bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective RNA pseudouridinylation in situ by circular gRNAs in designer organelles
Authors: Schartel Lukas , Jann Cosimo , Wierczeiko Anna , Butto Tamer , Mündnich Stefan , Marchand Virginie , Motorin Yuri , Helm Mark , Gerber Susanne , Lemke Edward A.
Published: October 2024

RNA modifications play a pivotal role in the regulation of RNA chemistry within cells. Several technologies have been developed with the goal of using RNA modifications to regulate cellular biochemistry selectively, but achieving selective and precise modifications remains a challenge. Here, we show that by using designer organelles, we can modify mRNA with pseudouridine in a highly selective and guide-RNA-dependent manner. We use designer organelles inspired by concepts of phase separation, a central tenet in developing artificial membraneless organelles in living mammalian cells. In addition, we use circular guide RNAs to markedly enhance the effectiveness of targeted pseudouridinylation. Our studies introduce spatial engineering through optimized RNA editing organelles (OREO) as a complementary tool for targeted RNA modification, providing new avenues to enhance RNA modification specificity.
Constitutive activation of two-component systems reveals regulatory network interactions in Streptococcus agalactiae
Authors: Claverie Cosme , Coppolino Francesco , Mazzuoli Maria-Vittoria , Guyonnet Cécile , Jacquemet Elise , Legendre Rachel , Sismeiro Odile , De Gaetano Giuseppe Valerio , Teti Giuseppe , Trieu-Cuot Patrick , Tazi Asmaa , Beninati Concetta , Firon Arnaud
Published: October 2024

Bacterial two-component systems (TCSs) are signaling modules that control physiology, adaptation, and host interactions. A typical TCS consists of a histidine kinase (HK) that activates a response regulator via phosphorylation in response to environmental signals. Here, we systematically test the effect of inactivating the conserved phosphatase activity of HKs to activate TCS signaling pathways. Transcriptome analyses of 14 HK mutants in Streptococcus agalactiae, the leading cause of neonatal meningitis, validate the conserved HK phosphatase mechanism and its role in the inhibition of TCS activity in vivo. Constitutive TCS activation, independent of environmental signals, enables high-resolution mapping of the regulons for several TCSs (e.g., SaeRS, BceRS, VncRS, DltRS, HK11030, HK02290) and reveals the functional diversity of TCS signaling pathways, ranging from highly specialized to interconnected global regulatory networks. Targeted analysis shows that the SaeRS-regulated PbsP adhesin acts as a signaling molecule to activate CovRS signaling, thereby linking the major regulators of host-pathogen interactions. Furthermore, constitutive BceRS activation reveals drug-independent activity, suggesting a role in cell envelope homeostasis beyond antimicrobial resistance. This study highlights the versatility of constitutive TCS activation, via phosphatase-deficient HKs, to uncover regulatory networks and biological processes.
Alternative sulphur metabolism in the fungal pathogen Candida parapsilosis
Authors: Lombardi Lisa , Salzberg Letal I. , Cinnéide Eoin Ó , O’Brien Caoimhe , Morio Florent , Turner Siobhán A. , Byrne Kevin P. , Butler Geraldine
Published: October 2024

Candida parapsilosis is an opportunistic fungal pathogen commonly isolated from the environment and associated with nosocomial infection outbreaks worldwide. We describe here the construction of a large collection of gene disruptions, greatly increasing the molecular tools available for probing gene function in C. parapsilosis. We use these to identify transcription factors associated with multiple metabolic pathways, and in particular to dissect the network regulating the assimilation of sulphur. We find that, unlike in other yeasts and filamentous fungi, the transcription factor Met4 is not the main regulator of methionine synthesis. In C. parapsilosis, assimilation of inorganic sulphur (sulphate) and synthesis of cysteine and methionine is regulated by Met28, a paralog of Met4, whereas Met4 regulates expression of a wide array of transporters and enzymes involved in the assimilation of organosulfur compounds. Analysis of transcription factor binding sites suggests that Met4 is recruited by the DNA-binding protein Met32, and Met28 is recruited by Cbf1. Despite having different target genes, Met4 and Met28 have partial functional overlap, possibly because Met4 can contribute to assimilation of inorganic sulphur in the absence of Met28.
Artificial intelligence reveals past climate extremes by reconstructing historical records
Authors: Plésiat Étienne , Dunn Robert J. H. , Donat Markus G. , Kadow Christopher
Published: October 2024

The understanding of recent climate extremes and the characterization of climate risk require examining these extremes within a historical context. However, the existing datasets of observed extremes generally exhibit spatial gaps and inaccuracies due to inadequate spatial extrapolation. This problem arises from traditional statistical methods used to account for the lack of measurements, particularly prevalent before the mid-20th century. In this work, we use artificial intelligence to reconstruct observations of European climate extremes (warm and cold days and nights) by leveraging Earth system model data from CMIP6 through transfer learning. Our method surpasses conventional statistical techniques and diffusion models, showcasing its ability to reconstruct past extreme events and reveal spatial trends across an extensive time span (1901-2018) that is not covered by most reanalysis datasets. Providing our dataset to the climate community will improve the characterization of climate extremes, resulting in better risk management and policies.
A reproducible extended ex-vivo normothermic machine liver perfusion protocol utilising improved nutrition and targeted vascular flows
Authors: Clarke George , Mao Jingwen , Hann Angus , Fan Yiyu , Gupta Amita , Nutu Anisa , Buckel Schaffner Erwin , Kayani Kayani , Murphy Nicholas , Bangash Mansoor N. , Casey Anna L. , Wootton Isla , Lawson Alexander J. , Dasari Bobby V. M. , Perera M. Thamara P. R. , Mergental Hynek , Afford Simon C.
Published: October 2024

