bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive analysis of the analytical characteristics and structure of the lateral branches pectin isolated from seeds of wild medlar (Mespilus germanica l.)
Authors: Farzaliyev E.B. , Hafizov G.K. , Jabrailov B.J.
Published: June 2024

The medlar (Mepilus germanica L.) is an important element of the flora of the mountainous part of the Guba district, and its biotechnological potential has been little studied. This study was conducted in order to comprehensively analyze the analytical characteristics of pectin isolated from the seeds of the fruits of this plant. In the mode of low frequency hydroacoustic cavitation, primary extracts of fresh seeds of fruits of technical maturity were obtained, which were then purified according to a multi-stage scheme using a filtering centrifuge, a diatomite filter, a decanter and ultra- and diafiltration and subjected to low-temperature concentration and spray drying. The analysis of the studied pectin using titrometric, spectrometric and chromatographic conventional methods showed that the pectin of wild medlar seeds is a mixture of linear and branched polymers of a-D-galacturonane and other polysaccharides (mainly high molecular weight). It is pectin with a high degree of esterification (72.4 ± 0.6%) and a high content of the methoxyl component (48±0.25% of acetyl groups in the total mass of galacturonic acids). At the same time, the content of free carboxyl groups in it is quite low and amounted to 4.25 ± 0.09%, which indicates its low complexing ability.
Psychische Komponenten in der Reha nach VKB-Ruptur – Wissenschaft nachgefragt
Authors: Veit Katrin
Published: June 2024

Lea Gänzle untersuchte in ihrer Bachelorarbeit die Rolle der psychischen Gesundheit unter Sportler*innen mit Verletzung des vorderen Kreuzbands. Sie gibt darin einen Einblick in die vielfältigen psychosozialen Herausforderungen nach einer VKB-Ruptur.
Die Rechtsfrage: Wie muss Arbeitszeit erfasst werden?
Authors: Schlegel Thomas
Published: June 2024

Zur Dokumentation unserer Arbeitszeit in der Praxis füllen wir monatlich einen Stundenzettel aus, indem wir die abgeleisteten Therapieeinheiten eintragen. Gleichzeitig sollen wir unsere Termine auch im Praxiskalender pflegen. Ist dieser doppelte Aufwand nötig? Gibt es gesetzliche Vorgaben zur Erfassung der Arbeitszeit?

Therapeutin aus Niedersachsen
Genito-pelvine Schmerzstörung (Penetrationsstörung) – eine qualitative Interviewstudie zur Perspektive Betroffener auf die Versorgung im deutschen Gesundheitssystem
Authors: Wand Agnes
Published: June 2024

Einleitung Die genito-pelvine Schmerz-Penetrationsstörung (englische Abkürzung: GPPPD) hat eine hohe Prävalenz bei Menschen mit Vagina und stellt eine besondere Herausforderung für die medizinische Versorgung dar.

Forschungsziele Da es aktuell noch kein Wissen darüber gibt, wie Betroffene ihre gesundheitliche Versorgung in Deutschland erleben, wurden Menschen mit GPPPD hinsichtlich ihrer Erfahrungen im deutschen Gesundheitssystem befragt.

Methoden Personen mit GPPPD-Symptomen wurden in einer Physiotherapiepraxis und in Online-Selbsthilfe-Netzwerken rekrutiert. Es wurden halbstandardisierte Interviews durchgeführt, mit der qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse ausgewertet und kommunikativ validiert. Die acht Befragten waren zwischen 24 und 36 Jahren alt (Mittelwert: 30 Jahre). Die Themenfelder der Interviews bezogen sich auf den Zugang zu Diagnostik und Therapie, wahrgenommene Fachkenntnis, soziale Erfahrungen mit GPPPD in der Versorgung und deren Einfluss auf das soziale Leben sowie Wünsche hinsichtlich zukünftiger Versorgung.

Ergebnisse Innerhalb der medizinischen Regelversorgung wurde kaum Hilfe für Diagnostik und Therapie gefunden. Behandlungen wurden selten von ärztlichem Fachpersonal empfohlen und umfassten Psychotherapie, Physiotherapie und medikamentöse Interventionen. Eine ausbleibende Diagnosestellung konnte zu Hilflosigkeit dem Problem gegenüber sowie zu Isolation führen. Selbstständige Recherche wurde als Voraussetzung für den Zugang zu Diagnostik und Therapie berichtet. Soziale Komponenten der medizinischen Versorgung hatten einen hohen Stellenwert und die Erfahrungen wurden, neben Fachkenntnis, von Möglichkeiten zur Selbstbestimmung beeinflusst. Zusätzlich wurden heteronormativ geprägte Geschlechterrollen als problemverstärkend in medizinischer Versorgung und sozialem Leben identifiziert.

