bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A quantum otto heat engine driven by three quantum dots
Authors: Khlifi Y , Abaach S , EL Baz M , A El Allati
Published: June 2024

A quantum heat engine composed of three coupled quantum dots as a working substance is proposed. Since quantum dots naturally obey the Fermi Hubbard Hamiltonian, the strong coupling interaction regime allows the working substance to be evaluated under an effective Heisenberg Hamiltonian. Indeed, the influence of the strength coupling, between the three dots, on quantum machine efficiency and work in the presence of a homogeneous magnetic field is also examined. Furthermore, the influence of entanglement on the efficiency & work of the quantum dot Otto heat engine is well analyzed. As a tripartite working substance, we are interested in analyzing the local work and efficiency associated with each single and pair of quantum dots. The results show that the local efficiency associated with a pair of quantum dots achieves a maximum value, unlike the global efficiency. Indeed, the entanglement impact on Global/local work is studied.
Interaction of SPI pellets with plasma on JET and associated disruptions
Authors: Gerasimov S N , Baylor L R , Boboc A , Carvalho I S , Carvalho P , Coffey I H , Craven D , Flanagan J , Huber A , Huber V , Jachmich S , Jepu I , Joffrin E , Kos D , Krasheninnikov S I , Kruezi U , Lehnen M , Lomas P J , Manzanares A , Maslov M , Peacock A , Puglia P , Rimini F G , Sergienko G , Shiraki D , Silburn S , Smirnov R D , Stuart C , Sun H , Wilson J , Zakharov L E ,   JET Contributors
Published: June 2024

The presented data refer to the Shattered Pellet Injector (SPI) experiments carried out at JET in 2019–2020. This paper is a full journal version of the data originally presented as posters at TMPDM_2020 and EPS_2021. This paper presents various aspects of the interaction of pellets with plasma and associated disruptions. The experiment was performed with I

p
= (1.1–3.1) MA plasmas and mainly with Ne + D2 pellet composition, but also with Ar pellets. The Current Quench (CQ) time, τ
80−20, is the key characteristic of mitigation effectiveness. A pellet with a high content of Ne or Ar can reduce the CQ duration below the upper required JET threshold. Plasmas with high (thermal + internal poloidal magnetic) pre-disruptive plasma energy require a high content of Ne pellets to obtain a short CQ duration. Pellets with a small amount of Ne (and accordingly large amount of D), instead of causing a mitigated CQ, create the conditions for a ‘cold’ Vertical Displacement Events (VDE). The SPI was applied to plasma with different status: mainly to normal (‘healthy’) plasma, i.e. not prone to disruption, post-disruptive and VDE plasma. This study shows that SPI effectiveness in terms of CQ duration and, accordingly, EM loads does not depend on the state of the plasma, whether it is ‘healthy’ or post-disruptive plasma. SPI has been shown to reduce the axisymmetric vertical vessel reaction forces by about (30–40) % compared to unmitigated disruptions. On JET, the VDE, whether ‘hot’ or ‘cold’, always creates the conditions for a toroidal asymmetry in the plasma, so the VDE on the JET is referred to as Asymmetric VDE (AVDE). The interrupting of VDE and prevention of AVDE with SPI has been demonstrated. Thus, the effectiveness of disruption mitigation using SPI has been confirmed.
Improving constraints on inflation with CMB delensing
Authors: Trendafilova Cynthia , Hotinli Selim C. , Meyers Joel
Published: June 2024

The delensing of cosmic microwave background (CMB) maps will be increasingly valuable for extracting as much information as possible from future CMB surveys. Delensing provides many general benefits, including sharpening of the acoustic peaks, more accurate recovery of the damping tail, and reduction of lensing-induced B-mode power. In this paper we present several applications of delensing focused on testing theories of early-universe inflation with observations of the CMB. We find that delensing the CMB results in improved parameter constraints for reconstructing the spectrum of primordial curvature fluctuations, probing oscillatory features in the primordial curvature spectrum, measuring the spatial curvature of the universe, and constraining several different models of isocurvature perturbations. In some cases we find that delensing can recover almost all of the constraining power contained in unlensed spectra, and it will be a particularly valuable analysis technique to achieve further improvements in constraints for model parameters whose measurements are not expected to improve significantly when utilizing only lensed CMB maps from next-generation CMB surveys. We also quantify the prospects of testing the single-field inflation tensor consistency condition using delensed CMB data; we find it to be out of reach of current and proposed experimental technology and advocate for alternative detection methods.
The combined effects of quantum and strong coupling on the nonlinear collective excitation in quantum dusty plasmas
Authors: Li Chengkai , Kang Youyou , Wang Yunliang
Published: June 2024

The quantum hydrodynamic model for electrons and ions and the generalized hydrodynamic model for the strongly coupled dust particles are proposed in the strongly coupled quantum dusty plasma, where the combined quantum effects of quantum diffraction, quantum statistic pressure, as well as electron exchange and correlation effects are all considered in the quantum hydrodynamic model. The shear and bulk viscosity effects are included in the viscoelastic relaxation, which leads to the decay of the dust-ion-acoustic waves. The approximate time-dependent solitary solution is obtained by the momentum conservation law in the presence of viscosity.
Single crystal growth and characterization of 166-type magnetic kagome metals
Authors: Wu 吴 Huangyu 黄宇 , Liu 刘 Jinjin 锦锦 , Li 李 Yongkai 永恺 , Zhu 朱 Peng 鹏 , Yang 杨 Liu 柳 , Chen 陈 Fuhong 富红 , Hu 胡 Deng 灯 , Wang 王 Zhiwei 秩伟
Published: June 2024

