bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occlusal considerations in maintaining health of implants and their restorations
Authors: Stilwell Charlotte
Published: May 2024

Dental implants are a regular feature in daily clinical practice and there is a need to undertake routine assessment and maintenance of implants and their restorations on par with that provided for natural teeth. Occlusal checks form an important part of the maintenance regime for preserving the integrity of implants, their restorations, and health of the peri-implant tissues. Implant restorations are subjected to the full characteristics and magnitude of occlusal forces, including those associated with parafunction. Compared with the periodontal ligament around teeth, the biophysical response to occlusal forces of osseointegration is different through the more rigid link of implant to bone and reduced proprioception. Risks attributable to occlusal forces primarily affect implant restorations and they are elevated in the presence of bruxism. The occlusal guidelines recommended by the literature are aimed at reducing these risks and regular assessment and maintenance of the occlusion is essential. A four-step sequence is presented to ensure that the annual occlusal checks include the patient's input and evaluation of restoration integrity, occlusal scheme, additional protection, and spatial changes.
Vehicle logistics intermodal route optimization based on Tabu search algorithm
Authors: Ru Siyuan
Published: May 2024

With the development of logistics enterprises and the adjustment of some relevant laws and regulations, the profit space of vehicle logistics enterprises has been further compressed. To reduce vehicle logistics transportation cost and increase the profit space of vehicle logistics, the vehicle logistics multimodal transport network is constructed and the graph traversal algorithm is used to screen the feasible paths in the vehicle logistics multimodal transport network. Then, the Tabu search algorithm can optimize vehicle logistics multimodal transport route model. Results showed that Tabu search performed better than other methods in solving route optimization problems. The cost of Tabu search algorithm after convergence was 1.2 yuan/km × per set. The performance of Tabu search algorithm on NGSIM data set was better than other methods. On this data set, the area under the curve of Tabu search algorithm was much higher than that of other methods. The optimization results of Tabu search for vehicle logistics intermodal routes were effective. Among the 15 routes, only four routes were not optimized, and other routes were optimized. After optimization, the profits have increased, and the profit of Route 9 had the largest increase, which was 18%. The research successfully constructs the optimization model of vehicle logistics intermodal route, and completes the solution to increase the profit space of vehicle logistics enterprises.
Real-world experience utilizing the nuvision 4D intracardiac echocardiography catheter for left atrial appendage closure
Authors: Adams Alex , Mahmood Riaz , Balaji Nivedha , Dixit Priyadarshini , Chandra Shalabh , Weisman David
Published: May 2024

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has been the preferred imaging modality to help guide left atrial appendage closure. Newer technologies such as the Nuvision 4D Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) catheter allow for real-time 3D imaging of cardiac anatomy. There are no direct comparison studies for procedural imaging between TEE and 4D ICE. To evaluate the performance and safety of left atrial appendage (LAA) closure procedures with the Watchman FLX and Amulet, guided by the Nuvision 4D ICE Catheter. This retrospective observational analysis was conducted on institutional LAAO National Cardiovascular Data Registry from January 2022 to March 2023. Patients had undergone LAA closure procedures with the Watchman FLX or Amulet device guided by TEE or a 4D ICE Catheter. The primary outcome evaluated was successful LAAO device placement. A total of 121 patients underwent LAAO device placement with 46 (38.0%) patients guided by 4D ICE during LAAO implantation. The 4D ICE group had a shorter procedural time compared with TEE guidance. Post procedural 45-day TEE post implant was also comparable for both groups with no patients in either group having incomplete closure of the left atrial appendage and peri-device leak > 5 mm. No device related complications (device related access, stroke, or pericardial effusion) occurred in either group at follow-up. There was no significant difference in device implant success or post procedural outcomes at 45 days in either the TEE or 4D ICE group. However, there was a noticeable improvement in procedural time with the 4D ICE catheter.
Prolonged intermittent theta burst stimulation targeting the left prefrontal cortex and cerebellum does not affect executive functions in healthy individuals
Authors: Xu Mei , Nikolin Stevan , Moffa Adriano M. , Xu Xiao Min , Su Yon , Li Roger , Chan Ho Fung , Loo Colleen K. , Martin Donel M.
Published: May 2024

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for alleviating negative symptoms and cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia commonly targets the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (LDLPFC). However, the therapeutic effectiveness of rTMS at this site remains inconclusive and increasingly, studies are focusing on cerebellar rTMS. Recently, prolonged intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) has emerged as a rapid-acting form of rTMS with promising clinical benefits. This study explored the cognitive and neurophysiological effects of prolonged iTBS administered to the LDLPFC and cerebellum in a healthy cohort. 50 healthy participants took part in a cross-over study and received prolonged (1800 pulses) iTBS targeting the LDLPFC, cerebellar vermis, and sham iTBS. Mixed effects repeated measures models examined cognitive and event-related potentials (ERPs) from 2-back (P300, N200) and Stroop (N200, N450) tasks after stimulation. Exploratory non-parametric cluster-based permutation tests compared ERPs between conditions. There were no significant differences between conditions for behavioural and ERP outcomes on the 2-back and Stroop tasks. Exploratory cluster-based permutation tests of ERPs did not identify any significant differences between conditions. We did not find evidence that a single session of prolonged iTBS administered to either the LDLPFC or cerebellum could cause any cognitive or ERP changes compared to sham in a healthy sample.
Periodic open and closed resonators as a biosensor using two computational methods
Authors: Zaky Zaky A. , Al-Dossari M. , Hendy Ahmed S. , Badawy Wael M. , Aly Arafa H.
Published: May 2024

