bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation in the Pedersen Conductance Near Jupiter's Main Emission Aurora: Comparison of Hubble Space Telescope and Galileo Measurements
Authors: Rutala M. J. , Clarke J. T. , Vogt M. F. , Nichols J. D.
Published: March 2024

We present the first large‐scale statistical survey of the Jovian main emission (ME) to map auroral properties from their ionospheric locations out into the equatorial plane of the magnetosphere, where they are compared directly to in‐situ spacecraft measurements. We use magnetosphere‐ionosphere (MI) coupling theory to calculate currents from the auroral brightness as measured with the Hubble Space Telescope and from plasma flow speeds measured in‐situ with the Galileo spacecraft. The effective Pedersen conductance of the ionosphere remains a free parameter in this comparison. We calculate the Pedersen conductance from the combined data sets, and find it ranges from mho overall with averages of mho in the north and mho in the south. Considering the HST‐derived field‐aligned currents per radian of azimuth only, we find values of MA rad−1 and MA rad−1 in the north and south, respectively, in general agreement with previous results. Taking the currents and effective Pedersen conductance together, we find that the average ME intensity and plasma flow speed in the middle magnetosphere (10–30 RJ) are broadly consistent with one another under MI coupling theory. We find evidence for peaks in the distribution of near dawn, then again near 12 and 14 hr magnetic local time (MLT). This variation in Pedersen conductance with MLT may indicate the importance of conductance in modulating MLT‐ and local‐time‐asymmetries in the ME, including the apparent subcorotation of some auroral features within the ME.
Multi-modal molecular determinants of clinically relevant osteoporosis subtypes
Authors: Yuan Chunchun , Yu Xiang-Tian , Wang Jing , Shu Bing , Wang Xiao-Yun , Huang Chen , Lv Xia , Peng Qian-Qian , Qi Wen-Hao , Zhang Jing , Zheng Yan , Wang Si-Jia , Liang Qian-Qian , Shi Qi , Li Ting , Huang He , Mei Zhen-Dong , Zhang Hai-Tao , Xu Hong-Bin , Cui Jiarui , Wang Hongyu , Zhang Hong , Shi Bin-Hao , Sun Pan , Zhang Hui , Ma Zhao-Long , Feng Yuan , Chen Luonan , Zeng Tao , Tang De-Zhi , Wang Yong-Jun
Published: March 2024

Due to a rapidly aging global population, osteoporosis and the associated risk of bone fractures have become a wide-spread public health problem. However, osteoporosis is very heterogeneous, and the existing standard diagnostic measure is not sufficient to accurately identify all patients at risk of osteoporotic fractures and to guide therapy. Here, we constructed the first prospective multi-omics atlas of the largest osteoporosis cohort to date (longitudinal data from 366 participants at three time points), and also implemented an explainable data-intensive analysis framework (DLSF: Deep Latent Space Fusion) for an omnigenic model based on a multi-modal approach that can capture the multi-modal molecular signatures (M3S) as explicit functional representations of hidden genotypes. Accordingly, through DLSF, we identified two subtypes of the osteoporosis population in Chinese individuals with corresponding molecular phenotypes, i.e., clinical intervention relevant subtypes (CISs), in which bone mineral density benefits response to calcium supplements in 2-year follow-up samples. Many snpGenes associated with these molecular phenotypes reveal diverse candidate biological mechanisms underlying osteoporosis, with xQTL preferences of osteoporosis and its subtypes indicating an omnigenic effect on different biological domains. Finally, these two subtypes were found to have different relevance to prior fracture and different fracture risk according to 4-year follow-up data. Thus, in clinical application, M3S could help us further develop improved diagnostic and treatment strategies for osteoporosis and identify a new composite index for fracture prediction, which were remarkably validated in an independent cohort (166 participants).
Integrative cross-species analysis reveals conserved and unique signatures in fatty skeletal muscles
Authors: Wang Liyi , Zhou Yanbing , Wang Yizhen , Shan Tizhong
Published: March 2024

Fat infiltration in skeletal muscle is now recognized as a standard feature of aging and is directly related to the decline in muscle function. However, there is still a limited systematic integration and exploration of the mechanisms underlying the occurrence of myosteatosis in aging across species. Here, we re-analyzed bulk RNA-seq datasets to investigate the association between fat infiltration in skeletal muscle and aging. Our integrated analysis of single-nucleus transcriptomics in aged humans and Laiwu pigs with high intramuscular fat content, identified species-preference subclusters and revealed core gene programs associated with myosteatosis. Furthermore, we found that fibro/adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) had potential capacity of differentiating into PDE4D+/PDE7B+ preadipocytes across species. Additionally, cell-cell communication analysis revealed that FAPs may be associated with other adipogenic potential clusters via the COL4A2 and COL6A3 pathways. Our study elucidates the correlation mechanism between aging and fat infiltration in skeletal muscle, and these consensus signatures in both humans and pigs may contribute to increasing reproducibility and reliability in future studies involving in the field of muscle research.
Integration of population genetics with oceanographic models reveals strong connectivity among coral reefs across Seychelles
Authors: Burt April J. , Vogt-Vincent Noam , Johnson Helen , Sendell-Price Ashley , Kelly Steve , Clegg Sonya M. , Head Catherine , Bunbury Nancy , Fleischer-Dogley Frauke , Jeremie Marie-May , Khan Nasreen , Baxter Richard , Gendron Gilberte , Mason-Parker Christophe , Walton Rowana , Turnbull Lindsay A.
Published: March 2024

