bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Finite Element Analysis of Welding and Heat Treatment of TC4 Titanium Alloy Pressure Vessels
Authors: Chen Fenglin , Zhang Aifeng , Yu Xiangyu , Ge Keke
Published: February 2025

Finite element analysis was carried out for the welding and heat treatment process of TC4 titanium alloy pressure vessel, aiming at revealing the distribution characteristics of welding residual stress and its changing law in the heat treatment process. By establishing a two-dimensional axisymmetric welding model, and considering the material properties, boundary conditions, heat source model and analysis methods, the temperature and stress fields in the welding process are successfully simulated.Based on the results of the post-welding stress field, the time-hardened creep model is quoted for the finite element calculations of the post-welding heat treatment process, and the effect of creep effect on the residual stresses of welded annulus is investigated, the results show that: the stress characteristics of the girth weld of the TC4 titanium alloy pressure vessel are obvious. The axial residual stress shows a tensile - compressive - tensile distribution along the thickness direction, while the hoop residual stress is a high tensile stress in the near-weld and heat affected zone, and the stress peak even exceeds the yield strength of the material; By comparing the heat treatment schemes considering and not considering the creep mechanism, it is found that the heat treatment introducing the creep mechanism significantly reduces the residual stress in the weld area. Among them, the hoop stress decreases by 80% and the axial stress decreases by 50%, and the stress distribution is more uniform, effectively alleviating the stress concentration phenomenon of the weld. In addition, the rebound amount of the residual stress in the cooling stage of the heat treatment scheme considering the creep mechanism is small. This study indicates that the creep mechanism plays a dominant role in eliminating residual stresses during heat treatment.
Advancements in the research of nanotwinned ceramic coatings
Authors: Yang Sen , Li Yujing , Song Ruili , Tian Caili , Guo Tao , Pang Xiaolu
Published: February 2025

Ceramic coatings, especially transition metal nitrides, are widely applied as protective coatings on wear surfaces. The increasing demand for mechanical performance and thermal stability in high-strength applications has driven the development of advanced coatings with complex microstructures and composition designs. Studies have shown that the introduction of nanotwin structures can simultaneously enhance the mechanical and thermal stability of ceramics. Despite the extremely high stacking fault energy, it has been demonstrated that fabricating nanotwins into ceramic coatings is feasible. This paper reviews recent studies on the formation mechanism, mechanical properties, and thermal stability of nanotwinned ceramic coatings. We anticipate that the latest advancements in nanotwinned ceramics research will provide a broader perspective on improving their performance, laying the foundation for developing ceramic coatings with high strength, excellent fracture toughness, and enhanced thermal stability. Additionally, it offers theoretical guidance for twin research in ultra-high stacking fault energy materials.
Mitigating multiple single-event upsets during deep neural network inference using fault-aware training
Authors: Vinck Toon , Jonckers Naïn , Dekkers Gert , Prinzie Jeffrey , Karsmakers Peter
Published: February 2025

Deep neural networks (DNNs) are increasingly used in safety-critical applications. Reliable fault analysis and mitigation are essential to ensure
their
functionality in harsh environments that contain high radiation levels. This study analyses the impact of multiple single-bit single-event upsets in DNNs by performing fault injection at the level of a DNN model. Additionally, a fault-aware training (FAT) methodology is proposed that improves the DNNs' robustness to faults without any modification to the hardware. Experimental results show that the FAT methodology improves the tolerance to faults up to a factor 3.
Optimisation and validation of power delivery networks for multi-gigabit data links
Authors: Martina F. , Biereigel S. , Baron S. , Baszczyk M. , Klekotko A. , Kulis S. , Moreira P. , Soos C.
Published: February 2025

The performance of ASICs for high-bandwidth communications is heavily influenced by the interconnection with the hosting module and paired devices, including the bonding scheme and the PCB layout. The recent validation campaign of the 25.6 Gbps DART28 transmitter has highlighted that a coordinated simulation and design of the power delivery network is required to achieve satisfactory performance. In this context, the results obtained from variants of the test-bench carrier boards are compared, examining how the optimisation of the layout and bondwire placement leads to improvements of the serial link characteristics. Electromagnetic simulations support the analysis and provide a framework for developing the subsequent versions.
Design of the OBELIX monolithic CMOS pixel sensor for the Belle II vertex detector upgrade
Authors: Boudagga R. , Auguste D. , Babeluk M. , Barbero M. , Barrillon P. , Baudot J. , Bergauer T. , Bernlochner F. , Bertolone G. , Bespin C. , Bettarini S. , Bevan A. , Bona M. , Bonis J. , Bosi F. , Breugnon P. , Buch Y. , Casarosa G. , Corona L. , Dingfelder J. , Dorokhov A. , Dujany G. , Federici L. , Fernandez Prieto A. , Finck C. , Forti F. , Fougeron D. , Frey A. , Gabrielli A. , Gaioni L. , Gallas Torreira A. , Gao X. , Giroletti S. , Gong J. , Hara K. , Higuchi T. , Himmi A. , Howgill D. , Hu-Guo C. , Irmler C. , Jeans D. , Kaliyar A.B. , Karagounis M. , Kishishita T. , Krüger H. , Kumar A. , Lacasta C. , Marinas C. , Massa M. , Massaccesi L. , Mazorra de Cos J. , Minuti M. , Moggi A. , Molina-Bueno L. , Mondal S. , Morel F. , Nakamura K.R. , Okazaki Y. , Onuki Y. , Pangaud P. , Peinaud Y. , Pham H. , Pilsl B. , Ratti L. , Re V. , Riceputi E. , Ripp-Baudot I. , Rizzo G. , Schall L. , Schwanda C. , Schwenker B. , Schwickardi M. , Sefri R. , Serrano J. , Song W. , Stavroulakis P. , Traversi G. , Valin I. , Vobbilisetti V. , Vogt M. , Wang S. , Winter M. , Xu D.
Published: February 2025

