bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Models and metaphors
Authors: Kroll Judith F. , Rossi Eleonora
Published: May 2023

Ellen Bialystok’s research on bilingualism and
cognition has transformed our understanding of how life experience
with two or more languages has enduring consequences for the mind
and the brain. But how do these consequences arise? In this chapter
we focus on models of bilingual language processing and the
metaphors that they have generated for testing hypotheses about how
learning and using two languages engage domain general cognition and
the neural mechanisms that support it. Research in the last two
decades provides compelling support for the view that the
bilingual’s two languages are continually interacting. Those
interactions create mutual influences that are dynamic, changing
within individuals across the lifespan and from one context to
another, even over relatively short periods of time. Cross-language
interactions have been hypothesized to impose unique demands on
cognition that make bilingual minds and brains different from those
of monolingual speakers. The models that characterize bilingual
language processing capture different aspects of this process, some
focused on the linguistic processes themselves, and others on the
way that each language is regulated or controlled when there is
potential cross-language competition. Here we illustrate each type
of model and consider how the models themselves provide metaphors
for thinking about how bilingualism affects cognition.
Bilingual language control during conversation
Authors: Green David W. , Abutalebi Jubin
Published: May 2023

In this chapter, we discuss a hierarchical model
of bilingual language control and attentional/control states during
conversations. Conversations necessitate a close interchange between
language control and understanding other’s state of mind. Here we
explore another fundamental aspect of language use that requires
different attentional states: in their speech acts, speakers talk
about different topics. Using a hierarchical control framework, we
describe the attentional control demands of the various
interactional contexts and the attentional states induced by
different types of topics nested within the sustained attentional
demand to the conversation. We also consider aspects of neural
networks involved in language use, specifically the involvement of
frontal-subcortical regions during utterance planning and
production. Lastly, we discuss future directions of research methods
needed to explore bilingual control processes during conversation.
Through this exploration into everyday conversations in different
interactional contexts, we conclude that the mind/brain can be in
several co-occurring and dissociable attentional/control states:
ones induced through specific content and others induced by language
control processes.
Domain-general electrophysiological changes associated with
bilingualism
Authors: Grundy John G. , Chung-Fat-Yim Ashley
Published: May 2023

Electroencephalogram (EEG) has been instrumental
in research examining the effects of bilingualism on cognition, and
much of this research has been inspired and spearheaded by Ellen
Bialystok. In this chapter, we explore recent developments in EEG
research that highlight the complexity of the bilingual experience
and its impact on domain-general cognitive outcomes. First, even in
the absence of behavioral differences, ERP studies consistently show
that bilinguals are more efficient at processing information than
monolinguals on executive function tasks. Second, resting-state EEG
studies demonstrate a link between several brain frequency bands
(e.g. beta waves) and learning outcomes during second-language
acquisition. Third, recent advances in EEG techniques have
demonstrated that brain signal complexity is more than just noise,
and that greater complexity is associated with better performance.
Preliminary evidence suggests that bilingualism modifies brain
signal complexity in regions associated with automatic processing.
Finally, there is a recent shift to focus more on attentional than
inhibitory mechanisms, and on continuous rather than dichotomous
classifications of bilingualism, in assessing how bilingualism
affects executive function processing in the brain. The final
section concludes with several recommendations and future directions
for EEG studies to investigate how language experience impacts the
neural correlates of attentional control.
Role of bilingualism in neurodegenerative disease I
Authors: Shahid Minahil , Tan Yu Bin , Schweizer Tom A. , Fischer Corinne E.
Published: May 2023

Recent research shows bilingualism to be a
reserve factor, delaying the onset of symptoms of dementia and
slowing the rate at which cognitive decline progresses. This chapter
explores how bilingualism may affect the progression of Alzheimer’s
disease and why bilingual individuals are more resilient to the
effects of Alzheimer’s pathology. The chapter starts with an
overview of bilingualism, then leads into how bilingualism acts as a
possible mechanism of cognitive reserve. We consider bilingual
experience to be a factor of cognitive reserve from three
perspectives: pathological symptoms, neuroimaging, and biomarkers.
Collectively, bilingualism appears to be beneficial for delaying
symptoms, slowing progression, and maintaining cognitive functioning
in the face of Alzheimer’s disease. The chapter ends with
conclusions based on the research to-date and outlines possible
implications for future research.
Gas detonation-prepared nano-carbon-based capsule matrix materials: Characterisation and microwave-absorption properties
Authors: Xueqi Li , Xiaojie Li , Honghao Yan , Xiaohong Wang , Haifeng Gong
Published: May 2023

Carbon-based capsule nanomaterials were synthesised through gas-phase detonation using acetylene gas, oxygen, and pentacarbonyl iron. The resulting nanoparticles consisted of a thin layer of capsule-like amorphous carbon with a high specific surface area and strong adsorption capacity. The products exhibited good electromagnetic properties with good reflection loss and absorption capabilities in the frequency range 2–18 GHz. The effective response frequency band ranged from 10.12 to 11.30 GHz, and the reflection loss reached 10.94 dB at 10.96 GHz. The absorption mechanism was mainly owing to dielectric loss as no significant magnetic loss was observed. These nanomaterials have the potential to be used as a matrix for carrying other nanomaterials and for adjusting the impedance-matching of composite materials, thereby enhancing electromagnetic-wave absorption.
A review of the processing, microstructure and property relationships in medium Mn steels
Authors: Kwok T. W. J. , Dye D.
Published: May 2023