Background

Normothermic machine perfusion of donor livers has become standard practice in the field of transplantation, allowing the assessment of organs and safe extension of preservation times. Alongside its clinical uses, there has been expanding interest in extended normothermic machine perfusion (eNMP) of livers as a potential vehicle for medical research. Reproducible extended normothermic machine perfusion has remained elusive due to its increased complexity and monitoring requirements. We set out to develop a reproducible protocol for the extended normothermic machine perfusion of whole human livers.

Methods

Human livers declined for transplantation were perfused using a blood-based perfusate at 36 °C using the Liver Assist device (XVIVO, Sweden), with continuous veno-venous haemofiltration in-parallel. We developed the protocol in a stepwise fashion.

Results

Perfusion techniques utilised included: targeted physiological vascular flows, phosphate replacement (to prevent hypophosphataemia), N-acetylcysteine (to prevent methaemoglobin accumulation), and the utilisation of sodium lactate as both a nutritional source and real-time measure of hepatocyte function. All five human livers perfused with the developed protocol showed preserved function with a median perfusion time of 168 h (range 120–184 h), with preserved viability throughout.

Conclusions

Livers can be reproducibly perfused in excess of 120 (range 121–184) hours with evidence of preserved hepatocyte and cholangiocyte function.
A dual-functional rhodamine B and azo-salicylaldehyde derivative for the simultaneous detection of copper and hypochlorite: synthesis, biological applications and theoretical insights
Authors: S Vishnu , Das Avijit Kumar , Bylappa Yatheesharadhya , Nag Anish , Dolai Malay
Published: October 2024

A multifunctional rhodamine derivative (BBS) was designed and synthesized as a colorimetric and fluorescence turn-on probe for the selective detection of copper (Cu2+) and hypochlorite (OCl−) in aqueous media.
rGO/MUT-15 nanocomposite as a Fenton-like photocatalyst for the degradation of Acid Yellow 73 under visible light
Authors: Ghasemzadeh Roghayyeh , Akhbari Kamran , Kawata Satoshi
Published: October 2024

A new Mn-based MOF (MUT-15) with the formula [Mn2(DClTPA)2(DMF)3] was prepared using a solvothermal method. rGO/MUT-15 was formed via a one-pot solvothermal route. The Fenton-like effect of Mn2+ ions in MUT-15 was used to degrade Acid Yellow 73.
Unprecedented C–F bond cleavage in perfluoronaphthalene during cobaltocene reduction
Authors: Kundu Gargi , Pramanik Debjit , Dash Soumya Ranjan , Kumar Ravi , Sangole Mayur , Tothadi Srinu , Ghosh Aryya , Vanka Kumar , Singh Kirandeep , Sen Sakya S.
Published: October 2024

The reduction of octafluoronapthalene by cobaltocene in preence of NHC led to a distinct Co(i) species with the cleavage of the C–F bond and the formation of Co–C bond.
Maternal n-3 fatty acid supplementation has an immediate impact on the human milk fatty acid composition
Authors: He Yannan , Chen Lin , Miao Miao , Dai Yongmei , Qin Li , Lin Jing , Qi Yumei , Xiao Huijuan , Qiu Yajun , Zhang Xiaohong , Sun Hailan , Wang Jianing , Xu Meng-yan , Tan Ping , Yang Bo , Sun Guiju , Zhao Feng , Li Duo
Published: October 2024

Fatty acids are essential components in breast milk with mutable characteristics.
Functional yogurt: a comprehensive review of its nutritional composition and health benefits
Authors: Pannerchelvan Sangkaran , Rios-Solis Leonardo , Wasoh Helmi , Sobri Mohamad Zulfazli Mohd , Faizal Wong Fadzlie Wong , Mohamed Mohd Shamzi , Mohamad Rosfarizan , Halim Murni
Published: October 2024

Functional yogurt contains a variety of nutritional components that offer numerous health benefits, with limitations that can potentially be overcome.
New paradigms of 2D layered material self-driven photodetectors
Authors: Guan Xinyi , Chen Yu , Ma Yuhang , Liang Huanrong , Zheng Zhaoqiang , Ma Churong , Du Chun , Yao Jiandong , Yang Guowei
Published: October 2024

The burgeoning initiatives implementing self-driven 2D layered material photodetectors have been presented, heralding new avenues for the next-generation integrated and miniaturized optoelectronic industry.
A bioswitchable siRNA delivery system: RNAi therapy based on tetrahedral framework nucleic acids for bone defect repair
Authors: Liao Shengnan , Li Songhang , Liu Zhiqiang , Lu Weitong , He Yutian , Xia Kai , Wang Yigan , Zhao Zhihe , Lin Yunfeng
Published: October 2024

