bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital Pupillometry and Centroid Shift Changes in Dominant and Nondominant Eyes
Authors: Xu Wenhao , Jia Fali , Liu Jingting , Li Jiahao , Zhao Jian , Lin Shuhua , Jia Yujie , Li Yingjun
Published: September 2023

Purpose To investigate the differences between dominant and nondominant eyes in a predominantly young patient population by analyzing the angle kappa, pupil size, and center position in dominant and nondominant eyes.

Methods A total of 126 young college students (252 eyes) with myopia who underwent femtosecond laser-combined LASIK were randomly selected. Ocular dominance was determined using the hole-in-card test. The WaveLight Allegro Topolyzer (WaveLight Laser Technologies AG, Erlangen, Germany) was used to measure the pupil size and center position. The offset between the pupil center and the coaxially sighted corneal light reflex (P-Dist) of the patients was recorded by the x- and y-axis eyeball tracking adjustment program of the WaveLight Eagle Vision EX500 excimer laser system (Wavelight GmbH). The patientʼs vision (uncorrected distance visual acuity [UDVA], best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and refractive power (spherical equivalent, SE) were observed preoperatively, 1 week, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks postoperatively, and a quality of vision (QoV) questionnaire was completed.

Results Ocular dominance occurred predominantly in the right eye [right vs. left: (178) 70.63% vs. (74) 29.37%; p < 0.001]. The P-Dist was 0.202 ± 0.095 mm in the dominant eye and 0.215 ± 0.103 mm in the nondominant eye (p = 0.021). The horizontal pupil shift was − 0.07 ± 0.14 mm in dominant eyes and 0.01 ± 0.13 mm in nondominant eyes (p = 0.001) (the temporal displacement of the dominant eye under mesopic conditions). The SE was negatively correlated with the P-Dist (r = − 0.223, p = 0.012 for the dominant eye and r = − 0.199, p = 0.025 for the nondominant eye). At 12 weeks postoperatively, the safety index (postoperative BDVA/preoperative BDVA) of the dominant and nondominant eyes was 1.20 (1.00, 1.22) and 1.20 (1.00, 1.20), respectively, and the efficacy index (postoperative UDVA/preoperative BDVA) was 1.00 (1.00, 1.20) and 1.00 (1.00, 1.20), respectively; the proportion of residual SE within ± 0.50 D was 98 and 100%, respectively.

Conclusions This study found that ocular dominance occurred predominantly in the right eye. The pupil size change was larger in the dominant eye. The angle kappa of the dominant eye was smaller than that of the nondominant eye and the pupil center of the dominant eye was slightly shifted to the temporal side under mesopic conditions. The correction of myopia in the dominant and nondominant eyes exhibits good safety, efficacy, and predictability in the short term after surgery, and has good subjective visual quality performance after correction. We suggest adjusting the angle kappa percentage in the dominant eye to be lower than that of the nondominant eye in individualized corneal refractive surgery in order to find the ablation center closest to the visual axis.
A Study on the Diazo-Transfer Reaction Using o-Nitrobenzenesulfonyl Azide
Authors: Gwak Sungduk , Lee Ji Hye , Kwon Hyeok-Jun , Han Hogyu
Published: September 2023

15N-Labeled azides have a great potential as practical and effective tags for vibrational probing and hyperpolarized magnetic resonance imaging of biomolecules. They can be synthesized by reaction of primary amines with a 15N-labeled diazo-transfer reagent. TfNN15N, a γ-15N-labeled diazo-transfer reagent, was developed to prepare β-15N-labeled azides; these are vibrational probes devoid of strong spectral interference by Fermi resonance. To overcome the stability and safety problems associated with TfNN15N, there is a strong demand for the development of a novel γ-15N-labeled diazo-transfer reagent. We present a study on the diazo-transfer reaction using o-nitrobenzenesulfonyl azide (o-NsN3). o-NsNN15N, a γ-15N-labeled diazo-transfer reagent, was newly developed and found to be better than TfNN15N with respect to its physicochemical properties and ease of synthesis. Unlike TfNN15N, however, o-NsNN15N was found to afford a mixture of β- and γ-15N-labeled azides rather than the β-15N-labeled azide alone. A mechanism for the diazo-transfer reaction of o-NsNN15N with primary amines is proposed to explain the formation of such isotopomeric mixtures.
Stereocontrolled Aldol-Like Reactions Involving Oxocarbenium Intermediates
Authors: Costa Anna M. , Romea Pedro , Urpí Fèlix , Galeote Oriol , Kennington Stuart C. D. , Mellado-Hidalgo Miguel
Published: September 2023

Oxocarbenium cations are key intermediates for the stereocontrolled construction of carbon–carbon bonds. In particular, we have developed a wide range of stereoselective aldol-like processes that take advantage of the high reactivity of the oxocarbenium species arising from acetals, glycals, and orthoesters with metal enolates. This Account describes the development and optimization of such processes, together with other significant contributions, with a particular emphasis on their application to the synthesis of natural products.

