bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast single-shot imaging through scattering media based on a captured speckle pattern without a guidestar
Authors: Hua Yongcheng , Hu Minglong , Zhou Junjie , Yingchun Ding , Yin Liang
Published: April 2024

To address the fundamental challenges of imaging light in scattering media, we report an imaging method based on the principle of speckle correlations. It does not require raster scanning of the shaped focus or an implanted guidestar to locate and control incident illumination. More importantly, our approach eliminates the need for collecting thousands of speckle patterns for real-time iterative optimization, as only one captured speckle pattern is needed. By incorporating the traditional wavefront shaping concept and calculating the optimal phase mask, our method enables image recovery from the speckle pattern, resulting in significant time savings.
Effects of resonant magnetic perturbations on turbulence and flows in the edge of HL-2A plasmas
Authors: Li Jingchun , Lin Z. , Cheng J. , Wu Z. X. , Xu Jianqiang , He Y. , Huang Z. H. , Liang A. S. , Sun T. F. , Dong J. Q. , Shi Z. B. , Zhong Wulyv , Xu M. ,   HL-2A Team
Published: April 2024

The influence of resonant magnetic perturbations (RMPs) on the dynamics of turbulence and flows at the edge of the HL-2A tokamak is analyzed utilizing transfer entropy technique. The results have shown that the RMP damps the poloidal flows as well as the E × B shearing rate, whereas enhances the toroidal flows and leads to a broadened particle spectrum with increased small scale turbulence transport. The causality analysis indicates that the regulation impact of poloidal flow on turbulent fluctuations and particle flux is weakened, while that of the toroidal rotation on the latter is strengthened by the RMP field. The impact of the changes in poloidal flow dominates over that of the modified toroidal flow on turbulent transport in the edge. The magnetic perturbation and the flows generally show predator–prey oscillations, where the causal effect between the former and the toroidal flow transits to a synchronization relation in the presence of RMP. In addition, the RMP field will weaken the causal effect on poloidal Reynolds stress while strengthening the parallel-radial component simultaneously. The present findings provide a possible explanation on the effects of external fields on the edge transport, which is suggested to be dominated by the complex interactions among external perturbations, flows, and ambient microturbulence.
A novel generative–predictive data-driven approach for multi-objective optimization of horizontal axis tidal turbine
Authors: Xia Tianshun , Wang Longyan , Xu Jian , Yuan Jianping , Luo Zhaohui , Wang Zilu
Published: April 2024

Tidal turbines play a critical role in converting the kinetic energy of water into electricity, contributing significantly to energy conversion. However, the current optimization design of these turbines involves computationally intensive simulations, leading to higher design costs. Additionally, traditional parameterized modeling methods, constrained by predefined design parameters, limit the exploration of innovative designs. In response, this study introduces an innovative data-driven “generative–predictive” design approach comprising a generative model and a predictive model. The generative model autonomously learns feature representations from existing turbines and leverages this knowledge to generate a novel set of turbines with superior hydrodynamic performance. Subsequently, an efficient performance evaluation is conducted using a predictive model for the generated turbines. Compared to the current parameterized modeling approaches, the proposed approach is combined with multi-objective optimization algorithm to optimize the tidal turbine hydrodynamic performance. Research results demonstrate that the generative model, trained on gradients, can generate highly complex turbines with minimal latent vectors. Through transfer learning, the predictive model exhibits robustness and accuracy, effectively guiding the design process. In the final optimization comparison, the proposed generative–predictive design approach requires only 4% of the optimization time while achieving results similar to or surpassing traditional design approaches. This approach proves to be a powerful tool for guiding the efficient and optimized design of turbines.
Swirling flow and spray atomization interactions in a swirl cup airblast fuel injector: Outer swirler effect
Authors: Fang Chuanyu , Wang Kaixing , Liu Yushuai , Wang Shaolin , Liu Fuqiang , Yang Jinhu , Cao Cheng , Liu Cunxi , Mu Yong , Xu Gang , Zhu Junqiang
Published: April 2024

The swirl cup airblast fuel injector is widely used in modern low-emission gas turbine combustors. It is important to understand the underlying physics in the interaction between fuel spray and complex swirling airflow. The present study investigates a swirl cup airblast fuel injector's swirling flow and spray atomization characteristics. Various laser-based diagnostics, including planar Mie scattering, phase-Doppler particle analyzer, and high-speed particle imaging velocimetry, were employed for this purpose. The swirl cup airblast fuel injectors, featuring different outer swirler swirl numbers (0.8<SN<1.8) and inner–outer relative swirling directions, were investigated in an air Reynolds number ranging from 0.77 × 106 to 1.16 × 106 and a 2 kg/h constant kerosene mass flow rate. The results showed that, since the swirler relative direction showed a significant influence on the inner swirler induced central toroidal recirculation zone and outer swirler induced swirling jet zone, the interaction between spray and swirling airflow was changed. Therefore, spray angle, Sauter mean diameter, and droplet velocity were changed by the swirler relative direction. Moreover, the effect of swirl number on the spray characteristics was found to be different for co- and counter-direction swirler configurations.
Temperature-transferable tight-binding model using a hybrid-orbital basis
Authors: Schwade Martin , Schilcher Maximilian J. , Reverón Baecker Christian , Grumet Manuel , Egger David A.
Published: April 2024

