bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrically erasable writing properties of ZnS films by conductive atomic force microscopy
Authors: Wang Aoqiu , Wang Yingming , Liang Lu , Cao Yuwei , Qin Zhentao , Jie Wanqi , Xu Lingyan
Published: May 2023

Resistive switching cycles were realized in Au/ZnS/substrate (indium–tin oxide (ITO), Cu, Si) structures, and electrically erasable writing operations were achieved in the Au/ZnS/Si structure using conductive atomic force microcopy. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy revealed that high resistance state was a mixture of amorphous and nanocrystalline state, while the frequency response of alternating current conductivity indicated that the low resistance state (LRS) was only nanocrystalline. Electric field and thermal effects contributed to the distribution of conductive defects in the ZnS film, and nearest-neighbor hopping conduction controlled the electrical resistance of the Au/ZnS/ITO structure. X-ray photoemission spectroscopy analysis of conductive defects of ZnS films in the LRS revealed that they were zinc-rich or sulfur-poor. This study confirms the intrinsic resistive switching characteristic of ZnS films, which can serve as nonoxide materials for nonvolatile memory application.
A laser absorption sensor for fuel slip monitoring in high-humidity flue gases from ammonia combustion
Authors: Ma Liuhao , Wang Wei , Zhou Chen , Wang Yu
Published: May 2023

Ammonia has been recently recognized as a promising carbon-free fuel to help decarbone both the power and industrial heating sectors. However, fuel slip during ammonia combustion is of high concern because of the high toxicity of the chemical, motivating the development of sensitive sensors for real-time monitoring of ammonia emission in combustion flue gases. In this work, a near-infrared absorption spectroscopic sensor was developed for trace ammonia (NH3) measurements in high-humidity flue gas environments with water vapor (H2O) mole fractions up to 40%. The focus on high humidity is motivated by the facct that ammonia combustion generally leads to flues gases with notably higher water vapor concentations as compared to conventional hydrocarbons. The sensor used a distributed feedback laser to target the NH3 absorption line near 6612.73 cm−1. Proof-of-concept tests were conducted in a high-temperature multi-pass cell with a controlled temperature of 500 K and pressure of 1 atm. A custom-designed variable humidity generator was used to provide a reference NH3/N2 mixture with a controlled H2O mole fraction (10%–40%) to simulate ammonia combustion flue gases. Direct absorption spectroscopy and wavelength modulation spectroscopy were both used to ensure a relatively large dynamic range. H2O-induced broadening effects on the measured absorption profile were quantified. The developed sensor was firstly validated against NH3/N2 mixtures with different H2O concentrations, with a lower detection limit of 76 ppb achieved. Real-time measurements of NH3 slip in the flue gases from CH4/NH3/air flames and CH4/NH3 co-firing industrial furnace were performed as a demonstration of the sensor for time-resolved ammonia monitoring with sufficient accuracy, sensitivity, and time response.
A method combining half width of point spread function with maximum gradient of image gray for single-camera three-dimensional spray velocity detection
Authors: Wang Hui , Wang Xiangyu , Long Guohui , Wang Ning , Wang Chao , Shao Liwei
Published: May 2023

When a defocus image is obtained by direct imaging, it is hard to determine whether the detected object is in the front or rear of the focal plane. This is called the ambiguity problem and it causes great trouble in the 3D-particle tracking velocimetry (PTV) defocus method, which obtains the defocus location by directly obtaining depth information from the intensity along the radial direction of particles. This study proposes a method to obtain the true position of a particle based on the asymmetry feature of the defocus image with respect to the focal plane. The method distinguishes two ambiguous positions with equal width of point spread function (PSF) width by introducing a parameter derived from the maximum gradient of image gray. The method also derives a mathematical expression for the half width of PSF(χ) considering aberration. The method is validated by a calibration technique, which shows that in 19 out of 20 experimental conditions correct results are obtained. We apply the method to measure the 3D velocity of an airflow jet with 3D-PTV and compare it with computational fluid dynamics results, which show a maximum error of 8.8 %. Furthermore, the method is used to measure a real spray as an example, and obtains a 3D vector map and velocity cumulative distribution of the measured area.
Cathode shorts design and its effects on the device characteristics of small-size light-triggered thyristors
Authors: Yin Jinchao , Bai Yujie , Cao Jian , Liu Guipeng , Zhou Ming , Yang Jianhong
Published: May 2023

Cathode shorts are an essential part in light-triggered thyristors (LTTs) that are utilized to achieve adequate dv/dt capability and switching characteristics. In this paper, we designed cathode shorts structures specifically for small-size LTTs; the patterns and structural parameters were shown. Devices were fabricated and measured, and the influences of the cathode shorts on device performance were examined. The results showed that, based on the optimized design, the cathode shorts allowed excellent dv/dt capability and switching performance while achieving good optoelectronic properties.
Multi-beam piezoelectric systems by means of dynamically equivalent stiffness concept
Authors: Febbo Mariano , Prado Bruno F A , Smarzaro Vinícius C , Bavastri Carlos A
Published: May 2023

