bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-powered, wide spectral UV response out-of-plane photodetector based on ZnO/porous silicon heterostructure
Authors: Bisht Bhanu Prakash , Toutam Vijaykumar , Dhakate Sanjay R
Published: December 2023

The photoresponse of the ZnO/porous silicon (p-Si) heterojunction is studied in an out-of-plane contact configuration. p-Si substrate is fabricated by anodic etching followed by the electrochemical deposition of ZnO NR film, forming ZnO/p-Si heterojunction. XRD study is done to understand the effect of the substrate on ZnO film growth in terms of strain and crystal size. UV–vis absorbance spectrum shows a broad absorption for wavelengths from 230 to 380 nm. The PL emission shows two narrow and prominent electron transition peaks at 263 and 383 nm and a peak of ∼550 nm corresponding to defects. The 263 nm wavelength responsivity of the photodetector from UV–vis and PL data suggests the presence of a defective SiO
x
as an intermediate layer between ZnO and p-Si. The photodetector is measured for its spectral selectivity and responsivity for both 266 and 370 nm. Under self-powered conditions, the device shows a low dark current of a few nA and enhancement of ∼100 nA and ∼1.37 μA for both wavelengths. A responsivity of 527 mA W−1 and 10.5 μA W−1 and detectivity of 2.5 × 1010 and 2.9 × 107 Jones at 1 V bias under 266 and 370 nm UV illumination are observed. The fast rise/decay time of 67/65 ms and 29/18 ms is observed for the self-powered condition of the device under both wavelengths respectively. The photoresponse of the modified ZnO/SiO
x
/p-Si heterojunction for both wavelengths is analyzed for the electron transfer mechanism using the heterojunction band bending model. The short circuit current and open circuit voltage of the photodetector is estimated to be 293 nA, 56.33 mV, and 13.63 μA, 124.8 mV for 266 and 370 nm, respectively. It is concluded that the 266 nm responsivity comes from the defects in SiO
x
intermediate layer, and the photocurrent generated in the device is due to tunneling across the junction.
Solution-processed bilayer InGaZnO/In2O3 thin film transistors at low temperature by lightwave annealing
Authors: Zhang Qian , Xia Guodong , Li Hangyu , Sun Qiang , Gong Hongyu , Wang Sumei
Published: December 2023

At low temperatures about 230 °C, bilayer InGaZnO/In2O3 thin film transistors (TFTs) were prepared by a solution process with lightwave annealing. The InGaZnO/In2O3 bilayer TFTs with SiO2 as dielectric layer show high electrical performances, such as a mobility of 7.63 cm2V−1s−1, a threshold voltage (V
th) of 3.8 V, and an on/off ratio higher than 107, which are superior to single-layer InGaZnO TFTs or In2O3 TFTs. Moreover, bilayer InGaZnO/In2O3 TFTs demonstrated a great bias stability enhancement due to the introduction of top InGaZnO film act as a passivation layer, which could prevent the interaction of ambient air with the bottom In2O3 layer. By using high dielectric constant AlO
x
film, the InGaZnO/In2O3 TFTs exhibit an improved mobility of 47.7 cm2V−1s−1. The excellent electrical performance of the solution-based InGaZnO/In2O3 TFTs shows great application potential for low-cost flexible printed electronics.
Nanoporous gold with microporous structure prepared by sodium dodecyl sulfate-mediated electrochemical dealloying
Authors: Li Yaning , Li Guangzhong , Wang Jian
Published: December 2023

Nanoporous gold (NPG) is a promising catalytic material for the oxidation of CO and methanol applications. However, NPGs are prone to extensive macroscopic cracking that often decrease mechanic properties of NPGs and depresses their catalytic action. To produce crack-free NPG with an ultra-finer porosity in room temperature, the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was added in electrochemical dealloying process. SDS has the effect of reducing the surface diffusion of gold which hinder the initial coarsening of ligaments and prevents interior silver atoms from being exposed and dissolved. As a result, the pore and ligment size are finer, but higher residual silver of NPG samples. NPG with pore size down to 2 nm and the ligament 4.0 nm was successfully fabricated with 13.32 mM SDS in perchloric acid solution. The surface diffusion coefficient of Au atoms was 1.6 × 10−24 m2·s−1, nearly 3 orders of magnitude smaller than that of Au atoms in the absence of SDS (2.8 × 10−21 m2·s−1). Nanoindentation results demonstrated that high residual silver content made NPG samples harder and stiffer，the specific surface areas of NPG with 6.66 mM SDS was 190 m2 g−1 by BET. This work provided very important clues on how to control the crack free ultrafine nanoporous structure of other materials.
Fast prediction of patient-specific organ doses in brain CT scans using support vector regression algorithm
Authors: Shao Wencheng , Lin Xin , Yi Yanling , Huang Ying , Qu Liangyong , Zhuo Weihai , Liu Haikuan
Published: December 2023