Finite-temperature calculations are relevant for rationalizing material properties, yet they are computationally expensive because large system sizes or long simulation times are typically required. Circumventing the need for performing many explicit first-principles calculations, tight-binding and machine-learning models for the electronic structure emerged as promising alternatives, but transferability of such methods to elevated temperatures in a data-efficient way remains a great challenge. In this work, we suggest a tight-binding model for efficient and accurate calculations of temperature-dependent properties of semiconductors. Our approach utilizes physics-informed modeling of the electronic structure in the form of hybrid-orbital basis functions and numerically integrating atomic orbitals for the distance dependence of matrix elements. We show that these design choices lead to a tight-binding model with a minimal amount of parameters that are straightforwardly optimized using density functional theory or alternative electronic-structure methods. The temperature transferability of our model is tested by applying it to existing molecular-dynamics trajectories without explicitly fitting temperature-dependent data and comparison with density functional theory. We utilize it together with machine-learning molecular dynamics and hybrid density functional theory for the prototypical semiconductor gallium arsenide. We find that including the effects of thermal expansion on the onsite terms of the tight-binding model is important in order to accurately describe electronic properties at elevated temperatures in comparison with experiment.
Effect of multi-injection strategy on characteristics of methanol-fueled direct injection spark ignition engine
Authors: Ahamad Javed , Kumar Parmod , Dhar Atul
Published: April 2024

Present paper numerically investigates the effect of injection strategy and start of injection (SOI) timing on in-cylinder flow, air–fuel mixing, fuel distribution near spark plug, engine performance, and exhaust emissions for highly stratified methanol-fueled, multi-injection, direct injection spark ignition engine having high compression ratio. SOI is kept constant at −23° crank angle (CA) after top dead center (ATDC) with a spark timing (ST) of −2° crank angle (CA) ATDC. Mass of fuel is divided into pilot and main injection ports having pilot to main fuel injection mass ratio of 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 at 0° and 2° dwell times between main and pilot injections. As the quantity of fuel in main injection increases, pressure rise rate increases, which results in higher in-cylinder pressure and higher rate of burning that gives higher apparent heat release. Due to higher peak pressure rise rate and faster burning in the case of 2° crank angle (CA) dwell time, shorter combustion duration is achieved compared to 0° crank angle (CA) dwell time. In the case of multi-injection, faster burning rate enhanced in-cylinder temperature; therefore, nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions are higher. Pilot to main fuel mass ratio of 1:3 has resulted highest indicated thermal efficiency, lowest specific fuel consumption, lowest soot, and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions.
Numerical investigation on unstable oscillation of oxygen jet condensation in cryogenic liquid rocket
Authors: Zhu Chengfeng , Li Yanzhong , Wang Lei , Xie Fushou , Ma Yuan
Published: April 2024

Oxygen jet condensation always occurs with intense unstable oscillation in the cryogenic delivery pipe of a space launch vehicle. This phenomenon threatens the safety of the propulsion pipeline. It is essential to explore the transient physical features of oxygen jet condensation precisely, including the spectrum of pressure oscillation. Aiming at a deeper understanding of the thermal hydraulic characteristic of oxygen jet condensation, abundant simulations are carried out using a modified phase change method. In this model, the height function method is introduced to capture the interfacial curvature to reveal the mechanism of periodic fluctuation. The simulation proves that three typical flow patterns are found at variant operating conditions in oxygen jet condensation: chugging, oscillation, and swinging. The condensation regime diagram is summarized according to the flow pattern distribution. The chugging flow, along with the phenomenon of liquid oxygen sucked-back flow, shows the most intense pressure oscillation with a maximum amplitude of 133 kPa. In the oscillation flow, the oxygen vapor plume shrinks periodically with a low frequency of about 10 Hz. The swinging flow is a stable flow pattern with a slight pulsation of oxygen vapor plume wake. Its amplitude of pressure oscillation is approximately 1–3 kPa. The influence of liquid oxygen mass flow rate and subcooling on the unstable characteristic is also obtained. These findings offer ample theoretical direction for the development of the space launch vehicle.
Surfactant solutions as reservoirs for large amounts of carbonaceous particles
Authors: Di Spirito Nicola Antonio , Minopoli Roberta , Pasquino Rossana , Sirignano Mariano
Published: April 2024

Despite their hazardous nature, carbonaceous particles (CPs) own very appealing properties, which make them a leading material in numerous applications. A systematic work on the properties of aqueous dispersions containing CPs, cetylpyridinium chloride (CPyCl), and sodium salicylate (NaSal) is here presented. Being CPs not soluble in water, an effective preparation method to obtain stable and homogeneous solutions was developed. Furthermore, a full characterization of the systems was performed by means of UV-Visible absorption spectroscopy, rheology, and interfacial tension measurements. Hydrophobic CPs are hard to disperse in a water matrix. The adoption of CPyCl as solubility enhancer was a sound strategy to finely disperse high concentration of CPs in an aqueous environment. The high CPs concentration involved conferred to the solutions a dark color and peculiar properties, such as UV and visible light radiation absorbance. The addition of NaSal to the CPyCl-CPs water solutions donated to the system robust viscoelasticity. We investigated 100 mM CPyCl aqueous solutions, with 60 and 70 mM NaSal, containing various amounts of CPs (0–9500 ppm). CPs at concentrations beneath 9500 ppm do not influence the system rheological properties. The well-known effect of NaSal on CPyCl solutions remains unaltered even in the presence of CPs at concentrations below 9500 ppm. On the other hand, the addition of 9500 ppm CPs provokes a moderate change in the rheological properties and microstructure of the systems. At a such high concentration, CPs seem to mimic the effect of NaSal on the micellar solutions, acting as a full-fledged hydrophobic salt.
Multidimensional photodetection of light fields based on metasurfaces or two-dimensional materials
Authors: Zhong Fan , Chen Yinzhu , Yan Peidong , Li Ruizhi , Ni Zhenhua , Lu Junpeng
Published: April 2024