The volatile particles and molecules in our dry exhaled breath can reveal enormous information about the health of any person, such as the person’s respiratory and metabolic functioning. Beyond the carbon dioxide level is an indicator of life, it provides important health-related data like people’s metabolic rate. This study considers periodic open and closed resonators for measuring carbon dioxide concentration in dry exhaled breath. Transfer matrix and green methods are used to simulate the interaction between acoustic waves and the proposed sensor. The band gaps using the green method coincide with the transmittance spectra by the transfer matrix. The suggested sensor recorded a sensitivity of $$5.3 Hz.{m}^{-1}.s$$

5.3
H
z
.

m

-
1

.
s

, a figure of merit of 10,254 $${m}^{-1}.s$$

m

-
1

.
s

, a detection limit of $$5\times {10}^{-6} m.{s}^{-1}$$

5
×

10

-
6

m
.

s

-
1

, and a quality factor of $$3\times {10}^{6}$$

3
×

10

6

. Furthermore, the efficiency shows that the proposed design is appropriate as a diagnostic sensor for different diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary. Besides, cylindrical-adapted sensors are urgently needed in medicine, industry, and biology because they can simultaneously be used for fluid transport and detection.
The applicability of markerless motion capture for clinical gait analysis in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Wishaupt Koen , Schallig Wouter , van Dorst Marleen H. , Buizer Annemieke I. , van der Krogt Marjolein M.
Published: May 2024

The aim of this comparative, cross-sectional study was to determine whether markerless motion capture can track deviating gait patterns in children with cerebral palsy (CP) to a similar extent as marker-based motion capturing. Clinical gait analysis (CGA) was performed for 30 children with spastic CP and 15 typically developing (TD) children. Marker data were processed with the Human Body Model and video files with Theia3D markerless software, to calculate joint angles for both systems. Statistical parametric mapping paired t-tests were used to compare the trunk, pelvis, hip, knee and ankle joint angles, for both TD and CP, as well as for the deviation from the norm in the CP group. Individual differences were quantified using mean absolute differences. Markerless motion capture was able to track frontal plane angles and sagittal plane knee and ankle angles well, but individual deviations in pelvic tilt and transverse hip rotation as present in CP were not captured by the system. Markerless motion capture is a promising new method for CGA in children with CP, but requires improvement to better capture several clinically relevant deviations especially in pelvic tilt and transverse hip rotation.
Thermodynamic, chemical, and electrochemical studies of Aloe ferox Mill extract as a naturally developing copper corrosion inhibitor in HCl solution
Authors: Alanazi Kaseb D. , Alshammari Basmah H. , Alanazi Tahani Y. A. , Alshammari Odeh A. O. , Ashmawy Ashraf M. , Aljohani Meshari M. , Haq Isma , Hameed Reda Abdel , Deyab M. A.
Published: May 2024

Copper can be susceptible to corrosion in acidic cleaning solutions for desalination system, especially if the solution is highly concentrated or if the cleaning process involves extended exposure to the acid. In the current work, Aloe ferox Mill (AFM extract) can be used as a natural origin corrosion inhibitor for copper in 1.0 M HCl solution. The corrosion mitigation qualities of AFM extract were assessed by means of electrochemical, gravimetric, and surface examinations. AFM extract is a mixed-type inhibitor, based on polarization research findings. The inhibitory effectiveness of AFM extract rises with concentration, reaching its maximum level (93.3%) at 250 mg L–1. The inclusion of AFM extract raises the activation energy for the corrosion reaction from 7.15 kJ mol–1 (blank solution) to 28.6 kJ mol–1 (at 250 mg L–1 AFM extract).
Analysis of employee diligence and mining of behavioral patterns based on portrait portrayal
Authors: Wang Chiyin , Liu Yiming
Published: May 2024