Schlussfolgerung Betroffene wünschen sich bessere Möglichkeiten, um qualitativ hochwertige Informationen über die Diagnose und Therapiemöglichkeiten erhalten zu können. Der Ausbau von gendersensiblen Ansätzen in der medizinischen Versorgung könnte Betroffene unterstützen. Die Ergebnisse sind nicht repräsentativ und es bedarf zukünftig weiterer Forschung, um Diagnose- und Behandlungsprozesse für GPPPD zu verbessern.
Prediction of Prognosis in Patients with Sepsis Based on
Platelet-Related Genes
Authors: Jiang Jing , Zhang Juan , Wang Ting , Yu Daihua , Ren Xiu
Published: June 2024

The study aimed to develop a risk prognostic model using platelet-related genes
(PRGs) to predict sepsis patient outcomes. Sepsis patient data from the Gene
Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and PRGs from the Molecular Signatures
Database (MSigDB) were analyzed. Differential analysis identified 1139
differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between sepsis and control groups. Gene
Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses
revealed enrichment in functions related to immune cell regulation and pathways
associated with immune response and infectious diseases. A risk prognostic model
was established using LASSO and Cox regression analyses, incorporating 10 PRGs
selected based on their association with sepsis prognosis. The model
demonstrated good stratification and prognostic effects, confirmed by survival
and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. It served as an
independent prognostic factor in sepsis patients. Further analysis using the
CIBERSORT algorithm showed higher infiltration of activated natural killer (NK)
cells and lower infiltration of CD8 T cells and CD4 T cells naïve in the
high-risk group compared to the low-risk group. Additionally, expression levels
of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes were significantly lower in the high-risk
group. In conclusion, the 10-gene risk model based on PRGs accurately predicted
sepsis patient prognosis and immune infiltration levels. This study provides
valuable insights into the role of platelets in sepsis prognosis and diagnosis,
offering potential implications for personalized treatment strategies.
Latest Developments on Palladium- and Nickel-Catalyzed Cross-Couplings Using Aryl Chlorides: Suzuki–Miyaura and Buchwald–Hartwig Reactions
Authors: Yamada Yoichi M. A. , Sen Abhijit
Published: June 2024

Palladium- and nickel-catalyzed cross-couplings are powerful methods for constructing C–C and C–N bonds, particularly through Suzuki–Miyaura and Buchwald–Hartwig reactions. Although aryl iodides, bromides, and triflates are the most commonly used substrates, aryl chlorides are less frequently utilized due to their lower reactivity. However, they are appealing because they are readily available and inexpensive. This short review highlights recent developments on the Suzuki–Miyaura and Buchwald–Hartwig cross-couplings of aryl chlorides, using both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis with palladium and nickel.

1 Introduction

2 Suzuki–Miyaura Cross-Couplings

2.1 Homogeneous Palladium Catalysis

2.2 Heterogeneous Palladium Catalysis

2.3 Homogeneous Nickel Catalysis

2.4 Heterogeneous Nickel Catalysis

3 Buchwald–Hartwig Amination Reactions

3.1 Homogeneous Palladium Catalysis

3.2 Heterogeneous Palladium Catalysis

3.3 Homogeneous Nickel Catalysis

3.4 Heterogeneous Nickel Catalysis

4 Conclusion
Feasibility of an experiment on clumping induced by the Crow instability along a shocked cylinder
Authors: Wadas M. , LeFevre H. , Elmore Y. , Xie X. , White W. , Kuranz C. , Johnsen E.
Published: June 2024

The growth of three-dimensional perturbations subject to the Crow instability along a vortex dipole resulting from the passage of a shock wave through a heavy gaseous cylinder is examined numerically. A linear stability analysis is performed based on geometric parameters extracted from two-dimensional simulations to determine the range of unstable wavenumbers, which is found to extend from 0.0 to 1.3 when normalized by the core separation distance. The analysis is then verified by comparison to three-dimensional simulations, which clearly show the development of the instability and the pinch-off of the vortex dipole into isolated vortex rings, which manifest as clumps of the original cylinder material. A scaling law is developed to determine the relevant spatiotemporal scales of the instability development, which is then used to assess the feasibility of a high-energy-density experiment visualizing clump formation. Specifically, a shocked cylinder with an initial diameter of 100 μm consisting of a perturbation of approximate wavelength and amplitude of 600 and 10 μm, respectively, is expected to form clumps resulting from the Crow instability approximately 40 ns after it is shocked, with dynamics which can be readily visualized on the Omega EP laser facility.
On the effect of initial internal roughness in ICF targets on their compression
Authors: Glazyrin S. I. , Zakharov P. P. , Gorodnichev K. E. , Kuratov S. E.
Published: June 2024

Achieving ignition in inertial confinement fusion requires significant heating and compression of the thermonuclear fuel. One of the most efficient ways to achieve such conditions is spherical compression of the target initiated by specially profiled laser pulses. Any irradiation asymmetries and target imperfections break the symmetry of the compression and are seeds for the growth of hydrodynamic instabilities. As a result, the initial small amplitudes grow significantly and break the effective target compression, which is critical for successful ignition. The paper numerically studies the evolution of ice–ablator small perturbations in a direct drive target. The simulations consider the target dynamics with two different numerical hydrocodes. As a result of Rayleigh–Taylor instability development during both acceleration and deceleration phases, the perturbations grow significantly and could violate the ignition if the initial amplitude is larger than the critical value of several hundred nm: for successful ignition, the amplitude should be compared or smaller than a 100 nm. The effect of perturbations propagating from the distributed interface to the internal smooth layers is also observed.
Spatial topologies of nondissipative dynamics or superfluid in a turbulent pipe flow
Authors: Chen Wei , Su Baoting , Yang Liteng , Liu Lin , Si Xinhui
Published: June 2024

