bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emicizumab in Type 3 von Willebrand Disease: Report of a Case with an Alloantibody and Literature Review
Authors: Giuffrida Anna C. , Siboni Simona M. , Baronciani Luciano , Poli Giovanni , Gandini Giorgio , Peyvandi Flora
Published: June 2024

Type 3 von Willebrand disease (VWD), the most severe form of VWD, is an inherited recessive bleeding disorder caused by the complete deficiency of von Willebrand factor (VWF). The reported prevalence is 1 per million but varies worldwide according to the frequency of consanguineous marriages. The clinical phenotype is characterized not only by mucocutaneous bleedings, but also by hemarthroses and muscle hematoma, as in patients with moderate hemophilia. Long-term prophylaxis with factor (F)VIII/VWF concentrates is recommended in patients with a history of severe and frequent bleeds. A rare complication of replacement therapy is the development of alloantibodies against VWF, with the consequences of an ineffective therapy and risk of anaphylactic reactions upon treatment. Emicizumab is the first bispecific monoclonal antibody that mimics FVIII coagulant activity and is approved for prophylaxis of bleeding in patients with inherited hemophilia A with or without inhibitors and recently also for acquired hemophilia. In this manuscript we report and discuss available data in the literature on the use of emicizumab in type 3 VWD and describe the case of a female patient with type 3 VWD with a history of alloantibodies against VWF and posttransfusion anaphylaxis, recently and successfully put on off-label prophylaxis with emicizumab.
Euroscepticism: a meta-analysis
Authors: Marzi Paolo
Published: June 2024

The rise of Euroscepticism has prompted extensive academic investigation, with researchers exploring a wide variety of areas and uncovering substantial information in recent decades. Despite these achievements, the overall self-knowledge of the literature—its overarching themes, the countries scrutinised, the methodologies employed, and their evolution over time—remains relatively underexplored. To bridge this gap, this study utilises wizdom.ai to delineate the borders of Euroscepticism by conducting a meta-analysis of over 400 journal articles between 1995 and 2020. The findings reveal two distinct macro-periods. The first—1995 to 2010—primarily comprises party-based, single-country qualitative studies. Conversely, the latter period—2011 to 2020—witnessed a proliferation of research, marked by an expansion into previously under-investigated topics, countries, and methodologies. This is exemplified by a notable increase in quantitative and comparative publications across many EU Member States. These findings constitute a preliminary basis for assessing the existing breadth and depth of the study of Euroscepticism and may stimulate further research on the topic.
Thermomagnetic responses of semimetals
Authors: Akhanda Md Sabbir , Schlaak Katherine A. , Scott Eleanor F. , Afroj Taj Md Nasim , Watzman Sarah J. , Zebarjadi Mona
Published: June 2024

Solid-state thermomagnetic modules operating based on the Nernst–Ettingshausen effects are an alternative to conventional solid-state thermoelectric modules. These modules are appropriate for low-temperature applications where the thermoelectric modules are not efficient. Here, we briefly discuss the application, performance, similarities, and differences of thermoelectric and thermomagnetic materials and modules. We review thermomagnetic module design, Nernst coefficient measurement techniques, and theoretical advances, emphasizing the Nernst effect and factors influencing its response in semimetals such as carrier compensation, Fermi surface, mobility, phonon drag, and Berry curvature. The main objective is to summarize the materials design criteria to achieve high thermomagnetic performance to accelerate thermomagnetic materials discovery.
Simple model of multi-scale and multi-site emissions for porous ionic liquid electrospray thrusters
Authors: Takagi Koki , Yamashita Yusuke , Tsukizaki Ryudo , Nishiyama Kazutaka , Takao Yoshinori
Published: June 2024

Ionic liquid electrospray thrusters represent an alternative propulsion method for spacecraft to conventional plasma propulsion because they do not require plasma generation, which significantly increases the thrust efficiency. The porous emitter thruster has the advantages of simple propellant feeding and multi-site emissions, which miniaturize the thruster size and increase thrust. However, the multi-scale nature, that is, nano- to micrometer-sized menisci on the millimeter-size porous needle tip, makes modeling multi-site emissions difficult, and direct observation is also challenging. This paper proposes a simple model for multi-site emissions, which assumes that the ionic conductivity or ion transport in the porous media determines the ion-emission current. The conductivity was evaluated by comparing the experimental and numerical data based on the model. The results suggest that the ionic conductivity of the porous emitter is suppressed by the ion–pore wall friction stress. Additionally, the model indicates that the emission area expansion on the porous emitter creates the unique curve shape of the current vs voltage characteristics for multi-site emissions.
Electron–phonon interaction-driven dynamic conductivity in monolayer phosphorene with broken inversion symmetry
Authors: Yar Abdullah , Sultana Rifat
Published: June 2024

