bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation aspects of patterning polymer films via evaporative lithography and composite substrates
Authors: Kolegov Konstantin S.
Published: April 2024

The continuing development of evaporative lithography is important for many areas such as the creation of photonic crystals for optronics and microelectronics, the development of biosensors for medical applications and biotechnology, and for the formation of functional coatings for nanotechnology, including the application of thin, protective polymer coatings. The article proposes a mathematical model that allows us to explain the basic mechanisms of the formation of thin polymer films (less than 50 μm thick) during their deposition onto a composite substrate by methanol evaporation from a solution. If the thermal conductivity of the substrate is spatially non-uniform, this results in inhomogeneous evaporation along the free film surface. Therefore, as the film dries, a patterned polymer coating is left behind on the substrate. The mathematical model described here is based on the lubrication approximation and takes into account the dependence of the solution density on the concentration. The numerical computation results are in qualitative agreement with the experimental data of other authors. The article shows that solutal Marangoni flow plays a primary role in the process under consideration. This study allows us to better understand the mechanisms that can be used in evaporative lithography.
A multi-party verifiable quantum proxy signature scheme based on quantum teleportation
Authors: Wang Chengxiang , Lu Dianjun , Tian Fuyao , Yao Weixin
Published: April 2024

With the development of science and technology and the appearance of various special conditions that cause signers to be unable to sign, proxy signature is gradually becoming a hot spot in cryptography research. This paper combines proxy signature, quantum teleportation, and multi-party verification and proposes a multi-party verifiable quantum proxy signature scheme based on quantum teleportation. This scheme has the following characteristics: The authentication method based on the Hash function can effectively solve the problem of identity identification among members; in order for the proxy signer to be able to verify the correctness of the proxy authorization, a form of proxy signature authorization that concatenates the identity information of the original signer is used. The security analysis shows that our scheme is unforgeable and undeniable and can resist intercept-resend attacks and cheating attacks.
Eye blinks as a visual processing stage
Authors: Yang Bin , Intoy Janis , Rucci Michele
Published: April 2024

Humans blink their eyes frequently during normal viewing, more often than it seems necessary for keeping the cornea well lubricated. Since the closure of the eyelid disrupts the image on the retina, eye blinks are commonly assumed to be detrimental to visual processing. However, blinks also provide luminance transients rich in spatial information to neural pathways highly sensitive to temporal changes. Here, we report that the luminance modulations from blinks enhance visual sensitivity. By coupling high-resolution eye tracking in human observers with modeling of blink transients and spectral analysis of visual input signals, we show that blinking increases the power of retinal stimulation and that this effect significantly enhances visibility despite the time lost in exposure to the external scene. We further show that, as predicted from the spectral content of input signals, this enhancement is selective for stimuli at low spatial frequencies and occurs irrespective of whether the luminance transients are actively generated or passively experienced. These findings indicate that, like eye movements, blinking acts as a computational component of a visual processing strategy that uses motor behavior to reformat spatial information into the temporal domain.
The axial skeleton of
Tiktaalik roseae
Authors: Stewart Thomas A. , Lemberg Justin B. , Hillan Emily J. , Magallanes Isaac , Daeschler Edward B. , Shubin Neil H.
Published: April 2024

The axial columns of the earliest limbed vertebrates show distinct patterns of regionalization as compared to early tetrapodomorphs. Included among their novel features are sacral ribs, which provide linkage between the vertebral column and pelvis, contributing to body support and propulsion by the hindlimb. Data on the axial skeletons of the closest relatives of limbed vertebrates are sparce, with key features of specimens potentially covered by matrix. Therefore, it is unclear in what sequence and under what functional context specializations in the axial skeletons of tetrapods arose. Here, we describe the axial skeleton of the elpistostegalian
Tiktaalik roseae
and show that transformations to the axial column for head mobility, body support, and pelvic fin buttressing evolved in finned vertebrates prior to the origin of limbs. No atlas–axis complex is observed; however, an independent basioccipital–exoccipital complex suggests increased mobility at the occipital vertebral junction. While the construction of vertebrae in
Tiktaalik
is similar to early tetrapodomorphs, its ribs possess a specialized sacral domain. Sacral ribs are expanded and ventrally curved, indicating likely attachment to the expanded iliac blade of the pelvis by ligamentous connection. Thus, the origin of novel rib types preceded major alterations to trunk vertebrae, and linkage between pelvic fins and axial column preceded the origin of limbs. These data reveal an unexpected combination of post-cranial skeletal characters, informing hypotheses of body posture and movement in the closest relatives of limbed vertebrates.
Unexpected omega-3 activities in intracellular lipolysis and macrophage foaming revealed by fluorescence lifetime imaging
Authors: Tang Hesen , Liu Zhengjie , Han Guangmei , Geng Junlong , Liu Bianhua , Zhang Ruilong , Zhang Zhongping
Published: April 2024