Many countries with tropical reef systems face hard choices preserving coral reefs in the face of climate change on limited budgets. One approach to maximising regional reef resilience is targeting management efforts and resources at reefs that export large numbers of larvae to other reefs. However, this requires reef connectivity to be quantified. To map coral connectivity in the Seychelles reef system we carried out a population genomic study of the Porites lutea species complex using 241 sequenced colonies from multiple islands. To identify oceanographic drivers of this connectivity and quantify variability, we further used a 2 km resolution regional ocean simulation coupled with a larval dispersal model to predict the flow of coral larvae between reef sites. Patterns of admixture and gene flow are broadly supported by model predictions, but the realised connectivity is greater than that predicted from model simulations. Both methods detected a biogeographic dispersal barrier between the Inner and Outer Islands of Seychelles. However, this barrier is permeable and substantial larval transport is possible across Seychelles, particularly for one of two putative species found in our genomic study. The broad agreement between predicted connectivity and observed genetic patterns supports the use of such larval dispersal simulations in reef system management in Seychelles and the wider region.
Assessing silvopasture management as a strategy to reduce fuel loads and mitigate wildfire risk
Authors: Batcheler Mark , Smith Matthew M. , Swanson Mark E. , Ostrom Marcia , Carpenter-Boggs Lynne
Published: March 2024

Managing private forests for wildfire resilience is challenging due to conflicting social, economic, and ecological decisions that may result in an increase of surface fuel loads leading to greater fire risk. Due to fire suppression and a changing climate, land managers in fire-prone regions face an increasing threat of high severity fires. Thus, land managers need fuel treatment options that match their forest types and management objectives. One potential option for producers that graze livestock is silvopasture management, where livestock, forages, and overstory vegetation are carefully managed for co-benefits on the same unit of land. This study compared forest composition and structure, fuel types, and vegetative biomass between silvopasture and non-grazed managed forests in Washington, U.S. We show that silvopasture management results in reductions in grass biomass, litter, and duff depth when compared to non-grazed managed forest. These findings point to the integrated nature of silvopasture, where management of overstory composition and structure, understory vegetation, and grazing can reduce fuel loads and potential wildfire risk.
The potential crosstalk genes and molecular mechanisms between glioblastoma and periodontitis
Authors: Huang Jian-huang , Chen Yao , Kang Yuan-bao , Yao Zheng-jian , Song Jian-hua
Published: March 2024

Despite clinical and epidemiological evidence suggestive of a link between glioblastoma (GBM) and periodontitis (PD), the shared mechanisms of gene regulation remain elusive. In this study, we identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that overlap between the GEO datasets GSE4290 [GBM] and GSE10334 [PD]. Functional enrichment analysis was conducted, and key modules were identified using protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). The expression levels of CXCR4, LY96, and C3 were found to be significantly elevated in both the test dataset and external validation dataset, making them key crosstalk genes. Additionally, immune cell landscape analysis revealed elevated expression levels of multiple immune cells in GBM and PD compared to controls, with the key crosstalk genes negatively associated with Macrophages M2. FLI1 was identified as a potential key transcription factor (TF) regulating the three key crosstalk genes, with increased expression in the full dataset. These findings contribute to our understanding of the immune and inflammatory aspects of the comorbidity mechanism between GBM and PD.
Rapid self-healing and superior toughness in ionically crosslinked polymer ionogels and strain sensing applications
Authors: Padhan Anil Kumar , Sharma Diksha , Thomas Tino S. , Sinha Aayushi Prakash , Mallick Adarsha Narayan , Mandal Debaprasad
Published: March 2024

The designed ionogel comprising poly(vinyl imidazole) and polyphosphoric acid exhibits rapid self-healing with robust mechanical properties that could further be enhanced by incorporation of Ca-ions into the matrix.
Third-order nonlinear optical properties of highly electron deficient, nonplanar push–pull porphyrins: β-nitro-hexa-substituted porphyrins bearing bromo, phenyl, and phenylethynyl groups
Authors: Rohal Renu K. , Banerjee Dipanjan , Rana Nivedita , Soma Venugopal Rao , Sankar Muniappan
Published: March 2024

β-Heptasubstituted porphyrins were synthesized and their third-order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties were explored. The existence of enhanced polarization and intramolecular charge transfer are held responsible for the observed strong NLO responses.
Direct C–H electrophilic borylation with (C6F5)2B–NTf2 to generate B–N dibenzo[a,h]pyrenes
Authors: Nguyen Tony , Dutton Jason L. , Chang Chia Yun , Zhou Wen , Piers Warren E.
Published: March 2024

A new borylation reagent is introduced for preparing B–N doped conjugated organic frameworks via direct borylation of aryl substituted pyridines and naphthyridines.
Capping drives the behavior, dissolution and (eco)toxicity of silver nanoparticles towards microorganisms and mammalian cells
Authors: Bellingeri Arianna , Bono Nina , Venditti Iole , Bertelà Federica , Burratti Luca , Faleri Claudia , Protano Giuseppe , Paccagnini Eugenio , Lupetti Pietro , Candiani Gabriele , Corsi Ilaria
Published: March 2024

Surface capping rules AgNP dissolution and interaction with biomolecules and cells, influencing the exposure outcome.
Low hysteresis zwitterionic supramolecular polymer ion-conductive elastomers with anti-freezing properties, high stretchability, and self-adhesion for flexible electronic devices
Authors: Wang Hongying , Liu Baocheng , Chen Danyang , Wang Zhuoya , Wang Haolun , Bao Siyu , Zhang Ping , Yang Jianhai , Liu Wenguang
Published: March 2024

