bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Return to Play in Youth Athletes: Role of the Radiologist with Focus on the Upper Extremity
Authors: Patel Vandan , Nguyen Ngan P. , Brown Naomi , Mendenhall Shaun D. , Zoga Adam C. , Nguyen Jie C.
Published: March 2024

Increase in youth sports participation, longer duration of play, and earlier starting points have increased the prevalence of acute and repetitive overuse musculoskeletal injuries. This rise in injury rates has led to increased efforts to better understand the susceptible sites of injury that are unique to the growing immature skeleton. Upper extremity injuries are currently the best studied, particularly those that occur among pediatric baseball players and gymnasts. The weak link in skeletally immature athletes is the growth plate complex that includes those injuries located at the epiphyseal and apophyseal primary physes and the peripherally located secondary physes. This article reviews the anatomy and function of these growth plate complexes, followed by a discussion of the pathophysiologic mechanisms, spectrum of imaging findings, and existing evidence-based guidelines for injury prevention and return to play.
Osseous Stress Injuries: Treatment Algorithms and Return to Play
Authors: Sax Alessandra J.
Published: March 2024

Osseous stress injuries are common in athletes. Specifically, lower extremity injuries are prevalent in running athletes and upper extremity injuries are prevalent in throwing athletes. Such injuries are suspected when there is focal bone tenderness and increased pain with the inciting activity. In elite athletes, osseous stress injuries are a relatively common culprit in lost play time. Thus rapid diagnosis and treatment is imperative to expedite return to play (RTP). The radiologist's role in these cases is not only for diagnosis, but also to grade the injury, which has implications in determining a treatment regimen. The high sensitivity and specificity of magnetic resonance imaging is thus the preferred imaging modality. This article discusses common osseous stress injuries, the imaging findings, and how different treatment regimens affect RTP.
Techniques to Optimize Radioembolization Tumor Coverage
Authors: Fassia M. Kasim , Charalel Resmi Ann
Published: March 2024

Yttrium-90 (Y90) radioembolization has become a major locoregional treatment option for several primary and secondary liver cancers. Understanding the various factors that contribute to optimal tumor coverage including sphere count, embolization techniques, and catheter choice is important for all interventional radiologists while planning Y90 dosimetry and delivery. Here, we review these factors and the evidence supporting current practice paradigms.
Bioceramic and Resin-Based Sealers Removal Using XP-Endo Finisher: A Scanning Electron Microscopy Study
Authors: Fejjeri Meriem , Salah Kawther Bel Haj , Jaafoura Sabra , Sahtout Saida
Published: March 2024

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate remaining filling materials of a bioceramic sealer (TotalFill BC sealer) and an epoxy resin sealer (AH Plus) after retreatment using a supplementary instrumentation (XP-endo Finisher).

Materials and Methods Forty single-rooted teeth were selected for the study. The teeth were instrumented using ProTaper system and randomly divided into two groups (n = 20). Then they were obturated with either TotalFill BC/gutta-percha or AH Plus/gutta-percha using lateral compaction technique. Canals were retreated using ProTaper retreatment files and a solvent. The groups were subdivided (n = 10) according to the application or not of the XP-endo Finisher as a final step of retreatment. All roots were cleaved longitudinally and examined under scanning electron microscope to evaluate root canal filling remnants. A scoring system was utilized to quantify the amount of residual filling material at the three predetermined portions of each root canal.

Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS.25 with a significant value p < 0.05. Data were compared using the Mann–Whitney test and Kruskal–Wallis test.

Results There was no statistically significant difference in the remaining filling materials for each third of the root canal after initial retreatment procedure between the TotalFill group and AH Plus group. Similar results were observed among the TotalFill groups with or without the application of XP-endo Finisher supplementary step. However, the remaining filling materials of AH Plus in the middle third of root canal were significantly less after the XP-endo Finisher application (p = 0.015).

Conclusion No retreatment protocol tested in this study allowed the total elimination of root canal filling materials. The residual root canal filling materials is similar for the bioceramic and resinous sealers. The XP-endo Finisher is not effective in improving the removal of bioceramic root canal filling material while it is able to improve the removal of resinous cement.
Practical Considerations When Choosing Chemoembolization versus Radioembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Behzadi Ashkan Heshmatzadeh , Haghani Leila , D'Souza Donna L. , Flanagan Siobhan , Jones Christopher
Published: March 2024

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and transarterial radioembolization (TARE) are common liver-directed therapies (LDTs) for unresectable HCC. While both deliver intra-arterial treatment directly to the site of the tumor, they differ in mechanisms of action and side effects. Several studies have compared their side effect profile, time to progression, and overall survival data, but often these lack practical considerations when choosing which treatment modality to use. Many factors can impact operator's choice for treatment, and the choice depends on treatment availability, cost, insurance coverage, operator's comfort level, patient-specific factors, tumor location, tumor biology, and disease stage. This review discusses survival data, time to progression data, as well as more practical patient and tumor characteristics for personalized LDT with TACE or TARE.
Internal versus external agglomeration advantages in investment location choice: The role of global cities’ international connectivity
Authors: Belderbos René , Castellani Davide , Du Helen S. , Lee Geon Ho
Published: March 2024

