bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large magnetocaloric effect and giant magnetoresistance in rare earth based intermetallic compound ErAl3: construction of magnetic phase diagram
Authors: Ahmed Afsar , Das Kalipada , Das I
Published: May 2024

This study explores the magnetic and magnetotransport behavior of polycrystalline ErAl3 compound. The polycrystalline compound adopts HoAl3-type structures with the R-3m space group, No. 166-2 and hR60 configurations. Multiple magnetic orderings and two field-induced metamagnetic transitions are observed. ErAl3 exhibits a significant magnetocaloric effect (MCE),

−
Δ

S

M

= 15.25 J kg−1 K−1 and high relative cooling power of 383 J kg−1 with applied magnetic field change (ΔH) of 70 kOe near the paramagnetic to ferromagnetic transition, showcasing its potential for magnetic refrigeration technology. The compound also demonstrates metallic behavior, with a notable magnetoresistance of 48.5

%

at 2 K due to the suppression of antiferromagnetism. The magnetic phase diagram reveals four distinct phases influenced by temperature and magnetic field, identified through the study of the MCE.
‘Fraternal-twin’ ferroelectricity: competing polar states in hydrogen-doped samarium nickelate from first principles
Authors: Kotiuga Michele , Rabe Karin M
Published: May 2024

In ferroelectric switching, an applied electric field switches the system between two polar symmetry-equivalent states. In this work, we use first-principles calculations to explore the polar states of hydrogen-doped samarium nickelate (SNO) at a concentration of 1/4 hydrogen per Ni. The inherent tilt pattern of SNO and the presence of the interstitial hydrogen present an insurmountable energy barrier to switch these polar states to their symmetry-equivalent states under inversion. We find a sufficiently low barrier to move the localized electron to a neighboring NiO6 octahedron, a state unrelated by symmetry but equal in energy under a square epitaxial strain (a = b), resulting in a large change in polarization. We term this unconventional ferroelectric a ‘fraternal-twin’ ferroelectric.
A new novel recognition and positioning system of black light-absorbing volute for automation depalletizing development
Authors: Yang Ping , Lin Haiyang , Wu Runxi , Xiao Shuonan
Published: May 2024

In the application of vision measurement, the black light-absorbing object is difficult to reflect the structured light from infrared emitter of the RGB-D camera. Therefore, an image recognition algorithm based on reference environment information is proposed to acquire the spatial positioning information of black volutes in the depalletizing system. The hardware system of the depalletizing system is mainly constructed of an upper computer, a six-axis industrial robot, an RGB-D camera and an end adsorption device. Firstly, the horizontal position information of each volute placed on the cardboard is obtained by the depth differences between the cardboard and the volute. Then, the depth information of the volute is obtained by the upper cardboard depth through collecting the position of the end vacuum suction cup triggered by feedback signal from vacuum generator. Secondly, a regional planar hand-eye calibration method is developed to improve the calibration accuracy in two-dimensional coordinates. The regional calibration method divides the robot working area into four regions: upper left, lower left, upper right, and lower right. The transformation matrix of each region is calculated separately. Finally, the depalletizing experiment is conducted on the three types of volutes. It is concluded that the average positioning error of the grasping center point of each volute obtained by our method is 3.795 mm, and its standard deviation is 1.769 mm. The average value of regional planar hand-eye calibration error is 4.044 mm, and its standard deviation is 1.501 mm. Under a stack of materials with dimensions of 1350 mm × 1350 mm × 1500 mm, the maximum error is controlled within 15 mm. Additionally, when combined with the end feedback compensation mechanism, the success rate for grasping all three volutes reaches 100%.
Dual approach: micellar delivery of chlorambucil prodrug with concurrent glutathione depletion and GST inhibition for enhanced anticancer activity
Authors: Wu Shaojie , Liao Kuofei , Chen Jiamin , Li Feng
Published: May 2024

Although chlorambucil (CHL) is a long-established anticancer drug, the drug failure of CHL, mediated by the intracellular defense system consisting of glutathione (GSH) and GSH S-transferase pi (GST-pi), has significantly limited the application of CHL. To overcome this issue, we first designed a GSH-responsive small-molecule prodrug (EA-SS-CHL) by combining CHL and ethacrynic acid (EA). Subsequently, drug-loaded nanoparticles (ECPP) were formed by the self-assembly between EA-SS-CHL and amphiphilic PEG-PDLLA to improve the water solubility of the prodrug and its ability to target tumor sites. Upon exposure to high intracellular GSH concentration, EA-SS-CHL gradually degrades, leading to the release of EA and CHL. The presence of EA facilitates the depletion of GSH and inhibition of GST-pi, ultimately attenuating the detoxification of the intracellular defense system to CHL. Cytotoxicity studies and apoptosis assays demonstrate that ECPP exhibits higher therapeutic efficiency than CHL. Additionally, in vivo tumor suppression effects and biocompatibility provide further evidence for the superiority of ECPP. This work presents a promising strategy to enhance the efficacy of CHL in cancer therapy.
Strategies and safety simulations for ultrasonic cervical spinal cord neuromodulation
Authors: Xu Rui , Bestmann Sven , Treeby Bradley E , Martin Eleanor
Published: May 2024