Turbulence is a common phenomenon characterized by its chaotic nature in time and coherent structures in space. A recent study was able to solve the temporal component of turbulent velocity and produce a temporal correlation function analytically by the hypothesis of isentropic motion or superfluid in a viscous fluid [W. Chen, “On Taylor correlation functions in isotropic turbulent flows,” Sci. Rep. 13, 3859 (2023)]. However, the spatial distribution of the turbulent velocity is still unknown. In this study, the spatial topology of a turbulent pipe flow [Jackel et al., “Coherent organizational states in turbulent pipe flow at moderate Reynolds numbers,” Phys. Fluids 35, 045127 (2023)] was investigated with the theory of nondissipative dynamics or superfluid. Ten elementary excitation modes on the boundary of the second law have been identified. The temporal, radial, azimuthal and longitudinal components of the longitudinal velocity have been solved and specified. The spatial topology on the cross section is described by the employment of orthogonal correlation functions. This theory satisfactorily agrees with the experimental data at the azimuthal wavenumber from 2 to 7. In the spatial topology, each azimuthal wavenumber corresponds to one pair of positive and negative velocity torsos along the mean longitudinal flow. Many other spatial topology examples involve the combinations of three basic structures of resonant superfluids, i.e., nodes, antinodes, and saddles. The essential differences between the flow fields of a regular fluid and superfluid are summarized. This work provides spatial solutions and methods to complement the temporal solutions in earlier studies [W. Chen, “On Taylor correlation functions in isotropic turbulent flows,” Sci. Rep. 13, 3859 (2023); W. Chen, “An asymmetric probability density function,” Phys. Fluids 35, 095117 (2023)]. The method and results should advance the understanding of turbulence and coherent states.
Pushing the limits of non-radiative recombination suppression in GaAs/GaInP light-emitting diodes by doping profile engineering
Authors: Shahahmadi Seyed Ahmad , Kivisaari Pyry , Behaghel Benoît , Radevici Ivan , Suihkonen Sami , Oksanen Jani
Published: June 2024

Optimizing the efficiency of optoelectronic devices is challenging at low currents, even with high-quality materials, due to the dominance of non-radiative Shockley–Read–Hall recombination at low carrier densities. In this study, we nearly eliminate the typical non-radiative recombination current in a GaAs/GaInP double-heterojunction light-emitting diode (LED) by shifting the pn-junction 200 nm into the GaInP barrier layer on the n-side. This involves reducing the doping in the n-barrier to below the background p-type doping level to relocate the built-in electric field. As a result, the space charge recombination current with the ideality factor of two is strongly suppressed and remains concealed in our experimental dark current density–voltage measurements. The experimental results, coupled with our physics-based model, indicate the potential for considerable efficiency gains at current densities below ∼ 1 A/cm2. The findings prompt to carefully optimize the doping profiles of high efficiency LEDs and to reconsider the validity of using dark saturation currents as a metric for their performance.
Evaporation into half-space: Kinetic simulation of Knudsen layer for monatomic gas
Authors: Morozov Alexey A. , Graur Irina A. , Gatapova Elizaveta Ya.
Published: June 2024

Tools for modeling phase change processes in confined spaces are necessary to estimate heat and mass fluxes impacted by micro-level effects. We develop and validate numerical models for the simulation of evaporation processes using the direct simulation Monte Carlo method and the S-model kinetic equation. The numerical results are compared with previous results obtained by Sone and Sugimoto using the Boltzmann–Krook–Welander kinetic equation. The method of moments for the solution of the Boltzmann equation is also applied. The profiles of macroscopic parameters in the Knudsen layer are analyzed in detail. A very good agreement among the results given by all the applied models is found for a Mach number up to 1. As the considered approaches differ only in the collision laws, the evaporation parameters (temperature, pressure ratios, and the evaporation rate) seem relatively insensitive to the collision law models. The analytical solutions for the marcoscopic profiles (temperature, velocity, density, and pressure) are in good agreement with the numerical results. Possible criteria for Knudsen layer thickness estimation are suggested and tested. The provided results could be used as reference data to test evaporation models.
Study on ignition characteristics of kerosene pre-combustion plasma jet igniter
Authors: Zhang Lei , Yu Jinlu , Cheng Weida , Jia Wenyu , Wang Xiaomin , Zhang Dengcheng
Published: June 2024

