bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multiresolution framework for the analysis of community structure in international trade networks
Authors: Cho Wonguk , Lee Daekyung , Kim Beom Jun
Published: April 2023

International trade networks are complex systems that consist of overlapping multiple trade blocs of varying sizes. However, the resulting structures of community detection in trade networks often fail to accurately represent the complexity of international trade. To address this issue, we propose a multiresolution framework that integrates information from a range of resolutions to consider trade communities of different sizes and reveal the hierarchical structure of trade networks and their constituent blocks. In addition, we introduce a measure called multiresolution membership inconsistency for each country, which demonstrates the positive correlation between a country’s structural inconsistency in terms of network topology and its vulnerability to external intervention in terms of economic and security functioning. Our findings show that network science-based approaches can effectively capture the complex interdependencies between countries and provide new metrics for evaluating the characteristics and behaviors of countries in both economic and political contexts.
The effects of hemodialysis on the functional brain connectivity in patients with end-stage renal disease with functional near-infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Park Kang Min , Heo Chang Min , Lee Dong Ah , Lee Yoo Jin , Park Sihyung , Kim Yang Wook , Park Bong Soo
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to investigate functional brain connectivity in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and to analyze the effect of hemodialysis on functional brain connectivity. We prospectively enrolled patients with ESRD undergoing hemodialysis for > 6 months without any history of neurological or psychiatric disorders. fNIRS data were acquired using a NIRSIT Lite device. Measurements were performed thrice in the resting state for each patient: before the start of hemodialysis (pre-HD), 1 h after the start of hemodialysis (mid-HD), and after the end of hemodialysis (post-HD). We processed and exported all data, and created a weighted connectivity matrix using Pearson correlation analysis. We obtained functional connectivity measures from the connectivity matrix by applying a graph theoretical analysis. We then compared differences in functional connectivity measures according to hemodialysis status in patients with ESRD. We included 34 patients with ESRD. There were significant changes in the mean clustering coefficient, transitivity, and assortative coefficient between the pre- and post-HD periods (0.353 vs. 0.399, p = 0.047; 0.523 vs. 0.600, p = 0.042; and 0.043 vs. − 0.012, p = 0.044, respectively). However, there were no changes in the mean clustering coefficient, transitivity, and assortative coefficient between the pre- and mid-HD periods, or between the mid- and post-HD periods. In addition, there were no significant differences in the average strength, global efficiency, and local efficiency among the pre-, mid-, and post-HD periods. We demonstrated a significant effect of hemodialysis on functional brain connectivity in patients with ESRD. Functional brain connectivity changes more efficiently during hemodialysis.
Localization of spleen and kidney organs from CT scans based on classification of slices in rotational views
Authors: Les Tomasz , Markiewicz Tomasz , Dziekiewicz Miroslaw , Gallego Jaime , Swiderska-Chadaj Zaneta , Lorent Malgorzata
Published: April 2023

This article presents a novel multiple organ localization and tracking technique applied to spleen and kidney regions in computed tomography images. The proposed solution is based on a unique approach to classify regions in different spatial projections (e.g., side projection) using convolutional neural networks. Our procedure merges classification results from different projection resulting in a 3D segmentation. The proposed system is able to recognize the contour of the organ with an accuracy of 88–89% depending on the body organ. Research has shown that the use of a single method can be useful for the detection of different organs: kidney and spleen. Our solution can compete with U-Net based solutions in terms of hardware requirements, as it has significantly lower demands. Additionally, it gives better results in small data sets. Another advantage of our solution is a significantly lower training time on an equally sized data set and more capabilities to parallelize calculations. The proposed system enables visualization, localization and tracking of organs and is therefore a valuable tool in medical diagnostic problems.
Sex differences in hepatic ischemia‒reperfusion injury: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Zhongyu , Lu Shounan , Qian Baolin , Meng Zhanzhi , Zhou Yongzhi , Chen Dong , Chen Bangliang , Yang Guangchao , Ma Yong
Published: April 2023

Several studies have shown that males suffer more severe damage than females in the process of ischemia and reperfusion of the brain, heart and kidney. Accordingly, our study will reveal the correlation between the severity of hepatic ischemia‒reperfusion injury (HIRI) and sex, and preliminarily analyze the underlying mechanism. A total of 75 patients who were considered to have "benign liver tumors" at the initial admission and underwent partial hepatectomy were enrolled. We identified potential differences between different groups and discussed the correlation between the severity of HIRI and sex through a comparative analysis. Results showed that HIRI was more severe in males than in females, especially in younger patients. To explore whether estrogen level differences are the main reason for the sex differences in HIRI, we further revealed that HIRI in premenopausal females was more severe than that in postmenopausal females. By comparing the levels of gonadal hormones, we speculated that multiple gonadal hormones, including follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and testosterone, may jointly participate in the regulation of sex differences in HIRI together with estrogen.
A novel oxidative-stress related lncRNA signature predicts the prognosis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhou Guozhong , Shi Wei , Shi Weili , Hu Meijun , Kong Defu , Long Rong , Chen Nan
Published: April 2023

