bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unravelling poly(1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazole) hydrogels behaviors and enhancing 5-Fluorouracil delivery systems by utilizing a fuzzy modelling approach
Authors: Pekel Bayramgil Nursel , Insel Mert Akin , Gonce Kocken Hale , Albayrak Inci , Karakuş Selcan
Published: July 2024

In recent years, fuzzy-hybrid systems have been reported in biomedical applications due to their ability to handle uncertainties, provide flexibility, identify optimal production processes, and integrate experimental data sources to create reliable decision support mechanisms. This study focuses on introducing a fuzzy-hybrid methodology to model the swelling behavior of poly(1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazole) (PVTAz) hydrogels and the drug release profile of PVTAz hydrogels loaded with 5-Fluorouracil. The proposed fuzzy-hybrid approach was utilized in modelling swelling behavior of the PVTAz hydrogels as a fuzzy function of time, temperature, pH, and the drug release behavior as a fuzzy function of time only. All the obtained models were illustrated with respect to the experimental data, showing their effectiveness and applicability. Performance metrics (ARE, RMSE, R2) were calculated for the fuzzy-hybrid supported swelling behavior and drug release models: (ARE = 6.9492, RMSE = 150.59, R2 = 0.9529) and (ARE = 4.2956, RMSE = 2.2889, R2 = 0.9879), respectively. This study significantly advances our understanding of hydrogel behaviors in drug delivery systems, highlighting interdisciplinary synergy that enhances research outcomes.
An extreme multistable circuit based on a new memcapacitor and a new meminductor
Authors: Ren Xiyu , Bi Xiuguo , Cao Yinghong , Mou Jun
Published: July 2024

Expanding the definition of memristor gets memcapacitor and meminductor. Because there are very few physical memory elements, it is very meaningful to apply its equivalent model to the study of physical circuits. In this paper, based on the definition of the memory element, a new memcapacitor and a new meminductor are proposed, and a chaotic oscillator circuit is constructed based on them. Whether the two memory elements have memory characteristics is analyzed. The range of equilibrium points of the chaotic oscillator circuit is determined. The dynamical behavior of this chaotic oscillator circuit is analyzed by the Lyapunov exponent spectrum (LEs), bifurcation diagram (BD) and spectral entropy complexity (SE). Finally, Multisim software is used to verify the correctness of the simulation, and the physical realizability of the system is verified by the DSP platform. The results of the research help to better utilize this chaotic oscillator circuit in the field of communication encryption.
The electronic, magnetic, and optical behaviors of graphyne modulated by metal atoms adsorption: a first-principles study
Authors: He Hongxuan , Tan Jiewei , Cheng Wenzhe , Li Jing , Gao Nan , Li Hongdong , Qiu Dongchao
Published: July 2024

The electronic, magnetic, and optical behaviors of graphyne modulated by various adsorbed metal atoms (Li, Na, K, Mg, Ca, Al, and Zn) from typical metal-ion batteries are studied by first-principles calculation. Notably, Mg and Zn adsorption systems are deemed unstable. In contrast, Li, Na, K, Ca, and Al systems exhibit two preferential adsorption sites, with the optimal position being the hollow center site within the large acetylenic ring. Upon the adsorption of these metal atoms, except for Ca adsorption systems exhibit semi-metallic behavior, while the other metal adsorption systems induced a transition from p-type to n-type semiconductors with decreased band gaps. Intriguingly, the inherent magnetism of the metal atoms vanished, resulting in a total magnetic moment of 0 μ
B for the adsorption systems. Furthermore, the optical absorption and reflectivity peak positions for Ca adsorption systems show a significant redshift from violet to green and blue light regions. Conversely, other adsorption systems exhibit new absorption and reflection peaks in the infrared range, accompanied by an increase in both absorption coefficient and reflectivity across various spectral regions. These findings are conducive to the application in the field of novel optoelectronics and optical films.
A real-time performance improvement method for composite time scale
Authors: Wang 王 Fangmin 芳敏 , Li 李 Wenlin 汶林 , Dai 戴 Hongfei 鸿飞 , Li 李 Chunyi 春怡 , Zhou 周 Jianhua 建华 , Xue 薛 Shenhui 申辉 , Wang 王 Bo 波
Published: July 2024

The composite time scale (CTS) provides a stable, accurate, and reliable time scale for modern society. The improvement of CTS’s real-time performance will improve its stability, which strengths related applications’ performance. Aiming at this goal, a method achieved by determining the optimal calculation interval and accelerating adjustment stage is proposed in this paper. The determinants of the CTS’s calculation interval (characteristics of the clock ensemble, the measurement noise, the time and frequency synchronization system’s noise and the auxiliary output generator noise floor) are studied and the optimal calculation interval is obtained. We also investigate the effect of ensemble algorithm’s initial parameters on the CTS’s adjustment stage. A strategy to get the reasonable initial parameters of ensemble algorithm is designed. The results show that the adjustment stage can be finished rapidly or even can be shorten to zero with reasonable initial parameters. On this basis, we experimentally generate a distributed CTS with a calculation interval of 500 s and its stability outperforms those of the member clocks when the averaging time is longer than ∼1700 s. The experimental result proves that the CTS’s real-time performance is significantly improved.
Accurate characterisation of optical diffuse transmission—primary facility and extension to translucent samples
Authors: Fu Jinglin , Quast Tatjana , Teichert Sven , Pastuschek Marcel , Schirmacher Alfred , Santafé-Gabarda Pablo , Hauer Kai-Olaf , Ferrero Alejandro
Published: July 2024

