bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-orthogonal two-step annealing method for linearized magnetic tunnel junction sensors
Authors: Zhang Xinmiao , Pan Mengchun , Lei Shaoyu , Ji Minhui , Hu Yueguo , Hu Jiafei , Chen Dixiang , Peng Junping , Qiu Weicheng , Li Peisen
Published: January 2024

The orthogonal two-step annealing process is an effective strategy to linearize the response of magnetic tunnel junctions for magnetic field sensors. However, the response after the orthogonal annealing is inevitably modulated by the Neel effect from the reference layer, which results in an unexpected shift of the linear interval and a disappointing sensitivity deterioration in the weak field. Here, a non-orthogonal two-step annealing method is proposed to suppress the shift by compensating for the Neel coupling field. Experimental results show that the curve shift of junctions annealed in the non-orthogonal direction of 120° is 47.6% lower than that in the orthogonal one, with a significant sensitivity promotion in the weak field and little hysteresis increment. A simple energy minimization model is introduced to explain the results. Based on the model, the suppression of the curve shift is fulfilled with the effective field compensation for the Neel coupling field, modulated by the non-orthogonal annealing. Finally, Wheatstone bridge devices are constructed, and the bridge with non-orthogonally annealed junctions is found to have an increased sensitivity of 46.8% in the major loop along the sensing axis. Additionally, the non-orthogonal annealing method is also effective in suppressing the cross sensitivity, which is important for further application to three-axis magnetic sensors.
Complex firing activities and bifurcations in memristor-coupled Hindmarsh–Rose neuron
Authors: Gu Yujuan , Hu Fei , Zhang Xuanwei , Min Fuhong
Published: January 2024

Due to the unique synaptic plasticity and memory effect, a memristor can not only mimic biological synapses but also characterize the influence of external electromagnetic radiation. In this paper, a ReLU-type non-ideal memristor with a simple structure is first coupled to a classical three-dimensional Hindmarsh–Rose neuron to describe the electromagnetic induction effect, which can show period-doubling, period-adding, and saddle-node bifurcations by varying the coupling strength of the memristor. Furthermore, complex discharge behaviors of the system, including bursting discharge and spiking discharge, are exhibited, and some coexisting discharge modes associated with initial values are also presented. Finally, an analog circuit scheme consuming fewer circuit components is designed, and it was found that the experimental results are consistent with the numerical results.
Bayesian estimation of 3-component mixture geometric distribution under different loss functions
Authors: Akhtar Nadeem , Khan Sajjad Ahmad , Ismail Emad A. A. , Awwad Fuad A. , Gul Taza , Khan Akbar Ali
Published: January 2024

This article focuses on discrete survival data analysis, employing a doubly Type-I censoring scheme (DT1SC) under a Bayesian framework for parameters estimation in a 3-component mixture geometric (3-CMG) distribution. The non-informative (uniform) prior is utilized under squared error, DeGroot, and precautionary loss functions. The time is considered as discrete in this paper, presenting a departure from continuous approaches in survival analysis. The methodology is tailored to address challenges that traditional survival analysis encounters when faced with limited or missing information. The proposed method effectively handles the complexities arising from incomplete or missing data, providing a robust mechanism for accurate parameter estimation. Through extensive simulations and application to real-world datasets, our approach demonstrates its effectiveness in managing uncertainties, particularly in scenarios involving sparse or missing data. This work represents a noteworthy contribution to methodological advancements in survival analysis, offering a valuable tool for researchers and practitioners navigating intricate dynamics within the 3-CMG under DT1CS with time being considered as discrete.
An image enhancement method for cable tunnel inspection robot
Authors: Zhao Yang , Shang Yingqiang , Guo Tian , Wang Dawei
Published: January 2024

Influenced by multiple factors such as low light intensity, dispersed light, excessive dust, and excessive ambient noise inside cable tunnels, the images captured by cable tunnel inspection robots have shortcomings such as low contrast, low pixel values, and high noise. To improve the image quality, this paper proposes an image enhancement method suitable for cable tunnel inspection robot. First, in this paper, a bivariate hybrid optimization module using the alternating direction multiplier method and the adaptive learning rate acceleration SVRG algorithm is constructed to achieve image pre-processing. Second, a feature extraction module combining a U-Net network and a coordinate attention mechanism is constructed to extract features from the original image and the pre-processed image. Third, the progressive feature fusion module and the image recovery module are constructed to fuse the above features and are combined with the original image to obtain the enhanced image. Finally, the pixel compensation module is constructed to compensate for the features of the enhanced image and recover the lost texture details.
Double-sided visible moiré magnifier with hierarchical microstructure
Authors: Ding Tangyi , Fang Chunhao , Zheng Weiwei , Zhang Zhibo , Zhou Yun , Shen Su
Published: January 2024

Conventional moiré magnifier suffers from high manufacturing cost and poor scalability due to the stringent requirement on alignment between the microfocusing element array and micropattern array (MPA). By superposition of the microreflective element array and MPA together to form hierarchical microstructure, not only the alignment can be done during mold fabrication process, which is easily scalable and compatible to semiconductor, but also the synthetically magnified image is visible as viewed from both front and back side. The investigation of the moiré magnifier with hierarchical microstructure unveils new imaging phenomenon in moiré imaging device, and thereby offers a facile and low-cost platform to address challenges to open up a potential avenue in micro-optic involved three-dimensional display or anti-counterfeiting applications.
Optimizing the piezoresistive design on the microcantilever for enhancing stress sensing and temperature effects
Authors: Suresh Vasagiri , Burra Rajesh Kumar
Published: January 2024

