bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxygen-terminated Ti3C2 MXene as an excitonic insulator
Authors: Kumar Nilesh , Karlický František
Published: May 2023

Excitonic insulators originate from the formation of bound excitons (electron–hole pairs) in semiconductors and provide a solid-state platform for quantum many-boson physics. We determined the excitonic insulator phase of Ti3C2O2 monolayer from its indirect quasiparticle band structure and from the precise evaluation of the relative value of the fundamental bandgap vs the momentum-indirect excitonic binding energy. The excitonic insulator is stable over the ±4% range of compressive and tensile biaxial strain. The energy region relevant for the optical absorption is strongly strain-dependent.
Weak antilocalization and topological edge states in PdSn4
Authors: Karn N. K. , Sharma M. M. , Awana V. P. S.
Published: May 2023

Here, we report a successful synthesis of single crystals of a topological semimetal (TSM) candidate, PdSn4, using a self-flux route. The synthesized crystal is well characterized through x-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A detailed Rietveld analysis of the powder XRD pattern of PdSn4 confirmed the same to crystallize in an Aea2 space group instead of reported Ccce. A large magnetoresistance (MR) along with Shubnikov–de Haas (SdH) oscillations have been observed in magneto-transport measurements at 2 K. The presence of weak antilocalization (WAL) effect in the synthesized PdSn4 crystal is confirmed and analyzed using Hikami Larkin Nagaoka formalism, being applied on magnetoconductivity of the same at a low magnetic field. An extended Kohler's rule is implemented on MR data to determine the role of scattering processes and temperature-dependent carrier density on the transport phenomenon in PdSn4. Furthermore, the non-trivial band topology and the presence of edge states are shown through density functional theory-based theoretical calculations. All calculations are performed considering the Aea2 space group symmetry. The calculated Z2 invariants (0; 0 1 0) suggest the presence of weak topological insulating properties in PdSn4. A clear evidence of topological edge states at Γ point is visible in calculated edge states spectra. This is the first report on PdSn4, showing the presence of SdH oscillation in magneto-transport measurements. Also, the presence of a weak insulating phase in PdSn4 is described for the first time on the basis of calculated Z2 invariants.
Design, optimization, and crosstalk analysis for robot joint torque sensor of shear beam structure
Authors: Chen Xiliang , Xie Zhengyu , Sun Yiwen , Li Ning
Published: May 2023

Crosstalk resistance is an important criterion for evaluating the measurement error of the Joint Torque Sensor (JTS) in actual collaborative robot application, but few research literature studies on the crosstalk resistance of shear beam-type JTS have been found. This paper proposes a mechanical structure of one shear beam sensor and determines its strain gauge working area. Multi-objective optimization equations are established with three major performance indicators of sensitivity, stiffness, and crosstalk resistance. Optimal processing and manufacturing structure parameters are obtained by employing both the response surface method based on the central composite design experimental principle and the multi-objective genetic algorithm. By simulating and experimenting, the optimized sensor is verified and has the following indices: overload resistance 300% F.S., torsional stiffness 503.44 KN m/rad, bending stiffness 142.56 KN m/rad, range 0–±200 N m, sensitivity 25.71 mV/N m, linearity 0.1999%, repeatability error 0.062%, hysteresis error 0.493%, measurement error less than 0.5% F.S. under Fx (392.4 N) or Fz (600 N) crosstalk load, and measurement error less than 1% F.S. under My (25 N m) moment crosstalk. The proposed sensor possesses good crosstalk resistance and especially axial crosstalk resistance and has good overall performance to meet well the engineering requirements.
Topical photodynamic therapy for prevention of new skin lesions in renal transplant recipients
Authors: Wulf HC , Pavel S , Stender I , Bakker-Wensveen CA.
Published: May 2023

Preclinical data suggest that topical methyl aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy may have potential in preventing new skin lesions in transplant recipients. An open intra-patient randomized study investigated the prevention potential of this treatment in 27 renal transplant patients with actinic keratoses and other skin lesions in two circular contralateral areas (5 cm diameter). The treatment area surface was debrided and methyl aminolevulinate cream (160 mg/g) was applied for 3 h prior to illumination by non-coherent red light (570-670 nm, light dose 75 J/cm2). The control area was not treated. The mean time to occurrence of the first new lesion was significantly longer in treated than control areas (9.6 vs 6.8 months, treatment difference 2.9 [95% confidence interval 0.2 to 5.5] months, p = 0.034). Over 12 months, 62% (16/26) of treated areas were free from new lesions compared with 35% (9/26) in control areas. These findings indicate that topical methyl aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy is a promising preventive treatment against new skin lesions in immunosuppressed patients.
Postherpetic paresis mimicking an abdominal herniation
Authors: Giuliani A , Galati G , Parisi L , Ricciardulli T , Bartolo M , Tartaglia E , Grimaldi M , Pranteda G.
Published: May 2023

This article does not have an abstract.
Bullous lesions in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: pemphigoid or insect bites?
Authors: Bottoni U , Mauro FR , Cozzani E , Innocenzi D , Del Giudice M , Parodi A , Rebora A , Mandelli F
Published: May 2023

This article does not have an abstract.
Darier's disease associated with cutis verticis gyrata, hyperprolactinaemia and depressive disorder
Authors: Rácz E , Kornseé Z , Csikós M , Dobos M , Salacz P , Kárpáti S.
Published: May 2023