Targeting a peak luminosity of 6 × 1035 cm-2s-1, the Belle II experiment at the
SuperKEKB
in Japan is considering an upgrade of its interaction region. This upgrade involves the vertex detector, which will be replaced by a new fully pixelated vertex detector (VTX). A monolithic CMOS pixel sensor named OBELIX (Optimized BELle II pIXel) is proposed to be used in the VTX. Based on the existing TJ-Monopix2 chip initially developed for the ATLAS Inner Tracker
(ITk) upgrade, OBELIX is designed in a 180 nm CMOS process with an improved pixel matrix and additional functionalities such as new on-chip voltage regulators and digital periphery. This paper will review the overall design of the VTX and the OBELIX sensor.
Effect of a nonadiabatic magnetic field on the amplitude of cyclotron motion
Authors: Etxebarria J. , Oliver C. , Pikin A.
Published: February 2025

This analysis extends the previously published study of the effect of a nonadiabatic magnetic field on the electron beam for different electron beam currents. Specifically, it presents 2-dimensional maps of relative amplitudes of radial beam oscillations in a space defined by nonadiabatic magnetic field strengths and electron beam currents. As before, the electron gun and the drift region are immersed in a uniform magnetic field to avoid distorting the cyclotron motion. Unlike in the previous paper, the cathode of the electron gun has a radius of 3 mm, which is more suitable for EBIS applications. These maps show the operating range of such an optical system with a nonadiabatic magnetic field and the options of optimizing the nonadiabatic coil strength and position for different electron beam currents.
Intrinsic energy resolution of LaBr3(Ce) crystal
Authors: Feng Pei-Yi , Sun Xi-Lei , An Zheng-Hua , Wang Cheng-Er , Zhang Da-Li , Li Xin-Qiao , Zheng Chao , Xiong Shao-Lin , Lu Hong
Published: February 2025

This study aims to provide an accurate estimation of the intrinsic resolution of LaBr3(Ce) crystal through a combination of experimental and simulation methods. We re-analyzed the data from previous Wide-Angle Compton Coincidence (WACC) and Hard X-ray Calibration Facility (HXCF) experiments, conducted PMT Single-Photoelectron Calibration (SPEC) and radial non-uniformity (also called Spot Scanning, SS) experiments to acquire new data, and combined these results with Geant4 simulations to isolate the contribution of each physical process to the total energy resolution, thereby allowing for a precise estimation of the scintillator's intrinsic resolution. For 100 keV X-rays, the total energy resolution of LaBr3(Ce) crystal is 3.99%± 0.04% (expressed as 1-σ), with statistical fluctuations and intrinsic resolution as the main components, contributing 2.47%± 0.00% and 3.06%± 0.06%, respectively. We identify two main sources of intrinsic resolution: one primarily due to non-proportional scintillation, contributing 2.28%± 0.00%, and the other due to fluctuations in the energy transfer process, contributing 2.04%± 0.08%. We quantified six components of the total energy resolution and reconstructed the photon response using Geant4. The consistency between the reconstructed relative light yield and the experimental measurements validated the mass model of the LaBr3(Ce) detector used in the simulations.
Fast data packet sorting method based on FPGA on-chip RAM
Authors: Jiang Wei , Zhang Jian-Hua , Cao Xiao-Feng , Yang Bo , Wang Wen-Tao
Published: February 2025

The study of fast sorting algorithms has long been an
enduring research focus. Traditional sorting algorithms often suffer
from high time complexity, typically staying at (n
2) or
O(n × log2
n). Given the parallel processing advantages of
field programmable gate array (FPGA), it has become a popular
platform for algorithm acceleration. However, existing hardware
sorting acceleration methods remain rooted in classical software
algorithm models, merely leveraging hardware for parallel execution,
without fully exploring the unique architecture and resources of
FPGAs. In response, this paper proposes a fast sorting method that
leverages on-chip random-access memory (RAM), uniquely tailored to
FPGA characteristics. First, a mapping is established between the
key fields of data packets and the on-chip RAM addresses. Then, the
data packets are written into RAM based on this mapping, which also
inevitably result in some RAM addresses being left empty. Next, a
indicator register is maintained to dynamically track which RAM
addresses are empty. Finally, the data packets are sequentially read
from RAM addresses, and the indicator register helps skip empty
addresses to enhance readout efficiency. Due to the inherent
ordering of RAM addresses, the data packets become naturally ordered
after read. Simulation results confirm that this method can reduce
the time complexity to O(n), providing a novel solution for fast
sorting in real-time data streams.
Design and Simulation of a Logistically Constrained High-Latitude, Low-Altitude Stratospheric Aerosol Injection Scenario in the Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM)
Authors: Wheeler Lauren , Wagman Benjamin , Smith Wake , Davies Peter , Cook Benjamin , Brunell Sarah , Glen Andrew , Hackenburg Diana , Lien Jessica , Shand Lyndsay , Zeitler Todd
Published: February 2025