A zwitterionic supramolecular polymer elastomer with one ureido group and one carboxybetaine group on the side chain can be developed as an IoT-based self-powered sensing system for human motion monitoring.
CinNapht AIE(E)gens for selective imaging of lipid droplets
Authors: Tacke Eléonore , Hoang Minh-Duc , Estaque Lilian , Durand Philippe , Pieters Grégory , Chevalier Arnaud
Published: March 2024

The use of hindered aromatic amines in a SNAr reaction enabled the synthesis of novel AIE(E)gens derivatives of CinNaphts, suitable for fluorescence imaging of lipid droplets in living cells.
Selective syntheses of homoleptic Ir(iii) complexes bearing di-CF3-functionalized benzoimidazol-2-ylidenes for generation of blue phosphorescence
Authors: Yan Jie , Pan Yi , Peng I-Che , Hung Wen-Yi , Hu Bingjie , Ni Guowei , Yiu Shek-Man , Chi Yun , Lau Kai Chung
Published: March 2024

Di-CF3-functionalized benzo[d]imidazol-3-ium pro-chelates were employed in the selective syntheses offac-coordinated Ir(iii) carbene emitters for efficient blue electroluminescence and hyperphosphorescence.
Ru(ii)-catalyzed cascade cis carbohalogenation and cyclization of alkyne-tethered cyclohexadienones for synthesizing tetrasubstituted alkenes
Authors: Huang Xiaoli , Yi Cui , Xiong Ruji , Bai Meiqi , Tang Yuhai , Xu Silong , Li Yang
Published: March 2024

A Ru(II)-catalyzed cis carbohalogenation and carbooxygenation cyclization of internal alkyne-tethered cyclohexadienones has been developed, which provided a novel approach to synthesize tetrasubstituted alkenes via aromatization and cross-couplings.
Enantioselective intramolecular tandem cyclization of o-alkynylbenzamides: generation of enantioenriched CF3-containing spiro-isoindolinone-indoles
Authors: Li Wenzhe , Li Min , Yang Shuang , Yan Yingkun , Zhang Xiaomei
Published: March 2024

Enantioselective intramolecular tandem cyclization of dielectrophile–dinucleophile assembled o-alkynylbenzamides provided a variety of spiro-isoindolinone-indoles in low to moderate yields with moderate to good enantioselectivities.
Free vibration of the bi-dimensional functionally grated (2D-FG) nanobeams
Authors: Le Thi Ngoc Anh , Tran Duc Hieu , Vu Thi Ngoc Lan , Vu Thi An Ninh , Nguyen Dinh Kien
Published: March 2024

In this paper, the free vibration of the bi-dimensional functionally grated (2D-FG) size dependent nanobeams was investigated by finite element method. The material properties of 2D-FG nanobeam are assumed to vary in both axial and thickness directions by power gradation laws. The size-dependent 2D-FG nanobeam is studied on the basic of nonlocal continuum model. Based on the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory, a finite nanobeam element is derived and employed in vibration analysis of the beam. A parametric study has been carried out to show the effect of material distribution, nonlocal effect on the natural frequencies of the beams.
Ultrafast electron diffuse scattering as a tool for studying phonon transport: Phonon hydrodynamics and second sound oscillations
Authors: Kremeyer Laurenz , Britt Tristan L. , Siwick Bradley J. , Huberman Samuel C.
Published: March 2024

Hydrodynamic phonon transport phenomena, like second sound, have been observed in liquid helium more than 50 years ago. More recently second sound has been observed in graphite at over 200 K using transient thermal grating (TG) techniques. In this work, we explore signatures of phonon hydrodynamic transport and second sound oscillations in ultrafast electron diffuse scattering patterns, which can provide time, momentum, and branch resolved information on the state-of-excitation of the phonon system beyond that available through TG experiments. We use the density functional theory and solve the Boltzmann transport equation to determine time-resolved non-equilibrium phonon populations and model phonon transport in graphite. This model also provides the information necessary to calculate the time evolution of one-phonon structure factors and diffuse scattering patterns during thermal transport covering ballistic, diffusive, and hydrodynamic regimes where the effect of a second sound oscillation on the phonon distribution is observed. Direct measurements of how the phonon distribution varies in time and space in various thermal transport regimes should yield new insights into the fundamental physics of the underlying processes.
Recent developments in biomedical applications of metasurface optics
Authors: Chu Cheng Hung , Vyas Sunil , Luo Yuan , Yang Pan-Chyr , Tsai Din Ping
Published: March 2024

Metasurfaces have attracted considerable attention because of their unique optical capabilities to control the fundamental properties of light, such as amplitude, phase, and polarization. The flat nature of metasurfaces can help reduce the complexities and bulk of conventional optical systems. After a decade of rapid progress, metasurfaces are close to maturity and have found their role in various optical applications. This review emphasizes the significant advancements and emerging applications of metasurfaces in biomedical optics, particularly focusing on beam shaping for laser treatments, light-sheet fluorescence microscopy, HiLo microscopy, and optical trapping. Looking forward, we discuss foreseeable challenges for integrating metasurfaces into biomedical, preclinical, and clinical systems.
Formation of oxygen vacancy at surfaces of ZnO by trimethylaluminum
Authors: Eom Hyobin , Bae Woojin , Sung Ju Young , Choi Ji Hyeon , Dae Kyun Seong , Jang Jae Hyuck , Park Tae Joo , Lee Sang Woon , Shong Bonggeun
Published: March 2024

