bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
He II line intensity measurements in the JET tokamak
Authors: Lawson K D , Coffey I H , Groth M , Meigs A G , Menmuir S , Thomas B ,   JET Contributors
Published: August 2024

An understanding of the behaviour of the D or He fuel used in tokamak discharges is essential in analyses such as modelling edge and divertor transport and the erosion of the vessel walls. However, poor agreement is found between measurements made on the JET tokamak and collisional-radiative models used to predict the hydrogen-like D and He line intensities. The range of temperatures of the plasmas emitting the radiation is also limited, in contrast to that for many impurities for which a wide range is possible. This is particularly so for He II whose line intensities tend to have the same near-constant ratios in most pulses, suggesting that the emission originates in plasma regions with very similar electron temperatures. To gain understanding and to allow quantitative comparisons with theoretical models, extensive observations of the VUV Lyman series have been made, for all discharge scenarios run during three He campaigns. Those for He discharges in both JET ITER-like wall (JET-ILW) and JET C (JET-C) campaigns are presented here. He discharges have the advantage of fewer impurities resulting in less complex spectra than when D is used as the fuel. However, the characteristics of the observed discrepancies are similar in both species, allowing He to be used as a proxy for D in order to gain understanding of the discrepancy. In addition, the study of He avoids the complication of molecular species contributing to the level populations. Opacity effects are also expected to be less severe in He discharges. Nevertheless, so as to ensure that the measurements are not unduly affected by opacity, comparisons have also been made with emission from Balmer and Paschen series members. Measurements of both line intensities and their ratios are presented for all-pulse surveys and for individual pulses. In exceptional cases in which the He emission is intense a dependence on the He II line intensity is demonstrated. The discrepancy between these measurements and the theoretical models is illustrated.
Ground experimental study of the electron density of plasma sheath reduced by pulsed discharge
Authors: Luo Cheng , Zhang Jia , Liu Yanming , Wei Qiang , Dang Mengjia , Ba Yongshan , Gao Jingru , Li Yuxin
Published: August 2024

A plasma sheath will be generated around the hypersonic vehicle during reentry, where a large number of electrons will significantly affect the propagation of EM waves, resulting in the phenomenon of communication blackout. This paper proposes a method of reducing the electron density of reentry vehicle plasma sheath by pulsed discharge. Experiments were conducted in a high-speed plasma wind tunnel to study the effects and scope of pulsed discharge on the plasma sheath electron density using an ultrahigh-speed camera and microwave diagnostic system. The experimental results show that the application of pulsed discharge resulted in the formation of a light intensity attenuation region measuring 14 × 19 × 4 cm around the discharge area, with an attenuation degree ranging from 30% to 58%. The microwave diagnostic results indicate that after the actuator discharge, the electron density of the plasma sheath within a 4 cm height above the vehicle wall is significantly reduced compared to before the actuator discharge, with a maximum reduction of approximately 86%. These results demonstrate that this method has significant effects on reducing plasma sheath electron density. Furthermore, the low power consumption, load, and space requirements suggest that it has potential for practical applications.
Aggregate Cloud Particle Effects in Exoplanet Atmospheres
Authors: Vahidinia Sanaz , Moran Sarah E. , Marley Mark S. , Cuzzi Jeffrey N.
Published: August 2024

Aerosol opacity has emerged as a critical factor controlling transmission and emission spectra. We provide a simple guideline for the effects of aerosol morphology on opacity and residence time in the atmosphere, as it pertains to transit observations, particularly those with flat spectra due to high altitude aerosols. This framework can be used for understanding complex cloud and haze particle properties before getting into detailed microphysical modeling. We consider high altitude aerosols to be composed of large fluffy particles that can have large residence times in the atmosphere and influence the deposition of stellar flux and/or the emergence of thermal emission in a different way than compact droplet particles, as generally modeled to date for extrasolar planetary atmospheres. We demonstrate the important influence of aggregate particle porosity and composition on the extent of the wavelength independent regime. We also consider how such fluffy particles reach such high altitudes and conclude that the most likely scenario is their local production at high altitudes via UV bombardment and subsequent blanketing of the atmosphere, rather than some mechanism of lofting or transport from the lower atmosphere.
Tighter uncertainty relations based on Wigner–Yanase skew information for N quantum channels
Authors: Zhang Quan , Zheng Xu , Guo Qiong
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we build some uncertainty relations for arbitrary N quantum channels based on the Wigner–Yanase skew information. It is shown that our lower bounds are stronger than the ones proposed by Zhang et al (2021 Phys. Lett. A 387 127029; 2021 Laser Phys. Lett.
18 095204) respectively in all intervals. In particular, we derive several uncertainty relations for N unitary channels. Moreover, we establish several descending sequences of lower bounds for the uncertainty relations of N quantum channels. Detailed examples are provided.
Pairing correlation of the kagome-lattice Hubbard model with the nearest-neighbor interaction
Authors: Yang 杨 Chen 晨 , Chen 陈 Chao 超 , Ma 马 Runyu 润宇 , Liang 梁 Ying 颖 , Ma 马 Tianxing 天星
Published: August 2024

