bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of electromagnetic radiation on transient properties of superconducting channels
Authors: Churilov G. E. , Dikin D. A. , Dmitriev V. M. , Svetlov V. N.
Published: January 2025

The dependence of the non-Josephson generation frequency in superconducting films on the frequency and amplitude of the external electromagnetic signal is experimentally investigated. It is shown that for fp ≫ fg, the change in the vibration frequency correlates with the effect of the external signal on Δ in accordance with the model representations [G. A. Gogadze, Fiz. Nizk. Temp. 12, 1102 (1986); G. A. Gogadze et al., in: Abstracts of Papers of 24th All-Union Conf. on Low Temp. Phys. Tbilisi (1986)]. Resonance is observed in superconducting channels under the action of a direct transport current equal to the generation current. In this case, the superconducting film displays at frequencies fp ∼ fg properties inherent in a parametric system.
Free particles in the Emery–Reiter HTS model
Authors: Kopeliovich A. I.
Published: January 2025

In spite of the strong interaction with the spin system at copper atoms, mobile holes in CuO2 planes in HTS materials are shown to be nearly free quasiparticles for a certain relation between energy parameters.
Diffusive creep in low-density hcp crystals of 4He
Authors: Dyumin N. E. , Zuev N. V. , Grigor’ev V. N.
Published: January 2025

The diffusive creep rate of solid 4He for a molar volume 20.65 cm3 has been measured in the temperature range 1.70–1.32 K. It is found that the creep rate decreases sharply upon a decrease in temperature, and its magnitude varies by a factor of four from crystal to crystal. The self-diffusion coefficient of 4He and the vacancy diffusion coefficient have been determined. It is shown that in the investigated temperature interval, diffusion processes can be described in the framework of classical concepts about the nature of vacancy movement taking into account the anisotropy along the principal axes of the hcp lattice of 4He.
Nonlinear effects in the conductivity of PrNi5 contacts in a strong magnetic field
Authors: Naidyuk Yu. G. , Reiffers M. , Jansen A. G. M. , Wyder P. , Yanson I. K.
Published: January 2025

Magnetoresistance of point contacts based on polycrystalline PrNi5 is measured and a new method is proposed for determining the constriction parameters (its diameter and electron mean free path). These contacts are also used for observing the Zeeman splitting of the energy levels of Pr3+ ion in PrNi5 and the processes of consecutive excitation of two Pr3+ ions by an electron in the region of the microconstriction.
Surface electron excitation of second sound in He II
Authors: Kirichek O. I. , Mikhailov G. A.
Published: January 2025

The conduction of surface electrons localized at the superfluid helium surface is investigated under superheating of the electron layer. It is shown that a resonance-type singularity is observed in the dependence of conductivity on confining field. This singularity is due to the excitation of second sound in helium by the surface electron layer, the wavelength of the second sound being a multiple of the thickness of the liquid layer above the electrode. This method of excitation can be used in designing sensors ensuring second sound generation under low heat release.
Magnetoresistance oscillations in Bi–Sb superlattices
Authors: Aminov B. A. , Akhmedov S. Sh. , Sham Do Thi , Kondratenko V. V. , Ponomarev Ya. G. , Tennakun A. B. , Fedorenko A. I.
Published: January 2025

The behavior of magnetoresistance ρ(H) in Bi–Sb superlattices is studied in a wide range of magnetic fields. Magnetoresistance oscillations are found to depend on the external magnetic field component which is normal to the superlattice plane. The experimental results suggest that the observed oscillations of ρ(H) are of the Aharonov–Bohm type.
Molecular cryocrystals under pressure (a review)
Authors: Freiman Yu. A.
Published: January 2025

Molecular cryocrystals (nitrogen, oxygen, fluorine, carbon monoxide and dioxide, etc.) belong to the simplest molecular systems undergoing phase transitions in the solid state. Investigations carried out during the last decades in the field of high and ultrahigh pressures, which have become possible owing to the diamond anvil technique and which allows attainment of pressures exceeding 1 Mbar and temperatures of 1000 K, have opened an astonishingly broad range of P–T phase diagrams of molecular cryocrystals. This article is a review of the entire body of the experimental data and theoretical results. The state-of-the-art of phase diagrams, structure and thermodynamic properties of solid phases, nature of phase transitions in the solid phase, and peculiarities of the melting curves of crystals of N2 type (N2, CO, CO2, N2O) and O2 type (O2 and F2) are discussed.
Isotopic effects in the heat capacity of solid hydrogens with central intermolecular interactions
Authors: Bagatskii M. I. , Minchina I. Ya. , Manzhelii V. G. , Muromtsev P. I. , Krivchikov A. I. , Parbuzin V. S.
Published: January 2025

