bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Homoeopathic Pathogenetic Trial of Catharanthus roseus: A Multicentric, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Mehra Pritha , Debata Lipipushpa , Sahoo Amulya R. , Rajakumar B. S. J. , Mahajan Ashish , Arya Bhopal S.
Published: October 2023

Medicinal plants have a long history of usage in traditional medicine, and Catharanthus roseus L. (G.) Don is one such plant. However, to understand its homoeopathic therapeutic effect, it was important to find the pathogenetic powers by conducting a drug proving trial. To elicit the pathogenetic response of C. roseus in homoeopathic potencies on healthy human provers, a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at four centers under the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy. The proving trial involved 60 relatively healthy provers. All provers were given placebo in the first phase. After randomization, 40 provers in the intervention group were given C. roseus in 6C, 12C, 30C, and 200C potencies in four phases. The control group of 20 provers were administered unmedicated globules in all the phases. A maximum of 12 doses divided into 4 doses/day for 3 days were administered in all phases of the trial. The symptoms and signs manifested during the trial were noted down by the provers, elaborated by the proving masters, and the data were finally processed at the proving-cum-data processing cell of the Council. Among the 40 provers of the verum group, only 15 provers manifested 22 pathogenetic and 10 placebo symptoms, whereas 30 symptoms were reported by 12 provers in the control group. The symptoms have been manifested predominantly in 200C potency. The pathogenetic response elicited during this trial expands the scope of the use of C. roseus and needs to be further validated by a clinical verification study.
Wireless power transfer for a more sustainable Internet of Things
Authors: Shapiro Maura
Published: October 2023

Perovskite solar cells could replace single-use batteries and erase the need for changing power sources for hard-to-reach devices.
Performance analysis of a novel flat lay-type synthetic jet pump with Y-shaped jet chamber
Authors: He Lipeng , Hu Renhui , Wang Chensheng , Hu Dianbin , Li Xiaotao , Cheng Guangming
Published: October 2023

Recently, synthetic jet pumps have been expected to be used in electronic heat dissipation devices due to the vortex suction phenomenon for transporting fluids. Aiming to improve the delivery ability of the jet pump to output fluid continuously, a novel flat lay-type synthetic jet pump (FLTSJP) with a Y-shaped jet chamber is proposed in this paper. Based on the synthetic jet effect, the pump chamber continuously outputs fluid in one cycle. The output performance of FLTSJP is theoretically analyzed to be affected by the outlet cone angle. The one-cycle flow mechanism of the fluid in the Y-shaped jet chamber is simulated. FLTSJP is manufactured, and a test system is built. Experiments show that the Y-shaped jet chamber effectively improves the output performance. The optimum flow rate and outlet pressure were both reached at 160 V and 40 Hz, which were 20.63 ml/min and 333.43 Pa, respectively. This FLTSJP effectively improves the output performance of synthetic jet pumps and provides a new research concept of water-cooled devices for electronic heat dissipation.
Molecular dynamics simulations for interfacial structure and affinity between carboxylic acid-modified Al2O3 and polymer melts
Authors: Saito Takamasa , Kubo Masaki , Tsukada Takao , Shoji Eita , Kikugawa Gota , Surblys Donatas , Kubo Momoji
Published: October 2023

Controlling the dispersion state of nanoparticles in a polymer matrix is necessary to produce polymer nanocomposites. The surface modification of nanoparticles is used to enable their dispersion in polymers. Moreover, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are useful for revealing the interfacial properties between nanoparticles and polymers to aid in the design of materials. In this study, the effect of surface coverage, modifier length, and polymer species on the interfacial structure and affinity between surface-modified Al2O3 and polymer melts were investigated using all-atom MD simulations. Hexanoic, decanoic, and tetradecanoic acids were used as surface modifiers, and polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) were used as polymers. The work of adhesion Wadh and the work of immersion Wimm were selected as quantitative measures of affinity. Wadh was calculated using the phantom-wall approach, and Wimm was calculated by simply subtracting the surface tension of polymers γL from Wadh. The results showed that Wadh and Wimm were improved by surface modification with low coverage, owing to a good penetration of the polymer. The effect of modifier length on Wadh and Wimm was small. Whereas Wadh increased in the following order: PP < PS < PMMA, Wimm increased as follows: PMMA < PS < PP. Finally, the trend of Wadh and Wimm was organized using the Flory–Huggins interaction parameter χ between the modifier and the polymer. This study demonstrates that the interfacial affinity can be improved by tuning the surface coverage and modifier species depending on the polymer matrix.
Orbital-free density-functional theory for metal slabs
Authors: Horowitz C. M. , Proetto C. R. , Pitarke J. M.
Published: October 2023

Orbital-Free Density-Functional Theory (OF-DFT) is known to represent a promising alternative to the standard Kohn-Sham (KS) DFT, as it relies on the electron density alone, without the need to calculate all KS single-particle orbitals and energies. Here, we investigate the behavior of the main ingredients of this theory, which are the non-interacting kinetic-energy density (KED) and the Pauli potential, for metal slabs. We derive explicit density functionals for these quantities in the quantum limit where all electrons are in the same slab discrete level of energy, and we present numerical calculations beyond this quantum limit for slabs of various widths. We have found the first explicit KED functional for a realistic many-particle fermionic system, which we prove to be generally valid with no assumption about the KS potential. We also discuss the total non-interacting kinetic energy and the corresponding enhancement factor, which represent basic quantities for the practical implementation of OF-DFT.
Review: Structural, elastic, and thermodynamic properties of cubic and hexagonal ScxAl1−xN crystals
Authors: Ambacher O. , Mihalic S. , Yassine M. , Yassine A. , Afshar N. , Christian B.
Published: October 2023