BiRDS successfully delivered CKIP-1 siRNA into BMSCs, targeting and silencing CKIP-1, which promoted the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs and enhanced bone defect repair.
Enhanced mechanical properties of acrylate and 5-vinyl-2-norbornene-based ethylene terpolymers: rational design and synthesis using remotely modulated phosphine–sulfonate palladium complexes
Authors: Li Yong-Qing , Cao Gui-Ping , Cao Yu-Cai
Published: October 2024

From a practical perspective, it is important to maintain or increase the mechanical properties of functional ethylene copolymers to those of nonpolar polyethylene (PE).
Increasingly threaded polypseudorotaxanes with reduced enthalpies of melting
Authors: Sun He , Gitter Sean R. , Treaster Kiana A. , Marquez Joshua D. , Sumerlin Brent S. , Wagener Kenneth B. , Evans Austin M.
Published: October 2024

We used acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) chemistry to prepare variably threaded pseudopolyrotaxanes. We find that the melting enthalpy decreases as the number density of macrocycles is increased.
Halide-triggered assembly and selective bisulfate recognition in a quadruply interlocked coordination cage
Authors: Virtue Jemma I. , Tsoukatos Steven , Johnston Martin R. , Bloch Witold M.
Published: October 2024

A Pd2L4 coordination cage based on a bis-pyrazole methane backbone can be triggered by halides to form interlocked X@Pd4L8 dimers that selectively recognize bisulfate over other tetrahedral anions.
The aquastatin biosynthetic gene cluster encodes a versatile polyketide synthase capable of synthesising heteromeric depsides with diverse alkyl side chains
Authors: Sbaraini Nicolau , Crombie Andrew , Kalaitzis John A. , Vuong Daniel , Bracegirdle Joe , Windsor Fraser , Lau Ashli , Chen Rachel , Tan Yu Pei , Lacey Alastair , Lacey Ernest , Piggott Andrew M. , Chooi Yit-Heng
Published: October 2024

The aqu BGC from Austroacremonium gemini encodes a versatile polyketide synthase capable of synthesising heteromeric depsides with diverse alkyl side chains.
Monomer centred selectivity guidelines for sulfurated ring-opening copolymerisations
Authors: Stühler Merlin R. , Kreische Marie , Fornacon-Wood Christoph , Rupf Susanne M. , Langer Robert , Plajer Alex J.
Published: October 2024

Factors determining sequence selectivity in sulfur-containing ring-opening copolymerization are governed by the types of chain ends generated so that monomers which lead to primary alkoxide and thiolate chain ends, are particularly suitable.
Advancing carbon dioxide capture: investigation into the kinetics and efficiency of absorption in molten calcium oxide–chloride
Authors: Hall Melissa , Rigby Sean P. , Chen George Z.
Published: October 2024

The molten mixture of CaCl2 + CaO is capable of selective capture of CO2 with the absorption rate following almost exactly a novel kinetic model.
General equations to estimate the CO2 production of (bio)catalytic reactions in early development stages
Authors: Domínguez de María Pablo
Published: October 2024

Global warming potential (GWP, kg CO2eq per kg product) is key to assess the greenness of reactions in LCAs. Equations are developed to estimate GWP, using available parameters like “conversion”, “substrate loading”, “reaction time” or “temperature.
Porous helical supramolecular columns self-organized via the fluorophobic effect of a semifluorinated tapered dendron
Authors: Sahoo Dipankar , Peterca Mihai , Imam Mohammad R. , Maurya Devendra S. , Percec Virgil
Published: October 2024

Fluorophobic effect enhances supramolecular microsegregation.
Dynamical friction and the evolution of black holes in cosmological simulations: A new implementation in OpenGadget3
Authors: Damiano Alice , Valentini Milena , Borgani Stefano , Tornatore Luca , Murante Giuseppe , Ragagnin Antonio , Ragone-Figueroa Cinthia , Dolag Klaus
Published: October 2024

Aims. We introduce a novel sub-resolution prescription to correct for the unresolved dynamical friction (DF) onto black holes (BHs) in cosmological simulations, to describe BH dynamics accurately, and to overcome spurious motions induced by numerical effects.

Methods. We implemented a sub-resolution prescription for the unresolved DF onto BHs in the OpenGadget3 code. We carried out cosmological simulations of a volume of (16 comoving Mpc)3 and zoomed-in simulations of a galaxy group and of a galaxy cluster. We assessed the advantages of our new technique in comparison to commonly adopted methods for hampering spurious BH displacements, namely repositioning onto a local minimum of the gravitational potential and ad hoc boosting of the BH particle dynamical mass. We inspected variations in BH demography in terms of offset from the centres of the host sub-halos, the wandering population of BHs, BH–BH merger rates, and the occupation fraction of sub-halos. We also analysed the impact of the different prescriptions on individual BH interaction events in detail.