This paper addresses the issue of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), hazardous materials commonly present in paints, perfumes, petroleum and oil refineries, and plastic products, which can lead to health hazards. The detection of these toxic compounds has been a compelling subject for researchers. In this study, a novel approach is presented, involving the design of a sensor for VOC determination using a piezoresistive microcantilever. Microcantilevers have gained significant attention in electrochemical applications due to their enhanced sensitivity. The research explores various design factors, such as length, thickness, and material selection, to optimize the sensor’s response. Specifically, reducing the cantilever’s thickness is considered to improve the deflection sensitivity. To enhance the sensitivity of the piezoresistive sensor, particular emphasis is placed on developing the piezoresistive sensing layer to effectively address stress-induced changes. Experimental investigations involve exploring different cantilever shapes and piezolayer configurations to achieve the desired optimized condition. Ultimately, the rectangular cantilever shape is reshaped into a U-shape, which demonstrates enhanced sensitivity, offering promising possibilities for VOC detection. This study presents valuable insights into the design and optimization of piezoresistive microcantilever sensors for efficient VOC detection, its temperature effects, and monitoring applications.
The effect of Nd content on the elemental interdiffusion mechanism of Nd–Dy–Fe–B magnets
Authors: Qin Yuan , Liu Weiqiang , Wang Zhanjia , Chen Hao , Du Ruihua , Yue Ming
Published: January 2024

In this work, the effect of Nd content on the interdiffusion mechanism of Nd/Dy elements in Nd-Dy-Fe-B magnets was elucidated by studying the differences in the magnetic properties, microstructure, and demagnetization process. As the Nd content increased, a uniform, continuous, and thicker layer of rare earth-rich (RE-rich) phase formed inside the magnets, which had a good magnetic isolation effect. During the demagnetization process, the strong ferromagnetic coupling effect between the main phase grains could be effectively weakened. At the same time, the thicker RE-rich phase layer could lead to a more obvious interdiffusion phenomenon of Nd/Dy elements, forming more (Nd, Dy)2Fe14B phases with high magnetocrystalline anisotropy fields, resulting in higher coercivity of the magnets. This paper elucidated the influence of Nd content on the interdiffusion mechanism of dual alloy Nd-Dy-Fe-B magnets, which had important significance for the preparation of high-performance Nd-Dy-Fe-B magnets.
Preparation and magnetic properties of MnFePSi-based glass-coated microwires
Authors: Salaheldeen Mohamed , Zhukova Valentina , Rosero-Romo J. J. , Ipatov Mihail , Zhukov Arcady
Published: January 2024

We prepared a Mn48Fe22P15Si15 glass-coated microwires (GCMWS) with metallic nucleus diameter, d = 11.2 μm and total diameter, D = 28.3 μm (geometrical aspect ratio d/D = 0.4) for the first time by using the Taylor–Ulitovsky Technique. This low-cost, single-step fabrication approach enabled the preparation of kilometers-long GCMWS from a few grams of low-cost components (Mn, Fe, P, and Si) for a variety of applications. The analysis of the magnetic measurements revealed a well-defined magnetic anisotropy in the whole temperature range. Moreover, relatively hard magnetic properties were observed for the temperature range of 5–400 K, where the average of coercivity, Hc ≈ 465 Oe. Notable magnetic field, H, and temperature dependencies of the magnetic properties were observed. Substantially irreversible magnetic behavior with a blocking temperatures Tb = 97 K at H = 1 kOe and Tb = 50 K at H = 5 kOe upon field cooling was observed. The modification in the magnetic properties of MnFePSi-glass-coated microwires is ascribed to the presence of various magnetic phases resulting from internal stresses induced by the glass coating. Moreover, the elevated Curie temperature (Tc > 400 K) observed in the investigated sample, makes this material as an appealing choice for several industrial applications.
Rubber ramp and spat rope did not facilitate upstream passage of a galaxiid through a perched culvert
Authors: Baker C. F. , Williams P. , Pyper N. , Franklin P. A.
Published: January 2024

Poorly installed or undersized culverts at road crossings are one of the most frequently encountered barriers to fish movements, especially for small-bodied fish species. Although replacement with more ‘fish friendly’ culvert designs is the preferred solution, at many sites remediation will be required in the short to medium term. Consequently, there is a need for effective evidence-based fish passage solutions that can be deployed at scale. This study examined the passage efficiency of juvenile īnanga (Galaxias maculatus) past a perched culvert fitted with spat ropes and a flexible rubber ramp. Only four fish (0.79%) successfully passed the ramp, and no fish successfully passed the whole culvert by the conclusion of the trial. Deployment of flexible rubber ramps to remediate fish passage at perched culverts has recently become common practice in several regions of New Zealand, despite the absence of any evidence base to support their use. This study provides a strong preliminary indication that flexible rubber ramps are an ineffective fish passage solution for remediating perched culverts for non-climbing fishes. To overcome low head-migration barriers, there are alternative evidence-based fish ramp designs, which practitioners can have considerably greater confidence in for achieving restoration goals.
A bifurcation integrates information from many noisy ion channels and allows for milli-Kelvin thermal sensitivity in the snake pit organ
Authors: Graf Isabella R. , Machta Benjamin B.
Published: January 2024