Electronic transport in inversion symmetry broken monolayer phosphorene under the influence of electron–phonon interaction is investigated. Such interaction renormalizes the band structure, leading to a significant modification of electron dynamics, which depends on the interaction strength. We find that the imaginary part of the self-energy remains minimal within a particular region of energy ℏω, where the quasiparticle has zero density of final states. It turns out that the emission of phonon is not allowed in that energy range. At the boundary of this region, there is a sudden increase in the imaginary part of the self-energy, where its real part exhibits singular behavior around specific energies. In addition, it is shown that dynamic optical conductivity exhibits remarkable effects in the presence of the electron–phonon interaction. In particular, it remains minimal in a particular region of energy ℏω, then it increases monotonically and hits the peak of the main absorption edge. Moreover, we find that the dynamic optical conductivity changes significantly with the change in electron–phonon interaction strength, temperature, phonon energy, chemical potential, and bandgap in the energy spectrum of the system. Both the real and imaginary parts of the self-energy acquire energy dependence that reflects phonon structure and leads to a shift in the conductivity peak of the longitudinal optical conductivity.
Machine learning-assisted thermoelectric cooling for on-demand multi-hotspot thermal management
Authors: Luo Jiajian , Lee Jaeho
Published: June 2024

Thermoelectric coolers (TECs) offer a promising solution for direct cooling of local hotspots and active thermal management in advanced electronic systems. However, TECs present significant trade-offs among spatial cooling, heating, and power consumption. The optimization of TECs requires extensive simulations, which are impractical for managing actual systems with multiple hotspots under spatial and temporal variations. In this study, we present a novel machine learning-assisted optimization algorithm for thermoelectric coolers that can achieve global optimal temperature by individually controlling TEC units based on real-time multi-hotspot conditions across the entire domain. We train a convolutional neural network with a combination of the inception module and multi-task learning approach to comprehend the coupled thermal-electrical physics underlying the system and attain accurate predictions for both temperature and power consumption with and without TECs. Due to the intricate interaction among passive thermal gradient, Peltier effect and Joule effect, a local optimal TEC control experiences spatial temperature trade-off which may not lead to a global optimal solution. To address this issue, we develop a backtracking-based optimization algorithm using the machine learning model to iterate all possible TEC assignments for attaining global optimal solutions. For any m × n matrix with NHS hotspots (n, m ≤ 10, 1 ≤ NHS ≤ 20), our algorithm is capable of providing 52.4% peak temperature reduction and its corresponding TEC array control within an average of 1.64 s while iterating through tens of temperature predictions behind-the-scenes. This represents a speed increase of over three orders of magnitude compared to traditional finite element method strategies which take approximately 27 min.
Thermal behavior of open-volume defects and absorbed hydrogen atoms in palladium
Authors: Sato W. , Furumoto M. , Shimizu H. , Ohkubo Y.
Published: June 2024

The effects of hydrogen absorption on the local lattice structure in palladium (Pd) were investigated by means of positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) and time-differential perturbed angular correlation (TDPAC) spectroscopy. The PALS measurements demonstrated that dislocations and vacancies formed in the preparation process of a pristine Pd plate can be clearly removed by vacuum annealing at 1073 K and the subsequent absorption of a large quantity of hydrogen, resulting in the production of the β-phase hydride PdH0.62, induces the formation of the open-volume defects again. It was also found that the absorbed hydrogen atoms remain in the Pd sample at 323 K but they are completely evacuated during 5 h heating at 383 K. In addition to the overall thermal behavior, an atomic scale observation of the hydrogen dynamics was carried out by means of TDPAC spectroscopy, indicating the nuclear quadrupole relaxation of the present (111m,111Pd → 111Ag→)111Cd probe, which evidently suggests that the hydrogen atoms show fast dynamic motion around the probe. From the temperature-dependent nuclear quadrupole relaxation rate, we obtained an activation energy of 41(4) meV for the motion.
Magnetoresistance analysis of two-dimensional hole gases in GaN/AlGaN/GaN double heterostructures
Authors: Yamada S. , Fujimoto A. , Yagi S. , Narui H. , Yamaguchi E. , Imanaka Y.
Published: June 2024

Magnetoresistance (MR) of two-dimensional hole gas (2DHG) samples fabricated from GaN/AlxGa1-xN/GaN (x = 0.2–0.25) double heterostructures has been investigated to reveal subband electronic parameters and low field spin splitting properties. In sample with high sheet hole density (ps ≤ 1.3 × 1013/cm2), 2DHG occupies two subbands, while in samples with low ps (≤0.3 × 1013/cm2), only one subband is occupied. In both samples, the low-field spin–orbit coupling constant α of 2DHG was obtained independently from the weak anti-localization data and the fast Fourier transform analysis of MR oscillations. The results yield a constant α ∼ 0.53–6.1 × 10−12 eVm and a spin splitting ΔE = 2αkf ∼ 0.6–6.0 meV. These results strongly depend on the hole mass value, but appear to be of the same order as the results for 2D electron gas in similar material systems and structures.
Proposed compositions in Mn–Ni–Cu system for magnetocaloric application using a combination of thermodynamic modeling and experiments
Authors: Tiwari Nishant , Das Swagat , Paliwal Manas
Published: June 2024