Kagome magnets were predicted to be a good platform to investigate correlated topology band structure, Chern quantum phase, and geometrical frustration due to their unique lattice geometry. Here we reported single crystal growth of 166-type kagome magnetic materials, including HfMn6Sn6, ZrMn6Sn6, GdMn6Sn6 and GdV6Sn6, by using the flux method with Sn as the flux. Among them, HfMn6Sn6 and ZrMn6Sn6 single crystals were grown for the first time. X-ray diffraction measurements reveal that all four samples crystallize in HfFe6Ge6-type hexagonal structure with space group P6/mmm. All samples show metallic behavior from temperature dependence of resistivity measurements, and the dominant carrier is hole, except for GdV6Sn6 which is electron dominated. All samples have magnetic order with different transition temperatures, HfMn6Sn6, ZrMn6Sn6 and GdV6Sn6 are antiferromagnetic with T
N of 541 K, 466 K and 4 K respectively, while GdMn6Sn6 is ferrimagnetic with the critical temperature of about 470 K. This study will enrich the research platform of magnetic kagome materials and help explore the novel quantum phenomena in these interesting materials. The dataset of specific crystal structure parameters for HfMn6Sn6 are available in Science Data Bank, with the link https://doi.org/10.57760/sciencedb.j00113.00120.
Simultaneous control of ferromagnetism and ferroelasticity by oxygen octahedral backbone stretching
Authors: Liang 梁 Genhao 根豪 , Cao 曹 Hui 慧 , Cheng 成 Long 龙 , Zha 查 Junkun 君坤 , Bao 保 Mingrui 明睿 , Ye 叶 Fei 飞 , Zhou 周 Hua 华 , Zhao 赵 Aidi 爱迪 , Zhai 翟 Xiaofang 晓芳
Published: June 2024

Coexistence of ferromagnetism and ferroelasticity in a single material is an intriguing phenomenon, but has been rarely found. Here we studied both the ferromagnetism and ferroelasticity in a group of LaCoO3 films with systematically tuned atomic structures. We found that all films exhibit ferroelastic domains with four-fold symmetry and the larger domain size (higher elasticity) is always accompanied by stronger ferromagnetism. We performed synchrotron x-ray diffraction studies to investigate the backbone structure of the CoO6 octahedra, and found that both the ferromagnetism and the elasticity are simultaneously enhanced when the in-plane Co–O–Co bond angles are straightened. Therefore the study demonstrates the inextricable correlation between the ferromagnetism and ferroelasticity mediated through the octahedral backbone structure, which may open up new possibilities to develop multifunctional materials.
Minimum connected dominating set and backbone of a random graph
Authors: Habibulla Yusupjan , Zhou Hai-Jun
Published: June 2024

We study the minimum dominating set problem as a representative combinatorial optimization challenge with a global topological constraint. The requirement that the backbone induced by the vertices of a dominating set should be a connected subgraph makes the problem rather nontrivial to investigate by statistical physics methods. Here, we convert this global connectivity constraint into a set of local vertex constraints and build a spin glass model with only five coarse-grained vertex states. We derive a set of coarse-grained belief-propagation equations and obtain theoretical predictions of the relative sizes of the minimum dominating sets for regular random and Erdös–Rényi random graph ensembles. We also implement an efficient message-passing algorithm to construct close-to-minimum connected dominating sets and backbone subgraphs for single random graph instances. Our theoretical strategy may also be applicable to some other global topological constraints.
Inversion isomerism induced by the Pseudo Jahn-Teller Effect in X2CE molecules (X = H, F; E = O, S, Se) in their reduced and excited states
Authors: Gorinchoy Natalia , Balan Iolanta , Polinger Victor , Bersuker Isaac B.
Published: June 2024

The pseudo-Jahn-Teller effect (PJTE) is employed to reveal the origin of molecular geometry changes induced by reduction and excitation, using a series of X2CE molecules (X = H, F, Cl; E = C, S, Se) as examples. Their nuclear configuration is planar with C
2v symmetry in the ground electronic state. However, when reduced, they acquire a nonplanar pyramidal structure with an elongated C-E bond in their ground and lowest excited electronic states 1A2 and 3A2. It is shown that these distortions are due to the PJT mixing of the reference electronic states with appropriate excited states via the b
1 vibrational mode. The PJTE is shown to reasonably parametrize the adiabatic potential energy curve ε(Qb

1) along the instability coordinate Qb

1.
Singular vibronic interaction in liquids: manifestation in the optical spectrum of impurity atoms in superfluid helium
Authors: Hizhnyakov V. , Boltrushko V. , Benedek G. , Moroshkin P.
Published: June 2024

