bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Switching of magnetoelectric states in the Y-type hexaferrite Ba0.5Sr1.5CoMgFe11AlO22
Authors: Lin L. , Li J. S. , Shi P. H. , Dong X. H. , Zhang J. H. , Huang L. , Yu B. , Zhou G. Z. , Zheng S. H. , Liu M. F. , Guo Y. Y. , Lu X. , Hu T. P. , Zhou X. H. , Yan Z. B. , Liu J.-M.
Published: July 2024

The multiferroic Y-type hexaferrites BaxSr2−xMe2Fe12−yAlyO22 (Me = Zn2+, Co2+, Mg2+, etc.) have attracted much attention due to their giant magnetoelectric (ME) effect up to room temperature and low modulated magnetic field by the chemical doping control of the complex magnetic phases. However, the research of substitution between the Me ions is rare. As doping at the Me ion site can combine the advantages of both, e.g., higher magnetic ordering temperature in Co2 and stronger ME coefficient in Mg2 Y-type hexaferrites, herein, we report the stability and switching of magnetoelectric states in the Y-type hexaferrites Ba0.5Sr1.5CoMgFe11AlO22 single crystals. Our results demonstrate that substituting half of the Mg2+ with Co2+ enhances the transition temperature of the alternating longitudinal conical phase to proper screw spin order up to room temperature compared to those Mg2 Y-type hexaferrites. Simultaneous occurrence of in-plane and out-of-plane ferroelectric polarization is observed, alongside comparable spontaneous magnetization. It was found that the in-plane spin-driven polarization can be reversible below 50 K with a substantial ME coefficient α = −8000 ps/m but becomes irreversible at 100 K. This reversal in the sign of the ME coefficient signifies the transition between two distinct ME states at high temperature. The reversibility and irreversibility of spin-induced polarization are discussed within the framework of free energy based on the ferroelectric phase, which prevail in numerous Y-type hexaferrites. Our results provide insights into understanding the role of the Me ions in the magnetoelectric coupling in Y-type hexaferrites.
Symmetry-breaking-enhanced power conversion efficiency of 2D van der Waals heterostructures
Authors: Huang Tao , Yang Zi-Xuan , Li Lei , Wan Hui , Zhang Tao , Huang Gui-Fang , Hu Wangyu , Huang Wei-Qing
Published: July 2024

Symmetry-breaking plays a crucial role in determining the property and functionality of materials. Here, we demonstrate that symmetry-breaking can dramatically enhance the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of a two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) heterostructure solar cell by taking a γ-phosphorus-carbide (PC)-based vdW heterostructure as a model. Thanks to its four-atom-layer structure of γ-PC, both alternately arranging P and C atoms to form a Janus structure and sliding C atom layer to change space group are two effective methods to break the symmetry. We find that in comparison with a symmetric configuration, the PCE of γ-PC/MoS2N4 with symmetry-breaking could be increased by 257.2% and 270% via forming a Janus structure and the change in space group, respectively. Particularly, the PCE of symmetry-broken γ-PC/MoSi2N4 can be further increased to 21.35% under an appropriate tensile strain, which could be attributed to small conduction band offset between constituent monolayers and suitable donor bandgap. Our study showcases that tuning the symmetry of multi-atom-layer 2D materials is an effective strategy to realize enhancement of the performance for 2D materials-based optoelectronic devices.
Investigation of the characteristics of optically dense gray mixed convection fluid flow along a cantilever shape
Authors: Nabwey Hossam A. , Ashraf Muhammad , Ahmad Uzma , Yasmeen Tahira , Rashad A. M.
Published: July 2024

The goal of the work under consideration is to inspect the steady buoyancy driven flow for a viscous and density independent fluid along a cantilever shape, by considering the optically dense gray fluid. This study examines the characteristics of buoyancy driven convective heat and fluid flow adjacent to the cantilever shape. The governing equations constituting the aforementioned problem are converted into ordinary differential equations by utilizing the stream function formulation. The shooting technique BVP4C along with the MATLAB program is then used to obtain the numerical solutions. The impact of dimensionless cantilever shape parameter n, Prandtl number Pr, Richardson parameter λ, and thermal radiation parameter F on the velocity and temperature profile of the cantilever shape is demonstrated graphically. The tables provide the results for the skin friction and rate of heat transfer coefficient due to the impact of a number of evolving parameters.
A note on vibrational perturbation theory for tunneling splitting in a symmetric double well potential
Authors: Pollak Eli
Published: July 2024

The modified version of second and fourth order vibrational perturbation theory, whereby the Euclidean action for tunneling is computed on the inverted potential at a shifted energy that is ℏ2 dependent, is applied to a symmetric double well quartic potential. The mean energies of the doublets in each well are also computed using vibrational perturbation theory. Results show that the modified vibrational perturbation theory significantly improves the estimates of tunneling splitting energies both for the ground state and for excited state doublets.
Questionable evidence and argumentation regarding alleged misuse of Medicare
Authors: Looi Jeffrey C. L. , Allison Stephen , Bastiampillai Tarun , Maguire Paul A. , Robson Stephen J.
Published: July 2024