This article does not have an abstract.
Ukrainian values: between the Slavic-Orthodox legacy and Europe's allure
Authors: Akaliyski Plamen , Reeskens Tim
Published: May 2023

An important question in understanding the war in Ukraine is whether Russian President Putin's claim that Russians and Ukrainians are ‘one people’ or whether the statement made by European Union Commission President von der Leyen, echoing Ukrainian government's position, that Ukraine is ‘one of us’ receives more support. In our contribution, we assess the societal values endorsed in Ukraine, and test whether they resemble those of Russia or Western Europe. After reviewing arguments brought by the ‘Clash of Civilizations’, Modernization, Social Identity, and Nation Building theories, we analyze the most recent data from the European Values Study and World Values Survey (2017-2021). Constructing an EU-values index, including gender equality, individual freedom, and liberal democracy, among others, we show that while values in Ukraine are closer to Russia than virtually any European Union country, there are clear differences that are especially salient among younger age cohorts. Further, we refute Huntington's claim that Ukraine is a ‘cleft’ country by showing that regional variation within Ukraine is rather minimal. We conclude with an interpretation of these findings in light of political debates and prominent theoretical approaches to studying values.
Hydrogenation-induced ultrahigh stabilization and tunable electronic structures of two-dimensional orthorhombic diboron diphosphide
Authors: Zeng Hui , Zhao Jun , Ding Da-Zhi
Published: May 2023

Using density-functional theory calculations, we have studied hydrogenated two-dimensional (2D) orthorhombic diboron diphosphorus (O-B2P2). It is found that hydrogenation can transit the pristine O-B2P2 from a tiny bandgap semiconductor to a wide- and indirect-bandgap semiconductor, and the bandgaps are dependent on hydrogenation configurations. Moreover, our calculations have revealed that the three hydrogenated O-B2P2 nanostructures are both dynamically and thermally stable, and their bandgaps are estimated to be 2.8–4.2 eV according to hybrid potential calculations. They are predicted to possess strongly anisotropic mechanical and carrier transport properties, allowing potential applications for in-plane anisotropic and high-performance electronic devices. Hydrogenated O-B2P2 nanostructures exhibit strong absorbance of ultraviolet light and their bandgaps can be linearly modulated by tensile strain. Our findings demonstrate novel mechanical and electronic properties of hydrogenated O-B2P2 nanostructures, combined with excellent stability in ambient conditions, suggesting that they could be promising candidates for strongly anisotropic electronic and sensor devices.
Noise and thermal depinning of Wigner crystals
Authors: Reichhardt C , Reichhardt C J O
Published: May 2023

We examine changes in the depinning threshold and conduction noise fluctuations for driven Wigner crystals in the presence of quenched disorder. At low temperatures there is a well defined depinning threshold and a strong peak in the noise power with

1

/

f

noise characteristics. At higher temperatures, the depinning threshold shifts to lower drives and the noise, which is also reduced in power, becomes more white in character. At lower temperatures, a washboard frequency appears when the system depins elastically or forms a moving smectic state; however, this washboard signal is strongly reduced for higher temperatures and completely disappears above the melting temperature of a system without quenched disorder. Our results are in good agreement with recent transport and noise studies for systems where electron crystal depinning is believed to arise, and also show how noise can be used to distinguish between crystal, glass, and liquid phases.
An efficient modeling approach for wavelet transform processors using surface acoustic wave devices
Authors: Yang Baoliang , Lu Wenke , Gao Lili
Published: May 2023

Wavelet transform processors (WTPs) using surface acoustic wave devices provide an effective solution to utilize wavelet transform technology in practical applications. This work proposes a novel model of WTPs for predicting their performance characteristics, which might be utilized for single-electrode type and double-electrode type interdigital transducers (IDTs), as there is currently no universal, quick, and accurate simulation technology for WTPs (IDTs). The admittance matrix, transfer function, and insertion loss for both IDTs and WTPs in conjunction with a two-port electrical network are all evaluated by the model. Furthermore, some WTPs samples with a piezoelectric substrate of ST-X quartz and IDTs of Al thin film were fabricated to validate the accuracy of the simulation, with a center frequency and a scale of 60 MHz and 0.215, respectively. A comparison of the simulated and measured results found that the relative error of the frequency is only 0.67%, the maximum relative error of the bandwidth is 5.79% and the relative error of the insertion loss is only 1.24%. The experimental results show that the model is extremely accurate in effective frequency band, and its application will accelerate the design and production of WTPs, promoting the use of WTPs in signal processing systems.
One-step fabrication of high-performance graphene composites from graphite solution for bio-scaffolds and flexible strain sensors
Authors: Yu Hang , Zhuang Qibin , Lin Jiawei , Chen Zhuo , Chen Zhiwen , Wang Zhongbao , Zhou Gang , Zhang Shaohua , Lai Yingzhen , Wu Dezhi
Published: May 2023

