bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coherent light scattering from cellular dynamics in living tissues
Authors: Nolte David D
Published: March 2024

This review examines the biological physics of intracellular transport probed by the coherent optics of dynamic light scattering from optically thick living tissues. Cells and their constituents are in constant motion, composed of a broad range of speeds spanning many orders of magnitude that reflect the wide array of functions and mechanisms that maintain cellular health. From the organelle scale of tens of nanometers and upward in size, the motion inside living tissue is actively driven rather than thermal, propelled by the hydrolysis of bioenergetic molecules and the forces of molecular motors. Active transport can mimic the random walks of thermal Brownian motion, but mean-squared displacements are far from thermal equilibrium and can display anomalous diffusion through Lévy or fractional Brownian walks. Despite the average isotropic three-dimensional environment of cells and tissues, active cellular or intracellular transport of single light-scattering objects is often pseudo-one-dimensional, for instance as organelle displacement persists along cytoskeletal tracks or as membranes displace along the normal to cell surfaces, albeit isotropically oriented in three dimensions. Coherent light scattering is a natural tool to characterize such tissue dynamics because persistent directed transport induces Doppler shifts in the scattered light. The many frequency-shifted partial waves from the complex and dynamic media interfere to produce dynamic speckle that reveals tissue-scale processes through speckle contrast imaging and fluctuation spectroscopy. Low-coherence interferometry, dynamic optical coherence tomography, diffusing-wave spectroscopy, diffuse-correlation spectroscopy, differential dynamic microscopy and digital holography offer coherent detection methods that shed light on intracellular processes. In health-care applications, altered states of cellular health and disease display altered cellular motions that imprint on the statistical fluctuations of the scattered light. For instance, the efficacy of medical therapeutics can be monitored by measuring the changes they induce in the Doppler spectra of living ex vivo cancer biopsies.
Analyzing the structural behavior of conducting polymer actuators and its interdependence with the electrochemical phenomenon
Authors: Kumar Sukesh , Yu Aimin , Khandelwal Mudrika
Published: March 2024

This work reports the deformation behavior of a conducting polymer, poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS)/bacterial cellulose (BC) bi-layered cantilever type actuator. Herein, it was found that the type (i.e. bending and torsion) of deformation of (PEDOT:PSS)/BC actuator was non-trivially dependent on its dimensions (width and length). Increasing the actuator’s width resulted in larger torsional deformation along the longitudinal axis against the increased area moment of inertia. The actuator with a width of 7.75 mm rotates ∼90° (i.e. the bottom cross-section) with respect to its top end. It was noticed that torsional motion dominated the deformation when the bending in the lateral direction was restricted. Further, the maximum tip displacement trivially increased with the length from 5.40 mm for an actuator of length 10 mm–12.40 mm for a length of 59.00 mm. However, the curvature of bending, which was proportional to the induced strain, was higher for smaller lengths. The change in the dimension of the actuator involves change in the stress field distribution (i.e. induced through electrochemical process) and simultaneously the resistance to deformation, resulting in a non-trivial relationship between the deformation and the dimensions. This can be advantageous from the design perspective in realizing different types of motions without incorporating additional materials. Structural theory and electrochemical impedance Spectroscopy were used to understand the mechanism of deformation dependence on the dimensions. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results indicated that electrolytic ions penetrate deeper into the PEDOT:PSS layer for actuators of smaller lengths. The increase in the curvature of the actuator could be explained based on the constancy of the strain produced due to the volume change per ion. The torsional motion increased because the stresses were being induced further away from the center in wider actuators. These observations and analyses reveal the interdependence of the structural behavior (i.e. dimensions) and the electrochemical phenomenon (i.e. deformation) in a conducting polymer actuator.
High area efficiency binary neural processing elements with time-domain signals using SFQ circuits
Authors: Han Zeyu , Li Zongyuan , Yoshikawa Nobuyuki , Yamanashi Yuki
Published: March 2024

With the increasing processor performance requirements of convolutional neural networks, we believe that research on superconducting neural networks based on single flux quantum (SFQ) circuits holds significant potential. However, the typical multiply and accumulate operations used in neural networks often lead to a significant increase in circuit area due to the limitations of the integration density of the current SFQ circuit fabrication process. In this work, we propose a binary neural processing element (PE) that utilizes time-domain signal expression. Time-domain signals express multi-bit binary data in time information, which reduces the number of data lines to decrease the circuit area. In the proposed binary neural PE, multiplication is achieved through exclusive-NOR gates and addition is realized by controlling the delay of time-domain signals. We designed and simulated a 3 × 3 convolution circuit using 10 Nb layer process with a critical current density of 10 kA cm−2. Compared to the convolution circuit implemented using conventional SFQ logic, the proposed circuit reduces the number of Josephson junctions by approximately 56% and decreases the area by about 60%.
Gamma radiation effects on high-temperature superconducting ReBCO tape
Authors: Zheng Ying , Zheng Jinxing , Wang Xudong , Lu Yudong
Published: March 2024