What is known about this topic? We discuss a recently published paper that alleges clinicians are causal agents of non-compliant billing of Medicare. What does this paper add? The paper’s arguments are partially supported by unreferenced assertions, potential logical fallacies, inaccurate reporting of referenced material and unsubstantiated rhetoric. What are the implications for practitioners? Due to the lack of substantive evidence, it cannot be concluded that clinicians are the causal agents of non-compliant billing of Medicare.
Demystifying group-4 polyolefin hydrogenolysis catalysis: Gaseous propane hydrogenolysis mechanism over the same catalysts
Authors: Mason Alexander H. , Motta Alessandro , Kratish Yosi , Marks Tobin J.
Published: July 2024

A kinetic/mechanistic investigation of gaseous propane hydrogenolysis over the single-site heterogeneous polyolefin depolymerization catalysts AlS/ZrNp
2
and AlS/HfNp
2
(AlS = sulfated alumina, Np = neopentyl), is use to probe intrinsic catalyst properties without the complexities introduced by time- and viscosity-dependent polymer medium effects. In a polymer-free automated plug-flow catalytic reactor, propane hydrogenolysis turnover frequencies approach 3,000 h
−1
at 150 °C. Both catalysts exhibit approximately linear relationships between rate and [H
2
] at substoichiometric [H
2
] with rate law orders of 0.66 ± 0.09 and 0.48 ± 0.07 for Hf and Zr, respectively; at higher [H
2
], the rates approach zero-order in [H
2
]. Reaction orders in [C
3
H
8
] and [catalyst] are essentially zero-order under all conditions, with the former implying rapid, irreversible alkane binding/activation. This rate law, activation parameter, and DFT energy span analysis support a scenario in which [H
2
] is pivotal in one of two plausible and competing rate-determining transition states—bimolecular metal-alkyl bond hydrogenolysis vs. unimolecular β-alkyl elimination. The Zr and Hf catalyst activation parameters, ΔH
‡
= 16.8 ± 0.2 kcal mol
−1
and 18.2 ± 0.6 kcal mol
−1
, respectively, track the relative turnover frequencies, while ΔS
‡
= −19.1 ± 0.8 and −16.7 ± 1.4 cal mol
−1
K
−1
, respectively, imply highly organized transition states. These catalysts maintain activity up to 200 °C, while time-on-stream data indicate multiday activities with an extrapolated turnover number ~92,000 at 150 °C for the Zr catalyst. This methodology is attractive for depolymerization catalyst discovery and process optimization.
Dual protection by Bcp1 and Rkm1 ensures incorporation of uL14 into pre-60S ribosomal subunits
Authors: Yeh Min-Chi , Hsu Ning-Hsiang , Chu Hao-Yu , Yang Cheng-Han , Hsu Pang-Hung , Chou Chi-Chi , Shie Jing-Ting , Lee Wei-Ming , Ho Meng-Chiao , Lo Kai-Yin
Published: July 2024

Eukaryotic ribosomal proteins contain extended regions essential for translation coordination. Dedicated chaperones stabilize the associated ribosomal proteins. We identified Bcp1 as the chaperone of uL14 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Rkm1, the lysine methyltransferase of uL14, forms a ternary complex with Bcp1 and uL14 to protect uL14. Rkm1 is transported with uL14 by importins to the nucleus, and Bcp1 disassembles Rkm1 and importin from uL14 simultaneously in a RanGTP-independent manner. Molecular docking, guided by crosslinking mass spectrometry and validated by a low-resolution cryo-EM map, reveals the correlation between Bcp1, Rkm1, and uL14, demonstrating the protection model. In addition, the ternary complex also serves as a surveillance point, whereas incorrect uL14 is retained on Rkm1 and prevented from loading to the pre-60S ribosomal subunits. This study reveals the molecular mechanism of how uL14 is protected and quality checked by serial steps to ensure its safe delivery from the cytoplasm until its incorporation into the 60S ribosomal subunit.
Tool wear prediction based on kernel principal component analysis and least square support vector machine
Authors: Gao Kangping , Xu Xinxin , Jiao Shengjie
Published: July 2024

To accurately predict the amount of tool wear in the machining process, a monitoring model of tool wear based on multi-sensor information feature fusion is proposed. First, by collecting the cutting force, vibration, and acoustic emission signals of the tool during the whole life cycle, the multi-domain characteristics of the signal are extracted; then, kernel principal component analysis is used to reduce the dimensionality of the extracted data, and the principal components whose cumulative contribution ratio exceeds 85% are obtained. The redundant features with little correlation with tool wear were removed from the feature vectors to generate the fusion features. Finally, the fusion features are input into the least squares support vector machine model optimized by particle swarm algorithm for regression prediction of tool wear. The non-linear mapping relationship between the physical signal and the tool wear is discovered, which effectively realizes the prediction of the tool wear. Compared with the existing tool wear prediction methods, the method proposed has higher prediction accuracy.
Remaining useful life prediction method based on stacked autoencoder and generalized wiener process for degrading bearing
Authors: Chen Zhe , Li Yonghua , Gong Qi , Wang Denglong , Yin Xuejiao
Published: July 2024