The Arctic is warming faster than the rest of the globe, posing risks to climate tipping elements such as the collapse of the Greenland Ice Sheet, winter Arctic sea ice loss, weakening of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, and permafrost collapse. Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI) has shown potential to ameliorate these effects by reducing surface temperatures. Due to the potential for an asymmetric hemispheric response in precipitation, Arctic-only SAI is not recommended. Given the challenges associated with an Antarctic SAI program, including the lack of nearby large airports, however, we designed and simulated an Arctic-only logistically constrained SAI scenario, considering limitations imposed by factors affecting the planning, execution, and management of operations. Our scenario is constrained by aircraft development and delivery timelines. SAI deployment begins in 2032 and increases to a maximum annual injection of 6.7 TgSO2 by 2053 through 2070. The scenario is simulated in a modified version of the Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SMv2). Results indicate that Arctic-only SAI can reduce Northern Hemisphere temperatures and slow sea ice loss, though the early years of deployment may show limited cooling due to low ramp-in injection magnitudes. The Arctic-only SAI introduces minimal impact on Southern Hemisphere temperatures but significant shifts in the hydrologic cycle, particularly around the equator. Southern Hemisphere changes are low within the first two decades, suggesting that asymmetries in Arctic-only SAI deployment could be sustained without severe adverse climate impacts for the first couple of decades. These asymmetries matter given the challenges associated with an Antarctic SAI program. Our findings underscore the necessity of incorporating logistical constraints on deployment and the need for multi-model assessments in the evaluation of polar SAI scenarios. This approach would ensure a strong scientific understanding of polar SAI and facilitates policy and decision-maker understanding of the risks and benefits of SAI.
Provable Optimality of the Square-Tooth Atomic Frequency Comb Quantum Memory
Authors: Zang Allen , Suchara Martin , Zhong Tian
Published: February 2025

Atomic frequency comb (AFC) quantum memories are a promising technology for quantum repeater networks because they enable multi-mode, long-time, and high-fidelity storage of photons with on-demand retrieval. The optimization of the retrieval efficiency of an AFC memory is important because it strongly impacts the entanglement distribution rate in quantum networks. Despite initial theoretical analyses and recent experimental demonstrations, a rigorous proof of the universally optimal configuration for the highest AFC retrieval efficiency has not been presented. In this paper we present a simple analytical proof which shows that the optimized square tooth offers the highest retrieval efficiency among all tooth shapes, under the physical constraint of finite optical depth of an atomic ensemble. The optimality still holds when the non-zero background absorption and the finite optical linewidth of atoms are considered. We further compare square, Lorentzian and Gaussian tooth shapes to reinforce the practical advantage of the square-tooth AFC in retrieval efficiency. Our proof lays rigorous foundation for the recipe of creating optimal AFC under realistic experimental conditions.
Rapid modeling and ECU testing of a hydrogen free-piston engine generator
Authors: Chen Xin , Xu Zhaoping , Luo Yue , Liu Liang
Published: February 2025

With the advantages of cleanliness, high power density, and simple structure, the hydrogen free-piston generator (FPEG) has emerged as a promising range extender in new energy vehicles. Despite its excellent application prospects, the development of the electronic control unit (ECU) for the FPEG system remains challenging and time-consuming. Therefore, it is necessary to build a system model for the ECU test. Traditional modeling methods have some problems, such as slow simulation speed and low accuracy. This article proposes a method for building a rapid system model. The rapid system model has been built based on the hydrogen free-piston engine generator system. Afterward, the test cases for the ECU test were generated based on the constructed model. Several typical operating conditions of the system have been considered. Include cold start conditions, handling of fire anomalies, and stable operating conditions. Finally, the feasibility of the model is verified through hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing. The result shows that the rapid system model can be used for the ECU test. Its simulation time was reduced by approximately 78% compared to the original model.
Place and infrastructure in the energy transition: Planning with community ties and environmental social value
Authors: Moe Lina , Grubert Emily
Published: February 2025