A review of the structural, elastic, and thermodynamic properties of cubic and hexagonal ScxAl1−xN crystals over the range of possible random alloys is provided. Based on measured and simulated lattice and internal cell parameters of NaCl (B1), CsCl (B2), and α-ZnS (B3) type cubic ScxAl1−xN lattices as well as of β-ZnS (B4), lh-MgO (Bk), and NiAs (B81) type hexagonal ScxAl1−xN crystals, their atomic positions, distances to nearest neighbor atoms, geometric dimensions of crystal cells, mass density, as well as their average bond length and bond angles are presented in dependence on the alloy composition. The understanding gained about the crystal lattices is used to provide a model for the transitions from the β-ZnS to the lh-MgO or NaCl lattice induced by the alloying of AlN with ScN. Based on published data sets of stiffness coefficients, the compliance coefficients, Young's modulus, shear modulus, Poisson's ratio, compressibility, and the sound velocities are presented in relation to the orientation of representative crystal planes and axes for rock salt, layered hexagonal, and wurtzite ScxAl1−xN crystals. Particular attention is paid to the directional anisotropies of elastic properties of the different crystal lattices if Sc atoms substitute an increasing number of Al atoms. Based on sound velocities determined, an overview of the fundamental thermodynamic properties of cubic and hexagonal ScxAl1−xN alloys is provided, such as the Debye temperature, heat capacity, minimum heat conduction, and melting temperature.
Conceptual transfer
Authors: Jarvis Scott
Published: October 2023

This article provides updated perspectives on research related to conceptual transfer, which is defined as crosslinguistic influence arising from language-specific concepts and patterns of conceptualization. I discuss the historical roots of conceptual transfer, its relationship to linguistic relativity and thinking for speaking, its core assumptions, and its current scope of inquiry. While discussing its scope of inquiry, I review some of the key findings in this area of research as well as some of the recent studies that have expanded its scope. I conclude with a summary of five important points that can be drawn from the existing research on conceptual transfer, and I offer suggestions for future directions.
Strong maximum a posteriori estimation in Banach spaces with Gaussian priors
Authors: Lambley Hefin
Published: October 2023

This article shows that a large class of posterior measures that are absolutely continuous with respect to a Gaussian prior have strong maximum a posteriori estimators in the sense of Dashti et al (2013 Inverse Problems
29 095017). This result holds in any separable Banach space and applies in particular to nonparametric Bayesian inverse problems with additive noise. When applied to Bayesian inverse problems, this significantly extends existing results on maximum a posteriori estimators by relaxing the conditions on the log-likelihood and on the space in which the inverse problem is set.
A first-principles study of the electronic, vibrational, and optical properties of planar SiC quantum dots
Authors: Jindal Rupali , Roondhe Vaishali , Shukla Alok
Published: October 2023

With the reported synthesis of a fully planar 2D silicon carbide (SiC) allotrope, the possibilities of its technological applications are enormous. Recently, several authors have computationally studied the structures and electronic properties of a variety of novel infinite periodic SiC monolayers, in addition to the honeycomb one. In this work, we perform a systematic first-principles investigation of the geometry, electronic structure, vibrational, and optical absorption spectra of several finite, but, fully planar structures of SiC, i.e. 0D quantum dots (QDs). The sizes of the studied structures are in the 1.20–2.28 nm range, with their computed HOMO(H)-LUMO(L) gaps ranging from 0.66 eV to 4.09 eV, i.e. from the IR to the UV region of the spectrum. The H-L gaps in the SiC QDs are larger as compared to the band gaps of the corresponding monolayers, confirming the quantum confinement effects. In spite of covalent bonding in the QDs, Mulliken charge analysis reveals that Si atoms exhibit positive charges, whereas the C atoms acquire negative charges, due to the different electron affinities of the two atoms. Furthermore, a strong structure property relationship is observed with fingerprints both in the vibrational and optical spectra. The wide range of H-L gaps in different SiC QDs makes them well-suited for applications in fields such as photocatalysis, light-emitting diodes, and solar cells.
Remaining useful life prediction of rolling bearings based on TCN-MSA
Authors: Jiang Guangjun , Duan Zhengwei , Zhao Qi , Li Dezhi , Luan Yu
Published: October 2023