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) found primarily in fish oil have been a popular supplement for cardiovascular health because they can substantially reduce circulating triglyceride levels in the bloodstream to prevent atherosclerosis. Beyond this established extracellular activity, here, we report a mode of action of PUFA, regulating intracellular triglyceride metabolism and lipid droplet (LD) dynamics. Real-time imaging of the subtle and highly dynamic changes of intracellular lipid metabolism was enabled by a fluorescence lifetime probe that addressed the limitations of intensity-based fluorescence quantifications. Surprisingly, we found that among omega-3 PUFA, only docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) promoted the lipolysis in LDs and reduced the overall fat content by approximately 50%, and consequently helped suppress macrophage differentiation into foam cells, one of the early steps responsible for atherosclerosis. Eicosapentaenoic acid, another omega-3 FA in fish oil, however, counteracted the beneficial effects of DHA on lipolysis promotion and cell foaming prevention. These in vitro findings warrant future validation in vivo.
Do teachers adapt their gestures in linguistically heterogeneous second language teaching to learners’ language proficiencies?
Authors: Sahlender Moritz , ten Hagen Inga
Published: April 2024

Teachers’ use of gestures in the classroom can support the language acquisition of learners in learning a second language (Stam & Tellier, 2022). Depending on learners’ language skills, different dimensions of gestures (e.g., deictic, metaphorical) are considered to facilitate successful language comprehension. This study investigates which gestures teachers use in German as a second language (GSL) classrooms and to what extent teachers adapt their gestures to learners’ language proficiency. Teacher gestures in 10 video-recorded integration and preparation classes were analyzed. Two coders reliably identified 4143 gestures. Results show that GSL teachers predominantly used deictic gestures, metaphorical gestures, and feedback by head movements. Moreover, between-learner variability in teachers’ use of deictic and metaphorical gestures was explained by teacher-perceived German language proficiency of learners. These results suggest that teachers systematically adapt some dimensions of gestures in GSL classes, thus emphasizing the importance of studying nonverbal interactions for a better understanding of language acquisition processes.
Narratology, applied
Authors: Presser Lois
Published: April 2024

Criminology is foundationally an applied discipline, or one whose knowledge seeks to shape some non-academic
practice. Narratives – particularly the narratives of parties to ‘crime’ – are essential to criminology, but criminologists have
hardly engaged with narratology. This paper tracks the progression from traditional narrative research involving harm agents and
criminalized persons to a relatively new narrative criminology that is attentive to narrative forms and strategies inasmuch as it
considers these as shaping harm. In addition, the paper forecasts narrative criminology’s fruitful engagement in concepts from
rhetorical narratology. Interviews with men who perpetrated violence and insights from restorative justice encounters are used to
demonstrate the potential value of rhetorical narratological concepts to narrative criminology and to interventions informed by
narrative criminology.
The effect of fluency training on interpreter trainees’ speech fluency, comprehensibility, and
accentedness
Authors: Yenkimaleki Mahmood , van Heuven Vincent J.
Published: April 2024

Fluency, comprehensibility, and accentedness are considered important parameters of interpreting quality but have
rarely been studied systematically in training programs of interpreting. Therefore, the present study was set up to investigate
the effect of fluency training on speech fluency, comprehensibility, and accentedness of interpreter trainees. Two groups of
interpreter trainees at a university in Iran took part in the study, receiving the same amount of instruction and practice
(12 hours over 4 weeks). The experimental group (N = 30) spent 33% of the time (i.e., 4 of the 12 hours in the
training program) on dedicated fluency strategy training, encouraging the memorization, repetition, and retelling of audio and
video materials. The remaining 67% was spent on training general speaking skills. The control group (N = 30) were
only taught general speaking skills in the training program but received no dedicated fluency training. Systematic interviews were
run to assess the interpreter trainees’ speech fluency, comprehensibility and accentedness, which were judged independently by
three expert raters at three moments of testing, i.e., pretest, immediate posttest, and delayed posttest (one month later). The
findings revealed that the fluency training significantly enhanced the interpreter trainees’ fluency, and to a lesser extent the
students’ comprehensibility but had only a marginal effect on accentedness. The pedagogical implication would be that awareness
training on speech fluency in EFL settings be included in interpreting training programs.
Interlayer Magnetic Interaction in the CrI3/CrSe2 Heterostructure
Authors: Wang 王 Qiu-Hao 秋皓 , Ni 倪 Mei-Yan 美燕 , Li 李 Shu-Jing 淑静 , Zheng 郑 Fa-Wei 法伟 , Lu 路 Hong-Yan 洪艳 , Zhang 张 Ping 平
Published: April 2024

Based on first-principles calculations, we systematically study the stacking energy and interlayer magnetic interaction of the heterobilayer composed of CrI3 and CrSe2 monolayers. It is found that the stacking order plays a crucial role in the interlayer magnetic coupling. Among all possible stacking structures, the AA-stacking is the most stable heterostructure, exhibiting interlayer antiferromagnetic interactions. Interestingly, the interlayer magnetic interaction can be effectively tuned by biaxial strain. A 4.3% compressive strain would result in a ferromagnetic interlayer interaction in all stacking orders. These results reveal the magnetic properties of CrI3/CrSe2 heterostructure, which is expected to be applied to spintronic devices.
Development of a novel monolithic compliant Lorentz-force-driven XY nanopositioning system
Authors: Yang Xu , Liu Xin , Zhu Yilong , Qiao Feng , Li Shizhen , Zhu Zhiwei , Zhu Limin
Published: April 2024