The energy transition from predominantly fossil- to non-fossil resources will significantly reshape land use and the built environment, and with it, people’s relationships with place. Especially during the infrastructure-intensive “mid-transition” period during which fossil and non-fossil energy systems operate simultaneously with overlapping functions, understanding how people adapt to, value, or resent living with these infrastructures can enable value-informed design and planning efforts. Here, we use conventional qualitative coding methods with machine learning validation to investigate survey responses from people in the US and Australia who already share space with large-scale energy production regarding their natural and social environments. We focus on 1) how individuals use measures of environmental quality to describe not just their natural or physical environment, but also their community; and 2) how and whether shared natural and social spaces facilitate feelings of well-being and belonging, with the goal of informing consultation and planning for the peak infrastructure mid-transition period. We find a blended understanding of nature and culture, with respondents noting tradeoffs from hosting powerful local industry, but also the value of nature as an antidote to deteriorated or low-quality social spaces. We observe a resistance to change paired with a keen sense of loss of local control such that industry is perceived as an outside force, even when formative for local culture and landscapes. Green spaces and good quality air and water are not just measures of how well the environment is doing, but also a benchmark people use to describe how well their community is doing. Themes are notably consistent across the communities included in this analysis, diverse in their size, resource endowment, and industrial history. This work suggests attention to safeguarding and expanding the shared spaces, institutions, and economies that foster strong social ties could improve community outcomes during transition.
Khatag Zamyak’s Co-Seeing
Authors: Hartmann Catherine
Published: February 2025

This chapter considers an ordinary pilgrim’s practices of seeing and how they shape his experience of pilgrimage. It focuses on the pilgrim diary of Khatag Zamyak (1896–1961), a merchant who traveled across Tibet in the 1940s and, in particular, his experiences at Kailash. It shows how Khatag Zamyak employs a variety of practices of seeing, including close looking, visualizing, reading the landscape, recognizing particular sites, identifying signs, and reading narratives of particular masters who traveled to the site or histories of the site itself. Through these practices, Khatag Zamyak constantly draws his focus back and forth between ordinary perception and imaginative vision, a process described as “interweaving worlds.” These practices culminate in Khatag Zamyak reporting a visionary experience, where he claims to have seen the face of the legendary saint Milarepa.
Variations on Tyranny
Authors: Scribano Emanuela
Published: February 2025

This essay analyzes the definition of tyranny proposed by Pascal: ‘Tyranny is wanting to have by one means what can only be had by another.’ The definition of tyranny depends on a basic thesis of Pascalian philosophy, according to which there are different ‘orders’ that structure reality. The essay traces the evidence of Pascal’s legacy in Montesquieu’s use of tyranny. The components of the spirit of nations in Montesquieu’s Esprit des lois—laws, mores, and manners—have the characteristics of Pascalian orders; that is, they are systems governed by specific ends and means that are not transferable to another system. Like Pascal, Montesquieu employs the notion of tyranny to indicate the use in one system of tools specific to another system.
Investigation of trans-to-cis isomerization of cinnamic acid in Arabidopsis using stable-isotope-labeled cinnamic acid
Authors: Tsuzuki Kei , Suzuki Taiki , Nishiyama Kotaro , Seto Yoshiya
Published: February 2025

Cinnamic acid (CA) is a widely distributed metabolite in plant species and is a precursor of many important plant molecules such as lignin and flavonoids. CA exists as both trans and cis isomers; the trans isomer is more common in nature. Previous reports have revealed that the cis isomer of CA (cis-CA) has auxin-like activity when exogenously applied. Moreover, cis-CA was found as the endogenous compound in planta. Here, we report the chemical synthesis of stable-isotope-labeled trans- and cis-CA. Using these labeled compounds as internal standards, we developed a quantification method of CA using LC–MS/MS. We identified cis-CA in diverse plant species, including liverwort, moss, and lycophyte implying an important role of cis-CA in the terrestrial plant kingdom.
Biological and biochemical studies on cell surface functions in microorganisms used in brewing and fermentation industry
Authors: Abe Keietsu
Published: February 2025

When brewing microorganisms, which include bacteria and fungi, act on solid cereal substrates, the microbial cell surface interacts with the substrate. When microorganisms use sugars and amino acids released by hydrolysis of the substrate, this occurs on the cell surface. Throughout my career, I have focused on functional studies of cell surface molecules such as solute transporters, cell wall components, and bio-surfactants and applied the knowledge obtained to the development of fermentation technologies. In this review, I describe (i) catabolite control by sugar transporters and energy generation coupled with amino acid decarboxylation in lactic acid bacteria; (ii) recruitment of a polyesterase by the fungal bio-surfactant proteins to polyesters and subsequent promotion of polyester hydrolysis; and (iii) hyphal aggregation via cell wall α-1,3-glucan and galactosaminogalactan in aspergilli and the development of a novel liquid culture method with hyphal dispersed mutants lacking these two polysaccharides.
What is the optimal timing for advising patients to wash the treatment areas after laser therapy? A prospective, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Han Yue , Chang Rui , Liu Lanjun , Zhu Jiafang , Yu Wenxin , Huang Linting , Fang Wei , Gao Wei , Ma Gang , Shang Ying , Lin Xiaoxi
Published: February 2025

Background

Despite ongoing advancements in medical aesthetics, there remains a lack of consensus regarding a standardized postoperative care protocol following laser treatment for skin pigmentation disorders.

Objectives

To evaluate the influence of postoperative facial cleansing practices on the efficacy and safety of laser therapy among patients diagnosed with pigmentary skin diseases.