The zero phonon line (ZPL) and its phonon-roton wing have been studied both experimentally and theoretically in the optical spectrum of the inner shell transition in the Dy atom in superfluid helium. It is shown that the linear vibronic interaction of impurity atom with long-wave acoustic phonons in the liquid phase is singularly enhanced. As a result, the ZPL of both the superfluid and normal components of liquid helium has a finite width. The temperature dependence of the spectrum is a consequence of the redistribution of the superfluid and normal components of the liquid helium and the temperature dependence of the spectrum of its normal component. Our calculations of the ZPL and its phonon-rotor wing are consistent with the experiment.
Beyond Born-Oppenheimer Treatment for Multi-State Photoelectron Spectra, Phase Transitions of Solids and Scattering Processes
Authors: Mukherjee Soumya , Naskar Koushik , Hazra Saikat , Kumar Sah Mantu , Adhikari Satrajit
Published: June 2024

The “completeness” and “accuracy” of first principle based Beyond Born-Oppenheimer (BBO) theory is reviewed with its theoretical developments and wide applications on various realistic spectroscopic systems, scattering processes and pervoskite molecules exhibiting phase transition phenomena. Over the last two decades, our group has formulated as well as implemented the BBO treatment to construct diabatic Hamiltonian for several spectroscopically interesting molecules (NO2 radical, Na3 and K3 clusters, NO3,

C
6

H
6
+

,
1,3,5
-

C
6

H
3

F
3
+

and C4N2H4), octahedral units of perovskites (

M
n

O
6

9
−

and

T
i

O
6

8
−

) involving solid state phenomenon as well as triatomic reactive scattering processes (

H
3
+

,

H
e

H
2
+

and F+H2) to depict the effects of electron-nuclear couplings. Such diabatic Hamiltonians have been further used to perform quantum dynamical calculations to obtain observables (photoelectron spectra for spectroscopic/solid state systems and cross-sections/rate constants for scattering processes), which show excellent agreement with the recent experimental findings. In summary, this article provides the current perspective of BBO approach as well as Jahn-Teller (JT) theory with various applications on molecular systems/chemical processes.
Enhancement of long-wave vibronic interaction and quantum diffusion in liquids
Authors: Hizhnyakov V.
Published: June 2024

The zero-phonon type hoping motion of atoms in the solid and liquid phases, causing quantum diffusion, is considered. It was found that due to the previously discovered significant enhancement of vibronic interaction with long-wave acoustic phonons, this motion in liquids can be significantly amplified compared to the solid phase of the same substance at a close temperature. Quantum diffusion may be particularly important in superfluid He.
20-year permafrost evolution documented through petrophysical joint inversion, thermal and soil moisture data
Authors: Morard S , Hilbich C , Mollaret C , Pellet C , Hauck C
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the ground characteristics of the high altitude (3410 m a.s.l.) permafrost site Stockhorn in the Swiss Alps using a combination of surface and subsurface temperature, soil moisture, electrical resistivity and P-wave velocity time series data including a novel approach to explicitly quantify changes in ground ice content. This study was motivated by the clear signal of permafrost degradation visible in the full dataset at this long-term monitoring site within the PERMOS (Permafrost Monitoring Switzerland) network. Firstly, we assess the spatio-temporal evolution of the ground ice and water content by a combined analysis of all available in situ thermal (borehole and ground surface temperature), hydrological (soil moisture) and geophysical (geoelectric and seismic refraction) data over two decades (2002–2022) regarding the driving factors for the spatially different warming. Secondly, we explicitly quantify the volumetric water and ice content and their changes in the subsurface from 2015 to 2022 using a time-consistent petrophysical joint inversion scheme within the open-source library pyGIMLi. The petrophysical joint inversion scheme has been improved by constraining the rock content to be constant in time for six subsequent inversions to obtain consistent changes in ice and water content over the monitoring period based on jointly inverted resistivity and traveltime data. All different data show a warming trend of the permafrost. The ice content modeled from the petrophysical joint inversion has decreased by about 15 vol.% between 2015 and 2022. Changes in ice content are first observed in the lower, south-facing part of the profile. As a result, resistivity and P-wave velocity have been decreasing significantly. Permafrost temperatures measured in the boreholes have increased between 0.5 °C and 1 °C in 20 years. Our study shows the high value of joint and quantitative analysis of datasets comprising complementary subsurface variables for long-term permafrost monitoring.
Unveiling spatial variations of high forest live biomass carbon stocks of Gabon using advanced remote sensing techniques
Authors: Takougoum Sagang Le Bienfaiteur , Favrichon Samuel , Dalagnol Ricardo , Ordway Elsa M , Medjibe Vincent , Manfoumbi Francis , Obame Conan , Wagner Fabien , George-Chacon Stephanie , White Lee , Saatchi Sassan
Published: June 2024

