bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single layer vanadium oxide assisted switchable metasurfaces for transmissive and reflective polarization conversion
Authors: Nguyen Thi Quynh Hoa , Nguyen Thi Minh , Nguyen Hong Quang
Published: October 2024

Polarization control using metasurfaces is highly advantageous; however, most metasurfaces operate exclusively in either transmission or reflection mode. Additionally, achieving both wide bandwidth and high efficiency simultaneously in their design remains a significant challenge. Here, we design a high-efficiency and wideband switchable metasurface that can switch between transmissive and reflective polarization conversion modes by utilizing a single layer of I-shaped resonators and gold-vanadium dioxide (VO2) alternating gratings printed on a quartz substrate. When VO2 transitions to its metallic phase, the continuous metal layers of gold-VO2 eliminate transmission and the designed metasurface operates as a reflective cross-polarization converter with a polarization conversion ratio (PCR) exceeding 0.9 over a broad frequency range of 1.4–3.3 THz. Conversely, when VO2 is in its insulator phase, the THz incoming wave can transmit through the gratings, and the design behaves as a transmissive cross-polarization converter with a PCR above 0.99 in the 0.75-4.0 THz range for a forward y- polarized wave. The working mechanism for both transmissive and reflective polarization conversion modes is explained through theoretical analysis and surface current distributions. With the advantages of facile design, high performance, and dual functionality, our design is expected to be applied in the fields of imaging, sensing, and communication.
Induced domain walls of QCD axion, and gravitational waves
Authors: Lee Junseok , Murai Kai , Takahashi Fuminobu , Yin Wen
Published: October 2024

We show that heavy axion domain walls induce domain walls of the QCD axion through a mixing between the heavy axion and the QCD axion, even when the pre-inflationary initial condition is assumed for the QCD axion. The induced domain walls arise because the effective θ parameter changes across the heavy axion domain walls, shifting the potential minimum of the QCD axion. When the heavy axion domain walls collapse, the induced QCD axion domain walls collapse as well. This novel mechanism for producing the QCD axions can explain dark matter even with the axion decay constant as small as 𝒪(109) GeV. In particular, this scenario requires domain wall collapse near the QCD crossover, potentially accounting for the stochastic gravitational wave background suggested by recent pulsar timing array observations, including NANOGrav. Using this mechanism, it is also possible to easily create induced domain walls for string axions or axions with a large decay constant, which would otherwise be challenging. We also comment on the implications for cosmic birefringence using induced axion domain walls.
Making the link between ADF and 4D STEM: Resolution, transfer and coherence
Authors: Nellist Peter D. , Pennycook Timothy J.
Published: October 2024

Steve Pennycook is a pioneer in the application of high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and in particular the use of annular dark-field (ADF) imaging. Here we show how a general framework for 4D STEM allows clear links to be made between ADF imaging and the emerging methods for reconstructing images from 4D STEM data sets. We show that both ADF imaging and ptychographical reconstruction can be thought of in terms of integrating over the overlap regions of diffracted discs in the detector plane. This approach allows the similarities in parts of their transfer functions to be understood, though we note that the transfer functions for ptychographic imaging cannot be used as a measure of information transfer. We also show that conditions of partial spatial and temporal coherence affect ADF imaging and ptychography similarly, showing that achromatic interference can always contribute to the image in both cases, leading to a robustness to partial temporal coherence that has enabled high-resolution imaging.
Manipulating density pedestal structure to improve core–edge integration towards low collisionality
Authors: Wang H.Q. , Hong R.J. , Groebner R. , Jian X. , Rhodes T. , Leonard A.W. , Ma X. , Mordijck S. , Wilks T. , Yan Z. , Shafer M.W. , Scotti F. , Truong D. , Ren J. , Laggner F. , Grierson B.A. , Osborne T.H. , Thomas D.M. , Watkins J.G.
Published: October 2024

DIII-D experiments have achieved promising core–edge integrated plasma scenarios which combine a high-temperature low-collisionality pedestal (pedestal top temperature Te

,ped > 0.8 keV and collisionality ν*ped < 1) with a partially detached divertor by leveraging the benefits of a low-density-gradient pedestal in a closed divertor. It is found that with a closed divertor and high heating power, strong gas puffing to achieve detachment moves the peak density gradient outward with respect to the maximum gradient of electron temperature and reduces the density gradient at the pedestal region, which correlates with shallow pedestal fuelling due to the closed divertor geometry. In high-current plasmas in particular, the pedestal top density is found to change little with gas puffing while the separatrix, density increases to allow access for divertor detachment. The separation between density and temperature pedestals results in a high- ηe
well above the electron-temperature-gradient stability threshold. Electron turbulence is found to be enhanced in the pedestal and correlated with high ηe
resulting from the pedestal shift. The pedestal is wider than the EPED scaling. A revised empirical width scaling is derived based on the combination of EPED scaling with ηe
and highlights the important role of additional turbulence on the pedestal structure. The wide temperature pedestal facilitates the achievement of a high-temperature, low-collisionality pedestal and high global performance. Simultaneously, the outward shift of the density pedestal facilitates access to detached divertor conditions with low temperature and heat flux towards the target plate. This approach may be promising for closing the core–edge integration gap for future fusion reactors, which may have a weak-gradient density pedestal due to the highly opaque boundary plasmas.
Numerical simulation of a new volumetric pump based on mechanical iris mechanism
Authors: Li Qiang , Meng Limin
Published: October 2024

