bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-fidelity simulations of boundary layer transition on an underwater axisymmetric body with stability theory
Authors: Shen Jian , Qiao Lei , Xiao Heye , Wang Yutian , Zhang Jiao , Xu Jiakuan , Bai Junqiang
Published: July 2024

During the cruise status of an underwater high-speed vehicle, the flow around the vehicle's head typically transitions from a laminar to a turbulent state, triggering flow noise that can interfere with the normal operation of sonar. In order to accurately investigate this flow noise through numerical simulation, a high-fidelity turbulent flow field solution is essential. Common traditional turbulence numerical simulation methods, such as unsteady Reynolds-averaged simulation and large eddy simulation (LES), struggle to capture high-frequency turbulent fluctuations accurately due to their inability to directly resolve small-scale eddy structures, which results in compromising the simulation accuracy of high-frequency flow noise. To address this issue, this paper employs direct numerical simulation (DNS) to achieve high-fidelity resolution of the turbulent flow field, thereby enabling a more accurate assessment of flow noise distribution on the vehicle's surface. Meanwhile, considering significant computational resources required to solve the entire flow field in an underwater high Reynolds number environment, this study also incorporates the fixed transition modeling method and stability theory to confine the DNS computational domain to the vicinity of the transitional zone to improve simulation efficiency. Comparative analysis of flow noise monitoring results in the laminar, transitional, and turbulent zones revealed that the flow noise source in the laminar zone exhibits the lowest amplitude across all frequencies, while the flow noise source in the transitional zone features the highest amplitude, approximately 10 dB higher than that in the turbulent zone. Moreover, significant amplitudes in high-frequency components (above 30 kHz) are detected in both the transition and turbulent zones. Additionally, this study employs LES with the Smagorinsky model to simulate the flow field within the same computational domain as DNS, demonstrating the limitations of the Smagorinsky model-based LES in capturing high-frequency flow noise.
Revisiting the structure of [PdAu9(PPh3)8(CN)]2+ produced by atmospheric pressure plasma irradiation of [PdAu8(PPh3)8]2+ in methanol
Authors: Imagawa Takumi , Ito Shun , Hennrich Frank , Neumaier Marco , Weis Patrick , Koyasu Kiichirou , Kappes Manfred M. , Tsukuda Tatsuya
Published: July 2024

Some of the authors of the present research group have previously reported mass spectrometric detection of [PdAu9(PPh3)8(CN)]2+ (PdAu9CN) by atmospheric pressure plasma (APP) irradiation of [MAu8(PPh3)8]2+ (PdAu8) in methanol and proposed based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations that PdAu9CN is constructed by inserting a CNAu or NCAu unit into the Au–PPh3 bond of PdAu8 [Emori et al., J. Chem. Phys. 155, 124312 (2021)]. In this follow-up study, we revisited the structure of PdAu9CN by high-resolution ion mobility spectrometry on an isolated sample of PdAu9CN with the help of dispersion-corrected DFT calculation. In contradiction to the previous proposal, we conclude that isomers in which an AuCN unit is directly bonded to the central Pd atom of PdAu8 are better candidates. This assignment was supported by Fourier transform infrared and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopies of isolated PdAu9CN. The simultaneous formation of [Au(PPh3)2]+ and PdAu9CN suggests that the AuCN species are formed by APP irradiation at the expense of a portion of PdAu8. These results indicate that APP may offer a unique method for transforming metal clusters into novel ones by generating in situ active species that were not originally added to the solution.
Callousness, exploitativeness, and tracking of cooperation incentives in the human default network
Authors: Allen Timothy A. , Hallquist Michael N. , Dombrovski Alexandre Y.
Published: July 2024

Human cognitive capacities that enable flexible cooperation may have evolved in parallel with the expansion of frontoparietal cortical networks, particularly the default network. Conversely, human antisocial behavior and trait antagonism are broadly associated with reduced activity, impaired connectivity, and altered structure of the default network. Yet, behaviors like interpersonal manipulation and exploitation may require intact or even superior social cognition. Using a reinforcement learning model of decision-making on a modified trust game, we examined how individuals adjusted their cooperation rate based on a counterpart’s cooperation and social reputation. We observed that learning signals in the default network updated the predicted utility of cooperation or defection and scaled with reciprocal cooperation. These signals were weaker in callous (vs. compassionate) individuals but stronger in those who were more exploitative (vs. honest and humble). Further, they accounted for associations between exploitativeness, callousness, and reciprocal cooperation. Separately, behavioral sensitivity to prior reputation was reduced in callous but not exploitative individuals and selectively scaled with responses of the medial temporal subsystem of the default network. Overall, callousness was characterized by blunted behavioral and default network sensitivity to cooperation incentives. Exploitativeness predicted heightened sensitivity to others’ cooperation but not social reputation. We speculate that both compassion and exploitativeness may reflect cognitive adaptations to social living, enabled by expansion of the default network in anthropogenesis.
“We have a damn duty”
Authors: Pöllabauer Sonja , Bartłomiejczyk Magdalena , Zwischenberger Maria Bernadette , Straczek-Helios Viktoria
Published: July 2024