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a primary malignant tumour of tubular epithelial origin and is most common in the urinary tract. Growing evidence suggests that oxidative stress (OS), generates high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals, and plays a critical role in cancer in humans. However, the predictive value of OS-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in ccRCC remains unclear. We constructed a predictive signature of survival based on OS-related lncRNAs that were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA–KIRC), to predict the prognosis of patients with ccRCC. The signature comprised seven lncRNAs: SPART-AS1, AL162586.1, LINC00944, LINC01550, HOXB-AS4, LINC02027, and DOCK9-DT. OS-related signature of lncRNAs had diagnostic efficiency higher than that of clinicopathological variables, with an area of 0.794 under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Additionally, the nomogram based on risk scores and clinicopathological variables (age, gender, grade, stage, M-stage, and N-stage) showed strong predictive performance. Patients with high-risk were found to be more sensitive to the therapeutic drugs ABT.888, AICAR, MS.275, sunitinib, AZD.2281, and GDC.0449. Our constructed the predictive signature can independently predict the prognosis of patients with ccRCC; however, the underlying mechanism needs further investigation.
Freeze–thaw process of soil between two piles as monitored by piezoelectric ceramic sensor
Authors: Zhu Daopei , Lai Zhongyong , Wang Zhangli
Published: April 2023

As the mechanical properties of soil are affected by the moisture content, diameter of soil particles, and the soil temperature, we used piezoelectric ceramic sensors to monitor the freeze–thaw cycle of different soils at different temperatures and different moisture content. By studying the energy attenuation of stress waves propagating in freezing–thawing soil, its mechanical strength was determined. The results showed that the duration of freeze–thaw process was related to soil type and initial water content. For the same water content and larger soil particle size, the received signal amplitude and energy are larger. For the same soil type and higher water content, the received signal amplitude and energy are stronger. This study provides a feasible monitoring method for infrastructure construction in areas with complex geological conditions, such as Qinghai-Tibet frozen soil.
Analysis of the sense of occupational stress and burnout syndrome among physiotherapists during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Wójtowicz Dorota , Kowalska Joanna
Published: April 2023

The nature of physiotherapists’ work involves an increased risk of occupational stress and burnout, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the aim of the study was to analyse the level of perceived generalised stress, the occupational stress and the occupational burnout syndrome among physiotherapists during the COVID-19 pandemic. One hundred seventy professionally active physiotherapists participated in the study: 100—during the pandemic and 70 before the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was carried out using the authors’ survey, the Subjective Work Assessment Questionnaire (SWAQ), the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (Mini-COPE) inventory. The physiotherapists examined prior to the pandemic exhibited a higher level of generalised stress and higher level of occupational stress and occupational burnout (p = 0.0342; p < 0.00001; p < 0.00001, respectively). The key factors which caused intensified occupational stress in both groups included the lack of rewards at work, social interaction, and the lack of support. The results suggest that healthcare professionals including physiotherapists are exposed to occupational stress and a high risk of occupational burnout, not only during the COVID-19 pandemic. Occupational stress prevention programmes should be based on the identification and elimination of all occupational risks.
Mathematical modeling and numerical simulation technique for selected heavy metal transport in MSW dumpsite
Authors: Usoh G. A. , Ahaneku Isiguzo Edwin , Ugwu E. C. , Sam E. O. , Itam D. H. , Alaneme George Uwadiegwu , Ndamzi T. C.
Published: April 2023

The study focused on development of mathematical modeling and numerical simulation technique for selected heavy metal transport in Uyo municipal solid waste dumpsite in Akwa Ibom State to investigate the level in depth to which leachate from the dumpsite extends and the quantity of leachate at various depth of the dumpsite soil. Uyo waste dumpsite is operating open dumping system where provisions are not made for preservation and conservation of soil and water quality, hence, the need for this study. Three monitoring pits within Uyo waste dumpsite were constructed and infiltration runs were measured, and soil samples were collected beside infiltration points from nine designated depths ranging from 0 to 0.9 m for modeling heavy metal transport in the soil. Data collected were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics while the COMSOL Multiphysics software 6.0 was used to simulate the movement of pollutants in the soil. It was observed that heavy metal contaminant transport in soil of the study area is in the power functional form. The transport of heavy metals in the dumpsite can be described by a power model from linear regression and a numerical model based on finite element. Their validation equations showed that the predicted and the observed concentrations yielded a very high R2 value of over 95%. The power model and the COMSOL finite element model show very strong correlation for all selected heavy metals. Findings from the study has identified level in depth to which leachate from the dumpsite extends and the quantity of leachate at various depth of the dumpsite soil which can be accurately predicted using leachate transport model of this study.
Male song of the Aquatic Warbler, a promiscuous bird without paternal care, is more complex than previously thought
Authors: Osiejuk Tomasz S. , Kubacka Justyna
Published: April 2023

The Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola is one of the rarest European passerines and is characterised by promiscuity, lack of pair-bonds and female-only parental care. This makes the species an important model for studying the function of avian courtship song. The song of the Aquatic Warbler consists of whistle and rattle phrases produced as discontinuous A-, B- and C-songs, which are built by a single rattle, a rattle and a whistle, and more than two phrases of both kinds, respectively. The A- and B-songs are thought to be aggressive signals in male-male interactions, while C-songs are thought to be important for female choice. Here, we analysed recordings of 40 individually marked males, and determined the phrase repertoire. The enumerated repertoire (males recorded for ≥ 10 min) ranged from 16 to 158 (mean 99), however, it did not capture the complete phrase repertoires. We then used models from species diversity ecology to estimate the actual phrase repertoire size, which ranged between 18 and 300 phrases (mean 155). The estimated repertoire was predicted by the number of C-songs. The rattle repertoire was larger than the whistle repertoire, and both positively correlated with the number of C-songs. Our study indicates that male Aquatic Warblers have highly complex phrase repertoires that vary widely in size. Their courtship song is flexible and efficient, enabling relative song complexity to be demonstrated in a short sample, thus facilitating both female attraction through the quick presentation of large phrase repertoires and rival deterrence through the production of many short and simple A- and B-songs.
Inferring urban polycentricity from the variability in human mobility patterns
Authors: Cabrera-Arnau Carmen , Zhong Chen , Batty Michael , Silva Ricardo , Kang Soong Moon
Published: April 2023

The polycentric city model has gained popularity in spatial planning policy, since it is believed to overcome some of the problems often present in monocentric metropolises, ranging from congestion to difficult accessibility to jobs and services. However, the concept ‘polycentric city’ has a fuzzy definition and as a result, the extent to which a city is polycentric cannot be easily determined. Here, we leverage the fine spatio-temporal resolution of smart travel card data to infer urban polycentricity by examining how a city departs from a well-defined monocentric model. In particular, we analyse the human movements that arise as a result of sophisticated forms of urban structure by introducing a novel probabilistic approach which captures the complexity of these human movements. We focus on London (UK) and Seoul (South Korea) as our two case studies, and we specifically find evidence that London displays a higher degree of monocentricity than Seoul, suggesting that Seoul is likely to be more polycentric than London.
Three-round learning strategy based on 3D deep convolutional GANs for Alzheimer’s disease staging
Authors: Kang Wenjie , Lin Lan , Sun Shen , Wu Shuicai
Published: April 2023

Accurately diagnosing of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and its early stages is critical for prompt treatment or potential intervention to delay the the disease’s progression. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) models have shown promising results in structural MRI (sMRI)-based diagnosis, but their performance, particularly for 3D models, is constrained by the lack of labeled training samples. To address the overfitting problem brought on by the insufficient training sample size, we propose a three-round learning strategy that combines transfer learning with generative adversarial learning. In the first round, a 3D Deep Convolutional Generative Adversarial Networks (DCGAN) model was trained with all available sMRI data to learn the common feature of sMRI through unsupervised generative adversarial learning. The second round involved transferring and fine-tuning, and the pre-trained discriminator (D) of the DCGAN learned more specific features for the classification task between AD and cognitively normal (CN). In the final round, the weights learned in the AD versus CN classification task were transferred to the MCI diagnosis. By highlighting brain regions with high prediction weights using 3D Grad-CAM, we further enhanced the model's interpretability. The proposed model achieved accuracies of 92.8%, 78.1%, and 76.4% in the classifications of AD versus CN, AD versus MCI, and MCI versus CN, respectively. The experimental results show that our proposed model avoids overfitting brought on by a paucity of sMRI data and enables the early detection of AD.
Tooth enamel nitrogen isotope composition records trophic position: a tool for reconstructing food webs
Authors: Leichliter Jennifer N. , Lüdecke Tina , Foreman Alan D. , Bourgon Nicolas , Duprey Nicolas N. , Vonhof Hubert , Souksavatdy Viengkeo , Bacon Anne-Marie , Sigman Daniel M. , Tütken Thomas , Martínez-García Alfredo
Published: April 2023

Nitrogen isotopes are widely used to study the trophic position of animals in modern food webs; however, their application in the fossil record is severely limited by degradation of organic material during fossilization. In this study, we show that the nitrogen isotope composition of organic matter preserved in mammalian tooth enamel (δ15Nenamel) records diet and trophic position. The δ15Nenamel of modern African mammals shows a 3.7‰ increase between herbivores and carnivores as expected from trophic enrichment, and there is a strong positive correlation between δ15Nenamel and δ15Nbone-collagen values from the same individuals. Additionally, δ15Nenamel values of Late Pleistocene fossil teeth preserve diet and trophic level information, despite complete diagenetic loss of collagen in the same specimens. We demonstrate that δ15Nenamel represents a powerful geochemical proxy for diet that is applicable to fossils and can help delineate major dietary transitions in ancient vertebrate lineages.
SpaDecon: cell-type deconvolution in spatial transcriptomics with semi-supervised learning
Authors: Coleman Kyle , Hu Jian , Schroeder Amelia , Lee Edward B. , Li Mingyao
Published: April 2023

Spatially resolved transcriptomics (SRT) has advanced our understanding of the spatial patterns of gene expression, but the lack of single-cell resolution in spatial barcoding-based SRT hinders the inference of specific locations of individual cells. To determine the spatial distribution of cell types in SRT, we present SpaDecon, a semi-supervised learning approach that incorporates gene expression, spatial location, and histology information for cell-type deconvolution. SpaDecon was evaluated through analyses of four real SRT datasets using knowledge of the expected distributions of cell types. Quantitative evaluations were performed for four pseudo-SRT datasets constructed according to benchmark proportions. Using mean squared error and Jensen-Shannon divergence with the benchmark proportions as evaluation criteria, we show that SpaDecon performance surpasses that of published cell-type deconvolution methods. Given the accuracy and computational speed of SpaDecon, we anticipate it will be valuable for SRT data analysis and will facilitate the integration of genomics and digital pathology.
Divalent nanobodies to platelet CLEC-2 can serve as agonists or antagonists
Authors: Clark Joanne C. , Martin Eleyna M. , Morán Luis A. , Di Ying , Wang Xueqing , Zuidscherwoude Malou , Brown Helena C. , Kavanagh Deirdre M. , Hummert Johan , Eble Johannes A. , Nieswandt Bernhard , Stegner David , Pollitt Alice Y. , Herten Dirk-Peter , Tomlinson Michael G. , García Angel , Watson Steve P.
Published: April 2023