Energy harvesting devices allow to obtain forms of energy present in nature and to convert them into electrical energy. One way of generating energy from mechanical vibrations is by using beams of piezoelectric materials. This paper proposes an alternative methodology for characterizing the dynamic behavior of a vibrating composite system composed of a cantilever steel base beam (primary system) and a piezoelectric beam attached to it. The approach involves representing the piezoelectric beam using an equivalent dynamic stiffness at its base. This simplifies the mathematical representation of the compound system and enables the system dynamics to be described solely in terms of the generalized coordinates of the primary system, which is advantageous in optimization environments where a reduced number of equations can facilitate analysis. To determine the equivalent dynamic stiffness, different mathematical models of one and multiple degrees of freedom are presented, including the description of the polyamide base of the piezoelectric sheet. An inverse problem is used to identify system parameters, and the energy generation over a wide range of frequencies is analyzed. Experimental frequency response functions of the voltage–acceleration type are obtained to validate numerical findings, demonstrating that the proposed methodology is a cost-effective alternative for parameter identification or optimal design in energy generation.
Stochastic processes in a confining harmonic potential in the presence of static and dynamic measurement noise
Authors: Meyer Philipp G , Metzler Ralf
Published: May 2023

We consider the overdamped dynamics of different stochastic processes, including Brownian motion and autoregressive processes, continuous time random walks, fractional Brownian motion, and scaled Brownian motion, confined by an harmonic potential. We discuss the effect of both static and dynamic noise representing two kinds of localisation error prevalent in experimental single-particle tracking data. To characterise how such noise affects the dynamics of the pure, noise-free processes we investigate the ensemble-averaged and time-averaged mean squared displacements as well as the associated ergodicity breaking parameter. Process inference in the presence of noise is demonstrated to become more challenging, as typically the noise dominates the short-time behaviour of statistical measures, while the long time behaviour is dominated by the external confinement. In particular, we see that while static noise generally leads to a more subdiffusive apparent behaviour, dynamic noise makes the signal seem more superdiffusive. Our detailed study complements tools for analysing noisy time series and will be useful in data assimilation of stochastic data.
Interaction of electrons and positrons with two-dimensional artificially generated proton lattice and with carbon lattice
Authors: Al-Ajaleen M , Tőkési K
Published: May 2023

A many-body classical trajectory Monte Carlo (CTMC) method is applied in the study of scattering probabilities of electrons and positrons after interacting with a two-dimensional (2D) artificially generated, uniform lattice, composed of fixed protons. We used different lattice parameters between the protons for different simulations, where the projectiles have kinetic energies of 500 and 1000 eV. We found a very strong focusing of electrons and a very strong defocusing of the positrons at lower lattice parameters. Furthermore, we found, these effects get weaker with increasing lattice parameters. Interesting changes took place at lattice parameters 2 and 3 au. which are close to the lattice parameter between carbon atoms in graphene of value 2.68 au. We also performed a simulation of a defective lattice by removing some protons and noticed distinguishable changes in the spectra compared to the spectra of an ideal lattice. This comparison may open a way for the detection of lattice defects in real samples.
A peak in the power spectrum of primordial gravitational waves induced by primordial dark magnetic fields
Authors: Kanno Sugumi , Mukuno Ann , Soda Jiro , Ueda Kazushige
Published: May 2023

Dark gauge fields have been discussed as candidates for dark matter recently. If they existed, primordial dark magnetic fields during inflation would have existed. It is believed that primordial gravitational waves (PGWs) arise out of quantum fluctuations during inflation. We study the graviton-dark photon conversion process in the presence of background primordial dark magnetic fields and find that the process induces the tachyonic instability of the PGWs. As a consequence, a peak appears in the power spectrum of PGWs. It turns out that the peak height depends on the direction of observation. The peak frequency could be in the range from 10-5 to 103 Hertz for GUT scale inflation. Hence, the observation of PGWs could provide a new window for probing primordial dark magnetic fields.
Enhancement of second-order gravitational waves at Q-ball decay
Authors: Kasuya Shinta , Kawasaki Masahiro , Murai Kai
Published: May 2023

The recent observation of 4He favors a large lepton asymmetry at the big bang
nucleosynthesis. If Q-balls with a lepton charge decay after the electroweak phase transition,
such a large lepton asymmetry can be generated without producing too large baryon asymmetry. In
this scenario, Q-balls dominate the universe before the decay and induces the sharp transition
from the early matter-dominated era to the radiation-dominated era. In this transition, the
gravitational waves (GWs) are enhanced through a second-order effect of the scalar perturbations.
We evaluate the density of the produced GWs and show that pulsar timing array observations can
probe this scenario depending on the amplitude of the scalar perturbations.
Evolution of circuit complexity in a harmonic chain under multiple quenches
Authors: Pal Kuntal , Pal Kunal , Gill Ankit , Sarkar Tapobrata
Published: May 2023