A novel monolithic compliant Lorentz-force-driven XY nanopositioning system (MCLNS) is designed, analyzed, and experimentally assessed with the aim of high-resolution positioning across a large workspace. A double-symmetric Lorentz-force actuator (DSLA) with the benefits of zero friction, high thrust, and large stroke is proposed to generate the actuation force. Correspondingly, a monolithic four-prismatic parallel compliant mechanism (4P-PCM) is exploited to transmit the actuation motion to the central platform and minimize the parasitic motion. The unique integration of four DSLAs and one 4P-PCM make the proposed MCLNS possess compact structure and stable performance. The characterization of the MCLNS is formulated by a specially established analytical model and validated by finite-element analysis simulation and experimental tests. Experimental studies show that the workspace of the MCLNS prototype is large than 0.87 × 0.87 mm2 and the positioning resolution of the MCLNS prototype is better than 9 nm. By means of a nonlinear forward proportional integral derivative control strategy, the maximum contouring error of the MCLNS is maintained within 2.7% while tracking a 1257 μm s−1 circular trajectory.
Generation of meter-scale nanosecond pulsed DBD and the intelligent evaluation based on multi-dimensional feature parameter extraction
Authors: Zhu Xi , Guan Xiuhan , Luo Zhaorui , Wang Liyan , Dai Luyi , Wu Zexuan , Fan Jiajie , Cui Xinglei , Akram Shakeel , Fang Zhi
Published: April 2024

This study introduces a novel meter-scale dielectric barrier discharge (m-DBD) reactor designed to generate large-scale, low-temperature nanosecond pulsed discharge plasma. By employing a modularized gas path, this reactor enables a comprehensive analysis of discharge patterns and uniformity using multi-dimensional discharge parameters. Simulation results reveal optimal gas distribution with ten gas holes in the variable plate and a 40 mm slit depth in the main reactor. Besides, a diagnosis method based on electro-acoustic-spectrum-image (E-A-S-I) parameters is developed to evaluate nanosecond pulsed m-DBD discharge states. It is found that the discharge states are closely related to the consistency of segmental discharge currents, the fluctuation of acoustic signals and the distribution of active particles. Machine learning methods are established to realize the diagnosis of m-DBD discharge pattern and uniformity by E-A-S-I parameters, where the optimized BPNN has a best recognition accuracy of 97.5%. Furthermore, leveraging nanosecond pulse power in Ar/m-DBD enables stable 1120 × 70 mm2 discharge, uniformly enhancing hydrophobicity of large-scale materials from a 67° to 122° water contact angle with maximal fluctuations below 7%. The modularized m-DBD reactor and its intelligent analysis based on multi-dimensional parameter provide a crucial foundation for advancing large-scale nanosecond pulsed plasma and their industrial applications.
Markerless liver online adaptive stereotactic radiotherapy: feasibility analysis
Authors: Pierrard Julien , Deheneffe Stéphanie , Dechambre David , Sterpin Edmond , Geets Xavier , Van Ooteghem Geneviève
Published: April 2024

Objective. Radio-opaque markers are recommended for image-guided radiotherapy in liver stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR), but their implantation is invasive. We evaluate in this in-silico study the feasibility of cone-beam computed tomography-guided stereotactic online-adaptive radiotherapy (CBCT-STAR) to propagate the target volumes without implanting radio-opaque markers and assess its consequence on the margin that should be used in that context. Approach. An emulator of a CBCT-STAR-dedicated treatment planning system was used to generate plans for 32 liver SABR patients. Three target volume propagation strategies were compared, analysing the volume difference between the GTVPropagated and the GTVConventional, the vector lengths between their centres of mass (l
CoM), and the 95th percentile of the Hausdorff distance between these two volumes (HD95). These propagation strategies were: (1) structure-guided deformable registration with deformable GTV propagation; (2) rigid registration with rigid GTV propagation; and (3) image-guided deformable registration with rigid GTV propagation. Adaptive margin calculation integrated propagation errors, while interfraction position errors were removed. Scheduled plans (PlanNon-adaptive) and daily-adapted plans (PlanAdaptive) were compared for each treatment fraction. Main results. The image-guided deformable registration with rigid GTV propagation was the best propagation strategy regarding to l
CoM (mean: 4.3 +/− 2.1 mm), HD95 (mean 4.8 +/− 3.2 mm) and volume preservation between GTVPropagated and GTVConventional. This resulted in a planning target volume (PTV) margin increase (+69.1% in volume on average). Online adaptation (PlanAdaptive) reduced the violation rate of the most important dose constraints (‘priority 1 constraints’, 4.2 versus 0.9%, respectively; p < 0.001) and even improved target volume coverage compared to non-adaptive plans (PlanNon-adaptive). Significance. Markerless CBCT-STAR for liver tumours is feasible using Image-guided deformable registration with rigid GTV propagation. Despite the cost in terms of PTV volumes, daily adaptation reduces constraints violation and restores target volumes coverage.
Generation of diffraction-free beam with winding trajectory based on metasurface holography
Authors: Xu Jilian , Lu Peiyao , Wu Rui , Jiang Kun , Jiang Xiquan , Teng Shuyun
Published: April 2024