To perform accurate, high-quality and traceable measurement of optical diffuse transmission, which is quantified using the bidirectional transmittance distribution function (BTDF), a new primary facility has been developed at the Physikalisch–Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), the German metrology institute. This newly developed reference facility will complement the available calibration services and research facilities at PTB for regular reflectance and transmittance and diffuse reflectance. The performance of the new BTDF setup has been investigated in an internal comparison, where consistency of the results was achieved. A thorough uncertainty analysis results in a minimum combined standard (k
=
1) uncertainty of about 0.8 %. Research on the accurate characterisation of the BTDF of samples with non-negligible lateral scattering is being carried out on this new setup. Some first results have shown that the measured BTDF value depends on the applied irradiation area size. An empirical model has been found to describe the diffuse transmission of such translucent samples with different scattering parameters.
Metrological characterization of a commercial single-photon source with high photon flux emission
Authors: Georgieva Hristina , Stepanov Petr , Sewidan Leonora , Pishchagin Anton , López Marco , Kück Stefan
Published: July 2024

We present a comprehensive metrological characterization of a commercial single-photon source with high photon flux emission for use in radiometry. The source is based on an InGaAs quantum dot in a micropillar. A comparative analysis of two excitation schemes—phonon-assisted excitation and two-photon excitation—explores differences in excitation power dependence, temporal stability and single-photon purity. The commercial source exhibits excellent properties for the field of quantum radiometry, achieving simultaneously a photon flux of (17.19 ± 0.09) million photons/s for a pulse repetition rate of 79.4 MHz, and a single-photon purity of 98%. Its optical power of (3.68 ± 0.02) pW is directly determined with a traceably calibrated low-noise photodiode. The ability to directly compare the photocurrent in a low-noise photodiode with the count rate at a single-photon avalanche detector allows for a seamless transition between the classical and quantum realizations of optical power. Therefore, we were able to build another bridge between classical and quantum radiometry by using a deterministic single-photon source.
Structurally-constrained encoding framework using a multi-voxel reduced-rank latent model for human natural vision
Authors: Ranjbar Amin , Suratgar Amir Abolfazl , Menhaj Mohammad Bagher , Abbasi-Asl Reza
Published: July 2024

Objective. Voxel-wise visual encoding models based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have emerged as one of the prominent predictive tools of human brain activity via functional magnetic resonance imaging signals. While CNN-based models imitate the hierarchical structure of the human visual cortex to generate explainable features in response to natural visual stimuli, there is still a need for a brain-inspired model to predict brain responses accurately based on biomedical data. Approach. To bridge this gap, we propose a response prediction module called the Structurally Constrained Multi-Output (SCMO) module to include homologous correlations that arise between a group of voxels in a cortical region and predict more accurate responses. Main results. This module employs all the responses across a visual area to predict individual voxel-wise BOLD responses and therefore accounts for the population activity and collective behavior of voxels. Such a module can determine the relationships within each visual region by creating a structure matrix that represents the underlying voxel-to-voxel interactions. Moreover, since each response module in visual encoding tasks relies on the image features, we conducted experiments using two different feature extraction modules to assess the predictive performance of our proposed module. Specifically, we employed a recurrent CNN that integrates both feedforward and recurrent interactions, as well as the popular AlexNet model that utilizes feedforward connections. Significance. We demonstrate that the proposed framework provides a reliable predictive ability to generate brain responses across multiple areas, outperforming benchmark models in terms of stability and coherency of features.
The simplified energy landscape of the φ
4 model and the phase transition
Authors: Baroni Fabrizio
Published: July 2024

The on-lattice φ
4 model is a paradigmatic example of a continuous real-variable model undergoing a continuous symmetry-breaking phase transition (SBPT). Here, we study the

Z

2

-symmetric mean-field case without the quadratic term in the local potential. We show that the

Z

2

-SBPT is not affected by the quadratic term and that the potential energy landscape is greatly simplified from a geometric–topological viewpoint. In particular, only three critical points exist to confront, with a number growing as eN
(N is the number of degrees of freedom) of the model with a negative quadratic term. We focus on the properties of the equipotential surfaces with the aim to deepen the link between SBPTs and the essential properties of a potential that is capable of entailing them. The results are interpreted in view of of some recent achievements regarding rigorous necessary and sufficient conditions for a

Z

2

-SBPT.
Erosion performance of direct-aged Al2O3-reinforced plasma-sprayed composite coatings at high-temperature conditions
Authors: Prashar Gaurav , Vasudev Hitesh
Published: July 2024