We study Nielsen’s circuit complexity in a periodic harmonic oscillator chain, under single and multiple quenches. This simple system is amenable to analytical computations and yet offers considerable insight into the dynamics of quantum information. For a single quench scenario, we highlight some important differences between our results that explicitly use the wavefunction, as compared to the recently proposed covariance matrix method and point out the consequences. In a multiple quench scenario, the complexity shows remarkably different behaviour compared to the other information theoretic measures, such as the entanglement entropy and the out of time ordered correlator. In particular, the latter is known to show signs of chaos in this integrable system, but our results indicate the contrary. We further show the presence of a ‘residual complexity,’ i.e. after two successive quenches, when the frequency returns to its initial value, the complexity has a non-zero lower limit. Further, applying a large number of successive quenches, the complexity of the time evolved state can be increased to a high value, which is not possible by applying a single quench. Finally, we show that this simplistic model exhibits the interesting phenomenon of ‘complexity crossover’ between two successive quenches performed at different times.
Zero-mode entanglement across a conformal defect
Authors: Capizzi Luca , Eisler Viktor
Published: May 2023

We consider a free-fermion chain with a conformal defect that features an extended zero mode, and study the entanglement properties in its mixed ground state. The zero-mode induced degeneracy modifies the density of states in the single-particle entanglement spectrum, which can be calculated via the full counting statistics. For a homogeneous chain, the resulting change in the Rényi entropy is derived analytically for arbitrary subsystem ratios in the thermodynamic limit. For a conformal defect located in the center, analogous results can be obtained for the half-chain entanglement. In particular, we observe parity effects for half-chains with even/odd sites, which do not decay with size.
Application of the porous media approach to a Standing Wave Thermoacoustic Engine for CFD simulations
Authors: Meglio Armando Di , Massarotti Nicola
Published: May 2023

In this article, an application of the macroscopic porous media approach, suitable for CFD simulations in oscillating flows, is proposed for a simplified Standing Wave Thermo-Acoustic Engine (SWTAE), composed of a hot buffer tube, a stack - where the energy conversion takes place - and the rest of the resonator. While for a Travelling Wave Thermo-Acoustic Engine (TWTAE) a macroscopic model for porous media has been successfully applied to both regenerators (similar to the stack in a SWTA) and heat exchangers, for SWTAE this is not true. The results illustrate that a Local-Thermal Non-Equilibrium model is required to start up the SWTAE, otherwise (with the Local Thermal Equilibrium model) the thermoacoustic instability cannot arise. Furthermore, the comparison between the simulation conducted at the microscopic scale and that one at the macroscopic level, depicts that a purely Darcy-linear model employed for the macroscopic model, characterized for oscillating flows, overpredicts the pressure amplitude at periodic steady-state. For this reason, a Forchheimer-like coefficient needs to be implemented to fit the macroscopic solution with the microscopic one.
Experimental study of a R290 variable geometry ejector
Authors: Besagni Giorgio , Inzoli Fabio , Croci Lorenzo , Brignoli Vittorio , Smolka Jacek , Palacz Michal , Haida Michal , Bodys Jakub , Fingas Rafal , Nowak Andrzej J. , Melka Bartlomiej , Stebel Michal , Piechnik Edyta
Published: May 2023

Ejectors are classified as fluid-dynamics controlled devices where the “component-scale” performances are imposed by the local-scale fluid dynamic phenomena. For this reason, ejector performances (measured by the pressure-entrainment ratio coordinate of the critical point) are determined by the connection of operation conditions, working fluid and geometrical parameters. Given such a connection, variable geometry ejector represents a promising solution to increase the flexibility of ejector-based systems. The present study aims to extend knowledge on variable geometry systems, evaluating the local and global performances of the R290 ejector equipped with a spindle. The prototype ejector was installed at the R290 vapour compression test rig adapted and modified for the required experimental campaign. The test campaign considered global parameter measurements, such as the pressure and the temperature at inlets and outlet ports together with the mass flow rates at both inlet nozzles, and the local pressure drop measurements inside the ejector. In addition, the experimental data were gathered for different spindle positions starting from fully open position the spindle position limited by the mass flow rate inside the test rig with the step of 1.0 mm.
Accuracy in evaluating heat transfer coefficient by RANS CFD simulations in a rectangular channel with high aspect ratio - Part 2: channel with ribbed walls
Authors: Corti Maria , Gramazio Pasqualino , Fustinoni Damiano , Vitali Luigi , Niro Alfonso
Published: May 2023

In this paper, a Computational Fluid-Dynamics (CFD) analysis on heat transfer characteristic using Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations on a rectangular channel with ribbed surfaces is presented. Several numerical simulations have been carried out on convective heat transfer of an air flow through a rectangular channel of 1:10 aspect ratio, 120 mm wide, 840 mm long, with 90° ribs. Ribs have a square cross section with 4 mm side and three different values of dimensionless pitch, namely, 10, 20 and 40. Results on convective global heat transfer coefficient, i.e., averaged over the whole channel, have been compared to experimental data obtained in a channel with the same geometry and boundary conditions. Agreement between numerical and experimental data is discussed for the three different pitches considered. As expected, comparisons show a decreasing reliability for increasing complexity. The aim of this work is to find a suitable configuration of a CFD model with RANS that will permit authors to apply it to the range of dimensionless pitches.
Local wall heating effects on aeroacoustic field radiated by an isolated square cylinder in a laminar flow
Authors: Falone M. , D’Alessandro V. , Giammichele L. , Ricci R.
Published: May 2023

