bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current situation and reflections of IT teaching in junior high school--taking the learning of excel as an example
Authors: Yang Huansong , Shen Mengting , Liu Caixia
Published: May 2023

With the rapid development of the Internet and mobile information technology, the state has made it clear that "Internet¬+" education has become an important development project for national education. Information technology education is also playing an increasingly important role in the development of students, and online and offline hybrid teaching is a teaching mode that is very suitable for information technology. Online and offline blended teaching is a new teaching model that has emerged in the mobile internet era, and is a combination of online learning and the advantages of traditional teaching. However, there are still problems with online and offline blended teaching such as uncertainty in the use of educational resources, so a more appropriate teaching process system needs to be tapped to achieve better teaching results.
Application of metabolic GM (1,1,th,p) power model in fresh e-commerce prediction
Authors: Liu Jiefang , Yang Rongrong
Published: May 2023

Aiming at the prediction problem of fresh e-commerce industry, this paper attempts to combine the metabolic theory with the improved GM (1,1) power model. The article introduces the traditional GM (1,1) power model to enhance the adaptability of the model to the data series, and at the same time, a new parameter is introduced when constructing the background value, the background value is represented as a linear function of adjacent sequence points, and the form and solution method of the two specific models are given, with the goal of minimizing the average relative error, and the power exponential and new parameters are co-optimized by genetic algorithm. The optimal modeling dimension is determined through model testing, and on this basis, the metabolic GM (1,1,th,p) power model is established, and the model is applied to the prediction of the transaction scale of the fresh e-commerce industry. The results show that the improved GM (1,1) power model can significantly improve the fitting accuracy compared with the original model, and the metabolic GM(1,1,th,p) power model has good performance in the prediction problem of fresh e-commerce.
Pattern segmentation method based on super-pixel multi-feature fusion
Authors: Gu Xiaohong , Shang Shuyuan
Published: May 2023

The paper presents an optimized segmentation algorithm for clothing patterns. It uses the depth model to improve the image quality. Super-pixel pre-segmentation enhances the ability to capture the edge information of patterns.LBP texture information, HSV color information and image pixel space information are used to optimize the parameters of Gaussian mixture model. The energy function is optimized by maxflow/mincut to realize the fast segmentation of clothing patterns. The simulation results show that the segmentation accuracy and precision of the algorithm are improved.
Research on optimal supply decision of manufacturers considering futures purchase under deferred payment
Authors: Xing Qingsong , Liu Ying
Published: May 2023

Taking the three-level supply chain consisting of a single supplier, a manufacturer and a strong brand as the research object, the manufacturer's optimal supply decision model is constructed, which considers the futures purchase under the deferred payment of the brand, and it is proved that the optimal solution not only exists but also is unique. Then, the influence of parameter variation on the optimal ordering strategy was analyzed by numerical example simulation and sensitivity analysis. The results show that when the period of deferred payment to the manufacturer is extended and the price discount is strengthened, the manufacturer can purchase from the futures market to lock the price and make up for its income loss through the supplier's delayed payment. Production rate should also be controlled, too high or too low production rate will affect the manufacturer's production cycle.
Eine systematische Analyse nosokomialer Ausbrüche von Infektionskrankheiten in der gastrointestinalen Endoskopie
Authors: Scholz Paulina Marie , Kirstein Martha Maria , Solbach Philipp Christoph , Vonberg Ralf-Peter
Published: May 2023

Die Ösophagogastroduodenoskopie (ÖGD), die endoskopische retrograde
Cholangiopankreatikografie (ERCP) sowie die Koloskopie (KOLO) bergen stets das Risiko einer
Transmission von Erregern. Leider gibt es bislang nur wenige Daten zu den Ursachen und
Erregerspektren für diese Ereignisse.

In einer systematischen Literaturrecherche der Worldwide Outbreak Database, der PubMed und
der Embase wurden entsprechende Ausbrüche hinsichtlich der Ausbruchsursache, des
Erregerspektrums, der Attack Rate und Letalität sowie der daraufhin eingeleiteten
Hygienemaßnahmen evaluiert.

Es wurden insgesamt 73 Ausbrüche (ÖDG: 24; ERCP: 42; KOLO: 7) eingeschlossen mit Attack
Rates in Höhe von 3,5%, 7,1% und 12,8%. Die zugehörigen Letalitäten betrugen 6,3%, 12,7% und
10,0%. Im Rahmen der ÖGD ereigneten sich vor allem Transmissionen von Enterobakterien mit
einem großen Anteil multiresistenter Isolate. Via ERCP wurden überwiegend Nonfermenter
übertragen. Die häufigste Ursache für die akzidentelle Verwendung kontaminierter Endoskope war
menschliches Versagen während der Endoskopaufbereitung.

