bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of the Effectiveness of Homoeoprophylaxis: SARS-CoV-2 Compared to Pre-COVID-19 Infectious Diseases
Authors: Golden Isaac , Bracho Gustavo
Published: December 2023

From Hahnemann's use in 1799 of Belladonna 30 to prevent scarlet fever, to the prevention of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in 2023, appropriate potencies of similarly 'similar' remedies have been used to prevent targeted infectious diseases. This is known to many as homeoprophylaxis (HP) or 'similar prevention.' Data from recent surveys suggest that the effectiveness of HP remedies against SARS-CoV-2 is lower compared to other infectious diseases. This review examines relevant evidence and suggests possible explanations for the emerging difference and ways to improve HP effectiveness. Evidence of HP's effectiveness against a range of infectious diseases from 1974 to 2014 is compared with evidence of HP's effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 collected from 2020 to 2022. A summary of the evidence, describing the use of over 247,000,000 doses of HP medicines against various infectious diseases, suggests an average effectiveness of around 88%. Another summary of the evidence, describing the use of HP by several authors in 2020, 2021, and 2022 against SARS-CoV-2, shows a range of effectiveness around 70%. The reasons for apparent differences in HP effectiveness between 'traditional' infectious diseases and SARS-CoV-2 are discussed. It is suggested that these differences could have been expected, particularly due to the quality of most nosodes against SARS-CoV-2. The value of HP in comparison to coronavirus disease 2019 vaccines is also discussed, and conclusions are drawn. Appropriate HP against SARS-CoV-2 offers an option that appears to be at least as effective as vaccination, without any risk of toxic damage, but there is room for improvement.
Surface to Perforator Index: Assessing the Importance of the Number of Perforators in Successful Harvesting of the Anterolateral Thigh Flap
Authors: Saad Noah , McGill Michelle , Karamitros Georgios , Cromack Douglas , Wang Howard , Fisher Samuel , Karamanos Efstathios
Published: December 2023

Background The use of perforator flaps has become more popular with improvement of surgical technique, technology, as well as understanding of microvascular anatomy. The selection of well-perfused angiosomes is critical to the successful outcome of patients undergoing free tissue transfer. The number of perforators that are needed is dependent upon the surface area of the flap being harvested; however, there have been no studies to assess the optimal surface area supplied by each perforator. We hypothesized that the smaller the surface area supplied by each perforator correlated with fewer flap-related complications in the harvesting of the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap.

Methods All ALT flaps harvested from 2015 to 2021 at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. The surface area of the flap harvested was calculated as A = πab, where a is the long radius and b is the short radius of the ellipse. The surface-perforator index (SPI) was calculated for each flap by dividing the surface area of the ALT flap by the number of perforators supplying the flap. Our primary outcomes were flap-related complications that included: partial flap loss, dehiscence, and venous congestion.

Results A total of 106 patients were identified. Twenty-four patients (22.6%) developed perforator-related complications. An increasing SPI and SPI to body surface area were strongly associated with development of complications (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval], adjusted p: 1.02 [1.01, 1.03], < 0.001and 1.23 [1.12, 1.42], p < 0.001). An SPI of greater than 150 cm2/perforator was associated with a higher probability of complications (p < 0.001).

Conclusion Flap-related complications are significantly related to the number of perforators supplying the flap. The smaller the surface area supplied by a single perforator correlates with significantly fewer flap-related complications. SPI is a new index that may be used as a predictive tool to aid in identifying flaps that may be more prone to complications in free tissue transfer.
A Call for Transformative Intersectional LPAA Intervention for Equity and Social Justice in Ethnosocially Diverse Post-Stroke Aphasia Services
Authors: Centeno José G.
Published: December 2023

The disproportionate health disparities in ethnoracial groups highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed a sociopolitical momentum for transformative approaches in health care. As the U.S. population progressively becomes more ethnoracially diverse and older, growing vulnerable ethnogeriatric groups of older individuals with contrasting ethnic/racial and social histories are estimated to experience age-related cardiovascular complications with resulting chronic disabilities, such as post-stroke aphasia. Grounded in principles of equity and social justice, transformative health care approaches use input from marginalized communities to inform service strategies to minimize health disparities. This article discusses the population scenario, principles, and possible strategies to support the call for stakeholder-informed intervention toward the social reintegration of ethnosocially mixed geriatric populations with aphasia in the United States. Based on the principles from the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia (LPAA) and intersectional narratives, we discuss how client and caregiver stories can inform culturally authentic individualized aphasia intervention for social readaptation. We conclude with future directions in aphasia education, research, and practice to promote stakeholder-informed strategies for culturally aligned social reintegration of older ethnosocially diverse aphasia populations in post-stroke care.
The impact of social exclusion and identity on migrant workers’ willingness to return to their hometown: micro-empirical evidence from rural China
Authors: Xu Haiping , Wu Wenjia , Zhang Chuqiao , Xie Yibo , Lv Jinge , Ahmad Shahzad , Cui Zengrui
Published: December 2023