A recently discovered family of kagome lattice materials, AV3Sb5 (A = K,Rb,Cs), has attracted great interest, especially in the debate over their dominant superconducting pairing symmetry. To explore this issue, we study the superconducting pairing behavior within the kagome-lattice Hubbard model through the constrained path Monte Carlo method. It is found that doping around the Dirac point generates a dominant next-nearest-neighbor-d pairing symmetry driven by on-site Coulomb interaction U. However, when considering the nearest-neighbor interaction V, it may induce nearest-neighbor-p pairing to become the preferred pairing symmetry. Our results provide useful information to identify the dominant superconducting pairing symmetry in the AV3Sb5 family.
Generation of broadband polarization-orthogonal photon pairs via the dispersion-engineered thin-film lithium niobate waveguide
Authors: Zhang 张 Ji-Ning 继宁 , Zhang 张 Tong-Yu 同宇 , Duan 端 Jia-Chen 家晨 , Gong 龚 Yan-Xiao 彦晓 , Zhu 祝 Shi-Ning 世宁
Published: August 2024

Broadband photon pairs are highly desirable for quantum metrology, quantum sensing, and quantum communication. Such sources are usually designed through type-0 phase-matching spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) that makes the photon pairs hard to separate in the frequency-degenerate case and thus limits their applications. In this paper, we design a broadband frequency-degenerate telecom-band photon pair source via the type-II SPDC in a dispersion-engineered thin-film lithium niobate waveguide, where the polarization modes of photon pairs are orthogonal and thus are easily separated deterministically. With a 5-mm-long waveguide, our design can achieve a bandwidth of 5.56 THz (44.8 nm), which is 8.6 times larger than that of the bulk lithium niobate, and the central wavelength can be flexibly adjusted. Our design is a promising approach towards high-quality integrated photon sources and may have wide applications in photonic quantum technologies.
Anisotropic regularization for inversion of fast-ion loss detector measurements
Authors: Simmendefeldt Schmidt Bo , Sauer Jørgensen Jakob , Rueda-Rueda José , Galdon-Quíroga Joaquín , García-Muñoz Manuel , Salewski Mirko ,   the ASDEX Upgrade Team
Published: August 2024

We introduce an anisotropic regularization framework for the reconstruction of distribution functions from measurements, utilizing an approach that applies distinct regularization techniques such as non-negative constrained Tikhonov, total variation, and Besov-space priors, either penalizing the one-norm or the two-norm, in each dimension to reflect the anisotropic characteristics of the multidimensional data. This method, applied to fast-ion loss detector (FILD) measurements, demonstrates a significant improvement over conventional nonnegative-constrained zeroth-order Tikhonov regularization because the prior information of the form of the distribution allows better reconstructions. The validity of the approach is corroborated through FILD measurements of prompt fast-ion losses in an ASDEX Upgrade discharge, where the reconstructed distribution function agrees well with the prompt-loss distribution predicted by ASCOT simulations. Moreover, we develop a composite quality metric, Q, that combines the mean squared error and the Jaccard index for a comprehensive evaluation of reconstruction accuracy and spatial fidelity. Finally, anisotropic regularization is applied to FILD measurements at ASDEX Upgrade to study fast-ion acceleration by edge-localized modes. The refined analysis resolves fine structure in the pitch of the accelerated ions and clearly shows that some ions are accelerated to over twice the injection energy.
The crossover from a dynamical percolation class to a directed percolation class on a two dimensional lattice
Authors: Saif M Ali
Published: August 2024

We study the crossover phenomena from the dynamical percolation class (DyP) to the directed percolation class (DP) in the model of disease spreading, susceptible-infected-refractory-susceptible (SIRS) on a two-dimensional lattice. In this model, agents of three species S, I, and R on a lattice react as follows:

S
+
I
→
I
+
I

with probability λ,

I
→
R

after infection time τ

I
and

R
→
I

after recovery time τ

R
. Depending on the value of the parameter τ

R
, the SIRS model can be reduced to the following two well-known special cases. On the one hand, when

τ
R

→
0

, the SIRS model reduces to the SIS model. On the other hand, when

τ
R

→
∞

the model reduces to the SIR model. It is known that whereas the SIS model belongs to the DP universality class, the SIR model belongs to the DyP universality class. We can deduce from the model dynamics that SIRS will behave as the SIS model for any finite values of τ

R
. The model will behave as SIR only when

τ
R

=
∞

. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we show that as long as the τ

R
is finite the SIRS belong to the DP university class. We also study the phase diagram and analyze the scaling behavior of this model along the critical line. By numerical simulations and analytical arguments, we find that the crossover from DyP to DP is described by the crossover exponent

1

/

ϕ
=
0.67
(
2
)

.
Seed coating formula made from plant-based fungicide to maintain the quality of cocoa seeds (Theobroma cacao L.)
Authors: Fitri IK , Sutrisno  , Samsudin
Published: August 2024

Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) is one of the largest commodities in Indonesia and is a very important commodity in world trade. Providing cacao seeds in the form of beans for rootstock often encounters problems, because they have a short shelf life and are easily contaminated by fungus, so they require proper handling. This research aims to analyze the effect of using seed coating made with a combination of several plant-based fungicides on the quality of cacao seeds. Forastero cacao beans with an average moisture content above 30% were used as research material. Seed coating solution made from pectin, with a combination of 3% and 5% each of citronella oil, clove oil, and nutmeg oil. Seed coating was applied using the dipping method once for five minutes. The research results showed that the combination of pectin and plant-based fungicides affected maintaining the quality of cacao seeds, i.e., minimizing contaminants, moisture content losses, seeds germinating at storage, rotted seeds at storage, and germination rate. From all six seed coating solutions investigated, seed coating with a combination of pectin and 5% nutmeg oil is the best one to maintain the quality of cacao seeds.
Performance and Economic Evaluation of Rice Combine Harvester in the Innovation Village of Subang, West Java, Indonesia
Authors: Desrial  , Fauzan I D , Wiyono S
Published: August 2024