Dem Anwender sollte das Risiko einer Übertragung stets bewusst sein, um diese
frühestmöglich erkennen und fortan unterbinden zu können. Darüber hinaus müssen Mitarbeiter
regelmäßig in der Aufbereitung von Medizinprodukten geschult werden. Die Verwendung von
Einmalendoskopen senkt zwar das Übertragungsrisiko von Erregern, erhöht jedoch andererseits
die Abfallmenge und ggf. auch die Kosten.
Geschlechtsunterschiede in der Autismusdiagnostik
Authors: Breddemann Alina , Schilbach Leonhard , Kunerl Eva , Witzmann Markus , Schuwerk Tobias
Published: May 2023

Die Autismus-Spektrum-Störung (ASS) wird vor allem bei Jungen und
Männern diagnostiziert. Es gibt Hinweise darauf, dass dies auch daran
liegt, dass Autismus bei Mädchen und Frauen oft nicht oder spät
diagnostisch erkannt wird. Diese Studie untersuchte Geschlechtsunterschiede in
der Diagnostik, vorrangig im Diagnosealter und Fehldiagnosen, im Weiteren im
Unterstützungsbedarf, der psychischen Gesundheit und der
Lebenszufriedenheit bei ASS. Es wurden Daten von 659 in Bayern lebenden
Autist:innen im Alter von 3–67 Jahren im Rahmen einer
Online-Fragebogenstudie erhoben (215 davon weiblich). Frauen mit ASS wurden im
Mittel 7–11 Jahre später diagnostiziert als Männer und
erhielten mit höherer Wahrscheinlichkeit mindestens eine Fehldiagnose.
Sie hatten häufiger unerfüllten Unterstützungsbedarf im
Bildungsbereich und komorbide internalisierende psychische Störungen als
Männer mit ASS. Die Ergebnisse dieser Studie zeigen einen deutlichen
Geschlechtsbias in der Diagnostik von ASS in Deutschland und weisen somit auf
Optimierungsbedarf hin.
Der korneale Hydrops – Ursachen und moderne Therapieansätze
Authors: Bachmann Björn O. , Matthaei Mario , Schlereth Simona , Cursiefen Claus
Published: May 2023

Der akute Hydrops bezeichnet ein plötzliches Hornhautödem, das durch den Einriss der Descemet-Membran (DM) häufig bei fortschreitender Keratektasie verursacht wird. Er führt zu einer
plötzlichen Visusminderung, Schmerzen und Fremdkörpergefühl sowie zu einem gesteigerten Blendungsempfinden. In der Regel heilt der akute Hydrops innerhalb von Monaten narbig ab, jedoch kann
es auch zu Komplikationen wie Hornhautperforation, infektiöser Keratitis und Hornhautvaskularisationen kommen. Die Prävalenz bei Keratokonuspatienten liegt bei 2,6 – 2,8%. Risikofaktoren
sind die Keratoconjunctivitis vernalis, die atopische Dermatitis, hohe Keratometriewerte, männliches Geschlecht sowie Augenreiben. Eine Keratoplastik sollte in der akuten Phase vermieden
werden. Die Prognose des Transplantates ist reduziert und nach narbiger Abheilung des Hydrops kann das Tragen von Kontaktlinse oder Brille u. U. wieder möglich sein. Eine alleinige
konservative Therapie mit benetzenden und entquellenden Tropfen, prophylaktischen antibiotischen Augentropfen zur Vermeidung einer Superinfektion und topischen Steroiden galt lange Zeit als
die einzig mögliche Behandlungsform. Die narbige Abheilung und Entquellung unter konservativer Therapie dauert im Mittel jedoch über 100 Tage. Mittlerweile gibt es unterschiedliche
chirurgische Strategien, die die Heilungs- und damit die Leidensphase der Patienten bis auf wenige Tage rapide verkürzen. Bei Lösung der DM ohne Spannung kann eine simple Gaseingabe in die
Vorderkammer bereits zur Wiederanlage und damit zur fast sofortigen Entquellung der Hornhaut führen. Wenn die DM unter Spannung steht, kann durch prädescemetale Nähte in Kombination mit
einer Gaseingabe in die Vorderkammer ein Abflachen der Hornhaut und eine Wiederanlage der DM erreicht werden. Die Mini-Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (Mini-DMEK) erlaubt den
nahtfreien Verschluss des DM-Defektes durch Transplantation eines kleinen (< 5 mm) Transplantates. Bei besonders großen DM-Rissen und sehr ausgeprägtem Hydrops kann es nach Anlage von
prädescemetalen Nähten zu Fadenlockerungen und Rezidiven kommen. Die Mini-DMEK kann dann zum dauerhaften Abheilen führen, muss im Gegensatz zur einfachen Hornhautnaht aber meist in
Allgemeinanästhesie und unter intraoperativer OCT-Kontrolle durchgeführt werden. Die sehr guten Ergebnisse in Bezug auf die schnelle Heilung des Hydrops belegen, dass bei den allermeisten
Betroffenen eine chirurgische Therapie sinnvoll ist und zügig eingeleitet werden sollte.
Profile of Cutaneous Bacterial Flora in Pemphigus Patients
Authors: Mohanty Srujana , Saha Swarnatrisha , Firdaus Shehnaz , Sirka Chandra Sekhar
Published: May 2023

Objectives Pemphigus, a group of autoimmune bullous diseases, can be fatal, resulting from overwhelming opportunistic infection of lesions secondary to cutaneous bacterial infections. This study aimed to look into the cutaneous bacterial infection profile of pemphigus patients as timely identification and appropriate treatment can play a major role in reducing mortality.

Materials and Methods Pus samples/swabs received from patients with pemphigus over a 2-year period from July 2018 to June 2020 were subjected to standard microbiological culture techniques and susceptibility testing. The frequency of isolation and susceptibility profile of the different bacterial pathogens toward various antimicrobial agents were interpreted and analyzed as per the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute's guidelines.