Objective. Focused ultrasound spinal cord neuromodulation has been demonstrated in small animals. However, most of the tested neuromodulatory exposures are similar in intensity and exposure duration to the reported small animal threshold for possible spinal cord damage. All efforts must be made to minimize the risk and assure the safety of potential human studies, while maximizing potential treatment efficacy. This requires an understanding of ultrasound propagation and heat deposition within the human spine. Approach. Combined acoustic and thermal modelling was used to assess the pressure and heat distributions produced by a 500 kHz source focused to the C5/C6 level via two approaches (a) the posterior acoustic window between vertebral posterior arches, and (b) the lateral intervertebral foramen from which the C6 spinal nerve exits. Pulse trains of fifty 0.1 s pulses (pulse repetition frequency: 0.33 Hz, free-field spatial peak pulse-averaged intensity: 10 W cm−2) were simulated for four subjects and for ±10 mm translational and ±10∘ rotational source positioning errors. Main results. Target pressures ranged between 20%–70% of free-field spatial peak pressures with the posterior approach, and 20%–100% with the lateral approach. When the posterior source was optimally positioned, peak spine heating values were below 1 ∘C, but source mispositioning resulted in bone heating up to 4 ∘C. Heating with the lateral approach did not exceed 2 ∘C within the mispositioning range. There were substantial inter-subject differences in target pressures and peak heating values. Target pressure varied three to four-fold between subjects, depending on approach, while peak heating varied approximately two-fold between subjects. This results in a nearly ten-fold range between subjects in the target pressure achieved per degree of maximum heating. Significance. This study highlights the utility of trans-spine ultrasound simulation software and need for precise source-anatomy positioning to assure the subject-specific safety and efficacy of focused ultrasound spinal cord therapies.
Polynomial chaos expansion of SAR and temperature increase variability in 3 T MRI due to stochastic input data
Authors: Bottauscio Oriano , Zanovello Umberto , Arduino Alessandro , Zilberti Luca
Published: May 2024

Objective. Numerical simulations are largely adopted to estimate dosimetric quantities, e.g. specific absorption rate (SAR) and temperature increase, in tissues to assess the patient exposure to the radiofrequency (RF) field generated during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Simulations rely on reference anatomical human models and tabulated data of electromagnetic and thermal properties of biological tissues. However, concerns may arise about the applicability of the computed results to any phenotype, introducing a significant degree of freedom in the simulation input data. In addition, simulation input data can be affected by uncertainty in relative positioning of the anatomical model with respect to the RF coil. The objective of this work is the to estimate the variability of SAR and temperature increase at 3 T head MRI due to different sources of variability in input data, with the final aim to associate a global uncertainty to the dosimetric outcomes. Approach. A stochastic approach based on arbitrary Polynomial Chaos Expansion is used to evaluate the effects of several input variability’s (anatomy, tissue properties, body position) on dosimetric outputs, referring to head imaging with a 3 T MRI scanner. Main results. It is found that head anatomy is the prevailing source of variability for the considered dosimetric quantities, rather than the variability due to tissue properties and head positioning. From knowledge of the variability of the dosimetric quantities, an uncertainty can be attributed to the results obtained using a generic anatomical head model when SAR and temperature increase values are compared with safety exposure limits. Significance. This work associates a global uncertainty to SAR and temperature increase predictions, to be considered when comparing the numerically evaluated dosimetric quantities with reference exposure limits. The adopted methodology can be extended to other exposure scenarios for MRI safety purposes.
Pulsed RF knock-out extraction: a potential enabler for FLASH hadrontherapy in the Bragg peak
Authors: Waid Simon , Gsponer Andreas , Renner Elisabeth , Schmitzer Claus , Kühteubl Florian , Becker Clara , Burin Jürgen , Gaggl Philipp , Prokopovich Dale , Bergauer Thomas
Published: May 2024

One challenge on the path to delivering FLASH-compatible beams with a synchrotron is facilitating an accurate dose control for the required ultra-high dose rates. We propose the use of pulsed RFKO extraction instead of continuous beam delivery as a way to control the dose delivered per Voxel. In a first feasibility test, dose rates in pulses of up to 600 Gy s−1 were observed, while the granularity at which the dose was delivered is expected to be well below 0.5 Gy.
Spatial correlation of defect-selective etching and dark luminescence spots in Al
x
Ga1−x
N
Authors: Netzel Carsten , Hagedorn Sylvia , Schön Matthias , Knauer Arne , Brunner Frank , Weyers Markus
Published: May 2024