The ignition performance of an aeroengine combustion chamber significantly affects the engine's stable operating range. The ignition limit, a crucial factor in determining this performance, has consistently needed enhancement. To improve this and broaden the ignition limit, a kerosene pre-combustion gliding arc plasma jet igniter (KPPJ-Igniter) was developed. This igniter integrates gliding arc discharge, plasma jet ignition, and pre-chamber ignition techniques. Its characteristics were explored using a dual-head fan-shaped combustion chamber test section, where CH* groups produced during ignition were analyzed using the chemical self-luminescence method. The ignition mechanism, limit, and delay time of the KPPJ-Igniter were examined, revealing that increasing the jet flow rate decreases the jet flame length and increases discharge power, with the longest jet flame reaching 69.5 mm. The ignition process involves three stages: ignition transition stage, flame core expansion stage, and stable combustion stage. Two flame cores identified downstream of the igniter and in the combustor dome's recirculation zone significantly influence the combustion process. The KPPJ-Igniter notably extends the ignition limit, especially under low-velocity and low-turbulence conditions. With an inflow velocity of 80 m/s, it can expand the ignition limits by up to 32.6%, increasing the maximum ignition velocity from 80 to 100 m/s. The high ignition performance is attributed to the high-temperature jet flame and its cumulative effects, with the ignition delay time decreasing as fuel supply pressure and inflow velocity increase.
Direct measurement of electron affinity of carbazole-based self-assembled monolayer used as hole-selective layer in high-efficiency perovskite solar cells
Authors: Akatsuka Aruto , Miura Makoto , Kapil Gaurav , Hayase Shuzi , Yoshida Hiroyuki
Published: June 2024

Carbazole-based self-assembled monolayers have received considerable attention as hole-selective layers (HSLs) in inverted perovskite solar cells. As an HSL, the electron-blocking capability is important and directly related to electron affinity (EA). Low-energy inverse photoelectron spectroscopy (LEIPS) is the most reliable method for EA measurement. However, the intense electron-impact-induced fluorescence from carbazole interferes with their measurement. By improving the photon detector, we were able to measure 2PACz and MeO-2PACz LEIPS spectra and determine their respective EAs of 1.72 and 1.48 eV. These small EA values ensure effective electron-blocking capability of HSLs regardless of the type of perovskite layer.
Droplet flow behavior on a biomimetic structure with a superhydrophobic gradient interface inspired by the Nepenthes pitcher plant
Authors: Zhang Dongya , Bai Ao , Dong Shiyang , Hu Yalong
Published: June 2024

To address the challenge of lubricating oil creep loss in aerospace equipment, a biomimetic structure combining a wetting gradient with a geometric diversion pattern inspired by the peristome region of the Nepenthes pitcher plant is designed. A two-phase flow-field simulation is performed to investigate directional droplet transport on this biomimetic structure. Hydrothermal deposition and laser etching methods are then used to prepare surfaces incorporating this structure on a titanium substrate, and directional droplet transport is observed using high-speed photography. It is found that regions on this surface with a biomimetic structure region are superhydrophilic with a contact angle of 0°, while regions without any such structure are superhydrophobic with a contact angle of 159°. With increasing curvature of the biomimetic structural units, the self-actuation effect of the biomimetic structure on droplets decreases. The effects of the other structural parameters in the case of zero curvature is studied, and it is found that the droplet transport rate increases with increasing lateral spacing and longitudinal spacing between biomimetic structural units and decreases with increasing angle of inclination of these units and increasing droplet viscosity. The designed biomimetic structure is thus able to realize efficient directional transport of water and lubricating oil, with the transport rate being determined by the biomimetic structural parameters and the droplet viscosity.
Effect of zinc supplementation on the quality of cooled, stored equine sperm
Authors: Palacios Patricio D. , Ortiz Isabel , Dorado Jesús , Hidalgo Manuel , García Díaz Juan Ramón , Gambini Andrés
Published: June 2024

Context Collecting, cooling, and cryopreserving semen is essential for accessing genetically superior stallions. However, preserving stallion sperm presents unique challenges compared with other species. Aims This study aimed to investigate the effect of zinc (Zn) supplementation on the quality of equine sperm during cold storage. Methods Various factors contributing to sperm quality were assessed at 24 and 48 h after cooling, and after subjecting the sperm samples to a heat-resistance test. In Experiment 1, four experimental groups were examined, each with different concentrations of Zn sulfate, as follows: 0, 1, 2, and 3 mM. Subsequently, Experiment 2 involved testing a wider range of concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6, and 3.2 mM), including evaluation of samples after incubation for 240 min at 37°C (heat-resistance test). Key results The addition of different concentrations of Zn to the extender INRA96 did not yield substantial improvements in sperm-quality parameters for cooling stallion semen after 24 or 48 h. Moreover, no protective benefits were observed when samples underwent a heat-resistance test. Concentrations of Zn surpassing 3 mM had an adverse effect on sperm-quality parameters. Conclusions and implications These findings have contributed to the understanding of Zn supplementation as a strategy for improving semen preservation in stallions.
Protective effect of curcumin on testicular damage caused by carbon tetrachloride exposure in rats
Authors: Bayramova Aysel , Keçeci Mete , Akpolat Meryem , Cengil Osman
Published: June 2024