This article presents a case study of Ciocia Wienia, a collective of activists who facilitate abortion travel between Poland and Austria and provide support and interpretation in abortion clinics in Vienna. Drawing on a framework based on activist translation and motivational psychology, we investigate the factors that compel activist interpreters to join the collective and motivate their commitment to this activist work. Our study is based on a corpus of thirteen qualitative interviews with members and associates of the collective. The activists’ commitment is grounded in a range of purpose- and task-centred motivators, including their desire to respond to perceived gender-based injustice; to actively participate in society and be a member of a community of practice sharing the same pro-choice beliefs; to empower both oneself and individuals who need help; and to do good and feel satisfaction resulting from one’s work.
Finite element based homogenization of polypropylene/silica micro-composites: experimental work and numerical modeling
Authors: Tasneem Mohamad Hasan Bin , Al Jahwari Farooq , Al-Kindi Mahmoud , Al Mufarraji Said , Al-Lawati Emad
Published: July 2024

Polypropylene (PP) is one of the leading polymers in the polymer industry finding applications from automotive industry to medical equipment and adding silica can make it more desirable. A lot of experimental analysis has been done to study the effect of particle size among other parameters on PP/silica composites. However, very few literatures numerically analyze PP/silica composites. This study focuses on developing a 3D Finite Element based homogenization model that can accurately predict the elastic mechanical properties of PP/micro-silica composites. A Repeating Unit Cell is deployed during this study and periodic boundary conditions are imposed. The contribution of the model was demonstrated by comparing experimental results to the numerical analysis. The maximum error between the two for the Young’s modulus was less than 4% for 3% micro-silica composite. Similarly, to predict the compressive modulus, the maximum error was less than 7%. Parametric study was conducted to demonstrate how the proposed model behaves better than the analytical micro-mechanic models for soft materials like polymer composites and where contact failure occurs between the matrix and particle.
Real-space calculation of thermal Hall effects in strained and disordered kagome ferromagnets
Authors: Zhang Ning , Xu Hengyi
Published: July 2024

Ferromagnetic insulators may exhibit magnon Hall effects when subjected to a temperature gradient due to the Dzyaloshinsky–Moriya interaction. In this study, we investigate the magnon thermal Hall conductivity

κ

x
y

of kagome ferromagnets in real space using the kernel polynomial method. We first establish the formalism in real space within the framework of linear response theory, which enables efficient numerical calculations of thermal transport properties under various imperfections. The validity and accuracy of the real-space approach are confirmed by comparing the calculations with those obtained in momentum space. This approach is particularly advantageous for computing the thermal transport coefficients of disordered lattices. We consider two types of disorder in kagome ferromagnets and observe that both types significantly influence

κ

x
y

across the entire temperature range. This is in contrast to the effects of strains, where strains primarily impact the maximum values of

κ

x
y

.
Transparency-changing elastomers by controlling of the refractive index of liquid inclusions
Authors: Roh Sangchul , Yeo Seonju , Bang Rachel S , Han Koohee , Velikov Krassimir P , Velev Orlin D
Published: July 2024

Complex materials that change their optical properties in response to changes in environmental conditions can find applications in displays, smart windows, and optical sensors. Here a class of biphasic composites with stimuli-adaptive optical transmittance is introduced. The biphasic composites comprise aqueous droplets (a mixture of water, glycerol, and surfactant) embedded in an elastomeric matrix. The biphasic composites are tuned to be optically transparent through a careful match of the refractive indices between the aqueous droplets and the elastomeric matrix. We demonstrate that stimuli (e.g., salinity and temperature change) can trigger variations in the optical transmittance of the biphasic composite. The introduction of such transparency-changing soft matter with liquid inclusions offers a novel approach to designing advanced optical devices, optical sensors, and metamaterials.
Fabric defect detection based on feature enhancement and complementary neighboring information
Authors: Liu Guohua , Guo Changrui , Lian Haiyang
Published: July 2024

Fabric defect detection is a crucial aspect of quality control in the textile industry. Given the complexities of fabric backgrounds, the high similarity between patterned backgrounds and defects, and the variety of defect scales, we propose a fabric defect detection method based on feature enhancement and complementary neighboring information. The core of this method lies in two main components: the feature enhancement module and the neighboring information complementation strategy. The feature enhancement module includes two sub-modules: similarity feature enhancement (SFE) and edge detail feature enhancement (EDFE). The SFE aims to capture the similarities between features to strengthen the distinction between defects and complex backgrounds, thereby highlighting the correlations among defects and the differences between defects and the background. The EDFE focuses on improving the network’s ability to capture the edge details of fabrics, preventing edge information from becoming blurred or lost due to deeper network layers. The neighboring information complementation strategy consists of shallow-level information complementation (SLIC) and top-down information fusion complementation (TDIFC). The SLIC integrates newly introduced shallow features with neighboring features that have a smaller semantic gap, injecting richer detail information into the network. The TDIFC adaptively guides the interaction of information between adjacent feature maps, effectively aggregating multi-scale features to ensure information complementarity between features of different scales. Additionally, to further optimize model performance, we introduced partial convolution (Pconv) in the backbone of the feature extraction network. Pconv reduces redundant computations and decreases the model’s parameter count. Experimental results show that our proposed method achieved an mAP@50 of 82.4%, which is a 6.6% improvement over the baseline model YOLOv8s. The average inference frame rate reached 61.8 FPS, meeting the real-time detection requirements for fabric defects. Moreover, the model demonstrated good generalization capabilities, effectively adapting to detecting defects in different types and colors of fabrics.
Research on multi-velocity measurement method of solid particles based on interdigital electrostatic sensor
Authors: Gao Heming , Liao Zhongyu , Niu Yuguang , Pan Haoyang
Published: July 2024

