bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-Hermitian higher-order topological corner states on the extended kagome lattice
Authors: Zhang Yiqun , Su Zhaoxian , Wang Yongtian , Huang Lingling
Published: November 2023

Exploring the interaction between topological phases and non-Hermitian potentials such as gain and loss can benefit designing robust optical devices. Recent studies have revealed topological phases can be simply from gain and loss in non-Hermitian systems. Here, we propose an extended kagome lattice model, where the non-Hermitian potentials drive the system from a trivial phase to a higher-order topological phase. Higher-order topological insulators exhibit lower-dimensional boundary states on corners or hinges. We construct two-dimensional higher-order topological insulators on different arrays of the extended kagome lattice model. Topologically protected states emerge at the corner with a 1/3 fractional charge at each corner as the strength of the gain and loss increases. The topologically protected corner states are characterized by the quantized polarization as the topological index. We find that non-Hermitian potentials provide an extra degree of freedom to switch on and off the higher-order topological corner states. The proposed system can be verified through many experimental platforms, including coupled optical resonating cavities and waveguides. Our work indicates the great prospects for constructing integrated photonics platforms and designing actively reconfigurable photonic devices.
An updated account of Adiantum (Pteridaceae: subfamily Vittarioideae) in Thailand
Authors: Petchsri Sahanat , Boonkerd Thaweesakdi
Published: November 2023

An updated account of Thailand’s maidenhair ferns, Adiantum L. (Pteridaceae), is presented. The genus consists of 20 taxa, including 19 indigenous and 1 naturalised, distributed in various habitats throughout Thailand, and 5 of them are endemic. We accept A. fragiliforme and A. ciliatum as distinct species on the basis of our investigation. We also accept infraspecific taxa within A. philippense, namely A. philippense subsp. philippense and A. philippense subsp. intermedium. Revised descriptions of A. fragiliforme and A. gomphophyllum from southern Thailand are provided, as is an updated key to the species of Adiantum in Thailand, and vernacular names and conservation status assessments.
Ketamine and the neurobiology of depression: Toward next-generation rapid-acting antidepressant treatments
Authors: Krystal John H. , Kaye Alfred P. , Jefferson Sarah , Girgenti Matthew J. , Wilkinson Samuel T. , Sanacora Gerard , Esterlis Irina
Published: November 2023

Ketamine has emerged as a transformative and mechanistically novel pharmacotherapy for depression. Its rapid onset of action, efficacy for treatment-resistant symptoms, and protection against relapse distinguish it from prior antidepressants. Its discovery emerged from a reconceptualization of the neurobiology of depression and, in turn, insights from the elaboration of its mechanisms of action inform studies of the pathophysiology of depression and related disorders. It has been 25 y since we first presented our ketamine findings in depression. Thus, it is timely for this review to consider what we have learned from studies of ketamine and to suggest future directions for the optimization of rapid-acting antidepressant treatment.
Female semiochemicals stimulate male courtship but dampen female sexual receptivity
Authors: Chen Yaoyao , Zhang Yuhua , Ai Shupei , Xing Shuyuan , Zhong Guohua , Yi Xin
Published: November 2023

Chemical communication plays a vital role in mate attraction and discrimination among many insect species. Here, we document a unique example of semiochemical parsimony, where four chemicals act as both aphrodisiacs and anti-aphrodisiacs in different contexts in
Bactrocera dorsalis
. Specifically, we identified four female-specific semiochemicals, ethyl laurate, ethyl myristate, ethyl
cis
-9-hexadecenoate, and ethyl palmitate, which serve as aphrodisiacs to attract male flies and arouse male courtship. Interestingly, these semiochemicals, when sexually transferred to males during mating, can function as anti-aphrodisiacs, inhibiting the receptivity of subsequent female mates. We further showed that the expression of
elongase11,
a key enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of these semiochemicals, is under the control of doublesex, facilitating the exclusive biosynthesis of these four semiochemicals in females and guaranteeing effective chemical communication. The dual roles of these semiochemicals not only ensure the attractiveness of mature females but also provide a simple yet reliable mechanism for female mate discrimination. These findings provide insights into chemical communication in
B. dorsalis
and add elements for the design of pest control programs.
An acetyltransferase moonlights as a regulator of the RNA binding repertoire of the RNA chaperone Hfq in
Escherichia coli
Authors: Luo Xing , Zhang Aixia , Tai Chin-Hsien , Chen Jiandong , Majdalani Nadim , Storz Gisela , Gottesman Susan
Published: November 2023