Medium Mn steels are an emerging class of 3rd generation advanced high-strength steels. These steels have received significant attention due to their high strengths, large ductilities and also lower cost compared to their predecessor high Mn Twinning Induced Plasticity (TWIP) steels. Additionally, medium Mn steels have been found to exhibit TWIP and/or Transformation Induced Plasticity (TRIP) effects which can be harnessed to give a high strain hardening rate. Many thermomechanical processing concepts in the literature have been developed, producing multiple microstructure types with differentmechanical properties. The present review therefore aims to summarise the current knowledge of medium Mn steel alloy design especially on the processing, microstructure and property relationships in medium Mn steels. It complements the review of Sun et al. [Physical metallurgy of medium-Mn advanced high-strength steels, Int Mater Rev. 2023.], written independently and in parallel, which focusses more on the phase interfaces and thermodynamics.
Interface structure and mechanical properties of Fe/Al dissimilar lap joints formed by friction stir welding using an adjustable tool
Authors: Wang Xiaopei , Morisada Yoshiaki , Matsushita Muneo , Igi Satoshi , Inamoto Shin , Kunisu Masahiro , Fujii Hidetoshi
Published: May 2023

Friction stir welding (FSW) of aluminum alloy and steel using an adjustable tool was carried out, which can effectively control the thickness and uniformity of the IMC layer. The continuous and uniform IMC layer as thin as about 0.4 µm was obtained, owing to the strong material flow introduced by the adjustable probe. The strength of the welded joints increased as the thickness of the IMC layer decreased in the range of 0.9 µm to 0.4 µm. However, when the thickness of the IMC layer was below 0.4 µm, it became nonuniform and discontinuous, decreasing the joint properties. In this study, a high-strength Fe/Al dissimilar lap FSW joint was obtained, ascribed to the more uniform and continuous thin IMC layer.
Impacts of symmetry energy slope on the oscillation frequencies of neutron stars with short-range correlation and admixed dark matter
Authors: Hong Bin , Ren ZhongZhou , Wu Chen , Mu XueLing
Published: May 2023

Oscillation modes of compact stars, in general, can serve as a fingerprint in determining the equation of state (EOS) of dense matter. In this study, we examine the impact of symmetry energy slope (L) on the oscillation frequencies of neutron stars (NSs) with nucleon–nucleon short range correlation (SRC) and admixed dark matter (DM) for the first time within the relativistic mean-field theory. By adjusting the L, we revise the EOS and coupling parameters in light of the SRC and DM effects, and construct the new sets. The results reveal that NSs containing SRC and DM inside are more likely to satisfy the observational constraints, and we find that smaller L exhibits larger fundamental non-radial and radial frequencies, and that the effect on large separation is also mainly concentrated in the low-mass region. Moreover, we update the linear relationship between the non-radial frequency and mean density, and we further give empirical relations between non-radial and radial frequencies and tidal deformability at different L for 1.4

M

⊙

and 2

M

⊙

. These findings will enable us to more effectively confine the NS EOSs, in turn, also provide a strategy to place constraints on the L.
Shear behavior of SiCf/SiC interface under the thermo-chemo-mechanical influence and machine-learning-based interfacial microstructure design
Authors: Chen Shaohua , Xu Nuo
Published: May 2023

The mechanical behavior of composite interface can be influenced by multiple factors, including the morphological roughness, the structure of coating interphase, and the temperature. Here, high-throughput molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are carried out to investigate the entangled effects of these factors on the shear stiffness

G

, the friction coefficient

μ

, the debonding strain

ϵ
d

and stress

τ
d

, of SiCf/SiC interface. We find that

G

is maximized by small roughness and high temperature for the optimal chemical bonding effect;

μ

and

ϵ
d

are maximized by large roughness and low temperature, taking advantage of the mechanical interlocking effect while avoiding cusp softening;

τ
d

demonstrates two local maxima which result from the competition between chemical bonding and mechanical interlocking. Provided the MD simulation results, a variational autoencoder (VAE) model is proposed to design the microstructure of SiCf/SiC interface for desired shear properties. According to the validations, the VAE-predicted interfacial configuration demonstrates highly similar shear properties to the reference one, justifying its potential for the microstructure design of composite interface. The results of this work can be employed to facilitate the development of SiCf/SiC composite by taking advantage of the synergistic effects of multiple designable factors.
Tailoring cavity coupled plasmonic substrates for SERS applications
Authors: L M Jagathpriya , Pillanagrovi Jayakumar , Dutta-Gupta Shourya
Published: May 2023

