bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A High-Power Volumetric Two-Photon Polymerization/Lithography Scheme Without Using Beam Splitters
Authors: Jakkinapalli Aravind , Wen Sy-Bor
Published: September 2024

A phase-controlled spatial light modulator to split one laser pulse into tens of thousands of mini rays, each propagating into a designed direction to form a 3D point cloud, has been proposed and demonstrated recently. The original experimental design needs a beamsplitter to couple the femtosecond laser light to the phase-controlled spatial light modulator. Thus, only one-fourth of the incoming laser light is used in the volumetric lithography after two reflections with the beamsplitter. This study proposes a tilted coupling scheme between the femtosecond laser and the phase-controlled spatial light modulator. Because no beamsplitters are required in the new scheme, the useful laser energy is four times higher than the original scheme, and the required exposure time to cross-link polymer through two-photon absorption is sixteen times shorter.

A new mathematical model has also been developed to generate the phase diagram on the phase-controlled spatial light modulator to diffract light into the required directions to form voxels in the designed 3D point clouds. The new mathematical model considers the tilted incoming laser light and the required adjustment to ensure mini rays arrive at the voxel locations simultaneously to trigger two-photon absorption. The resulting phase diagram for projecting vertical lines, tilted lines, and micro pyramids with the new mathematical model for the tilt coupling scheme is presented. The resulting lithography results and the possible future improvements considering the diffraction of mini rays are also discussed.
Exploring the Energy and Exergy Performance of an Integrated Heat Recovery System in Aluminum Smelters Using a Parallel Two-Stage Organic Rankine Cycle
Authors: Abdelsamie Mostafa M. , Ali Mohamed Ibrahim
Published: September 2024

The primary aluminum industry stands out as one of the most energy-consuming and occasionally inefficient sectors, with approximately 50% of energy lost as waste heat. The challenge lies in the multitude of heat sources in aluminum smelters, each varying in quantity and temperature levels. Addressing this, the study employs the Parallel Two-stage Organic Rankine Cycle (PTORC) to integrate wasted heat from cathode sidewalls and exhaust gases into a unified recovery system. Based on a series of simulations, the current analysis delves into the impact of primary and secondary evaporation temperatures, as well as the number of integrated aluminum pots, on the energy and exergy performance of PTORC. Under specific design conditions, the results reveal that optimizing the system occurs when the primary evaporation temperature decreases and the secondary evaporation temperature increases. This leads to a substantial enhancement in both output power and thermal efficiency, accompanied by a reduction in exergetic destruction. At a primary evaporation temperature of 111.5°C and a secondary evaporation temperature of 78.5°C, the net output power reaches an optimal value of 3,840 kW. However, despite the increase in generated power, the exergy destruction of the recovery system experiences a notable rise with the number of integrated cells.
Sensory unpleasantness of very-high frequency sound and audible ultrasound
Authors: Lineton Ben , Al Balushi Rahma Abdul Rahman , Jones Sian Lloyd , Leighton Timothy G. , Fletcher Mark D.
Published: September 2024

Audible very-high frequency sound (VHFS) and ultrasound (US) have been rated more unpleasant than lower frequency sounds when presented to listeners at similar sensation levels (SLs). In this study, 17 participants rated the sensory unpleasantness of 14-, 16-, and 18-kHz tones and a 1-kHz reference tone. Tones were presented at equal subjective loudness levels for each individual, corresponding to levels of 10, 20, and 30 dB SL measured at 1 kHz. Participants were categorized as either “symptomatic” or “asymptomatic” based on self-reported previous symptoms that they attributed to exposure to VHFS/US. In both groups, subjective loudness increased more rapidly with sound pressure level for VHFS/US than for the 1-kHz reference tone, which is consistent with a reduced dynamic range at the higher frequencies. For loudness-matched tones, participants rated VHFS/US as more unpleasant than that for the 1-kHz reference. These results suggest that increased sensory unpleasantness and reduced dynamic range at high frequencies should be considered when designing or deploying equipment which emits VHFS/US that could be audible to exposed people.
Position dependence of the standing-wave radiation pressure quadrupole projection on a sphere applied to drop shape
Authors: Marston Philip L.
Published: September 2024

There have been decades of interest in using the ultrasonic radiation pressure of standing waves to deform nearly spherical objects. An analytical approach sometimes associated with the present author involves approximating projections of the radiation pressure on spheres small in comparison with the wavelength and calculating the response to that projection. In 1981, for small fluid spheres, some terms in the quadrupole projection were published along with the dependence on the size and location of the sphere. An associated application was the flattening of levitated drops in air which are attracted toward velocity antinodes of a standing wave having horizontal equiphase surfaces. In subsequent applications of those results, the predicted analytical dependence on the location of the drop is frequently neglected. For the case of small weakly deformed drops in air in normal gravity, that omission is shown to result in an overestimation of the deformation and of the magnitude of the quadrupole radiation pressure projection. The present discussion simplifies the early results when applied to oblate drops and illustrates the consequence of including the position dependence on the modified small deformation. For large trapped oblate bubbles in water (also reviewed), the shape and location depend on the size.
Partially embedded metabarrier to suppress surface waves in granular media
Authors: Pillarisetti Lalith Sai Srinivas , Lissenden Cliff J. , Shokouhi Parisa
Published: September 2024