Methods

Thirty patients diagnosed with pigmented lesions (freckles and/or solar lentigines) were randomly allocated to two distinct groups. Following treatment with a 755-nm alexandrite laser, patients in one group were instructed to perform water cleansing, while the other followed a water-avoidance care protocol. Follow-up visits were conducted on days 1, 3, 7 and 14 after treatment and 3 months postoperatively. These visits included taking standardized photographs, performing VISIA imaging assessments, collecting patient satisfaction questionnaires and recording any potential adverse events.

Results

No serious complications were reported in either group. Most patients demonstrated improvement in their lesions to varying degrees with a single treatment session. No statistically significant differences were identified between the two groups in terms of postoperative visual analogue scale scores (P = 0.17). VISIA analysis revealed a significant decrease in brown spot count in both groups at the 3-month follow-up compared with baseline, with no significant differences between groups (P = 0.99). The average score of patients’ satisfaction in the water-cleansing group was significantly higher than that in the water-avoidance group (P = 0.039).

Conclusions

Our studies have demonstrated that laser treatment of epidermal hyperpigmentation disorders without strict water avoidance can have equally good results with no added adverse effects.
Right Hemothorax Secondary to Pulmonary Vein Laceration Following Left-Sided Pacemaker Implantation: A Case Report
Authors: Fitouchi S , Faucher L , Labani A , Jesel L , Marzak H
Published: February 2025

Background

Lead perforation is a rare but potentially fatal complication of cardiac device implantation. Atrial lead perforations, though less common than ventricular ones, can have severe consequences, especially in elderly patients with underlying structural heart disease.

Case summary

An 83-year-old male with amyloid and valvular cardiomyopathy underwent dual-chamber pacemaker implantation for third-degree atrioventricular block following transcatheter aortic valve implantation. The active-fixation atrial lead was positioned on the right atrial free wall. Six hours post-implantation, the patient developed hemodynamic instability. Echocardiography revealed a small pericardial effusion, while pacemaker interrogation showed an increased atrial pacing threshold. Chest imaging demonstrated a moderate right hemothorax. Initially, conservative management was recommended. However, the patient's condition deteriorated, progressing to cardiac arrest requiring brief cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Emergency sternotomy revealed a large right hemothorax and laceration of the right upper pulmonary vein in contact with the atrial lead screw. The laceration was repaired, and the atrial lead was repositioned. The patient recovered well and was discharged 5 days after surgery.

Discussion

Lead perforation is an uncommon but potentially severe complication of pacemaker implantation, with an incidence of 0.5-1% of cases. Several risk factors have been identified, including advanced age, low body mass index (BMI), atrial remodeling, and lateral lead placement. In this case, the atrial lead perforation extended from the atrial wall to the right superior pulmonary vein. This case underscores the potential risks associated with lateral lead positioning in geriatric patients and emphasizes the necessity for meticulous lead placement and vigilant post-implantation monitoring to mitigate complications.
Pulmonary Vein Stenosis Requiring Angioplasty or Surgical Treatment Following Pulmonary Vein Isolation: Case Series
Authors: Iwama Haruka , Kamioka Masashi , Watanabe Hiroaki , Ogoyama Yukako , Watanabe Tomonori , Kario Kazuomi
Published: February 2025

Background

Pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is a rare but severe complication. Its severity depends on the cause, number of stenosed veins, and symptoms. For symptomatic patients, angioplasty is the first choice, while surgery is not recommended due to its high invasiveness.

Case Summary

Patient 1: A 60-year-old male developed symptomatic left superior and inferior PVS after two procedures of PVI using radiofrequency energy. 8-mm stent in left-superior and 7-mm stent in left-inferior PV were placed. Patient 2: A 64-year-old male underwent PVI using radiofrequency energy with a high-power short-duration (HP-SD) setting. Although the patient was asymptomatic, CT revealed left-inferior PVS along with infiltrative shadow of the same area. Considering the risk of pulmonary infarction and with the patient’s informed consent, a 7-mm diameter stent was placed. Patient 3: A 56-year-old male underwent PVI with a 28mm-cryoballoon, followed by radiofrequency ablation for bilateral inferior PV reconductions. Subsequently, he developed severe left-inferior PVS, uncontrollable hemoptysis, and pulmonary infarction, necessitating lower lung-lobe resection.

Discussion

Classical PVS often results from multiple radiofrequency ablations, as seen in Patients 1 and 3. HP-SD ablation, as a novel technique associated with specific risks, should also be acknowledged. While PVS treatment is typically for symptomatic cases, it may be justified in high-risk asymptomatic patients, as in Patient 2. Although not first-line, surgery should be considered in cases with refractory symptoms, as in Patient 3.
A rare case of intracardiac thymoma
Authors: Jiang Xiaoqing , Zhi Zheng , Gu Xinru , Liu Kefu
Published: February 2025

Thymoma is one of the most common tumors in the anterior mediastinum, it may invade the cardiovascular directly through surrounding tissues when grows large enough. However, it’s rare for thymomas to invade the heart in an early stage. We report a case of a tiny thymoma invading the cardiovascular.
Economic burden of cardiovascular disease in the United Kingdom (UK)
Authors: Shih Kingsley , Herz Naomi , Sheikh Aziz , O'Neil Ciaran , Carter Paul , Anderson Michael
Published: February 2025

Background and aims

Direct (medical and non-medical) and indirect (production losses and informal care) costs of cardiovascular disease (CVD) have been captured in two previous United Kingdom (UK) cost-of-illness studies, but the areas of long-term care and medical device costs were neglected. We aimed to quantify the economic burden of CVD in the UK from a societal perspective between fiscal years 2019/20 to 2021/22.