Context Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a chemical that is still widely used in industry and has been shown to cause structural defects in rat testicles through oxidative stress. Aims In our study, the effect of curcumin on CCl4-mediated testicular damage was investigated. Methods Twenty-four adult Wistar albino male rats weighing 300–350 g were divided into four groups: control group (olive oil was applied by gavage every consecutive day for 3 weeks); curcumin and CCl4 + curcumin groups (200 mg/kg curcumin dissolved in olive oil was given by gavage once a day, every consecutive day for 3 weeks); and CCl4 and CCl4 + curcumin groups (0.5 mL/kg CCl4 was dissolved in olive oil at a ratio of 1/1 and given by i.p. injection every other day for 3 weeks). Tissue samples were examined histopathologically, histomorphometrically, immunohistochemically and biochemically. Key results CCl4 disrupted both testicular morphology and testosterone synthesis, whereas curcumin treatment resulted in an improvement in testicular morphology and biochemical parameters, as well as a decrease in caspase-3 and tumour necrosis factor-α expression. Conclusions Curcumin has a protective effect on testicular tissue damage caused by CCl4 with its anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic and antioxantioxidant properties. Implications Curcumin can prevent testicular damage due to CCl4, an environmental pollutant.
A cytokinetic ring-driven cell rotation achieves Hertwig’s rule in early development
Authors: Middelkoop Teije C. , Neipel Jonas , Cornell Caitlin E. , Naumann Ronald , Pimpale Lokesh G. , Jülicher Frank , Grill Stephan W.
Published: June 2024

Hertwig’s rule states that cells divide along their longest axis, usually driven by forces acting on the mitotic spindle. Here, we show that in contrast to this rule, microtubule-based pulling forces in early
Caenorhabditis elegans
embryos align the spindle with the short axis of the cell. We combine theory with experiments to reveal that in order to correct this misalignment, inward forces generated by the constricting cytokinetic ring rotate the entire cell until the spindle is aligned with the cell’s long axis. Experiments with slightly compressed mouse zygotes indicate that this cytokinetic ring-driven mechanism of ensuring Hertwig’s rule is general for cells capable of rotating inside a confining shell, a scenario that applies to early cell divisions of many systems.
Torques within and outside the human spindle balance twist at anaphase
Authors: Neahring Lila , Cho Nathan H. , He Yifei , Liu Gaoxiang , Fernandes Jonathan , Rux Caleb J. , Nakos Konstantinos , Subramanian Radhika , Upadhyayula Srigokul , Yildiz Ahmet , Dumont Sophie
Published: June 2024

At each cell division, nanometer-scale motors and microtubules give rise to the micron-scale spindle. Many mitotic motors step helically around microtubules in vitro, and most are predicted to twist the spindle in a left-handed direction. However, the human spindle exhibits only slight global twist, raising the question of how these molecular torques are balanced. Here, we find that anaphase spindles in the epithelial cell line MCF10A have a high baseline twist, and we identify factors that both increase and decrease this twist. The midzone motors KIF4A and MKLP1 are together required for left-handed twist at anaphase, and we show that KIF4A generates left-handed torque in vitro. The actin cytoskeleton also contributes to left-handed twist, but dynein and its cortical recruitment factor LGN counteract it. Together, our work demonstrates that force generators regulate twist in opposite directions from both within and outside the spindle, preventing strong spindle twist during chromosome segregation.
A hybrid information fusion method for SINS/GNSS integrated navigation system utilizing GRU-aided AKF during GNSS outages
Authors: Xu Chuan , Chen Shuai , Hou Zhikuan
Published: June 2024

To enhance the performance of integrated inertial navigation system (INS) and global navigation satellite system (GNSS) during GNSS outages, this paper proposed a fusion positioning method based on predictive observation information and adaptive filter parameter. Combined with an adaptive Kalman filter (AKF) and a Gated Recurrent Unit neural network (NN) that directly relates the inertial measurement unit (IMU) output sequence to the error estimation, the hybrid information fusion system can provide effective corrections to compensate for horizontal position errors under the constraints of complex and dynamic vehicle movement data during GNSS outages. Meanwhile, the designed adaptive parameter of the integrated navigation filter can adjust the credibility of the state prediction section when the GNSS is reconnected, ensuring the system can switch rapidly between the INS/GNSS and INS/NN integrated modes. The performance of the proposed information fusion method has been experimentally validated using IMU and GNSS data collected in a vehicle navigation test conducted on a stretch of expressway. The comparison results indicate that the proposed algorithm has error suppression capabilities under various experimental constraints and demonstrates a degree of extendibility and reusability.
The first investigation of the dosimetric perturbations from the spot position errors in spot-scanning arc therapy (SPArc)
Authors: Liu Peilin , Zhao Lewei , Liu Gang , Cong Xiaoda , Li Xiaoqiang , Ding Xuanfeng
Published: June 2024

Objective. To quantitatively investigate the impact of spot position error (PE) on the dose distribution in (Spot-scanning arc therapy) SPArc plans compared to Intensity-Modulated Proton Therapy (IMPT). Approach. Twelve representative cases, including brain, lung, liver, and prostate cancers, were retrospectively selected. Spot PEs were simulated during dynamic SPArc treatment delivery. Two types of errors were generated, including random error and systematic error. Two different probability distributions of random errors were used (1) Gaussian distribution (PEran-GS) (2) uniform distribution (PEran-UN). In PEran-UN, four sub-scenarios were considered: 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% spots were randomly selected in various directions on the scale of 0–1 mm or 0–2 mm of PE. Additionally, systematic error was simulated by shifting all the spot uniformly by 1 or 2 mm in various directions (PEsys). Gamma-index Passing Rate (GPR) is applied to assess the dosimetric perturbation quantitatively. Main results. For PEran-GS in the 1 mm scenario, both SPArc and IMPT are comparable with a GPR exceeding 99%. However, for PEran-GS in 2 mm scenario, SPArc could provide better GPR. As PEsys of 2 mm, SPArc plans have a much better GPR compared to IMPT plans: SPArc’s GPR is 99.59 ± 0.47%, 93.82 ± 4.07% and 64.58 ± 15.83% for 3 mm/3%, 2 mm/2% and 1 mm/1% criteria compared to IMPT with 97.49 ± 2.44%, 84.59 ± 4.99% and 42.02 ± 6.31%. Significance. Compared to IMPT, SPArc shows better dosimetric robustness in spot PEs. This study presents the first simulation results and the methodology that serves as a reference to guide future investigations into the accuracy and quality assurance of SPArc treatment delivery.
Spatial modulation instability and filamentation of Gaussian beam in metamaterials
Authors: Hashim N K , Shafeeque Ali A K , Gopi S , Asma Mir , Ullah Malik Zaka , Ahmad Fayyaz
Published: June 2024

