereas production in timber litter was 1.06 m min−1 firefighter−1. However, fireline production rate was considerably reduced during indirect attack, in fuel types with high fuel loading, on wildfires larger than 50 ha, after 3 h of sustained suppression action, with crews of more than nine firefighters, in unsuccessful fire containment, and when the ground crews lacked aerial support. Conclusions Our results suggest mean fireline production rates need to be modified by working conditions and psychological variables to better inform efficient acquisition and allocation of resources. Implications Knowing the operating capability of firefighting resources is important to fire managers for reducing uncertainty and guaranteeing the safety and effectiveness of suppression.
Mechanism of RanGTP priming H2A-H2B release from Kap114 in an atypical RanGTP•Kap114•H2A-H2B complex
Authors: Jiou Jenny , Shaffer Joy M. , Bernades Natalia E. , Fung Ho Yee Joyce , Kikumoto Dias Juliana , D’Arcy Sheena , Chook Yuh Min
Published: July 2023

Previously, we showed that the nuclear import receptor Importin-9 wraps around the H2A-H2B core to chaperone and transport it from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. However, unlike most nuclear import systems where RanGTP dissociates cargoes from their importins, RanGTP binds stably to the Importin-9•H2A-H2B complex, and formation of the ternary RanGTP•Importin-9•H2A-H2B complex facilitates H2A-H2B release to the assembling nucleosome. It was unclear how RanGTP and the cargo H2A-H2B can bind simultaneously to an importin, and how interactions of the three components position H2A-H2B for release. Here, we show cryo-EM structures of Importin-9•RanGTP and of its yeast homolog Kap114, including Kap114•RanGTP, Kap114•H2A-H2B, and RanGTP•Kap114•H2A-H2B, to explain how the conserved Kap114 binds H2A-H2B and RanGTP simultaneously and how the GTPase primes histone transfer to the nucleosome. In the ternary complex, RanGTP binds to the N-terminal repeats of Kap114 in the same manner as in the Kap114/Importin-9•RanGTP complex, and H2A-H2B binds via its acidic patch to the Kap114 C-terminal repeats much like in the Kap114/Importin-9•H2A-H2B complex. Ran binds to a different conformation of Kap114 in the ternary RanGTP•Kap114•H2A-H2B complex. Here, Kap114 no longer contacts the H2A-H2B surface proximal to the H2A docking domain that drives nucleosome assembly, positioning it for transfer to the assembling nucleosome or to dedicated H2A-H2B chaperones in the nucleus.
The use of subtitles in foreign language teaching
Authors: Petillo Mariacristina
Published: July 2023

The aim of this contribution is to assert the role of didactic audiovisual translation as a helpful tool for enhancing metalinguistic skills in a foreign language classroom in Italy; more precisely, the paper will offer an analysis of how foreign language teachers can introduce their students to the idea of sociolinguistic variation, by observing how lexical and morphosyntactic changes can occur in the translation process from an Italian source text into an English target text and/or vice versa. The following sociolinguistic variables will be examined through the lens of audiovisual translation, applied to a range of text types including films and an opera libretto turned into surtitles in English: (1) diamesic variation, making students reflect on such aspects as coarse expressions and taboo words, in relation to the Australian film Ned Kelly; (2) diachronic variation, exploring the multidisciplinary possibilities offered by opera surtitling with a focus on the opera Falstaff by Giuseppe Verdi; (3) diatopic, diastratic and diaphasic variations, commenting upon some examples from the Italian films Mio cognato (My Brother-In-Law) and L’uomo che comprò la luna (The Man Who Bought the Moon).
Sustainable open pit fleet management system: Integrating economic and environmental objectives into truck allocation
Authors: Anaraki Matin Ghasempour , Afrapoli Ali Moradi
Published: July 2023

Fleet management systems in open pit mines make two important semi-dynamic and dynamic decisions to maximize utilization of available equipment: the decision of allocation and the decision of dispatching the trucks to the shovels. In this paper, we propose a bi-objective mathematical model that incorporates the minimization of carbon emission into the allocation optimization model. We also consider different inputs that might impact upon truck allocation decisions such as the fleet size, truck velocity, truck age groups, etc. The presented mathematical model is examined using two different case studies from an iron mine and a copper mine containing a different number of shovels, dumps, and trucks. The results reveal that the developed model enhances the production performance while controlling emissions. It is indicated that the average truck velocity and, the age of trucks are among the critical factors, which can highly affect the amount of carbon emissions.
Decay of solutions of the wave equation in cosmological spacetimes—a numerical analysis
Authors: Rossetti Flavio , Vañó-Viñuales Alex
Published: July 2023