Results Samples from 315 patients were received during the study period comprising of 203 (64.4%) males and 112 (35.5%) females. Of 211 samples which were culture-positive, a total of 245 bacterial isolates were obtained, comprising of 158 Gram-positive cocci and 87 Gram-negative bacilli. Staphylococcus aureus (138, 56.3%) was the most common isolate followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (41, 16.7%) and Escherichia coli (16, 6.5%). Methicillin resistance was observed in 24.6% Staphylococcus aureus isolates and carbapenem resistance in 9.5 to 14.6% Gram-negative bacilli.

Conclusions Study findings emphasize the need for continuous monitoring of cutaneous pemphigus lesions for appropriate choice of antimicrobial therapy.
Understanding the Constraints and Optimization of Serum Immunofixation Electrophoresis and Serum Free Light Chains for Detecting Monoclonal Proteins: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Shastri Malvika , Malhotra Pankaj , Kaur Harvinder , Aggarwal Ritu
Published: May 2023

Introduction Serum immunofixation electrophoresis (SIFE) and serum free light chain (SFLC) assay are imperative investigations in diagnosis and follow-up of multiple myeloma (MM). SFLC assays are reported to have higher sensitivity than SIFE. However, discrepancies have been reported between them. The current study was aimed at assessing concordance and discordance between SIFE and SFLC results in MM.

Methods A total of 450 observations of both SIFE and SFLC were obtained from treatment-naive and follow-up MM patients.

Results One hundred and twenty-nine (28.7%) values were observed as discordant, that is, positive SIFE with normal SFLC ratio or negative SIFE with abnormal SFLC ratio (p-value < 0.00001). Proportion of discordance was higher in SIFE positive-SFLC normal cases than SIFE negative-SFLC abnormal cases. Discordance was more frequent in follow-up cases.

Conclusion Negative SFLC alone may not be reliable for MM follow-up. Algorithm may be based on SFLC measurements on each follow-up till attainment of normal SFLC ratio. Once SFLC normalizes, follow-up may be done with SIFE. If SIFE is positive, further follow-up with SIFE may be initiated.
Human isotopic evidence from the Guanzhong Basin casts light on a century of agricultural and pastoral interactions at medieval metropolitan Chang’an during sixth century AD
Authors: Sheng Pengfei , Allen Edward , Ma Tian , Dao Yiyuan , Zhang Jianlin , Liu Daiyun , Han Sheng , Meng Hailiang , Wen Shaoqing
Published: May 2023

Noble and commoner in the medieval China capital of Chang’an (modern-day Xi’an) engaged in an intricately intertwined agricultural and pastoral economy. The period represents the peak of the integration of nomadic and agricultural populations in early China. Here we firstly reported human collagen δ13C and δ15N values for eight middle age nobles whose lifespans cover roughly a century (AD 503–604) and who include a Northern Zhou, Emperor Wu (北周武帝) and his consort, Empress A’shina (阿史那皇后). We also consider stable isotopic evidence from nine individuals in commoner burials in the Chang’an region, likewise dating to the sixth century. This century-long dietary profile provides direct archeological evidence for dietary variability at this core metropolitan population. Constructing a comparative model using existing historical human isotopic data (n = 1233) from northern China and its northern Steppe, we find a marked regional divergence in noble and commoner dietary patterns. We trace this back to the considerable variety of agricultural and pastoral dietary practices, likely pointing to different economic and geographic backgrounds of the individuals under study. We argue that a two-way relationship between shifting pastoral and agricultural practices was reflected to separate degrees at the elite and commoner level. This study offers an improved understanding of the multiplicity of dietary patterns and associated lifeways for the metropolitan societies of medieval northern China.
Shear stress induced phase transitions of cubic Eu2O3 under non-hydrostatic pressures
Authors: Jiang Sheng , Zhang Jichao , Yan Shuai
Published: May 2023

Pressure-induced phase transitions in cubic Eu2O3 subjected to non-hydrostatic conditions have been studied by in situ high-pressure synchrotron angle dispersive x-ray diffraction and Raman scattering measurements up to 30.1 and 43.8 GPa, respectively. Both x-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy results indicate that the pressure-induced transition routines of cubic Eu2O3 depend on the nature of stress loading. In contrast to our previous high-pressure studies of cubic Eu2O3 under hydrostatic pressure, where cubic Eu2O3 transforms directly into a hexagonal structure, the x-ray diffraction data show that cubic Eu2O3 begins to transform into the monoclinic phase at a non-hydrostatic pressure of about 4.3 GPa, while the monoclinic to hexagonal phase transition is initiated at about 6.4 GPa. These phase transitions have also been confirmed by Raman spectroscopy; the hexagonal phase is stable up to at least 43.8 GPa; and the material decompressed from high pressures is composed of a monoclinic phase, showing that the cubic Eu2O3 to monoclinic phase transition is irreversible due to the constructive nature. Pressure coefficients of Raman peaks and Grüneisen mode parameters of cubic, monoclinic, and hexagonal phases followed under pressure were determined. Furthermore, this study provides evidence for the shear stress-induced cubic to monoclinic phase transition in cubic Eu2O3 and the corresponding mechanism.
Dynamics of weak magnetic coupling by x-ray ferromagnetic resonance
Authors: Kim Changsoo , Choi Won-Chang , Moon Kyoung-Woong , Kim Hyun-Joong , An Kyongmo , Park Byeong-Gyu , Kim Ho-young , Hong Jung-il , Kim Jaeyoung , Qiu Zi Q. , Kim Younghak , Hwang Chanyong
Published: May 2023