1 Introduction

2 Substrate-Controlled Processes

2.1 Additions to Acyclic Acetals

2.2 Additions to Cyclic Acetals

3 Chiral-Auxiliary-Based Processes

3.1 Additions to Acyclic Acetals

3.2 Additions to Cyclic Acetals and Glycals

4 Chiral-Catalysis-Based Processes

4.1 Organocatalysis

4.2 Metal Catalysis

5 Conclusions
Effectiveness of a Vendor Predictive Model for the Risk of Pediatric Asthma Exacerbation: A Difference-in-Differences Analysis
Authors: Murugan Avinash , Kandaswamy Swaminathan , Ray Edwin , Gillespie Scott , Orenstein Evan
Published: September 2023

Background Asthma is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Predictive models may help providers tailor asthma therapies to an individual's exacerbation risk. The effectiveness of asthma risk scores on provider behavior and pediatric asthma outcomes remains unknown.

Objective Determine the impact of an electronic health record (EHR) vendor-released model on outcomes for children with asthma.

Methods The Epic Systems Risk of Pediatric Asthma Exacerbation model was implemented on February 24, 2021, for volunteer pediatric allergy and pulmonology providers as a noninterruptive risk score visible in the patient schedule view. Asthma hospitalizations, emergency department (ED) visits, or oral steroid courses within 90 days of the index visit were compared from February 24, 2019, to February 23, 2022, using a difference-in-differences design with a control group of visits to providers in the same departments. Volunteer providers were interviewed to identify barriers and facilitators to model use.

Results In the intervention group, asthma hospitalizations within 90 days decreased from 1.4% (54/3,842) to 0.7% (14/2,165) after implementation with no significant change in the control group (0.9% [171/19,865] preimplementation to 1.0% [105/10,743] post). ED visits in the intervention group decreased from 5.8% (222/3,842) to 5.5% (118/2,164) but increased from 5.5% (1,099/19,865) to 6.8% (727/10,743) in the control group. The adjusted difference-in-differences estimators for hospitalization, ED visit, and oral steroid outcomes were −0.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: −1.6 to −0.3), –2.4% (−3.9 to −0.8), and –1.9% (−4.3 to 0.5). In qualitative analysis, providers understood the purpose of the model and felt it was useful to flag high exacerbation risk. Trust in the model was calibrated against providers' own clinical judgement.

Conclusion This EHR vendor model implementation was associated with a significant decrease in asthma hospitalization and ED visits within 90 days of pediatric allergy and pulmonology clinic visits, but not oral steroid courses.
Spinopelvic Parameters in the Clinical and Functional Outcomes of Patients Submitted to Lumbar Interbody Fusion Surgery – A Prospective Study
Authors: Marques Renata , Silva Ana Cristina , Nogueira João , Afonso Miguel , Duarte Nubélio
Published: September 2023

Objectives The relevance of spinopelvic parameters in the patients' clinical and functional outcomes has been widely studied in long spinal fusion. Yet, the importance of the spinopelvic parameters in short-segment fusion surgeries needs further investigation. We analyzed the spinopelvic parameters and surgical outcomes of patients undergoing short-segment lumbar interbody fusion.

Materials and Methods An observational, prospective study was conducted between January and June 2021. We selected 25 patients with lumbar stenosis, with or without concomitant spondylolisthesis, undergoing transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. Variables related to the patient, diagnosis, and surgery were collected. The clinical and functional outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale for low-back and leg pain and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). The surgical outcomes and spinopelvic parameters were analyzed pre- and postoperatively.

Results There was a significant clinical and functional improvement after surgery (p < 0.001), with a mean ODI decrease of 63.6%. The variables of obesity, concomitant spondylolisthesis, absence of osteotomy, and two-level fusion were all associated with lower levels of improvement after surgery (p < 0.05). Pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis (PI-LL) was the only parameter that significantly changed regarding the pre- and postoperative periods (p < 0.05). Before surgery, PI-LL < −10° correlates with less low-back pain after surgery (r = 0.435; p < 0.05). Postoperatively, no correlation was found between surgical outcomes and all the spinopelvic parameters analyzed.

Conclusions The clinical and functional outcomes significantly improved with the surgical intervention but did not correlate with the change in spinopelvic parameters. Patients with preoperative PI-LL < −10° seem to benefit the most from surgery, showing greater improvement in back pain.
A versatile control program for positioning and shooting targets in laser–plasma experiments
Authors: Wang P. J. , Wang D. H. , Gao Y. , Shou Y. R. , Liu J. B. , Mei Z. S. , Cao Z. X. , Pan Z. , Kong D. F. , Xu S. R. , Liu Z. P. , Chen S. Y. , Zhao J. R. , Geng Y. X. , Zhao Y. Y. , Yan X. Q. , Ma W. J.
Published: September 2023

We introduce a LabVIEW-based control program that significantly improves the efficiency and flexibility in positioning and shooting solid targets in laser–plasma experiments. The hardware driven by this program incorporates a target positioning subsystem and an imaging subsystem, which enables us to install up to 400 targets for one experimental campaign and precisely adjust them in six freedom degrees. The overall architecture and the working modes of the control program are demonstrated in detail. In addition, we characterized the distributions of target positions of every target holder and simultaneously saved the target images, resulting in a large dataset that can be used to train machine learning models and develop image recognition algorithms. This versatile control system has become an indispensable platform when preparing and conducting laser–plasma experiments.
Energy transfer and scale dynamics in 2D and 3D laser-driven jets
Authors: Yin H. , Shang J. K. , Blackman E. G. , Collins G. W. , Aluie H.
Published: September 2023

