bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intermediate range order and two-state model: polyamorphism of GeO2 system insight from molecular dynamics data mining analytics
Authors: Van Hong Nguyen
Published: November 2024

Polyamorphism, the existence of multiple amorphous states in a single material, has been observed in the glass-forming system GeO2. This study investigates the intermediate range order, two-state model and polyamorphism in GeO2 system using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and MD data mining analytics. Analysis of the Ge-Ge distance distribution revealed the presence of distinct high-density (HD) and low-density (LD) regions in the GeO4 tetrahedral network. The number of clusters was optimized using the silhouette score. Spatial mapping of the HD and LD regions indicated their non-uniform distribution. The distributions of atomic pair distances, O–Ge–O bond angles, and Ge–O–Ge bond angles differ between the HD and LD regions, supporting the two-state model and polyamorphism in GeO2. These insights into the intermediate-range order enhance understanding of the structural origins of GeO2 polyamorphism.
Assessment of the effect of surface functionalization of oxygen and argon microwave plasma on PVA films for optoelectronic devices
Authors: Elashry S , Elsaeed H
Published: November 2024

This study explores the enhancement of optical properties in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer using a low-pressure microwave plasma reactor, adapted from a microwave oven. The research focuses on the effects of oxygen and argon plasma treatments at a consistent power of 1000 W, a flow rate of 6 L min−1, and a pressure of 16 mbar on PVA films. The optimal treatment times of 10 s and 15 s were identified as particularly effective in improving the optical characteristics of the PVA films, which were created using a solution casting method. The optical properties were analyzed using a UV-vis spectrophotometer across a wavelength range of 200–900 nm. The absorption spectrum revealed a significant absorption peak at around 210 nm (photon energy = 5.8 eV) for all plasma-treated PVA films, with a subsequent decrease in absorbance. Notably, the transmittance for the PVA-oxygen treated film at 10 s reached a maximum of 90.36% beyond 360 nm, attributed to increased hydrophilicity from the oxygen content. Similar trends were observed in the extinction coefficient (k) and optical conductivity (σ
opt). The optical energy band gap, calculated using the Tauc relation for both direct and indirect allowed transitions, decreased from 5.32 eV and 4.80 eV to 4.82 eV and 4.35 eV with longer exposure times. The study also noted that skin depth diminishes as the incident energy photon value increases, indicating that penetration becomes more challenging at higher frequencies. The PVA-oxygen plasma treated film, after a 10 s exposure, has improved optical properties, making it suitable for various electronic industries.
Pulsars as Clocks
Authors: Bailes Matthew
Published: November 2024

Radio pulsars are naturally occurring flywheels in space that come equipped with a radio transmitter emitting a beam at a fixed rotation phase of the neutron star. The pulsars slow down due to the loss of energy associated with a magnetic braking torque, and can be thought of as an accurate clock with a predictable, but steady, slow-down rate. By recording when the radio pulsar’s pulse strikes the Earth, it is possible to both use the pulsar as a clock, and as an experimental device that enables them to be used to explore a large range of physical and astronomical phenomena. In this paper I will explain how radio pulsars can be used to tell the time, what they have revealed about the Universe and nature’s physical laws, and their limits, one of which is the gravitational background (GWB) caused by supermassive black hole binaries in the Universe. This paper is aimed at non-astronomers and closely follows the invited plenary talk delivered at the 9th Symposium on Frequency Standards and Metrology.
Frequency combs for precision synthesis and characterization of optical atomic standards
Authors: Fortier Tara ,   BACON collaboration
Published: November 2024

Over the past 20 years, optical frequency combs with atomic clocks, have been a powerful and enabling technology in the context of time and frequency measurement. Impressively, optical atomic clocks have yielded a 100 million-fold improvement in uncertainty in the past 30 years. These improvements are fueling a push toward redefinition of the SI second to optical atomic references, as well as application of atomic clocks to tests of fundamental physics and as relativistic gravitational sensors. Unfortunately, the long times needed to average down clock quantum projection noise and laser noise to reach a measurement stability at and beyond the 10−18 level limit the feasibility of next-generation applications. Here I describe the measurement advances in clock comparisons enabled by optical frequency combs and how differential measurement can improve the measurement stability. This paper will also include a discussion of optical frequency combs and their application to precision time/frequency metrology.
Re-evaluation of the NRC-FCs2 Fountain Clock
Authors: Beattie Scott , Jian Bin , Gertsvolf Marina
Published: November 2024

The NRC-FCs2 fountain clock was first evaluated in 2020 [1]. Since that time, it has demonstrated both accuracy and robustness and has contributed regularly to the steering of International Atomic Time (TAI) through monthly submissions to the BIPM. It is also currently used to steer UTC(NRC), Canada’s official timescale. We have recently undertaken a re-evaluation of several prominent systematic effects in NRC-FCs2. Thus far, this has resulted in a reduction of the overall uncertainty from ∼3 × 10−16 to 1.7 × 10−16. Here, we will describe the details of the re-evaluation.
A Novel Laser Power Measurement Scheme Using Rubidium Clock
Authors: Ji Qianqian , Han Lei , Su Yabei , Xue Xiaobo , Zhang Shengkang , Ge Jun
Published: November 2024