High-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets are crucial components in future fusion reactors, subjected to prolonged irradiation and complex mechanical conditions. While the irradiation sensitivity of HTS materials has been extensively studied, limited research has explored the effects of force conditions during irradiation. This study investigated the influence of irradiation on ReBCO tapes. An irradiation experiment was conducted utilizing a Co60 source irradiation device. Superconductor properties were evaluated through the induction method, while microstructure analysis was performed using x-ray diffraction measurements. The results indicate that the critical current initially increases and subsequently decreases, while the critical temperature remains relatively stable. Furthermore, the bending degree during irradiation affects the critical current density, with a decrease in radius corresponding to a first increase and then subsequent decrease in critical current density. The force applied during irradiation exhibits a impact on the superconducting properties, underscoring the importance of considering force conditions in future investigations.
Improving the recovery performance of superconducting fault current limiters using nitrogen/tetrafluoromethane mixed coolants
Authors: Zhou Zhihao , Qiu Qingquan , Jing Liwei , Song Naihao , Teng Yuping , Zhang Jingye , Xiao Liye
Published: March 2024

The superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) improves the power grid safety by restricting the drastically increased current when the circuit fault occurs. However, the SFCL suffers from a long recovery time and can hardly recover to the superconducting state before the breaker attempts to reclose, which hinders its practical application. This paper presents the implementation of the rapid-recovery SFCL with efficient heat dissipation even if encountering a large fault current. This is enabled by thermal performance regulation of the working coolant through adding tetrafluoromethane (CF4) into the liquid nitrogen (LN2). The proposed mixed coolant features a high critical heat flux that suppresses the onset of film boiling. Controlled experiments were performed with the fabricated current-limiting coil immersed in the N2/CF4 mixed coolants containing 0, 20 and 40 mol% of CF4. Measured results regarding both quenching and recovery processes are reported, demonstrating an 85.4% reduction in recovery time for the 40 mol% composition compared to the conventionally used pure LN2. Analyses of the electrical parameters of the coil verify its effective quenching performance in the proposed immersion cooling system with an overall current limiting rate of over 55%. These findings lay a foundation for designing the rapid-recovery-type SFCL and facilitating its application in power systems.
Relativistically invariant encoding of quantum information revisited
Authors: Schlichtholz Konrad , Markiewicz Marcin
Published: March 2024

In this work, we provide a detailed analysis of the issue of encoding of quantum information which is invariant with respect to arbitrary Lorentz transformations. We significantly extend already known results and provide compliments where necessary. In particular, we introduce novel schemes for invariant encoding which utilize so-called pair-wise helicity—a physical parameter characterizing pairs of electric-magnetic charges. We also introduce new schemes for ordinary massive and massless particles based on states with fixed total momentum, in contrast to all protocols already proposed, which assumed equal momenta of all the particles involved in the encoding scheme. Moreover, we provide a systematic discussion of already existing protocols and show directly that they are invariant with respect to Lorentz transformations drawn according to any distribution, a fact which was not manifestly shown in previous works.
Single cell mechanics analyzed by atomic force microscopy and finite element simulation
Authors: Peng Xiaobo , Zhao Leqian , Huang Qiping , Kong Lingwen , Wang Guixue , Ye Zhiyi
Published: March 2024

Cell mechanics plays a key role in determining physical performances and physiological functions of cells, as well as the early detection of diseases and development of biomedical engineering. In this study, we utilized a combination of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and finite element method (FEM) to compare the cellular elasticity (Young’s modulus) and viscoelasticity (stress-relaxation time) of living and fixed endothelial cells (ECs) across varying loading rates. The results showed that both mechanical properties of normal ECs are more sensitive to loading speed compared with fixed ECs. The Young’s modulus of normal endothelial cells (ECs) exhibits an increasing trend with the growing loading rate, whereas the Young’s modulus of fixed ECs is almost not affected by the loading rate. Among various viscoelastic properties of cells under varying loading rates, the long-term relaxation time, especially at a loading rate of 5 μm s−1, showed the most significant difference between living and fixed cells. This work comprehensively evaluated the effectiveness of using different mechanical properties to distinguish cells with different physiological characteristic. This research would improve our knowledge of single-cell mechanical behaviors and provide new ideas for distinguishing various types of cells by AFM-based cellular elastic and viscoelastic properties with varying loading rates.
Hysteresis-free reversible magnetocaloric effect and critical behavior of Ni39.56Fe7.27Co2.97Mn40.65Sn9.55 full heusler alloy
Authors: Biswal Sambit Kumar , Panda Shantanu Kumar , Datta Subhadeep , Mallick Jyotirekha , Dev Amar , Kar Manoranjan
Published: March 2024

Utilizing the magnetocaloric effect (MCE), magnetic refrigeration technology offers an advantage over traditional gas-based refrigerators, which produce harmful gases. Herein, we study the MCE and critical magnetic behavior of Fe and Co substituted Ni39.56Fe7.27Co2.97Mn40.65Sn9.55 Heusler alloy near the paramagnetic (PM) to ferromagnetic (FM) transition temperature. With