The gravity-induced depth-dependent elastic properties of a granular half-space result in multiple dispersive surface modes and demand the consideration of material heterogeneity in metabarrier designs to suppress surface waves. Numerous locally resonant metabarrier configurations have been proposed in the literature to suppress Rayleigh surface waves in homogeneous media, with little focus on extending the designs to a heterogeneous half-space. In this work, a metabarrier comprising partially embedded rod-like resonators to suppress the fundamental dispersive surface wave modes in heterogeneous granular media known as first order PSV (PSV1; where P is the longitudinal mode and SV is the shear-vertical mode) and second order PSV (PSV2) is proposed. The unit-cell dispersion analysis, together with an extensive frequency-domain finite element analysis, reveals preferential hybridization of the PSV1 and PSV2 modes with the longitudinal and flexural resonances of the resonators, respectively. The presence of the cutoff frequency for the longitudinal-resonance hybridized mode facilitates straightforward suppression of the PSV1 mode, while PSV2 mode suppression is possible by tailoring the hybridized flexural resonance modes. These PSV1 and PSV2 bandgaps are realized experimentally in a granular testbed comprising glass beads by embedding 3D-printed resonator rods. Also explored are novel graded metabarriers capable of suppressing both PSV1 and PSV2 modes over a broad frequency range for potential applications in vibration control and seismic isolation.
Navigating Virtual Collisions: Insights Into Perception–Action Differences in Children and Young Adults Using a Head-On Avoidance Task
Authors: Hammill Megan , Rapos Victoria , Cinelli Michael
Published: September 2024

Children tend to make more last-minute locomotor adjustments than adults when avoiding stationary obstacles. The purpose of this study was to compare avoidance behaviors of middle-aged children (10–12 years old) with young adults during a head-on collision course with an approaching virtual pedestrian. Participants were immersed in a virtual environment and completed a perceptual decision-making task in which they had to respond to the future direction of an approaching virtual pedestrian once they disappeared. Following the perceptual task, participants walked along an 8-m pathway toward a goal, while avoiding a collision with a virtual pedestrian who approached along the midline than veered toward the left, right, or continued walking straight. Results revealed that children were able to correctly predict the future directions of the virtual pedestrian similar to adults, albeit at a slower response time (0.55 s vs. 0.33 s). During the action task, children initiated a deviation in their travel path later (i.e., closer to the virtual pedestrian) compared to adults (1.65 s vs. 1.52 s). Children were also more variable in their onset of deviation and time-to-contact. Although children appear to have developed adult-like perceptual abilities and can avoid an approaching virtual pedestrian, children employ riskier avoidance strategies and are highly variable, suggesting middle-aged children are still fine-tuning their perception-action system.
Ultraslow cooling of an ultrahot orogen
Authors: Clark Chris , Brown Michael , Knight Ben , Johnson Tim E. , Mitchell Ruairidh J. , Gupta Saibal
Published: September 2024

To constrain the rate of cooling of lower-crustal rocks from an ultrahot orogen, we determined both the age and equilibration temperature of metamorphic zircon from six widely spaced samples of metasedimentary garnet–sillimanite gneiss from the Eastern Ghats Province in eastern India. For the combined data set of metamorphic zircon, concordant dates decrease continuously within 2σ uncertainty from around 950 Ma to 800 Ma, consistent with ∼150 m.y. of zircon crystallization. Ti-in-zircon temperatures for each dated spot during this period decrease with age, corresponding to linear cooling rates ranging from 0.26 to 0.90 °C/m.y. We propose that retention of heat-producing elements in the lower crust of the Eastern Ghats Province and a low net erosion rate were responsible for ∼150 m.y. of ultraslow cooling.
Molecular Dynamics Calculation of Interfacial Tension in a Two-Phase Liquid Hydrocarbon–Water–Surfactant System: From Rarefied to Superdense Surfactant Monolayer
Authors: Vanin A. A. , Volkov N. A. , Brodskaya E. N. , Shchekin A. K. , Turnaeva E. A. , Polovinkin M. S. , Eroshkin Yu. A.
Published: September 2024

A method is proposed for calculating low interfacial tension (IFT) based on molecular dynamics simulation of systems with superdense packing of surfactant molecules at the water–liquid hydrocarbon interface. The interfacial tension was calculated by the molecular dynamics method using the all-atom and coarse-grained models in water–alkane (decane, dodecane) two-phase systems in the presence of various individual surfactants. The following ionic and nonionic surfactants were considered: sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC), sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS), sodium decet-6 sulfate C10E6SO4Na, hexaethylene glycol monodecyl ether (C10E6), triethylene glycol monononadecyl ether (C19E3), and octapropoxypentaethylene glycol monododecyl ether (C12P8E5). It was shown that the interfacial tension decreases to zero when surfactant adsorption increases to the limiting values.
Validation of a machine learning algorithm for identifying infants at risk of hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy in a large unseen data set
Authors: Murray Anne L , O’Boyle Daragh S , Walsh Brian H , Murray Deirdre M
Published: September 2024

Objective

To validate a hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) prediction algorithm to identify infants at risk of HIE immediately after birth using readily available clinical data.