In gas-solid two-phase flow, the velocities of solid particles will show different distributions as the flow pattern changes, and it is a challenging task to achieve the measurement of different velocity parameters in the flow field. To obtain the velocity information of solid particles in the flow field, a novel method to achieve multi-velocity measurement of solid particles is proposed by using the spatial filtering characteristics of interdigital electrostatic sensor with variational mode decomposition (VMD). Firstly, a three-dimensional model of the interdigital electrostatic sensor is established using COMSOL simulation software. Based on its spatial dynamic sensitivity, a theoretical analysis of its spatial filtering characteristics is conducted to obtain a mathematical relationship for velocity measurement. Subsequently, the VMD decomposition method is applied to an experiment involving charged wires, with the experimental results verifying the effectiveness of VMD in achieving multi-scale decomposition of electrostatic signals. Finally, the proposed measurement method is validated on a gravity feeding device and a pneumatic conveying system. The experimental results demonstrate that the method exhibits good feasibility.
Multi-planar dual adversarial network based on dynamic 3D features for MRI-CT head and neck image synthesis
Authors: Touati Redha , Trung Le William , Kadoury Samuel
Published: July 2024

Objective. Head and neck radiotherapy planning requires electron densities from different tissues for dose calculation. Dose calculation from imaging modalities such as MRI remains an unsolved problem since this imaging modality does not provide information about the density of electrons. Approach. We propose a generative adversarial network (GAN) approach that synthesizes CT (sCT) images from T1-weighted MRI acquisitions in head and neck cancer patients. Our contribution is to exploit new features that are relevant for improving multimodal image synthesis, and thus improving the quality of the generated CT images. More precisely, we propose a Dual branch generator based on the U-Net architecture and on an augmented multi-planar branch. The augmented branch learns specific 3D dynamic features, which describe the dynamic image shape variations and are extracted from different view-points of the volumetric input MRI. The architecture of the proposed model relies on an end-to-end convolutional U-Net embedding network. Results. The proposed model achieves a mean absolute error (MAE) of

18.76
±
5.167

in the target Hounsfield unit (HU) space on sagittal head and neck patients, with a mean structural similarity (MSSIM) of

0.95
±
0.09

and a Frechet inception distance (FID) of

145.60
±
8.38

. The model yields a MAE of

26.83
±
8.27

to generate specific primary tumor regions on axial patient acquisitions, with a Dice score of

0.73
±
0.06

and a FID distance equal to

122.58
±
7.55

. The improvement of our model over other state-of-the-art GAN approaches is of 3.8%, on a tumor test set. On both sagittal and axial acquisitions, the model yields the best peak signal-to-noise ratio of

27.89
±
2.22

and

26.08
±
2.95

to synthesize MRI from CT input. Significance. The proposed model synthesizes both sagittal and axial CT tumor images, used for radiotherapy treatment planning in head and neck cancer cases. The performance analysis across different imaging metrics and under different evaluation strategies demonstrates the effectiveness of our dual CT synthesis model to produce high quality sCT images compared to other state-of-the-art approaches. Our model could improve clinical tumor analysis, in which a further clinical validation remains to be explored.
Modelling systematic anatomical uncertainties of head and neck cancer patients during fractionated radiotherapy treatment
Authors: Nikou Poppy , Thompson Anna , Nisbet Andrew , Gulliford Sarah , McClelland Jamie
Published: July 2024

Objective. Head and neck cancer patients experience systematic as well as random day to day anatomical changes during fractionated radiotherapy treatment. Modelling the expected systematic anatomical changes could aid in creating treatment plans which are more robust against such changes. Approach. Inter- patient correspondence aligned all patients to a model space. Intra- patient correspondence between each planning CT scan and on treatment cone beam CT scans was obtained using diffeomorphic deformable image registration. The stationary velocity fields were then used to develop B-Spline based patient specific (SM) and population average (AM) models. The models were evaluated geometrically and dosimetrically. A leave-one-out method was used to compare the training and testing accuracy of the models. Main results. Both SMs and AMs were able to capture systematic changes. The average surface distance between the registration propagated contours and the contours generated by the SM was less than 2 mm, showing that the SM are able to capture the anatomical changes which a patient experiences during the course of radiotherapy. The testing accuracy was lower than the training accuracy of the SM, suggesting that the model overfits to the limited data available and therefore, also captures some of the random day to day changes. For most patients the AMs were a better estimate of the anatomical changes than assuming there were no changes, but the AMs could not capture the variability in the anatomical changes seen in all patients. No difference was seen in the training and testing accuracy of the AMs. These observations were highlighted in both the geometric and dosimetric evaluations and comparisons. Significance. In this work, a SM and AM are presented which are able to capture the systematic anatomical changes of some head and neck cancer patients over the course of radiotherapy treatment. The AM is able to capture the overall trend of the population, but there is large patient variability which highlights the need for more complex, capable population models.
Quantum optimization algorithm based on multistep quantum computation
Authors: Wang Hefeng , Xiang Hua
Published: July 2024