Defect-selective etching with molten Ba(OH)2/MgO etch drops was performed on c-plane AlGaN layers covering the entire composition range between GaN and AlN. Regardless of the aluminum content, the etchant produced shallow, hexagonal etch pits with depth-to-diameter ratios of 1/10–1/100. Two predominant types of etch pits were observed, which differed in size. In addition, the etch rate decreased from the center to the edge of the area exposed to the etch drops, providing a radially symmetric variation in etch pit size. For all AlGaN compositions, the positions of the etch pits correlate perfectly with the positions of the dark luminescence spots in cathodoluminescence measurements. Areas on the AlGaN samples that were not exposed to the etching procedure showed identical dark spots with the same size and density as those in the etched regions. Additionally, the density of etch pits and dark spots corresponded to the density of threading dislocations in the AlGaN layers. These observations demonstrate that the density of threading dislocations in c-plane AlGaN layers can be determined by destructive defect-selective etching with Ba(OH)2/MgO and etch pit counting, as well as by nondestructive counting of the dark spots in cathodoluminescence images.
Performance enhancement of nanotube junctionless FETs with low doping concentration rings
Authors: Wang Liang , Xiao Wanyang , Wang Yueyang , Bai Yonglin , Wang Zirui , Xu Jie , Tang Min , Zhang Qiuxiang , Liu Weijing , Bai Wei , Tang Xiaodong
Published: May 2024

To reduce the static power consumption of the NT JLFET and the effect of SCEs on the NT JLFET, A nanotube junctionless field effect transistor with cyclic low doping concentration regions (C NT JLFET) is proposed. Based on Sentaurus TCAD numerical simulations, the electrical properties of the C NT JLFET and the NT JLFET were comparatively investigated, and the effects of the length (L
CD) and radius (R
CD) of cyclic low doping concentration regions on the electrical properties of the C NT JLFETs were studied. The C NT JLFET reduces the gate-induced drain leakage (GIDL) due to lateral band-to-band-tunneling (L-BTBT) as compared to the NT JLFET. As the L
CD or R
CD increases, the off-state current decreases. In addition, the C NT JLFET suffers from fewer short channel effects (SCEs), such as threshold voltage roll-off, drain-induced barrier lowering and subthreshold swing deterioration, compared to the NT JLFET. The inhibition of L-BTBT and attenuation of SCEs by cyclic low doping concentration regions remains when the channel length of the C NT JLFET is shortened to 10 nm. The C NT JLFET are suitable for low power applications as they exhibit reduced L-BTBT and suffer from fewer SCEs.
Sedimentation of a spherical squirmer in a square tube under gravity
Authors: Jiang Tongxiao , Li Siwen , Ying Yuxiang , Nie Deming , Lin Jianzhong
Published: May 2024

In this study, we used a three-dimensional lattice Boltzmann method to simulate the settling motion of a spherical squirmer in a square tube under the effect of gravity. A spherical squirmer model with chirality was chosen to simulate the motion of a real microswimmer in a three-dimensional space and to systematically analyze its kinematic properties. According to the results of this study, we identified seven different motion modes: diagonal plane large-amplitude oscillation, central stable sedimentation, bidirectional spiral motion, rebound motion, unidirectional spiral motion, corner stable motion, and near-wall attraction oscillation. It was shown that the formation of different motion modes is caused by the effects of squirmer-type factor and chirality. squirmer-type factor determines the stable motion position of the squirmer in the channel. Chirality makes the head direction of the squirmer more susceptible to change, thus changing the motion trajectory of the squirmer. In addition, it was found that the self-propelling strength determines the speed of squirmer’s motion, which affects the motion frequency of squirmer’s periodic oscillations.
Theory of phonon sidebands in the absorption spectra of moiré exciton–polaritons
Authors: Jürgens K , Wigger D , Kuhn T
Published: May 2024

Excitons in twisted bilayers of transition metal dichalcogenides have strongly modified dispersion relations due to the formation of periodic moiré potentials. The strong coupling to a light field in an optical cavity leads to the appearance of moiré polaritons. In this paper, we derive a theoretical model for the linear absorption spectrum of the coupled moiré polariton–phonon system based on the time-convolutionless (TCL) approach. Results obtained by numerically solving the TCL equation are compared to those obtained in the Markovian limit and from a perturbative treatment of non-Markovian corrections. A key quantity for the interpretation of the findings is the generalized phonon spectral density. We discuss the phonon impact on the spectrum for realistic moiré exciton dispersions by varying twist angle and temperature. Key features introduced by the coupling to phonons are broadenings and energy shifts of the upper and lower polariton peak and the appearance of phonon sidebands between them. We analyze these features with respect to the role of Markovian and non-Markovian effects and find that they strongly depend on the twist angle. We can distinguish between the regimes of large, small, and intermediate twist angles. In the latter phonon effects are particularly pronounced due to dominating phonon transitions into regions which are characterized by van Hove singularities in the density of states.
Computed chest radiography for total body irradiation: image quality and clinical feasibility
Authors: Bouchez Quentin , Vandenbroucke Dirk , Pittomvils Geert , Boterberg Tom , van Eijkeren Marc , Leblans Paul , Vanderstraeten Barbara
Published: May 2024