Results. The newly introduced DF correction enhances the centring of BHs on host halos, the effects of which are at least comparable with those of alternative techniques. Also, the correction becomes gradually more effective as the redshift decreases. Simulations with this correction predict half as many merger events with respect to the repositioning prescription, with the advantage of being less prone to leaving substructures without any central BH. Simulations featuring our DF prescription produce a smaller (by up to ~50% with respect to repositioning) population of wandering BHs and final BH masses that are in good agreement with observations. Regarding individual BH–BH interactions, our DF model captures the gradual inspiraling of orbits before the merger occurs. By contrast, the repositioning scheme, in its most classical renditions, describes extremely fast mergers, while the dynamical mass misrepresents the dynamics of the black holes, introducing numerical scattering between the orbiting BHs.

Conclusions. The novel DF correction improves the accuracy if tracking BHs within their hosts galaxies and the pathway to BH- BH mergers. This opens up new possibilities for better modeling the evolution of BH populations in cosmological simulations across different times and different environments.
Template based segmental mandibulectomy with nerve preservation and patient-specific PEEK plate reconstruction in a dog
Authors: Zobel Anne , Böttcher Peter
Published: October 2024

A 7-year-old French Bulldog presented with an acanthomatous ameloblastoma affecting approximately 30% of the right mandibular body. We utilized a patient-specific 3D-printed surgical template to perform lateral fenestration of the mandible and elevation of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN), facilitating nerve preservation during subsequent segmental mandibulectomy. The resulting critical-sized bone defect was anatomically stabilized using a patient-specific polyetheretherketone (PEEK) bridging plate. The recovery process was uneventful, with maintained occlusion and orofacial sensitivity.

Similar to cases in humans with ameloblastoma, preserving orofacial sensitivity through the preservation of the inferior alveolar nerve seems feasible in dogs. Consequently, potential negative consequences of permanent regional denervation, which are unavoidable in traditional mandibulectomy, can be avoided. Bridging the ostectomy with a PEEK plate, offering advantages such as radiolucency, absence of imaging artifacts, and a modulus of elasticity similar to bone, proved to be functional in this canine patient, with no signs of complications observed up to the latest follow-up at 6 months.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Allograft Reconstruction in Females Can Produce Outcomes Comparable to Those of Autografts in Male Counterparts
Authors: Park Sung Bae , Lee Yong Seuk
Published: October 2024

There are unique anatomical and geometric risk factors that contribute to higher injury rates of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in women. Allografts are an important alternative option for female patients.

Patients who underwent primary ACL reconstruction were retrospectively evaluated. The case group comprised female patients with ACL allograft reconstruction, and the control group comprised male patients with ACL reconstruction. Functional and clinical evaluations were based on the pre- and postoperative Cybex test, Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee subjective and objective measurement criteria, and Tegner Activity Scale questionnaires. Radiological comparisons were performed using the femorotibial angle (FTA), posterior tibial slope (PTS), and intercondylar notch width (INW). The roof inclination angle (RIA) was assessed using magnetic resonance imaging.

The two groups (female [44] and male [88]) had an average follow-up period of 57.9 ± 19.3 months and average ages of 36.5 ± 10.9 and 35.2 ± 11.7 years, respectively. Functional and clinical outcomes showed no differences between the groups, except that the return to the preinjury activity level was higher in the female group (95% vs. 77%, p < 0.001). The female group showed larger FTA and PTS and smaller INW and RIA than those of the male group (p < 0.001, 0.008, <0.001, and 0.035, respectively).

Female ACL allograft reconstruction showed comparable outcomes to those of their male counterparts, and the return to preinjury activity levels was significantly higher in women. However, women showed lower activity levels and were more vulnerable to geometric risk factors than their male counterparts.
Uncommon Neurosyphilis: Subacute Meningomyelitis with Distinctive “Candle Guttering Appearance”
Authors: Wang Liwen , Fang Jing , Wang Juan
Published: October 2024

In this article, we presented an exceedingly rare clinical case of neurosyphilis, radiological revealed a distinctive “candle guttering appearance.” Posttreatment for syphilis, both clinical symptoms and radiological markers showed complete resolution.
Invasive plants and their root traits are linked to the homogenization of soil microbial communities across the United States
Authors: Nunez-Mir Gabriela C. , McCary Matthew A.
Published: October 2024

Although the impacts of invasive plants on soil ecosystems are widespread, the role and impacts of invader root traits in structuring microbial communities remain poorly understood. Here, we present a macroecological study investigating how plant invaders and their root traits affect soil microbial communities, spanning data from 377 unique plots across the United States sampled multiple times, totaling 632 sampling events and 94 invasive plant species. We found that native and invasive plants harbor different root traits on average, with invasive plants possessing higher specific root lengths and native plants having higher root tissue density. We also show that soil microbial communities experiencing heavy plant invasions were more similar to each other in composition across ecosystem types and geographical regions than plots with higher proportions of native plants, which displayed highly variable microbial communities across the continent. Root traits of invasive plants in highly invaded plots explained two times more variation in microbial composition than native plants. This work represents an important step toward understanding macroscale and cross-scale patterns of the relationship between plant invasions, root traits, and soil microbial composition. Our findings provide insights into how invasive plants may impact ecosystem functioning at the macroscale via their homogenizing influence on microbial communities.
Defect dependent electronic properties of WTe2: a first-principles study
Authors: Yelgel Celal , C Yelgel Övgü
Published: October 2024