CLEC-2 is a target for a new class of antiplatelet agent. Clustering of CLEC-2 leads to phosphorylation of a cytosolic YxxL and binding of the tandem SH2 domains in Syk, crosslinking two receptors. We have raised 48 nanobodies to CLEC-2 and crosslinked the most potent of these to generate divalent and tetravalent nanobody ligands. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) was used to show that the multivalent nanobodies cluster CLEC-2 in the membrane and that clustering is reduced by inhibition of Syk. Strikingly, the tetravalent nanobody stimulated aggregation of human platelets, whereas the divalent nanobody was an antagonist. In contrast, in human CLEC-2 knock-in mouse platelets, the divalent nanobody stimulated aggregation. Mouse platelets express a higher level of CLEC-2 than human platelets. In line with this, the divalent nanobody was an agonist in high-expressing transfected DT40 cells and an antagonist in low-expressing cells. FCS, stepwise photobleaching and non-detergent membrane extraction show that CLEC-2 is a mixture of monomers and dimers, with the degree of dimerisation increasing with expression thereby favouring crosslinking of CLEC-2 dimers. These results identify ligand valency, receptor expression/dimerisation and Syk as variables that govern activation of CLEC-2 and suggest that divalent ligands should be considered as partial agonists.
Zwitterionic Bergman cyclization triggered polymerization gives access to metal-graphene nanoribbons using a boron metal couple
Authors: Vidhani Dinesh V. , Ubeda Rosemary , Sautie Thalia , Vidhani Diana , Mariappan Manoharan
Published: April 2023

With the rapid growth in artificial intelligence, designing high-speed and low-power semiconducting materials is of utmost importance. This investigation provides a theoretical basis to access covalently bonded transition metal-graphene nanoribbon (TM-GNR) hybrid semiconductors whose DFT-computed bandgaps were much narrower than the commonly used pentacene. Systematic optimization of substrates containing remotely placed boryl groups and the transition metals produced the zwitterions via ionic Bergman cyclization (i-BC) and unlocked the polymerization of metal-substituted polyenynes. Aside from i-BC, the subsequent steps were barrierless, which involved structureless transition regions. Multivariate analysis revealed the strong dependence of activation energy and the cyclization mode on the electronic nature of boron and Au(I). Consequently, three regions corresponding to radical Bergman (r-BC), ionic Bergman (i-BC), and ionic Schreiner-Pascal (i-SP) cyclizations were identified. The boundaries between these regions corresponded to the mechanistic shift induced by the three-center-three-electron (3c-3e) hydrogen bond, three-center-four-electron (3c-4e) hydrogen bond, and vacant p-orbital on boron. The ideal combination for cascade polymerization was observed near the boundary between i-BC and i-SP.
Nuciferine blocks MIB2-mediated CARD6 polyubiquitination and degradation in the amelioration of high fructose-induced liver lipid accumulation
Authors: Li Feng , Zhao Xiaojuan , Xie Fengyu , Wang Zixuan , Ding Hong , Wang Wanru , Jiao Ruiqing , Pan Ying , Kong Lingdong
Published: April 2023

Dietary alkaloid nuciferine isolated from the leaves of Nelumbo nucifera can ameliorate dyslipidemia and liver lipid accumulation, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear.
Generalised analytical model of the transition power densities of the upconversion luminescence and quantum yield
Authors: Matias J. S. , Komolibus K. , Kho K. W. , Konugolu-Venkata-Sekar S. , Andersson-Engels S.
Published: April 2023

A simple analytical model for an arbitrary ETU process of jth order to characterise the internal quantum yield (iQY) of upconversion in terms of transition points, ρi, and iQY saturation, ηjs, to explain the behaviours of micro and nanoparticles.
Structural transformation of metal–organic frameworks and identification of electrocatalytically active species during the oxygen evolution reaction under neutral conditions
Authors: Liang Xiaoqiang , Wang Sen , Feng Jingyu , Xu Zhen , Guo Zhenyu , Luo Hui , Zhang Feng , Wen Chen , Feng Lei , Wan Chengan , Titirici Maria-Magdalena
Published: April 2023

Electrocatalytically active species of crystalline MOFs in a neutral OER process were identified as a mononuclear coordination compound and its isomer via a crystal-to-crystal transformation.
Hydrogen generation by coupling methanol steam reforming with metal hydride hydrolysis
Authors: Kadeer Kuerbangnisha , Li Xingguo , Zheng Jie
Published: April 2023

Coupling methanol steam reforming with metal hydride hydrolysis leads to high density, high purity and heat optimal hydrogen generation.
Supramolecular self-assembly with p-coumaric acid offers the first cocrystal for perfecting the physicochemical peculiarity and enhancing the antifungal effect of drug bifonazole
Authors: Zhang Min , Wang Min-Yu , Yu Yue-Ming , Meng Su-Su , Yan Cui-Wei , Wu Zhi-Yong , Li Yan-Tuan
Published: April 2023