We demonstrate a methodology for diagnosing the multiscale dynamics and energy transfer in complex HED flows with realistic driving and boundary conditions. The approach separates incompressible, compressible, and baropycnal contributions to energy scale-transfer and quantifies the direction of these transfers in (generalized) wavenumber space. We use this to compare the kinetic energy (KE) transfer across scales in simulations of 2D axisymmetric vs fully 3D laser-driven plasma jets. Using the FLASH code, we model a turbulent jet ablated from an aluminum cone target in the configuration outlined by Liao et al. [Phys. Plasmas, 26 032306 (2019)]. We show that, in addition to its well known bias for underestimating hydrodynamic instability growth, 2D modeling suffers from significant spurious energization of the bulk flow by a turbulent upscale cascade. In 2D, this arises as vorticity and strain from instabilities near the jet's leading edge transfer KE upscale, sustaining a coherent circulation that helps propel the axisymmetric jet farther (≈25% by 3.5 ns) and helps keep it collimated. In 3D, the coherent circulation and upscale KE transfer are absent. The methodology presented here may also help with inter-model comparison and validation, including future modeling efforts to alleviate some of the 2D hydrodynamic artifacts highlighted in this study.
A three-band frequency hopping high power microwave oscillator based on magnetic field tuning
Authors: Hu Xiaodong , Zhang Heng , Ge Xingjun , Dang Fangchao , Chi Hang , Zhang Peng , Li Jiawen , Li Zhimin
Published: September 2023

The frequency hopping technology is one of the most significant research directions for high-power microwave (HPM) devices. This paper presented a novel HPM oscillator with frequency hopping across C, X, and Ku bands based on magnetic field tuning. A coaxial transit time oscillator (TTO) is nested onto the outer conductor of the hollow relativistic Cherenkov microwave oscillator, which forms a dual electromagnetic structure with a single-annular cathode. When the electron beam is guided by gradient magnetic fields, it interacts with TTO to produce Ku-band HPMs. If the gradient magnetic field changes into the uniform magnetic field, the electron beam would enter the relativistic Cherenkov microwave oscillator, and the frequency of generated microwaves decreases, which are decided by the strength of the magnetic fields according to the cyclotron resonance absorption theory. In the particle-in-cell simulation, when the diode voltage and gradient magnetic field are 580 kV and 0.5 T, respectively, a Ku-band HPM output with a frequency of 13.9 GHz and a power of 2.09 GW is obtained, corresponding to power efficiency of 42%. When the magnetic field transforms into uniform, the device produces an X-band HPM output with a frequency of 9 GHz and a power of 2.4 GW at a diode voltage of 683 kV and a magnetic field of 0.7 T. When the voltage and magnetic field strength are increased to 699 kV and 1.5 T, respectively, the device generates a C-band HPM output with a frequency of 4.5 GHz and a power of 2.1 GW. The corresponding conversion efficiency of the X-band and C-band Cherenkov microwave oscillators is 35% and 30.7%, respectively.
The academic research ecosystem required to support the development of fusion energy
Authors: Whyte D. G. , Paz-Soldan C. , Wirth B.
Published: September 2023

The advent of a fusion energy industry is being strongly supported by academics and universities, with the majority of fusion companies launching out of universities. Universities also play critical roles in technical innovation, workforce development, and independent arbiters of science and technology. The ability of the US academic landscape to support and grow the fusion energy sector is analyzed via a numerical distribution of full time faculty engaged in fusion and plasma. This data is compared to university support in two existing technology-driven industries: nuclear and aeronautics. This comparison clearly shows that the university system requires not only significant absolute growth but also a wider distribution of faculty at universities and across the required disciplines.
Thermodynamics of spherically symmetric thin-shell spacetimes
Authors: Kotopoulis Demetrios , Anastopoulos Charis
Published: September 2023

We analyze the thermodynamics of spherically symmetric thin-shell solutions to Einstein’s equations, including solutions with negative interior mass. We show the inclusion of such solutions is essential for the thermodynamic consistency of the system: the maximum energy principle applies when we include an entropy term from the singularity of the negative-mass solutions, in addition to the Bekenstein–Hawking term for the entropy of solutions with positive interior mass. Then, the thermodynamic analysis leads to four distinct thermodynamic phases. We also show that all types of solutions can be either thermodynamically stable or dynamically stable, but only solutions with zero interior mass can be both. Since most of our results are analytic, thin shell models emerge as a useful theoretical paradigm for exploring gravitational thermodynamics. Our results provide an additional argument in support of the assignment of entropy to the singularity of negative-mass Schwarzschild spacetimes, and, consequently, to Penrose’s conjecture about the assignment of entropy to singularities.
Facile filter cloth brush-coating of large-area uniform silver nanowire conductive films for paper-based heater
Authors: Qiang Haoyi , Deng Lingling , Bu Huayin , Hu Ertao , Zhao Xinyan , Hu Fangren
Published: September 2023