Objectives. This study aims to develop a method for predicting patient-specific head organ doses by training a support vector regression (SVR) model based on radiomics features and graphics processing unit (GPU)-calculated reference doses. Methods. In this study, 237 patients who underwent brain CT scans were selected, and their CT data were transferred to an autosegmentation software to segment head regions of interest (ROIs). Subsequently, radiomics features were extracted from the CT data and ROIs, and the benchmark organ doses were computed using fast GPU-accelerated Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. The SVR organ dose prediction model was then trained using the radiomics features and benchmark doses. For the predicted organ doses, the relative root mean squared error (RRMSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and coefficient of determination (R
2) were evaluated. The robustness of organ dose prediction was verified by changing the patient samples on the training and test sets randomly. Results. For all head organs, the maximal difference between the reference and predicted dose was less than 1 mGy. For the brain, the organ dose was predicted with an absolute error of 1.3%, and the R
2 reached up to 0.88. For the eyes and lens, the organ doses predicted by SVR achieved an RRMSE of less than 13%, the MAPE ranged from 4.5% to 5.5%, and the R
2 values were more than 0.7. Conclusions. Patient-specific head organ doses from CT examinations can be predicted within one second with high accuracy, speed, and robustness by training an SVR using radiomics features.
Esophageal balloon catheter system identification to improve respiratory effort time features and amplitude determination
Authors: Xia Yu Hao Wang , Victor Jr Marcus Henrique , Morais Caio César Araújo , Costa Eduardo Leite Vieira , Amato Marcelo Britto Passos
Published: December 2023

Objective. Understanding a patient’s respiratory effort and mechanics is essential for the provision of individualized care during mechanical ventilation. However, measurement of transpulmonary pressure (the difference between airway and pleural pressures) is not easily performed in practice. While airway pressures are available on most mechanical ventilators, pleural pressures are measured indirectly by an esophageal balloon catheter. In many cases, esophageal pressure readings take other phenomena into account and are not a reliable measure of pleural pressure. Approach. A system identification approach was applied to provide accurate pleural measures from esophageal pressure readings. First, we used a closed pressurized chamber to stimulate an esophageal balloon and model its dynamics. Second, we created a simplified version of an artificial lung and tried the model with different ventilation configurations. For validation, data from 11 patients (five male and six female) were used to estimate respiratory effort profile and patient mechanics. Main results. After correcting the dynamic response of the balloon catheter, the estimates of resistance and compliance and the corresponding respiratory effort waveform were improved when compared with the adjusted quantities in the test bench. The performance of the estimated model was evaluated using the respiratory pause/occlusion maneuver, demonstrating improved agreement between the airway and esophageal pressure waveforms when using the normalized mean squared error metric. Using the corrected muscle pressure waveform, we detected start and peak times 130 ± 50 ms earlier and a peak amplitude 2.04 ± 1.46 cmH2O higher than the corresponding estimates from esophageal catheter readings. Significance. Compensating the acquired measurements with system identification techniques makes the readings more accurate, possibly better portraying the patient’s situation for individualization of ventilation therapy.
A forward-inverse dynamic model for the hydraulic damping(magnetorheological) actuator based on cyclic stress–strain
Authors: Ma Baizhou , Huang Hui , Huang Jiabo , Lin Xiufang , Huang Qiufang , Chen Shumei
Published: December 2023

Magnetorheological dampers (MRDs) are applied to hydraulic systems, which not only improve the underdamped characteristics of valve-controlled cylinder systems, but also help hydraulic actuators to resist high load impact. However, the high power density leads to the complexity of the internal flow channel of the damper, which seriously affects the output accuracy of the damping force. It can lead to the fact that existing dynamics models cannot accurately describe the hysteresis characteristics of the MRD. Therefore, this study proposes a simple and general dynamic model of MRD, which solves the problem that existing models are complex and difficult to invert. Firstly, the hydraulic damping actuator with the series MRD is taken as the research object. Based on the stress–strain hysteresis characteristics under the cyclic constitutive model, the hyperbolic tangent curve is reorganized and normalized. It can accurately describe the yield formation and yield dissipation stages of the hysteresis loop. Secondly, the relationship between the parameters of the dynamic model and the current is obtained according to the mechanical experimental data. Then the inverse model of the MRD is established by using the method of section-backstepping. Finally, in the static experiment, the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of the force at different velocity is less than 7.5%; in the dynamic experimental test, the MAPE of the force is 9.7%. The inverse dynamics model is verified to have high tracking performance under both static and dynamic forces. And it also indirectly confirms the effectiveness of the forward model.
On the testability of the Károlyházy model
Authors: Figurato Laria , Bassi Angelo , Donadi Sandro
Published: December 2023

Károlyházy’s original proposal, suggesting that space-time fluctuations could be a source of decoherence in space, faced a significant challenge due to an unexpectedly high emission of radiation (13 orders of magnitude more than what was observed in the latest experiment). To address this issue, we reevaluated Károlyházy’s assumption that the stochastic metric fluctuation must adhere to a wave equation. By considering more general correlation functions of space-time fluctuations, we resolve the problem and consequently revive the aforementioned proposal.
The rise of rationality in blockchain dynamics
Authors: Di Antonio Gabriele , Vinci Gianni Valerio , Pietronero Luciano , Javarone Marco Alberto
Published: December 2023