The aim of this work is to gain an insight on the effect of the wall heating on the aeroacoustic sound radiated by bluff bodies in laminar flows. In particular, the local thermal treatment of the wall boundary was investigated as a possible method for active controlling the emitted noise. This technique was studied performing direct numerical simulations of the aeroacoustic noise produced by an isolated square cylinder operating at a Reynolds and Mach numbers equal to 150 and 0.2, respectively. In the considered case, the Karman vortex street deriving by the flow/cylinder interaction, produces a lift and drag pulsation on the body surface, leading to a dipolar-like noise emission. In this context, different local thermal fluxes were applied to the cylinder wall in order to reduce its aerodynamic forces fluctuation and, consequently, the associated pressure disturbance that produces the radiated sound. The computations are performed using an OpenFOAM solver that adopts an explicit Runge-Kutta scheme for time integration and a second-order, energy conserving scheme for the convective part of the Eulerian flux. Moreover, the spurious numerical waves reflections at the far-field boundary are damped adopting a sponge-layer approach.
Optimised Electro-Osmotic Flow in Rectangular Microchannels with Smoothed Corners
Authors: Lorenzini Marco , Suzzi Nicola
Published: May 2023

Electro-osmotic flows are a means of circulating polar fluids through microchannels without resorting to mechanical pumping. The lack of moving parts, of noise and the ease of integration in silicon chips make them an interesting option for microchip cooling and miniaturized total analysis systems. This paper describes an optimization in terms of first- and second-law analysis of the cross-section of a microchannel subject to electro-osmotic flow. Starting from rectangular cross-sections of different aspect ratios, its corners are progressively smoothed and the resulting Poiseuille and Nusselt numbers computed. Performance evaluation criteria are then used to assess the change in, among others, heat transfer rate, temperature difference between wall and bulk fluid, and equivalent pumping power. The entropy number is also computed and the results commented. It is found that the latter criterion highlights a configuration of minimum entropy generation, whereas the trends of the heat transfer and temperature difference are opposite to that of the equivalent pumping power.
Stability analysis of dual viscous flows saturating a vertical porous pipe
Authors: Celli M , Barletta A , Brandão P V , da C Hirata S , Ouarzazi M N
Published: May 2023

The linear stability analysis of a mixed convection viscous flow in a vertical porous pipe is here investigated. The contribution of viscous heating is assumed to be non negligible. A fully developed flow regime is assumed for the basic state. The local balance equations for this state display dual stationary solutions. The dual branches of stationary solutions are determined numerically. Since the pipe is characterised by an isothermal lateral surface, the viscous heating is the sole cause of the buoyancy force. In order to investigate the stability of the basic dual solutions, small amplitude disturbances with the form of normal modes are superposed to the basic state. The solution of the eigenvalue problem obtained allows one to determine the growth rate associated to both the basic solution branches. The sign of the growth rate determines whether the particular basic solution is stable or unstable.
A new derivation of the Minkowski metric
Authors: Chappell James M , Hartnett John G , Iannella Nicolangelo , Iqbal Azhar , Berkahn David L , Abbott Derek
Published: May 2023

The four dimensional spacetime continuum, as first conceived by Minkowski, has become the dominant framework within which to describe physical laws. In this paper, we show how this four-dimensional structure is a natural property of physical three-dimensional space, if modeled with Clifford geometric algebra

C
ℓ
(

R

3

)

. We find that Minkowski spacetime can be embedded within a larger eight dimensional structure. This then allows a generalisation of the invariant interval and the Lorentz transformations. Also, with this geometric oriented approach the fixed speed of light, the laws of special relativity and a generalised form of Maxwell’s equations, arise naturally from the intrinsic properties of the algebra without recourse to physical arguments. We also find new insights into the nature of time, which can be described as two-dimensional. Some philosophical implications of this approach as it relates to the foundations of physical theories are also discussed.
Linking stem rehydration kinetics to hydraulic traits using a novel method and mechanistic model
Authors: O’Keefe Kimberly , Smith Duncan D , McCulloh Katherine A
Published: May 2023

Background

Despite the recognized importance of hydraulic capacitance as a mechanism used by plants to maintain hydraulic functioning during high transpiration, characterizing the dynamics of capacitance remains a challenge.

Methods

We used a novel ‘two-balance method’ to investigate relationships between stem rehydration kinetics and other hydraulic traits in multiple tree species, and we developed a model to explore stem rehydration kinetics further.

Key Results

We found that: (1) rehydration time constants and the amount of water uptake occurring during rehydration differed significantly across species; (2) time constants did not change with declining water potential (Ψ), while water uptake increased at lower Ψ in some species; (3) longer time constants were associated with lower wood density, higher capacitance and less negative stem pressures causing 50 % loss of hydraulic conductivity (P50); (4) greater water uptake occurred in stems with lower wood density and less negative P50 values; and (5) the model could estimate the total hydraulic resistance of the rehydration path, which cannot be measured directly.