In various biological systems, information from many noisy molecular receptors must be integrated into a collective response. A striking example is the thermal imaging organ of pit vipers. Single nerve fibers in the organ reliably respond to milli-Kelvin (mK) temperature increases, a thousand times more sensitive than their molecular sensors, thermo-transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels. Here, we propose a mechanism for the integration of this molecular information. In our model, amplification arises due to proximity to a dynamical bifurcation, separating a regime with frequent and regular action potentials (APs), from a regime where APs are irregular and infrequent. Near the transition, AP frequency can have an extremely sharp dependence on temperature, naturally accounting for the thousand-fold amplification. Furthermore, close to the bifurcation, most of the information about temperature available in the TRP channels’ kinetics can be read out from the times between consecutive APs even in the presence of readout noise. A key model prediction is that the coefficient of variation in the distribution of interspike times decreases with AP frequency, and quantitative comparison with experiments indeed suggests that nerve fibers of snakes are located very close to the bifurcation. While proximity to such bifurcation points typically requires fine-tuning of parameters, we propose that having feedback act from the order parameter (AP frequency) onto the control parameter robustly maintains the system in the vicinity of the bifurcation. This robustness suggests that similar feedback mechanisms might be found in other sensory systems which also need to detect tiny signals in a varying environment.
What Ever Happened to Neem Decline in the Sahel?
Authors: Boa Eric
Published: January 2024

Neem is planted extensively in the Sahel and is a vital species in a region where harsh conditions provide limited options for planting trees. The reputation of neem as a valuable option for agroforestry was significantly damaged by reports of a steady decline of trees in Niger, first noted in 1990. Short-term studies up to 1996 quickly established that neem decline was also present in northern Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon. The decline prompted the creation of the International Neem Network and the establishment of provenance trials for genetic improvement. No evidence was found for association with a pest or pathogen and neem decline became yet another poorly understood tree disorder of abiotic origin. There is some evidence to link neem decline to a prolonged drought in the Sahel even though such events had occurred before the 1990s without any reports of any similar effects on neem. There have been no further reports of neem decline in the Sahel or elsewhere, though there is increasing evidence that trees do not thrive in single stands. Neem decline may have dented the reputation of neem yet the tree is still popular in 2023. It would be wrong to assume that neem decline will never resurface in the current climate crisis.

Information

© The Author 2024
Topological electronic states in holey graphyne
Authors: Jiang Yong-Cheng , Kariyado Toshikaze , Hu Xiao
Published: January 2024

We unveil that the holey graphyne (HGY), a two-dimensional carbon allotrope where benzene rings are connected by two −C≡C− bonds fabricated recently in a bottom-up way, exhibits topological electronic states. Using first-principles calculations and Wannier tight-binding modeling, we discover a higher-order topological invariant associated with C
2 symmetry of the material, and show that the resultant corner modes appear in nanoflakes matching to the structure of precursor reported previously, which are ready for direct experimental observations. In addition, we find that a band inversion between emergent g-like and h-like orbitals gives rise to a nontrivial topology characterized by

Z

2

invariant protected by an energy gap as large as 0.52 eV, manifesting helical edge states mimicking those in the prominent quantum spin Hall effect, which can be accessed experimentally after hydrogenation in HGY. We hope these findings trigger interests towards exploring the topological electronic states in HGY and related future electronics applications.
Tunable chiral spin–spin interactions in a spin-mechanical hybrid system: application to causal-effect simulation
Authors: Li Bo , Li Xiaoxiao , Zhao Xixiang , Zhang Yanpeng , Wang Hongxing , Li Feng
Published: January 2024

Long-range chiral interactions are very attractive due to their potential applications in quantum simulation and quantum information processing. Here we propose and analyze a novel spin-mechanical hybrid quantum device for designing and engineering chiral spin–spin interactions by integrating spin qubits into a programmable mechanical chain. After mapping the Hamiltonian of the mechanical lattice to the Su–Schrieffer–Heeger model, we find that chiral spin–phonon bound states and spin–spin coupling interactions can be achieved.
Specifically, the range and strength of chiral spin–spin couplings can be tuned in situ by the on-chip manipulation voltages. We further employ this setup to simulate the causal effects in long-range chiral-coupling systems, showing that the correlation functions propagate individually in two sublattices. These phenomena are very different from the situations in the conventional long-range coupling quantum systems without chiral symmetry.
Thermally controlled electromagnetically induced transparency metamaterial through the near-field coupling of electric and toroidal resonances
Authors: Shu Chang , Mei Jinshuo
Published: January 2024

