bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Echocardiographic Evaluation of Cardiac Remodeling after FET
Authors: Meissl Domenic , Kreibich Maximilian , Czerny Martin , Kletzer Joseph , Eschenhagen Matthias , Kondov Stoyan , Rylski Bartosz , Gottardi Roman , Berger Tim
Published: September 2024

Background This study aimed to investigate if frozen elephant trunk (FET) implantation leads to negative cardiac remodeling in dissection and non-dissection patients and to determine whether there are differences when FET is implanted as an aortic redo procedure or initially.

Methods Between March 2013 and April 2022, 148 patients received FET without any concomitant procedures and therefore formed our cohort. One hundred and four were treated for dissecting and 44 for non-dissecting pathologies. Eighty-four received FET initially and 64 as an aortic redo procedure. Data were collected retrospectively using our center's dedicated aortic database as well as transthoracic echocardiographic reports of our cardiologists.

Results In the first weeks after FET implantation, dissection and non-dissection patients show a significant increase of mild valvular insufficiencies—a significant decrease of ejection fraction is only seen in dissection patients but these changes do not stay significant during later follow-up. Patients who receive FET as an aortic redo procedure tend to have significantly larger left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic diameters and higher LV masses, however, in longitudinal analysis, there were no long-term negative effects in patients who received FET initially or as aortic redo.

Conclusion In the first 2 years after implantation, FET has no echocardiographically measurable effect regarding negative cardiac remodeling in dissection and non-dissection patients, independent of the fact it is implanted initially or as an aortic redo procedure.
An exploration of biosensors: past, present, and future
Authors: Daniel Hannah
Published: September 2024

Biosensors are a fundamental tool in research and have promising future applications in health care.
Computational investigation of both geometric and fluidic compressible turbulent thrust vectoring, using a Coanda based nozzle
Authors: Nayebi Alireza , Taeibi Rahni Mohammad
Published: September 2024

This study addresses the challenge of enhancing aircraft maneuverability, particularly for vertical landing and takeoff, focusing on the fluidic aerial Coanda high efficiency orienting jet nozzle that employs the Coanda effect to achieve thrust vectoring. This research advances understanding of the interplay between geometric and fluidic factors in thrust vectoring. Stationary, turbulent, and compressible flow conditions are assumed, employing Favre-averaged Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes approach with the standard k-ε model. Computational solutions were obtained using a pressure-based finite volume method and a structured computational grid. The key findings include thrust vectoring enhancement due to an increase in the total mass flow rate, septum position (at no shock wave-related issues), and Reynolds number. In addition, shock wave formation (at specific mass flow rates and septum positions) considerably affects thrust vectoring. These insights are crucial for optimizing Coanda-based nozzle design in advanced propulsion systems, including in unmanned aircraft vehicles.
Chip-scale sub-Doppler atomic spectroscopy enabled by a metasurface integrated photonic emitter
Authors: Yulaev Alexander , Ropp Chad , Kitching John , Aksyuk Vladimir A. , Hummon Matthew T.
Published: September 2024

We demonstrate chip-scale sub-Doppler spectroscopy in an integrated and fiber-coupled photonic-metasurface device. The device is a stack of three planar components: a photonic mode expanding grating emitter circuit with a monolithically integrated tilt-compensating dielectric metasurface, a microfabricated atomic vapor cell, and a mirror. The metasurface photonic circuit efficiently emits a 130 μm wide (1/e2 diameter) collimated surface-normal beam with only −6.3 dB loss and couples the reflected beam back into the waveguide and connecting fiber, requiring no alignment between the stacked components. We develop a simple model based on light propagation through the photonic device to interpret the atomic spectroscopy signals and explain spectral features covering the full Rb hyperfine state manifold. The demonstration of waveguide-to-waveguide coupling through the vapor cell paves the way for atomic ensembles to be used as components in complex photonic integrated circuits, allowing the unique properties of atomic systems to be available for future highly miniaturized optical devices and systems.
Toward 3D magnetic force microscopy: Simultaneous torsional cantilever excitation to access a second, orthogonal stray field component
Authors: Schmidt Jori F. , Eng Lukas M. , Seddon Samuel D.
Published: September 2024

Magnetic force microscopy (MFM) is long established as a powerful tool for probing the local stray fields of magnetic nanostructures across a range of temperatures and applied stimuli. A major drawback of the technique, however, is that the detection of stray fields emanating from a sample’s surface rely on a uniaxial vertical cantilever oscillation, and thus are only sensitive to vertically oriented stray field components. The last two decades have shown an ever-increasing literature fascination for exotic topological windings where particular attention to in-plane magnetic moment rotation is highly valuable when identifying and understanding such systems. Here, we present a method of detecting in-plane magnetic stray field components, by utilizing a split-electrode excitation piezo that allows the simultaneous excitation of a cantilever at its fundamental flexural and torsional modes. This allows for the joint acquisition of traditional vertical mode images and a lateral MFM where the tip–cantilever system is only sensitive to stray fields acting perpendicular to the torsional axis of the cantilever.
Ionic species representations for materials informatics
Authors: Onwuli Anthony , Butler Keith T. , Walsh Aron
Published: September 2024