Global location choices for foreign direct investments by MNCs aim to benefit both from the advantages of collocation with other activities of the firm (internal agglomeration) and the advantages of proximity to local industry clusters of similar activities (external agglomeration). We submit that there are important trade-offs between internal and external agglomeration because internal knowledge transfer associated with collocation of various value-chain activities of the MNC is confronted with greater risk of knowledge spillovers to rival firms if there is a substantial local cluster. Moreover, we argue that the international connectivity of a location reduces the importance of local agglomeration as a driver of investment location decisions because connectivity allows the MNC to reap benefits from agglomeration at a distance through the (temporary) transfer of people and knowledge. Connectivity changes the trade-offs between internal and external agglomeration because it enhances the spatial reach of internal agglomeration more than external agglomeration. The influence of connectivity is greater for service-related value-chain activities than for production-related activities. We find support for these hypotheses in an analysis of 38,873 greenfield cross-border investment decisions across diverse value-chain activities and industries in 71 global cities, 2008–2016.
Unfuturing peace: augmented reality image design for Guerrilla peacebuilding
Authors: Glybchenko Yelyzaveta
Published: March 2024

This project explores the potential of image-making in augmented reality (AR) technologies as means of designing sustaining quality peace futures—unfuturing peace, focusing on Ukraine’s heroic defense against Russia’s 2022–2024 full-scale war of aggression as a case study. Employing the methodology of compositional interpretation and the conceptual tool “futures images,” the project theoretically and practically differentiates between defuturing and unfuturing as peace design processes in developing an essay of originally designed marker-based Augmented Reality Posters in Support of Ukraine as demos of sustaining quality peace arrangements. The posters reference the topics of (physical) integrity of Ukrainian symbols, global food security and the security of the LGBTQI+ community in Ukraine. The technological artistic process/outcomes of this AR image-making experiment and their relation to power layouts in peacebuilding form the bases for theorizing how AR-supported futures design in war-affected communities—unfuturing peace—could facilitate “guerrilla peacebuilding.” In outlining theoretical and practical premises of guerrilla peacebuilding, the project intersects Augmented Reality Posters in Support of Ukraine with explorations of guerrilla warfare and counterinsurgency efforts leading to the 2016 Havana Peace Agreements in Colombia as well as mobile technologies/power in guerrilla approaches to democratic development.
Representation learning algorithms for inferring machine independent latent features in pedestals in JET and AUG
Authors: Järvinen A. E. , Kit A. , Poels Y. R. J. , Wiesen S. , Menkovski V. , Frassinetti L. , Dunne M. ,   ASDEX Upgrade Team,,   JET Contributors
Published: March 2024

Variational autoencoder (VAE)-based representation learning algorithms are explored for their capability to disentangle tokamak size dependence from other dependencies in a dataset of thousands of observed pedestal electron density and temperature profiles from JET and ASDEX Upgrade tokamaks. Representation learning aims to establish a useful representation that characterizes the dataset. In the context of magnetic confinement fusion devices, a useful representation could be considered to map the high-dimensional observations to a manifold that represents the actual degrees of freedom of the plasma scenario. A desired property for these representations is organization of the information into disentangled variables, enabling interpretation of the latent variables as representations of semantically meaningful characteristics of the data. The representation learning algorithms in this work are based on VAE that encodes the pedestal profile information into a reduced dimensionality latent space and learns to reconstruct the full profile information given the latent representation. Attaching an auxiliary regression objective for the machine control parameter configuration, broadly following the architecture of the domain invariant variational autoencoder (DIVA), the model learns to associate device control parameters with the latent representation. With this multimachine dataset, the representation does encode density scaling with device size that is qualitatively consistent with Greenwald density limit scaling. However, if the major radius of the device is given through a common regression objective with the other machine control parameters, the latent state of the representation struggles to clearly disentangle the device size from changes of the other machine control parameters. When separating the device size as an independent latent variable with dedicated regression objectives, similar to separation of domain and class labels in the original DIVA publication, the latent space becomes well organized as a function of the device size.
Magnetic monopole free motion in two-dimensional artificial spin ice
Authors: Duarte D. G. , de Oliveira L. B. , Nascimento F. S. , Moura-Melo W. A. , Pereira A. R. , de Araujo C. I. L.
Published: March 2024