Tungsten ditelluride (WTe2) possesses fascinating electronic structures and exceptional properties that make it highly suitable for use in cutting-edge devices. Defects in WTe2 can have a significant influence on its properties, both in advantageous and disadvantageous ways. Thus, a precise classification is crucial to fully comprehend the potential impacts. Here we report a thorough investigation of the electronic characteristics of intrinsic defects, including point defects, in monolayer WTe2 using first-principles calculations based on density functional theory. Our research suggests that the presence of point defects can cause a notable shift in electronic properties, resulting in a metallic behaviour. This is due to the interesting phenomenon of Fermi-level changing near the band edges. Our research findings indicate that the energy required to form a vacancy in a Te atom is lower compared to that of a vacancy in a W atom. Based on the findings, it appears that Te atom vacancies are more likely to be generated during the synthesis process. Defects like the Te vacancy and Mo substitution in the pristine monolayer of WTe2 result in a subtle reduction in the band gap, while still maintaining its characteristics as a direct band gap semiconductor. Our study reveals that the electronic properties of monolayer WTe2 can be significantly altered by the presence of vacancy defects. This discovery highlights the exciting potential of WTe2 as a promising platform for various electronic applications. Our research is anticipated to have a beneficial impact on the comprehension and control of the characteristics of WTe2, thus expediting the development of nanomaterials in various fields.
Automated planning of curved needle channels in 3D printed patient-tailored applicators for cervical cancer brachytherapy
Authors: Straathof Robin , van Vliet-Pérez Sharline M , Kolkman-Deurloo Inger-Karine K , Wauben Linda S G L , Nout Remi A , Heijmen Ben J M , Rossi Linda , Dankelman Jenny , van de Berg Nick J
Published: October 2024

Purpose. Patient-tailored intracavitary/interstitial (IC/IS) brachytherapy (BT) applicators may increase dose conformity in cervical cancer patients. Current configuration planning methods in these custom applicators rely on manual specification or a small set of (straight) needles. This work introduces and validates a two-stage approach for establishing channel configurations in the 3D printed patient-tailored ARCHITECT applicator. Methods. For each patient, the patient-tailored applicator shape was based on the first BT application with a commercial applicator and integrated connectors to a commercial (Geneva) intrauterine tube and two lunar ring channels. First, a large candidate set was generated of channels that steer the needle to desired poses in the target region and are contained in the applicator. The channels’ centrelines were represented by Bézier curves. Channels running between straight target segments and entry points were optimised and refined to ensure (dynamic) feasibility. Second, channel configurations were selected using geometric coverage optimisation. This workflow was applied to establish patient-tailored geometries for twenty-two patients previously treated using the Venezia applicator. Treatment plans were automatically generated using the in-house developed algorithm BiCycle. Plans for the clinically used configuration,

T

P

clin

, and patient-tailored configuration,

T

P

arch

, were compared. Results. Channel configurations could be generated in clinically feasible time (median: 2651 s, range 1826–3812 s). All

T

P

arch

and

T

P

clin

plans were acceptable, but planning aims were more frequently attained with patient-tailored configurations (115/132 versus 100/132 instances). Median CTVIR

D

98

and bladder

D

2

c

m

3

doses significantly improved (

p

<

0.001 and

p

<

0.01 respectively) in

T

P

arch

plans in comparison with

T

P

clin

plans, and in approximately half of the patients dosimetric indices improved. Conclusion. Automated patient-tailored BT channel configuration planning for 3D printed applicators is clinically feasible. A treatment planning study showed that all plans met planning limits for the patient-tailored configurations, and in selected cases improved the plan quality in comparison with commercial applicator configurations.
Energy efficiency of reactive species generation in radio frequency atmospheric pressure plasma jets driven by tailored voltage waveforms in a He/O2 mixture
Authors: Vass Máté , Schulenberg David , Donkó Zoltán , Hartmann Peter , Steuer David , Böke Marc , Schulz-von der Gathen Volker , Korolov Ihor , Mussenbrock Thomas , Schulze Julian
Published: October 2024

The effect of the shape of the applied voltage waveform on the energy efficiency of reactive species generation is investigated in an atmospheric pressure RF microplasma jet operated in a He/O2 mixture (99.5%/0.5%) based on a one-dimensional hybrid fluid-kinetic simulation method. Using a tailored waveform synthesized from four consecutive harmonics (with a base frequency of

f

b

=
13.56
 

MHz and amplitudes of

(
160

/

k
)