The return of rural migrant workers to employment is an endogenous force that drives the development of the rural economy and plays a vital role in rural revitalization. Using data from the China Migrants Dynamic Survey (CMDS) conducted in 2017, this study comprehensively examines the influence of social exclusion and the role of identity on migrant workers’ willingness to return home (MWRH). The findings indicate a significant impact of social exclusion on MWRH, and this relationship remains robust even after employing instrumental variables to address endogeneity concerns. Identity emerges as a crucial mediating factor through which social exclusion affects MWRH, demonstrating a partial mediating effect. Notably, the impact of social exclusion on MWRH is particularly prevalent among rural residents in the western and northeastern regions, the older generation, those with lower incomes, and those with limited intra-provincial mobility. Promoting a positive image of migrant workers and encouraging their pursuit of an improved quality of life can help alleviate social exclusion, strengthen their sense of identity, and foster deeper roots in cities. Furthermore, providing supportive platforms for returning migrant workers can enhance their active willingness to return home.
Towards an antifragility framework in past human–environment dynamics
Authors: Jaffe Yitzchak , Caramanica Ari , Price Max D.
Published: December 2023

Scholarship on human–environment interactions tends to fall under two headings: collapse or resilience. While both offer valid explanatory frameworks for human–environment dynamics, both view stress as a net negative that, if unchecked, disrupts systems in equilibrium. Societies either succumb to stress (and collapse) or overcome stress and persist (demonstrate resilience). We re-evaluate the role of stress and advocate for a non-equilibrium approach to the study of past human–environment interactions. We draw inspiration from Nasim Taleb’s concept of ‘antifragility’, which posits a positive role of stress for increasingly complex systems. We apply antifragility as an explanatory framework to pre-Hispanic coastal Peru, where indigenous farmers adapted to the stresses of highly variable El Niño events through a variety of water management systems. Finally, we note that an antifragility approach highlights the beneficial role of stressors, and that avoiding stress altogether makes a system more fragile.
Electronic band structure of superconducting KTaO3 (111) interfaces
Authors: Mallik Srijani , Göbel Börge , Witt Hugo , Vicente-Arche Luis M. , Varotto Sara , Bréhin Julien , Ménard Gerbold , Saïz Guilhem , Tamsaout Dyhia , Santander-Syro Andrés Felipe , Fortuna Franck , Bertran François , Le Fèvre Patrick , Rault Julien , Boventer Isabella , Mertig Ingrid , Barthélémy Agnès , Bergeal Nicolas , Johansson Annika , Bibes Manuel
Published: December 2023

Two-dimensional electron gases (2DEGs) based on KTaO3 are emerging as a promising platform for spin-orbitronics due to their high Rashba spin–orbit coupling (SOC) and gate-voltage tunability. The recent discovery of a superconducting state in KTaO3 2DEGs now expands their potential towards topological superconductivity. Although the band structure of KTaO3 surfaces of various crystallographic orientations has already been mapped using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), this is not the case for superconducting KTaO3 2DEGs. Here, we reveal the electronic structure of superconducting 2DEGs based on KTaO3 (111) single crystals through ARPES measurements. We fit the data with a tight-binding model and compute the associated spin textures to bring insight into the SOC-driven physics of this fascinating system.
Columnar-jet to wall-jet state transition in transversely excited swirling flow
Authors: Gupta Ravi , Gohiya Rajat , Panda Pratikash
Published: December 2023

The current work investigates the transition of a swirling jet between two flow states, namely, columnar-jet (CJ) and wall-jet (WJ) states, under the influence of external transverse acoustic forcing. Here, we have performed simultaneous time-resolved stereoscopic particle image velocimetry and dynamic pressure measurements to understand the structure and dynamics of these swirling jets under external forcing. It is observed that at low Reynolds number (Re), the swirl flow transitions from CJ to WJ state due to transverse forcing. And the flow returns to the CJ state when the acoustic is turned OFF. However, above a critical flow Re, the swirl flow does transition from CJ to WJ state when subjected to transverse forcing, but upon turning OFF the acoustics, the flow stays in the WJ state. Thus, the swirling flow demonstrates bistability in the flow states only above a critical flow Re. It is observed that upon forcing, there is an increase in the streamwise velocity fluctuations (u′x) near the centerline and in the radial velocity fluctuations (u′r) near the injector lip. This finding is also confirmed through spectral proper orthogonal decomposition analysis. In addition, it is observed that as the flow transitions from CJ to WJ state, the relative contribution of the convective term Ur¯∂Ur¯∂r toward the radial pressure gradient (∂P¯∂r) increases in comparison to the centrifugal force term (U¯θ2r). The study highlights the effect of acoustic-induced velocity fluctuations on the bistability of swirl flows over a range of flow Re.
Regulation of static and dynamic magnetic properties of amorphous FeCoZr composition gradient films by Zr doping
Authors: Song Chengji , Han Zeyu , Zhou Jie , Wang Xuan , Zhang Luran , Ma Zhi , Ma Li , Zheng Fu
Published: December 2023