High-dimensional representations of the elements have become common within the field of materials informatics to build useful, structure-agnostic models for the chemistry of materials. However, the characteristics of elements change when they adopt a given oxidation state, with distinct structural preferences and physical properties. We explore several methods for developing embedding vectors of elements decorated with oxidation states. Graphs generated from 110 160 crystals are used to train representations of 84 elements that form 336 species. Clustering these learned representations of ionic species in low-dimensional space reproduces expected chemical heuristics, particularly the separation of cations from anions. We show that these representations have enhanced expressive power for property prediction tasks involving inorganic compounds. We expect that ionic representations, necessary for the description of mixed valence and complex magnetic systems, will support more powerful machine learning models for materials.
TEM investigation of the interface formation during transfer of 3C-SiC(001) layer onto 6H-SiC(0001) wafer
Authors: Myasoedov A. V. , Mynbaeva M. G. , Lebedev S. P. , Priobrazhenskii S. Iu. , Amelchuk D. G. , Kirilenko D. A. , Lebedev A. A.
Published: September 2024

At present, intensive research is underway in the field of vacuum-sublimation growth of 3C-SiC. Transfer of a thin (001)3C-SiC layer onto a 6H-SiC wafer is a promising way to fabricate a 3C-SiC/6H-SiC substrate for growing device-quality homoepitaxial films of low defect density. The article presents the results of the structural characterization of an interface formed during the transfer of a 3C-SiC layer onto a 6H-SiC(0001) wafer, performed with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A 3C-SiC film with a thickness of about 10 μm, grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on a Si(001) substrate, was utilized in the study. Silicon acted as a bonding material in the transfer process. The morphology and microstructure of the interface between a 6H-SiC substrate and a 3C-SiC (001)-oriented layer are under consideration. TEM investigation reveals an effect of “self”-orientation of the layer with respect to the wafer during the transfer process: an interaction between the molten silicon layer and silicon carbide throughout crystallization results in the generation of defined orientation relationships with respect to substrate axes. An analysis of selected area electron diffraction patterns taken from interfaces showed the relationships to be 3C-SiC{001}‖ 6H-SiC(0001) and 3C-SiC⟨11¯0⟩∼‖ 6H-SiC⟨112¯0⟩.
Investigation of transient extreme events in a mutually coupled star network of theoretical Brusselator system
Authors: Manivelan S. V. , Sabarathinam S. , Thamilmaran K. , Manimehan I.
Published: September 2024

In this article, we present evidence of a distinct class of extreme events that occur during the transient chaotic state within network modeling using the Brusselator with a mutually coupled star network. We analyze the phenomenon of transient extreme events in the network by focusing on the lifetimes of chaotic states. These events are identified through the finite-time Lyapunov exponent and quantified using threshold and statistical methods, including the probability distribution function (PDF), generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution, and return period plots. We also evaluate the transitions of these extreme events by examining the average synchronization error and the system’s energy function. Our findings, validated across networks of various sizes, demonstrate consistent patterns and behaviors, contributing to a deeper understanding of transient extreme events in complex networks.
Eutrophication weakens the positive biodiversity–productivity relationship of benthic diatoms in plateau lakes
Authors: Zhang Yun , Zhao Yihan , Li Yanling , Wu Xiaodong , Soininen Janne , Wang Jun
Published: September 2024

Context Freshwater primary productivity is threatened by the decline in biodiversity associated with nutrient enrichment, but there is still uncertainty about how the biodiversity and productivity relationship (BPR) varies with the trophic states. Aims We aimed to examine the variation of benthic diatom BPRs in three plateau lakes with different trophic states and their underlying driving mechanisms. Methods We examined the relationship between diatom taxonomic and functional diversity, niche width, and niche overlap with productivity. Key results The taxonomic and functional diversity, niche width and productivity of benthic diatoms were highest in the mesotrophic lake. The benthic diatom BPRs were linear and positive, with the slope of BPRs being the lowest in eutrophic lake. Motile, non-attached and small-sized diatoms were dominant in eutrophic lake. Nutrient concentrations indirectly affected primary productivity by influencing algal community structure, niche width and biodiversity change. Conclusions Diatom productivity and diversity showed a positive relationship, but nutrient enrichment weakened this relationship. By combining taxonomic and functional diversity indices, supplemented by niche analysis, we can further understand the variation of diatom productivity. Implications The results provide a basis for predicting the changes in BPRs of benthic diatoms in the littoral zone with different trophic states.
Revisiting the four Hexapoda classes: Protura as the sister group to all other hexapods
Authors: Du Shiyu , Tihelka Erik , Yu Daoyuan , Chen Wan-Jun , Bu Yun , Cai Chenyang , Engel Michael S. , Luan Yun-Xia , Zhang Feng
Published: September 2024