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has been effectively used in biosensing applications due to its high sensitivity and specificity. Enhancing the coupling of light into plasmonic nanostructures can lead to engineered SERS substrates with improved sensitivity and performance. In the current study, we demonstrate a cavity-coupled structure that assists in enhancing the light–matter interaction leading to an improved SERS performance. Using numerical simulations, we demonstrate that the cavity-coupled structures can either enhance or suppress the SERS signal depending on the cavity length and the wavelength of interest. Furthermore, the proposed substrates are fabricated using low-cost large-area techniques. The cavity-coupled plasmonic substrate consists of a layer of gold nanospheres on an indium tin oxide (ITO)-Au-glass substrate. The fabricated substrates exhibit nearly a 9 times improvement in SERS enhancement as compared to the uncoupled substrate. The demonstrated cavity-coupling approach can also be used for enhancing other plasmonic phenomena like plasmonic trapping, plasmon-enhanced catalysis, and nonlinear signal generation.
Influence of different factors on registration error in a 1.5 T MR-guided linac
Authors: Yin Peijun , Yu Gang , Hou Chuanke , Liu Xuechun , Sun Mengdi , Li Kuo , Cui Zhen , Liu Pei , Shi Xihua , Zhang Qiang , Chen Yukai , Pi Bingjie , Yin Yong , Li Zhenjiang
Published: May 2023

Purpose. Accurate image registration is an important step in online image-guided adaptive radiotherapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different factors on registration accuracy in a magnetic resonance (MR)-guided adaptive radiotherapy workflow. Materials and Methods. A thorax motion phantom was used to obtain computed tomography (CT) simulations in 8 different motion modes and to generate 8 reference plans. Daily pretreatment online MR images were obtained at 5 different positions in each reference plan. Online MR and CT simulations were separately registered using bone structures and the gross tumor volume (GTV) as ROIs, and the image shift distance was recorded by the online treatment planning system. The difference between the shift distance and the real isocentric distance was the registration error. The registration error was analyzed, and the effects of the setup position, motion mode and ROI selection on the registration error were investigated by multivariate analysis of variance. Result. The minimum values of registration error (ΔX, ΔY, ΔZ) were −1.90 mm, −2.70 mm and −2.40 mm, respectively, and the maximum values were 1.70 mm, 4.30 mm and −0.90 mm. ΔY showed the maximum mean standard deviation of 1.25 mm, and ΔZ showed the minimum mean standard deviation of 0.27 mm. The standard deviation of the registration error is largest in the inferior/superior direction. The motion mode of the phantom and ROI selection were significantly correlated with ΔX, ΔY, and ΔZ (p < 0.05). Conclusion. The registration result with the spine as the selected ROI was better than that with the GTV as the ROI. In 1.5 T MR-linac clinical treatment, more attention should be given to patient movement repeatability and to controlling the intrafractional motion as much as possible. It is not recommended to make the GTV-PTV margin expansion less than 2 mm for MR-linac.
Electrical impedance myography method of measuring anisotropic tongue tissue
Authors: Luo Xuesong , Shi Jian , Llobet Arnau Marín , Rutkove Seward B , Sanchez Benjamin
Published: May 2023

Objective. To date, measurement of the conductivity and relative permittivity properties of anisotropic biological tissues using electrical impedance myography (EIM) has only been possible through an invasive ex vivo biopsy procedure. Here, we present a novel forward and inverse theoretical modeling framework to estimate these properties combining surface and needle EIM measurements. Methods. The framework here presented models the electrical potential distribution within a monodomain, homogeneous, and three-dimensional anisotropic tissue. Finite-element method (FEM) simulations and tongue experimental results verify the validity of our method to reverse-engineer three-dimensional conductivity and relative permittivity properties from EIM measurements. Results. FEM-based simulations confirm the validity of our analytical framework, with relative errors between analytical predictions and simulations smaller than 0.12% and 2.6% in a cuboid and tongue model, respectively. Experimental results confirm qualitative differences in the conductivity and the relative permittivity properties in the x, y, and z directions. Conclusion. Our methodology enables EIM technology to reverse-engineer the anisotropic tongue tissue conductivity and relative permittivity properties, thus unfolding full forward and inverse EIM predictability capabilities. Significance. This new method of evaluating anisotropic tongue tissue will lead to a deeper understanding of the role of biology necessary for the development of new EIM tools and approaches for tongue health measurement and monitoring.
Complexity-free Vaidya-Tikekar model describing self-bound compact objects by gravitational decoupling
Authors: Al Busaidi Aalia , Al Hosni Jawaher , Maurya S K , Al Zarii Alyaa , Al-Kasbi Tasnim , Al Omairi Maryam , Al Zakwani Bushra , Jasim M K
Published: May 2023

In this article, using gravitational decoupling under vanishing complexity condition, an anisotropic solution to spherically symmetric compact stars has been investigated. After obtaining the solution, a detailed physical analysis including thermodynamic parameters, mass-radius ratio, and stability analysis of the model corresponding to the secondary component of the GW190814 event has been done. To test the effect of gravitational decoupling on the mass-radius ratio, we fixed the mass of the secondary component of the GW190814 event corresponding to the pure general relativity scenario. Alongside this, we also predicted the radii and mass-radius ratio of 11 different compact stars using observational data of their masses for different values of β. Furthermore, the hydrostatic balance has been analyzed using the modified Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkoff (TOV) equation. The physical analysis shows that our results are in good agreement as far as observational data is concerned.
Unusual phase transition in 1D localization and its observability in optics
Authors: Bozhevolnyi S I , Suslov I M
Published: May 2023