To completely record a light field, photodetectors should be able to obtain corresponding parameters, including the intensity, position, propagation direction, polarization, wavelength, and time. Recently, metasurface-mediated two-dimensional (2D) material photodetectors have provided solutions for compact and integrated devices to obtain the characteristics of a light field, and most current metasurface-mediated 2D material photodetectors have focused on certain criteria. However, few efforts have been devoted to integrating multidimensional photodetection because of conflicts between the different requirements for distinct parameters and difficulties in fabrication. Problems for multidimensional photodetection are discussed, and the solutions may provide insight into next-generation photodetectors.
ICRF production of plasma with hydrogen minority in Uragan-2M stellarator by two-strap antenna
Authors: Kovtun Yurii , Moiseenko Vladimir , Lozin Oleksiy , Kozulya Mykhailo , Pavlichenko Rostislav , Shapoval Anatoliy , Bondarenko Vladislav , Baron Demian , Maznichenko Sergiy , Korovin Valerii , Siusko Yevhen , Romanov Vladislav , Martseniuk Yurii , Krasiuk Alexandr , Listopad Viktor , Garkusha Igor , Alonso Arturo , Dinklage Andreas , Hartmann Dirk A. , Kazakov Yevgen , Laqua Heinrich , Ongena Jef , Stange Torsten , Wauters Tom
Published: April 2024

The experiments on medium-size stellarator Uragan-2M (U-2M) in Kharkiv, Ukraine, are carried on in support of the Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) experimental program. The scenario ion cyclotron frequency range (ICRF) plasma production at the hydrogen minority regime had been experimentally tested on U-2M and was qualified at the Large Helical Device (LHD). The paper presents the results of further research on the ICRF plasma production. The ICRF discharge studies were carried out in a H2 + He mixture with a controlled hydrogen concentration ranging from few percents to 75%. The two-strap like antenna mimicks the W7-X antenna operated in monopole phasing. The applied RF power was in the range of ∼100 kW. Relatively dense plasma of up to Ne ∼ 1019 m−3 was produced near the first harmonic of the hydrogen cyclotron frequency. The maximum temperature of the electrons and ions was not more than a few tens of electron volt. The characteristic features of RF plasma production and the propagation of electromagnetic waves in the experimental conditions are discussed. The experiments on U-2M and LHD indicate that the minority scenario of ICRF plasma production appears to be scalable and could be used in large stellarator machines. This is, in particular, important for the future experiments ICRF production of target plasma in W-7X in conditions where electron cyclotron resonance heating start-up is not possible.
Multiplex vortex instability in the flow of non-Newtonian fluids through microcavity arrays
Authors: Xu Xiao-Yu , Zheng Zhou-Yi , Tian Kai , Wang Dong , Qin Kai-Rong , Xue Chun-Dong
Published: April 2024

Complex fluids always possess obvious non-Newtonian properties that facilitate the occurrence and development of vortex instability in porous media, which is of critical significance in many natural and industrial processes. It is widely known that this flow instability is regulated by both fluid flow and solid structure. However, the quantitative understanding of how structural characteristics of porous space affect the evolution of vortex instability is still nascent, especially in the case of fluids with varying rheological properties. Herein, the flow of polymer solutions with distinct non-Newtonian properties through microcavity arrays is experimentally studied, by which we systematically explore the effect of structural parameters of the cavity array on vortex instability. We find that, for both Newtonian and shear-thinning fluids with negligible elasticity, the vortex evolution behavior in each cavity of the cavity array is identical to those in an isolated cavity. In contrast, for viscoelastic fluids, the vortex instability is visibly affected by cavity number and cavity–cavity interval, and this effect exhibits different forms when the fluid shear-thinning participates or not. Multiplex vortex instabilities are observed under these tested conditions. By multiplex, we mean the vortex formation dynamics and evolution patterns are diversified. These unusual evolution phenomena are then interpreted in terms of the interplay between the elongation and relaxation of polymers as they navigate among neighboring cavities. These results can help us to further understand the flow instability of complex fluids in porous media and evoke new strategies for microfluidic applications of efficient mixing.
Scale-adaptive simulation of the separated flow past a 90°-inclined prolate spheroid
Authors: Wang Bin , Lin Xiao-Hui , Liu Hao , Zheng Da-Ren , Liu Wei-Hua , Xu Chang-Yue
Published: April 2024