We numerically evolve spherically symmetric solutions to the linear wave equation on some expanding Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker spacetimes and study the respective asymptotics for large times. We find a quantitative relation between the expansion rate of the underlying background Universe and the decay rate of linear waves, also in the context of spatially-hyperbolic spacetimes, for which rigorous proofs of decay rates are not generally known. A prominent role in the decay mechanism is shown to be played by tails, i.e. scattered waves propagating in the interior of the lightcone.
Present and future constraints on secluded dark matter in the Galactic Halo with TeV Gamma-ray observatories
Authors: N. Fortes Guilherme , S. Queiroz Farinaldo , Siqueira Clarissa , Viana Aion
Published: July 2023

The dark matter relic density may be governed by the presence of new mediators that connect the dark matter field with the Standard Model particles. When the dark matter particle mass is larger than the mediator's, the pair production of mediators is kinematically open. This setup is known in the literature as secluded dark matter. Motivated by the appearance of secluded dark matter in several model building endeavours, we investigate the sensitivity of TeV gamma-ray instruments in the Southern Hemisphere namely, H.E.S.S., CTA, and SWGO to secluded dark matter annihilating in the Galactic Halo. We exploit the complementarity aspects of these detectors to find restrictive bounds on the annihilation cross-section for different annihilation channels. In particular, for a dark matter particle mass of 2 TeV, H.E.S.S. is able to constraint 〈σv〉 ≥ 4 × 10-26 cm3 s-1 at 95% confidence level for the 4q and 4τ channel, while CTA will be sensitive to 〈σv〉 ≥ 7 × 10-27 cm3 s-1 and SWGO 〈σv〉 ≥ 6 × 10-27 cm3 s-1 for the 4τ channel, both well below the thermal relic cross-section. In fact, the combination of CTA and SWGO will be able to probe cross-sections below the thermal relic value for dark matter particles in the whole mass range between 100 GeV and 100 TeV in the 4q and 4τ channels, and between 100 GeV and ∼ 40 TeV in the 4b channel.
Low peak power broadband supercontinuum spectra generated in a square lattice toluene-core photonic crystal fiber with different air hole diameters
Authors: Chu Van Lanh , Le Tran Bao Tran
Published: July 2023

This study shows that it is possible to achieve a very large supercontinuum spectral broadening with a peak power hundreds of times lower than in previous publications. We can achieve by using a square lattice toluene-core photonic crystal fiber. With the heterogeneity in the diameter of air holes, our new design allows simultaneous optimization of characteristic quantities to ensure flat near-zero dispersion, small effective mode area, and low attenuation for efficient spectral broadening. Supercontinuum generation (SC) of proposed PCFs has been numerically simulated and studied under different pump source parameters. The first fiber with a lattice constant of 1.0 μm and filling factor of 0.65 operates in all-normal dispersion. It generates broadband of 1.045 μm by a pump pulse with a central wavelength of 1.3 μm, 40 fs duration, and energy of 18 pJ (corresponding peak power of 0.45 kW). Besides, two octave-spanning of the SC spectrum in the wavelength range of 0.775–4.3 μm are formed in the second fiber with an input pulse whose optical properties are 1.55 μm wavelength, 100 fs duration, and energy of 55 pJ (0.45 kW of the peak power). The lattice constant of second fiber is 2.0 μm and the filling factor is 0.3. They would be good candidates for all-fiber SC sources operating with low-power pump lasers. This would be a as cost-effective alternatives to glass core fibers.
Multilevel optoelectronic hybrid memory based on N-doped Ge2Sb2Te5 film with low resistance drift and ultrafast speed
Authors: Wu 吴 Ben 奔 , Wei 魏 Tao 涛 , Hu 胡 Jing 敬 , Wang 王 Ruirui 瑞瑞 , Liu 刘 Qianqian 倩倩 , Cheng 程 Miao 淼 , Li 李 Wanfei 宛飞 , Ling 凌 Yun 云 , Liu 刘 Bo 波
Published: July 2023