We present a quantum algorithm for finding the minimum of a function based on multistep quantum computation, and apply the algorithm for solving optimization problems with continuous variables. We construct the state space of the problem by discretizing the variables of the problem, and divide the state space according to the function values of the vectors of the state space. By comparing the function values of the vectors with a series of threshold values in decreasing order, we construct a sequence of Hamiltonians where the search space of a Hamiltonian is nested in that of the previous one. By applying a multistep quantum computation process for finding the ground state of the last Hamiltonian, the optimal vector of the state space of the problem is located in a small search space and can be determined efficiently. One of the most difficult problems in optimization algorithms is that a trial vector is trapped in a deep local minimum while the global minimum is missed, this problem can be alleviated in our algorithm and the run time is proportional to the number of the steps of the algorithm, provided that the reduction rate of the search spaces is polynomial large. We discuss the implementation of the algorithm and test the algorithm for some test functions.
Entanglement reaches city-sized networks
Authors: Wogan Tim
Published: July 2024

Independent teams in China, Europe and the US bring a quantum Internet a step closer after finding ways to swap entanglement between qubits more easily. Tim Wogan reports.
Here’s how Venus could be losing water at a quicker rate
Authors: Cooper Keith
Published: July 2024

Venus is possibly shedding water to space at a much faster rate than previously thought, according to researchers in the US.
2025 to be International Year of Quantum Science and Technology iStock/gremlin
Authors: Banks Michael
Published: July 2024

The United Nations (UN) has officially declared 2025 to be the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ).
Shrinivas Kulkarni wins $1.2m Shaw Prize in Astronomy Chris S
Authors: Johnston Hamish
Published: July 2024

Shrinivas Kulkarni has won the 2024 Shaw Prize in Astronomy for his work on variable and transient astronomical objects.
Peter Higgs: in his own words
Authors: Durrani Matin
Published: July 2024

Peter Higgs, who died in April aged 94, was an elusive figure who liked to stay out of the limelight. But in 2012 he agreed to an audio interview with Physics World editor Matin Durrani, who presents an edited version of it here for the first time and reveals how the meeting came about.
The art of cosmic simulations
Authors: Kharel Savan
Published: July 2024

Savan Kharel reviews Simulating the Cosmos: Why the Universe Looks the Way It Does by Romeel Davé.
What lies beneath
Authors: Randall Ian
Published: July 2024

Ian Randall reviews What’s Hidden Inside Planets? by Sabine Stanley.
H1dd3n variab7es
Authors: Moriarty Philip
Published: July 2024

Philip Moriarty outlines the physics principles he drew on to compose the new theme tune for Physics World podcasts.
Grain boundaries are not the source of Urbach tails in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 absorbers
Authors: Gharabeiki Sevan , Farooq Muhammad Uzair , Wang Taowen , Sood Mohit , Melchiorre Michele , Kaufmann Christian A , Redinger Alex , Siebentritt Susanne
Published: July 2024

The presence of Urbach tails in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGSe) absorbers has been identified as a limiting factor for the performance of the CIGSe solar cells. The tail states contribute to both radiative and non-radiative recombination processes, ultimately leading to a reduction in the open-circuit voltage and, consequently, decreasing the overall efficiency of CIGSe devices. Urbach tails result from structural and thermal disorders. The Urbach tails can be characterized by the Urbach energy, which is associated with the magnitude of the tail states. Within polycrystalline CIGSe absorbers, grain boundaries can be considered as structural disorder and, therefore, can potentially contribute to the Urbach tails. In fact, it has been proposed that the band bending at grain boundaries contribute significantly to the tail states. This study focuses on examining the correlation between Urbach tails and the band bending at the grain boundaries. The Urbach energies of the CIGSe samples are extracted from photoluminescence (PL) measurements, which reveal that the introduction of Sodium (Na) into the material can lead to a reduction in the Urbach energy, and an even further decrease can be achieved through the RbF post-deposition treatment. The band bending at the grain boundaries is investigated by Kelvin probe force microscopy measurements. A thorough statistical analysis of more than 340 grain boundaries does not show any correlation between Urbach tails and grain boundaries. We measure small band bending values at the grain boundaries, in the range of the thermal energy (26 meV at room temperature). Furthermore, our intensity dependent PL measurements indicate that Urbach tails are, at least in part, a result of electrostatic potential fluctuations. This supports the model that the introduction of alkali elements mainly decreases the magnitude of electrostatic potential fluctuations, resulting in a subsequent reduction in the Urbach energy.
The Bismut-Zhang embedding formula of APS reduced eta invariants: A simple and intrinsic geometrical proof
Authors: Elmrabty Adnane
Published: July 2024