To measure microwatt-level laser power, this paper presents a method based on the atomic light shift effect. A 795 nm semiconductor laser is directed into a rubidium atomic clock with an output frequency of 10 MHz. To minimize the influence of laser frequency on power measurements, an experimental setup is implemented to precisely lock the laser frequency to the wavelength meter. After stabilizing the laser frequency, we analyze its correlation with the output frequency of the rubidium atomic clock. The experimental results indicate that, during free-running, the laser undergoes a frequency drift of -90 MHz over 2 hours, which is subsequently reduced to ±0.9 MHz over 40 hours through frequency locking. Moreover, by fixing the laser wavelength at 794.99 nm, we observe an increase in the atomic clock frequency shift with rising laser power. Specifically, a laser power of 2 μW corresponds to a frequency shift of 0.13 mHz at 10 MHz. This study achieves quantum measurement of weak laser power, significantly enhancing the accuracy of low-power laser measurements.
A high-order LES of a flow in complex geometry
Authors: Wawrzak K , Wawrzak A , Boguslawski A , Tyliszczak A
Published: November 2024

Modeling combustion systems is challenging for numerical studies due to their complex geometry. The high-order compact differential approximation works for chambers, but injection systems are beyond its capabilities. The solution to this problem is a two-step approach using ANSYS Fluent and a high-order compact difference algorithm. Results align well with experiment, offering insights into the dynamics of a dual swirl H2-air coaxial burner.
Application of CFD airflows to aid in the diagnosis of nasal obstructions
Authors: Kopiczak B , Karbowski K , Nering K , Malecha Z , Chrzan R , Gawlik J , Sucherska A , Szaleniec J , Karbowski J
Published: November 2024

This paper describes the results of experimental and numerical studies of airflow through the nasal cavities of human. The flow geometry obtained from the CT scan is used to produce a 3D printout for the experimental measurements and the numerical models used in the CFD analyses. The effect of the segmentation level on the numerical results is presented. The segmentation, described in the article, aims to find air-filled areas. Additionally, the experimental verification of the numerical flow results is conducted.
Machine learning-supported CFD optimization of heat transfer in a pipe with a corrugated wall shape
Authors: Kamiński P , Li Y , Wawrzak K , Tyliszczak A , Noack BR
Published: November 2024

The paper focuses on using machine learning to optimize the corrugation of a heated pipe wall to improve the uniformity of temperature distribution while minimizing pressure losses. The corrugation is characterized by a five-parameter function, allowing for extensive variations in wall shape. The machine learning process employs the Bayesian optimization method, iteratively working alongside the ANSYS Fluent code to perform RANS computations. A two-parameter cost function, which includes temperature variation and pressure drop, is used to define the optimization goal. The study demonstrates that substantial variations in flow patterns occur depending on the type of corrugation. An optimal set of corrugation parameters, ensuring the most uniform temperature distribution with minimal pressure losses, is determined within an optimization loop consisting of 1200 RANS simulations. The optimal configuration is characterized by a smooth waviness oriented outside the original wall location in a straight pipe. It ensures more than three times smaller temperature variation at only minor increase in the pressure drop.
Multi-channel readout electronics of silicon photomultipliers for plastic scintillating fiber detector
Authors: Wu Zibing , Hu Kun , Li Huiling , Ren Xiangxiang , Wang Hongbo , Xu Weiwei
Published: November 2024

A plastic scintillating fiber (SciFi) detector with one-dimensional highly segmented
silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) readout can achieve much finer spatial resolution than
conventional bulk plastic scintillator detectors. In this work, to construct a large-area SciFi
detector for muon scattering tomography, a compact multi-channel front-end electronics is
developed based on Citiroc1A, a SiPM readout chip. This electronics system includes an analog
board with Citiroc1A for interfacing SiPM arrays, and a digital board with Analog-to-Digital
Converter, Field Programmable Gate Array and optical communication modules. We realized primary
functions of Citiroc1A and evaluated the system performance on pedestal and pulse response. This
front-end electronics design enables to identify a single photoelectron pulse of SiPMs and provide
a linear response range up to about 300 pC, which satisfies the requirements of registering cosmic
ray muons in the SciFi detector.
Neutron and gamma-ray discrimination by a pressurized helium-4 based scintillation detector
Authors: Dutta Shubham , Ghosh Sayan , Saha Satyajit
Published: November 2024

Pressurized helium-4 (PHe) based fast neutron scintillation
detector offers an useful alternative to organic liquid-based
scintillator due to its relatively low response to the γ-rays
compared to the latter type of scintillator. In the present work, we
have investigated the capabilities of a PHe detector for the
detection of fast neutrons in a mixed radiation field where both the
neutrons and the γ-rays are present. Discrimination between
neutrons and γ-rays is achieved by using fast-slow charge
integration method. We have also conducted systematic studies of the
attenuation of fast neutrons and γ-rays by high-density
polyethylene (HDPE). Additionally, the simulation analyses,
conducted using GEANT4, provide detailed insights into the
interactions of the radiation quanta with the PHe detector.
Biomaterials for bone tissue engineering: achievements to date and future directions
Authors: Garimella Adithya , Ghosh Subrata Bandhu , Bandyopadhyay-Ghosh Sanchita
Published: November 2024