We investigate the interaction between two magnetic layers separated with a normal metal insertion layer (Ti, Pt, and Ru) using x-ray ferromagnetic resonance (XFMR). We measure the amplitude and phase of the ferromagnetic resonance of both layers. Our results indicate that a ferromagnetic exchange coupling between two layers is a dominant coupling mechanism for a thick insertion metal layer. Based on the exchange coupling model, we extract the smallest value of the indirect exchange coefficient of 1.2 μJ/m2, which corresponds to an exchange field of about 0.36 mT. While this value is difficult to measure with other experimental tools, we were able to measure the small value because XFMR detects a resonance phenomenon of a thin layer generated by an oscillating indirect exchange and the Oersted fields with a phase and layer resolved observation.
Comparative study of the dynamics of colloidal glass and gel
Authors: Zhang Fukai , Yu Haitao , Wang Huaguang , Zhang Zexin
Published: May 2023

We investigate and compare the difference in the dynamics of two arrested states: colloidal glass and colloidal gel. Real-space experiments reveal two distinct nonergodicity origins for their slow dynamics, namely, cage effects for the glass and attractive bondings for the gel. Such distinct origins lead to a faster decay of the correlation function and a smaller nonergodicity parameter of the glass than those of the gel. We also find that the gel exhibits stronger dynamical heterogeneity compared with the glass due to the greater correlated motions in the gel. Moreover, a logarithmic decay in the correlation function is observed as the two nonergodicity origins merge, consistent with the mode coupling theory.
Analytic first-order derivatives of CASPT2 with IPEA shift
Authors: Nishimoto Yoshio
Published: May 2023

Complete active space second-order perturbation theory (CASPT2) is useful for accurately predicting properties of complex electronic structures, but it is well known that it systematically underestimates excitation energies. The underestimation can be corrected using the ionization potential–electron affinity (IPEA) shift. In this study, analytic first-order derivatives of CASPT2 with the IPEA shift are developed. CASPT2-IPEA is not invariant with respect to rotations among active molecular orbitals, and two additional constraint conditions are necessary in the CASPT2 Lagrangian to formulate analytic derivatives. The method developed here is applied to methylpyrimidine derivatives and cytosine, and minimum energy structures and conical intersections are located. By comparing energies relative to the closed-shell ground state, we find that the agreement with experiments and high-level calculations is indeed improved by the inclusion of the IPEA shift. The agreement of geometrical parameters with high-level calculations may also be improved in some cases.
The surface chemistry of ionic liquid-treated CsPbBr3 quantum dots
Authors: Crans Kyle D. , Bain Matthew , Bradforth Stephen E. , Oron Dan , Kazes Miri , Brutchey Richard L.
Published: May 2023

The power conversion efficiencies of lead halide perovskite thin film solar cells have surged in the short time since their inception. Compounds, such as ionic liquids (ILs), have been explored as chemical additives and interface modifiers in perovskite solar cells, contributing to the rapid increase in cell efficiencies. However, due to the small surface area-to-volume ratio of the large grained polycrystalline halide perovskite films, an atomistic understanding of the interaction between ILs and perovskite surfaces is limited. Here, we use quantum dots (QDs) to study the coordinative surface interaction between phosphonium-based ILs and CsPbBr3. When native oleylammonium oleate ligands are exchanged off the QD surface with the phosphonium cation as well as the IL anion, a threefold increase in photoluminescent quantum yield of as-synthesized QDs is observed. The CsPbBr3 QD structure, shape, and size remain unchanged after ligand exchange, indicating only a surface ligand interaction at approximately equimolar additions of the IL. Increased concentrations of the IL lead to a disadvantageous phase change and a concomitant decrease in photoluminescent quantum yields. Valuable information regarding the coordinative interaction between certain ILs and lead halide perovskites has been elucidated and can be used for informed pairing of beneficial combinations of IL cations and anions.
Growth of nanostructured molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) thin films on a nanohole-patterned substrate using plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (ALD)
Authors: Xiao Zhigang , Doerk Gregory , Kisslinger Kim , Jones Abram , Monikandan Rebhadevi
Published: May 2023

Nanostructured molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) thin films were grown on a nanohole-patterned silicon substrate using plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition. A nanoscale hole-patterned silicon substrate was fabricated for the growth of MoS2 film using the self-assembly-based nanofabrication method. The nanoscale holes can significantly increase the surface area of the substrate while the formation and growth of nanostructures normally start at the surface of the substrate. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas was used as the S source in the growth of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) while molybdenum (V) chloride (MoCl5) powder was used as the Mo source. The MoS2 film had a stoichiometric ratio of 1 (Mo) to 2 (S), and had peaks of E12g and A1g, which represent the in-plane and out-plane vibration modes of the Mo–S bond, respectively. It was found that the MoS2 film grown in the nanoscale hole, especially at the wall of the hole, has more hexagonal-like structures due to the effects of nanoscale space confinement and the nanoscale interface although the film shows an amorphous structure. Post-growth high-temperature annealing ranging from 800 to 900 °C produced local crystalline structures in the film, which are compatible with those reported by other researchers.
On the formation of the Ei language
Authors: Zeng Xiaoyu
Published: May 2023