The present investigation evaluates the influence of furnace heat-treatment (HT) on the microstructure, microhardness, fracture toughness and erosion resistance of three plasma sprayed composite coatings: a Inconel625–30 wt% micron-sized Al2O3 (In625-MHT) coating, a Inconel625–30 wt% nano-sized Al2O3 (In625-NHT) coating and a Inconel625–15 wt% micron-sized Al2O3 + 15 wt% nano-sized Al2O3 (In625-BHT/bimodal) coating. High temperature solid particle erosion tests were conducted at 900 °C temperature and with at two different impingement angles (90 and 30) in simulated environment using standard erosion-test rig. Coatings were subjected to detailed mechanical and microstructural analysis in order to better understand their erosion mechanism and structure–property correlation. By healing pores and cracks, the furnace HT increases the coatings’ erosion resistance in the order of In625-BHT, In625-NHT, and In625-MHTcoating. In addition, the mechanical properties of In625-BHT coating like porosity (1.0 ± 0.09%), micro-hardness (1299 ± 25Hv) and fracture toughness (5.9 MPa√m) are significantly improved after HT. The presence of grooves and lips on the surfaces of uncoated substrates provides clear evidence that the erosion mechanism involves the combined processes of micro-ploughing and micro-cutting indicating ductile erosion mode. However unimodal and bimodal composite coatings demonstrated a brittle erosion mode.
Influence of sequential machining process on the surface topography of dies
Authors: Bordin Fernando Moreira , Builes Sara Diaz , Costa Erick Cardoso , Filho Clídio Hort , Xavier Fabio Antonio
Published: July 2024

Near net-shape manufacturing of components is a trend that aims to significantly reduce machining times and material waste, trading the machining efficiency for smaller lead times. Cold forging of gear-shaped components is one such operation that generates a component with superior geometrical accuracy and precision, however, the machined cavity is often subject to high mechanical loads and fatigue failures. The usual manufacturing chain involves hard machining, die-sinking electro-discharge machining, and mechanical polishing with abrasive media. Without proper knowledge of the resulting surface roughness and morphology, the tribological aspects of the surface can be neglected. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the manufacturing chain of gear-shaped cavities in terms of surface roughness, surface morphology, and surface residual stresses generated after die-sinking electro-discharge machining (roughing and finishing regimes), as well as mechanical polishing. The surface of the gear tooth was evaluated in three distinct regions: flank, top, and bottom. The results showcased that, even though the surface roughness/texture of the different regions of interest illustrates similar magnitudes, the surface morphology presented completely adverse features, highlighting the importance of a thorough analysis of the machined surface. Residual stress analysis indicated that the mechanical polishing operation was not enough to remove the high-magnitude tensile residual stresses.
Effects of Ce addition on inclusion modification in martensitic stainless steel
Authors: Xing Lei , Wang Haiyan , Gao Xueyun , Tian Fangcheng , Lin Hongling , Yin Haixin
Published: July 2024

The control of inclusion features, i.e., chemical composition, distribution, quantity, and size, is in high demand for stainless steels to achieve good surface quality, pitting corrosion resistance, and mechanical properties. In this paper, the effects of rare earth (RE) modification on the inclusions of martensitic stainless steel were explored. Martensitic stainless steels with various contents of Ce were prepared, and the inclusions in the cast billets were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and an automatic analysis system for nonmetallic inclusions in steels (OTS). The effect of Ce on the modification of nonmetallic inclusions during solidification was explored with thermodynamic calculations. The results showed that the addition of Ce modified the oxygen and sulfur inclusions by transforming them from irregular elongated inclusions to nearly spherical RE composite inclusions. Compared with those in basic martensitic stainless steel, nine types of RE inclusions were found in the presence of Ce. As the Ce content increased from 0.048 wt% to 0.092 wt%, the CeAlO3 content decreased, whereas the Ce2O2S content increased. Moreover, there were 80% fewer inclusions than in the basic martensitic stainless steel.
Unveiling awareness and knowledge of orphan plants: catalysts for sustainable transformation in Al-Zarqa Basin, Jordan
Authors: Alahmad Waed , Al-Qudah Tamara S , Khasawneh Anas , Al Otoom Ra’ed A , Al-Atoom Maysa A , Al Ahmad Wajed , Alsomadi Rani
Published: July 2024

The awareness of orphan plants and underutilized species that have agricultural, nutritional, and medicinal importance is critical to the sustainable civilization of people. The lack of knowledge of the orphan plant’s importance stems from insufficient outreach and educational efforts and this may increase the underappreciation of these plants’ ecological relevance which will affect the sustainable environment in the determined region. In this study, Al Zarqa basin region located in the northern part of Jordan was selected as a study case. This is due to it having rich plant biodiversity with many endangered plant species. This study aimed to assess the awareness levels of the civil people in the Al Zarqa basin regarding orphan plants and identify key factors influencing the community’s understanding of these underutilized species. In this study, local youth volunteers distributed an e-questionnaire, and 1000 participants from seven villages were engaged. Different parameters that measure people’s awareness regarding orphan plants were evaluated. Data were collected and statistically analyzed to show the range of the people’s awareness. Data showed the predominant of the samples used were male representation (66%), aged 18–45, engaged in agricultural and handicraft activities, with diverse educational backgrounds, and monthly incomes of 300–500 JD. Limited awareness (23.3%) of ‘orphan plants’ was linked to lower academic levels in the studied areas. Perceived benefits varied, with 36.1% acknowledging moderate advantages and 25.6% perceiving high benefits. Despite recognizing utility, participants lacked specificity in benefits or classification. The study concludes that the region exhibits a dearth of knowledge about orphan plants, necessitating educational initiatives to raise awareness and advocate for the agricultural and medicinal potential of underutilized plant species, contributing to the socioeconomic advancement of residents in the agriculturally endowed Zarqa Basin. This investigation is essential for highlighting the current state of awareness and informing potential outreach and education strategies. Addressing the root cause of underappreciation through targeted initiatives can play a pivotal role in fostering a better understanding of the ecological significance of rare and endangered plants, ultimately contributing to their conservation and sustainable use.
The African fulcrum to bend the curve of the climate crisis to a just transition
Authors: Akinsipe Oluwagbemisola D , Kammen Daniel M
Published: July 2024