The two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) is a group of electrons that can move freely in horizontal dimensions but are confined in the third direction. It has been reported that atomic layer deposition (ALD) of Al2O3 on various reducible n-type oxides can lead to the formation of 2DEG at the heterojunction interfaces, among which ZnO is known to provide promising properties. In this study, we have performed a theoretical analysis using density functional theory calculations combined with experimental investigations to elucidate the surface reactions of Al2O3 ALD on low-index nonpolar ZnO surfaces, specifically focusing on the formation of oxygen vacancies (VO). The trimethylaluminum precursor was observed to undergo sequential dissociation of CH3 ligands, leading to the removal of surface oxygen of ZnO in the form of dimethyl ether. In addition, by examining the electronic structure after the removal of oxygen, the localization of the charge density at the surface was confirmed. Experimentally, the carrier density of the 2DEG at the Al2O3/ZnO interface showed a strong dependence on the ALD process temperature of Al2O3, confirming the endothermic nature of the formation of the 2DEG. By examining the characteristics of the 2DEG induced by VO, insights into the fundamental comprehension of oxide-based 2DEG systems are provided.
Redox-active cerium-based metal–organic layers coordinated on carbon nanotubes as materials for supercapacitors
Authors: Wu Kuan-Chu , Tsai Meng-Dian , Wu Chung-Huan , Yang Tzu-Hsien , Chen You-Liang , Kung Chung-Wei
Published: March 2024

In this work, the redox-active, two-dimensional (2D), and highly dispersible metal–organic layers (MOLs) constructed from hexa-cerium(IV) clusters, CeBTB (BTB = 1,3,5-benzenetribenzoate), were directly coordinated onto the surface of carboxylic acid-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by utilizing a post-synthetically grafting approach. Nanocomposites with various MOL-to-CNT ratios can be synthesized. Crystallinity, porosity, morphology, electrical conductivity, and electrochemical behaviors of CeBTB and all nanocomposites as well as the chemical interaction between CeBTB and CNT in the composite are investigated. Thin films of materials with the same mass loading are then fabricated for measuring their capacitive performances in neutral aqueous solutions of Na2SO4. With the electrical conductivity provided by carbon nanotubes and the redox activity of CeBTB between Ce(IV) and Ce(III), the optimal CeBTB-CNT nanocomposite can show a better capacitive performance compared to the pristine CeBTB, pristine CNT, and the physical mixture of both of them with the same MOL-to-CNT ratio. With such a simple post-synthetically grafting approach that can precisely control the ratio between the 2D MOLs and CNTs, the findings here open opportunities for designing numerous composites composed of MOLs and nanocarbons with tunable conductivity, redox activity, and functionality, which are potential candidates for a range of applications.
One Man, Two Women and a Dog: Cases of Ageing in the Outdoors
Authors: Cooper Geoff , Collins Di , Humberstone Barbara
Published: March 2024

These three auto-ethnographies are the embodied stories of lifelong outdoor enthusiasts. They explore the sensibilities of and entanglements with nature and corporeality of ‘Baby Boomers’. Each narrative reveals the embodied challenges remembered and experienced. We show that getting older and experiencing illness and/or injury does not deny opportunities to enjoy nature-based activities and performance in the outdoors. These narratives provide illumination and snapshots of older outdoor participants’ engagement in/with the outdoors.

The first narrative highlights the sensibilities and real affects/effects of illness and how they are managed to retain involvement in outdoor leadership. The next explores the author’s emotions at adapting her embodied activities as she becomes older. The final tale describes how running and walking with an ageing dog opens up comparisons with the author’s own embodied capabilities and enjoyment of the outdoors.

Information

© CAB International 2024
Realization of an Adaptive Radiative Cooler with a Multilayer-Filter VO2-Based Fabry–Pérot Cavity
Authors: Xie 谢 Hengli 恒立 , Yin 殷 Huaiyuan 怀远 , Fan 范 Chunzhen 春珍
Published: March 2024

A high-performance adaptive radiative cooler comprising a multilayer-filter VO2-based Fabry–Pérot (FP) cavity is proposed. The bottom FP cavity has four layers, VO2/NaCl/PVC/Ag. Based on the phase transition of VO2, the average emissivity in the transparent window can be switched from 3.7% to 96.3%. Additionally, the average emissivity can also be adjusted with external strain to the PVC layer, providing another way to attain the desired cooling effect. An upper filter is included to block most of the solar radiation and provide a transmittance of 96.7% in the atmospheric window. At high temperature, the adaptive emitter automatically activates radiative cooling. The net cooling power is up to 156.4 W⋅m−2 at an ambient temperature of 303 K. Our adaptive emitter still exhibits stable selective emissivity at different incident angles and heat transfer coefficients. At low temperature, the radiative cooling automatically deactivates, and the average emissivity decreases to only 3.8%. Therefore, our work not only provides new insights into the design of high-performance adaptive radiative coolers but also advances the development of intelligent thermal management.
Factoring 15 with a remote quantum computer: a complete guide for beginners
Authors: Brody Jed , Gram Kristen
Published: March 2024

We present, for the non-specialist, an experimental implementation of Shor’s factoring algorithm. We are unaware of any other single reference that explains, in a beginner-friendly way, complete circuits that implement Shor’s algorithm. We perform the experiment with IBM quantum processors, which are remotely accessible online for free. We reproducibly factor 15 with one 7-qubit processor (ibm_perth), while four other quantum processors exhibit excessive error.
A new LSTNet-based temperature prediction model for permanent magnet
Authors: Guo Fuyan , Chen Jiao , Wang Yue , Cui Qi , Fu Weijiang
Published: March 2024

Permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) can effectively protect against demagnetization by accurate permanent magnet (PM) temperature prediction; nevertheless, due to the nonlinear properties and intricate internal structure of PMSMs, accurate PM temperature prediction methods still encounter difficulties. This paper proposes a new PM temperature prediction model (LSTNet-Improved) based on long- and short-term time series network (LSTNet) to increase the prediction accuracy of PM temperature. By adding a multi-scale convolutional (MSC) layer to the convolutional neural network (CNN) layer of LSTNet, the short-term detail-dependent information between PMSM variables can be obtained by the model, and adds a CNN skip (CNN-skip) layer in place of the gate recurrent unite skip (GRU-skip) layer to find the long- and short-term local repetitive patterns between the variables, which yields additional feature information. Furthermore, a nonlinear bias term (MNB) is added to the original multi-head attention layer in order to solve the complex nonlinear relationship between multivariate time series. These layers are applied after the CNN-skip layer and gated recurrent unite (GRU) layers, respectively. This allows the model to become more robust and automatically learn to the complex nonlinear relationship between the sequences, focus on the important feature information, and lessen the impact of redundant information on the PMs’ temperature prediction task. The experimental results show that the goodness of fit (R2), root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) of the proposed model are 99.93%, 14.55% and 9.45%, respectively, and compared with LSTNet, the R2 is improved by 0.09%, the RMSE and MAE are reduced by 7.03% and 6.51%. These results confirm that the model can correctly predict the PM temperature, efficiently extract both long- and short-term patterns among the variables of the PMSM, and effectively focus on the key feature information in the intricate nonlinear series.
Multifunctional sulfur doping in cobalt-based materials for high-energy density supercapacitors
Authors: Huang Li , Wang Pengkun , Yang Hechuan , Wang Yan , Cai Wangfeng
Published: March 2024

In this study, S-CCO@Co(OH)2 (‘CCO’ representing CuCo2O4/Cu2O; ‘S-’representing sulfur doping) was synthesized by hydrothermal method followed by electrodeposition. The multiple effects of S doping were studied by S doping and constructing 3D core–shell structure. S doping induced the reduction of Cu2+ and Co3+ to Cu+ and Co2+, respectively. Also, S partially replaces O and creates oxygen vacancies, which increases a number of active sites for the redox reaction enhancing the redox reaction activity. After the electrodeposition, S–Co bond is formed between the Co(OH)2 shell and the S-CCO core, which suggests a synergistic effect between S doping and core–shell structure. The formation of S–Co bond is conducive to electron and ion transport, thus improving electrochemical performance. After modification, the specific capacitance of S-CCO@Co(OH)2 is 4.28 times higher than CCO, up to 1730 Fg−1. Furthermore, the assembled S-CCO@Co(OH)2//activated carbon supercapacitor exhibits an energy density of 83.89 Whkg−1 at 848.81 Wkg−1 and a retention rate of 98.48% after 5000 charge and discharge cycles. Therefore, S doping and its mutual effect with the utilization of the core–shell structure considerably enhanced the electrochemical performance of the CCO-based electrodes, endowing its potential in further application.
In situ tumor model for longitudinal in silico imaging trials
Authors: Sengupta Aunnasha , Lago Miguel A , Badano Aldo
Published: March 2024

Objective. In this article, we introduce a computational model for simulating the growth of breast cancer lesions accounting for the stiffness of surrounding anatomical structures. Approach. In our model, ligaments are classified as the most rigid structures while the softer parts of the breast are occupied by fat and glandular tissues As a result of these variations in tissue elasticity, the rapidly proliferating tumor cells are met with differential resistance. It is found that these cells are likely to circumvent stiffer terrains such as ligaments, instead electing to proliferate preferentially within the more yielding confines of the breast’s soft topography. By manipulating the interstitial tumor pressure in direct proportion to the elastic constants of the tissues surrounding the tumor, this model thus creates the potential for realizing a database of unique lesion morphology sculpted by the distinctive topography of each local anatomical infrastructure. We modeled the growth of simulated lesions within volumes extracted from fatty breast models, developed by Graff et al with a resolution of 50 μm generated with the open-source and readily available Virtual Imaging Clinical Trials for Regulatory Evaluation (VICTRE) imaging pipeline. To visualize and validate the realism of the lesion models, we leveraged the imaging component of the VICTRE pipeline, which replicates the siemens mammomat inspiration mammography system in a digital format. This system was instrumental in generating digital mammogram (DM) images for each breast model containing the simulated lesions. Results. By utilizing the DM images, we were able to effectively illustrate the imaging characteristics of the lesions as they integrated with the anatomical backgrounds. Our research also involved a reader study that compared 25 simulated DM regions of interest (ROIs) with inserted lesions from our models with DM ROIs from the DDSM dataset containing real manifestations of breast cancer. In general the simulation time for the lesions was approximately 2.5 hours, but it varied depending on the lesion’s local environment. Significance. The lesion growth model will facilitate and enhance longitudinal in silico trials investigating the progression of breast cancer.
Structural, electronic, magnetic, and optical properties of RE2ZrZnO6 (RE= La, Dy and Ho) double perovskites: experimental and DFT studies
Authors: Irfan M , Murtaza G , Alhummiany Haya , Al-Anazy Murefah mana , Alshomrany Ali S , Mahmood Q , Yousef El Sayed
Published: March 2024