Insects represent the most diverse animal group, yet previous phylogenetic analyses based on morphological and molecular data have failed to agree on the evolutionary relationships of early insects and their six-legged relatives (together constituting the clade Hexapoda). In particular, the phylogenetic positions of the three early-diverging hexapod lineages—the coneheads (Protura), springtails (Collembola), and two-pronged bristletails (Diplura)—have been debated for over a century, with alternative topologies implying drastically different scenarios of the evolution of the insect body plan and hexapod terrestrialization. We addressed this issue by sampling all hexapod orders and experimenting with a broad range of across-site compositional heterogeneous models designed to tackle ancient divergences. Our analyses support Protura as the earliest-diverging hexapod lineage (“Protura-sister”) and Collembola as a sister group to Diplura, a clade corresponding to the original composition of Entognatha, and characterized by the shared possession of internal muscles in the antennal flagellum. The previously recognized ‘Elliplura’ hypothesis is recovered only under the site-homogeneous substitution models with partial supermatrices. Our cross-validation analysis shows that the site-heterogeneous CAT-GTR model, which recovers “Protura-sister,” fits significantly better than homogeneous models. Furthermore, the morphologically unusual Protura are also supported as the earliest-diverging hexapod lineage by other lines of evidence, such as mitogenomes, comparative embryology, and sperm morphology, which produced results similar to those in this study. Our backbone phylogeny of hexapods will facilitate the exploration of the underpinnings of hexapod terrestrialization and megadiversity.
Diffraction tomography for incident Herglotz waves
Authors: Kirisits Clemens , Naujoks Noemi , Scherzer Otmar , Yang Huidong
Published: September 2024

Diffraction tomography (DT) is an inverse scattering technique used to reconstruct the spatial distribution of the material properties of a weakly scattering object. The object is exposed to radiation, typically light or ultrasound, and the scattered waves induced from different incident field angles are recorded. In conventional DT, the incident wave is assumed to be a monochromatic plane wave, an unrealistic simplification in practical imaging scenarios. In this article, we extend conventional DT by introducing the concept of customized illumination scenarios, with a pronounced emphasis on imaging with focused beams. More specifically, we consider incident Herglotz waves and extend the classical Fourier diffraction theorem to this setting. This yields a new two-step reconstruction process which we comprehensively evaluate through numerical experiments.
Ultrathin metal-dielectric planar interface for high-performance photonic spin Hall effect
Authors: Baitha Monu Nath , Im Jonghyeok , Chun Heoung-Jae , Kim Kyoungsik
Published: September 2024

This study explores the photonic spin Hall effect (PSHE) with a focus on its sensitivity to incident wave polarization and physical parameter variations. Traditionally, surface plasmonic resonance (SPR) systems mainly enhance H-polarized PSHE. However, our proposed method involves an ultrathin metal layer, capped with a glass dielectric layer on a glass substrate, to achieve high-performance PSHE for both H- and V-polarization waves. This high-performance PSHE in terms of enhancement in PSHE magnitudes arises from the simultaneous presence of SPR and waveguiding effects, resulting in the emergence of hybrid transverse electric and transverse magnetic modes. Investigating Au and Ag ultrathin metal layers, we find that the highest H-polarized PSHE occurs at

∼

1.52
×

10
6

nm and

∼

2.05
×

10
5

nm for Au and Ag, respectively. Similarly, for V-polarized incident light, maximum enhanced PSHE is observed at

∼

1.58
×

10
5

nm and

∼

9.48
×

10
4

nm for Au and Ag, respectively. By adjusting the thickness of the metal and/or glass cap layer, precise control over PSHE amplitude and active polarization response is achievable. This research unveils unique capabilities for generating hybrid modes that enhance PSHE for both polarizations, offering a potential platform for developing tunable polarization-favorable spin optics optoelectronic devices.
Accommodating the LHC charged Higgs boson excess at 130 GeV in the general two-Higgs doublet model
Authors: Arhrib Abdesslam , Krab Mohamed , Semlali Souad
Published: September 2024

Charged Higgs bosons are common predictions in most extensions of the Standard Model Higgs sector. Therefore, their observation would elucidate the nature of the Higgs sector. Motivated by the ATLAS collaboration’s latest analysis performed with 139 fb−1 of Run 2 data intended to search for charged Higgs boson, produced in top quark decay and subsequently decaying via H
± → cb, where an excess with a local significance of 3σ is observed at

m

H

±

=
130

GeV

, we discuss here the possibility of explaining such excess in the context of the general Two-Higgs Doublet Model (2HDM type-III), after satisfying all theoretical and up-to-date experimental constraints. We also propose phenomenological scenarios to further explore the mass region around 130 GeV in the four Yukawa types of the 2HDM type-III and suggest alternative decay channel H
± → cs and/or H
± → W
±∗
h to probe the nature of the observed excess (if it is not a statistical fluctuation). Future searches for H
± will be critical in confirming or refuting the first hint of a light charged Higgs boson at the large hadron collider.
Serum-derived protein coronas affect nanoparticle interactions with brain cells
Authors: Morshed Nabila , Rennie Claire , Deng Wei , Collins-Praino Lyndsey , Care Andrew
Published: September 2024