Fm

3

̅

m

space group, the present sample crystallizes in cubic L21 structure. Arrott plots and hysteresis-free continuous phase transition confirm a second-order transition from FM to PM. Again, this second-order transition is verified by collapsing scaled entropy curves for various fields into a single universal curve. The critical exponent values obtained using several analytical techniques, like the Kouvel-Fisher method, modified Arrott plot, and critical isotherm, correspond to the mean-field theory universality class having long-range ordering. The above findings suggest our sample to be a suitable magnetic refrigerant by overcoming the difficulty of obtaining a reversible and high value of magnetic entropy change along with substantial relative cooling power across the second-order phase transition.
A compact wideband self-isolated uniplanar quad MIMO antenna for C-band applications
Authors: Joseph Jeevitha , Let Gunamony Shine , Rani K Sheela Sobana , Pratap Chandran Benin
Published: March 2024

The paper presents the development of a compact uniplanar MIMO antenna system for C-band applications. A quad-element MIMO system with uniplanar design arrangements for a compact 40 mm × 40 mm mainframe is analyzed. Four similar P-shaped radiators with a common ground form a self-isolating MIMO arrangement. After conducting a thorough parametric analysis, slots are added to the antennas to reduce their size and area. The overall area of the miniaturized radiator element is 16 mm2. The orthogonal mode MIMO covers an operating bandwidth of 5 GHz frequency range from 4 GHz to 9 GHz with the isolation of less than 15.5 dB and an overall gain of 4.6 dBi so it is fabricated and tested. The suggested antenna can cover the entire C-band frequencies (4 GHz-8 GHz) and a partial X-band frequency. The antenna provides a good radiation efficiency of 96%. The suggested antenna’s diversity characteristics, such as ECC (<0.13), TARC (< −10 dB), MEG, and CCL ensure good diversity performances. The SAR value of the MIMO is assessed, and the results are within bounds. The suggested MIMO system exhibits good efficiency, adequate isolation between individual antennas without the need for any decoupling mechanisms, increased antenna gain, and improved ECC while keeping a lower antenna size. The suggested compact quad MIMO system is appropriate for C-band applications.
Periodically driven three-dimensional Kitaev model
Authors: Sasidharan Soumya , Surendran Naveen
Published: March 2024

We study the dynamics of a three-dimensional generalization of Kitaev’s honeycomb lattice spin model (defined on the hyperhoneycomb lattice) subjected to a harmonic driving of J

z
, one of the three types of spin-couplings in the Hamiltonian. Using numerical solutions supported by analytical calculations based on a rotating wave approximation, we find that the system responds nonmonotonically to variations in the frequency ω (while keeping the driving amplitude J fixed) and undergoes dynamical freezing, where at specific values of ω, it gets almost completely locked in the initial state throughout the evolution. However, this freezing occurs only when a constant bias is present in the driving, i.e., when

J

z

=
J
′
+
J
cos
ω
t

, with

J
′
≠
0

. Consequently, the bias acts as a switch that triggers the freezing phenomenon. Dynamical freezing has been previously observed in other integrable systems, such as the one-dimensional transverse-field Ising model.
MARS-F/K modeling of plasma response and fast ion losses due to RMP in KSTAR
Authors: Liu Yueqiang , Yang S.M. , Kang J.S. , Van Blarcum J. , Choi M.J. , Frerichs H. , Kim S.K.
Published: March 2024

The toroidal single-fluid magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) code MARS-F (Liu et al 2000 Phys. Plasmas 7 3681) and the MHD-kinetic hybrid code MARS-K (Liu et al 2008 Phys. Plasmas 15 112503) are utilized to study the plasma response to the n = 1 (n is the toroidal mode number) resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP), applied to suppress the type-I edge localized mode (ELM) in a KSTAR discharge. Both the resistive-rotating and ideal-static plasma models identify strong screening of the resonant radial field harmonics of the applied RMP due to the plasma response, and predict a strong edge-peeling response of the plasma which is consistent with the optimal ELM control coil current configuration adopted in experiment. The RMP-induced radial displacement of the plasma, computed by the resistive-rotating plasma model, agrees reasonably well with that reconstructed from the measured data in the plasma core. Taking into account the drift kinetic response of fast ions, MARS-K hybrid modeling also finds quantitative agreement of the plasma core fluid pressure perturbation with experiment. Based on the MARS-F computed plasma response, a guiding-center orbit-tracing simulation finds about 0.3% of fast ion losses due the n = 1 RMP in the KSTAR ELM control experiment considered. Most losses are associated with counter-current fast ions located near the plasma edge.
The effect of nickel oxide in the direct growth of MnOx on Ni foam by chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Azim F , Lam N K , Pokhrel H , Mishra S R , Pollard S D
Published: March 2024