Methods

Mixed-methods study in a prevalence-based retrospective review of economic costs focused on the public sector. Top-down costing was applied to the following areas: inpatient hospital care, outpatient specialist care, emergency care, primary care, medications, medical devices, long-term care, production losses to morbidity, and production losses to mortality. Bottom-up costing was used by applying the marginal effects of having a cardiovascular disease on several parameters using survey data from the Survey on Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe to estimate informal care costs.

Results

The modelling performed shows that the total costs of CVD in the UK in 2021/22 were £29.021 billion (bn), with direct costs of £16.620 bn and indirect costs of £12.402 bn. The breakdown of direct costs for the UK were inpatient care (£6.732 bn), long-term care (£4.649 bn), medications (£1.940 bn), primary care (£1.556 bn), outpatient care (£1.011 bn), emergency care (£327.6 million (mn)), and medical devices (£404.4 mn). The breakdown of indirect costs for the UK were informal care costs (£6.377 bn), production losses to mortality (£4.544 bn), and production losses to morbidity (£1.481 bn).

Conclusion

There is a significant economic burden of CVD in the UK, with the highest direct cost resulting from inpatient care and the highest indirect cost resulting from informal care.
A hidden artefact: how surfactants can distort the results of springtail reproduction tests
Authors: Fischer Jonas , Szabó Borbála , Manikhin Leonid , Filser Juliane
Published: February 2025

Soils are exposed to multiple substance groups, including surfactants, which directly enter soils when they are used as additives in fire-fighting liquids or pesticide mixtures due to their surface tension-lowering properties. The impact of chemicals on soil health is often tested with the springtail reproduction test. We tested the effects of the trisiloxane Break-Thru® S 301 on the reproduction of Folsomia candida in three soils according to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guideline 232. Juveniles were extracted either by heat or flotation. In the latter method, recommended by OECD 232, test soil is flooded with water and stirred so that springtails float and swim on the water surface. Additionally, we tested the impact of Break-Thru® S 301 on other life-history endpoints linked with reproduction, namely reproduction investment and hatching success. We found a significant decline of recovered springtails at soil concentrations of Break-Thru® S 301 down to 2 mg/kg in sandy soils when using flotation. However, using heat extraction no effects were found at the same concentrations. Also, reproduction investment and hatching success did not indicate any toxicity of Break-Thru® S 301 to springtails at all. In conclusion, Break-Thru® S 301 reduced the water surface tension in the flotation process so that springtail juveniles just sank and disappeared from the water surface. This artefact potentially can occur for all surfactants tested this way. We propose testing surfactant’s impact on springtail flotation by adding a few drops of surfactant and observing springtails’ sinking behaviour, before testing toxicity. Alternatively, heat extraction or surfactant controls can be applied. Most importantly, these options should be mentioned in the respective guidelines, which are highly relevant for chemical risk assessment.
Plipastatin is a shared good by Bacillus subtilis during combating Fusarium spp.
Authors: Stannius Rune Overlund , Kovács Ákos T
Published: February 2025

Bacillus subtilis a Gram-positive soil dwelling bacterium known for its wide range of bioactive secondary metabolites. The lipopeptide plipastatin produced by most B. subtilis isolates have been shown to exhibit potent anti-fungal activity against plant pathogenic fungi. While the effect of these anti-fungal compounds are well studied in the context of biocontrol, much less is known of their role in the environment, which also harbor non-producing strains of these compounds. Fusarium species produce multiple antibacterial compounds resulting in dysbiosis of the plant-associated microbiome and inhibiting plant beneficial bacteria like B. subtilis. While plipastatin is expected to be important for survival of B. subtilis, not all isolates carry the biosynthetic gene cluster for plipastatin suggesting that the protective effect of plipastatin might be shared. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of plipastatin against Fusarium oxysporum in a co-culture using a producer and a non-producer isolate of plipastatin. We tested the survival of single and co-cultured strains under Fusarium challenge in liquid media and solid agar plates to dissect the influence of spatial structure. Our results highlights that plipastatin protects the non-producer strain in a density dependent manner.
A case report of fatal splenic rupture caused by multiple organ infection following foreign body ingestion in a detainee
Authors: Chen Ke , Li Yingmin , Zhang Guozhong , Zuo Min , Bi Haitao , Shi Weibo , Cong Bin
Published: February 2025