Traditional rice harvesting in Indonesia involves manual techniques with significant grain loss. This study assesses the performance and economic viability of a rice harvester, comparing it to manual methods in Subang Innovation Village. The research examines various parameters, including performance indicators (effective field capacity, theoretical field capacity, field efficiency, and harvesting losses) and economic indicators (harvesting costs). Results show that manual cutting yields an average effective field capacity of 0.021 ha/hour/person and a field efficiency of 82.5%, while combine harvester-assisted cutting achieves 0.504 ha/hour with a field efficiency of 82.2%. Combine harvesters significantly reduce losses to 0.07%, and the associated cost drops from 3,531,577 Rp/ha for manual harvesting to 1,857,143 Rp/ha with combine harvesters.
Heat Transfer Analysis of Double Pipe Condenser on the Liquid Smoke Production of Cocoa Pod Husk Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Sucahyo L , Ihsan F H , Yulianto M , Samsudin  , Supriyanto
Published: August 2024

Cocoa pod husk (CPH) is the waste material generated during cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) production after removing the beans from the fruit. One utilization of CPH is pyrolysis, which produces charcoal and liquid smoke. The condensation process of liquid smoke occurs in the double pipe condenser. The parameter of temperature is very influential on the yield of liquid smoke production. This study aims to conduct heat transfer analysis on a double pipe heat exchanger as a condenser with CPH material using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Pyrolysis was carried out with three variations of CPH mass 250, 500, and 1000 gr. The condenser uses counter water flow as a coolant at an input temperature of 25.22-25.54 °C and a debit rate of 2.43 L/h. The experimental results showed the temperature of the pyrolysis reactor ranged from 732.97-822.01 °C, the smoke 72.15-94.06 °C, the liquid smoke 27.91-30.95 °C and the water outlet 29.13-32.84 °C. The yield of charcoal produced is 34.05-41.21%, and the yield of liquid smoke is 21.32-30.85%. Simulation with CFD shows that the temperature distribution in the condenser was close to the actual conditions at an error value of 16.20%. The total heat transfer of the liquid smoke condensation process in the condenser for a mass of 250, 500, and 1000 gr, respectively, were 4.971, 7.95, and 11.863 watts. The best quality results of liquid smoke were obtained at pyrolysis treatment of 250 gr with a pH value of 3.84, total acid 2,04%, phenol value of 0,16%, density 995.55 g/L, and yellow to brown colour.
Prediction of the purity of stingless bee honey using fluorescence-based UV-visible spectrum data with a generative model approach
Authors: Maulana Hata , Purwanto Yohanes Aris , Wijaya Sony Hartono , Sukoco Heru , Suhandy Diding
Published: August 2024

The stingless bee has limitations in producing honey, the price of the honeycomb is relatively more expensive, and the characteristic of honey is that it has a high water content, which affects the short shelf life. According to information obtained from cultivators in several different locations, managing this type of honey also has a number of challenges. Starting from weather factors that influence food/vegetation conditions, limited markets, and to predators that are always lurking. From these several things, the opportunity for the presence of innovation on the downstream side could help significantly in meeting the need for stingless honey products whose purity is maintained. Several studies in the field of spectroscopy show that some of the algorithms used are discriminant model approaches. One of the problems of using discriminant models that is observed in this research is the overlapping data distribution, high outliers, and the accuracy and performance values of the model can still be improved. A generative model approach with Expectation Maximization (EM) algorithm for this research shows the results of increasing the accuracy value from 89% to 94%, and the model performance shows from 2.8 seconds to 0.5 seconds.
Fluid-structure interaction modeling of dry wire drawing by coupling OpenFOAM models of lubricant film and metal wire
Authors: Vervaecke M , Fauconnier D , Degroote J
Published: August 2024

A steady 2D axisymmetric fluid-structure interaction model of dry wire drawing is developed to numerically investigate the interaction between the thin lubricant film and the plastically deforming steel wire. To reduce the computational cost, a layering technique is implemented in the axially moving structure. Additionally, a no-slip condition, imposed on the implemented sliding fluid-structure interaction interface, captures accurately the physics during the plastic deformation of the wire. An Arbitrary-Langrangian-Eulerian cell-centred finite volume solution methodology using pimpleFoam has been adopted to model the fluid, while a Lagrangian cell-centred finite volume solution methodology in foam-Extend executes the structural calculations. Moreover, the Python-based in-house FSI coupling code CoCoNuT performs the coupling of the flow solver and the structural solver by using the quasi- Newton IQN-ILS technique. The stresses with corresponding displacements are shown on the structure side. On the fluid side, the focus is on the behaviour of the loads of the lubricant. Additionally, the evolution of the fluid film thickness and the lubricant flow field are validated in terms of Couette and Poiseuille flow. Finally, the presented multi-physical problem shows a converged solution with a good performance of the IQN-ILS solver.
Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances removal in water and wastewater treatment plants: overall efficiency and performance of adsorption
Authors: Peng Yaru , Hu Wei , Niu Xi-Zhi
Published: August 2024