Conventional volumetric pumps used in high-pressure systems have problems with complex structures and limited flow. Based on the working principle of hydraulic volumetric pumps, this article uses the motion mechanism of the iris mechanism to propose a new type of volumetric pump with a simple structure. Using the structure of the new volumetric pump as a basis, the instantaneous flow formula is derived, and the fluid domain of this new volumetric pump is simulated by Fluent. By comparing the theoretical value with the simulation value, the accuracy of the simulation result is verified, and the structural feasibility of the new volumetric pump is proved; based on the cavitation analysis, suggestions for optimizing the structure of the new volumetric pump are proposed; the new volumetric pump enhances the architecture of volumetric pumps and offers guidance for their structural design.
Research on vertical vibration suppression of active suspension driven by in-wheel motor
Authors: Wang Yanli
Published: October 2024

For suppressing the negative vibration of in-wheel motor-driven (IWM) active suspension with disturbance and model uncertainties, an adaptive high-order sliding mode (HOSM) controller is designed in this paper by decreasing the acceleration of the sprung mass. The adaptive fuzzy logic system is first employed to model this suspension. Then, the adaptive switching gain obtained from the Lyapunov function is used to suppress the chattering of the sliding control. Therefore, the true sliding mode can be established in finite time. Finally, the adaptability of the controller is validated through numerical simulations.
Research on automatic data acquisition scheme of tool profile wear based on B/S structure
Authors: Cao Ziqing , Zhang Xi , Zhou Qingfeng , Guo Zixie , Yang Jiabao
Published: October 2024

As the core element in the production system of the manufacturing industry, the state of cutters directly affects the production quality and processing efficiency. Therefore, it is very meaningful to monitor the wear of machining cutters. This paper proposes an automatic data acquisition scheme based on the on-machine vision measurement device and B/S Internet structure technology. Finally, the round-nose milling cutter experiment verifies the scheme’s feasibility.
Optical and spectral techniques for studying high-voltage laser-triggered switch
Authors: Shayganmanesh Mahdi , Mahdieh Mohammad Hossein , Moazami Goudarzi Pegah , Maghrebi Sinaki Mohadese
Published: October 2024

In the present paper we have performed sets of experiments
to study laser triggering high voltage switch. In this study,
instead of electrical diagnostics, optical technique was utilized to
characterize the discharge process. A Q-switched nanosecond Nd:YAG
laser was used for triggering the switch. Dynamics of discharge, and
the time delay of laser produced pre-plasma was monitored by fast
photo diode signal which was connected to a fast oscilloscope. The
spectrum of discharge emission was also recorded by photo
spectrometer from which plasma parameters i.e. electron
temperature, and density were estimated.
Beta Depth Dose Curves at STUK and PTB: measurements and simulations
Authors: Huikari J. , Behrens R.
Published: October 2024

Depth dose curves from beta radiation sources
(90Sr/90Y, 85Kr and 147Pm) of STUK and PTB
(BSS2) were measured and compared to each other. Significant
differences are obvious for 90Sr/90Y and imply different
conversion coefficients from the basic quantity absorbed dose rate
to tissue at 0.07 mm tissue depth,
Ḋ

t(0.07), to the
operational quantities
Ḣ

p(0.07) and
Ḣ

p(3) for
normal (0∘) and oblique (45∘ and 60∘)
radiation incidence. The resulting STUK specific conversion
coefficients were used to update STUK's measurement results in a
recent international comparison measurement (EURAMET 1398) — which
now agree significantly better with the corresponding reference
values of the comparison. For 85Kr and 147Pm no
differences at all between STUK's and PTB's sources were
observed. Finally, accompanying radiation transport simulations were
undertaken to investigate the difference between STUK's and PTB's
90Sr/90Y beta radiation sources — which could be
reproduced by the simulations.
How are decarbonization policies in the US and Canada shaping low-carbon ammonia production strategies?
Authors: Schueler Yannik , Mingolla Stefano , Boness Naomi L , Rosa Lorenzo
Published: October 2024

The US and Canada contribute to 11% (22 million tons (Mt) per year) of global ammonia production, with an additional 42 Mt of production capacity currently planned or under construction. The distinct decarbonization policies adopted by these two countries—namely production tax credits in the US and carbon taxes in Canada—lead to significantly different outcomes and implications for decarbonized ammonia production strategies. This study evaluates facility-specific production strategies for low-carbon ammonia, considering the decarbonization policies of both countries. We assess the most cost-effective strategy for low-carbon ammonia production at each facility, both with and without the influence of these policies. Our results indicate that Canada’s carbon tax incentivizes the adoption of carbon capture and storage (CCS), while the US production tax credits promote the use of wind energy and biomass coupled with CCS, to produce hydrogen for ammonia synthesis. These findings highlight a dichotomy between the impacts of tax credits and carbon taxes: production tax credits facilitate the transition to low-carbon production methods, whereas carbon taxes incentivize existing facilities to upgrade with CCS technology. These insights underscore the effectiveness of tailored policy approaches and provide a comprehensive blueprint for other regions globally seeking to transition towards low-carbon ammonia production.
On quadrirational pentagon maps
Authors: Evripidou Charalampos , Kassotakis Pavlos , Tongas Anastasios
Published: October 2024