We present a simple intrinsic geometrical proof of the Bismut-Zhang embedding formula of Atiyah-Patodi-Singer reduced eta invariants [Math. Ann. 295 (1993), pp. 661–684] by making use of geometric K-homology.
An optimal uniform modulus of continuity for harmonizable fractional stable motion
Authors: Ayache Antoine , Xiao Yimin
Published: July 2024

Non-Gaussian Harmonizable Fractional Stable Motion (HFSM) is a natural and important extension of the well-known Fractional Brownian Motion to the framework of heavy-tailed stable distributions. It was introduced several decades ago; however its properties are far from being completely understood. In our present paper we determine the optimal power of the logarithmic factor in a uniform modulus of continuity for HFSM, which solves an old open problem. The keystone of our strategy consists in Abel transforms of the LePage series expansions of the random coefficients of the wavelets series representation of HFSM. Our methodology can be extended to more general harmonizable stable processes and fields.
Introduction: The Psychology of Resistance in Violent and Repressive Contexts
Authors: Vollhardt Johanna Ray , Bou Zeineddine Fouad
Published: July 2024

In this chapter, we introduce the reader to the concepts discussed in the volume and provide a summary of the volume’s contributions. First, we offer definitions of resistance, violence, and repression to frame the scope of the volume. We discuss the book’s thematic structure and our rationale for this organization. We highlight the importance of the political, historical, and social contexts of resistance, as well as the heterogeneity and complexity of the psychological paths to participation in and strategies of resistance. We discuss the novel and unique aspects of each chapter, showing how they advance, extend, or challenge existing social psychological theories of resistance and broaden the scope of what is typically studied in the field. Finally, we discuss how we have designed the volume to make each chapter as accessible and practical as possible.
Jewish Resistance During the Holocaust: Influences on the Choice Between Individual and Collective Resistance Strategies
Authors: Vollhardt Johanna Ray , Bilewicz Michał
Published: July 2024

Resistance strategies in severely repressive, violent contexts such as genocide are multifaceted, and it is important to understand what distinguishes people who choose collective resistance (e.g., uprisings, partisan groups) or individual resistance strategies (e.g., escaping, hiding). This chapter discusses a content analysis of survivor testimonies from the Shoah Foundation Visual History Archive that examined this question, based on a matched comparison of 170 Holocaust survivors involved in collective or individual resistance. Our findings suggest the importance of social and contextual influences and experiences before and during the genocide—for instance, political family socialization and prior political participation and ideology, resistance role models, the type of imprisonment, direct exposure to mass killings and traumatic family losses, and family responsibilities. Overall, we suggest broadening the scope of resistance in research on severely repressive and violent contexts, and going beyond psychological processes to analyze specific circumstances that shape how people resist.
Comparison of 3 methods characterizing H2S exposure in water and wastewater management work
Authors: Austigard Åse Dalseth , Smedbold Hans Thore , von Hirsch Svendsen Kristin
Published: July 2024

This study evaluates the effectiveness of self-assessed exposure (SAE) data collection for characterization of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) risks in water and wastewater management, challenging the adequacy of traditional random or campaign sampling strategies. We compared 3 datasets derived from distinct strategies: expert data with activity metadata (A), SAE without metadata (B), and SAE with logbook metadata (C). The findings reveal that standard practices of random sampling (dataset A) fail to capture the sporadic nature of H2S exposure. Instead, SAE methods enhanced by logbook metadata and supported by reliable detection and calibration infrastructure (datasets B and C) are more effective. When assessing risk, particularly peak exposure risks, it is crucial to adopt measures that capture exposure variability, such as the range and standard deviations. This finer assessment is vital where high H2S peaks occur in confined spaces. Risk assessment should incorporate indices that account for peak exposure, utilizing variability measures like range and standard or geometric standard deviation to reflect the actual risk more accurately. For large datasets, a histogram is just as useful as statistical measures. This approach has revealed that not only wastewater workers but also water distribution network workers, can face unexpectedly high H2S levels when accessing confined underground spaces. Our research underscores the need for continuous monitoring with personal electrochemical gas detector alarm systems, particularly in environments with variable and potentially hazardous exposure levels.
The use of droplet-based microfluidic technologies for accelerated selection of Yarrowia lipolytica and Phaffia rhodozyma yeast mutants
Authors: Mika Taras , Kalnins Martins , Spalvins Kriss
Published: July 2024