Remaining useful life (RUL) prediction using deep learning networks primarily produces point estimates of RUL, but capturing the inherent uncertainty in RUL prediction is difficult. The use of the stochastic process approach can reflect the uncertainty in RUL predictions. However, the amount of data generated during equipment operation cannot be effectively utilized. This paper aims to propose an adaptive RUL prediction method tailored for extensive datasets and prediction uncertainty, effectively harnessing the strengths of deep learning methods in managing massive data and stochastic process techniques in quantifying uncertainties. RUL prediction method, based on stacked autoencoder (SAE) combined with Generalized Wiener Process, employs SAE to extract profound underlying features from the monitoring signals. Principal component analysis (PCA) is then used to select highly trending features as inputs. The output of PCA accurately reflects health status. A Generalized Wiener Process is used to construct a model for the evolution of the health indicators. The estimation values for the model parameters are determined using the Maximum Likelihood Estimation method. Furthermore, an adaptive update is performed based on Bayesian theory. Utilizing the sense of the first hitting time concept, the Probability Density Function for RUL prediction is derived accurately. Finally, the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method is verified using numerical simulations and experimental studies of bearing degradation data. The method improves the life prediction accuracy while reducing the prediction uncertainty.
Unsupervised method for detecting surface defects in steel based on joint optimization of pseudo-labeling and clustering
Authors: Bai Dongxu , Li Gongfa , Jiang Du , Jiang Guozhang , Hao Zhiqiang , Zhou Dalin , Ju Zhaojie
Published: July 2024

Advances in the field of measurement science and technology have improved the detection of defects in industrial production. One of the key challenges in steel plate surface defect detection is the need to quickly detect a small number of defects in an overwhelmingly defect-free sample. Unlike supervised learning, which relies heavily on precise sample labeling, unsupervised learning leverages its inherent learning capabilities for detection. This paper introduces an innovative method for smart steel diagnosis, integrating joint optimization of feature extraction and clustering. The proposed approach merges mini-batch K-means clustering with a feature extraction network to acquire pseudo-label information for current images. It employs a multi-view transformation strategy, enabling classification through the optimized feedback from pseudo-labels. This method allows the network to self-optimize the distinction of image features through backpropagation. The method exhibits a mere 4% classification failure rate for steel surface images. This significant reduction in additional data processing requirements enhances the inspection system’s efficiency and accuracy. Furthermore, the versatility of this method extends beyond steel defect diagnosis. It holds potential for application in various engineering domains, particularly in scenarios characterized by data imbalance.
Three-dimensional surface temperature measurement using lifetime-based phosphor thermometry
Authors: Cai Tao , Fu Ruiyu , Luan Di , Liu Yingzheng , Peng Di
Published: July 2024

In this study, we propose a three-dimensional (3D) surface temperature measurement method based on the principle of stereoscopic 3D reconstruction and the dependence of phosphorescence lifetime on temperature. A 385 nm UV light was used as the excitation light, and two high-speed cameras were used as the detectors. The phosphor MFG (Mg4FGeO6: Mn4+) was mixed with the binder HPC and sprayed onto the tested 3D surface. The natural texture generated by the surface roughness of the phosphor coating was used as a feature for cross-correlation calculations. The digital image correlation algorithm was used to match these feature positions in the phosphorescent images from the two cameras. The effects of the excitation angle and detecting angle were analyzed. The results indicate that the temperature measurement based on phosphorescent lifetime was not affected by the excitation and detecting angle. The method was validated on a turbine blade as an example of a 3D surface to demonstrate the capability. A comparison of the measurement results with the thermocouples proves that the current method can successfully measure the temperature on 3D surfaces with a maximum difference of 1.63 °C. The spatial accuracy of the method was obtained by comparing with the measurement results of a 3D scanner, which shows that the maximum absolute error of the 3D reconstruction was 0.350 mm. The current study proposes a promising 3D surface temperature measurement method, which is expected to be widely used in gas turbine blades, Internal Combustion engine cylinders, complex curved heat exchangers, and other fields due to its non-contact measurement, low susceptibility to infrared radiation interference, high measurement accuracy, and ability to withstand harsh environments.
Construction of GSH-responsive polyethyleneimine-based delivery vector for effective gene transfection
Authors: Kou Fang , Wang Wei , Zhu Xiaohong , Han Tian-Yan , Shi Yajun , Zhang Bang-Le
Published: July 2024

The rise of gene therapy has solved many diseases that cannot be effectively treated by conventional methods. Gene vectors is very important to protect and deliver the therapeutic genes to the target site. Polyethyleneimine (PEI) modified with mannitol could enhance the gene transfection efficiency reported by our group previously. In order to further control and improve the effective gene release to action site, disulfide bonds were introduced into mannitol-modified PEI to construct new non-viral gene vectors PeiSM. The degrees of mannitol linking with disulfide bonds were screened. Among them, moderate mannitol-modified PEI with disulfide bonds showed the best transfection efficiency, and significantly enhanced long-term systemic transgene expression for 72 h in vivo even at a single dose administration, and could promote caveolae-mediated uptake through up-regulating the phosphorylation of caveolin-1 and increase the loaded gene release from the nanocomplexes in high glutathione intracellular environment. This functionalized gene delivery system can be used as an potential and safe non-viral nanovector for further gene therapy.
3D-localization of single point-like gamma sources with a coded aperture camera
Authors: Meißner Tobias , Cerbone Laura Antonia , Russo Paolo , Nahm Werner , Hesser Jürgen
Published: July 2024

Objective. 3D-localization of gamma sources has the potential to improve the outcome of radio-guided surgery. The goal of this paper is to analyze the localization accuracy for point-like sources with a single coded aperture camera. Approach. We both simulated and measured a point-like

241

Am source at 17 positions distributed within the field of view of an experimental gamma camera. The setup includes a