Graphene composites possess great application potential in various fields including flexible electrodes, wearable sensors and biomedical devices owing to their excellent mechanical and electrical properties. However, it remains challenging to fabricate graphene composites-based devices with high consistency due to the gradual aggression effect of graphene during fabrication process. Herein, we propose a method for one-step fabricating graphene/polymer composite-based devices from graphite/polymer solution by using electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing with the Weissenberg effect (EPWE). Taylor–Couette flows with high shearing speed were generated to exfoliate high-quality graphene with a rotating steel microneedle coaxially set in a spinneret tube. The effects of the rotating speed of the needle, spinneret size and precursor ingredients on the graphene concentration were discussed. As a proof of concept, EPWE was used to successfully fabricate graphene/polycaprolactone (PCL) bio-scaffolds with good biocompatibility and graphene/thermoplastic polyurethane strain sensor for detecting human motions with a maximum gauge factor more than 2400 from 40% to 50% strain. As such, this method sheds a new light on one-step in situ fabrication of graphene/polymer composite-based devices from graphite solution with low cost.
Computational study of III–V direct-gap semiconductors for thermoradiative cell applications
Authors: Hanna Muhammad Yusrul , Majidi Muhammad Aziz , Nugraha Ahmad R T
Published: May 2023

We investigate the performance of thermoradiative (TR) cells using the III–V group of semiconductors, which include GaAs, GaSb, InAs, and InP, with the aim of determining their efficiency and finding the best TR cell materials among the III–V group. The TR cells generate electricity from thermal radiation, and their efficiency is influenced by several factors such as the bandgap, temperature difference, and absorption spectrum. To create a realistic model, we incorporate sub-bandgap and heat losses in our calculations and utilize density-functional theory to determine the energy gap and optical properties of each material. Our findings suggest that the absorptivity of the material, especially when the sub-bandgap and heat losses are considered, can decrease the efficiency of TR cells. However, careful treatment of the absorptivity indicates that not all materials have the same trend of decrease in the TR cell efficiency when taking the loss mechanisms into account. We observe that GaSb exhibits the highest power density, while InP demonstrates the lowest one. Moreover, GaAs and InP exhibit relatively high efficiency without the sub-bandgap and heat losses, whereas InAs display lower efficiency without considering the losses, yet exhibit higher resistance to sub-bandgap and heat losses compared to the other materials, thus effectively becoming the best TR cell material in the III–V group of semiconductors.
Analytical modeling and Monte Carlo simulations of multi-parallel slit and knife-edge slit prompt gamma cameras
Authors: Huisman B F B , Muñoz E , Dauvergne D , Létang J M , Sarrut D , Testa É
Published: May 2023

Purpose. Present and validate an analytical model (AM) to calculate efficiency and spatial resolution of multi-parallel slit (MPS) and knife-edge slit (KES) cameras in the context of prompt gamma (PG) imaging in proton therapy, as well as perform a fair comparison between two prototypes of these cameras with their design specifications. Materials and methods. Monte Carlo (MC) simulations with perfect (ideal) conditions were performed to validate the proposed AM, as well as simulations in realistic conditions for the comparison of both prototypes. The spatial resolution obtained from simulations was derived from reconstructed PG profiles. The falloff retrieval precision (FRP) was quantified based on the variability of PG profiles from 50 different realizations. Results. The AM shows that KES and MPS designs fulfilling ‘MPS-KES similar conditions’ should have very close actual performances if the KES slit width corresponds to the half of the MPS slit width. Reconstructed PG profiles from simulated data with both cameras were used to compute the efficiency and spatial resolutions to compare against the model predictions. The FRP of both cameras was calculated with realistic detection conditions for beams with 107, 108 and 109 incident protons. A good agreement was found between the values predicted by the AM and those obtained from MC simulations (relative deviations of the order of 5%). Conclusion. The MPS camera outperforms the KES camera with their design specifications in realistic conditions and both systems can reach millimetric precision in the determination of the falloff position with 108 or more initial protons.
Using ensemble Monte Carlo methods to evaluate non-equilibrium Green’s functions, II. Polar-optical phonons
Authors: Ferry David K
Published: May 2023

In semi-classical transport, it has become common practice over the past few decades to use ensemble Monte Carlo methods for the simulation of transport in semiconductor devices. This method utilizes particles while still addressing the full physics within the device, leaving the computational difficulties to the computer. More recently, the study of quantum mechanical effects within the devices, have become important, and have been addressed in semiconductor devices using non-equilibrium Green’s functions (NEGF). In using NEGF, one faces considerable computational difficulties. Recently, a particle approach to NEGF has been suggested and preliminary results presented for non-polar optical phonons in Si, which are very localized scattering centers. Here, the problems with long-range polar-optical phonons are discussed and results of the particle-based simulation are used to examine quantum transport in InN at 300 K.
Exceptional structural and functional stability of Zr-doped REBaCuO tapes with respect to neutron irradiation and overheating
Authors: Jirsa M , Rameš M , Viererbl L , Duchoň J , Ďuran I , Entler S
Published: May 2023