From a current impact of under 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, rapid industrialization and population growth in Africa could dramatically change the continent’s emissions profile. In this study, we develop an analytic framework to quantify future scenarios and project that, in mid- and green-growth scenarios, Africa’s emissions would amount to just 4%–13% of the planned carbon savings in major economies. However, in a high-growth scenario without climate-conscious development, African emissions could jeopardize global mitigation efforts. Less than 20 nations could account for 80%–90% of the continent’s emissions, highlighting the critical role of green growth pathways centered on rapid clean energy adoption in just a few countries to transform the continent’s energy landscape. A 20-fold increase in investment and project completion rates is required to meet the renewable energy targets in these countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Our analysis underscores the need for nuanced country-specific strategies that prioritize equity and financial support for optimal climate and development progress in Africa.
A hotspot and mechanism of enhanced bottom intrusion on the southern New England shelf
Authors: Chen Ke
Published: July 2024

Understanding the occurrence of the intrusion of open ocean water onto continental shelves has scientific significance and societal relevance as the intrusion can significantly disrupt the marine ecosystem and fisheries. High-resolution numerical modeling is used to investigate the spatiotemporal occurrence and mechanisms of highly anomalous bottom intrusions on the southern New England shelf. Based on multi-year numerical simulations, this study reveals a hotspot of cross-isobath bottom-intensified intrusions at a topographic trough. Examination of multiple events portrays a robust mechanism of locally enhanced bottom intrusions. Persistent upwelling-favorable winds set up an enhanced pressure gradient field at the topographic trough and drive the intrusion a large-distance onshore. Numerical experiments with and without the topographic trough show that the localized pressure gradient results from a combination of the shelf orientation and local bathymetry. Although highly anomalous waters on the shelf relate to wind forcing, correlations between the wind stress anomaly and bottom salinity anomaly at the location of the enhanced intrusion is modest, implying the need to incorporate other environmental factors to develop more deterministic prediction models for subsurface conditions on the shelf. The results have important implications for marine environment and fisheries management.
An analytical-atomistic model for elastic behavior of silicon nanowires
Authors: Zare Pakzad Sina , Nasr Esfahani Mohammad , Erdem Alaca B
Published: July 2024

Silicon nanowires entail significant potential as sensors in nanoelectromechanical systems. Despite its crucial impact in such applications, inconsistent trends in mechanical behavior reported in computational and experimental studies remain unexplained. Hence, scale effect in even the most fundamental elastic properties requires clarification. This work introduces a multiscale model to bridge the existing gap between atomistic simulations and experimental observations encountered around a critical dimension of 10 nm. The combined approach of this work is based on molecular dynamics and modified core–shell model and captures the scale effect over a substantial size range. The evolution of the modulus of elasticity is thus studied and linked to nanowire critical dimension through the parameterization of surface inhomogeneity. The developed method is also validated through an analysis of native oxide revealing an average modulus of elasticity of 75 GPa. The method’s applicability can be extended to similar one-dimensional structures with unique surface states.
Unveiling epithelial plasticity regulation in lung cancer: Exploring the cross-talk among Tks4 scaffold protein partners
Authors: László Loretta , Kurilla Anita , Tilajka Álmos , Pancsa Rita , Takács Tamás , Novák Julianna , Buday László , Vas Virag
Published: July 2024

The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) represents a hallmark event in the evolution of lung cancer. This work aims to study a recently described EMT-regulating protein, Tks4, and to explore its potential as a prognostic biomarker in non–small cell lung cancer. In this study, we used CRISPR/Cas9 method to knockout (KO) Tks4 to study its functional roles in invadopodia formation, migration, and regulation of EMT marker expressions and we identified Tks4-interacting proteins. Tks4-KO A549 cells exhibited an EMT-like phenotype characterized by elongated morphology and increased expression of EMT markers. Furthermore, analyses of a large-scale lung cancer database and a patient-derived tissue array data revealed that the Tks4 mRNA level was decreased in more aggressive lung cancer stages. To understand the regulatory role of Tks4 in lung cancer, we performed a Tks4-interactome analysis via Tks4 immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry on five different cell lines and identified CAPZA1 as a novel Tks4 partner protein. Thus, we propose that the absence of Tks4 leads to disruption of a connectome of multiple proteins and that the resulting undocking and likely mislocalization of signaling molecules impairs actin cytoskeleton rearrangement and activates EMT-like cell fate switches, both of which likely influence disease severity.
Local Pantheons after the Synoecism: The Cults of Ialysos, Cameiros, and Lindos
Authors: Zachhuber Juliane
Published: July 2024