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in aqueous environment attracted prodigious attention due to the deleterious effects and environmental persistence. Many studies suggested that adsorption is an economical and efficient method to remove PFAS and a variety of adsorbents were developed. However, few adsorbents were conveniently applicable in real wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) or drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs). This review discusses the gap between laboratory results of PFAS removal by adsorbents and the realistic efficiency in water treatment. First, the overall performance of PFAS removal by conventional WWTPs and DWTPs was discussed. Second, PFAS removal efficiencies by different units along the treatment trains of DWTPs were compared and summarized. Third, benchtop results for the efficiency of different adsorbents including activated carbon, ion exchange resin, minerals, and metal–organic frameworks were reviewed. These studies collectively concluded that dissolved organic matter in water is the most consequential component influencing the absorptive removal of PFAS; PFAS removal efficacy was discounted in water enriched in organic matter due to competitive absorption. To obtain application implications, research on novel adsorbents of high selectivity is suggested to couple with realistic demonstration. As the battle with ‘forever chemicals’ escalates, this is a timely and insightful review to help future research efforts bridge the gaps between laboratory performance and realistic removal of PFAS applying adsorbents.
Collaborative Governance of the EU Digital Single Market Established by the Digital Services Act
Authors: Schneider Jens-Peter , Siegrist Kester , Oles Simon
Published: August 2024

This chapter focuses on decision-making procedures implementing EU policies for the Digital Single Market, specifically addressing the gatekeeper function of very large online platforms (VLOPs) and very large online search engines (VLOSEs). It explores the evolution of EU legislation, particularly the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the Digital Services Act (DSA), to regulate the private governance of significant portions of the digital economy. The chapter analyses the collaborative governance approach, incorporating due diligence obligations and accountability structures for these platforms, and examines the impact on public values such as democracy and free speech. Additionally, it highlights knowledge gaps and epistemic uncertainties related to the economic and societal impacts of the expanding digital economy, emphasizing the need for effective sector-specific regulation and coordination among competent authorities.
Intervention in Private Life
Authors: Vale Gina
Published: August 2024

This chapter shifts focus to Islamic State’s (IS) increasing intervention in civilians’ private lives. Through its directives on family relations, marriage rites, and even raising children, IS sought to instil its values into the hearts and households of its governed populations. The dissolution of boundaries between the private home space and the public sphere was neither universally experienced nor welcomed, prompting the need for a more complex understanding of ‘private’ acts and their significance for those differentially located in relation to axes of power. For some women, physical seclusion within the private home space offered a ‘safe haven’ from public scrutiny, discrimination, and violence. For others, particularly Yazidi captives, the domestic sphere constituted an unregulated space of victimization, wherein private violations—some perpetrated by pro-IS women—served an ideo-political purpose. In this context, women’s resilience and acts of private resistance take on public, political significance.
Plastome evolution in Santalales involves relaxed selection prior to loss of ndh genes and major boundary shifts of the inverted repeat
Authors: Edlund Maja , Anderson Benjamin M , Su Huei-Jiun , Robison Tanner , Caraballo-Ortiz Marcos A , Der Joshua P , Nickrent Daniel L , Petersen Gitte
Published: August 2024

Background and Aims

Biological aspects of haustorial parasitism have significant effects on the configuration of the plastid genome. Approximately half the diversity of haustorial parasites belongs to the order Santalales, where a clearer picture of plastome evolution in relation to parasitism is starting to emerge. However, in previous studies of plastome evolution there is still a notable under-representation of members from non-parasitic and deep-branching hemiparasitic lineages, limiting evolutionary inference around the time of transition to a parasitic lifestyle. To expand taxon sampling relevant to this transition we therefore targeted three families of non-parasites (Erythropalaceae, Strombosiaceae and Coulaceae), two families of root-feeding hemiparasites (Ximeniaceae and Olacaceae) and two families of uncertain parasitic status (Aptandraceae and Octoknemaceae). With data from these lineages we aimed to explore plastome evolution in relation to the evolution of parasitism.

Methods

From 29 new samples we sequenced and annotated plastomes and the nuclear ribosomal cistron. We examined phylogenetic patterns, plastome evolution, and patterns of relaxed or intensified selection in plastid genes. Available transcriptome data were analysed to investigate potential transfer of infA to the nuclear genome.

Results

Phylogenetic relationships indicate a single functional loss of all plastid ndh genes (ndhA–K) in a clade formed by confirmed parasites and Aptandraceae, and the loss coincides with major size and boundary shifts of the inverted repeat (IR) region. Depending on an autotrophic or heterotrophic lifestyle in Aptandraceae, plastome changes are either correlated with or pre-date the evolution of parasitism. Phylogenetic patterns also indicate repeated loss of infA from the plastome, and based on the presence of transcribed sequences with presequences corresponding to thylakoid luminal transit peptides, we infer that the genes were transferred to the nuclear genome.