Advancement in medicine and technology has resulted into prevention of countless deaths and increased life span. However, it is important to note that, the modern lifestyle has altered the food habits, witnessed increased life-style stresses and road accidents leading to several health complications and one of the primary victims is the bone health. More often than ever, healthcare professionals encounter cases of massive bone fracture, bone loss and generation of critical sized bone defects. Surgical interventions, through the use of bone grafting techniques are necessary in such cases. Natural bone grafts (allografts, autografts and xenografts) however, have major drawbacks in terms of delayed rehabilitation, lack of appropriate donors, infection and morbidity that shifted the focus of several investigators to the direction of synthetic bone grafts. By employing biomaterials that are based on bone tissue engineering (BTE), synthetic bone grafts provide a more biologically acceptable approach to establishing the phases of bone healing. In BTE, various materials are utilized to support and enhance bone regeneration. Biodegradable polymers like poly-(lactic acid), poly-(glycolic acid), and poly-(ϵ-caprolactone) are commonly used for their customizable mechanical properties and ability to degrade over time, allowing for natural bone growth. PEG is employed in hydrogels to promote cell adhesion and growth. Ceramics, such as hydroxyapatite and beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) mimic natural bone mineral and support bone cell attachment, with β-TCP gradually resorbing as new bone forms. Composite materials, including polymer-ceramic and polymer-glasses, combine the benefits of both polymers and ceramics/glasses to offer enhanced mechanical and biological properties. Natural biomaterials like collagen, gelatin, and chitosan provide a natural matrix for cell attachment and tissue formation, with chitosan also offering antimicrobial properties. Hybrid materials such as decellularized bone matrix retain natural bone structure and biological factors, while functionalized scaffolds incorporate growth factors or bioactive molecules to further stimulate bone healing and integration. The current review article provides the critical insights on several biomaterials that could yield to revolutionary improvements in orthopedic medical fields. The introduction section of this article focuses on the statistical information on the requirements of various bone scaffolds globally and its impact on economy. In the later section, anatomy of the human bone, defects and diseases pertaining to human bone, and limitations of natural bone scaffolds and synthetic bone scaffolds were detailed. Biopolymers, bioceramics, and biometals-based biomaterials were discussed in further depth in the sections that followed. The article then concludes with a summary addressing the current trends and the future prospects of potential bone transplants.
Legal protection for the environment and coastal communities against the threat of marine ecosystem degradation
Authors: Naswar  , Ilmar Aminuddin , Achmad  , Aswan Muhammad , Amaliyah  , Zakir M.
Published: November 2024

Climate change is impacting the global marine environment at unprecedented levels and has multifaceted implications for marine and coastal ecosystems. This study aimed to examine legal instruments within the framework of Indonesias positive law and provide legal protection for the environment and coastal communities facing threats to marine ecosystem degradation. This study applies the normative-empirical legal research method, which focuses on the harmonization of regulations and policies related to environmental protection and coastal communities. Normative research generally uses several approaches, including conceptual, historical, statutory (conventional), comparative, and case approaches. This research shows that legal protection for the environment and coastal communities can be carried out by applying legal instruments to regulate communities and other stakeholders to prevent the degradation of marine ecosystems.
Water quality assessment in Indonesia coral reef garden Buleleng site area, Bali
Authors: Badriana M R , Nur A A , Hidayatullah AI , Oktaviani D F , Widyananto P A , Park H S , Hutahean A A
Published: November 2024

The Indonesia Coral Reef Garden (ICRG) program is announced as a coral reef restoration program and has 5 site areas including in Buleleng, Bali. A plantation program has been done by 2020 but it is necessary to monitor and study regarding the water quality surrounding the restoration area. A field survey in Buleleng was carried out on 6-7 October 2022 to measure ocean parameters both physical and chemical characteristics that are suitable for coral life. The bathymetry result at Buleleng varied significantly from shallow to deeper water depth. Many corals are found in the shallow area with the natural coral meanwhile the restoration coral was put in more than 3 m depth. In the study, the sea condition of temperature, salinity, pH, turbidity, and DO is 28.52 -29.66 °C, 33.6 - 33.9 ‰, 8.0 - 8.13,1.04 -1.78 FTU, and 4.27 - 4.85 mg/L, respectively. Based on the conformity of water quality, the water condition is good for coral growth. Heavy metal detected in sample water has low levels compared to marine biota threshold in the national standard.
Assessing the selectivity level of sero fishing gear using 5 mm and 15 mm mesh sizes installed in the river estuary area
Authors: Patangngari Fijwal , Musbir Musbir
Published: November 2024