Bacterial small RNAs (sRNAs) regulate gene expression by base-pairing with their target mRNAs. In
Escherichia coli
and many other bacteria, this process is dependent on the RNA chaperone Hfq, a mediator for sRNA-mRNA annealing. YhbS (renamed here as HqbA), a putative Gcn5-related N-acetyltransferase (GNAT), was previously identified as a silencer of sRNA signaling in a genomic library screen. Here, we studied how HqbA regulates sRNA signaling and investigated its physiological roles in modulating Hfq activity. Using fluorescent reporter assays, we found that HqbA overproduction suppressed all tested Hfq-dependent sRNA signaling. Direct interaction between HqbA and Hfq was demonstrated both in vivo and in vitro, and mutants that blocked the interaction interfered with HqbA suppression of Hfq. However, an acetylation-deficient HqbA mutant still disrupted sRNA signaling, and HqbA interacted with Hfq at a site far from the active site. This suggests that HqbA may be bifunctional, with separate roles for regulating via Hfq interaction and for acetylation of undefined substrates. Gel shift assays revealed that HqbA strongly reduced the interaction between the Hfq distal face and low-affinity RNAs but not high-affinity RNAs. Comparative RNA immunoprecipitation of Hfq and sequencing showed enrichment of two tRNA precursors,
metZWV
and
proM
, by Hfq in mutants that lost the HqbA–Hfq interaction. Our results suggest that HqbA provides a level of quality control for Hfq by competing with low-affinity RNA binders.
Imaging tumor lactate is feasible for identifying intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients with postsurgical biochemical recurrence
Authors: Sushentsev Nikita , Hamm Gregory , Richings Jack , McLean Mary A. , Menih Ines Horvat , Ayyappan Vinay , Mills Ian G. , Warren Anne Y. , Gnanapragasam Vincent J. , Barry Simon T. , Goodwin Richard J. A. , Gallagher Ferdia A. , Barrett Tristan
Published: November 2023

While radical prostatectomy remains the mainstay of prostate cancer (PCa) treatment, 20 to 40% of patients develop postsurgical biochemical recurrence (BCR). A particularly challenging clinical cohort includes patients with intermediate-risk disease whose risk stratification would benefit from advanced approaches that complement standard-of-care diagnostic tools. Here, we show that imaging tumor lactate using hyperpolarized
13
C MRI and spatial metabolomics identifies BCR-positive patients in two prospective intermediate-risk surgical cohorts. Supported by spatially resolved tissue analysis of established glycolytic biomarkers, this study provides the rationale for multicenter trials of tumor metabolic imaging as an auxiliary tool to support PCa treatment decision-making.
Tad and toxin-coregulated pilus structures reveal unexpected diversity in bacterial type IV pili
Authors: Sonani Ravi R. , Sanchez Juan Carlos , Baumgardt Joseph K. , Kundra Shivani , Wright Elizabeth R. , Craig Lisa , Egelman Edward H.
Published: November 2023

Type IV pili (T4P) are ubiquitous in both bacteria and archaea. They are polymers of the major pilin protein, which has an extended and protruding N-terminal helix, α1, and a globular C-terminal domain. Cryo-EM structures have revealed key differences between the bacterial and archaeal T4P in their C-terminal domain structure and in the packing and continuity of α1. This segment forms a continuous α-helix in archaeal T4P but is partially melted in all published bacterial T4P structures due to a conserved helix breaking proline at position 22. The tad (tight adhesion) T4P are found in both bacteria and archaea and are thought to have been acquired by bacteria through horizontal transfer from archaea. Tad pilins are unique among the T4 pilins, being only 40 to 60 residues in length and entirely lacking a C-terminal domain. They also lack the Pro22 found in all high-resolution bacterial T4P structures. We show using cryo-EM that the bacterial tad pilus from
Caulobacter crescentus
is composed of continuous helical subunits that, like the archaeal pilins, lack the melted portion seen in other bacterial T4P and share the packing arrangement of the archaeal T4P. We further show that a bacterial T4P, the
Vibrio cholerae
toxin coregulated pilus, which lacks Pro22 but is not in the tad family, has a continuous N-terminal α-helix, yet its α1 s are arranged similar to those in other bacterial T4P. Our results highlight the role of Pro22 in helix melting and support an evolutionary relationship between tad and archaeal T4P.
‘Not All Fun and Games’: The Case of the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games
Authors: Delevska Ana , Osorio Sandra Cherro , Nguyen Van K.
Published: November 2023

In April 2022, the Australian state of Victoria was confirmed to be the host of the Commonwealth Games 2026. The proposal placed a strategic emphasis on leveraging legacy to benefit local communities, particularly through the provision of affordable and social housing and sporting facilities in regional Victoria. The Games were to take place across five regional cities to showcase Victoria globally, while generating economic growth for the regional economies, creating local jobs and boosting inclusion and participation of regional communities. However, in July 2023, the Premier of Victoria announced the cancellation of the Games, primarily justified by the increase in the initial cost of running the event. This conceptual case study provides an analysis of the factors that influenced the cancellation and identifies several significant challenges that contributed to that outcome, including lack of infrastructure, logistical complexities, and budgetary constraints, as well as the intricate dynamics among these aspects. It also discusses the potential opportunities and challenges for the state of Victoria and its brand as a host of sporting events.