As a pivotal element within the drive system of mechanical equipment, the remaining useful life (RUL) of rolling bearings not only dictates the lifespan of the equipment’s drive system but also the overall machine. An inaccurate prediction of the RUL of rolling bearings could hinder the formulation of maintenance strategies and lead to a chain of failures stemming from bearing malfunction, culminating in potentially catastrophic accidents. This paper designs a novel temporal convolutional network-multi-head self-attention (TCN-MSA) model for predicting the RUL of rolling bearings. This model considers the intricate non-linearity and complexity of mechanical equipment systems. It captures long-term dependencies using the causally inflated convolutional structure within the temporal convolutional network (TCN) and simultaneously extracts features from the frequency domain signal. Subsequently, by employing the multi-head self-attention (MSA) mechanism, the model discerns the significance of different features throughout the degradation process of rolling bearings by analyzing global information. The final prediction for rolling bearings’ RUL has been successfully attained. To underline the excellence of the method presented in this paper, a comparative analysis was performed with existing methods, such as convolutional neural network, gate recurrent unit, and TCN. The results highlight that the model designed in this paper surpasses other existing methods in predicting the RUL of rolling bearings, demonstrating superior prediction accuracy and robust generalization capability.
Role of a capping layer on the crystalline structure of Sn thin films grown at cryogenic temperatures on InSb substrates
Authors: Chen An-Hsi , Dempsey Connor , Pendharkar Mihir , Sharma Amritesh , Zhang Bomin , Tan Susheng , Bellon Ludovic , Frolov Sergey M , Palmstrøm Christopher J , Bellet-Amalric Edith , Hocevar Moïra
Published: October 2023

Metal deposition with cryogenic cooling is a common technique in the condensed matter community for producing ultra-thin epitaxial superconducting layers on semiconductors. However, a significant challenge arises when these films return to room temperature, as they tend to undergo dewetting. This issue can be mitigated by capping the films with an amorphous layer. In this study, we investigate the influence of different in situ fabricated caps on the structural characteristics of Sn thin films deposited at 80 K on InSb substrates. Regardless of the type of capping, we consistently observe that the films remain smooth upon returning to room temperature and exhibit epitaxy on InSb in the cubic Sn (α-Sn) phase. Notably, we identify a correlation between alumina capping using an electron beam evaporator and an increased presence of tetragonal Sn (β-Sn) grains. This suggests that heating from the alumina source may induce a partial phase transition in the Sn layer. The existence of the β-Sn phase induces superconducting behavior of the films by percolation effect. This study highlights the potential for tailoring the structural properties of cryogenic Sn thin films through in situ capping. This development opens avenues for precise control in the production of superconducting Sn films, facilitating their integration into quantum computing platforms.
An adaptive multi-frame parallel iterative method for accelerating real-time magnetic particle imaging reconstruction
Authors: Shen Yusong , Zhang Liwen , Shang Yaxin , Jia Guang , Yin Lin , Zhang Hui , Tian Jie , Yang Guanyu , Hui Hui
Published: October 2023

Objective. Real-time reconstruction of magnetic particle imaging (MPI) shows promising clinical applications. However, prevalent reconstruction methods are mainly based on serial iteration, which causes large delay in real-time reconstruction. In order to achieve lower latency in real-time MPI reconstruction, we propose a parallel method for accelerating the speed of reconstruction methods. Approach. The proposed method, named adaptive multi-frame parallel iterative method (AMPIM), enables the processing of multi-frame signals to multi-frame MPI images in parallel. To facilitate parallel computing, we further propose an acceleration strategy for parallel computation to improve the computational efficiency of our AMPIM. Main results. OpenMPIData was used to evaluate our AMPIM, and the results show that our AMPIM improves the reconstruction frame rate per second of real-time MPI reconstruction by two orders of magnitude compared to prevalent iterative algorithms including the Kaczmarz algorithm, the conjugate gradient normal residual algorithm, and the alternating direction method of multipliers algorithm. The reconstructed image using AMPIM has high contrast-to-noise with reducing artifacts. Significance. The AMPIM can parallelly optimize least squares problems with multiple right-hand sides by exploiting the dimension of the right-hand side. AMPIM has great potential for application in real-time MPI imaging with high imaging frame rate.
Fifteen Years of Millimeter Accuracy Lunar Laser Ranging with APOLLO: Data Reduction and Calibration
Authors: Colmenares N. R. , Battat J. B. R. , Gonzales D. P. , Murphy T. W. , Sabhlok S.
Published: October 2023

The Apache Point Lunar Laser-ranging Operation (APOLLO) has been collecting lunar range measurements for 15 yr at millimeter accuracy. The median nightly range uncertainty since 2006 is 1.7 mm. A recently added Absolute Calibration System (ACS), providing an independent assessment of APOLLO system accuracy and the capability to correct lunar range data, revealed a ∼0.4% (10 ps) systematic error in the calibration of one piece of hardware that has been present for the entire history of APOLLO. The application of ACS-based timing corrections suggests systematic errors are reduced to <1 mm, such that overall data accuracy and precision are both ∼1 mm. This paper describes the processing of APOLLO/ACS data that converts photon-by-photon range measurements into the aggregated normal points that are used for science analyses. Additionally, we present methodologies to estimate timing corrections for range data lacking contemporaneous ACS photons, including range data collected prior to installation of the ACS. We also provide access to the full 15 yr archive of APOLLO normal points (2006 April 6–2020 December 27).
A staged approach to Indian DEMO
Authors: Deshpande S.P. , Maya P.N.
Published: October 2023