Magnetic refrigeration is an active research area considering its potential to replace gas-based refrigeration systems, which are detrimental to the environment owing to chlorofluorocarbon emissions. Heusler alloys such as Ni2MnGa are known for their magnetocaloric effect, and addition of elements like Cu has increased the refrigeration capacity of the system. Magnetocaloric properties are a strict function of composition, and few alloy compositions in Mn–Ni–Cu–Ga can exhibit enhanced magnetocaloric properties. Most of the previous works have focused on Mn–Ni–Cu–Ga, and the enhancement of magnetocaloric properties is attributed to adding Cu. However, no magnetocaloric material has been reported in the Mn–Ni–Cu system, which could potentially show benefit from Cu addition. Hence, in the present study, thermodynamic optimization of the Mn–Ni–Cu-based ternary system and its three sub-binaries, Mn–Cu, Mn–Ni, and Ni–Cu, are performed using the CALculation of PHAse Diagram approach. In order to capture the liquidus in the Mn–Ni system and congruent transformation, a few alloy compositions were prepared and analyzed using differential thermal analysis. Using the current optimized database, temperatures are calculated as a function of Mn, Ni, and Cu compositions to ascertain the phase transition between the austenite and martensite phases, which occur around room temperature.
Equilibrium evaporation coefficients quantified as transmission probabilities for monatomic fluids
Authors: Wolf M. C. W. , Enright R. , Gaastra-Nedea S. V. , Frijns A. J. H.
Published: June 2024

Equilibrium molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are used to investigate the liquid/vapor interface where particle exchange between the liquid and vapor phase is quantified in terms of the evaporation and condensation coefficient. The coefficients are extracted from MD simulations via a particle counting procedure. This requires defining a vapor boundary position for which we introduce an accurate and robust method and present a comparative study with existing methods from the literature. This novel method relies on the behavior of the flux coefficient within the interphase region by scanning the position of a particle sink boundary from the liquid toward the vapor phase. We find a distinct local maxima is attained on the vapor side of the interphase that is identified as the vapor boundary position based on an interpretation of transmission probability theory and the Kullback–Leibler divergence. The ratio of the evaporation flux to the outgoing flux at this location is defined as the evaporation coefficient. This method retains the simplicity of existing methods but eliminates several disadvantages. We apply this method to MD simulations of monatomic fluids neon, argon, krypton, and xenon. We observe a correlation between the molecular transport parameter appearing in the transmission probability theory and the characteristic interface fluctuation length scale from the capillary wave theory. This gives an expression for the evaporation coefficient that agrees well with values extracted from MD using the particle counting procedure. Compared to existing methods, the evaporation/condensation coefficient is determined more accurately for temperatures between the triple and critical points.
Comparison of electrical characteristics of thin tellurium layers obtained from chemical solution and by thermal evaporation in vacuum
Authors: Norkus R. , Klimas V. , Strazdienė V. , Devenson J. , Bukauskas V. , Niaura G. , Tamulaitis G. , Krotkus A.
Published: June 2024

Two-dimensional or other thin materials have high potential for use in next-generation electronic and optoelectronic devices. Recently, tellurium has gained much interest due to its broad applicability prospects. In this work, the physical properties of thin tellurium layers fabricated using two relatively simple and inexpensive technologies based on the deposition from a chemical solution and by thermal evaporation were compared. The morphology of the grown surfaces was analyzed using atomic force microscopy. The chemically deposited tellurium surface consists of nanometer-sized flakes, while polycrystalline layers are formed in the case of deposition by thermal evaporation. Additionally, the characteristics of the fabricated samples varied depending on their thickness, as observed in both Raman spectroscopy and THz spectroscopy measurements. Furthermore, the non-contact optical pump THz probe technique revealed that the layers had different carrier lifetimes and mobilities. The carrier lifetime of samples deposited by thermal evaporation is short, less than 40 ps, with mobility up to a few hundred cm2/V s. In contrast, chemically deposited samples have a longer carrier lifetime, ranging more than 500 ps, and superior mobility up to 1000 cm2/V s.
Monitoring water meniscus formation at nanocontacts with shear-force acousto near-field microscopy
Authors: Wang Xiaohua , Fernandez Rodolfo , Brockman Theodore , Supichayanggoon Kacharat , La Rosa Andres H.
Published: June 2024

Shear-force acoustic near-field microscopy (SANM) is employed to monitor stochastic formation and post dynamic response of a water meniscus that bridges a tapered gold probe (undergoing lateral oscillations of a few nanometers amplitude at constant frequency) and a flat (gold or silicon oxide) substrate. As the probe further approaches the substrate, its amplitude decreases. Shear forces (of yet unknown precise origin) are typically invoked to explain the apparently pure damping effects affecting the probe's motion. Herein, SANM measurements underscore instead the role of near-field acoustic emission from the water meniscus as an elastic energy dissipation channel involved in shear interactions. A simplified thermodynamic argument is provided to justify the formation of a water meniscus between the probe and the sample once they are at sufficient separation distance. The reported measurements focus on the role played by the tip's geometry (by using probes of slender and chubby apex termination). The results shed some light on the potential origin of the so-called shear forces, invoked in many scanning probe microscopy applications, but not yet well understood.
3-center and 4-center 2-particle Gaussian AO integrals on modern accelerated processors
Authors: Asadchev Andrey , Valeev Edward F.
Published: June 2024