We classify rational solutions of a specific type of the set theoretical version of the pentagon equation. That is, we find all quadrirational maps

R
:
(
x
,
y
)
↦
(
u
(
x
,
y
)
,
v
(
x
,
y
)
)
,

where

u
,
v

are two rational functions on two arguments, that serve as solutions of the pentagon equation. Furthermore, provided a pentagon map that admits a partial inverse, we obtain genuine entwining pentagon set theoretical solutions. Finally, we show how to obtain Yang–Baxter maps from entwining pentagon maps.
T − W relation and free energy of the antiperiodic XXZ chain with

η
=

i
π

3

at a finite temperature
Authors: Lu Pengcheng , Cao Junpeng , Yang Wen-Li , Marquette Ian , Zhang Yao-Zhong
Published: October 2024

We study the thermodynamics of the antiperiodic XXZ chain with anisotropy parameter

η
=

i
π

3

by means of the t − W scheme. We parameterize the eigenvalues of both the transfer matrix and the corresponding fused transfer matrix by their zero points instead of Bethe roots. Based on the patterns of the zero points distribution and the reconstructed entropy, we obtain the nonlinear integral equations describing the thermodynamics of the model and compute its free energy at a finite temperature.
Preparation of ZnAlLa-LDHs by one-step hydrothermal method and its adsorption properties for phosphate
Authors: Tao He , Wang Zehua , Kong Fanshu
Published: October 2024

Phosphate is one of the main limiting factors of water eutrophication, and the effective removal of phosphate is essential to control the eutrophication of the aquatic environment and meet the increasingly stringent phosphate discharge regulations. This study successfully prepared ZnAlLa-LDHs materials using a simple hydrothermal method using triethanolamine as a soft template, which SEM, XRD, and FT-IR characterized. The results show that ZnAlLa-LDHs is a kind of two-dimensional porous structure material; the adsorption isotherm of ZnAlLa-LDHs on phosphate conforms to the Langmuir model, and the maximum adsorption capacity is 83.333 mg g−1; the adsorption kinetics conforms to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, and the adsorption rate is mainly controlled by chemical adsorption; the adsorption mechanism of ZnAlLa-LDHs on phosphate is mainly ion exchange and electrostatic adsorption. ZnAlLa-LDHs have an excellent effect on phosphorus in wastewater from sewage treatment plants.
A machine learning classifier-based approach for diabetes mellitus risk prediction
Authors: B JAI KUMAR , Ranganathan Mohanasundaram
Published: October 2024

Currently, Diabetes Mellitus (DM) can be life-threatening due to the dietary habits and lifestyle choices of individuals. Diabetes is characterised by elevated levels of glucose in the blood and an excess of protein in the blood. Poor eating habits and lifestyles are largely responsible for the rise in overweight, obesity, and various related conditions. This study investigated many diabetes-related risk forecasting techniques and algorithms. The eight machine learning (ML) algorithms used the diabetes dataset to test various prediction techniques, including a Support Vector Classifier, gradient-boosting, multilayer perceptron, random forest, K-nearest neighbors, logistic regression, extreme gradient boosting, and decision tree. To enhance the diabetic prediction ability of the model, we suggested using Feature Engineering (FE) and feature scaling. For our investigation, we utilized the Mendeley dataset on diabetes to assess the capacity of the model to predict diabetes. We developed a model by using Python programming and eight classification techniques. The Random Forest with 99.21%, Gradient Boosting with 99.61%, Extreme Gradient Boosting, and Decision Tree achieved the highest F1 score (99.81%), accuracy rate (99.80%), precision (99.81%), and recall (99.81%) of all classification approaches.
Projecting future changes in potato yield using machine learning techniques: a case study for Prince Edward Island, Canada
Authors: Tamayo-Vera Dania , Liu Kai , Bolufé-Röhler Antonio , Wang Xiuquan
Published: October 2024

Accurate prediction of potato yield is essential for informed agricultural decision-making, ensuring food security, and supporting farmers’ livelihoods. This is particularly critical in regions like Prince Edward Island (PEI), where potato production is not only a staple of local agriculture but also a cornerstone of the regional economy, accounting for a significant proportion of agricultural revenue and employment. Although machine learning algorithms have been extensively applied in agricultural yield prediction, previous studies have not fully leveraged the potential of capturing both short- and long-term dependencies. This research highlights the efficacy of integrating these temporal dependencies into machine learning models to enhance the accuracy of potato yield predictions. The methodology adopted in this research, including data collection, model selection, and scenario-based projections, can be applied to other regions and crops. Our projections for PEI toward the end of the century indicate a substantial decline in potato yields across different climate scenarios. Under the high-emission SSP5-8.5 scenario, our models predict a potential potato yield reduction of up to 70%. In contrast, the SSP1 and SSP2 scenarios suggest a more moderate decline in potato yield, ranging from 4% to 15%. These findings underscore the urgent need for reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate the adverse impacts on potato production. Furthermore, they highlight the importance of implementing adaptive farming practices to sustain potato yield in the face of climate change.
Isolation and characterization of arsenic resistant bacterial strian Kurthia gibsonii MKVVM3 IITBHU from Ganga river
Authors: Verma Manoj Kumar , Kesarwani Shiwangi , Singh Veer , Vamanu Emanuel , Mishra Vishal
Published: October 2024