Modifying the size of fishing gear nets from small to large is essential in catching fisheries to rebuild declining fish stocks in coastal areas, which will only be caught when they are gonadically mature. For example, sero equipment often catches young fish. Therefore, real action is needed to overcome this problem. This paper aims to increase fish stocks through experiments on existing sero equipment with 5 mm and 15 mm mesh sizes and compare different fish size structures and catches as a contribution to responsible fisheries management. The research method involved 12 experiments. The data was analyzed using various fingerprints (Anova) and continued with the BNT test. The results of this study show that the highest number of catches is the size of the 15 mm net, with a total catch of 132.893 kg. Then, in second place is the size of the 5 mm net with a total catch of 81.889 kg. In the BNT test analysis, the effect of the difference in net size can have a significant influence on fish catch. Fish caught from a group of benthopelagic organisms: freshwater, brackish, demersal, pelagic neuritic, and reef-associated.
Analysis of the immune parameters of shrimp fed diets supplemented with Phaeodactylum tricornutum
Authors: Kadriah Ince Ayu K. , Muliani  , Nurbaya  , Kamaruddin  , Saharani Rafly Ian , Patang  , Sukainah Andi
Published: November 2024

Currently, one of the approaches that was widely used in efforts to prevent shrimp disease was to increase shrimp immunity. The use of several natural ingredients has been tried to improve the performance of shrimp immune parameters, including the use of mangrove leaf extract and microalgae extract. In this study, supernatant extract and ethyl acetate extract from the microalgae Phaeodactylum sp were used as immunostimulant to improve the immune system function of shrimp. Microalgae supernatants and ethyl acetate extracts were mixed into the feed formula at a rate of 35% of the feed weight. The test animals were 35-day-old shrimp juvenile. Supplemented feeding was carried out for 30 days before the challenge test. During the 30-day maintenance process, hemolymph sampling was carried out every 5 days to determine the Total Haemocyte Count value and Pro-PO activity. After infection with pathogenic Vibrio, hemolymph sampling was carried out therefore there were 2 sampling points in 1 week on day 4th and day 7th. After infection, shrimp survival was recorded daily. The results showed that the addition of Phaeodactylum sp supernatant extract to shrimp feed was able to stabilize and maintain shrimp immune parameters after infection with pathogenic Vibrio bacteria.
Effects of Kelakai leaves aqueous extract (Stenochlaena palustris) on survival rate and hematology Pangasius hypophthalmus
Authors: Aisiah Siti , Rini Ririen Kartika , Olga  , Fatmawati  , Hallisa  , Tanod Wendy Alexander
Published: November 2024

Natural medicinal plants typical of Kalimantan that can be utilized in controlling Motile Aeromonas Septicemia (MAS) are kelakai leaves (Stenochlaena palustris). This study aims to determine the antibacterial potential of kelakai leaves aqueous extract against A. hydrophila in vitro and analyze the effects of various doses of kelakai leaves aqueous extract immersion on the Siamese sutchii catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus). The method used in the antibacterial assay of kelakai leaves water extract is the disc diffusion method to determine the effect on the Siamese sutchii catfish with a survival rate and hematology. Six treatments were administered in the study’s entirely randomized design: 50 (P1), 100 (P2), 200 (P3), 400 (P4), and 800 (P5) mg/L of kelakai leaves aqueous extract. The antibacterial assay results of kelakai leave aqueous extract obtained an inhibition zone of 11.00 ± 0.27 mm, almost the same as the antibiotic control of 11.85 ± 0.14 mm. Survival rate assay results on Siamese sutchii catfish survival 83.33 - 96.66%. Hematological parameters of fish include hemoglobin ranging from 6.60 - 10.10 g/dL, erythrocytes 1.12 - 2.09 ×106/μL, leukocytes 197.63 - 259.17 ×103/μL, and hematocrit 21.00 - 24.67%, and. The findings of this study indicate that the aqueous extract of kelakai leaves has antibacterial potential A. hydrophila, and all doses of aqueous extract of kelakai leaves can be applied in the treatment of MAS disease and have strong potential to be developed as a medicinal raw material in controlling A. hydrophila infection.
Compact on-chip arbitrary ratio power splitters based on an inverse design method
Authors: Yang Haoji , Wang Huiqin , Zhang Zijing , Dong Meitong , Feng Yan , Zhang Hua
Published: November 2024

Beam splitter (BS) is an important element for photonic integrated circuits (PICs). Conventional BSs designed by traditional approaches are too large to be suitable for PICs. An inverse design method which combines the adjoint method with the finite-difference frequency-domain method (FDFD) and the finite-difference time-domain method (FDTD) is proposed, in which the adjoint method is adopted to construct the structures while the FDFD is used to simulate the fields of the structures at the target wavelength, and the FDTD is used to study their fields and spectra at a wider wavelength range. And a series of compact Si-based arbitrary ratio power splitters (ARPSs) with splitting ratios (SRs) ranging from 1:1 to 10:1 on 2.5 μm × 2.5 μm substrates have been designed by this method. Their SRs fully match the design expectation accurately with total transmission efficiencies of more than 90% at the target wavelength of 1550 nm. Multi-channels BSs with 3:4:1 and 4:1:3:2 SRs have been designed by this method as well, and have good performance with footprints of 2.5 μm × 2.5 μm and 3.2 μm × 3.2 μm, respectively. Furthermore, the Si3N4-based ARPSs with footprints of 3.0 μm × 4.0 μm have been designed, and their performance met expectations also. The results of 2:1 and 3:1 Si3N4-based ARPSs have been shown that total transmission efficiencies are 88.14% and 91.48% at the center wavelength of 1400 nm. Benefiting from the high speed of FDFD, this method has high optimization efficiency. And all the results simulated by FDTD agree well with FDFD. It provides a robust means to construct compact ARPSs and other nanophotonic devices.
A comprehensive analysis of the impact zone of compressive residual stress induced by ultrasonic shot peening
Authors: Jin Cai , Hao Wu , Xihui Shi , Liwen Zhang
Published: November 2024