In this chapter, the local religious landscapes and pantheons of Ialysos, Lindos, and Cameiros are explored in turn, drawing on some archaeological evidence, but mainly on the substantial body of epigraphic material that survives from Lindos and Cameiros. While the material rarely offers much information on cultic intricacies, it allows us to map the diverse local religious landscapes, and the deities who were worshipped there. For both Lindos and Cameiros, some conclusions can also be drawn on the diachronic development of local pantheons, and how religious trends exist in dialogue with one another. The dissemination of new Hellenistic deities like Sarapis and the influence of different religious networks can be traced at this local level.
A dwarf conifer tree from the Triassic of Antarctica: the first fossil evidence of suppressed growth in a favourable climate?
Authors: Decombeix Anne-Laure , Hiller Philipp , Bomfleur Benjamin
Published: July 2024

Background and Aims

The complexity of fossil forest ecosystems is difficult to reconstruct due to the fragmentary nature of the fossil record. However, detailed morpho-anatomical studies of well-preserved individual fossils can provide key information on tree growth and ecology, including in biomes with no modern analogue, such as the lush forests that developed in the polar regions during past greenhouse climatic episodes.

Methods

We describe an unusual-looking stem from Middle Triassic (~240 Ma) deposits of Antarctica with over 100 very narrow growth rings and conspicuous persistent vascular traces through the wood. Sections of the specimen were prepared using the cellulose acetate peel technique to determine its systematic affinities and analyse its growth.

Key Results

The new fossil shows similarities to the form genus Woodworthia and with conifer stems from the Triassic of Antarctica, and is assigned to the conifers. Vascular traces are interpreted as those of small branches retained on the trunk. Growth-ring analyses reveal one of the slowest growth rates reported in the fossil record, with an average of 0.2 mm per season. While the tree was growing within the Triassic polar circle, sedimentological data and growth-ring information from other fossil trees, including from the same locality, support the presence of favourable conditions in the region.

Conclusions

The specimen is interpreted as a dwarf conifer tree that grew under a generally favourable regional climate but whose growth was suppressed due to stressful local site conditions. This is the first time that a tree with suppressed growth is identified as such in the fossil record, providing new insights on the structure of polar forests under greenhouse climates and, more generally, on the complexity of tree communities in deep time.
Geometric epitope and paratope prediction
Authors: Pegoraro Marco , Dominé Clémentine , Rodolà Emanuele , Veličković Petar , Deac Andreea
Published: July 2024

Motivation

Identifying the binding sites of antibodies is essential for developing vaccines and synthetic antibodies. In this article, we investigate the optimal representation for predicting the binding sites in the two molecules and emphasize the importance of geometric information.

Results

Specifically, we compare different geometric deep learning methods applied to proteins’ inner (I-GEP) and outer (O-GEP) structures. We incorporate 3D coordinates and spectral geometric descriptors as input features to fully leverage the geometric information. Our research suggests that different geometrical representation information is useful for different tasks. Surface-based models are more efficient in predicting the binding of the epitope, while graph models are better in paratope prediction, both achieving significant performance improvements. Moreover, we analyze the impact of structural changes in antibodies and antigens resulting from conformational rearrangements or reconstruction errors. Through this investigation, we showcase the robustness of geometric deep learning methods and spectral geometric descriptors to such perturbations.

Availability and Implementation

The python code for the models, together with the data and the processing pipeline, is open-source and available at https://github.com/Marco-Peg/GEP.
Epileptic activity on foramen ovale electrodes is associated with sleep and tau pathology in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Devulder Astrid , Vanderlinden Greet , Van Langenhoven Leen , Testelmans Dries , Van Den Bossche Maarten , De Winter François-Laurent , Vandenbulcke Mathieu , Vandenberghe Rik , Theys Tom , Van Laere Koen , Van Paesschen Wim
Published: July 2024

Both sleep alterations and epileptiform activity are associated with the accumulation of amyloid-β and tau pathology and are currently investigated for potential therapeutic interventions in Alzheimer's disease. However, a bidirectional intertwining relationship between sleep and neuronal hyperexcitability might modulate the effects of Alzheimer's disease pathology on the corresponding associations. To investigate this, we performed multiple day simultaneous foramen ovale (FO) plus scalp EEG and polysomnography recordings and acquired 18F-MK6240 tau PET-MR in three patients in the prodromal stage of Alzheimer's disease and in two patients with mild and moderate dementia due to Alzheimer's disease, respectively. As an eligibility criterion for the present study, subjects either had a history of a recent seizure (n = 2) or subclinical epileptiform activity (SEA) on a previous scalp EEG taken in a research context (n = 3). The 18F-MK6240 standard uptake value ratio (SUVR) and asymmetry index (AI) were calculated in a priori-defined volumes of interest. Linear mixed-effects models were used to study associations between interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs), polysomnography parameters and 18F-MK6240 SUVR.