An arsenite-oxidizing bacterium was isolated from the Ganga River, Varanasi, India. Phylogenetic analysis by 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified the isolated strain as Kurthia gibsonii MKVVM3 IITBHU. The bacterial growth showed biofilm formation in the As (V) containing growth medium. The strain oxidized 100 mg l−1 of As (III) to As (V) in the initial 24 h of incubation. In the first two days, the arsenite oxidase gene amplified by Kurthia gibsonii MKVVM3 IITBHU lowered arsenic levels up to 95%. As (V) reductase gene expression present in the Kurthia gibsonii MKVVM3 IITBHU was involved in the conversion of As (V) into more soluble As (III). The isolate was short rods and it ranged from 500 to 1900 nm in length and 352.3 to 519.8 nm in width. The differences in pre and post As exposed Kurthia gibsonii MKVVM3 IITBHU in the Amide I area were linked to peptide bonds, C–H and C=O stretchings. These variations reflected the changes in the structure and makeup of the proteins, lipids and carbohydrates present in the cell wall. As (III) and As (V) exposed exhibited rougher surfaces 156.120 nm and 109.609 nm, respectively than the control (103.112 nm). Peak-to-peak height measurements were 940.66 nm for the control, 1246.833 nm and 703.125 nm for As (III) and As (V). These considerably significant changes support As remediation phenomena by bacterial isolate.
FacekeyID: an adaptive weighted sum score-based fusion framework for continuous user authentication
Authors: S Ayeswarya , K John Singh
Published: October 2024

User authentication has become a crucial service in the digital world as the threats of impostors continue to emerge. Traditional methods of authentication fail to provide full assurance as they can be bypassed by skilled attackers. Additionally, existing systems suffer from repeated login issues that hamper the user experience. Biometric user authentication has emerged as a potential alternative to other schemes and has proven to provide adequate security. This paper proposes a continuous authentication system using multimodal biometrics based on face and keystroke dynamics. A novel Adaptive Weighted Sum Score Fusion (AWSSF) approach is introduced, which considers environmental factors and the user's profile in addition to the biometrics employed in the decision process. Compared to existing approaches, the proposed system is assessed and determined to be non-intrusive and user-friendly, achieving a 3.02% equal error rate.
A simple, rapid, and low-cost approach for colloidal nanoparticle-based surface enhanced Raman Scattering detection of endosulfan pesticide at trace levels
Authors: Falamas A , Brezestean I A , Tosa N , Boca S , Farcau C
Published: October 2024

Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) is a highly specific, sensitive, and portable technique with great potential for on-site pesticide detection and monitoring. Endosulfan, an organochlorine pesticide known for its high toxicity, slow degradation, and bioaccumulation, has poor affinity for metallic SERS substrates. This study presents a label-free SERS detection method for endosulfan, using aggregating agents like potassium chloride (KCl), potassium hydroxide (KOH), potassium bromide (KBr), and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to modify the behavior of Ag colloidal nanoparticles (NPs) and enhance the SERS signal of endosulfan molecules trapped within formed hot-spots. We analyzed the UV–Vis spectra, the hydrodynamic diameter, and zeta-potential of Ag NPs with the addition of these agents and endosulfan. Successful detection of both α- and ß- endosulfan isomers at μM concentrations in both ethanol and methanol was achieved with KOH-treated Ag NPs. The method was also applied to detect endosulfan in real water samples, along with simultaneous detection of λ-cyhalothrin, showcasing its capability to identify multiple analytes. The selectivity and specificity were confirmed using a mixture of endosulfan and thiabendazole, highlighting the crucial role of selecting the appropriate aggregating agent for each analyte. Overall, the findings emphasize the potential of aggregating agents to mediate the SERS enhancement of endosulfan, facilitating simple and rapid protocols for environmental pollutant detection, while shedding light on the intricate interplay between NP behavior, surface chemistry, and analyte interaction.
Aristotle's Practical Epistemology
Authors: Jagannathan Dhananjay
Published: October 2024