The separated flow past a 6:1:1 spheroid is numerically investigated by means of the scale-adaptive simulation technique. The Reynolds number based on the free-stream velocity and the diameter at middle-section of the spheroid is located in the subcritical regime, i.e., Re = 3900. In comparison with the circular cylinder at the same Reynolds number, about 35% drag reduction is acquired by the spheroid, and the fluctuations of lift and drag are suppressed effectively. According to the detailed comparison, the satisfactory drag reduction and suppression of fluctuating force obtained by the spheroid are closely associated with the higher base-pressure and lower turbulent fluctuations in the near wake. Abundant contrasts of the different spanwise sections are presented to reveal the mechanism of constrained flow and apex effect of the spheroid. In addition, in order to provide reliable data for testing and developing turbulence models, a large number of turbulence statistics are computed and compared with previous data of the circular cylinder and sphere at comparable Reynolds numbers. Lower Reynolds stress peaks and less vigorous coherent structures indicate that the three-dimensional force and constrained flow caused by the spheroid can lead to the formation of steady shear layer and vortex separation. Furthermore, proper orthogonal decomposition and dynamic mode decomposition are employed to understand the large-scale wake flow structures behind the spheroid. The modal analysis results confirm that the wake of the spheroid is more stable than the circular cylinder, reconfirming the effective flow control.
Thermal resistance across Si–SiGe alloy interface from phonon distribution mismatch
Authors: Han Jinchen , Lee Sangyeop
Published: April 2024

Interfacial thermal resistance has often been attributed to the mismatch of phonon spectra between two materials and resulting phonon-interface scattering. However, we use the solution of Peierls–Boltzmann transport equation to reveal a substantial nonequilibrium thermal resistance across the interfaces of Si and SiGe alloys at room temperature, despite their nearly identical phonon dispersion and negligible phonon-interface scattering. The Kapitza length of the Si–Si0.99Ge0.01 interface is approximately 600 nm of Si. This originates from the mismatch in phonon distribution between Si and SiGe alloys due to their distinct scattering rates. The mismatch is relaxed by phonon scattering over a region of 1 μm around the interface, corresponding to the upper bound of mean free path Λx of heat-carrying phonons. The relaxation process leads to the significant entropy generation and increased thermal resistance. Introducing a gradual variation in Ge concentration near the interface markedly reduces thermal resistance when implemented over the 1 μm period. Our finding demonstrates that the interfacial thermal resistance can be significant due to the nonequilibrium phonon distribution, even in the absence of phonon-interface scattering. In addition, among various phonon modes with a wide range of Λx, the relaxation of the nonequilibrium is predominantly governed by the phonons with long Λx.
Non-toxic orange carbon dots stimulate photosynthesis and CO2 assimilation in hydroponically cultivated green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Authors: Milenković Ivana , Borišev Milan , Zhou Yiqun , Spasić Sladjana Z. , Spasić Dunja , Leblanc Roger M. , Radotić Ksenija
Published: April 2024

Continuous increasing leaf photosynthesis may enhance plant yield. As an evolutionary property, plants use less photosynthetic capacity than is theoretically possible. Plant nanobionics is a bioengineering field that improves plant functions using nanoparticles. We applied orange carbon dots (o-CDs) onto the foliage of green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) grown in hydroponics to improve their photosynthetic performance and CO2 assimilation. Photosynthesis parameters, photosynthetic pigments content, total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidative activity (TAA) were measured. Results show that photosynthetic pigments remained unchanged, while photosynthesis was improved. Both o-CDs concentrations decreased TPC and TAA. The light response curve showed higher CO2 assimilation at both o-CDs concentrations, particularly at lower light intensity. Correlation analysis confirmed increased CO2 binding and assimilation at 1 mg L−1. This study demonstrated the potential of using o-CDs as a safe biostimulator through photosynthesis increase and CO2 assimilation without toxic effects on plants. This may stimulate yield increase that paves the way for their agricultural application.
Spatial spillovers of violent conflict amplify the impacts of climate variability on malaria risk in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Yu Qiwei , Qu Ying , Zhang Liqiang , Yao Xin , Yang Jing , Chen Siyuan , Liu Hui , Wang Qihao , Wu Mengfan , Tao Junpei , Zhou Chenghu , Alage Isiaka Lukman , Liu Suhong
Published: April 2024

Africa carries a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden, accounting for 94% of malaria cases and deaths worldwide in 2019. It is also a politically unstable region and the most vulnerable continent to climate change in recent decades. Knowledge about the modifying impacts of violent conflict on climate–malaria relationships remains limited. Here, we quantify the associations between violent conflict, climate variability, and malaria risk in sub-Saharan Africa using health surveys from 128,326 individuals, historical climate data, and 17,429 recorded violent conflicts from 2006 to 2017. We observe that spatial spillovers of violent conflict (SSVCs) have spatially distant effects on malaria risk. Malaria risk induced by SSVCs within 50 to 100 km from the households gradually increases from 0.1% (not significant, P>0.05) to 6.5% (95% CI: 0 to 13.0%). SSVCs significantly promote malaria risk within the average 20.1 to 26.9 °C range. At the 12-mo mean temperature of 22.5 °C, conflict deaths have the largest impact on malaria risk, with an approximately 5.8% increase (95% CI: 1.0 to 11.0%). Additionally, a pronounced association between SSVCs and malaria risk exists in the regions with 9.2 wet days per month. The results reveal that SSVCs increase population exposure to harsh environments, amplifying the effect of warm temperature and persistent precipitation on malaria transmission. Violent conflict therefore poses a substantial barrier to mosquito control and malaria elimination efforts in sub-Saharan Africa. Our findings support effective targeting of treatment programs and vector control activities in conflict-affected regions with a high malaria risk.
Antiracism and positive intergenerational (infant) outcomes: A county-level examination of low birth weight and infant mortality
Authors: Brannon Tiffany N.
Published: April 2024