We report an implementation of the McMurchie–Davidson (MD) algorithm for 3-center and 4-center 2-particle integrals over Gaussian atomic orbitals (AOs) with low and high angular momenta l and varying degrees of contraction for graphical processing units (GPUs). This work builds upon our recent implementation of a matrix form of the MD algorithm that is efficient for GPU evaluation of 4-center 2-particle integrals over Gaussian AOs of high angular momenta (l ≥ 4) [A. Asadchev and E. F. Valeev, J. Phys. Chem. A 127, 10889–10895 (2023)]. The use of unconventional data layouts and three variants of the MD algorithm allow for the evaluation of integrals with double precision and sustained performance between 25% and 70% of the theoretical hardware peak. Performance assessment includes integrals over AOs with l ≤ 6 (a higher l is supported). Preliminary implementation of the Hartree–Fock exchange operator is presented and assessed for computations with up to a quadruple-zeta basis and more than 20 000 AOs. The corresponding C++ code is part of the experimental open-source LibintX library available at https://github.com/ValeevGroup/libintx.
Modeling of magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of polycrystalline La0.85Sr0.15Mn0.99Fe0.01O3 by a mean-field scaling method
Authors: Brahiti N. , Balli M. , Fournier P.
Published: June 2024

Magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of La0.85Sr0.15Mn0.99Fe0.01O3 perovskite oxides are investigated in the framework of the mean-field theory with a goal to develop a comprehensive model with parameters that can be used to optimize the caloric performances for cooling applications. Using the experimental magnetic isotherms M(H,T), we estimate and compare the exchange parameter (λ), the saturation magnetization (M0), the total angular momentum (J), and the gyromagnetic factor (g) for two different samples annealed at 1170 and 1250 °C. These parameters are used, in turn, in the simulation of the magnetic and the magnetocaloric properties of these La0.85Sr0.15Mn0.99Fe0.01O3 compounds assuming imperfect samples with compositional and/or magnetic inhomogeneities. For this purpose, a Gaussian distribution of the Curie temperature is assumed. The temperature dependence of the magnetic entropy change, −ΔSM(T), resulting from an applied field variation is simulated for both samples. The selected distribution captures the rounding of the −ΔSM(T) peak at its maximum and its broadening with growth conditions, features that are constantly observed in many bulk polycrystalline compounds.
Characteristic voltages and times from capacitance–voltage analysis of quantum dot light-emitting diodes
Authors: Qu Xiangwei , Ma Jingrui , Wang Kai , Sun Xiao Wei
Published: June 2024

The characteristic voltages in the capacitance–voltage (C–V) curve of quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs) are usually linked to the start of charge injection and recombination in a working device. However, it may lead to a misunderstanding of the carrier process in QLEDs. This is because capacitance change only reflects an electrical response of additional carriers induced by a small signal loaded on an applied DC voltage but does not directly correlate with the total free carrier response governed by the working voltage. In this work, we study the frequency-dependent C–V characteristics of a blue QLED, focusing on the characteristic voltages, characteristic times, and their relationships. First of all, we identify that the charge injection point of QLEDs should be extracted by the current density–voltage–luminance characteristics rather than the C–V curve. As for the characteristic voltages obtained from the C–V curve, they are determined by voltage-dependent characteristic times in different time domains. Furthermore, the C–V characteristic is helpful to evaluate charge accumulation or leakage in blue QLED, serving as an accessible analysis tool in the carrier transport process. Our work provides a definite physical meaning of characteristic voltages in the C–V curve and exhibits the usefulness of C–V characteristics for analyzing the charge dynamics of QLED.
Identifying Trends of Dysautonomia Signs and Symptoms Associated with Protracted Concussion Recovery during the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ziaks Lauren , Tucker Jenna , Koc Thomas , Schaefer Alexa , Hanson Kristina
Published: June 2024

Objective: To identify trends of provoked dysautonomia signs and symptoms during the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test (BCTT). Subjects: This is a retrospective cohort study of 101 patient charts post-concussion who were screened for suspected dysautonomia. Methods: Patients with suspected dysautonomia were assessed for exercise intolerance using a BCTT. Symptoms and rate of perceived exertion were recorded on a standardized form. Digital pulse oximetry was used to collect heart rate (HR) and oxygen saturation. Descriptive analyses were conducted on BCTT results. Results: Of 101 patient charts, 57 were excluded from analysis, including four patients who completed the BCTT by asymptomatically reaching the target HR zone for their estimated HR max. The remaining 44 patients demonstrated: 35 (79.5%) poor HR stabilization defined as a drop or plateau in HR during exercise, 28 (63.8%) exacerbated concussion symptoms, 13 (29.5%) autonomic nervous system response such as hot flushed sensation, 12 (27.3%) rebound symptoms during recovery phases, and 8 (18.2%) desaturation of 90% or below. The mean delta (80% expected HR max – 80% achieved HR max) on the initial test was 80.66 (± 23.08) beats per minute. Conclusions: This study is the first to identify trends of signs and symptoms during the BCTT in an expanded population with suspected dysautonomia after concussion. Future studies are indicated to validate these findings and contribute to development of modified termination criteria for the BCTT in individuals with suspected dysautonomia associated with protracted concussion recovery.
Ethical assessment of virtual consultation services: scoping review and development of a practical ethical checklist
Authors: Reid Madeleine , Moerenhout Tania
Published: June 2024