The Ei language (or Wu-se) is a mixed language derived from
Chinese and the Kam-Tai languages. This paper focuses on the status of Ei and
its formation process. The ancestors of the Ei people were soldiers and their
families from different ethnic groups, who were sent to the Patrol Division of
E’jing Town, Rong County, Guangxi Province in the Ming Dynasty, some 600 years
ago. They are a multi-ethnic fusion of Chinese, Zhuang, Kam, and Sui peoples.
The Ei language resulted from contact between Chinese and Kam-Tai languages. Its
core words are mainly Kam-Tai, and the commonly-used words are mainly Chinese.
The word order is basically the same as Chinese, and its voiceless sonorants are
consistent with Kam-Sui phonology. The root causes of its formation are the Ei
speakers’ ethnic identity as well as their stable and relatively closed life
circles.
Influence of shell thickness on the thermal stability and melting-like behavior of Al@Fe core–shell nanoparticles from atomistic simulations: a structural and dynamic description
Authors: Cuba-Supanta Gustavo , Pinto-Vergara M Z , Huaman Morales E , Romero Peña M H , Rojas-Tapia J
Published: May 2023

Core–shell nanoparticles (CSNPs) are a class of functional materials that have received important attention nowadays due to their adjustable properties by a controlled tuning of the core or shell. Understanding the thermal response and structural properties of these CSNPs is relevant to carrying out an analysis regarding their synthesis and application at the nanoscale. The present work is aimed to investigate the shell thickness effect on thermal stability and melting behavior of Al@Fe CSNPs by using molecular dynamics simulations. The results are discussed considering the influence of the Fe shell on the Al nanoparticle and analyzing the effect of different shell thicknesses in Al@Fe CSNPs. In general, calorific curves show a smooth energy decline for temperatures greater than room temperature for different shell thicknesses and sizes, corresponding to the inward and outward atomic movement of Al and Fe atoms, respectively, that produce a mixed Al–Fe nanoalloy. Here, the thermal stability of the Al@Fe nanoparticle is gradually lost passing to a liquid-Al@solid-Fe configuration and reaching a mixed Al–Fe state by an exothermic mechanism. Combining quantities of the atomic diffusion and structural identification, a stepped structural transition of the system is subsequently observed, where the melting-like point was estimated. Furthermore, it is observed that the Al@Fe CSNPs with greater stability are obtained with a thick shell and a large size. The ability to control shell thickness and vary the size opens up attractive opportunities to synthesize a broad range of new materials with tunable catalytic properties.
Solitonic attractors in the coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations with weak dissipations
Authors: Qi Kai-Yuan , Yao Xian-kun , Zhao Li-Chen , Yang Zhan-Ying
Published: May 2023

We use the Lagrangian perturbation method to investigate the properties of soliton solutions in the coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations subject to weak dissipation. Our study reveals that the two-component soliton solutions act as fixed-point attractors, where the numerical evolution of the system always converges to a soliton solution, regardless of the initial conditions. Interestingly, the fixed-point attractor appears as a soliton solution with a constant sum of the two-component intensities and a fixed soliton velocity, but each component soliton does not exhibit the attractor feature if the dissipation terms are identical. This suggests that one soliton attractor in the coupled systems can correspond to a group of soliton solutions, which is different from scalar cases. Our findings could inspire further discussions on dissipative-soliton dynamics in coupled systems.
Particle orbit description of cyclotron-driven current-carrying energetic electrons in the EXL-50 spherical torus
Authors: Maekawa Takashi , Peng Yueng-Kay Martin , Liu Wenjun
Published: May 2023

In EXL-50 plasma currents over 100 kA are non-inductively generated and maintained solely by electron cyclotron heating (ECH) power with an efficiency of ∼1 A W−1. These currents are carried by energetic electrons (EEs) in the energy range from several tens of keV up to several hundreds of keV which also account for almost all pressure in plasma. This EE component can be viewed as a large number collection of various periodic orbits of energetic particles. Based on this picture we have developed a method for particle orbit description of the EE component in a typical plasma at

I

P

= 121 kA as analysis target. We use a fluid description as a bridge to describe successfully the EE component as a collection of various passing and trapped orbits in the approximation of monochromatic particle energy with good matching to the flux loop signals. The description has revealed characteristics of passing and trapped particles. Passing particles carry almost all toroidal current, while they account for only 20

%

of total particle number of the EE component. While net current carried by trapped particles is a very small fraction, they account for a major fraction in number and carry a large positive current outside the last closed flux surface (LCFS) and a large negative current inside. As a result, trapped particles redistribute the current from inside of the LCFS to outside both radially and vertically, generating a large vertically elongated cross section in current as well as number density profiles. There is a ridge-like structure along the LCFS in the current density profile, with no such structure in the number density profile. The results suggest that forward passing particles are more advantageous in confinement than backward passing particles. This advantage increases with particle energy and contributes to the current generation observed in EXL-50 experiments.
Influence of growth time on the properties of CdTe thin films grown by electrodeposition using acetate precursor for solar energy application
Authors: Yimamu A U , Afrassa M A , Dejene B F , Echendu O K , Tshabalala K G , Terblans J J , Swart H C , Motloung S J
Published: May 2023

Cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin films were deposited using a two–electrode electrodeposition (ED) configuration from an aqueous acidic solution. The electrolyte solution contains 1 M of cadmium acetate dihydrate (Cd (CH3OO) 2.2H2O) as cadmium precursor and 1 ml of tellurium dioxide (TeO2) as tellurium precursor. The thin films were grown for different deposition times of 60, 120, 180, 240, and 300 min to investigate the effect of the deposition period on the structural, optical, electrical, surface morphology, elemental composition, and surface roughness properties of the CdTe thin films in both as–deposited and heat–treated forms. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicates that the CdTe thin films have polycrystalline cubic zinc blend, orthorhombic and hexagonal structures. The result confirmed that the cubic phase is dominant and the peak for preferred orientation is along the (111) plane. Ultraviolet-visible (UV–vis) spectrophotometry study shows that the band gap of the as-deposited thin films varies from (1.41–1.45) eV, and after heat treatment, the band gap decreased to (1.39–1.42) eV. Photoelectrochemical cell (PEC) measurements show that CdTe thin films haven-type conductivity in both as–deposited and annealed forms. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis shows that the surface morphology of CdTe thin films changed as the deposition period increases. After heat treatment, increase in grain size was observed. Energy–dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis shows that the percentage composition of as–deposited and heat-treated CdTe thin films varied with deposition time. After post–deposition treatment (PDT), the concentration of Te decreased, while that of Cd increased due to recrystallization during annealing. For the film deposited for 120 min, stoichiometric composition of CdTe was observed after heat treatment. Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) measurements revealed that the average surface roughness of the thin films varied with deposition time. The maximum average surface roughness was recorded when the film was deposited for 120 min. These results show that the prepared CdTe thin films have potential application as absorber layers in thin film solar cells.
Approach to risk stratification for papillary thyroid carcinoma based on molecular profiling: institutional analysis
Authors: Staubitz Julia I , Müller Celine , Heymans Antonia , Merten Christina , Roos Bianca , Poplawski Alicia , Ludt Annekathrin , Strobl Stephanie , Springer Erik , Schad Arno , Roth Wilfried , Musholt Thomas J , Hartmann Nils
Published: May 2023

Background

Currently, treatment recommendations for papillary thyroid carcinoma are not based on the genetic background causing tumourigenesis. The aim of the present study was to correlate the mutational profile of papillary thyroid carcinoma with clinical parameters of tumour aggressiveness, to establish recommendations for risk-stratified surgical treatment.

Method

Papillary thyroid carcinoma tumour tissue of patients undergoing thyroid surgery at the University Medical Centre Mainz underwent analysis of BRAF, TERT promoter and RAS mutational status as well as potential RET and NTRK rearrangements. Mutation status was correlated with clinical course of disease.

Results

One hundred and seventy-one patients operated for papillary thyroid carcinoma were included. The median age was 48 years (range 8–85) and 69 per cent (118/171) of patients were females. One hundred and nine papillary thyroid carcinomas were BRAF-V600E mutant, 16 TERT promotor mutant and 12 RAS mutant; 12 papillary thyroid carcinomas harboured RET rearrangements and two papillary thyroid carcinomas showed NTRK rearrangements. TERT promoter mutant papillary thyroid carcinomas had a higher risk of distant metastasis (OR 51.3, 7.0 to 1048.2, P < 0.001) and radioiodine-refractory disease (OR 37.8, 9.9 to 169.5, P < 0.001). Concomitant BRAF and TERT promoter mutations increased the risk of radioiodine-refractory disease in papillary thyroid carcinoma (OR 21.7, 5.6 to 88.9, P < 0.001). RET rearrangements were associated with a higher count of tumour-affected lymph nodes (OR 7950.9, 233.7 to 270495.7, P < 0.001) but did not influence distant metastasis or radioiodine-refractory disease.

Conclusions

Papillary thyroid carcinoma with concomitant BRAF-V600E and TERT promoter mutations demonstrated an aggressive course of disease, suggesting the need for a more extensive surgical strategy. RET rearrangement-positive papillary thyroid carcinoma did not affect the clinical outcome, potentially obviating the need for prophylactic lymphadenectomy.
Al-induced CsUGT84J2 enhances flavonol and auxin accumulation to promote root growth in tea plants
Authors: Jiang Xiaolan , Lai Sanyan , Kong Dexu , Hou Xiaohan , Shi Yufeng , Fu Zhouping , Liu Yajun , Gao Liping , Xia Tao
Published: May 2023

Although Al is not necessary or even toxic to most plants, it is beneficial for the growth of tea plants. However, the mechanism through which Al promotes root growth in tea plants remains unclear. In the present study, we found that flavonol glycoside levels in tea roots increased following Al treatment, and the Al-induced UDP glycosyltransferase CsUGT84J2 was involved in this mechanism. Enzyme activity assays revealed that rCsUGT84J2 exhibited catalytic activity on multiple types of substrates, including phenolic acids, flavonols, and auxins in vitro. Furthermore, metabolic analysis with UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS revealed significantly increased flavonol and auxin glycoside accumulation in CsUGT84J2-overexpressing Arabidopsis thaliana. In addition, the expression of genes involved in the flavonol pathway as well as in the auxin metabolism, transport, and signaling pathways was remarkably enhanced. Additionally, lateral root growth and exogenous Al stress tolerance were significantly improved in transgenic A. thaliana. Moreover, gene expression and metabolic accumulation related to phenolic acids, flavonols, and auxin were upregulated in CsUGT84J2-overexpressing tea plants but downregulated in CsUGT84J2-silenced tea plants. In conclusion, Al treatment induced CsUGT84J2 expression, mediated flavonol and auxin glycosylation, and regulated endogenous auxin homeostasis in tea roots, thereby promoting the growth of tea plants. Our findings lay the foundation for studying the precise mechanisms through which Al promotes the growth of tea plants.
Genetic parameters for fleece uniformity in alpacas
Authors: Gutiérrez Juan Pablo , Cruz Alan , Morante Renzo , Burgos Alonso , Formoso-Rafferty Nora , Cervantes Isabel
Published: May 2023