0.11

mm

thick Tungsten sheet with a MURA mask of rank 31 and pinholes of

0.08

mm

in diameter and a detector based on the photon counting readout circuit Timepix3. Two methods, namely an iterative search including either a symmetric Gaussian fitting or an exponentially modified Gaussian fitting (EMG) and a center of mass method were compared to estimate the 3D source position. Main results. Considering the decreasing axial resolution with source-to-mask distance, the EMG improved the results by a factor of 4 compared to the Gaussian fitting based on the simulated data. Overall, we obtained a mean localization error of

0.77

mm

on the simulated and

2.64

mm

on the experimental data in the imaging range of

20

−

100

mm

. Significance. This paper shows that despite the low axial resolution, point-like sources in the nearfield can be localized as well as with more sophisticated imaging devices such as stereo cameras. The influence of the source size and the photon count on the imaging and localization accuracy remains an important issue for further research.
AC loss calculation of no-electrical-insulation HTS magnets using a field-circuit coupling method
Authors: Wang Ruichen , Ma Guangtong , Zhou Pengbo , Li Songlin , Liu Boqiang , Tian Weikang
Published: July 2024

No-electrical-insulation (NEI) magnets are gradually exhibiting significant appeal due to their robust thermal stability and elevated mechanical strength. However, when exposed to AC conditions, these magnets will suffer more significant AC losses in dynamic electromagnetic devices, such as motors and maglev systems. Presently, the numerical methods for predicting the electromagnetic and loss behavior of large-scale NEI magnets entail high computation costs due to the substantial degrees of freedom or complicated modeling strategies. Thus, we propose a fully finite element method, referred to as the field-circuit coupling method, to efficiently assess the overall behavior of NEI magnets while preserving adequate accuracy. This method couples the T-A formula and the single-turn equivalent circuit through a global voltage, to avoid the costly and complicated inductance calculations, and to simultaneously consider the induced current. By further integrating the homogenization method, the calculation speed can be increased up to ten times. Additionally, we study the critical current, and the electromagnetic and loss behavior of the NEI magnets based on the proposed model. We identify some measurement methods that offer more precise estimations of the critical current and the turn-to-turn contact resistance of NEI magnets. Meanwhile, the results indicate the severe impact of high AC fields on the losses, and emphasize the importance of a reliable shielding structure for operational safety. Finally, the influence of turn-to-turn contact resistivity on the loss behavior is also investigated, which can provide valuable insights for the design of NEI magnets in dynamic electromagnetic devices.
Regulating coordination environment around transition metal (Fe, Co) single atom catalysts for efficient Hg0 adsorption
Authors: Wang Ping , Gao Haoshan , Du Yaohui , Tang Miaomiao , Wang Kaitong , Zhao Yafei
Published: July 2024

Elemental mercury (Hg0) is one of the main pollutants released during coal combustion, which is difficult to remove due to its hydrophobicity and volatility, resulting in serious environmental pollution. Therefore, it is urgent to develop a low-cost and high-performance catalyst to remove Hg0. In this work, using first-principles study, the effect of nonmetal (NM = B, C and O) coordination environment on the charge distribution of graphene-supported transition metal single atom catalysts (TM-N4-SAC) has been investigated. It is found that regulating the TM-N4-SAC with NM coordination atoms with fewer valence electrons than N atom can cause TM atoms to lose more electrons, and the charge distribution in the active center to be locally deviated. Moreover, in-depth analysis of the adsorption configuration, charge density difference, charge transfer, adsorption energy and density of state of Hg0 adsorption on NM modified TM-N4-SAC confirmed that the adsorption of Hg0 can be effectively enhanced only when TM atoms lose more electrons. Thus, Fe-N3B- and Co-N3B-SAC have the strongest ability to adsorb Hg0 because they have the most negative adsorption energy of −1.13 and −0.49 eV. This work provides theoretical guidance for the design of SAC for efficient adsorption of Hg0.
Superluminality in parity-time symmetric Bragg gratings
Authors: Wu Li-Ting , Zhang Xin-Zhe , Guo Tian-Jing , Kang Ming , Chen Jing
Published: July 2024

Parity-time (

P
T

) symmetric Bragg gratings (PTBGs) possess unique features compared to traditional ones. For example, the photonic bandgap of a PTBG can be modified and even closed when the

P
T

symmetry evolves from an exact phase to a broken one, and the complex reflection coefficient of a PTBG is sensitive to the direction of incidence. In this article, we reveal how the superluminal effects of transmission behave following the modified band structure of PTBGs. The superluminality of the directionally sensitive reflection is also discussed. We then investigate the Hartman effect and argue that, to account for the superluminal effects in PTBGs, a directionally sensitive dwell time should be applied. This study offers unique insights into the mechanisms of superluminality and group delay of light in non-Hermitian open systems and contributes to the advancement of PTBGs, which can eventually become an indispensable platform for probing some of the exotic properties of optical wave phenomena and light–matter interactions.
Enhanced photocatalytic activity of Ag/ZnO nanocomposite immobilized on kanthal coils
Authors: Le Anh Thi , Le Thi Duy Hanh , Tuan Huynh Nguyen Anh , Koe Chee-Meng , Cheong Kuan-Yew , Tan Wai Kian , Sabar Summiyah , Hu Chenxi , Pung Swee-Yong
Published: July 2024