Objective. In myeloablative total body irradiation (TBI), lung shielding blocks are used to reduce the dose to the lungs and hence decrease the risk of radiation pneumonitis. Some centers are still using mega-Volt (MV) imaging with dedicated silver halide-based films during simulation and treatment for lung delineation and position verification. However, the availability of these films has recently become an issue. This study examines the clinical performance of a computed radiography (CR) solution in comparison to radiographic films and potential improvement of image quality by filtering and post-processing. Approach. We compared BaFBrI-based CR plates to radiographic films. First, images of an aluminum block were analyzed to assess filter impact on scatter reduction. Secondly, a dedicated image quality phantom was used to assess signal linearity, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast and spatial resolution. Ultimately, a clinical performance study involving two impartial observers was conducted on an anthropomorphic chest phantom, employing visual grading analysis (VGA). Various filter materials and positions as well as post-processing were examined, and the workflow between CR and film was compared. Main results. CR images exhibited high SNR and linearity but demonstrated lower spatial and contrast resolution when compared to film. However, filtering improved contrast resolution and SNR, while positioning filters inside the cassette additionally enhanced sharpness. Image processing improved VGA scores, while additional filtering also resulted in higher spine visibility scores. CR shortened TBI simulation by over 10 minutes for one patient, alongside a dose reduction by order of 0.1 Gy. Significance. This study highlights potential advantages of shifting from conventional radiographic film to CR for TBI. Overall, CR with the incorporation of processing and filtering proves to be suitable for TBI chest imaging. When compared to radiographic film, CR offers advantages such as reduced simulation time and dose delivery, re-usability of image plates and digital workflow integration.
Numerical simulation of nanoneedle-cell membrane collision: minimum magnetic force and initial kinetic energy for penetration
Authors: Rostami M , Ahmadian M T
Published: May 2024

Aims and objectives: This research aims to develop a kinetic model that accurately captures the dynamics of nanoparticle impact and penetration into cell membranes, specifically in magnetically-driven drug delivery. The primary objective is to determine the minimum initial kinetic energy and constant external magnetic force necessary for successful penetration of the cell membrane. Model Development: Built upon our previous research on quasi-static nanoneedle penetration, the current model development is based on continuum mechanics. The modeling approach incorporates a finite element method and explicit dynamic solver to accurately represent the rapid dynamics involved in the phenomenon. Within the model, the cell is modeled as an isotropic elastic shell with a hemiellipsoidal geometry and a thickness of 200 nm, reflecting the properties of the lipid membrane and actin cortex. The surrounding cytoplasm is treated as a fluid-like Eulerian body. Scenarios and Results: This study explores three distinct scenarios to investigate the penetration of nanoneedles into cell membranes. Firstly, we examine two scenarios in which the particles are solely subjected to either a constant external force or an initial velocity. Secondly, we explore a scenario that considers the combined effects of both parameters simultaneously. In each scenario, we analyze the critical values required to induce membrane puncture and present comprehensive diagrams illustrating the results. Findings and significance: The findings of this research provide valuable insights into the mechanics of nanoneedle penetration into cell membranes and offer guidelines for optimizing magnetically-driven drug delivery systems, supporting the design of efficient and targeted drug delivery strategies.
Household water price and income elasticities under increasing-block pricing policy in China: an estimation using nationwide large-scale survey data
Authors: Jia Jun-Jun , Liang Qin , Jiang Maorong , Wu Huaqing
Published: May 2024

Figuring out household water demand response is of importance to sustainable water pricing policy making and optimalization. The paper estimates price and income elasticities of residential water demand in China by using the unique dataset from Chinese Household Water Use Behavior Survey 2019 in 50 cities. Two instrumental variables of marginal water price and average water price are used to address the endogeneity in the context of increasing-block water pricing policy. Results show that price elasticity ranges from −0.170 to −0.543, meaning that the demand for water is inelastic. Income elasticity ranges from 0.062 to 0.133, indicating that water is a necessary commodity. It unveils that water scarcity cities have more sensitive price response. It verifies the effectiveness of the differential increasing-block water pricing schemes tailor-made to local water resources endowments. Besides, it shows that high water-consuming households have more sensitive price response. It suggests that implementing more stringent IBWP scheme for those households constitutes a promising policy improvement option in the future.
The study of degradation and mechanical properties of poly(lactic) acid (PLA) based 3D printed filament
Authors: Zainuddin Muhammad Zulhilmi , Abu Bakar Ahmad Adnan , Norjeli Muhammad Faishal , Abdullah Shahino Mah , Baharuddin Ahmad Syukran , Alauddin Muhammad Syafiq , Noor Ikhwan Syafiq Mohd , Tamchek Nizam , Alahmadi Ahmed , Alforidi Ahmad F , Mohd Ghazali Mohd Ifwat
Published: May 2024

Additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing technology, has become one of the mainstream processes in the manufacturing industry due to its advantages over conventional manufacturing, which have piqued the public’s interest. This study aims to focus on the influence of thermal conditions on crystallization towards mechanical properties of 3D printed poly(lactic) acid (PLA) degradation samples with 100% infill. As for the degradation profile, the highest weight loss recorded by the samples was 0.7%, observed in samples buried in soil with an abiotic medium for one month. The exposure of degraded samples to high temperature during drying affected their crystallinity, resulting in significant changes in strains, particularly between week 1 and week 2, where strains dropped significantly from 7.33% to 4.28%, respectively. In conclusion, it has been demonstrated that degradation for PLA material still can occur in an abiotic medium, albeit at a slower rate compared to a biotic medium due to the presence of additional microorganisms and bacteria. Besides, the post-heat treatment process on PLA degradation samples affects their crystalline structure, resulting in significant changes in mechanical properties, particularly especially strains. Therefore, it can be concluded that different materials exhibit distinct mechanical properties.
A hybrid optimization approach for strategically placing electric vehicle charging stations in a radial distribution IEEE-33 bus system
Authors: Habib Kashif , Habib Sana , Khan Shahbaz , Jafaripournimchahi Ammar , Xing Xu
Published: May 2024

The main objective of this study is to demonstrate the effectiveness of using Hybrid Particle Swarm Optimization (HPSO), a unique methodology, to optimize an IEEE-33 bus system for optimal placement of electric vehicles. This methodology has been specifically designed to effectively regulate voltage fluctuations while reducing power dissipation. The exploration capabilities of PSO and the exploitation capabilities of SA make HPSO a robust algorithm for a specific objective function. HPSO has shown superior performance compared to current traditional methods after careful study. Simulation results illustrate power loss reductions ranging from 1.01% to 8.21% compared to various metaheuristic methodologies. The inclusion of this approach demonstrates that combining the capabilities of PSO and SA facilitates the development of a highly efficient optimization framework by combining their stochastic search and fast convergence capabilities. This methodology not only sets innovative benchmarks for power system development, but also represents a significant paradigm shift in managing and improving durable and efficient electrical networks.
Fuzzy-based pelican optimization for battery management and energy scheduling in solar aided electric vehicle
Authors: Sharma Pankaj , Mishra Ambarisha
Published: May 2024

Electric vehicles (EVs) are considered an essential mode of transportation due to their advantages, non-polluting and noise-free characteristics. The batteries are considered the primary power source for electric vehicles, ensuring energy supply and thus improving the user experience. However, designing charging stations and uncontrolled charge scheduling are the barriers evaluated in charging stations. To solve these issues, a fuzzy-based pelican optimization algorithm (POA) is proposed in this work. Set of rules are generated in the fuzzy for optimal energy management inn charging station. POA schedules the EVs in the charging station based on arrival time and SOC to reduce the running cost. Demand in the charging station is based on the state of charge (SOC) of the EVs arriving at the charging station. Solar power with battery and ultracapacitor is used as an input source for charging stations. The energy management in the system is based on fuzzy to satisfy the load demand from PV and energy storage devices. This proposed method is implemented in the Simulink tool to evaluate the performance. This simulation result show the effectiveness of the proposed with optimal scheduling and energy management. By this method running cost are reduced compared to the existing algorithms.
Solution processed CuInS2/SnO2 heterojunction based self-powered photodetector for UV encrypted visible light communication
Authors: Sharma Harshit , Yadav Aditya , Lalita  , Rana Ankur , Kaushik Divya , Gupta Govind , Srivastava Ritu
Published: May 2024

A photodetector (PD) featuring dual-band detection capability and self-powering attributes is crucial for various applications in sensing, communication, and imaging. Here, we present a self-powered PD based on a solution-processed CuInS2/SnO2 heterojunction capable of detecting ultraviolet (UV) and visible light spectra. The CuInS2 layer was composed of ∼2 nm-sized quantum dots (QDs) synthesized using the hot injection method, while the SnO2 layer was fabricated using a straightforward sol-gel technique. This self-powered PD displayed a significant spectral response across both UV (355 nm) and visible light (532 nm) ranges, all accomplished without the need for external bias. The PD demonstrates rapid detection, with rise and decay times of 125 ms and 156ms for visible light and 85 ms and 200 ms for UV light, respectively, at a power level of 15 mW. The PD achieved responsivity values of 10.66 μA/W and 34.56 μA/W for visible and UV light, respectively. The impressive capability for dual-band detection in both ultraviolet (UV) and visible light showcases the practical feasibility and utility of this device for self-powered photodetection and deciphering UV-encrypted visible light communication. Moreover, its straightforward solution-based processing attribute renders it valuable for the mass production of devices and technology.
Association of ischemic placental disease in a Southern California Birth Cohort and PM2.5 chemical species and oxidative potential markers
Authors: Liu Jonathan , Meng Qi , Shen Jiaqi , del Rosario Irish , Lakey Pascale S J , Shiraiwa Manabu , Paulson Suzanne E , Weichenthal Scott , Zhu Yifang , Oroumiyeh Farzan , Janzen Carla , Devaskar Sherin U , Jerrett Michael , Ritz Beate
Published: May 2024