A series of amorphous FeCoZr composition gradient monolayer films with varying Zr contents was prepared on the Si(100) substrate using RF magnetron sputtering. The effects of the Zr sputtering power PZr on the static and dynamic magnetic properties of FeCoZr films were systematically investigated. The results demonstrate that the introduction of the Zr element as a composition gradient into FeCo films not only improves the soft magnetic properties of the films but also enhances their in-plane uniaxial magnetic anisotropy. In particular, the doping of Zr elements leads to the destruction of FeCo lattice, inducing a transformation of the films from polycrystalline to amorphous state, resulting in a significant decrease in coercivity (Hc reduced by 82%) and surface roughness (Ra reduced by 78%). In addition, as PZr increases from 30 to 70 W, the anisotropy fields Hk of the films increase from 128 to 340 Oe, and the resonance frequency fr increases from 4.24 to 5.23 GHz. By fitting the permeability spectrum using the LLG equation, it is found that FeCoZr composition gradient films exhibit a lower damping coefficient α of around 0.011–0.014, indicating the reduction of energy loss during magnetization dynamics. These findings highlight the potential applications of FeCoZr composition gradient films in the field of high-frequency microwaves.
On the relation between nodal structures in quantum wave functions and particle correlation
Authors: Schürger Peter , Engel Volker
Published: December 2023

We study the influence of nodal structures in two-dimensional quantum mechanical densities on wave packet entanglement. This is motivated by our recent study [Entropy, 25, 970 (2023)], which showed that the mutual information derived from the momentum-space probability density of a coupled two-particle system exhibits an unusual time dependence, which is not encountered if the position-space density is employed in the calculation. In studying a model density, here, we identify cases where the mutual information increases with the number of nodes in the wave function and approaches a finite value, whereas in this limit, the linear correlation vanishes. The results of the analytical model are then applied to interpret the correlation measures for coupled electron-nuclear dynamics, which are treated by numerically solving the time-dependent Schrödinger equation.
Rippled blue phosphorene with tunable energy band structures and negative Poisson’s ratio
Authors: Li Rong , Xiao Hang , Chen Yan
Published: December 2023

Recent successes in the discovery of novel two-dimensional (2-D) phosphorene allotropes have motivated more in-depth investigations into tuning their properties through precise geometric control. This is also driven by the fact that these materials, particularly blue phosphorene, are highly prone to wrinkling. In this work, we systematically study the mechanical and electronic behaviors of a series of rippled blue phosphorene PN (N = 8, 18, 32, 50, 72, 98) using density functional theory combined with molecular dynamic simulations. A novel approach to tailor the electronic energy band structure of blue phosphorene is proposed by wrinkle engineering, transforming the native indirect bandgap into a direct bandgap, and enabling bandgap tuning by modifying the undulation magnitude ratio. Furthermore, the mechanical behaviors of rippled blue phosphorene differ significantly along the 4-8-4 and 4-4-4 directions. Notably, negative Poisson’s ratio is observed under tension along the 4-4-4 direction. This work demonstrates new techniques for geometrically regulating blue phosphorene and potentially other 2-D materials. The findings also yield valuable insights for the design of novel 2-D auxetic semiconductors with tunable electronic properties.
Normal or diseased? Navigating indeterminate gut behaviour
Authors: McKerchar Christina , Thompson Lee , Bidwell Susan , Hapuku Aaron
Published: December 2023

Introduction Delayed diagnosis of gut disease is a continuing problem, variously attributed to a range of patient, doctor, and health system factors. Gut disease often begins with indeterminate gut behaviours that are hard to classify. Aim This study aimed to investigate delayed diagnosis from the point of view of the patient, or prospective patient. How gut and gut disease was understood, what might prompt them to seek care, and their experiences of seeking care. Methods Using a qualitative design, we interviewed 44 people in New Zealand. Thirty-three had a diagnosis of gut disease, and 11 did not, though some of the patients in this latter group had symptoms. Results Some participants had a smooth trajectory from first noticing gut symptoms to diagnosis. However, a subgroup of 22 participants experienced long periods of troublesome gut behaviours without a diagnosis. For this subgroup of 22 participants, we found people struggled to work out what was normal, thus influencing when they sought health care. Once they sought health care, experiences of that care could be frustrating, and achieving a diagnosis protracted. Some who remained undiagnosed felt abandoned, though had developed strategies to self-manage. Discussion Indeterminate gut behaviours remain complex to deal with and it can difficult for both patients and doctors to assess when a symptom or group of symptoms need further investigation, watchful waiting or the use of other supportive strategies. Effectively communicating with healthcare staff can be a significant problem and there is currently a gap in support for patients in this regard.
Quantitative analysis on dental utilisation in culturally and linguistically diverse mothers
Authors: Marcus Kanchan , Balasubramanian Madhan , Short Stephanie D. , Sohn Woosung
Published: December 2023