Among forensic and clinical cases, infections caused by the ingestion of foreign bodies are common. In general, timely removal of the foreign body and appropriate treatment prevent serious consequences. We herein report a rare case of death due to massive bleeding caused by splenic rupture following foreign body ingestion. To our knowledge, no similar cases have been reported in the Chinese or international literature, making this case particularly noteworthy. In this instance, the decedent was in a detention centre for a criminal offence and swallowed a wire unnoticed. The wire remained in his stomach for more than 50 days, leading to a severe suppurative infection in the gastric tissue. This resulted in suppurative inflammation affecting multiple organs, including the liver, pancreas, and spleen. The condition ultimately led to the rupture of splenic vessels and the formation of a rare, massive haematoma beneath the splenic capsule. Based on medical records and histopathological findings, we infer that the wire had remained in the stomach for approximately 50 days, triggering severe suppurative infections in multiple organs. The spleen eventually ruptured, and the victim died of massive haemorrhage.
Life-stage dependent behavior mimics chemosensory repertoire diversity in a belowground, specialist herbivore
Authors: Paddock Kyle J , Corcoran Jacob A
Published: February 2025

Insects rely on the translation of environmental chemical cues into behaviors necessary for survival and reproduction. Specific chemosensory receptors belonging to the odorant and gustatory receptor groups detect odorant and gustatory cues, respectively, making them crucial to these processes. How odorant (OR) and gustatory (GR) receptor expression profiles change in combination with changing life strategies is not well understood. Using genomic and transcriptomic resources we annotated the OR and GR expression profiles across all life stages of the western corn rootworm (WCR), Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, a major pest of corn in the US and Europe. Genomic analyses identified 193 ORs and 189 GRs, of which 125 and 116 were found to be expressed, respectively, in one or more WCR life stages. WCR larvae are subterranean and feed on roots before emerging as adults aboveground. Expression profile analyses revealed first instar larvae possess a unique OR and GR repertoire distinct from other instars and adults, suggesting a role in host plant finding. Similarly, a subset of ORs and GRs differed in their expression levels between adult male and female antennae. By comparing the phylogenetic relationship of ORs and GRs, we identified several receptors with potentially important roles in WCR foraging and reproductive behavior. Together, this study provides support for future investigations into the ecology and evolution of chemoreception in insects.
Who’s On Your Team? Classifying Dementia Caregiving Networks and Associations with the Well-being of Caregivers and Care Recipients with Dementia
Authors: Leggett Amanda N , Haldar Srabani , Tsuker Sophia , Lai Wenhua , Nemmers Natasha , Choi Hwa Jung , Freedman Vicki
Published: February 2025

Objectives

While caregivers are typically enmeshed in broad networks of family and friends assisting with care, this network has been neglected in favor of examining a “primary” caregiver. This study examines types of family and unpaid friend networks for individuals with dementia and how one’s network type relates to the well-being of care recipients with dementia and their caregivers.

Methods

Data are drawn from the nationally representative 2017 National Health and Aging Trends Study and associated National Study of Caregiving. The sample includes 336 dementia care networks (Network size mean=2.9). We first identified network types using Latent Class Analysis and then examined the extent to which network type is associated with the well-being of care recipients with dementia (sleep, depressive symptoms) and their caregivers (emotional difficulty, overload, social support from family and friends) using ANOVA and linear regressions adjusting for demographics.

Results

Three network types were identified: “Siloed”- small networks, limited task sharing (29.8% of networks); “Small but mighty”- small networks, high task sharing (23.0% of networks); and “Complex”- large networks, diverse membership, members who share and specialize in task assistance (47.2%). Individuals with dementia with a “Siloed” network had significantly poorer sleep quality and caregivers in “Siloed” networks reported receiving less social support from family and friends than those in “Small but mighty” and “Complex” networks.

Discussion

Caregiver networks that are less collaborative may need supports to reduce isolation amongst caregivers and improve health outcomes for individuals with dementia.
Jewish Refugee Children in the Soviet Interior: Voices from Tempelhof Camp, 1946–1947: Exploring Polish Jewish Children’s Testimonies amidst Holocaust Displacement
Authors: Auketayeva Laura
Published: February 2025

This article focuses on Polish Jewish refugee children’s accounts written between 1945 and 1947 in a German Displaced Persons (DP) camp, which describe their lives in the Soviet Union during the war. Children’s accounts often depicted a loss of childhood in having to, at times, take on adult roles in providing and caring for family members. Through these writings, many children articulated key aspects of their identities when reflecting on their family’s lives during the war. Furthermore, children’s identities were structured by awareness of their Jewishness in relation to antisemitic encounters with local children in the Soviet Union. This contributed to Jewish refugee children’s desire to strengthen their Jewish identity and belonging, as evidenced by children’s narratives of a future in Eretz Yisrael (the land of Israel), where they hoped to be Jewish without fear and build a new home.
Identifying the active microbes driving organosulfur cycling from taurine and methionine in marine sediment
Authors: Coskun Ömer K , Orsi William D , D’Hondt Steven , Gomez-Saez Gonzalo V
Published: February 2025