Taking informed decisions, namely acting rationally, is an individual attitude of paramount relevance in nature and human societies. In this work, we study how rationality spreads in a community. To this end, through an agent-based model, we analyse the dynamics of a population whose individuals, endowed with a rational attitude controlled by a numerical parameter, play a simple game. The latter consists of multiple strategies, each associated with a given reward. The proposed model is then used as a benchmark for studying the behaviour of Bitcoin users, inferred by analysing transactions recorded in the Blockchain. Remarkably, a population undergoing a sharp transition from irrational to rational attitudes shows a behavioural pattern similar to that of Bitcoin users, whose rationality showed up as soon as their cryptocurrency became worth just a few cents (USD). To conclude, a behavioural analysis that relies on an entropy measure combined with a simple agent-based model allows us to detect the rise of rationality across a community. Although further investigations are essential to corroborate our results, we deem the proposed approach could also get used for studying other social phenomena and behaviours.
Dislocation reduction in an MOVPE-grown CdTe/Si epilayer by ex-situ annealing and its effect on the performances of gamma ray detectors fabricated
Authors: Chaudhari B S , Niraula M , Okumura R , Maruyama T
Published: December 2023

We studied ex situ thermal cycle annealing on metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) grown CdTe on (211) Si substrates for dislocation density reduction and its effect on the performance of gamma-ray detector fabricated. The ex situ annealing was performed by varying temperatures from 600 °C to 1000 °C for different anneal durations and cycles varied from 1 to 7 in a hydrogen environment. Gamma-ray detector was fabricated in a p-CdTe/n-CdTe/n+-Si heterojunction diode structure. Dislocation densities were evaluated by the etch pit density (EPD) technique. Dislocation densities were decreased when the annealing temperature was increased above 800 °C. This is due to the annealing enhancing dislocations’ glide motion, which annihilate and reduce their density. The device property could be improved by subjecting the annealing during the early stage of the growth. Devices subjected to annealing showed lower dark current and improved gamma detection property when compared to the devices that were not subjected to annealing during their fabrications.
QTN-VQC: an end-to-end learning framework for quantum neural networks
Authors: Qi Jun , Yang Chao-Han , Chen Pin-Yu
Published: December 2023

This work focuses on investigating an end-to-end learning approach for quantum neural networks (QNN) on noisy intermediate-scale quantum devices. The proposed model combines a quantum tensor network (QTN) with a variational quantum circuit (VQC), resulting in a QTN-VQC architecture. This architecture integrates a QTN with a horizontal or vertical structure related to the implementation of quantum circuits for a tensor-train network. The study provides theoretical insights into the quantum advantages of the end-to-end learning pipeline based on QTN-VQC from two perspectives. The first perspective refers to the theoretical understanding of QTN-VQC with upper bounds on the empirical error, examining its learnability and generalization powers; The second perspective focuses on using the QTN-VQC architecture to alleviate the Barren Plateau problem in the training stage. Our experimental simulation on CPU/GPUs is performed on a handwritten digit classification dataset to corroborate our proposed methods in this work.
First-principles study of bismuthene as a high energy density and excellent rate performance anode material for potassium-ion batteries
Authors: Pan Wenfeng , Ning Suiting , Chen Lili , Chen Zhiquan
Published: December 2023

Potassium-ion batteries (KIBs), with their abundance of resources, lower cost, high ion conductivity, and comparable redox potential, hold potential as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) for large-scale energy storage. Nonetheless, the scarcity of high-performance electrode materials remains a major obstacle in the advancement of KIBs. Here, the viability of bismuthene as an anode material for KIBs was systematically investigated using first-principles calculations. We found that bismuthene exhibits a maximum adsorption capacity of two layers of K atoms, offering a moderate theoretical capacity of 256.5 mAh g−1. Additionally, the adsorption of K atoms on bismuthene leads to a notable enhancement in the electronic conductivity. Moreover, the ultralow average open circuit voltage (0.17 V) and diffusion barrier (0.02 eV) of K on bismuthene monolayer along the zigzag direction, suggesting a high energy density and outstanding rate performance of batteries. Hence, bismuthene demonstrates remarkable potential as a high-performance KIBs anode material, making it a hopeful contender in the field of energy storage.
A theoretical study of ferrocene based on combined configuration interaction singles (CIS) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) approach
Authors: Trivedi Ravi , Bhattacharyya Pritam
Published: December 2023