Introduction The use of telephone and video consultations has vastly increased since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Health care providers in traditional clinical practices have embraced these virtual consultations as an alternative to face-to-face consultations, but there has also been a simultaneous increase in services offered directly to consumers via commercial entities. One of the main challenges in telemedicine (and the broader field of digital health) is how to conduct a meaningful ethical assessment of such services. Aim This article presents a novel framework for practical ethical analysis of direct-to-consumer virtual general practitioner consultation services in Aotearoa New Zealand. Methods First, a scoping review of academic and policy documents identified the core ethical challenges arising from virtual consultations. Second, a qualitative analysis was conducted to translate the main ethical themes and subthemes into practical questions to assess virtual general practice services. Results A total of 49 relevant documents were selected for review. The six key ethical themes related to telemedicine were: privacy, security, and confidentiality; equity; autonomy and informed consent; quality and standards of care; patient empowerment; and continuity of care. A practical ethical checklist consisting of 25 questions was developed from these themes and their subthemes. Discussion The checklist provides an accessible way of incorporating ethics into technology assessment and can be used by all relevant stakeholders, including patients, health care providers, and developers. Application of the framework contributes to improving the quality of virtual consultation services with a specific focus on ethics.
Spatial variability of soil carbon across a hillslope restoration planting in New Zealand
Authors: D’Ath Molly Katharine , Sila-Nowicka Katarzyna , Schwendenmann Luitgard
Published: June 2024

Context Forest restoration has been adopted by governments and local communities across the globe to restore ecological functions and as a measure to mitigate climate change. Aims This study investigated the spatial variation in landscape, vegetation, soil characteristics, and soil carbon storage under young restoration plantings across a hillslope in northern New Zealand. Methods Soil samples (0–10 cm, 10–20 cm, and 20–30 cm) were taken from 121 locations across 5–20-year-old restoration plantings, remnant and regenerating bush and pasture. Samples were analysed for bulk density, pH, and soil carbon concentration and soil carbon stocks were calculated. Ordinary kriging and multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) were used to predict and explain soil carbon stocks across the landscape. Key results Soil carbon stocks (0–10 cm depth) across the study area ranged from 1.9 to 7.1 kg m−2. Spatial analysis revealed that elevation, slope, stem density, bulk density, and pH had a significant effect on the magnitude and distribution of soil carbon stocks. Conclusions and implications This study has shown that topography had a strong effect on soil carbon stocks across the young restoration plantings. The outcome of this study highlights the importance of taking landscape and soil characteristics into account when planning a forest restoration project.
Factors affecting wild boar (Sus scrofa) distribution in Uruguay
Authors: Zambra N. , Ungerfeld R.
Published: June 2024

Context Sus scrofa is a species that easily adapts to diverse environments and climatic zones. In urban and suburban spaces, its presence negatively impacts soil, crops, and animal production, posing health risks for other animals and even humans. Declared a national pest in Uruguay, it is one of the main predators of sheep. A deeper knowledge of its habitat, current distribution, and the environmental factors that influence its locations is required to develop an adequate programme to control its population. Aims To determine the spatial distribution of wild boars in Uruguay and its association with environmental factors concerning livestock production, on the basis of a survey administered to farmers. Methods The survey was completed by 2360 farmers, gathering information on the presence of wild boars and other wildlife animals on their farms, methods used for wild boar control, economic damages caused by the species, number of sheep, and types of land-cover besides pastures (native woodlands, shelter forests, pine plantations, and eucalyptus plantations). Key results Farms located in the Northeast region, with native woodlands and/or pine plantations, and larger than 500 ha were more likely to report the presence of wild boars. The presence of eucalyptus plantations did not affect the presence of wild boars in any region of the country. While the presence of sheep, free- ranging dogs, or wild boars on neighbouring farms affected the presence of wild boars, the existence of eucalyptus plantations showed no effect across any region of the country. On the other hand, the presence of wild boars increased in association with the presence of pampas foxes (Lycalopex gymnocercus). Conclusions These results provide valuable information regarding the current distribution of an invasive exotic ungulate, and factors influencing the probability of reporting its presence. Implications This information will serve as a starting point for future research analysing additional ecological and farm characteristics, as well as management strategies in sheep farms aimed at detecting, evading, dissuading and/or controlling this predatory species on the basis of its behaviour and environmental preferences.
The DNA damage response of
Escherichia coli
, revisited: Differential gene expression after replication inhibition
Authors: Sass Thalia H. , Lovett Susan T.
Published: June 2024