We investigate a thermally controlled electromagnetically induced transparency terahertz metamaterial through the near-field coupling of electric and toroidal resonances. The fundamental unit consists of a composite design incorporating both metal and vanadium dioxide components aimed at inducing toroidal resonance, along with a pair of metal strips generating electric resonance. Simulation results authenticate the coupling mechanism and illustrate that the envisioned EIT phenomenon can be dynamically adjusted by temperature. In a coupled oscillator model analysis, the control over coupling strength primarily emerges from the fluctuating damping rate of the bright-mode oscillator. Moreover, the displacement of the EIT peak is linked to alterations in the inherent resonant frequency of the bright-mode oscillator. This study not only broadens the potential applications for toroidal terahertz metamaterials but also enhances the range of EIT methodologies available, providing practical approaches for the utilization of terahertz slow-light devices, sensors, and switch devices.
Inkjet-printed quantum dots on paper as concept towards high-density long-term data storage
Authors: Mengel Nils , Welzel Marius , Niedenthal Woldemar , Stein Markus , Heider Dominik , Chatterjee Sangam
Published: January 2024

Handling and storing the immense amounts of data native to the information age is a major challenge in terms of technological sustainability and energy demand. To date, tape storage remains the most widespread method for data archiving, while DNA data storage appears to offer the best data density and long-term stability in the future. However, DNA data storage is still in its infancy primarily due to economic and accessibility challenges. This emphasizes the need for more practical and readily available alternatives. We present a method for data storage utilizing inkjet printable quantum dots on paper with photoluminescence (PL) readout. Our proof of principle study showcases the ability to print and stack multiple bits of data on a single spot by exploiting the unique PL properties of quantum dots. This approach utilizes easily accessible resources, including a consumer-grade printer and paper as the substrate. Additionally, we perform initial stability tests, investigate scalability by controlling emission intensity, and evaluate the potential data density achievable by our approach.
Evaluating 3D printed mesh geometries in ceramic LiB electrodes
Authors: Marín-Rueda J R , Valera-Jiménez J F , Ramos-Fajardo J M , Peláez-Tirado I M , Tair S , Castro-García M , Canales-Vázquez J , Pérez-Flores J C
Published: January 2024

Additive manufacturing techniques have the potential to promote a paradigmatic change in the electrode fabrication processes for lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) as they may offer alternative component designs to boost their performance or to customise the application. The present research work explores the use of low-cost fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printing to fabricate Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) mesh electrodes in the search for enlarged electrochemically active areas. Using different nozzle diameters (ND), we have 3D printed several mesh electrodes that after sintering allow an increase in the surface to volume ratio by up to ≈290% compared to conventional flat cylindrical geometries. As the conventional route to produce 3D printed meshes, i.e. stacking of consecutive layers with a 90° rotation, leads to problems of vertical misalignment that may affect the electrical contact, we have developed a new compact design that maximises the contact between layers. All the 3D printed mesh electrodes with thicknesses of 400 and 800 μm, exhibit electrochemical performance very close to those of thin (70 μm) electrodes, e.g. 175 mAh g−1 at C/2 in the case of ND = 100 μm, which is the theoretical capacity value for LTO. At higher C-rates, 800 μm-thick mesh electrodes with larger ND exhibit a marked drop in the reversible capacity (28 mAh g−1 at 8 C), although the values obtained improve notably those of the equivalent thick solid electrode (almost null at 8 C). The compact design demonstrated superior performance at high C-rates, improving by ≈70% the results of the best conventional mesh electrode at 8 C for 800 μm electrodes. These results highlight the potential of FFF-3D printing to generate novel high aspect ratio geometries and the impact of design and printing parameters on the performance of LiB electrode materials. Exploring alternative efficient geometries may facilitate the integration of thick electrodes in high energy density LiBs.
Impact of substrate temperature on NiO thin films for resistive switching memory (ReRAM) memory devices
Authors: Kossar Shahnaz
Published: January 2024

In this research, we report the bipolar resistive switching (RS) behavior of NiO thin films at various substrate temperature between 300 °C to 400 °C. A non-vacuum spray pyrolysis method is adopted to deposit NiO thin film layers. The structural studies confirm that all the NiO thin films were polycrystalline in nature along with cubic structure. The micrograph analysis of the NiO thin film layers shows a homogeneous distribution of grain without voids and micro-cracks. The optical transmittance spectra reveal that NiO (375) sample exhibit maximum transparent (>60%) in the visible region. The NiO switching layers were sandwiched between bottom indium-doped tin oxide (ITO), and top silver (Ag) electrodes, and their RS behavior were examined. The fabricated ITO/NiO/Ag RS devices shows bipolar current (I)-voltage (V) behavior with calculated ON/OFF ratio of 1.5. Moreover, the observed RS bahaviour in the fabricated ITO/NiO/Ag devices was associated due to the formations and ruptures of conductive paths.
A low-cost microfluidic flow stabilizer for enhancing QCM measurement stability in in-liquid bio-applications
Authors: Adel Mohamed , Allam Ahmed , Sayour Ashraf E , Ragai Hani F , Umezu Shinjiro , Fath El-Bab Ahmed M R
Published: January 2024

Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) is a powerful sensing technique widely used in various applications, including biosensing, chemical analysis, and material science. In in-liquid applications, QCM measurements are susceptible to fluctuations in fluid flow rate, which can introduce unwanted noise and compromise the accuracy and reliability of the measurements. In this work, we present an approach to enhance the stability of QCM measurements by utilizing a microfluidic flow stabilizer. The flow stabilizer is designed to minimize flow rate fluctuations, thereby reducing the impact of hydrodynamic effects on the QCM frequency response. We employ a comprehensive methodology that combines computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations using ANSYS Fluent software, microfabrication, and experimental testing to evaluate the effectiveness of the flow stabilizer in mitigating flow-induced fluctuations and improving the reliability of QCM measurements. For fabrication, we use direct engraving with a CO2 laser beam on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) material to drastically reduce the fabrication cost (to <40 cents) and fabrication time (to 35 min) of the microfluidic chip. Two different designs have been presented and tested: one with a single air reservoir and the other with two reservoirs. Two distinct setups employing a peristaltic pump and a micropump, along with a high fundamental frequency of 50 MHz QCM sensor, were utilized for comprehensive testing in this study. The experimental results demonstrated that the first and second designs of the microfluidic flow stabilizer effectively reduced the fluctuation amplitude in QCM measurements from 100% (input) to 23% and 19% (output), respectively.
SQUID noise thermometers with lithographically defined metal sensing elements
Authors: Beyer J , Kirste A , Assmann C , Krzysteczko P
Published: January 2024

We present SQUID noise thermometers for sub-kelvin thermometry that employ lithographically defined metal thin-film resistors as the temperature sensors. The resistors with values of about 1 milliohm are lithographically fabricated using Au, PdAu and superconducting Nb wiring. In order to ensure constant resistance values in the whole temperature range of operation, the resistive structures are designed to avoid superconducting proximity effects. The thin-film resistor circuits can be easily combined with different types of multi-purpose dc SQUID current sensors to adapt noise temperatures, uncertainties and measurement speeds as well as robustness against magnetic fields in different measurement setups.
Multi-criteria optimization on friction stir welding of aluminum composite (AA5052-H32/B4C) using titanium nitride coated tool
Authors: Paul Alias , Thilagham K T , K G Jaya Christiyan , Reddy PVR Ravindra , Ravishankar Sathyamurthy , Boopathi Sampath
Published: January 2024

The boron carbide (B4C) reinforced AA5052-H32 aluminium composite has been initially fabricated by stir casting method. Friction stir welding (FSW) is used to join two similar AA5052-H32/B4C plates using a titanium nitride (TiN)-coated square tool. The tool wear loss, microhardness, and tensile strength of FSW joints have been investigated by the Taguchi technique. Welding parameters consist of TiN coating thickness, tool rotational speed, welding speed, and axial thrust. Taguchi analysis is used to determine the influences, contributions, and best values of welding parameters to meet optimal welding attributes. The maximum tensile strength (140.134 MPa) has been obtained by increasing the TiN coating thickness, tool’s rotational speed, axial thrust, and welding speed. At the highest tool speed and axial trust, the maximum microhardness (158.3 HV) has been attained. The minimum tool wear loss (9.023%) has been obtained by welding at a moderate speed with maximum rotational speed, axial thrust, and TiN coating thickness. Fractography and SEM analysis have been used to analyze the microstructural behaviour of welded aluminium composite materials and worn-out tool surfaces. The Additive Ratio Assessment (ARAS) multi-criteria optimization technique has been applied to predict the best welding parameters to attain the optimal welding characteristics. The 40 μm TiN coating thickness, 1200 rpm tool rotation, 20 mm min−1 welding speed, and 6000N axial force are predicted to achieve 108.6 MPa tensile strength, 110 HV microhardness, and 9.37% tool wear loss.
MS2OD: outlier detection using minimum spanning tree and medoid selection
Authors: Li Jia , Li Jiangwei , Wang Chenxu , Verbeek Fons J , Schultz Tanja , Liu Hui
Published: January 2024

As an essential task in data mining, outlier detection identifies abnormal patterns in numerous applications, among which clustering-based outlier detection is one of the most popular methods for its effectiveness in detecting cluster-related outliers, especially in medical applications. This article presents an advanced method to extract cluster-based outliers by employing a scaled minimum spanning tree (MST) data structure and a new medoid selection method: 1. we compute a scaled MST and iteratively cut the current longest edge to obtain clusters; 2. we apply a new medoid selection method, considering the noise effect to improve the quality of cluster-based outlier identification. The experimental results on real-world data, including extensive medical corpora and other semantically meaningful datasets, demonstrate the wide applicability and outperforming metrics of the proposed method.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Francisella tularensis Isolates in the United States, 2009–2018
Authors: Choat Jamie , Young John , Petersen Jeannine M , Dietrich Elizabeth A
Published: January 2024

Francisella tularensis is the causative agent of tularemia. We tested the susceptibility of 278 F. tularensis isolates from the United States received during 2009–2018 to 8 antimicrobial drugs (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, doxycycline, tetracycline, gentamicin, streptomycin, chloramphenicol, and erythromycin). All isolates were susceptible to all tested drugs.
Systematic Review: Clinical Features, Antimicrobial Treatment, and Outcomes of Human Tularemia, 1993–2023
Authors: Nelson Christina A , Winberg Jessica , Bostic Taylor D , Davis K Meryl , Fleck-Derderian Shannon
Published: January 2024

Background

Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of tularemia, is endemic throughout the Northern Hemisphere and requires as few as 10 organisms to cause disease, making this potential bioterrorism agent one of the most infectious bacterial pathogens known. Aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, and, more recently, fluoroquinolones are used for treatment of tularemia; however, data on the relative effectiveness of these and other antimicrobial classes are limited.