The impact of neutron irradiation on the properties of second-generation REBaCuO tapes was studied. The main aim of the present study was to identify the fast neutrons irradiation fluence threshold, φ
th, at which the high-field critical current at low temperatures, I
c (10 K, 8 T), starts degrading. Following up on our previous publication for low irradiation fluences, two new irradiation steps were added. Up to the last but one irradiation step, the T
c in all samples followed a linear dependence on the fast neutrons irradiation fluence, T
c(φ) ≈ T
c(0) − τφ (τ being a numerical constant in units of K/1022 m−2 and φ in 1022 m−2). In parallel, I
c (10 K, 8 T) continuously grew with φ up to the threshold fluence, φ
th ≈ 3× to 4.3 × 1022 m−2. The last gradual irradiation by φ≈ 1.83 × 1022 m−2 brought a severe degradation both in T
c and I
c (10 K, 8 T) in most samples, irrespective of their irradiation history. This effect was attributed to radiation overheating. Annealing of pristine tapes in dilute Ar confirmed this scenario. Two of the SuperPower tapes, doped by Zr, appeared to be exceptionally stable against both types of overheating. The tape doped with 7.5% Zr, T
c(φ) followed the linear dependence up to the highest cumulative fluence φ =6.16 × 1022 m−2, while the I
c (10 K, 8 T) drop was several orders of magnitude lower than in the samples without Zr. TEM study found that the Zr-doped tapes survived the overheating during the last irradiation step in a crystalline form, while all other samples were amorphized.
Displacement current sources as nonlinear interactions in optical nanocircuits
Authors: Kouhpayehzadeh Esfahani Sedigheh , Abdipour Abdolali , Moradi Gholamreza , Askarpour Amir Nader , Alù Andrea
Published: May 2023

Optical lumped circuit elements are the building blocks in the metatronics paradigm, whose goal is to extend the rules of RF circuit design into the field of nanophotonics by providing the advantages of lumpedness and modularity. In this paper, we aim at modeling within this framework nonlinear optical processes, based on the concept of optical lumped circuit elements. Displacement current sources are added to the previously introduced optical lumped elements in order to endow metatronics with nonlinear functionalities. This model not only simplifies the analysis of the nonlinear processes, but paves the road to develop nonlinear optical components and devices in this paradigm. Second- and third-order nonlinearities are investigated analytically in the case of a nanosphere. A step by step example of modeling a LiNbO3 nanorod, which is close to a practically realizable structure, is also presented. The results are compared with those of a full-wave simulation and the significance of the proposed model is discussed.
Study of a novel cross linked graft copolymer starch in water-based drilling fluid
Authors: Wu Yu , You Fuchang , Hou Shanshan , Zhou Shusheng
Published: May 2023

In the drilling industry, the demand for environmentally friendly additives with high thermal stability is increasing due to the dual factors of increasing environmental pressure and high-temperature oil layers. However, commonly used non-toxic and biodegradable additives, such as etherified modified starch, cannot withstand temperatures higher than 150 °C. Additionally, natural polymers with better thermal stability obtained through graft modification with sulfonated monomers face challenges in meeting the standards of toxicity and biodegradability. To address these technical problems, a novel graft and crosslink copolymer, St-AA/AM/NVP/MBA (SAANM), was synthesized from corn starch by combining graft modification with a non-sulfonated monomer and cross-linking modification. Laboratory evaluation results confirm that the thermal stability of SAANM in a nitrogen atmosphere was close to 300 °C, and it exhibits excellent temperature resistance up to 170 °C in bentonite-based mud, while also retaining the non-toxic and biodegradable characteristics of starch. The water-based drilling fluid (WBDF), added with SAANM, demonstrated outstanding rheological properties, fluid loss control performance, and environmental friendliness after aging at 170 °C and being polluted by high concentrations of NaCl or CaCl2. The successful application of SAANM in a high-temperature directional well in an offshore oil field confirms its potential for borehole cleaning and wellbore stability.
Experimental analysis and RSM-based optimization of friction stir welding joints made of the alloys AA6101 and C11000
Authors: Pratap Kumar J , Raj Anil , Kulandaivel Arul , Kumar Lakshmana , V Mohanavel , Ravichandran M , Rout IvanSunit , Prasath S
Published: May 2023

In the present study, the evaluation of FSW input parameters on output response ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of the friction stir welded AA6101-C11000 joint is in agreement. The response surface methodology (RSM) was adapted for generating the mathematical regression equation to predict the UTS and to develop the FSW parameters to attain the highest UTS of the FSW joints. The central composite design (CCD) method from RSM with five levels and three factors, i.e., tool rotational speed, feed rate, and tool offset used to conduct and minimize the number of tests. During FSW, base sheet cu (hard metal) was stationed on the advancing side (+1 mm, +1.68 mm tool offset) and the base sheet Al (soft metal) on the retreating side (−1 mm, −1.68 mm tool offset). The radiography studies were accomplished to inspect the internal flaws of the FSW joints (Al-Cu).The XRD and SEM investigation of the ruptured specimens during the tensile test to evaluate the IMCs phase anatomy and fracture analysis. The maximum UTS value measured during the experimental work was 142.69 MPa at 1000 rpm, 40 mm min−1, and −1.68 mm tool offset. The highest joint efficiency obtained was 82% compared with the AA6101 UTS value. RSM adapted for this work was 92% accurate and satisfactory.
MetaAttention model: a new approach for skin lesion diagnosis using AB features and attention mechanism
Authors: To Hung Duy , Nguyen Huy Gia , Le Hang Thi Thuy , Le Hung Minh , Quan Tho Thanh
Published: May 2023