In 1967, in this journal, Evelyn Witkin proposed the existence of a coordinated DNA damage response in
Escherichia coli
, which later came to be called the “SOS response.” We revisited this response using the replication inhibitor azidothymidine (AZT) and RNA-Seq analysis and identified several features. We confirm the induction of classic Save our ship (SOS) loci and identify several genes, including many of the pyrimidine pathway, that have not been previously demonstrated to be DNA damage-inducible. Despite a strong dependence on LexA, these genes lack LexA boxes and their regulation by LexA is likely to be indirect via unknown factors. We show that the transcription factor “stringent starvation protein” SspA is as important as LexA in the regulation of AZT-induced genes and that the genes activated by SspA change dramatically after AZT exposure. Our experiments identify additional LexA-independent DNA damage inducible genes, including 22 small RNA genes, some of which appear to activated by SspA. Motility and chemotaxis genes are strongly down-regulated by AZT, possibly as a result of one of more of the small RNAs or other transcription factors such as AppY and GadE, whose expression is elevated by AZT. Genes controlling the iron siderophore, enterobactin, and iron homeostasis are also strongly induced, independent of LexA. We confirm that IraD antiadaptor protein is induced independent of LexA and that a second antiadaptor, IraM is likewise strongly AZT-inducible, independent of LexA, suggesting that RpoS stabilization via these antiadaptor proteins is an integral part of replication stress tolerance.
Chemical transformation of the multibudding yeast, Aureobasidium pullulans
Authors: Wirshing Alison C.E. , Petrucco Claudia A. , Lew Daniel J.
Published: June 2024

Aureobasidium pullulans is a ubiquitous polymorphic black yeast with industrial and agricultural applications. It has recently gained attention amongst cell biologists for its unconventional mode of proliferation in which multinucleate yeast cells make multiple buds within a single cell cycle. Here, we combine a chemical transformation method with genome-targeted homologous recombination to yield ∼60 transformants/μg of DNA in just 3 days. This protocol is simple, inexpensive, and requires no specialized equipment. We also describe vectors with codon-optimized green and red fluorescent proteins for A. pullulans and use these tools to explore novel cell biology. Quantitative imaging of a strain expressing cytosolic and nuclear markers showed that although the nuclear number varies considerably among cells of similar volume, total nuclear volume scales with cell volume over an impressive 70-fold size range. The protocols and tools described here expand the toolkit for A. pullulans biologists and will help researchers address the many other puzzles posed by this polyextremotolerant and morphologically plastic organism.
Dynamic Foxp3–chromatin interaction controls tunable Treg cell function
Authors: He Minghong , Zong Xinying , Xu Beisi , Qi Wenjie , Huang Wenjun , Djekidel Mohamed Nadhir , Zhang Yang , Pagala Vishwajeeth R. , Li Jun , Hao Xiaolei , Guy Clifford , Bai Lu , Cross Richard , Li Chunliang , Peng Junmin , Feng Yongqiang
Published: June 2024

Nuclear factor Foxp3 determines regulatory T (Treg) cell fate and function via mechanisms that remain unclear. Here, we investigate the nature of Foxp3-mediated gene regulation in suppressing autoimmunity and antitumor immune response. Contrasting with previous models, we find that Foxp3–chromatin binding is regulated by Treg activation states, tumor microenvironment, and antigen and cytokine stimulations. Proteomics studies uncover dynamic proteins within Foxp3 proximity upon TCR or IL-2 receptor signaling in vitro, reflecting intricate interactions among Foxp3, signal transducers, and chromatin. Pharmacological inhibition and genetic knockdown experiments indicate that NFAT and AP-1 protein Batf are required for enhanced Foxp3–chromatin binding in activated Treg cells and tumor-infiltrating Treg cells to modulate target gene expression. Furthermore, mutations at the Foxp3 DNA-binding domain destabilize the Foxp3–chromatin association. These representative settings delineate context-dependent Foxp3–chromatin interaction, suggesting that Foxp3 associates with chromatin by hijacking DNA-binding proteins resulting from Treg activation or differentiation, which is stabilized by direct Foxp3–DNA binding, to dynamically regulate Treg cell function according to immunological contexts.
Maturation of germinal center B cells after influenza virus vaccination in humans
Authors: McIntire Katherine M. , Meng Hailong , Lin Ting-Hui , Kim Wooseob , Moore Nina E. , Han Julianna , McMahon Meagan , Wang Meng , Malladi Sameer Kumar , Mohammed Bassem M. , Zhou Julian Q. , Schmitz Aaron J. , Hoehn Kenneth B. , Carreño Juan Manuel , Yellin Temima , Suessen Teresa , Middleton William D. , Teefey Sharlene A. , Presti Rachel M. , Krammer Florian , Turner Jackson S. , Ward Andrew B. , Wilson Ian A. , Kleinstein Steven H. , Ellebedy Ali H.
Published: June 2024

Germinal centers (GC) are microanatomical lymphoid structures where affinity-matured memory B cells and long-lived bone marrow plasma cells are primarily generated. It is unclear how the maturation of B cells within the GC impacts the breadth and durability of B cell responses to influenza vaccination in humans. We used fine needle aspiration of draining lymph nodes to longitudinally track antigen-specific GC B cell responses to seasonal influenza vaccination. Antigen-specific GC B cells persisted for at least 13 wk after vaccination in two out of seven individuals. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) derived from persisting GC B cell clones exhibit enhanced binding affinity and breadth to influenza hemagglutinin (HA) antigens compared with related GC clonotypes isolated earlier in the response. Structural studies of early and late GC-derived mAbs from one clonal lineage in complex with H1 and H5 HAs revealed an altered binding footprint. Our study shows that inducing sustained GC reactions after influenza vaccination in humans supports the maturation of responding B cells.
First principles validation of energy barriers in Ni75Al25
Authors: Fisher Adam , Staunton Julie B , Wu Huan , Brommer Peter
Published: June 2024