Neuronanomedicine is an emerging field bridging the gap between neuromedicine and novel nanotherapeutics. Despite promise, clinical translation of neuronanomedicine remains elusive, possibly due to a dearth of information regarding the effect of the protein corona on these neuronanomedicines. The protein corona, a layer of proteins adsorbed to nanoparticles following exposure to biological fluids, ultimately determines the fate of nanoparticles in biological systems, dictating nanoparticle–cell interactions. To date, few studies have investigated the effect of the protein corona on interactions with brain-derived cells, an important consideration for the development of neuronanomedicines. Here, two polymeric nanoparticles, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and PLGA-polyethylene glycol (PLGA-PEG), were used to obtain serum-derived protein coronas. Protein corona characterization and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry analysis revealed distinct differences in biophysical properties and protein composition. PLGA protein coronas contained high abundance of globins (60%) and apolipoproteins (21%), while PLGA-PEG protein coronas contained fewer globins (42%) and high abundance of protease inhibitors (28%). Corona coated PLGA nanoparticles were readily internalized into microglia and neuronal cells, but not into astrocytes. Internalization of nanoparticles was associated with pro-inflammatory cytokine release and decreased neuronal cell viability, however, viability was rescued in cells treated with corona coated nanoparticles. These results showcase the importance of the protein corona in mediating nanoparticle–cell interactions.
Tracking complex singularities of fluids on log-lattices
Authors: Pikeroen Quentin , Barral Amaury , Costa Guillaume , Campolina Ciro , Mailybaev Alexei , Dubrulle Berengere
Published: September 2024

In 1981, Frisch and Morf (1981 Phys. Rev. A 23 2673–705) postulated the existence of complex singularities in solutions of Navier–Stokes equations. Present progress on this conjecture is hindered by the computational burden involved in simulations of the Euler equations or the Navier–Stokes equations at high Reynolds numbers. We investigate this conjecture in the case of fluid dynamics on log-lattices, where the computational burden is logarithmic concerning ordinary fluid simulations. We analyze properties of potential complex singularities in both 1D and 3D models for lattices of different spacings. Dominant complex singularities are tracked using the singularity strip method to obtain new scalings regarding the approach to the real axis and the influence of normal, hypo and hyper dissipation.
Prior-image-based low-dose CT reconstruction for adaptive radiation therapy
Authors: Xu Yao , Wang Jiazhou , Hu Weigang
Published: September 2024

Objective. The study aims to reduce the imaging radiation dose in Adaptive Radiotherapy (ART) while maintaining high-quality CT images, critical for effective treatment planning and monitoring. Approach. We developed the Prior-aware Learned Primal-Dual Network (pLPD-UNet), which uses prior CT images to enhance reconstructions from low-dose scans. The network was separately trained on thorax and abdomen datasets to accommodate the unique imaging requirements of each anatomical region. Main results. The pLPD-UNet demonstrated improved reconstruction accuracy and robustness in handling sparse data compared to traditional methods. It effectively maintained image quality essential for precise organ delineation and dose calculation, while achieving a significant reduction in radiation exposure. Significance. This method offers a significant advancement in the practice of ART by integrating prior imaging data, potentially setting a new standard for balancing radiation safety with the need for high-resolution imaging in cancer treatment planning.
Towards a fully automatic workflow for investigating the dynamics of lung cancer cachexia during radiotherapy using cone beam computed tomography
Authors: Daenen Lars H B A , van de Worp Wouter R P H , Rezaeifar Behzad , de Bruijn Joël , Qiu Peiyu , Webster Justine M , Peeters Stéphanie , De Ruysscher Dirk , Langen Ramon C J , Wolfs Cecile J A , Verhaegen Frank
Published: September 2024

Objective. Cachexia is a devastating condition, characterized by involuntary loss of muscle mass with or without loss of adipose tissue mass. It affects more than half of patients with lung cancer, diminishing treatment effects and increasing mortality. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, routinely acquired during radiotherapy treatment, might contain valuable anatomical information for monitoring body composition changes associated with cachexia. For this purpose, we propose an automatic artificial intelligence (AI)-based workflow, consisting of CBCT to CT conversion, followed by segmentation of pectoralis muscles. Approach. Data from 140 stage III non-small cell lung cancer patients was used. Two deep learning models, cycle-consistent generative adversarial network (CycleGAN) and contrastive unpaired translation (CUT), were used for unpaired training of CBCT to CT conversion, to generate synthetic CT (sCT) images. The no-new U-Net (nnU-Net) model was used for automatic pectoralis muscle segmentation. To evaluate tissue segmentation performance in the absence of ground truth labels, an uncertainty metric (UM) based on Monte Carlo dropout was developed and validated. Main results. Both CycleGAN and CUT restored the Hounsfield unit fidelity of the CBCT images compared to the planning CT (pCT) images and visually reduced streaking artefacts. The nnU-Net model achieved a Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of 0.93, 0.94, 0.92 for the CT, sCT and CBCT images, respectively, on an independent test set. The UM showed a high correlation with DSC with a correlation coefficient of −0.84 for the pCT dataset and −0.89 for the sCT dataset. Significance. This paper shows a proof-of-concept for automatic AI-based monitoring of the pectoralis muscle area of lung cancer patients during radiotherapy treatment based on CBCT images, which provides an unprecedented time resolution of muscle mass loss during cachexia progression. Ultimately, the proposed workflow could provide valuable information for early intervention of cachexia, ideally resulting in improved cancer treatment outcome.
Characterizing anomalous peaks in the resistance–temperature profile of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+
δ flakes featuring surface degeneration
Authors: Zhang Huili , Tian Wanghao
Published: September 2024