Constructing hybrid semiconductor photocatalysts and increasing the charge-carrier density are effective strategies for enhancing the photocatalytic performance of ZnO. This study elucidates the synergistic effects of electron trapping and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) on the activity of ZnO photocatalysts. Ag/ZnO nanocomposites were synthesized on Kanthal coils using a two-step method involving the immobilization of ZnO on Kanthal coils and the coupling of Ag nanoparticles. XPS and RTPL analyses verified the synergistic effects of electron trapping and SPR on the activity of the Ag/ZnO nanocomposites. The photocatalytic performance of the composite was evaluated in the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) dye. The Ag/ZnO nanocomposite exhibited significantly enhanced removal efficiency for RhB dye (38.2–70.5% depending on the deposition time). The Ohmic contact at the Ag/ZnO heterojunction extended the lifetime of the photoinduced charge carriers, whereas the SPR facilitated the generation of more electrons for the photocatalytic reaction. However, the excessive deposition of Ag nanoparticles compromised the photocatalytic performance of the Ag/ZnO nanocomposite. This study provides valuable insights for developing efficient ZnO-based photocatalytic materials for addressing environmental challenges.
Biaxial strain modulation of NO2 adsorption on χ3 borophene: A first-principles study
Authors: Ye Li , Liang Yongchao
Published: July 2024

Based on first-principles calculations, the effects of applying biaxial strain to χ3 borophene and the adsorption behavior of NO2 molecule on the surface of χ3 borophene under strain are investigated. Firstly, the pristine borophene exhibits a metallic electronic structure and the thermodynamic stability of χ3 borophene is demonstrated by molecular dynamics simulations. Different adsorption sites and orientations are selected on the χ3 surface, and the optimal adsorption is found to be the S2 conformation, which has an adsorption energy of −1.589 eV. The applied biaxial strain significantly alters the electron density distribution of the χ3 borophene surface, which is predicted to be able to achieve a modification of the adsorption properties for NO2. Finally, we investigate the NO2 adsorption behavior of χ3 borophene surfaces under 1% to 5% biaxial tensile and compressive strains. Biaxial strain is found to enhance the NO2 adsorption capacity of the χ3 borophene surface, and χ3 at 3% biaxial tensile strain has the highest adsorption energy. Therefore, these results show that χ3 borophene can be a candidate material for gas sensors and theoretically guide researchers to develop more effective sensor materials for gas sensing.
High-quality ghost imaging based on undersampled natural-order Hadamard source
Authors: Liu 刘 Kang 炕 , Zhou 周 Cheng 成 , Huang 黄 Jipeng 继鹏 , Qin 秦 Hongwu 宏伍 , Liu 刘 Xuan 轩 , Li 李 Xinwei 鑫伟 , Song 宋 Lijun 立军
Published: July 2024

Improving the speed of ghost imaging is one of the main ways to leverage its advantages in sensitivity and imperfect spectral regions for practical applications. Because of the proportional relationship between image resolution and measurement time, when the image pixels are large, the measurement time increases, making it difficult to achieve real-time imaging. Therefore, a high-quality ghost imaging method based on undersampled natural-order Hadamard is proposed. This method uses the characteristics of the Hadamard matrix under undersampling conditions where image information can be fully obtained but overlaps, as well as deep learning to extract aliasing information from the overlapping results to obtain the true original image information. We conducted numerical simulations and experimental tests on binary and grayscale objects under undersampling conditions to demonstrate the effectiveness and scalability of this method. This method can significantly reduce the number of measurements required to obtain high-quality image information and advance application promotion.
Polarized and unpolarized off-shell
decay above the
threshold*
Authors: Hernández-Juárez A. I. , Gaitán R. , Tavares-Velasco G.
Published: July 2024

An analysis of the off-shell

decay width is presented for both unpolarized and polarized

gauge bosons in the scenario with the most general

vertex function, which is expressed in terms of two

-even (

and

) and one

-odd (

) anomalous couplings. The SM contributions to the

coupling up to the one-loop level are also included. Explicit analytic results for the unpolarized and polarized

square amplitudes and the four-body phase space are presented, out of which several observable quantities can be obtained straightforwardly. Regarding numerical analysis, a cross-check was performed via

, where our model was implemented with the aid of FeynRules. We then considered the most stringent bounds on anomalous complex

couplings and analyzed the effects of the polarizations of the

gauge bosons through the polarized

decay width as well as left-right and forward-backward asymmetries, which were found to be sensitive to new-physics effects. Particular focus was put on the effects of the absorptive parts of the anomalous

couplings, which have been largely overlooked up to now in LHC analyses. It was found that the studied observable quantities, particularly the left-right asymmetries, can be helpful to search for effects of

-violation in the

coupling and set bounds on the absorptive parts. For completeness, we also analyzed the case of unpolarized

gauge bosons.
Small-block frequency estimators to control step size in phase-shifting interferometry
Authors: Leroux Ian D , Eves Brian J
Published: July 2024

We derive an estimator for the step size in phase-shifting interferometry. Using a minimum of five samples, it avoids the occasional indeterminate results that afflict the traditional Carré step-size estimate. The estimator can be understood as a generalization of the modified-covariance frequency estimator for a real-valued sinusoid with an unknown mean. We describe its use in the NRC Gauge Block Interferometer for monitoring the motion of a phase-shifting mirror mount.
A fully-printed plasmonic nanoparticle-incorporated ZnO-based UV photodetector with very high responsivity and fast response
Authors: Debnath Subhankar , Ghosal Sirsendu , Meyyappan M , Giri P K
Published: July 2024