Localization of electrons in 1D disordered systems is usually described in the random phase approximation, when distributions of phases φ and θ, entering the transfer matrix, are considered as uniform. In the general case, the random phase approximation is violated, and the evolution equations are written in terms of the Landauer resistance ρ and the combined phases ψ = θ − φ and χ = θ + φ. The distribution of the phase ψ is found to exhibit an unusual phase transition at the point



0

when changing the electron energy



, which manifests itself in the appearance of the imaginary part of ψ. The distribution of resistance P(ρ) has no singularity at the point



0

, and the transition seems unobservable in the framework of condensed matter physics. However, the theory of 1D localization is immediately applicable to the scattering of waves propagating in a single-mode optical waveguide. Modern optical methods open a way to measure phases ψ and χ. As a result, the indicated phase transition becomes observable.
Charge trapping effect at the interface of ferroelectric/interlayer in the ferroelectric field effect transistor gate stack
Authors: Sun Xiaoqing , Xu Hao , Chai Junshuai , Wang Xiaolei , Wang Wenwu
Published: May 2023

We study the charge trapping phenomenon that restricts the endurance of n-type ferroelectric field-effect transistors (FeFETs) with metal/ferroelectric/interlayer/Si (MFIS) gate stack structure. In order to explore the physical mechanism of the endurance failure caused by the charge trapping effect, we first establish a model to simulate the electron trapping behavior in n-type Si FeFET. The model is based on the quantum mechanical electron tunneling theory. And then, we use the pulsed I
d–V
g method to measure the threshold voltage shift between the rising edges and falling edges of the FeFET. Our model fits the experimental data well. By fitting the model with the experimental data, we get the following conclusions. (i) During the positive operation pulse, electrons in the Si substrate are mainly trapped at the interface between the ferroelectric (FE) layer and interlayer (IL) of the FeFET gate stack by inelastic trap-assisted tunneling. (ii) Based on our model, we can get the number of electrons trapped into the gate stack during the positive operation pulse. (iii) The model can be used to evaluate trap parameters, which will help us to further understand the fatigue mechanism of FeFET.
Establishing the Quality Assurance programme for the strip sensor production of the ATLAS tracker upgrade including irradiation with neutrons, photons and protons to HL-LHC fluences
Authors: Kopsalis I. , Allport P. , Bach E. , Bhardwaj A. , Chisholm A. , Cindro V. , Fadeyev V. , Federicova P. , Fernandez-Tejero J. , Fleta C. , Freeman P. , George W. , Glover J. , Gonella L. , Hara K. , Hirose S. , Hunter A. , Ishii T. , Knight T. , Kroll J. , Kvasnicka J. , Lacasta C. , Latonova V. , Lomas J. , Mandić I. , Mikestikova M. , Nakamura K. , Orr R.S. , Pyatt S. , Sato K. , Solaz C. , Soldevila U. , Thomas J. , Ullan M. , Unno Y.
Published: May 2023

The successful pre-production delivery of strip sensors for the new Inner Tracker (ITk)
for the upgraded ATLAS detector at the High Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) at CERN was completed and
based on their performance full production has commenced. The overall delivery period is
anticipated to last 4 years to complete the approximately 22000 sensors required for the ITk. For
Quality Assurance (QA), a number of test structures designed by the collaboration, along with a
large area diode and miniature version of the main sensor, are produced in every wafer by the
foundry Hamamatsu Photonics K.K (HPK). As well as Quality Control (QC) checks on every main
sensor, samples of the QA pieces from each delivery batch are tested both before and after
irradiation with results after exposure to neutrons, gammas or protons to fluences and doses
corresponding to those anticipated after operation at the HL-LHC to roughly 1.5 times the ultimate
integrated luminosity of 4000 fb-1. In this paper the procedures are presented and the
studies carried out to establish that the seven ITk QA Strip Sensor irradiation and test sites
meet all the requirements to support this very extensive programme throughout the strip sensor
production phase for the ITk project.
First results on FHM — a Floating Hole Multiplier
Authors: Chepel V. , Martinez-Lema G. , Roy A. , Breskin A.
Published: May 2023

A proof of principle of a novel concept for event recording in dual-phase liquid xenon
detectors — the Floating Hole Multiplier (FHM) — is presented. It is shown that a standard
Thick Gaseous Electron Multiplier (THGEM), freely floating on the liquid xenon surface permits
extraction of electrons from the liquid to the gas. Secondary scintillation induced by the
extracted electrons in the THGEM holes as well as in the uniform field above it was observed. The
first results with the FHM indicate that the concept of floating electrodes may offer new
prospects for large-scale dual-phase detectors, for dark matter searches in particular.
Measurement of the radiation hazards and distribution of natural radioactive elements in the Graduate University of Advanced Technology
Authors: Baba Mohammadi S. , Heydarizade Y. , Rezaie M.R.
Published: May 2023