With the deepening of enterprise digital construction, the portrait portrayal based on employee behaviors has gradually become a research focus. Currently, the employee's portrait portrayal mostly has the problems of simple means, low efficiency, limited solving ability, etc., making the results more one-sided. Therefore, a data mining-based employee portrait portrayal model is proposed. The content of employee portrait portrayal is deeply analyzed, and the overall framework of the model is designed. A diligence analysis model (DAM) based on improved GAN is constructed, and the diligence evaluation of employees is clarified to realize the diligence evaluation. The results of diligence analysis of DAM have high accuracy (80.39%) and outperform SA (70.24%), K-means (51.79%) and GAN (67.25%). The Kappa coefficient of DAM reaches 0.7384, which is highly consistent and higher than SA (0.6075), K-means (0.3711) and GAN (0.5661). The Local Outlier Factor (LOF) and Isolation Forest (IF) are used to detect abnormal behaviors on the employees, and mine the abnormal behavior patterns on different granularity time. The LSTM model (Att-LSTM) based on the attention mechanism is used to complete the prediction of employees' software usage behaviors, and analyze and summarize the characteristics of employee's behaviors from multiple perspectives. Att-LSTM predicts the best with an RMSE of 0.82983, which is better than LSTM (0.90833) and SA (0.97767); AM-LSTM has a MAPE of 0.80323, which is better than LSTM (0.86233) and SA (0.92223). The results show that the data mining-based employee portrait portrayal method can better solve the problem of enterprise employees' digital construction, and provide a new way of thinking for the construction of enterprise-level employees' digital portrait model and the analysis of employee behavior.
AI for interpreting screening mammograms: implications for missed cancer in double reading practices and challenging-to-locate lesions
Authors: Jiang Zhengqiang , Gandomkar Ziba , Trieu Phuong Dung , Taba Seyedamir Tavakoli , Barron Melissa L. , Lewis Sarah J.
Published: May 2024

Although the value of adding AI as a surrogate second reader in various scenarios has been investigated, it is unknown whether implementing an AI tool within double reading practice would capture additional subtle cancers missed by both radiologists who independently assessed the mammograms. This paper assesses the effectiveness of two state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence (AI) models in detecting retrospectively-identified missed cancers within a screening program employing double reading practices. The study also explores the agreement between AI and radiologists in locating the lesions, considering various levels of concordance among the radiologists in locating the lesions. The Globally-aware Multiple Instance Classifier (GMIC) and Global–Local Activation Maps (GLAM) models were fine-tuned for our dataset. We evaluated the sensitivity of both models on missed cancers retrospectively identified by a panel of three radiologists who reviewed prior examinations of 729 cancer cases detected in a screening program with double reading practice. Two of these experts annotated the lesions, and based on their concordance levels, cases were categorized as 'almost perfect,' 'substantial,' 'moderate,' and 'poor.' We employed Similarity or Histogram Intersection (SIM) and Kullback–Leibler Divergence (KLD) metrics to compare saliency maps of malignant cases from the AI model with annotations from radiologists in each category. In total, 24.82% of cancers were labeled as “missed.” The performance of GMIC and GLAM on the missed cancer cases was 82.98% and 79.79%, respectively, while for the true screen-detected cancers, the performances were 89.54% and 87.25%, respectively (p-values for the difference in sensitivity < 0.05). As anticipated, SIM and KLD from saliency maps were best in ‘almost perfect,’ followed by ‘substantial,’ ‘moderate,’ and ‘poor.’ Both GMIC and GLAM (p-values < 0.05) exhibited greater sensitivity at higher concordance. Even in a screening program with independent double reading, adding AI could potentially identify missed cancers. However, the challenging-to-locate lesions for radiologists impose a similar challenge for AI.
Terahertz-frequency plasmonic-crystal instability in field-effect transistors with asymmetric gate arrays
Authors: Aizin G. R. , Mundaganur S. , Mundaganur A. , Bird J. P.
Published: May 2024

We present a theory for plasmonic crystal instability in a semiconductor field-effect transistor with a dual grating gate array, designed with strong asymmetry in the elementary cell of this “crystal”. We demonstrate that, under the action of a dc current bias, the Bloch plasma waves in the plasmonic crystal formed in this transistor develop the Dyakonov–Shur instability. By calculating the energy spectrum and instability increments/decrements—which govern the growth/decay of excitations within the plasmonic crystal—we analyze the dependence of the latter on the electron drift velocity and the extent of the structural asymmetry. In contrast with the corresponding problem for gate arrays with symmetric unit cells, the presence of finite plasma instability increments across the entire Brillouin zone is established. This important difference points to the possibility of exciting sustained, radiating, non-linear electron plasma oscillations in the instability endpoint of the asymmetric array. These structures should be readily implementable in common semiconductor heterostructures, using standard nanofabrication techniques, enabling operation at room temperature. Long-range coherence of the unstable plasma oscillations, generated in the elementary cells of the crystal, should dramatically increase the radiated THz electromagnetic power, making this approach a promising pathway to the generation of THz signals.
Dynamic mechanical response and failure characteristics of coal and rock under saltwater immersion conditions
Authors: Sun Xiaoyuan , Liu Kai , Jin Tingxu , Wang Kai , Lin Shurong , Pang Jiewen , Xie Jianlin
Published: May 2024