Filter cloth brush-coating (FCBC), using soft filter cloth as a brush-coating medium, in conjunction with viscous silver nanowire (AgNW) conductive solution, is used to prepare AgNW conductive films. The density and uniformity of AgNWs deposited on the substrate are controlled by the interplay between the filter cloth aperture, the conductive solution viscosity, and the brush-coating speed. Further, with appropriate AgNW concentration and flow rate, uniform AgNW transparent conductive film with sheet resistance of 18 Ω sq−1 and transmittance of 94% at 550 nm is acquired by FCBC. Due to the precise control of the coating process in FCBC, large-area uniform AgNW conductive film fabricated on printing paper has a low non-uniformity factor of 1.2% at a sheet resistance of 19.0 Ω sq−1. The resultant paper-based AgNW film heater shows sensitive and stable heating performance. FCBC shows great potential in producing large-area uniform AgNW films on various substrates.
The effect of Ar:O2 gas ratios on the structural and optical properties of RF sputter-deposited La2O3-doped ZnO thin films
Authors: Pilli S R , Sowjanya M , Shariq Mohammad , Altowairqi Y , Sabina D , Althagafi Talal M , Al-Gethami Wafa , Alasmari Aeshah , Alshehri Khairiah , Alhazmi Noura E , Ali Syed Kashif
Published: September 2023

Due to their unique scintillation, phosphorescence, magnetic, and catalytic properties, rare earth oxide compounds have recently become one of the most in-demand materials used in different ways. The current study investigated the impact of Ar:O2 gas flow variation on the deposition of La2O3-doped zinc oxide thin films (TFs) on silicon dioxide (SiO2) substrates using the radio frequency sputtering technique. FE-SEM analysis has shown a smooth surface topology and purity of La2O3-doped ZnO TFs. X-ray diffraction analysis exhibited a single-phase hexagonal wurtzite-type structure in TFs. A UV–Vis–IR spectrophotometer examined the optical characteristics of ZnO and La2O3-doped ZnO TFs in 300–800 nm wavelength range. The bandgap of La2O3 doped ZnO TFs changed from 2.9 to 3.1 eV as argon and oxygen concentrations in (Ar:O2) gas flow changed. A variation in optical constants such as dielectric constants, refractive index, and extinction coefficient was observed when ZnO and La2O3-doped ZnO TFs were exposed to variable (Ar:O2) gas flow ratios. The photoluminescence analysis of ZnO and La2O3-doped ZnO TFs was performed at an excitation wavelength of 330 nm. Atomic force microscopy further revealed that La2O3 doping resulted in smoother surfaces and smaller grain sizes. This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the relationship between doping, gas composition, and the optical and structural properties of ZnO TFs. The obtained results on the optimal flow rate of argon gas provide valuable insights for determining the appropriate deposition conditions of La2O3-doped ZnO TFs, specifically for their application in solar thermal systems.
2023 Roadmap on molecular modelling of electrochemical energy materials
Authors: Zhang Chao , Cheng Jun , Chen Yiming , Chan Maria K Y , Cai Qiong , Carvalho Rodrigo P , Marchiori Cleber F N , Brandell Daniel , Araujo C Moyses , Chen Ming , Ji Xiangyu , Feng Guang , Goloviznina Kateryna , Serva Alessandra , Salanne Mathieu , Mandai Toshihiko , Hosaka Tomooki , Alhanash Mirna , Johansson Patrik , Qiu Yun-Ze , Xiao Hai , Eikerling Michael , Jinnouchi Ryosuke , Melander Marko M , Kastlunger Georg , Bouzid Assil , Pasquarello Alfredo , Shin Seung-Jae , Kim Minho M , Kim Hyungjun , Schwarz Kathleen , Sundararaman Ravishankar
Published: September 2023

New materials for electrochemical energy storage and conversion are the key to the electrification and sustainable development of our modern societies. Molecular modelling based on the principles of quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics as well as empowered by machine learning techniques can help us to understand, control and design electrochemical energy materials at atomistic precision. Therefore, this roadmap, which is a collection of authoritative opinions, serves as a gateway for both the experts and the beginners to have a quick overview of the current status and corresponding challenges in molecular modelling of electrochemical energy materials for batteries, supercapacitors, CO2reduction reaction, and fuel cell applications.
An R package for ensemble learning stacking
Authors: Nukui Taichi , Onogi Akio
Published: September 2023

Supervised learning is widely used in biology for prediction, and ensemble learning, including stacking, is a promising technique for increasing and stabilizing the prediction accuracy. In this study, we developed an R package for stacking. This package depends on the R package caret and can handle models supported by caret. Stacking involves cross-validation of training data with multiple base learners, and the predicted values are used as explanatory variables for the meta-learner. In the prediction, the testing data were fed into the base models, and the returned values were averaged for each base learner. The averaged values were then fed into the meta-model, and the final predictions were returned. Using this package, the training and prediction procedures for stacking can be conducted using one-row scripts.

Availability and implementation

The R package stacking is available at the Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN) (https://cran.r-project.org/) and GitHub (https://github.com/Onogi/stacking). R scripts to reproduce the presented results are also reposited at GitHub.
cudaMMC: GPU-enhanced multiscale Monte Carlo chromatin 3D modelling
Authors: Wlasnowolski Michal , Grabowski Pawel , Roszczyk Damian , Kaczmarski Krzysztof , Plewczynski Dariusz
Published: September 2023

Motivation

Investigating the 3D structure of chromatin provides new insights into transcriptional regulation. With the evolution of 3C next-generation sequencing methods like ChiA-PET and Hi-C, the surge in data volume has highlighted the need for more efficient chromatin spatial modelling algorithms. This study introduces the cudaMMC method, based on the Simulated Annealing Monte Carlo approach and enhanced by GPU-accelerated computing, to efficiently generate ensembles of chromatin 3D structures.