The radiation hazards in each region depend on its surface distribution and activity of 232Th, 137Cs, 40K, and 238U radioactive elements. Due to the presence of personnel, professors, and students in the Graduate University of Advanced Technology (KGUT) environment, it is important to investigate the dose received due to 232Th, 137Cs, 40K, and 238U elements in the soil of this area. For this purpose, first, 44 soil samples were collected from different areas of the university, and the specific activity of 232Th, 137Cs, 40K, and 238U elements was obtained with the CsI (Tl) scintillation detector. Then, using radiation hazard equations, the distribution of radiation hazard parameters at the university zone has been calculated. The research results show that the average specific activity of 232Th, 137Cs, 40K, and 238U elements at the university zone is equal to 13.51, 4.53, 47.64, and 13.01 Bq/kg. The activities of 232Th, 40K, and 238U elements are below the permissible limit and 137Cs is higher than the permissible limit. Also, the average of Raeq, DY, Dout, Din, Dtot, Hex, Hin, Iγ, and ELCR radiation hazard quantities are 81.26 (Bq/kg), 72.31 (mGy/y), 0.088 (mGy/y), 0.088 (mGy/y), 0.17 (mGy/y), 0.11, 0.15, 0.18 and 0.62 respectively. According to the results the DY and Dout radiation hazards are more than the permissible limit and the rest of the radiation hazard parameters are less than the permissible limit. Results have shown that the Annual Effective Dose outside (soil) and inside (soil and granite) of the KGUT office building was (22 ± 0.22) μSv/y, (0.13 ± 0.0013) mSv/y. Finally, the distribution of natural radioactive elements and radiation hazards in different parts of the university shows that except for DY and Dout, all radiation hazard parameters in the administrative buildings and dormitories of the university are less than the permissible limit. Therefore, the annual presence of staff, students, and professors in the university are allowed.
Pointed vortex loops in ideal 2D fluids
Authors: Ciuclea Ioana , Vizman Cornelia
Published: May 2023

We study a special kind of singular vorticities in ideal 2D fluids that combine features of point vortices and vortex sheets, namely pointed vortex loops. We focus on the coadjoint orbits of the area-preserving diffeomorphism group ofR2determined by them. We show that a polarization subgroup consists of diffeomorphisms that preserve the loop as a set, thus the configuration space is the space of loops that enclose a fixed area, without information on vorticity distribution and attached points.
Plant extracted natural fluorescent protein C-phycocyanin doped in PVA nanofibers for advanced apparel application
Authors: Ghaffar Abdul , Mehdi Mujahid , Hussain Sadam , Pirzado Azhar Ali Ayaz , Shah Sabab Ali , Alataway Abed , Dewidar Ahmed Z , Elansary Hosam O
Published: May 2023

Natural dyes are gaining a great deal of attention due to their eco-friendly and sustainable properties for advanced apparel applications. However, the reproducibility and accessibility of various colors using natural dyes remain challenging. In this study, plant-extracted fluorescent protein C-phycocyanin (CP) is used as a natural dye source and doped in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibers via electrospinning for advanced apparel applications. The prepared nanofibers show a smooth and bead-free surface morphology. The FTIR results confirmed the formation of PVA nanofibers followed by a major peak at 3304 cm−1due to the stretching of hydroxyl groups. Subsequently, CP-doping in PVA nanofibers is observed by the N–H deformation peaks at 1541 cm−1; C–N stretching vibrations at 1250 cm−1and 1092 cm−1; and the C=O stretching vibrations of the carboxyl group at 1722 cm−1, respectively. Thus, CP-doped PVA nanofibers exhibit a good color strength (K/S) of 0.2 having a blue color tune and good color fastness properties. The mechanical strength of PVA nanofibers increased from 6 MPa to 18 MPa, due to crystalline characteristics endowed by the dope dyeing technique. Further, CP-doped PVA nanofibers exhibit homogeneous bright red fluorescence in individual nanofibers. Therefore, the proposed CP-doped PVA nanofibers can be used for flexible advanced apparel and biosensor applications.
Sodium concentration imaging in dermis layer by square-wave open electrical impedance tomography (SW-oEIT) with spatial voltage thresholding (SVT)
Authors: Rifai Isnan Nur , Baidillah Marlin Ramadhan , Wicaksono Ridwan , Akita Shinsuke , Takei Masahiro
Published: May 2023

In this study, sodium concentration in the dermis layer is imaged by the square wave open electrical impedance tomography (SW-oEIT) with spatial voltage thresholding (SVT). The SW-oEIT with SVT consists of three steps which are (1) voltage measurement, (2) spatial voltage thresholding, and (3) sodium concentration imaging. In the 1st step, the root mean square voltage

v

̃

is calculated based on the measured voltage

v

under the square wave current

I

through the planar electrodes on the skin domain Ω. In the 2nd step, the m-th measured voltage

v

is converted to a compensated voltage v
* based on the voltage electrodes distance

d

v

and threshold distance

d

Γ

in order to highlight the region of interest of the dermis layer

Ω

d

.

In the 3rd step, sodium concentration is imaged by the Gauss-Newton reconstruction method. The SW-oEIT with SVT was applied to multi-layer skin simulation and ex-vivo experiments under various dermis sodium concentrations c in the range of 5–50 mM. As an image evaluation result, the spatial mean conductivity distribution

σ

*

in

Ω

d

is successfully determined as increasing c on both simulations and experiments. The relationship between

〈

σ

*

〉

and c was evaluated by the determination coefficient R
2 and the normalized sensitivity

〈

S

〉
.