Manganese oxide has emerged as a promising material for use as a charge storage electrode material. In this work, we demonstrate the low-pressure chemical vapour deposition (CVD) growth of manganese oxide conformal coatings on Ni-foams utilising an MnCl2 solid source precursor, utilising an oxide formed on the surface of the Ni-foam as an oxygen reservoir for the synthesis of a predominantly MnO
x
layer. The resulting MnO
x
layer is highly dependent on sample pre-treatment, owing to modifications in the Ni oxide layer. The phase structure, electronic states, morphology, and electrochemical analysis were determined by x-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field emission scanning-electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and capacitance–voltage (CV) measurements. The importance of the oxide layer is demonstrated by modifying the thickness of the NiO layer over the Ni foam, with clear changes in the resultant structure, morphology, and areal capacitance, with the highest performance MnO
x
coating found to be obtained without any oxide removal from the Ni foam substrate.
Life cycle assessment of direct recycling hot press forging of aluminium AA7075 metal matrix composite
Authors: Khaireez Muhamad Haikal Mohd , Yusuf Nur Kamilah , Ghaleb Atef M , Al-Alimi Sami , Rahmat Aiman , Tukiat Ikhwan Shah Tisadi , Saif Yazid , Ragab Adham E , Zhou Wenbin , Ameen Wadea
Published: March 2024

The primary objective of this research is to investigate the process of direct recycling of AA7075 aluminium alloy, which is extensively utilised in the aerospace and flight sectors due to its exceptional strength and lightweight characteristics. Alumina (Al2O3) is used as a reinforcing agent and the effect of hot press forging (HPF) parameters on the mechanical characteristics and surface integrity of the metal matrix composite (MMC) constructed of AA7075 alloy with 1% Al2O3 has been studied. Furthermore, the utilisation of an integrated life cycle assessment (LCA) approach is implemented to assess the environmental impacts and economic expenses associated with the recycling of aluminium via high-pressure forming for both the metal matrix composite and AA7075 alloy. Response surface methodology (RSM) is applied to ascertain the optimal parameters for high-performance filtration. The findings suggest that employing a forging temperature of 532.34 °C and a holding time of 60 min produces favourable results. When comparing the characteristics of the MMC and recycled aluminium, it can be observed that they both demonstrate similar essential process attributes. The utilisation of HPF in conjunction with the Multi-Material Composite has the potential to yield a reduction of up to 24.97% in Global Warming Potential (GWP). This research demonstrates the efficacy of HPF as a viable approach for environmentally conscious and economically efficient recycling of AA7075 aluminium scrap, thereby improving product performance and promoting sustainability.
The impact of memory on learning sequence-to-sequence tasks
Authors: Seif Alireza , Loos Sarah A M , Tucci Gennaro , Roldán Édgar , Goldt Sebastian
Published: March 2024

The recent success of neural networks in natural language processing has drawn renewed attention to learning sequence-to-sequence (seq2seq) tasks. While there exists a rich literature that studies classification and regression tasks using solvable models of neural networks, seq2seq tasks have not yet been studied from this perspective. Here, we propose a simple model for a seq2seq task that has the advantage of providing explicit control over the degree of memory, or non-Markovianity, in the sequences—the stochastic switching-Ornstein–Uhlenbeck (SSOU) model. We introduce a measure of non-Markovianity to quantify the amount of memory in the sequences. For a minimal auto-regressive (AR) learning model trained on this task, we identify two learning regimes corresponding to distinct phases in the stationary state of the SSOU process. These phases emerge from the interplay between two different time scales that govern the sequence statistics. Moreover, we observe that while increasing the integration window of the AR model always improves performance, albeit with diminishing returns, increasing the non-Markovianity of the input sequences can improve or degrade its performance. Finally, we perform experiments with recurrent and convolutional neural networks that show that our observations carry over to more complicated neural network architectures.
How lies induced cooperation in Golden Balls: A game-theoretic analysis
Authors: Brams Steven , Mor Ben
Published: March 2024

We analyze a well-known episode of a popular British TV game show, Golden Balls, in which one of the two contestants lied about what he intended to do, which had the salutary effect of inducing both contestants to cooperate in what is normally a Prisoners’ Dilemma (PD), wherein one or both contestants usually defected. This “solution” to PD assumes that the liar desired to be honorable in fulfilling his pledge to split the jackpot if he won but, surprisingly, he achieved this end without having to do so, astonishing the audience and receiving its acclaim. We note that this action has a biblical precedent in King Solomon’s decision to cut a baby in two and, more generally, in resolving international conflicts, including the 1962 Cuban missile crisis.
𝚤Hall algebras of weighted projective lines and quantum symmetric pairs
Authors: Lu Ming , Ruan Shiquan
Published: March 2024

The

ı
\imath

Hall algebra of a weighted projective line is defined to be the semi-derived Ringel-Hall algebra of the category of

1
1

-periodic complexes of coherent sheaves on the weighted projective line over a finite field. We show that this Hall algebra provides a realization of the

ı
\imath

quantum loop algebra, which is a generalization of the

ı
\imath

quantum group arising from the quantum symmetric pair of split affine type ADE in its Drinfeld type presentation. The

ı
\imath

Hall algebra of the

ı
\imath

quiver algebra of split affine type A was known earlier to realize the same algebra in its Serre presentation. We then establish a derived equivalence which induces an isomorphism of these two

ı
\imath

Hall algebras, explaining the isomorphism of the

ı
\imath

quantum group of split affine type A under the two presentations.
An update on the formation in tobacco, toxicity and carcinogenicity of Nʹ-nitrosonornicotine and 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone
Authors: Peterson Lisa A , Stanfill Stephen B , Hecht Stephen S
Published: March 2024