In the present work, density functional theory (DFT) and experimental methods are used to examine the structural, electronic, optical, and magnetic characteristics of the RE2ZrZnO6 (RE = La, Dy, and Ho) double perovskites. The synthesis of these double perovskites oxides is done using the solid-state method. The orthorhombic structures are confirmed by XRD analysis. The EDS mapping shows the presence of La, Dy, Ho, Zr, Zn, and O with their required compositions, SEM images demonstrate the formation of well-shaped particles. On the theoretical side, Full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method is employed in the framework WIEN2k code. The half metallic nature of the studied compounds was revealed by spin polarized band structures and density of states. It was found that optical conductivity increases as photon energy increases up to a certain point, beyond the limit it begins to decrease. The comprehensive analysis reveals the studied compounds are potential materials for spintronic applications.
Effect of Pr3+ concentration in luminescence properties & upconversion mechanism of triple doped NaYF4: Yb3+, Er3+, Pr3+
Authors: Shahsavar Gocmen Mahla , Dulda Ayse
Published: March 2024

Lanthanide-doped fluoride nanocrystals (NCs) exhibit excellent optical features, including upconversion and downconversion luminescence (UCL and DCL), that can be utilized in a variety of applications. In this study, we have successfully demonstrated the photoluminescence behavior of triple-doped NaYF4: Yb3+, Er3+, Pr3+ NCs in the Vis-NIR region. Herein, highly monodisperse hexagonal phase NaYF4: Yb0.2, Er0.02, Prx nanocrystals in various Pr3+ (x = 0, 0.1, 0.5, and 1 mol %) concentration with ∼22 nm diameter synthesized by thermal decomposition technique. The photoluminescence studies for all samples were performed under 980 nm laser excitation. The luminescence intensity of Er3+ including blue (407 nm), green (520 and 540 nm), red (654 nm), and near-infrared (845 nm and 1530 nm) emissions was significantly quenched and Pr3+ emission intensity at 1290 nm (Pr3+:1G4→3H5) changes irregularly upon doping with Pr3+ ions. Furthermore, we performed the excitation power dependence and decay time analysis to investigate the energy transfer and upconversion mechanisms of samples. These findings indicate that the presence of praseodymium strongly reduces emission intensities due to abundant cross-relaxation channels. In addition, particle size is an efficient factor, shedding light on the influence of Pr3+ on the energy transfer and upconversion mechanisms of the fluorides.
Analysis of the thermal properties in short sansevieria cylindrica fibre/PLA composites processed by twin screw extruder followed by hot press molding technique
Authors: Krishnasamy Senthilkumar , Ungtrakul Thitinun , Chandrasekar M , Senthil Muthu Kumar T , Parameswaranpillai Jyotishkumar , Mohit H , Aravind D , Rajini N , Siengchin Suchart , Natarajan Varagunapandiyan
Published: March 2024

Short Sansevieria cylindrica fibre/polylactic acid composites (SCFP) were fabricated using a twin screw extruder followed by the hot press technique, with variations in fibre loadings of 10 wt%, 20 wt%, 30 wt% and 40 wt%. The thermal properties of SCFP were assessed through dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermomechanical analysis (TMA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Notably, the samples loaded with 40 wt% of fibre exhibited an increased storage modulus. In terms of loss modulus, the fibre-loaded samples displayed high values, indicating more heat is released during DMA experiment. Interestingly, the composite trend did not solely rely on increasing fibre loading, highlighting the intricate interplay between reinforcement and matrix crucial for determining viscoelastic properties across various temperatures. The TGA results revealed a decrease in inflection temperature with increasing fibre loadings, accompanied by a proportional rise in residues. The DSC thermograms indicated minimal differences in Tg, Tcc, and Tm values among composites with varying fibre loadings. However, neat PLA showed slightly higher values than the composites. On the other hand, reinforcing SCF into the PLA matrix promoted the crystallization of PLA by 1%–3% with the maximum degree of crystallinity of 25.4% obtained for 30 wt% of SCFP.
Prediction of ductile cracking in the titanium alloy forging process
Authors: Fan Yuan , Zhang Haicheng , Yuan Wuhua
Published: March 2024

The control of surface cracking in the forming of titanium alloy forgings is a significant problem in the forging industry. For titanium alloys, the formation of surface cracks is related to temperature, strain rate, and stress state. This study selected the widely used medium to high strength titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V in the field of forging as the research material, and designed six different shapes of specimens for high-temperature tensile and compression tests. The mechanisms underlying crack formation were analyzed at the microscopic level, and the critical fracture displacement of these tests was extracted. Moreover, their critical fracture strains were obtained through simulations, and a High-temperature damage model was established based on the DF2016 model. The research results showed that cracks through void at grain boundaries propagate and aggregate to form, leading to a fracture mechanism characterized by ductile fracture through micro-pore aggregation. Simulation results demonstrate that the established model accurately predicts the crack of forgings.
Effect of temperature modulation on the performance of top contact bottom gate organic thin film transistor
Authors: Rathod Arun Pratap Singh , Dubey V P , Gowri R , Juneja P K
Published: March 2024