Information

© The Authors 2023
Analog memristive devices based on La2NiO4+
δ
as synapses for spiking neural networks
Authors: Khuu Thoai-Khanh , Koroleva Aleksandra , Degreze Arnaud , Vatajelu Elena-Ioana , Lefèvre Gauthier , Jiménez Carmen , Blonkowski Serge , Jalaguier Eric , Bsiesy Ahmad , Burriel Mónica
Published: November 2023

Neuromorphic computing has recently emerged as a potential alternative to the conventional von Neumann computer paradigm, which is inherently limited due to its architectural bottleneck. Thus, new artificial components and architectures for brain-inspired computing hardware implementation are required. Bipolar analog memristive devices, whose resistance (or conductance) can be continuously tuned (as a synaptic weight), are potential candidates for artificial synapse applications. In this work, lanthanum nickelate (La2NiO4+δ
, L2NO4), a mixed ionic electronic conducting oxide, is used in combination with TiN and Pt electrodes. The TiN/L2NO4/Pt devices show bipolar resistive switching with gradual transitions both for the SET and RESET processes. The resistance (conductance) can be gradually modulated by the pulse amplitude and duration, showing good data retention characteristics. A linear relationship between the resistance change and total applied pulse duration is experimentally measured. Moreover, synaptic depression and potentiation characteristics, one of the important functions of bio-synapses, are artificially reproduced for these devices, then modeled and successfully tested in a spiking neural network environment. These results indicate the suitability of using TiN/L2NO4/Pt memristive devices as long-term artificial synapses in neuromorphic computing.
Nano spinel NiAl2O4: structure, optical and photocatalytic performance evaluation and optimization
Authors: Yu Xinmiao , Wang Shifa , Xie Hui , Yi Zao , Tang Jinlong , Gao Huajing , Yang Hua , Fang Leiming , Syed Asad
Published: November 2023

Four kinds of spinel NiAl2O4 were synthesized by the polyacrylamide gel method using Al2(SO4)3·18H2O and Al(NO3)3·9H2O as aluminum salts and anhydrous NiSO4 and NiSO4·6H2O as nickel salts. The effects of different aluminum salts and nickel salts on the structure, optical and photocatalytic activity of spinel NiAl2O4 were confirmed by various characterizations. There is no NiO impurity in the spinel NiAl2O4 synthesized with Al2(SO4)3·18H2O as aluminum salt, while NiAl2O4, NiO and C–O functional group coexist in the target product with Al(NO3)3·9H2O as aluminum salt, and C–O functional group and NiO inhibits the photocatalytic activity of the system. Based on photocatalytic experiment, response surface methodology and free radical verification experiment, the influence of experimental parameters including synthesis pathway, initial drug concentration, initial pH and catalyst content on the photocatalytic activity of spinel NiAl2O4 and the main active species involved in the reaction were investigated. The degradation percentage of spinel NiAl2O4 synthesized with Al2(SO4)3·18H2O as aluminum salt and NiSO4·6H2O as nickel salt was 86.3% at the initial concentration of 50 mg l−1, pH = 5.33 and catalyst content of 1 g l−1. The mechanism investigation confirmed that the C–O functional group plays the dual role of impurity level and electron transfer in the degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride by spinel NiAl2O4.
Resolving mode mixing in wheel–rail surface defect detection using EMD based on binary time scale
Authors: Hua Jiang , Zhiquan Wu
Published: November 2023

Due to the mode mixing, empirical mode decomposition (EMD) cannot effectively decompose the vibration signal when the signal is intermittent and pulse interference caused by discontinuous vibration. The methods to solve mode mixing often use noise assistance, such as ensemble EMD (EEMD), complete EEMD (CEEMD), etc. These methods can effectively solve mode mixing, but they also have shortcomings. In EEMD, the added noises not only have residual effects and time-consuming. The drawback of CEEMD is that it is difficult to align during set averaging. In this paper, an improved EMD based on binary time scale (EMD-BTS) is proposed for the fault feature extraction of wheel–rail defect detection. Firstly, the generalized intrinsic mode function (GIMF) is defined based on the time-domain characteristics of non-stationary vibration signals. Then, to tackle the drawbacks of EMD which cannot effectively solve mode mixing caused by signal intermittence and pulse interference, the inherent mode is extracted in the EMD-BTS to decompose the raw signals into GIMFs. Finally, the false components generated by over decomposition are combined based on time-domain cross covariance. A simulation case and a actual case of vehicle bogie are utilized to verify the feasibility of the proposed EMD-BTS. The results indicate that the proposed approach exceeds other typical techniques in extracting intermittent fault features of wheel–rail defect detection.
The Completely Hackable Amateur Radio Telescope (CHART) project
Authors: Berkhout Lindsay M , Beardsley Adam P , Jacobs Daniel C , Braithwaite Raven , Gutierrez-Coatney Bryanna , Islam Arib , Wright Ahlea
Published: November 2023

We present the Completely Hackable Amateur Radio Telescope (CHART), a project that provides hands-on radio instrumentation and design experience to undergraduates while bringing accessible radio astronomy experiments to high school students and teachers. Here we describe a system which can detect 21 cm emission from the Milky Way which is optimised for cost and simplicity of construction. Software, documentation, and tutorials are all completely open source to improve the user experience and facilitate community involvement. We demonstrate the design with several observations which we compare with state-of-the-art surveys. The system is shown to detect galactic 21 cm emission in both rural and urban settings.
History of physics as a heuristic device to anticipate students’ ideas: the case of electrostatics
Authors: Rinaudo Marta , Leone Matteo
Published: November 2023