Fiber diameter is the main selection objective and criterion in alpaca breeding programs, but it can vary across anatomic regions of the animal. As fiber diameter is usually registered from a unique sample from the mid side of the body, fiber diameter variability within fleece is never addressed and phenotypic and genetic differences may exist for fleece uniformity in alpaca populations. The objective of this work was to estimate the genetic parameters of fleece uniformity in an alpaca population. Fiber diameters measured in three different locations were used as repeated records of the same animal and studied for fitting a model that considers heterogeneous the residual variance of the model. Also, the logarithm of the standard deviation of the three measures was used as a measure of the fleece variability. Estimate of the additive genetic variance of the environmental variability was 0.43±0.14, enough high to suggest the existence of wide room to select for fleece uniformity. Genetic correlation of the trait with its environmental variability was 0.76±0.13 showing that fleece uniformity will be indirectly selected when aiming to reduce the fiber diameter. In the light of these parameters, and due to the cost of registering and the cost of opportunity, it looks no worthy to include uniformity as a selection criterion in alpaca breeding programs.
Constraining the redshift of BL Lac VER J0521+211
Authors: Sahu Sarira , Medina-Carrillo B , Sánchez-Colón G , Rajpoot Subhash
Published: May 2023

Observation of several very high energy (VHE) flaring events of the BL Lac object VER J0521+211 was reported by the VERITAS and MAGIC collaborations between 2009 and 2014. The redshift of this source is uncertain, and several analyses have derived different limits for it. In the framework of the photohadronic model and using three different extragalactic background light (EBL) models, we analyse seven independent VHE spectra of VER J0521+211 and determine the limiting values on its redshift. It is observed that the photohadronic scenario provides excellent fits to the reported observations. It is further observed that the photohadronic scenario, along with the EBL model of Domínguez et al., puts the most restrictive limits on the redshift z of VER J0521+211: 0.29 ≤ z ≤ 0.31 from the confidence level (CL) intervals at 2σ, or a more conservative 0.28 ≤ z ≤ 0.33 at 3σ.
Kinematics of stellar substructures in the small magellanic cloud
Authors: El Youssoufi Dalal , Cioni Maria-Rosa L , Kacharov Nikolay , Bell Cameron P M , Matjević Gal , Bekki Kenji , de Grijs Richard , Ivanov Valentin D , van Loon Jacco Th
Published: May 2023

We present a kinematic analysis of the Small Magellanic Cloud using 3700 spectra extracted from the European Southern Observatory archive. We used data from Gaia and near-infrared photometry to select stellar populations and discard Galactic foreground stars. The sample includes main-sequence red giant branch and red clump stars, observed with Fibre Large Array Multi Wavelength Spectrograph. The spectra have a resolving power λ/Δλ from 6500 to 38 000. We derive radial velocities by employing a full spectrum fitting method using a penalized pixel fitting routine. We obtain a mean radial velocity for the galaxy of 159 ± 2 km s−1, with a velocity dispersion of 33 ± 2 km s−1. Our velocities agree with literature estimates for similar (young or old) stellar populations. The radial velocity of stars in the Wing and bar-like structures differ as a consequence of the dynamical interaction with the Large Magellanic Cloud. The higher radial velocity of young main-sequence stars in the bar compared to that of supergiants can be attributed to star formation around 40 Myr ago from gas already influenced by tidal stripping. Similarly, young main-sequence stars in the northern part of the bar, resulting from a prominent star forming episode 25 Myr ago, have a higher radial velocity than stars in the southern part. Radial velocity differences between the northern and southern bar overdensities are also traced by giant stars. They are corroborated by studies of the cold gas and proper motion indicating stretching/tidal stripping of the galaxy.
Nuclear activity in z < 0.3 QSO 2’s mainly triggered by galaxy mergers
Authors: Araujo Bruna L C , Storchi-Bergmann Thaisa , Rembold Sandro B , Kaipper André L P , Dall’Agnol de Oliveira Bruno
Published: May 2023

We investigate the role of the close environment on the nuclear activity of a sample of 436 nearby (z < 0.3) QSO 2’s – selected from SDSS-III spectra, via comparison of their environment and interaction parameters with those of a control sample of 1308 galaxies. We have used the corresponding SDSS images to obtain the number of neighbour galaxies N, tidal strength parameter Q and asymmetry parameters. We find a small excess of N in the QSOs compared to its three controls, and no difference in Q. The main difference is an excess of asymmetry in the QSOs hosts, which is almost twice that of the control galaxies. This difference is not due to the hosts’ morphology, since there is no difference in their Galaxy Zoo classifications. HST images of two highly asymmetric QSO 2 hosts of our sample show that both sources have a close companion (at projected separations ∼ 5 kpc), which we thus conclude is the cause of the observed asymmetry in the lower resolution SDSS images. The mean projected radius of the controls is 〈r〉 = 8.53 ± 0.06 kpc, while that of the QSO hosts is 〈r〉 = 9.39 ± 0.12 kpc, supporting the presence of interaction signatures in the outer regions of the QSO hosts. Our results favour a scenario in which nuclear activity in QSO 2’s is triggered by close galaxy interactions – when the distance between the host and companion is of the order of the galaxy radius, implying that they are already in the process of merger.
Nucleotide excision repair in Human cell lines lacking both XPC and CSB proteins
Authors: Lindsey-Boltz Laura A , Yang Yanyan , Kose Cansu , Deger Nazli , Eynullazada Khagani , Kawara Hiroaki , Sancar Aziz
Published: May 2023