The optimized

d

Γ

with the highest evaluation values of

R

2

=

0.84 and

〈

S

〉

=

0.83 is under the condition of

d

Γ

= 2 mm. Based on the signal evaluation, the SW-oEIT with SVT has a 15.32% higher correlation coefficient CC compared to the conventional oEIT based on sinewave injection.
Dissipative stabilization of entangled qubit pairs in quantum arrays with a single localized dissipative channel
Authors: Angeletti Jacopo , Zippilli Stefano , Vitali David
Published: May 2023

We study the dissipative stabilization of entangled states in arrays of quantum systems. Specifically, we are interested in the states of qubits (spin-

1

/

2

) which may or may not interact with one or more cavities (bosonic modes). In all cases only one element, either a cavity or a qubit, is lossy and irreversibly coupled to a reservoir. When the lossy element is a cavity, we consider a squeezed reservoir and only interactions which conserve the number of cavity excitations. Instead, when the lossy element is a qubit, pure decay and a properly selected structure of XY-interactions are taken into account. We show that in all cases, in the steady state, many pairs of distant, non-directly interacting qubits, which cover the whole array, can get entangled in a stationary way, by means of the interplay of dissipation and local interactions.
Contribution of anthropogenic and hydroclimatic factors on the variation of surface water extent across the contiguous United States
Authors: Palazzoli Irene , Montanari Alberto , Ceola Serena
Published: May 2023

Human pressure and climate variability are significantly threatening freshwater resources, with cascading effects on societies and ecosystems. In this context, it is crucial to understand the anthropogenic and climatic impacts on surface water dynamics. Here, we examine the interaction between the variation of surface water extent and the change in five potential concurrent drivers across river basins of the contiguous United States (CONUS) during the period 1984–2020. In particular, built-up area, population, and irrigated land are regarded as the anthropogenic drivers, while hydroclimatic drivers are represented by precipitation and potential evapotranspiration (PET). We perform statistical analyses in order to quantify the change in the considered variables and then identify significantly different spatial patterns and possible interrelations. Results show that almost 79% (169 out of 204 river basins) of the CONUS experienced an expansion of surface water extent mainly in the continental and temperate climatic regions (mean expansion 158.33 km2). Increasing precipitation is found to be the most widespread driver of the gain in surface water extent, affecting nearly 70% of river basins. The remaining 35 river basins of the CONUS, mostly located in the arid southwestern region of the country, faced a reduction in surface water extent (mean reduction −146.73 km2). The expansion of built-up areas and increasing PET resulted to contribute to the loss of surface water in all the river basins, followed by population growth (in ∼75% of the river basins), decreasing precipitation (in ∼60% of the river basins, all situated in southwestern US), and irrigated land expansion (in ∼55% of the river basins). Our findings shed light on the potential impacts of the variability of anthropogenic and hydroclimatic factors on hydrology and surface water resources, which could support predictive adaptation strategies that ensure water conservation.
Radiative efficiencies and global warming potentials of agricultural fumigants
Authors: Shine Keith P , Kang Yi
Published: May 2023

A rounded assessment of the environmental impacts of fumigants used within the agricultural sector must consider the potential climate impacts of their release into the atmosphere. Within policy settings, the 100-year Global Warming Potential (GWP100) is the most commonly used metric. While GWP100 values are available for the widely used fumigant sulfuryl fluoride, no estimates are available for 4 alternative fumigants: ethyl formate, cyanogen, hydrogen cyanide and phosphine. Existing laboratory measurements of the infrared spectra and reaction rate coefficients of these gases are used to produce new estimates of their radiative efficiencies and atmospheric lifetimes, and the first estimates of their GWP100 and other climate emission metrics. Although uncertainties are considerable, their GWP100 values are estimated to be no more than 2% of the GWP100 value of sulfuryl fluoride. These new estimates will enable informed estimates of the climate impact of the use of these fumigants, which must account for the differing usage and release rates to achieve the same fumigant efficacy.
Development of distributed compliant mechanism for two distinct applications: displacement amplifying and object holding mechanism
Authors: Kandharkar Sachin R , Pardeshi Sujit S , Soman Rohan , Patange Abhishek D , Ostachowicz Wieslaw
Published: May 2023

Compliant mechanism finds its application in high precision devices for precise movements attaining positioning accuracy, micro actuation, aerospace, biomedical engineering, etc. A detailed study of compliant mechanisms capable of transferring coplanar motion/ force along with geometric amplification was undertaken and is presented. An iterative approach was undertaken successively to design and develop a displacement amplifying compliant mechanism (DaCM) within a specified design domain with the objective to obtain geometric amplification (GA) of 3. Also, an application of object holding mechanism using topology optimization has been presented. The optimized topology was further iterated for attaining desired objective function and modifications in the geometry are undertaken considering design for manufacturing and design for assembly principles. With the modifications undertaken, a reduction in (GA)T is observed and the volume fraction of the mechanism is increased than the base model resulting into more strength required for object holding. However, the designer needs to balance between stiffness and compliance based on the objective function of specific application.
Spectrum of the wave equation with Dirac damping on a non-compact star graph
Authors: Krejčiřík David , Royer Julien
Published: May 2023

We consider the wave equation on non-compact star graphs, subject to a distributional damping defined through a Robin-type vertex condition with complex coupling. It is shown that the non-self-adjoint generator of the evolution problem admits an abrupt change in its spectral properties for a special coupling related to the number of graph edges. As an application, we show that the evolution problem is highly unstable for the critical couplings. The relationship with the Dirac equation in non-relativistic quantum mechanics is also mentioned.
Arterial Wall and Tissue Penetration Force With Various Cannulas and Needles
Authors: Siperstein Robyn D , Broadfield Doug C , Yerke Hansen Payton , Conger Jordan R , Zhang-Nunes Sandy X
Published: May 2023

Background

Vascular penetration during aesthetic filler injections can cause serious side effects such as skin necrosis and blindness.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of cannula brand and gauge on the risk of vascular penetration.