The tobacco-specific nitrosamines Nʹ-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) and 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) are considered ‘carcinogenic to humans’ by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and are believed to be important in the carcinogenic effects of both smokeless tobacco and combusted tobacco products. This short review focuses on the results of recent studies on the formation of NNN and NNK in tobacco, and their carcinogenicity and toxicity in laboratory animals. New mechanistic insights are presented regarding the role of dissimilatory nitrate reductases in certain microorganisms involved in the conversion of nitrate to nitrite that leads to the formation of NNN and NNK during curing and processing of tobacco. Carcinogenicity studies of the enantiomers of the major NNK metabolite 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) and the enantiomers of NNN are reviewed. Recent toxicity studies of inhaled NNK and co-administration studies of NNK with formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein and CO2, all of which occur in high concentrations in cigarette smoke, are discussed.
Computer gaming alters resting-state brain networks, enhancing cognitive and fluid intelligence in players: evidence from brain imaging-derived phenotypes-wide Mendelian randomization
Authors: Wang Jiadong , Wang Yu , Ou Qian , Yang Sengze , Jing Jiajie , Fang Jiaqi
Published: March 2024

The debate on whether computer gaming enhances players’ cognitive function is an ongoing and contentious issue. Aiming to delve into the potential impacts of computer gaming on the players’ cognitive function, we embarked on a brain imaging-derived phenotypes (IDPs)-wide Mendelian randomization (MR) study, utilizing publicly available data from a European population. Our findings indicate that computer gaming has a positive impact on fluid intelligence (odds ratio [OR] = 6.264, P = 4.361 × 10−10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.520–11.147) and cognitive function (OR = 3.322, P = 0.002, 95% CI 1.563–7.062). Out of the 3062 brain IDPs analyzed, only one phenotype, IDP NET100 0378, was significantly influenced by computer gaming (OR = 4.697, P = 1.10 × 10−5, 95% CI 2.357–9.361). Further MR analysis suggested that alterations in the IDP NET100 0378 caused by computer gaming may be a potential factor affecting fluid intelligence (OR = 1.076, P = 0.041, 95% CI 1.003–1.153). Our MR study lends support to the notion that computer gaming can facilitate the development of players’ fluid intelligence by enhancing the connectivity between the motor cortex in the resting-state brain and key regions such as the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the language center.
Resting state functional connectome in breast cancer patients with fear of cancer recurrence
Authors: Lin Tian-Ye , Zhang Yi-He , Zhang Ye-Ning , Yang Yang , Du Lei , Li Qing-Yang , He Yi , Liu Fu-Chao , Tang Xiao-Yu , Tang Li-Li , Sun Ying-Shi
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to investigate network-level brain functional changes in breast cancer patients and their relationship with fear of cancer recurrence (FCR). Resting-state functional MRI was collected from 43 patients with breast cancer and 40 healthy controls (HCs). Graph theory analyses, whole-brain voxel-wise functional connectivity strength (FCS) analyses and seed-based functional connectivity (FC) analyses were performed to identify connection alterations in breast cancer patients. Correlations between brain functional connections (i.e. FCS and FC) and FCR level were assessed to further reveal the neural mechanisms of FCR in breast cancer patients. Graph theory analyses indicated a decreased clustering coefficient in breast cancer patients compared to HCs (P = 0.04). Patients with breast cancer exhibited significantly higher FCS in both higher-order function networks (frontoparietal, default mode, and dorsal attention systems) and primary somatomotor networks. Among the hyperconnected regions in breast cancer, the left inferior frontal operculum demonstrated a significant positive correlation with FCR. Our findings suggest that breast cancer patients exhibit less segregation of brain function, and the left inferior frontal operculum is a key region associated with FCR. This study offers insights into the neural mechanisms of FCR in breast cancer patients at the level of brain connectome.
Distinct neural signatures underlying information maintenance and manipulation in working memory
Authors: Shi Dongping , Yu Qing
Published: March 2024