The stability of coal and rock masses in water-rich mines is affected by both mine water erosion and dynamic disturbances. Thus, it is necessary to study the dynamic mechanical response and failure characteristics of coal and rock under the combination of saltwater and a high strain rate. To this end, a split Hopkinson pressure bar device was employed to investigate the effects of impact velocity, water content, and immersion liquid on the dynamic mechanical behaviours of coal and rock. The results revealed that the weakening effect of saltwater on the dynamic mechanical properties of coal and rock is much greater than that of distilled water. With increasing moisture content, the dynamic compressive strength of the coal specimens decreases monotonically, while that of the rock shows a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. The failure process and destruction of coal and rock are comprehensively affected by both the external impact load and the physical and mechanical properties of the material. The degree of damage of the coal and rock specimens increases with increasing impact velocity and water content. Moreover, the influence of various factors on the impact fracture mechanism of coal and rock under saltwater immersion conditions was revealed. These findings are highly important for the design and maintenance of underground coal and rock building structures.
Mitigating candidiasis with acarbose by targeting Candida albicans α-glucosidase: in-silico, in-vitro and transcriptomic approaches
Authors: David Helma , Vasudevan Sahana , Solomon Adline Princy
Published: May 2024

Biofilm-associated candidiasis poses a significant challenge in clinical settings due to the limited effectiveness of existing antifungal treatments. The challenges include increased pathogen virulence, multi-drug resistance, and inadequate penetration of antimicrobials into biofilm structures. One potential solution to this problem involves the development of novel drugs that can modulate fungal virulence and biofilm formation, which is essential for pathogenesis. Resistance in Candida albicans is initiated by morphological changes from yeast to hyphal form. This transition triggers a series of events such as cell wall elongation, increased adhesion, invasion of host tissues, pathogenicity, biofilm formation, and the initiation of an immune response. The cell wall is a critical interface for interactions with host cells, primarily through various cell wall proteins, particularly mannoproteins. Thus, cell wall proteins and enzymes are considered potential antifungal targets. In this regard, we explored α-glucosidase as our potential target which plays a crucial role in processing mannoproteins. Previous studies have shown that inhibition of α-glucosidase leads to defects in cell wall integrity, reduced adhesion, diminished secretion of hydrolytic enzymes, alterations in immune recognition, and reduced pathogenicity. Since α-glucosidase, primarily converts carbohydrates, our study focuses on FDA-approved carbohydrate mimic drugs (Glycomimetics) with well-documented applications in various biological contexts. Through virtual screening of 114 FDA-approved carbohydrate-based drugs, a pseudo-sugar Acarbose, emerged as a top hit. Acarbose is known for its pharmacological potential in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus by targeting α-glucosidase. Our preliminary investigations indicate that Acarbose effectively inhibits C. albicans biofilm formation, reduces virulence, impairs morphological switching, and hinders the adhesion and invasion of host cells, all at very low concentrations in the nanomolar range. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis reveals the mechanism of action of Acarbose, highlighting its role in targeting α-glucosidase.
Developing and validating a Domain-specific Grit Scale for College Athletic Students
Authors: Gao Feng , Wei Qiang , Dong Xiyue , Gao Jing , Lu Shan , Liu Yang
Published: May 2024

The aim of this study was to create and validate a ten-item Domain-specific Grit Scale for College Athletic Students (DGSCAS) to assess the level of grit among college athletic students. College athletic students from a single independent college located in a northern city in China (526 participants at time 1 and 589 participants at time 2) were assessed according to the scale. Various analyses were conducted in this study, including exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and measurement invariance analysis across different sex and birthplaces. The results of the EFA revealed two factors: consistency of interests and perseverance of effort. The CFA results demonstrated acceptable fit indices (x2 = 160.048, df = 34, x2/df = 4.707, CFI = 0.983, TLI = 0.978, SRMR = 0.021, and RMSEA = 0.079). The scale exhibited satisfactory convergent validity and discriminant validity. The significant correlation of these factors with the Grit scale provided strong evidence of criterion-related validity. Measurement invariance analysis indicated that the scale performed consistently across different sex and birthplaces. Three limitations and corresponding recommendations were discussed, including sample heterogeneity, the lack of a unified test result as a criterion for predictive validity, and the cross-sectional design of the study. In conclusion, the DGSCAS is a practical and validated instrument that can be used to assess the level of grit among college athletic students in an educational context.
Association between pre-treatment computed tomography findings and post-treatment persistent decrease in lung perfusion blood volume
Authors: Hirata Tetsuhiro , Yoshimura Norihiko , Yagi Takuya , Yamazaki Motohiko , Horii Yosuke , Ishikawa Hiroyuki
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this study was to evaluate pre-treatment CT findings in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) and determine the imaging findings associated with residual hypoperfused segments in post-treatment lung perfused blood volume (LPBV). We evaluated 91 patients with acute PE who underwent dual-energy CT before and after treatment. The location of thrombi (proximal or distal) and patency of the pulmonary artery (occlusive or non-occlusive) were recorded using pre-treatment computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA). Residual hypoperfusion was defined as a perfusion-decreased area seen in both the pre- and post-treatment LPBVs. The association of the location of the thrombus and vascular patency of pre-treatment CTPA with residual hypoperfusion on a segmental and patient basis was examined. In the segment-based analysis, the proportion of residual hypoperfusion in the proximal group was significantly higher than that in the peripheral group (33/125 [26.4%] vs. 9/87 [10.3%], P = 0.004). Patient-based analysis also showed that the proportion of residual hypoperfusion in patients with pre-treatment proximal thrombus was significantly higher than those without (16/42 [38.1%] vs. 3/25 (12.0%); P = 0.022). Pre-treatment vascular patency was not significantly associated with residual hypoperfusion (P > 0.05). Therefore, careful follow-up is necessary, especially in patients with proximal thrombi.
Dynamic safety information modeling of underground cavern groups in the entire construction process
Authors: Ankui Hu , Mengkun Wu , Bo Zhong , Rui Zhao , Haizhen Li
Published: May 2024

