bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast inspirals and the treatment of orbital resonances
Authors: Lynch Philip , Witzany Vojtěch , van de Meent Maarten , Warburton Niels
Published: September 2024

Extreme mass ratio inspirals (EMRIs), where a compact object orbits a massive black hole, are a key source of gravitational waves for the future Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA). Due to their small mass ratio, (

ϵ
∼

10

−
4

–10−7), the binary evolves slowly and EMRI signals will be in-band for years. Additionally, astrophysical EMRIs are expected to have complex dynamics featuring both spin-precession and eccentricity. A standard approach to modelling these inspirals is via the method of osculating geodesics (OG) which we employ along with a toy model for the gravitational self-force. Using this method requires resolving tens of thousands radial and polar orbital librations over the long duration of the signal which makes the inspiral trajectory expensive to compute. In this work we accelerate these calculations by employing Near-Identity (averaging) Transformations. However, this averaging technique breaks down at orbital resonances where the radial and polar frequencies are an integer ratio of each other. Thus, we switch to a partial averaging transformation in the vicinity of the resonance where the dynamics are characterised by the slow evolution of the so-called ‘resonant phase’. Additionally, we develop an optimal switching criterion to minimise the computation time while maximising accuracy. We find the error in the waveform phase is improved from

O

(

ϵ

−
1

/

2

)

in the fully averaged scheme to

O

(

ϵ

4

/

7

)

in the switching scheme. At the same time, this scheme improves the scaling of the computation time from being inversely proportional to ϵ using OG, to a very weak scaling with ϵ. This results in a speed-up of at least two orders of magnitude for LISA EMRIs with room for further optimisation.
Smooth Gowdy-symmetric generalised Taub–NUT solutions with polynomial initial data
Authors: Hennig Jörg
Published: September 2024

We consider smooth Gowdy-symmetric generalised Taub–NUT solutions, a class of inhomogeneous cosmological models with spatial three-sphere topology. They are characterised by existence of a smooth past Cauchy horizon and, with the exception of certain singular cases, they also develop a regular future Cauchy horizon. Several examples of exact solutions were previously constructed, where the initial data (in form of the initial Ernst potentials) are polynomials of low degree. Here, we generalise to polynomial initial data of arbitrary degree. Utilising methods from soliton theory, we obtain a simple algorithm that allows us to construct the resulting Ernst potential with purely algebraic calculations. We also derive an explicit formula in terms of determinants, and we illustrate the method with two examples.
4H-SiC ultraviolet photodetector array with vertical MSM configuration
Authors: Ji Yingze , Li Guohui , Liu Haokun , Zhang Shan-Ting , Wang Wenyan , Li Dongdong , Cui Yanxia
Published: September 2024

The increasing demand for ultraviolet (UV) imaging in extreme conditions, such as high temperatures and strong radiation, has spurred advancements in UV photodetector arrays. Traditional metal–semiconductor–metal (MSM) 4 H-SiC UV photodetector array, with their planar structure and M × N electrode connections, face challenges in circuit design. Our research utilizes a vertical design for building the photodetector array, reducing the connections to just M + N, thereby simplifying the circuit design and signal processing. Utilizing semi-insulating 4 H-SiC wafer and TiN electrodes, we developed an 8 × 8 vertical MSM photodetector array. Tested under a 365 nm light source at 10.5 mW cm−2 and a 5 V bias, the array demonstrated low dark currents, high contrasts under illumination, and a 100% operational yield. With average photo current and dark currents of 1.56 × 10−8 A and 2.94 × 10−13 A, respectively, the average photo-to-dark current ratio exceeded 5 × 104. Our design effectively minimized sneak path currents and achieved a low crosstalk rate of 0.46%, enabling the capture of clear, high-contrast images. This marks a significant advancement in the application of MSM 4 H-SiC UV photodetectors for imaging in extreme conditions.
Ab-initio prediction of gigantic anomalous Nernst effect in ferromagnetic monolayer transition metal trihalides
Authors: Syariati Rifky , Wella Sasfan A , Suprayoga Edi , Muntini Melania S , Ishii Fumiyuki
Published: September 2024

The anomalous Hall conductivity of all transition metal trihalides was explored using first-principles calculations. Employing the Fukui-Hatsugai-Suzuki method, we found that ferromagnetic monolayers XBr3 (X = Pd, Pt) possessed the quantized anomalous Hall conductivity (QAHC) with and without carrier doping. Due to unique QAHC, their transverse thermoelectric properties of XBr3 (X = Pd, Pt) were investigated. Employing the semi-classical Boltzmann transport theory, the transverse thermoelectric coefficient of each monolayer was analyzed. Anomalous Nernst coefficients (ANCs) of the XBr3 monolayers were prominent both at and near the Fermi level. Under an assumed relaxation time of 10 fs, the maximum ANCs for the PdBr3 (PtBr3) monolayer reached −54.1 (−23.3) µV K−1 at