The first cocrystal of bifonazole is assembled, and the pharmaceutical properties are investigated theoretically and experimentally, revealing that the physicochemical properties and antifungal ability are enhanced simultaneously.
A theoretical study of vibronic coupling in the photoelectron spectra of Al6N−
Authors: Pandey Rishabh Kumar , Srikanth Korutla , Tak Anuj , Kumar Abhishek , Rao Tammineni Rajagopala
Published: April 2023

Non-adiabatic effects in the photoelectron spectrum of Al6N−.
Detection of lead in water at ppt levels using resin-enrichment combined with LIBS-LIF
Authors: Wen Xuelin , Hu Zhenlin , Nie Junfei , Gao Zhen , Zhang Deng , Guo Lianbo , Ma Shixiang , Dong Daming
Published: April 2023

A simple and ultrasensitive method for detecting Pb2+ using resin-enrichment combined with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy assisted by laser-induced fluorescence.
Regulating anti-thermal quenching to zero thermal quenching for highly efficient blue-emitting Eu2+-doped K-beta-alumina phosphors
Authors: Kuang Yuhang , Li Yunjia , Chen Borui , Zhao Shujuan , Chen Mengfang , Lian Shixun , Zhang Jilin
Published: April 2023

Partial replacement of K+ by Sr2+ in Eu-doped K-beta-alumina changes the trap content and structural rigidity, which facilitates the variation from anti-thermal quenching to zero thermal quenching within 150 °C.
Implementation of a second‐order frequency selective surface filter at mmWave using paper and silver ink
Authors: Kokkonen Mikko , Dessai Rakshita , Myllymäki Sami
Published: April 2023

In this work, fabrication of frequency selective surface filters by coating paper with silver ink and subsequent laser etching the frequency filter pattern has been investigated. Three filter structures consisting of a combination of square and ring patches operating at 102, 113, and 126 GHz and with corresponding signal attenuation of −15.2, −15.4, and −14.5 dB were fabricated and simulated; −5 dB bandwidths were following, 93.3–112.2 GHz, 101.9–121.1 GHz, and 112.7–132.3, respectively. Also, the proposed screen printing with assistive laser etching could be used to reduce the number of used screens. Furthermore, paper based fabrication using a biodegradable ink could be an alternative fabrication process in future electronic manufacturing.
Testing protoplanetary disc evolution with CO fluxes
Authors: Zagaria Francesco , Facchini Stefano , Miotello Anna , Manara Carlo F. , Toci Claudia , Clarke Cathie J.
Published: April 2023

The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) revolutionised our understanding of protoplanetary discs. However, the available data have not given conclusive answers yet on the underlying disc evolution mechanisms: viscosity or magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) winds. Improving upon the current results, mostly based on the analysis of disc sizes, is difficult because larger, deeper, and higher angular resolution surveys would be required, which could be prohibitive even for ALMA. In this Letter we introduce an alternative method to study disc evolution based on 12CO fluxes. Fluxes can be readily collected using less time-consuming lower resolution observations, while tracing the same disc physico-chemical processes as sizes: assuming that 12CO is optically thick, fluxes scale with the disc surface area. We developed a semi-analytical model to compute 12CO fluxes and benchmarked it against the results of DALI thermochemical models, recovering an agreement within a factor of three. As a proof of concept we compared our models with Lupus and Upper Sco data, taking advantage of the increased samples, by a factor 1.3 (Lupus) and 3.6 (Upper Sco), when studying fluxes instead of sizes. Models and data agree well only if CO depletion is considered. However, the uncertainties on the initial conditions limited our interpretation of the observations. Our new method can be used to design future ad hoc observational strategies to collect better data and give conclusive answers on disc evolution.
Discovery of the lensed quasar eRASS1 J050129.5−073309 with SRG/eROSITA and Gaia
Authors: Tubín-Arenas Dusán , Lamer Georg , Krumpe Mirko , Urrutia Tanya , Schwope Axel , Brogan Roisín , Comparat Johan , Salvato Mara , Bulbul Esra , Garrel Christian , Schramm Malte , Liu Teng
Published: April 2023

We report the discovery and spectroscopic identification of the bright doubly lensed quasar eRASS1 J050129.5−073309 at redshift z = 2.47, selected from the first all-sky survey of the Spectrum Roentgen Gamma (SRG) eROSITA telescope and the Gaia EDR3 catalog. We systematically searched for extragalactic sources with eROSITA X-ray positions that have multiple Gaia counterparts, and we have started spectroscopic follow-up of the most promising candidates using long-slit spectroscopy with NTT/EFOSC2 to confirm the lens nature. The two images are separated by 2.7″, and their average Gaia g-band magnitudes are 16.95 and 17.33. Legacy Survey DR10 imaging and image modeling reveal both the lensing galaxy and tentatively the lensed image of the quasar host galaxy. Archival optical light curves show evidence of a variability time delay, with the fainter component lagging the brighter by about 100 days. The brightness of the fainter image has also decreased by about one magnitude since 2019. This dimming was still obvious at the time of the spectroscopic observations and is probably caused by microlensing. The optical spectroscopic follow-up obtained from NTT/EFOSC2 and the evidence provided by the imaging and timing analysis allow us to confirm the lensed nature of eRASS1 J050129.5−073309.
Psychometrische Eigenschaften des Qualiskope-A zur Messung der
Patientenzufriedenheit mit der ambulant-ärztlichen Behandlung: Einsatz
in der Onkologie und Übertragbarkeit auf die stationäre
Versorgung
Authors: Brandt Florian , Schneider Nico , Altmann Uwe , Strauß Bernhard , Hübner Jutta , Keinki Christian
Published: April 2023