The construction of underground cavern groups represents a particularly challenging task in current subsurface engineering due to a multitude of variable and often unknown factors, including diverse geological conditions. This study introduces a four-dimensional spatiotemporal model and formulates a dynamic safety information model for these underground systems. Developed using C# and Python, the model integrates the finite element analysis software ABAQUS and Microsoft SQL Server database. The framework allows for real-time visual management of monitoring data, dynamic coupling of construction phases with safety metrics, and continual updates correlating with construction progress. The theoretical findings offer valuable insights for enhancing the safety and efficiency of underground cavern group construction while also supplying methods for real-time safety feedback and control throughout the construction process.
Excitable dynamics driven by mechanical feedback in biological tissues
Authors: Pérez-Verdugo Fernanda , Banks Samuel , Banerjee Shiladitya
Published: May 2024

Pulsatory activity patterns, driven by mechanochemical feedback, are prevalent in many biological systems. However, the role of cellular mechanics and geometry in the propagation of pulsatory signals remains poorly understood. Here we present a theoretical framework to elucidate the mechanical origin and regulation of pulsatile activity patterns within excitable multicellular tissues. We show that a simple mechanical feedback at the level of individual cells – activation of contractility upon stretch and subsequent inactivation upon turnover of active elements – is sufficient to explain the emergence of quiescent states, long-range wave propagation, and traveling activity pulse at the tissue-level. We find that the transition between a propagating pulse and a wave is driven by the competition between timescales associated with cellular mechanical response and geometrical disorder in the tissue. This sheds light on the fundamental role of cell packing geometry on tissue excitability and spatial propagation of activity patterns.
Acting without considering personal costs signals trustworthiness in helpers but not punishers
Authors: Engeler Nicole C. , Raihani Nichola J.
Published: May 2024

Third-party punishment and helping can signal trustworthiness, but the interpretation of deliberation may vary: uncalculated help signals trustworthiness, but this may not hold for punishment. Using online experiments, we measured how deliberation over personal costs and impacts to targets affected the trustworthiness of helpers and punishers. We expected that personal cost-checking punishers and helpers would be trusted less. Conversely, impact deliberation was expected to increase the perceived trustworthiness of punishers but not helpers. Replicating previous work, we found that refraining from checking the personal cost of helping signals trustworthiness (although evidence for observers trusting uncalculating over calculating helpers was mixed). This did not extend to punishment: only uncalculating non-punishers were more trustworthy than cost-checking non-punishers. Impact deliberation results were mixed: deliberation affected the trust and trustworthiness of non-helpers more than helpers and no conclusive results were found for punishment. These results show that deliberation differentially affects assessments of those who help or punish others.
Automated approaches, reaction parameterisation, and data science in organometallic chemistry and catalysis: towards improving synthetic chemistry and accelerating mechanistic understanding
Authors: Smith Stuart C. , Horbaczewskyj Christopher S. , Tanner Theo F. N. , Walder Jacob J. , Fairlamb Ian J. S.
Published: May 2024

This review discusses the use of automation for organometallic reactions to generate rich datasets and, with statistical analysis and reaction component parameterisation, how organometallic reaction mechanisms can be probed to gain understanding.
Correction: Spin-dependent transport and spin transfer torque in a borophene-based spin valve
Authors: Nikan Erfan , Kordbacheh Amirhossein Ahmadkhan
Published: May 2024

Correction for ‘Spin-dependent transport and spin transfer torque in a borophene-based spin valve’ by Erfan Nikan et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2024, 26, 6782–6793, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CP04742C.
Two conjectures on 3D Voronoi structures: a toolkit with biomedical case studies
Authors: Todd Lucy , Chin Matthew H. W. , Coppens Marc-Olivier
Published: May 2024

Voronoi structures can model a wide variety of environments, but their unique design requirements hamper their efficient creation. This work introduces four, accurate equations, including two new conjectures that greatly increase this efficiency.
Functionalized graphene oxide by 4-amino-3-hydroxy-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid as a heterogeneous nanocatalyst for the one-pot synthesis of tetraketone and tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran derivatives under green conditions
Authors: Gharghish Sara , Dekamin Mohammad G. , Banakar Sepideh Hasanzadeh
Published: May 2024

4-Amino-3-hydroxy-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid-functionalized graphene oxide (GO-ANSA) was prepared and used as a highly efficient and reusable solid acid carbocatalyst for synthesis of tetraketone as well as tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran derivatives.
Endothelin and the tumor microenvironment: a finger in every pie
Authors: Arndt Philipp F. , Turkowski Kati , Cekay Michael J. , Eul Bastian , Grimminger Friedrich , Savai Rajkumar
Published: May 2024