Racism is associated with negative intergenerational (infant) outcomes. That is, racism, both perceived and structural, is linked to critical, immediate, and long-term health factors such as low birth weight and infant mortality. Antiracism—resistance to racism such as support for the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement—has been linked to positive emotional, subjective, and mental health outcomes among adults and adolescents. To theoretically build on and integrate such past findings, the present research asked whether such advantageous health correlations might extend intergenerationally to infant outcomes? It examined a theoretical/correlational process model in which mental and physical health indicators might be indirectly related to associations between antiracism and infant health outcomes. Analyses assessed county-level data that measured BLM support (indexed as volume of BLM marches) and infant outcomes from 2014 to 2020. As predicted, in the tested model, BLM support was negatively correlated with 1) low birth weight (

N
counties

= 1,445) and 2) mortalities (

N
counties

= 409) among African American infants. Given salient, intergroup, policy debates tied to antiracism, the present research also examined associations among White Americans. In the tested model, BLM marches were not meaningfully related to rates of low birth weight among White American infants (

N
counties

= 2,930). However, BLM support was negatively related to mortalities among White American infants (

N
counties

= 862). Analyses controlled for structural indicators of income inequality, implicit/explicit bias, voting behavior, prior low birth weight/infant mortality rates, and demographic characteristics. Theory/applied implications of antiracism being linked to nonnegative and positive infant health associations tied to both marginalized and dominant social groups are discussed.
Helper T cell immunity in humans with inherited CD4 deficiency
Authors: Guérin Antoine , Moncada-Vélez Marcela , Jackson Katherine , Ogishi Masato , Rosain Jérémie , Mancini Mathieu , Langlais David , Nunez Andrea , Webster Samantha , Goyette Jesse , Khan Taushif , Marr Nico , Avery Danielle T. , Rao Geetha , Waterboer Tim , Michels Birgitta , Neves Esmeralda , Iracema Morais Cátia , London Jonathan , Mestrallet Stéphanie , Quartier dit Maire Pierre , Neven Bénédicte , Rapaport Franck , Seeleuthner Yoann , Lev Atar , Simon Amos J. , Montoya Jorge , Barel Ortal , Gómez-Rodríguez Julio , Orrego Julio C. , L’Honneur Anne-Sophie , Soudée Camille , Rojas Jessica , Velez Alejandra C. , Sereti Irini , Terrier Benjamin , Marin Nancy , García Luis F. , Abel Laurent , Boisson-Dupuis Stéphanie , Reis Joel , Marinho Antonio , Lisco Andrea , Faria Emilia , Goodnow Christopher C. , Vasconcelos Julia , Béziat Vivien , Ma Cindy S. , Somech Raz , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Bustamante Jacinta , Franco Jose Luis , Tangye Stuart G.
Published: April 2024

CD4+ T cells are vital for host defense and immune regulation. However, the fundamental role of CD4 itself remains enigmatic. We report seven patients aged 5–61 years from five families of four ancestries with autosomal recessive CD4 deficiency and a range of infections, including recalcitrant warts and Whipple’s disease. All patients are homozygous for rare deleterious CD4 variants impacting expression of the canonical CD4 isoform. A shorter expressed isoform that interacts with LCK, but not HLA class II, is affected by only one variant. All patients lack CD4+ T cells and have increased numbers of TCRαβ+CD4−CD8− T cells, which phenotypically and transcriptionally resemble conventional Th cells. Finally, patient CD4−CD8− αβ T cells exhibit intact responses to HLA class II–restricted antigens and promote B cell differentiation in vitro. Thus, compensatory development of Th cells enables patients with inherited CD4 deficiency to acquire effective cellular and humoral immunity against an unexpectedly large range of pathogens. Nevertheless, CD4 is indispensable for protective immunity against at least human papillomaviruses and Trophyrema whipplei.
Neutrophil IL-26 fuels autoinflammation
Authors: Futosi Krisztina , Mócsai Attila
Published: April 2024

Pustular psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease with features of neutrophil-mediated sterile autoinflammation. In this issue of JEM, Baldo et al. (https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20231464) show that this autoinflammation is driven by a vicious cycle through neutrophil-derived IL-26.
Determination of the resonant parameters of
with global fit*
Authors: Li 李 Chunhua 春花 , Wang 王 Xijun 希俊 , Wu 吴 Chen 晨
Published: April 2024

Particle

was first observed by the Belle experiment in the

invariant mass spectrum in the process

and subsequently confirmed by the BaBar experiment. Both experiments reported the resonant parameters of this particle in the processes

and

assuming

as an S-wave Breit-Wigner resonance. We performed a global fit to the distributions of invariant mass of

measured by the Belle and BaBar experiments and additionally incorporated the measurements reported by the LHCb experiment to extract the mass and width of