Empirical evidence supporting the heuristic usefulness of history of physics will be provided within the context of a project devoted to studying the educational significance of the historical-scientific collections preserved by universities and schools. It is shown that, to a certain extent, teachers’ knowledge of the history of electricity studies can be of assistance to them for anticipating student misconceptions about the properties of electrostatics attraction. Also, it is shown that the analysis of a historical collection of electrostatics instruments and the subsequent reconstruction of some of these instruments with present-day materials has positive effects on the learning of some parts of the physics of electricity.
Enhancement of fusion reactivity under non-Maxwellian distributions: effects of drift-ring-beam, slowing-down, and kappa super-thermal distributions
Authors: Kong Haozhe , Xie Huasheng , Liu Bing , Tan Muzhi , Luo Di , Li Zhi , Sun Jizhong
Published: November 2023

Non-Maxwellian distributions of particles are commonly observed in fusion studies, especially for magnetic confinement fusion plasmas. The particle distribution has a direct effect on fusion reactivity, which is the focus of this study. We investigate the effects of three types of non-Maxwellian distributions, namely drift-ring-beam, slowing-down, and kappa super-thermal distributions, on the fusion reactivities of D-T (Deuterium-Trillium) and p-B11 (proton-Boron) using a newly developed program, where the enhancement of fusion reactivity relative to the Maxwellian distribution is computed while keeping the total kinetic energy constant. The calculation results show that for the temperature ranges of interest to us, namely 5–50 keV for D-T and 100–500 keV for p-B11, these non-Maxwellian distributions can enhance the fusion reactivities. In the case of the drift-ring-beam distribution, the perpendicular ring beam velocity leads to decreased enhancement in low temperature range and increased enhancement in high temperature range. This effect is favorable for p-B11 fusion reaction and unfavorable for D-T fusion reaction. This is because the important temperature range for

p - B

11

fusion reaction significantly overlaps with the high temperature enhancement range, while the important temperature range for

D - T

fusion significantly overlaps with the low temperature reduction range. In the slowing-down distribution, the birth speed plays a crucial role in both reactions, and increasing birth speed leads to a shift in the enhancement ranges towards lower temperatures, which is beneficial for both reactions. Finally, the kappa super-thermal distribution results in a relatively large enhancement in the low temperature range with a small high energy power-law index

κ

. Overall, this study provides insight into the effects of non-Maxwellian distributions on fusion reactivity and highlights potential opportunities for enhancing fusion efficiency.
On scalable liquid-metal MHD solvers for fusion breeder blanket multiphysics applications
Authors: Eardley-Brunt R W , Dubas A J , Davis A
Published: November 2023

While substantial research effort has been made recently in the development of computational liquid-metal magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) solvers, this has typically been confined to closed-source and commercial codes. This work aimed to investigate some open-source alternatives. Two OpenFOAM-based MHD solvers, mhdFoam and epotFoam, were found to show strong scaling profiles typical of fluid dynamics codes, while weak scaling was impeded by an increase in iterations per timestep with increasing resolution. Both were found to accurately solve the Shercliff and Hunt flow problems for Hartmann numbers from 20 to 1000, except for mhdFoam which failed in the Hunt flow

H
a

=
1000

case. A basic inductionless MHD solver was implemented in the Proteus MOOSE application as a proof of concept, using two methods referred to as the kernel method and material method. Future work will aim to build on these studies, exploring more advanced OpenFOAM MHD solvers as well as improving the Proteus MHD solver.
3D effects on hydrogen transport in ITER-like monoblocks
Authors: Delaporte-Mathurin Rémi , Chochoy Romain , Mougenot Jonathan , Charles Yann , Hodille Etienne A. , Grisolia Christian
Published: November 2023

The influence of recombination on the poloidal gaps of ITER-like monoblocks on hydrogen transport simulations is investigated. A 3D FESTIM model is first built and transient simulations up to

1
×

10

7

 s of continuous exposure are run with or without instantaneous recombination on the poloidal gaps. In the case of instantaneous recombination, the poloidal gaps act as a strong sink for hydrogen leading to a decrease in the monoblock inventory. The total desorption flux on the poloidal gap is greater than on the toroidal gap but remains orders of magnitude lower than the retro-desorbed flux at the top surface. For a monoblock thickness of 4 mm, the relative difference in the hydrogen inventory per unit thickness between the two cases is 500%. As the thickness of the monoblock increases, this difference decreases (55% at 14 mm). The monoblock’s response to baking is then studied at different baking temperatures. At 600 K, almost all the hydrogen content in the monoblock is removed after 15 days of baking. Assuming a non-instantaneous recombination on the tungsten surfaces would not have a major impact on the monoblock desorption for baking temperatures above 600 K.
Effect of triplet correlation on the equation of pair correlation function in a weakly coupled inhomogeneous plasma system
Authors: Bose Anirban
Published: November 2023

It is observed that retaining the triplet correlation to derive the equation of pair correlation function from the first two members of BBGKY hierarchy, modifies the structure of the equation and the pair correlation function significantly. This equation may be used to explore the thermodynamic properties of the weakly coupled inhomogeneous plasma systems. This study may also be relevant for homogeneous plasmas.
Universality in the tripartite information after global quenches: spin flip and semilocal charges
Authors: Marić Vanja
Published: November 2023