T
=

300 K upon doping with 1.21 × 1014 (5.64 × 1013) holes cm−2. The large ANCs of the XBr3 monolayers were attributed to the opening of a narrow bandgap generated by spin–orbit coupling both at and near the Fermi level, which led to a large Seebeck-induced charge current and large anomalous Nernst conductivity. These results suggest that ferromagnetic XBr3 monolayers have significant potential for application in thermoelectric devices.
Fault diagnosis for multiple redundancy aileron actuator based on parallel-SDP and polar sparse representation
Authors: Yuan Hang , Meng Ye , You Xianglong , Wu Hao , Liu Jianjuan , Yang Kuangli , Dong Zhe , Zhang Huijuan
Published: September 2024

As a critical component of aircraft flight control systems, aileron actuator’s fault directly affects the performance of flight control system and the overall flight safety of the aircraft. Therefore, effective fault diagnosis of aileron actuators becomes particularly important. However, with the development of redundancy design, the structure of aileron actuators is more and more complex, and the fault modes are more and more diverse, which increases the difficulty of fault diagnosis significantly. To address this challenge, this study proposes a fault diagnosis method based on parallel-symmetrical dot pattern (SDP) and polar sparse representation. First, the current residual signals of force motors are obtained using a bi-step observer. Then, the residual signals are transformed into parallel-SDP images, where each of the four petals of the parallel-SDP image is generated from the corresponding channel. The parallel-SDP image presents global fault information and captures subtle changes of residual signals, which increases the sensitivity of fault diagnosis. Subsequently, rapid single-channel fault localization is achieved by barycenter analysis of the parallel-SDP images. Finally, based on the result of fault localization, the proposed polar sparse representation algorithm is utilized for fault diagnosis of mechanical and control faults separately. Based on the dataset obtained from physical-parameter-simulation, the proposed method was validated, and the accuracy of fault diagnosis was 99.29%, which is better than conventional fault diagnosis, meanwhile, the computational resources consumption of the proposed method is much less than deep-learning-based method, which is suitable for embedded computing system in aircraft.
A hybrid PCA acceleration method for rapid real-time 2D MRI
Authors: Wright Mark , Han Gawon , Yun Jihyun , Yip Eugene , Gabos Zsolt , Usmani Nawaid , Fallone B Gino , Wachowicz Keith
Published: September 2024

Objective. To develop a 2D MR acceleration method utilizing principal component analysis (PCA) in a hybrid fashion for rapid real-time applications. Approach. Retrospective testing was performed on 10 lung, 10 liver and 10 prostate 3T MRI data sets for image quality and target contourability. Sampling of k-space is performed by acquiring central (low-frequency) data in every frame while the high-frequency data is incoherently undersampled such that all of k-space is acquired in a pre-determined number of frames. Firstly, principal components (PCs) representative of intra-frame correlations between central and outer k-space data are used to estimate unsampled data in the frame of interest. Then to add further stability, PCs representative of time-domain fluctuations within a reconstruction window of the most recent frames are fit to outer k-space data (including above estimations) to obtain final estimates in the frame of interest. Accelerated reconstructions between 3x and 8x were tested for image quality and contourability along with the optimal number of PCs for fitting. Main results. It was found that at higher acceleration rates, image quality did not deteriorate significantly. Similarly, it was found that the images were of sufficient quality to contour a target using auto-contouring software at all tested acceleration rates and sites. SSIM values were found to be ⩾0.91 at all accelerations tested. Similarly dice coefficients at the different sites were found to be ⩾0.89 even at 8x accelerations which is on par with or better than intra-observer variation. Significance. This method appears to produce improved image quality and contourability compared to previous PCA methods while also allowing a greater number of PCs to be used in reconstruction. The method can be run using a simple single-channel coil and does not require significant computing power to meet real-time interventional standards (reconstruction times ∼60 ms/frame on Intel i5 CPU).
Aluminum antimony alloy overlayers synthesized using the electrodeposition method: investigation of structural, optical, electrical properties, and DFT calculation
Authors: Chaiworn Panupat , Kambut Athicha , Pluengphon Prayoonsak , Wongrat Ekasiddh , Wichasilp Chanade , Tubtimtae Auttasit
Published: September 2024

This paper presents the synthesis of aluminum antimony (Al–Sb) alloy overlayers using an electrodeposition method for application in optoelectronic devices with various applied constant voltages (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 V) controlled by a DC power supply. The corresponding energy dispersive x-ray spectroscope spectra show that elements including Al, Sb, and Cl were detected in the layers under all conditions of the applied voltage. The structural properties of the formulated compound layers were studied for their structural properties through x-ray diffraction patterns, and all the diffraction peaks exhibited a cubic phase structure. The Al–Sb alloy overlayers were incorporated with nanoparticles and had crystallite sizes ranging from ∼55 to 282 nm. The average transmittance T(λ) values in the visible to near-infrared region were ∼28.36%, 17.64%, 14.07%, 7.83%, and 5.84%, while the average reflectance R(λ) values were ∼3.80%, 1.69%, 1.30%, 0.47%, and 0.21% for applied voltages of 2–10 V, respectively. The energy band gap (E
g) existing in the overlayers was determined using Tauc’s plot with the Kubelka–Munk function and it was inferred to be between 1.90 eV and 2.72 eV. The dispersion constants and energies of the prepared samples were also investigated. The 2 V applied voltage-treated Al–Sb alloy overlayers showed the highest average χ(1),