Results

The cudaMMC calculations demonstrate significantly faster performance with better stability compared to our previous method on the same workstation. cudaMMC also substantially reduces the computation time required for generating ensembles of large chromatin models, making it an invaluable tool for studying chromatin spatial conformation.

Availability and implementation

Open-source software and manual and sample data are freely available on https://github.com/SFGLab/cudaMMC.
Review of therapeutic trends in clinical trials for hidradenitis suppurativa: the rise of biologics and demographic under-representation
Authors: Coleman Madeline S , Mulligan Kathleen M , O’Connell Katie A , Ahmad Areebah , Kim Lori , da Silva Alexandra , Newton Jazmin , Dellavalle Robert P
Published: September 2023

We assessed interventional clinical trials for hidradenitis suppurativa from 2006 to 2021 noting patient demographics, intervention types and reported outcomes. We report and analyse the emerging trend towards biologic treatments. We also discuss that across studies, more consistent documentation of patient characteristics as well as more variable intervention types may broaden trial generalizability and provide benefit to more patients.
Protective effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) against cerebral ischemic stroke in mice by promoting brain vascular remodeling via the inhibition of ROCK1/p-MLC2 signaling pathway
Authors: Chen Rong , Du Wei , Zhang Xiao , Xu Renhao , Jiang Wei , Zhang Cong , Yang Yi , Zhang Huiran , Xie Xiaoli , Song Degang , Yuan Yi , Zhang Xiangjian
Published: September 2023

Vascular remodeling is essential for patients with cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS). Our previous study proved that low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) could increase cortical hemodynamics. However, the effects and mechanisms of LIPUS on cerebral vascular remodeling after CIS are still unknown. In this study, we applied LIPUS to the mouse brain at 0.5 h after distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (dMCAO) and subsequently daily for a stimulation time of 30 min. Results showed that compared with the dMCAO group, LIPUS markedly increased cerebral blood flow (CBF), reduced brain swelling, and improved functional recovery at day 3 after CIS. LIPUS promoted leptomeningeal vasculature remodeling, enlarged vascular diameter, and increased the average vessel length and density at day 3 after CIS. Proteomic analysis highlighted that LIPUS mainly participated in the regulation of actin cytoskeleton pathway. Rho kinase 1 (ROCK1) was downregulated by LIPUS and participated in regulation of actin cytoskeleton. Subsequently, we verified that ROCK1 was mainly expressed in pericytes. Furthermore, we demonstrated that LIPUS inhibited ROCK1/p-MLC2 signaling pathway after CIS, which had positive effects on vascular remodeling and cerebral blood circulation. In conclusion, our preliminary study revealed the vascular remodeling effects and mechanism of LIPUS in CIS, provided evidence for potential clinical application of LIPUS.
Quantifying the contribution of subject and group factors in brain activation
Authors: Nakuci Johan , Yeon Jiwon , Xue Kai , Kim Ji-Hyun , Kim Sung-Phil , Rahnev Dobromir
Published: September 2023

Research in neuroscience often assumes universal neural mechanisms, but increasing evidence points toward sizeable individual differences in brain activations. What remains unclear is the extent of the idiosyncrasy and whether different types of analyses are associated with different levels of idiosyncrasy. Here we develop a new method for addressing these questions. The method consists of computing the within-subject reliability and subject-to-group similarity of brain activations and submitting these values to a computational model that quantifies the relative strength of group- and subject-level factors. We apply this method to a perceptual decision-making task (n = 50) and find that activations related to task, reaction time, and confidence are influenced equally strongly by group- and subject-level factors. Both group- and subject-level factors are dwarfed by a noise factor, though higher levels of smoothing increases their contributions relative to noise. Overall, our method allows for the quantification of group- and subject-level factors of brain activations and thus provides a more detailed understanding of the idiosyncrasy levels in brain activations.
Bayesian estimation of parameters and uncertainty of a 3-D dipping fault using gravity anomalies
Authors: Li Yongbo , Chen Shi , Li Honglei , Zhang Bei
Published: September 2023

Many significant geophysical anomalies are generated by fault systems, and effectively estimating fault parameters is a key step to understand the characteristics of these field sources. In general, the 2-D dipping fault is frequently utilized to simplify the representation of fault geometry. However, this approach could lead to larger errors when comparing realistic scenarios with simplifications. In this study, we use a parametrized 3-D dipping model to represent fault systems and compute gravity anomalies using an analytic method in the wavenumber domain. To estimate the marginal distribution of the 3-D dipping fault parameters, we utilize the Bayesian theory that integrates the likelihood function and prior information. Subsequently, we use the Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling method to assess the marginal distribution of the parameters. Compared with other deterministic inversion approaches, our method provides an effective means of quantifying parameter uncertainty. We first use synthetic data to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results demonstrate the efficiency of our method in revealing 3-D dipping fault parameters and evaluating their uncertainty. We subsequently apply our method to the Pudu River fault, located in Yunnan Province, China, to demonstrate its practical applicability. Two alternative realistic fault models referred the prior seismic profile have been proposed. The optimal parameters and uncertainty with the specific model have been estimated. The results show that the fault characteristics retrieved by our method deviate slightly from existing knowledge. Specifically, the estimated depth of the bottom surface is greater than that reported in previous studies. This could potentially offer us new perspectives on the geological evolution and structural attributes of this fault.
An overview of intelligent construction and maintenance technology for highway subgrade engineering
Authors: Zhang Junhui , Liu Liyan , Yang Hao
Published: September 2023