Ozone depletion has always been a hot crisis around the globe. Its consequence is the increase in ultraviolet radiation at the surface in many regions and countries, which then causes danger to the human immune system, eyes, and especially skin - the part that is directly exposed most to the sunlight. According to the World Health Organization, the number of cases of skin cancer is higher than that of breast, prostate, and lung cancer combined. Therefore, there has been a lot of research to apply deep learning models in solving the problem of skin cancer classification. This paper proposes a novel approach, named MetaAttention, aimed at improving the performance of transfer learning models for skin lesion classification. The method combines image features with patients’ metadata features using the attention mechanism, incorporating clinical knowledge related to ABCD signals to better distinguish melanoma cell carcinoma disease, which has long been a significant challenge for researchers. The experimental results indicate that the proposed approach outperforms the state-of-the-art method, EfficientNet-B4, achieving an accuracy of 89.9% with Scale-dot product MetaAttention and 90.63% with Additive MetaAttention. The method has the potential to support dermatologists in diagnosing skin lesions effectively and efficiently. Furthermore, with larger datasets, our method could be further fine-tuned to achieve even better performance on a broader range of labels.
Reproducibility study of Monte Carlo simulations for nanoparticle dose enhancement and biological modeling of cell survival curves
Authors: Velten Christian , Tomé Wolfgang A
Published: May 2023

Nanoparticle-derived radiosensitization has been investigated by several groups using Monte Carlo simulations and biological modeling. In this work we replicated the physical simulation and biological modeling of previously published research for 50 nm gold nanoparticles irradiated with monoenergetic photons, various 250 kVp photon spectra, and spread-out Bragg peak (SOBP) protons. Monte Carlo simulations were performed using TOPAS and used condensed history Penelope low energy physics models for macroscopic dose deposition and interaction with the nanoparticle; simulation of the microscopic dose deposition from nanoparticle secondaries was performed using Geant4-DNA track structure physics. Biological modeling of survival fractions was performed using a local effect model-type approach for MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Physical simulation results agreed extraordinarily well at all distances (1 nm to 10 μm from nanoparticle) for monoenergetic photons and SOBP protons in terms of dose per interaction, dose kernel ratio (often labeled dose enhancement factor), and secondary electron spectra. For 250 kVp photons the influence of the gold K-edge was investigated and found to appreciably affect the results. Calculated survival fractions similarly agreed well within one order of magnitude at macroscopic doses (i.e. without nanoparticle contribution) from 1 Gy to 10 Gy. Several 250 kVp spectra were tested to find one yielding closest agreement with previous results. This highlights the importance of a detailed description of the low energy (< 150 keV) component of photon spectra used for in-silico, as well as in-vitro, and in-vivo studies to ensure reproducibility of the experiments by the scientific community. Both, Monte Carlo simulations of physical interactions of the nanoparticle with photons and protons, as well as the biological modelling of cell survival curves agreed extraordinarily well with previously published data. Further investigation of the stochastic nature of nanoparticle radiosenstiziation is ongoing.
Low-cost environment-friendly energy scavenging system
Authors: Issa Hamza , Wehbi Mohammed , Kaddour Darine
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this work is to design an energy scavenging system. The system scavenges ambient energy from indoor Wi-Fi routers. It makes use of low cost, environment-friendly and widely available corrugated cardboard substrate. The circuit design is realized on metallic layers made of low-cost copper tape. A Villard rectifier is used to convert the RF energy into dc. The measured scavenged power of the system at the power density of 10 μW cm−2 is −15.76 dBm (26.5 μW). The measured conversion efficiency is 58.6%. The presented design has the lowest cost among other similar works.
Parametric analysis and optimization of magnetic field-assisted electrochemical spark drilling (MF-ECSD)
Authors: Singh Roopa , Singh DK , Singh Jeeoot
Published: May 2023

Electrochemical spark machining (ECSM) is gaining tremendous recognition in the research fraternity due to its ability to machine non-conductive materials and hybridize with other forms of energy (ultrasonic and magnetic). In the present work, ECSM has been hybridized with magnetic energy by adding an electromagnetic unit in the in-house developed setup of magnetic field-assisted electrochemical spark drilling (MF-ECSD), to improve the material removal rate (MRR), machining depth (MD) and overcut (OC) of sodalime glass. Due to the addition of electromagnetic component into the setup, magnetic field of varying strengths were generated near the machining zone. Effect of magnetic field on size of bubbles and in exclusion of fragments from the machining region was examined during experimentations. This study also concentrated on the effect of selected input factors such as applied voltage, NaOH concentration, tool rotational speed (TRS) and magnetic field intensity (MFI) on MRR, MD, and OC. The regression model was developed based on experimental results and further analyzed to predict the pattern of responses beyond the selected range of parameters. The experimental and analytical results were in good corroboration and all the factors were found significant for enhancing the responses. Later, the Desirability Function technique for multi-objective optimization was applied to maximize MRR and MD and minimize OC which yielded an ideal value of 40.10 V, 30 wt%, 90 rpm, and 0 Tesla with overall desirability of 0.7238.
Estimating prediction horizon of reservoir computer on L63 system when observed variables are incomplete
Authors: Huang Yu , Fu Zuntao
Published: May 2023

Reservoir computer (RC) is an attractive neural computing framework that can well predict the dynamics of chaotic systems. Previous knowledge of the RC performance is established on the case that all variables in a chaotic system are completely observed. However, in practical circumstances the observed variables from a dynamical system are usually incomplete, among which there is a lack of understanding of the RC performance. Here we utilize mean error growth curve to estimate the RC prediction horizon on the Lorenz63 system (L63), and particularly we investigate the scenario of univariate time series. Our results demonstrate that the prediction horizon of RC outperforms that of local dynamical analogs of L63, and the state-space embedding technique can improve the RC prediction in case of incomplete observations. We then test the conclusion on the more complicated systems, and extend the method to estimate the intraseasonal predictability of atmospheric circulation indices. These results could provide indications for future developments and applications of the RC.
Expected local topology of random complex submanifolds
Authors: Gayet Damien
Published: May 2023