χ

(
3
)

, and

n
2

values of 0.088, 1.680 × 10−14 esu., and 4.082 × 10−13 esu., respectively. In addition, the resistance at various absolute temperatures was also recorded for the activation energy (E
AC) values of the Al–Sb alloy overlayers with applied voltages of 2–10 V. Finally, ab initio calculations based on density functional theory were performed to support the experimental report of the Al–Sb systems. It was found that the calculated lattice constants are in good agreement with the experimental results, and a wider photoabsorption range performance for Al–Sb phase I in the axis of energy seems to be suitable for application as an optical device.
Non-thermal fusion burning processes, relevant collective modes and gained perspectives
Authors: Coppi B. , Basu B.
Published: September 2024

New tridimensional plasma structures, that are oscillatory and classified as non-separable ballooning modes, can emerge in inhomogeneous plasmas and undergo resonant mode-particle interactions, e.g. with a minority population, that can lead them to modify their spatial profiles. Thus, unlike the case of previously known ballooning modes their amplitudes are not separable functions of time and space. The relevant resonance conditions are intrinsically different from those of the well-known Landau conditions for (ordinary) plasma waves: they involve the mode geometry and affect different regions of the distribution in momentum space at different positions in configuration space. A process for a transfer of energy among different particle populations is envisioned.
Seed quality of different Malaysian rice varieties (cv. MR297, MR253 and MR269)
Authors: Mohamed M , Abdul Rahman S M
Published: September 2024

Seed quality, particularly seed longevity, is crucial as it indicates the potential crop yield performance. Determining seed longevity provides an estimate of the storage potential of rice seeds. The objectives of this study were to determine the seed quality and potential longevity (p
50) of different Malaysian rice varieties (cv. MR297, MR253, and MR269). Seeds of cv. MR297 were obtained from KADA Mulong, Kelantan, while those of cv. MR253 and MR269 were sourced from Sungai Rambai, Melaka, two weeks after harvest. The initial seed moisture content (MC) ranged between 10-18%. Seed quality characteristics, including normal germination, speed of germination, seedling length, and seed vigour index (VI), were assessed. Prior to determining P50, the seeds were maintained at 15% ± 0.5 MC. Sixteen samples for each variety, consisting of 50 seeds per packet, were kept in an incubator at 40°C for 10 days. Seed samples were withdrawn at 3, 7, and 10 days post-incubation. Germination tests were conducted in a growth chamber set to 25/16°C with a 12-hour photoperiod and recorded until 14 days of the germination period. The findings indicate significant differences among the varieties in terms of normal germination percentage, speed of germination, seed vigour index, seedling dry weight, seedling length, and seed VI. The average initial seed MC was 10.28% for MR297, 18.52% for MR253, and 9.46% for MR269. The ability of cv. MR297 seeds to germinate normally ranged from 80-94%, cv. MR253 from 50-87%, and cv. MR269 from 7-94%. The estimated potential seed longevity (p
50) for cv. MR297 suggests that 50% of the seeds will lose viability after 46 days in storage. In conclusion, cv. MR297 demonstrates superior seed quality and potential longevity compared to cv. MR253 and cv. MR269.
Sustainability practices of palm oil mills in the FELDA Sahabat region
Authors: Hairal Anam M S , Sulaiman A , Othman A K , Jamaludin N F
Published: September 2024

The palm oil industry is currently the top agricultural contributor to Malaysia’s economy. However, it has been criticized and perceived as a non-environmental-friendly industry. This study was conducted to identify and quantify wastes generated in palm oil mills (POMs), explore the sustainability understanding of management staff, and investigate environmental compliance of major waste disposal and treatment. The data was gathered by using POM’s operational data and interviews with management staff. The findings from four (4) POMs in the FELDA Sahabat region showed two types of major wastes were produced. The annual average generation of oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) was 36771 (MT) and palm oil mill effluent (POME) was about 12,134 (MT) per mill per year from the year 2017 to 2021. In addition, POMs management staff also demonstrated a satisfactory understanding of the concept of sustainability specifically on definition, impact, value, importance, challenges, and workplace practices. This understanding was reflected in the way they managed their wastes where about 735,420 (MT) of OPEFB (2017-2021) was sent to FGV Biomass Power Plant and the nearby oil palm plantation. POME was also properly treated with an average POME Final Discharge level was 33.49 mg/L and in compliance with the MSPO legal requirement of below 100 mg/L. In conclusion, a huge amount of waste was generated from POMs in the form of OPEFB and POME and the management staff of POMs in the FELDA Sahabat region showed satisfactory understanding and practice of sustainability which was clearly reflected in their practices.
Food supply and crisis management towards food security: A review through the lens of Malaysian micro-food businesses
Authors: Azman A B , Majid M A A , Zulkifly M I
Published: September 2024