Magnetic monopole motion (without its partner in a pair) as a function of external magnetic fields is presented as a fingerprint of freedom of these emergent quasi-particles in a two-dimensional artificial spin ice material. Such freedom, required, for example, for further application in magnetricity, is only possible due to ground-state degeneracy, which causes an anisotropic string energy reduction in rectangular ice geometries, designed to allow highest equidistance among lateral and diagonal neighbor nanomagnets. By measurements of magnetic force microscopy, we observe magnetic monopole creation, transport, and annihilation in such an arrangement, where monopoles are free to move throughout large regions of the sample, since they are not permanently bound by the string bonds, as commonly observed in conventional artificial spin ice systems. Instead, monopoles leave a wake of elongated tensionless string, which is connected to superficial charges or charges pinned to the array borders.
Potential of wind turbines on the alteration of carbon dioxide concentration
Authors: Pulletikurthi Venkatesh , Nelson Clarice , Castillo Luciano
Published: March 2024

Anthropogenic carbondioxide (CO2) emissions are a major factor in global warming, requiring significant cuts to combat climate change. A crucial technology to reduce global CO2 concentration is direct air capture (DAC) of CO2. However, existing DAC techniques are expensive because of low CO2 concentrations, and they frequently rely on fossil fuel-based energy. In this article, we investigate how wind turbines can influence local CO2 levels and potentially collaborate with DAC and other technologies. To explore this idea, we performed large-eddy simulations using two 5 MW commercial-scale wind turbines. We incorporated realistic CO2 profiles collected from 13 different global locations across different seasons. The simulations were performed under neutral atmospheric boundary layer conditions. The results demonstrate that the wake recovery mechanism of a wind turbine promotes rapid mixing of CO2 both above and below the turbine blade tips in the wind turbine wake. In cases where the initial concentrations of CO2 were elevated above the turbine, downward entrainment of CO2 occurred. Conversely, when high concentrations of CO2 were present in the lower atmosphere, wind turbines facilitated a decrease in concentration at that layer by up to 138 kg/m within the intermediate wake (within 7 diameters) of the second turbine, T2. These discoveries inspire further investigation into the potential synergies between wind turbines and DAC devices or local CO2 pollutant diverters, depending on the prevailing CO2 profile. Consequently, this article marks the initial showcase of wind turbines' capability to influence CO2 levels by creating an entrainment and removal effect.
Tensor-SqRA: Modeling the transition rates of interacting molecular systems in terms of potential energies
Authors: Sikorski Alexander , Niknejad Amir , Weber Marcus , Donati Luca
Published: March 2024

Estimating the rate of rare conformational changes in molecular systems is one of the goals of molecular dynamics simulations. In the past few decades, a lot of progress has been done in data-based approaches toward this problem. In contrast, model-based methods, such as the Square Root Approximation (SqRA), directly derive these quantities from the potential energy functions. In this article, we demonstrate how the SqRA formalism naturally blends with the tensor structure obtained by coupling multiple systems, resulting in the tensor-based Square Root Approximation (tSqRA). It enables efficient treatment of high-dimensional systems using the SqRA and provides an algebraic expression of the impact of coupling energies between molecular subsystems. Based on the tSqRA, we also develop the projected rate estimation, a hybrid data-model-based algorithm that efficiently estimates the slowest rates for coupled systems. In addition, we investigate the possibility of integrating low-rank approximations within this framework to maximize the potential of the tSqRA.
Infrared thermal imaging camera to measure low temperature thermal fields
Authors: Gordiyenko E. , Fomenko Yu , Shustakova G. , Kovalov G. , Shevchenko S.
Published: March 2024

To measure low-temperature thermal fields, we have developed a single-element cooled thermal imaging camera for a spectral range of 8–14 μm with an internal shutter for radiometric calibration. To improve the accuracy of measuring the temperature of cold objects, we used a shutter with a combined emissivity as an internal reference source of radiation at the input of the device optical unit. With this aim a small mirror was fixed in the center on its surface covered black, thereby ensuring an efficient reflection of radiation in a wide spectral range of wavelengths. When processing the signal for each pixel of the thermal image, the differential value of the detector response to the shutter blackened and mirror areas was used as a reference. A relative measurement error of 3% was obtained for the studied objects with a temperature of −150 °C. The device was successfully used for remote study of thermal field dynamics during freeze-thawing of biological tissues in vivo.
Harmonic generation and modulation based on intense x-ray interaction with crystal-like structures
Authors: Cai Weikang , Zhang Lingang , Geng Xuesong , Zhang Xiaomei , Shen Baifei , Ji Liangliang
Published: March 2024

The rapid advancement of x-ray free-electron laser technology facilitates the attainment of relativistic attosecond x-ray laser pulses in the future. It could serve as an ideal source to explore x-ray-driven high-energy density physics, such as particle acceleration and secondary radiation at solid densities. Here, utilizing particle-in-cell simulations, we systematically investigate high-order harmonic generation (HHG) based on intense x-ray lasers interacting with crystal-like structures. We find that the nonlinear interaction induces significant HHGs that are highly modulated due to the periodic target structure. By varying the spacing of the density spikes, the resonant conditions are tuned such that the efficiency of HHGs is drastically different. While each order of harmonic has multiple propagating directions, we find that the intensity can be enhanced significantly in the non-Bragg condition case than that in the Bragg case. The results indicate an approach to manipulate HHG emission driven by strong-field x-rays.
Temperature dependence of the dynamics and interfacial width in nanoconfined polymers via atomistic simulations
Authors: Patsalidis Nikolaos , Papamokos George , Floudas George , Harmandaris Vagelis
Published: March 2024