Methods

The minimal force to penetrate the superficial temporal artery with 3 cannula brands and 1 needle brand in 4 sizes (22, 25, 27, and 30 gauge) was measured in 4 fresh frozen cadavers utilizing a force gauge that measured as low as 0.1 Newtons. Tissue penetration force in the subdermal plane of the nasolabial fold was measured and compared with retrospective training data in live humans. The arterial penetration test was repeated at a second site on 1 fresh cadaver with 2 different force gauges.

Results

Significantly lower forces were needed with all size needles vs the same gauge cannulas in all brands to penetrate the cadaveric artery and advance in the subdermal plane of the nasolabial fold in both cadavers and live humans. To successfully enter the artery in a cadaver with any cannula, numerous attempts were necessary. The tissue penetration force in the subdermal plane of the nasolabial fold in a cadaver was not significantly different than in a living person; however, it was significantly higher than the arterial penetration force in a dissected cadaver.

Conclusions

All gauge cannulas (including 27 and 30 gauge), require more force than the same size needle to penetrate an artery. However, it appears that friction coefficient and flexibility, not the arterial penetration force, are the most important factors in keeping the instrument outside the vessel.
Intricate covariation between exploration and avoidance learning in a generalist predator
Authors: Kuo Chi-Yun , Chin Hao-En , Wu Yu-Zhe
Published: May 2023

Many predators avoid unprofitable prey by learning to use visual features of the prey as reliable indicators of quality. However, individual variation in avoidance learning is rarely examined in detail. It has been hypothesized that better avoidance learning ability might correlate with faster exploration tendency, but available data are limited in both quantity and scope. In this study, we examined the covariation between exploration, foraging decisions, and avoidance learning in a generalist lizard Eutropis multifasciata to test the prediction that faster explorers are also better avoidance learners. We also examined how sex, population, and color of unpalatable prey might mediate the exploration-avoidance learning covariation. We collected data on exploration and foraging behavior in individuals from two allopatric populations and quantified changes in foraging decisions over five daily learning trials, in which individuals were presented with normal- and bitter-tasting prey that differed consistently in color. Even though bitter prey elicited strong negative responses, lizards overall did not avoid consuming fewer such prey with learning. Instead, they learned to prioritize on palatable prey as the experiment progressed. In concordance with our prediction, we found that faster explorers were generally better avoidance learners, even though sex, population, and prey color were also important. Our study represents a rare experimental test of the exploration-avoidance learning covariation, especially in non-avian systems. Our results suggest that unpalatability might be an ineffective defense against generalist predators such as E. multifasciata and that faster explorers might impose stronger selection for the evolution of warning signals in unprofitable prey.
Biallelic variants in COQ7 cause distal hereditary motor neuropathy with upper motor neuron signs
Authors: Rebelo Adriana P , Tomaselli Pedro J , Medina Jessica , Wang Ying , Dohrn Maike F , Nyvltova Eva , Danzi Matt C , Garrett Mark , Smith Sean E , Pestronk Alan , Li Chengcheng , Ruiz Ariel , Jacobs Elizabeth , Feely Shawna M E , França Marcondes C , Gomes Marcus V , Santos Diogo F , Kumar Surinder , Lombard David B , Saporta Mario , Hekimi Siegfried , Barrientos Antoni , Weihl Conrad , Shy Michael E , Marques Wilson , Zuchner Stephan
Published: May 2023

COQ7 encodes a hydroxylase responsible for the penultimate step of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) biosynthesis in mitochondria. CoQ10 is essential for multiple cellular functions, including mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, lipid metabolism, and reactive oxygen species homeostasis. Mutations in COQ7 have been previously associated with primary CoQ10 deficiency, a clinically heterogeneous multisystemic mitochondrial disorder. We identified COQ7 biallelic variants in nine families diagnosed with distal hereditary motor neuropathy with upper neuron involvement, expending the clinical phenotype associated with defects in this gene. A recurrent p.Met1? change was identified in five families from Brazil with evidence of a founder effect. Fibroblasts isolated from patients revealed a substantial depletion of COQ7 protein levels, indicating protein instability leading to loss of enzyme function. High-performance liquid chromatography assay showed that fibroblasts from patients had reduced levels of CoQ10, and abnormal accumulation of the biosynthetic precursor DMQ10. Accordingly, fibroblasts from patients displayed significantly decreased oxygen consumption rates in patients, suggesting mitochondrial respiration deficiency. Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived motor neurons from patient fibroblasts showed significantly increased levels of extracellular neurofilament light protein, indicating axonal degeneration. Our findings indicate a molecular pathway involving CoQ10 biosynthesis deficiency and mitochondrial dysfunction in patients with distal hereditary motor neuropathy. Further studies will be important to evaluate the potential benefits of CoQ10 supplementation in the clinical outcome of the disease.
Obesity and hidradenitis suppurativa: targeting meta-inflammation for therapeutic gain
Authors: Mintoff Dillon , Agius Rachel , Benhadou Farida , Das Anupam , Frew John W , Pace Nikolai P
Published: May 2023