The state-of-the art density functional theory (DFT) is used to clearly resolve the two parallel cyclopentadienyl rings of ferrocene, which are either staggered (D5d symmetry) or eclipsed (D5h symmetry), in their ground-state conformation. Present result revealed that the eclipsed conformer with D5h point group represents the true minimum ground state structure of ferrocene. Natural population analysis is used to determine how atomic charge is distributed across different atoms of ferrocene D5h conformer and also the distribution of electrons in the core, valence, and Rydberg sub-shells. It is further investigated in potential energy scan that the rotation of the dihedral angle δ from 0° to 3π/5 will reproduce three times D5h or D5d conformers periodically as the period of 2π/5 due to the pentagonal structure of the CP ring. Further to examine optical spectra in the ultraviolet-visible (UV–vis) range, configuration interaction single (CIS) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) have conducted which help in locating the significant electronic shifts between different energy levels. Absorption spectra for high spin states were also generated in order to comprehend the characteristics of low-lying spin excitation. According to our estimates, the greatest absorption intensity is restricted to an energy range of 4–6 eV. Knowledge of ferrocene conformers will improve the research on other metallocenes and their derivatives, which have applications in biotechnology, nanotechnology, and solar technology.
Constraining the halo-ISM connection through multi-transition carbon monoxide line-intensity mapping
Authors: Chung Dongwoo T.
Published: December 2023

Line-intensity mapping (LIM) surveys will characterise the cosmological large-scale structure of emissivity in a range of atomic and molecular spectral lines, but existing literature rarely considers whether these surveys can recover excitation properties of the tracer gas species, such as the carbon monoxide (CO) molecule. Combining basic empirical and physical assumptions with the off-the-shelf Radex radiative transfer code or a Gaussian process emulator of Radex outputs, we devise a basic dark matter halo model for CO emission by tying bulk CO properties to halo properties, exposing physical variables governing CO excitation as free parameters. The CO Mapping Array Project (COMAP) is working towards a multi-band survey programme to observe both CO(1–0) and CO(2–1) at z ∼ 7. We show that this programme, as well as a further `Triple Deluxe' extension to higher frequencies covering CO(3–2), is fundamentally capable of successfully recovering the connection between halo mass and CO abundances, and constraining the molecular gas kinetic temperature and density within the star-forming interstellar medium in ways that single-transition CO LIM cannot. Given a fiducial thermal pressure of ∼ 104 K cm-3 for molecular gas in halos of ∼ 1010
M
⊙, simulated multi-band COMAP surveys successfully recover the thermal pressure within 68% interval half-widths of 0.5–0.6 dex. Construction of multi-frequency LIM instrumentation to access multiple CO transitions is crucial in harnessing this capability, as part of a cosmic statistical probe of gas metallicity, dust chemistry, and other physical parameters in star-forming regions of the first galaxies and proto-galaxies out of reionisation.
AstroSer: Leveraging Deep Learning for Efficient Content-based Retrieval in Massive Solar-observation Images
Authors: Wu Shichao , Liu Yingbo , Yang Lei , Liu Xiaoying , Li Xingxu , Xiang Yongyuan , Gong Yunyu
Published: December 2023

Rapid and proficient data retrieval is an essential component of modern astronomical research. In this paper, we address the challenge of retrieving astronomical image content by leveraging state-of-the-art deep learning techniques. We have designed a retrieval model, HybridVR, that integrates the capabilities of the deep learning models ResNet50 and VGG16 and have used it to extract key features of solar activity and solar environmental characteristics from observed images. This model enables efficient image matching and allows for content-based image retrieval (CBIR). Experimental results demonstrate that the model can achieve up to 98% similarity during CBIR while exhibiting adaptability and scalability. Our work has implications for astronomical research, data management, and education, and it can contribute to optimizing the utilization of astronomical image data. It also serves as a useful example of the application of deep learning technology in the field of astronomy.
Unsupervised learning of stationary and switching dynamical system models from Poisson observations
Authors: Song Christian Y , Shanechi Maryam M
Published: December 2023

Objective. Investigating neural population dynamics underlying behavior requires learning accurate models of the recorded spiking activity, which can be modeled with a Poisson observation distribution. Switching dynamical system models can offer both explanatory power and interpretability by piecing together successive regimes of simpler dynamics to capture more complex ones. However, in many cases, reliable regime labels are not available, thus demanding accurate unsupervised learning methods for Poisson observations. Existing learning methods, however, rely on inference of latent states in neural activity using the Laplace approximation, which may not capture the broader properties of densities and may lead to inaccurate learning. Thus, there is a need for new inference methods that can enable accurate model learning. Approach. To achieve accurate model learning, we derive a novel inference method based on deterministic sampling for Poisson observations called the Poisson Cubature Filter (PCF) and embed it in an unsupervised learning framework. This method takes a minimum mean squared error approach to estimation. Terms that are difficult to find analytically for Poisson observations are approximated in a novel way with deterministic sampling based on numerical integration and cubature rules. Main results. PCF enabled accurate unsupervised learning in both stationary and switching dynamical systems and largely outperformed prior Laplace approximation-based learning methods in both simulations and motor cortical spiking data recorded during a reaching task. These improvements were larger for smaller data sizes, showing that PCF-based learning was more data efficient and enabled more reliable regime identification. In experimental data and unsupervised with respect to behavior, PCF-based learning uncovered interpretable behavior-relevant regimes unlike prior learning methods. Significance. The developed unsupervised learning methods for switching dynamical systems can accurately uncover latent regimes and states in population spiking activity, with important applications in both basic neuroscience and neurotechnology.
Defining Ideal Double Eyelids With a Morphometric Analysis in Asians
Authors: Chi Yarong , Li Zhujun , Jin Lin , Yu Nanze , Huang Jiuzuo , Long Xiao
Published: December 2023

Background

Double eyelids are always considered crucial aesthetic symbols. Despite numerous studies conducted on the attractiveness of double eyelids, there remains a dearth of research on quantitative and morphological evaluation of ideal double eyelids.