The diffraction-free beams with curved trajectories and shaped wavefronts have wide application prospects in many fields. This paper proposes the generation of diffraction-free beam with winding trajectory and spiral wavefront based on holographic metasurface. The holographic metasurface consists of rotated rectangular nanoholes and the winding trajectory for the generated diffraction-free beam may be in two or three dimensional space under the control of the rotated nanoholes. The multiple diffraction-free beams are exemplified and the performance of holographic metasurfaces are testified by the simulation and experiment results. The utilization of compact metasurface enables the flexible generation of the diffraction-free beams with complex trajectories and tailored wavefronts. It may bring more new applications of diffraction-free beams with on-demand trajectories and customized wavefronts.
Biomass-derived mulberry porous carbon for microwave absorption
Authors: Ma Lei , Xia Pengkun , Mao Mingzhen , Huang Shengxiang , Gao Xiaohui , Deng Lianwen
Published: April 2024

In modern electronic devices and communication systems, there is an urgent need for economically viable, environmentally friendly, and efficient absorbing materials. In this work, we have successfully synthesized nitrogen-potassium doped mulberry porous carbon (MBPC) using a one-step pyrolysis strategy for the first time utilizing mulberry as a biomass carbon wave-absorbing material. The resulting MBPC exhibited a porous structure with abundant defects, facilitating the formation of a micro-conductive network and multiple reflection and scattering phenomena, thereby enabling strong microwave absorption. Experimental results demonstrated that the MBPC material achieved a remarkable minimum reflection loss of −44.82 dB at a frequency of 14.64 GHz, along with a maximum effective absorption bandwidth exceeding 5.76 GHz, all within a thickness of only 2.2 mm. Furthermore, by adjusting the thickness between 1 ∼ 3 mm, the bandwidth coverage can be extended to 8.48 ∼ 18 GHz. Computer simulation technology (CST) revealed a high simulated RCS value of 20.68 dB·m2, highlighting its significant practical application potential. This research underscores the promising prospects of mulberry-derived porous carbon as a lightweight, cost-effective, and efficient electromagnetic absorption material.
Strong coupling between colloidal quantum dots and dielectric cavity investigated by both photoluminescence spectrum and reflection spectrum at room temperature
Authors: Xu Xingsheng
Published: April 2024

In this study, the angle-resolved photoluminescence spectra and reflection spectra from colloidal quantum dots on SiO2/Si material were investigated at room temperature. The strong coupling between quantum dots and F-P cavity was verified by both the photoluminescence spectral splitting and reflection dispersion. A Rabi splitting was obtained from both angle-resolved photoluminescence spectra and reflection spectra. The Hopfield coefficient of exciton and photon for polariton branches were calculated and analyzed. The relationship between Rabi frequency and excitation power for colloidal quantum dots was also studied. A method was proposed and used to characterize the cavity mode and the reflection dispersion by using open-aperture and close-aperture reflection spectra.
Accurate 2-D analytical model for cylindrical gate-junctionless ferroelectric-nanowire (CG-JFe-NW) MOSFET with scaled channel length
Authors: Garg Shalu , Kaur Jasdeep , Goel Anubha , Haldar Subhasis , Gupta R S
Published: April 2024

In this article, we propose a 2D analytical-model of a cylindrical gate-junctionless ferroelectric-nanowire (CG-JFe-NW) MOSFET for evaluating central potential, electric field, threshold voltage, mobility and current voltage characteristics. Central potential, threshold voltage, and current in the linear and saturation regions are derived by solving the 2D Poisson’s equation employing the parabolic-potential- approximation (PPA) profile. The recommended model is appropriate for compact modelling as it includes the phenomenon of bulk conduction, surface conduction and ferroelectric negative capacitance in all the regions of the device operation. Ferroelectric properties are introduced by combining Silicon doped hafnium oxide (ferroelectric layer) with HfO2 and SiO2 (dielectric layers), and an extensive study has been performed to determine the effects of interfacial-layer thickness and variation of channel length on device performance. For all relevant device characteristics and for all the operational voltage ranges, it is demonstrated that the analytical model entirely corresponds with the numerical simulations. For simulations, the Atlas 3-D simulator has been taken into consideration.
Accurate computation of the screening of scalar fifth forces in galaxies
Authors: Burrage Clare , March Bradley , Naik Aneesh P.
Published: April 2024