Heat capacities of solid deuterohydrogen (0.5–6 K) and orthodeuterium (1–6 K) are measured at equilibrium vapor pressure. The limiting values of the Debye temperature Θ00 estimated at zero temperatures and pressure for these substances are found to be 115 ± 1.0 K and 111.4 ± 1.0 K, respectively. It is shown that for equal molar volumes of quantum crystals of para- and deuterohydrogen and orthodeuterium, the relation Θ0√μ = constant is satisfied, where μ is the molecular mass of a substance. The values of the Debye temperature for other hydrogen isotopes are estimated. The conversion rate constant (from orthohydrogen to deuterohydrogen) is found to be K = 8.0 × 10−3 · h−1.
Above-the-barrier motion of a dislocation in the nonlinear potential relief of crystal lattice under varying applied forces
Authors: Kamaev D. A. , Chernov V. M.
Published: January 2025

Viscous slip of a dislocation in the periodic nonlinear potential relief of the crystal lattice (the Peierls–Nabarro relief) is considered under a varying applied stress. The periodic component of the applied stress can sustain a time-periodic above-the-barrier motion of a dislocation initiated by some factors. The correlation between characteristics of above-the-barrier motion and the type of potential relief nonlinearity as well as the applied stress is determined. The possibility of determining the characteristics of the potential relief from experimental data is indicated.
Synthesis and physical properties of YBa2Cu3O7 single crystals
Authors: Obolenskii M. A. , Bondarenko A. V. , Beletskii V. I. , Morgun V. N. , Popov V. P. , Chebotaev N. N. , Panfilov A. S. , Smirnov A. I. , Mironov O. A. , Chistyakov S. V. , Skrylev I. Yu.
Published: January 2025

The growth of YBa2Cu3O7 single crystals at the surface of the melt under gradient conditions is described. The properties of the single crystals are studied extensively in normal and superconducting states. Experimental results suggest that a martensite-type transition occurs in the temperature region of 200–230 K. It is shown that the elastic properties and the coefficient of thermal expansion of the ceramic samples are controlled by the thermal activation processes. The fluctuation contribution to the electrical conductivity and the magnetic susceptibility is estimated from the temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity and the magnetic susceptibility anisotropy of the single crystals.
Resistive noise in superconducting oxide BaPb0.75Bi0.25O3
Authors: Gabovich A. M. , Kulikov V. A. , Matveets L. V. , Moiseev D. P. , Postnikov V. M.
Published: January 2025

The frequency spectrum of voltage fluctuations is measured for resistive Josephson samples of BaPb0.75Bi0.25O3 ceramic with Tc ≃ 10 K in external magnetic fields H ≤ 16.6 Oe at 4.2 K. It is shown that in the frequency range 20 Hz < f < 500 Hz, the spectral density Sv(f) is described by the function f−a, where α ≈ 1 for small H and ≃ 2–2.5 for H ≳ 10 Oe. For currents I ≥ 0.8 mA through the sample, the oscillations with a fundamental frequency f1 ≲ 100 Hz and several harmonics fi (i = 2,3) are observed. The flicker noise with α ≈ 1 is associated with the superconducting glass state. A transition to α ≈ 2 and generation of oscillations are apparently due to heating effects.
Effect of strong electron–phonon interaction on the nonphonon mechanism of superconductivity
Authors: Omel’yanchuk A. N. , Kulik I. O.
Published: January 2025

The change in the critical temperature of a superconductor due to the electron-phonon interaction (EPI) is calculated. The isotopic effect exponent α is found to be smaller than that obtained in the BCS theory; it differs from the classical value of 1/2 the more strongly, the higher the value of the ratio of the critical temperature Tc to the Debye temperature ΘD. The correction to the tunnel density of states of the superconductor is calculated, which is connected with the EPI characteristic function g(ω) and makes it possible to reconstruct this function through the measurement of the voltage dependence of the differential conductivity (the electron–phonon interaction spectroscopy of high-Tc superconductors).
Spin excitations in a homogeneous vacancion ferromagnet 3He
Authors: Vardanyan G. A. , Gaboyan G. M. , Saakyan A. S.
Published: January 2025

The spectrum of long-wave excitations in a homogeneous vacancion ferromagnet 3He is obtained by using the Landau–Lifshitz equation. The contribution of these excitations to the thermodynamic potential of the system and the three-dimensional correlation function of magnetization fluctuations are determined. The existence of thermodynamic potential anomaly near the 2 1/2-order phase transition is indicated.
Description of the thermal conductivity of high-temperature superconductors by using a simple model
Authors: Merisov B. A. , Khadzhai G. Ya. , Sologubenko A. V.
Published: January 2025

An approximation of the temperature dependence of thermal conductivity is proposed for yttrium-based high-Tc superconductors in a wide temperature range including the superconducting transition temperature. The phonon thermal conductivity is assumed to consist of “quasi-two-dimensional” and “three-dimensional” components. The electron contribution is taken into account both in thermal conductivity and in thermal resistivity.
Dingle oscillations of electrical conductivity of cylindrical conductors
Authors: Nedorezov S. S.
Published: January 2025