This study focuses on an observed anomalous resistance peak in the temperature-dependent resistance (RT) curves of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ
(BSCCO), attributed to surface degradation and pronounced electrical resistance anisotropy. Employing a standard four-point probe technique on the ab-plane, this research circumvents conventional c-axis testing limitations, enhancing the understanding of BSCCO’s electrical behavior by avoiding contact resistance and etching issues. A comprehensive three-dimensional model, developed using the finite element method, captures the strong resistive anisotropy and correlates the depth of surface degradation with the anomalous resistance peaks, explaining this phenomenon from a quantitative perspective, providing a more specific reference for future analysis of relevant signals. The fabrication process involved pre-patterning and mechanical exfoliation techniques to minimize atmospheric exposure and ensure device integrity. Despite these efforts, surface degradation impacting the superconductivity of surface layers was inevitable. The study’s experimental results, complemented by numerical modeling, reveal the intricate relationship between surface layer thickness and the anomalous resistance peak, providing an approach to gauge the extent of degradation in BSCCO devices. Moreover, it underscores the potential necessity of employing some critical techniques to avoid degradation, such as low-temperature exfoliation in other literatures where degradation signal is notably absent from RT curves. This work advances the understanding of BSCCO’s electrical properties and highlights the critical need for precise fabrication and environmental controls in developing high-temperature superconducting technologies.
Design requirements for human UHF magnets from the perspective of MRI scientists
Authors: Ladd Mark E , Quick Harald H , Scheffler Klaus , Speck Oliver
Published: September 2024

The highest magnetic field strength for human-sized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) currently lies at 11.7 tesla. Given the opportunities for enhanced sensitivity and improved data quality at higher static magnetic fields, several initiatives around the world are pursuing the implementation of further human MRI systems at or above 11.7 tesla. In general, members of the magnetic resonance (MR) research community are not experts on magnet technology. However, the magnet is the technological heart of any MR system, and the MRI community is challenging the magnet research and design community to fulfill the current engineering gap in implementing large-bore, highly homogeneous and stabile magnets at field strengths that go beyond the performance capability of niobium–titanium. In this article, we present an overview of magnet design for such systems from the perspective of MR scientists. The underlying motivation and need for higher magnetic fields are briefly introduced, and system design considerations for the magnet as well as for the MRI subsystems such as the gradients, the shimming arrangement, and the radiofrequency hardware are presented. Finally, important limitations to higher magnetic fields from physiological considerations are described, operating under the assumption that any engineering or economic barriers to realizing such systems will be overcome.
Robustness of optimal quantum annealing protocols
Authors: Funcke Niklas , Berberich Julian
Published: September 2024

Noise in quantum computing devices poses a key challenge in their realization. In this paper, we study the robustness of optimal quantum annealing (QA) protocols against coherent control errors, which are multiplicative Hamiltonian errors causing detrimental effects on current quantum devices. We show that the norm of the Hamiltonian quantifies the robustness against these errors, motivating the introduction of an additional regularization term in the cost function. We analyze the optimality conditions of the resulting robust quantum optimal control problem based on Pontryagin’s maximum principle, showing that robust protocols admit larger smooth annealing sections. This suggests that QA admits improved robustness in comparison to bang-bang solutions such as the quantum approximate optimization algorithm. Finally, we perform numerical simulations to verify our analytical results and demonstrate the improved robustness of the proposed approach.
Steered quantum coherence and entropic uncertainty relation in the cluster Ising model
Authors: Ye Biao-Liang , Wu Qi-Cheng , Guo Bao-Qing , Zhao Jun-Long , Fang Yu-Liang , Zhou Yan-Hui
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we investigate the cluster Ising model (CIM) via steered quantum coherence (SQC) and entropic uncertainty relation (EUR). We present the behavior of SQC quantified by the L1 norm, relative entropy and quantum Jensen–Shannon divergence. We also demonstrate the properties of EUR in the CIM. In addition, we provide a comparative analysis of these measures and present detailed numerical results.
DNA Barcoding of the Endemic Freshwater Catfish Encheloclarias tapeinopterus (Bleeker, 1853) (Siluriformes:Clariidae) from Bangka Island, Indonesia
Authors: Valen F S , Alfian R A , Prananda M , Hasmadi M , Gani A , Hasan V
Published: September 2024