Screening mechanisms allow light scalar fields to dynamically avoid the constraints that come from our lack of observation of a long-range fifth force. Galactic scale tests are of particular interest when the light scalar is introduced to explain the dark matter or dark energy that dominates our cosmology. To date, much of the literature that has studied screening in galaxies has described screening using simplifying approximations. In this work, we calculate numerical solutions for scalar fields with screening mechanisms in galactic contexts, and use these to derive new, precise conditions governing where fifth forces are screened. We show that the commonly used binary screened/unscreened threshold can predict a fifth force signal in situations where a fuller treatment does not, leading us to conclude that existing constraints might be overestimated.
We show that various other approximations of the screening radius provide a more accurate proxy to screening, although they fail to exactly reproduce the true screening surface in certain regions of parameter space. As a demonstration of our scheme, we apply it to an idealised Milky Way and thus identify the region of parameter space in which the solar system is screened.
Assessing the Influence of Urban Lights on Night Sky Brightness with a Smartphone
Authors: Wang Yingqiang , Zhao Yong , Sun Weijia , Yang Fan , Deng Licai , He Fei , Rong Zhaojin , Wei Yong
Published: April 2024

The darkness of the sky is a critical parameter for assessing the suitability of an astronomical site. Among various sources of light pollution, urban lights pose the most significant threat to ground-based optical astronomical and planetary observations. Quantitatively assessing the impact of urban lights with varying scales and fluxes is indispensable for selecting an ideal optical observation site. In order to quantitatively assess the changes in Night Sky Brightness (NSB) relative to the distance from urban areas and to establish a foundation for safeguarding the light environment at the newly developed Lenghu astronomical site on the Tibetan Plateau, we employed both a Sky Quality Meter and a pre-calibrated smartphone. These instruments were used to measure the NSB in the vicinity of two cities, Da Qaidam and Delingha, which vary in size and radiant flux, on the Tibetan Plateau. The findings indicate that the NSB around both cities decreases significantly as the distance from the city center increases, although the rate of decrease varies between the two locations. This decline can be effectively modeled using an exponential decay function. Notably, the influence of city lights on NSB becomes negligible at distances exceeding 30 km from Da Qaidam, while for Delingha, this distance extends to 50 km due to its larger city size and higher total radiant flux. The methodologies and results presented in this paper offer valuable insights for the selection of astronomical observation sites and the development of light pollution management policies.
Supermassive black holes triggered by QCD axion bubbles
Authors: Li Hai-Jun , Peng Ying-Quan , Chao Wei , Zhou Yu-Feng
Published: April 2024

Supermassive black holes (SMBHs) are ubiquitous in the center of galaxies, although the origin of their massive seeds is still unknown. In this paper, we investigate the formation of SMBHs from the quantum chromodynamics (QCD) axion bubbles. In this case, primordial black holes (PBHs) are considered as the seeds of SMBHs, which are generated from the QCD axion bubbles due to an explicit Peccei–Quinn (PQ) symmetry breaking after inflation. The QCD axion bubbles are formed when the QCD axion starts to oscillate during the QCD phase transition. We consider a general case in which the axion bubbles are formed with the bubble effective angle θ
eff ∈ (0, π], leading to the minimum PBH mass

∼
O
(

10

4

−

10

7

)

M

⊙

for the axion decay constant

f

a

∼
O
(

10

16

)
GeV

. The PBHs at this mass region may account for the seeds of SMBHs.
Overview of the ATLAS High-Granularity Timing Detector: project status and results
Authors: Missio Marion ,   the ATLAS HGTD collaboration
Published: April 2024

The increase of the particle flux (pile-up) at the high-luminosity phase of the Large
Hadron Collider (LHC) with an instantaneous luminosity up to L ≈ 7.5 ×
1034 cm-2 s-1 will have a severe impact on the ATLAS detector reconstruction and
trigger performance. A High Granularity Timing Detector (HGTD) will be installed in the forward
region for pile-up mitigation and luminosity measurement. This detector, based on Low Gain
Avalanche Detectors and custom ASICs, will provide a time resolution of 30 ps per track at the
beginning of HL-LHC and 50 ps at the end. This proceeding paper will summarise the overall
specifications of the HGTD as well as the project status.
Impact of anesthesia on micromagnetic stimulation (μMS) of the vagus nerve
Authors: Saha Renata , Van Helden Dusty , Hopper Matthew S , Low Walter C , Netoff Theoden I , Osborn John , Wang Jian-Ping
Published: April 2024

To treat diseases associated with vagal nerve control of peripheral organs, it is necessary to selectively activate efferent and afferent fibers in the vagus. As a result of the nerve’s complex anatomy, fiber-specific activation proves challenging. Spatially selective neuromodulation using micromagnetic stimulation(μMS) is showing incredible promise. This neuromodulation technique uses microcoils(μcoils) to generate magnetic fields by powering them with a time-varying current. Following the principles of Faraday’s law of induction, a highly directional electric field is induced in the nerve from the magnetic field. In this study on rodent cervical vagus, a solenoidal μcoil was oriented at an angle to left and right branches of the nerve. The aim of this study was to measure changes in the mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) following μMS of the vagus. The μcoils were powered by a single-cycle sinusoidal current varying in pulse widths(PW = 100, 500, and 1000 μsec) at a frequency of 20 Hz. Under the influence of isoflurane, μMS of the left vagus at 1000 μsec PW led to an average drop in MAP of 16.75 mmHg(n = 7). In contrast, μMS of the right vagus under isoflurane resulted in an average drop of 11.93 mmHg in the MAP(n = 7). Surprisingly, there were no changes in HR to either right or left vagal μMS suggesting the drop in MAP associated with vagus μMS was the result of stimulation of afferent, but not efferent fibers. In urethane anesthetized rats, no changes in either MAP or HR were observed upon μMS of the right or left vagus(n = 3). These findings suggest the choice of anesthesia plays a key role in determining the efficacy of μMS on the vagal nerve. Absence of HR modulation upon μMS could offer alternative treatment options using VNS with fewer heart-related side-effects.
Spatial-temporal analysis of urban climate dynamics in major Hungarian cities
Authors: Buzási Attila , Beszedics-Jäger Bettina Szimonetta , Hortay Olivér
Published: April 2024