Background Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) mothers are influential in children’s behaviours, yet little is known about this population. Furthermore, insufficient quantitative and context-based studies are available with CALD mothers and their access to oral health care. To address this gap, the study investigates oral health behaviours, psychological factors and remoteness area with dental utilisation in CALD mothers, within the NSW context. Methods Informed by middle-range theory and a CALD-specific rainbow model, the 2013 and 2015 NSW Adult Population Health Survey was analysed. Variables for CALD mothers included household structure, age and language spoken. Multivariable analysis was conducted with oral health behaviours, psychological and remoteness variables, with dental utilisation as the outcome. Results The sample was weighted (n = 190,283). In total, 39.8% did not have a dental visit, and older mothers (aged 36–55 years) sought more dental services than younger mothers (aged 18–35 years). Higher odds for treatment dental care (aOR 2.21, 95% CI 1.12–4.37) than prevention-oriented care were found. Mothers experiencing moderate levels of psychological distress (aOR 0.49, 95% CI 0.31–0.77), or residing in outer regional and remote regions (aOR 0.19, 95% CI 0.04–0.85) were less likely to utilise dental care. Conclusion Findings underline geographical issues in dental care utilisation and the need for integrated care for CALD mothers experiencing psychological distress, and to encourage uptake of preventive oral health care. Addressing cost barriers necessitates for universal health coverage. Multidisciplinary integration of healthcare services with improved primary sector collaboration between governments and healthcare providers, and the expansion to regional services are required for equity in CALD communities.
Socioeconomic reorganization of communication and mobility networks in response to external shocks
Authors: Napoli Ludovico , Sekara Vedran , García-Herranz Manuel , Karsai Márton
Published: December 2023

Socioeconomic segregation patterns in networks usually evolve gradually, yet they can change abruptly in response to external shocks. The recent COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent government policies induced several interruptions in societies, potentially disadvantaging the socioeconomically most vulnerable groups. Using large-scale digital behavioral observations as a natural laboratory, here we analyze how lockdown interventions lead to the reorganization of socioeconomic segregation patterns simultaneously in communication and mobility networks in Sierra Leone. We find that while segregation in mobility clearly increased during lockdown, the social communication network reorganized into a less segregated configuration as compared to reference periods. Moreover, due to differences in adaption capacities, the effects of lockdown policies varied across socioeconomic groups, leading to different or even opposite segregation patterns between the lower and higher socioeconomic classes. Such secondary effects of interventions need to be considered for better and more equitable policies.
Integrin α
5
β
1
contributes to cell fusion and inflammation mediated by SARS-CoV-2 spike via RGD-independent interaction
Authors: Zhang Heng , Wang Zhengli , Nguyen Huong T. T. , Watson Abigail J. , Lao Qifang , Li An , Zhu Jieqing
Published: December 2023

The Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus infects host cells by engaging its spike (S) protein with human ACE2 receptor. Recent studies suggest the involvement of integrins in SARS-CoV-2 infection through interaction with the S protein, but the underlying mechanism is not well understood. This study investigated the role of integrin α
5
β
1
, which recognizes the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) motif in its physiological ligands, in S-mediated virus entry and cell–cell fusion. Our results showed that α
5
β
1
does not directly contribute to S-mediated cell entry, but it enhances S-mediated cell–cell fusion in collaboration with ACE2. This effect cannot be inhibited by the putative α
5
β
1
inhibitor ATN-161 or the high-affinity RGD-mimetic inhibitor MK-0429 but requires the participation of α
5
cytoplasmic tail (CT). We detected a direct interaction between α
5
β
1
and the S protein, but this interaction does not rely on the RGD-containing receptor binding domain of the S1 subunit of the S protein. Instead, it involves the S2 subunit of the S protein and α
5
β
1
homo-oligomerization. Furthermore, we found that the S protein induces inflammatory responses in human endothelial cells, characterized by NF-κB activation, gasdermin D cleavage, and increased secretion of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-1β. These effects can be attenuated by the loss of α
5
expression or inhibition of the α
5
CT binding protein phosphodiesterase-4D (PDE4D), suggesting the involvement of α
5
CT and PDE4D pathway. These findings provide molecular insights into the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 mediated by a nonclassical RGD-independent ligand-binding and signaling function of integrin α
5
β
1
and suggest potential targets for antiviral treatment.
In situ and operando Raman spectroscopy of semiconducting photoelectrodes and devices for photoelectrochemistry
Authors: Favaro Marco , Kong Heejung , Gottesman Ronen
Published: December 2023