Previous working memory research has demonstrated robust stimulus representations during memory maintenance in both voltage and alpha-band activity in electroencephalography. However, the exact functions of these 2 neural signatures have remained controversial. Here we systematically investigated their respective contributions to memory manipulation. Human participants either maintained a previously seen spatial location, or manipulated the location following a mental rotation cue over a delay. Using multivariate decoding, we observed robust location representations in low-frequency voltage and alpha-band oscillatory activity with distinct spatiotemporal dynamics: location representations were most evident in posterior channels in alpha-band activity, but were most prominent in the more anterior, central channels in voltage signals. Moreover, the temporal emergence of manipulated representation in central voltage preceded that in posterior alpha-band activity, suggesting that voltage might carry stimulus-specific source signals originated internally from anterior cortex, whereas alpha-band activity might reflect feedback signals in posterior cortex received from higher-order cortex. Lastly, while location representations in both signals were coded in a low-dimensional neural subspace, location representation in central voltage was higher-dimensional and underwent a representational transformation that exclusively predicted memory behavior. Together, these results highlight the crucial role of central voltage in working memory, and support functional distinctions between voltage and alpha-band activity.
Immunologic Predictors of Vaccine Responsiveness in Patients With Lymphoma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Chong Elise A , Kumashie Kingsley Gideon , Chong Emeline R , Fabrizio Joseph , Gupta Aditi , Svoboda Jakub , Barta Stefan K , Walsh Kristy M , Napier Ellen B , Lundberg Rachel K , Nasta Sunita D , Gerson James N , Landsburg Daniel J , Gonzalez Joyce , Gaano Andrew , Weirick Madison E , McAllister Christopher M , Awofolaju Moses , John Gavin N , Kammerman Shane C , Novacek Josef , Pajarillo Raymone , Lundgreen Kendall A , Tanenbaum Nicole , Gouma Sigrid , Drapeau Elizabeth M , Adamski Sharon , D’Andrea Kurt , Pattekar Ajinkya , Hicks Amanda , Korte Scott , Sharma Harsh , Herring Sarah , Williams Justine C , Hamilton Jacob T , Bates Paul , Hensley Scott E , Prak Eline T Luning , Greenplate Allison R , Wherry E John , Schuster Stephen J , Ruella Marco , Vella Laura A
Published: March 2024

Patients with B-cell lymphomas have altered cellular components of vaccine responses due to malignancy and therapy, and the optimal timing of vaccination relative to therapy remains unknown. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccines created an opportunity for new insights in vaccine timing because patients were challenged with a novel antigen across multiple phases of treatment. We studied serologic messenger RNA vaccine response in retrospective and prospective cohorts with lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, paired with clinical and research immune parameters. Reduced serologic response was observed more frequently during active treatment, but nonresponse was also common within observation and posttreatment groups. Total immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin M correlated with successful vaccine response. In individuals treated with anti-CD19–directed chimeric antigen receptor–modified T cells, nonresponse was associated with reduced B and T follicular helper cells. Predictors of vaccine response varied by disease and therapeutic group, and therefore further studies of immune health during and after cancer therapies are needed to individualize vaccine timing.
Optimizing nutrient transporters to enhance disease resistance in rice
Authors: Hui Shugang , Zhang Peng , Yuan Meng
Published: March 2024

Fertilizers and plant diseases contribute positively and negatively to crop production, respectively. Macro- and micronutrients provided by the soil and fertilizers are transported by various plant nutrient transporters from the soil to the roots and shoots, facilitating growth and development. However, the homeostasis of different nutrients has different effects on plant disease. This review is aimed at providing insights into the interconnected regulation between nutrient homeostasis and immune responses, and it highlights strategies to enhance disease resistance by optimal manipulation of nutrient transporters in rice. First, we highlight the essential roles of six macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, calcium, magnesium) and eight micronutrients (iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, molybdenum, silicon, nickel), and summarize the diverse effects of each on rice diseases. We then systematically review the molecular mechanisms of immune responses modulated by nutrient transporters and the genetic regulatory pathways that control the specific nutrient-mediated immune signaling that is regulated by the pathogens and the host plant. Finally, we discuss putative strategies for breeding disease-resistant rice by genetic engineering of nutrient transporters.
Unlocking protein–protein interactions in plants: a comprehensive review of established and emerging techniques
Authors: Cuadrado Alvaro Furones , Van Damme Daniël
Published: March 2024

Protein–protein interactions orchestrate plant development and serve as crucial elements for cellular and environmental communication. Understanding these interactions offers a gateway to unravel complex protein networks that will allow a better understanding of nature. Methods for the characterization of protein–protein interactions have been around over 30 years, yet the complexity of some of these interactions has fueled the development of new techniques that provide a better understanding of the underlying dynamics. In many cases, the application of these techniques is limited by the nature of the available sample. While some methods require an in vivo set-up, others solely depend on protein sequences to study protein–protein interactions via an in silico set-up. The vast number of techniques available to date calls for a way to select the appropriate tools for the study of specific interactions. Here, we classify widely spread tools and new emerging techniques for the characterization of protein–protein interactions based on sample requirements while providing insights into the information that they can potentially deliver. We provide a comprehensive overview of commonly used techniques and elaborate on the most recent developments, showcasing their implementation in plant research.
Short-term salt stress reduces photosynthetic oscillations under triose phosphate utilization limitation in tomato
Authors: Zhang Yuqi , Kaiser Elias , Dutta Satadal , Sharkey Thomas D , Marcelis Leo F M , Li Tao
Published: March 2024