Conclusions

Except for the loss of the ndh complex, relatively few genes have been lost from the plastome in deep-branching root parasites in Santalales. Prior to loss of the ndh genes, they show signs of relaxed selection indicative of their dispensability. To firmly establish a potential correlation between ndh gene loss, plastome instability and evolution of parasitism, it is pertinent to refute or confirm a parasitic lifestyle in all Santalales clades.
Community as Gesamtkunstwerk: Dick Ket’s Self-Portraiture and the Debt of Epic Film
Authors: Lebas Huber Stephanie
Published: August 2024

This essay posits that Weimar-era film sets—in their evocation of Richard Wagner’s concept of the Gesamtkunstwerk—served as a previously unseen visual source for painters that in some cases pushed back against interwar aesthetics of power. Focusing on the Dutch figurative painter Dick Ket, it investigates the ways in which this artist’s self-portraits from 1930–1940 acted as a memory index of his experience of the mises-en-scènes in Fritz Lang’s 1924 epic two-part film Die Nibelungs through Langian devices such as heavy geometric patterning, leitmotifs and subjugation of the human figure to the set. Ket’s work evinces the artist’s own sensation of confinement in his parents’ home as a result of a terminal heart condition while also reckoning with Adolf Hitler’s extremist rhetoric and expansionist policies in the years that preceded the German Occupation of the Netherlands.
653 An Audit of the Cancer Diagnosis Timeline Utilising a Telephone Triage System in the Two Week Wait (2WW) Head & Neck (H&N) ENT Clinic
Authors: Mandal P , Dranova S , Rajmohan S , Molena E
Published: August 2024

Aim

There is increasing focus on re-designing 2WW clinic pathways to improve their efficiency – aiming to diagnose cancer within 28 days and deliver treatment within 62 days. Our audit assessed if implementing a telephone triage system via a H&N Clinical Nurse Specialist could achieve this in the H&N 2WW Clinics.

Method

Following local audit approval, H&N 2WW referrals to the ENT department were reviewed – 2 months data prior to telephone triaging, and 2 months data utilising telephone triage as an adjunct to clinic. Patient demographics, primary referral symptom, diagnosis, timeline of consultations, and treatment were recorded using clinic letters, electronic records, and MDT outcomes.

Results

273 patients were analysed; identification of 12 cancer patients from before telephone triage dataset and 14 cancer patients from the after dataset (non-H&N cancers, patients from other hospitals and those under maxillofacial were excluded). Tere was no significant difference in mean time to initial consultation (p=0.1875), mean time to diagnosis (p=0.0620), or mean time till first definitive treatment (p=0.7747). Analysing telephone triage consults alone (n=7), the mean time to initial consultation was reduced (p=0.0198), but the mean time to diagnosis (p=0.3130) and first treatment (p=0.7542) were similar.

Conclusions

This audit demonstrates objective evidence that telephone triaging does not delay cancer clinics or treatment from the current standard. If patients referred to 2WW clinic are initially telephone triaged, there is potential to significantly reduce the time to initial contact and there may be greater patient acceptability in terms of patient transport, time taken off work, etc.
Estimation of divergence time and comparative plastid genomics of Orchis species (Orchidaceae)
Authors: Calevo Jacopo , Viruel Juan , Adamo Martino , Bersweden Leif , Gargiulo Roberta , Cowan Robyn S , Fay Michael F
Published: August 2024

Low-coverage sequencing in plants allows whole plastomes to be obtained that can be used to investigate phylogenetic relationships among groups. The genus Orchis (c. 20 species), is usually divided into Orchis subgenera Orchis and Masculae. These subgenera are composed of three (Anthropophorae, Italicae, and Orchis) and four (Masculae, Provinciales, Pusillae, and Robustocalcare) sections, respectively. In this study, we used genome-skimming data to assemble the plastid genomes of 11 species (15 accessions) of Orchis, representing six out of the seven sections, from which we constructed a dated phylogenetic tree. Results suggest that the divergence between the subgenera occurred c. 10.53 Mya, whereas the main separation of the sections is dated between 6.53 and 3.48 Mya. Furthermore, we found 206 (in O. anthropophora) to 230 (in O. provincialis) microsatellite regions in the assembled plastomes, which could be used to design specific primers for further population genetics and phylogenetic studies and, ultimately, inform conservation efforts. The plastome data here presented represent a new contribution to the molecular systematics of the genus, and they can be used to further explore infrageneric and infrascpecific molecular variation in Orchis.
Cognitive outcomes following unilateral magnetic resonance–guided focused ultrasound thalamotomy for essential tremor: findings from two cohorts
Authors: Petersen Julie , McGough Josh , Gopinath Georgia , Scantlebury Nadia , Tripathi Richa , Brandmeir Cheryl , Boshmaf Silina Z , Brandmeir Nicholas J , Sewell Isabella J , Konrad Peter E , Abrahao Agessandro , Murray Ann , Lam Benjamin , Ranjan Manish , Hamani Clement , Frey Jessica , Rohringer Camryn , McSweeney Melissa , Mahoney James J , Schwartz Michael L , Rezai Ali , Lipsman Nir , Scarisbrick David M , Rabin Jennifer S
Published: August 2024

Magnetic resonance–guided, focused ultrasound thalamotomy is a neurosurgical treatment for refractory essential tremor. This study examined cognitive outcomes following unilateral magnetic resonance–guided, focused ultrasound thalamotomy, targeting the ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus for essential tremor. The research was conducted at two sites: Sunnybrook Research Institute in Toronto, Canada, and West Virginia University School of Medicine Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute in West Virginia, USA. The study focused on cognitive changes at both the group and individual levels. Patients with refractory essential tremor completed cognitive testing before and after magnetic resonance–guided, focused ultrasound thalamotomy at both sites. The cognitive testing assessed domains of attention, processing speed, working memory, executive function, language and learning/memory. Postoperative changes in cognition were examined using paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, as appropriate. Reliable change indices were calculated to assess clinically significant changes at the individual level. A total of 33 patients from Toronto and 22 patients from West Virginia were included. Following magnetic resonance–guided, focused ultrasound thalamotomy, there was a significant reduction in tremor severity in both cohorts. At the group level, there were no significant declines in postoperative cognitive performance in either cohort. The reliable change analyses revealed some variability at the individual level, with most patients maintaining stable performance or showing improvement. Taken together, the results from these two independent cohorts demonstrate that unilateral magnetic resonance–guided, focused ultrasound thalamotomy significantly reduces tremor severity without negatively impacting cognition at both the group and individual levels, highlighting the cognitive safety of magnetic resonance–guided focused ultrasound thalamotomy for essential tremor.
Effective incorporation of Ti atom into TS-1 zeolite assisted with oxalic acid additive
Authors: Techasarintr Piyapatch , Yin Liu , Wang Yong , Xiao Peipei , Bekhti Samya , Kondo Junko N , Yokoi Toshiyuki
Published: August 2024