Design

Secondary review of electronic health record data of term deliveries from January 2017 to December 2021.

Setting

A tertiary maternity hospital.

Patients

Infants >36 weeks’ gestation with the following clinical variables available: Apgar Score at 1 min and 5 min, postnatal pH, base deficit, and lactate values taken within 1 hour of birth

Interventions

Previously trained open-source logistic regression and random forest (RF) prediction algorithms were used to calculate a probability index (PI) for each infant for the occurrence of HIE.

Main outcome

Validation of a machine learning algorithm to identify infants at risk of HIE in the immediate postnatal period.

Results

1081 had a complete data set available within 1 hour of birth: 76 (6.95%) with HIE and 1005 non-HIE. Of the 76 infants with HIE, 37 were classified as mild, 29 moderate and 10 severe. The best overall accuracy was seen with the RF model. Median (IQR) PI in the HIE group was 0.70 (0.53–0.86) vs 0.05 (0.02–0.15), (p<0.001) in the non-HIE group. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve for prediction of HIE=0.926 (0.893–0.959, p<0.001). Using a PI cut-off to optimise sensitivity of 0.30, 936 of the 1081 (86.5%) infants were correctly classified.

Conclusion

In a large unseen data set an open-source algorithm could identify infants at risk of HIE in the immediate postnatal period. This may aid focused clinical examination, transfer to tertiary care (if necessary) and timely intervention.
Effect of intravenous methylprednisolone on serum antibody levels in thyroid eye disease
Authors: Lee Chaeyeon , Lee Jung Eun , Kim Kyunga , Woo Kyung In
Published: September 2024

Background/aims

We evaluated longitudinal autoantibody changes after intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP), compared them with those in untreated patients and identified prognostic factors for treatment response.

Methods

In this single-centre, retrospective, observational study, a total of 163 individuals diagnosed with moderate-to-severe thyroid eye disease were enrolled and followed for 12 months. Depending on whether IVMP was administered, we divided the patients into treatment and control groups. Based on the effect of IVMP on TSH receptor (TSH Rc) antibody level, we divided the patients into Ab declined and Ab not declined groups.

We evaluated the time, group and interaction associations with the longitudinal autoantibody titres over 12 months using generalised estimating equations. Using multivariable logistic regression, we investigated the prognostic factors for a poor response to IVMP.

Results

In the IVMP group, the TSH Rc antibody (Ab) titre decreased rapidly for 6 months and then decreased slowly until 12 months, becoming similar to the control group at 12 months. This suggests a difference in the decreasing pattern over time between the IVMP and control groups (group and time interaction p=0.029). Total cholesterol (OR 1.0217 (95% CI 1.0068 to 1.0370), p=0.0043) was a significant prognostic factor for the steroid response. The threshold total cholesterol value to distinguish between Ab declined and Ab not declined was 186 mg/dL.

Conclusion

IVMP significantly decreased the TSH Rc Ab level for the 3 months after treatment, compared with the no-treatment group, but the groups did not differ significantly after 12 months. Patients with high total cholesterol levels generally showed a poor response to IVMP.
An international consensus panel on the potential value of Digital Surgery
Authors: Erskine Jamie , Abrishami Payam , Bernhard Jean-Christophe , Charter Richard , Culbertson Richard , Hiatt Jo Carol , Igarashi Ataru , Purcell Jackson Gretchen , Lien Matthew , Maddern Guy , Soon Yau Ng Joseph , Patel Anita , Rha Koon Ho , Sooriakumaran Prasanna , Tackett Scott , Turchetti Giuseppe , Chalkidou Anastasia
Published: September 2024

Objectives

The use of digital technology in surgery is increasing rapidly, with a wide array of new applications from presurgical planning to postsurgical performance assessment. Understanding the clinical and economic value of these technologies is vital for making appropriate health policy and purchasing decisions. We explore the potential value of digital technologies in surgery and produce expert consensus on how to assess this value.

Design

A modified Delphi and consensus conference approach was adopted. Delphi rounds were used to generate priority topics and consensus statements for discussion.

Setting and participants

An international panel of 14 experts was assembled, representing relevant stakeholder groups: clinicians, health economists, health technology assessment experts, policy-makers and industry.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

A scoping questionnaire was used to generate research questions to be answered. A second questionnaire was used to rate the importance of these research questions. A final questionnaire was used to generate statements for discussion during three consensus conferences. After discussion, the panel voted on their level of agreement from 1 to 9; where 1=strongly disagree and 9=strongly agree. Consensus was defined as a mean level of agreement of >7.

Results

Four priority topics were identified: (1) how data are used in digital surgery, (2) the existing evidence base for digital surgical technologies, (3) how digital technologies may assist surgical training and education and (4) methods for the assessment of these technologies. Seven consensus statements were generated and refined, with the final level of consensus ranging from 7.1 to 8.6.