Epileptiform activity was bilateral but asymmetrically present on FO electrodes in all patients and ≥95% of IEDs were not visible on scalp EEG. In one patient, two focal seizures were detected on FO electrodes, both without visual scalp EEG correlate. We observed lateralized periodic discharges, brief potentially ictal rhythmic discharges and lateralized rhythmic delta activity on FO electrodes in four patients. Unlike scalp EEG, intracranial electrodes showed a lateralization of epileptiform activity. Although the amount of IEDs on intracranial electrodes was not associated to the 18F-MK6240 SUVR binding in different volumes of interest, there was a congruent asymmetry of the 18F-MK6240 binding towards the most epileptic hemisphere for the mesial (P = 0.007) and lateral temporal cortex (P = 0.006). IEDs on intracranial electrodes were most abundant during slow wave sleep (SWS) (92/h) and non-REM sleep 2 (N2, 81/h), followed by non-REM sleep 1 (N1, 33/h) and least frequent during wakefulness (17/h) and REM sleep (9/h). The extent of IEDs during sleep was not reflected in the relative time in each sleep stage spent [REM% (P = 0.415), N1% (P = 0.668), N2% (P = 0.442), SWS% (P = 0.988)], and not associated with the arousal index (P = 0.317), apnoea-hypopnoea index (P = 0.846) or oxygen desaturation index (P = 0.746). Together, our observations suggest a multi-directional interaction between sleep, epileptiform activity and tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease.
A numerical investigation into the effect of altering compression ratio, injection timing, and injection duration on the performance of a diesel engine fuelled with diesel–biodiesel–butanol blend
Authors: Youssef Abdulkarim , Ibrahim Amr
Published: July 2024

Using renewable fuels for diesel engines can reduce both air pollution and dependence on fossil fuels. A computer simulation was constructed to predict the performance, combustion characteristics, and NOx emissions of a diesel engine fuelled with diesel–biodiesel–butanol blends. The simulation was validated by comparing the modelling results against experimental data and a good agreement between the results was found. The fuels used for the validation were diesel (B0), biodiesel (B100), diesel–biodiesel blend (B50), and two diesel–biodiesel–butanol blends with 45% diesel–45% biodiesel–10% butanol (Bu10) and 40% diesel–40% biodiesel–20% butanol (Bu20) by volume. Experimental results showed that the addition of butanol reduced NOx emissions but deteriorated the engine performance. The aim of the current work was the numerical optimization of the different parameters to enhance the engine performance while using butanol to decrease NOx emissions. The engine compression ratio (CR) varied from 14 to 24, in increments of 2. Fuel injection timing (IT) was reduced from 30° before top dead centre (bTDC) to 5° bTDC in increments of 5°. Also, the fuel injection duration (IDur) was extended from 20° to 50° in increments of 10°. Results showed that the increase in the CR improved engine performance for the two investigated fuels, Bu10 and Bu20. The maximum engine brake power (BP), thermal efficiency (BTE), and minimum brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) of 1.46 kW, 32.3%, and 0.273 kg/kWh respectively, were obtained when the Bu10 fuel was injected under the optimum conditions of 24 CR, 15° bTDC IT, and 40° IDur. Under these optimum conditions, the BP, BTE, and BSFC improved by 3%–3.5% for Bu10 and Bu20 fuel blends compared with the base engine conditions of a CR of 22, 30° IDur, and 10° bTDC IT. The heat release rate during the premixed phase increased when the IT was advanced, while the mixing-controlled combustion phase was enhanced when the IT was reduced. NOx emissions increased with increasing CR, while both an increase in IDur at constant IT and the reduction of the IT decreased the engine NOx emissions. Under the optimum conditions, the NOx emissions for Bu10 and Bu20 were further decreased by 2.2% and 0.9%, respectively, compared with the experimental results under base engine conditions. Reducing the IT from 15° to 5° bTDC at a CR of 24 and IDur of 40° caused the NOx emissions for Bu10 and Bu20 to decrease by 16%. When the IDur was increased from 20° to 50° at a CR of 24 and an IT of 15°bTDC, the NOx emissions for Bu10 and Bu20 decreased by 12.3% and 11.8%, respectively. The addition of butanol to the diesel–biodiesel blend under optimum conditions showed results that were comparable to those of pure diesel, with a decrease in NOx emissions.
How useful is chest X-ray in addition to routine QuantiFERON® in the detection of latent tuberculosis prior to biologics?
Authors: Kearney Niamh , Aslam Fawad , Boyd Grace , Boylan Natasha , Laverty Emma , O’Hare Rosie , Campbell Victoria , Hoey Susannah , O’Kane Donal
Published: July 2024

Screening with QuantiFERON®/interferon-γ release assay (IGRA) and chest X-ray (CXR) for latent tuberculosis (TB) infection is recommended by the British Association of Dermatologists prior to commencing some biologics. QuantiFERON is highly sensitive, while CXR is poorly sensitive and poorly specific. In our cohort of 995 patients, 2.3% had a positive IGRA and 8.7% had any abnormality on CXR, with only 0.8% suggestive of TB. Patients were just as likely to have an abnormal CXR if they had a positive or negative IGRA (P = 0.93). We suggest that routine screening with IGRA alone is sufficient in the dermatology population, particularly in the setting of a low TB incidence country such as the UK.
Pathological polarizations from microglia to astrocyte contributes to spatial memory deficit in methamphetamine abstinence mice
Authors: Mai Yuning , Cheng Zhen , Wang Ze , Hu Tao , Zhang Yuanyuan , Yuan Xiya , Xu Xing , Fan Yu , Ge Feifei , Shi Pengbo , Wang Jun , Yang Xin , Guan Xiaowei
Published: July 2024