This paper deals with a study on spatial modulation instability and propagation dynamics of a Gaussian beam in cubic and quintic nonlinear metamaterials. We explore the parametric regions where the laser beam can exhibit stable and unstable dynamics in terms of modulation instability of continuous waves. As the modulation instability is the precursor to forming an ultrashort pulse, here we generate trains of ultrashort pulses by the filamentation of the Gaussian beam. Also, we observe the modulational stability of continuous waves as well as the stable dynamics of Gaussian beam in metamaterials with competing cubic and quintic nonlinearities.
Dynamics of vortex and anti-vortex solitons in a vectorial cubic-quintic complex Ginzburg-Landau equation
Authors: Nko’o Nko’o Marius Jeannot , Djazet Alain , Mandeng Lucien Mandeng , Fewo Serge Ibraid , Tchawoua Clément , Kofané Timoléon Crépin , Tatchim Bemmo David
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we present a study of vortex and anti-vortex dynamics within a complex cubic-quintic Ginzburg-Landau vector equation (CCQGLVE). We employ a variational approach to address the analytical aspects, and the results obtained are subsequently confirmed numerically. The vortex vector (VV) and the anti-vortex vector (anti-VV) are defined with topological charges: m = 1 for VV and m = − 1 for anti-VV. Our investigation reveals that the stability zone map corresponds to the region where greater stability can be achieved for the two studied solutions. Notably, the radius of the vortex craters experiences variations either an increase or decrease depending on the competition between the coupling parameters associated with cubic and quintic cross-phase modulation (XPM). During the propagation, the interaction between a fundamental soliton and anti-VV transforms the soliton into a vortex after a short time, but both finally undergo self-confinement which probably will generates solitons. In the case of the interaction between a VV and a fundamental soliton, we observed a self-confinement and a transformation into solitons. Considering the interaction between a VV and an anti-VV, we found that both solutions are also self-confined but the anti-VV solution turns into a soliton faster than the VV solution. This confirms that the anti-VV is the better solution that can be managed with system coupling parameters than the VV one.
Standard monomials and invariant theory of arc spaces II: Symplectic group
Authors: Linshaw Andrew , Song Bailin
Published: June 2024

This is the second in a series of papers on standard monomial theory and invariant theory of arc spaces. For any algebraically closed field

K
K

, we construct a standard monomial basis for the arc space of the Pfaffian variety over

K
K

. As an application, we prove the arc space analogue of the first and second fundamental theorems of invariant theory for the symplectic group.
Clinical characteristics associated with joint pain in hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Lu Weiying , Liu Winston W , Foolad Negar , Kwock Jeffery T , Jaleel Tarannum
Published: June 2024

Although patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) report comorbid arthropathy, clinical characteristics associated with joint pain surrounding HS flares still remain obscure. We found that about one in five patients in our HS cohort reported peri-flare joint pain during their initial visit and that peri-flare joint pain was significantly associated with pain medication prescription (aOR 2.15, P = 0.02) and diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis (aOR 4.14, P < 0.001). Given the debilitating nature of HS flares, the addition of joint pain can further limit daily activities, underscoring the importance of a comprehensive approach to the management of patients with HS.
Phylogenetic differences in the morphology and shape of the central sulcus in great apes and humans: implications for the evolution of motor functions
Authors: Foubet Ophelie , Mangin Jean-François , Sun Zhong Yi , Sherwood Chet C , Hopkins William D
Published: June 2024

The central sulcus divides the primary motor and somatosensory cortices in many anthropoid primate brains. Differences exist in the surface area and depth of the central sulcus along the dorso-ventral plane in great apes and humans compared to other primate species. Within hominid species, there are variations in the depth and aspect of their hand motor area, or knob, within the precentral gyrus. In this study, we used post-image analyses on magnetic resonance images to characterize the central sulcus shape of humans, chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), gorillas (Gorilla gorilla), and orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus and Pongo abelii). Using these data, we examined the morphological variability of central sulcus in hominids, focusing on the hand region, a significant change in human evolution. We show that the central sulcus shape differs between great ape species, but all show similar variations in the location of their hand knob. However, the prevalence of the knob location along the dorso-ventral plane and lateralization differs between species and the presence of a second ventral motor knob seems to be unique to humans. Humans and orangutans exhibit the most similar and complex central sulcus shapes. However, their similarities may reflect divergent evolutionary processes related to selection for different positional and habitual locomotor functions.
Beyond Infection: Mortality and End-of-Life Care Associated With Infectious Disease Consultation in an Academic Health System
Authors: Smith Alison G C , Yarrington Michael E , Baker Arthur W , Cox Gary M , Dicks Kristen V , Engemann John J , Kohler Patricia , Mourad Ahmad , Raslan Rasha , Santivasi Wil L , Turner Nicholas A , Wrenn Rebekah H , Zavala Sofia , Stout Jason E
Published: June 2024