Conclusions

Overall, the two-balance method can be used to examine rehydration dynamics quickly and thoroughly in detached woody stems. This method has the potential to improve our understanding of how capacitance functions across tree species, which is an often-overlooked component of whole-plant hydraulics.
Premenarchal lichen sclerosus: a multicentre examination of the novel diagnostic tool, the SWIFT model
Authors: Lawson Ashli , Wininger Michael , Wang Melinda , Steger Makenna , Peccerillo Kalie , Vash-Margita Alla
Published: May 2023

This is a validating study of a novel diagnostic tool, SWIFT, for rapid and accurate diagnosis of prepubertal lichen sclerosus.
Job Demands, Resources and Reactions in Spanish Social Workers: Differences by Sector Organisation and Employment Status
Authors: Murcia-Álvarez Evelia , Lombardero-Posada Xoán M , Aguiar-Fernández Francisco X , Méndez-Fernández Ana B , González-Fernández Antonio
Published: May 2023

Many states’ social policies have implemented austerity and cuts in the resources dedicated to social services and privatisation in providing these services, all of which have contributed to practitioners’ precariousness in this sector. This study carried out with 448 Spanish social workers assessed job demands, organisational and personal resources, and individual reactions that enhance or impair well-being. The study examined the extent to which demands, resources and reactions differ according to: (i) organisation sector, that is, governmental (GO), private (PO) and third sector (TSO); (ii) employment status, that is, full-timers versus part-timers and (iii) the interaction between organisation sector × employment status. Regarding the organisation sector, the best results were for TSO, followed by GO and PO; according to employment status, full-time employees obtained a better profile than part-time employees; with regard to interactions, part-time employees of PO obtained the worst scores on adaptive variables and the highest scores on maladaptive ones. The article concludes by highlighting some reasons why privatisation, precariousness and bureaucracy benefit employers and the state, whilst harming service users and workers.
Emerging role of topical Janus kinase inhibitors in dermatological disorders: a review
Authors: Dogra Sunil , Sharma Apoorva , Mehta Hitaishi , Sarkar Rashmi
Published: May 2023

Janus kinase (JAK) refers to a family of tyrosine kinases that are involved in the production of proinflammatory mediators in response to various extracellular signals. The JAK–signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway is an appealing target in many inflammatory illnesses as this pathway modulates immune cell activation and T-cell-mediated inflammation in response to several cytokines. The practical considerations of prescription for topical and oral JAK inhibitors (JAKis) in atopic dermatitis, vitiligo and psoriasis have been covered in prior publications. Currently, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved the topical JAKi ruxolitinib for atopic dermatitis and nonsegmental vitiligo. None of the remaining first- or second-generation topical JAKis have been approved for topical application in any dermatological indications so far. For this review, the PubMed database was searched using ‘topical’ and ‘JAK inhibitor’ or ‘Janus kinase inhibitor’ or the names of individual drug molecules as the keyword in the title with no date limits. The description of topical JAKi usage in dermatology from the literature was evaluated in each abstract. The current review concentrates on emphasizing the rising use of topical JAKis in both approved and off-label dermatological applications for both old and novel conditions.
Co-twin design in brain imaging—review on biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Varjonen Anni , Schwarz Claudia , Vuoksimaa Eero
Published: May 2023

Twin samples allow to conduct a quasi-experimental co-twin case–control approach that can control for genetic and environmental confounding in brain–cognition associations, being more informative on causality compared with studies in unrelated individuals. We conducted a review of studies that have utilized discordant co-twin design to investigate the associations of brain imaging markers of Alzheimer's disease and cognition. Inclusion criteria encompassed twin pairs discordant for cognition or Alzheimer's disease imaging markers and reporting of within-twin pair comparison on the association between cognition and brain measures. Our PubMed search (2022 April 23, updated 2023 March 9) resulted in 18 studies matching these criteria. Alzheimer's disease imaging markers have been addressed only by few studies, most with small sample size. Structural magnetic resonance imaging studies have indicated greater hippocampal volume and thicker cortex in co-twins with better cognitive performance compared with their co-twins with poorer cognitive performance. No studies have looked at cortical surface area. Positron emission tomography imaging studies have suggested that lower cortical glucose metabolism rate and higher cortical neuroinflammation, amyloid, and tau accumulations are related to poorer episodic memory in within-twin pair comparisons. Thus far, only cross-sectional within-twin pair associations of cortical amyloid and hippocampal volume with cognition have been replicated.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of functional connectivity and association with molecular architecture in schizophrenia
Authors: Hou Changyue , Jiang Sisi , Liu Mei , Li Hechun , Zhang Lang , Duan Mingjun , Yao Gang , He Hui , Yao Dezhong , Luo Cheng
Published: May 2023