Aristotle’s Practical Epistemology presents a novel interpretation of Aristotle’s influential account of practical wisdom (phronēsis) by situating the topic within his broader theory of ethical knowledge. Interpreters have long struggled to make sense of the disparate features Aristotle seems to attribute to practical wisdom, particularly its role in bringing about individual choices and actions that fulfill the demands of the virtues of character and its status as an intellectual excellence or virtue of thought that is the analog, in the domain of ethical action, of theoretical wisdom (sophia) and craft (tekhnē), in their respective domains. The main contention of the book is that these features can be united when we see that phronēsis is a distinctively practical form of understanding. The book begins from the idea that Aristotle first establishes that we have ground-level ethical knowledge, described in the Nicomachean Ethics as ethical experience (empeiria), as a result of a decent upbringing, before identifying practical wisdom as a deeper form of understanding. This understanding involves a grasp of explanations, just as theoretical wisdom and craft do, yet it does not consist in a form of scientific or theoretical knowledge, which would be detached from practice. Rather, the understanding of the personal of practical wisdom involves grasping the goals that are characteristic of the several virtues of character—justice, courage, generosity, and the like—in such a way that they can be brought to bear on particular contexts of deliberation. That comprehensive perspective is why Aristotle thinks of practical wisdom as the same understanding as political wisdom.
The Nature of the Virtues of Thought
Authors: Jagannathan Dhananjay
Published: October 2024

This chapter addresses the question of why Aristotle’s explicit treatment of practical wisdom is embedded in an inquiry into the virtues of thought in Nicomachean Ethics Book VI. Why, in other words, does Aristotle treat practical wisdom as analogous or parallel to craft-understanding (tekhnē) and theoretical wisdom (sophia). The chapter answers that practical wisdom is, like these other states, an excellence by which we achieve the truth, which is the general task of the intellect. To have practical wisdom, then, requires the ability to pursue practical truth on one’s own, without the guidance of another. The chapter labels this idea the Independent Agency Criterion, traces how Aristotle develops the idea over the course of NE Book VI, and shows that the idea explains both the superiority of practical wisdom to ethical experience in deliberation and points toward the political dimensions of Aristotle’s claims.
Practical Understanding and Ethical Science
Authors: Jagannathan Dhananjay
Published: October 2024

This chapter argues that the idea that phronēsis is practical understanding need not—and should not—commit us to thinking that it is scientific in character or that it partly consists of scientific knowledge (epistēmē). The chapter identifies this scientific view of practical wisdom as “intellectualism.” The chapter first offers a general argument against the intellectualist position and clarifies that the difference between the view of this book and the intellectualist view is not merely terminological. It then explains how Aristotle’s conception of practical reasoning provides decisive arguments against the most straightforward version of the intellectualist position, before arguing against more moderate intellectualist positions that hold that ethics is an inexact or stochastic science. The chapter concludes by drawing on a useful distinction, found in the medieval scholastic Albert the Great’s work, between teaching-knowledge and user-knowledge in ethics.
Knowledge of Practical Universals
Authors: Jagannathan Dhananjay
Published: October 2024

This chapter takes up the question of what exactly the understanding of the person of practical wisdom is. The chapter takes up the idea developed earlier in the book that it is a grasp of the characteristic ends or goals of virtuous actions that marks out the practically wise, a claim that is difficult to evaluate without a more detailed analysis of the relationship between virtuous goals and virtuous choices. The chapter argues that a grasp of these overarching virtuous ends or is essential to good deliberation by showing how this idea would apply in the case of a specific Aristotelian virtue: justice (in the particular sense).
Further Alternatives to the Practical Epistemology of theNicomachean Ethics
Authors: Jagannathan Dhananjay
Published: October 2024

This Appendix returns to and expands upon the inquiry of Chapter 1 to show that Aristotle’s conception of ethical experience (empeiria) can be fruitfully contrasted with two further possibilities that also form part of the intellectual context of the Nicomachean Ethics. One of these is the view we find articulated by the Eleatic Visitor in the opening pages of Plato’s Statesman, which represents ordinary practical knowledge as intuitive know-how. The other view is found in a difficult passage at the end of Aristotle’s own Eudemian Ethics (VIII.3), where ordinary ethical knowledge is represented as a sort of prudence about what is advantageous or beneficial to human beings. The consideration of these further alternatives in this Appendix not only clarifies the place of the Nicomachean view of ethical experience in its own intellectual context, but it also helps us to discern the philosophical motivations behind this view.
The association between loneliness and frailty among community-dwelling older adults in five European countries: a longitudinal study
Authors: Ye Lizhen , Bally Esmee , Korenhof Sophie A , Fierloos Irene , Alhambra Borrás Tamara , Clough Gary , Raat Hein , van Grieken Amy
Published: October 2024

Background

Loneliness is described as the subjective experience of unfulfilled personal and social needs, with emotional and social domains. Frailty is a state of vulnerability to stressors, which is often characterised by impairment in the physical, psychological and/or social domain.

Objective

This study aims to examine the bidirectional association between loneliness and frailty across the different domains.

Methods

The study included 1735 older adults from the Urban Health Centres Europe project. Loneliness was assessed using the six-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale. Frailty was assessed by the Tilburg Frailty Indicator. Multivariate linear regression and cross-lagged panel models were used to explore the associations between the social and emotional loneliness dimensions and overall, physical, psychological and social frailty.