Multilevel phase-change memory is an attractive technology to increase storage capacity and density owing to its high-speed, scalable and non-volatile characteristics. However, the contradiction between thermal stability and operation speed is one of key factors to restrain the development of phase-change memory. Here, N-doped Ge2Sb2Te5-based optoelectronic hybrid memory is proposed to simultaneously implement high thermal stability and ultrafast operation speed. The picosecond laser is adopted to write/erase information based on reversible phase transition characteristics whereas the resistance is detected to perform information readout. Results show that when N content is 27.4 at.%, N-doped Ge2Sb2Te5 film possesses high ten-year data retention temperature of 175 °C and low resistance drift coefficient of 0.00024 at 85 °C, 0.00170 at 120 °C, and 0.00249 at 150 °C, respectively, owing to the formation of Ge–N, Sb–N, and Te–N bonds. The SET/RESET operation speeds of the film reach 520 ps/13 ps. In parallel, the reversible switching cycle of the corresponding device is realized with the resistance ratio of three orders of magnitude. Four-level reversible resistance states induced by various crystallization degrees are also obtained together with low resistance drift coefficients. Therefore, the N-doped Ge2Sb2Te5 thin film is a promising phase-change material for ultrafast multilevel optoelectronic hybrid storage.
Research on the Aging Properties of HTPB Propellant under Vacuum
Authors: Tang Yuqing , Liao Wenhe , Deng Hanyu , Chen Cheng
Published: July 2023

The space environment has high vacuum, rapid temperature alternations and other extreme conditions, which can affect the energy, ignition rate and ignition performance of solid propellants in the space environment. In order to obtain the space aging performance of HTPB propellant, this paper investigates the aging performance of HTPB propellant in vacuum environment and compares it with atmospheric pressure, and analyses the oxidative cross-linking, degradation chain scission and “dehumidification” behaviour based on the mechanical properties, cross-sectional state and infrared spectra of propellant before and after aging. The research results show that the anhydrous environment under vacuum prevents the occurrence of the chain scission degradation of HTPB propellant, and HTPB propellant is basically only affected by the oxidative cross-linking reaction, where the reaction rate is slow. The mechanical properties show that the breaking strength increases slightly in the first stage, in the later stage of aging, the oxidative cross-linking reaction was intensified due to the decomposition of AP, and the breaking strength increased obviously compared with the initial value. Under the atmosphere, the HTPB propellant was mainly affected by oxidative cross-linking reaction in the early stage of aging, and the breaking strength increased. In the later stage of aging, due to the chain scission degradation of OA moisture absorption, the breaking strength showed an opposite trend and decreased. In addition, an obvious “dehumidification” phenomenon occurs inside the propellant after aging, which is more obvious under a vacuum.
Study on Effects of Cu content on Microstructure and corrosion resistance of Zr-Nb alloys
Authors: Tian Feng , Qu Jing-wen , Shi Ming-hua , Li Bo-shuai , Li Jie
Published: July 2023

With the further development of nuclear power, the fuel burn-up continues to increase and the refueling cycle is extended, which puts forward higher requirements for the performance of fuel cladding materials. In this paper, Zr-Nb-0.1Fe-x (0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%) Cu alloy samples were prepared by using the process route and process parameters of industrial production of zirconium alloy plates. The effects of Cu content on the microstructure of Zr-Nb alloy and the corrosion resistance in 18.6 MPa / 360 °C Li+B aqueous solution were studied by means of high-temperature autoclave simulation test, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, metallographic microscope, and XRD observation and analysis. The results show that Zr-Nb-0.1Fe-xCu alloy precipitates a large number of elliptical second-phase particles, mainly distributed in the crystal. With the increase of Cu content, the number of the second phase whose size is greater than 100 nm increases, the solid solubility of Cu in the alloy matrix of Zr-Nb-0.1Fe-xCu alloy is less than 0.1%, and the second phase of Zr-Nb-0.1Fe-0.05% Cu alloy is mainly β-Nb and Zr-Nb-0.1Fe compounds, Zr-Nb-0.1Fe - (0.1%, 0.2%) Cu alloy second phase is mainly a large amount of β-Nb and Zr-Nb-0.1Fe and a small amount of Zr Cu compounds. The corrosion resistance of Zr-1Nb-0.1Fe alloy can be improved by adding ≤ 0.2% Cu. After 434 d of corrosion, the oxide film was completely transformed from t-ZrO2 to m-ZrO2. The interface between the oxide film and metal was tightly bound, and there were transverse microcracks in the oxide film, but it did not fall off. When the content of Cu is 0.2%, the corrosion resistance is the best.
Study on preparation of pillararene cocrystals by liquid-assisted grinding
Authors: Rong Yujia , Xue Shaomin , Li Shenghua , Pang Siping
Published: July 2023