Previously, we found that dCA1 A1-like polarization of astrocytes contributes a lot to the spatial memory deficit in methamphetamine abstinence mice. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear, resulting in a lack of promising therapeutic targets. Here, we found that methamphetamine abstinence mice exhibited an increased M1-like microglia and A1-like astrocytes, together with elevated levels of interleukin 1α and tumor necrosis factor α in dCA1. In vitro, the M1-like BV2 microglia cell medium, containing high levels of Interleukin 1α and tumor necrosis factor α, elevated A1-like polarization of astrocytes, which weakened their capacity for glutamate clearance. Locally suppressing dCA1 M1-like microglia activation with minocycline administration attenuated A1-like polarization of astrocytes, ameliorated dCA1 neurotoxicity, and, most importantly, rescued spatial memory in methamphetamine abstinence mice. The effective time window of minocycline treatment on spatial memory is the methamphetamine exposure period, rather than the long-term methamphetamine abstinence.
Causal effects of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy on structural changes in specific brain regions: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhao Shanshan , Huang Yihong , Shi Shaole , Chen Wei , Chen Run , Wang Zilian , Wang Dongyu
Published: July 2024

This study utilized Mendelian randomization to explore the impact of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and their subtypes on brain structures, using genome-wide association study data from the FinnGen consortium for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy exposure and brain structure data from the ENIGMA consortium as outcomes. The inverse-variance weighted method, along with Cochran’s Q test, Mendelian randomization-Egger regression, Mendelian randomization-PRESSO global test, and the leave-one-out approach, were applied to infer causality and assess heterogeneity and pleiotropy. Findings indicate hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are associated with structural brain alterations, including reduced cortical thickness in areas like the insula, isthmus cingulate gyrus, superior temporal gyrus, temporal pole, and transverse temporal gyrus, and an increased surface area in the superior frontal gyrus. Specific associations were found for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy subtypes: chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia increased cortical thickness in the supramarginal gyrus; preeclampsia/eclampsia led to thinner cortex in the lingual gyrus and larger hippocampal volume and superior parietal lobule surface area. Chronic hypertension was associated with reduced cortical thickness in the caudal and rostral anterior cingulate and increased surface area of the cuneus and thickness of the pars orbitalis cortex. Gestational hypertension showed no significant brain region changes. These insights clarify hypertensive disorders of pregnancies’ neurological and cognitive effects by identifying affected brain regions.
Counter-power: a Marxist view—an ontological enquiry
Authors: Palermo Giulio
Published: July 2024

The term ‘counter-power’ is widely used in political debates and social struggles. Scientifically, however, there is no clear distinction between powers and counter-powers. In the academic debate, largely based on methodological individualism, power is mostly conceived as an interpersonal relation, and counter-powers have no specific role, unless as opposing powers. In this paper, I develop an ontology of capitalist power, based on Marx’s critique of capital, and I clarify the role of counter-powers in this ontology. With these lenses, I reconsider critically the debate on power in economics and I discuss the limits of the individualist approach, from neoclassical ultra-liberalism to radical political economics. Finally, I discuss the implications of my ontological enquiry into counter-powers as far as theoretical research and political struggle are concerned.
Correlation between retinal vascular geometric parameters and pathologically diagnosed type 2 diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Liu Fang , Chen Xiaoniao , Wang Qian , Lin Wenwen , Li Ying , Zhang Ruimin , Huang Hui , Jiang Shuangshuang , Niu Yue , Liu Weicen , Wang Liqiang , Zhang Weiguang , Zheng Ying , Cao Xueying , Wang Yong , Wu Jie , Zhang Li , Tang Li , Zhou Jianhui , Chen Pu , Cai Guangyan , Dong Zheyi
Published: July 2024

Background

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) are common microvascular complications of diabetes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between retinal vascular geometric parameters and pathologically diagnosed type 2 DN and to determine the capacity of retinal vascular geometric parameters in differentiating DN from non-diabetic renal disease (NDRD).

Methods

The study participants were adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease who underwent a renal biopsy. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses were performed to evaluate associations between retinal vessel geometry parameters and pathologically diagnosed DN. Multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were performed to establish a differential diagnostic model for DN.

Results

In total, 403 patients were examined in this cross-sectional study, including 152 (37.7%) with DN, 157 (39.0%) with NDRD and 94 (23.3%) with DN combined with NDRD. After univariate logistic regression, total vessel fractal dimension, arteriolar fractal dimension and venular fractal dimension were all found to be associated with DN. In multivariate analyses adjusting for age, sex, blood pressure, diabetes, DR and other factors, smaller retinal vascular fractal dimensions were significantly associated with DN (P < .05). We developed a differential diagnostic model for DN combining traditional clinical indicators and retinal vascular geometric parameters. The area under the curve of the model established by multivariate logistic regression was 0.930.