Methods

Nine databases, including Medline, Global Health, and Embase, were systematically searched for articles containing terms related to tularemia. Articles with case-level data on tularemia diagnosis, antimicrobial treatment, and patient outcome were included. Patient demographics, clinical findings, antimicrobial administration, and outcome (eg, intubation, fatality) were abstracted using a standardized form.

Results

Of the 8878 publications identified and screened, 410 articles describing 870 cases from 1993 to 2023 met inclusion criteria. Cases were reported from 35 countries; more than half were from the United States, Turkey, or Spain. The most common clinical forms were ulceroglandular, oropharyngeal, glandular, and pneumonic disease. Among patients treated with aminoglycosides (n = 452 [52%]), fluoroquinolones (n = 339 [39%]), or tetracyclines (n = 419 [48%]), the fatality rate was 0.7%, 0.9%, and 1.2%, respectively. Patients with pneumonic disease who received ciprofloxacin had no fatalities and the lowest rates of thoracentesis/pleural effusion drainage and intubation compared to those who received aminoglycosides and tetracyclines.

Conclusions

Aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, and tetracyclines are effective antimicrobials for treatment of tularemia, regardless of clinical manifestation. For pneumonic disease specifically, ciprofloxacin may have slight advantages compared to other antimicrobials.
5. Oil and Political Economy in the International Relations of the Middle East
Authors: Luciani Giacomo
Published: January 2024

This chapter tackles the omnipresent question of oil and its relation to the Middle East’s political economy and international relations. It demonstrates the compelling links between oil and the consolidation and evolution of the modern state system. It also points out how outside powers have invariably used oil in their dealings with the Middle East yet this has figured less prominently in the foreign policies of Arab states, whose concerns remain of a more parochial kind. The chapter analyzes a rentier model that shows how oil has conditioned economic and political outcomes in oil-rich and oil-poor states, slowing down the prospects for reform. It emphasizes how oil has given states huge power and resistance to political change.
8. Regionalism and Shifting Alliances in the Middle East
Authors: Fawcett Louise
Published: January 2024

This chapter offers an overview of the changing dynamics of regionalism and alliance-making in the Middle East, covering processes that are closely related to states’ foreign and domestic policy choices. It examines practices of regionalism alongside international relations approaches that consider the varied explanations of the roles of ideas, interests, and domestic and external agency. It also demonstrates the loose fit between traditional, international relations concerns and regional realities, citing the EU as an example that cannot be considered a useful model for a region like the Middle East. The chapter combines domestic, regional, and international factors to review the Middle East’s slow record in terms of successful institution-building and alliance volatility. It considers the theory and practice of regional cooperation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and how the Middle East experience relates to comparative studies of regionalism.
12. The International Politics of the Gulf
Authors: Legrenzi Matteo
Published: January 2024

This chapter explores the shifting security dynamics in the Gulf, focusing on the policies of Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, as well as the shifting patterns of US involvement. It argues that the classical realist tool, the balance of power, only partly explains the positioning of states. It also points out the importance of the domestic framework and its interactions with transnational influences and external actors to understanding the environment within which local states operate. The chapter explores the need to manage both internal and external threats as regime security drives states in their foreign policies. It talks about the withdrawal of US forces from Iraq and the relative immunity of the Gulf monarchies from the effects of the Arab Spring, which have afforded greater regional influence and autonomy for the states.
Two large inversions seriously suppress recombination and are essential for key genotype fixation in cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata)
Authors: Zhang Bin , Wu Yuankang , Li Shoufan , Yang Limei , Zhuang Mu , Lv Honghao , Wang Yong , Ji Jialei , Hou Xilin , Han Fengqing , Zhang Yangyong
Published: January 2024

Chromosomal inversion is an important structural variation that usually suppresses recombination and is critical for key genotype fixation. In a previous study, an 11.47 Mb recombination suppression region was identified in the yellow–green leaf locus BoYgl-1 on chromosome 1, but the cause of recombination suppression is still unclear. In this study, chlorophyll and carotenoid contents were found to be significantly decreased in the yellow–green leaf mutant YL-1. Genome assembly and comparative analysis revealed that two large inversions in YL-1 were responsible for the severe recombination suppression in the BoYgl-1 locus. Analyses with inversion-specific markers revealed that the inversions were present in 44 (including all wild cabbage; INV1 and INV2) of 195 cabbage inbred lines and 15 (INV1) ornamental kale inbred lines, indicating that these species with INV1 or INV2 may have evolved much earlier than other types of cabbage. Analyses with inversion-correlated markers revealed that the genotypes of CoINV1, CoINV2 and CoINV3 were highly correlated with INV1 and INV2, indicating that INVs could fix the key genotypes of the involved region. In addition, a 5.87 Mb assembly inversion was identified at the BoYgl-1 locus in the TO1000 genome by genome comparative analysis. This study provides new insight into the recombination suppression mechanism of chromosomal inversion and the application of genome fragment fixation in cabbage breeding.
Officer gender and opportunities for mentoring and advancement in policing
Authors: Paoline Eugene A , Gau Jacinta M
Published: January 2024