Dingle oscillations of electrical conductivity of cylindrical conductors in weak magnetic fields (H ≪ Hcutoff) are analyzed by taking into account the anisotropy of the Fermi surface (FS). A relation between the oscillations in longitudinal and tilted (with respect to the conductor axis) magnetic fields is established. It is shown that the FS anisotropy is responsible for oscillations equidistant along the magnetic field component transverse to the sample axis. As an application of the theory, electrons in cylindrical bismuth single crystals are considered.
Interaction of acoustic waves in conductors under stochastic conditions
Authors: Demikhovskii V. Ya. , Maksimova G. M.
Published: January 2025

The interaction between two acoustic waves is investigated under dynamic stochastization of resonance electrons. It is assumed that the waves propagate in the same or in opposite directions and generally have different polarizations. The stochastic component of the distribution function is determined from the Fokker–Planck equation taking into account the scattering by impurities. The attenuation and amplification coefficient are calculated for each interacting wave. It is shown that the attenuation (amplification) coefficients are smaller than the linear coefficient by a factor of b ≪ 1 (b is the squared ratio of the width ∼v˜ of the stochastization region to the diffusion velocity v0).
Spectrum and relaxation of spin waves in easy-plane antiferromagnetic semiconductors in strong electric fields
Authors: Gnedkov V. P. , Seminozhenko V. P. , Sobolev V. L.
Published: January 2025

The effect of a strong electric field on the spectrum and damping of spin waves in easy-plane antiferromagnetic semiconductors is considered for the case when the electron-magnon interaction is the main channel of magnon relaxation. It is shown that the electric field determines the kinetics of magnons in antiferromagnetic semiconductors to a considerable extent and noticeably renormalizes the spectra of spin waves.
Magnetoresistance anomaly in high-temperature superconducting perovskites
Authors: Glukhov A. M. , Dmitrenko I. M. , Pokhila A. S. , Fogel’ N. Ya.
Published: January 2025

A “stationary point” dividing two regions of the resistive transitions (in one of which the sensitivity of the resistance to magnetic field is low) is observed on the R(T) dependences for polycrystalline samples and monocrystalline films (with a magnetic field orientation parallel to the substrate) of YBa2Cu3Ox measured in different magnetic fields. The position of the stationary point is practically independent of H. These results indicate an extremely weak effect of the magnetic field on the resistance near the temperature Tc and cannot be explained by using conventional concepts concerning fluctuational phenomena in superconductors. The type of the resistive transition in superconducting perovskites is found to be closer to the percolation transition than to an ordinary second-order phase transition. The reason behind the observed peculiarities in the R(T) dependence lies in strong nonuniformities in Tc and in the contribution to the lowering of the resistance from solitary CuO planes displaying fluctuational superconductivity, but not coupled with one another through Josephson interactions.
Cryo-ET suggests tubulin chaperones form a subset of microtubule lumenal particles with a role in maintaining neuronal microtubules
Authors: Chakraborty Saikat , Martinez-Sanchez Antonio , Beck Florian , Toro-Nahuelpan Mauricio , Hwang In-Young , Noh Kyung-Min , Baumeister Wolfgang , Mahamid Julia
Published: January 2025

The functional architecture of the long-lived neuronal microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton is maintained by various MT-associated proteins (MAPs), most of which are known to bind to the MT outer surface. However, electron microscopy (EM) has long ago revealed the presence of particles inside the lumens of neuronal MTs, of yet unknown identity and function. Here, we use cryogenic electron tomography (cryo-ET) to analyze the three-dimensional (3D) organization and structures of MT lumenal particles in primary hippocampal neurons, human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived neurons, and pluripotent and differentiated P19 cells. We obtain in situ density maps of several lumenal particles from the respective cells and detect common structural features underscoring their potential overarching functions. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics combined with structural modeling suggest that a subset of lumenal particles could be tubulin-binding cofactors (TBCs) bound to tubulin monomers. A different subset of smaller particles, which remains unidentified, exhibits densities that bridge across the MT protofilaments. We show that increased lumenal particle concentration within MTs is concomitant with neuronal differentiation and correlates with higher MT curvatures. Enrichment of lumenal particles around MT lattice defects and at freshly polymerized MT open-ends suggests a MT protective role. Together with the identified structural resemblance of a subset of particles to TBCs, these results hint at a role in local tubulin proteostasis for the maintenance of long-lived neuronal MTs.
Genetic variability and association of traits in common bean (
Phaseolus vulgaris
L.) genotypes in Sekota, North Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Assefa Abebe , Mekonnen Dereje , Bantayehu Muluken , Asres Fentaw
Published: January 2025