Increasing heatwaves are making cities and their populations more vulnerable, parallel to urban sprawl and the aging population in Hungary. The increasing number of hot days is predicted to worsen urban climate anomalies at the local scale, which, in parallel with changing land use patterns, may contribute to a significant increase in vulnerability to heatwaves. Local stakeholders and decision-makers need to understand the critical role of spatiotemporal land use—land cover (LULC) patterns and urban climate aspects to address relevant challenges for urban development. The current literature does not contain a synthesis analysis of major Hungarian cities that includes urban climate and sustainability findings hand by hand; therefore, this study aims to analyze LULC patterns, urban hotspots and surface urban heat island effects. In addition, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was determined as an important indicator for assessing the health and density of green spaces in major Hungarian cities from 2006 to 2018 using remote sensing data. Our results show that each city experienced significant urban sprawl, while above-average NDVI areas decreased over time. The average increase in the share of built-up areas was 1.3% from 2006 to 2018, while the calculated average decline in agricultural areas was 2%, so the expansion of residential areas and artificial areas is not the only driving force of this shrinking trend in agricultural areas. Furthermore, we found that urban hotspots are generally concentrated in industrial areas and represent new spaces of heat islands on the outskirts of cities. Székesfehérvár has the most intense industrial heat islands, with the largest proportion of urban hotspots (approximately 3.5% of the total area) concentrated in industrial zones. Our study contributes to uncovering inter-urban processes of land use patterns and urban climate issues in major Hungarian cities, moreover revealing sustainability-related issues from a lock-in perspective.
Understanding variations of thermal hysteresis in barocaloric plastic crystal neopentyl glycol using correlative microscopy and calorimetry
Authors: Rendell-Bhatti Frederic , Boldrin David , Dilshad Melony , Moya Xavier , MacLaren Donald A
Published: April 2024

Plastic crystals (PCs) exhibit solid–solid order-disorder first-order phase transitions that are accompanied by large correlated thermal and volume changes. These characteristics make PCs promising barocaloric solid-state working bodies for heating and cooling applications. However, understanding the variation of transition temperatures and thermal hysteresis in PCs with cycling is critical if these materials are to replace traditional gaseous refrigerants. Here, for the archetypal barocaloric PC neopentyl glycol (NPG), we correlate microstructure obtained from scanning electron microscopy with local and total thermal changes at the phase transition from infra-red imaging and calorimetry, respectively. We outline an evolution in microstructure as NPG recrystallises during repeated thermal cycling through its solid–solid phase transition. The observed microstructural changes are correlated with spatially inhomogeneous heat transfer, yielding direct insight into the kinetics of the phase transition. Our results suggest that the interplay of these processes affects the undesirable thermal hysteresis and the nature of the kinetic steady-state microstructures that are stabilised during cycling between the ordered and disordered phases. These observations have implications for using NPG and other PCs as technologically relevant barocaloric materials and suggest ways in which the hysteresis in these types of materials may be modified.
Recent advances in high charge density triboelectric nanogenerators
Authors: Cui Xin , Nie Jiaheng , Zhang Yan
Published: April 2024

Triboelectric materials with high charge density are the building-block for the commercial application of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). Unstable dynamic processes influence the change of the charge density on the surface and inside of triboelectric materials. The charge density of triboelectric materials depends on the surface and the internal charge transfer processes. The focus of this review is on recent advances in high charge density triboelectric materials and advances in the fabrication of TENGs. We summarize the existing strategies for achieving high charge density in triboelectric materials as well as their fundamental properties. We then review current optimization methods for regulating dynamic charge transfer processes to increase the output charge density: first, increasing charge injection and limiting charge dissipation to achieve a high average surface charge density, and second, regulating the internal charge transfer process and storing charge in triboelectric materials to increase the output charge density. Finally, we present the challenges and prospects in developing high-performance triboelectric materials.
Disulfiram Improves Fat Graft Retention by Modulating Macrophage Polarization With Inhibition of NLRP3 Inflammasome-Mediated Pyroptosis
Authors: Chen Xinyue , Chen Weixin , Xu Haiqian , Tian Yuan , Wang Xiaotian , Chen Xinyao , Li Jiapeng , Luo Sai , Hao Lijun
Published: April 2024

Background

Macrophage-mediated inflammatory response in the early post-grafting period restricts fat graft retention. Pyroptosis is a novel type of programmed cell death that extensively participates in inflammatory pathologies.