Nucleotide excision repair removes UV-induced DNA damage through two distinct sub-pathways, global repair and transcription-coupled repair (TCR). Numerous studies have shown that in human and other mammalian cell lines that the XPC protein is required for repair of DNA damage from nontranscribed DNA via global repair and the CSB protein is required for repair of lesions from transcribed DNA via TCR. Therefore, it is generally assumed that abrogating both sub-pathways with an XPC−/−/CSB−/− double mutant would eliminate all nucleotide excision repair. Here we describe the construction of three different XPC−/−/CSB−/− human cell lines that, contrary to expectations, perform TCR. The XPC and CSB genes were mutated in cell lines derived from Xeroderma Pigmentosum patients as well as from normal human fibroblasts and repair was analyzed at the whole genome level using the very sensitive XR-seq method. As predicted, XPC−/− cells exhibited only TCR and CSB−/− cells exhibited only global repair. However, the XPC−/−/CSB−/− double mutant cell lines, although having greatly reduced repair, exhibited TCR. Mutating the CSA gene to generate a triple mutant XPC−/−/CSB−/−/CSA−/− cell line eliminated all residual TCR activity. Together, these findings provide new insights into the mechanistic features of mammalian nucleotide excision repair.
Psychosocial predictors of COVID-19 infection in UK biobank (N = 104 201)
Authors: Wauye Victor M , Ho Frederick K , Lyall Donald M
Published: May 2023

Background

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, data on its psychosocial predictors are limited. We therefore aimed to explore psychosocial predictors of COVID-19 infection at the UK Biobank (UKB).

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study conducted among UKB participants.

Results

The sample size was N = 104 201, out of which 14 852 (14.3%) had a positive COVID-19 test. The whole sample analysis showed significant interactions between sex and several predictor variables. Among females, absence of college/university degree [odds ratio (OR) 1.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.45–1.66] and socioeconomic deprivation (OR 1.16 95% CI 1.11–1.21) were associated with higher odds of COVID-19 infection, while history of psychiatric consultation (OR 0.85 95% CI 0.77–0.94) with lower odds. Among males, absence of college/university degree (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.45–1.68) and socioeconomic deprivation (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.07–1.16) were associated with higher odds, while loneliness (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.78–0.97), irritability (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.83–0.99) and history of psychiatric consultation (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.75–0.97) were associated with lower odds.

Conclusion

Sociodemographic factors predicted the odds of COVID-19 infection equally among male and female participants, while psychological factors had differential impacts.
Evaluation of various scoring systems as predictors of the need for intensive care unit admission and other adverse outcomes among patients with acute clozapine poisoning
Authors: Lashin Heba I , Sharif Asmaa F
Published: May 2023

Acute clozapine poisoning (ACP) is frequently reported worldwide. We evaluated the efficacy of the Poison Severity Score (PSS), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score, Rapid Emergency Medicine Score (REMS), and Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) as predictors for intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mechanical ventilation (MV), mortality, and length of hospital stay in patients with ACP. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using records of patients diagnosed with ACP from January 2017 to June 2022 and admitted to an Egyptian poison control center. Analyzing 156 records showed that all assessed scores were significant predictors of the studied outcomes. The PSS and APACHE II score showed the highest area under the curve (AUC) as ICU admission predictors with insignificant variations. The APACHE II score showed the best discriminatory power in predicting MV and mortality. Nevertheless, MEWS exhibited the highest odds ratio (OR) as an ICU predictor (OR = 2.39, and 95% confidence interval = 1.86–3.27) and as a mortality predictor (OR = 1.98, and 95% confidence interval = 1.16–4.41). REMS and MEWS were better predictors of length of hospital stay compared with the APACHE II score. The simpler, lab-independent nature and the comparable discrimination but higher odds ratio of MEWS compared with APACHE II score justify MEWS’ superior utility as an outcome predictor in ACP. We recommend using either the APACHE II score or MEWS, depending on the availability of laboratory investigations, resources, and the case’s urgency. Otherwise, the MEWS is a substantially feasible, economical, and bedside alternative outcome predictor in ACP.
New developments related to lung complications in pediatric rheumatic disease
Authors: Rai Shipra , Schulert Grant S. , Towe Christopher
Published: May 2023

Purpose of review

While substantial progress has been made understanding lung disease in adult patients with rheumatic disease, pediatric lung disease has not been well addressed. Several recent studies provide new insights into diagnosis, management and treatment of lung disease in children with rheumatic disease.

Recent findings

Building on previous research, newly diagnosed patients may have abnormalities in pulmonary function tests and chest computed tomography imaging even when asymptomatic. New guidelines for screening for rheumatic-associated lung disease provide important recommendations for clinicians. New theories have been proposed about immunologic shifts leading to the development of lung disease in children with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Additionally, there are new antifibrotic agents that are being explored as treatments in pediatric patients with fibrotic lung diseases.

Patients appear to have frequent lung function abnormalities while being clinically asymptomatic, emphasizing importance for rheumatologists to refer for pulmonary function tests and imaging at diagnosis. New advances are helping define optimal approaches to treatment of lung disease, including use of biologic agents and antifibrotic medicines for pediatric patients with rheumatologic diseases.