Let

n
≥
2

n\geq 2

and

r
∈
{
1
,
⋯
,
n
−
1
}

r\in \{1, \cdots , n-1\}

be integers,

M
M

be a compact smooth Kähler manifold of complex dimension

n
n

,

E
E

be a holomorphic vector bundle with complex rank

r
r

and equipped with a Hermitian metric

h
E

h_E

, and

L
L

be an ample holomorphic line bundle over

M
M

equipped with a metric

h
h

with positive curvature form. For any

d
∈

N

d\in \mathbb N

large enough, we equip the space of holomorphic sections

H
0

(
M
,
E
⊗

L
d

)

H^0(M,E\otimes L^d)

with the natural Gaussian measure associated to

h
E

h_E

,

h
h

and its curvature form. Let

U
⊂
M

U\subset M

be an open subset with smooth boundary. We prove that the average of the

(
n
−
r
)

(n-r)

-th Betti number of the vanishing locus in

U
U

of a random section

s
s

of

H
0

(
M
,
E
⊗

L
d

)

H^0(M,E\otimes L^d)

is asymptotic to

(

n
−
1

r
−
1

)

d
n

∫
U

c
1

(
L

)
n

{n-1 \choose r-1} d^n\int _U c_1(L)^n

for large

d
d

. On the other hand, the average of the other Betti numbers is

o
(

d
n

)

o(d^n)

. The first asymptotic recovers the classical deterministic global algebraic computation. Moreover, such a discrepancy in the order of growth of these averages is new and contrasts with all known other smooth Gaussian models, in particular the real algebraic one. We prove a similar result for the affine complex Bargmann-Fock model.
On a relation between the 𝐾-cowaist and the 𝖠̂-cowaist
Authors: Wang Xiangsheng
Published: May 2023

The

K

\mathrm {K}

-cowaist

K
−
c

w
2

(
M
)

K-cw_2(M)

and the

A

^

\hat {\mathsf {A}}

-cowaist

A
^

−
c

w
2

(
M
)

\hat {A}-cw_2(M)

are two interesting invariants on a manifold

M
M

, which are closely related to the existence of the positive scalar curvature metric on

M
M

. In this note, we give a detailed proof of the following inequality due to Gromov:

K
−
c

w
2

(
M
)
≤
c

A
^

−
c

w
2

(
M
)

K-cw_2(M) \le c \hat {A}-cw_2(M)

, where

c
c

is a dimensional constant.
Integral homology groups of double coverings and rank one ℤ-local systems for a minimal CW complex
Authors: Liu Ye , Liu Yongqiang
Published: May 2023

Given a finite CW complex

X
X

, a nonzero cohomology class

ω
∈

H
1

(
X
,

Z

2

)

\omega \in H^1(X,\mathbb {Z}_2)

determines a double covering

X
ω

X^\omega

and a rank one

Z

\mathbb {Z}

-local system

L

ω

\mathcal {L}_\omega

. We investigate the relations between the homology groups

H
∗

(

X

ω

,

Z

)

H_*(X^{\omega },\mathbb {Z})

and

H
∗

(
X
,

L

ω

)

H_*(X,\mathcal {L}_\omega )

, when

X
X

is homotopy equivalent to a minimal CW complex. In particular, this settles a conjecture recently proposed by Ishibashi, Sugawara and Yoshinaga [Betti numbers and torsions in homology groups of double coverings, arxiv.org/abs/2209.02236, 2022, Conjecture 3.3], for a hyperplane arrangement complement.
Optimal diameter estimate of three-dimensional Ricci limit spaces
Authors: Zhu Bo , Zhu Xingyu
Published: May 2023

In this note, we prove that positive scalar curvature can pass to three dimensional Ricci limit spaces of non-negative Ricci curvature when it splits off a line. As a corollary, we obtain an optimal Bonnet-Myers type upper bound. Moreover, we obtain a similar statement in all dimensions for Alexandrov spaces of non-negative curvature.
Ergodicity of the geodesic flow on symmetric surfaces
Authors: Pandazis Michael , Šarić Dragomir
Published: May 2023

We consider conditions on the Fenchel-Nielsen parameters of a Riemann surface

X
X

that guarantee the surface

X
X

is of parabolic type. An interesting class of Riemann surfaces for this problem is the one with finitely many topological ends. In this case the length part of the Fenchel-Nielsen coordinates can go to infinity for parabolic

X
X

. When the surface

X
X

is end symmetric, we prove that

X
X

being parabolic is equivalent to the covering group being of the first kind. Then we give necessary and sufficient conditions on the Fenchel-Nielsen coordinates of a half-twist symmetric surface

X
X

such that

X
X

is parabolic. As an application, we solve an open question from the prior work of Basmajian, Hakobyan and the second author [Proc. Lond. Math. Soc. (3) 125 (2022), pp. 568–625].
Corrigendum to “Approximating rational points on toric varieties”
Authors: McKinnon David , Satriano Matthew
Published: May 2023