Micro-food businesses play a vital role in Malaysia’s economy, making it imperative to understand their dynamics concerning food supply and crisis management for business resilience. This paper delves into the critical issue of food security within the context of micro-food businesses in Malaysia, particularly how they grapple with challenges like maintaining food supply chain stability during crises. Through a narrative review, this research explores the four pillars of food security (availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability) while incorporating agency and sustainability considerations. The review also analyzes food security at general, national, and micro-food business levels, encompassing food supply and crisis management strategies. A comprehensive search was conducted on Emerald Insight, Scopus, and Google Scholar, incorporating Google searches for pertinent reports and policy documents. Drawing on existing literature and research in this field, the paper sheds light on the ongoing challenges and issues surrounding food security among micro-food businesses in Malaysia. Besides, it underscores the need for further in-depth investigations to gain a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of this sector’s intricacies. By highlighting these areas, this study contributes to the ongoing discourse on food security and calls for proactive measures to address the persistent challenges faced by micro-food businesses in Malaysia, ultimately contributing to broader global food stability efforts.
The role of legal and agricultural institutions in sustaining the adoption of new improved paddy varieties in West Kalimantan
Authors: Ekawati  , Purwanto  , Rizieq R , Ellyta  , Bancin H D
Published: September 2024

The adoption of new improved paddy varieties (NIV) stands as a pivotal technology for bolstering rice production, thereby sustainably fortifying national food security, owing to their heightened productivity and abbreviated growth cycles that elevate cropping indices (CI) and enhance adaptability. Despite the proliferation of superior rice varieties in recent years across West Kalimantan province, their full potential remains untapped, with many farmers persisting in the use of seeds carried over multiple growing seasons. Central to ensuring the sustained adoption of NIV are the legal and agricultural institutional frameworks, pivotal in reshaping farmers’ perspectives on agribusiness management. This research endeavors to gauge the sustainability indices and status of the legal and institutional aspects governing NIV adoption, as well as identify factors pivotal in fostering sustainability within these realms. The study was conducted within the agricultural heartlands of Sambas Regency and Kubu Raya Regency in West Kalimantan. Employing a multifaceted sustainability analysis (MSA), the research findings reveal a current sustainability index value of 69.81% (indicating sustainability) and a projected future sustainability index value of 56.35% (moderately sustainable). Moreover, the ease of access to financial institutions emerges as a pivotal leveraging factor, with a value of 1.5.
Exploring the adoption of modern hives among stingless beekeeping in Sabah, Malaysia: The approach of diffusion of innovation theory
Authors: Sumin V S , Langkan F J , Damit H A , Wasli M E , Besar N A
Published: September 2024

Stingless beekeeping is crucial for Malaysia’s socio-economic development and environmental conservation, providing sustenance, materials, and income. Despite its potential, conventional practices such as obtaining stingless bee colonies through tree logging will disrupt ecosystems and threaten native pollinators. This study focuses on Sabah’s stingless beekeepers, examining factors influencing the adoption of sustainable modern hives essential for boosting honey production and additional colony sales. However, current use of modern hives remains limited due to beekeepers’ lack of interest. The Diffusion of Innovation Theory suggests the need for a sustainable approach. The results of this study show that most beekeepers use conventional hives such as log and honey box hives (87.7%), bamboo hives (59.6%), and single box hives (55.3%), while sustainable options like MARDI hives (55.3%), Mustafa hives (33.3%), and SIRIM ceramic hives (3.5%) are less common but align with guidelines for sustainable stingless beekeeping. The results discovered five latent factors that influence the respondents’ to adopt modern hives which are Compatibility, Trialability, Observability, Relative Advantage and Complexity or Simplicity with 85.31% total cumulative variance explained. These findings highlight the importance of promoting sustainable hive adoption to bolster the industry’s growth and environmental sustainability. By enhancing modern hive adoption, the stingless beekeeping industry can achieve ecological, economic, and social sustainability, contributing to Malaysia’s conservation efforts and economic growth.
Enhancing silicon spectral emission in LIBS using Tesla coil discharge
Authors: CUI 崔 Shuang 爽 , LIU 刘 Yang 扬 , CHEN 陈 Anmin 安民 , JIN 金 Mingxing 明星
Published: September 2024