Future alternative and promising energy sources involve photoelectrochemical (PEC) devices that can convert sunlight and abundant resources such as water and CO2 into chemical fuels and value-added products. However, identifying suitable photoabsorber semiconductor materials that fulfill all the stringent requirements of photoelectrodes in PEC devices remains a significant challenge. A key factor for tailoring and optimizing existing and novel photoabsorbers is understanding the processes occurring at the semiconductor/liquid electrolyte interface under working conditions. This perspective focuses on the application of operando Raman spectroscopy (RS) in synergy with (photo)electrochemical techniques. Despite being a relatively new field of application, when applied to photoelectrochemistry, operando RS offers insights into the evolution of photoelectrode structure (i.e. phase purity and degree of crystallinity) and surface defects under working conditions. The challenges associated with operando RS for (photo)electrochemical applications, including the low quantum efficiency of inelastic scattering and fluorescence, and possible mitigation strategies are discussed. Furthermore, practical aspects such as sample/reactor geometry requirements and the surrounding environment of the photoelectrode sample during operando RS under PEC conditions are reviewed. We demonstrate that operando RS can be used to perform product analysis of solar-driven biomass reforming reactions, showing the approach’s limitations and discussing possible solutions to overcome them. This work concludes with a discussion on the current state of operando RS of semiconducting photoelectrodes and devices for photoelectrochemistry. We show a new methodology for performing operando RS with illumination resembling AM1.5 conditions and with time resolution spanning from tens to hundreds of milliseconds, suitable timescales for real-time monitoring of chemical reactions and degradation mechanisms occurring at the photoelectrode under investigation.
Effects of topological and non-topological edge states on information propagation and scrambling in a Floquet spin chain
Authors: Sur Samudra , Sen Diptiman
Published: December 2023

The action of any local operator on a quantum system propagates through the system carrying the information of the operator. This is usually studied via the out-of-time-order correlator (OTOC). We numerically study the information propagation from one end of a periodically driven spin-1/2 XY chain with open boundary conditions using the Floquet infinite-temperature OTOC. We calculate the OTOC for two different spin operators, σ

x
and σ

z
. For sinusoidal driving, the model can be shown to host different types of edge states, namely, topological (Majorana) edge states and non-topological edge states. We observe a localization of information at the edge for both σ

z
and σ

x
OTOCs whenever edge states are present. In addition, in the case of non-topological edge states, we see oscillations of the OTOC in time near the edge, the oscillation period being inversely proportional to the gap between the Floquet eigenvalues of the edge states. We provide an analytical understanding of these effects due to the edge states. It was known earlier that the OTOC for the spin operator which is local in terms of Jordan–Wigner fermions (σ

z
) shows no signature of information scrambling inside the light cone of propagation, while the OTOC for the spin operator which is non-local in terms of Jordan–Wigner fermions (σ

x
) shows signatures of scrambling. We report a remarkable ‘unscrambling effect’ in the σ

x
OTOC after reflections from the ends of the system. Finally, we demonstrate that the information propagates into the system mainly via the bulk states with the maximum value of the group velocity, and we show how this velocity is controlled by the driving frequency and amplitude.
Projective integrable mechanical billiards
Authors: Takeuchi Airi , Zhao Lei
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we use the projective dynamical approach to integrable mechanical billiards as in (Zhao 2021 Commun. Contemp. Math.
24 2150085) to establish the integrability of natural mechanical billiards with the Lagrange problem, which is the superposition of two Kepler problems and a Hooke problem, with the Hooke center at the middle of the Kepler centers, as the underlying mechanical systems, and with any finite combinations of confocal conic sections with foci at the Kepler centers as the reflection wall, in the plane, on the sphere, and in the hyperbolic plane. This covers many previously known integrable mechanical billiards, especially the integrable Hooke, Kepler and two-center billiards in the plane, as has been investigated in (Takeuchi and Zhao 2021 arXiv:2110.03376), as subcases. The approach of (Takeuchi and Zhao 2021 arXiv:2110.03376) based on conformal correspondence has been also applied to integrable Kepler billiards in the hyperbolic plane to illustrate their equivalence with the corresponding integrable Hooke billiards on the hemisphere and in the hyperbolic plane as well.
Effect of phase fluctuations on atomic Talbot images in three-level ladder-type atomic system
Authors: Ahmad Anees , Irfan Muhammad , Qamar Sajid , Qamar Shahid
Published: December 2023

In this article, we study the atomic Talbot effect in a three-level ladder-type atomic system, which consists of a strong microwave field having a finite bandwidth and a weak probe field. The upper levels are coupled with a strong position-dependent microwave field, while a weak probe field interacts with lower levels of the atomic system. We find that phase fluctuations associated with a strong microwave field significantly affect the transmission and corresponding intensity of Talbot images. We show that the choice of various parameters is crucial in the presence of phase fluctuation. An appropriate choice along with a pump field can still improve the intensity of atomic Talbot images. We believe that our results are useful for any practical situation where the effects of phase fluctuations are important.
A novel numerical solution to lane-emden type equations using monte carlo technique
Authors: El-Essawy Samah H , Nouh Mohamed I , Soliman Ahmed A , Abdel Rahman Helal I , Abd-Elmougod Gamal A
Published: December 2023

Monte Carlo (MC) methods are increasingly recognized as severe in many computational scientific fields and have diverse applications in many branches of science. This paper systematically provides two computational algorithms based on MC methods to solve different forms of Lane-Emden (LE) type equations. The proposed algorithms introduce solutions to 11 LE equations under various complex conditions. The performance and comparative study of numerical solutions based on the MC algorithms were computationally analyzed using other numerical/analytical methods available in the literature. We find that the MC solutions agree with the exact or Runge–Kutta solutions and different numerical methods applied to solve these equations.
Crystal structures and microwave dielectric properties of (1-x)Ba(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3 − xBaWO4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.25) ceramics
Authors: Peng Sen , Zhang Yu , Xiao Lei , Deng Lianwen , Xie Yanbin , Yi Tulin
Published: December 2023