This research article investigates the influence of temperature variations on the performance parameters of Top Contact Bottom Gate (TCBG) Organic Thin Film Transistors (OTFTs). Employing the Arrhenius equation and Schottky emission model, the study explores temperature-dependent charge carrier mobility and injection mechanisms. Analyzing a wide range of parameters, the research unveils a complex interplay between temperature and OTFT behavior. The linear and saturation mobilities exhibit a decline due to enhanced carrier-phonon interactions and lattice vibrations. Transconductance and ION/IOFF ratio display a concomitant decrease at higher temperatures, indicative of the heightened susceptibility of OTFT performance to temperature fluctuations. The depreciation in subthreshold slope and threshold voltage with rising temperatures underscores the influence of temperature on trap states. The research emphasizes the importance of considering temperature’s impact during OTFT design for diverse applications, enhancing the reliability and functionality of organic electronic devices.
The carbon footprint of a surgical pathology laboratory in France
Authors: Béchu Constance , Rullier Anne , Lesoin Pierre-Emmanuel , Gaillot-Durand, Lucie , Trecourt Alexis , Gosset Pierre , Tilmant Cyprien
Published: March 2024

Objectives

The health sector contributes to climate disruption through greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It accounts for 8% to 10% of France’s GHG emissions. Although the medical community has been alerted to the problem, more data are needed. This study aimed to determine the carbon footprint of a surgical pathology laboratory.

Methods

The study was conducted in the surgical pathology laboratory at Saint Vincent hospital (Lille) in 2021. It represented 17,242 patient cases corresponding to 54,124 paraffin blocks. The 17 staff members performed cytology, immunohistochemistry, and in situ hybridization. The study included all inputs, capital equipment, freight, travel, energy consumption, and waste. Carbon emission factors were based on the French Agence De l’Environnement et de la Maîtrise de l’Energie database.

Results

In 2021, the pathology laboratory’s carbon footprint was 117 tons of CO2 equivalent (t CO2e), corresponding to 0.5% of Saint Vincent hospital’s total emissions. The most significant emissions categories were inputs (60 t CO2e; 51%), freight associated with inputs (24 t CO2e; 20%), and travel (14 t CO2e; 12%). Waste and energy generated 10 t CO2e (9%) and 9 t CO2e (8%), respectively.

Conclusions

The pathology laboratory’s carbon footprint was equivalent to the yearly carbon impact of 11 French inhabitants. This footprint is dominated by inputs and associated freight. This suggests an urgent need to develop ecodesign and self-sufficiency in our routine practices.
Fire facilitates ground layer plant diversity in a Miombo ecosystem
Authors: Wieczorkowski Jakub D , Lehmann Caroline E R , Archibald Sally , Banda Sarah , Goyder David J , Kaluwe Mokwani , Kapinga Kondwani , Larridon Isabel , Mashau Aluoneswi C , Phiri Elina , Syampungani Stephen
Published: March 2024

Background and Aims

Little is known about the response of ground layer plant communities to fire in Miombo ecosystems, which is a global blind spot of ecological understanding. We aimed: (1) to assess the impact of three experimentally imposed fire treatments on ground layer species composition and compare it with patterns observed for trees; and (2) to analyse the effect of fire treatments on species richness to assess how responses differ among plant functional groups.

Methods

At a 60-year-long fire experiment in Zambia, we quantified the richness and diversity of ground layer plants in terms of taxa and functional groups across three experimental fire treatments of late dry-season fire, early dry-season fire and fire exclusion. Data were collected in five repeat surveys from the onset of the wet season to the early dry season.

Key Results

Of the 140 ground layer species recorded across the three treatments, fire-maintained treatments contributed most of the richness and diversity, with the least number of unique species found in the no-fire treatment. The early-fire treatment was more similar in composition to the no-fire treatment than to the late-fire treatment. C4 grass and geoxyle richness were highest in the late-fire treatment, and there were no shared sedge species between the late-fire and other treatments. At a plot level, the average richness in the late-fire treatment was twice that of the fire exclusion treatment.

Conclusions

Heterogeneity in fire seasonality and intensity supports diversity of a unique flora by providing a diversity of local environments. African ecosystems face rapid expansion of land- and fire-management schemes for carbon offsetting and sequestration. We demonstrate that analyses of the impacts of such schemes predicated on the tree flora alone are highly likely to underestimate impacts on biodiversity. A research priority must be a new understanding of the Miombo ground layer flora integrated into policy and land management.
Diagnostics for regression models with semicontinuous outcomes
Authors: Yang Lu
Published: March 2024

Semicontinuous outcomes commonly arise in a wide variety of fields, such as insurance claims, healthcare expenditures, rainfall amounts, and alcohol consumption. Regression models, including Tobit, Tweedie, and two-part models, are widely employed to understand the relationship between semicontinuous outcomes and covariates. Given the potential detrimental consequences of model misspecification, after fitting a regression model, it is of prime importance to check the adequacy of the model. However, due to the point mass at zero, standard diagnostic tools for regression models (eg, deviance and Pearson residuals) are not informative for semicontinuous data. To bridge this gap, we propose a new type of residuals for semicontinuous outcomes that is applicable to general regression models. Under the correctly specified model, the proposed residuals converge to being uniformly distributed, and when the model is misspecified, they significantly depart from this pattern. In addition to in-sample validation, the proposed methodology can also be employed to evaluate predictive distributions. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed tool using health expenditure data from the US Medical Expenditure Panel Survey.
Nasal Delivery of Haemophilus haemolyticus Is Safe, Reduces Influenza Severity, and Prevents Development of Otitis Media in Mice
Authors: Scott Naomi , Martinovich Kelly M , Granland Caitlyn M , Seppanen Elke J , Tjiam M Christian , de Gier Camilla , Foo Edison , Short Kirsty R , Chew Keng Yih , Fulurija Alma , Strickland Deborah H , Richmond Peter C , Kirkham Lea-Ann S
Published: March 2024

Background

Despite vaccination, influenza and otitis media (OM) remain leading causes of illness. We previously found that the human respiratory commensal Haemophilus haemolyticus prevents bacterial infection in vitro and that the related murine commensal Muribacter muris delays OM development in mice. The observation that M muris pretreatment reduced lung influenza titer and inflammation suggests that these bacteria could be exploited for protection against influenza/OM.