Gabon is one of 11 high-forest, low-deforestation (HFLD) countries in the world. It has the highest proportion of preserved forests in the Congo Basin and is the first country to create large forest carbon offset credits in the market. However, about 60% of forests in Gabon is allocated to logging concessions, causing concerns for forest degradation and the sustainability of carbon credits. Here, we use a combination of air- and space-borne remote sensing data and the-state-of-the-art gradient boosted regression trees to estimate forest structure and aboveground biomass carbon density (ACD) of trees at 100 m resolution for the year circa 2020. Mapping spatial variations of ACD across floristically diverse landscapes, we estimate average density and total living carbon storage of trees at the national and sub-national levels. The estimated ACD of trees in forestlands within the country was 142.12 ± 7.3 Mg C ha−1 with the highest values found in central Gabon (150.08 ± 5.8 Mg C ha−1) and on highlands (161.18 ± 6.7 Mg C ha−1). On average, in every region, ACD of forests found within logging concessions (149.89 ± 6.1 Mg C ha−1) was higher than unmanaged forests of unprotected areas (122.81 ± 4.4 Mg C ha−1), indicating the combined effects of logging in carbon-rich forests and increased productivity due to management. The country’s total estimated biomass carbon for trees (above and belowground) stored within the forests was 4.14 ± 0.3 Pg C with 68% found within logging concessions and 14% within protected areas. The map provides high precision and comprehensive assessment of carbon stocks of trees in Gabon’s forests, significantly improving the country’s prospects to implement climate mitigation policies and to participate in carbon markets.
New metamaterial could make true one-way glass
Authors: Dumé Isabelle
Published: June 2024

A new optical metamaterial that behaves like a true one-way glass has been proposed by researchers in Finland, the US, Sweden and Greece.
Family affair
Authors: Phipps Catherine
Published: June 2024

A response to Matin Durrani’s February article, which looked at the wide variety of job opportunities on offer to physicists as illustrated in the Physics World Careers 2024 guide.
Trick of the light
Authors: Pye David
Published: June 2024

A response to Laura Hiscott’s March Lateral Thoughts article, which described how the tiny mirrors on a disco ball act like pinhead mirrors, allowing us to view multiple reflected images of the Sun.
Ask me anything: Katrin Erath-Dulitz
Authors: Skipper Katherine
Published: June 2024

Katrin Erath-Dulitz is an assistant professor of physics at the University of Innsbruck, Austria. Her work to understand the fundamental aspects of chemical reactions involves using lasers at low temperatures to control the quantum states of the reactants. She was awarded a 2022 Journal of Chemical Physics Best Paper by an Emerging Investigator award for work published with her colleagues for which she was the principal investigator.
Hidden variables
Authors: Randall Ian
Published: June 2024

How well do you know your quantum physics? Find out with this fun, cryptic word search, created by Ian Randall. All answers are hidden in the grid vertically, horizontally or diagonally, with no letters skipped.
Scale-size dependent multi-continuum homogenization of complex bodies
Authors: Nika Grigor
Published: June 2024

We derive effective equations of a periodically heterogeneous Cosserat material encompassing intrinsic lengths modelling scale-size effects. The resultant homogenized material supports internal body torques and leads to an asymmetric effective stress providing a connection to the theory of odd elasticity. Furthermore, a link to the classical Cauchy stress is given. Moreover, the corresponding local problem exhibits asymmetry as well, due to the micropolar couple modulus inherited from the original microscopic Cosserat problem. We validate our results by conducting numerical simulations using the finite element method on circularly perforated square and rectangular unit cells, highlighting the impact, of not only volume fraction but also of internal body torques on effective coefficients. Additionally, we numerically quantify the “amount” that the body can torque internally.
Measuring Wellbeing in Heritage
Authors: Sayer Faye
Published: June 2024

This chapter presents a synopsis of the key evaluation strategies applied to measure the impact of heritage on subjective wellbeing. It outlines the diversity of methodological approaches to ‘wellbeing’ evaluations undertaken by heritage professionals and academics regarding museums, archaeology, and heritage’s impact on individual social values related to wellbeing. This research has included quantitative and qualitative research from a variety of contexts, albeit mostly in the United Kingdom. The key to this section is outlining different research strategies undertaken by different types of heritage assets, specifically museums, archaeological excavations, and heritage sites.
Heritage Places and Wellbeing
Authors: Sayer Faye
Published: June 2024

The chapter examined the studies use of a mixed method approach, which combined qualitative and quantitative methodologies to provide robust, rigorous, and significant evidence of the role heritage places had in enhancing individual visitors’ subjective wellbeing. Visitors to heritage sites were surveyed at the beginning and end of their visits, through combined closed question quantitative data collection and open question qualitative information from the comment space. Quantitative elements included Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) and Modified Wellbeing Scale (MWS). This evaluative approach was applied to different contexts and sites in the United Kingdom, United States, and India. The subjective wellbeing measurements used in the study enabled change in visitor wellbeing to be analysed at an individual site analysis and comparatively across heritage place type, location, and based on demographics. The methods applied were able to identify significant changes to individual hedonic and eudaimonic wellbeing indicators and competencies because of physical engagement in heritage places.
A Danger Which We Do Not Know
Authors: Rondel David
Published: June 2024