V for the k-th harmonic), it is shown that by changing the identical phases of the even harmonics in the waveform, ϕ, the generation efficiencies of three specific reactive species (helium metastables, atomic and vibrationally excited oxygen), defined as the ratio of mean density and input plasma power, attain their maxima for different values of ϕ, due to changes in the Electron Energy Probability Function (EEPF). The phase control of the EEPF and its critical role in modulating generation energy efficiencies are explained in detail. The simulation results are verified by experimental (Phase Resolved Optical Emission Spectroscopy and Two Photon Absorption Laser Induced Fluorescence) data.
J

c

(
B
)

transformer rectifier flux pump optimisation via simulation
Authors: Francis A C , Moseley D A , Clarke J , Badcock R A
Published: October 2024

Superconducting power supplies commonly known as flux pumps are becoming viable products in various industries. In this work we investigate magnetically switched (

J

c

(
B
)

) half-wave transformer rectifier flux pumps (TRFPs) via a simulation previously validated against an experimental system. Upgrades to the model are introduced, namely the transition to a fully hysteretic transformer reluctance model and the introduction of a conduction cooling thermal model. The conduction cooling model allows direct comparison between liquid cryogen and conduction cooled systems, highlighting the distinct variations in response. This study focuses on parameter sweeps over some of the most important aspects of a TRFP such as; input power, cooling paths and switch length. The findings from these variable sweeps shed light on how to best design the different aspects of a TRFP for most applications and the conclusions drawn throughout this work can be applied to most TRFP types. Some of the major findings from this work are; i. the need for dedicated cooling busses in TRFP switches, ii. that increased switch lengths increase voltage generation but negatively impact cooling effectiveness iii. that the reduction of the metallic coatings surrounding commercial coated conductors results in larger switch voltages.
An analytical model for predicting the magnetization loss in HTS sector-shaped conductors for fusion
Authors: De Marzi Gianluca , Muzzi Luigi , Grilli Francesco
Published: October 2024

Within the framework of magnetic confinement fusion, several projects worldwide are demonstrating the possibility of integrating high-temperature superconductors (HTS) in the coil systems. HTS-based technologies are highly attractive for practical applications because they can extend the operating margins of fusion coils in terms of higher temperatures, transport currents and magnetic fields. Based on the results achieved with the twisted-stacked tape cable, we have designed a novel low-loss HTS sector cable-in-conduit conductor, with a target of 60 kA at 4.5 k, 18 T, which is presently of interest for the DEMO Central Solenoid coil. In HTS cables, the AC losses can represent a significant limiting factor, therefore they must be taken into consideration both in the design phase and in the assessment of the overall magnet thermal budget. In this work, to assess the loss behavior and to optimize the cable design, we have explored different aspect ratios and arrangements of the stacked tapes within the cable layout. The magnetization losses are calculated with a 2D finite-element model based on the T-A formulation and analytical approximations based on the Brandt-Halse critical state model. Specifically, we have developed an analytical formulation that allows for the calculation of the instantaneous power losses in HTS stacked cables with a limited number of tapes per stack, achieving sufficient accuracy at high fields. The analytical model enables a sufficiently accurate assessment of the heat deposited on the conductor during those particular instants of a plasma scenario where the variation of the field is very high, such as during the critical initial discharge period of the plasma initiation.
Thermalization and hotspot formation around small primordial black holes
Authors: He Minxi , Kohri Kazunori , Mukaida Kyohei , Yamada Masaki
Published: October 2024

We quantitatively analyze a basic question: what is the stationary solution of the background plasma temperature profile around a black hole (BH)? One may naively expect that the temperature profile continuously decreases from the Hawking temperature at the surface of the BH towards an outer region. We show analytically and numerically that this is not the case because local thermal equilibrium cannot be maintained near the surface of the BH and also because the high-energy particles emitted from Hawking radiation cannot be instantaneously thermalized into the background plasma. The temperature profile has a plateau within a finite distance from the BH, and even the overall amplitude of background temperature at a distance far away from the BH is significantly suppressed compared with the naive expectation. The main reason for these counterintuitive results comes from the fact that the size of the BH is too small that particles of Hawking radiation goes far away within the typical time scale of interactions.
Using Cartesian Slice Plots of a Cosmological Simulation as Input of a Convolutional Neural Network*
Authors: Arreaga-García Guillermo
Published: October 2024

Using a uniform partitioning of cubic cells, we cover the total volume of a ΛCDM cosmological simulation based on particles. We define a visualization cell as a spatial extension of the cubic cell, so that we collect all simulation particles contained in this visualization cell to create a series of Cartesian plots in which the overdensity of matter is clearly visible. We then use these plots as input to a convolutional neural network (CNN) based on the Keras library and TensorFlow for image classification. To assign a class to each plot, we approximate the Hessian of the gravitational potential in the center of the cubic cells. Each selected cubic cell is then assigned a label of 1, 2 or 3, depending on the number of positive eigenvalues obtained for the Householder reduction of the Hessian matrix. We apply the CNN to several models, including two models with different visualization volumes, one with a cell size of type L (large) and the other with a cell type S (small). A third model combines the plots of the previous L and S cell types. So far, we have mainly considered a slice parallel to the XY plane to make the plots. The last model is considered based on visualizations of cells that also include slices parallel to the ZX and ZY planes. We find that the accuracy in classification plots is acceptable, and the ability of the models to predict the class works well. These results allow us to demonstrate the aim of this paper, namely that the usual Cartesian plots contain enough information to identify the observed structures of the cosmic web.
History of the origin and status of smallholder oil palm plantations in South Sumatera Province
Authors: Nurjannah S , Masyithoh G
Published: October 2024