We report the development of a fully printed plasmonic Ag nanoparticle-enhanced ZnO-nanoparticle-based photodetector (PD) for the efficient detection of ultraviolet (UV) light. The contact electrodes with a gap of 200 µm are printed on a SiO2/Si substrate, and a micropattern of Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) is printed within the electrode gap to generate the plasmonic effect. The ZnO nanoparticle thin film is printed onto the array of Ag NPs to fabricate the plasmon-enhanced UV PD. The printed devices exhibit impressive performance with a peak responsivity of 48.8 A W−1, external quantum efficiency of 1.7 × 104%, and detectivity of 1.3 × 1013 Jones at 5 V bias. Moreover, the device shows an ultrafast photoresponse with a rise time of 24.3 µs and a fall time of 33.1 µs. Finite element method-based simulations confirm a significant field enhancement within the ZnO matrix upon incorporation of plasmonic Ag nanoparticles, explaining the increased photoresponse. The performance of the printed plasmon-enhanced UV-PD here offers a promising, simple, and inexpensive approach for the fabrication of future optoelectronic devices.
Controlling optical-cavity locking using reinforcement learning
Authors: Fazzari Edoardo , Loughlin Hudson A , Stoughton Chris
Published: July 2024

This study applies an effective methodology based on Reinforcement Learning to a control system. Using the Pound–Drever–Hall locking scheme, we match the wavelength of a controlled laser to the length of a Fabry-Pérot cavity such that the cavity length is an exact integer multiple of the laser wavelength. Typically, long-term drift of the cavity length and laser wavelength exceeds the dynamic range of this control if only the laser’s piezoelectric transducer is actuated, so the same error signal also controls the temperature of the laser crystal. In this work, we instead implement this feedback control grounded on Q-Learning. Our system learns in real-time, eschewing reliance on historical data, and exhibits adaptability to system variations post-training. This adaptive quality ensures continuous updates to the learning agent. This innovative approach maintains lock for eight days on average.
Association between education and walking speed: counterfactual mediation analysis in favor of a motor reserve hypothesis
Authors: Santos Félicia , Ozguler Anna , Ribet Céline , Goldberg Marcel , Zins Marie , Artaud Fanny , Elbaz Alexis
Published: July 2024

We quantified the extent to which the association between education and fast walking speed (FWS) is explained by 17 mediators (cardiovascular risk factors/diseases, comorbidities, health behaviors, socioprofessional characteristics, cognition), and examined whether mediators interact with education, in favor of a reserve hypothesis. Cross-sectional analyses are based on Constances (a population-based study of French adults 45-69 years). Three-meter FWS was measured using photoelectric cells. Education was categorized as lower vs higher. After multiple imputation of missing values, we used counterfactual mediation models for multiple mediators allowing for education × mediator interactions, to estimate the total effect (TE), total indirect effect (TIE), and mediated interaction (IMD) of lower education on FWS. Analyses are based on 71 222 participants (52.6% women; mean age = 57.2 years; 27.2% higher education; mean FWS = 180.2 cm/s). In joint mediation analyses, the TE of lower education was −8.19 cm/s (95% CI, −8.87 to −7.51), with a TIE of −5.76 cm/s (95% CI, −6.10 to −5.41; proportion mediated = 70.3%; 95% CI, 65.6-75.0). The IMD was negative (−2.52; 95% CI, −3.31 to −1.72); 30.8% of the TE and 43.8% of the TIE were attributable to the IMD. Several mediators explain a large part of the association between lower education and slower FWS. The detrimental effect of mediators was more pronounced in participants with lower than in those with higher education, in agreement with a reserve hypothesis.
Grandmaternal prepregnancy body mass index and infant birthweight: a mediation analysis of maternal prepregnancy body mass index
Authors: Brown Mary M , Kuhle Stefan , Smith Bruce , Allen Victoria M , Payne Jennifer , Woolcott Christy G
Published: July 2024

The objectives of this study were to examine the total effect of grandmaternal (G0) prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) on infant (G2) birthweight z score and to quantify the mediation role of maternal (G1) prepregnancy BMI. Data were extracted from the Nova Scotia 3G Multigenerational Cohort. The association between G0 prepregnancy BMI and G2 birthweight z score and the mediated effect by G1 prepregnancy BMI were estimated using g-computation with adjustment for confounders identified using a directed acyclic graph and accounting for intermediate confounding. A total of 20 822 G1-G2 dyads from 18 450 G0 participants were included. Relative to G0 normal weight, G0 underweight decreased mean G2 birthweight z score (−0.11; 95% CI, −0.20 to −0.030), whereas G0 overweight and obesity increased mean G2 birthweight z score (0.091 [95% CI, 0.034-0.15] and 0.22 [95% CI, 0.11-0.33], respectively). G1 prepregnancy BMI partly mediated the association, with the largest effect size observed for G0 obesity (0.11; 95% CI, 0.080-0.14). Estimates of the direct effect were close to the null. In conclusion, grandmaternal prepregnancy BMI was associated with infant birthweight z score. Maternal prepregnancy BMI partly mediated the association, suggesting that factors related to BMI may play an important role in the transmission of weight across the maternal line.
The smallest angiosperm genomes may be the price for effective traps of bladderworts
Authors: Zedek František , Šmerda Jakub , Halasová Aneta , Adamec Lubomír , Veleba Adam , Plačková Klára , Bureš Petr
Published: July 2024

Background

Species of the carnivorous family Lentibulariaceae exhibit the smallest genomes in flowering plants. We explored the hypothesis that their minute genomes result from the unique mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (COX) mutation. The mutation may boost mitochondrial efficiency, which is especially useful for suction-bladder traps of Utricularia, but also increase DNA-damaging reactive oxygen species, leading to genome shrinkage through deletion-biased DNA repair. We aimed to explore the impact of this mutation on genome size, providing insights into genetic mutation roles in plant genome evolution under environmental pressures.