We study stationary states emerging after global quenches in which the time evolution is under local Hamiltonians that possess semilocal conserved operators. In particular, we study a model that is dual to quantum XY chain. We show that a localized perturbation in the initial state can turn an exponential decay of spatial correlations in the stationary state into an algebraic decay. We investigate the consequences on the behavior of the (Rényi-α) entanglement entropies, focusing on the tripartite information of three adjacent subsystems. In the limit of large subsystems, we show that in the stationary state with the algebraic decay of correlations the tripartite information exhibits a non-zero value with a universal dependency on the cross ratio, while it vanishes in the stationary state with the exponential decay of correlations.
Point-vortex statistical mechanics applied to turbulence without vortex stretching
Authors: Wu Tong , David Tomos , Bos Wouter J T
Published: November 2023

In turbulent systems with inverse cascades, energy will pile up at large scales if no large-scale sink is present. We observe that in forced-dissipative three-dimensional turbulence from which vortex-stretching is removed, such condensation is observed, associated with an inverse cascade of helicity. The large-scale structure of this condensate is characterized by a hyperbolic sine relation between vorticity and velocity, analogous to the sinh relation between vorticity and stream function observed in freely decaying 2D turbulence in periodic domains. We generalize a 2D point-vortex statistical mechanics approach to our 3D system. It is shown that the predictions of this approach are in agreement with observations of both the forced-dissipative system, after appropriate averaging, and of the freely decaying system.
Parallel learning by multitasking neural networks
Authors: Agliari Elena , Alessandrelli Andrea , Barra Adriano , Ricci-Tersenghi Federico
Published: November 2023

Parallel learning, namely the simultaneous learning of multiple patterns, constitutes a modern challenge for neural networks. While this cannot be accomplished by standard Hebbian associative neural networks, in this paper we show how the multitasking Hebbian network (a variation on the theme of the Hopfield model, working on sparse datasets) is naturally able to perform this complex task. We focus on systems processing in parallel a finite (up to logarithmic growth in the size of the network) number of patterns, mirroring the low-storage setting of standard associative neural networks. When patterns to be reconstructed are mildly diluted, the network handles them hierarchically, distributing the amplitudes of their signals as power laws w.r.t. the pattern information content (hierarchical regime), while, for strong dilution, the signals pertaining to all the patterns are simultaneously raised with the same strength (parallel regime). Further, we prove that the training protocol (either supervised or unsupervised) neither alters the multitasking performances nor changes the thresholds for learning. We also highlight (analytically and by Monte Carlo simulations) that a standard cost function (i.e. the Hamiltonian) used in statistical mechanics exhibits the same minima as a standard loss function (i.e. the sum of squared errors) used in machine learning.
Design of line array detection scheme for Polarimeter-Interferometer system on EAST
Authors: Yan H.H. , Liu H.Q. , Wang S.X. , Lian H. , Li W.M. , Jie Y.X.
Published: November 2023

A multi-channel POlarimeter-INTerferometer (POINT) system has been constructed in the core region of Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) plasma for electron density profile and current density profile measurements, with a spatial resolution of 8.5 cm. To explore the small spatial scale density fluctuation phenomena in the core plasma induced by MHD instabilities effects, a higher spatial resolution and higher responsivity detection is required.

A novel line array detection scheme of POINT is proposed. By replacing the single Schottky mixer with a highly integrated line array HEMT detector at the central channel position, the existing single channel can be extended to 5 channels for spatial continuous measurement in the core plasma, which has a significantly simplified structure design compared with the discrete upgrade scheme. Related optical design, component selection, and bench tests have been carried out to validate the feasibility and reliability of the novel scheme.

The IF signals are detected by an AlGaN/GaN line array high electron mobility transistors (HEMT) detector based on five silicon lenses integrated. The average responsivity of the line array detector elements is 40 kV/W. Compared with the existing planar diode Schottky mixer with a sensitivity of 750 V/W, the line array detector can also meet the essential requirements of coherent signal measurement. Benefiting from the highly integrated array detector, the spatial resolution will be improved to 4.5 mm in the novel scheme. Additionally, a circular Plano cylindrical lens is designed as a beam-shaping component to compress the Gaussian beam into a stripe. Bench test results displayed the excellent performance of the cylindrical lens, which is consistent with the simulation results. Furthermore, normalized responsivity coefficients of array elements are determined by test results.
Comprehensive stiffness regulation on multi-section snake robot with considering the parasite motion and friction effects
Authors: Ma Nan , Zhou Haiqin , Yuan Jujie , He Guangping
Published: November 2023

Snake robots have been widely used in challenging environments, such as confined spaces. However, most existing snake robots with large length/diameter ratios have low stiffness, and this limits their accuracy and utility. To remedy this, a novel ‘macro-micro’ structure aided by a new comprehensive stiffness regulation strategy is proposed in this paper. This improves the positional accuracy when operating in deep and confined spaces. Subsequently, a comprehensive strategy for regulating the stiffness of the system is then developed, along with a kinetostatic model for error prediction. The internal friction, variation of cable stiffness as a function of tension, and their effects on the structural stiffness of the snake arm under different configurations have been incorporated into the model to increase the modelling accuracy. Finally, the proposed models were validated experimentally on a physical prototype and control system (error: 4.3% and 2.5% for straight and curved configurations, respectively). The improvement in stiffness due to the adjustment of the tension in the driving cables (i.e. average 183.4%) of the snake arm is shown.
Volume preserving Gauss curvature flow of convex hypersurfaces in the hyperbolic space
Authors: Wei Yong , Yang Bo , Zhou Tailong
Published: November 2023