Objectives

In this we study aimed to investigate the optimal height and morphological characteristics of ideal double eyelids.

Methods

Participants were presented with a total of 9 images, consisting of 1 single eyelid image and 8 double eyelid images, featuring 2 distinct shapes and 4 varied pretarsal shows. Respondents were instructed to assign scores ranging from 1 (least attractive) to 5 (most attractive) for each image. Subsequently, the scores for each image were analyzed based on population demographics, followed by the calculation of aesthetic metrics.

Results

The whole cohort deemed images with a 2-mm fold to be more attractive than 1 mm (P < .001), followed by 3 mm and 0 mm (single eyelid), and finally, 4 mm. Morphologically, significant differences were found between images with the same pretarsal shows of 3 mm (P < .001) and 4 mm (P = .026). Most subgroup analysis results were aligned with those of the cohort, with gender being the most significant factor in distinguishing double eyelid aesthetics. Additionally, aesthetic characteristics of 2-mm folds were found to be comparable to appealing double eyelids in previous studies.

Conclusions

In this study we validated the optimal heights and morphology of double eyelids, thereby addressing the existing gap in aesthetic studies on double eyelids. These findings hold significant implications for surgical planning, effect assessment, and other periocular procedures related to upper blepharoplasty.

Level of Evidence: 4
We should still pick up the pearls: on the scientific status of Freud
Authors: Tallis Frank
Published: December 2023

Psychoanalysis is routinely dismissed because it is unscientific. Clinical psychologist and writer Frank Tallis argues that developments in evolutionary psychology and more recently neuroscience require a more balanced assessment of Freud’s legacy.
High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponins I and T and Cardiovascular Outcomes: Findings from the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT)
Authors: Jia Xiaoming , Nambi Vijay , Berry Jarett D , Dalmacy Djhenne , Ascher Simon B , Taylor Addison A , Hoogeveen Ron C , de Lemos James A , Ballantyne Christie M
Published: December 2023

Background

Cardiac troponins are associated with adverse cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes. The value of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) independently and in concert with troponin T (hs-cTnT) in the management of hypertension has not been well studied.

Methods

We assessed the utility of hs-cTnI independently and with hs-cTnT in identifying the highest risk individuals in the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT). Among 8796 eligible SPRINT participants, hs-cTnI was measured at baseline and 1 year. The association of baseline level and 1-year change in hs-cTnI with CVD events and all-cause death was evaluated using adjusted Cox regression models. We further assessed the complementary value of hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT by identifying concordant and discordant categories and assessing their association with outcomes.

Results

hs-cTnI was positively associated with composite CVD risk [myocardial infarction, other acute coronary syndrome, stroke, or cardiovascular death: hazard ratio 1.23, 95% confidence interval 1.08–1.39 per 1-unit increase in log(troponin I)] independent of traditional risk factors, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, and hs-cTnT. Intensive blood pressure lowering was associated with greater absolute risk reduction (4.5% vs 1.7%) and lower number needed to treat (23 vs 59) for CVD events among those with higher baseline hs-cTnI (≥6 ng/L in men, ≥4 ng/L in women). hs-cTnI increase at 1 year was also associated with increased CVD risk. hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT were complementary, and elevations in both identified individuals with the highest risk for CVD and death.

Conclusions

Baseline levels and change in hs-cTnI over 1 year identified higher-risk individuals who may derive greater cardiovascular benefit with intensive blood pressure treatment. hs-TnI and hs-TnT have complementary value in CVD risk assessment.

ClinicalTrials.gov Registration Number: NCT01206062.
Critical review of the phytohemagglutinin assay for assessing amphibian immunity
Authors: Hawley Lauren , Smalling Kelly L , Glaberman Scott
Published: December 2023

Infectious diseases are a major driver of the global amphibian decline. In addition, many factors, including genetics, stress, pollution, and climate change can influence the response to pathogens. Therefore, it is important to be able to evaluate amphibian immunity in the laboratory and in the field. The phytohemagglutinin (PHA) assay is an inexpensive and relatively non-invasive tool that has been used extensively to assess immunocompetence, especially in birds, and more recently in amphibians. However, there is substantial variation in experimental methodology among amphibian PHA studies in terms of species and life stages, PHA doses and injection sites, and use of experimental controls. Here, we compile and compare all known PHA studies in amphibians to identify knowledge gaps and develop best practices for future work. We found that research has only been conducted on a limited number of species, which may not reflect the diversity of amphibians. There is also a lack of validation studies in most species, so that doses and timing of PHA injection and subsequent swelling measurements may not effectively evaluate immunocompetence. Based on these and other findings, we put forward a set of recommendations to make future PHA studies more consistent and improve the ability to utilize this assay in wild populations, where immune surveillance is greatly needed.
Sympathicotomy for isolated facial blushing: long-term follow-up of a randomized trial
Authors: Dittberner Finn Amundsen , Jørgensen Ole Dan , Pilegaard Hans Kristian , Ladegaard Lars , Licht Peter Bjørn
Published: December 2023

OBJECTIVES

Thoracoscopic sympathicotomy may be an effective treatment for disabling facial blushing in selected patients. Short- and mid-term results are good but very long-term results are scarce in the medical literature and there is no knowledge which extent of sympathicotomy is better long-term for isolated facial blushing.