Encheloclarias tapeinopterus, an endemic catfish exclusively found in Bangka Island, Indonesia. The population of this species has been observed to be decreasing at an alarming rate, which has resulted in the IUCN Red List classifying it as a species that is vulnerable (VU). During our expedition on the 25th and 26th of January 2023, a total of Two specimens of E. tapeinopterus were collected from Kelumpik River, Pinang Sebatang Village, Central Bangka Regency, Bangka Island, Indonesia. In this groundbreaking study, we proudly present the pioneering documentation of E. tapeinopterus DNA barcoding, focusing on the Cytochrome C oxidase Subunit I (COI) gene. The recorded DNA Barcode of E. tapeinopterus has been officially registered in the Genbank under the accession code OQ281707. By employing DNA barcoding, we offer an advanced and expedient method for precise species identification and discovery, revolutionizing the field of taxonomy. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that E. tapeinopterus forms a distinct clade alongside the Clarias and Heterobranchus genus, shedding light on its evolutionary relationships and genetic affinities.
Research concerning air quality in the vicinity of a public transport stop
Authors: Mustață D M , Ionel R , Ionel I
Published: September 2024

The research focuses on particulate matter and the results of their concentration in open air due to several impact factors like traffic intensity and weather conditions. The result of the 11 days episode measurement is provided in graphics. The study is part of a complex research involving the development of an integrated system for analysing air quality in the vicinity of public transport stops. Also, the number of passengers exposed to levels of poor air quality which are waiting in these stops will be recorded. The authors analysed a road section where future integration and applicability of such a system is presumed to become functional, recording the impact on both passengers and environment.
Comparative evaluation of speed control techniques for switched reluctance motors in industrial applications
Authors: Ismael Dhiyaa Mohammed , Atyia Thamir Hassan
Published: September 2024

This paper offers a thorough summary of the comparative assessment of speed control methods for Switched Reluctance Motors (SRMs) in industrial settings. It is primarily concerned with two topics: optimization methods and PID controller applications. Studies on PID controllers have demonstrated improved speed control performance for SRMs; however, these findings frequently lack real-world validation and comparisons with other approaches. The difficulties with implementation are also covered. Fuzzy logic, evolutionary computation, particle swarm optimization, and genetic algorithms are some of the optimization approaches that have been used to enhance SRM speed control. However, there are still several issues with computational complexity, noise and volatility in parameters and real-time implementation. Numerous research assessed the ways in which different strategies and algorithms decreased torque ripples and controlled speed. However, these comparisons frequently fall short in terms of thoroughness and in-depth talks about real-world difficulties. All things considered, the analysis of the literature indicates a wide variety of approaches and methods for SRM speed control, each with advantages and disadvantages. Subsequent investigations may tackle these constraints, carry out more thorough comparative evaluations, and investigate the viability of actual application in industrial settings.
Energy transitions of declining energy industries: the effect of renewable portfolio standards on the U.S. coal industry
Authors: Graziano Marcello , Michieka Nyakundi , Musso Marta , Fouquet Roger
Published: September 2024

This study examines the influence of renewable portfolio standards (RPS) on coal industry employment and wages in the top 10 U.S. coal-producing states from 2001 to 2018, with a specific focus on the 2003–2009 RPS adoption period. Employing a difference-in-differences methodology and utilizing data encompassing employment, gas prices, and RPS-related MWh at the quarterly level, our findings reveal that RPS had only temporary and minor adverse effects on coal employment. These effects manifested with a delay of up to four quarters but dissipated within two years. Moreover, RPS had no significant impact on state’s coal sector wages.
Land use change and ecosystem service tradeoffs on California agricultural land
Authors: Lenhardt Julia , Egoh B N
Published: September 2024

The need to transition to sustainable agricultural practices while maintaining high food yield and strengthening resilience to climate change cannot be overstated. California farmers have received incentive funding from federal and state agencies to use land management practices that are less impactful to the land and in line with California’s sustainability goals. However, there are no regional monitoring measures to determine whether farming is becoming more sustainable. In this study, we used land cover change analysis and ecosystem services (ES) modeling to understand how farming practices influence environmental benefits on California farmland from 2010 to 2020. We analyzed the tradeoffs between soil erosion control, soil carbon storage, and production of California’s top agricultural commodities, and we compared these changes to changes in land cover in five agricultural regions statewide. We found that the trade-offs in ESs and food production differ depending on the regional context, and that major expansion in almond production and land use changes have had different impacts throughout California. Statewide, soil organic carbon storage increased, soil erosion control increased slightly, and food production boomed for most commodities. Incentive programs that influence farming practices may need to operate at a regional level rather than a statewide level to achieve sustainable outcomes specific to each region.
Introduction
Authors: Peoples Columba
Published: September 2024