We consider the volume preserving flow of smooth, closed and convex hypersurfaces in the hyperbolic space

H

n
+
1

(
n
≥
2
)

\mathbb {H}^{n+1} (n\geq 2)

with the speed given by arbitrary positive power

α
\alpha

of the Gauss curvature. We prove that if the initial hypersurface is convex, then the smooth solution of the flow remains convex and exists for all positive time

t
∈
[
0
,
∞
)

t\in [0,\infty )

. Moreover, we apply a result of Kohlmann which characterises the geodesic ball using the hyperbolic curvature measures and an argument of Alexandrov reflection to prove that the flow converges to a geodesic sphere exponentially in the smooth topology. This can be viewed as the first result for non-local type volume preserving curvature flows for hypersurfaces in the hyperbolic space with only convexity required on the initial data.
Coideal subalgebras of pointed and connected Hopf algebras
Authors: Zhou G.-S.
Published: November 2023

Let

H
H

be a pointed Hopf algebra with abelian coradical. Let

A
⊇
B

A\supseteq B

be left (or right) coideal subalgebras of

H
H

that contain the coradical of

H
H

. We show that

A
A

has a PBW basis over

B
B

, provided that

H
H

satisfies certain mild conditions. In the case that

H
H

is a connected graded Hopf algebra of characteristic zero and

A
A

and

B
B

are both homogeneous of finite Gelfand-Kirillov dimension, we show that

A
A

is a graded iterated Ore extension of

B
B

. These results turn out to be conceptual consequences of a structure theorem for each pair

S
⊇
T

S\supseteq T

of homogeneous coideal subalgebras of a connected graded braided bialgebra

R
R

with braiding satisfying certain mild conditions. The structure theorem claims the existence of a well-behaved PBW basis of

S
S

over

T
T

. The approach to the structure theorem is constructive by means of a combinatorial method based on Lyndon words and braided commutators, which is originally developed by V. K. Kharchenko [Algebra Log. 38 (1999), pp. 476–507, 509] for primitively generated braided Hopf algebras of diagonal type. Since in our context we don’t priorilly assume

R
R

to be primitively generated, new methods and ideas are introduced to handle the corresponding difficulties, among others.
Galois groups of random additive polynomials
Authors: Bary-Soroker Lior , Entin Alexei , McKemmie Eilidh
Published: November 2023

We study the distribution of the Galois group of a random

q
q

-additive polynomial over a rational function field: For

q
q

a power of a prime

p
p

, let

f
=

X

q
n

+

a

n
−
1

X

q

n
−
1

+
…
+

a
1

X
q

+

a
0

X

f=X^{q^n}+a_{n-1}X^{q^{n-1}}+\ldots +a_1X^q+a_0X

be a random polynomial chosen uniformly from the set of

q
q

-additive polynomials of degree

n
n

and height

d
d

, that is, the coefficients are independent uniform polynomials of degree

deg
⁡

a
i

≤
d

\deg a_i\leq d

. The Galois group

G
f

G_f

is a random subgroup of

GL
n

⁡
(
q
)

\operatorname {GL}_n(q)

. Our main result shows that

G
f

G_f

is almost surely large as

d
,
q

d,q

are fixed and

n
→
∞

n\to \infty

. For example, we give necessary and sufficient conditions so that

SL
n

⁡
(
q
)
≤

G
f

\operatorname {SL}_n(q)\leq G_f

asymptotically almost surely. Our proof uses the classification of maximal subgroups of

GL
n

⁡
(
q
)

\operatorname {GL}_n(q)

. We also consider the limits:

q
,
n

q,n

fixed,

d
→
∞

d\to \infty

and

d
,
n

d,n

fixed,

q
→
∞

q\to \infty

, which are more elementary.
Snow, fire and drought: how alpine and treeline soil seed banks are affected by simulated climate change
Authors: Vázquez-Ramírez Jerónimo , Venn Susanna E
Published: November 2023

Background and Aims

Seed persistence in soil depends on environmental factors that affect seed dormancy and germination, such as temperature and water availability. In high-elevation ecosystems, rapid changes in these environmental factors because of climate change can impact future plant recruitment. To date, our knowledge on how soil seed banks from high-elevation environments will respond to climate change and extreme climate-related events is limited. Here, using the seedling emergence method, we investigated the effects of reduced snow cover, fire and drought on the density and diversity of germinants from soil seed banks of two high-elevation plant communities: a tall alpine herbfield and a treeline ecotone.

Methods

In Autumn 2020, we collected soil samples and characterized the standing vegetation of both communities at Kosciuszko National Park, Australia. Subsequently, we carried out a factorial experiment and subjected the soil samples to a series of manipulative treatments using greenhouse studies.