Conclusion

Potential benefits of digital technologies in surgery include reducing unwarranted variation in surgical practice, increasing access to surgery and reducing health inequalities. Assessments to consider the value of the entire surgical ecosystem holistically are critical, especially as many digital technologies are likely to interact simultaneously in the operating theatre.
Impact of perioperative diagnostic tools on clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness in parathyroid surgery: a decision model-based analysis
Authors: Bátora Daniel , Iskandar Rowan , Gertsch Juerg , Kaderli Reto M
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Preoperative and intraoperative diagnostic tools influence the surgical management of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), whereby their performance of classification varies considerably for the two common causes of PHPT: solitary adenomas and multiglandular disease. A consensus on the use of such diagnostic tools for optimal perioperative management of all PHPT patients has not been reached.

Design

A decision tree model was constructed to estimate and compare the clinical outcomes and the cost-effectiveness of preoperative imaging modalities and intraoperative parathyroid hormone (ioPTH) monitoring criteria in a 21-year time horizon with a 3% discount rate. The robustness of the model was assessed by conducting a one-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic uncertainty analysis.

Setting

The US healthcare system.

Population

A hypothetical population consisting of 5000 patients with sporadic, symptomatic or asymptomatic PHPT.

Interventions

Preoperative and intraoperative diagnostic modalities for parathyroidectomy.

Main outcome measures

Costs, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), net monetary benefits (NMBs) and clinical outcomes.

Results

In the base-case analysis, four-dimensional (4D) CT was the least expensive strategy with US$10 276 and 15.333 QALYs. Ultrasound and99mTc-Sestamibi single-photon-emission CT/CT were both dominated strategies while18F-fluorocholine positron emission tomography was cost-effective with an NMB of US$416 considering a willingness to pay a threshold of US$95 958. The application of ioPTH monitoring with the Vienna criterion decreased the rate of reoperations from 10.50 to 0.58 per 1000 patients compared to not using ioPTH monitoring. Due to an increased rate of bilateral neck explorations from 257.45 to 347.45 per 1000 patients, it was not cost-effective.

Conclusions

4D-CT is the most cost-effective modality for the preoperative localisation of solitary parathyroid adenomas and multiglandular disease. The use of ioPTH monitoring is not cost-effective, but to minimise clinical complications, the Miami criterion should be applied for suspected solitary adenomas and the Vienna criterion for multiglandular disease.
Identifying microbiome-based changes and biomarkers prior to disease development in mother and child, with a focus on gestational diabetes mellitus: protocol for the DANish Maternal and Offspring Microbiome (DANMOM) cohort study
Authors: Rold Louise Søndergaard , Jensen Ann-Maria , Arenholt Louise , Leutscher Peter Derek Christian , Ovesen Per Glud , Hagstrøm Søren , Sørensen Suzette
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The human gut microbiota is associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), which imposes a risk of developing long-term health problems for mother and child. Most studies on GDM and microbiota have been cross-sectional, which makes it difficult to make any conclusions on causality. Furthermore, it is important to assess if a dysbiotic microbiota is passed from the mother to the child, and then being at risk of developing metabolic health problems later in life. The DANish Maternal and Offspring Microbiome study aims to identify gut microbiota-related factors involved in metabolic dysfunction in women with GDM and their offspring. Importantly, the study design allows for early detection of biological changes associated with later development of metabolic disease. This could provide us with unique tools to support early diagnosis or implement preventative measures.

Methods and analysis

Pregnant women are included in the study after the 11–14 weeks’ prenatal ultrasound scan and followed throughout pregnancy with enrolment of the offspring at birth. 202 women and 112 children have been included from North Denmark Regional Hospital and Aalborg University Hospital in Denmark. Mother and child are followed until the children reach the age of 5 years. From the mother, we collect faeces, urine, blood, saliva, vaginal fluid and breast milk samples, in addition to faeces and a blood sample from the child. Microbiota composition in biological samples will be analysed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and compared with demographic and clinical data from medical charts, registers and questionnaires. Sample and data collection will continue until July 2028.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol has been approved by the North Denmark Region Committee on Health Research Ethics (N20190007). Written informed consent is obtained from all participants prior to study participation. Study results will be published in international peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences. The results will also be presented to the funders of the study and study participants.
Effect of peanut butter supplementation on physical and cognitive functions in community-dwelling older adults: study protocol for a 6-month randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hettiarachchi Jeew , Feyesa Ilili , Daly Robin M , George Elena S , Georgousopoulou Ekavi N , Scott David , Baguley Brenton J , Tan Sze-Yen
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Ageing is associated with physical and cognitive declines, which may be further exacerbated by poor nutrition. Nuts are energy and nutrient dense, and their consumption is associated with better physical and cognitive functions in older adults, but data from interventional studies are limited. This 6-month randomised controlled trial is designed to investigate the effects of consuming 43 g/day of peanut butter (equivalent to 1.5 servings of nuts) on physical function, including walking speed (primary outcome), standing and dynamic balance, upper and lower body strength, lower body power and endurance, and associated factors including muscle mass, cognitive function and DNA telomere length in community-dwelling older adults.