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a powerful technique for elemental analysis, offering rapid analysis, minimal sample preparation, wide elemental coverage, and portability. To enhance the detection sensitivity of LIBS, increasing the spectral emission intensity is crucial. This paper explores the use of Tesla coil (TC) discharge as an alternative to spark discharge in silicon LIBS. The study examines the influence of TC discharge on both time-integrated and time-resolved spectra, with and without TC discharge; the corresponding electron temperature and density are obtained. The results show that TC discharge significantly amplifies the spectral intensity, improving signal sensitivity in LIBS analysis. Specifically, in the laser energy range from 7.4 to 24.0 mJ, TC discharge increased the average spectral line intensities of Si (II) 385.60 nm and Si (I) 390.55 nm by factors of 8.4 and 5.1, respectively. Additionally, the average electron temperature and density were enhanced by approximately 3.2% and 4.2%, respectively, under TC discharge. The advantages of TC discharge include higher energy deposition, extended discharge duration, reduced electrode erosion, and enhanced safety. This research contributes to advancing LIBS technology and expanding its applications in various fields.
Expansions of averaged truncations of basic hypergeometric series
Authors: Schlosser Michael , Zhou Nian Hong
Published: September 2024

Motivated by recent work of George Andrews and Mircea Merca [J. Combin. Theory Ser. A 119 (2012), pp. 1639–1643] on the expansion of the quotient of the truncation of Euler’s pentagonal number series by the complete series, we provide similar expansion results for averages involving truncations of selected, more general, basic hypergeometric series. In particular, our expansions include new results for averaged truncations of the series appearing in the Jacobi triple product identity, the

q
q

-Gauß summation, and the very-well-poised

5

ϕ
5

{}_5\phi _5

summation. We show how special cases of our expansions can be used to recover various existing results. In addition, we establish new inequalities, such as one for a refinement of the number of partitions into three different colors.
Viral imitation is the sincerest form of epigenetic flattery
Authors: Smith Julian R. , Arellano Angela A. , Avgousti Daphne C.
Published: September 2024

Viruses use multiple strategies to successfully generate progeny and overcome host defenses. In recent years, it has become increasingly evident that epigenetic mechanisms of host gene regulation are vulnerable to viral manipulation. In the form of histone mimicry, viral invasion of host chromatin is a striking example of how viruses have evolved to invade every aspect of cellular function for viral benefit. In this perspective, we will review how three viruses—influenza A, SARS-CoV-2, and Cotesia plutellae bracovirus—use histone mimicry to promote viral success through immune evasion. These examples highlight the importance of this burgeoning field and point toward the wealth of knowledge we have yet to uncover.
Omissions in Tort Law
Authors: Steel Sandy
Published: September 2024

The book analyses and explains the legal significance of the distinction between acts and pure omissions in tort law. It articulates an alternative distinction between worsening and not-worsening which it proposes as a desirable re-conceptualisation of the current law. It defends the justifiability of a distinction in tort between positive and negative duties on grounds of non-instrumentalisation and freedom. The book then provides a conceptual and normative analysis of possible examples of positive duties which arise in tort law, such as innocent creation of risk, interference with aid, assumption of responsibility, control, special statutory duties, and the duties of public authorities.
Introduction
Authors: Steel Sandy
Published: September 2024

This introductory chapter explains the central aims of the book, the nature of its inquiry, its central theses, jurisdictional scope, and provides an outline of the chapters. It explains that the book has descriptive, analytical, and normative aims. The first is to elucidate, analytically, the content of the law’s distinction between acts and pure omissions and its legal significance in the current law. The second is to elucidate the content of the core features of the exceptional situations in which duties to promote other persons’ positions arise in tort and to explain the analytical relationships between these exceptional situations. The third is to assess, normatively, whether these exceptions are appropriate.
Assumptions of Responsibility: Part 1—The Law
Authors: Steel Sandy
Published: September 2024

While the basic normative logic of positive duties arising from choices is intelligible, it is far more difficult to pin down exactly when in tort a person will be said to have ‘assumed responsibility’, and, on analysis, doubts begin to emerge as to whether the law reflects the basic idea that the duties are ‘chosen’ rather than ‘imposed’. The chapter seeks to demonstrate the existence of four strands of ‘assumption of responsibility’. What unites the strands is that a person has a certain measure of voluntary control over the circumstances which trigger the duty; the P-duty arises in each when they choose to do a certain action, such as making a promise or taking possession of another’s thing. In this respect, these P-duties differ from those arising from innocent risks whose occurrence one could not reasonably prevent. The importance of distinguishing the strands, however, is that each has importantly different requirements and a normative distinctiveness from the others.
Conclusion—Restating the Law on Pure Omissions
Authors: Steel Sandy
Published: September 2024

This chapter summarises the central conclusions of the book and contrasts them with certain other views in the literature. It recaps the basic distinction between positive and negative duties defended in Chapter 1 in terms of worsening and not-worsening. It then sets out the special facts which generate positive duties in the current law and explains how the law would be conceptualised if it disaggregated genuine positive duties from disguised negative duties. It recaps the non-duty rules in relation to P-duties described and analysed in Chapter 11. Finally, it concludes with a brief statement of the main implications of the book’s analysis.
The COVID-19 Pandemic and Disability
Authors: Rimmerman Arie
Published: September 2024