The effect of introducing oxalic acid into the mother gel of TS-1 zeolite on the crystallization behavior and physiochemical properties was investigated. The addition of oxalic acid with a buffering action significantly accelerated the crystallization process of TS-1 while simultaneously inhibiting the formation of anatase. The resultant TS-1 zeolites displayed enhanced performance in catalyzing the epoxidation of 1-hexene with H2O2 as an oxidant.
Association of baseline and changes in health-related quality of life with mortality following myocardial infarction: multicentre longitudinal linked cohort study
Authors: Dondo Tatendashe B , Munyombwe Theresa , Hurdus Ben , Aktaa Suleman , Hall Marlous , Soloveva Anzhela , Nadarajah Ramesh , Haris Mohammad , West Robert M , Hall Alistair S , Gale Chris P
Published: August 2024

Background

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for patients following myocardial infarction (MI) is frequently impaired. We investigated the association of baseline and changes in HRQoL with mortality following MI.

Methods and results

Nationwide longitudinal study of 9474 patients admitted to 77 hospitals in England as part of the Evaluation of the Methods and Management of Acute Coronary Events study. Self-reported HRQoL was collected using EuroQol EQ-5D-3L during hospitalization and at 1, 6, and 12 months following discharge. The data was analysed using flexible parametric and multilevel survival models. Of 9474 individuals with MI, 2360 (25%) were women and 2135 (22.5%) died during the 9-year follow-up period. HRQoL improved over 12 months (baseline mean, mean increase: EQ-5D 0.76, 0.003 per month; EQ-VAS 69.0, 0.5 per month). At baseline, better HRQoL was inversely associated with mortality [Hazard ratio (HR) 0.55, 95% CI 0.47–0.63], and problems with self-care (HR 1.73, 1.56–1.92), mobility (1.65, 1.50–1.81), usual activities (1.34, 1.23–1.47), and pain/discomfort (1.34, 1.22–1.46) were associated with increased mortality. Deterioration in mobility, pain/discomfort, usual activities, and self-care over 12 months were associated with increased mortality (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.31–1.58; 1.21, 1.11–1.32; 1.20, 1.10–1.32; 1.44, 1.30–1.59, respectively).

Conclusion

After MI, poor HRQoL at baseline, its dimensions, and deterioration over time are associated with an increased risk of mortality. Measuring HRQoL in routine clinical practice after MI could identify at-risk groups for interventions to improve prognosis.
Sex-related differences in severe native valvular heart disease: the ESC-EORP Valvular Heart Disease II survey
Authors: Mascherbauer Julia , Kammerlander Andreas , Nitsche Christian , Bax Jeroen , Delgado Victoria , Evangelista Arturo , Laroche Cecile , Maggioni Aldo Pietro , Magne Julien , Vahanian Alec , Iung Bernard
Published: August 2024

Background and Aims

To assess sex differences in disease characteristics and treatment of patients with severe native valvular heart disease (VHD) included in the VHD II EURObservational Research Programme.

Methods

A total of 5219 patients were enrolled in 208 European and North African centres and followed for 6 months [41.2% aortic stenosis (AS), 5.3% aortic regurgitation (AR), 4.5% mitral stenosis (MS), 21.3% mitral regurgitation (MR), 2.7% isolated right-sided VHD, 24.9% multiple left-sided VHD]. Indications for intervention were considered concordant if corresponding to class I recommendations specified in the 2012 ESC or 2014 AHA/ACC VHD guidelines.

Results

Overall, women were older, more symptomatic, and presented with a higher EuroSCORE II. Bicuspid aortic valve and AR were more prevalent among men while mitral disease, concomitant tricuspid regurgitation (TR), and AS above age 65 were more prevalent among women. On multivariable regression analysis, concordance with recommended treatment was significantly poorer in women with MS and primary MR (both P < .001). Age, patient refusal, and decline of symptoms after conservative treatment were reported significantly more often as reasons to withhold the intervention in females. Concomitant tricuspid intervention was performed at a similar rate in both sexes although prevalence of significant TR was significantly higher in women. In-hospital and 6-month survival did not differ between sexes.