Precipitates in nickel-based superalloys form during heat treatment on a time scale inaccessible to direct molecular dynamics simulation, but can be studied using kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) modelling. This requires reliable values for the barrier energies separating distinct configurations over the trajectory of the system. In this study, we validate vacancy migration barriers found with the Activation-Relaxation Technique nouveau (ARTn) method in partially ordered Ni75Al25 with a monovacancy using published potentials for the atomic interactions against first-principles methods. In a first step, we confirm that the ARTn barrier energies agree with those determined with the nudged elastic band (NEB) method. As the number of atoms used in those calculations is too great for direct ab initio calculations, we cut the cell size to 255 atoms, thus controlling finite size effects. We then use the plane-wave density functional theory code CASTEP and its inbuilt NEB method in the smaller cells. This provides us with a continuous validation chain from first principles to KMC simulations with interatomic potentials (IPs). We evaluate the barrier energies of five further IPs with NEB, demonstrating that none yields values with sufficient reliability for KMC simulations, with some of them failing completely. This is a first step towards quantifying the errors incurred in KMC simulations of precipitate formation and evolution.
A comprehensive analysis of ultra low power GNRFET based 20T hybrid full adder for computing applications
Authors: Arora Sneha , Tripathi Suman Lata
Published: June 2024

In an era where energy efficiency is as important as computational speed, this paper introduces a new full adder circuit design that effectively integrates dynamic power gathering (DPG) power conservation benefits with XOR-XNOR pass-transistor logic (PTL) area and performance efficiencies using graphene nanoribbon field-effect transistors. GNRFETs are useful for digital logic due to their high carrier mobility and tunable bandgap. The paper describes the circuit’s seamless transition full adder response, demonstrating the tri-mode dynamic power gating strategy capacity to reduce static power depletion. The proposed hybrid full adder performs well with 7.76 nW power consumption, 481 ps latency, and 3.73 aJ PDP. This reduces power consumption by 99.9%, delay by 99.0%, and PDP by 99.8% compared to other adders. The effects of temperature, voltage, Noise immunity and Carry Forward Adders integration on power, delay, and PDP are also analysed, proving the design’s robustness. The adaptability of our full adder architecture allows its implementation in more complicated arithmetic and logic units, indicating a scalable and energy-efficient paradigm for future integrated circuits.
Resistance distance and sharp bounds of two-mode electrical networks
Authors: Ullah Asad , Salman Salima , Zaman Shahid
Published: June 2024

Electrical networks are ubiquitous in our daily lives, ranging from small integrated circuits to large-scale power systems. These networks can be easily represented as graphs, where edges represent connections and vertices represent electric nodes. The concept of resistance distance originates from electrical networks, with this term used because of its physical interpretation, where every edge in a graph G is assumed to have a unit resistor. The applications of resistance distance extend to various fields such as electrical engineering, physics, and computer science. It is particularly useful in investigating the flow of electrical current in a network and determining the shortest path between two vertices. In this work, we have investigated seven different resistance distance-based indices of bipartite networks and derived general formulae for them; the sharp bounds with respect to these resistance distance indices are also identified. Additionally, we introduced a novel resistance distance topological index, the Multiplicative Eccentric Resistance Harary Index, and derived general formula for it. The sharp bounds with respect to this newly introduced index are also identified for bipartite networks.
Modeling and analysis of single-mode widely tunable all-fiber Ho-doped CW master oscillator power amplifier system
Authors: Mirza Jawad , Salaria Umair Ahmad , Ghafoor Salman , Atieh Ahmad , Kanwal Benish , Almogren Ahmad , Aziz Imran
Published: June 2024

We report the design of an all-fiber single-mode polarization maintaining widely tunable Ho-doped master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) system operating in the wavelength range of 2005-2135 nm based on a pre-amplifier and two power amplification stages. The single clad Ho-doped active fibers in the ring cavity based master oscillator, pre-amplifier, and power amplifiers are pumped using 1950 nm semiconductor laser diode pump sources. The amplification of the MOPA system is investigated over the entire spectral range of 2005-2135 nm. The highest output power achieved by the continuous wave (CW) Ho-doped MOPA system is 43 W at a wavelength of 2028.6 nm using pump power of 20 W with power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 90% for second power amplifier while the total pump power of Ho-doped MOPA system is 45 W. Optical bandpass filters (OBPFs) are employed between different stages of MOPA system to enable amplification over the wider spectral range of 2005-2135 nm by suppressing the amplified spontaneous emission (ASE). Not using OBPFs results in amplification that is limited to the spectral range of 2045-2130 nm. Therefore, a penalty of 45 nm can be avoided at the expense of using the OBPFs between different stages of MOPA system. This flexible MOPA system can be used in multiple applications, especially for space-borne high power transmitters operating in atmospheric transmission windows.
Recombination zone shift in OLEDs of the pyrene- phenanthroimidazole conjugate giving cyan and green emission
Authors: Gupta Chandan V , Dixit Swati J , Agarwal Neeraj , Bose Sangita
Published: June 2024