Mentorship and advancement in policing is a critical component of retention among officers and of organizational stability overall. Paths towards promotion (and transfer) and mentorship can energize the workforce and ensure a constant supply of people wanting to move up the ranks or fill out special units. Using survey data from a sample of nearly 500 police officers in a large, urban department, this study examines gender-related differences in perceived opportunities for mentorship, promotion, and transfer to a specialized unit. Our results reveal no gender-related differences with respect to opportunities for promotional and transfer, although women expressed concerns over the availability of mentorship. We discuss our findings in terms of their implications for improving the representation and advancement of women in policing.
Mortality risk in patients with preserved ratio impaired spirometry: assessing the role of physical activity
Authors: Shu C -C , Tsai M K , Lee J H , Su T -C , Wen C P
Published: January 2024

Background

While all-cause mortality is reportedly increased in preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm), no remedial efforts have been suggested.

Aim

To study the ability of physical activity (PA) on reducing the morality increased in PRISm patients.

Design

We prospectively enrolled a cohort of Taiwanese adults from 1994 to 2018 in a health surveillance program.

Methods

Mortality risks of those who were inactive were compared against those meeting the current recommendation of 150 min/week of PA. Cox proportional hazards models were used for hazard ratios and life table method was for estimating loss of life expectancy.

Results

A total of 461 183 adults were enrolled. Among them, one-seventh of the cohort (65 832 or 14.3%) had PRISm, and 53.1% were inactive. Those who were inactive with PRISm had 28% increased mortality from all-cause, 45% from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and 67% from respiratory disease, with a 3-year reduction in life expectancy (males, 3.72 and females, 2.93). In PRISm patients who met the exercise recommendation, excess mortality was reduced by two-third, both all-cause (from 28% to 9%) and CVD (from 45% to 15%).

Conclusion

PRISm involves a large portion of general population (14.3%) and shortens life expectancy by 3 years. More than half of the subjects were physically inactive, and adherence to 150 min/week of PA was associated with a two-third reduction of excess mortality from all cause and from CVD. Recommending PA among those with PRISm might be highly beneficial, although exercise alone may not eliminate all risks associated with PRISm.
Anxiety and depression in patients with giant cell arteritis
Authors: Martins-Martinho Joana , Ponte André , Dourado Eduardo , Khmelinskii Nikita , Barreira Sofia C , Cruz-Machado Ana R , Macieira Carla , Teixeira Vítor , Rodrigues Ana M , Telles-Correia Diogo , Fonseca João E , Ponte Cristina
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To compare the prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients with GCA with that in the general population, using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and to identify independent predictors of these psychiatric manifestations in patients with GCA.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study including all patients diagnosed with GCA followed during 1 year in a vasculitis outpatient clinic. The HADS and 36-item Short Form (SF-36) questionnaires were prospectively collected. Patients’ HADS results were compared with an age- and gender-matched control group. HADS anxiety (HADS-A) and HADS depression (HADS-D) scores between 8 and 10 defined possible anxiety and depression and ≥11 defined probable anxiety and depression, respectively.

Results

We included 72 patients and 288 controls. Compared with controls, patients with GCA had a statistically significant higher prevalence of HADS-A ≥8 (48.6% vs 26.4%), HADS-A ≥11 (30.6% vs 12.2%) and HADS-D ≥11 (33.3% vs 18.1%). GCA was an independent predictor of HADS-A ≥8 [odds ratio (OR) 3.3 (95% CI 1.9, 5.9)], HADS-A ≥11 [OR 3.8 (95% CI 2.0, 7.4)] and HADS-D ≥11 [OR 2.6 (95% CI 1.4, 4.7)]. Among patients with GCA, a negative correlation was observed between HADS-A/D and SF-36 mental health scores (r = −0.780 and r = −0.742, respectively). Glucocorticoid therapy was a predictor of HADS-A ≥8 [OR 10.4 (95% CI 1.2, 94.2)] and older age of HADS-D ≥8 [OR 1.2 (95% CI 1.1, 1.3)] and HADS-D ≥11 [OR 1.1 (95% CI 1.0, 1.2)].

Conclusions

Compared with the general population, patients with GCA have a higher prevalence of anxiety and depression and GCA is an independent predictor of these symptoms. Glucocorticoid treatment and older age are predictors of anxiety and depression, respectively, in patients with GCA.
Treatment response in rheumatoid arthritis is predicted by the microbiome: a large observational study in UK DMARD-naive patients
Authors: Danckert Nathan P , Freidin Maxim B , Granville Smith Isabelle , Wells Philippa M , Naeini Maryam Kazemi , Visconti Alessia , Compte Roger , MacGregor Alexander , Williams Frances M K
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are a first-line treatment in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Treatment response to DMARDs is patient-specific, dose efficacy is difficult to predict and long-term results are variable. The gut microbiota are known to play a pivotal role in prodromal and early-disease RA, manifested by Prevotella spp. enrichment. The clinical response to therapy may be mediated by microbiota, and large-scale studies assessing the microbiome are few. This study assessed whether microbiome signals were associated with, and predictive of, patient response to DMARD treatment. Accurate early identification of those who will respond poorly to DMARD therapy would allow selection of alternative treatment (e.g. biologic therapy) and potentially improve patient outcome.