In terms of quality, functionality, and services, smart highways are an improvement over conventional highways and a crucial part of the latest infrastructure development. The primary load-bearing component of roadways is the subgrade. Accidents brought on by low-grade illnesses have been more common in recent years, yet it has been challenging to correctly diagnose low-grade illnesses in their early stages. Digital construction technology, intelligent construction, information management and control, and high-quality development as opposed to high-speed development are now the main technical tools used in subgrade engineering construction in China. This paper, which is based on the background of smart highways, analyzes the necessity and development prospection of intelligent construction and maintenance of subgrade engineering, proposes the development direction of intelligent construction and maintenance of subgrade engineering, and summarizes the relevant intelligent technologies throughout the lifecycle of subgrade engineering.
Mitigation of N2O emission from granular organic fertilizer with alkali- and salt-resistant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria
Authors: Gao Nan , Yu Xinchun , Yang Siqi , Li Qing , Zhang Huanhuan , Rajasekar Adharsh , Shen Weishou , Senoo Keishi
Published: September 2023

Aim

Organic fertilizer application significantly stimulates nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from agricultural soils. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) strains are the core of bio-fertilizer or bio-organic fertilizer, while their beneficial effects are inhibited by environmental conditions, such as alkali and salt stress observed in organic manure or soil. This study aims to screen alkali- and salt-resistant PGPR that could mitigate N2O emission after applying strain-inoculated organic fertilizer.

Methods and results

Among the 29 candidate strains, 11 (7 Bacillus spp., 2 Achromobacter spp., 1 Paenibacillus sp., and 1 Pseudomonas sp.) significantly mitigated N2O emissions from the organic fertilizer after inoculation. Seven strains were alkali tolerant (pH 10) and five were salt tolerant (4% salinity) in pure culture. Seven strains were selected for further evaluation in two agricultural soils. Five of these seven strains could significantly decrease the cumulative N2O emissions from Anthrosol, while six could significantly decrease the cumulative N2O emissions from Cambisol after the inoculation into the granular organic fertilizer compared with the non-inoculated control.

Conclusions

Inoculating alkali- and salt-resistant PGPR into organic fertilizer can reduce N2O emissions from soils under microcosm conditions. Further studies are needed to investigate whether these strains will work under field conditions, under higher salinity, or at different soil pH.
The evolution of contracting: evidence from the US freight rail industry
Authors: Macher Jeffrey T , Mayo John W , Sappington David E M
Published: September 2023

Although they lie at the very foundation of economic exchange, the primal questions of whether and when economic actors employ contracts and how the propensity to contract evolves over time have received relatively little empirical attention. We address these lacunas using an extensive database of spot market and contract shipments in the US freight rail industry. We find that the evolution of contracting is driven by many factors, including legislative changes, contracting experience, the extent and nature of prevailing competition, transaction complexity, asset specificity, and technological change (JEL L22, L24, L51, L92).
Radium-223 in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: whole-body diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging scanning to assess response
Authors: Parker Chris , Tunariu Nina , Tovey Holly , Alonzi Roberto , Blackledge Matthew D , Cook Gary J R , Chua Sue , Du Yong , Hafeez Shaista , Murray Iain , Padhani Anwar R , Staffurth John , Tree Alison , Stidwill Helen , Finch Jessica , Curcean Andra , Chatfield Peter , Perry Sophie , Koh Dow-Mu , Hall Emma
Published: September 2023

Background

Radium-223 is a bone-seeking, ɑ-emitting radionuclide used to treat men with bone metastases from castration-resistant prostate cancer. Sclerotic bone lesions cannot be evaluated using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. Therefore, imaging response biomarkers are needed.

Methods

We conducted a phase 2 randomized trial to assess disease response to radium-223. Men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and bone metastases were randomly allocated to 55 or 88 kBq/kg radium-223 every 4 weeks for 6 cycles. Whole-body diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) was performed at baseline, at cycles 2 and 4, and after treatment. The primary endpoint was defined as a 30% increase in global median apparent diffusion coefficient.

Results

Disease response on DWI was seen in 14 of 36 evaluable patients (39%; 95% confidence interval = 23% to 56%), with marked interpatient and intrapatient heterogeneity of response. There was an association between prostate-specific antigen response and MRI response (odds ratio = 18.5, 95% confidence interval = 1.32 to 258, P = .013). Mean administered activity of radium-223 per cycle was not associated with global MRI response (P = .216) but was associated with DWI response using a 5-target-lesion evaluation (P = .007). In 26 of 36 (72%) patients, new bone metastases, not present at baseline, were seen on DWI scans during radium-223 treatment.

Conclusions

DWI is useful for assessment of disease response in bone. Response to radium-223 is heterogeneous, both between patients and between different metastases in the same patient. New bone metastases appear during radium-223 treatment.

The REASURE trial is registered under ISRCTN17805587.
Homoplantaginin attenuates high glucose-induced vascular endothelial dysfunction via inhibiting store-operated calcium entry channel and endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Zhou Yanyan , Wang Lei , Liu Yuchen , Fan Lili , Zhang Xueying , Shi Qingru , Li Xulu , Lin Yining , Wu Feihua
Published: September 2023

Objectives

The activation of store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) channel and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) induced by high glucose (HG) is recognized as a major cause of vascular endothelial dysfunction. This study aims to investigate the protective effect of homoplantaginin (Hom) on HG-induced endothelial dysfunction.