METHODS

We previously randomized 100 patients between a rib-oriented R2 or R2–R3 sympathicotomy for isolated facial blushing, and reported local effects, side effects and quality of life after 12 months. In the present study, we sent identical questionnaires to all patients after a median of 16 years (interquartile range 15–17 years).

RESULTS

The response rate was 66%. Overall, 82% reported excellent or satisfactory results on facial blushing, with significant better local effect after R2 sympathicotomy compared with R2–R3 sympathicotomy. Patients who underwent R2 sympathicotomy were also significantly more satisfied with the operation. We found no significant difference between R2 and R2–R3 sympathicotomy in quality of life or rates of compensatory sweating (77%) and recurrence of blushing (41%) which was milder than preoperatively in most patients.

CONCLUSIONS

R2 sympathicotomy should be the preferred approach for isolated facial blushing because of better local effect and higher satisfaction rates. Although this was a very long-term follow-up of the only randomized trial of its kind the response rate was limited leaving a risk of undetected bias.
Molecular identification of a peroxidase gene controlling body size in the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema hermaphroditum
Authors: Schwartz Hillel T , Tan Chieh-Hsiang , Peraza Jackeline , Raymundo Krystal Louise T , Sternberg Paul W
Published: December 2023

The entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema hermaphroditum was recently rediscovered and is being developed as a genetically tractable experimental system for the study of previously unexplored biology, including parasitism of its insect hosts and mutualism with its bacterial endosymbiont Xenorhabdus griffiniae. Through whole-genome re-sequencing and genetic mapping we have for the first time molecularly identified the gene responsible for a mutationally defined phenotypic locus in an entomopathogenic nematode. In the process we observed an unexpected mutational spectrum following ethyl methansulfonate mutagenesis in this species. We find that the ortholog of the essential Caenorhabditis elegans peroxidase gene skpo-2 controls body size and shape in S. hermaphroditum. We confirmed this identification by generating additional loss-of-function mutations in the gene using CRISPR-Cas9. We propose that the identification of skpo-2 will accelerate gene targeting in other Steinernema entomopathogenic nematodes used commercially in pest control, as skpo-2 is X-linked and males hemizygous for loss of its function can mate, making skpo-2 an easily recognized and maintained marker for use in co-CRISPR.
Imprint of relative sea level histories on Last Interglacial coral preservation
Authors: Cleveland Stout R , Pico T , Huybers P , Mitrovica J X , Austermann J
Published: December 2023

Fossil corals are commonly used to reconstruct Last Interglacial (∼125 ka, LIG) sea level. Sea level reconstructions assume the water depth at which the coral lived, called the ‘relative water depth’. However, relative water depth varies in time and space due to coral reef growth in response to relative sea level (RSL) changes. RSL changes can also erode coral reefs, exposing older reef surfaces with different relative water depths. We use a simplified numerical model of coral evolution to investigate how sea level history systematically influences the preservation of corals in the Bahamas and western Australia, regions which house >100 LIG coral fossils. We construct global ice histories spanning the uncertainty of LIG global mean sea level (GMSL) and predict RSL with a glacial isostatic adjustment model. We then simulate coral evolution since 132 ka. We show that preserved elevations and relative water depths of modelled LIG corals are sensitive to the magnitude, timing and number of GMSL highstand(s). In our simulations, the influence of coral growth and erosion (i.e. the ‘growth effect’) can have an impact on RSL reconstructions that is comparable to glacial isostatic adjustment. Thus, without explicitly accounting for the growth effect, additional uncertainty is introduced into sea level reconstructions. Our results suggest the growth effect is most pronounced in western Australia due to Holocene erosion, but also plays a role in the Bahamas, where LIG RSL rose rapidly due to the collapsing peripheral bulge associated with Laurentide Ice Sheet retreat. Despite the coral model's simplicity, our study highlights the utility of process-based RSL reconstructions.
Efficient and heritable A-to-K base editing in rice and tomato
Authors: Li Xinbo , Xie Jiyong , Dong Chao , Zheng Zai , Shen Rundong , Cao Xuesong , Chen Xiaoyan , Wang Mugui , Zhu Jian-Kang , Tian Yifu
Published: December 2023