Common bean (
Phaseolus vulgaris L.
) is one of the most important pulse crops in Ethiopia, contributing to income generation and food security. Information on the genetic variability and trait associations of common bean in the Sekota district of north Eastern Ethiopia is inadequate. This study was initiated with the objective of assessing variability, heritability and trait association among 64 common bean genotypes for quantitative traits using 8×8 simple lattice design at Sekota Dryland Agricltural Reseach site, Aybra main research site during 2023 under rain-fed conditions. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed using SAS software. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed highly significant variations among genotypes for all the traits considered in the study. The yield ranged from 1633.1 to 3702.10 kg ha
−1
with a mean of 2542.53 kg ha
−1
. There was a yield advantage of 24.56 to 55.89% over the checks. Pod per plant had high genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation, high heritability and genetic advance as the percentage of the mean. A moderate genotypic coefficient of variation coupled with high heritability and high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean was obtained for plant height, the number of branches per plant, 100 seed weight, seed yield, and harvest index. The number of branches per plant, aboveground biomass and harvest index had significant positive correlations on seed yield at the genotypic and phenotypic levels while days to maturity had a significant negative correlation with seed yield at the genotypic level. Generally, the presence of variability and strong positive association of traits among the genotypes were observed in the traits under study at both the genotypic and phenotypic levels. Therefore, selection based on agronomic performance and hybridization on trait correlation could be possible for the improvement of common bean in the study area.
Machine-learning insights into the mechanical strength of methane hydrate–silica interfaces
Authors: Liu Xintong , Zhang Yu , Shi Qiao , Qu Yongxiao , Hao Yongchao , Fu Yuequn , Zhang Zhisen , Wu Jianyang
Published: January 2025

Gas hydrate-bearing sediments (GHBSs), which naturally occur in permafrost and seafloor environments, play a vital role in the safe and efficient development of hydrates and the prevention of seafloor geohazards. Understanding the interfacial mechanics between natural gas hydrates and sedimentary minerals is paramount for evaluating the mechanical stability of methane hydrate reservoirs. Here, we predict the growth of methane hydrates on 115 silica surfaces with diverse wetting characteristics by varying the ratio and spatial arrangement of hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups, and explore the interfacial mechanical behaviors of methane hydrate-silica systems via high-throughput microsecond molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Our findings reveal that the ratio and spatial distribution of hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups on silica surfaces dictate the interfacial microstructures, including hydrogen bonds, contact angle, and clathrate cage, thereby influencing the interfacial strength. Using the MD results and microstructural information, four machine-learning (ML) models are developed to predict the interfacial mechanical properties. Notably, extreme gradient boosting emerges as the ML model with the best prediction performance for hydrate–silica interface systems. The number of hydrogen bonds is identified as the most sensitive factor affecting interfacial mechanical properties, followed by the contact angle of methane bubbles, the arrangement of hydroxyl groups, and finally the percentage of hydroxyl groups on silica surfaces. These findings underscore the crucial role of interfacial microstructures in governing interfacial mechanics of GHBS systems on Earth.
Broadband and reconfigurable sound ventilation barriers at low-frequency with phase-gradient metamaterials
Authors: Li Nian , Wang Shaonan , Wang Shuxia , Huang Yingzhou , Wang Li
Published: January 2025

Acoustic metamaterials that enable sound insulation while maintaining excellent ventilation performance are of great interest. However, their bandwidth is typically very narrow, especially for low-frequency sounds. In this study, we propose a novel ventilated sound-proof acoustic metamaterial consisting of a phase-gradient array with space-coiling structures arranged within a square air passage. Due to the subwavelength response of the space-coiling structures (0.35λ in the direction of ventilation), effective sound insulation is achieved in the low-frequency range (

<

500 Hz). The underlying physics can be attributed to anomalous reflection caused by the phase-gradient design, rather than the conventional mechanism of local resonance dissipation. Although the phase-gradient condition is only strictly satisfied at a specific frequency, the frequency range of sound transmission loss (STL) larger than 10 dB still extends to 452–553 Hz. The STL is even higher for obliquely incident sound waves and its performance can be further improved with the hybrid or folding structures. These findings open new avenues for applications, such as noise reduction in air vents of green buildings and machine cooling systems.
Design of a compact millimeter-wave elliptic low-pass filter with wide stopband and tunable features for precision millimeter-wave measurement systems
Authors: Zuo Zhong-hao
Published: January 2025

This study introduces a compact suspended microstrip low-pass filter for millimeter-wave applications, leveraging an I/O coupling structure to achieve a wide stopband and a high roll-off rate (ROR). The filter’s I/O coupling lines create additional transmission zeros (TZs) outside the passband, allowing precise control over these zeros’ placement and significantly enhancing stopband performance. With six TZs in the stopband, four can be flexibly tuned without affecting the ROR and passband width, enabling adaptable stopband bandwidth. The filter demonstrates a −3 dB cutoff at 42 GHz, an 81 GHz stopband (with 20 dB suppression), and a ROR of 5.29 dB GHz−1 representing an eightfold improvement over conventional filters in this frequency range. Additionally, the filter maintains exceptional performance in the passband, with shallow insertion loss (IL

<

0.2 dB) and high return loss (RL

>

25 dB), and the overall size of the filter is 1.35 × 2.54 mm, all within a compact design ideal for high-performance millimeter-wave applications.
Static equilibrium of an inclined block of wood
Authors: Cross Rod
Published: January 2025