Objectives

This study sought to determine whether macrophage pyroptosis was activated during the inflammatory phase after fat grafting and to investigate the efficacy of a pyroptosis inhibitor, disulfiram (DSF), in fat graft retention.

Methods

We established a C57BL/6 mice fat grafting model and then analyzed macrophage pyroptosis. DSF (50 mg/kg, every other day) was intraperitoneally injected starting 1 hour before fat grafting and continued for 14 days. An in vitro co-culture system was established in which mouse RAW264.7 macrophages were co-cultured with apoptotic adipocytes to further validate the findings of the in vivo studies and to explore the underlying mechanisms.

Results

Here we reported that macrophage pyroptosis was activated in both fat grafts and in vitro co-culture models. DSF was found to be a potent pyroptosis inhibitor, promoting M2 macrophage polarization. In addition, DSF was demonstrated to enhance vascularization and graft retention.

Conclusions

Our results suggested that pyroptosis plays a crucial role in the inflammatory cascade within fat grafts. DSF, being a clinically available drug, could be translated into a clinically effective drug for improving fat graft survival by inhibiting macrophage pyroptosis, therefore inducing M2 macrophage polarization and promoting neovascularization.
DrugMGR: a deep bioactive molecule binding method to identify compounds targeting proteins
Authors: Li Xiaokun , Yang Qiang , Xu Long , Dong Weihe , Luo Gongning , Wang Wei , Dong Suyu , Wang Kuanquan , Xuan Ping , Zhang Xianyu , Gao Xin
Published: April 2024

Motivation

Understanding the intermolecular interactions of ligand–target pairs is key to guiding the optimization of drug research on cancers, which can greatly mitigate overburden workloads for wet labs. Several improved computational methods have been introduced and exhibit promising performance for these identification tasks, but some pitfalls restrict their practical applications: (i) first, existing methods do not sufficiently consider how multigranular molecule representations influence interaction patterns between proteins and compounds; and (ii) second, existing methods seldom explicitly model the binding sites when an interaction occurs to enable better prediction and interpretation, which may lead to unexpected obstacles to biological researchers.

Results

To address these issues, we here present DrugMGR, a deep multigranular drug representation model capable of predicting binding affinities and regions for each ligand–target pair. We conduct consistent experiments on three benchmark datasets using existing methods and introduce a new specific dataset to better validate the prediction of binding sites. For practical application, target-specific compound identification tasks are also carried out to validate the capability of real-world compound screen. Moreover, the visualization of some practical interaction scenarios provides interpretable insights from the results of the predictions. The proposed DrugMGR achieves excellent overall performance in these datasets, exhibiting its advantages and merits against state-of-the-art methods. Thus, the downstream task of DrugMGR can be fine-tuned for identifying the potential compounds that target proteins for clinical treatment.

Availability and implementation

https://github.com/lixiaokun2020/DrugMGR.
Flagging unusual clusters based on linear mixed models using weighted and self-calibrated predictors
Authors: McCulloch Charles E , Neuhaus John M , Boylan Ross D
Published: April 2024

Statistical models incorporating cluster-specific intercepts are commonly used in hierarchical settings, for example, observations clustered within patients or patients clustered within hospitals. Predicted values of these intercepts are often used to identify or “flag” extreme or outlying clusters, such as poorly performing hospitals or patients with rapid declines in their health. We consider a variety of flagging rules, assessing different predictors, and using different accuracy measures. Using theoretical calculations and comprehensive numerical evaluation, we show that previously proposed rules based on the 2 most commonly used predictors, the usual best linear unbiased predictor and fixed effects predictor, perform extremely poorly: the incorrect flagging rates are either unacceptably high (approaching 0.5 in the limit) or overly conservative (eg, much <0.05 for reasonable parameter values, leading to very low correct flagging rates). We develop novel methods for flagging extreme clusters that can control the incorrect flagging rates, including very simple-to-use versions that we call “self-calibrated.” The new methods have substantially higher correct flagging rates than previously proposed methods for flagging extreme values, while controlling the incorrect flagging rates. We illustrate their application using data on length of stay in pediatric hospitals for children admitted for asthma diagnoses.
Incidence of anxiety disorder in adults with hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Cohn Erica , Palma Gabriela , Mastacouris Nicole , Strunk Andrew , Garg Amit
Published: April 2024

Background

There are limited data on the risk of new-onset anxiety disorders in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).

Objectives

To compare the risk of new-onset anxiety disorder in patients with HS and controls, and to describe risk factors for the development of anxiety in patients with HS.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective cohort analysis of a US electronic health records database between 2011 and 2020. Adults newly diagnosed with HS at a dermatology or primary care visit and control participants were included. The primary outcome was a new diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder, phobic disorders, panic disorder or unspecified anxiety. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to compare the crude risk of any anxiety disorder between groups and to assess the independent association with HS while controlling for potential demographic, clinical and healthcare-related confounders.