Methods

Safety and efficacy of intranasal H haemolyticus at 5 × 107 colony-forming units (CFU) was tested in female BALB/cARC mice using an influenza model and influenza-driven nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) OM model. Weight, symptoms, viral/bacterial levels, and immune responses were measured.

Results

Intranasal delivery of H haemolyticus was safe and reduced severity of influenza, with quicker recovery, reduced inflammation, and lower lung influenza virus titers (up to 8-fold decrease vs placebo; P ≤ .01). Haemophilus haemolyticus reduced NTHi colonization density (day 5 median NTHi CFU/mL = 1.79 × 103 in treatment group vs 4.04 × 104 in placebo, P = .041; day 7 median NTHi CFU/mL = 28.18 vs 1.03 × 104; P = .028) and prevented OM (17% OM in treatment group, 83% in placebo group; P = .015).

Conclusions

Haemophilus haemolyticus has potential as a live biotherapeutic for prevention or early treatment of influenza and influenza-driven NTHi OM. Additional studies will deem whether these findings translate to humans and other respiratory infections.
Patient and Immunological Factors Associated With Delayed Clearance of Mucosal Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 RNA and Symptom Persistence
Authors: Stone Mars , Spencer Bryan R , Warden Donald E , Fink Rebecca V , Saa Paula , Leddy Jennifer , Mulach-Vannoy Jackie , Townsend Rebecca , Krysztof David , Hughes Alexandria N , Di Germanio Clara , Kessler Debra A , Kleinman Steven , Busch Michael P , Norris Philip J
Published: March 2024

Serial blood and mucosal samples were characterized for 102 participants enrolled a median of 7.0 days after coronavirus disease 2019 diagnosis. Mucosal RNA was detectable for a median of 31.5 (95% confidence interval [CI], 20.5–63.5) days, with persistence ≥1 month associated with obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥30 kg/m2; odds ratio [OR], 3.9 [95% CI, 1.2–13.8]) but not age, sex, or chronic conditions. Fifteen participants had likely reinfection; lower serum anti-spike IgG levels were associated with reinfection risk. Nearly half of participants (47%) reported symptoms lasting ≥2–3 months; persistence ≥3 months was associated with BMI ≥30 kg/m2 (OR, 4.2 [95% CI, 1.1–12.8]) and peak anti-spike and anti-nucleocapsid antibody levels.
Where to start? The Irish Emergency Department Antimicrobial Discharge (EDAD) study: a multicentre, prospective cohort analysis
Authors: Rafferty Aisling , Talento Alida Fe , Drew Richard , Fitzpatrick Patrick , Tedford Kara , Barrett Michael , Mahomed Husnain , O’Regan Sabrina , Delany Louise , O’Connor Síle , Buseckyte Agne , Brovchin Andrei , Hassan Elhaytham , Marzec Anna , Martin Donna , Greene Clare , Marriott John , Cunney Robert
Published: March 2024

Objectives

To determine the percentage of patients across Ireland who are discharged from the Emergency Department (ED) with an antimicrobial prescription, the indication, classification of infections, and guideline compliance. To identify potential areas for antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) interventions in the ED.

Patients and methods

A multicentre, prospective cohort analysis study in EDs across eight hospitals in Ireland. At each site, patients aged 1 month and older who presented to the ED and were discharged directly from the ED were included. A random selection of records of patients discharged from the ED were reviewed until a minimum of 30 records with an infection diagnosis resulting in an antibiotic prescription were obtained per hospital. The number of patient discharges with no antibiotic prescriptions were included to calculate the denominator. The indication, infection classification and guideline compliance data were collected on the 30 prescriptions in the participating hospitals.

Results

A total of 2619 patient records were reviewed. Of these, 249 (9.5%) patients were discharged with antimicrobial prescriptions from the ED. Most (158; 63%) were classified as probable bacterial infection, 21 (8%) as probable viral, and 18 (7%) had no documented evidence of infection. Three indications accounted for 73% of antimicrobial prescriptions: skin/soft tissue infection; ear, nose and throat infection; and urinary tract infection. Overall guideline compliance was 64%.

Conclusions

Several areas for AMS interventions to optimize antimicrobial prescribing in the ED were identified, including targeted local and national guideline reviews, delayed prescribing, improved point-of-care testing and prescriber and patient education.
Low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma in laryngopharynx: the first case report in the literature
Authors: Tally Hanan , Al-janabi Moatasem Ali Hussein , AlDwairy Heba , Al-Shehabi Zuheir , Ibrahim Mostafa
Published: March 2024

Low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm with distinctive histopathological features. Although it typically arises in the deep soft tissues of the trunk and extremities, its occurrence in the head and neck region is exceedingly rare. We present the first documented case of low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma in the laryngopharynx, expanding the spectrum of this rare tumor’s anatomical localization. The clinical, radiological, and histopathological features of this unique case are discussed, highlighting the diagnostic challenges and therapeutic considerations associated with this uncommon presentation.