The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a central role in the development of cancer. Within this complex milieu, the endothelin (ET) system plays a key role by triggering epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, causing degradation of the extracellular matrix and modulating hypoxia response, cell proliferation, composition, and activation. These multiple effects of the ET system on cancer progression have prompted numerous preclinical studies targeting the ET system with promising results, leading to considerable optimism for subsequent clinical trials. However, these clinical trials have not lived up to the high expectations; in fact, the clinical trials have failed to demonstrate any substantiated benefit of targeting the ET system in cancer patients. This review discusses the major and recent advances of the ET system with respect to TME and comments on past and ongoing clinical trials of the ET system.
Expected performance of the Pyramid wavefront sensor with a laser guide star for 40 m class telescopes
Authors: Oyarzún F. , Chambouleyron V. , Neichel B. , Fusco T. , Guesalaga A.
Published: May 2024

Context. The use of artificial laser guide stars (LGS) is planned for the new generation of giant segmented mirror telescopes in order to extend the sky coverage of their adaptive optics systems. The LGS, being a 3D object at a finite distance, will have a large elongation that will affect its use with the Shack–Hartmann (SH) wavefront sensor.

Aims. In this paper, we compute the expected performance for a Pyramid WaveFront Sensor (PWFS) using an LGS for a 40 m telescope affected by photon noise, and also extend the analysis to a flat 2D object as reference.

Methods. We developed a new way to discretize the LGS, and a new, faster method of propagating the light for any Fourier filtering wavefront sensors (FFWFS) when using extended objects. We present the use of a sensitivity model to predict the performance of a closed-loop adaptive optic system. We optimized a point-source-calibrated interaction matrix to accommodate the signal of an extended object by computing optical gains using a convolutional model.

Results. We find that the sensitivity drop, given the size of the extended laser source, is large enough to make the system operate in a low-performance regime given the expected return flux of the LGS. The width of the laser beam is identified as the limiting factor, rather than the thickness of the sodium layer. Even an ideal, flat LGS will have a drop in performance due to the flux of the LGS, and small variations in the return flux will result in large variations in performance.

Conclusions. We conclude that knife-edge-like wavefront sensors, such as the PWFS, are not recommended for use with LGS for a 40 m telescope, as they will operate in a low-performance regime, given the size of the extended object.
Role of magnetic fields in disc galaxies: spiral arm instability
Authors: Arora Raghav , Federrath Christoph , Banerjee Robi , Körtgen Bastian
Published: May 2024

Context. Regularly spaced star-forming regions along the spiral arms of nearby galaxies provide insight into the early stages and initial conditions of star formation. The regular separation of these star-forming regions suggests spiral arm instability as their origin.

Aims. We explore the effects of magnetic fields on the spiral arm instability.

Methods. We use 3D global magnetohydrodynamical simulations of isolated spiral galaxies, comparing three different initial plasma β values (ratios of the thermal to magnetic pressure) of β = ∞, 50, and 10. We perform a Fourier analysis to calculate the separation of the over-dense regions that formed as a result of the spiral instability. We then compare the separations with observations.

Results. We find that the spiral arms in the hydro case (β = ∞) are unstable. The fragments are initially connected by gas streams that are reminiscent of the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability. For β = 50, the spiral arms also fragment, but the fragments separate earlier and tend to be slightly elongated in the direction perpendicular to the spiral arms. However, in the β = 10 run, the arms are stabilised against fragmentation by magnetic pressure. Despite the difference in the initial magnetic field strengths of the β = 50 and 10 runs, the magnetic field is amplified to βarm ∼ 1 inside the spiral arms for both runs. The spiral arms in the unstable cases (hydro and β = 50) fragment into regularly spaced over-dense regions. We determine their separation to be ∼0.5 kpc in the hydro and ∼0.65 kpc in the β = 50 case. These two values agree with the observed values found in nearby galaxies. We find a smaller median characteristic wavelength of the over-densities along the spiral arms of 0.73−0.36+0.31 kpc in the hydro case compared to 0.98−0.46+0.49 kpc in the β = 50 case. Moreover, we find a higher growth rate of the over-densities in the β = 50 run compared to the hydro run. We observe magnetic hills and valleys along the fragmented arms in the β = 50 run, which is characteristic of the Parker instability.
Toward the measurement of neutrino masses: Performance of cosmic magnification with submillimeter galaxies
Authors: Cueli M. M. , Cabo S. R. , González-Nuevo J. , Bonavera L. , Lapi A. , Viel M. , Crespo D. , Casas J. M. , Fernández-Fernández R.
Published: May 2024

Context. The phenomenon of magnification bias can induce a non-negligible angular correlation between two samples of galaxies with nonoverlapping redshift distributions. This signal is particularly clear when background submillimeter galaxies are used, and has been shown to constitute an independent cosmological probe.