We present a revised strategy for Indian DEMO in the context of new technologies and concepts in fusion research. The central idea behind the new strategy is that the power plant is a reactor-park consisting of multiple, preferably compact, reactors with moderate fusion power (∼1000 MW) with 35%–50% availability for each. The DEMO is a single net electricity producing unit that becomes the basis for replication into multiple units on a commercial scale. One of the key enablers for the revised strategy is the emergence of high-temperature superconductors for high field magnets. For a steady-state burn we show that there exists an optimum regime of plasma β and confinement where the fusion gain is maximum. Thus, we adopt a strategy with moderate confinement regimes and plasma β. This makes current drive a necessity for the reactors. Based on these considerations a four-stage approach to DEMO is proposed. It is argued that an electricity producing pilot plant (PP) with fusion power of 200 MW–300 MW is needed before the DEMO to establish the power performance, tritium breeding and its re-use over sufficiently long pulses. An integrated test facility must precede the pilot to test and qualify the technologies for the pilot stage. The revised approach takes into account realistic assumptions on power balance, current drive efficiency and magnet lifetime-dose; factors that pose constraints in identifying potential reactor configurations. Parameter choices for possible options for the integrated test facility (Fusion Engineering Science and Test), PP and DEMO are presented that can be used to initiate conceptual designs and directed R&D.
Prevalence of chronic urticaria and healthcare usage of patients with the condition in primary care: a population-based study in the Netherlands
Authors: Soegiharto Reineke , Westmeijer Mike , Boekema-Bakker Nicole , Groenewegen Irene A M , Knulst André C , van den Reek Juul M P A , Röckmann Heike
Published: October 2023

We present a large population-based study on the prevalence and healthcare usage of patients with chronic urticaria (CU) in primary care. The observed annual point prevalence of 0.48–0.30% and a median follow-up duration of 1.5 years provides new and reliable insight into the vastness, relatively modest healthcare usage and estimated disease duration of CU in the general population, which is useful knowledge when counselling new patients with CU in both primary and specialist care settings.
Persistence of Detectable Pathogens by Culture-Independent Systems (T2 Magnetic Resonance) in Patients With Bloodstream Infection: Prognostic Role and Possible Clinical Implications
Authors: Peri Anna Maria , O’Callaghan Kevin , Rafiei Nastaran , Graves Bianca , Sinclair Holly , Brischetto Anna , Lim Karen , Parkes-Smith Jill , Eustace Matthew , Davidson Natalie , Tabah Alexis , Stewart Adam , Chatfield Mark D , Harris Patrick N A , Paterson David L
Published: October 2023

Background

Persistent Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia is associated with metastatic infection and adverse outcomes, whereas gram-negative bacteremia is normally transient and shorter course therapy is increasingly advocated for affected patients. Whether the prolonged detection of pathogen DNA in blood by culture-independent systems could have prognostic value and guide management decisions is unknown.

Methods

We performed a multicenter, prospective, observational study on 102 patients with bloodstream infection (BSI) to compare time to bloodstream clearance according to T2 magnetic resonance and blood cultures over a 4-day follow-up. We also explored the association between duration of detectable pathogens according to T2 magnetic resonance (magnetic resonance–DNAemia [MR-DNAemia]) and clinical outcomes.

Results

Time to bloodstream clearance according to T2 magnetic resonance was significantly longer than blood culture clearance (HR, .54; 95% CI, .39–.75) and did not differ according to the causative pathogen (P = .5). Each additional day of MR-DNAemia increased the odds of persistent infection (defined as metastatic infection or delayed source control) both in the overall population (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.45–2.70) and in S. aureus (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.12–3.29) and gram-negative bacteremia (OR, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.35–3.60). MR-DNAemia duration was also associated with no improvement in Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score at day 7 from infection onset (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.21–2.56).

Conclusions

T2 magnetic resonance may help diagnose BSI in patients on antimicrobials with negative blood cultures as well as to identify patients with metastatic infection, source control failure, or adverse short-term outcome. Future studies may inform its usefulness within the setting of antimicrobial stewardship programs.
Deletion of adipocyte NOS3 potentiates high-fat diet-induced hypertension and vascular remodelling via chemerin
Authors: Man Andy W C , Zhou Yawen , Reifenberg Gisela , Camp Alica , Münzel Thomas , Daiber Andreas , Xia Ning , Li Huige
Published: October 2023

Aims

Obesity is an epidemic that is a critical contributor to hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. Current paradigms suggest that endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS/NOS3) in the vessel wall is the primary regulator of vascular function and blood pressure. However, recent studies have revealed the presence of eNOS/NOS3 in the adipocytes of white adipose tissues and perivascular adipose tissues (PVATs). The current understanding of the role of adipocyte NOS3 is based mainly on studies using global knockout models. The present study aimed to elucidate the functional significance of adipocyte NOS3 for vascular function and blood pressure control.

Methods and results

We generated an adipocyte-specific NOS3 knockout mouse line using adiponectin promoter-specific Cre-induced gene inactivation. Control and adipocyte-specific NOS3 knockout (A-NOS3 KO) mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Despite less weight gain, A-NOS3 KO mice exhibited a significant increase in blood pressure after HFD feeding, associated with exacerbated vascular dysfunction and remodelling. A-NOS3 KO mice also showed increased expression of signature markers of inflammation and hypoxia in the PVATs. Among the differentially expressed adipokines, we have observed an upregulation of a novel adipokine, chemerin, in A-NOS3 KO mice. Chemerin was recently reported to link obesity and vascular dysfunction. Treatment with chemerin neutralizing antibody normalized the expression of remodelling markers in the aorta segments cultured in serum from HFD-fed A-NOS3 KO mice ex vivo.