A Danger Which We Do Not Know: A Philosophical Journey into Anxiety comprises six vignette-like chapters that, taken as an ensemble, tell a story about how philosophy and anxiety are joined at the hip, and together provide something like a philosophical guide to anxiety. The book explores some of the many connections between anxiety and philosophy. It considers how anxiety itself is one of the great, perennial philosophical themes; how anxious minds seem uniquely drawn to philosophical questions and how philosophers tend to be an unusually anxious bunch; how anxiety is one of the major instigators of philosophical reflection; and how philosophical reflection in turn can sometimes serve as a powerful form of anti-anxiety self-help.
When Something Bitter Rises Up
Authors: Rondel David
Published: June 2024

This chapter considers William James’s diagnosis of our human condition—a fascinating blend of existentialist anguish and pragmatist hope. I also sketch some of the strategies by which he thought we could become better and healthier than we presently are, more vital and energetic, more hopeful and less susceptible to psychic suffering. Despite the pain and sickness which is a constitutive feature of our nature as human beings, James reminds us that we are not merely passive recipients of suffering, lacking any say in the matter. He reminds us that we are agents with the capacity to take action, to heroically push back. In short, James saw that suffering is a deep and unavoidable fact of human existence, as the first Noble Truth of the Buddha teaches. But he also insisted that hope for improvement springs eternal.
Addressing current limitations of household transmission studies by collecting contact data
Authors: Layan Maylis , Hens Niel , de Hoog Marieke L A , Bruijning-Verhagen Patricia C J L , Cowling Benjamin J , Cauchemez Simon
Published: June 2024

Modeling studies of household transmission data have helped characterize the role of children in influenza and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemics. However, estimates from these studies may be biased since they do not account for the heterogeneous nature of household contacts. Here, we quantified the impact of contact heterogeneity between household members on the estimation of child relative susceptibility and infectivity. We simulated epidemics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-like and influenza virus-like infections in a synthetic population of 1000 households, assuming heterogeneous contact levels. Relative contact frequencies were derived from a household contact study according to which contacts are more frequent in the father–mother pair, followed by the child–mother, child–child, and finally child–father pairs. Child susceptibility and infectivity were then estimated while accounting for heterogeneous contacts or not. When ignoring contact heterogeneity, child relative susceptibility was underestimated by approximately 20% in the two disease scenarios. Child relative infectivity was underestimated by 20% when children and adults had different infectivity levels. These results are sensitive to our assumptions of European-style household contact patterns; but they highlight that household studies collecting both disease and contact data are needed to assess the role of complex household contact behavior on disease transmission and improve estimation of key biological parameters.
Mental health services utilization disparities at the intersection of Asian ethnoracial identity and limited English proficiency
Authors: Zhen-Duan Jenny , Tsai Alexander C
Published: June 2024

Nguyễn et al. analyzed data from the US National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) to show that Asian American Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) adults with limited English proficiency have substantially lower levels of mental health services utilization compared with White adults without limited English proficiency. The findings add to the growing literature using an intersectionality framework to understand health and health care disparities. We comment on the authors’ notable examination of intersecting minoritized identities in mental health services utilization and the welcome emphasis on AANHPI health. We discuss the limitations of the NSDUH data, which are administered in English and Spanish only, and their limited ability to support analyses disaggregated by ethnoracial subgroups. We conclude by identifying gaps related to funding, training, and data disaggregation, and we highlight the role of mixed-methods approaches to advance our understanding of intersectionality and health disparities research.

This article is part of a Special Collection on Mental Health.
Pharmacist consult to prevent hypoglycemia in adult inpatients with renal dysfunction
Authors: Uricchio Marissa , Antoniello Angela , Dugan Katherine , Brophy Alison
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a pharmacist consult service on rates of hypoglycemia in adult inpatients with renal dysfunction receiving antidiabetic medications.

Methods

This was a single-center, institutional review board–approved, quasi-experimental, 2-phase prospective study. Adult inpatients admitted within 48 to 96 hours of hospitalization with a creatine clearance of less than 30 mL/min or estimated glomerular filtration rate of less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 and an active antidiabetic medication order were included. Patients located in a critical care unit or with a previous or planned transplantation were excluded. Each phase was conducted over 4 months. The primary endpoint was the change in the incidence of hypoglycemic episodes (blood glucose [BG] of <70 mg/dL) per 100 patient days when comparing the cohorts. Secondary endpoints included the incidence of recurrent and severe (BG of <40 mg/dL) episodes of hypoglycemia per 100 patient days, occurrence of a BG concentration of higher than 300 mg/dL, and length of stay.

Results

Overall, 150 patients were included in the retrospective preimplementation phase and 172 were included in the prospective postimplementation phase. In the postimplementation group, there was a significant decrease in the rate of hypoglycemia per 100 patient days when compared to the retrospective group (5.8 vs 9.0; incidence rate ratio, 1.55; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-2.0; P < 0.05). There was no difference in secondary endpoints between the groups.

Conclusion

The implementation of a pharmacy consult service resulted in lower rates of hypoglycemic events, which supports pharmacist involvement to prevent hypoglycemia in this at-risk population. Additional studies involving pharmacists working under collaborative practice agreements may reinforce the results.
Male infertility and perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances: evidence for alterations in phosphorylation of proteins and fertility-related functional attributes in bull spermatozoa
Authors: Kumaresan Arumugam , Yadav Pankaj , Sinha Manish Kumar , Nag Pradeep , John Peter Ebenezer Samuel King , Mishra Jay S , Kumar Sathish
Published: June 2024

Background

Perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are pervasive environmental pollutants and potential threats to reproductive health. Epidemiological studies have established an association between PFAS and male infertility, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear.