Conclusions

Retinal vessel fractal dimension is of great significance for the rapid and non-invasive differentiation of DN. Incorporating retinal vessel fractal dimension into the diagnostic model for DN and NDRD can improve the diagnostic efficiency.
Apical tubular complement activation and the loss of kidney function in proteinuric kidney diseases
Authors: Alkaff Firas F , Lammerts Rosa G M , Daha Mohamed R , Berger Stefan P , van den Born Jacob
Published: July 2024

Many kidney diseases are associated with proteinuria. Since proteinuria is independently associated with kidney function loss, anti-proteinuric medication, often in combination with dietary salt restriction, comprises a major cornerstone in the prevention of progressive kidney failure. Nevertheless, complete remission of proteinuria is very difficult to achieve, and most patients with persistent proteinuria slowly progress toward kidney failure. It is well-recognized that proteinuria leads to kidney inflammation and fibrosis via various mechanisms. Among others, complement activation at the apical side of the proximal tubular epithelial cells is suggested to play a crucial role as a cause of progressive loss of kidney function. However, hitherto limited attention is given to the pathophysiological role of tubular complement activation relative to glomerular complement activation. This review aims to summarize the evidence for tubular epithelial complement activation in proteinuric kidney diseases in relation to loss of kidney function.
Giant cell myocarditis attributable to myositis: therapeutic management under the guidance of serial endomyocardial biopsy—a case report
Authors: Arai Marina , Kataoka Yu , Tsukamoto Yasumasa , Ohta-Ogo Keiko
Published: July 2024

Background

Giant cell myocarditis is a fatal disease that could be rapidly progressive if not properly managed. However, the role of immunosuppressive therapy, especially in refractory cases, remains unclear.

Case summary

A 76-year-old man presented with back pain with elevated cardiac enzymes. Skeletal muscle and endomyocardial biopsies revealed giant cell myositis and giant cell myocarditis. Despite the initial immunosuppressive therapy, cardiac enzymes continued to rise. Serial endomyocardial biopsies enabled combination treatment of prednisolone, cyclosporine, and mycophenolate mofetil according to histological inflammatory activity.

Discussion

We presented a case of refractory giant cell myocarditis preceded by giant cell myositis. While endomyocardial biopsy is an approach with risk of procedural complications, it can guide giant cell myocarditis management when the initial immunosuppressive therapy is ineffective.
Symptomatic bradycardia associated with topical brimonidine gel (Mirvaso) administration: a case report
Authors: Jesudason Daniel Indrarajan , Appalanaidu Nageswary , Khan Asif
Published: July 2024

Background

Bradycardia can have a number of different aetiologies, including as a side effect of medications. Brimonidine is a rare, but recognized, cause of bradycardia. Brimonidine is indicated in the treatment of facial erythema in rosacea when given as topical brimonidine gel (Mirvaso). It may also be administered as eye drops for raised intraocular pressure in open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Brimonidine is an alpha-2 agonist, which if systemically absorbed can present with bradycardia, hypotension, and dizziness. The authors are unaware of any other case reports regarding topical administration of Mirvaso in an adult and symptomatic bradycardia.

Case summary

We present the case of a 78-year-old man with a background of rosacea, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and hypertension who had two separate admissions with symptomatic bradycardia. Electrocardiograms showed sinus bradycardia with AV block first degree, with rate recorded as low as 31 b.p.m. during a syncopal episode. These episodes of symptomatic bradycardia were intermittent and had a temporal association with topical administration of Mirvaso. He had no further episodes of bradycardia on discontinuation of Mirvaso and has remained symptom free for over 6 months.

Discussion

The topical administration of Mirvaso should be avoided to broken or inflamed skin. This is owing to the increased risk of systemic absorption, which as in this case report, may present with bradycardia. This case reiterates the importance of completing a full medication history including all topical and parenteral medications in patients with arrhythmia.
Mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair as a bridge to treat aortic dissecting aneurysm in a case of Marfan syndrome: a case report
Authors: Kawamoto Takanori , Kogure Tomohito , Koyanagi Chihiro , Ashihara Kyomi , Yamaguchi Junichi
Published: July 2024

Background

Marfan syndrome is an inherited disorder that manifests with various cardiovascular conditions. This case report discusses a patient with Marfan syndrome presenting with concurrent dissecting aortic aneurysm and acute mitral valve regurgitation (MR), exploring treatment strategies for this unique case.

Case summary

A 57-year-old man diagnosed with Marfan syndrome presented with progressive dyspnoea and awareness of orthopnoea. Acute heart failure (HF) due to acute MR associated with chordae rupture was diagnosed. However, contrast-enhanced CT revealed the coexistence of a massive dissecting aortic aneurysm, indicating surgical intervention. The dissecting aortic aneurysm extended over a large area. Given the high risk of simultaneous surgery with the mitral valve, a staged approach was adopted. Mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (MV-TEER) was performed as the initial step to reduce the perioperative HF risk, followed by a planned two-stage surgery for the dissecting aortic aneurysm. This strategy effectively facilitated surgical intervention for the dissecting aortic aneurysm in the chronic phase after MV-TEER.

Discussion

Several reports showed the effectiveness of MV-TEER in cases of degenerative MR where surgical operation carries a high risk, but case report of MV-TEER in Marfan syndrome is rare. In recent years, the effectiveness of MV-TEER has also been reported as a ‘bridge therapy’ for heart transplantation. Mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair is considered a potential option to serve as a bridge to other invasive intervention.