Results

A bidirectional association existed between overall loneliness and overall frailty (loneliness to frailty: β = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.15; frailty to loneliness: β = 0.05, 95% CI: 0.004, 0.10). Higher levels of overall loneliness at baseline were associated with higher levels of psychological frailty at follow-up (β = 0.05, 95% CI: 0.00, 0.10). The reverse association was not significant. A bidirectional association existed between overall loneliness and social frailty (loneliness to social frailty: β = 0.05, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.10; social frailty to loneliness: β = 0.05, 95% CI: 0.00, 0.09).

Conclusion

This study confirms the importance of addressing loneliness among older adults. Interventions that increase social support, exercise engagement and promote healthy behaviours may be effective in reducing the risk of frailty among older adults and simultaneously preventing loneliness.
Telomere length and 4-year changes in cognitive function in an older Mediterranean population at high risk of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Fernández de la Puente María , Marti Amelia , Canudas Silvia , Zalba Guillermo , Razquin Cristina , Boccardi Virginia , Mecocci Patrizia , Babio Nancy , Castañer-Niño Olga , Toledo Estefanía , Buil-Cosiales Pilar , Salas-Salvadó Jordi , García-Calzón Sonia
Published: October 2024

Background

Cognitive decline, a common process of brain ageing, has been associated with telomere length (TL). Delving into the identification of reliable biomarkers of brain ageing is essential to prevent accelerated cognitive impairment.

Methods

We selected 317 non-smoking ‘Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea-Plus’ (PREDIMED-Plus) participants (mean age, 65.8 ± 5.0 years) with metabolic syndrome from two trial centres who were following a lifestyle intervention. We measured TL and cognitive function at baseline and after 3 and 4 years of follow-up, respectively. Associations between baseline or 3-year changes in TL and baseline or 4-year changes in cognitive function were analysed using multivariable regression models.

Results

Baseline TL was not associated with baseline cognitive performance. Nevertheless, longer baseline TL was associated with improved 4-year changes in the Executive Function domain (β: 0.29; 95%CI: 0.12 to 0.44; P < 0.001) and the Global Cognitive Function domain (β: 0.19; 95%CI: 0.05 to 0.34; P = 0.010). Besides, a positive association was found between longer baseline TL and improved 4-year changes in the animal version of the Verbal Fluency Test (β: 0.33; 95%CI: 0.12 to 0.52; P = 0.002). By contrast, 3-year changes in TL were not associated with changes in cognitive function after 4 years.

Conclusions

Longer baseline TL could protect from cognitive decline and be used as a useful biomarker of brain ageing function in an older Mediterranean population at risk of cardiovascular disease and cognitive impairment.
Defending Modal Platonism: Reply to Builes
Authors: Tugby Matthew
Published: October 2024

In a recent article, David Builes (forthcoming, Analysis) argues that one should not try to combine a Platonic account of properties with the recently popular grounding theory of powers, as proposed in Tugby’s Putting Properties First. According to Builes, Aristotelian or nominalist theories of properties are better placed to meet the explanatory demands of the grounding theory of powers. In this reply, I cast doubt on Builes’s argument.
Development of biocatalysts for high-value-added compounds
Authors: Usami Atsushi
Published: October 2024

High-value-added compounds, such as monoterpenoids, are important industrial targets because they are an essential group of compounds for pharmaceutical and industrial applications. Meanwhile, the depletion of natural resources and climate change demands sustainable production methods. In recent years, biocatalysis, which allows microbial bioproduction by regio- and stereo-selective reaction under mild conditions, has been attracted researchers’ attention as a possible alternative to conventional methods. In this mini-review, we focus on the identification of biotransformation pathways in the non-model microorganism Acinetobacter sp. Tol 5 using geraniol, a representative monoterpenoid, and on the construction of an unconventional bioproduction method for high-value-added monoterpenoid (E)-geranic acid, which has great potential for industrial applications. This method offers a more environmentally friendly approach and insights contribute to optimizing biotransformation and bioproduction strategies for high-value-added compounds.
An immune challenge induces a decline in parental effort and compensation by the mate
Authors: Martínez-Flores Alejandro , Montoya Bibiana , Torres Roxana
Published: October 2024

Immune defense is fundamental to diminish the negative effects of the attack of infectious agents, yet the activation of the immune system entails costs and may compromise other life-history traits such as reproduction. In reproductive brown booby pairs (Sula leucogaster), we experimentally imposed an immune challenge during incubation, by intraperitoneally injecting Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS), in either the male or the female. We aimed to test whether activation of the immune response results in (1) an increase in oxidative stress parameters, (2) a decline in post-hatching parental care in the treated individual, and (3) a compensation of the post-hatching parental effort by the nontreated mate. We found that activation of the immune response during incubation did not increase oxidative damage to lipids or total antioxidant capacity. However, mounting an immune response compromised parental effort during the chick-rearing period: compared to controls, LPS-treated parents showed roughly a 50% decline in the rate of preening and offspring feeding in response to begging. Interestingly, mates of LPS-treated parents increased their feeding rate suggesting parental care compensation. According to a scenario of full compensation, the decline in parental effort of LPS-treated parents did not result in poorer offspring growth or immune response, or increased levels of oxidative stress parameters. These findings suggest that in a long-lived species with long-lasting biparental care, an immune challenge compromises parental care, favoring parental compensation as a strategy to mitigate costs in terms of offspring success.
MNBC: a multithreaded Minimizer-based Naïve Bayes Classifier for improved metagenomic sequence classification
Authors: Lu Ruipeng , Dumonceaux Tim , Anzar Muhammad , Zovoilis Athanasios , Antonation Kym , Barker Dillon , Corbett Cindi , Nadon Celine , Robertson James , Eagle Shannon H C , Lung Oliver , Rudar Josip , Surujballi Om , Laing Chad
Published: October 2024

Motivation

State-of-the-art tools for classifying metagenomic sequencing reads provide both rapid and accurate options, although the combination of both in a single tool is a constantly improving area of research. The machine learning-based Naïve Bayes Classifier (NBC) approach provides a theoretical basis for accurate classification of all reads in a sample.