We present a detailed computational study on the temperature effect of the dynamics and the interfacial width of unentangled cis-1,4 polybutadiene linear chains confined between strongly attractive alumina layers via long, several μs, atomistic molecular dynamics simulations for a wide range of temperatures (143–473 K). We examine the spatial gradient of the translational segmental dynamics and of an effective local glass temperature (TgL). The latter is found to be much higher than the bulk Tg for the adsorbed layer. It gradually reduces to the bulk Tg at about 2 nm away from the substrate. For distant regions (more than ≈1.2nm), a bulk-like behavior is observed; relaxation times follow a typical Vogel–Fulcher–Tammann dependence for temperatures higher than Tg and an Arrhenius dependence for temperatures below the bulk Tg. On the contrary, the polymer chains at the vicinity of the substrate follow piecewise Arrhenius processes. For temperatures below about the adsorbed layer’s TgL, the translational dynamics follows a bulk-like (same activation energy) Arrhenius process. At higher temperatures, there is a low activation energy Arrhenius process, caused by high interfacial friction forces. Finally, we compute the interfacial width, based on both structural and dynamical definitions, as a function of temperature. The absolute value of the interfacial width depends on the actual definition, but, regardless, the qualitative behavior is consistent. The interfacial width peaks around the bulk Tg and contracts for lower and higher temperatures. At bulk Tg, the estimated length of the interfacial width, computed via the various definitions, ranges between 1.0 and 2.7 nm.
Unified and vector theory of Raman scattering in gas-filled hollow-core fiber across temporal regimes
Authors: Chen Yi-Hao , Wise Frank
Published: March 2024

Raman scattering has found renewed interest owing to the development of gas-filled hollow-core fibers, which constitute a unique platform for exploration of novel ultrafast nonlinear phenomena beyond conventional solid-core-fiber and free-space systems. Much progress has been made through models for particular interaction regimes, which are delineated by the relation of the excitation pulse duration to the time scales of the Raman response. However, current experimental settings are not limited to one regime, prompting the need for tools spanning multiple regimes. Here, we present a theoretical framework that accomplishes this goal. The theory allows us to review recent progress with a fresh perspective, makes new connections between distinct temporal regimes of Raman scattering, and reveals new degrees of freedom for controlling Raman physics. Specific topics that are addressed include transient Raman gain, the interplay of electronic and Raman nonlinearities in short-pulse propagation, and interactions of short pulses mediated by phonon waves. The theoretical model also accommodates vector effects, which have been largely neglected in prior works on Raman scattering in gases. The polarization dependence of transient Raman gain and vector effects on pulse interactions via phonon waves is investigated with the model. Throughout this Perspective, theoretical results are compared to the results of realistic numerical simulations. The numerical code that implements the new theory is freely available. We hope that the unified theoretical framework and numerical tool described here will accelerate the exploration of new Raman-scattering phenomena and enable new applications.
Investigation of the surface band structure and the evolution of defects in β-(AlxGa1−x)2O3
Authors: Li J. , Chen X. H. , Hao J. G. , Ren F. F. , Gu S. L. , Ye J. D.
Published: March 2024

This study examines the electronic and luminescent properties of β-(AlxGa1−x)2O3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.42) thin films grown on (0001) sapphire using laser-MBE, with a focus on the evolution of defect energy levels and their impact on surface Fermi level pinning and luminescence. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and cathodoluminescence (CL) have been employed to analyze surface band bending and defect evolution as a function of aluminum content. The results have revealed a pinned Fermi level at 3.6 eV above the valence band maximum despite the increase in the bandgap. The consequent upward band bending has been confirmed by a peak shift in the core level XPS. The defects that lead to the Fermi level pinning effect are attributed to E2*, which is related to a Ga vacancy or Ga vacancy-O vacancy complex. In addition, CL spectroscopy and depth-resolved CL have demonstrated consistent blue and ultraviolet emissions across the Al content range and a similar suppression of electron concentration on blue and ultraviolet emissions in β-(AlxGa1−x)2O3 and β-Ga2O3. Based on the observed evolution of defects with Al content, the blue band emission is attributed to electron transition in the donor–accepter pair.
Enhancement of localized superconductivity in BaFe2As2 films via Co-ion implantation
Authors: Oh Myeongjun , Lee Jongmin , Kang Woun , Lee Sanghan , Jo Younjung
Published: March 2024