Method and analysis

A total of 120 participants aged ≥65 years will be recruited and randomly allocated (1:1 ratio) to either the intervention group (n=60) that will receive individually packaged sealed containers containing 43 g of peanut butter to be consumed once daily for 6 months alongside habitual diet, or the control group (n=60) that will maintain their habitual diet. Primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline and at 6 months. The primary outcome is walking speed assessed using the 4 m usual gait speed test. Secondary outcomes include other physical function assessments: standing balance, chair stand time, timed-up-and-go test and four-square step test; and hand grip and knee extensor muscle strength; cognitive function assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and trail making tests; body composition; nutritional status; and DNA telomere length from participants’ buccal cell samples. Linear mixed models will be used to compare changes in outcomes between intervention and control groups.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol is approved by the Deakin University Human Research Ethics Committee. The trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12622001291774. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations and media.

Trial registration number

ANZCTR12622001291774.
Characterization of wind effect on environmental dispersion for a shallow wetland flow
Authors: Mondal Buddhadeb , Barman Krishnendu , Debnath Koustuv , Mazumder Bijoy S.
Published: September 2024

The present work focuses on the dispersion of pollutants under the influence of wind and ecological degradation in a fully developed steady flow for a shallow wetland. The dispersion coefficient is determined by Aris’ method of moments and Meis’ multi-scale analysis. Based on the comparison study, the concentration profiles obtained using multi-scale analysis converge with Aris’ method of moments, indicating that both analytical approaches provide reliable and consistent descriptions of pollutant dispersion in the system. In first-order degradation reaction rates, high degradation rates lead to lower mean concentrations and potentially more pronounced concentration gradients, while low degradation rates result in higher mean concentrations. The critical length of the region influenced by the contaminated cloud is computed analytically. It shows that for the common contaminant constituent lead (Pb), initially, it increases gradually to reach the maximum; after that as time increases, it decreases to zero under wind conditions.
Stretched-exponential melting of a dynamically frozen state under imprinted phase noise in the ising chain in a transverse field
Authors: Roychowdhury Krishanu , Das Arnab
Published: September 2024

The concept of dynamical freezing is a phenomenon where a suitable set of local observables freezes under a strong periodic drive in a quantum many-body system. This happens because of the emergence of approximate but perpetual conservation laws when the drive is strong enough. In this work, we probe the resilience of dynamical freezing to random perturbations added to the relative phases between the interfering states (elements of a natural basis) in the time-evolving wave function after each drive cycle. We study this in an integrable Ising chain in a time-periodic transverse field. Our key finding is, that the imprinted phase noise melts the dynamically frozen state, but the decay is “slow”: a stretched-exponential decay rather than an exponential one. Stretched-exponential decays (also known as Kohlrausch relaxation) are usually expected in complex systems with time-scale hierarchies due to strong disorders or other inhomogeneities resulting in jamming, glassiness, or localization. Here we observe this in a simple translationally invariant system dynamically frozen under a periodic drive. Moreover, the melting here does not obliterate the entire memory of the initial state but leaves behind a steady remnant that depends on the initial conditions. This underscores the stability of dynamically frozen states.

Graphical abstract
Testing the coupling of dark radiations in light of the Hubble tension
Authors: Lu Zhiyu , Imtiaz Batool , Zhang Dongdong , Cai Yi-Fu
Published: September 2024

We are studying the effects of Self-Interacting dark radiation (SIdr) on the evolution of the universe. Our main focus is on the cosmic microwave background (CMB) and how SIdr could potentially help resolve the Hubble tension. We are looking into different scenarios by mixing SIdr with Free-Streaming dark radiation (FSdr) or not to determine whether SIdr can indeed contribute to solving the Hubble tension. We find that SIdr alone can increase the Hubble constant ($$H_0$$

H
0

) to $$70.1_{-1.6}^{+1.3}, \text {km/s/Mpc}$$

70
.

1

-
1.6

+
1.3

,
km/s/Mpc

with a value of $$N_\textrm{eff}=3.27_{-0.31}^{+0.23}$$

N
eff

=
3
.

27

-
0.31

+
0.23

. However, including FSdr disfavors the existence of SIdr $${\tilde{N}}_\textrm{si}\approx 0.37$$

N
~

si

≈
0.37

. Even though the Hubble constant is increased compared to the predicted value, it entails $$N_\textrm{eff}=3.52\pm 0.25$$

N
eff

=
3.52
±
0.25

. Finally, we implement the Fisher method for future experiments and a $$7.64\sigma $$

7.64
σ

measurement of $${\tilde{N}}_\textrm{si}$$

N
~

si

will be obtained when combing data from Planck, AliCPT, and CMB-S4.
Network-based modeling and control of hybrid dynamic games with fixed event triggering mechanism
Authors: Wu Yue , Chen Xiangyong , Wang Chunmei , Feng Jun-e , Zhao Feng
Published: September 2024

This paper mainly establishes the network-based evolution model for a class of hybrid dynamic games (HDG) systems by considering the fixed event-triggering mechanism. First, a general state-space model for HDG is introduced, and a seven-tuple representation for its normal form is established. Then we establish the directed network models, which include a tree network structure form and a multi-layer temporal model. Such network models present the advantages of evolution analysis on HDG. Finally, we use HDG example with the Lanchester equation to demonstrate the feasibility of the model and the reliability of its evolutionary process.
On the Curvature Functions of Ruled Surface
Authors: Al-Jedani Awatif
Published: September 2024