Results

We developed the multithreaded Minimizer-based Naïve Bayes Classifier (MNBC) tool to improve the NBC approach by applying minimizers, as well as plurality voting for closely related classification scores. A standard reference- and test-sequence framework using simulated variable-length reads benchmarked MNBC with six other state-of-the-art tools: MetaMaps, Ganon, Kraken2, KrakenUniq, CLARK, and Centrifuge. We also applied MNBC to the “marine” and “strain-madness” short-read metagenomic datasets in the Critical Assessment of Metagenome Interpretation (CAMI) II challenge using a corresponding database from the time. MNBC efficiently identified reads from unknown microorganisms, and exhibited the highest species- and genus-level precision and recall on short reads, as well as the highest species-level precision on long reads. It also achieved the highest accuracy on the “strain-madness” dataset.

Availability and implementation

MNBC is freely available at: https://github.com/ComputationalPathogens/MNBC.
On the degrees of freedom of the smoothing parameter
Authors: Säfken B , Kneib T , Wood S N
Published: October 2024

The smoothing parameters in a semiparametric model are estimated based on criteria such as generalized cross-validation or restricted maximum likelihood. As these parameters are estimated in a data-driven manner, they influence the degrees of freedom of a semiparametric model, based on Stein’s lemma. This allows us to associate parts of the degrees of freedom of a semiparametric model with the smoothing parameters. A framework is introduced that enables these degrees of freedom of the smoothing parameters to be derived analytically, based on the implicit function theorem. The degrees of freedom of the smoothing parameters are efficient to compute and have a geometrical interpretation. The practical importance of this finding is highlighted by a simulation study and an application, showing that ignoring the degrees of freedom of the smoothing parameters in Akaike information criterion-based model selection leads to an increase in the post-selection prediction error.
A reproducible method to study traumatic injury-induced zebrafish brain regeneration
Authors: Srivastava Priyanka P , Bhasin Sidharth , Shankaran Sunita S , Roger Catherine , Ramachandran Rajesh , Minocha Shilpi
Published: October 2024

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be caused by a sudden blow or jolt to the head, causing irreversible brain damage leading to cellular and functional loss. Mammals cannot repair such damage, which may increase the risk of progressive neurodegeneration. Unlike mammals, lower vertebrates such as zebrafish have the astounding capability to regenerate their brains. A model system would be of great value to study zebrafish brain regeneration. Here, we describe a physical method to induce traumatic injury in the zebrafish brain and outline a pipeline to utilize this model system to explore various aspects of brain regeneration. This will significantly advance the fields of regenerative biology and neuroscience. The method includes inducing TBI and validating this through histological assays, immunohistochemistry, and gene expression analysis. By using this model system, researchers will be able to gain valuable insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying brain regeneration. Understanding these mechanisms could lead to the identification of potential strategies to address neurodegenerative conditions in higher vertebrates.
Functional and free-water imaging in rapid eye movement behaviour disorder and Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Tobin Emily R , Arpin David J , Schauder Marissa B , Higgonbottham Mara L , Chen Robin , Lou XiangYang , Berry Richard B , Christou Evangelos A , Jaffee Michael S , Vaillancourt David E
Published: October 2024