Schizophrenia is a self-disorder characterized by disrupted brain dynamics and architectures of multiple molecules. This study aims to explore spatiotemporal dynamics and its association with psychiatric symptoms. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were collected from 98 patients with schizophrenia. Brain dynamics included the temporal and spatial variations in functional connectivity density and association with symptom scores were evaluated. Moreover, the spatial association between dynamics and receptors/transporters according to prior molecular imaging in healthy subjects was examined. Patients demonstrated decreased temporal variation and increased spatial variation in perceptual and attentional systems. However, increased temporal variation and decreased spatial variation were revealed in higher order networks and subcortical networks in patients. Specifically, spatial variation in perceptual and attentional systems was associated with symptom severity. Moreover, case–control differences were associated with dopamine, serotonin and mu-opioid receptor densities, serotonin reuptake transporter density, dopamine transporter density, and dopamine synthesis capacity. Therefore, this study implicates the abnormal dynamic interactions between the perceptual system and cortical core networks; in addition, the subcortical regions play a role in the dynamic interaction among the cortical regions in schizophrenia. These convergent findings support the importance of brain dynamics and emphasize the contribution of primary information processing to the pathological mechanism underlying schizophrenia.
Current Epidemiology and Clinical Features of Cryptococcus Infection in Patients Without Human Immunodeficiency Virus: A Multicenter Study in 46 Hospitals in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Coussement Julien , Heath Christopher H , Roberts Matthew B , Lane Rebekah J , Spelman Tim , Smibert Olivia C , Longhitano Anthony , Morrissey Orla , Nield Blake , Tripathy Monica , Davis Joshua S , Kennedy Karina J , Lynar Sarah A , Crawford Lucy C , Crawford Simeon J , Smith Benjamin J , Gador-Whyte Andrew P , Haywood Rose , Mahony Andrew A , Howard Julia C , Walls Genevieve B , O’Kane Gabrielle M , Broom Matthew T , Keighley Caitlin L , Bupha-Intr Olivia , Cooley Louise , O’Hern Jennifer A , Jackson Justin D , Morris Arthur J , Bartolo Caroline , Tramontana Adrian R , Grimwade Katherine C , Au Yeung Victor , Chean Roy , Woolnough Emily , Teh Benjamin W , Chen Sharon C A , Slavin Monica A ,   the Australian and New Zealand Study Group for Cryptococcosis in Patients Without HIV Infection, Alcorn Kylie , Beardsley Justin , Bloch Aaron , Crowe Amy , Doyle Wendy , England Michelle , Griffin David , Hamilton Kate , Korman Tony M , Madigan Victoria , McGann Hugh , Pratt William , Van Hal Sebastiaan , Waters Prue , Williams Eloise
Published: May 2023

Background

Patients without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are increasingly recognized as being at risk for cryptococcosis. Knowledge of characteristics of cryptococcosis in these patients remains incomplete.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of cryptococcosis in 46 Australian and New Zealand hospitals to compare its frequency in patients with and without HIV and describe its characteristics in patients without HIV. Patients with cryptococcosis between January 2015 and December 2019 were included.

Results

Of 475 patients with cryptococcosis, 90% were without HIV (426 of 475) with marked predominance in both Cryptococcus neoformans (88.7%) and Cryptococcus gattii cases (94.3%). Most patients without HIV (60.8%) had a known immunocompromising condition: cancer (n = 91), organ transplantation (n = 81), or other immunocompromising condition (n = 97). Cryptococcosis presented as incidental imaging findings in 16.4% of patients (70 of 426). The serum cryptococcal antigen test was positive in 85.1% of tested patients (319 of 375); high titers independently predicted risk of central nervous system involvement. Lumbar puncture was performed in 167 patients to screen for asymptomatic meningitis, with a positivity rate of 13.2% where meningitis could have been predicted by a high serum cryptococcal antigen titer and/or fungemia in 95% of evaluable cases. One-year all-cause mortality was 20.9% in patients without HIV and 21.7% in patients with HIV (P = .89).

Conclusions

Ninety percent of cryptococcosis cases occurred in patients without HIV (89% and 94% for C. neoformans and C. gattii, respectively). Emerging patient risk groups were evident. A high level of awareness is warranted to diagnose cryptococcosis in patients without HIV.
Predictive value of single-nucleotide polymorphism signature for nephrolithiasis recurrence: a 5-year prospective study
Authors: Zhu Wei , Zhang Xin , Zhou Zhen , Sun Yin , Zhang Guangyuan , Duan Xiaolu , Huang Zhicong , Ai Guoyao , Liu Yang , Zhao Zhijian , Zhong Wen , Zeng Guohua
Published: May 2023

Background

Genetic variations are linked to kidney stone formation. However, the association of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) and stone recurrence has not been well studied. This study aims to identify genetic variants associated with kidney stone recurrences and to construct a predictive nomogram model using SNPs and clinical features to predict the recurrence risk of kidney stones.

Methods

We genotyped 49 SNPs in 1001 patients who received surgical stone removal between Jan 1 and Dec 31 of 2012. All patients were confirmed stone-free by CT scan and then received follow-up at least 5 years. SNP associations with stone recurrence were analyzed by Cox proportion hazard model. A predictive nomogram model using SNPs and clinical features to predict the recurrence risk of kidney stones was developed by use of LASSO Cox regression.

Results

The recurrence rate at 3, 5, 7 years were 46.8%, 71.2%, and 78.4%, respectively. 5 SNPs were identified that had association with kidney stone recurrence risk. We used computer-generated random numbers to assign 500 of these patients to the training cohort and 501 patients to the validation cohort. A nomogram that combined the 14-SNPs-based classifier with the clinical risk factors was constructed. The areas under the curve (AUCs) at 3, 5 and 7 years of this nomogram was 0.645, 0.723, and 0.75 in training cohort, and was 0.631, 0.708, and 0.727 in validation cohort, respectively. Results show that the nomogram presented a higher predictive accuracy than those of the SNP classifier or clinical factors alone.