Objectives

Investigate the effect of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), the most prevalent and representative PFAS, on bull sperm protein phosphorylation and function.

Methods

We exposed bull sperm to PFOS at 10 (average population exposure) and 100 μM (high-exposure scenario), and analyzed global proteomic and phosphoproteomic analysis by TMT labeling and Nano LC-MS/MS. We also measured sperm fertility functions by flow cytometry.

Results

PFOS at 10-μM altered sperm proteins linked to spermatogenesis and chromatin condensation, while at 100 μM, PFOS affected proteins associated with motility and fertility. We detected 299 phosphopeptides from 116 proteins, with 45 exhibiting differential expression between control and PFOS groups. PFOS dysregulated phosphorylation of key proteins (ACRBP, PRKAR2A, RAB2B, SPAG8, TUBB4B, ZPBP, and C2CD6) involved in sperm capacitation, acrosome reaction, sperm–egg interaction, and fertilization. PFOS also affected phosphorylation of other proteins (AQP7, HSBP9, IL4I1, PRKAR1A, and CCT8L2) related to sperm stress resistance and cryotolerance. Notably, four proteins (PRM1, ACRBP, TSSK1B, and CFAP45) exhibited differential regulation at both proteomic and phosphoproteomic levels. Flow cytometric analysis confirmed that PFOS increased protein phosphorylation in sperm and also decreased sperm motility, viability, calcium, and mitochondrial membrane potential and increased mitochondrial ROS in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that PFOS exposure negatively affects phosphorylation of proteins vital for bull sperm function and fertilization.
Recent advances in understanding the molecular basis of infantile haemangioma development
Authors: Mitra Raka , Fitzsimons Helen L , Hale Tracy , Tan Swee T , Gray Clint , White Madeleine P J
Published: June 2024

Infantile haemangioma (IH) – the most common vascular tumour of infancy – is comprised of diverse cell types, including endothelial cells, pericytes, fibroblasts and immune cells. IH is characterized by rapid proliferation followed by slow involution over 1–10 years. Most lesions regress spontaneously, but up to 10% can be disfiguring, with complications that require further medical treatment. Recent research has revealed the biological characteristics of IH, highlighting the involvement of angiogenesis and vasculogenesis during tumour formation. Gene expression profiling has provided vital insights into the underlying biological processes, with some of the key IH-related pathways identified, including vascular endothelial growth factor, the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, hypoxia-inducible factor 1α, Notch, platelet-derived growth factor, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin, Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription, fibroblast growth factor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ and insulin-like growth factor. Further evidence suggests extracellular matrix factors and hormone receptors regulate IH progression. In this review, we explore the molecular mechanisms involved in the proliferating, plateau and involuting phases of IH, identifying differentially expressed genes, targeted proteins and key signalling pathways. This knowledge will increase the broader understanding of vascular development, tissue remodelling and angiogenesis.
Epidermal growth factor receptor/mitogen-activated kinase inhibitor treatment induces a distinct inflammatory hair follicle response that includes collapse of immune privilege
Authors: Rutkowski David , Scholey Rachel , Davies John , Pye Derek , Blackhall Fiona , Warren Richard B , Jimenez Francisco , Griffiths Christopher E M , Paus Ralf
Published: June 2024

Background

Inhibitors of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFRi) or mitogen-activated kinase (MEKi) induce a folliculitis in 75–90% of patients, the pathobiology of which remains insufficiently understood.

Objectives

To characterize changes in the skin immune status and global transcriptional profile of patients treated with EGFRi; to investigate whether EGFRi affects the hair follicle’s (HF) immune privilege (IP); and to identify early proinflammatory signals induced by EGFRi/MEKi in human scalp HFs ex vivo.

Methods

Scalp biopsies were taken from patients exhibiting folliculitis treated long term with EGFRi (‘chronic EGFRi’ group, n = 9) vs. healthy scalp skin (n = 9) and patients prior to commencing EGFRi treatment and after 2 weeks of EGFRi therapy (‘acute EGFRi’ group, n = 5). Healthy organ-cultured scalp HFs were exposed to an EGFRi (erlotinib, n = 5) or a MEKi (cobimetinib, n = 5). Samples were assessed by quantitative immunohistomorphometry, RNA sequencing (RNAseq) and in situ hybridization.

Results

The ‘chronic EGFRi’ group showed CD8+ T-cell infiltration of the bulge alongside a partial collapse of the HF’s IP, evidenced by upregulated major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I, β2-microglobulin (B2 M) and MHC class II, and decreased transforming growth factor-β1 protein expression. Healthy HFs treated with EGFRi/MEKi ex vivo also showed partial HF IP collapse and increased transcription of human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-A, HLA-DR and B2 M transcripts. RNAseq analysis showed increased transcription of chemokines (CXCL1, CXCL13, CCL18, CCL3, CCL7) and interleukin (IL)-26 in biopsies from the ‘chronic EGFRi’ cohort, as well as increased IL-33 and decreased IL-37 expression in HF biopsies from the ‘acute EGFRi’ group and in organ-cultured HFs.