Cytosine and adenosine base editors (CBE and ABE) have been widely used in plants, greatly accelerating gene function research and crop breeding. Current base editors can achieve efficient A-to-G and C-to-T/G/A editing. However, efficient and heritable A-to-Y (A-to-T/C) editing remains to be developed in plants. In this study, a series of A-to-K base editor (AKBE) systems were constructed for monocot and dicot plants. Furthermore, nSpCas9 was replaced with the PAM-less Cas9 variant (nSpRY) to expand the target range of the AKBEs. Analysis of 228 T0 rice plants and 121 T0 tomato plants edited using AKBEs at 18 endogenous loci revealed that, in addition to highly efficient A-to-G substitution (41.0% on average), the plant AKBEs can achieve A-to-T conversion with efficiencies of up to 25.9 and 10.5% in rice and tomato, respectively. Moreover, the rice-optimized AKBE generates A-to-C conversion in rice, with an average efficiency of 1.8%, revealing the significant value of plant-optimized AKBE in creating genetic diversity. Although most of the A-to-T and A-to-C edits were chimeric, desired editing types could be transmitted to the T1 offspring, similar to the edits generated by the traditional ABE8e. Besides, using AKBEs to target tyrosine (Y, TAT) or cysteine (C, TGT) achieved the introduction of an early stop codon (TAG/TAA/TGA) of target genes, demonstrating its potential use in gene disruption.
Phosphoproteomics Reveals Novel Insights into the Pathogenesis and Identifies New Therapeutic Kinase Targets of Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Tao Sifan , Long Xiuyan , Gong Pan , Yu Xiaoyu , Tian Li
Published: December 2023

Background

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic recurrent inflammatory disease with unclear etiology. Currently, safe and effective treatment options for UC remain to be developed. Kinases, which catalyze the phosphorylation of substrates, have emerged as promising therapeutic targets for inflammatory diseases. We clarified the kinase activity profile and phosphorylation network in UC and aimed to reveal new pathogenic mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.

Methods

We first performed the phosphoproteomic analysis of rectal tissues from UC patients and healthy individuals. Further bioinformatic analyses revealed the remodeling of key kinases and signaling pathways. Then, we conducted a screening of kinases to identify new potential therapeutic targets through in vivo and in vitro experiments.

Results

Phosphoproteomics revealed a drastic remodeling of signaling pathways in UC, such as pathways related to tight junction, adhesion junction, and necroptosis. Additionally, the activity of kinases such as CDK2, CLK1 and AURKB were significantly changed. Additional screening of these kinases identified CDK2 as a potential therapeutic target for UC, as inhibiting CDK2 effectively alleviated dextran sulfate sodium–induced colitis in mice. Further research revealed that suppressing CDK2 remarkably inhibited RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL phosphorylation, as well as MLKL oligomerization, thereby inhibiting epithelial necroptosis and protecting the intestinal barrier.

Conclusions

Our research deepened the understanding of UC pathogenesis through the lens of phosphorylation. Moreover, we identified CDK2 as a new potential therapeutic target for UC, revealing a novel role for CDK2 in necroptosis.
Automated acoustic monitoring of fish for near-real-time resource management
Authors: Horne John K , Swan Jackson A , Tracy Tommy J , Holtgrieve Gordon W
Published: December 2023

Freshwater fisheries in developing regions provide livelihoods and nutrition for millions of people worldwide. These fisheries are frequently data poor, which limits fisheries management. The seasonal Cambodian dai platform fishery on the Tonle Sap River is one of the best monitored inland fisheries in Southeast Asia, yet catch sampling is limited and there is no fishery-independent monitoring. A monitoring system is needed to characterize fish migration and mortality, be cost effective, and be deployable in areas with minimal infrastructure. We integrated a Simrad wide-band transceiver mini echosounder (200 kHz), solar power, and an Internet of Things communications module as an autonomous, automated monitoring package for the deployment on upstream and downstream commercial fishing platforms. The solar panel and controller supply direct current power to the echosounder, communications module, and battery for power during dark hours. Echosounders are programmed to sample at 1 Hz for 15 min every hour. The communications module is a built cellular endpoint that accesses a local wireless network to transmit raw data files to a data server. Data are downloaded from the server for processing and analysis. This expandable system provides a flexible management tool that can be deployed at any location with wireless communication capability.
Non-density of C0-Stable Mappings on Non-compact Manifolds
Authors: Ichiki Shunsuke
Published: December 2023

The problem of density of $C^{0}$-stable mappings is a classical and venerable subject in singularity theory. In 1973, Mather showed that the set of proper $C^{0}$-stable mappings is dense in the set of all proper mappings, which implies that the set of $C^{0}$-stable mappings is dense in the set of all mappings if the source manifold is compact. The aim of this paper is to complement Mather’s result and to provide new information to the subject. Namely, we show that the set of $C^{0}$-stable mappings is never dense in the set of all mappings if the source manifold is non-compact. As a corollary of this result and Mather’s result, we can obtain a characterization of density of $C^{0}$-stable mappings, that is, the set of $C^{0}$-stable mappings is dense in the set of all mappings if and only if the source manifold is compact. To prove the non-density result, we provide a more essential result by using the notion of non-open points.
Perverse Filtration for Generalized Kummer Varieties of Fibered Surfaces
Authors: Zhang Zili
Published: December 2023