This study investigates how ultrasonic shot peening (USP) influences compressive residual stress (CRS) in the material surface layer. By combining experimental and simulation analyses, the research explores the distribution and variability of CRS. The results suggest that the residual stress (RS) curve from shot peening may not always conform the typical ‘√’ shape. The experimental results show that, compared to the unpeened specimens, each group curve of the USP specimens exhibits a deeper CRS depth. Notably, within a 30 μm surface layer, certain data points exhibit CRS relaxation, which deviates from the expected behavior. Further research was conducted to simulate the mutual effects of the spheres impact on the material surface, using parameters from the USP treatment experimental. Simulations with a small number of spheres and a model of multiple-shot USP both indicate that higher velocities intensify RS accumulation and accentuate mutual influence between pit locations. Strong interactions among spheres during impact can extend from the surface to the subsurface. The stress vectors of adjacent craters exert compression and tension effects on each other, leading to the formation of tensile residual stress (TRS) in certain local areas. This TRS is often observed at the stacking regions. However, relaxation of CRS at the crater locations can also occur due to the influence of stress vectors. This may potentially cause relaxation in the subsurface RS field due to sphere interactions and pit stress vectors, although this relaxed state is not consistently observed.
Pseudomode treatment of strong-coupling quantum thermodynamics
Authors: Albarelli Francesco , Vacchini Bassano , Smirne Andrea
Published: November 2024

The treatment of quantum thermodynamic systems beyond weak coupling is of increasing relevance, yet extremely challenging. The evaluation of thermodynamic quantities in strong-coupling regimes requires a nonperturbative knowledge of the bath dynamics, which in turn relies on heavy numerical simulations. To tame these difficulties, considering thermal bosonic baths linearly coupled to the open system, we derive expressions for heat, work, and average system-bath interaction energy that only involve the autocorrelation function of the bath and two-time expectation values of system operators. We then exploit the pseudomode approach, which replaces the physical continuous bosonic bath with a small finite number of damped, possibly interacting, modes, to numerically evaluate these relevant thermodynamic quantities. We show in particular that this method allows for an efficient numerical evaluation of thermodynamic quantities in terms of one-time expectation values of the open system and the pseudomodes. We apply this framework to the investigation of two paradigmatic situations. In the first instance, we study the entropy production for a two-level system (TLS) coupled to an ohmic bath, simulated via interacting pseudomodes, allowing for the presence of time-dependent driving. Secondly, we consider a quantum thermal machine composed of a TLS interacting with two thermal baths at different temperatures, showing that an appropriate sinusoidal modulation of the coupling with the cold bath only is enough to obtain work extraction.
The centennial of E.B. Wilson's The Cell in Development and Heredity
Authors: Maienschein Jane , Chalfie Martin , Pederson Thoru
Published: November 2024

We review and salute the third edition of E.B. Wilson's “The Cell in Development and Heredity” published a century ago, noting its unique features and placing them in context. Brief commentaries from colleagues convey how they have encountered and have been influenced by The Cell. Although soon to be 100 years old, Wilson's 1925 edition is a hallmark of our profession, reminding us of a time when certain scholars were able to advance knowledge with a singularity of both mind and pen. Our purpose is to acknowledge the accomplishment by the man who brought together so many different facets of understanding cells and who many regard as the founder of cell biology in the United States. We reflect on the volume's admirable success and bring together perspectives on why it still matters.
The Challenge to Liberal Constitutionalism
Authors: Mehta Pratap Bhanu
Published: November 2024

Liberal constitutionalism has always relied on the existence of a national community as a political form within which it can function. But the need of national communities to enact the myth of a unified people can pose a threat to liberal constitutionalism in two ways. The first is by characterizing certain forms of dissent as not just an expression of difference but a threat to the legitimacy of the state. Second, the absence of a specifically liberal theory of political membership means that the logic of national unity can be used to underwrite a politics that is in tension with the values of liberal constitutionalism. Not all populisms are right-wing. But almost all right-wing populisms rely on some form of nationalism. The tensions between liberal constitutionalism and nationalism have never been fully resolved. They are often simply managed. But under the pressure of the populist quest for unity, nationalism can threaten to overwhelm liberalism.
We the Fourth Branch? The People as an Institution Protecting Democracy
Authors: Roznai Yaniv
Published: November 2024

This chapter focuses on the protest movement against the Israeli government’s proposals for judicial overhaul/constitutional reform in 2023. Building on Professor Mark Tushnet’s conceptualization of “fourth branch” institutions protecting democracy, it is argued that when “the people” act through an ad hoc massive and well-organized civil protest movement, with the aim to deal with a major attack on liberal democracy in order to block it, it may also function as a useful institution defending democracy. The protest movement in Israel provides a useful case study for how the civil society movement managed to create sufficient power to slow down and even to block a significant and dangerous attempt to undermine the democratic order.
Popular Constitutionalism during Populist Times
Authors: Bugarič Bojan
Published: November 2024