The (1-x)Ba(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3 − xBaWO4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.25) ceramics were manufactured by the conventional solid-phase reaction process, and the effects of BaWO4 addition on the phase composition, crystal structures, microstructure, and microwave dielectric properties were investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were implemented to explore the phase composition, crystal structure and chemical states of the samples, respectively. According to XRD analysis, the main phase of the samples was assigned as Ba(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3 (BZN), while the secondary phases contained Ba5Nb4O15 and BaWO4. Scanning electron microscopy photographs suggested the average grain size firstly increased and then decreased with the replacement of W6+ ions to Nb5+ ions in BZN. Due to the proper substitution amount of W6+, the apparent density increased accordingly. The microwave dielectric properties were closely associated with the secondary phases and apparent density. Finally, (1-x)Ba(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3 − xBaWO4 (x = 0.15) ceramics sintered at 1325 °C for 4 h had excellent microwave dielectric properties with ε

r
= 33.11, Q × f = 90,479 GHz, and τ

f
= +0.86 ppm °C−1.
A Proof of Concept Balanced Mixer with the use of a Digital IF Power Combiner to Improve LO Noise Rejection
Authors: Monasterio David , Jorquera Sebastian , Curotto Franco , Espinoza Camilo , Finger Ricardo , Bronfman Leonardo
Published: December 2023

In this work we present a novel digital technique, that allows local oscillator (LO) noise cancellation using a digital power combiner in a balanced mixer receiver architecture. A theoretical analysis of the noise cancellation using the proposed technique is derived and a proof of concept experiment is made for the Ku-Band. This experiment includes the design and construction of a custom balanced mixer and an artificial noise source. Experimental results show a consistent noise temperature reduction in comparison with a full analog mixer, and in some cases reaching noise temperature levels similar to the receiver operating without the artificial LO noise.
Periodic Variation Studies of the Two Short Period W UMa-type Eclipsing Binaries: LX Lyn and V0853 Aur
Authors: Zhang Xu , Zhang Bin
Published: December 2023

In this paper, new light curves (LCs) of contact eclipsing binary (CEB) systems LX Lyn and V0853 Aur are presented and analyzed by using the 2015 version of the Wilson–Devinney (W-D) code. In order to explain their asymmetric LCs, cool starspots on the components were employed. It is suggested that their fill-out degrees are f = 12.0% (LX Lyn) and f = 26.3% (V0853 Aur). At the same time, we found that LX Lyn is a W-type eclipsing binary (EB) with an orbital inclination of i = 84.°88 and a mass ratio of q = 2.31. V0853 Aur is also a W-type CEB with a mass ratio of q = 2.77 and an orbital inclination of i = 79.°26. Based on all available times of light minimum, their orbital period changes are studied by using the O − C method. The O − C diagram of LX Lyn reveals a cyclic oscillation with a period of about 14.84 yr and an amplitude of 0.0019 days, which can be explained by the light-travel time effect (LTTE) due to the presence of a third body with a minimum mass of 0.06M
⊙. For V0853 Aur, it is discovered that the O − C diagram of the system also shows a cyclic oscillation with a period of 9.64 yr and an amplitude of 0.03365 days. The cyclic oscillation of V0853 Aur can be attributed to the LTTE by means of a third body with a mass no less than 3.77M
⊙. The third body may play an important role in the formation and evolution of these systems.
Characterization of laser-pumped Cs-4He atomic magnetometer
Authors: Liu Hao , Kong Jia , Fu Jiqing , Yang Shurui , Lu Xiao-Ming , Wang Xiaoguang
Published: December 2023

In principle, laser-pumped Cs–4He magnetometers can take advantage of the high sensitivity of optically pumped magnetometers and the high accuracy of proton magnetometers. However, insufficient experimental studies have been conducted on the optimization conditions and physics of this type of magnetometer. In this study, we investigate the experimental performance of a laser-pumped Cs–4He magnetometer by optimizing the sensitivity of the excitation pulse settings. We report some dependence relationships that have not been previously reported. The optimal settings under the obtainable experimental conditions in our lab are 34 °C for temperature, 10 

μ

s

for pulse duration, and 67 V and 2.2 V for high- and low-level voltages, respectively, which provide a sensitivity of 26 

p
T

/

H
z

within a frequency of 0.08–0.2 Hz. This study provides a solid reference for further improving the Cs–4He magnetometer, offers the possibility of measuring physical constants more accurately, and provides a deeper understanding of plasma interaction processes.
An automated and robotic complex based on a xenon gamma-ray spectrometer for performing tasks for decommissioning nuclear and radiation hazardous facilities and monitoring the development of radioactive waste
Authors: Madzhidov A I , Dmitrenko V V , Ulin S E , Grachev V M , Vlasik K F , Egorov R R , Korotkov M G , Krivova K V , Uteshev Z M , Chernysheva I V , Shustov A E
Published: December 2023