Conclusions

The data show that EGFRi/MEKi compromise the physiological IP of human scalp HFs and suggest that future clinical management of EGFRi/MEKi-induced folliculitis requires HF IP protection and inhibition of IL-33.
Assessing the efficacy of oral tranexamic acid as an adjuvant to triple combination topical treatment in melasma: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ribeiro Gonçalves Ocílio , de Souza Maria Clara Fogaça , Rocha Alice Volpato , Alves Gabriel Silva , Freitas João Luís Reis , de Azevedo Benjamim Barbosa , Sobral Milene Vitória Sampaio , Handocha Amanda Scrobot , de Melo Caroline Baima
Published: June 2024

Melasma is a skin pigmentation disorder that lacks consistent treatment success, despite various methods used. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has shown hypopigmentation properties, but whether its administration should be combined with standard treatment has yet to be clarified. We aimed to perform an investigation of the effectiveness and safety of oral TXA as an adjuvant to triple combination cream (TCC) treatment in melasma. We searched PubMed, Embase and Cochrane (CENTRAL) for studies that compared TCC + adjuvant TXA to TCC treatment alone in patients with melasma. Outcomes of interest included change from the baseline Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) score, recurrence of melasma and adverse events. Statistical analysis was performed using R Studio 4.3.2. Four trials involving 490 patients were included. In the pooled analysis, the decrease from baseline in MASI score [mean difference –3.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) –5.85 to –0.35] was significantly higher in patients treated with oral TXA as an adjuvant to TCC compared with TCC alone. Melasma recurrence [risk ratio (RR) 0.28; 95% CI 0.16–0.49] was significantly lower in the group treated with TCC and TXA. Regarding erythema (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.34–1.17) and burning (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.30–1.17), no statistically significant difference was found. This meta-analysis demonstrated statistically significant benefits of TCC + TXA combination treatment compared with TCC alone. Furthermore, the results suggest that the addition of TXA to TCC treatment may reduce melasma recurrence.
The mediating role of trait impulsivity in the relation between cue-induced craving and functional connectivity within the salience network among abstinent patients with methamphetamine use disorder
Authors: Luo Dan , Jiang Ping , Nie Lili , Tang Qiao , Lai Mingfeng , Xu Jiajun , Li Jing
Published: June 2024

Given the widespread use and relapse of methamphetamine (METH), it has caused serious public health burdens globally. However, the neurobiological basis of METH addiction remains poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate changes in brain networks and their connection to impulsivity and drug craving in abstinent individuals with METH use disorder (MUDs). A total of 110 MUDs and 55 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HCs) underwent resting-state functional MRI and T1-weighted imaging scans, and completed impulsivity and cue-induced craving measurements. We applied independent component analysis to construct functional brain networks and multivariate analysis of covariance to investigate group differences in network connectivity. Mediation analyses were conducted to explore the relationships among brain-network functional connectivity (FC), impulsivity, and drug craving in the patients. MUDs showed increased connectivity in the salience network (SN) and decreased connectivity in the default mode network compared to HCs. Impulsivity was positively correlated with FC within the SN and played a completely mediating role between METH craving and FC within the SN in MUDs. These findings suggest alterations in functional brain networks underlying METH dependence, with SN potentially acting as a core neural substrate for impulse control disorders.
A coarse-grained analysis on coordination self-assembly of a caged dinuclear palladium complex
Authors: Ichikawa Yudai , Sugiyama Kanami , Higashi Masahiro , Hiraoka Shuichi , Sato Hirofumi
Published: June 2024

We propose a coarse-grained analysis to understand coordination self-assembly. The developed model reduced the system into the assembling components that interact mainly electrostatically. The modeled energies sufficiently reproduced the energy changes to produce a caged di-nuclear palladium complex obtained by the density functional theory. The model made it possible to clarify the physicochemical background of the assembly process.
Efficiency vs. Meaningful Work: A Critical Survey of Historical and Contemporary Debates
Authors: Spencer David A
Published: June 2024