A simple experiment is described where a uniform block of wood was supported at rest using a ball near one end and a weighing scale at the other end. When the block is inclined at an angle to the horizontal, the problem is similar to that of a ladder leaning against a wall but is easier to describe theoretically.
A chronological review of heat transfer enhancement using inserts in channel flows
Authors: Jadhao Rohit Rajendra , Chitragar Parashuram , Kamble Dattatray
Published: January 2025

Heat transfer enhancement has become an important research area to improve the efficiency of thermal systems. This chronological review focuses on approaches for heat transfer enhancement by incorporating inputs into strategies. An in-depth review has been carried out with inserts such as twisted tapes, turbulators, vortex generators, dimple surfaces and porous materials to improve heat transfer in a variety of applications like heat exchangers, renewable energy devices, automotive systems and electronic cooling systems. A comprehensive literature review across several decades was conducted to examine the progress in improving heat transfer efficiency. Various numerical, analytical and experimental methods used in the study were examined to correct the processes and effects of different insert designs. The study includes various insert geometries, structures and materials providing a detailed analysis of the state-of-the-art in heat transfer enhancement. The review highlights key findings from studies of various inputs and their effects on heat transfer enhancement. It provides insight into efficiency metrics such as the Nusselt number, coefficient of heat transfer and pressure drop associated with each insertion method. In addition, the chronological presentation allows trends and improvements to be identified in insert-based heat transfer enhancement over the years. The results in various applications show the effectiveness of certain insert geometries and configurations in improving heat transfer performance. This chronological analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the progress in heat transfer enhancement through the use of different approaches. Knowledge gathered from various studies demonstrates the potential of insert-based methods to significantly improve the thermal conductivity of various thermal systems. Insights gained from this study can guide future research efforts, contributing to efficient and sustainable heat transfer technologies that have been developed. The conclusion highlights the importance of continued research in this area to address the growing challenges of thermal management and energy efficiency.
Digitization and Evaluation of Spectrograms from ϵ Aurigae’s 1928–1930 Eclipse
Authors: Escapa I. , Babnigg Daniel , Do Ha , Kovach-Fuentes Rachel , Kron Richard G. , Learmonth Harper , Martinez Michael , Ortiz Nicole Millan
Published: January 2025

We have digitized 24 spectrograms from the 1928 to 1930 eclipse of ϵ Aurigae, a binary system that has generated extensive investigation due to its long 27.1 yr period and enigmatic secondary, which is completely obscured. The spectrograms that we have digitized comprise the earliest campaign undertaken by the Yerkes Observatory astronomers to record an eclipse of ϵ Aurigae. In this article, we describe our methods of digitization and compare our data with more contemporary spectrogram digitizations. This work demonstrates the quality of scientific data extracted from historical analog material to expand the range of time-domain astronomy. The calibrated spectra are made available via OCHRE, a comprehensive research database, for public use.
Review on imaging and sensing with holography
Authors: Tahara Tatsuki , Shimobaba Tomoyoshi , Kozawa Yuichi
Published: January 2025

We review holography techniques related to imaging and sensing. Holography has been actively researched as three-dimensional (3D) imaging and 3D display techniques. Because of the successive evolutions of electronic and optical devices, digital holographic and quantitative 3D measurements with high accuracy and realistic 3D motion-picture image display without glasses have been realized. Moreover, holography has led to breakthroughs in various applications in the fields of measurement and processing through the development of holographic light-wave modulation techniques. We briefly introduce various applications of holography and then review imaging and sensing techniques with holography, focusing on quantitative phase imaging with daily-use light, spatially incoherent digital holography, holographic display, and microscopy with holographic light modulation.
Shape engineering and manufacturing of piezoceramics for energy conversion - a review
Authors: Selicani Guilherme Victor , Mobin Mahmoud , Esposito Vincenzo , Insinga Andrea Roberto , Haugen Astri Bjørnetun
Published: January 2025

Piezoelectric ceramics are widely used for energy conversion in devices like transducers and energy harvesters because they can convert mechanical energy to electrical energy and vice versa. The recent development of additive manufacturing (3D printing) techniques, along with advances in modeling and optimisation methods, has led to the creation of geometrically complex piezoceramics. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the importance of piezoelectric element shapes in the energy conversion process. It covers the main devices discussed in the literature, focusing on the geometry of piezoelectric ceramics. The reviewed works include traditional designs such as multilayers, benders, composites, and mechanical amplifiers, as well as non-traditional shapes like tubes, spirals, helices, shells, topologically optimised piezo elements, and metamaterials. We discuss the general effects of shape on piezoelectric ceramics, modeling approaches for piezoelectric ceramics at the macroscale, and typical optimisation techniques used in design. The most common energy conversion figures of merit for material and device designs are examined, considering application-specific requirements for energy harvesters, ultrasound transducers, hydrophones, robotics, and other common applications. The limitations of traditional processing techniques and the potential of new additive manufacturing methods are also discussed. This article offers a broad understanding of past piezoelectric device and material designs, providing engineers with a foundation for 3D printing innovative new shapes. Ultimately, we offer perspectives on the control and development of piezoceramic shapes.
Beyond Basque Country
Authors: Argomaniz Javier
Published: January 2025