The article focuses on a robotic gamma-ray spectrometric complex designed for decommissioning nuclear and radiation-hazardous objects and monitoring radioactive waste. The complex includes various components, such as radiation monitoring and regular observations to determine the object’s radiation parameters. The control of nuclear and radiation-hazardous objects performed using a High Pressure Xenon gamma-ray spectrometer that installed on a remotely controlled platform.
Quantum-classical hybrid neural networks in the neural tangent kernel regime
Authors: Nakaji Kouhei , Tezuka Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Naoki
Published: December 2023

Recently, quantum neural networks or quantum–classical neural networks (qcNN) have been actively studied, as a possible alternative to the conventional classical neural network (cNN), but their practical and theoretically-guaranteed performance is still to be investigated. In contrast, cNNs and especially deep cNNs, have acquired several solid theoretical basis; one of those basis is the neural tangent kernel (NTK) theory, which can successfully explain the mechanism of various desirable properties of cNNs, particularly the global convergence in the training process. In this paper, we study a class of qcNN composed of a quantum data-encoder followed by a cNN. The quantum part is randomly initialized according to unitary 2-designs, which is an effective feature extraction process for quantum states, and the classical part is also randomly initialized according to Gaussian distributions; then, in the NTK regime where the number of nodes of the cNN becomes infinitely large, the output of the entire qcNN becomes a nonlinear function of the so-called projected quantum kernel. That is, the NTK theory is used to construct an effective quantum kernel, which is in general nontrivial to design. Moreover, NTK defined for the qcNN is identical to the covariance matrix of a Gaussian process, which allows us to analytically study the learning process. These properties are investigated in thorough numerical experiments; particularly, we demonstrate that the qcNN shows a clear advantage over fully classical NNs and qNNs for the problem of learning the quantum data-generating process.
Multi-band passive detection and imaging system for concealed weapon with dual assessment method
Authors: Ünal Ahmet
Published: December 2023

Technological advancements in the millimeter-wave (MMW) and terahertz (THz) frequency bands have seen rapid progress, especially in the field of concealed weapon detection. The capability to detect concealed objects under clothing without causing harm to individuals is of utmost importance. Because of this reason, the concept of the variable target ranges in a passive MMW/THz imaging system with the infrared band has been studied in detail. An imaging system, called multi-band passive detection and imaging system (MIS) in this study, with variable target ranges, was designed and tested. A passive MMW/THz imaging system is developed specifically for concealed weapon detection, with a primary focus on variable target ranges. In addition to this, an infrared imaging system has been incorporated into the concept of concealed weapon detection. To integrate these two imaging systems, image fusion techniques have been employed as a conjunction between them. Detailed analyses have been conducted to assess the concealed weapon detection capabilities of this integrated system. The image fusion results, combining infrared and passive MMW/THz bands, have been tested at variable target ranges, and the fused images have been compared in terms of structural similarity index (SSIM) and contrast levels (CL). The SSIM alone is an inadequate method in the concept of concealed weapon detection. The CL method, used with SSIM, eliminates the shortcoming of the SSIM alone. The outcomes of these tests demonstrate that MIS enhances the detectability of concealed weapons with the use of SSIM and CL together. As a result, this study lays a solid foundation for the future detection of concealed objects beneath clothing. The dual assessment method proposed in this study will enable the development of new methods that will increase the detection of specific objects under the clothes in the future.
Kato’s irreducibility criterion for Kac-Moody groups over local fields
Authors: Hébert Auguste
Published: December 2023

In 2014, Braverman, Kazhdan, Patnaik and Bardy-Panse, Gaussent and Rousseau associated Iwahori-Hecke algebras to Kac-Moody groups over non-Archimedean local fields. In a previous paper, we defined and studied their principal series representations. In 1982, Kato provided an irreducibility criterion for these representations, in the reductive case. We had obtained partially this criterion in the Kac-Moody case. In this paper, we prove this criterion in the Kac-Moody case.
Mechanism of procyanidins for health functionality by improving the intestinal environment
Authors: Shoji Toshihiko , Masumoto Saeko , Miura Tomisato
Published: December 2023

Procyanidins are one of the polyphenols consisting of multiple flavan-3-ols (eg epicatechin). They have a complex chemical structure, with the degree of polymerization and linked position of flavan-3-ols varying among various foods, such as apples and chocolate. Physiological functional studies of procyanidins have investigated their mechanisms in cells and animals based on their antioxidant effects. Recently, the intestinal environment, including the intestinal microflora, has played an important role in the energy metabolism and health status of the host. Regulation of the intestinal environment by dietary polyphenols is becoming a new concept in health functions, and we have begun to investigate the mechanism of apple procyanidins, focusing on the gut microbiota and metabolites in our functional research. In this minireview, we will discuss the effects of procyanidin ingestion on the gut microbiota and metabolites.
BNC1 deficiency induces mitochondrial dysfunction-triggered spermatogonia apoptosis through the CREB/SIRT1/FOXO3 pathway: the therapeutic potential of nicotinamide riboside and metformin
Authors: Ni Feida , Wang Feixia , Li Jingyi , Liu Yifeng , Sun Xiao , Chen Jianpeng , Li Jiaqun , Zhang Yanye , Jin Jiani , Ye Xiaohang , Tu Mixue , Chen Jianhua , Chen Chuan , Zhang Dan
Published: December 2023