This paper corrects an error in the statement and proof of Proposition 1.3 of [Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. 374 (2021), pp. 3557–3577].
Outer-arm dynein light chain LC1 is required for normal motor assembly kinetics, ciliary stability, and motility
Authors: Sakato-Antoku Miho , King Stephen M.
Published: May 2023

Loss of the LC dynein light chain that associates with one microtubule binding domain within outer-arm dynein leads to altered ciliary motility, disrupts the kinetics of outer arm preassembly in cytoplasm, and has a significant effect on the maintenance of axonemal stability in Chlamydomonas.
cross-dressing
Authors: Panoussi Vassiliki
Published: May 2023

Cross-dressing is the act of dressing in clothing considered appropriate for a different gender. The practice, ancient or modern, is studied alongside issues of gender identity and sexuality and falls into the purview of both gender studies and transgender studies. Ancient Greek and Roman examples of cross-dressing of male to female are many, whilst female to male are very few. Ancient attitudes to the practice vary: cross-dressing is socially permitted in the case of theatre actors who performed female roles dressed as women and as part of religious custom. Hostility and condemnation are also frequent in both Greek and Roman sources, as cross-dressing by men is also linked to effeminacy and homosexuality. The modern theoretical framework of transgender studies can help in the study of cross-dressing in Greece and Rome. In turn, ancient concepts associated with cross-dressing can shed light on modern concepts and practices.
glass, Greek
Authors: Larson Katherine A.
Published: May 2023

Glassmaking has traditionally not been considered a major accomplishment of Greek craft, but new research and archaeological discoveries have established Greek contributions to the history of glass. While there is no single ancient Greek term for glass, the term ὕαλος (hyalos) refers to a transparent, hard, luminous material, such as glass or rock crystal. In the 6th century bce, core-formed glass perfume and cosmetic containers began to appear throughout the Mediterranean, particularly in funerary contexts and dedicatory assemblages. Later, colourless glass, cast in moulds and sagged over forms and often decorated with gilding or cutting, appears as a major technical innovation in the late 5th to early 4th century bce. Although no workshops have been found, Rhodes and Macedonia were likely important producers of these products.

The Hellenistic period saw a gradual diversification of forms, expansion of colours, and experimentation with new techniques. Always important luxury trade goods, glass drinking vessels and small objects such as beads and gaming pieces become more accessible to a wider segment of the population by the beginning of the 1st century bce, an important prelude to the spread of glassblowing under the Roman empire.
The pharmacist’s role in reducing infusion-related phlebitis
Authors: Johnson Jessica L , Norton Cory , Fryfogle Erin , Fincher Timothy K , Burmeister Melissa A
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Pharmacists oversee parenteral drug preparation and administration in hospitals, clinics, infusion centers, and home infusion settings. Infusion-related phlebitis (IRP), the most common complication of intravenous infusion therapy, significantly impacts therapeutic outcomes, patient satisfaction, cost of care, and provider workload. Here we review the major etiologies of IRP and describe potential pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions for preventing and managing the condition as well as for improving vascular access health in multiple-drug administration settings.

Many parenterally administered drugs cause phlebitis due to mechanical, chemical, or infectious etiologies. Pharmacists can recommend nonpharmacological strategies to mitigate phlebitis, including ­judicious device selection and placement; adjustment of the drug concentration, flow rate, or formulation; infusion site rotation; and use of inline filters to minimize contaminant particulates. Pharmacological treatments for phlebitis include topical, local, and systemic anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents that can reduce symptom severity and prevent further treatment complications or delays.

Conclusion

Pharmacists can contribute a unique perspective to interprofessional teams tasked with making policy and formulary decisions that minimize the negative impacts of IRP on drug delivery and patient outcomes.
Do habitat fragmentation and degradation influence the strength of fine-scale spatial genetic structure in plants? A global meta-analysis
Authors: Miguel-Peñaloza Ara , Cultid-Medina Carlos A , Pérez-Alquicira Jessica , Rico Yessica
Published: May 2023

As primarily sessile organisms, plants often show a non-random spatial distribution of genotypes over distance. This process known as fine-scale spatial genetic structure (FSGS) has been suggested through systematic reviews to depend on life form, mating system, and pollen and seed dispersal vectors, while there is no consensus on its behaviour due to external factors, such as anthropogenic habitat changes. By conducting a systematic review and global meta-analysis of empirical FSGS studies, we aimed to evaluate how anthropogenic habitat fragmentation and degradation influence the strength of FSGS in plant populations by means of the Sp statistic. Moreover, we tested how pollination and seed dispersal vectors contribute to the variation of the Sp statistic. We retrieved 243 FSGS studies from 1960 to 2020 of which only 65 were informative for the systematic review. Most empirical studies comprised outcrossers (84%) and trees (67%), with few herbs (23%) and scarce annual species (2%). In weighted meta-analyses for 116 plant populations (31 studies), we did not detect significant effects in the magnitude of effect sizes for the Sp statistic among undisturbed, degraded and fragmented habitats. Results showed significant effects for seed dispersal vectors, but not for pollination. Overall, we observed high variation among the effect sizes (not related to the goodness-of-fit of mixed models) of habitat status, pollination and seed dispersal categories, which precludes identifying biological trends on the Sp statistic. More empirical studies are needed that contrast multiple plant populations in disturbed versus undisturbed habitats, and by increasing the taxonomic groups, such as herbs and annual plants.
PascalX: a Python library for GWAS gene and pathway enrichment tests
Authors: Krefl Daniel , Brandulas Cammarata Alessandro , Bergmann Sven
Published: May 2023

‘PascalX’ is a Python library providing fast and accurate tools for mapping SNP-wise GWAS summary statistics. Specifically, it allows for scoring genes and annotated gene sets for enrichment signals based on data from, both, single GWAS and pairs of GWAS. The gene scores take into account the correlation pattern between SNPs. They are based on the cumulative density function of a linear combination of χ2 distributed random variables, which can be calculated either approximately or exactly to high precision. Acceleration via multithreading and GPU is supported. The code of PascalX is fully open source and well suited as a base for method development in the GWAS enrichment test context.