Methods

We compiled and measured genome and mean chromosome sizes for 127 and 67 species, respectively, representing all three genera (Genlisea, Pinguicula and Utricularia) of Lentibulariaceae. We also isolated and analysed COX sequences to detect the mutation. Through phylogenetic regressions and Ornstein–Uhlenbeck models of trait evolution, we assessed the impact of the COX mutation on the genome and chromosome sizes across the family.

Results

Our findings reveal significant correlations between the COX mutation and smaller genome and chromosome sizes. Specifically, species carrying the ancestral COX sequence exhibited larger genomes and chromosomes than those with the novel mutation. This evidence supports the notion that the COX mutation contributes to genome downsizing, with statistical analyses confirming a directional evolution towards smaller genomes in species harbouring these mutations.

Conclusions

Our study confirms that the COX mutation in Lentibulariaceae is associated with genome downsizing, probably driven by increased reactive oxygen species production and subsequent DNA damage requiring deletion-biased repair mechanisms. While boosting mitochondrial energy output, this genetic mutation compromises genome integrity and may potentially affect recombination rates, illustrating a complex trade-off between evolutionary advantages and disadvantages. Our results highlight the intricate processes by which genetic mutations and environmental pressures shape genome size evolution in carnivorous plants.
Identifying pleiotropic genes via the composite test amidst the complexity of polygenic traits
Authors: Lai En-Yu , Huang Yen-Tsung
Published: July 2024

Identifying the causal relationship between genotype and phenotype is essential to expanding our understanding of the gene regulatory network spanning the molecular level to perceptible traits. A pleiotropic gene can act as a central hub in the network, influencing multiple outcomes. Identifying such a gene involves testing under a composite null hypothesis where the gene is associated with, at most, one trait. Traditional methods such as meta-analyses of top-hit $P$-values and sequential testing of multiple traits have been proposed, but these methods fail to consider the background of genome-wide signals. Since Huang’s composite test produces uniformly distributed $P$-values for genome-wide variants under the composite null, we propose a gene-level pleiotropy test that entails combining the aforementioned method with the aggregated Cauchy association test. A polygenic trait involves multiple genes with different functions to co-regulate mechanisms. We show that polygenicity should be considered when identifying pleiotropic genes; otherwise, the associations polygenic traits initiate will give rise to false positives. In this study, we constructed gene–trait functional modules using the results of the proposed pleiotropy tests. Our analysis suite was implemented as an R package PGCtest. We demonstrated the proposed method with an application study of the Taiwan Biobank database and identified functional modules comprising specific genes and their co-regulated traits.
Sensitization against medical hyaluronidase in patients with confirmed hypersensitivity against hymenoptera species and its clinical implications
Authors: Bertlich Mattis , Hartmann Daniela , Freytag Saskia , French Lars E , Oppel Eva
Published: July 2024

Background

Hyaluronidase is an ubiquitous enzyme, present, among others, in hymenoptera venom and in medical formulations. The latter include use as an emergency treatment or to correct undesired outcomes of medical and aesthetic procedures using hyaluronic acid fillers.

Objectives

By performing detailed allergy work-ups including skin-prick tests (SPTs) we investigated whether patients with a history of allergic reaction to hymenoptera venom are also sensitized to medical grade hyaluronidase.

Methods

Ninety patients with a history of type-1 reaction to hymenoptera venom with and without a history of previous specific venom immunotherapy were included in the study. All underwent SPTs for medical hyaluronidase. All patients also underwent serological analysis for Api m2, the only commercially available IgE test for a hymenoptera hyaluronidase.

Results

Of the 90 patients with previous type-1 reactions to hymenoptera venom hyaluronidase included in the study, 60 had undergone previous venom immunotherapy; 30 did not. The majority (73 of 90) were allergic to wasps, followed by honeybees (14 of 90) and three were allergic to both. Neither patients having undergone previous immunotherapy nor those allergic to bees showed positive SPTs to medical hyaluronidase. Of those with a wasp allergy and naïve to immunotherapy, over 20% (5 of 23) showed positive SPTs to medical hyaluronidase. Healthy controls (0 of 30) without previous allergic reactions to hymenoptera did not show positive SPTs to medical hyaluronidase.

Conclusions

Sensitization to hyaluronidase is most common in wasp-allergic patients who have not had previous specific immunotherapy. As allergic reactions to medical hyaluronidase are reported to be scarce, this group is probably at the highest risk to develop anaphylaxis to medical hyaluronidase. While all patients with untreated anaphylaxis to hymenoptera venom should consult an allergy specialist, it is particularly important that those with untreated wasp allergies seek specialist advice before treatment with medical hyaluronidase is initiated.
Role of senataxin in R-loop-mediated neurodegeneration
Authors: Kannan Annapoorna , Gangadharan Leela Shyni , Branzei Dana , Gangwani Laxman
Published: July 2024