Male infertility is a global health problem that disturbs numerous couples worldwide. Basonuclin 1 (BNC1) is a transcription factor mainly expressed in proliferative keratinocytes and germ cells. A frameshift mutation of BNC1 was identified in a large Chinese primary ovarian insufficiency pedigree. The expression of BNC1 was significantly decreased in the testis biopsies of infertile patients with nonobstructive azoospermia. Previous studies have revealed that mice with BNC1 deficiency are generally subfertile and undergo gradual spermatogenic failure. We observed that apoptosis of spermatogonia is tightly related to spermatogenic failure in mice with a Bnc1 truncation mutation. Such impairment is related to mitochondrial dysfunction causing lower mitochondrial membrane potential and higher reactive oxygen species. We showed that downregulation of CREB/SIRT1/FOXO3 signaling participates in the above impairment. Administration of nicotinamide riboside or metformin reversed mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibited apoptosis in Bnc1-knockdown spermatogonia by stimulating CREB/SIRT1/FOXO3 signaling. Dietary supplementation with nicotinamide riboside or metformin in mutated mice increased SIRT1 signaling, improved the architecture of spermatogenic tubules, inhibited apoptosis of the testis, and improved the fertility of mice with a Bnc1 truncation mutation. Our data establish that oral nicotinamide riboside or metformin can be useful for the treatment of spermatogenic failure induced by Bnc1 mutation.
Inherit the wind: evolution of reproductive traits in Cyperaceae
Authors: Chaves Ana Luisa Arantes , Costa Ana Carolina Galindo da , Machado Isabel Cristina , Morokawa Rosemeri , Thomas William Wayt , Costa Suzana Maria
Published: December 2023

Studies about reproductive aspects of angiosperms rarely refer to herbaceous and anemophilous groups. Cyperaceae are cosmopolitan and diverse in terms of sexuality, inflorescence architecture, and pollination modes, such as anemophily, entomophily, and ambophily. Therefore, the evolution of reproductive traits can clarify some questions about the reproductive biology of angiosperms, especially regarding the transitions between biotic and abiotic pollination. This study was designed to investigate the evolution of reproductive traits in Cyperaceae through comparative phylogenetic methods, such as reconstruction of ancestral states and evolutionary correlation. If spicoids in Mapanioideae are indeed inflorescences, the bisexual flower in Cyperaceae would be derived, a rare case in angiosperms. In Cyperoideae, a decrease in the number of flowers and an increase in stamen loss events were observed. This result contradicts the hypothesized increase in reproductive structures in anemophilous species, in which a greater amount of pollen is produced to compensate for the waste generated by wind. Only one correlation was found: between the number of inflorescence branches and the number of reproductive units per inflorescence. Finally, the analyses showed the great diversity of reproductive biology in Cyperaceae and made evident the need to expand the theoretical studies to refine the discovery of correlated traits.
The impact of COVID-19 on clinical outcomes of burn patients
Authors: Walters Elliot T , Palackic Alen , Franco-Mesa Camila , Shah Nikhil R , Erickson Michael J , Wolf Steven E
Published: December 2023

Background

Multiple studies have shown the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) to be associated with deleterious outcomes in a wide range of patients. The impact of COVID-19 has not been well investigated among burned patients. We suspect that patients will have worsened respiratory and thrombotic complications, ultimately leading to increased mortality. The objective of this study is to determine the impact a concurrent infection of COVID-19 has on clinical outcomes after a burn injury.

Methods

This is a retrospective, propensity matched, cohort study. We examined a de-identified database of electronic medical records of over 75 million patients across 75 health care associations in the United States for patients treated for thermal burns from 1 January 2020, to 31 July 2021, and those who also were diagnosed with COVID-19 infection within one day before or after injury based on International Classification of Disease, tenth revision (ICD-10) codes. Study participants included adults who were treated for a burn injury during the study period.

Results

We included 736 patients with burn injury and concomitant COVID-19 infection matched to 736 patients with burn injury and no concurrent COVID-19 infection (total 1472 patients, mean age 36.3 ± 24.3). We found no significant increase in mortality observed for patients with concurrent COVID-19 (OR 1.203, 95% CI 0.517–2.803; p = 0.6675). We did observe significant increase in infections (OR 3.537, 95% CI 2.798–4.471; p = 0.0001), thrombotic complications (OR 2.342, 95% CI 1.351–4.058; p = 0.0018), as was the incidence of hypertrophic scarring (OR 3.368, 95% CI 2.326–4.877; p = 0.0001).

Conclusions

We observed that concurrent COVID-19 infection was associated with an increase in infections, thrombosis and hypertrophic scarring but no increase in mortality in our cohort of burn patients.