We considered differential geometries of helical curves for ruled and developable surfaces in Euclidean 3-space E 3. We clarify the conditions for ruled surface to become stationary-axis ruled surface. Then, we concentrate on ruled surface generated by a line undergoing a one-parameter screw movement. Finally, we provide some modules to illustrate the main results.
Entanglement production through a cosmological bounce
Authors: Husain Viqar , Javed Irfan , Seahra Sanjeev S. , Nomaan X
Published: September 2024

In quantum cosmology, it is expected that the Big Bang singularity is resolved and the universe undergoes a bounce. We find that for Gaussian initial states, matter-gravity entanglement entropy rises rapidly during the bounce, declines, and then approaches a steady-state value following the bounce. These observations suggest that matter-gravity entanglement is a feature of the macroscopic universe and that there is no Second Law of entanglement entropy.
Monitoring and Loan Pricing: Do Microfinance Institutions Extract Rents from Entrepreneurs?
Authors: Shahriar Abu Zafar M. , Unda Luisa A. , Berns John P. , Phatraphumpakdee Panunya
Published: September 2024

Microfinance institutions (MFIs) have been criticized for charging high interest rates on loans. Building on multiple-principal agency theory, we argue that when an MFI acquires proprietary information about its clients through monitoring, it gains an information advantage over other lenders enabling it to extract rents by charging higher interest rates. Using data from 712 MFIs across 62 countries from 2010 to 2018, we find this to be the case. Furthermore, we find that MFIs that make more relationship-based loans, operate in less competitive markets, and those driven by for-profit commercial banking logic are more likely to extract even greater rents.
Automating Detective Work
Authors: Savage Neil
Published: September 2024

Artificial Intelligence is improving biometrics for the matching of fingerprints, facial recognition.
Biotechnology and Genomic Approaches to Mitigating Disease Impacts on Forest Health
Authors: LeBoldus Jared M. , Lynch Shannon C. , Newhouse Andrew E. , Søndreli Kelsey L. , Newcombe George , Bennett Patrick I. , Muchero Wellington , Chen Jin-Gui , Busby Posy E. , Gordon Michael , Liang Haiying
Published: September 2024

Outbreaks of insects and diseases are part of the natural disturbance regime of all forests. However, introduced pathogens have had outsized impacts on many dominant forest tree species over the past century. Mitigating these impacts and restoring these species are dilemmas of the modern era. Here, we review the ecological and economic impact of introduced pathogens, focusing on examples in North America. We then synthesize the successes and challenges of past biotechnological approaches and discuss the integration of genomics and biotechnology to help mitigate the effects of past and future pathogen invasions. These questions are considered in the context of the transgenic American chestnut, which is the most comprehensive example to date of how biotechnological tools have been used to address the impacts of introduced pathogens on naïve forest ecosystems.
In Situ PANI Encapsulation of Zinc Powder Enhancing the Corrosion Resistance of Zinc-Rich Epoxy Coatings
Authors: Su Yan , Yang Ben , Xu Xinwei , Jing Maosheng , Meng Xinnian , Tang Yongming
Published: September 2024

An approach to encapsulate zinc powder by in situ polymerization of aniline (PANI@Zn) is developed for Zn-rich epoxy coatings (ZRCs). With the application of PANI@Zn composites in the ZRCs, the encapsulated zinc particles are not activated due to the corrosion inhibition of PANI at the early stage of immersion, and physical shielding being mainly responsible for the protection of the steel substrate. At the stage of cathodic protection, the consumption of zinc powder is relatively uniform from the outer layer to the inner layer of the coating PANI@Zn coating, and the utilization rate of zinc powder is higher than that in the coating incorporated by the raw zinc powder. The required amount of zinc powder for achieving the same protective effect as the case of the raw zinc powder is reduced by ca. 20% after the application of the PANI@Zn composites.
Dual effects of targeting neuropilin-1 in lenvatinib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma: inhibition of tumor growth and angiogenesis
Authors: Ao Junjie , Qiang Na , Kanzaki Hiroaki , Nakamura Masato , Kakiuchi Risa , Zhang Jiaqi , Kojima Ryuta , Koroki Keisuke , Inoue Masanori , Kanogawa Naoya , Nakagawa Ryo , Kondo Takayuki , Ogasawara Sadahisa , Nakamoto Shingo , Muroyama Ryosuke , Kato Jun , Kato Naoya
Published: September 2024

We demonstrated that neuropilin-1 (NRP1) was an essential coreceptor mediating the activation of multiple signaling pathways in the acquisition of resistance to lenvatinib (LEN) in HCC. The addition of NRP1 inhibition to LEN had a synergistic antitumor effect on LEN-resistant HCC in culture and in vivo xenograft models.
First Characterization of Kombucha Beverages Brewed in Argentina: Flavors, Off‐Flavors, and Chemical Profiles
Authors: Moccia Tobías , Antuña Carolina , Bruzone Clara , Burini Julieta Amalia , Libkind Diego , Alvarez Lucía Paula
Published: September 2024