Liquid-assisted grinding (LAG) has received wide attention in chemical synthesis field. Here, we reported that LAG provides a smart strategy to build macrocyclic cocrystal (MCC), achieving quick modification. The macrocyclic cocrystal has been assembled by electronegative permethylated pillar[5]arenes (EtP5) and electropositive ligands. We select three ligands with strong electron-deficient groups for cocrystal preparation with EtP5 by LAG and judge whether the grinding products are cocrystals by color change, Infrared (IR), Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). We demonstrated that the same structure as solvent cocrystal can be obtained by LAG. We obtained the single crystal structure of the EtP5 cocrystal with the promising ligand, confirming the formation of cocrystals and the reliability of the liquid-assisted grinding method.
Research on preparation and properties of modified cellulose aerogel
Authors: Zhen Ziwei , Lv Jie , Yang Bochao , Wang Yi
Published: July 2023

The preparation of oil-water separation aerogels using environmentally friendly and renewable cellulose is one of the main methods to solve oil leakage or oil pollution. In this paper, modified cellulose aerogel was prepared by grafting vinyl on cellulose through acylation reaction and then UV induced hydrophobic-alkene clicking reaction. The material had been used to characterize the morphology and structure, and it was found that the material was nanostructured and hydrophobic. Adsorption of organic solvent test results show that the maximum adsorption capacity of the aerogel 14.8 g·g-1. The reusability of the modified aerogels was tested, and the experimental results showed that the adsorption capacity of the modified cellulose aerogels was only reduced by 1.44% after five cycles, which proves that the aerogel has good reusability and stability. In conclusion, modified cellulose aerogel is a potential environmentally friendly oil-water separation and adsorption material.
Low energy electronic recoils and single electron detection with a liquid Xenon proportional scintillation counter
Authors: Qi Jianyang , Hood Noah , Kopec Abigail , Ma Yue , Xu Haiwen , Zhong Min , Ni Kaixuan
Published: July 2023

Liquid xenon (LXe) is a well-studied detector medium to
search for rare events in dark matter and neutrino
physics. Two-phase xenon time projection chambers (TPCs) can detect
electronic and nuclear recoils with energy down to kilo-electron
volts (keV). In this paper, we characterize the response of a
single-phase liquid xenon proportional scintillation counter
(LXePSC), which produces electroluminescence directly in the
liquid, to detect electronic recoils at low energies. Our design
uses a thin (10–25 μm diameter), central anode wire in a
cylindrical LXe target where ionization electrons, created from
radiation particles, drift radially towards the anode, and
electroluminescence is produced. Both the primary scintillation (S1)
and electroluminescence (S2) are detected by photomultiplier tubes
(PMTs) surrounding the LXe target. Up to 17 photons are produced per
electron, obtained with a 10 μm diameter anode wire, allowing
for the highly efficient detection of electronic recoils from beta
decays of a tritium source down to ∼ 1 keV. Single electrons,
from photoemission of the cathode wires, are observed at a gain of
1.8 photoelectrons (PE) per electron. The delayed signals following
the S2 signals are dominated by single-photon-like hits, without
evidence for electron signals observed in the two-phase xenon
TPCs. We discuss the potential application of such a LXePSC for
reactor neutrino detection via Coherent Elastic Neutrino Nucleus
Scattering (CEνNS).
XCC: an X-ray FEL-based γγ Compton collider Higgs factory
Authors: Barklow T. , Emma C. , Huang Z. , Naji A. , Nanni E. , Schwartzman A. , Tantawi S. , White G.
Published: July 2023

This report describes the conceptual design of a
 γγ Higgs factory in which 62.8 GeV electron beams
collide with 1 keV X-ray free electron laser (XFEL) beams to
produce colliding beams of 62.5 GeV photons. The Higgs boson
production rate is 80,000 Higgs bosons per 107 second year,
roughly the same as the ILC Higgs rate at √s = 250 GeV. The
electron accelerator is based on cold copper distributed coupling
(C3) accelerator technology. Unlike the center-of-mass energy
spectra of previous optical wavelength γγ collider
designs, the sharply peaked γγ center-of-mass energy
spectrum of XCC produces model independent Higgs coupling
measurements with precision on par with e
+
e
- colliders. For the
triple Higgs coupling measurement, the XCC center-of-mass energy can
be upgraded to 380 GeV, where the cross section for
 γγ → HH is twice that of
 e
+
e
- → ZHH at √s = 500 GeV. Design
challenges are discussed, along with the R&D to address them,
including demonstrators.
Destructive breakdown studies of irradiated LGADs at beam tests for the ATLAS HGTD
Authors: Beresford L.A. , Boumediene D.E. , Castillo García L. , Corpe L.D. , Da Cunha Sargedas de Sousa M.J. , El Jarrari H. , Eshkevarvakili A. , Grieco C. , Grinstein S. , Guindon S. , Howard A. , Kramberger G. , Kurdysh O. , Mazini R. , Missio M. , Morenas M. , Perrin O. , Raskina V. , Saito G. , Trincaz-Duvoid S.
Published: July 2023