. We obtained

MeV/

and

MeV, which are consistent with the values from PDG within one standard deviation but with higher precision.
Power to the people: why person-generated health data are important for pharmacoepidemiology
Authors: Dreyer Nancy A , Blackburn Stella C F
Published: March 2024

Person-generated health data (PGHD) are valuable for studying outcomes relevant to everyday living, for obtaining information not otherwise available, for long-term follow-up, and in situations where decisions cannot wait for traditional clinical research to be completed. While there is no dispute that these data are subject to bias, insights gained may be better than having an information void, provided the biases are understood and addressed. People will share information known uniquely to them about exposures that may affect drug tolerance, safety, and effectiveness (eg, nonprescription and complementary medications, alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, exercise, etc). Patients may be the best source of safety information when long-term follow-up is needed (eg, the 5- to 15-year follow-up required for some gene therapies). Validation studies must be performed to evaluate what people can accurately report and when supplementary confirmation information is needed. However, PGHD has already proven valuable in quantifying and contrasting COVID-19 vaccine benefits and risks and for evaluating disease transmission and the accuracy of COVID-19 testing. Going forward, PGHD will be used for patient-measured and patient-relevant outcomes, including for regulatory purposes, and will be linked to broader health data networks using tokenization, becoming a mainstay for signals about risks and benefits for diverse populations.

This article is part of a Special Collection on Pharmacoepidemiology.
Plant kleptomaniacs: geographical genetic patterns in the amphi-apomictic Rubus ser. Glandulosi (Rosaceae) reveal complex reticulate evolution of Eurasian brambles
Authors: Sochor Michal , Šarhanová Petra , Duchoslav Martin , Konečná Michaela , Hroneš Michal , Trávníček Bohumil
Published: March 2024

Background and Aims

Rubus ser. Glandulosi provides a unique model of geographical parthenogenesis on a homoploid (2n = 4x) level. We aim to characterize evolutionary and phylogeographical patterns in this taxon and shed light on the geographical differentiation of apomicts and sexuals. Ultimately, we aim to evaluate the importance of phylogeography in the formation of geographical parthenogenesis.

Methods

Rubus ser. Glandulosi was sampled across its Eurasian range together with other co-occurring Rubus taxa (587 individuals in total). Double-digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq) and modelling of suitable climate were used for evolutionary inferences.

Key Results

Six ancestral species were identified that contributed to the contemporary gene pool of R. ser. Glandulosi. Sexuals were introgressed from Rubus dolichocarpus and Rubus moschus in West Asia and from Rubus ulmifolius agg., Rubus canescens and Rubus incanescens in Europe, whereas apomicts were characterized by alleles of Rubus subsect. Rubus. Gene flow between sexuals and apomicts was also detected, as was occasional hybridization with other taxa.

Conclusions

We hypothesize that sexuals survived the last glacial period in several large southern refugia, whereas apomicts were mostly restricted to southern France, whence they quickly recolonized Central and Western Europe. The secondary contact of sexuals and apomicts was probably the principal factor that established geographical parthenogenesis in R. ser. Glandulosi. Sexual populations are not impoverished in genetic diversity along their borderline with apomicts, and maladaptive population genetic processes probably did not shape the geographical patterns.
Managing the Risk of Living: Life Imprisonment, the Medical Gaze and the Construction of the Paroled Body
Authors: Dagan Netanel , Vannier Marion
Published: March 2024

Drawing on Israeli life-sentence parole hearings, we argue that release decisions are centred on the body, not the soul. The board employs a ‘medical gaze’ that dissects the paroled body by magnifying the applicant’s dying body and narrowing the gaze to evaluate the days left to live. A new risk emerges: the risk of living upon release rather than dying. The board is ambivalent when managing this risk: the body is treated with suspicion, the applicant is criticized for their bodily state and risk and populist discourses are recalled to back parole decisions. Contrary to the conventional wisdom that portrays parole as focussing on rehabilitation and risk, the construction of the paroled body to manage the risk of living amounts to denying any moral worth or possibility of personal growth.
CacyBP promotes the development of lung adenocarcinoma by regulating OTUD5
Authors: Bai Mixue , Lu Kun , Che Yingying , Fu Lin
Published: April 2024

Lung cancer is the most common and lethal malignancy, with lung adenocarcinoma accounting for approximately 40% of all cases. Despite some progress in understanding the pathogenesis of this disease and developing new therapeutic approaches, the current treatments for lung adenocarcinoma remain ineffective due to factors such as high tumour heterogeneity and drug resistance. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify novel therapeutic targets. Calcyclin-binding protein (CacyBP) can regulate a variety of physiological processes by binding to different proteins, but its function in lung adenocarcinoma is unknown. Here, we show that CacyBP is highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma tissues, and high CacyBP expression correlates with poorer patient survival. Moreover, overexpression of CacyBP promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cell lines. Further mechanistic studies revealed that CacyBP interacts with the tumour suppressor ovarian tumour (OTU) deubiquitinase 5 (OTUD5), enhances the ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of OTUD5 and regulates tumourigenesis via OTUD5. In conclusion, our study reveals a novel mechanism by which CacyBP promotes tumourigenesis by increasing the ubiquitination level and proteasome-dependent degradation of OTUD5, providing a potential target for the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma.
Photophysical properties of 1-Aza-2-boraacenaphthene synthesized by a reduction of base-stabilized aminodibromoborane
Authors: Kumada Haruki , Nakano Ryo , Yamashita Makoto
Published: March 2024