Background

Infectious diseases (ID) physicians are increasingly faced with the challenge of caring for patients with terminal illnesses or incurable infections.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort of all patients with an ID consult within an academic health system from 1 January 2014 through 31 December 2023, including community, general, and transplant ID consult services.

Results

There were 60 820 inpatient ID consults (17 235 community, 29 999 general, and 13 586 transplant) involving 37 848 unique patients. The number of consults increased by 94% and the rate rose from 5.0 to 9.9 consults per 100 inpatients (P < .001). In total, 7.5% of patients receiving an ID consult died during admission and 1006 (2.6%) of patients were discharged to hospice. In-hospital mortality was 5.2% for community ID, 7.8% for general ID, and 10.7% for transplant ID patients (P < .001). Six-month mortality was 9% for all nonobstetric admissions versus 19% for community ID, 20.9% for general ID, and 22.3% for transplant ID. In total 2866 (7.6%) of all patients receiving ID consultation also received palliative care consultation during the same hospitalization. The index ID consult preceded any palliative consult in the majority (69.5%) of cases. A total of 16.3% of patients had a do-not-resuscitate order during the index hospitalization; 12.2% of all patients with a do-not-resuscitate order had this placed on the same day as the ID consult.

Conclusions

Patients receiving ID consultation were increasingly complex and more likely to die soon after consultation. These results provide a framework for ID clinicians to consider their role in end-of-life care.
Selection for transcatheter versus surgical aortic valve replacement and mid-term survival: results of the AUTHEARTVISIT study
Authors: Auer Johann , Krotka Pavla , Reichardt Berthold , Traxler Denise , Wendt Ralph , Mildner Michael , Ankersmit Hendrik Jan , Graf Alexandra
Published: June 2024

OBJECTIVES

Limited data are available from randomized trials comparing outcomes between transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and surgery in patients with different risks and with follow-up of at least 4 years or longer. In this large, population-based cohort study, long-term mortality and morbidity were investigated in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) for severe aortic stenosis using a surgically implanted bioprosthesis (surgical/biological aortic valve replacement; sB-AVR) or TAVR.

METHODS

Individual data from the Austrian Insurance Funds from 2010 through 2020 were analysed. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, assessed in the overall and propensity score-matched populations. Secondary outcomes included reoperation and cardiovascular events.

RESULTS

From January 2010 through December 2020, a total of 18 882 patients underwent sB-AVR (n = 11 749; 62.2%) or TAVR (n = 7133; 37.8%); median follow-up was 5.8 (95% CI 5.7–5.9) years (maximum 12.3 years). The risk of all-cause mortality was higher with TAVR compared with sB-AVR: hazard ratio 1.552, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.469–1.640, P < 0.001; propensity score-matched hazard ratio 1.510, 1.403–1.625, P < 0.001. Estimated median survival was 8.8 years (95% CI 8.6–9.1) with sB-AVR versus 5 years (4.9–5.2) with TAVR. Estimated 5-year survival probability was 0.664 (0.664–0.686) with sB-AVR versus 0.409 (0.378–0.444) with TAVR overall, and 0.690 (0.674–0.707) and 0.560 (0.540–0.582), respectively, with propensity score matching. Separate subgroup analyses for patients aged 65–75 years and >75 years indicated a significant survival benefit in patients selected for sB-AVR in both groups. Other predictors of mortality were age, sex, previous heart failure, diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective national population-based study, selection for TAVR was significantly associated with higher all-cause mortality compared with sB-AVR in patients ≥65 years with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis in the >2-year follow-up.
Somatic Factors Predict On-Road Driving Skills in Older Drivers and Drivers with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Flieger Maximilian , Schäbitz Wolf , Schlueter Daniel A , Austerschmidt Kim L , Koenig Jessica , Beblo Thomas , Driessen Martin , Toepper Max
Published: June 2024

Background

On-road driving skills can be impaired in older drivers and drivers with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to different driving-relevant deficits. Among these deficits, somatic factors have received little attention so far.

Methods

In a prospective observational on-road driving study, we examined whether somatic factors can predict on-road driving skills in a mixed sample of healthy older drivers and drivers with MCI (n = 99) and whether the inclusion of age explains additional variance. Somatic factors included the number of prescribed drugs, visual acuity, peripheral visual field integrity, mobility of the cervical spine, and hearing impairment. A hierarchical regression analysis was used to predict on-road driving skills by adding the somatic factors in the first step and age in the second step.