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory condition of the pilosebaceous unit. The typical patient with HS is characterized as someone with obesity, who smokes and who has nodules, abscesses and/or draining tunnels predominantly distributed in intertriginous skin. It has been established that lifestyle and genetic factors are the main pathophysiological drivers of HS. In this critical review, we explore the interrelatedness of meta-inflammation, obesity and HS and discuss if and how this relationship may be manipulated for a therapeutic end.
Mapping modern economic rents: the good, the bad, and the grey areas
Authors: Mazzucato Mariana , Ryan-Collins Josh , Gouzoulis Giorgos
Published: May 2023

There is increasing consensus that modern capitalist economies suffer from excessive rent extraction in both financial and real economy sectors. However, scholars have yet to develop a coherent analytical framework for identifying the common characteristics of modern economic rents. In particular, there has been little attention paid to distinguishing ‘good’ rents—key to innovation and growth—from ‘bad’ forms which contribute to economic stagnation and inequalities of wealth and income. This paper takes some first steps in this direction. We first review the existing rent theory most pertinent to this distinction, including classical political economy, the early twentieth century institutionalists, neoclassical perspectives and Keynes’s analysis of financial rentiers. Secondly, we map and conceptualise some key stylised features of modern rents, drawing on descriptive empirical evidence. We then identify the key questions that these developments raise for rent theory, elaborating a new research and policy agenda.
A Decade of Waiting: Experiences of Women Living With Vulvar Crohn’s Disease and Interactions With Healthcare Professionals Related to Their Sexual Well-Being: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Fourie Simona , Jackson Debra , Czuber-Dochan Wladyslawa , Norton Christine
Published: May 2023

Background

Vulvar Crohn’s disease is a rare cutaneous manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease and to date, studies have reported on under 300 cases worldwide. The condition has an increased risk of malignancy, and diagnosis is often difficult. Treatment protocols are yet to be developed. This paper aimed to provide the first account of patients’ experience of living with vulvar Crohn’s.

Methods

A previous qualitative study exploring experiences of sexual well-being in inflammatory bowel disease and experiences of discussing sexual well-being with healthcare professionals found 3 participants who self-reported vulvar Crohn’s disease. Data from the whole cohort (n = 43) were previously reported. Telephone semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. van Manen’s phenomenology of practice framework informed analysis.

Results

Due to significant differences in experiences, this subgroup of 3 women with vulvar Crohn’s warranted separate attention. The common theme of the group was A decade of waiting, describing the major delays experienced in being diagnosed. The symptoms reported appeared to be very severe, and sexual well-being was very negatively affected.

Conclusions

Women with vulvar Crohn’s trust in healthcare professionals was eroded as a result of a decade delay in diagnosis, while the quality of life and relationships suffered.
New pharmacological agents and novel cardiovascular pharmacotherapy strategies in 2022
Authors: Tamargo Juan , Agewall Stefan , Borghi Claudio , Ceconi Claudio , Cerbai Elisabetta , Dan Gheorghe A , Ferdinandy Péter , Grove Erik Lerkevang , Rocca Bianca , Sulzgruber Patrick , Semb Anne Grete , Sossalla Samuel , Niessner Alexander , Kaski Juan Carlos , Dobrev Dobromir
Published: May 2023

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the leading cause of death worldwide, and pharmacotherapy of most of them is suboptimal. Thus, there is a clear unmet clinical need to develop new pharmacological strategies with greater efficacy and better safety profiles. In this review, we summarize the most relevant advances in cardiovascular pharmacology in 2022, including the approval of first-in-class drugs that open new avenues for the treatment of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (mavacamten), type 2 diabetes mellitus (tirzepatide), and heart failure (HF) independent of left ventricular ejection fraction (sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors). We also dealt with fixed dose combination therapies repurposing different formulations of ‘old’ drugs with well-known efficacy and safety for the treatment of patients with acute decompensated HF (acetazolamide plus loop diuretics), atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (moderate-dose statin plus ezetimibe), Marfan syndrome (angiotensin receptor blockers plus β-blockers), and secondary cardiovascular prevention (i.e. low-dose aspirin, ramipril, and atorvastatin), thereby filling existing gaps in knowledge and opening new avenues for the treatment of CVD. Clinical trials confirming the role of dapagliflozin in patients with HF and mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction, long-term evolocumab to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, vitamin K antagonists for stroke prevention in patients with rheumatic heart disease-associated atrial fibrillation, antibiotic prophylaxis in patients at high risk for infective endocarditis before invasive dental procedures, and vutrisiran for the treatment of hereditary transthyretin-related amyloidosis with polyneuropathy were also reviewed. Finally, we briefly discuss recent clinical trials suggesting that FXIa inhibitors may have the potential to uncouple thrombosis from haemostasis and attenuate/prevent thromboembolic events with minimal disruption of haemostasis.