This short contribution argues that Professor Mark Tushnet’s scholarship has always been animated by his deep commitment to democratic ideals. Tushnet’s writings on different constitutional law topics reveal his consistent commitment to democracy as a foundational value of his constitutional thinking. As a constitutional law scholar, he is particularly interested in the concept of popular constitutionalism. The key feature of popular constitutionalism is that the people ultimately control the interpretation of constitutional law. In his own articulation of popular constitutionalism, Professor Tushnet seeks to retrieve and reinvent this prominent tradition of American constitutionalism. Building upon the work of Larry Kramer’s seminal historical account of popular constitutionalism, The People Themselves: Popular Constitutionalism and Judicial Review, Professor Tushnet argues that one key feature of this model is that it is a dialogic process. The picture that emerges from the sketches of popular constitutionalism clearly reveals that Professor Tushnet’s conceptualization of popular constitutionalism is not the case against judicial review as such, or, even worse, against the courts and their independence. The core claim of his work is that judges are no better than citizens in making informed decisions about their political choices.
Pluralizing Constitutionalism
Authors: Chan Cora
Published: November 2024

One of Professor Tushnet’s many legacies is his exposition of strains of constitutionalism other than liberal constitutionalism. He has crafted sophisticated accounts of authoritarian constitutionalism and illiberal constitutionalism and offered thought-provoking ideas on Ernst Fraenkel’s concept of the dual state. His attempts at pluralizing constitutionalism have not only brought analytical clarity and allowed us to theorize the regimes that do not fit into the dichotomized framework of authoritarianism versus liberal constitutionalism, but also have important normative implications for constitutional design and strategy. This chapter draws on Professor Tushnet’s contributions on nonliberal constitutionalism and the dual state to examine four issues pertaining to the nature, structure, and significance of the dual state, as well as to the stability of mixed constitutions.
The effect of multidomain lifestyle intervention on health care service use and costs - secondary analyses from the Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER): a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Sääskilahti Maria , Kulmala Jenni , Nurhonen Markku , Lehtisalo Jenni , Peltonen Markku , Mangialasche Francesca , Laatikainen Tiina , Strandberg Timo , Antikainen Riitta , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Soininen Hilkka , Kivipelto Miia , Ngandu Tiia
Published: November 2024

Background

The Finnish multidomain lifestyle intervention study to prevent cognitive impairment and disability (FINGER, N = 1259), a randomised controlled trial had beneficial effects on morbidity in older people, but to what extent such a lifestyle intervention may affect the use of health care services and their costs especially in long term are unknown.

Objective

This study investigated the effect of a two-year FINGER multidomain intervention on health care service use during the 8-year follow-up. The costs of service use were also evaluated.

Methods

Health care service use obtained from national health care registers (days of inpatient hospital stay and long-term care, number of visits to emergency services, hospital as outpatient, home care, primary care physician and primary care nurse) was analysed among participants of the FINGER. Trial targeted community-dwelling people aged 60–77 years at risk for cognitive impairment, who were randomly allocated to the multidomain intervention or control group. Costs were evaluated as the mean costs of services used.

Results

There were no significant differences in total health care costs between the intervention and control groups. The participants in the intervention group, however, had a lower use of the hospital inpatient care (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.54–1.00) and emergency services (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.70–0.97) than those in the control group. Hospital inpatient care was lower especially among men. The use of other types of health care services did not differ between the groups. The costs of health care service use without including long-term care were lower in the intervention group (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.68–0.99).

Conclusions

The FINGER intervention has a potential to reduce the need for the inpatient hospital care and emergency visits and associated costs, especially among men.
Machine learning prediction of early recurrence after surgery for gallbladder cancer
Authors: Catalano Giovanni , Alaimo Laura , Chatzipanagiotou Odysseas P , Ruzzenente Andrea , Aucejo Federico , Marques Hugo P , Lam Vincent , Hugh Tom , Bhimani Nazim , Maithel Shishir K , Kitago Minoru , Endo Itaru , Pawlik Timothy M
Published: November 2024

Background

Gallbladder cancer is often associated with poor prognosis, especially when patients experience early recurrence after surgery. Machine learning may improve prediction accuracy by analysing complex non-linear relationships. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a machine learning model to predict early recurrence risk after resection of gallbladder cancer.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, patients who underwent resection of gallbladder cancer with curative intent between 2001 and 2022 were identified using an international database. Patients were assigned randomly to a development and an evaluation cohort. Four machine learning models were trained to predict early recurrence (within 12 months) and compared using the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC).