Methods

HG-induced vascular endothelial dysfunction model in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and rat-isolated thoracic aortas were established to observe the protective effect of Hom, further evaluated the mechanism of SOCE channel and ERS in the pathogenesis.

Key findings

Hom increased the levels of nitric oxide (NO) and phospho-endothelial nitric oxide synthase (p-eNOS) in HUVECs and isolated rat thoracic aortas in a dose-dependent manner, restored acetylcholine-mediated endothelium-dependent vasodilation. Network pharmacology showed that the pathogenesis of diabetic vascular complications may involve calcium (Ca2+) signal pathway. Hom reduced Ca2+ concentration via blocking SOCE channel in HUVECs, and resisted ERS activation by down-regulating ERS-related proteins expression. Importantly, SKF96365 (SOCE inhibitor) intervention experiment showed that Hom inhibited ERS activation by blocking the SOCE channel, further increased the levels of NO and p-eNOS.

Conclusion

Hom could alleviate HG-induced vascular endothelial dysfunction by inhibiting SOCE channel and ERS. This provided a potential pharmacological intervention strategy for the treatment of vascular endothelial dysfunction.
Azimuthal temperature variations in ISO-Oph 2 from multifrequency ALMA observations
Authors: Casassus Simon , Cieza Lucas , Cárcamo Miguel , Ribas Álvaro , Christiaens Valentin , Rodríguez-Jiménez Abigali , Arce-Tord Carla , Bhowmik Trisha , Chavan Prachi , González-Ruilova Camilo , Martínez-Brunner Rafael
Published: September 2023

Environmental effects, such as stellar fly-bys and external irradiation, are thought to affect the evolution of protoplanetary discs in clustered star formation. Previous Atacama Large Millimetre/submillimetre Array (ALMA) images at 225 GHz of the ISO-Oph 2 binary revealed a peculiar morphology in the disc of the primary, perhaps due to a possible fly-by with the secondary. Here, we report on new ALMA continuum observations of this system at 97.5, 145, and 405 GHz, which reveal strong morphological variations. Multifrequency positional alignment allows us to interpret these spectral variations in terms of underlying physical conditions. ISO-Oph 2A is remarkably offset from the centroid of its ring, at all frequencies, and the disc is lopsided, pointing at gravitational interactions. However, the dust temperature also varies in azimuth, with two peaks whose direction connects with HD 147889, the earliest-type star in the Ophiuchus complex, suggesting that it is the dominant heat source. The stellar environment of ISO-Oph 2 appears to drive both its density structure and its thermal balance.
beorn: a fast and flexible framework to simulate the epoch of reionization and cosmic dawn
Authors: Schaeffer Timothée , Giri Sambit K , Schneider Aurel
Published: September 2023

In this study, we introduce beorn (Bubbles during the Epoch of Reionization Numerical Simulator), a publicly available python code that generates three-dimensional maps of the 21-cm signal from the cosmic dawn and the epoch of reionization. Built upon N-body simulation outputs, beorn populates haloes with stars and galaxies based on a flexible source model. It then computes the evolution of Ly α coupling, temperature, and ionization profiles as a function of source properties, and paints these profiles around each source on to a three-dimensional grid. The code consistently deals with the overlap of ionized bubbles by redistributing photons around the bubble boundaries, thereby ensuring photon conservation. It accounts for the redshifting of photons and the source look-back effect for the temperature and Ly α coupling profiles that extend far into the intergalactic medium to scales of order 100 cMpc. We provide a detailed description of the code and compare it to results from the literature. After validation, we run three different benchmark models based on a cosmological N-body simulation. All three models agree with current observations from ultravoilet luminosity functions and estimates of the mean ionization fraction. Due to different assumptions regarding the small-mass stellar-to-halo relation, the X-ray flux emission, and the ionizing photon escape fraction, the models produce unique signatures ranging from a cold reionization with deep absorption trough to an emission-dominated 21-cm signal, broadly encompassing the current uncertainties at cosmic dawn. The code beorn is publicly available at https://github.com/cosmic-reionization/BEoRN.
No plateau observed in late-time near-infrared observations of the underluminous Type Ia supernova 2021qvv
Authors: Graur O , Padilla Gonzalez E , Burke J , Deckers M , Jha S W , Galbany L , Karamehmetoglu E , Stritzinger M D , Maguire K , Howell D A , Fisher R , Fullard A G , Handberg R , Hiramatsu D , Hosseinzadeh G , Kerzendorf W E , McCully C , Newsome M , Pellegrino C , Rest A , Riess A G , Seitenzahl I R , Shara M M , Shen K J , Terreran G , Zurek D R
Published: September 2023