Conclusion

SNPs are significantly associated with kidney stone recurrence and should add prognostic value to the traditional clinical risk factors used to assess the kidney stone recurrence. A nomogram using clinical and genetic variables to predict kidney stone recurrence has revealed its potential in the future as an assessment tool during the follow-up of kidney stone patients.
Towards an individualized management of pubertal induction in girls with hypogonadism: insight into the best replacement outcomes from a large multicentre registry
Authors: Rodari Giulia , Federici Silvia , Todisco Tommaso , Ubertini Graziamaria , Cattoni Alessandro , Pagano Marta , Giacchetti Federico , Profka Eriselda , Citterio Valeria , Messetti Dario , Collini Valentina , Soranna Davide , Carbone Erika , Arosio Maura , Mantovani Giovanna , Persani Luca , Cappa Marco , Bonomi Marco , Giavoli Claudia
Published: May 2023

Objective

An evidence-based pubertal induction scheme in hypogonadal girls is still to be established. Interestingly, literature data report a suboptimal uterine longitudinal diameter (ULD) in >50% of treated hypogonadal women, negatively influencing their pregnancy outcomes. This study aims to investigate auxological and uterine outcomes of pubertal induction in girls in the light of underlying diagnosis and therapeutic schemes used.

Design

Retrospective analysis of longitudinal data from a multicentric registry.

Methods

Auxological, biochemical, and radiological data were collected at baseline and during follow-up in 95 hypogonadal girls (chronological age > 10.9 years, Tanner stage ≤ 2) treated with transdermal 17β-oestradiol patches for at least 1 year. Induction was started at a median dose of 0.14 mcg/kg/day with a 6-monthly increase and was considered completed for 49/95 patients who started progesterone with a concomitant oestrogen adult dose.

Results

At the end of induction, the achievement of the complete breast maturation was associated with a 17β-oestradiol dose at progesterone introduction. ULD showed a significant correlation with a 17β-oestradiol dosage. Final ULD was >65 mm in only 17/45 girls. At multiple regression analysis, pelvic irradiation represented the major determinant of reduced final ULD. After correction for uterine irradiation, ULD was associated with the 17β-oestradiol dose at progesterone introduction. Final ULD was not significantly different from the one assessed after progesterone introduction.

Conclusions

Our results provide evidence that progestins, hampering further changes in uterine volume and breast development, should be introduced only in the presence of a concomitant adequate 17β-oestradiol dose and an appropriate clinical response.
Intergenerational Transmission of Holocaust Trauma: Lily Brett’s The Auschwitz Poems, an Insight into the Unique Female Concentrationary Experience
Authors: Miñano Mañero Laura
Published: May 2023

Holocaust and trauma studies have significantly relied on survivors’ autobiographical writing. Countless survivors have felt morally compelled to bear witness, even though raising their voices constantly triggered traumatic memories. Consistent research throughout the decades, however, has revealed that Holocaust trauma is not only limited to survivors, but an ongoing event affecting their children as well. Many second-generation survivors, as their parents, have experienced the urge to write about the Holocaust. This article analyzes the earliest poetry collection of Australian author Lily Brett, who was born to Polish survivors. The Auschwitz Poems provides an outstanding framework from which to reflect not only on the legacy of Holocaust trauma, but also on its direct connections with poetic expression, and, simultaneously, the underlying dimension of gender relationships bonding both generations.
The Struggle against Timelessness: Prisoner Experiences of Time in Nazi Concentration Camps
Authors: Putnam Jennifer
Published: May 2023

This article explores the ways in which timelessness affected prisoners in Nazi concentration camps and how some prisoners attempted to track time. By depriving prisoners of timekeeping methods, the Schutzstaffel (SS) sought to deprive them of a sense of future and therefore hope. Going against the idea that the SS achieved absolute power, however, is the evidence that some prisoners managed to keep track of time, albeit in unconventional ways. This research looks at the material records of timekeeping from the camps, from graffiti writing to recovered personal possessions, in conjunction with survivor testimony to understand exactly how prisoners were able to track time. The ability to keep time was of material and emotional benefit to many prisoners, allowing them to intercept food parcels, avoid beatings, mentally sustain themselves during difficult hours and days, connect through religion, and plan for the future. By opening a window into how prisoners were able to track time, this research contributes to the literature on daily life in the camps and demonstrates the value of integrated studies of prisoner life, showing how prisoner groups communicated and how their communication affected prisoner hierarchies, power, and survival.
Responsiveness to Vedolizumab Therapy in Ulcerative Colitis is Associated With Alterations in Immune Cell-Cell Communications
Authors: Hsu Paul , Choi, Eunice J , Patel, Shefali A , Wong, William H , Olvera, Jocelyn G , Yao, Priscilla , Liu Yi Chia , Tsai Matthew S , Wang Wei , Boland Brigid S , Chang John T
Published: May 2023

Background

Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease are 2 types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a group of chronic digestive disorders caused by aberrant immune responses to intestinal microbes. Although changes in the composition of immune cell subsets in the context of IBD have been previously described, the interactions and communication among cells are less well understood. Moreover, the precise mechanisms of action underlying many biologic therapies, including the anti-α4β7 integrin antagonist vedolizumab, remain incompletely understood. Our study aimed to explore possible additional mechanisms through which vedolizumab acts.