In the past years, it has been observed at several beam test campaigns that
irradiated LGAD sensors break with a typical star shaped burn mark when
operated at voltages much lower than those at which they were safely operated
during laboratory tests. The study presented in this paper was designed to
determine the safe operating voltage that these sensors can withstand. Many
irradiated sensors from various producers were tested in two test beam
facilities, DESY (Hamburg) and CERN-SPS (Geneva), as part of ATLAS High
Granularity Timing Detector (HGTD) beam tests. The samples were placed in the
beam and kept under bias over a long period of time in order to reach a high
number of particles crossing each sensor. Both beam tests lead to a similar
conclusion, that these destructive events begin to occur when the average
electric field in the sensor becomes larger than
12 V/μm.
Preparation, characterization, and bioactivity of reinforced monetite with chitosan-gelatin electrospun composite scaffold for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Singh Yogendra Pratap , Purohit ShivDutt , Gupta Mukesh Kumar , Bhaskar Rakesh , Han Sung Soo , Dasgupta Sudip
Published: July 2023

In this study, chitosan-gelatin-monetite (CGM)-based electrospun scaffolds have been developed that closely mimicked the microstructure and chemical composition of the extracellular matrix of natural bone. CGM-based nanofibrous composite scaffolds were prepared with the help of the electrospinning technique, post-cross-linked using ethyl(dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide and N-hydroxysuccinimide solution to improve their stability in an aqueous environment. The prepared chitosan/gelatin (CG) scaffold showed an average fiber diameter of 308 ± 17 nm, whereas 5 and 7 wt% monetite containing CGM5 and CGM7 scaffolds, exhibited an average fiber diameter of 287 ± 13 and 265 ± 9 nm, respectively, revealing the fine distribution of monetite particles on the fibrous surface. The distribution of monetite nanoparticles onto the CG nanofibrous surface was confirmed using x-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, and EDAX. Moreover, the addition of 7 wt% monetite into the CG electrospun matrix increased their ultimate tensile strength from 7.62 ± 0.13 MPa in the CG scaffold to 14.34 ± 0.39 MPa in the CGM7 scaffold. Simulated body fluid study and staining with alizarin red S (ARS) confirmed the higher mineralization ability of monetite-containing scaffolds compared to that revealed by the CG scaffold. The monetite incorporation into the CG matrix improved its osteogenic properties, including pre-osteoblast MG-63 cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation, when seeded with the cells. A higher degree of cellular adhesion, spreading, and migration was observed on the monetite-incorporated CG scaffold than that on the CG scaffold. From 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) MTT assay, alkaline phosphatase activity, ARS staining, and immunocytochemistry study, the cultured cells discovered a more conducive microenvironment to proliferate and subsequently differentiate into osteoblast lineage in contact with CGM7 nanofibers rather than that in CGM0 and CGM5. In-vitro results indicated that electrospun CGM-based composite scaffolds could be used as a potential candidate to repair and regenerate new bone tissues.
3D spheroid-microvasculature-on-a-chip for tumor-endothelium mechanobiology interplay
Authors: Zhang Yingqi , Jiang Fengtao , Zhao Yunduo Charles , Cho Ann-Na , Fang Guocheng , Cox Charles D , Zreiqat Hala , Lu Zu Fu , Lu Hongxu , Ju Lining Arnold
Published: July 2023

During the final stage of cancer metastasis, tumor cells embed themselves in distant capillary beds, from where they extravasate and establish secondary tumors. Recent findings underscore the pivotal roles of blood/lymphatic flow and shear stress in this intricate tumor extravasation process. Despite the increasing evidence, there is a dearth of systematic and biomechanical methodologies that accurately mimic intricate 3D microtissue interactions within a controlled hydrodynamic microenvironment. Addressing this gap, we introduce an easy-to-operate 3D spheroid-microvasculature-on-a-chip (SMAC) model. Operating under both static and regulated flow conditions, the SMAC model facilitates the replication of the biomechanical interplay between heterogeneous tumor spheroids and endothelium in a quantitative manner. Serving as an in vitro model for metastasis mechanobiology, our model unveils the phenomena of 3D spheroid-induced endothelial compression and cell-cell junction degradation during tumor migration and expansion. Furthermore, we investigated the influence of shear stress on endothelial orientation, polarization, and tumor spheroid expansion. Collectively, our SMAC model provides a compact, cost-efficient, and adaptable platform for probing the mechanobiology of metastasis.
A combined fuzzy backtracking search optimization algorithm to localize retinal blood vessels for diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Neelapala Anil Kumar , Swarnadh Satapathi Gnane , Borra Vamsi , Mahapatra Ranjan Kumar , Shanbhag Pavitra
Published: July 2023