Triose phosphate utilization (TPU) limitation is one of the three biochemical limitations of photosynthetic CO2 assimilation rate in C3 plants. Under TPU limitation, abrupt and large transitions in light intensity cause damped oscillations in photosynthesis. When plants are salt-stressed, photosynthesis is often down-regulated particularly under dynamic light intensity, but how salt stress affects TPU-related dynamic photosynthesis is still unknown. To elucidate this, tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) was grown with and without sodium chloride (NaCl, 100 mM) stress for 13 d. Under high CO2 partial pressure, rapid increases in light intensity caused profound photosynthetic oscillations. Salt stress reduced photosynthetic oscillations in leaves initially under both low- and high-light conditions and reduced the duration of oscillations by about 2 min. Besides, salt stress increased the threshold for CO2 partial pressure at which oscillations occurred. Salt stress increased TPU capacity without affecting Rubisco carboxylation and electron transport capacity, indicating the up-regulation of end-product synthesis capacity in photosynthesis. Thus salt stress may reduce photosynthetic oscillations by decreasing leaf internal CO2 partial pressure and/or increasing TPU capacity. Our results provide new insights into how salt stress modulates dynamic photosynthesis as controlled by CO2 availability and end-product synthesis.
Four-dimensional quantitative analysis of cell plate development in Arabidopsis using lattice light sheet microscopy identifies robust transition points between growth phases
Authors: Sinclair Rosalie , Wang Minmin , Jawaid Muhammad Zaki , Longkumer Toshisangba , Aaron Jesse , Rossetti Blair , Wait Eric , McDonald Kent , Cox Daniel , Heddleston John , Wilkop Thomas , Drakakaki Georgia
Published: March 2024

Cell plate formation during cytokinesis entails multiple stages occurring concurrently and requiring orchestrated vesicle delivery, membrane remodelling, and timely deposition of polysaccharides, such as callose. Understanding such a dynamic process requires dissection in time and space; this has been a major hurdle in studying cytokinesis. Using lattice light sheet microscopy (LLSM), we studied cell plate development in four dimensions, through the behavior of yellow fluorescent protein (YFP)-tagged cytokinesis-specific GTPase RABA2a vesicles. We monitored the entire duration of cell plate development, from its first emergence, with the aid of YFP–RABA2a, in both the presence and absence of cytokinetic callose. By developing a robust cytokinetic vesicle volume analysis pipeline, we identified distinct behavioral patterns, allowing the identification of three easily trackable cell plate developmental phases. Notably, the phase transition between phase I and phase II is striking, indicating a switch from membrane accumulation to the recycling of excess membrane material. We interrogated the role of callose using pharmacological inhibition with LLSM and electron microscopy. Loss of callose inhibited the phase transitions, establishing the critical role and timing of the polysaccharide deposition in cell plate expansion and maturation. This study exemplifies the power of combining LLSM with quantitative analysis to decode and untangle such a complex process.
The Expected Behaviors of Posterior Predictive Tests and Their Unexpected Interpretation
Authors: Fabreti Luiza Guimarães , Coghill Lyndon M , Thomson Robert C , Höhna Sebastian , Brown Jeremy M
Published: March 2024

Poor fit between models of sequence or trait evolution and empirical data is known to cause biases and lead to spurious conclusions about evolutionary patterns and processes. Bayesian posterior prediction is a flexible and intuitive approach for detecting such cases of poor fit. However, the expected behavior of posterior predictive tests has never been characterized for evolutionary models, which is critical for their proper interpretation. Here, we show that the expected distribution of posterior predictive P-values is generally not uniform, in contrast to frequentist P-values used for hypothesis testing, and extreme posterior predictive P-values often provide more evidence of poor fit than typically appreciated. Posterior prediction assesses model adequacy under highly favorable circumstances, because the model is fitted to the data, which leads to expected distributions that are often concentrated around intermediate values. Nonuniform expected distributions of P-values do not pose a problem for the application of these tests, however, and posterior predictive P-values can be interpreted as the posterior probability that the fitted model would predict a dataset with a test statistic value as extreme as the value calculated from the observed data.
Cigar Cessation Prevalence and Trends by Demographic Characteristics Among US Adults, TUS-CPS, 2010–2019
Authors: Blakney Aaron M , Lee Terrence , Kramer Renee D , Xu Kerui , Cwalina Samantha N , Mayer Margaret , Chang Cindy M , Chang Joanne T
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Disproportionate rates of cigar smoking across demographic groups can contribute to tobacco-related health disparities in the United States. We assessed overall and demographic-specific cigar cessation rates from 2010 to 2019.

Aims and Methods

To characterize cessation prevalence among selected demographic groups over time, we analyzed data from the 2010–2011, 2014–2015, and 2018–2019 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS). Individuals who reported either (1) current cigar smoking for at least 2 years or (2) quitting cigar smoking within the past 12 months were included in the study (n = 5262 in 2010–2011; n = 4741 in 2014–2015; n = 3741 in 2018–2019). Among this group, individuals who reported not smoking a cigar within the past 6 months were considered cigar quitters. Chi-square tests were used to test differences in cessation prevalence between the two survey waves within demographic groups as well as between different groups within survey waves.

Results

The prevalence of cigar cessation decreased from 2010–2011 to 2018–2019 for non-Hispanic (NH) White individuals, Hispanic individuals, and both males and females. (p < .05 for all groups). NH White individuals had significantly higher cessation prevalence than individuals who identified as NH Black (33.8% vs. 25.0%, respectively, in 2010–2011; 33.4% vs. 20.4% in 2014–2015; 31.1% vs. 22.3% in 2018–2019; p < .05 for all differences).

Conclusions

Overall cigar cessation prevalence significantly decreased from 2010–2011 to 2018–2019. Findings from the study could provide an opportunity to implement strategies that promote cessation strategies targeting certain subpopulations.