Microorganisms are widely used for the industrial production of various valuable products, such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, biofuels, enzymes, amino acids, vaccines, etc. Research is constantly carried out to improve their properties, mainly to increase their productivity and efficiency and reduce the cost of the processes. The selection of microorganisms with improved qualities takes a lot of time and resources (both human and material); therefore, this process itself needs optimization. In the last two decades, microfluidics technology appeared in bioengineering, which allows for manipulating small particles (from tens of microns to nanometre scale) in the flow of liquid in microchannels. The technology is based on small-volume objects (microdroplets from nano to femtolitres), which are manipulated using a microchip. The chip is made of an optically transparent inert to liquid medium material and contains a series of channels of small size (<1 mm) of certain geometry. Based on the physical and chemical properties of microparticles (like size, weight, optical density, dielectric constant, etc.), they are separated using microsensors. The idea of accelerated selection of microorganisms is the application of microfluidic technologies to separate mutants with improved qualities after mutagenesis. This article discusses the possible application and practical implementation of microfluidic separation of mutants, including yeasts like Yarrowia lipolytica and Phaffia rhodozyma after chemical mutagenesis will be discussed.
Spatial selectivity of ATase inhibition in mouse models of Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease
Authors: Fernandez-Fuente Gonzalo , Farrugia Mark A , Peng Yajing , Schneider Andrew , Svaren John , Puglielli Luigi
Published: July 2024

The endoplasmic reticulum acetylation machinery has emerged as a new branch of the larger endoplasmic reticulum quality control system. It regulates the selection of correctly folded polypeptides as well as reticulophagy-mediated removal of toxic protein aggregates with the former being a particularly important aspect of the proteostatic functions of endoplasmic reticulum acetylation. Essential to this function is the Nε-lysine acetyltransferase activity of acetyltransferase 1 and acetyltransferase 2, which regulates the induction of endoplasmic reticulum–specific autophagy through the acetylation of the autophagy-related protein 9A. Here, we used three mouse models of Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease, peripheral myelin protein 22/Tr-J, C3-peripheral myelin protein 22 and myelin protein zero/ttrr, to study spatial and translational selectivity of endoplasmic reticulum acetyltransferase inhibitors. The results show that inhibition of the endoplasmic reticulum acetyltransferases selectively targets misfolding/pro-aggregating events occurring in the lumen of the organelle. Therefore, they establish acetyltransferase 1 and acetyltransferase 2 as the first proven targets for disease-causing proteotoxic states that initiate within the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum/secretory pathway.
Viability and integrity of Pinus densiflora seeds stored for 20 years at three different temperatures
Authors: Gu Da-Eun , Han Sim-Hee , Kang Kyu-Suk
Published: July 2024

Storage temperature is one of the most important factors determining seed longevity in the genebank. This study aimed to investigate the effect of storage temperature on the seed viability and physiological integrity after a 20-year storage period of Pinus densiflora, a tree species of ecological and economic significance in South Korea. To this end, seeds were collected and stored dry for 20 years at −18°C, 4°C and 25°C. Germination tests were conducted to assess seed viability and vigour, electrolyte leakage analysis was performed to assess cell membrane integrity, and carbohydrate analysis was conducted to assess metabolic integrity during germination. The results revealed that over 20 years, seeds stored at −18°C maintained a high germination percentage (GP; 89%), comparable to initial GP (91%), whilst those stored at 4°C exhibited a decline in GP (44%) along with a decrease in vigour. Seeds stored at 25°C lost their viability entirely. Electrical conductivity of the leachate and leakage of inorganic compounds and soluble sugars were higher with elevated storage temperature, indicating increased imbibition damage. Additionally, changes in carbohydrate content during germination revealed that the loss of viability according to storage temperature is associated with reduced storage reserve utilization and altered carbohydrate metabolism during germination. These results enhance our understanding of the effect of seed storage temperature on longevity and physiological changes of aging in the genebank, serving as a reference for establishing conservation strategies for Pinus densiflora.
Distributional and climate implications of policy responses to energy price shocks
Authors: Fetzer Thiemo , Gazze Ludovica , Bishop Menna
Published: July 2024

Which households are most affected by energy price shocks? How do interventions in energy markets affect these patterns? To investigate these questions, this paper introduces a measurement framework that leverages granular property-level data representing more than 50% of the English and Welsh housing stock. This framework will form the basis for current and future studies on the heterogeneous effects of the energy crisis more broadly. We find that the energy price shock has a more pronounced effect on relatively more affluent areas where energy use is higher at baseline. We document that commonly used untargeted interventions in energy markets significantly weaken market price signals for able-to-pay households. Alternative, more targeted policies are cheaper, easily implementable, and could better align energy-saving incentives.
Benefits of upgrading right ventricular to biventricular pacing in heart failure patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Merkely Béla , Hatala Robert , Merkel Eperke , Szigeti Mátyás , Veres Boglárka , Fábián Alexandra , Osztheimer István , Gellér László , Sasov Michal , Wranicz Jerzy K , Földesi Csaba , Duray Gábor , Solomon Scott D , Kutyifa Valentina , Kovács Attila , Kosztin Annamária
Published: July 2024

Aims

Recommendations on cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in patients with atrial fibrillation or flutter (AF) are based on less robust evidence than those in sinus rhythm (SR). We aimed to assess the efficacy of CRT upgrade in the BUDAPEST-CRT Upgrade trial population by their baseline rhythm.