Studies on microbial sulfur cycling in marine sediment have primarily centered on the cycling of inorganic sulfur. The microbial diversity underlying the cycling of organosulfur compounds is largely unexplored. In this study, we present the first quantification of dissolved organic sulfur (DOS) microbial assimilation in marine surface sediments using 13C-DOS quantitative DNA stable isotope probing (qSIP). We sampled marine sediment from 493 m water depth on the Puerto Rico continental slope, measured 13C-assimilation from two DOS substrates (13C-taurine and 13C-methionine) and compared the 13C-DOS assimilation to 13C-glucose uptake. Taurine utilization was confined to bacteria, whereas methionine was degraded by bacteria and archaea, including methanogenic Methanococcoides. Globally widespread uncultivated clades of Gammaproteobacteria and Deltaproteobacteria were the main drivers of DOS cycling and exhibited increased assimilation of carbon from taurine and methionine, compared to glucose. Only one operational taxonomic unit (OTU) affiliated with Neptuniibacter was found to assimilate taurine and methionine, but not glucose, implying that microbes exclusively utilizing both DOS substrates as a carbon source in marine sediments are rare. Still, a substantial number of bacterial taxa exhibited a higher assimilation 13C from taurine or methionine, compared to glucose, indicating their preference for both DOS substrates over glucose as a carbon source in the sediment. These results represent the first quantitative assessment of organosulfur cycling from taurine and methionine by uncultivated microbes in a marine benthic environment.
Viroid-like “obelisk” agents are widespread in the ocean and exceed the abundance of RNA viruses in the prokaryotic fraction
Authors: López-Simón Javier , de la Peña Marcos , Martínez-García Manuel
Published: February 2025

“Obelisks” are recently discovered RNA viroid-like elements present in diverse environments with no phylogenetic similarity to any known biological agent. Obelisks were first identified in the human gut and in a commensal bacterium acting as a replicative host. They have a circular ∼1 kb RNA genome, rod-like secondary structures, and the encoding of a protein superfamily called “Oblins”. We performed a large-scale search of Obelisks in the ocean using the Pebblescout program and the transcriptomic Sequence Archive Read databases, revealing the biogeography and abundance of these viroid-like RNA elements. We detected 45 Obelisk genomes resulting in 35 marine clusters at the species level. These Obelisks were detected in the prokaryotic fraction and to a lesser extent in the eukaryotic fraction, and distributed across all the oceans from surface to mesopelagic including the Arctic, and even in the coldest seawater of Earth beneath the Antarctic Ross Ice Shelf. The Obelisk hallmark protein Oblin-1 confirmed by 3D models was found in various marine samples. Some of the detected marine Obelisks harbour hammerhead self-cleaving ribozymes in both polarities. In the prokaryotic, but not the eukaryotic, fraction of the Tara Ocean dataset, relative abundance of Obelisks calculated by transcriptomic fragment recruitment indicated that they are abundant in marine samples, reaching or even exceeding the relative abundance of the previously discovered uncultured RNA viruses. In conclusion, Obelisks are abundant and widespread viroid-like elements that should be included in ocean biogeochemical models.
Validation of the REverSe TRanscrIptase Chain Termination assay for measuring tenofovir diphosphate in dried blood spots from a clinical pharmacokinetic trial
Authors: Sullivan Benjamin P , Craig Cosette A , Bender Andrew T , Blake Emily , Siriprakaisil Oraphan , Sukrakanchana Pra-ornsuda , Cressey Tim R , Drain Paul K , Olanrewaju Ayokunle O , Posner Jonathan D
Published: February 2025

Background

Tenofovir diphosphate concentration in red blood cells is an objective measure of long-term oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) or antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. However, current methods for measuring tenofovir diphosphate are equipment and capital intensive, limiting widespread adoption.

Objectives

Low cost, rapid diagnostics for measuring tenofovir diphosphate may drive clinical adoption of routine drug level measurement as a tool for adherence monitoring of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate-based PrEP or ART. We validate a simple and accessible enzymatic assay [REverSe TRanscrIptase Chain Termination (RESTRICT)] for measuring tenofovir diphosphate in dried blood spots (DBS) obtained from a directly observed therapy study of individuals on PrEP.

Methods

We performed RESTRICT measurements on 74 DBS samples from individuals on tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine regimens. We compared RESTRICT measurements with those from a gold-standard method of liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The ability of RESTRICT to correctly classify DBS tenofovir diphosphate concentrations to established steady-state adherence benchmark concentrations was determined using area under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs).

Results

The RESTRICT measurements of DBS samples were highly correlated with LC-MS/MS measurements of tenofovir diphosphate from DBS (r = −0.90; P < 0.0001). The RESTRICT assay correctly classified DBS samples as above or below established steady-state adherence benchmark concentrations corresponding to low (AUC = 0.974), moderate (AUC = 0.936) and high (AUC = 0.955) levels of adherence.

Conclusions

The enzymatic RESTRICT assay can accurately measure tenofovir diphosphate concentrations in DBS specimens using simple procedures and readily available laboratory equipment, offering accessible objective adherence monitoring for persons receiving tenofovir disoproxil fumarate-based PrEP or ART.