For diabetic retinopathy (DR) surgery, localization of retinal blood vessels is of paramount importance. Fundus images which are often used for DR diagnosis suffer from poor contrast (between the retinal background and the blood vessels, due to its size) limits the diagnosis. In addition to this, various pathological changes in retinal blood vessels may also be observed for different diseases such as glaucoma and diabetes. To alleviate, in this paper, an automated unsupervised retinal blood vessel segmentation technique, based on backtracking search optimization algorithm (BSA), is proposed. The BSA method is used to optimize the local search of fuzzy c-means clustering (FCM) algorithm to find micro-diameter sized vessels along with coarse vessels. The proposed technique is tested on two publicly available retinal datasets (i.e., STARE and DRIVE) and verified using the dataset collected from various hospitals in Bangalore and Mangalore, India. The results show that the performance of the proposed method is comparable to the conventional techniques in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy.
Factors associated with discharge against medical advice in alcohol withdrawal patients
Authors: Coleman Rachel , Coulton Simon , Phillips Thomas
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to examine characteristics associated with discharge against medical advice from the hospital in alcohol withdrawal patients, supporting the work of hospital staff and Alcohol Care Teams and identifying characteristics that may help target patients most likely to discharge against medical advice. We used Hospital Episode Statistics Data to identify demographic and clinical variables and compare these in alcohol withdrawal patients who discharged against medical advice from hospital, compared with those who were discharged by the clinical team. Factors significantly associated with alcohol withdrawal patients discharging against medical advice from hospital were: being admitted as an emergency; discharged on a weekend; living with no fixed abode; being male; being younger and having a shorter length of stay. This study identifies characteristics that can be used to support acute hospitals and Alcohol Care Teams, particularly in the allocation of resources to reduce discharges against medical advice and subsequent readmissions to the hospital. Particular consideration should be given to clinical provision in hospitals in emergency departments and on weekends, and also those patients who are admitted and are of no fixed abode.
Measuring the relative contribution to predictive power of modern nucleotide substitution modeling approaches
Authors: Bujaki Thomas , Van Looyen Katharine , Rodrigue Nicolas
Published: July 2023

Traditional approaches to probabilistic phylogenetic inference have relied on information-theoretic criteria to select among a relatively small set of substitution models. These model selection criteria have recently been called into question when applied to richer models, including models that invoke mixtures of nucleotide frequency profiles. At the nucleotide level, we are therefore left without a clear picture of mixture models’ contribution to overall predictive power relative to other modeling approaches. Here, we utilize a Bayesian cross-validation method to directly measure the predictive performance of a wide range of nucleotide substitution models. We compare the relative contributions of free nucleotide exchangeability parameters, gamma-distributed rates across sites, and mixtures of nucleotide frequencies with both finite and infinite mixture frameworks. We find that the most important contributor to a model’s predictive power is the use of a sufficiently rich mixture of nucleotide frequencies. These results suggest that mixture models should be given greater consideration in nucleotide-level phylogenetic inference.
CNAsim: improved simulation of single-cell copy number profiles and DNA-seq data from tumors
Authors: Weiner Samson , Bansal Mukul S
Published: July 2023

CNAsim is a software package for improved simulation of single-cell copy number alteration (CNA) data from tumors. CNAsim can be used to efficiently generate single-cell copy number profiles for thousands of simulated tumor cells under a more realistic error model and a broader range of possible CNA mechanisms compared with existing simulators. The error model implemented in CNAsim accounts for the specific biases of single-cell sequencing that leads to read count fluctuation and poor resolution of CNA detection. For improved realism over existing simulators, CNAsim can (i) generate WGD, whole-chromosomal CNAs, and chromosome-arm CNAs, (ii) simulate subclonal population structure defined by the accumulation of chromosomal CNAs, and (iii) dilute the sampled cell population with both normal diploid cells and pseudo-diploid cells. The software can also generate DNA-seq data for sampled cells.