In this study, we present a novel approach to localized superconductivity induction in BaFe2As2 films via targeted implantation of cobalt (Co) ions. Primarily, our study focuses on the systematic distribution of Co ions and the subsequent evolution of superconducting properties in Co-ion-implanted BaFe2As2 films. Our observations show that Co-ion distribution in the films is congruent with the results of analytical methodologies employed in the semiconductor industry, as confirmed via transmission electron microscopy imaging. The temperature-dependent resistivity curves reveal the concurrent presence of superconducting and non-superconducting regions. Moreover, the superconducting domain demonstrates the typical diamagnetic behavior intrinsic in superconductors. Importantly, Co-ion concentrations of ∼1020 cm−3 can be achieved by finely tuning the beam energy and ion dose. This concentration is instrumental in establishing an effective superconducting percolation pathway within the films.
Numerical study on the onset of global-scale flow from individual buoyant plumes: Implications for indoor disease transmission
Authors: Zhao Chao-Ben , Wu Jian-Zhao , Wang Bo-Fu , Chang Tienchong , Zhou Quan , Chong Kai Leong
Published: March 2024

Transport of exhaled droplets and aerosol suspension is a main route for the transmission of highly infectious respiratory diseases. A poorly ventilated room, where human body heat drives the flow and the pathogen motion, is one such paradigmatic situation with an elevated risk of viral transmission. Here, we report a numerical study on human body heat-driven buoyancy convection in a slender rectangular geometry with the geometric size of 12 × 1 × 3 m3. Using large-scale three-dimensional simulations, we reveal how different spacings between human body heat sources can potentially spread pathogenic species between occupants in a room. Morphological transition in airflow takes place as the distance between human heat sources is varied, which shapes distinct patterns of disease transmission: For sufficiently large distance, individual buoyant plume creates a natural barrier, forming buoyant jets that block suspension spread between occupants. Thermal plumes exhibit significant individual effects. However, for small distances, a collective effect emerges and thermal plumes condense into superstructure, facilitating long-distance suspension transport via crossing between convection rolls. In addition, we quantify the impact of morphological transition on the transport of viral particles by introducing tracer particles. The quantitative analysis shows that under certain critical distances, the infection risk becomes significantly elevated due to this transition and collective behavior. Our findings highlight the importance of reasonable social distancing to reduce indoor cross-transmission of viral particles between people and provide new insights into the hidden transitional behavior of pathogen transmission in indoor environments.
Effect of slip-induced fluid inertial torque on the angular dynamics of spheroids in a linear shear flow
Authors: Cui Zhiwen , Liu Huancong , Qiu Jingran , Zhao Lihao
Published: March 2024

The angular dynamics of tiny spheroidal particles in shear flows have been widely investigated, but most of the studies mainly focus on the effect of strong shear, while the combined effect of both shear and slip velocity at the center of the particle has been less considered. Actually, the fluid inertial torque induced by the slip velocity between particle and fluid plays a significant role in spheroid angular dynamics. However, it is difficult to investigate these dynamics theoretically until the analytical expression of the fluid inertial torque at a small Reynolds number was derived by Dabade et al. [J. Fluid Mech. 778, 133–188 (2015)]. In this study, the effect of the fluid inertial torque on the particle rotations is considered in a linear shear flow with a small streamwise slip velocity at the center of the particle. We find that as the fluid inertial torque dominates, the prolate spheroids tend to logroll while oblate ones have a tendency to tumble or align to a direction with a relative angle to the streamwise direction. These results are opposite to the earlier results in the absence of the fluid inertial torque. Different ultimate rotation modes of spheroids are dependent on the relative importance between the fluid inertial torque and the particle inertia, as well as the initial orientations. This reflects a non-trivial effect of fluid inertial torque on the angular dynamics of inertial spheroidal particles.
Supersymmetric quantum cascade laser array
Authors: Jin Yuhao , Zhu Bofeng , Tan Kian Hua , Wicaksono Satrio , Sirtori Carlo , Yoon Soon Fatt , Wang Qi Jie
Published: March 2024

Electrically injected supersymmetric (SUSY) quantum cascade laser (QCL) array of the wavelength at around 13.4 μm has been demonstrated. By applying SUSY transformations to the main array with five laser elements, a lossy superpartner array with four laser elements is constructed. As a result, except for the fundamental supermode, which is confined in the main array, other high order supermodes penetrating into the superpartner array are suppressed. By selectively pumping the main array, the fabricated SUSY QCL array can emit light with a near-diffraction-limited (D.L.) beam over the whole dynamic range, with the full-width half-maximum up to 11.7° in the lateral direction and the output peak power up to 406 mW in pulsed operation at room temperature, which is 3.6 times the power of a single ridge laser of the same laser length. Furthermore, the far field tuning through the mode switching of fundamental and high order supermodes is realized experimentally, by electrically adjusting the gain and loss in the superpartner array, which agrees well with the designs. The electrically far field tunability has great potential to find applications in beam steering.
Strong dependence of air stability on thickness in n-doped carbon nanotube thermoelectrics
Authors: Dörling Bernhard , Hawkey Angus , Zaumseil Jana , Campoy-Quiles Mariano
Published: March 2024