The final chapter tests the external validity of the Basque case by integrating insights from other contexts involving non-state armed groups into a broader discussion about civilian actors’ role in these conflicts. Here, the analysis draws on research from the peace and conflict field of civil society peacebuilding to contextualize the findings and explore the different ways in which civilian actors can contribute to conflict resolution. The chapter discusses the enabling and disenabling factors that help explain civil society organizations’ (in)effectiveness in peacebuilding work. It compares the Basque experience with its closest case, Northern Ireland, and explains how these factors determine the different trajectories of their peace movements and why there are other important considerations that the literature has ignored when trying to explain the success or failure of civil society peacebuilding. The chapter concludes by discussing the practical implications of the findings and suggesting further avenues of research.
Effect of Synchronized Radiofrequency and High-Intensity Facial Electrical Stimulation (HIFES) of the Upper Face
Authors: Frank Konstantin , Kaye Kai O , Casabona Gabriela , Glaue Emily , Zeng Rui , Moellhoff Nicholas , Brebant Vanessa , Prantl Lukas , Alfertshofer Michael , Cotofana Sebastian
Published: January 2025

Background

Effects of upper facial aging can present as static forehead and periorbital rhytids as well as soft tissue volume loss. The latter can prompt in conjunct with bony changes of the calvaria eyebrow and eyelid ptosis. Injection-based treatments can yield positive outcomes but are not free of procedural risks.

Objectives

To assess the clinical outcome of synchronized radiofrequency (RF) and high intensity facial electric stimulation (HIFES) when targeting the upper face with special focus on the effects of musculature, subcutaneous fatty layer, and eyebrow position.

Methods

This non-randomized, prospective study included 37 subjects with a mean age of 45.46 years and a mean BMI of 21.84 kg/m2. Subjects received four synchronized RF and HIFES treatments spaced seven days apart. Efficacy measurements were taken at 4-, 16-, and 24-weeks post-treatment using three-dimensional surface imaging, surface electromyography (EMG), and high-resolution facial ultrasound.

Results

Forehead and lateral canthal line severity improved statistically significantly at each follow-up visit when compared to baseline with all p<0.001. At week 24, the position of medial/central/lateral eyebrows increased by 3.18/3.02/2.27 mm when compared to baseline with p < 0.001, respectively. At week 24, no statistically significant changes were observed in the thickness of frontalis muscle or of the overlying fatty layer.

Conclusions

The application of synchronized RF and HIFES to the frontal region reduced frontal and lateral canthal rhytids and elevated the position of the eyebrow until week 24 after the initial treatment. Based on the results obtained, this non-invasive energy-based treatment option could be a viable alternative to injectable treatments of the upper face when trying to ameliorate the signs of upper facial aging.
Utilizing Artificial Intelligence for Predicting Postoperative Complications in Breast Reduction Surgery: A Comprehensive Retrospective Analysis of Predictive Features and Outcomes
Authors: Shoham Gon , Zuckerman Tom , Fliss Ehud , Govrin Orel , Zaretski Arik , Singolda Roei , Kedar Daniel J , Leshem David , Madah Ehab , Arad Ehud , Barnea Yoav
Published: January 2025

Background

Breast reduction is a common procedure with growing rates in the USA, aimed at alleviating the physical and psychological burdens of macromastia. Despite high success rates, it carries a risk of complications, with incidence rates ranging from 6.2% to 43%.

Objectives

The authors developed a machine learning model using gradient-boosting decision trees to predict severe breast reduction complications up to 30 days following surgery requiring inpatient care.

Methods

This retrospective study included 322 cases of breast reduction surgery performed at the Tel Aviv Medical Center from 2017 to 2024. Model performance was evaluated using 5-fold cross-validation, and key metrics such as area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were reported. An interpretability tool was also created to visualize complication risks based on clinical features.

Results

Severe complications occurred in 7.4% of cases. Key predictive factors included specimen weight, SN-N distance, and liposuction volume. The model achieved an AUC-ROC of 0.83, with an accuracy of 0.93, negative predictive value of 0.95. The interpretability tool clearly visualized complication risks, aiding preoperative counseling.

Conclusions

This is the first study to use AI to predict severe complications in breast reduction surgery. Our AI model, with an AUC-ROC of 0.83 and NPV of 0.95, offers a reliable tool for surgical planning and patient education. Further validation across diverse populations is recommended to confirm its clinical utility.
Relative quantification of proteins and post-translational modifications in proteomic experiments with shared peptides: a weight-based approach
Authors: Staniak Mateusz , Huang Ting , Figueroa-Navedo Amanda M , Kohler Devon , Choi Meena , Hinkle Trent , Kleinheinz Tracy , Blake Robert , Rose Christopher M , Xu Yingrong , Jean Beltran Pierre M , Xue Liang , Bogdan Małgorzata , Vitek Olga
Published: January 2025

Motivation

Bottom-up mass spectrometry-based proteomics studies changes in protein abundance and structure across conditions. Since the currency of these experiments are peptides, ie subsets of protein sequences that carry the quantitative information, conclusions at a different level must be computationally inferred. The inference is particularly challenging in situations where the peptides are shared by multiple proteins or post-translational modifications. While many approaches infer the underlying abundances from unique peptides, there is a need to distinguish the quantitative patterns when peptides are shared.