This introductory chapter outlines the key interventions made by this book: into concepts of crisis, planetary emergency, and the ‘technopolitics’ of (in)security. To establish and expand upon these concerns, the chapter provides a substantive discussion of what theorizing and analysing technopolitics might be envisaged to entail and why it matters. Later sections of the chapter set out an accompanying methodological framework for analysing what is termed here as the ‘imminent technopolitics of planetary crisis management’. In the process, the chapter also sketches the contours of the book’s proceeding chapters and provides an overview of the ways in which those chapters engage with ‘The Emergence of the Planetary’ in the study of International Relations (IR) and security.
Thinking through Crisis Management
Authors: Peoples Columba
Published: September 2024

While the concept of crisis has, as discussed previously in the book, potentially multiple interpretations and context-specific meanings, this chapter focuses on discussions of and approaches to crisis management as a particularly notable and, arguably, significant subset of modern ‘crisis talk’. Specifically, it seeks to highlight the technopolitics of crisis management and the development of what might broadly be characterized as ‘techno-managerialist’ understandings of how to respond to crises: that is, modes of response that envisage and advocate technologically enabled means of managing or stabilizing crisis ‘scenarios’. As a precursor to later chapters, the discussion here also critically reflects on the ways in which techno-managerialist modes of crisis management might be bound up with the emergence of the planetary—not least in relation to post-World War II thinking on the consequences of the ‘nuclear revolution’ and the ‘crisis of the nation state’.
A dilemma for conferralism
Authors: VanKammen Elizabeth , Rea Michael
Published: September 2024

Conferralism is the view that social properties are neither intrinsic to the things that have them nor possessed simply by virtue of their causal or spatiotemporal relations to other things, but are somehow bestowed (intentionally or not, explicitly or not) upon them by persons who have both the capacity and the standing to bestow them. We argue that conferralism faces a dilemma: either it is viciously circular, or it is limited in scope in a way that undercuts its motivation.
Kssdtree: an interactive Python package for phylogenetic analysis based on sketching technique
Authors: Yang Hang , Lu Xiaoxin , Chang Jiaxing , Chang Qing , Zheng Wen , Chen Zehua , Yi Huiguang
Published: September 2024

Sketching technologies have recently emerged as a promising solution for real-time, large-scale phylogenetic analysis. However, existing sketching-based phylogenetic tools exhibit drawbacks, including platform restrictions, deficiencies in tree visualization, and inherent distance estimation bias. These limitations collectively impede the overall convenience and efficiency of the analysis. In this study, we introduce Kssdtree, an interactive Python package designed to address these challenges. Kssdtree surpasses other sketching-based tools by demonstrating superior performance in terms of both accuracy and time efficiency on comprehensive benchmarking datasets. Notably, Kssdtree offers key advantages such as intra-species phylogenomic analysis and GTDB-based phylogenetic placement analysis, significantly enhancing the scope and depth of phylogenetic investigations. Through extensive evaluations and comparisons, Kssdtree stands out as an efficient and versatile method for real-time, large-scale phylogenetic analysis.

Availability and implementation

The Kssdtree Python package is freely accessible at https://pypi.org/project/kssdtree and source code is available at https://github.com/yhlink/kssdtree. The documentation and instantiation for the software is available at https://kssdtree.readthedocs.io/en/latest. The video tutorial is available at https://youtu.be/_6hg59Yn-Ws.
Age-related differences in human cortical microstructure depend on the distance to the nearest vein
Authors: Knoll Christoph , Doehler Juliane , Northall Alicia , Schreiber Stefanie , Rotta Johanna , Mattern Hendrik , Kuehn Esther
Published: September 2024

Age-related differences in cortical microstructure are used to understand the neuronal mechanisms that underlie human brain ageing. The cerebral vasculature contributes to cortical ageing, but its precise interaction with cortical microstructure is poorly understood. In a cross-sectional study, we combine venous imaging with vessel distance mapping to investigate the interaction between venous distances and age-related differences in the microstructural architecture of the primary somatosensory cortex, the primary motor cortex and additional areas in the frontal cortex as non-sensorimotor control regions. We scanned 18 younger adults and 17 older adults using 7 Tesla MRI to measure age-related changes in longitudinal relaxation time (T1) and quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) values at 0.5 mm isotropic resolution. We modelled different cortical depths using an equi-volume approach and assessed the distance of each voxel to its nearest vein using vessel distance mapping. Our data reveal a dependence of cortical quantitative T1 values and positive QSM values on venous distance. In addition, there is an interaction between venous distance and age on quantitative T1 values, driven by lower quantitative T1 values in older compared to younger adults in voxels that are closer to a vein. Together, our data show that the local venous architecture explains a significant amount of variance in standard measures of cortical microstructure and should be considered in neurobiological models of human brain organisation and cortical ageing.
Neural correlates of retrospective memory confidence during face–name associative learning
Authors: Xu Weiyong , Li Xueqiao , Parviainen Tiina , Nokia Miriam
Published: September 2024