Kombucha is an acidic beverage obtained through the fermentation of sweetened tea by bacteria and yeast. The kombucha market is relatively new and shows sustained growth. Given kombucha’s inherent characteristics, compliance with regulations may be challenging. The aim of this study was to characterize the chemical and sensory diversity of commercial kombuchas in Argentina. Acetic acid was the predominant acid, while lactic and glucuronic acids were present in 70% and 50% of the kombuchas, respectively. Only 20% of the kombuchas met the ethanol limit, while all fell within the established pH range. Ninety percent had sugar concentrations exceeding the limit set by Argentinian Law. As assessed by a trained panel, drinkability was positively associated with sweetness and fruity tastes and negatively associated with astringency, bitterness, and off‐flavors. This work represents the first comprehensive analysis of kombuchas in Argentina, revealing their variability and providing relevant insights for producers and consumers.
Mental Health Consequences of the COVID‐19 Outbreak Among Emergency Department Healthcare Workers
Authors: Douplat Marion , Subtil Fabien , Termoz Anne , Jacquin Laurent , Verbois Frédéric , Potinet Veronique , Hernu Romain , Landel Verena , Mazza Stéphanie , Berthiller Julien , Haesebaert Julie , Tazarourte Karim
Published: September 2024

Study Objective: The present study is aimed at providing an assessment of the changes in burnout, job strain, isostrain, sleepiness, and fatigue levels over time and identifying factors associated with these symptoms among healthcare workers in French emergency departments (EDs).

Method: We conducted a prospective, multicenter study in four EDs and an emergency medical service. Participants completed questionnaires at inclusion and at 90 days to assess burnout, job strain, isostrain, sleepiness, and fatigue.

Results: A total of 211 respondents (43.5%) completed the questionnaires at inclusion. At the beginning of the study, 84 (40.8%) participants presented symptoms of burnout, 86 (43.2%) had symptoms of job strain, and 58 (29.4%) of isostrain. Forty‐two (20.1%) healthcare workers presented symptoms of sleepiness, and 8 (3.8%) had symptoms of fatigue. We found that symptoms of burnout were more frequent for healthcare workers with a previous psychiatric history (55.3% vs. 39.1%, p = 0.02) and were lower among participants who had at least one dependent child (33.1% vs. 48.3%, p = 0.013). Symptoms of job strain were higher among administrative staff compared to physicians (55.6% vs. 28.7%, p = 0.01) and among healthcare workers with managerial responsibilities compared to those without (45.6% vs. 28.8%, p = 0.015). Symptoms of isostrain were higher among administrative staff (42.3%) compared to paramedics (34.1%) and physicians (19.8%, p = 0.026).

Conclusion: We identified that potential factors associated with the emergence of symptoms of burnout and job strain are suggested, underlining several areas of improvement for the prevention against mental health disorders in the specific population of ED healthcare workers.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04383886.
An Efficient Framework for Security of Internet‐of‐Things Devices against Malicious Software Updates
Authors: Qureshi Anam , Shamsi Jawwad , Marvi Murk
Published: September 2024

The advent of smart cities has revolutionized urban living by providing innovative solutions, such as smart homes, smart hospitals, and smart parking. These smart applications have made life easier for people by improving infrastructure and accessibility. However, the development of smart cities also poses significant challenges for cybersecurity. The smooth operation of smart applications is essential to ensure the well‐being of users, and any disruption caused by cyber‐attacks can lead to critical situations. Malware, malicious software that can cause harm to devices or systems, is the most common type of cyber‐attack. Smart applications may consist of various heterogeneous devices, each with different security requirements and specifications, making it difficult to present an efficient mechanism against malicious software for all devices within different smart applications. Hence, developing a flexible and efficient solution to overcome this challenge is vital. This research presents a framework termed as Secure Software Update for the Internet‐of‐Things (SSUIT), which is designed to protect IoT devices from malicious software updates. This framework includes three primary components: publishers hosted on the cloud platform, an intelligent broker implemented on edge devices, and IoT devices as the subscribers. The publishers send software updates to the intelligent broker, which detects whether the update is malicious or not. The intelligent broker includes a secure software engine that integrates a disassembler, a preprocessor, and predictive models to detect malicious software. The predictive models are designed by taking into account the resource‐constrained nature of IoT systems. The end‐to‐end time taken for complete execution of a software update is also reported.
Therapeutic Efficacy of IL7/CCL19-Expressing CAR-T Cells in Intractable Solid Tumor Models of Glioblastoma and Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Ohta Keisuke , Sakoda Yukimi , Adachi Keishi , Shinozaki Taro , Nakajima Masao , Yasuda Hiroyuki , Nagano Hiroaki , Tamada Koji
Published: September 2024