Methods

A multicentre, longitudinal, observational study of stool- and saliva microbiome was performed in DMARD-naive, newly diagnosed RA patients during introduction of DMARD treatment. Clinical data and samples were collected at baseline (n = 144) in DMARD-naive patients and at six weeks (n = 117) and 12 weeks (n = 95) into DMARD therapy. Samples collected (n = 365 stool, n = 365 saliva) underwent shotgun sequencing. Disease activity measures were collected at each timepoint and minimal clinically important improvement determined.

Results

In total, 26 stool microbes were found to decrease in those manifesting a minimal clinically important improvement. Prevotella spp. and Streptococcus spp. were the predominant taxa to decline following six weeks and 12 weeks of DMARDs, respectively. Furthermore, baseline microbiota of DMARD-naive patients were indicative of future response.

Conclusion

DMARDs appear to restore a perturbed microbiome to a eubiotic state. Moreover, microbiome status can be used to predict likelihood of patient response to DMARD.
Exploring the effects of topoisomerase II inhibitor XK469 on anthracycline cardiotoxicity and DNA damage
Authors: Keresteš Veronika , Kubeš Jan , Applová Lenka , Kollárová Petra , Lenčová-Popelová Olga , Melnikova Iuliia , Karabanovich Galina , Khazeem Mushtaq M , Bavlovič-Piskáčková Hana , Štěrbová-Kovaříková Petra , Austin Caroline A , Roh Jaroslav , Štěrba Martin , Šimůnek Tomáš , Jirkovská Anna
Published: January 2024

Anthracyclines, such as doxorubicin (adriamycin), daunorubicin, or epirubicin, rank among the most effective agents in classical anticancer chemotherapy. However, cardiotoxicity remains the main limitation of their clinical use. Topoisomerase IIβ has recently been identified as a plausible target of anthracyclines in cardiomyocytes. We examined the putative topoisomerase IIβ selective agent XK469 as a potential cardioprotective and designed several new analogs. In our experiments, XK469 inhibited both topoisomerase isoforms (α and β) and did not induce topoisomerase II covalent complexes in isolated cardiomyocytes and HL-60, but induced proteasomal degradation of topoisomerase II in these cell types. The cardioprotective potential of XK469 was studied on rat neonatal cardiomyocytes, where dexrazoxane (ICRF-187), the only clinically approved cardioprotective, was effective. Initially, XK469 prevented daunorubicin-induced toxicity and p53 phosphorylation in cardiomyocytes. However, it only partially prevented the phosphorylation of H2AX and did not affect DNA damage measured by Comet Assay. It also did not compromise the daunorubicin antiproliferative effect in HL-60 leukemic cells. When administered to rabbits to evaluate its cardioprotective potential in vivo, XK469 failed to prevent the daunorubicin-induced cardiac toxicity in either acute or chronic settings. In the following in vitro analysis, we found that prolonged and continuous exposure of rat neonatal cardiomyocytes to XK469 led to significant toxicity. In conclusion, this study provides important evidence on the effects of XK469 and its combination with daunorubicin in clinically relevant doses in cardiomyocytes. Despite its promising characteristics, long-term treatments and in vivo experiments have not confirmed its cardioprotective potential.
Obesogenic polystyrene microplastic exposures disrupt the gut-liver-adipose axis
Authors: Zhao Jingjing , Adiele Ngozi , Gomes Daniel , Malovichko Marina , Conklin Daniel J , Ekuban Abigail , Luo Jianzhu , Gripshover Tyler , Watson Walter H , Banerjee Mayukh , Smith Melissa L , Rouchka Eric C , Xu Raobo , Zhang Xiang , Gondim Dibson D , Cave Matthew C , O’Toole Timothy E
Published: January 2024

Microplastics (MP) derived from the weathering of polymers, or synthesized in this size range, have become widespread environmental contaminants and have found their way into water supplies and the food chain. Despite this awareness, little is known about the health consequences of MP ingestion. We have previously shown that the consumption of polystyrene (PS) beads was associated with intestinal dysbiosis and diabetes and obesity in mice. To further evaluate the systemic metabolic effects of PS on the gut-liver-adipose tissue axis, we supplied C57BL/6J mice with normal water or that containing 2 sizes of PS beads (0.5 and 5 µm) at a concentration of 1 µg/ml. After 13 weeks, we evaluated indices of metabolism and liver function. As observed previously, mice drinking the PS-containing water had a potentiated weight gain and adipose expansion. Here we found that this was associated with an increased abundance of adipose F4/80+ macrophages. These exposures did not cause nonalcoholic fatty liver disease but were associated with decreased liver:body weight ratios and an enrichment in hepatic farnesoid X receptor and liver X receptor signaling. PS also increased hepatic cholesterol and altered both hepatic and cecal bile acids. Mice consuming PS beads and treated with the berry anthocyanin, delphinidin, demonstrated an attenuated weight gain compared with those mice receiving a control intervention and also exhibited a downregulation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathways. This study highlights the obesogenic role of PS in perturbing the gut-liver-adipose axis and altering nuclear receptor signaling and intermediary metabolism. Dietary interventions may limit the adverse metabolic effects of PS consumption.