We demonstrate that the observed (in-)stability of n-doped carbon nanotube films in air not only depends on the employed dopant but is also strongly affected by sample-specific factors, such as the film thickness and density. We show this for two typical dopants, polyethylenimine and a potassium crown ether complex, by preparing films of increasing thickness. We argue that reports on dopant stability cannot be properly assessed without knowledge of these sample-specific parameters, which explains some of the conflicting results in the literature.
When selection pays: Structured public goods game with a generalized interaction mode
Authors: Han Ju , Chen Xiaojie , Szolnoki Attila
Published: March 2024

The public goods game is a broadly used paradigm for studying the evolution of cooperation in structured populations. According to the basic assumption, the interaction graph determines the connections of a player where the focal actor forms a common venture with the nearest neighbors. In reality, however, not all of our partners are involved in every game. To elaborate this observation, we propose a model where individuals choose just some selected neighbors from the complete set to form a group for public goods. We explore the potential consequences by using a pair-approximation approach in a weak selection limit. We theoretically analyze how the number of total neighbors and the actual size of the restricted group influence the critical enhancement factor where cooperation becomes dominant over defection. Furthermore, we systematically compare our model with the traditional setup and show that the critical enhancement factor is lower than in the case when all players are present in the social dilemma. Hence, the suggested restricted interaction mode offers a better condition for the evolution of cooperation. Our theoretical findings are supported by numerical calculations.
On-the-fly Raman microscopy guaranteeing the accuracy of discrimination
Authors: Tabata Koji , Kawagoe Hiroyuki , Taylor J. Nicholas , Mochizuki Kentaro , Kubo Toshiki , Clement Jean-Emmanuel , Kumamoto Yasuaki , Harada Yoshinori , Nakamura Atsuyoshi , Fujita Katsumasa , Komatsuzaki Tamiki
Published: March 2024

Accelerating the measurement for discrimination of samples, such as classification of cell phenotype, is crucial when faced with significant time and cost constraints. Spontaneous Raman microscopy offers label-free, rich chemical information but suffers from long acquisition time due to extremely small scattering cross-sections. One possible approach to accelerate the measurement is by measuring necessary parts with a suitable number of illumination points. However, how to design these points during measurement remains a challenge. To address this, we developed an imaging technique based on a reinforcement learning in machine learning (ML). This ML approach adaptively feeds back “optimal” illumination pattern during the measurement to detect the existence of specific characteristics of interest, allowing faster measurements while guaranteeing discrimination accuracy. Using a set of Raman images of human follicular thyroid and follicular thyroid carcinoma cells, we showed that our technique requires 3,333 to 31,683 times smaller number of illuminations for discriminating the phenotypes than raster scanning. To quantitatively evaluate the number of illuminations depending on the requisite discrimination accuracy, we prepared a set of polymer bead mixture samples to model anomalous and normal tissues. We then applied a home-built programmable-illumination microscope equipped with our algorithm, and confirmed that the system can discriminate the sample conditions with 104 to 4,350 times smaller number of illuminations compared to standard point illumination Raman microscopy. The proposed algorithm can be applied to other types of microscopy that can control measurement condition on the fly, offering an approach for the acceleration of accurate measurements in various applications including medical diagnosis.
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a target of the tumor-suppressor E3 ligase FBXW7
Authors: Boretto Matteo , Geurts Maarten H. , Gandhi Shashank , Ma Ziliang , Staliarova Nadzeya , Celotti Martina , Lim Sangho , He Gui-Wei , Millen Rosemary , Driehuis Else , Begthel Harry , Smabers Lidwien , Roodhart Jeanine , van Es Johan , Wu Wei , Clevers Hans
Published: March 2024

FBXW7 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that targets proteins for proteasome-mediated degradation and is mutated in various cancer types. Here, we use CRISPR base editors to introduce different
FBXW7
hotspot mutations in human colon organoids. Functionally,
FBXW7
mutation reduces EGF dependency of organoid growth by ~10,000-fold. Combined transcriptomic and proteomic analyses revealed increased EGFR protein stability in
FBXW7
mutants. Two distinct phosphodegron motifs reside in the cytoplasmic tail of EGFR. Mutations in these phosphodegron motifs occur in human cancer. CRISPR-mediated disruption of the phosphodegron motif at T693 reduced EGFR degradation and EGF growth factor dependency.
FBXW7
mutant organoids showed reduced sensitivity to EGFR-MAPK inhibitors. These observations were further strengthened in CRC-derived organoid lines and validated in a cohort of patients treated with panitumumab. Our data imply that FBXW7 mutations reduce EGF dependency by disabling EGFR turnover.
Structural insights reveal interplay between LAG-3 homodimerization, ligand binding, and function
Authors: Silberstein John L. , Du Jasper , Chan Kun-Wei , Frank Jessica A. , Mathews Irimpan I. , Kim Yong Bin , You Jia , Lu Qiao , Liu Jia , Philips Elliot A. , Liu Phillip , Rao Eric , Fernandez Daniel , Rodriguez Grayson E. , Kong Xiang-Peng , Wang Jun , Cochran Jennifer R.
Published: March 2024

Lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3) is an inhibitory receptor expressed on activated T cells and an emerging immunotherapy target. Domain 1 (D1) of LAG-3, which has been purported to directly interact with major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII) and fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1), has been the major focus for the development of therapeutic antibodies that inhibit LAG-3 receptor-ligand interactions and restore T cell function. Here, we present a high-resolution structure of glycosylated mouse LAG-3 ectodomain, identifying that cis-homodimerization, mediated through a network of hydrophobic residues within domain 2 (D2), is critically required for LAG-3 function. Additionally, we found a previously unidentified key protein-glycan interaction in the dimer interface that affects the spatial orientation of the neighboring D1 domain. Mutation of LAG-3 D2 residues reduced dimer formation, dramatically abolished LAG-3 binding to both MHCII and FGL1 ligands, and consequentially inhibited the role of LAG-3 in suppressing T cell responses. Intriguingly, we showed that antibodies directed against D1, D2, and D3 domains are all capable of blocking LAG-3 dimer formation and MHCII and FGL-1 ligand binding, suggesting a potential allosteric model of LAG-3 function tightly regulated by dimerization. Furthermore, our work reveals unique epitopes, in addition to D1, that can be targeted for immunotherapy of cancer and other human diseases.
Phenomenology of axionic static neutron stars with masses in the mass-gap region
Authors: Oikonomou V K
Published: March 2024

In this work we consider an axionic scalar-tensor theory of gravity and its effects on static neutron stars (NSs). The axionic theory is considered in the regime in which the axion oscillates around its potential minimum, which cosmologically occurs post-inflationary, when the Hubble rate is of the same order as the axion mass. We construct the Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff equations for this axionic theory and for a spherically symmetric static spacetime and we solve these numerically using a quite robust double shooting LSODA based python integration method. Regarding the equations of state, we used nine mainstream and quite popular ones, namely, the WFF1, the SLy, the APR, the MS1, the AP3, the AP4, the ENG, the MPA1 and the MS1b, using the piecewise polytropic description for each. From the extracted data we calculate the Jordan frame masses and radii, and we confront the resulting phenomenology with five well-known NS constraints. As we demonstrate, the AP3, the ENG and the MPA1 equations of state yield phenomenologically viable results which are compatible with the constraints, with the MPA1 equation of state enjoying an elevated role among the three. The reason is that the MPA1 fits well the phenomenological constraints. A mentionable feature is the fact that all the viable phenomenologically equations of state produce maximum masses which are in the mass-gap region withMmax>2.5M⊙, but lower that the causal 3 solar masses limit. We also compare the NS phenomenology produced by the axionic scalar-tensor theory with the phenomenology produced by inflationary attractors scalar-tensor theories.
Streamer propagation characteristics of nanosecond pulsed discharge plasma on fluidized particles surface: experimental investigation and numerical simulation
Authors: Li Ju , Jiang Nan , Wang Xiaolong , Yu Guanglin , Peng Bangfa , He Junwen , Li Jie
Published: March 2024

Plasma fluidized-bed contributes to strengthening the interaction between active species in plasma and fluidized powder particles, resulting in higher active species utilization efficiency and superior powders processing/modification performance. However, the plasma streamer dynamics on the fluidized powder particles are still unclear due to the intricacy of plasma fluidized-bed. In this work, the time-resolved evolution behavior of plasma streamers on fluidized powder particles surfaces has been explored in plasma fluidized-bed system based on a simplified pin-cylinder configuration. The results reveal that the entire streamer propagation process includes volume discharge and surface discharge. The maximum electron density generated by surface discharge is one order of magnitude higher than that produced by volume discharge, indicating that surface discharge plays a dominant role in powder particles modification. The presence of fluidized particle will cause streamer branching, and the main streamer splits into two independent sub-streamers for propagation in a ‘parabola-like’ shape. Compared with large-size fluidized particles (1000 µm), streamer wraps a larger area on micron-size fluidized particles (200 µm), with a 78% increase in the coverage area, which is favorable to the modification of powder particles. Furthermore, the evolution of active species on fluidized particle surface is analyzed. The active species (N, O, O2
−) are mainly distributed around the north pole, and N2
+ is mainly distributed between 25° and 50° of the particles. With the decrease of fluidized particle size, the polarization effect between particles is significantly enhanced, and the maxima of the number densities of active species increase. These findings help to get a better understanding of the interaction between plasma and fluidized particles in fluidized systems.
Effects of DC bias on evolutions of repetitively pulsed streamer discharge in humid air
Authors: Zhao Zheng , Gao Qiuyu , Zhang Haowei , Zheng Haotian , Zheng Xinlei , Sun Zihan , Sun Anbang , Li Jiangtao
Published: March 2024