Availability and implementation

CNAsim is written in Python and is freely available open-source from https://github.com/samsonweiner/CNAsim.
Ludic cybermilitias: shadow play and computational propaganda in the Indonesian predatory state
Authors: Rasidi Pradipa P
Published: July 2023

This article ties the studies of computational propaganda to studies of the state in the Global South by examining “political buzzers”—actors of Indonesian computational propaganda. Rather than an extension of state propaganda, I argue that buzzers are a “twilight institution” straddling the boundaries between state and society. As cybermilitias, they are rooted in the historical conjuncture of Indonesian state practices in deploying privatized violence for extractive capitalist accumulation, exhibited by two cases in this article: the reclamation of Benoa Bay in Bali and the Ciliwung forced evictions in Jakarta. Informed by ethnographic fieldwork, I delve into buzzers’ experience of computational propaganda as an avenue for political agency. They conceive their clandestine labor into a play, conjuring the political metaphor of dalang (master puppeteers) pulling strings from behind the scenes. These shadow play theatrics constitute the ludic aspect of buzzers as ludic cybermilitias. By exploring how computational propaganda is shaped by and shapes state power in Indonesia, I problematize the notion that political buzzers signify “democratic regression” or “digital authoritarianism.” Instead, I propose that buzzers represent the latest manifestation of privatized violence within the predatory logic of post-authoritarian states in the Global South.
Oral glucocorticoids with intravenous cyclophosphamide or oral glucocorticoids alone in the treatment of IgA nephropathy present with nephrotic syndrome and mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis
Authors: Du Wen , Chen Zijin , Fang Zhengyin , Li Junru , Weng Qinjie , Zheng Qimin , Xie Lin , Yu Hanlan , Gu Xiangchen , Shi Hao , Wang Zhaohui , Ren Hong , Wang Weiming , Ouyang Yan , Xie Jingyuan
Published: July 2023

Background

Few studies have evaluated the treatment of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS) and mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN). The aim of this study was to compare the therapeutic effects of oral glucocorticoids (GCS) combined with intravenous cyclophosphamide (CTX) and oral GCS alone in the treatment of the MPGN-IgAN patients with NS.

Methods

Biopsy-proven primary IgAN patients who were aged ≥14 years at diagnosis, had coexistent NS and MPGN and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥15 mL/min/1.73 m2, and were treated by oral GCS combined with intravenous CTX or oral GCS alone for 6–12 months were retrospectively included. The patients in the GCS + CTX (prednisone 0.6–0.8 mg/kg/day and intravenous CTX 0.6–1.0 g monthly) or GCS (prednisone 0.8–1 mg/kg/day) group were rather matched at a 1:1 ratio on key characteristics by propensity score matching. The primary outcome was defined as either complete remission or partial remission at Month 24. The secondary outcome was a composite renal endpoint defined as a 50% decline in eGFR, doubling of serum creatinine or progression to end-stage kidney disease.

Results

Among the 146 IgAN patients who met the inclusion criteria, 42 patients were enrolled in the GCS + CTX group, and 42 patients were enrolled in the GCS group after propensity score matching. The clinical and histological parameters were similar between the two groups. Remission occurred more frequently in the GCS + CTX group at Month 6 (88.1% vs 52.4%, P < 0.001), Month 12 (88.1% vs 56.1%, P = 0.001) and Month 24 (85.0% vs 47.5%, P < 0.001) than in the GCS group. Moreover, subgroup analysis revealed that the higher response rate at Month 24 in the GCS + CTX group than in the GCS group was also present in different subgroups defined by sex, age, eGFR or Oxford MEST-C. Notably, we found that eGFR decreased at a lower rate in patients from the GCS + CTX group than in patients from the GCS group [eGFR slope: 0.05(–3.09, 3.67) vs –2.56 (–11.30, 0.86) mL/min/1.73 m2/year, P = 0.03]. Based on multivariate Cox regression analysis, GCS + CTX treatment was found to be independently associated with a decrease in risk for the composite endpoint after adjusted by the International Risk Prediction Score with race (hazard ratio = 0.17, 95% confidence interval 0.04–0.83, P = .03). There was no significant difference in adverse events (50.0% vs 42.9%, P = 0.51) or serious adverse events (7.1% vs 11.9%, P = .71) between the two groups.

Conclusions

Oral GCS combined with intravenous CTX is superior to GCS alone in treating MPGN-IgAN patients combined with NS. As the retrospective design and small sample size, our findings need to be validated by a prospective study.
Feasibility of Targeted Next-Generation DNA Sequencing for Expanding Population Newborn Screening
Authors: Shum Bennett Oh Vic , Pretorius Carel Jacobus , Sng Letitia Min Fen , Henner Ilya , Barahona Paulette , Basar Emre , McGill Jim , Wilgen Urs , Zournazi Anna , Downie Lilian , Taylor Natalie , Cheney Liam , Wu Sylvania , Twine Natalie Angela , Bauer Denis Carolin , Watts Gerald Francis , Navilebasappa Akash , Kumar Kishore Rajagopal , Ungerer Jacobus Petrus Johannes , Bennett Glenn
Published: July 2023

Background

Newborn screening (NBS) is an effective public health intervention that reduces death and disability from treatable genetic diseases, but many conditions are not screened due to a lack of a suitable assay. Whole genome and whole exome sequencing can potentially expand NBS but there remain many technical challenges preventing their use in population NBS. We investigated if targeted gene sequencing (TGS) is a feasible methodology for expanding NBS.