This chapter first presents a historical background to establish what can be learned from previous pandemics regarding the status of vulnerable populations and societal response to them. Next, it examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with disabilities in accessing health care services and the decline of face-to-face interpersonal communication, with the result that they experienced loneliness, unemployment, and decreased engagement with health and social services. The chapter then reviews and discusses how countries handled people with disabilities, particularly children with severe disabilities and older people with disabilities, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, the chapter discusses the transition during the COVID-19 pandemic from face-to-face to digital communication, such as e-learning, remote work, remote health check-ups, and online shopping.
National and International Expressions of Social Inclusion of People with Disabilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Rimmerman Arie
Published: September 2024

The chapter introduces expressions of social inclusion of people with disabilities in Western countries (the United States, the United Kingdom, and other European countries) and in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the United States and the United Kingdom, as well as in other European countries, the pandemic caused disparities in accessing health services and also in employment, education, and the civic participation of people with disabilities. The situation in LMICs was much more severe because people with disabilities had not just been “left behind” but had been deprioritized in terms of their human rights during the responses to the pandemic. The chapter concludes with lessons learned from the pandemic regarding social inclusion of people with disabilities. Countries must be prepared for the next pandemic with inclusive policies to ensure that critical information is provided in easy-to-read and plain language throughout the response and recovery phases through accessible digital technology, sign language and captioning, relay services, and text messages.
Latitudinal trends in an invasive plant: genetic differentiation, phenotypic plasticity, and the effects of heavy metals and herbivores on growth, defence and reproductive characteristics
Authors: Yan Zhisen , Zhou Yue , Lai Yuxin , Liu Yunshan , Li Yulin , Wang Yan , Li Bo , Wang Yi
Published: September 2024

Background and Aims

Invasive species usually demonstrate remarkable adaptability across diverse environments, successfully inhabiting a wide variety of regions. This adaptability often links to genetic differentiation and phenotypic plasticity, leading to latitudinal trends in phenotypic traits. In this study, we collected seeds of the invasive plant Phytolacca americana from different latitudes and planted them in homogeneous gardens to investigate the latitudinal variation of P. americana phenotypic traits and to evaluate the effects of herbivory and heavy metals on plant growth, defence and reproductive characteristics.

Methods

Phytolacca americana seeds from different latitudes were planted in a homogeneous garden. For the experimental treatment, the seeds were divided into four groups: a heavy metal treatment group and its corresponding control group, and a cover treatment group with its corresponding control group. After the fruits matured, their growth, reproduction and defence indicators were measured.

Key Results

Significant latitudinal trends were observed in P. americana’s growth and defence characteristics, including changes in branch number, underground biomass, total biomass and leaf tannin content. Compared with previous field surveys on P. americana, our study found that the latitude trends in growth structure and defence traits were consistent, but the latitudinal trend of reproductive structure was different. Moreover, heavy metals and herbivory substantially influenced the plant’s growth, reproduction and defence mechanisms, further shaping its latitudinal patterns.

Conclusions

The observed phenotypic variations in P. americana across latitudes can be largely attributed to the synergistic effects of phenotypic plasticity and genetic variation. At a broader geographical scale, adaptations to heavy metal stress and herbivory pressure among different P. americana populations involve distinct trade-offs related to growth, reproduction and defence strategies.
‘ITA problem’ or opportunity? Online global communication training at a US university to increase undergraduate students’ use of collaborative strategies
Authors: Lindemann Stephanie , Ashley Kobe , Pinard Sarah , Jeong Hyeseung
Published: September 2024

Communication requires cooperative strategies by all interlocutors. Nevertheless, US undergraduate students’ complaints about multilingual international teaching assistants (ITAs) have typically led to training and assessment for ITAs, although the undergraduates may also benefit from training in global communication. The few previous undergraduate-training attempts have generally been too intensive to offer widely and did not investigate data from international undergraduates. The current study reports on a one-hour, completely online training at a US university addressing domestic and international undergraduates’ attitudes, comprehension, and strategies relevant to global communication; it analyzes participant responses to the strategies portion. According to their own ratings, participants in the treatment group (N = 534) were more likely than a control group (N = 528) to intend to use collaborative strategies with an international instructor. Positive correlations between international or multilingual background and willingness to use collaborative strategies were low, suggesting that international students may also benefit from training. Communicative strategies proposed by the students in response to open-ended questions differed for one-on-one vs. in-class communication and suggested ways of improving training to model collaborative behaviors.
Autologous Cryopreserved Adipose Tissue Using an Innovative Technique: An In Vitro Biological Characterization
Authors: Ventura Carlo , Bondioli Elena , de Vita Roy , Rigotti Gino , Morigi Federico , Scarpellini Francesca , Di Fede Francesca , Nanni-Costa Alessandro , Melandri Davide
Published: September 2024

Background

Utilization of autologous adipose tissue transplantation in plastic and orthopedic surgery such as breast reconstruction and intra-articular injection has become an attractive surgical treatment with satisfactory clinical outcomes. Nevertheless, repeated liposuctions necessary to harvest fatty tissue, normally performed with sedation or general anesthesia, may represent a noteworthy concern.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to demonstrate through an in vitro characterization the validity of the surgical option of cryopreserved autologous adipose tissue harvested in a single shot for repeated graft transfer in breast reconstruction without impairment of cell viability and sterility.