Near-infrared (NIR) observations of normal Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) obtained between 150 and 500 d past maximum light reveal the existence of an extended plateau. Here, we present observations of the underluminous, 1991bg-like SN 2021qvv. Early, ground-based optical and NIR observations show that SN 2021qvv is similar to SN 2006mr, making it one of the dimmest, fastest evolving 1991bg-like SNe to date. Late-time (170–250 d) Hubble Space Telescope observations of SN 2021qvv reveal no sign of a plateau. An extrapolation of these observations backwards to earlier-phase NIR observations of SN 2006mr suggests the complete absence of an NIR plateau, at least out to 250 d. This absence may be due to a higher ionization state of the ejecta, as predicted by certain sub-Chandrasekhar-mass detonation models, or to the lower temperatures of the ejecta of 1991bg-like SNe, relative to normal SNe Ia, which might preclude their becoming fluorescent and shifting ultraviolet light into the NIR. This suggestion can be tested by acquiring NIR imaging of a sample of 1991bg-like SNe that covers the entire range from slowly evolving to fast-evolving events (0.2 ≲ sBV ≲ 0.6). A detection of the NIR plateau in slower evolving, hotter 1991bg-like SNe would provide further evidence that these SNe exist along a continuum with normal SNe Ia. Theoretical progenitor and explosion scenarios would then have to match the observed properties of both SN Ia subtypes.
Inferring reionization and galaxy properties from the patchy kinetic Sunyaev–Zel’dovich signal
Authors: Nikolić Ivan , Mesinger Andrei , Qin Yuxiang , Gorce Adélie
Published: September 2023

The patchy kinetic Sunyaev–Zel’dovich (kSZ) signal is an integral probe of the timing and morphology of the epoch of reionization (EoR). Recent observations have claimed a low signal-to-noise (S/N) measurement, with a dramatic increase in S/N expected in the near future. In this work, we quantify what we can learn about the EoR from the kSZ signal. We perform Bayesian inference by sampling galaxy properties and using forward-models of the kSZ as well as other EoR and galaxy observations in the likelihood. Including the recent kSZ measurement obtained by the South Pole Telescope ($\mathcal {D}_{3000}^{\textrm {pkSZ}} = 1.1_{-0.7}^{+1.1} \mu$ K2) shifts the posterior distribution in favour of faster and later reionization models, resulting in lower values of the optical depth to the cosmic microwave background: $\tau _e = 0.052_{-0.008}^{+0.009}$ with a 68 per cent confidence interval (CI). The combined EoR and ultraviolet luminosity function observations also imply a typical ionizing escape fraction of $0.04_{-0.03}^{+0.05}$ (95 per cent CI), without a strong dependence on halo mass. We show how the patchy kSZ power from our posterior depends on the midpoint and duration of reionization: a popular parametrization of EoR timing. For a given midpoint and duration, the EoR morphology only has a few per cent impact on the patchy kSZ power in our posterior. However, a physical model is needed to obtain tight constraints from the current low S/N patchy kSZ measurement, as it allows us to take advantage of complimentary high-z observations. Future high S/N detections of the patchy kSZ should decrease the current uncertainties on the timing of the EoR by factors of ∼2–3.
Orbital architectures of Kepler multis from dynamical instabilities
Authors: Ghosh Tuhin , Chatterjee Sourav
Published: September 2023

The high-multiplicity exoplanet systems are generally more tightly packed when compared to the solar system. Such compact multiplanet systems are often susceptible to dynamical instability. We investigate the impact of dynamical instability on the final orbital architectures of multiplanet systems using N-body simulations. Our models initially consist of six to ten planets placed randomly according to a power-law distribution of mutual Hill separations. We find that almost all of our model planetary systems go through at least one phase of dynamical instability, losing at least one planet. The orbital architecture, including the distributions of mutual Hill separations, planetary masses, orbital periods, and period ratios, of the transit-detectable model planetary systems closely resemble those of the multiplanet systems detected by Kepler. We find that without any formation-dependent input, a dynamically active past can naturally reproduce important observed trends including multiplicity-dependent eccentricity distribution, smaller eccentricities for larger planets, and intra-system uniformity. On the other hand, our transit-detectable planet populations lack the observed sub-population of eccentric single-transiting planets, pointing towards the ‘Kepler dichotomy’. These findings indicate that dynamical instabilities may have played a vital role in the final assembly of sub-Jovian planets.
Initial mass function variability from the integrated light of diverse stellar systems
Authors: Cheng Chloe M , Villaume Alexa , Balogh Michael L , Brodie Jean P , Martín-Navarro Ignacio , Romanowsky Aaron J , van Dokkum Pieter G
Published: September 2023

We present a uniform analysis of the stellar initial mass function (IMF) from integrated light spectroscopy of 15 compact stellar systems (11 globular clusters in M31 and 4 ultra compact dwarfs in the Virgo cluster, UCDs) and two brightest Coma cluster galaxies (BCGs), covering a wide range of metallicities (−1.7 < [Fe/H] < 0.01) and velocity dispersions (7.4 km s−1 <σ < 275 km s−1). The S/N ∼100 Å−1 Keck LRIS spectra are fitted over the range 4000 < λ/Å < 10 000 with flexible full-spectrum stellar population synthesis models. We use the models to fit simultaneously for ages, metallicities, and individual elemental abundances of the population, allowing us to decouple abundance variations from variations in IMF slope. We show that compact stellar systems do not follow the same trends with physical parameters that have been found for early-type galaxies. Most globular clusters in our sample have an IMF consistent with that of the Milky Way, over a wide range of [Fe/H] and [Mg/Fe]. There is more diversity among the UCDs, with some showing evidence for a bottom-heavy IMF, but with no clear correlation with metallicity, abundance, or velocity dispersion. The two Coma BCGs have similar velocity dispersion and metallicity, but we find the IMF of NGC 4874 is consistent with that of the Milky Way while NGC 4889 presents evidence for a significantly bottom-heavy IMF. For this sample, the IMF appears to vary between objects in a way that is not explained by a single metallicity-dependent prescription.