Road traffic is a significant source of particulate matter pollution, whose exposure is a significant risk factor in pregnancy-related health outcomes. The exact mechanisms behind the relationship between traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) exposure and adverse pregnancy outcomes remain unclear. We aim to assess the relationship between exposure to brake and tire wear-associated metals and oxidative potential and ischemic placental disease (IPD). Data were assembled from a final population of 178 women who sought specialized prenatal care at UCLA between 2016 and 2019 in Los Angeles, CA. Modeled first trimester exposures to chemical constituents and oxidative stress potential of PM2.5, black carbon, and PM2.5 mass concentration. Speciated measurements included tracers of brake wear (barium), tire wear (zinc), and oxidative potential markers based on metal concentrations (KM-SUB-ELF ROS) or laboratory assays (DTT loss, OH radical formation). Exposures were modeled by integrating data from filter samples, a low-cost PM2.5 sensor network, and land-use data. We used logistic regression to estimate the associations between air pollution exposures and IPD, adjusting for covariates assessed through medical records and interviews. Scaled to the interquartile range, odds ratios (95% CI) were as follows: barium OR: 1.7 (1.1, 2.7), zinc OR: 1.4 (.86, 2.4), and oxidative potential markers, both modeled as well as measured through DTT loss and OH formation assays (ORs ranging from 1.1-2.0). Point estimates of effect sizes for PM2.5 and black carbon were lower than most measurements (ORs: 1.3-1.4). mass and black carbon. Our findings suggest two key points: (i) metals associated with brake and tire wear, currently unregulated, may play a role in the relationship between TRAP and adverse pregnancy outcomes, and (ii) reducing tailpipe emissions may not be sufficient to protect pregnant women from TRAP.
The positive-definite completion problem
Authors: Waghmare Kartik , Panaretos Victor
Published: May 2024

We study the positive-definite completion problem for kernels on a variety of domains and prove results concerning the existence, uniqueness, and characterization of solutions. In particular, we study a special solution called the canonical completion which is the reproducing kernel analogue of the determinant-maximizing completion known to exist for matrices. We establish several results concerning its existence and uniqueness, which include algebraic and variational characterizations. Notably, we prove the existence of a canonical completion for domains which are equivalent to the band containing the diagonal. This corresponds to the existence of a canonical extension in the context of the classical extension problem of positive-definite functions, which can be understood as the solution to an abstract Cauchy problem in a certain reproducing kernel Hilbert space.
Strong blocking sets and minimal codes from expander graphs
Authors: Alon Noga , Bishnoi Anurag , Das Shagnik , Neri Alessandro
Published: May 2024

A strong blocking set in a finite projective space is a set of points that intersects each hyperplane in a spanning set. We provide a new graph theoretic construction of such sets: combining constant-degree expanders with asymptotically good codes, we explicitly construct strong blocking sets in the

(
k
−
1
)

(k-1)

-dimensional projective space over

F

q

\mathbb {F}_q

that have size at most

c
q
k

c q k

for some universal constant

c
c

. Since strong blocking sets have recently been shown to be equivalent to minimal linear codes, our construction gives the first explicit construction of

F

q

\mathbb {F}_q

-linear minimal codes of length

n
n

and dimension

k
k

, for every prime power

q
q

, for which

n
≤
c
q
k

n \leq c q k

. This solves one of the main open problems on minimal codes.
Canonical surgeries in rotationally invariant Ricci flow
Authors: Buttsworth Timothy , Hallgren Maximilien , Zhang Yongjia
Published: May 2024

We construct a rotationally invariant Ricci flow through surgery starting at any closed rotationally invariant Riemannian manifold. We demonstrate that a sequence of such Ricci flows with surgery converges to a Ricci flow spacetime in the sense of Kleiner and Lott [Acta Math. 219 (2017), pp. 65–134]. Results of Bamler-Kleiner [Acta Math. 228 (2022), pp. 1–215] and Haslhofer [Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 150 (2022), pp. 5433–5437] then guarantee the uniqueness and stability of these spacetimes given initial data. We simplify aspects of this proof in our setting, and show that for rotationally invariant Ricci flows, the closeness of spacetimes can be measured by equivariant comparison maps. Finally we show that the blowup rate of the curvature near a singular time for these Ricci flows is bounded by the inverse of remaining time squared.
Introduction
Authors: Majumdar Satya N , Schehr Grégory
Published: May 2024

We provide a pedagogical introduction to the field of extreme value statistics and its applications, ranging from time series in climate and finance all the way to disordered systems such as a directed polymer in a random medium or spin-glasses. The approach of the rest of the book, in terms of two basic models (IID and random walk sequences), is detailed at the end of this chapter.
First-Passage Probability
Authors: Majumdar Satya N , Schehr Grégory
Published: May 2024

We discuss in detail the first-passage probability and its connection to extreme value statistics for the two examples of random sequences, namely IID and random walk.
Time of the Maximum and the Minimum
Authors: Majumdar Satya N , Schehr Grégory
Published: May 2024