It is established that one of the best predictors of a future diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is a current diagnosis of rapid eye movement behaviour disorder (RBD). In such patients, this provides a unique opportunity to study brain physiology and behavioural motor features of RBD that may precede early-stage Parkinson’s disease. Based on prior work in early-stage Parkinson’s disease, we aim to determine if the function of corticostriatal and cerebellar regions are impaired in RBD using task-based functional MRI and if structural changes can be detected within the caudate, putamen and substantia nigra in RBD using free-water imaging. To assess motor function, we measured performance on the Purdue Pegboard Test, which is affected in patients with RBD and Parkinson’s disease. A cohort of 24 RBD, 39 early-stage Parkinson’s disease and 25 controls were investigated. All participants were imaged at 3 Telsa. Individuals performed a unimanual grip force task during functional imaging. Participants also completed scales to assess cognition, sleep and motor symptoms. We found decreased functional activity in both RBD and Parkinson’s disease within the motor cortex, caudate, putamen and thalamus compared with controls. There was elevated free-water-corrected fractional anisotropy in the putamen in RBD and Parkinson’s disease and elevated free-water in the putamen and posterior substantia nigra in Parkinson’s disease compared with controls. Participants with RBD and Parkinson’s disease performed significantly worse on all tasks of the Purdue Pegboard Test compared with controls. The both hands task of the Purdue Pegboard Test was most sensitive in distinguishing between groups. A subgroup analysis of early-stage RBD (<2 years diagnosis) confirmed similar findings as those in the larger RBD group. These findings provide new evidence that the putamen is affected in early-stage RBD using both functional and free-water imaging. We also found evidence that the striatum, thalamus and motor cortex have reduced functional activity in early-stage RBD and Parkinson’s disease. While the substantia nigra shows elevated free-water in Parkinson’s disease, we did not observe this effect in early-stage RBD. These findings point to the corticostriatal and thalamocortical circuits being impaired in RBD patients.
Adding the third dimension: 3D convolutional neural network diagnosis of temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Kaestner Erik , Hassanzadeh Reihaneh , Gleichgerrcht Ezequiel , Hasenstab Kyle , Roth Rebecca W , Chang Allen , Rüber Theodor , Davis Kathryn A , Dugan Patricia , Kuzniecky Ruben , Fridriksson Julius , Parashos Alexandra , Bagić Anto I , Drane Daniel L , Keller Simon S , Calhoun Vince D , Abrol Anees , Bonilha Leonardo , McDonald Carrie R
Published: October 2024

Convolutional neural networks (CNN) show great promise for translating decades of research on structural abnormalities in temporal lobe epilepsy into clinical practice. Three-dimensional CNNs typically outperform two-dimensional CNNs in medical imaging. Here we explore for the first time whether a three-dimensional CNN outperforms a two-dimensional CNN for identifying temporal lobe epilepsy-specific features on MRI. Using 1178 T1-weighted images (589 temporal lobe epilepsy, 589 healthy controls) from 12 surgical centres, we trained 3D and 2D CNNs for temporal lobe epilepsy versus healthy control classification, using feature visualization to identify important regions. The 3D CNN was compared to the 2D model and to a randomized model (comparison to chance). Further, we explored the effect of sample size with subsampling, examined model performance based on single-subject clinical characteristics, and tested the impact of image harmonization on model performance. Across 50 datapoints (10 runs with 5-folds each) the 3D CNN median accuracy was 86.4% (35.3% above chance) and the median F1-score was 86.1% (33.3% above chance). The 3D model yielded higher accuracy compared to the 2D model on 84% of datapoints (median 2D accuracy, 83.0%), a significant outperformance for the 3D model (binomial test: P < 0.001). This advantage of the 3D model was only apparent at the highest sample size. Saliency maps exhibited the importance of medial–ventral temporal, cerebellar, and midline subcortical regions across both models for classification. However, the 3D model had higher salience in the most important regions, the ventral-medial temporal and midline subcortical regions. Importantly, the model achieved high accuracy (82% accuracy) even in patients without MRI-identifiable hippocampal sclerosis. Finally, applying ComBat for harmonization did not improve performance. These findings highlight the value of 3D CNNs for identifying subtle structural abnormalities on MRI, especially in patients without clinically identified temporal lobe epilepsy lesions. Our findings also reveal that the advantage of 3D CNNs relies on large sample sizes for model training.
Celebrating international community development networking
Authors: McConnell Charlie
Published: October 2024

The International Association for Community Development (IACD) is the global multi-disciplinary network for those who work in this field. The association celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2024. This reflection article examines the history and activities of IACD drawing upon the author’s lead role in establishing the association, and as a past Secretary General and President. The article explores the work of IACD over the past twenty-five years, including the background to why it was created in the late 1990s and how it has become part an important part of the infrastructure to support participatory community development practice.
Efficacy of rituximab in the treatment of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita
Authors: Bratsos Sosipatros P , Demir Zilan , Mee John B , Groves Richard W , Tull Thomas J
Published: October 2024

Background

Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) is a chronic mucocutaneous disease that is mediated by antibodies that bind collagen VII. The treatment of EBA can be challenging and the use of multiple immunomodulatory drugs is often required. Rituximab has been reported to be an effective treatment for recalcitrant EBA, although the evidence base for this treatment is limited to case reports and case series.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of rituximab for the treatment of patients with EBA.

Methods

Patients with EBA who were treated with rituximab were identified by searching electronic medical records. The diagnostic criteria for EBA were mechanobullous skin lesions and/or mucosal ulceration, indirect immunofluorescence localizing to the base of salt-split skin, and positive collagen VII antibodies. Clinical disease activity, collagen VII antibody levels and serum immunoglobulin levels were recorded at each follow-up visit over a 600-day period. Treatment responses were classified as follows: complete remission (CR) was defined as the absence of new or established lesions on minimal therapy for 2 months, partial remission (PR) was defined as transient lesions that heal within 1 week on minimal therapy, and active disease was defined as the development of new lesions.

Results

In total, 14 patients with EBA were treated with rituximab. CR or PR was observed in 11 patients, and the duration of response varied between 4 and 24 months. A reduction in collagen VII antibody levels was observed in all patients. No significant adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

Rituximab is a safe and effective treatment for patients with recalcitrant EBA, although there was significant heterogeneity in the disease response.