The history, origin and land status of independent oil palm plantations are interesting to discuss considering the many negative perspectives because they are considered to cause deforestation. The purpose of this study is to analyze the history of the origin of land ownership of smallholder oil palm plantations. The research was conducted in 2020 in four locations of smallholder oil palm plantations in South Sumatra Province. The methods used were interviews with plantation owners, literature search methods, interpretation of Landsat imagery, and overlay analysis of oil palm plantation area maps with TGHK (Agreed Forest Use) maps and South Sumatera provincial spatial plan maps (RTRWP). The results showed that land ownership is privately owned as evidenced by land ownership certificates. All plantation owners do not yet have STD-B (Surat Tanda Daftar Budidaya or Cultivation Registration Letter), so they cannot apply for ISPO certification. Land ownership is based on inheritance and purchase from previous oil palm plantation owners. The land use status of all plantations is APL (non-forestry use area) as evidenced by maps from the RTRWP and the 2016 Minister of Forestry Decree. The results of tracing the history of land use in four community oil palm plantations are community fields, and the results of Landsat image interpretation show that one year before planting was agricultural land.
The land use history and origin of land status oil palm plantations in South Sumatera
Authors: Aso O P , Muhsandi K , Gustiawan I
Published: October 2024

Oil palm is the fastest-growing plantation commodity in Indonesia. However, the development of oil palm plantations is often accompanied by land conversion and changes in land cover. As a result, oil palm plantations are frequently associated with the threat of deforestation, which is rampant in Indonesia. Government regulations on oil palm plantation business licenses should protect these plantations from deforestation. The objective of this research is to study the origin of land use status and history, and to analyze land cover changes of oil palm plantations in South Sumatra. Data collection was carried out through literature review, interviews, overlay analysis of plantation area maps with forest use agreement maps, and the regional spatial plan of South Sumatra province (RTRWP maps), as well as Landsat image interpretation analysis. The process of obtaining permits in 1987 for PT WAI and in 2005 for PT SAML involved area acquisition and deliberations with indigenous peoples holding customary rights and land rights. The results of the overlay analysis between the plantation map and the forest use agreement (TGHK), forest area, and South Sumatra RTRWP maps show that of the total 22,364.82 hectares of two large-scale oil palm plantations, 38.83% is forest area consisting of 97.54% convertible production forest (HPK), 2.37% nature conservation area (KSA/KPA), and 0.09% production forests (HP).
Law study of palm oil plantation land in Indonesia
Authors: Sadino  , Sitorus H
Published: October 2024

Recently, oil palm plantation land has received a lot of attention from various parties and quite a few have linked it to accusations that oil palm plantation land has used forest areas and damaged the environment. Data on the area of oil palm plantations in 2019 by the Ministry of Agriculture was 16.38 million hectares indicated as still being claimed as a forest area of 3,372,615 hectares or often referred to by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry as Indicative Palm Oil Plantations in Forest Area Claims that have been developed which is the basis for oil palm plantation data in forest area claims. Due to differences in data on the area of oil palm plantations in Indonesia, legal studies regarding the acquisition of oil palm plantation land in Indonesia are needed. Judging from the legal provisions, the procedures for land acquisition can be examined from the acquisition of land which is spatially intended for oil palm plantation activities. Furthermore, oil palm plantation land can be obtained from the release of forest areas, especially forests that can be converted. The main things in this paper are; First, what are the procedures for acquiring oil palm plantation land in Indonesia. Second, how can the company carry out plantation activities on the land it has acquired?
How can we verify deforestation in palm oil mill industries? A proposed methodology
Authors: Santosa Y , Putri M M
Published: October 2024

The rapid expansion of oil palm plantations in Indonesia, which can account for 55% of global palm oil exports, has caused widespread environmental concern and controversy since the 1980s. This has even led to accusations that oil palm plantations are the main cause of deforestation. On May 16, 2023, the European Union took a significant step by implementing the European Union Deforestation-free Regulation EUDR, which stipulates that palm oil and other commodities can only be imported if accompanied by certification confirming they are not associated with deforestation. Nevertheless, the specific methods for assessing deforestation risk are still unclear. In response to this challenge, a collaborative effort between IPB University and PUSAKA KALAM has produced the DEFOR-VER Palm Oil Mill Deforestation Verification Method. This innovative approach focuses on Palm Oil Mills FFB and is informed by field evidence revealing discrepancies between Fresh Fruit Bunch FFB production from core and plasma plantations and the (FFB) demand of FFBs. The verification process for FFB involves three crucial stages identifying supply chain actors and their FFB supply chains, mapping plantations owned by these actors, and tracing the origins and land-use history before their conversion into oil palm plantations.
Health monitoring and fault analysis of induction motors: a review
Authors: Kumar Rajeev , Anand R S
Published: October 2024