Conclusions

(i) Valvular heart disease subtype varied between sexes; (ii) concordance with recommended intervention for MS and primary MR was significantly lower for women; and (iii) survival of men and women was similar at 6 months.
Benefit of isolated surgical valve repair or replacement for functional tricuspid regurgitation and long-term outcomes stratified by the TRI-SCORE
Authors: Dreyfus Julien , Juarez-Casso Fernando , Sala Alessandra , Carnero-Alcazar Manuel , Eixerés-Esteve Andrea , Bohbot Yohann , Bazire Baptiste , Flagiello Michele , Riant Elisabeth , Mbaki Yannick , Tomasi Jacques , Senage Thomas , Rahmouni El Idrissi Kenza , Coisne Augustin , Eyharts Damien , Doguet Fabien , Viau Florence , Eggenspieler Florian , Heuts Samuel , Sardari Nia Peyman , Heitzinger Gregor , Galloo Xavier , Ajmone Marsan Nina , Benfari Giovanni , Badano Luigi , Muraru Denisa , Maisano Francesco , Topilsky Yan , Michelena Hector , Enriquez-Sarano Maurice , Bax Jeroen , Bartko Philipp , Selton-Suty Christine , Habib Gilbert , Lavie-Badie Yoan , Modine Thomas , Chan Vincent , Le Tourneau Thierry , Donal Erwan , Lim Pascal , Radu Costin , Bernick Jordan , Wells George A , Tribouilloy Christophe , Iung Bernard , Obadia Jean-François , De Bonis Michele , Crestanello Juan , Messika-Zeitoun David
Published: August 2024

Background and Aims

Severe tricuspid regurgitation is associated with increased mortality rates, but benefit of its correction and ideal timing are not clearly determined. This study aimed to identify patient subsets who might benefit from the surgery.

Methods

In TRIGISTRY, an international cohort study of consecutive patients with severe isolated functional tricuspid regurgitation (33 centres, 10 countries), survival rates up to 10 years were compared between patients who underwent isolated tricuspid valve surgery (repair or replacement) and those conservatively managed, overall and according to TRI-SCORE category (low: ≤3, intermediate: 4–5, and high: ≥6).

Results

One thousand and two hundred seventeen were managed conservatively, and 551 underwent isolated tricuspid valve surgery (200 repairs and 351 replacements). TRI-SCORE distribution was 33% low, 32% intermediate, and 35% high. At 10 years, survival rates were similar between surgical and conservative management [41% vs. 36%; hazard ratio (HR) .97; 95% confidence interval (CI) .88–1.08, P = .57]. Surgery improved survival compared with conservative management in the low TRI-SCORE category (72% vs. 44%; HR .27; 95% CI .20–.37, P < .0001), but not in the intermediate (36% vs. 37%; HR 1.17; 95%CI .98–1.40, P = .09) or high categories (20% vs. 24%; HR 1.06; 95% CI .91–1.25, P = .45). Both repair and replacement improved survival in the low TRI-SCORE category (84% and 61% vs. 44%; HR .11; 95% CI .06–.19, P < .0001, and HR .65; 95% CI .47–.90, P = .009). Repair showed benefit in the intermediate category (59% vs. 37%; HR .49; 95% CI .35–.68, P < .0001) while replacement was possibly harmful (25% vs. 37%; HR 1.43; 95% CI 1.18–1.72, P = .0002).

Conclusions

Higher survival rates were observed with repair than replacement and benefit of intervention declined as TRI-SCORE increased with no benefit of any type of surgery in the high TRI-SCORE category. These results emphasize the importance of timely intervention and patient selection to achieve the best outcomes and the need for randomized controlled trials.
Automated measurement of teleseismic P-, SH- and SV-wave arrival times using autoregressive prediction and the instantaneous phase of multicomponent waveforms
Authors: Stampa J , Eckel F , Keers H , Lebedev S , Meier T ,   AlpArray and SWATH-D Working Groups
Published: August 2024

A new automated algorithm for picking the arrival times of the global P-, SH- and SV-wave phases from multi-component seismic waveform data is presented. This picker is based on a sequential approach using autoregressive prediction of the filtered waveform in a sliding time window, the Akaike Information Criterion and the Hilbert transform of the original waveform. The quality of the individual picks is computed by combining signal-to-noise ratios and higher order statistics into a single measure. Synthetic tests are used to find values for high and low quality thresholds. The algorithm is applied to a global data set of waveforms from teleseismic events with magnitude 6 or higher that occurred between 1990 and 2019. This resulted in approximately 4 million P-phase arrival times as well as approximately 3 million SH- and SV-phase arrival times each. These automatic picks are compared to approximately $830\, 000$ manual P-picks as well as approximately $70\, 000$ manual S-picks from the ISC-EHB catalogue. An upper bound for the picking errors of the automatic picks is estimated by using high quality picks of neighbouring stations. This upper bound is found to be 0.55 s for the P-picks and 4.3 s for the S-picks. If only high quality picks are considered, this represents 50 per cent of the P-picks and 25 per cent of the S-picks, then these errors decrease to 0.35 s for the P-picks and 1.5 s for the S-picks, respectively. As a by-product of the picking, the dominant periods of the arriving signals are determined as well.
Model-based inference of a dual role for HOPS in regulating guard cell vacuole fusion
Authors: Hodgens Charles , Flaherty D T , Pullen Anne-Marie , Khan Imran , English Nolan J , Gillan Lydia , Rojas-Pierce Marcela , Akpa Belinda S
Published: August 2024