Conclusion

These data suggest that NOS3 in adipocytes is vital in maintaining vascular homeostasis; dysfunction of adipocyte NOS3 contributes to obesity-induced vascular remodelling and hypertension.
On a new method for the state and output feedback exponential stabilization of a cascaded wave PDE-ODE system with nonlinear boundary condition
Authors: Ghaderi Najmeh
Published: October 2023

This study presents a novel approach for the state and output feedback exponential control of cascaded unstable ODE-wave equations with nonlinear boundary condition. The new approach can be also used to investigate the state and output feedback stabilization of other cascaded ODE-partial differential equation (PDE) systems with nonlinear boundary condition. The interconnection between the ODE and wave PDE with the nonlinear boundary is bi-directional at two points. First, an exponential controller is planned and the well-posed and exponential stability of the closed-loop system is derived. Next, an exponential observer is designed, whereby the exponential stability of the overall error system is shown. Then, an observer-based output feedback control that causes the overall real system to be exponentially stable is built. The existence and exponential stability of the solution to the overall closed-loop system are further deduced. Finally, simulation results are given to verify the effectiveness, feasibility and validity of the proposed technique.
Dynamic synthetic control method for evaluating treatment effects in auto-regressive processes
Authors: Zheng Xiangyu , Chen Song Xi
Published: October 2023

Motivated by evaluating the effects of air pollution alerts on air quality, we propose the dynamic synthetic control method for micro-level data with time-varying confounders and spatial dependence under an auto-regressive model setting. We employ the empirical likelihood to define the synthetic control weights, which ensures a unique solution and permits theoretical analysis. The dynamic matching increases the feasibility of matching and enables us to assess the unconfoundedness assumption using pre-treatment data. For statistical inference, we develop a normalised placebo test to address the asymmetry issue. The method is illustrated and evaluated on numerical simulations and a case study on air pollution alerts.
Rapid quantification of biological nitrogen fixation using optical spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Haiyang , Plett Jonathan M , Catunda Karen L M , Churchill Amber C , Moore Ben D , Powell Jeff R , Power Sally A , Yang Jinyan , Anderson Ian C
Published: October 2023

Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) provides a globally important input of nitrogen (N); its quantification is critical but technically challenging. Leaf reflectance spectroscopy offers a more rapid approach than traditional techniques to measure plant N concentration ([N]) and isotopes (δ15N). Here we present a novel method for rapidly and inexpensively quantifying BNF using optical spectroscopy. We measured plant [N], δ15N, and the amount of N derived from atmospheric fixation (Ndfa) following the standard traditional methodology using isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) from tissues grown under controlled conditions and taken from field experiments. Using the same tissues, we predicted the same three parameters using optical spectroscopy. By comparing the optical spectroscopy-derived results with traditional measurements (i.e. IRMS), the amount of Ndfa predicted by optical spectroscopy was highly comparable to IRMS-based quantification, with R2 being 0.90 (slope=0.90) and 0.94 (slope=1.02) (root mean square error for predicting legume δ15N was 0.38 and 0.43) for legumes grown in glasshouse and field, respectively. This novel application of optical spectroscopy facilitates BNF studies because it is rapid, scalable, low cost, and complementary to existing technologies. Moreover, the proposed method successfully captures the dynamic response of BNF to climate changes such as warming and drought.
Dissecting the morphology of star forming complex S193
Authors: Pandey Rakesh , Sharma Saurabh , Dewangan Lokesh , Ojha D K , Panwar Neelam , Ghosh Arpan , Sinha Tirthendu , Verma Aayushi , Kaur Harmeen
Published: October 2023

We have studied a star-forming complex S193 using near-infrared (NIR) observations and other archival data covering optical to radio wavelengths. We identified stellar clusters in the complex using the NIR photometric data and estimated the membership and distance of the clusters. Using the mid-infrared (MIR) and far-infrared (FIR) images, the distribution of the dust emission around H ii regions is traced in the complex. The Herschel column density and temperature maps analysis reveal 16 cold dust clumps in the complex. The H α image and 1.4 GHz radio continuum emission map are employed to study the ionized gas distribution and infer the spectral type and the dynamical age of each H ii region/ionized clump in the complex. The 12CO(J  = 3 − 2) and 13CO(J  = 1 − 0) molecular line data hint at the presence of two velocity components around [−43, −46] and [−47, −50] km s−1, and their spatial distribution reveals two overlapping zones toward the complex. By investigating the immediate surroundings of the central cluster [BDS2003]57 and the pressure calculations, we suggest that the feedback from the massive stars seems responsible for the observed velocity gradient and might have triggered the formation of the central cluster [BDS2003]57.
Ages and metallicities of stellar clusters using S-PLUS narrow-band integrated photometry: the Small Magellanic Cloud
Authors: Fabiano de Souza G , Westera P , Almeida-Fernandes F , Limberg G , Dias B , Hernandez-Jimenez J A , Herpich F R , Kerber L O , Machado-Pereira E , Perottoni H D , Guerço Rafael , Li L , Sampedro L , Kanaan A , Ribeiro T , Schoenell W , Mendes de Oliveira C
Published: October 2023