Induction motors are in high demand for industrial applications due to their reliable and efficient performance compared to other electrical motors. Therefore, the implementation of a predictive maintenance scheme is necessary to minimise financial losses in terms of revenue and maintenance costs. This scheme involves health monitoring system, aimed to enhance motor reliability, extend their useful lifespan and reduce maintenance expenses. Furthermore, traditional health monitoring systems often involve human intervention, which can slow down the diagnosis process. Therefore, a self-sufficient automated system has evolved to improve motor performance and reliability. This paper presents a comprehensive study of induction motor failures and the various methods used for their diagnosis. Additionally, it also discussed the importance of predictive maintenance and the pivotal role played by automated systems in ensuring the sustained efficiency of induction motors in industrial settings.
Russian Politics: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Taylor Brian D.
Published: October 2024

This book provides a concise and accessible overview that places Russia in a global context while explaining its internal political development. Russian politics is powerfully shaped by large, impersonal forces such as geography and Russia’s place in the international political and economic system. At the same time, its formal political institutions, such as its constitution and electoral procedures, are relatively weak and manipulable compared to those of stable, established democracies. Under these circumstances, powerful leaders such as Mikhail Gorbachev, Boris Yeltsin, and Vladimir Putin can represent a source of potential dynamism and change. To make sense of Russian politics, Brian Taylor grounds his discussion in an appreciation of some enduring influences, such as the primacy of the state over society and the role of the West, which has represented a source of inspiration, of threat, and of competition for generations of Russians. At the same time, most of the focus is on the period since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. That revolutionary event brought about dramatic change across multiple spheres, from the nature of the political and economic system to the country’s borders and who counts as a citizen. More than three decades later, Russia is still working its way through the consequences of these transformations.
Power, status, and greatness
Authors: Taylor Brian D.
Published: October 2024

Russia has been considered a great power for more than 300 years. Maintaining great power status has been important to Russian rulers and remains important to the country’s leaders and citizens. Independent Russia is much smaller, less populated, and weaker than either the Russian Empire or the Soviet Union. Vladimir Putin has sought to maintain Russia’s great power status by building up the state’s military and economic power. Putin’s foreign policy led to confrontation with the West. The Russian war against Ukraine has called into question what place it will play in world politics and whether it can retain the status of a great power.
Playing economic catch-up
Authors: Taylor Brian D.
Published: October 2024

Catching up economically with the world’s most advanced economies has long been a goal of Russian and Soviet leaders. The Soviet Union pursued a novel approach to this goal, building a centrally planned economy. When communism ended, Russia returned to a capitalist economic system—a difficult and painful process. A decade of economic growth in the 2000s has now ended, and the Russian economy is stagnant. Russia’s economy has a series of features that stifle development and tend to reinforce authoritarian politics. These include a high dependence on exports of natural resources, especially oil and gas; high wealth inequality; a weak rule of law and high levels of corruption; and a state that plays a large and frequently harmful role in the economy. These features stand in the way of realizing the long-standing goal, also embraced by President Vladimir Putin early in his reign, of “catching up” with wealthier countries.
Eternal state, changing society
Authors: Taylor Brian D.
Published: October 2024

This chapter explores the relationship between Russian society and the Russian state. The primacy of the state has been an enduring feature of Russian politics over the centuries. The state still wields great repressive power, and society is in many ways weak. Yet Russian society today is different than it was in the past. Russians are wealthier and healthier than they have ever been, and Russian society is much more urban and educated than it was a century ago. Russian society is multifaceted, full of multiple currents and viewpoints. This chapter explores Russian public opinion, including the question of why Vladimir Putin is popular. It also looks at the development of Russian civil society and political opposition.
Racial Disparities in Incident and Recurrent Cardiovascular Events: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Akinmolayemi Oludamilola , Sun Yifei , McClelland Robyn L , Bancks Michael P , Post Wendy S , Szklo Moyses , Qu Wenshan , Heckbert Susan R , Shea Steven
Published: October 2024

Most prior studies of cardiovascular (CVD) events have focused on incident events. We analyzed differences by race/ethnicity in incident and recurrent CVD events in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis from baseline in 2000-2002 through 2019 using joint and multivariable adjusted Cox proportional hazards modeling. Among 6,814 men and women aged 45-85 years without known CVD at enrollment, during median follow up of 17.7 years, 1206 incident and 695 recurrent CVD events were observed; 891 individuals with a non-fatal incident event were at risk for recurrent events. Rates of combined incident and recurrent CVD events among Black, White, Chinese, and Hispanic participants were 16.8, 18.6, 13.3, and 19.3 per 1000 person-years, respectively. First recurrent CVD event rates in Black, White, Chinese, and Hispanic participants were 87.7, 68.7, 78.1, and 80.7 per 1000 person-years, respectively. Revascularization rates were lower in Black versus White participants (3.8 vs 6.4 per 1000 person-years, p<0.0001). Adjusted hazard for CVD mortality was higher for Black vs. White participants (hazard ratio 1.85; 95% CI: 1.03, 3.29). In this multi-ethnic cohort, Black participants had a lower or similar rate of incident and recurrent CVD events, lower rate of revascularization, and higher rate of fatal CVD compared to White participants.