Methods and results

Heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and previously implanted pacemaker (PM) or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and ≥20% right ventricular (RV) pacing burden were randomized to CRT with defibrillator (CRT-D) upgrade (n = 215) or ICD (n = 145). Primary [HF hospitalization (HFH), all-cause mortality, or <15% reduction of left ventricular end-systolic volume] and secondary outcomes were investigated. At enrolment, 131 (36%) patients had AF, who had an increased risk for HFH as compared with those with SR [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 2.99; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26–7.13; P = 0.013]. The effect of CRT-D upgrade was similar in patients with AF as in those with SR [AF adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.06; 95% CI 0.02–0.17; P < 0.001; SR aOR 0.13; 95% CI 0.07–0.27; P < 0.001; interaction P = 0.29] during the mean follow-up time of 12.4 months. Also, it decreased the risk of HFH or all-cause mortality (aHR 0.33; 95% CI 0.16–0.70; P = 0.003; interaction P = 0.17) and improved the echocardiographic response (left ventricular end-diastolic volume difference −49.21 mL; 95% CI −69.10 to −29.32; P < 0.001; interaction P = 0.21).

Conclusion

In HFrEF patients with AF and PM/ICD with high RV pacing burden, CRT-D upgrade decreased the risk of HFH and improved reverse remodelling when compared with ICD, similar to that seen in patients in SR.
Colorectal cancer and inulin supplementation: the good, the bad, and the unhelpful
Authors: Oliero Manon , Alaoui Ahmed Amine , McCartney Claire , Santos Manuela M
Published: July 2024

The prebiotic inulin has been vaunted for its potential to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Inulin fermentation resulting in the production of short-chain fatty acids, primarily butyrate, has been reported to be associated with properties that are beneficial for gut health and has led to an increased consumption of inulin in the Western population through processed food and over-the-counter dietary supplements. However, in clinical trials, there is limited evidence of the efficacy of inulin in preventing colorectal cancer. Moreover, recent data suggest that improper inulin consumption may even be harmful for gastro-intestinal health under certain circumstances. The main objective of this review is to provide insight into the beneficial and potentially detrimental effects of inulin supplementation in the context of colorectal cancer prevention and enhancement of treatment efficacy.
From PERFORM to PERFORM2Scale: lessons from scaling-up a health management strengthening intervention to support Universal Health Coverage in three African countries
Authors: Raven Joanna , Mansour Wesam , Aikins Moses , Bulthuis Susan , Chikaphupha Kingsley , Dieleman Marjolein , Kok Maryse , Martineau Tim , Ssengooba Freddie , Wyss Kaspar , Vallières Frédérique
Published: July 2024

Strengthening management and leadership competencies among district and local health managers has emerged as a common approach for health systems strengthening and to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC). While the literature is rich with localized examples of initiatives that aim to strengthen the capacity of district or local health managers, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, considerably less attention is paid to the science of ‘how’ to scale-up these initiatives. The aim of this paper is thus to examine the ‘process’ of scaling-up a management strengthening intervention (MSI) and identify new knowledge and key lessons learned that can be used to inform the scale-up process of other complex health interventions, in support of UHC. Qualitative methods were used to identify lessons learned from scaling-up the MSI in Ghana, Malawi and Uganda. We conducted 14 interviews with district health management team (DHMT) members, three scale-up assessments with 20 scale-up stakeholders, and three reflection discussions with 11 research team members. We also kept records of activities throughout MSI and scale-up implementation. Data were recorded, transcribed and analysed against the Theory of Change to identify both scale-up outcomes and the factors affecting these outcomes. The MSI was ultimately scaled-up across 27 districts. Repeated MSI cycles over time were found to foster greater feelings of autonomy among DHMTs to address longstanding local problems, a more innovative use of existing resources without relying on additional funding and improved teamwork. The use of ‘resource teams’ and the emergence of MSI ‘champions’ were instrumental in supporting scale-up efforts. Challenges to the sustainability of the MSI include limited government buy-in and lack of sustained financial investment.
Who is seeking information about traumatic brain injury? Characterizing online course participants
Authors: Fair Hannah , Doust Yasmine V , Bye Nicole , Vickers James C , Padgett Christine , Ziebell Jenna M
Published: July 2024

Accessible, up-to-date information on traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be challenging to find and is needed to address TBI knowledge gaps and improve outcomes for people who experience a TBI. The Understanding TBI Massive Open Online Course (TBI MOOC) was developed to increase TBI knowledge across a diverse global audience. We sought to characterize the TBI MOOC participant cohort, to understand the reach of the course among this target audience. Examining the characteristics of TBI MOOC enrollees showed that participants came from a wide range of demographic backgrounds, had a variety of TBI experiences and had multiple reasons for enrolling in the MOOC. The majority of course participants shared some characteristics with other groups of health information seekers. Four distinct demographic profiles were identified among TBI MOOC participants (education seekers, TBI-aware participants, TBI care providers and retirees) using a novel approach combining chi-squared tests and network modularity. Participants assigned to the TBI-aware and retiree profiles were most likely to complete all modules of the MOOC, and the TBI-aware profile was more highly represented in more recent iterations of the MOOC. Together, these data indicate that the TBI MOOC provided information to a wide range of people, and particularly engaged participants with personal or family experience of TBI. However, engagement with this course was minimal among some hard-to-reach populations, including men and people with low levels of education, indicating that additional strategies are needed to ensure equity in health promotion.
Epidemiology of neural tube defects in Finland: a nationwide register study 1987–2018
Authors: Lempinen Jenny , Koskimies-Virta Eeva , Kauppala Tuuli , Malm Heli , Gissler Mika , Kiuru-Kuhlefelt Sonja , Ritvanen Annukka , Leinonen Maarit K
Published: July 2024

Background

Our aim was to evaluate the prevalence, mortality, regional and sex distribution of neural tube defects (NTDs) in Finland.