Guard cell movements depend, in part, on the remodelling of vacuoles from a highly fragmented state to a fused morphology during stomata opening. Indeed, full opening of plant stomata requires vacuole fusion to occur. Fusion of vacuole membranes is a highly conserved process in eukaryotes, with key roles played by two multi-subunit complexes: HOPS (homotypic fusion and vacuolar protein sorting) and SNARE (soluble NSF attachment protein receptor). HOPS is a vacuole tethering factor that is thought to chaperone SNAREs from apposing vacuole membranes into a fusion-competent complex capable of rearranging membranes. In plants, recruitment of HOPS subunits to the tonoplast has been shown to require the presence of the phosphoinositide phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate. However, chemically depleting this lipid induces vacuole fusion. To resolve this counter-intuitive observation regarding the role of HOPS in regulating plant vacuole morphology, we defined a quantitative model of vacuole fusion dynamics and used it to generate testable predictions about HOPS-SNARE interactions. We derived our model by using simulation-based inference to integrate prior knowledge about molecular interactions with limited, qualitative observations of emergent vacuole phenotypes. By constraining the model parameters to yield the emergent outcomes observed for stoma opening—as induced by two distinct chemical treatments—we predicted a dual role for HOPS and identified a stalled form of the SNARE complex that differs from phenomena reported in yeast. We predict that HOPS has contradictory actions at different points in the fusion signalling pathway, promoting the formation of SNARE complexes, but limiting their activity.
Unveiling Prasinovirus diversity and host specificity through targeted enrichment in the South China Sea
Authors: Thomy Julie , Sanchez Frederic , Prioux Camille , Yau Sheree , Xu Yangbing , Mak Julian , Sun Ruixian , Piganeau Gwenael , Yung Charmaine C M
Published: August 2024

Unicellular green picophytoplankton from the Mamiellales order are pervasive in marine ecosystems and susceptible to infections by prasinoviruses, large double-stranded DNA viruses within the Nucleocytoviricota phylum. We developed a double-stranded DNA virus enrichment and shotgun sequencing method, and successfully assembled 80 prasinovirus genomes from 43 samples in the South China Sea. Our research delivered the first direct estimation of 94% accuracy in correlating genome similarity to host range. Stirkingly, our analyses uncovered unexpected host-switching across diverse algal lineages, challenging the existing paradigms of host–virus co-speciation and revealing the dynamic nature of viral evolution. We also detected six instances of horizontal gene transfer between prasinoviruses and their hosts, including a novel alternative oxidase. Additionally, diversifying selection on a major capsid protein suggests an ongoing co-evolutionary arms race. These insights not only expand our understanding of prasinovirus genomic diversity but also highlight the intricate evolutionary mechanisms driving their ecological success and shaping broader virus–host interactions in marine environments.
Real-world treatment costs of first-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer: a survey of the JCOG colorectal cancer study group
Authors: Takashima Atsuo , Ishiguro Megumi , Sasaki Keita , Machida Ryunosuke , Nagashima Fumio , Imaizumi Jun , Hamaguchi Tetsuya , Yamamoto Yoshiyuki , Masuishi Toshiki , Asayama Masako , Ueno Hideki , Shinozaki Katsunori , Kudo Toshihiro , Machida Nozomu , Matsuoka Hiroshi , Ishida Hideyuki , Yamaguchi Toshifumi , Nogami Hitoshi , Yamada Takeshi , Takegawa Naoki , Kito Yosuke , Tonoike Yuko , Sawada Ryoichi , Tsukamoto Shunsuke , Kanemitsu Yukihide ,   Colorectal Cancer Study Group (CCSG) of the Japan Clinical Oncology Group (JCOG)
Published: August 2024

Background

Although treatment outcomes for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) have dramatically improved over the past few decades, drug costs have also significantly increased. This study aimed to investigate which first-line treatment regimens for mCRC are actually used (frequency) in Japanese practice and at what cost.

Methods

We collected data on patients with mCRC who received first-line treatment at 37 institutions of the Japan Clinical Oncology Group Colorectal Cancer Study Group from July 2021 to June 2022, and calculated the cost of regimens. The cost per month of each regimen was estimated based on standard usage, assuming a patient with a weight of 70 kg and a body surface area of 1.8 m2. We categorized the regimens into very high-cost (≥1 000 000 Japanese yen [JPY]/month), high-cost (≥500 000 JPY/month), and others (<500 000 JPY/month).

Results

The study included 1880 participants, 24% of whom were ≥ 75 years. Molecular targeted containing regimens were received by 78% of the patients. The most frequently used regimen was the doublet regimen (fluoropyrimidine with either oxaliplatin or irinotecan) plus bevacizumab (43%), followed by doublet plus cetuximab or panitumumab (21%). The cost of molecular targeted drugs-containing regimens (ranging from 85 406 to 843 602 JPY/month) is much higher than that of only cytotoxic drug regimens (ranging from 17 672 to 51 004 JPY/month). About 16% received high-cost treatments that included panitumumab-containing regimens and pembrolizumab (17% of patients aged ≤74 years and 11% of patients aged ≥75 years).

Conclusion

About 16% of mCRC patients received first-line treatment with regimens costing >500 000JPY/month, and molecular targeted drugs being the main drivers of cost.
Ceftazidime-Avibactam Treatment for Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacterales in a South African Children’s Hospital
Authors: Tootla Hafsah Deepa , Van Niekerk Saamiya , Gumede Thandolwethu , Nuttall James , Salie Shamiel , Eley Brian
Published: August 2024

This study describes ceftazidime-avibactam use in 17 young children from a resource-constrained country, where intra-abdominal infection was common. All-cause mortality was 53%. Earlier initiation, dose optimization, recording infusion times, and reviewing the need for additional antibiotics were identified as easy-to-implement-antimicrobial-stewardship interventions.