We discuss the distributions of the times at which a maximum or a minimum occurs in a random sequence of fixed size. We also discuss the joint distribution of the times of the occurrences of the maximum and the minimum. Again, we discuss in detail the two basic models, namely IID and random walk sequences.
The Canon of “Constitutional Unamendability” and “Basic Structure Doctrine” in Global Constitutional Studies
Authors: Lin Chien-Chih , Chang Wen-Chen
Published: May 2024

Recent years have witnessed a rising canon of “constitutional unamendability” and “basic structure doctrine.” In contrast with this trend, Coleman v. Miller before the United States Supreme Court stands as a countering canonical authority. This chapter is aimed at exploring (1) the particular ways in which the canon of “constitutional unamendability” has been constructed; (2) why it has been constructed in reflecting certain contextual dynamics; and (3) in what particular ways the countering canonical authority has or has not effectively competed and why. More importantly, this chapter advances the idea of constitutional relativity by elaborating the relativity between constituent power and constituted power, between constitutional revolution and constitutional transformation, and between a brand new constitution and constitutional amendments. Current scholarship on unconstitutional constitutional amendment does not pay sufficient attention to constitutional relativity, which is particularly evident in nascent democracies in Asia. Because of this relativity, we suggest that the strategy to invoke constitutional unamendability to combat democratic decay may not be as effective as some advocates may think.
Global Proportionality Canons from Latin America
Authors: Giménez Francisca Pou
Published: May 2024

Global descriptions of proportionality as a methodology, and the rulings that are flagged up to illustrate its operation, are regularly extracted from a handful of countries—North-Atlantic democracies and Global South jurisdictions whose rulings are available in English. This leaves in the shadow important dimensions of the practice, and supports contentions about global traits that are not always exact. This chapter discusses questions to be considered when thinking about enriching the global canon on proportionality with contributions from Latin America. It provides information about regional traits, including the distinctive status of Colombian constitutional doctrines and the existence of minority paradigms that are representative of alternative traditions. Afterwards, it identifies a set of rulings that should enter the global proportionality canon on different grounds: methodologic expansion, functional expansion, and thematic expansion. These rulings provide examples of proportionality being used to enforce social rights, combat state’s omissions, evaluate state’s insufficient or regressive action, or assess the measures taken in a process of transitional justice. A ruling that anticanonically uses proportionality to weaken the normative import of social rights is also identified and discussed.
Gender Discrimination and Canons for Constitutional Review
Authors: Shin Yoon Jin
Published: May 2024

Several important doctrinal developments in the last few decades of gender equality jurisprudence deserve evaluations for their canonical features and implications from global constitutional perspectives. First, the doctrine of indirect discrimination has been established in a wide range of jurisdictions as canonical, enabling adjudicators in constitutional reasoning to see beyond the formality of law and deliberate on socially structured inequalities and the real-life conditions of women and other minorities. Second, a notable mode of interpretation by the Constitutional Court of Korea is suggested as a possible candidate for a canonical approach in construing normative relations between tradition and gender equality. The Court’s Household Head System decision provides a constitutional interpretation that subjects a patriarchal culture and tradition in society, which has long been codified into family law, to strict constitutional demands of gender equality and individual dignity. Lastly, a globally-known review standard that the Supreme Court of the United States has adopted for gender discrimination cases—intermediate scrutiny—is examined, and the discussion reveals the standard’s inadequacy for serving as a global canon, in contrast with proportionality review. The first two developments illuminate how constitutional review can bring to light for re-examination ‘conventionally normalized’ wrongfulness imposed on historically disadvantaged groups and individuals, and how it provides them with a venue to pursue self-emancipatory projects for achieving substantive equality. The last case indicates that a global canon requires transnational applicability, not only on account of its substantive merits but also for its workability within a common grammar that enables principled contextualization.
The Unsettled Canon of Social Rights Enforcement in Latin America
Authors: Landau David
Published: May 2024

This chapter describes the emerging, unsettled canon (and anticanon) of judicial decisions enforcing social rights in Latin America. Latin America is a region with a long history of including constitutional socioeconomic rights for over a century, but the promise of these rights remains largely unfulfilled. The focus of this chapter is on the burning need for effective remedies for social rights violations, and it focuses on that scholarly and judicial conversation. The chapter identifies T-025 of 2004, the famous Colombian Constitutional Court decision issuing a structural remedy for internally displaced persons, as a key part of the emerging canon. T-025 illustrates the burning need for creative, aggressive remedies for widespread social rights violations, and whether its implicit call for experimentation too often has gone unanswered. It identifies the Brazilian Gonçalvez Cordeiro case (1997) as part of an emerging anticanon—an influential early example of a national and regional approach that enforces the individual right to health mechanically, while allegedly ignoring broader fiscal and scientific consequences, or systemic impact. In the end, identifying the emerging outlines of a canon on Latin American social rights enforcement helps us to think more deeply about the conditions under which courts can wield rights to catalyze social change, as well as the limits of a judge-centered strategy.
The Due Process Canon
Authors: Ginsburg Tom
Published: May 2024