Zielsetzung Das Qualiskope-A ist ein deutschsprachiger
Patientenfragebogen, der – mit Hilfe von 27 Items verteilt auf vier
Skalen – eine Messung der Patientenzufriedenheit mit der
ambulant-ärztlichen Behandlung ermöglicht. In dieser Studie
wurde untersucht, ob der Fragebogen auch in einer onkologischen Population
zuverlässige Ergebnisse liefert und ob sein Anwendungsbereich auf die
stationäre Versorgung ausgeweitet werden kann.

Methodik Die erforderlichen Daten wurden im Rahmen der PIKKO-Studie
erhoben. Zunächst wurden deskriptive Skalenstatistiken und interne
Konsistenz (Cronbachs Alpha) analysiert. Zusätzlich wurde eine
Teilstichprobe, die zu zwei aufeinanderfolgenden Messzeitpunkten denselben Arzt
bewertete, hinsichtlich Retest-Reliabilität betrachtet (Spearman
Korrelation (rs) zwischen den Messzeitpunkten). Anschließend
wurde das Messmodell des Qualiskope-A mittels konfirmatorischer Faktorenanalyse
untersucht. Zur Prüfung der Übertragbarkeit auf die
stationäre Versorgung wurde die Messinvarianz hinsichtlich ambulant und
stationär behandelter Patienten berechnet.

Ergebnisse In die Untersuchung wurden n=476 Patienten
eingeschlossen. Alle Scores des Qualiskope-A wiesen in der Stichprobe eine stark
linksschiefe Verteilung auf und ließen ausgeprägte Deckeneffekte
erkennen. Für Cronbachs Alpha galt durchweg > 0,8. In
der Retest-Gruppe (n=197) war eine starke Korrelation (rs>0,5)
zwischen den Messzeitpunkten zu beobachten. Die mittels konfirmatorischer
Faktorenanalyse berechneten Fit-Indizes belegten einen guten Modellfit
(CFI=0,958; RMSEA=0,026; SRMR=0,040; alle
Faktorladungen>0,6). Die im Rahmen der Untersuchung der Messinvarianz
berechneten Fit-Indizes erfüllten durchweg die definierten
Schwellenwerte.

Schlussfolgerung Das Qualiskope-A weist in der untersuchten onkologischen
Stichprobe eine gute Reliabilität auf. Es kann sowohl im ambulanten, als
auch im stationären Setting eingesetzt werden (Hinweise auf
Non-Invarianz fanden sich nicht). Aufgrund ausgeprägter Deckeneffekte
sollte jedoch die Itemskalierung überarbeitet werden.
Haben Hausärzt*innen Erfahrungen mit
Pflegestützpunkten? Eine berlinweite Fragebogenerhebung
Authors: Stumm Judith , Peter Lisa , Kuempel Lisa , Erdmann Lara Regina , Dierks Marius Tibor , Heintze Christoph , Döpfmer Susanne
Published: April 2023

In der hausärztlichen Versorgung multimorbider Patient*innen
haben neben den medizinischen- auch soziale Beratungsanlässe eine
große Bedeutung. Pflegestützpunkte stellen in Berlin ein
etabliertes Angebot zur Beratung bei sozialen Anliegen auf Stadtbezirksebene
dar. Im Rahmen einer berlinweiten Fragebogenerhebung wurde das Wissen von
Hausärzt*innen über und die Erfahrungen mit
Pflegestützpunkten exploriert. 700 Fragebögen wurden explorativ
deskriptiv analysiert. Hausärzt*innen sind nur bedingt mit dem
Angebot der Pflegestützpunkte vertraut (60% kaum oder gar
nicht). 57% der Hausärzt*innen gaben an, dass sie
bereits Kontakt mit einem Pflegestützpunkt hatten.
Hausärzt*innen ohne bisherigen Pflegestützpunkt-Kontakt
empfehlen ihren Patient*innen andere Beratungsstellen bei sozialen
(76%) und bei pflegerischen Beratungsanlässen (79%).
Eine große Mehrheit aller befragten Hausärzt*innen
benennt weiteren Informationsbedarf zu Pflegestützpunkten.
Computational and experimental studies on band alignment of ZnO/InxGa2−xO3/GaN heterojunctions
Authors: Liu Xilai , Zhao Chunxiang , Niu Chunyao , Jia Yu
Published: April 2023