Key Results

The treeline had a larger and more diverse soil seed bank than the herbfield. A reduction in snow had a negative effect on the number of germinants in the herbfield and increased the dissimilarity with the standing vegetation, whereas the treeline responses were mainly neutral. Fire did not significantly affect the number of germinants but decreased the evenness values in both communities. The drought treatment reduced the number and richness of germinants and increased the dissimilarity with the standing vegetation in both communities. Plant functional forms explained some of the detected effects, but seed functional traits did not.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that simulated climate change will affect plant recruitment from soil seed banks in a variety of ways. Changes in snow cover and incidences of fire and drought might be key drivers of germination from the soil seed bank and therefore the future composition of alpine plant communities.
Evaluation of novel biomarkers for early pregnancy outcome prediction
Authors: Bollig Kassie J , Senapati Suneeta , Takacs Peter , Robins Jared C , Haisenleder Daniel J , Beer Lynn A , Speicher David W , Koelper Nathanael C , Barnhart Kurt T
Published: November 2023

Objective

To assess performance and discriminatory capacity of commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays of biomarkers for predicting first trimester pregnancy outcome in a multi-center cohort.

Design

In a case-control study at three academic centers of women with pain and bleeding in early pregnancy, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays of biomarkers were screened for assay performance. Performance was assessed via functional sensitivity, assay reportable range, recovery/linearity, and intra-assay precision (%Coefficient of Variation). Top candidates were analyzed for discriminatory capacity for viability and location among 210 women with tubal ectopic pregnancy, viable intrauterine pregnancy, or miscarriage. Assay discrimination was assessed by visual plots, area under the curve with 95% confidence intervals, and measures of central tendency with two-sample t-tests.

Results

Of 25 biomarkers evaluated, 22 demonstrated good or acceptable assay performance. Transgelin-2, oviductal glycoprotein, and integrin-linked kinase were rejected due to poor performance. The best biomarkers for discrimination of pregnancy location were pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 9, pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 1, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1, kisspeptin (KISS1), pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 3, and beta parvin (PARVB). The best biomarkers for discrimination of pregnancy viability were pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 9, pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 3, EH domain-containing protein 3, KISS1, WAP four-disulfide core domain protein 2 (HE4), quiescin sulfhydryl oxidase 2, and pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 1.

Conclusion

Performance of commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays was acceptable for a panel of novel biomarkers to predict early pregnancy outcome. Of these, six and seven candidates demonstrated good discriminatory capacity of pregnancy location and viability, respectively, when validated in a distinct external population. Four markers demonstrated good discrimination for both location and viability.
Dermato-oncology
Authors: Hegazy Sherok , Byrne Berbie , Raulli Gian , Dhonncha Eilis Nic
Published: November 2023

This case highlights the clinical features and potential complications of angiosarcoma, which is associated with poor survival rates, often due to late recognition and diagnosis. This patient’s classic history and clinical images provide an excellent teaching opportunity for dermatology trainees to become familiar with the clinical features, associations, treatment and complications of angiosarcoma.
The effect of voice familiarity on attention to speech in a cocktail party scenario
Authors: Har-shai Yahav Paz , Sharaabi Aviya , Zion Golumbic Elana
Published: November 2023

Selective attention to one speaker in multi-talker environments can be affected by the acoustic and semantic properties of speech. One highly ecological feature of speech that has the potential to assist in selective attention is voice familiarity. Here, we tested how voice familiarity interacts with selective attention by measuring the neural speech-tracking response to both target and non-target speech in a dichotic listening “Cocktail Party” paradigm. We measured Magnetoencephalography from n = 33 participants, presented with concurrent narratives in two different voices, and instructed to pay attention to one ear (“target”) and ignore the other (“non-target”). Participants were familiarized with one of the voices during the week prior to the experiment, rendering this voice familiar to them. Using multivariate speech-tracking analysis we estimated the neural responses to both stimuli and replicate their well-established modulation by selective attention. Importantly, speech-tracking was also affected by voice familiarity, showing enhanced response for target speech and reduced response for non-target speech in the contra-lateral hemisphere, when these were in a familiar vs. an unfamiliar voice. These findings offer valuable insight into how voice familiarity, and by extension, auditory-semantics, interact with goal-driven attention, and facilitate perceptual organization and speech processing in noisy environments.
Genomic Characterization of Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Carriage in Patients on Home Parenteral Nutrition and Their Caregivers
Authors: Gompelman Michelle , van Weerdenburg Ingrid J M , Wezendonk Guus T J , Coolen Jordy P M , Akkermans Reinier P , Rovers Chantal P , Wertheim Heiman F L , Wanten Geert J A
Published: November 2023

In this prospective study, patients on home parenteral nutrition were twice as likely to be colonized with Staphylococcus aureus if their caregivers were carriers. Among S. aureus-positive patients and their caregivers, molecular analysis showed 68% genetically related strains. Despite decolonization, genetically related strains reappeared in 70% of patients.
Angioplasty Guidewire-Assisted vs. Conventional Transseptal Puncture for Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion: a multicentre randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hu Feng , Xu Bin , Qiao Zhiqing , Cheng Fuyu , Zhou Zien , Zou Zhiguo , Zang Minhua , Ding Song , Hong Jun , Xie Yuquan , Zhou Yong , Huang JianFeng , Pu Jun
Published: November 2023

Aims

This study was performed to compare the usability, efficiency, and safety of a modified angioplasty guidewire-assisted transseptal puncture (TSP) technique vs. the conventional approach in facilitating access into the left atrium during left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) procedures for the treatment of atrial fibrillation.