Results

We propose a statistical approach for estimating protein abundances, as well as site occupancies of post-translational modifications, based on quantitative information from shared peptides. The approach treats the quantitative patterns of shared peptides as convex combinations of abundances of individual proteins or modification sites, and estimates the abundance of each source in a sample together with the weights of the combination. In simulation-based evaluations, the proposed approach improved the precision of estimated fold changes between conditions. We further demonstrated the practical utility of the approach in experiments with diverse biological objectives, ranging from protein degradation and thermal proteome stability, to changes in protein post-translational modifications.

Availability

The approach is implemented in an open-source R package MSstatsWeightedSummary. The package is currently available at https://github.com/Vitek-Lab/MSstatsWeightedSummary (doi:10.5281/zenodo.14662989). Code required to reproduce the results presented in this article can be found in a repository https://github.com/mstaniak/MWS_reproduction (doi:10.5281/zenodo.14656053).

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
On the use of sham transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation in spinal cord injury clinical trials
Authors: Kramer John L K , Lam Tania , Rossi Fabio , Illes Judy
Published: January 2025

Kramer et al. examine the reasons put forth by investigators for excluding a sham condition in trials of neuromodulation therapies for individuals with spinal cord injury. They conclude that current dogma does not justify this design, and emphasize the need for future trials to include appropriate controls.
Human ectoparasitoses by flat wasps of the genera Sclerodermus and Cephalonomia (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae)
Authors: Masini Paolo , Stingeni Luca , Salerno Gianandrea , Saitta Valerio , Azevedo Celso O , Rebora Manuela , Ornielli Matteo , Hansel Katharina , Bianchi Leonardo , Casciola Gabriele
Published: January 2025

Flat wasps of the genera Sclerodermus and Cephalonomia (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) are ectoparasitoids of larvae from various insect orders. They are important biological control agents against stored-product insect pests and xylophagous insects. In humans, these genera encompass species that are responsible for the emergence of sting lesions worldwide. Despite their importance for human health, there are very few reports in the literature that provide a comprehensive overview of this topic. This review, based on literature data and authors’ personal experience, describes skin lesions induced by insect species belonging to the Sclerodermus and Cephalonomia genera, focusing on possible involved pathomechanism, diagnosis, therapeutic management, and environmental disinfestation.
GRASS-UK: The

G

lobal

R

egister of

A

lopecia areata disease

S

everity and treatment

S

afety-

U

nited

K

ingdom: importance of real-world data in alopecia areata
Authors: Harries Matthew , Al-Nuaimi Yusur , Wall Dmitri , Chandidzura Anne , Ahmed Shehnaz , Meah Nekma
Published: January 2025

The therapeutic landscape for alopecia areata (AA) is changing with the introduction of new therapeutic options, particularly the Janus kinase inhibitors. However, there is uncertainty from UK dermatologists around safe prescribing and longer term risk of these therapies. GRASS-UK is a national prospective AA disease register that will use real-world data to compare emerging therapies with existing treatments to better understand the safety and effectiveness of these new agents as they come to market.
Rethinking East Asia’s Historical Order: Heterarchy in China–Southeast Asia Relations
Authors: Chai Tommy S H
Published: January 2025

This paper re-examines the nature of order in early modern East Asia through the angle of China–Southeast Asia relations, challenging prevailing views in international relations scholarship. Traditionally, these relations are viewed either as hierarchical, with China providing regional order, or as asymmetric, where power disparities often generated tensions that required China to normalize relations within a framework of deference and autonomy. I argue that both views overlook China’s limited exercise of authority and the dynamic interactions involving Southeast Asia, China, and the wider world. By studying how Southeast Asian polities localized the ideas and practices of external civilizations to advance political rule, I demonstrate that Southeast Asia was marked by a heterarchical and pluralist order, characterized by multiple overlapping hierarchical relations with the minimal goals of survival and coexistence. China was not a hegemon but a hegemonic contender alongside several major Southeast Asian kingdoms, and China participated in stabilizing the hegemonic rivalries by facilitating the development of heterarchy. This analysis offers a nuanced understanding of China–Southeast Asia relations and asserts that the stability of the regional order hinged on both parties’ capacity to accommodate differences in social statuses and ranks, rather than on China’s role as the hegemon.
Fading on the beach: pigmentation plasticity adjusts coloration to substrate type in coastal Western spadefoot toads
Authors: Lorrain-Soligon Léa , Robin Frédéric , Lelong Vincent , Palier Sébastien , Jankovic Marko , Brischoux François
Published: January 2025