Results

Among 9597 patients with HS and 959 493 controls, the incidence rate (IR) of anxiety was 5.74 and 3.86 per 100 person-years (PY), respectively. The crude risk among all patients was 48% higher for those with HS vs. controls [hazard ratio (HR) 1.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.40–1.55]. When stratified by index encounter type, patients with HS had 2.43 (95% CI 2.13–2.77) times the risk of anxiety disorder than dermatology controls and 1.46 (95%CI 1.38–1.55) times the risk than primary care controls. The adjusted HR for patients with HS vs. controls was 1.11 (95% CI 1.05–1.17) overall, 1.26 (95% CI 1.07–1.48) in the dermatology subgroup and 1.07 (95% CI 1.01–1.13) in the primary care subgroup. Risk factors for an incident anxiety diagnosis among patients with HS included depression (HR 1.69, 95% CI 1.48–1.93), female sex (HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.23–1.60), younger age (HR 0.87 per 10-year increase, 95% CI 0.84–0.90), White race, in the Medicaid insurance programme (HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.07–1.40), tobacco smoking (HR 1.16, 95% CI 1.03–1.31) and having one or more emergency department visits in the year before a HS diagnosis. Absolute IRs of anxiety disorders were highest among patients with HS who were aged 18–29 years (7.10 per 100 PY), female (6.34 per 100 PY) and White (6.79 per 100 PY).

Conclusions

HS is independently associated with an increased risk of anxiety disorders. An increased risk remains but is attenuated when confounders are controlled for. The relative risk may be particularly high in patients managed by dermatologists.
Combined rituximab and belimumab to treat recalcitrant epidermolysis bullosa aquisita associated with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Tull Thomas J , Benton Emma C , Semkova Kristina , Watson Natalie A , Mee John B , Lopez Begona , Setterfield Jane , Carey Barbara , Ahmad Sajjad , Robbie Scott J , Groves Richard W , Sanna Giovanni , D’Cruz David P
Published: April 2024

We report two cases of recalcitrant epidermolysis bullosa aquisita with associated systemic lupus erythematosus treated with combination rituximab and belimumab therapy. This resulted in the complete resolution of cutaneous lesions and a partial response of the mucosal lesions. These cases support the use of combined rituximab and belimumab for the treatment of recalcitrant immunobullous disease.
Social Workers’ Perceived Barriers and Facilitators to Social Work Practice in Schools: A Scoping Review
Authors: Binks Sarah , Hickey Lyndal , Heath Airin , Bornemisza Anna , Goulding Lauren , Parolini Arno
Published: April 2024

The aim of this scoping review was to establish the breadth of the academic literature regarding the barriers and facilitators to social work practice in schools as perceived by School Social Workers (SSWs). Following the PRISMA-ScR Scoping Review Framework, 42 articles were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria. Five interrelated themes related to the barriers and facilitators to SSW practice were identified: (1) Inadequacy of service delivery infrastructure; (2) SSWs’ role ambiguities and expectations; (3) SSWs’ competency, knowledge and support; (4) School climate and context; and (5) Cultivating relationships and engagement. This scoping review found that social workers perceive far greater barriers than facilitators when delivering services in school settings, with limited evidence related to the facilitators that enhance School Social Work (SSW) practice. Further research regarding the facilitators of SSW practice is needed, specifically in countries where research on this topic is emergent.
Physiological condition infers habitat choice in juvenile sockeye salmon
Authors: LoScerbo Daniella C , Wilson Samantha M , Robinson Kendra A , Moore Jonathan W , Patterson David A
Published: April 2024

The amount of time that juvenile salmon remain in an estuary varies among and within populations, with some individuals passing through their estuary in hours while others remain in the estuary for several months. Underlying differences in individual physiological condition, such as body size, stored energy and osmoregulatory function, could drive individual variation in the selection of estuary habitat. Here we investigated the role of variation in physiological condition on the selection of estuarine and ocean habitat by sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) smolts intercepted at the initiation of their 650-km downstream migration from Chilko Lake, Fraser River, British Columbia (BC). Behavioural salinity preference experiments were conducted on unfed smolts held in fresh water at three time intervals during their downstream migration period, representing the stage of migration at lake-exit, and the expected timing for estuary-entry and ocean-entry (0, 1 and 3 weeks after lake-exit, respectively). In general, salinity preference behaviour varied across the three time periods consistent with expected transition from river to estuary to ocean. Further, individual physiological condition did influence habitat choice. Smolt condition factor (K) and energy density were positively correlated with salinity preference behaviour in the estuary and ocean outmigration stages, but not at lake-exit. Our results suggest that smolt physiological condition upon reaching the estuary could influence migratory behaviour and habitat selection. This provides evidence on the temporally dependent interplay of physiology, behaviour and migration in wild juvenile Pacific salmon, with juvenile rearing conditions influencing smolt energetic status, which in turn influences habitat choice during downstream migration. The implication for the conservation of migratory species is that the relative importance of stopover habitats may vary as a function of initial condition.