The Magellanic Clouds are the most massive and closest satellite galaxies of the Milky Way (MW), with stars covering ages from a few Myr up to 13 Gyr. This makes them important for validating integrated light methods to study stellar populations and star formation processes, which can be applied to more distant galaxies. We characterized a set of stellar clusters in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC), using the Southern Photometric Local Universe Survey. This is the first age (metallicity) determination for 11 (65) clusters of this sample. Through its seven narrow bands, centred on important spectral features, and five broad bands, we can retrieve detailed information about stellar populations. We obtained ages and metallicities for all stellar clusters using the Bayesian spectral energy distribution fitting code bagpipes. With a sample of clusters in the colour range −0.20 < r − z < +0.35, for which our determined parameters are most reliable, we modeled the age–metallicity relation of SMC. At any given age, the metallicities of SMC clusters are lower than those of both the Gaia Sausage-Enceladus disrupted dwarf galaxy and the MW. In comparison with literature values, differences are Δlog(age) ≈ 0.31 and Δ[Fe/H] ≈ 0.41, which is comparable to low-resolution spectroscopy of individual stars. Finally, we confirm a previously known gradient, with younger clusters in the centre and older ones preferentially located in the outermost regions. On the other hand, we found no evidence of a significant metallicity gradient.
The open cluster NGC 2345: a study of chemical abundances with near-infrared IGRINS high-resolution spectra
Authors: Holanda N , Roriz M P , Drake N A , Junqueira S , Daflon S , da Silva J R P , Pereira C B
Published: October 2023

Open clusters are relatively young and numerous. These systems are distributed throughout the Galactic disc and provide insights on the chemistry of the Milky Way. In this study, we provide a near-infrared spectroscopic analysis of four stars of the young open cluster NGC 2345. Our infrared data present a resolving power of R ≈ 45 000, covering the H- and K-bands (1.5–2.5 μm), and high-signal-to-noise ratio, which are gathered with the Immersion Grating Infrared Spectrograph (IGRINS) at the Gemini Observatory. From atmospheric parameters previously derived via optical spectroscopy, we obtain abundances for C (12C16O), N (12C14N), O (16OH), F (H19F), Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, K, Ca, Sc, Ti, Cr, Fe, Ni, Ce, Nd, and Yb. Additionally, the 12C/13C (13C16O), 16O/17O (12C17O), and 16O/18O (12C18O) isotopic ratios are obtained. We compare the infrared results with a previous work based on optical spectral analysis, but chemical species such as F, S, P, K, and Yb are determined for the first time in stars of NGC 2345. We also confirm a low metallicity ([Fe/H]  =  −0.32 ± 0.04) and slight enrichment in s-process elements, as already noticed in works available in the literature, but we do not find any enrichment in F. Our results demonstrate excellent agreement between our measured isotopic ratios 12C/13C and 16C/17O and models of stellar nucleosynthesis, while we find that the abundance of 18O is overestimated in comparison to our measurements. Finally, we assess our findings in comparison to the chemical patterns observed in open clusters, classified by both their age and Galactocentric distances, and highlight the need for a more comprehensive sample of young clusters within the 9–11 kpc range for a proper comparison.
Evolution of MHD torus and mass outflow around spinning AGNs
Authors: Aktar Ramiz , Pan Kuo-Chuan , Okuda Toru
Published: October 2023

We perform axisymmetric, 2D magnetohydrodynamic simulations to investigate accretion flows around spinning active galactic nuclei. To mimic the space–time geometry of spinning black holes, we consider effective Kerr potential, and the mass of the black holes is 108 M⊙. We initialize the accretion disc with a magnetized torus by adopting the toroidal component of the magnetic vector potential. The initial magnetic field strength is set by using the plasma beta parameter (β0). We observe self-consistent turbulence generated by magneto rotational instability (MRI) in the disc. The MRI turbulence transports angular momentum in the disc, resulting in an angular momentum distribution that approaches a Keplerian distribution. We investigate the effect of the magnetic field on the dynamics of the torus and associated mass outflow from the disc around a maximally spinning black hole (ak = 0.99). For the purpose of our analysis, we investigate the magnetic state of our simulation model. The model β0 = 10 indicates the behaviour similar to the ‘magnetically arrested disc’ state, and all the other low magnetic model remains in the SANE state. We observe that mass outflow rates are significantly enhanced with the increased magnetic field in the disc. We find a positive correlation between the magnetic field and mass outflow rates. We also investigate the effect of black hole spin on the magnetized torus evolution. However, we have not found any significant effect of black hole spin on mass outflows in our model. Finally, we discuss the possible astrophysical applications of our simulation results.
The distribution, kinematics, and luminosities of extreme helium stars as probes of their origin and evolution
Authors: Philip Monai A , Martin P , Jeffery C S
Published: October 2023