Cancer immunotherapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors and its combination with other anticancer therapies has emerged as a new standard of care because of the encouraging therapeutic effects in various solid cancers. Nonetheless, glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer remain resistant to immunotherapy and represent intractable cancers with the poorest prognosis. We investigated the therapeutic effects of next-generation chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells producing IL7 and chemokine (C–C motif) ligand 19 (CCL19; referred to as 7 × 19 CAR-T) in these intractable cancers. Cytotoxic activities and therapeutic effects of 7 × 19 CAR-T were evaluated in vitro and in vivo, in a model using EGFR variant III (EGFRvIII)–positive glioblastoma and anti-EGFRvIII CAR-T generated from healthy donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), or a model using HER2-positive pancreatic cancer organoids and anti-HER2 CAR-T generated from the same patient’s PBMC. Anti-EGFRvIII 7 × 19 CAR-T exhibited cytotoxic activity specific to EGFRvIII-positive tumor, induced complete rejection of glioblastoma with massive T-cell infiltration and tumor cell death in the tumor tissues, and consequently prolonged mouse survival. Anti-HER2 7 × 19 CAR-T demonstrated a potent cytotoxic activity against autologous HER2-positive pancreatic cancer organoids and induced complete rejection of autologous tumor along with prolonged mouse survival. Our results suggest that 7 × 19 CAR-T could become a therapeutic option for glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy of next-generation CAR-T in an autologous model using patient-derived tumor organoids and CAR-T generated from the same patient’s PBMC, in which unwanted allogeneic immune responses are fully excluded.

Significance:

Despite the clinical development of CAR T-cell therapy, its efficacy in solid cancers has yet to be established. This study explored the therapeutic potential and immunologic mechanisms of IL7/CCL19-producing CAR-T therapy in preclinical solid cancer models of glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer. We found that IL7/CCL19-producing CAR-T cells generated from the patient’s PBMC showed potent therapeutic effects against the solid cancer model established by inoculating organoids from the autologous tumor tissue.
Clinicopathological Factors Predicting Pathological Complete Response to Neoadjuvant Anti-HER2 Therapy in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Jung Youn Joo , Lee Seungju , Kang Seok Kyeong , Kim Jee Yeon , Choo Ki Seok , Nam Kyung Jin , Joo Ji Hyeon , Kim Jae Joon , Kim Hyun Yul
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-targeted therapies have shown effectiveness against HER2-positive breast cancer. This makes neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) a valuable option for treating both early and advanced stages of the disease. The tumor’s response to HER2-targeted NAC provides crucial prognostic information. Additionally, it allows for tailoring adjuvant treatment strategies for HER2+ breast cancer based on pathological responses. This study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological factors that influence tumor response. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 122 patients diagnosed with HER2+ breast cancer. These patients received NAC and HER2-directed therapy between January 2018 and December 2022 at the Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital. Following surgery, tumor response was evaluated, categorizing patients into two groups: pathological complete response (pCR) and non-pCR groups. We analyzed data on various factors, including age, NAC regimen, type of breast and axillary surgery, clinical stage (cTNM), historical grade, and preoperative levels of carcinoembryonic antigen, cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3), estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), HER2, p53, and KI-67. Results: Out of the 122 patients, 75 achieved pCR, while 47 did not. Most clinicopathological factors showed no significant difference between the pCR and non-pCR groups. However, several factors were associated with a higher pCR rate: normal preoperative CA 15-3 levels (odds ratio [OR]: 3.74, confidence interval [CI]: 1.19–11.72, p = 0.02), preoperative ER positivity (OR: 2.65, CI: 1.25–5.59, p = 0.01), PR negativity (OR: 3.92, CI: 1.82–8.45, p < 0.05), and strong preoperative HER2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) 3+ staining. Multivariate analysis confirmed that PR negativity (OR: 2.8, CI: 1.23–6.42, p = 0.01) and strong preoperative HER2 IHC 3+ staining (OR: 0.18, CI: 0.03–0.84, p = 0.04) were independent predictors of a higher pCR rate. Conclusions: A pCR after NAC impacts patient prognosis and influences the choice of adjuvant treatment for HER2+ breast cancer. Clinicopathological factors can help predict responses to HER2-targeted NAC. In our study, pre-ER/PR negativity, high pre-HER2 levels, and normal CA 15-3 levels were found to be potential predictors of pCR. These findings may contribute to developing more effective treatment strategies for HER2+ breast cancer.
Role of Calmodulin in Cardiac Disease: Insights on Genotype and Phenotype
Authors: Schwartz Peter J. , Crotti Lia , Nyegaard Mette , Overgaard Michael Toft
Published: September 2024

Calmodulin, a protein critically important for the regulation of all major cardiac ion channels, is the quintessential cellular calcium sensor and plays a key role in preserving cardiac electrical stability. Its unique importance is highlighted by the presence of 3 genes in 3 different chromosomes encoding for the same protein and by their extreme conservation. Indeed, all 3 calmodulin (
CALM
) genes are among the most constrained genes in the human genome, that is, the observed variants are much less than expected by chance. Not surprisingly,
CALM
variants are poorly tolerated and accompany significant clinical phenotypes, of which the most important are those associated with increased risk for life-threatening arrhythmias. Here, we review the current knowledge about calmodulin, its specific physiological, structural, and functional characteristics, and its importance for cardiovascular disease. Given our role in the development of this knowledge, we also share some of our views about currently unanswered questions, including the rational approaches to the clinical management of the affected patients. Specifically, we present some of the most critical information emerging from the International Calmodulinopathy Registry, which we established 10 years ago. Further progress clearly requires deep phenotypic information on as many carriers as possible through international contributions to the registry, in order to expand our knowledge about Calmodulinopathies and guide clinical management.