Methods

Data for this population-based study were collected from 1987 to 2018 from the national health and social welfare registers.

Results

There were in total 1634 cases of NTDs, of which 511 were live births, 72 pregnancies ended in stillbirth and 1051 were terminations of pregnancy due to fetal anomaly (TOPFA). The total prevalence of NTDs was 8.6 per 10 000 births and it increased slightly annually (OR 1.008; 95% CI: 1.002, 1.013) during the 32-year study period. The birth prevalence of NTDs decreased (OR 0.979; 95% CI: 0.970, 0.987), but the prevalence of TOPFA increased annually (OR 1.024; 95% CI 1.017, 1.031). The perinatal mortality of NTD children was 260.7 per 1000 births and the infant mortality was 184.0 per 1000 live births, whereas these measures in the general population were 4.6 per 1000 births and 3.3 per 1000 live births, respectively. There was no difference in the NTD prevalence between males and females (P-value 0.77). The total prevalence of NTDs varied from 7.1 to 9.4 per 10 000 births in Finland by region.

Conclusions

Although the majority of NTDs are preventable with an adequate folic acid supplementation, the total prevalence increased in Finland during the study period when folic acid supplementation was mainly recommended to high-risk families and to women with folic acid deficiency. NTDs remain an important cause of infant morbidity and mortality in Finland.
Measuring the overall development of patient safety in a new hospital using trigger tools
Authors: Adamovic Ivan , Dahlem Peter , Brachmann Johannes
Published: July 2024

The new building of the Hospital in Lichtenfels (Germany) was put into operation in mid-July 2018. Neither the medical personnel nor medical departments have been changed. We want to evaluate how ‘safe’ or ‘insecure’ the new hospital or department in the beginning might have been. Our objective is to investigate if safety decreases at the beginning in a new hospital, despite modern environments and conditions. Adverse events (AEs) associated with treatment were included to evaluate the total number of AEs resulting from medical care and medications. Patients’ records had to be closed and completed, the length of stay had to be at least 24 h, and the patient had to have been formally admitted to the hospital [Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) ‘Global Trigger Tool’ (GTT) recommendation]. The identified AEs were grouped into 27 categories of the IHI ‘GTT’. We randomly reviewed 40 patient records per month 6 months before and 6 months after moving to the new hospital. Statistical analysis showed that there was no significant difference in individual AEs. The sum of AEs was statistically higher after moving into a new hospital. A complete number of harms did reach statistical significance (χ2 = 6.62; df = 1; P < .05; Cramer’s V = 0.12), indicating that new environments ‘trigger’ significantly more potential errors (50%) in comparison to the old environments (38.33%). According to our findings, the new hospital appears to be slightly insecure in the first 6 months after opening.
Evaluating ChatGPT’s moral competence in health care-related ethical problems
Authors: Rashid Ahmed A , Skelly Ryan A , Valdes Carlos A , Patel Pruthvi P , Solberg Lauren B , Giordano Christopher R , Modave François
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Artificial intelligence tools such as Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) have been used for many health care-related applications; however, there is a lack of research on their capabilities for evaluating morally and/or ethically complex medical decisions. The objective of this study was to assess the moral competence of ChatGPT.

Materials and methods

This cross-sectional study was performed between May 2023 and July 2023 using scenarios from the Moral Competence Test (MCT). Numerical responses were collected from ChatGPT 3.5 and 4.0 to assess individual and overall stage scores, including C-index and overall moral stage preference. Descriptive analysis and 2-sided Student’s t-test were used for all continuous data.

Results

A total of 100 iterations of the MCT were performed and moral preference was found to be higher in the latter Kohlberg-derived arguments. ChatGPT 4.0 was found to have a higher overall moral stage preference (2.325 versus 1.755) when compared to ChatGPT 3.5. ChatGPT 4.0 was also found to have a statistically higher C-index score in comparison to ChatGPT 3.5 (29.03 ± 11.10 versus 19.32 ± 10.95, P =.0000275).

Discussion

ChatGPT 3.5 and 4.0 trended towards higher moral preference for the latter stages of Kohlberg’s theory for both dilemmas with C-indices suggesting medium moral competence. However, both models showed moderate variation in C-index scores indicating inconsistency and further training is recommended.

Conclusion

ChatGPT demonstrates medium moral competence and can evaluate arguments based on Kohlberg’s theory of moral development. These findings suggest that future revisions of ChatGPT and other large language models could assist physicians in the decision-making process when encountering complex ethical scenarios.