Methods

We performed cellular indexing of transcriptomes and epitopes by sequencing (CITE-seq) on peripheral blood and colon immune cells derived from patients with ulcerative colitis treated with the anti-α4β7 integrin antagonist vedolizumab. We applied a previously published computational approach, NicheNet, to predict immune cell-cell interactions, revealing putative ligand-receptor pairs and key transcriptional changes downstream of these cell-cell communications (CCC).

Results

We observed decreased proportions of T helper 17 (TH17) cells in UC patients who responded to vedolizumab and therefore focused the study on identifying cell-cell communications and signals of TH17 cells with other immune cells. For example, we observed that colon TH17 cells from vedolizumab nonresponders were predicted to have a greater degree of interactions with classical monocytes compared with responders, whereas colon TH17 cells from vedolizumab responders exhibited more interactions with myeloid dendritic cells compared with nonresponders.

Conclusions

Overall, our results indicate that efforts to elucidate cell-cell communications among immune and nonimmune cell types may increase the mechanistic understanding of current and investigational therapies for IBD.
Participatory-based bio-economic activity mapping of small-scale fisheries: towards holistic management in the Bay of Biscay
Authors: Murillas-Maza A , Mugerza E , Bachiller E , Errazkin L A , Louzao M
Published: May 2023

The main goal of this paper is to improve the understanding of the spatial distribution of small-scale inshore fisheries (SSF) in coastal waters of the Bay of Biscay. The study used a participatory process, in which fishers, regional administration, and researchers were involved in supplying the data. Displayed on a 1-km2 grid, the data for effort and catch composition, variable costs, revenue, and profits at each site show the spatial patterns of the main SSF metier activities. This information indicates the economic value of the fishing grounds and the cost of reaching those areas, which can reveal possible trade-offs for more distant fishing grounds. Trammelnet vessels are widely dispersed, following economic incentives, while longliners also demonstrate high mobility, using many fishing sites, though the economic incentive does not always lead to high benefits. A narrow expansion range with activity close to the coastal area (trap, gillnet, and trammelnet users) suggests that the target-species stocks maintain their economic profitability even though it is lower than that in other coastal fleets. Such information helps develop a holistic approach to SSF management in this multi-use region by increasing the availability of high-quality multidisciplinary geospatial data, currently in short supply for this fleet.
Chronic 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) Use Is Related to Glutamate and GABA Concentrations in the Striatum But Not the Anterior Cingulate Cortex
Authors: Zimmermann Josua , Zölch Niklaus , Coray Rebecca , Bavato Francesco , Friedli Nicole , Baumgartner Markus R , Steuer Andrea E , Opitz Antje , Werner Annett , Oeltzschner Georg , Seifritz Erich , Stock Ann-Kathrin , Beste Christian , Cole David M , Quednow Boris B
Published: May 2023

Background

3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a widely used recreational substance inducing acute release of serotonin. Previous studies in chronic MDMA users demonstrated selective adaptations in the serotonin system, which were assumed to be associated with cognitive deficits. However, serotonin functions are strongly entangled with glutamate as well as γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission, and studies in MDMA-exposed rats show long-term adaptations in glutamatergic and GABAergic signaling.

Methods

We used proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to measure the glutamate-glutamine complex (GLX) and GABA concentrations in the left striatum and medial anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) of 44 chronic but recently abstinent MDMA users and 42 MDMA-naïve healthy controls. While the Mescher-Garwood point-resolved-spectroscopy sequence (MEGA-PRESS) is best suited to quantify GABA, recent studies reported poor agreement between conventional short–echo-time PRESS and MEGA-PRESS for GLX measures. Here, we applied both sequences to assess their agreement and potential confounders underlying the diverging results.

Results

Chronic MDMA users showed elevated GLX levels in the striatum but not the ACC. Regarding GABA, we found no group difference in either region, although a negative association with MDMA use frequency was observed in the striatum. Overall, GLX measures from MEGA-PRESS, with its longer echo time, appeared to be less confounded by macromolecule signal than the short–echo-time PRESS and thus provided more robust results.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that MDMA use affects not only serotonin but also striatal GLX and GABA concentrations. These insights may offer new mechanistic explanations for cognitive deficits (e.g., impaired impulse control) observed in MDMA users.
TIGIT-based immunotherapeutics in lung cancer
Authors: Patel Akshay J , Middleton Gary W
Published: May 2023

In this review, we explore the biology of the TIGIT checkpoint and its potential as a therapeutic target in lung cancer. We briefly review a highly selected set of clinical trials that have reported or are currently recruiting in non-small cell and small cell lung cancer, a disease transformed by the advent of PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint blockade immunotherapy. We explore the murine data underlying TIGIT blockade and further explore the reliance of effective anti-TIGIT therapy on DNAM-1(CD226)-positive activated effector CD8+ T cells. The synergism with anti-PD-1 therapy is also explored. Future directions in the realm of overcoming resistance to checkpoint blockade and extending the repertoire of other checkpoints are also briefly explored.