Animal species exhibit a wide range of coloration and patterns, which are under strong selection and often linked to individual quality, influencing mate choice, recognition, signaling, and interspecific interactions such as predator avoidance. In amphibians, coloration can vary based on individual traits as well as environmental conditions, including the coloration of their environment. In this study, we described the dorsal coloration (body coloration reticulated by dark patches) in 676 Western spadefoot toads (Pelobates cultripes) from the French Atlantic coast, comparing color variations across different substrates. In addition, we assessed color change in 18 toads transferred between bright and dark substrates. We demonstrated that the dorsal coloration varies based on capture locations (beach vs. inland) and associated substrate types (bright vs. dark), suggesting background color matching. We showed more pronounced effects in females, which might reflect varying predation risks. Experimentally, we showed that individuals can rapidly adjust their coloration to match the substrate within 24 h. Rapid color changes in response to substrate type indicate significant pigmentation plasticity. Bright individuals from sandy substrates showed less dorsal background (body) color change than dark inland individuals, while patch coloration responded differently depending on the substrate of origin. These findings highlight the complex interactions between substrate type, sex, and pigmentation plasticity. These interactions have potential costs and benefits, which might be linked to melanin production, which warrant further investigation.
Assessing the performance of generative artificial intelligence in retrieving information against manually curated genetic and genomic data
Authors: Poretsky Elly , Blake Victoria C , Andorf Carson M , Sen Taner Z
Published: January 2025

Curated resources at centralized repositories provide high-value service to users by enhancing data veracity. Curation, however, comes with a cost, as it requires dedicated time and effort from personnel with deep domain knowledge. In this paper, we investigate the performance of a large language model (LLM), specifically generative pre-trained transformer (GPT)-3.5 and GPT-4, in extracting and presenting data against a human curator. In order to accomplish this task, we used a small set of journal articles on wheat and barley genetics, focusing on traits, such as salinity tolerance and disease resistance, which are becoming more important. The 36 papers were then curated by a professional curator for the GrainGenes database (https://wheat.pw.usda.gov). In parallel, we developed a GPT-based retrieval-augmented generation question-answering system and compared how GPT performed in answering questions about traits and quantitative trait loci (QTLs). Our findings show that on average GPT-4 correctly categorized manuscripts 97% of the time, correctly extracted 80% of traits, and 61% of marker–trait associations. Furthermore, we assessed the ability of a GPT-based DataFrame agent to filter and summarize curated wheat genetics data, showing the potential of human and computational curators working side-by-side. In one case study, our findings show that GPT-4 was able to retrieve up to 91% of disease related, human-curated QTLs across the whole genome, and up to 96% across a specific genomic region through prompt engineering. Also, we observed that across most tasks, GPT-4 consistently outperformed GPT-3.5 while generating less hallucinations, suggesting that improvements in LLM models will make generative artificial intelligence a much more accurate companion for curators in extracting information from scientific literature. Despite their limitations, LLMs demonstrated a potential to extract and present information to curators and users of biological databases, as long as users are aware of potential inaccuracies and the possibility of incomplete information extraction.
Intersectionality of inequalities in revascularization and outcomes for acute coronary syndrome in England: nationwide linked cohort study
Authors: Roman Marius , Cheng Ann , Lai Florence Y , Aujla Hardeep , Sanders Julie , Dearling Jeremy , Murray Sarah , Loubani Mahmoud , Kunadian Vijay , Gale Chris , Murphy Gavin J
Published: January 2025

Background

Inequalities in access to care for women, people of non-white ethnicity, who live in areas of social deprivation, and with multiple long-term conditions lead to inequity of outcomes. We investigated the intersectionality of these causes of health inequality on coronary revascularization and clinical outcomes for admissions with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods and results

We included hospital admissions in England for types of ACS from April 2015 to April 2018 and linked Hospital Episode Statistics to the Office for National Statistics mortality data. The primary outcome was time to all-cause mortality. Time-to-event analyses examined the associations of sex, ethnicity, and socioeconomic deprivation with revascularization. Of 428 700 admissions with ACS, 212 015 (48.8%) received revascularization within 30 days. Women, black ethnicity, multimorbid, and frail patients were less likely to undergo revascularization. South Asian ethnicities had higher [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14–1.17] revascularization rates and comparable risk-adjusted survival but higher re-admission rates when compared to other ethnic groups. Women had higher 1-year all-cause [25.5% vs. 14.7%—ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI); 24.9% vs. 18.7%—non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI)] and cardiovascular (22.6% vs. 13.2%—STEMI; 20.3% vs. 15.6%—NSTEMI) mortality than men. After adjusting for confounders, women had a lower all-cause mortality when compared to men.

Discussion

Outcomes attributed to women and people of South Asian ethnicity may be attributable to age, comorbidity and frailty at presentation. Black ethnicity, geography, and social deprivation may be sources of inequality. These findings highlight the unmet need and may provide potential targets for interventions that address inequalities.