The ability to accurately assess one’s own memory performance during learning is essential for adaptive behavior, but the brain mechanisms underlying this metamemory function are not well understood. We investigated the neural correlates of memory accuracy and retrospective memory confidence in a face–name associative learning task using magnetoencephalography in healthy young adults (n = 32). We found that high retrospective confidence was associated with stronger occipital event-related fields during encoding and widespread event-related fields during retrieval compared to low confidence. On the other hand, memory accuracy was linked to medial temporal activities during both encoding and retrieval, but only in low-confidence trials. A decrease in oscillatory power at alpha/beta bands in the parietal regions during retrieval was associated with higher memory confidence. In addition, representational similarity analysis at the single-trial level revealed distributed but differentiable neural activities associated with memory accuracy and confidence during both encoding and retrieval. In summary, our study unveiled distinct neural activity patterns related to memory confidence and accuracy during associative learning and underscored the crucial role of parietal regions in metamemory.
2024 updated European Heart Rhythm Association core curriculum for physicians and allied professionals: a statement of the European Heart Rhythm Association of the European Society of Cardiology
Authors: Trines Serge A , Moore Philip , Burri Haran , Gonçalves Nunes Sílvia , Massoullié Grégoire , Merino Jose Luis , Paton Maria F , Porta-Sánchez Andreu , Sommer Philipp , Steven Daniel , Whittaker-Axon Sarah , Yorgun Hikmet , Arribas Fernando , Claude Deharo Jean , Steffel Jan , Wolpert Christian
Published: September 2024

Heart rhythm management is a continuously evolving sub-speciality of cardiology. Every year, many physicians and allied professionals (APs) start and complete their training in cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) or electrophysiology (EP) across the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) member countries. While this training ideally ends with an EHRA certification, the description of the learning pathway (what, how, when, and where) through an EHRA core curriculum is also a prerequisite for a successful training. The first EHRA core curriculum for physicians was published in 2009. Due to the huge developments in the field of EP and device therapy, this document needed updating. In addition, a certification process for APs has been introduced, as well as a recertification process and accreditation of EHRA recognized training centres. Learning pathways are more individualized now, with Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) to monitor learning progression of trainees. The 2024 updated EHRA core curriculum for physicians and APs describes, for both CIED and EP, the syllabus, OSATS, training programme and certification, and recertification for physicians and APs and stresses the importance of continued medical education after certification. In addition, requirements for accreditation of training centres and trainers are given. Finally, suggested reading lists for CIED and EP are attached as online supplements.
Novel systematic processing of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging identifies target regions associated with infarct-related ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Ramos-Prada Alba , Redondo-Rodríguez Andrés , Roca-Luque Ivo , Porta-Sánchez Andreu , ter Bekke Rachel M A , Quintanilla Jorge G , Sánchez-González Javier , Peinado Rafael , Merino Jose Luis , Cluitmans Matthijs , Holtackers Robert J , Marina-Breysse Manuel , Galán-Arriola Carlos , Enríquez-Vázquez Daniel , Vázquez-Calvo Sara , Alfonso-Almazán José Manuel , Pizarro Gonzalo , Ibáñez Borja , González-Ferrer Juan José , Salgado-Aranda Ricardo , Cañadas-Godoy Victoria , Calvo David , Pérez-Villacastín Julián , Pérez-Castellano Nicasio , Filgueiras-Rama David
Published: September 2024

Aims

There is lack of agreement on late gadolinium enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance (LGE-CMR) imaging processing for guiding ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation. We aim at developing and validating a systematic processing approach on LGE-CMR images to identify VT corridors that contain critical VT isthmus sites.

Methods and results

This is a translational study including 18 pigs with established myocardial infarction and inducible VT undergoing in vivo characterization of the anatomical and functional myocardial substrate associated with VT maintenance. Clinical validation was conducted in a multicentre series of 33 patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy undergoing VT ablation. Three-dimensional LGE-CMR images were processed using systematic scanning of 15 signal intensity (SI) cut-off ranges to obtain surface visualization of all potential VT corridors. Analysis and comparisons of imaging and electrophysiological data were performed in individuals with full electrophysiological characterization of the isthmus sites of at least one VT morphology. In both the experimental pig model and patients undergoing VT ablation, all the electrophysiologically defined isthmus sites (n = 11 and n = 19, respectively) showed overlapping regions with CMR-based potential VT corridors. Such imaging-based VT corridors were less specific than electrophysiologically guided ablation lesions at critical isthmus sites. However, an optimized strategy using the 7 most relevant SI cut-off ranges among patients showed an increase in specificity compared to using 15 SI cut-off ranges (70 vs. 62%, respectively), without diminishing the capability to detect VT isthmus sites (sensitivity 100%).

Conclusion

Systematic imaging processing of LGE-CMR sequences using several SI cut-off ranges may improve and standardize procedure planning to identify VT isthmus sites.