Aims. This work extends prior studies on the submillimeter galaxy magnification bias to the massive neutrino scenario, with the aim being to assess its sensitivity as a cosmological observable to the sum of neutrino masses.

Methods. The measurements of the angular cross-correlation function between moderate redshift GAMA galaxies and high-redshift submillimeter H-ATLAS galaxies are fit to the weak lensing prediction down to the arcmin scale. The signal is interpreted under the halo model, which is modified to accommodate massive neutrinos. We discuss the impact of the choice of cosmological parametrization on the sensitivity to neutrino masses.

Results. The currently available data on the magnification bias affecting submillimeter galaxies are sensitive to neutrino masses when a cosmological parametrization in terms of the primordial amplitude of the power spectrum (As) is chosen over the local root mean square of smoothed linear density perturbations (σ8). A clear upper limit on the sum of neutrino masses can be derived if the value of As is either fixed or assigned a narrow Gaussian prior, a behavior that is robust against changes to the chosen value.
Long-term evolution of binary orbits induced by circumbinary disks
Authors: Valli Ruggero , Tiede Christopher , Vigna-Gómez Alejandro , Cuadra Jorge , Siwek Magdalena , Ma Jing-Ze , D’Orazio Daniel J. , Zrake Jonathan , de Mink Selma E.
Published: May 2024

Circumbinary disks are found in a variety of astrophysical scenarios, spanning binary star formation to accreting supermassive black hole binaries. Depending on the characteristics of the system, the interaction with a circumbinary disk can either damp or excite the binary’s eccentricity and can also widen or shrink the orbit. To predict the outcome of the long-term disk-binary interaction, we present a new formalism based on the results of recent suites of hydrodynamic simulations, which resolve the complex geometry of the gas in the vicinity of the binary and fully account for the gravitational and accretion forces. We released a python package, spindler, that implements our model. We show that – under the assumed thin disk model with a fixed thickness and viscosity prescription – accretion onto the binary depletes the disk mass before inducing a significant change in the orbital separation or the mass ratio, unless the mass reservoir feeding the disk is comparable to the mass of the binary. This finding implies that, in most scenarios, an interaction with a circumbinary disk is not an efficient mechanism to shrink the orbit of the binary. However, the interaction can excite the eccentricity up to an equilibrium value, and induce a statistical correlation between the mass ratio and eccentricity, as long as the mass of the disk is at least a few percent of the mass of the binary. We consider the applicability of our model to a variety of astrophysical scenarios: during star formation, in evolved stellar binaries, triples, and in supermassive black hole binaries. We discuss the theoretical and observational implications of our predictions.
Spectral similarities in galaxies through an unsupervised classification of spaxels
Authors: Chambon H. J. , Fraix-Burnet D.
Published: May 2024

Aims. We present the first unsupervised classification of spaxels in hyperspectral images of individual galaxies. Classes identify regions by spectral similarity and thus take all the information into account that is contained in the data cubes (spatial and spectral).

Methods. We used Gaussian mixture models in a latent discriminant subspace to find clusters of spaxels. The spectra were corrected for small-scale motions within the galaxy based on emission lines with an automatic algorithm. Our data consist of two MUSE/VLT data cubes of JKB 18 and NGC 1068 and one NIRSpec/JWST data cube of NGC 4151.

Results. Our classes identify many regions that are most often easily interpreted. Most of the 11 classes that we find for JKB 18 are identified as photoionised by stars. Some of them are known H II regions, but we mapped them as extended, with gradients of ionisation intensities. One compact structure has not been reported before, and according to diagnostic diagrams, it might be a planetary nebula or a denser H II region. For NGC 1068, our 16 classes are of active galactic nucleus-type (AGN) or star-forming regions. Their spatial distribution corresponds perfectly to well-known structures such as spiral arms and a ring with giant molecular clouds. A subclassification in the nuclear region reveals several structures and gradients in the AGN spectra. Our unsupervised classification of the MUSE data of NGC 1068 helps visualise the complex interaction of the AGN and the jet with the interstellar medium in a single map. The centre of NGC 4151 is very complex, but our classes can easily be related to ionisation cones, the jet, or H2 emission. We find a new elongated structure that is ionised by the AGN along the N-S axis perpendicular to the jet direction. It is rotated counterclockwise with respect to the axis of the H2 emission.

Conclusions. Our work shows that the unsupervised classification of spaxels takes full advantage of the richness of the information in the data cubes by presenting the spectral and spatial information in a combined and synthetic way.
Radar observation of the new λ-Sculptorid meteor shower
Authors: Janches D. , Bruzzone J. S. , Dawkins E. C. M. , Weryk R. , Carrillo Sanchez J. D. , Egal A. , Stober G. , Hormaechea J. L. , Vida D. , Brunini C.
Published: May 2024

Context. 46P/Wirtanen is a near-Earth comet (NEC) and several previous modeling works had predicted it would produce a meteor shower for the first time on December 12, 2023.

Aims. We report the most comprehensive meteor radar observations of the λ-Sculptorid meteor shower produced by comet 46P/Wirtanen. These measurements are critical to constrain the mass distribution of the particles released by the comet as radars generally detect the smaller particle population of the shower.