Implications

Cigar cessation patterns are starkly different across different demographic groups, which leads to a disproportionate burden of health-related effects of continued use of these products. These results can inform policy actions around cigar cessation efforts. Future research to close this disparity should be focused on populations that have lower cessation prevalence.
The Nuances of Plant Disease Severity Estimation Using Quantitative Ordinal Scales—Lessons Learned over Four Decades
Authors: Bock Clive H. , Ponte Emerson M. Del , Chiang Kuo-Szu
Published: March 2024

We revisit the foundations of the Horsfall-Barratt (HB) scale, a widely cited and applied plant disease visual assessment tool introduced in 1945, a full 37 years prior to T. T. Hebert's 1982 critique that raised concerns regarding the scale's rationale, particularly its reliance on the Weber-Fechner law and visual perception assumptions. Although use of the HB scale and similar ordinal scales persists, comprehensive studies have revealed that direct visual estimation using percentage scales often proves more accurate and reliable. Challenges remain, such as biases due to estimator subjectivity and the potential for misclassification. The logarithmic assumptions of the HB scale have been debunked, and the importance of choosing appropriate interval sizes and numbers of classes in developing ordinal scales is emphasized. Analyzing ordinal scale data appropriately is crucial, and recent advances offer promising methods that reduce type II error rates. The closely related disease severity index is noted to have its shortcomings and potential for misuse. The letter underscores the need for continuous refinement and critical evaluation of disease assessment methodologies.
Evaluation and Management of Mild-to-Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Hudson Miles , Samiappan Sathish Prabu Sathyamangalam , Starling Amaal J. , Patel Naresh P.
Published: March 2024

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a broad and heterogeneous disease entity. Treatment can range from nonoperative management in mild injury, to open surgical intervention in severe disease presentations. From a neurosurgical standpoint, it is important to understand mild-to-moderate TBI, as these entities are the most common presentations, and it is critical to know how to optimize patient care.
Applying Biblical Wisdom to Trying Times
Authors: Rajamohan Santhiny , Crotser Cheryl , Fleming Walter
Published: March 2024

In the post-COVID era, examining nursing and pastoral leadership experiences with biblical examples offers helpful perspectives on how to lead in times of crisis and adversity. Reflecting on men and women of the Bible who led during crisis can encourage nurses to view our ministries through God's lens and motivate us to become stronger leaders.
A Case of Severe Lower Extremity Lymphedema Caused by Postoperative Intraperitoneal Lymphatic Leakage Treatment
Authors: Tsukura Kahori , Onoda Satoshi , Tachibana Gaku , Kobayashi Kohta , Katsuragi Ryohei , Satake Toshihiko
Published: March 2024

In the present study, we encountered a patient who developed intraabdominal lymphatic leakage after surgery for gastric cancer, underwent lymphangiography and lymphatic mass embolization, and developed severe lymphedema. The patient was a 55-year-old woman with gastric cancer with pancreatic invasion. Total gastrectomy and lymph node dissection were performed as conversion procedures. Six liters of ascites was detected postoperatively. Lymphangiography with Lipiodol injections into the bilateral inguinal lymph nodes was done three times, and Histoacryl embolization of the lymphatic leak was performed. However, edema of the lower extremities rapidly worsened. Lymphatic venous anastomosis was performed under general anesthesia. Anastomosis was performed at seven sites on the right and eight sites on the left. Postoperatively, the patient underwent compression therapy using the multilayer bandage method. The edema continued to improve further, and at 2 weeks postoperatively, the patient’s weight had decreased by 21.4 kg from the preoperative weight, which was the same as that before the onset of edema. In this case, the patient’s general condition was unstable due to cardiac insufficiency and other factors. Therefore, we aimed for an operation time of less than 3 hours. In addition, two surgeons performed the surgery to ensure an immediate therapeutic effect, and more anastomoses were performed than usual. After lymphatic venous anastomosis, not only the edema of both lower extremities but also the edema of the entire body improved promptly. One of the reasons for the improvement in general edema was thought to be due to increased intravascular protein and enhanced intravascular return of interstitial fluid.
Relationship Between Firm Size and Perceived Organizational Support and the Moderating Role of Supervisor Support
Authors: Inoue Shunsuke , Nagata Tomohisa , Odagami Kiminori , Adi Nuri Purwito , Mori Koji
Published: March 2024

Objective

The study aims to explore the relationship between firm size and perceived organizational support (POS) and to investigate how supervisor support might moderate this relationship.

Methods

The study involved a cross-sectional questionnaire survey in Japan with 25,648 participants. Assessing POS through eight-question. Firm size was categorized into small (2–49 employees), medium (50–999), and large (1000 or more). Coefficients were estimated using multiple regression analyses.

Results

The analysis revealed that medium and large firms had lower POS compared to small firms, with the difference being more pronounced in medium firms. A positive interaction between firm size and supervisor support was observed for POS.

Conclusions

This study found that although POS is more likely to be lower in medium and large firms than in small firms, the effect of supervisor support on improving POS is stronger.