Modulation efficiency and mechanisms of repetitively pulsed streamer discharge in humid air are ambiguous with dramatic variations in free electron availability, residual ion mobility, enhanced heat release, etc, caused by water molecules intentionally supplemented or existing in the surrounding environment. The inception and propagation patterns of repetitively pulsed streamer discharge modulated by superimposed DC bias are experimentally investigated in the needle-plane electrode configuration. The inception voltage decreases due to negative ion drift under positive DC bias. The secondary streamer with a bright glowing cloud prolongs towards the plane electrode and the diameter decreases under positive DC bias. The primary streamer tends to propagate along the off-axis direction under negative DC bias. The number of applied pulses before breakdown decreases with the increase in positive DC bias and illustrates an insignificant dependence on the negative DC bias. The effect of air humidity is more pronounced than the DC bias. The streamer inception, propagation, and morphological transition are explained by residual space charge distributions and drift velocity.
Particle image based simultaneous velocity and particle concentration measurement
Authors: Sankaran Abhilash , Hain Rainer , Kähler Christian J
Published: March 2024

The aim of this study is the expansion of the application of particle image velocimetry (PIV) to include the determination of particle concentration within the visualized area, in addition to velocity analysis. The assessment of particle concentration is valuable in various lab-scale experiments involving particle dispersion. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in evaluating the quality of PIV images. The research investigates two particle image-based concentration techniques: the exponential averaging-based sliding method and the Voronoi cell-based method on the particle images. The exponential averaging method provides a straightforward approach, utilizing a constant length scale for sliding average application to particle images. However, this method may result in broadened interfaces or a ‘marker-shot’ effect at low concentrations, making it less suitable for scenarios involving highly non-uniform particle distributions, such as concentrated jet emissions into ambient environments. Consequently, detecting interfaces in such cases requires additional effort for reliable results. In contrast, the Voronoi cell-based technique offers the advantage of spatially adaptive resolution, making it well-suited for variable concentration distributions and situations where interface detection is crucial. To comprehensively evaluate the performance of these techniques, a synthetic test case was generated to simulate a diffusion problem featuring an initial step in concentration distribution. Both the exponential averaging and Voronoi cell-based methods were applied and compared using this synthetic test case. Additionally, the effect of particle–particle overlap is analyzed theoretically and experimentally with uniform concentration and comparison with particle counter measurements. A modified Voronoi method is introduced, providing flexibility in capturing a wide range of concentration regions and features. An example experimental scenario involving a turbulent puff was considered demonstrating the application of the developed methods. The results demonstrate that the Voronoi method effectively captures small structures with high concentrations while providing reliable results in regions with low concentrations.
Domain-alignment multitask learning network for partial discharge condition assessment with digital twin in gas-insulated switchgear
Authors: Yan Jing , Wang Yanxin , Zhang Wenjie , Wang Jianhua , Geng Yingsan , Srinivasan Dipti
Published: March 2024

Deep-learning-driven methods have made great progress in the condition assessment of partial discharge (PD) which including diagnosis and location in gas-insulated switchgear (GIS). However, these methods perform diagnosis and location as two separate tasks and ignore the coupling relationship. In addition, these methods all require obtaining sufficient samples to develop models, and the model becomes ineffective when there is a significant difference in sample distribution. Therefore, we propose a novel domain-alignment multitask learning network (DAMTLN) for condition assessment including diagnosis and location assisted by digital twin. Firstly, a digital virtual model is established to assist the actual condition assessment of GIS PD. Then, a novel multitask network is constructed to mine the coupling relationship between the two tasks. Finally PD condition assessment guided by a digital twin model are achieved via a combination of local-maximum-mean-discrepancy-based and adversarial -based domain adaptation, in which fine-grained information on each category is captured. Experimental results show that the proposed DAMTLN achieved a diagnostic accuracy of 98.73%, and the mean absolute error of location was 9.06 cm, which were significantly better than the results of other methods. The DAMTLN thus provides a new avenue for PD diagnosis and location driven by ‘data–physics’ coupling.
Corrosion-induced fracture of Cu–Al microelectronics interconnects
Authors: Chiang Kai-chieh , Koslowski Marisol
Published: March 2024

We present a mechano-chemical model that couples corrosion, mechanical response, and fracture. The model is used to understand the failure of Cu wires on Al pads in microelectronic packages using a multi-phase field approach. Under high humidity environments, the Cu-rich intermetallic compounds (IMC), Cu9Al4, formed at the interface between Cu and Al, undergo a corrosion degradation process. The IMC expands while undergoing corrosion, inducing stresses that nucleate and propagate cracks along the interface between the Cu-rich IMC and Cu. Furthermore, the volumetric expansion of the IMC may cause damage to the passivation layer and enhance the nucleation of new corrosion pits. We show that the presence of a crack accelerates the corrosion process. The model developed here can be extended to other systems and applications.