Among heteroaromatics, the chemistry of boron/nitrogen-incorporated (BN)-heteroaromatic compounds is relatively old, but it is not well explored. Here, we report the synthesized new member of BN-heteroaromatics, 1-aza-2-boraacenaphthene 4. Structural characterization of 4 by using x-ray crystallography indicated the strong interaction between B and O atoms through the pπ-pπ interaction. Formation of 4 can be explained by involving a radical intermediate according to our previous report. The absorption and emission properties of 4 were compared with reference compounds to reveal the character of oxygen-substituted 1-aza-2-boraacenaphthene. Density functional theory calculations also support the similarity between 4 and the parent compound.
Synthesis of O–N–S self-doped carbon quantum dots from a discarded football for Fe3+ detection
Authors: Shi Jiangnian
Published: April 2024

A discarded-waste football was served as a carbon precursor to build O–N–S self-doped carbon quantum dots (CQDs) by a hydrothermal route. The CQDs have strong cyan luminescence, excellent stability, and their excitation is wavelength-dependent. The CQDs were acted as a fluorescent probe for the detection of Fe3+, exhibiting sensitivity and selectivity, which is of great significance for the effective monitoring of human health.
Enhancing cardiac pacing strategies: a review of conduction system pacing compared with right and biventricular pacing and their influence on myocardial function
Authors: Mirmaksudov Mirakhmadjon , Ross Stian , Kongsgård Erik , Edvardsen Thor
Published: April 2024

Traditional right ventricular pacing (RVP) has been linked to the deterioration of both left ventricular diastolic and systolic function. This worsening often culminates in elevated rates of hospitalization due to heart failure, an increased risk of atrial fibrillation, and increased morbidity. While biventricular pacing (BVP) has demonstrated clinical and echocardiographic improvements in patients afflicted with heart failure and left bundle branch block, it has also encountered significant challenges such as a notable portion of non-responders and procedural failures attributed to anatomical complexities. In recent times, the interest has shifted towards conduction system pacing, initially, His bundle pacing, and more recently, left bundle branch area pacing, which are seen as promising alternatives to established methods. In contrast to other approaches, conduction system pacing offers the advantage of fostering more physiological and harmonized ventricular activation by directly stimulating the His–Purkinje network. This direct pacing results in a more synchronized systolic and diastolic function of the left ventricle compared with RVP and BVP. Of particular note is the capacity of conduction system pacing to yield a shorter QRS, conserve left ventricular ejection fraction, and reduce rates of mitral and tricuspid regurgitation when compared with RVP. The efficacy of conduction system pacing has also been found to have better clinical and echocardiographic improvement than BVP in patients requiring cardiac resynchronization. This review will delve into myocardial function in conduction system pacing compared with that in RVP and BVP.
The impact of natural constraints in linear regression of log transformed response variables
Authors: Fortin Mathieu
Published: April 2024

In linear regression, log transforming the response variable is the usual workaround regarding departures from the assumption of normality. However, the response variable is often subject to natural constraints, which can result in a truncated distribution of the residual errors on the log scale. In forestry, allometric relationships and tree growth are two typical examples a natural constraint; the response variable cannot be negative. Traditional least squares estimators do not account for constrained response variables. For this study, a modified maximum likelihood (MML) estimator that takes natural constraints into account was developed. This estimator was tested through a simulation study and showcased with black spruce tree diameter increment data. Results show that the ordinary least squares estimator underestimated large conditional expectations of the response variable on the original scale. In contrast, the MML estimator showed no evidence of bias for large sample sizes. Departures from distributional assumptions cannot be overlooked when the model is used for predictive purposes. Both Monte Carlo error propagation and prediction intervals rely on these assumptions. In this context, the MML estimator developed for this study can be used to properly propagate the errors and produce reliable prediction intervals.
Modulators of MAPK pathway activity during filamentous growth in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Pujari Atindra N , Cullen Paul J
Published: April 2024

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways control the response to intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli. In the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, cells undergo filamentous growth, which is regulated by the fMAPK pathway. To better understand the regulation of the fMAPK pathway, a genetic screen was performed to identify spontaneous mutants with elevated activity of an fMAPK pathway–dependent growth reporter (ste4  FUS1-HIS3). In total, 159 mutants were isolated and analyzed by secondary screens for invasive growth by the plate-washing assay and filament formation by microscopy. Thirty-two mutants were selected for whole-genome sequencing, which identified new alleles in genes encoding known regulators of the fMAPK pathway. These included gain-of-function alleles in STE11, which encodes the MAPKKK, as well as loss-of-function alleles in KSS1, which encodes the MAP kinase, and loss-of-function alleles in RGA1, which encodes a GTPase-activating protein (GAP) for CDC42. New alleles in previously identified pathway modulators were also uncovered in ALY1, AIM44, RCK2, IRA2, REG1, and in genes that regulate protein folding (KAR2), glycosylation (MNN4), and turnover (BLM10). Mutations leading to C-terminal truncations in the transcription factor Ste12p were also uncovered that resulted in elevated reporter activity, identifying an inhibitory domain of the protein from residues 491 to 688. We also find that a diversity of filamentous growth phenotypes can result from combinatorial effects of multiple mutations and by loss of different regulators of the response. The alleles identified here expand the connections surrounding MAPK pathway regulation and reveal new features of proteins that function in the signaling cascade.
Vγ9Vδ2 T-cells Are Potent Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Replication and Represent Effector Phenotypes in Patients With COVID-19
Authors: Gay Laetitia , Rouviere Marie-Sarah , Mezouar Soraya , Richaud Manon , Gorvel Laurent , Foucher Etienne , La Scola Bernard , Menard Amélie , Allardet-Servent Jérôme , Halfon Philippe , Frohna Paul , Cano Carla , Mege Jean-Louis , Olive Daniel
Published: April 2024