“Due process of law” is a term originating in the common law of England that has become central to administrative, constitutional, and supranational public law. This chapter considers three canonical due process cases along with one anticanonical case, to show that due process-type ideas are central to legal thinking, especially when an individual’s interests are to be limited by governmental power. The cases include the U.S. Supreme Court case of Mathews v. Eldridge as well as the anticanonical Locher decision; the Kadi case at the European Court of Justice; and the Neer case before the US–Mexican Claims Commission., which involved the minimum standard of treatment for foreigners. Due process ideas weave throughout these cases, each advancing the principle in its own sphere.
Drawing Their Own Boundaries
Authors: O’Regan Catherine
Published: May 2024

This chapter examines three seminal constitutional decisions from three different jurisdictions, Australia, India, and South Africa. Although the cases are different in many respects, they share some distinctive features: each case affects the courts’ own jurisdiction in a material fashion; in each case, the decision was not unanimous, but included powerful dissenting judgments; in each case, arguably, the dissenting judgment(s) would have followed existing precedent or adopted a less innovative interpretation of the constitutional text; and, in each case, the decision of the majority has proved durable. The cases thus illustrate that the recognized techniques of constitutional interpretation, outlined in the first part of the chapter, often cannot predict outcomes in cases, for in each of the three cases there are cogent dissents which would have decided the cases differently. In each case, both the majority and the dissent illustrate how courts grapple with the different values that Joseph Raz has argued underpin constitutional interpretation: fidelity to text and precedent and the need to develop the law equitably and responsively. In each case, the majority opts for an equitable development of the law, where the dissent would have followed existing precedent or a more textually based approach to interpretation. Yet the cases also illustrate how innovative reasoning in adjudication may nevertheless bring some certainty to the law. For each of the cases resulted in a set of reasonably durable principles applied in accordance with precedent in subsequent cases.
The City as an Anti-Canonical Concept in Constitutional Law (and Recent Attempts to Change That)
Authors: Hirschl Ran
Published: May 2024

In spite of the ever-accelerating urbanization worldwide, the city is seldom discussed in mainstream constitutional thought and constitutional law. In that conventional epistemological consensus, cities, home to the majority of mankind, ubiquitous and crucial to every aspect of twenty-first-century society, culture, economics, and politics, are virtually absent. In this chapter, the main reasons for that glaring blind spot are considered, and then three notable attempts to break away from this blind spot by inserting the city, and the urban condition more generally, into mainstream constitutional discourse are explored: (i) Henri Lefebvre’s intriguing yet abstract “right to the city” and its difficult operationalization in so-called “human rights cities”; (ii) the constitutionalization of city status in South Africa’s constitution (1996)—the most successful attempt to date to grant constitutional status to cities; and (iii) the constitutional transformation of Mexico City (2017) from a federal district to an autonomous state through a large-scale exercise of constitutional crowdsourcing. While novel experimentation in constitutionalizing city status has taken place in a few other settings and contexts, these three examples represent some of the most significant attempts to date to introduce cities into mainstream constitutional discourse. That these novel and daring changes remain largely overlooked by (and indeed mostly unknown to) mainstream constitutional thought attests to the intellectual path dependence and embedded statist outlook that characterizes much of that enterprise’s unofficial canon.
Enhancing recruitment of individuals living with frailty, multimorbidity and cognitive impairment to Parkinson’s research: experiences from the PRIME-UK cross-sectional study
Authors: Tenison Emma , Smith Matthew D , Pendry-Brazier Danielle , Cullen Anisha , Lithander Fiona E , Ben-Shlomo Yoav , Henderson Emily J
Published: May 2024

Background and objectives

People with parkinsonism who are older, living in a care home, with frailty, multimorbidity or impaired capacity to consent are under-represented in research, limiting its generalisability. We aimed to evaluate more inclusive recruitment strategies.

Methods

From one UK centre, we invited people with parkinsonism to participate in a cross-sectional study. Postal invitations were followed by telephone reminders and additional support to facilitate participation. Personal consultees provided information on the views regarding research participation of adults with impaired capacity. These approaches were evaluated: (i) using external data from the Parkinson’s Real World Impact assesSMent (PRISM) study and Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), a sample of all cases in UK primary care, and (ii) comparing those recruited with or without intensive engagement.

Results

We approached 1,032 eligible patients, of whom 542 (53%) consented and 477 (46%) returned questionnaires. The gender ratio in PRIME-UK (65% male) closely matched CPRD (61% male), unlike in the PRISM sample (46%). Mean age of PRIME participants was 75.9 (SD 8.5) years, compared to 75.3 (9.5) and 65.4 (8.9) years for CPRD and PRISM, respectively. More intensive engagement enhanced recruitment of women (13.3%; 95% CI 3.8, 22.9%; P = 0.005), care home residents (6.2%; 1.1, 11.2%; P = 0.004), patients diagnosed with atypical parkinsonism (13.7%; 5.4, 19.9%; P < 0.001), and those with a higher frailty score (mean score 0.2, 0.1, 0.2; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

These recruitment strategies resulted in a less biased and more representative sample, with greater inclusion of older people with more complex parkinsonism.