The ZnO/GaN heterojunctions are extensively investigated now, owing to their good luminescent properties and devisable capability to form efficient hybrid structures. An electron-blocking layer inserted into heterojunctions can greatly change their properties. In this work, n-ZnO/β-InxGa2−xO3/p-GaN heterojunctions have been successfully formed using atomic layer deposition methods. We show that the doping of In can effectively tune the band edges of the heterojunctions. First-principle calculations reveal that the bandgap of bulk β-InxGa2−xO3 shrinks linearly with the increase in In contents, accompanied by an upward movement of the valence band maximum and a downward movement of the conduction band minimum. As the indium concentrations increase, the valence band offsets show an upward movement at both the InxGa2−xO3/GaN and ZnO/InxGa2−xO3 interfaces, while the conduction band offsets present different trends. A broad, reddish yellow-green emission appears after In doping, which verifies the effect of band alignment. What is more, we show that the amorphization of InxGa2−xO3 can play an important role in tuning the band edge. This work provides access to a series of band offsets tunable heterojunctions and can be used for the further design of direct white light-emitting diodes without any phosphors, based on this structure.
Processing methods of the pipeline crack detection signal by a balanced field electromagnetic technique based on phase characteristics
Authors: Zheng Wenxue , Li Jiayin , Xiao Yingxin
Published: April 2023

The balanced field electromagnetic technique is an effective way of in-line inspection to detect cracks in pipelines. A signal demodulation method based on phase characteristics is proposed for the problem of interference signals generated by the sensor tilt shaking during the detection, which affects the judgment of the cracks. The method uses a reference signal whose phase is orthogonal to the signal generated by the sensor shaking to demodulate the detection signal to eliminate the shake interference. The generation principles of crack detection signals and interference signals generated by sensor shaking are analyzed, and the influence of sensor lift-off on detection is compared. A demodulation model is established based on the characteristic of that same frequency and different phases of crack and shake signals. The feasible conditions of the method are analyzed by simulation, and the phase value of the reference signal in the demodulation method is determined. The platform detection experiment and pulling tests at different speeds are carried out, respectively, to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results show that there is a significant phase difference between the signals generated by the sensor shaking and the crack. For carbon steel pipelines, the signal phase of different shake angles is −4°. When the sensor structure and excitation frequency in this study are used, the reference signal phase is chosen to be 86°. The method preserves the detection signal characteristics before processing and enables the linear output responses to be obtained for different depths of cracks.
Snapshot dual-view 3D imaging
Authors: Ji Chao , Fang Mengyan , Xin Liwei , He Kai , Li Yahui , Wang Xing , Tian Jinshou
Published: April 2023

Multi-view 3D imaging is an indispensable imaging method for self-driving, 3D modeling, and other fields. However, there remains a scarcity of fast and efficient multi-view 3D imaging methods. In the present study, a snapshot dual-view 3D imaging setup based on the Coded Aperture Imaging method was introduced and experimentally demonstrated. The proposed method can simultaneously obtain 3D information from different views by means of a streak camera and two independent masks. Compared with traditional 3D imaging technology, our technique can meet the integrity and real-time requirements of 3D imaging while reducing the hardware cost of existing multi-view imaging methods.
Information of stagnation-point flow of Maxwell fluid past symmetrically exponential stretching/shrinking cylinder with prescribed heat flux
Authors: Ahmed Bilal
Published: April 2023

This paper deals with the numerical simulation of the stagnation-point boundary-layer flow of Maxwell fluid comprising heat transfer effects past a horizontal cylinder having exponential stretching/shrinking velocity. All geometrical aspects and physical conditions portrayed under the considered model are stated by a system of governing equations in cylindrical coordinates, for which similarity transformation is carried out to get non-linear ordinary differential equations. The secant shooting method is applied to the modeled equations to glean the graphical solution for the skin friction coefficient, local Nusselt number, longitudinal velocity, temperature dispersion, and stream function. Then further discussion was carried out in light of the governing physical parameters, and the nature of dual solutions has been discussed. The results indicate that dual solutions vanish by enhancing stretching and exist only for a limited belt of the shrinking parameter. Surface heat transfer varies inversely for an increasing stretching/shrinking parameter in case of a second branch solution. Curve relocations for axial velocity and temperature have also been observed. The symmetry of the first and second solution for the flow is found to be unaltered for Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluid.
The stabilizing effect of grooves on Görtler instability-induced boundary layer transition in hypersonic flow
Authors: Chen Xi , Chen Jianqiang , Yuan Xianxu , Tu Guohua
Published: April 2023

Görtler vortex-induced hypersonic boundary layer transition controlled by grooves is investigated using direct numerical simulations and spatial bi-global stability analysis. In the simulations, Görtler vortices are excited by wall steady blowing and suction with spanwise wavelengths of 3 mm. It is found that when the wall is covered with grooves, the Görtler streaks keep more regular even at the end of the model. In addition, the skin friction coefficient is reduced efficiently. Furthermore, the wall-normal and spanwise velocity shear are both reduced, suppressing growths of secondary instabilities. In conclusion, grooves can delay Görtler vortex-induced transition by modifying the Görtler streaks structure and instability, which would shed light on hypersonic boundary layer transition control.
High-throughput cryo-ET structural pattern mining by unsupervised deep iterative subtomogram clustering
Authors: Zeng Xiangrui , Kahng Anson , Xue Liang , Mahamid Julia , Chang Yi-Wei , Xu Min
Published: April 2023