Availability and implementation

The source code is available at https://github.com/BergmannLab/PascalX and archived under doi://10.5281/zenodo.4429922. A user manual with usage examples is available at https://bergmannlab.github.io/PascalX/.
A centre-based ambulatory care concept for hidradenitis suppurativa improves disease activity, disease burden and patient satisfaction: results from the randomized controlled EsmAiL trial
Authors: Schultheis Michael , Staubach Petra , Nikolakis Georgios , Schollenberger Lukas , Mauch Melanie  , Burckhardt Marion , Heise Marcus , Zamsheva Marina , Strobel Alexandra  , Langer Gero , Bechara Falk , Kirschner Uwe , Hennig Katharina , Kunte Christian , Goebeler Matthias , Grabbe Stephan
Published: May 2023

Background

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an inflammatory disease of the inverse skin regions that occurs in young women, in particular, and affects approximately 1% of the population. Outpatient care is often inadequate and usually cannot prevent progression.

Objectives

To evaluate in the EsmAiL (‘Evaluation eines strukturierten und leitlinienbasierten multmodalen Versorgungskonzepts für Menschen mit Akne inversa’) trial whether an innovative care concept can decrease disease activity and burden, and improve patient satisfaction.

Methods

EsmAiL was conducted as a two-arm, multicentre, prospective, randomized controlled trial that included 553 adults with HS. Inclusion criteria were a minimum of three inflammatory lesions and at least a moderate impact of the disease on quality of life. The control group (CG) remained under standard care, while patients in the intervention group (IG) were treated according to a trial-specific, multimodal concept. The primary endpoint was the absolute change in International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System (IHS4).

Results

In total, 274 patients were randomized to the IG and 279 to the CG. Altogether, 377 attended the final assessment after 12 months of intervention. Participants in the IG (n = 203) achieved a mean improvement in IHS4 of 9.3 points, while the average decrease in IHS4 in patients in the CG (n = 174) was 5.7 points (P = 0.003). Patients treated under the new care concept also reported a statistically significantly higher decrease in pain, Dermatology Life Quality Index and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores compared with those in the CG (P < 0.001). Patient satisfaction was also statistically significantly higher in the IG compared with the CG (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The establishment of standardized treatment algorithms in so-called ‘acne inversa centres’ in the ambulatory setting has a substantial, positive impact on the course of HS and significantly improves patient satisfaction.
Increased flexibility of brain dynamics in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: von Schwanenflug Nina , Koch Stefan P , Krohn Stephan , Broeders Tommy A A , Lydon-Staley David M , Bassett Dani S , Schoonheim Menno M , Paul Friedemann , Finke Carsten
Published: May 2023

Patients with multiple sclerosis consistently show widespread changes in functional connectivity. Yet, alterations are heterogeneous across studies, underscoring the complexity of functional reorganization in multiple sclerosis. Here, we aim to provide new insights by applying a time-resolved graph-analytical framework to identify a clinically relevant pattern of dynamic functional connectivity reconfigurations in multiple sclerosis. Resting-state data from 75 patients with multiple sclerosis (N = 75, female:male ratio of 3:2, median age: 42.0 ± 11.0 years, median disease duration: 6 ± 11.4 years) and 75 age- and sex-matched controls (N = 75, female:male ratio of 3:2, median age: 40.2 ± 11.8 years) were analysed using multilayer community detection. Local, resting-state functional system and global levels of dynamic functional connectivity reconfiguration were characterized using graph-theoretical measures including flexibility, promiscuity, cohesion, disjointedness and entropy. Moreover, we quantified hypo- and hyper-flexibility of brain regions and derived the flexibility reorganization index as a summary measure of whole-brain reorganization. Lastly, we explored the relationship between clinical disability and altered functional dynamics. Significant increases in global flexibility (t = 2.38, PFDR = 0.024), promiscuity (t = 1.94, PFDR = 0.038), entropy (t = 2.17, PFDR = 0.027) and cohesion (t = 2.45, PFDR = 0.024) were observed in patients and were driven by pericentral, limbic and subcortical regions. Importantly, these graph metrics were correlated with clinical disability such that greater reconfiguration dynamics tracked greater disability. Moreover, patients demonstrate a systematic shift in flexibility from sensorimotor areas to transmodal areas, with the most pronounced increases located in regions with generally low dynamics in controls. Together, these findings reveal a hyperflexible reorganization of brain activity in multiple sclerosis that clusters in pericentral, subcortical and limbic areas. This functional reorganization was linked to clinical disability, providing new evidence that alterations of multilayer temporal dynamics play a role in the manifestation of multiple sclerosis.