Methods

Adipose tissue was collected by standard liposuction from patients who needed numerous fat grafting procedures for breast reconstruction. According to an innovative and patented cryopreservation method, autologous adipose tissue was subsequently fractioned in a sterile bag system and frozen at the RER Tissue Bank of the Emilia Romagna Region. Each graft was evaluated for sterility and cell viability immediately after harvesting, and 1, 3, 6, 12, and preliminarily 18 months after cryopreservation and thawing.

Results

In vitro results showed that after processing, middle-term and long-term cryopreservation, and subsequent thawing, autologous cryopreserved adipose tissue retained absence of bacterial contamination, high cellular viability, and unmodified histomorphological properties, thereby ensuring maintenance of the stromal vascular niche and the filling properties in different multistep surgical procedures.

Conclusions

In vitro study and sterility assessment showed that autologous cryopreserved adipose tissue grafting is a safe procedure, making it possible to avoid multiple liposuction surgery. No impairment of sterility, cell viability, or morphology was observed over time.
Does the Webster’s Triangle Preservation Really Matter? A Retrospective Analysis of the Low-to-Low Osteotomies in the Head of the Inferior Turbinates
Authors: Ishida Luis C , Guedes Matheus , Alves Guilherme F F , da Fonseca Julia O , Fonesca Eduardo L , Takahashi Giulia G , Gemperli Rolf
Published: September 2024

Background

Osteotomies are important maneuvers in the plastic surgeon’s arsenal for the nasal dorsum treatment. However, there is a concern regarding a possible medialization of the inferior turbinate’s heads and narrowing of the internal nasal valve if the Webster’s triangle is not preserved.

Objectives

To analyze the mobilization of the inferior turbinates during primary rhinoplasty after lateral osteotomies.

Methods

This is a retrospective study in which we analyzed 37 patients who underwent very low-to-low osteotomies in our service, during primary rhinoplasties. Axial and coronal computed tomography scans were obtained, and preoperative and 6 months postoperative images were compared with Radiant DICOM Viewer software (Medixant, Poznan, Poland) in 3-dimensional multiplanar reconstruction.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences between preoperative and postoperative measurements of the lower turbinate’s osseous bases, both in axial (P = .305) and coronal (P = .08) images.

Conclusions

Low-to-low osteotomies showed no medialization of the inferior turbinate’s heads or narrowing of the internal nasal valve in this study.

Level of Evidence: 4 (Therapeutic)
Rapid Eczema Trials: addressing patient priorities from the eczema Priority Setting Partnership
Authors: Campbell Emma L , Fong Wei C G , Roberts Amanda , Thomas Kim S
Published: September 2024

We describe the Rapid Eczema Trials co-production project, which aims to plug some of the research gaps that remain following the 2011 James Lind Alliance Eczema Priority Setting Partnership (PSP) exercise. We highlight similarities between research priorities that have been recently identified by our eczema citizen science community and the original PSP priorities. This work shows that answering the fundamentals about self-management of eczema is still important to people with eczema and that the Rapid Eczema Trials project provides a means by which we can address patient priorities.
Disease extent according to baseline [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT and molecular subtype: prediction of axillary treatment response after neoadjuvant systemic therapy for breast cancer
Authors: van Amstel Florien J G , de Mooij Cornelis M , Simons Janine M , Mitea Cristina , van Diest Paul J , Nelemans Patty J , van der Pol Carmen C , Luiten Ernest J T , Koppert Linetta B , Smidt Marjolein L , van Nijnatten Thiemo J A ,   the REFINE Study Group, de Beer L , Boerma E G , Boskamp M , Brouwers-Kuyper E M J , Contant C M E , du Mée A W F , Heijmans H J , Ho-Han S , Hulsebosch F , Jager A , Janssen J A J , Kam B L R , Kelder W , Klem T M A L , Koopmans K P , Lobbes M B I , Menke-Pluijmers M B E , de Monye C , Sars P , Smit L H M , van Haaren E , van Klaveren D , Veltman J , Verhoef C , Vles W J
Published: September 2024

Background

Axillary disease extent according to baseline [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT combined with pathological axillary treatment response has been proposed to guide de-escalation of axillary treatment for clinically node-positive breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant systemic therapy. The aim of this study was to assess whether axillary disease extent according to baseline [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT and breast cancer molecular subtype are predictors of axillary pCR.