Cryoelectron tomography directly visualizes heterogeneous macromolecular structures in their native and complex cellular environments. However, existing computer-assisted structure sorting approaches are low throughput or inherently limited due to their dependency on available templates and manual labels. Here, we introduce a high-throughput template-and-label-free deep learning approach, Deep Iterative Subtomogram Clustering Approach (DISCA), that automatically detects subsets of homogeneous structures by learning and modeling 3D structural features and their distributions. Evaluation on five experimental cryo-ET datasets shows that an unsupervised deep learning based method can detect diverse structures with a wide range of molecular sizes. This unsupervised detection paves the way for systematic unbiased recognition of macromolecular complexes in situ.
Toxoplasma ERK7 protects the apical complex from premature degradation
Authors: O’Shaughnessy William J. , Hu Xiaoyu , Henriquez Sarah Ana , Reese Michael L.
Published: April 2023

Accurate cellular replication balances the biogenesis and turnover of complex structures. In the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, daughter cells form within an intact mother cell, creating additional challenges to ensuring fidelity of division. The apical complex is critical to parasite infectivity and consists of apical secretory organelles and specialized cytoskeletal structures. We previously identified the kinase ERK7 as required for maturation of the apical complex in Toxoplasma. Here, we define the Toxoplasma ERK7 interactome, including a putative E3 ligase, CSAR1. Genetic disruption of CSAR1 fully suppresses loss of the apical complex upon ERK7 knockdown. Furthermore, we show that CSAR1 is normally responsible for turnover of maternal cytoskeleton during cytokinesis, and that its aberrant function is driven by mislocalization from the parasite residual body to the apical complex. These data identify a protein homeostasis pathway critical for Toxoplasma replication and fitness and suggest an unappreciated role for the parasite residual body in compartmentalizing processes that threaten the fidelity of parasite development.
Mass-ratio dependent strong-field dissociation of artificial helium hydride isotopologues
Authors: Oppermann F , Mhatre S , Gräfe S , Lein M
Published: April 2023

We study the effect of the nuclear-mass ratio in a diatomic molecular ion on the dissociation dynamics in strong infrared laser pulses. A molecular ion is a charged system, in which the dipole moment depends on the reference point and therefore on the position of the nuclear center of mass, so that the laser-induced dynamics is expected to depend on the mass asymmetry. Whereas usually both the reduced mass and the mass ratio are varied when different isotopologues are compared, we fix the reduced mass and artificially vary the mass ratio in a model system. This allows us to separate effects related to changes in the resonance frequency, which is determined by the reduced mass, from those that arise due to the mass asymmetry. Numerical solutions of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation are compared with classical trajectory simulations. We find that at a certain mass ratio, vibrational excitation is strongly suppressed, which decreases the dissociation probability by many orders of magnitude.
Variational quantum simulation of the quantum critical regime
Authors: Shi Zhi-Quan , Xie Xu-Dan , Zhang Dan-Bo
Published: April 2023

The quantum critical regime marks a zone in the phase diagram where quantum fluctuation around the critical point plays a significant role at finite temperatures. While it is of great physical interest, simulation of the quantum critical regime can be difficult on a classical computer due to its intrinsic complexity. Herein, we propose a variational approach, which minimizes the variational free energy, to simulate and locate the quantum critical regime on a quantum computer. The variational quantum algorithm adopts an ansatz by performing an unitary operator on a product of a single-qubit mixed state, in which the entropy can be analytically obtained from the initial state, and thus the free energy can be accessed conveniently. With numeral simulation, using the one-dimensional Kitaev model as a demonstration we show that the quantum critical regime can be identified by accurately evaluating the temperature crossover line. Moreover, the dependencies of both the correlation length and the phase coherence time with temperature are evaluated for the thermal states. Our work suggests a practical way as well as a first step for investigating quantum critical systems at finite temperatures on quantum devices with few qubits.
Critical behavior in the itinerant ferromagnet SmMn2Ge2
Authors: Hou Qingyi , Song Meng , Xu Xitong , Wang Yihao , Dong Chao , Feng Yinfa , He Miao , Liu Yonglai , Cao Liang , Wang Junfeng , Qu Zhe , Xiong Yimin
Published: April 2023

Transition metal and rare earth intermetallics have been a fertile playground for research of various quantum states. We report detailed magnetic studies on SmMn2Ge2, an anisotropic itinerant magnet with multiple magnetic phases. The critical behavior of the ferromagnetic phase transition is investigated by employing the modified Arrott plot with the Kouvel–Fisher method. The critical temperature T
C is determined to be around 342.7 K with critical exponents of β = 0.417 and γ = 1.122, and the interaction function is found to be J(r) ∼ r
−4.68, suggesting the coexistence of long-range and short-range magnetic interactions. Our results contribute to the understanding of complex magnetism in SmMn2Ge2, which may provide fundamental guidance in future spintronic applications.
Temperature-free mass tracking of a levitated nanoparticle
Authors: Tian Yuan , Zheng Yu , Liu Lyu-Hang , Guo Guang-Can , Sun Fang-Wen
Published: April 2023

Mass measurement is an essential analytical tool in the characterization of materials. Here we present a method for measuring the mass of an individual nanoparticle which has a fg-level mass. This method enables a temperature-independent mass measurement with the assistance of a sinusoidal electrostatic driving force. With this approach, we successfully track the change in properties of an optically levitated nanoparticle, such as mass, temperature, and electric charge, with air pressure. An abrupt change in the mass of silica nanoparticles is found to violate the Zhuravlev model.
This method can be utilized to extend the mass analysis of materials, such as thermogravimetric analysis, to individual micro-or nano-particles.