Hydrogen-deficient stars include the cool R CrB variable (RCBs) and hydrogen-deficient carbon (HdCs) giants through extreme helium stars (EHes) to the very hot helium-rich subdwarfs (He-sdO and O(He) stars) and white dwarfs. With surfaces rich in helium, nitrogen, and carbon, their origins have been identified with the merger of two white dwarfs. Using Gaia to focus on the EHes, we aim to identify progenitor populations and test the evolution models. Gaia DR3 measurements and ground-based radial velocities have been used to compute Galactic orbits using galpy. Each orbit has been classified by population; EHe stars are found in all of the thin disc, thick disc, halo, and bulge, as are RCB, HdC, and He-sdO stars. Spectral energy distributions were constructed for all EHes, to provide angular diameters, and hence radii and luminosities. The EHes fall into two luminosity groups divided at $L \approx 2500 \, {\rm L_{\odot }}$. This supports theory for the origin of EHes, and is the strongest confirmation so far in terms of luminosity. The lower luminosity EHes correspond well with the post-merger evolution of a double helium white dwarf binary. Likewise, the higher luminosity EHes match the post-merger evolution of a carbon/oxygen plus helium white dwarf binary. In terms of parent populations, current models predict that double white dwarf mergers should occur in all Galactic populations, but favour mergers arising from recent star formation (i.e. thin disc), whereas the statistics favour an older epoch (i.e. thick disc).
Accessible gene borders establish a core structural unit for chromatin architecture in Arabidopsis
Authors: Lee Hongwoo , Seo Pil Joon
Published: October 2023

Three-dimensional (3D) chromatin structure is linked to transcriptional regulation in multicellular eukaryotes including plants. Taking advantage of high-resolution Hi-C (high-throughput chromatin conformation capture), we detected a small structural unit with 3D chromatin architecture in the Arabidopsis genome, which lacks topologically associating domains, and also in the genomes of tomato, maize, and Marchantia polymorpha. The 3D folding domain unit was usually established around an individual gene and was dependent on chromatin accessibility at the transcription start site (TSS) and transcription end site (TES). We also observed larger contact domains containing two or more neighboring genes, which were dependent on accessible border regions. Binding of transcription factors to accessible TSS/TES regions formed these gene domains. We successfully simulated these Hi-C contact maps via computational modeling using chromatin accessibility as input. Our results demonstrate that gene domains establish basic 3D chromatin architecture units that likely contribute to higher-order 3D genome folding in plants.
VarEPS-Influ:an risk evaluation system of occurred and virtual variations of influenza virus genomes
Authors: Shu Chang , Sun Qinglan , Fan Guomei , Peng Kesheng , Yu Zhengfei , Luo Yingfeng , Gao Shenghan , Ma Juncai , Deng Tao , Hu Songnian , Wu Linhuan
Published: October 2023

Influenza viruses undergo frequent genomic mutations, leading to potential cross-species transmission, phenotypic changes, and challenges in diagnostic reagents and vaccines. Accurately evaluating and predicting the risk of such variations remain significant challenges. To address this, we developed the VarEPS-Influ database, an influenza virus variations risk evaluation system (VarEPS-Influ). This database employs a ‘multi-dimensional evaluation of mutations’ strategy, utilizing various tools to assess the physical and chemical properties, primary, secondary, and tertiary structures, receptor affinity, antibody binding capacity, antigen epitopes, and other aspects of the variation's impact. Additionally, we consider space-time distribution, host species distribution, pedigree analysis, and frequency of mutations to provide a comprehensive risk evaluation of mutations and viruses. The VarEPS-Influ database evaluates both observed variations and virtual variations (variations that have not yet occurred), thereby addressing the time-lag issue in risk predictions. Our current one-stop evaluation system for influenza virus genomic variation integrates 1065290 sequences from 224 927 Influenza A, B and C isolates retrieved from public resources. Researchers can freely access the data at https://nmdc.cn/influvar/.
eRNAbase: a comprehensive database for decoding the regulatory eRNAs in human and mouse
Authors: Song Chao , Zhang Guorui , Mu Xinxin , Feng Chenchen , Zhang Qinyi , Song Shuang , Zhang Yuexin , Yin Mingxue , Zhang Hang , Tang Huifang , Li Chunquan
Published: October 2023

Enhancer RNAs (eRNAs) transcribed from distal active enhancers serve as key regulators in gene transcriptional regulation. The accumulation of eRNAs from multiple sequencing assays has led to an urgent need to comprehensively collect and process these data to illustrate the regulatory landscape of eRNAs. To address this need, we developed the eRNAbase (http://bio.liclab.net/eRNAbase/index.php) to store the massive available resources of human and mouse eRNAs and provide comprehensive annotation and analyses for eRNAs. The current version of eRNAbase cataloged 10 399 928 eRNAs from 1012 samples, including 858 human samples and 154 mouse samples. These eRNAs were first identified and uniformly processed from 14 eRNA-related experiment types manually collected from GEO/SRA and ENCODE. Importantly, the eRNAbase provides detailed and abundant (epi)genetic annotations in eRNA regions, such as super enhancers, enhancers, common single nucleotide polymorphisms, expression quantitative trait loci, transcription factor binding sites, CRISPR/Cas9 target sites, DNase I hypersensitivity sites, chromatin accessibility regions, methylation sites, chromatin interactions regions, topologically associating domains and RNA spatial interactions. Furthermore, the eRNAbase provides users with three novel analyses including eRNA-mediated pathway regulatory analysis, eRNA-based variation interpretation analysis and eRNA-mediated TF–target gene analysis. Hence, eRNAbase is a powerful platform to query, browse and visualize regulatory cues associated with eRNAs.
A task-specific encoding algorithm for RNAs and RNA-associated interactions based on convolutional autoencoder
Authors: Wang Yunxia , Pan Ziqi , Mou Minjie , Xia Weiqi , Zhang Hongning , Zhang Hanyu , Liu Jin , Zheng Lingyan , Luo Yongchao , Zheng Hanqi , Yu Xinyuan , Lian Xichen , Zeng Zhenyu , Li Zhaorong , Zhang Bing , Zheng Mingyue , Li Honglin , Hou Tingjun , Zhu Feng
Published: October 2023