Methods

This study included clinically node-positive patients treated with neoadjuvant systemic therapy in the prospective Radioactive Iodine Seed placement in the Axilla with Sentinel lymph node biopsy (‘RISAS’) trial (NCT02800317) with baseline [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT imaging available. The predictive value of axillary disease extent according to baseline [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT and breast cancer molecular subtype to estimate axillary pCR was evaluated using logistic regression analysis. Discriminative ability is expressed using ORs with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Overall, 185 patients were included, with an axillary pCR rate of 29.7%. The axillary pCR rate for patients with limited versus advanced baseline axillary disease according to [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT was 31.9% versus 26.1% respectively. Axillary disease extent was not a significant predictor of axillary pCR (OR 0.75 (95% c.i. 0.38 to 1.46) (P = 0.404)). There were significant differences in axillary pCR rates between breast cancer molecular subtypes. The lowest probability (7%) was found for hormone receptor+/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2− tumours. Using this category as a reference group, significantly increased ORs of 14.82 for hormone receptor+/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2+ tumours, 40 for hormone receptor−/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2+ tumours, and 6.91 for triple-negative tumours were found (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Molecular subtype is a significant predictor of axillary pCR after neoadjuvant systemic therapy, whereas axillary disease extent according to baseline [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT is not.
Quantitative evaluation of noncovalent interactions with negative fragmentation approach including basis set superposition error correction
Authors: Takano Yu , Kondo Hiroko X , Nakamura Haruki
Published: September 2024

We propose a negative fragmentation approach (NFA), including counterpoise (CP) correction to basis set superposition error (BSSE) for quantitatively evaluating intra- and intermolecular noncovalent interactions. Noncovalent interactions are widely found in chemistry and biology and are regarded as essential interactions. However, there are few general methods for evaluating these individual intra- and intermolecular interaction energies because of two issues: (i) difficulty in the evaluation of intramolecular interactions due to the interacting sites connected with covalent bonds and (ii) BSSE affecting the quantitative accuracy of interaction analysis. In our scheme, we overcome the issue (i) using the NFA scheme, which can evaluate intra- and intermolecular interactions as a fragment–fragment interaction of interacting sites, and address the issue (ii) using the CP method. Here, NFA including the CP correction was also applied to various molecular systems, providing comparable results for intermolecular interactions to supermolecule calculations with the CP correction and succeeding in the evaluation of intramolecular interactions and its BSSEs. It is notable that our NFA scheme does not require any particular program or a modification of the program codes. These indicate that many researchers can apply our NFA scheme to various molecular systems.
Expert Consensus Statement on an Updated Definition of Unintended Weight Loss Among Persons With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in the Modern Treatment Era
Authors: Bedimo Roger , Hardy David , Lee Daniel , Palella Frank , Wohl David
Published: September 2024

The era of modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) has markedly improved health and survival among persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PWH). In the pre-ART era, wasting was associated with HIV disease progression to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and death. Effective ART has reduced the prevalence and incidence of this pre-ART form of HIV-associated wasting. However, a subgroup of ART-treated virally suppressed PWH continue to lose weight, often accompanied by aging-related comorbidities and/or functional deficits. For this subgroup of patients, the older definition of HIV-associated wasting (HIVAW) cannot and should not be applied. An expert panel comprising the authors of this white paper convened to review the existing definition of HIVAW and to create an updated definition that they termed HIV-associated weight loss, based on clinically defined parameters among contemporary PWH receiving ART. Here, clinical features and laboratory biomarkers associated with HIV-associated weight loss are reviewed and approaches to screening and treatment are considered. Available management approaches, including the use of current US Food and Drug Administration–approved medications for HIVAW and other available therapies are discussed. The expert panel also identified knowledge gaps and provided recommendations for clinicians, payers, and researchers.
Double-stranded DNA enhances platelet activation, thrombosis, and myocardial injury via cyclic GMP-AMP synthase
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhang Yan , Han Liping , Bo Tao , Qi Zhiyong , Zhong Haoxuan , Xu Huajie , Hu Liang , Chen She , Zhang Si
Published: September 2024

Aims

Elevated dsDNA levels in ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients are associated with increased infarct size and worse clinical outcomes. However, the direct effect of dsDNA on platelet activation remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the direct influence of dsDNA on platelet activation, thrombosis, and the underlying mechanisms.

Methods and results

Analysis of clinical samples revealed elevated plasma dsDNA levels in STEMI patients, which positively correlated with platelet aggregation and markers of neutrophil extracellular traps such as MPO-DNA and CitH3. Platelet assays demonstrated the activation of the cGAS–STING pathway in platelets from STEMI patients. DsDNA directly potentiated platelet activation and thrombus formation. Mechanistic studies using G150 (cGAS inhibitor), H151 (STING inhibitor), and MCC950 (NLRP3 inhibitor), as well as cGAS−/−, STING−/−, and NLRP3−/− mice, showed that dsDNA activated cGAS, a previously unreported DNA sensor in platelets, and induced activation of the STING/NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1β axis. This cascade enhanced platelet activation and thrombus formation. Platelet cGAS depletion or Palbociclib, a cGAS–STING inhibitor, approved by the FDA for advanced breast cancer, ameliorated myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury in ApoE−/− mice fed with a high-fat diet for 12 weeks.

Conclusions

These results suggested that dsDNA is a novel driver of platelet activation and thrombus formation in STEMI patients.