Methods

We constructed a TGS panel of 164 genes which screens for a broad range of inherited conditions. We designed a high-volume, low-turnaround laboratory and bioinformatics workflow that avoids the technical and data interpretation challenges associated with whole genome and whole exome sequencing. A methods-based analytical validation of the assay was completed and test performance in 2552 newborns examined. We calculated annual birth estimates for each condition to assess cost-effectiveness.

Results

Assay analytical sensitivity was >99% and specificity was 100%. Of the newborns screened, 1.3% tested positive for a condition. On average, each individual had 225 variants to interpret and 1.8% were variants of uncertain significance (VUS). The turnaround time was 7 to 10 days. Maximum batch size was 1536 samples.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that a TGS assay could be incorporated into an NBS program soon to increase the number of conditions screened. Additionally, we conclude that NBS using TGS may be cost-effective.
A Feminist Act of Defiance: ‘Iphigenia says no’ by Katerina Anghelaki-Rooke
Authors: Giannakopoulou Liana
Published: July 2023

In ‘Iphigenia says no’, Anghelaki-Rooke provides a critique of the myth of Iphigenia’s sacrifice that gives the story a distinctively feminine poetic voice designed to subvert the unchallenged authority of myth. Her poem is an impassioned plea for a feminist poetics that gives women a voice and agency, rejecting any form of control or authority over the female mind and body. The choice of Euripides’ tragedy Iphigenia at Aulis and an emphasis on the chorus are central to the anti-war message of the poem, but other contextual factors also frame the poet’s choice of myth and determine the direction of her rewriting: these are a feminist anti-war stance that is distinct from the anti-war stance of male poets like Seferis; the peace movements of the Cold War period and their political reverberations in Greece in the early 1960s; archaeological excavations and the renewed interest in the play that these inspired; classical reworkings in popular films of the years immediately prior to the writing of the poem; and the national curriculum and its underlying ideology.
Use of Standardized Inflammatory Bowel Disease Endoscopy Scores in Clinical Practice
Authors: Gaidos Jill K J , Al Bawardy Badr , Farraye Francis A , Regueiro Miguel
Published: July 2023

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment targets include mucosal healing based on standardized endoscopic scoring systems. The rates and ease of use of these scoring systems in practice have not been well described. We aimed to assess the rates and factors associated with the use of IBD endoscopic scoring systems in practice from IBD LIVE attendees.

Methods

IBD Live is an international case-based conference focusing on the management of patients with IBD. We created a web-based survey consisting of 38 questions on the frequency and ease of use of various IBD endoscopic scores. This survey was emailed to the IBD Live listserv in March 2022 with a second email sent 14 days later. We included only respondents who are currently performing endoscopy. Continuous variables were analyzed using an unpaired student’s t-test. Categorical variables were analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square test.

Results

There were 65 responses out of 170 (38.2% response rate) regular attendees. Eleven responses were excluded (4 with no response on the use of endoscopy scores, and 7 were not performing endoscopy). Of the respondents, 72.2% are from the United States, 70.4% are adult gastroenterologists, 53.9% in academic practice, and 40.7% in practice for ≥15 years. Of the endoscopy scores used ≥50% of the time, 74.1% were using the Mayo Endoscopic Subscore (MES), 72.3% using the Rutgeerts Score, 61.2% using the Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn’s Disease, and 28.6% using the Pouchitis Disease Activity Index. Attending IBD LIVE ≥ monthly (P = .028), attending an IBD conference at least every 2 years (P = .020), and having the scoring system incorporated into the endoscopy documentation software (P = .002) were associated with more consistent use of the MES. Attending IBD Live at least monthly (P = .026), having an IBD volume of ≥50% (P = .011), and attending an IBD conference at least every 2 years (P = .004) was associated with more frequent use of the Rutgeerts score. There were no factors that increased the use of other endoscopic scores.

Conclusions

The MES and the Rutgeerts score are more commonly used with much lower rates of use of endoscopic scores for Crohn’s disease and pouchitis. The use of these endoscopy scores is more common among those who regularly attend IBD conferences, have higher volume IBD practices, and have these scoring systems incorporated into endoscopy software. Further evaluation of barriers to use and ways to improve utilization of endoscopic scoring for Crohn’s disease and pouchitis is needed.