Methods. We utilized observations with the Southern Argentina Agile Meteor Radar-Orbital System (SAAMER-OS) ideally located in the southern hemisphere to detect this shower. Since the shower was predicted to produce very slow meteors, we used the same methodology applied for the Arid meteor shower.

Results. As predicted, the shower peak was observed by SAAMER-OS on December 12, 2023 (λ0 = 259.73°) at 0900 UTC, with a Zenithal Hourly Rate (ZHR) peak value of ~2.5 m h−1. Most of the activity of the shower was observed during 2 h between 0730-0930 UTC. The observed mean radiant of the shower in Sun-centered ecliptic coordinates is located at λ − λ0 = 88.9° and β = −36.6°. Our results suggest that the particles detected by SAAMER-OS are in general larger than those for which thermal equilibrium can be assumed (>3 mg) in agreement with the conclusions of previous reports using video observations.
The Milky Way atlas for linear filaments
Authors: Wang Ke , Ge Yifei , Baug Tapas
Published: May 2024

Context. Filamentary structure is important for the ISM and star formation. Galactic distribution of filaments may regulate the star formation rate in the Milky Way. However, interstellar filaments are intrinsically complex, making them difficult to study quantitatively.

Aims. Here we focus on linear filaments, the simplest morphology that can be treated as building blocks of any filamentary structure.

Methods. We present the first catalog of 42 straight-line filaments across the full Galactic plane, identified by clustering of far-IR Herschel HiGAL clumps in position–position–velocity space. We investigated the dynamics along the filaments using molecular line cubes, compared the filaments with Galactic spiral arms, and compared ambient magnetic fields with the filaments’ orientation.

Results. The selected filaments show extreme linearity (> 10), aspect ratio (7–48), and velocity coherence over a length of 3–40 pc (mostly > 10 pc). About one-third of them are associated with spiral arms, but only one is located in the arm center (known as the “skeleton” of the Milky Way). A few of them extend perpendicular to the Galactic plane, and none is located in the Central Molecular Zone (CMZ) near the Galactic center. Along the filaments, prevalent periodic oscillation (both in velocity and density) is consistent with gas flows channeled by the filaments and feeding the clumps that harbor diverse star formation activity. No correlation is found between the filament orientations with Planck measured global magnetic field lines.

Conclusions. This work highlights some of the fundamental properties of molecular filaments and provides a golden sample for follow-up studies on star formation, ISM structure, and Milky Way structure.
Efficacy of various organic and biofertilizer on the growth and yield of Brassica oleracea L. (Cabbage)
Authors: Chanu Khuraijam Panthoi , Agrawal Shubhi , Bopche Vaibhav , Sharma Abha
Published: May 2024

Organic manures and biofertilizers are widely renowned as effective all-encompassing approaches to improving soil quality. They utilise the benefits of organic components such as residual plant waste, compost, and manure. The incorporation of organic matter improves the structure of the soil, encourages microbial activity, and releases nutrients gradually. As a result, the study was carried out to evaluate whether organic manures were suitable for growing cabbage. This study adopted a randomised block design and included six treatments: vermicompost, poultry manure, farm yard manure, vermicompost + azotobacter, poultry manure + azotobacter and a control. The study assessed the cabbage’s growth and yield characteristics, including height of the plant, number of leaves, head diameter, weight, and overall yield. The results of the study demonstrated that cabbage’s growth and yield performance were significantly impacted by the application of organic manures. The highest production was obtained from the vermicompost +azotobacter treatment, which was followed by vermicompost and poultry +azotobacter. The use of organic manures led to considerable improvements in plant weight, height, and head diameter. In conclusion, the study provides useful knowledge on growing cabbage using organic manures. Farmers, legislative leaders, and various other agricultural sector decision-makers could employ the results of the investigation to promote profitable and sustainable cabbage growing techniques.
Conventional and Advanced Packaging and Storage Technology of “Chives” (Allium tuberosum): A Review
Authors: Serena Elangbam , Ningombam Elizabeth , Sonia Kshetrimayum , Verma Anamika
Published: May 2024

The perennial Chives (Allium tuberosum), belonging to the Liliaceae family is typically used as a condiment, vegetable, or spice, salads and soups. It is suitable to tropical and temperate climate. Of all the species of Allium, chives contain the highest amount of betacarotene and vitamin C. The unique flavour and scent of chives are attributed to sulphur compounds, particularly diallyl disulfide and diallyl trisulfide, which have also been investigated for potential anti-inflammatory, anticancer effects and antioxidant properties that serves to prevent oxidative stress and support general health. Even at refrigerated temperatures, these leaves have a very short shelf life. Chives can be successfully preserved for up to 14 days at 0–5 °C. Packing significantly affects how much weight is lost and how much water is retained during storage and the best packaging found as per latest studies is the plastics. This species has the potential to be commercialized in order to augment the production of onions and garlic in various regions of India, particularly given the current unstable climate. This is because of the species broader adaptability and multifunctional usage.