Results

Results revealed that the combination of somatic factors significantly predicted on-road driving skills (R2adjusted = 0.439). The inclusion of age led to a significant increase of explained variance (R2adjusted = 0.466).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that somatic factors can accurately predict on-road driving skills in healthy older drivers and drivers with MCI. In addition, our results suggest that there is a significant but rather small effect of age beyond somatic changes.
Effects of using the consistent boundary flux method on dynamic topography estimates
Authors: Williams Karen , Stamps D Sarah , Austermann Jaqueline , King Scott , Njinju Emmanuel
Published: June 2024

Dynamic topography is defined as the deflection of Earth's surface due to the convecting mantle. ASPECT (Advanced Solver for Planetary Evolution, Convection, and Tectonics) is a continually evolving, finite element code that uses modern numerical methods to investigate problems in mantle convection. With ASPECT version 2.0.0 a consistent boundary flux (CBF) algorithm, used to calculate radial stresses at the model boundaries, was implemented into the released version of ASPECT. It has been shown that the CBF algorithm improves the accuracy of dynamic topography calculations by approximately one order of magnitude. We aim to evaluate the influence of the CBF algorithm and explore the geophysical implications of these improved estimates of dynamic topography changes along the East Coast of the United States. We constrain our initial temperature conditions using the tomography models SAVANI, S40RTS and TX2008, and combine them with a corresponding radial viscosity profile (2 for TX2008) and two different boundary conditions for a total of eight experiments. We perform simulations with and without the CBF method, which takes place during post-processing and does not affect the velocity solution. Our dynamic topography calculations are spatially consistent in both approaches, but generally indicate an increase in magnitude using the CBF method (on average ∼15 and ∼76 per cent absolute change in present-day instantaneous and rate of change of dynamic topography, respectively). This enhanced accuracy in dynamic topography calculations can be used to better evaluate the effects of mantle convection on surface processes including vertical land motions, sea level changes, and sedimentation and erosion. We explore results along the US East Coast, where a Pliocene shoreline has been deformed by dynamic topography change. An increased accuracy in estimates of dynamic topography can improve Pleistocene and Pliocene sea level reconstructions, which allow for a better understanding of past sea level changes and ice sheet stability.
Onset of thermal convection in a solid spherical shell with melting at either or both boundaries
Authors: Morison Adrien , Labrosse Stéphane , Deguen Renaud , Alboussière Thierry
Published: June 2024

Thermal convection in planetary solid (rocky or icy) mantles sometimes occurs adjacent to liquid layers with a phase equilibrium at the boundary. The possibility of a solid–liquid phase change at the boundary has been shown to greatly help convection in the solid layer in spheres and plane layers and a similar study is performed here for a spherical shell with a radius-independent central gravity subject to a destabilizing temperature difference. The solid–liquid phase change is considered as a mechanical boundary condition and applies at either or both horizontal boundaries. The boundary condition is controlled by a phase change number, Φ, that compares the timescale for latent heat exchange in the liquid side to that necessary to build a topography at the boundary. We introduce a numerical tool, available at https://github.com/amorison/stablinrb, to carry out the linear stability analysis of the studied setup as well as other similar situations (Cartesian geometry, arbitrary temperature and viscosity depth-dependent profiles). Decreasing Φ makes the phase change more efficient, which reduces the importance of viscous resistance associated to the boundary and makes the critical Rayleigh number for the onset of convection smaller and the wavelength of the critical mode larger, for all values of the radii ratio, γ. In particular, for a phase change boundary condition at the top or at both boundaries, the mode with a spherical harmonics degree of 1 is always favoured for Φ ≲ 10−1. Such a mode is also favoured for a phase change at the bottom boundary for small (γ ≲ 0.45) or large (γ ≳ 0.75) radii ratio. Such dynamics could help explaining the hemispherical dichotomy observed in the structure of many planetary objects.
A logging evaluation method for shale and calcium-bearing reservoirs based on the effective medium HB resistivity model—a case study on the Sartu Formation and Putaohua Formation West of the Daqing Placanticline
Authors: Zhang Pengji , Liang Yu , Huang Buzhou , Xiao Li , Gou Fuyan , An Yangming , Guo Yibing , Han Ruiyi
Published: June 2024

To solve the problems of low logging interpretation accuracy and fluid identification in shale and calcium-bearing formations in the study area, this paper uses the effective medium theory and electric double layer theory, combined with artificial core technology, to carry out the first quantitative study of the influence of calcareous on rock resistivity, and establishes a conductive model for the evaluation of the oil and gas properties of shale and calcium-bearing formations. First, considering the salt exclusion effect of clay pore water and its dispersion distribution, an improved Berg model was established. Compared with the original Berg model, the improved Berg model achieved a higher interpretation accuracy. Second, artificial cores with different calcium and clay content were designed and prepared using artificial core technology. A quantitative formula describing the relationship between the cementation exponent m and the calcium and clay content was established and combined with the improved Berg model to build an effective medium HB resistivity model suitable for shale and calcium-bearing formations. Finally, the hierarchical decomposition crossplot approach was used to identify the calcareous cemented rock layers, then the reservoir parameters were calculated. The new model is applied to the quantitative evaluation of reservoir logging, and the comparison with the oil test results indicates that the new model established in this paper can be applied to the quantitative evaluation of reservoir logging in this area, and the corresponding evaluation techniques provided a good reference for logging interpretation and evaluation in other corresponding areas.