This paper considers the trade-off between the demand for efficiency and the demand for meaningful work. It asks whether this trade-off should be treated as inevitable or potentially resolvable, at least under reformed conditions. It compares historical and contemporary debates where the trade-off features. It focuses initially on Adam Smith’s account of the division of labour in which less meaningful work is assumed to be the necessary price of higher efficiency. It then examines Karl Marx’s analysis of work, showing how it differs from that of Smith. Marx addressed the scope for achieving meaningful work whilst supporting needs fulfilment in a future socialist society. In addition, the paper looks at how the ideas of Smith and Marx relate to modern discussions that focus on the capacity of new digital technologies to lighten work. Finally, it draws lessons for welfare economics on how meaningful work and efficiency might be reconciled.
Comparative analysis of genomic characteristics and immune response between Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains cultured continuously for 25 years and H37Rv
Authors: Zhu Chuanzhi , Dong Jing , Duan Yuheng , Jia Hongyan , Zhang Lanyue , Xing Aiying , Du Boping , Sun Qi , Huang Yinxia , Zhang Zongde , Pan Liping , Li Zihui
Published: June 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to pose a significant global health challenge, emphasizing the critical need for effective preventive measures. Although many studies have tried to develop new attenuated vaccines, there is no effective TB vaccine. In this study, we report a novel attenuated Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) strain, CHVAC-25, cultured continuously for 25 years in the laboratory. CHVAC-25 exhibited significantly reduced virulence compared to both the virulent H37Rv strain in C57BL/6J and severe combined immunodeficiency disease mice. The comparative genomic analysis identified 93 potential absent genomic segments and 65 single nucleotide polymorphic sites across 47 coding genes. Notably, the deletion mutation of ppsC (Rv2933) involved in phthiocerol dimycocerosate synthesis likely contributes to CHVAC-25 virulence attenuation. Furthermore, the comparative analysis of immune responses between H37Rv- and CHVAC-25-infected macrophages showed that CHVAC-25 triggered a robust upregulation of 173 genes, particularly cytokines crucial for combating M. tb infection. Additionally, the survival of CHVAC-25 was significantly reduced compared to H37Rv in macrophages. These findings reiterate the possibility of obtaining attenuated M. tb strains through prolonged laboratory cultivation, echoing the initial conception of H37Ra nearly a century ago. Additionally, the similarity of CHVAC-25 to genotypes associated with attenuated M. tb vaccine positions it as a promising candidate for TB vaccine development.
Dynamic histone modification signatures coordinate developmental programs in strawberry fruit ripening
Authors: Pan Qinwei , Guo Suping , Ding Jing , Zhou Yue , Huang Xiaorong , Qi Qi , Wang Feng , Wu Han , Li Yi , Gu Tingting
Published: June 2024

Chromatin structure plays a critical role in the regulation of dynamic gene expression in response to different developmental and environmental cues, but as yet their involvement in fruit ripening is not well understood. Here, we profile seven histone modifications in the woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca) genome and analyze the histone modification signatures during ripening. Collectively, segments painted by the seven marks cover ~85% of the woodland strawberry genome. We report an eight-state chromatin structure model of the woodland strawberry based on the above histone marks, which reveals a diverse chromatin environment closely associated with transcriptional apparatus. Upon this model we build a chromatin-centric annotation to the strawberry genome. Expression of many genes essential for fruit ripening, such as abscisic acid catabolism, anthocyanin accumulation and fruit softening, are associated with shifts of active genic states and polycomb-associated chromatin states. Particularly, the expression levels of ripening-related genes are well correlated with histone acetylation, indicating a regulatory role of histone acetylation in strawberry ripening. Our identification of the chromatin states underpinning genome expression during fruit ripening not only elucidates the coordination of different pathways of morphological and metabolic development but also provides a framework to understand the signals that regulate fruit ripening.
Mechanisms that Alter Capacity for Adenosine Triphosphate Production and Oxidative Phosphorylation: Insights from Avian Migration
Authors: Hood Wendy R
Published: June 2024

Synopsis

Avian migration is among the most energetically demanding feats observed in animals. Studies evaluating the physiological underpinnings of migration have repeatedly shown that migratory birds display numerous adaptations that ultimately supply the flight muscle mitochondria with abundant fuel and oxygen during long-distance flights. To make use of this high input, the organs and mitochondria of migrants are predicted to display several traits that maximize their capacity to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This review aims to introduce readers to several mechanisms by which organs and mitochondria can alter their capacity for oxidative phosphorylation and ATP production. The role of organ size, mitochondrial volume, substrate, and oxygen delivery to the electron transport system are discussed. A central theme of this review is the role of changes in electron chain complex activity, mitochondrial morphology and dynamics, and supercomplexes in allowing avian migrants and other taxa to alter the performance of the electron transport system with predictable shifts in demand. It is my hope that this review will serve as a springboard for future studies exploring the mechanisms that alter bioenergetic capacity across animal species.
Evidence-based coaching of core competencies in epidemiology, using the framework of randomized controlled trials: the Zurich approach
Authors: Radtke Thomas , von Wyl Viktor , Haile Sarah R , Rohrmann Sabine , Frei Anja , Puhan Milo A
Published: June 2024

Teaching epidemiological concepts in academic settings poses a challenge due to the intricate nature of the discipline as both a science and a practice. Whereas traditional classroom-based teaching methods are commonly employed, evidence suggests they may not be the most effective approach for fostering core competencies and skills required in real-life scientific work. In this article, we describe our process of transitioning from traditional classroom teaching of epidemiology towards practice-based coaching to convey epidemiological concepts to bachelor's and master's students in Biomedicine. We chose the framework of randomized controlled trials (RCT) since they offer a great opportunity to teach epidemiological concepts in a hands-on course. This practice-based course encompasses the entire life cycle of a study, allowing students to design and conduct a short-term experiment, analyse its data and prepare a scientific paper. We provide a comprehensive overview of the course structure, content, learning objectives and course evaluation, while also discussing the advantages and disadvantages of this innovative format. Our approach offers a promising alternative to classroom teaching by incorporating practical, hands-on experiences offering students a high level of independence and self-determination, as well as facilitation and coaching by faculty. It has the potential to be applied across diverse academic settings, providing students with valuable skills and competencies in epidemiology.