Results

Among 374 patients, 56 (15.0%) experienced early recurrence; most patients had T1 (51, 13.6%) or T2 (180, 48.1%) disease, and a subset had lymph node metastasis (120, 32.1%). In multivariable Cox analysis, resection margins (HR 2.34, 95% c.i. 1.55 to 3.80; P < 0.001), and greater AJCC T (HR 2.14, 1.41 to 3.25; P < 0.001) and N (HR 1.59, 1.05 to 2.42; P = 0.029) categories were independent predictors of early recurrence. The random forest model demonstrated the highest discrimination in the evaluation cohort (AUC 76.4, 95% c.i. 66.3 to 86.5), compared with XGBoost (AUC 74.4, 53.4 to 85.3), support vector machine (AUC 67.2, 54.4 to 80.0), and logistic regression (AUC 73.1, 60.6 to 85.7), as well as good accuracy after bootstrapping validation (AUC 75.3, 75.0 to 75.6). Patients classified as being at high versus low risk of early recurrence had much worse overall survival (36.1 versus 63.8% respectively; P < 0.001). An easy-to-use calculator was made available (https://catalano-giovanni.shinyapps.io/GallbladderER).

Conclusion

Machine learning-based prediction of early recurrence after resection of gallbladder cancer may help stratify patients, as well as help inform postoperative adjuvant therapy and surveillance strategies.
Evaluating the content and utilization of ultraviolet index smartphone applications
Authors: Ahmad Areebah S , Coleman Madeline S , O’Connell Katie A , Zheng David X , Buzney Elizabeth A
Published: November 2024

Sun protection has become popular within mainstream culture. A common way for people to obtain information on sun protection and monitor their sun exposure is through mobile applications (apps). Our study focuses on the popularity and utility of ultraviolet (UV) index apps. Data on UV app popularity, rating, pricing and functionality was collected from Google and Apple app markets. The most common functions of UV apps, other than displaying current UV levels, were UV index notifications and providing skin assessments. A minority of apps were published by medical and governmental organizations. Our study demonstrates an area in which dermatologists can advance public understanding of skin protection.
Modulating Lewis acidity with boronamides and boronates: effect on behavior in borylation and cross-coupling
Authors: Yoshida Hiroto
Published: November 2024

Modulation of boron-Lewis acidities with cyclic boronamide and boronate moieties, which decisively affects the regiochemical outcome of the copper-catalyzed hydroboration of terminal alkynes, is described. The direct Suzuki–Miyaura coupling of strongly Lewis acidity-diminished R–B(dan), previously believed to be inert toward the reaction, is also reported.
Unidirectional reconnection of an inter-atrial epicardial connection with wide right atrial insertion site: a case report
Authors: Hasebe Hideyuki , Furuyashiki Yoshitaka , Yoshida Kentaro , Aonuma Kazutaka
Published: November 2024

Background

The epicardial connections (ECs) via intercaval fibres connecting the right-sided pulmonary veins (PVs) and right atrium (RA) can preclude isolation of the right-sided PVs. Such ECs occasionally have a unidirectional conduction property.

Case summary

A 62-year-old man was referred to our institution for catheter ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). Circumferential antral PV isolation was performed via point-by-point radiofrequency (RF) applications. Thirty months after the ablation session, a recurrence of PAF was observed and a second procedure was performed. The right-sided PV was reconnected via an EC. Radiofrequency application at the RA insertion eliminated the EC. Thirty minutes thereafter, the right-sided PVs were reconnected. However, repetitive firings from the right-sided PVs did not conduct to the RA, indicating a unidirectional (RA to PV) reconnection of the EC, which was resolved by RF applications at the PV insertion. This time, the PV insertion of the EC was targeted and the unidirectional reconnection was successfully eliminated. The patient has remained free from any tachyarrhythmias for 3 years.

Discussion

Although the mechanism of the unidirectional conduction property is unclear, source-sink mismatch and anisotropy are likely involved in the mechanism, as with accessory pathways. Electrophysiologists should be aware of the potential for unidirectional reconnection of ECs.
Comparison of non-synonymous/synonymous (dN/dS) ratios shows little evidence for a faster-Z effect in Furcifer chameleons after controlling for gene-specific evolutionary rates
Authors: Andjel Lucija , Kratochvíl Lukáš , Rovatsos Michail
Published: November 2024

The faster-X/Z effect hypothesis states that genes linked to X/Z chromosomes should accumulate mutations faster than autosomal genes. Although faster evolution of X/Z-linked genes has been reported in several plant and animal lineages, conflicting results have been reported in others. We examined the faster-Z effect in chameleons of the genus Furcifer, a lineage with differentiated ZZ/ZW chromosomes for at least 20 million yr. We sequenced the genomes of four species of Furcifer chameleons in the Illumina platform and compared the substitution rates of synonymous and non-synonymous mutations and their ratios among autosomal, Z-specific, and pseudoautosomal protein-coding genes. The inclusion of two chameleon outgroups lacking the differentiated ZZ/ZW sex chromosomes allowed us to control for gene-specific evolutionary rates that might confound the testing of the faster-X/Z effect. Significant differences in evolutionary rates were found between autosomal, Z-specific, and pseudoautosomal genes of Furcifer chameleons. However, the inclusion of the outgroups with different sex chromosomes suggests that these genes had different evolutionary rates prior to their incorporation into the differentiated ZZ/ZW sex chromosomes of the Furcifer genus. The results highlight the need to control for differences in the evolutionary rates of individual genes when testing for the faster-X/Z effect.
Trocar scar abdominal wall adenomyoma following laparoscopic hysterectomy: case report
Authors: Prospero Rossella , Carafa Anastasia , Sagrada Paola Francesca , Ahmed Naghia , Scagnelli Paola , Ballabio Michele Maria , Garuti Giancarlo , Soligo Marco
Published: November 2024

Abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE) within the scar of a trocar insertion is seldom reported as a complication of laparoscopy. We describe the case of a 46 year-old woman suffering from uterine leiomyomas who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy. One year later, she developed a painful abdominal wall mass, beneath the scar of suprapubic port-site trocar insertion. The diagnostic work-up, consisting in ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging and needle biopsy led to a diagnosis of AWE. Initially, a progestogen therapy was administered, obtaining relief from pain symptoms but insignificant reduction of lump’ size. Therefore, the patient underwent a laparotomic resection of the mass. Pathologic findings showed endometriotic tissue mixed with smooth muscle cells, leading to the diagnosis of extrauterine adenomyoma. Six months after surgery, neither AWE relapse nor incisional hernia was found. To our knowledge, no case of parasitic adenomyoma development in a trocar scar following a laparoscopy has been described before in literature.
Is climate change ungovernable?
Authors: Edwards Paul N
Published: November 2024

Climate governance spans multiple levels of socio-political organisation, from global institutions to local governments and non-governmental entities. Coordination among them is often weak, chaotic, or non-existent, hindering effective climate action. Massive infrastructure built on fossil energy systems, supported by powerful interests and long-term social commitments, exacerbates the challenge. This article begins with a review of recent climate science and data pointing to potentially catastrophic outcomes within the next few decades. It then explores failures and weaknesses of existing governance modes. Incantatory ungovernance declares broad objectives but lacks specific mechanisms to achieve them. De-governance through policy reversal and enforcement failure has already occurred and will happen again, especially where overlapping jurisdictions conflict. Anti-governance takes multiple forms, including ideology, greenwashing, and denialism. In the face of these common failure modes, the most effective climate ‘policy’ is infrastructural change.
Architecture of TOI-561 planetary system
Authors: Piotto G , Zingales T , Borsato L , Egger J A , Correia A C M , Simon A E , Florén H -G , Sousa S G , Maxted P F L , Nardiello D , Malavolta L , Wilson T G , Alibert Y , Adibekyan V , Bonfanti A , Luque R , Santos N C , Hooton M J , Fossati L , Smith A M S , Salmon S , Lacedelli G , Alonso R , Bárczy T , Barrado Navascues D , Barros S C C , Baumjohann W , Beck T , Benz W , Billot N , Brandeker A , Broeg C , Buder M , Cameron A Collier , Csizmadia Sz , Cubillos P E , Davies M B , Deleuil M , Deline A , Demangeon O D S , Demory B -O , Derekas A , Edwards B , Ehrenreich D , Erikson A , Fortier A , Fridlund M , Gandolfi D , Gazeas K , Gillon M , Güdel M , Günther M N , Heitzmann A , Helling Ch , Isaak K G , Kiss L L , Korth J , Lam K W F , Laskar J , Lecavelier des Etangs A , Lendl M , Leonardi P , Magrin D , Mantovan G , Mordasini C , Nascimbeni V , Olofsson G , Ottensamer R , Pagano I , Pallé E , Peter G , Ottensamer R , Pollacco D , Queloz D , Ragazzoni R , Rando N , Ratti F , Rauer H , Ribas I , Scandariato G , Ségransan D , Sicilia D , Stalport M , Sulis S , Szabó Gy M , Udry S , Ulmer-Moll S , Van Grootel V , Venturini J , Villaver E , Walton N A , Winn J N , Wolf S
Published: November 2024

We present new observations from CHEOPS (CHaracterising ExOPlanet Satellite) and TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) to clarify the architecture of the planetary system hosted by the old Galactic thick disc star TOI-561. Our global analysis, which also includes previously published photometric and radial velocity data, incontrovertibly proves that TOI-561 is hosting at least four transiting planets with periods of 0.44 d (TOI-561 b), 10.8 d (TOI-561 c), 25.7 d (TOI-561 d), and 77.1 d (TOI-561 e) and a fifth non-transiting candidate, TOI-561f with a period of 433 d. The precise characterization of TOI-561’s orbital architecture is interesting since old and metal-poor thick disc stars are less likely to host ultrashort-period super-Earths like TOI-561 b. The new period of planet -e is consistent with the value obtained using radial velocity alone and is now known to be $77.14399\pm 0.00025$ d, thanks to the new CHEOPS and TESS transits. The new data allowed us to improve its radius ($R_p = 2.517 \pm 0.045\,\mathrm{ R}_{\rm{\oplus }}$ from 5 per cent to 2 per cent precision) and mass ($M_p = 12.4 \pm 1.4\, \mathrm{ M}_{\rm{\oplus }}$) estimates, implying a density of $\rho _p = 0.778 \pm 0.097\, \rho _{\rm{\oplus }}$. Thanks to recent TESS observations and the focused CHEOPS visit of the transit of TOI-561 e, a good candidate for exomoon searches, the planet’s period is finally constrained, allowing us to predict transit times through 2030 with 20-min accuracy. We present an updated version of the internal structure of the four transiting planets. We finally performed a detailed stability analysis, which confirmed the long-term stability of the outer planet TOI-561 f.