Vγ9Vδ2 T cells play a key role in the innate immune response to viral infections through butyrophilin 3A (BTN3A). Here, we report blood Vγ9Vδ2 T cells decreased in clinically mild COVID-19 compared to healthy volunteers, and this was maintained up to 28 days and in the recovery period. Terminally differentiated Vγ9Vδ2 T cells tended to be enriched on the day of diagnosis, 28 days after, and during the recovery period. These cells showed cytotoxic and inflammatory activities following anti-BTN3A activation. BTN3A upregulation and Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell infiltration were observed in a lung biopsy from a fatal SARS-CoV-2 infection. In vitro, SARS-CoV-2 infection increased BTN3A expression in macrophages and lung cells that enhanced the anti–SARS-CoV-2 Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell cytotoxicity and interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α. Increasing concentrations of anti-BTN3A lead to viral replication inhibition. Altogether, we report Vγ9Vδ2 T cells are important in the immune response against SARS-CoV-2 infection and activation by anti-BTN3A antibody may enhance their response.

Clinical Trials Registration. NCT04816760.
Distinct and rich assemblages of giant viruses in Arctic and Antarctic lakes
Authors: Pitot Thomas M , Rapp Josephine Z , Schulz Frederik , Girard Catherine , Roux Simon , Culley Alexander I
Published: March 2024

Giant viruses (GVs) are key players in ecosystem functioning, biogeochemistry, and eukaryotic genome evolution. GV diversity and abundance in aquatic systems can exceed that of prokaryotes, but their diversity and ecology in lakes, especially polar ones, remain poorly understood. We conducted a comprehensive survey and meta-analysis of GV diversity across 20 lakes, spanning polar to temperate regions, combining our extensive lake metagenome database from the Canadian Arctic and subarctic with publicly available datasets. Leveraging a novel GV genome identification tool, we identified 3304 GV metagenome-assembled genomes, revealing lakes as untapped GV reservoirs. Phylogenomic analysis highlighted their dispersion across all Nucleocytoviricota orders. Strong GV population endemism emerged between lakes from similar regions and biomes (Antarctic and Arctic), but a polar/temperate barrier in lacustrine GV populations and differences in their gene content could be observed. Our study establishes a robust genomic reference for future investigations into lacustrine GV ecology in fast changing polar environments.
Compliance Agreements: Emergent Flexibility in the Inter-American Human Rights System
Authors: Pérez-Liñán Aníbal , Brocca Mariana , Orizaga Inzunza Isabel Anayanssi
Published: April 2024

Are agreements between states and victims an effective way to achieve reparations for human rights violations? We identify and evaluate a legal instrument hitherto ignored in analyses of the Inter-American Human Rights System: compliance agreements. These agreements emerged as a tool to negotiate the implementation of recommendations made by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to states responsible for human rights violations. In the first part of the paper, we theorize the role of agreements in securing state compliance, and discuss the problem of self-selection in legal settlements. We then document the emergence of this legal instrument and its novel role in the Inter-American System. In the third part, we provide statistical evidence from event history, matching, difference-in-differences, and sensitivity analyses showing that agreements increase the probability of compliance and cut the expected time to compliance by more than half. Agreements thus contribute to a potential solution for the perceived crisis of compliance in the Inter-American Human Rights System. However, the Commission must offer greater transparency to facilitate the evaluation of this mechanism.
Under No Circumstances? What the Chinese Really Think about the Wartime Use of Nuclear Weapons
Authors: Ju Changwook , Byun Joshua
Published: April 2024

The idea of using nuclear weapons to kill noncombatants is said to evoke strong moral opprobrium among millions of individuals across the globe, such that national leaders should be constrained from using the weapons even when such a decision would be strategically sensible. Classical area scholarship and recent survey evidence suggest that this “nuclear taboo” is strong among the Chinese public, buttressed by culturally grounded preferences for moderation in warfare. Drawing on findings in cultural sociology and political behavior, we argue that previous studies mislead on the extent to which ordinary Chinese citizens might oppose the use of nuclear weapons in a real military clash, primarily due to a failure to distinguish baseline preferences for nuclear nonuse from the willingness to approve of governmental decisions to use these weapons. Results from an original survey experiment fielded in mainland China show that many individuals who personally dislike the idea of using nuclear weapons are nonetheless willing to support their leaders’ decision to do so. Our study contributes new and systematic knowledge about Chinese nuclear attitudes and highlights the value of harnessing interdisciplinary insights to inform the research agenda on the nuclear taboo.