Methods and results

The ADVANCE-LAAO trial (Angioplasty Guidewire-Assisted vs. Conventional Transseptal Puncture for Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion) was an investigator-initiated, prospective, multicentre, randomized controlled trial (NCT05125159). Patients with atrial fibrillation who underwent LAAO were prospectively enrolled from four centres and randomly assigned to an angioplasty guidewire-assisted TSP group (n = 131) or to a conventional Brockenbrough needle TSP group (n = 132). The primary endpoint was the one-time success rate of TSP. We also analysed the TSP procedure time, failure rate of the assigned TSP type, radiation dose, contrast dose, and procedural complications in both groups. All patients in the guidewire-assisted group underwent successful TSP, whereas five in the standard conventional group switched to the guidewire-assisted approach. The guidewire-assisted puncture improved the one-time success rate (92.4 vs. 77.3%, P = 0.001), shortened the TSP procedure time (109.2 ± 48.2 vs. 120.5 ± 57.6 s, P = 0.023), and tended to have a higher rate of good coaxial orientation of the sheath with the left atrial appendage during the LAAO procedure (66.4 vs. 54.5%, P = 0.059). No TSP-related complications occurred in the guidewire-assisted TSP group, whereas two complications occurred in the conventional TSP group. There was no significant difference in the failure rate of the assigned TSP type, the total procedure time, the total radiation dose, the rate of successful LAAO implantation, or the procedural complication rate between the two groups (all P > 0.05).

Conclusion

This study confirmed that angioplasty guidewire-assisted puncture can effectively improve the success rate of TSP during LAAO procedures. This novel technique has high potential for application in interventional therapies requiring TSP.
Growth and quality of 16-year-old sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.) planted in traditional and alternative row planting patterns
Authors: Andrzejczyk Tadeusz , Liziniewicz Mateusz , Bolibok Leszek
Published: November 2023

Traditional oak silviculture is costly due to high initial planting density required to obtain management goals of producing high quality timber. New methods therefore reduce the initial planting density and use a planting pattern that allows the inclusion of naturally regenerated trees of other species. The study presents the results of a 13-year experiment on the growth and quality of sessile oak planted in traditional and three alternative planting patterns. We hypothesized that increasing of initial spacing and use of natural regeneration to compensate for lower intra-specific competition does not deteriorate growth and quality parameters of oak. Breast height diameter, height, slenderness, height of the first live branch, diameter of the thickest branch, stem shape and potential future crop oak trees (PFCT) were measured and analysed. The local competition of admixture species was estimated on the basis of the relationship between the height of the oak and the height of admixture trees in its close proximity. The type of planting pattern had no significant effect on oak diameter, but oak height was greater in the traditional pattern than in alternative patterns. Height of the first live branch was the only qualitative trait that differed significantly between the compared planting patterns. The probability of an oak being selected as a PFCT was similar in traditional and alternative patterns, but PFCT absolute number was increasing with an increase of oak planting density. Analysis of competition of admixture species in alternative methods shows that it can reduce height, diameter and stability of oaks. On the other hand, the probability of trees being selected as a PFCT increases significantly with increasing interspecific competition. We conclude that, with controlled competition and at least moderate natural regeneration, the alternative planting patterns can produce oaks with similar growth and quality to those in the traditional pattern.
Addressing community readiness to promote physical activity in older adults in Germany
Authors: Muellmann Saskia , Gansefort Dirk , Zeeb Hajo , Brand Tilman
Published: November 2023

Community-based approaches are promising to promote physical activity in old age. The community readiness (CR) model offers a structured approach to assess community capacities to address a certain health topic before and after implementing an intervention. The objective of this study is to assess whether community-based capacity building for physical activity among the elderly has a lasting effect on CR. Four communities (two sub-urban and two urban) in Northwestern Germany were randomly assigned to either intervention or control group. CR was assessed at three time points (2015, 2018 and 2020) by interviewing local key informants (n = 129). Community capacity building was carried out in the two intervention communities after baseline assessment and included the development and implementation of a local physical activity action plan for elderly. Overall CR scores were calculated and random effects regression analysis was performed to analyze group-by-time interaction. At baseline, the overall CR score was 4.62 (standard deviation (SD) = 0.51) indicating that communities were in the preplanning stage of CR. CR scores in the intervention communities did not significantly increase at follow-up assessments compared to control communities [2018: 4.82, coefficient −0.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) (−0.80; 0.73); 2020: 4.54, coefficient 0.19, 95% CI: (−0.59; 0.97)]. The process evaluation indicated several factors facilitating a successful cooperation with community stakeholders. These included building on existing networks, using a structured approach for developing and implementing a local physical activity action plan for older adults, providing financial support for implementing activities and linking activities to existing community events.