Phenanthroimidazole derivative with Pyrene (PhenI-Py), which is known to be a good blue emitter, has been used to make OLED devices. We report the tuning of the emission from green (peak emission at 535 nm) to cyan (peak emission at 495 nm) in OLEDs by changing the device geometry using different hole transporting layers (HTL). Cyan OLEDs reported a high external quantum efficiency (EQE) of ∼10%. By making devices with different thicknesses of the active layer and hole transporting layers (HTL), this wavelength shift could be understood on the basis of the shift in the recombination zone (RZ). Time resolved area normalized emission spectroscopy (TRANES) carried out in thin films of PhenI-Py indicated the dynamics of excited states, which seem to be responsible for the observed RZ shift. Thus, our results present an understanding of the mechanism of the observed colour tunability in devices of PhenI-Py.
Testing disformal non-circular deformation of Kerr black holes with LISA
Authors: Babichev Eugeny , Charmousis Christos , Doneva Daniela D. , Gyulchev Galin N. , Yazadjiev Stoytcho S.
Published: June 2024

There is strong observational evidence that almost every large galaxy has a supermassive black hole at its center. It is of fundamental importance to know whether such black holes are described by the standard Kerr solution in General Relativity (GR) or by another black hole solution. An interesting alternative is the so-called disformal Kerr black holes which exist within the framework of degenerate higher-order scalar-tensor (DHOST) theories of gravity. The departure from the standard Kerr black hole spacetime is parametrized by a parameter D, called disformal parameter. In the present work, we discuss the capability of LISA to detect the disformal parameter. For this purpose, we study Extreme Mass Ratio Inspirals (EMRI's) around disformal Kerr black holes within the framework of the quadrupole hybrid formalism. Even when the disformal parameter is very small, its effect on the globally accumulated phase of the gravitational waveform of an EMRI can be significant due to the large number of cycles in the LISA band made by the small compact object. We show that LISA will in principle be able to detect and measure extremely small values of the disformal parameter which in turn, can be seen as an assessment of LISA's ability to detect very small deviations from the Kerr geometry.
Hybrid model predictive control techniques for safety factor profile and stored energy regulation while incorporating NBI constraints
Authors: Leard Brian , Wang Zibo , Paruchuri Sai Tej , Schuster Eugenio , Rafiq Tariq
Published: June 2024

A novel hybrid Model Predictive Control (MPC) algorithm has been designed for simultaneous safety factor (q) profile and stored energy (w) control while incorporating the pulse-width-modulation constraints associated with the neutral beam injection (NBI) system. Regulation of the q-profile has been extensively shown to be a key factor for improved confinement as well as non-inductive sustainment of the plasma current. Simultaneous control of w is necessary to prevent the triggering of pressure-driven magnetohydrodynamic instabilities as the controller shapes the q profile. Conventional MPC schemes proposed for q-profile control have considered the NBI powers as continuous-time signals, ignoring the discrete-time nature of these actuators and leading in some cases to performance loss. The hybrid MPC scheme in this work has the capability of incorporating the discrete-time actuator dynamics as additional constraints. In nonlinear simulations, the proposed hybrid MPC scheme demonstrates improved q-profile+w control performance for NSTX-U operating scenarios.
Corrigendum: 3D Texture Segmentation using Supervised Methods (2024 J. Phys.: Conf. Ser. 2701 012136)
Authors: Ali Adan Z. , Soufiane Jouini M. , Hjouj F.
Published: June 2024

Please see Article PDF for corrigendum text.
Seismic performance of three dynamically similar buildings with different vertical irregularities
Authors: Jain Priyanka , Sharma Ajay
Published: June 2024

Earthquake forces are the most Dynamic in nature and should be resisted by the building structure. The irregular configuration in the structure, either in elevation or plan, is one of the major reasons for a structure’s collapse. From previous earthquakes, it was discovered that a building’s performance in seismic excitations is primarily dependent on its configuration. In reality, the concept of “perfect regularity” does not exist, as real building structures contain irregularity needed by aesthetic, and functional needs and demands. In this paper, three reinforced concrete (RCC) building structures comprising eight storeys have been modelled with varying vertical irregularities but nearly equal fundamental time periods. Building 1 has no irregularity yet building 2 and building 3 comprises of different vertical irregularities. The aim is to compare the seismic behaviour in the form of key seismic performance parameters such as maximum acceleration, maximum displacement, and base shear. It was found that the fundamental time period of the models remains almost similar while the seismic performance of the three buildings varies considerably. When the models are analysed for nonlinear dynamic analysis (Fast Nonlinear Analysis) the key parameters show the variations due to different mass and stiffness distributions comprising vertical irregularity. It was also noted that the characteristics of the earthquake are controlling the key seismic parameters.