RNAs play essential roles in diverse physiological and pathological processes by interacting with other molecules (RNA/protein/compound), and various computational methods are available for identifying these interactions. However, the encoding features provided by existing methods are limited and the existing tools does not offer an effective way to integrate the interacting partners. In this study, a task-specific encoding algorithm for RNAs and RNA-associated interactions was therefore developed. This new algorithm was unique in (a) realizing comprehensive RNA feature encoding by introducing a great many of novel features and (b) enabling task-specific integration of interacting partners using convolutional autoencoder-directed feature embedding. Compared with existing methods/tools, this novel algorithm demonstrated superior performances in diverse benchmark testing studies. This algorithm together with its source code could be readily accessed by all user at: https://idrblab.org/corain/ and https://github.com/idrblab/corain/.
Specific Detection of Phytophthora parasitica by Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Assays Based on a Unique Multicopy Genomic Sequence
Authors: Wang Rongsheng , Zhou Ran , Meng Yuling , Zheng Jie , Lu Wenqin , Yang Yang , Yang Jiapeng , Wu Yuanhua , Shan Weixing
Published: October 2023

Phytophthora parasitica is a highly destructive oomycete plant pathogen that is capable of infecting a wide range of hosts including many agricultural cash crops, fruit trees, and ornamental garden plants. One of the most important diseases caused by P. parasitica worldwide is black shank of tobacco. Rapid, sensitive, and specific pathogen detection is crucial for early rapid diagnosis, which can facilitate effective disease management. In this study, we used a genomics approach to identify repeated sequences in the genome of P. parasitica by genome sequence alignment and identified a 203-bp P. parasitica-specific sequence, PpM34, that is present in 31 to 60 copies in the genome. The P. parasitica genome specificity of PpM34 was supported by PCR amplification of 24 genetically diverse strains of P. parasitica, 32 strains representing 12 other Phytophthora species, one Pythium species, six fungal species, and three bacterial species, all of which are plant pathogens. Our PCR and real-time PCR assays showed that the PpM34 sequence was highly sensitive in specifically detecting P. parasitica. Finally, we developed a PpM34-based high-efficiency recombinase polymerase amplification assay, which allowed us to specifically detect as little as 1 pg of P. parasitica total DNA from both pure cultures and infected Nicotiana benthamiana at 39°C using a fluorometric thermal cycler. The sensitivity, specificity, convenience, and rapidity of this assay represent a major improvement for early diagnosis of P. parasitica infection.
Ventilator Weaning and Terminal Extubation: Withdrawal of Life-Sustaining Therapy in Children. Secondary Analysis of the Death One Hour After Terminal Extubation Study
Authors: Pringle Charlene P. , Filipp Stephanie L. , Morrison Wynne E. , Fainberg Nina A. , Aczon Melissa D. , Avesar Michael , Burkiewicz Kimberly F. , Chandnani Harsha K. , Hsu Stephanie C. , Laksana Eugene , Ledbetter David R. , McCrory Michael C. , Morrow Katie R. , Noguchi Anna E. , O’Brien Caitlin E. , Ojha Apoorva , Ross Patrick A. , Shah Sareen , Shah Jui K. , Siegel Linda B. , Tripathi Sandeep , Wetzel Randall C. , Zhou Alice X. , Winter Meredith C.
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVE:

Terminal extubation (TE) and terminal weaning (TW) during withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies (WLSTs) have been described and defined in adults. The recent Death One Hour After Terminal Extubation study aimed to validate a model developed to predict whether a child would die within 1 hour after discontinuation of mechanical ventilation for WLST. Although TW has not been described in children, pre-extubation weaning has been known to occur before WLST, though to what extent is unknown. In this preplanned secondary analysis, we aim to describe/define TE and pre-extubation weaning (PW) in children and compare characteristics of patients who had ventilatory support decreased before WLST with those who did not.

DESIGN:

Secondary analysis of multicenter retrospective cohort study.

SETTING:

Ten PICUs in the United States between 2009 and 2021.

PATIENTS:

Nine hundred thirteen patients 0–21 years old who died after WLST.

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

71.4% (n = 652) had TE without decrease in ventilatory support in the 6 hours prior. TE without decrease in ventilatory support in the 6 hours prior = 71.4% (n = 652) of our sample. Clinically relevant decrease in ventilatory support before WLST = 11% (n = 100), and 17.6% (n = 161) had likely incidental decrease in ventilatory support before WLST. Relevant ventilator parameters decreased were Fio
2 and/or ventilator set rates. There were no significant differences in any of the other evaluated patient characteristics between groups (weight, body mass index, unit type, primary diagnostic category, presence of coma, time to death after WLST, analgosedative requirements, postextubation respiratory support modality).

CONCLUSIONS:

Decreasing ventilatory support before WLST with extubation in children does occur. This practice was not associated with significant differences in palliative analgosedation doses or time to death after extubation.