Let $A\to C$ be a proper surjective morphism from a smooth connected quasi-projective commutative group scheme of dimension 2 to a smooth curve. The construction of generalized Kummer varieties gives a proper morphism $A^{[[n]]}\to C^{((n))}$. We show that the perverse filtration associated with this morphism is multiplicative.
Antimicrobial use and combination of resistance phenotypes in bacteraemic Escherichia coli in primary care: a study based on Japanese national data in 2018
Authors: Hosaka Yumiko , Muraki Yuichi , Kajihara Toshiki , Kawakami Sayoko , Hirabayashi Aki , Shimojima Masahiro , Ohge Hiroki , Sugai Motoyuki , Yahara Koji
Published: December 2023

Background

Antimicrobial use (AMU) in primary care is a contributing factor to the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. We assessed the potential effects of AMU on the prevalence of a combination of resistance phenotypes in bacteraemic Escherichia coli in outpatient care settings between primary care facilities (‘clinics’) and hospitals.

Methods

Population-weighted total AMU calculated from the national database was expressed as DDDs per 1000 inhabitants per day (DID). National data for all routine microbiological test results were exported from the databases of a major commercial clinical laboratory, including 16 484 clinics, and the Japan Nosocomial Infections Surveillance, including 1947 hospitals. AMU and the prevalence of combinations of resistance phenotypes in bacteraemic E. coli isolates were compared between clinics and hospitals.

Results

The five most common bacteria isolated from patients with bacteraemia were the same in clinics, outpatient settings and inpatient settings in hospitals, with E. coli as the most frequent. Oral third-generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones were the top two AMU outpatient drugs, except for macrolides, and resulted in at least three times higher AMU in clinics than in hospitals. The percentage of E. coli isolates resistant to both drugs in clinics (18.7%) was 5.6% higher than that in hospitals (13.1%) (P < 10−8).

Conclusions

Significant AMU, specifically of oral third-generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones, in clinics is associated with a higher prevalence of E. coli isolates resistant to both drugs. This study provides a basis for national interventions to reduce inappropriate AMU in primary care settings.
Curvy Digital Marketing Designs: Virtual Elements with Rounded Shapes Enhance Online Click-Through Rates
Authors: Biswas Dipayan , Abell Annika , Chacko Roger
Published: December 2023

With the growing prevalence of digital platforms for online shopping, advertising, and marketing activities in general, it is imperative to better understand how designs of virtual elements on digital interfaces influence click behavior. Websites and online advertisements contain virtual elements such as call-to-action buttons, images, and logos. This research examines how curved versus sharp angled shapes of virtual elements in online ads and on websites influence click-through rates (CTRs). The findings of a series of studies, including three field experiments and an eye tracking study, show that website and online ad elements in curved (vs. sharp angled) shapes generate higher CTRs. Process evidence suggests that curved (vs. sharp angled) digital elements enhance visual appeal, leading to approach motivation and greater CTR. In terms of practical implications, the findings of this research have strong relevance for designing online ads and website interfaces and for digital marketing strategies. Specifically, digital marketers desiring higher click rates would benefit from having more curved (than sharp angled) virtual elements on websites and in online ads.
Law(s) against unfair competition: the legitimacy of the UK approach
Authors: Gangjee Dev Saif
Published: December 2023

The UK lacks a unified legal basis for the prevention of unfair competition. Instead, the UK offers up an unfair competition menu consisting of individual torts or equitable wrongs (primarily passing off, injurious falsehood, defamation and the breach of confidence), the prohibition of misleading practices under consumer protection law, trade mark law and codes of advertising regulation. In terms of their cumulative coverage, these regimes overlap considerably with the protection available under civilian unfair competition regimes. It is therefore more accurate to say that the UK has laws against unfair competition. But are they cumulatively sufficient? This article evaluates one important facet of this question—whether the UK approach complies with relevant international treaty obligations contained in Article10bis of the Paris Convention—concluding that it does. The basis for this conclusion is the detailed analysis of international unfair competition prevention obligations contained in WTO Dispute Settlement Panel Report, Australia—Tobacco Plain Packaging.
Exploring Differences in Physical Health in Young Children With and Without ADHD
Authors: Curzon Madeline M , Dick Anthony S , Coccia Catherine , Graziano Paulo A
Published: December 2023

Objective

To assess differences in child physical health outcomes and metrices associated with obesity in a sample of predominantly Hispanic/Latinx young children with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Methods

Participants included 127 children diagnosed with ADHD and 96 typically developing (TD) children between 4 and 7 years of age. Objective measures of children’s body composition, fitness, and physical activity were conducted. Parents of children completed food recalls to assess their child’s dietary intake, diet quality was calculated based on the Healthy Eating Index-2015, and parents completed a survey about their family’s health habits.

Results

Logistic regression revealed that those with ADHD were more likely to be classified as having an overweight or obese (Ov/O) body mass index (BMI). Linear regression analyses indicated that children with ADHD performed worse on a fitness test and consumed more calories relative to TD children. Moderation analyses indicated that sex differences in steps were prominent in our TD sample, but not among those with ADHD.

Conclusions

Young children with ADHD are at greater risk for having an Ov/O BMI, being less fit, and eating a greater intake of calories compared to TD children.