Senataxin is an RNA:DNA helicase that plays an important role in the resolution of RNA:DNA hybrids (R-loops) formed during transcription. R-loops are involved in the regulation of biological processes such as immunoglobulin class switching, gene expression and DNA repair. Excessive accumulation of R-loops results in DNA damage and loss of genomic integrity. Senataxin is critical for maintaining optimal levels of R-loops to prevent DNA damage and acts as a genome guardian. Within the nucleus, senataxin interacts with various RNA processing factors and DNA damage response and repair proteins. Senataxin interactors include survival motor neuron and zinc finger protein 1, with whom it co-localizes in sub-nuclear bodies. Despite its ubiquitous expression, mutations in senataxin specifically affect neurons and result in distinct neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis type 4 and ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 2, which are attributed to the gain-of-function and the loss-of-function mutations in senataxin, respectively. In addition, low levels of senataxin (loss-of-function) in spinal muscular atrophy result in the accumulation of R-loops causing DNA damage and motor neuron degeneration. Senataxin may play multiple functions in diverse cellular processes; however, its emerging role in R-loop resolution and maintenance of genomic integrity is gaining attention in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we highlight the role of senataxin in R-loop resolution and its potential as a therapeutic target to treat neurodegenerative diseases.
Ulcerated nodular swelling in an immunocompetent child
Authors: Sharma Apoorva , Patra Kumari Sweta Leena , Chatterjee Debajyoti , Vinay Keshavamurthy
Published: July 2024

We present a case of an ulcerated nodular swelling in an immunocompetent child. The rarity of lesions such as this presents a diagnostic challenge, underscoring the need for a comprehensive clinical and histopathological evaluation to differentiate it from dermatological conditions such as lupus vulgaris, fixed cutaneous sporotrichosis, phaeohyphomycosis and botryomycosis, among others.
Naevoid blaschkoid psoriasis: a curable mosaic abnormality of the skin
Authors: Wang Tianyu , Sun Yonghu
Published: July 2024

Naevoid blaschkoid psoriasis is a rare and underdiagnosed subtype of linear psoriasis. Characteristic aspects of naevoid blaschkoid psoriasis include a late onset of asymptomatic erythematous and scaly plaques along Blaschko lines. Here, we report on a patient with a delayed definitive diagnosis for mosaic-pattern skin in early infancy who experienced significant clearing of skin plaques after treatment with an interleukin-17 inhibitor (secukinumab). This patient’s case reminds clinicians to take psoriasis into consideration in the differential diagnosis of blaschkoid dermatoses.
How to diagnose heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Istratoaie Sabina , Gargani Luna , Popescu Bogdan A , Thomas Liza , Voigt Jens-Uwe , Donal Erwan
Published: July 2024

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a major healthcare problem that is raising in prevalence. There has been a shift in HpEF management towards early diagnosis and phenotype-specific targeted treatment. However, the diagnosis of HFpEF remains a challenge due to the lack of universal criteria and patient heterogeneity. This review aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the diagnostic workup of HFpEF, highlighting the role of echocardiography in HFpEF phenotyping.
Wide QRS tachycardia in a patient with atrial fibrillation: a case report and approach to diagnosis
Authors: Shaikh Mohammad , Golzarian Hafez , Hakim Fayaz A
Published: July 2024

Background

Wide QRS complex (QRS) tachycardia in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial flutter treated with antiarrhythmic drugs can occur for a variety of reasons and needs careful evaluation for appropriate management of the patient.

Case summary

We report a case of wide QRS complex tachycardia in a patient with AF treated with Flecainide who received multiple external cardioversion attempts for a presumed diagnosis of ventricular tachycardia. Intravenous Diltiazem and an oral beta-blocker led to the resolution of wide QRS complex tachycardia.

Discussion

Wide QRS tachycardia due to pro-arrhythmic effect or rate-dependency phenomenon of antiarrhythmic agents should be included in the differentials. In this brief report, we discuss the differential diagnosis and outline a practical approach for acute and long-term management of these patients.
Tudor Ghosts in Black Shirts: The British Union of Fascists, Nazi Germany and the Quest for Musical Greatness in Britain
Authors: Decker Philip
Published: July 2024

The United Kingdom has for centuries suffered the reputation of an ‘unmusical nation’ that could not produce a great composer or compete with the rich musical cultures of Germany, Italy or Russia. In the 1930s, members of the British Union of Fascists (BUF) who worked in the musical professions began to challenge and reject this long-standing stereotype. These self-described Blackshirts hoped to achieve a ‘rebirth’ of British classical music under the leadership of Oswald Mosley and expel racially impure ‘alien’ performers from Britain’s houses of culture. As British fascists conceived and debated these plans, the example of Nazi Germany loomed large in their imaginations. BUF Blackshirts professed admiration for Joseph Goebbels’s campaigns against ‘degenerate’ music and imitated the Nazi Party’s völkisch criticisms of jazz, modern art and consumerism. Especially intriguing to Mosley’s followers was the Nazi cult of Richard Wagner, which offered a compelling illustration of how a hypothetical fascist Britain might revere a historical composer as an emblem of racial nationalism. The Third Reich’s glorification of Wagner prompted debate within the BUF about which figure, or figures, could fulfil such a role in Britain, with two schools of thought predominating: either the late Victorian generation of composers or the sixteenth- and seventeenth-century Tudor masters. If Nazi cultural policy was a source of inspiration for British fascists, it was equally one of intimidation and self-doubt, reviving insecurities that the British people were a ‘musically inferior race’ unable to produce a composer rivalling Wagner’s genius.